--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- 3obit Carker Srolon fibrary Aromn Iinersty --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- John Crter Bren Lshay --- Page 6 --- à - EsO" EDWARDS BRYAN Tublghit Sypt. 25.1000 ly lclon Stochstale Ricadils --- Page 7 --- THE H I S T R Y, CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL, OF THE BRITISH COLONIES IN THE WEST INDIES. Br BRYAN EDWARDS, Ese. F.R.S. S.A. IN THREE VOLUMES. THIRD EDITION, WITH CONSIDERADLE ADDITIO N s. ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES. VOL. I. ONDON: PRINTEDFORJONN STOCKDALE, PICCADILLY. 1801. tulosaid --- Page 8 --- TIMMOO MA IVID - R MJoln Garter Brmon) irary Printed by Luke Hanfard, Great Turngile, Lincoln's-Inn Ficlds? --- Page 9 --- TOT THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, THIS POLITICAL Al ND COMMERCIAL S U R V E Y OF HIS MAJESTY'S DOMINIONS IN THE WEST INDIES; WHICH, UNDER HIS MILD AND AUSPICIOUS GOVERXMENT, ARE BECOME THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF THE NATIONAL OPULENCE AND MARITIME POWER; 15, WITH HIS GRACIOUS PERMISSION, M OST HUMBLY INSCRIBED, BY HIS MAJESTY'S MOST LOYAL AND DUTIFUL SUBJECT AND SERYANT, London, 3d June, 1793. BRYAN EDWARDS. --- Page 10 --- UO OI42UA NKOITAAS RHI EU rus 01281A134 u KV Ga818Der --- Page 11 --- V ] PREFATORY ADVERTIS EMENT*. 10 this enlarged and correéted Edition of the Hiftory of the Weft Indies, it was the intention of the Author to prefix a Preface, touching every fource of additional intelligence, every reétification of error, and the general completion of his views, in furnifhing every document of commerce, of po* licy, and of natural hiftory, as conne@ted with the countries and the peoplc he defcribes. He had carefully revifed and correéted the text of his Book, preparatory to fuch effay, developing the fcheme of its conftruction, and the philofophy of its contents. But death interrupted the defign ;-and ere the laft theet was revifed from the pref-BRYAN EDWARDS was no more! He had long fuffered from the diforder which brought him to the grave, and feemed to forefee the hour of diffolution haftening on; as the Sketch of his Life, written by himfelf, clearly deA 3 notes. * By Sir William Yourgs Bart, atory to fuch effay, developing the fcheme of its conftruction, and the philofophy of its contents. But death interrupted the defign ;-and ere the laft theet was revifed from the pref-BRYAN EDWARDS was no more! He had long fuffered from the diforder which brought him to the grave, and feemed to forefee the hour of diffolution haftening on; as the Sketch of his Life, written by himfelf, clearly deA 3 notes. * By Sir William Yourgs Bart, --- Page 12 --- vi PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT. Rendered incapable, by weaknefs and notes. his defign of a difeafe, of completing greater Difeourfe ; yet, with a fond anxicty Prefatory he roufed the embers of his for honeft fame, with pofgenius,-to claim a fair reputation integrity, and candid expoterity for induftry, which fition of the talents and acquirements introduced him to publick notice. The firmnefs of his mind, and the cheerfulnefs of his which throughout a long and chectemper, confidence to his friendihips, quered life, gave forfook him not, as and delight in his fociety, before him: he apprehended its laft fhort hour fhews, when, turning from the this he clearly back awful confideration of futurity, to look life, himfelf brings the retroon his paft defcribes the fcene fpeét to our view, and in fo pure and lively colours, with no gloom from difcontent, and no fhade from remorfe, infer the nature of the light that we readily his laft work, and which fo beamed on this to his laft hour:-and pronounce its emanathe confeience of a betion to be from pure Under fuch imnevolent and upright man. fatisfaction in preffion, the Editor has peculiar fulfilling the injunêtion of his departed friend, to this Edition THE LIFE OF and prefixing THE --- Page 13 --- PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT. vii THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF." The time at which it was compofed, and the compofition itfelf, imprefs the Editor with every fecling of dear regard and of duty ; and, (as a part of that duty) with the propriety of fubmitting fome further remark on this laft literary effort of his excellent Friend. Thofe whoknew and were intimate with Mr.BRYAN EDWARDS, will recognize, in this fhort account of himfelf, the energy of mind, the induftry, and the truth, which charaéterized his converfations and his life; but all muftallow, and fome muft object, that much therein is omitted, which has ufual and proper place in biography, and which the Editor might be prefumed, or be called upon, to fopply. Some account might be required, of his literary effays and legillative acts, fo efficient in the caufe of humanity towards the negroes, whilft a member ofthe affembly in Jamaica :--Some account might be demanded, of this good and independent man, whilft a member of the Britifh parliament; and, efpecially in the pofthumous life of a literary man, fome accurate detail of his literary purfuits and writings might be expedted.-Of BRYAN EDWARDS, --of his Correfpondence,-of his ElTays, and A 4 of --- Page 14 --- viii PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT. of his conduét in the judicious compilation and clegant recital of the Travels of Mungoe Park,-and fpecially, of the origin and progrefs of the great Work herewith fubmitted to the Publick-to thefe, and other points, the recolleétion of the reader is thus awakened. The Editor prefumes no further. He cannot venture to alter, or add to, the facred depofit committed to his charge,--and now gives it to the Publick, as its Author left, and willed it, to be given. of his conduét in the judicious compilation and clegant recital of the Travels of Mungoe Park,-and fpecially, of the origin and progrefs of the great Work herewith fubmitted to the Publick-to thefe, and other points, the recolleétion of the reader is thus awakened. The Editor prefumes no further. He cannot venture to alter, or add to, the facred depofit committed to his charge,--and now gives it to the Publick, as its Author left, and willed it, to be given. --- Page 15 --- ix ] S K E T H Gsnginan) OF THE rivtary LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF A SHORT TIME BEFORE HIS DEATH. WAS born the 21ft of May 1743, in the decayed town of Weftbury, in the county of Wilts. My father inherited a fmall paternal eftate, in the neighbourhood, of about K.100 per annum; which proving but a icanty maintenance for a large family, he undertook, without any knowledge of the bufinefs, as I have been informed, to dcal in corn and malt, but with very little fuccefs. He died in 1756, leaving my excellent mother, and fix children, in diftreffed circumflances-Luckily for my mother, ihe had two opulent brothers in the Weft Indies, one of them a wife and worthy man, of a liberal mind, and princely fortune. This was Zackary Bayly, of the Ifland of Jamaica, who, onl the death of my father, took my mother and her family under his protection, and --- Page 16 --- LIFE OF X the eldeft fon, direêted that I and as I was I had been placed fhould be well educated. father at the fchool of a diffenting by my whofe name was William minifter in Briftol, enough, to beFoot, of whom I remember and good lieve that he was both a learned forabfurdity, he was man, but by a ftrange and Greck, and bidden to teach me Latin direéted to confine my ftudies to writing, I arithmetick, and the Englith grammar. but therefore have had little to do, fhould had an excellent methat the fchoolmafler write letters to him thod of making the boys and different fubjeôts, fuch as, the beauty onl the obligation of a religious dignity of truth, education, the miflifc, the benefits of good ftating chief of idlenefs, &cc. &c. previoully chief to be urged; to them the arguments correétnefs in orthography and infifting on I had and grammar. In this employment, the other fometimes the good fortune to excel and when this happened, my mafter boys; liberally before never failed to praife me very tranfmit them all; and he would frequently letters to my father and mother.-This my in. mind a fpirit of emulation, excited my the firft tafte for and, I believe, gave me correét chief to be urged; to them the arguments correétnefs in orthography and infifting on I had and grammar. In this employment, the other fometimes the good fortune to excel and when this happened, my mafter boys; liberally before never failed to praife me very tranfmit them all; and he would frequently letters to my father and mother.-This my in. mind a fpirit of emulation, excited my the firft tafte for and, I believe, gave me correét --- Page 17 --- THE AUTHOR, xi correct and clegant compofition. Iacquired, however, all this time, but very little learning; and when my uncle (on my father's death) took me under his proteétion, his agent in Briftol confidered me as negleêted by Mr. Foot, and immediately removed me to a French boarding fchool in the fame city, where I foon obtained the French language, and having acccis to a circulating library, I acquired a paffion for books, which has fince become the folace of my life. In 1759, a younger and the only brother of my great and good uncle, came to England, and fettling in London, took me to refide with him, in a high and clegant ftyle of life. He was a reprefentative in Parliament for Abingdon, and afterwards for his native town.-Further, I cannot fpeak ofhim fo favourably as I could with; forI remember that attheperiod lialadshascododiomad me, was fuch, as not to infpire me with much refpect: he perceived it; and foon after, in the latter endofthe fame year, fent me toJamaica. -This proved a happy and fortunatechangein my life, for I found my eldeft uncle the reverfe, in every poffible circumflance, ofhis brother. To the moft enlarged and enlightened mind, he town.-Further, I cannot fpeak ofhim fo favourably as I could with; forI remember that attheperiod lialadshascododiomad me, was fuch, as not to infpire me with much refpect: he perceived it; and foon after, in the latter endofthe fame year, fent me toJamaica. -This proved a happy and fortunatechangein my life, for I found my eldeft uncle the reverfe, in every poffible circumflance, ofhis brother. To the moft enlarged and enlightened mind, he --- Page 18 --- xii LIFE OF he added the fweeteft temper, and the moff difpofition. His tendernefs towards generous and I regarded him with me was exceffive, and veneration. more than filial affection for books, and thinking Obferving my paffion he engaged. a clerfavourably of my capacity, (my loved and ever to be lamented gyman Ifaac Teale) to refide in his family, friend his inftruétions my dechiefly to fapply by Mr. Teale ficiency in the learned languages. and had been mafterof a free grammarfehool, befides being a moft accomplifhed fcholar, tafte for poetry, of poffeffed an exquifite will be convinced by rewhich the reader for ferring to the Gentleman's Magazine, the beautiful copy of verfes, Auguft 1771, called 46 The Complithere firft publifhed, ment of the Day," being of his compofition. however, that I made any I dare not fay, under his progrels in the languages great 66 finall Latin, and lefs tuition; 1 acquired I find it difficult to 66 Greek:" even now, read the Roman poets in their own language. The cafe was, that not having been grounded in the Latin grammar at an earlier period of diflife, I found the ftudy ofiti infupportably for after that I had acquired a' tafte gufting, tlie --- Page 19 --- THE AUTHOR. X111 the beauties of fine writing. Poetry was our chief amuiement; for my friend, as well as myfelf, preferred the charms of Dryden and Pope, to the dull drudgery of poring over fyntax and profody *, We preferred Belles Lettres.-We laughed away many a happy hour over the plays of Molière, and wrote verfes on local and temporary fubjects, which we fometimes publifhed in the Colonial newfpapars. Yet the Latin clafficks were not altogether negleéted; my friend delighted to point out to me the beauties of Horace, and would frequently impofe on me the tafk of tranflating an ode into Englith verfe, which with his affiftance, in conftruing the words, I fometimes accomplifhed. Having made myfelf known to the publick by my writings, it is probable that after I am in the grave, that fome colleétor of anecdotes, or biographical compiler, may pretend to furnifh fome particulars concerning my life and manners. It is not pleafant to think that mifreprefentation or malice may faften on my memory ; and I have therefore made it the amufement ofan idle Vide Armfrong, hour, --- Page 20 --- xiv LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, hour, to compile a fhort account of myfelf. My perfonal hiftory, however, is of little imto the world. It will furnifh no portance diverfified icenes of fortune, nor relate many circumftances of myfelf, worth remembering. Yet I feel the fond ambition of an Author, and am willing to hope, that thofe who have read my Book with approbation, will be glad tol know fomething further. concerning me : For who, to dumb forgetfulnefs a prey, &c. For the fatisfaétion then of fuch kind readers (if fuch there are) and the information of my pofterity, I have drawn up this paper, which I defire my Bookfeller to prefix to the next Edition of my Hiftory of the Weft Indies. B.E. CONTENTS I feel the fond ambition of an Author, and am willing to hope, that thofe who have read my Book with approbation, will be glad tol know fomething further. concerning me : For who, to dumb forgetfulnefs a prey, &c. For the fatisfaétion then of fuch kind readers (if fuch there are) and the information of my pofterity, I have drawn up this paper, which I defire my Bookfeller to prefix to the next Edition of my Hiftory of the Weft Indies. B.E. CONTENTS --- Page 21 --- - XV ] C N T E N T. S OF THE FIRST VOLUME. BOOR I. A GENERAL VIEW OF THEIR ANCIENT STATE AND INHABITANTS. CHAP I. GEOCRAPHICAL Arrangement. --Climate. - Sea-brexe, and Land-suind-Biauy and Angularity ef the auegerable and animal oreation-Magujfuxt and fublimity of the mountains: reflellions concerning the origin oftbe Wen Indian Hands, ESc. Page I. CHAP. II. Ofibe Charaibes, or ancient Inbabitants oftbe Windavard IBands. -Origin--Difudian attending an accurate invefigation oftbcir cbaralter-Sach particulars related as are leaf difputed concerning their manners and difpefitioni, perfons and domefick babits, education %f tbeir cbildren, arts, manufadures, and government, religious rites, funeral ceremoniet, ESc.-Some refedions drarn from the aubole CHAP. III. Oftbe Natives of Hifpaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, "and Porto- Rico.- - Their Origin-Niubert- Perfons.- Genius and Dilpofitions 1 Government and Religion.- -Mifellaneous Obfervations re/peling tbeir Arts, Manufuliures and Agriculture, Cruelty %f the Spanis ards, ESc. CHAP. --- Page 22 --- CONTENTS S T O xvi CHAP. IV. and wuildfowl.- Indian metbed Land animals ufed as fied-Fifbes c.-Conclufion. faingeifoding 1 Efculent auegetables APPENDIX 10 Book I. containing Jome additienal obfervations 131 cencerning the origion gftbe Charaibes. BOOK II. JAMAICA. CHAP. I. by Coluadu.-H returni in 1503-Ssinited Difcovery efTanaica ofhis Jon Diego, after Columbus's Deatb-Talurt de pof proceedings in condua of Juan E/quiAlfon ef Yamaica 1509.--Hamasr and defertion of the torn wvel, tbe fip Greraetiaijdmwe of the Indians.-St. Jago de la efSroila Narva.-Dpfradier the title of Marguis to Digosfan Lerwis, Yigafuanhl.--Giunt ubom the Iand is, grantedi in perpetual Jover. rignty-Defends tbe to Iabella, aubo comveys ber rigbts by marriage to to bis FRer to tbe crown of Spain, in 1640.- Houfee ef Bregeuma--Rrwmus invades the Ifand in 1596, and Col. Tackfon Sir Anthony Sbirley in 1638. CHAP. II. Cromwel! wvindicated for attacking tbe Spaniards in 1655-Thir g16s0. cruelties in tbe Wep Indies, in eareatastiangskeneg arguments Propefals ofered by Modyfred and Gage-Fercibie Tburloé's account ofa esfireuneauéaie of the laster.-Secretary demand ef. Jatiafations rejeaSpanijo Aalufman-Crmmanit. ed.-Statesf Tamaica on its captare. CHAP.IIL II. Cromwel! wvindicated for attacking tbe Spaniards in 1655-Thir g16s0. cruelties in tbe Wep Indies, in eareatastiangskeneg arguments Propefals ofered by Modyfred and Gage-Fercibie Tburloé's account ofa esfireuneauéaie of the laster.-Secretary demand ef. Jatiafations rejeaSpanijo Aalufman-Crmmanit. ed.-Statesf Tamaica on its captare. CHAP.IIL --- Page 23 --- VOLUME THE FIRST. xvii CHAP. III. Procedings of tbe Englifo in Tamaica after its capture.-Col. D'Oyley declared prefidest-Djfentess and mortality among the arny.-Figorousexertions oftbe Protegtor.-Col. Brnyne appointed commander in chief.-His death. -D'Oyley reafumes tbe goswerment-Difaats tbe Spanifh forces, subich bad invaded tbe ifand from Cuba.-His avife and Ready adminifiration-Bucaniert-Concillating condudl %f Cbarles II. on bis reforation.- Firf eRablifment of a regular goverument in Jamaica-Lard Windfor's appointment. Royal proclamation.- American treaty ize 1670.- -Change ef meafures on tbe part oftbe crown.-New confitution devifed for Janaia-Earlef Carlifle appointed cbief goveryor for the purpofe of enforcing tbe new BRen.-Succffal oppefition of the efunbly.-Subfiguen difputes refpeaing tbe confrmationfibeirlawr--Terminated by the revenue ad of 1728. CHAP. IV. Sinin-Ginah-Pend tbe Couatry-Meustaisi, and adwvantages derived from tbon.-Seil-Landh in Culture-Lands uncultivated, and obfervations tbercon.-Woods and Timbers.- Rivers and Medicinal Springs. -Ores. -Vegetable ClafesOren-Grefu-Kidbon-garin produce, and fruits for tbe Table, ESc. ESc. CHAP. V. Tepograpbical defcription. Toruns, villages, and parifesCburcbes, churcb-livingi, and agtriei-Guumnar or Commander in chisf.-Courts jndirature-Pabidse ofices-Lagifature and larvs- Nremu-Tau-Cam and rate efexcbangeMilitia.-Namber efinbabitants efallconditions and complexieni. -Trade, fbipping, exports and import-Report of the Lords of Trade in 1734-Prefent, Rateeftkerade witb Spanio America. --Origin and policy efibe ad for ehablifbing free ports-Dijf play of tbe prog-efs of the ifland in cultivation, by comparative Ratements ofits inbabitants and products at diferent periods. 260 APPENDIX to Bools II.N, I. N. 2. VoL. I. a BOOK III, finbabitants efallconditions and complexieni. -Trade, fbipping, exports and import-Report of the Lords of Trade in 1734-Prefent, Rateeftkerade witb Spanio America. --Origin and policy efibe ad for ehablifbing free ports-Dijf play of tbe prog-efs of the ifland in cultivation, by comparative Ratements ofits inbabitants and products at diferent periods. 260 APPENDIX to Bools II.N, I. N. 2. VoL. I. a BOOK III, --- Page 24 --- xviii CONTENTS TO BOOK III. ENGLISH CHARAIBEAN ISLANDS. CHAP I. Barbadur-Firl Arrival ef thoe Englifh at tbis Hand.-Origin progref, and termination 9f the Proprictary Gevermment.-Revenue granted to tbe Crown ef 41 per centum on all Produce experted-bow ebiained.-Origin efube Aaof Navigation.-Situation and Extent of the Hand.-Seil and Predact.--Pepulation.-Decline and Caufes theref--Exports andImports. 316 CHA P. 11. Gremada and its Dipendoacin-Fip. difcovery, name and inbabisants.-French invafion and efablifoment in 1650.-War avitb, and extermination ef tbe nation-Thei ifland and its dependencies conveyed to tbe Count de Cerillac. -Mifondua and punifoment ef tbe deputy governor. The coleony reverts to tbe cronun ofi France 1 State of the ifand in 1700.-And again in 1762, auben captured Frencb inbabitants. by tbe Englijb. - - Stipulations in Farvour eftbe CrOUM --Fira Meafares of tbe Britifs government. Claim oftbe to leuy a duty ef 4 : per cent. on produce exported.- Argumentsfor and objeétions againf the meafure. - Decifion efthe court ef King's Bencb On tbis important guepion, - Stridures onfamt poftions advanced byt tbel lard-cbisf-jeflice OX tbis erafa-Tyesadtioue savitbin tbe colany-Reyal infrulions in favour oftbe Roman Catbolick capitulants- -Internal difentions. Dymulppue-Preas invafion in 1779-- Brave defenceeftbe swerisa-Unasditisnd and farrender. - Hardfbips exercifed towards tbe Englifh planters tbeir creditors. - Redrefs giuen by tbe court of France- - Grenadas tsc. reftered to Great Britain bytbe peace of 1783.- -Prefent Rate eFibe colony in refpea to cultivvation, produdtions and exports 5 government and population. Pefjeript 1o tbe Hijory FGrenada. APPENDIX t0 Chap. IL, CHAP. III. Saint Vincent and its Dijendencits, and Dominica. APPENDIX to Chap, III. CHAP.IV: --- Page 25 --- VOLUME THE FIRST. xix CHAP. IV. LaewardCharaibeas IfandGeurmment, comprebending Saint Chriftopber's, Nevis, Antigua, Mont/errat, and tbe Virgin HandsCirvil Hifory and Geographical Defeription ef each-Table of Exportsfrom eacb Handfor 1787; and an Account of the Money arifing from the Duty of Four and a Half per Cent--Obferwvations concerning the Decline of tbefe Hands, wvbich conclude their HRory. dPPENDIX to Vol. IN, I. No. 2. Olfervations on tbe difpefition, cbaratter, manners, and babits oflife ef the MAROON NEGROES efthe Hand of Jumaica ; and la detailof tbe origin, progrefs, and termination ef the lats War betveen thofe; people and the cwubite Inbabitants : firf publifbed Jeparately in 1796. Procedings ef tbe Afembly relativve to the Maroens, --- Page 26 --- dPPENDIX to Vol. IN, I. No. 2. Olfervations on tbe difpefition, cbaratter, manners, and babits oflife ef the MAROON NEGROES efthe Hand of Jumaica ; and la detailof tbe origin, progrefs, and termination ef the lats War betveen thofe; people and the cwubite Inbabitants : firf publifbed Jeparately in 1796. Procedings ef tbe Afembly relativve to the Maroens, --- Page 26 --- --- Page 27 --- ( xxi ) LIST OF PLATES. VOL. I. 1. Portrait of the Author, to face the Title. 2. Columbus and his two Sons,--to face the Preface to ift Edition. For defcription, fee P. xxiii. 3. A print of the Bread Fruit of Otaheite,-to face p. 16. ofthe Preface. 4. A general Map of the Weft Indies, to face Chap. I. Book I. P. I. 5. An Indian Cacique addrefing Columbus,-to face page 93 6. A Map of the Ifland of Jamaica, to face Chap. I. of Book II. 7. A Map of the Mland of Barbadoes, - to face Chap. I. of Book III. 316 8. A Map of the Ifland of Grenada, to face - 352 9. A Family of the Red Charaibes in the Ifland of St. Vincent to face 407 1O. A Map of the Ifland of St. Vincent, 11. A Map ofthe Iland of Dominica - 12. A Map of thelflands of St. Chriftopher's and Nevis 453 13. A Map of the Ifland of Antigua 14. A Map of the Virgin Iflands 15. Pacification with the Maroons, by General Trelawney 16, View of Trelawney Town, fhewing the Maroon mode of fighting VOL. II. --- Page 28 --- xxii LIST OF PLATES. VOL. II, 1. The Voyage of the Sable Venus, from Angola to the Weft Indies to face page 3a 2. A Negro Feftival, to be placed at the end of Book IV. 3- Plan and Elevation of an improved Sugar Mill, defigned by Edward Woollery, Efq. of Jamaica VOL. III, I. Map of the Iland of St. Domingo to face page 129. 2. Chatoyer and his five Wives 3. Map ofthe Ifand of Tobaga --- Page 29 --- Mota Gomremon Lilary Voyage of the Sable Venus, from Angola to the Weft Indies to face page 3a 2. A Negro Feftival, to be placed at the end of Book IV. 3- Plan and Elevation of an improved Sugar Mill, defigned by Edward Woollery, Efq. of Jamaica VOL. III, I. Map of the Iland of St. Domingo to face page 129. 2. Chatoyer and his five Wives 3. Map ofthe Ifand of Tobaga --- Page 29 --- Mota Gomremon Lilary --- Page 30 --- --- Page 31 --- xxii ) COLUMBUS and his Sons DIEGO and FERDINAND. From an ancient Spanifh Piéture in the Poffeflion of EDWARD HORNE, Efg. of Bevis Mount, near Southampton, Tu: E PiSture from which this Engraving is made, bears the marks of great antiquity, and from the words Mar del Sud on the chart reprefented in it, is known to be Spanith. Thè principal figure is certainly COLUMBUS,and the two young, men are believed to be his fons, DIEGO and FERDINAND, ta whom CoLUMBUS feems to point out the courfe of the voyages he had made. The globe, thec charts, and aftronomical inftruments, fupport this conjecture, and the fgure of Hope, in the back ground, alludes probably to the great expectations which were formed throughout all Europe, of ftill greater difcoveries. From the mention of a Southern Ocean, imperfeatly and dubioufly reprefented, (as an objed at that time rather of fearch than of certainty) there is reafon to believe that the piéture was painted immediately on COLUMEUS's return from his fourth voyage, in 1504; becaufe it is related by Lopez de Gomera, a côtemporary hiftorian*, that the admiral, when at Porto Bello, in 1502, had received information that there was a great occan On thbe otber fide eftbe continent extending fontbwards; and it is well known, that all his labours afterwards, in the fourth voyage, were direêted to find out an entrance into the Southern Ocean from the Atlantick; for which purpofe he explored more than 300 leagues of coafl, from Cape Gracios a Dios to the Gulph of Darien; but the aétual difcovery ofthe South Sea was referved for Vafco Nunez de Balboa. The age of COLUMDUS's Sons, at the time ofhis return from his fourth voyage, correfponds with theirappearance in the piéturc. The youngeft of them, fome years afterwards, compiled a Chort hiftory of his Father's life; in the third chapter ofwhich I find the following very curious defcription of COLUMBUS's perfon and manners, with which the piclure, as farasit goes, is found alfo tocorrefpond: ce Fue F.L. de Gomara Hiforiade las Indias, caz. 60. 's Sons, at the time ofhis return from his fourth voyage, correfponds with theirappearance in the piéturc. The youngeft of them, fome years afterwards, compiled a Chort hiftory of his Father's life; in the third chapter ofwhich I find the following very curious defcription of COLUMBUS's perfon and manners, with which the piclure, as farasit goes, is found alfo tocorrefpond: ce Fue F.L. de Gomara Hiforiade las Indias, caz. 60. --- Page 32 --- xxiv ) hombre de bien formada, i mas que mediana ee Fue el almirante fin declinar à eflatura; la cara larga, las megillas un poco altas, blancos i de blanco gordo à macilento ; la nariz aquilina, los ojos blondo; de color encendido ; en fu mocedad tuvo el cabello i beber, i en pero el de treinta anos ia le tenia blanco; en el comer, afable en la adorno de fu perfona er a mui modeftoi continente; con conyerfation con los eftranosi con los de cafa mui agradable, modeftia i gravidad : fue tan obfervante del las cofas de la religion, los i en reçar el oficio divino, pudiera fer tenido que en ayunos, de i blasfemia, por profeffo en religion ; tan enemigo juramento, fan juro, jamas le vi echar otro juramento que por que yo que fe hallaba mas irritado con alguno, era fu Fernando; y quando à dios hic ifteis efto à dijifreprchenfion decir le: OS doi porque la pluteis aqueillo : fi alguna vez tenia que efcrivir, no probaba fin efcrivir eftas palabras Jefus cum Maria fft nobis in wia;y ma, contan buena letra que baftàra para ganar de comer." La Hift. del Almirante Don Chrift. Colon. C.3- --- Page 33 --- P R E F A C E TO THE FIRST,EDITION, 1 HI E difcovery ofa new Hemifphere by CRIS TOPHER COLUMBUS, and the progrefsof th Spaniards in the conqueft of it, have been de fervedly the theme of a long feries of hiftories ir the feveral languages of Europe; and the fubjed has been recently refumed and illuftrated by a celebrated Writer among ourfelves.-It is not therefore my intention to tread again in fo beaten a track, by the recital of occurrences of which few can be ignorant, if the nobleft exertions of the human mind, producing events the moft fingular and important in the hiftory of the world, are circumftances deferving admiration and enquiry. Mr attempt, which I feel to be fufficiently arduous, is, To prefent the Reader with an hiftorical account of the origin and progrefs of the fettlements made by our own nation in the Weft Indian iflands;- To explain their conftitutional eftablifhments, internal's govérnments, and the political fyftem maintained by Great Britain towards them;- - Vor. I. O o b To the moft fingular and important in the hiftory of the world, are circumftances deferving admiration and enquiry. Mr attempt, which I feel to be fufficiently arduous, is, To prefent the Reader with an hiftorical account of the origin and progrefs of the fettlements made by our own nation in the Weft Indian iflands;- To explain their conftitutional eftablifhments, internal's govérnments, and the political fyftem maintained by Great Britain towards them;- - Vor. I. O o b To --- Page 34 --- THE 1i FREFACE'TO of the To defcribe the manners and difpofitions climate, fitua prefent inhabitants, as influenced by in tion, and other local caufes; comprehending of the African this. part of my book an account the chafome obfervations on negro flave-trade ; and reflcétions on the fyftem of raéter and genius, : Aavery eftablithed in our colonies; account than To furnifh a more comprehenfise of the of the agriculture has hitherto appeared and of theirerich and vaSugar Iflands in general, fugar, indigo, coffee, and luable ftaple commodities, cotton, in particular; r-finally, and widely extended To difplay the various out the rebranches of their commerce; ; pointing and towards the lations of each towards the other, navigainterefts, the manufaétures, feveral great and lands of Great Britain:- tion, revenues, with feveral collateral difquifiTHESE, together on which I have endeavoured tions, are the topicks the publick, ufeful and to colleét, and convey to Their importance will acceptable information. and I have only to lament that not be difputed, to the taik I have my abilities are not more equal undertaken. before I proceed to inveftigations merely BUT, I have ventured on a repolitical and commercial, the ftate and condition of the trofpeative furvey of firft difcovered by CoWeft Indian iflands when endeavoured to delineate the lumbus; and I have in the charaéter and gemoft prominent features inhabitants. I was Ied to a nius of their ancient for the purpofe xefearch of this nature, not merely of O o --- Page 35 --- FIRST EDITION. iii of giving uniformity to my work, but becaufe, having refided many years in the countries of which I write, I prefume to think that I am fomewhat better qualified to judge of the influence of climate and fituation, on the difpofition, temper, and intelleéts of theip inhabitants, than many of thofe writers, who, without the fame advantage, have undertaken to compile fyftems, and eftablith conclufions, on this fubjeét. I conceive that, unlefs an author has had the benefit of actual experience o and perfonal obfervation, neither genius nor induftry can at all times enable him to guard againft the miftakes and mifreprefentations of prejudiced, ignorant, or interefted men ; to whofe authority he fubmits, merely from the want of advantages which thofe who have poffeffed them have perverted. He is liable even to be mifled by préceding authors, who have undertaken, on no better foundation than himfelf, to compile hiftories and form fyftems on the fame fubject: for when plaufible theories are deduced, with ingenuity and eloquence, from facts confidently afferted ; he fufpeéts not, or, if he fufpeéts, is cautious ofafferting, that the foundation itfelf (as it frequently happens) is without fupport; $ that no fuch faéts actually exift, or, if exifting, are accidental and local peculiarities only,--not premifes of fufficient extent and importance whereon to ground general conclufions and fyftematical combination. I HAVE been induced to make this remark from perufing the fpeculations of Monf. Buffon and fome other French theorifts, on the condition and bz charaéter peéts, is cautious ofafferting, that the foundation itfelf (as it frequently happens) is without fupport; $ that no fuch faéts actually exift, or, if exifting, are accidental and local peculiarities only,--not premifes of fufficient extent and importance whereon to ground general conclufions and fyftematical combination. I HAVE been induced to make this remark from perufing the fpeculations of Monf. Buffon and fome other French theorifts, on the condition and bz charaéter --- Page 36 --- FREFACE TO THE iv American nations. Whethet character of the abhorrence of all from a defire to leffen the exercifed ftrong by the Spaniards mankind at the cruelties New World, or from a in the coniqueft of the and fingularity, affeétation of paradox thofe ftrange claiming the honours of philofophy, the air and falfely have ventured to affert, that the writers other phyfical phenomena, retard climate, or nature in the New Hemi(phere, growth of animated natives from attaining to that perand prevent the mankind arrive in the other quarfeétion at which the variety of ters of the globe. Notwithflanding which prevail in the fevefoil, climate, and feafons, North and South Ameriral great provinces of that the aboriginal inhabienotenbtsndire divided into a great many different tants were alfo by many different tribes, and aiftinguithed that all thofe various languages 5 it is pretended inferior, in the faculties of tribes were uniformly of improvement, to the the mind and the capacity that they were creareft of the human fpecies; in the book of Nature;- tures of no confideration fentiment oflove, denied the refinedinvigonsing very powerful degrce and not poffeffing even any multiplying their fpecies. of animal defire towards entitled < Recherches PhiloThe author of a fyftem declares, with unexfephigues fur les Americains' never has been found, ampled arrogance, that there of the New World, throughour the whole extent fagacity to the reft. individual of fuperior that a fingle of his treatife is to demionftrate, but And the fcope aétuated, not by reafon, 'the poor (avages were inftinéts that Nature, having by a fort of animal beftowed --- Page 37 --- FIRST EDITION. V beftowed on the whole fpecies a certain fmall degree of intelledt, to which they all individually attain, placed an infurmountable barrier againft their further progrels: - - of courfe, that they are not (properly fpeaking) ment, but beings of a fecondary and fubordinate rank in the fcale of creation. ALTHOUGH our own learned Hiftorian (a) is much too enlightened to adopt, in their fulleft extent, thefe opinions 3-which cannot, indeed, be read without indignation;--yet it is impoffible to deny, that they have had fame degree of influence in the general eftimate which he has framed of the American charaéter: for he afcribes to all the natives of the New World many of thofe imperfections on which the fyftem in queftion is founded; and repeatedly afferts, that <6 the qualities belonging to the people of allthe different tribes may be painted with the fame features (b)." With this bias on his pen, it is not wonderful that this author is fametimes chargeable with repugnancy and contradiétion. Thus we are told that 66 the Americans are, in an amazing degree, (trangers to the firft inftinét of nature (a paflion for the fex), and, in every part o the New World, treat their wornen with coldnefs and indifference(e)." Yet we find foon afterwards, that, &6 in fome countries of the New World, the women are valued and admired, the animal paffion of the fexes becomes ardent, and the diffolution of their manners is ex- (a). Dr. Robertfon. (c)P. 292. 46) Hiftory of Ameriça, Yol. I. P, 280 and 283. b 3 ceflive." ion for the fex), and, in every part o the New World, treat their wornen with coldnefs and indifference(e)." Yet we find foon afterwards, that, &6 in fome countries of the New World, the women are valued and admired, the animal paffion of the fexes becomes ardent, and the diffolution of their manners is ex- (a). Dr. Robertfon. (c)P. 292. 46) Hiftory of Ameriça, Yol. I. P, 280 and 283. b 3 ceflive." --- Page 38 --- TO THE vi PREFACE obferved, that ce the ceffive (d)." It is elfewhere averfe to toil, but incaAmericans were not only tafks which the people pable of it, and funk under have performed with ofthe other continent would of coneafe; and it is added, that < this feeblenefs as chaand may be confidered ftitution w0as wutiverfal, It appears, however, railerifick of the jperie(e)." that G wherever the Ameriin a fubfequent page, accuftomed to hard lacans have been gradually become robuft enough to bour, their conftitutions natives either of Africa or equal any effort of the therefore, could Europe ()" Perfonal debility, chara@teriflick of the not have been the peculiar human frame, in every American fpecies; "for the ftrength by gradual part of the globe, acquires feeble withemployment, and is comparatively out it. the qualities which the HiftoAGAIN: Among in the rian confiders as univerlally predominant in a remarkable Americans, he afcribes to them, brutal infenfibility degree, a hardnefs ofl heart and fellow-creatures a (g). to the fufferings of their is the breaft of a favage 6 So little (he obferves) fentimenfs which prompt men fufceptible of thofe which mitigates diftrefs, to that feeling attention America the Spaniards have in fome provinces of enforce the common duties of found it neceffary to Neither is this humanity by pofitive laws (h)." confined to the feroaccount of their inflexibility Hiftory of America, Vol.I. p. 2g6. (e)P.2g0. (4) (g) P.405 (AJP.406. () P. 294cious --- Page 39 --- FIRST EDITION. vii cious barbarian ofthe northern provinces, or to the miferable outcaft of Terra del Fuego. The author extends his defcription to all the uncivilized inhabitantseof the New Hemifphere. It conftitutes a ftriking feature in his general eftimate; for he eftablithes it as a fixed principle, that 66 in every part of the deportment of man in his favage ftate, whether towards his equals of the human fpecies, or towards the animals below him, we recognize the fame charaéter, and trace the operations of a mind intent onits own gratifications, and regulated by its own caprice, without much attention or fenfibility to the fentiments and feelings of the beings around him (i)." CERTAINLY the learned Author, while employed in this reprefentation, had wholly forgotten the açcount which he had before given of the firft interview between the Spaniards and the natives of Hilpaniola, when a fhip of Columbus was wrecked on that ifland. &6 As foon (fays the Hiftorian) as they heard ofthe difafler,they, crouded to the fhore, with their prince Guacanahari at their head. Inftead of taking advantage of the diftrefs in which they beheld the Spaniards, to attempt any thing to their detriment, they lamented their misfortune with tears of fincere condolence. Not fatisfied with this unavailing expreflion of their fympathy, they put to fea a vaft number of canoes, and, under the direétion of the Spaniards, aflifted in faving whatever could be got out of the wreck; and by the (i) Hiftory of America, Vol. I. P. 407. b 4 united advantage of the diftrefs in which they beheld the Spaniards, to attempt any thing to their detriment, they lamented their misfortune with tears of fincere condolence. Not fatisfied with this unavailing expreflion of their fympathy, they put to fea a vaft number of canoes, and, under the direétion of the Spaniards, aflifted in faving whatever could be got out of the wreck; and by the (i) Hiftory of America, Vol. I. P. 407. b 4 united --- Page 40 --- TO THE viii PREFACE almoft every thing united labour offo many hands, Guacanahari in perof value was carried afhore. and prevented the fon took charge of the goods, embezzling, but even multitude not only from what belonged to from infpeéting too curioufly this prince vifited their guefts. Next morning to confole him for his Columbus, and endeavonred it." ofering allthat he polfefed to repair lofs by prefent themfelves to every geTHUS exceptions burthened with their neral conclufion, until we are where we began; variety: y:--And at laft we end juft which is faid to have for the wonderful uniformity Indians, cannot be fupdiflinguilhed the American becaufe it is not founded on ported by analogy, nature. branches of my work, great part, OF the other will be new to many of my I prefume to think, met with any book that even readers. Ihave not and fatisfactory pretends to furnifh a comprchenfive of our national account of the origin and progrefs of America. The fettlements in the trgpical parts in the Weft Indies, fyftem of agriculture praclifed to the people of Great is almoft as much unknown They know, indeed, that Britain as that of Japan. and cotton, are raifed and indigo, and coffee, fugar, there ; but they are very generally, and produced degrec, uninformed concerning and to a furprifing which thofe and other valuable the method by and brought to percommodities are cultivated indeed is the want of infeétion. So remarkable even among perfons of formation in this refpeét, knowledge, that in a the moft extenfive gencral law --- Page 41 --- FIRST EDITION. ix law queftion which came by appeal from one of the Sugar Iflands a few years ago, the noble and learned earl who prefided at the hearing, thinking it neceffary to give fome account of the nature of rum and melaffes (much being ftated in the pleadings concerning the value of thofe commodities) affured his auditors with great folemnity, that 4c melaffes was the raw and unconcocted juice extraéted from the cane, and from which fugar was afterwards made by boiling!" (k) ON the fubjeét of the flave-trade, and its concomitant circumftances, fo much has been faid of late by others, that it may be fuppofed there remains but little to be added by me. It is certain, however, that my account, both of the trade and the fituation of the enflaved negroes in the Britith COlonies, differs very effentially from the reprefentations that have been given,not only in a great variety of pamphlets and other publications, but alfo O by many of the witnefles that were examined before the houfe of commons. The publick muft judge between us, and I fhould be in no pain about the refult, if the charaéters of fome of thofe perfons who have ftood forth on this occafion as accufers of the refident planters, were as well known in Great Britain, as they are in the Weft Indies. What I have written on thefe fubjedts has at leaft this advantage, that great part of my obfervations are founded on perfonal knowledge and actual ex- (k) Igive this anecdote on the authority ofa Jamaica gentleman who was prefegs; a perfon of undoubted veracity. perience : the charaéters of fome of thofe perfons who have ftood forth on this occafion as accufers of the refident planters, were as well known in Great Britain, as they are in the Weft Indies. What I have written on thefe fubjedts has at leaft this advantage, that great part of my obfervations are founded on perfonal knowledge and actual ex- (k) Igive this anecdote on the authority ofa Jamaica gentleman who was prefegs; a perfon of undoubted veracity. perience : --- Page 42 --- PREFACE TO THE X to the manners and difand with regard by perience: of the native Africans, as diftingailhed features, I venpofitions national habits, and characteriftick will be found beth ture to think, that my remarks new and interefting, objeét has been truth, not AFTER all, my firft to colleét ufeful novelty. I haye endeavoured and when I found knowledge whereloever it lay, I have fomewhat I fought, books that fupplied without alteration, times been content to adopt, hands. Thus, what was thus furnifhed to former my writers occupy extraêts and paffages from always been fome of my pages; and not having to which I reforted, careful to note the authoritics afcertain the full extent I find it now too late this to kind. They may be of my obligations of believe, in the firft and traced moft frequently, I the firit, becaufe, when Jaft parts of my work: In lefs confidence in my own I began my tatk, I had afterwards, when praétice refources than I found familiar to me ; and in the had rendered writing labours grew near to a conlaft, becaufe, when my and was glad to get afclufion, I became weary, it offered. fftance wherefoever than from written informaFROM living rather fought affiftance, however, have I generally deficient; and tion, refources have proved when my own fortune to boaft an acquaintance it is my good for local and commercial with men, to whon, and fenators might reknowledge, our ftatefmen and advantage to with credit to themfelves neither the gratifort, On this occafion, tude the publick. --- Page 43 --- FIRST EDITION. xi tude which I owe for favours beftowed, nor the pride which I feel from the honour of his friendthip, will allow me to conceal the name of Edward Long, Efquire, the author of the Jamaica Hiftory, to whom I am firft and principally indebted; and who, with the liberality which always accompanies true genius, has been as careful to correét my errors, and affiduous to fupply my defeéts, as if his own well-earned reputation had depended on the iffue. For great part of the materials which compofe the Hiftory of Grenada, I am under obligations to Thomas Campbell, Efquire, formerly fpeaker of the affembly of that ifland, who, through means of a friend, furnifhed fuch anfwers to queries that I fent him, as encourage me to prefent that portion of my work to the publick with a confidence which I dare not affume in my account of fome other of the iflands. Yet, even with regard to moft of thefe, I have no caufe to complain that affiftance has been oftentimes denied me. Concerning Barbadoes and Saint Chriftopher's in particular, I have been favoured with much accurate and acceptable information, by John Braithwaite and Alexander Douglas, Efquires, gentlemen who are intimately acquainted with the concerns of thofe colonies; and the polite and cheerful readinefs with which they fatisfied my enquiries, entitle them to this publick teftimony of my thanks. THE fame tribute is moft juftly due to Benjamin Vaughan and George Hibbert, Efquires, merchants of London, for many excellent and important remarks, . Concerning Barbadoes and Saint Chriftopher's in particular, I have been favoured with much accurate and acceptable information, by John Braithwaite and Alexander Douglas, Efquires, gentlemen who are intimately acquainted with the concerns of thofe colonies; and the polite and cheerful readinefs with which they fatisfied my enquiries, entitle them to this publick teftimony of my thanks. THE fame tribute is moft juftly due to Benjamin Vaughan and George Hibbert, Efquires, merchants of London, for many excellent and important remarks, --- Page 44 --- xii PREFACE TO THE and much valuable matter ; which, at marks, have enabled me to look back on the comlength, in the laft book, with a demercial difquilitions fatisfaétion that at one period I defpaired gree of well apprized that this part of of obtaining; being be moft obmy work will, on many accounts, free That it is now rendered noxious to criticifm, indeed pretend. In from miftakes, I do not commercial nature, all. refearches of a political fometimes and fallible ; and the beft authorities are difference both in general there is frequently much between thofe opinion and particular computation for the difcovery of who are equally folicitous that I have colleéted truth. The fadts, however, whether the conclufions I cannot fail to be of ufe, have drawn from them be well founded or not. here clofe this introduétory difcourfe, I MIGHT book to the çandour of my readers ; and leave my to thofe but having made my acknowledgments kind affiftance gentlemen who have given me their of it; and feeling, in common in the compilation of the Britifh Weft Indies, with all the inhabitants at the malignant and a juft fenfe of indignation which are daily and hourly unmerited afperfions the planters, for fuppofed improper thrown upon treatment of their Afriçan labourers; and inhuman as the hiftorian of thofe I fhould ill acquit myfelf, of giving çolonics, if I omitted this opportunity teftimony to the fulnefs of their gratitude, my honeft pride and lively fenfibility, at beholdtheir Son of their beloved Sovereign, the geneing, in a and the ftrenuous and rous affertor of their rights, able --- Page 45 --- FIRST EDITION. xili able defender of their injured charaéters, and infuited honour! The condefcending and unfolicited interpofition of the Duke of Clarence on this OCcafion, is the more valuable, as, happily for the planters,it is founded on his Royal Highnefs's perfonal obfervation of their manners, and knowledge of their difpofitions, acquired on the fpot. Thus patronized and proteéted, while they treat with filent fcorn and deferved contempt the bafe efforts of thofe perfons who, without the leaft knowledge of the fubject, affail them with obloquy and outrage, they find a dignified fupport, in the confcioufnefs oftheir own innocence, even under the mifguided zeal and unfavourable prepoffefions of better men. It might indeed be hoped, for the interefts of truth and humanity, that fuch men would now frankly acknowledge their error, and ingeguouflyo own, that we have been moft cruelly traduced, and ignominioufly treated; or if this be too much to afk, we may at leaft expeét that gentlemen of education and candour will no longer perfift in affording countenance to the vulgar prejudices of the envious and illiberal, by giving currency to fuggeftions which they cannot poffibly know to be true, and which we know to be falfe. LONDON, 1793- fuch men would now frankly acknowledge their error, and ingeguouflyo own, that we have been moft cruelly traduced, and ignominioufly treated; or if this be too much to afk, we may at leaft expeét that gentlemen of education and candour will no longer perfift in affording countenance to the vulgar prejudices of the envious and illiberal, by giving currency to fuggeftions which they cannot poffibly know to be true, and which we know to be falfe. LONDON, 1793- --- Page 46 --- xiv ] P R E F A C E TO THE SECOND-EDITION. of this Work, fale of a large impreffion TH in little more than twelve months, having induced the Bookfeller to publith a fecond edition, availed myfelf of the opportunity of corI have which have crept into the redting feveral errors found it neceffary to enlarge firft; but I have not matter of my own, worthy my Book with any new additions of importance are of gnention. The only with which the kinda few notes and illuftrations, to fome of my nefs of friends has enabled me fupply however, in deficiences. I have thought it proper, of the of the Sixth Book which treats that part fyftem, to infert a çopy of the provicommercial to the Houfe of Commons in fional bill prefented Hon. WILLIAM PITT, March 1782, by the Right for the purpofe of Chancellor of the Exchequer, that exifted bereviving the beneficial intercourfe between the United fore the late American war, Iflands. This bill, States and the Briti(h Sugar prejudice and through the influence of popular Hadit loft. paffed other caufes, was unfortunately have faved from the into a law, it would probably thoufand unoffending horrors of famine fifteen Negroes, 0 O --- Page 47 --- PREFAC E, &c. XV Negroes, who miferably perifhed (in Jamaica alone) from the fad effects of the fatal reftriétive fyftem which prevailed ! The publication of this bill, therefore, is difcharging a debt of juftice to the Minifter and myfelf: to Mr. PITT, becaufe it proves that his firft ideas on this queftion were founded on principles of found policy and humanitys ; to myfelf, becaufe it gives me an opportunity of fhewing that the fentiments which I have expreffed on the fame fubject are juftified by his high authority. THISi is not a bufinefs of felfithnefs or faction; nor (like many of thofe queftions which are daily mnoved in Parliament merely to agitate and perplex government) can it be dimiffed by a vote. It will come forward again and again, and haunt adminiftration in a thoufand hideous fhapes, until a more liberal policy Thall take place; for no folly can poffibly exceed the notion that any meafures purfued by Great Britain will prevent the American States from having, fome time or cther, a commercial intercourie with our Weft Indian territories on their own terms. With a chain of coaft of twenty degrecs of latitude, poffeffing the fineft harbours for the purpofe in the world, all Iying fo near to the Sugar Colonies, and the track to Europe,-with a country abounding in every thing the Iflands have occafion for, and which they can obtain no where elfe;-all thefe circumftances, neceffarily and naturally lead to a commercial intercourfe between our Ilands and the United States. It is true, we may Indian territories on their own terms. With a chain of coaft of twenty degrecs of latitude, poffeffing the fineft harbours for the purpofe in the world, all Iying fo near to the Sugar Colonies, and the track to Europe,-with a country abounding in every thing the Iflands have occafion for, and which they can obtain no where elfe;-all thefe circumftances, neceffarily and naturally lead to a commercial intercourfe between our Ilands and the United States. It is true, we may --- Page 48 --- PREFACE To THÉ xvi and ourfelves alfo, iis may ruin our Sugar Colonies, its but it is an experiment the attempt to prevent have marked out as impofwhich God and Nature reftraining fyftem is fible to fucceed. The prefent cach other: men who, by forbidding men to help climate and. produétions, are their neceffities, their need of mutual affiftance, and ftanding in perpetual able to fupply it. freedom of Hiffory r-for it is I WRITE with the that I plead.-At the fame the caufe of humanity living who is more defirous time there is not a man every poffible means, the than myfelf of teftifying, by which are due to our grafenfibility and affeétion folicitude and cious SOVEREIGN, for that paternal favour of his remoteft munificent interpofition, in that the Bread Fruit, fubjeéts, to which it is owing of the moft diftant and other valuable produations in the Britith Weft Indies. regions, nows fourifh and worthy indeed < imperial works, Thefe are feveral unfucceéful attempts, 46 kings." After of the Bread Fruit was happily at the introduéion 1793, by the arrival accomplifbed, in January fhip Providence, CapSt. Vincent of his Majefty's and the A(fiftant brig, Captain WILLIAM BLIGH, PORTLOCK, from the South tain NATHANIEL board many hundreds of thofe Seas; having on of other choice and cutrees, and a vaft number flourifhing condition; all aious plants, in a very diftributed through the which have been properly and already afiflands of St. Vincent and Jamaica, that his Majefty's goodford the plealing profpeft nels accomplifbed, in January fhip Providence, CapSt. Vincent of his Majefty's and the A(fiftant brig, Captain WILLIAM BLIGH, PORTLOCK, from the South tain NATHANIEL board many hundreds of thofe Seas; having on of other choice and cutrees, and a vaft number flourifhing condition; all aious plants, in a very diftributed through the which have been properly and already afiflands of St. Vincent and Jamaica, that his Majefty's goodford the plealing profpeft nels --- Page 49 --- --- Page 50 --- --- Page 51 --- SECOND EDITION. xvii hefs will be felt to the moft diftant period *, The cultivation of thelc valuable cxoticks will, without doubt, in a courfe of years, leffen the dependence of the Sugar Iflands on North America for food and neceffaries; and not only fupply fubfifence for future generations, but probably furnifh freth incitements to induftry, newimprovementsin thea arts,and new fubjeêts of commerce ! THE Affembly of Jamaica, co-operatingwvith the benevolent intentions of his Majefty, have lately purchafed the magnificent botanical garden of Mr. Eaft tt and placed it on the publick cftablithment, under the care of fkilful gardeners, one of whom circumnavigated the globe with Captain BLIGH. I might therefore have confiderably enlarged the Hortus Eaftenfis annexed to the Third Volume of this Work, but the particulars did not come to my hands in * Extraét of a letter to Sir JOSEPH BANKS, from the Botanick gardener in Jamaica ; dated December 1793c All the trees under my charge are thriving with the greateft luxuriance. Somcofthe Bread Fruit are upwards of cleven feet high, with leaves thirty-fix inches long and my fuccets in cultivating them has exceedcd may mott fanguine expeftations. The Cinnamon Tree is become very common, and Mangoes are in fuch pleuty as to be plantedinthen negro-grounds. There are alfo feveral bearing trees ofthe Jaack or batlard bread-fruit, whichiis exaétly the fame as the Nanka of Timor. Wehave one Nutmeg Plant, which is rather fickly, &c.&c." + On the death of HINTON EAST, Efq. the founder of the botanick garden, it becamethe property of bis neplew, EDWARD HYDE EAST, Eiq, barrifter a: law, and member of parliament for Great Bedwin, who with gréat generofity offered it to the Affembly of Jamaica, for thc ufc ofthe publick, att their oWi price. VoL. I. C fame as the Nanka of Timor. Wehave one Nutmeg Plant, which is rather fickly, &c.&c." + On the death of HINTON EAST, Efq. the founder of the botanick garden, it becamethe property of bis neplew, EDWARD HYDE EAST, Eiq, barrifter a: law, and member of parliament for Great Bedwin, who with gréat generofity offered it to the Affembly of Jamaica, for thc ufc ofthe publick, att their oWi price. VoL. I. C --- Page 52 --- xviil PREFACE TO THE However, that the lovers of natural hif in time. I Thall fubtory may not be wholly difappointed, the more rare and join to this Preface a Catalogueof flourifh in Jamaica. valuable exoticks which now in that ifland The prefent improved ftate of botany will thus be feen at one view. of induftry and IN contemplating this difplay venerafcience, and offering the tribute of grateful that SOvEREIGN under whofe royal patronage tion to valuable produétions have been and bounty fo many ftate from one extremity of conveyed in a growing it is impofible that the inthe world to the other, Weft Indies can forget how habitants of the Britifh BANKS, the Premuch alfo is due to Sir JOSEPH whofe warm and fident of the Royal Society; by to the South unwearied exertions the fecond voyage firft had determined on, after the proved Seas was all the labours of life, if there is abortive. Among than any other with beneone purfuit more replete add comforts to exifting volence, more likely to their numbers by augpeople, and even to augment fubfiftence, it is certainly menting their means of of creation, abroad the bounties that of fpreading of the globe to anofrom one part by tranfplanting as are likely to prove ther fuch natural produftions In thisgebeneficial to the interefts of humanity. has employed a nerous effort, Sir JOSEPH BANKS and fortune; confiderablej part ofhis time, attention, has crowned and the fuccefs which in many cafes, and will be felt in the enjoyments, his endeavours, of pofterity. rewarded by the bleffings, of the Bread ON the whole, the introduétion South Sea IflandsFruit and otherplants from the the --- Page 53 --- SECOND EDITION. xix the munificence difplayed by Hrs MAJESTY in caufing the voyage to be undertaken by which it was finally accomplithed-the liberality and judgment ofthofe who advifed it-and the care and attention manifefted by thofe who were more immediately entrufted with the conduét ofit,are circumftances that claim a diftinguifhed place, and conftitute an important era, in the Hiftory of the Britilh Weft Indies ! HAVING faid thus much in honourofmy countrymen, it is but juftice to obferve, that the French nation (whilft a government exifted among them) began to manifeft a noble fpirit of emulation in the fame liberal purfuit. It 1s to the induftry of the French that Jamaica (as will be feen in the Hiftory of that Ifland) owes the Cinnamon, the Mango, ,and fome other delicious Spices and Fruits. Among other branches ofthe vegetable kingdom, introduced by them into their Weft Indian poffeffions, they reckoned three different fpecies of the Sugar Cane, all of which were previoufly unknown to the planters and inhabitants. I have, in the Second volume of this edition, obferved, that Sir JOSEPH BANKS had fatisfied me that fuch varieties did exift; but I was not then apprized that their cultivation had been fuacceféfullyattemptedinanyofourornifands, By the kindnefs of Admiral Sir JOHN LAFOREY, Baronct, I am now enabled to gratify my readers with fuch full and authentick information on this fubject, as cannot fail tobe Highlyacspabistoenery inhabitant of the Wefl Indies. C 2 THESE this edition, obferved, that Sir JOSEPH BANKS had fatisfied me that fuch varieties did exift; but I was not then apprized that their cultivation had been fuacceféfullyattemptedinanyofourornifands, By the kindnefs of Admiral Sir JOHN LAFOREY, Baronct, I am now enabled to gratify my readers with fuch full and authentick information on this fubject, as cannot fail tobe Highlyacspabistoenery inhabitant of the Wefl Indies. C 2 THESE --- Page 54 --- PREFACE TO THE XX MarTHESE Canes were conginalyinreducediato* the tinico; and it was a fortunate cireumftancethat commanddiftinguifhed officer whom Ihave named ed about that time on thenaval ftation at Antigua. fortunate that, with a love of natural It was equally in the Ifland k.nowledge, he poffeffed plantations from laft-mentioned; for it is extremely probable, and diftraétions which have prethe difturbances one of the French Colonies, vailed ever fincein every this time have been found a that there would not at of the Weft Indies, trace of thefe plants in any part attended if Sir Jons LAFOREY bad not perfonally which his their With the account to prefervation. enabled me to prefent tot the Publick, politenefs, has Difcourfe. I (hall conclude this IntroduStory Remarksonthe EAST INDIA and other CANES imported into the French Charaibemn Tiands, and lately introduced into the IAand of Antigua, by Sir JOHN LAFOREY, Bart. Ifand of Bour66 ONE fort was brought fromthe ofthe by the French to be the growth bon, reported coaft of Malabar. fort from the ifland of Otaheite. 6 ANOTHER c ANOTHER fort from Batavia. both in their THE two former are much alike, faid and growth, but that of Otaheiteis appcarance the fineft fugar. They are much larger to make the joints of fome meathan thofe of our Iflands, and fix in circumfuring cight or nine inches long, ference. ec THEIR --- Page 55 --- SECOND EDITION, xxi < THEIR colour, and that of theirleaves alfo, differs from ours, being of a pale green; their leaves broader, their points falling towards the ground as they grow out, inftead ofbeing ereét likethofe of our Iflands. Their juice alfo, when expreffed, differs from that of our Canes; being ofa very pale, inftead of a deep green colour. Icaufed one of the largeft of thele Canes to be cut, at what I deemed its full growth, and likewife one of the largeft of the Ifland Canes that could be found upon each of three other plantations. When they were properlyt trimmed for grinding, I had them weighed : the Malabar Canes weighed upwards of feven pounds; neither of the other three exceeded four pounds and a quarter. €6 THEY are ripe enough to grind at the age of ten months ; a few cut for a trial by my manager, above twelve months old, were judged to have loft part of their juices, by ftanding too long. c THEY appear to ftand the dry weather better than ours; I oblerved,that after a drought of a long continuance, when the leaves ofourown Canes began to turn brown at their points, thefe continued their colour throughout. 6 A GENTLEMAN of Montferrat had fome plants given to him by Monfieur Pinnel, one of the moft confiderable planters ofGuadaloupe, whotold himhe had,i inthe precedingyear(1792)in which an exceeding great drought had prevailed, planted amongft a largefield lofthe Ifland Caneshalfanacreo ofthefe; that the want of rain, and the borer, had damaged the former fomuch, thathecould not makefugarfromthem, but the latter had produced him threchog(hcads, 66 IN ferrat had fome plants given to him by Monfieur Pinnel, one of the moft confiderable planters ofGuadaloupe, whotold himhe had,i inthe precedingyear(1792)in which an exceeding great drought had prevailed, planted amongft a largefield lofthe Ifland Caneshalfanacreo ofthefe; that the want of rain, and the borer, had damaged the former fomuch, thathecould not makefugarfromthem, but the latter had produced him threchog(hcads, 66 IN --- Page 56 --- xxii PREFACE TO THE < IN the fpring of this year (1794) a trial was made of.the Malabar Canes, on one of my plantations; 160 bunches from holes of five feet fquare produced upwards of 350 lbs. of were cut, they the juice came into fugar in the very good in fugar; much lefs time than is ufually required for teache, the other Canes, and threw up very little that of was in the proportion of 3-500 fcum. The produce the weather had then been fo very lbs. to an acre; that I am fure no dry, and the borer fo deftruétive, above of that plantation would have yielded one part from the other Canes, in the fame half that quantity We had not then the benefit of fpace of ground. which, though imported, the new-invented clarifiers, for want of time. had not been fixed up that thefe Canes do not < THE French complain of field trath, to boil the yield a fufficient quantity and to their never throwjuice into fugar; to this, fize may in ing up an arrow, I think their fuperior This inconvenience good meafure be attributed. of coals; and may be obviated, by the fubftitution which their of the cane-tra.h, the increafed quantity which we reckon the magnitude will furnifh (and prepared) richeft manure we have, when properly will well indemnify the expence of firing. on the <THE Batavia Canes are a deep purple in cirthort-jointed, and fmall outfide; they grow and vegetate cumference, but bunch exccedingly, from the plant in onefo quick, that they fpring up Ifland do; the joints, foon third the time thofe ofour They have aftertheyform, all burft longitudinally. and bear dry the appearance of being very hardy, weather s --- Page 57 --- SECOND EDITION. xxui weather well; a few bunches were cut and madeinto fugar at the fame time the experiment was made with the white Canes. The report made to me of them was, that they yiclded a great dcal of juice, which feemed richer than that of the others, but the fugar was ftrongly tinged with the colour of the rind ; and it was obferved, that upon the expreflion of them at the mill, the juice was of a bright purple 3 but by the timeit had reached through the fpout to the clarifier (a very Chort diftance) it became of a dingy iron colour. I am told the Batavia fugar imported into Amfterdam is very fair; fo that if thofe Canes fhould otherwife anfwer well, means may doubtlefs be obtained to difcharge the purple tinge from their juice." LoNDON, 1794. it was obferved, that upon the expreflion of them at the mill, the juice was of a bright purple 3 but by the timeit had reached through the fpout to the clarifier (a very Chort diftance) it became of a dingy iron colour. I am told the Batavia fugar imported into Amfterdam is very fair; fo that if thofe Canes fhould otherwife anfwer well, means may doubtlefs be obtained to difcharge the purple tinge from their juice." LoNDON, 1794. --- Page 58 --- 5. Golud dmacasat W PART G U L F snog Spoitu of Bar A OsT uucayonerur In BA FL ORIDA OF é a à Chatham Bay PIA Alabafter PIRIL Tad Iles del y M EXIC O Jfartyrs Reci FP Espirit - enc Santo - a a < Anguilla 8 Stodkin d ar Exuma Nicholas ar Havane Dudge Cape Sdntonio Do Jardin del Ro e B Valadolid falee.C. Isle del Pines Tis Gantins e YUCATAN un Bayme BAY O F S'Yago Cabo de Guz Ambergrese (ayman No Logwood san da P' Country HONDU R A S Cape Dame U AM IC K on a f limelf Savanhmy Ma - P 4 Swan I' - N VE RAPAZ Rattan Guanaje J pe CHona adk Onnoa Truxillo Comentare Mt Lagon HONDURAS O S € f PC Gracias R 4 aDios Brangma u Bludf Britilh Miles 1E a Key Lag sAndres E a GtCom 13 Blofistate Lagoon R. S'Juan CARTAGENA COSTA RICA Tortohello Conuaption DARIEN VERAGUA ET 8j5 Publsfhred Feb? 9. --- Page 59 --- GEUC a TREP L o. GOP ( 11 a1 I' 2apc Salvador ofthe Watands 1. E ma Attweodsl Re WEST o INDIES Cronked!. Mayugnana from the bife Achluns Ko Corcos € Caiy que AUTHORITIES Heneaga 4 Re Cap ol Cape Franenis Nicholas - Baa URTAS Angada RESIN Samara A MISPAxTOLa (o Anguilla Sien A 2 Ar at Gonorr Cabo 2apc Salvador ofthe Watands 1. E ma Attweodsl Re WEST o INDIES Cronked!. Mayugnana from the bife Achluns Ko Corcos € Caiy que AUTHORITIES Heneaga 4 Re Cap ol Cape Franenis Nicholas - Baa URTAS Angada RESIN Samara A MISPAxTOLa (o Anguilla Sien A 2 Ar at Gonorr Cabo a FRCARA Sistionngy Berkuda s: Engano 3 Rico 3 3 U a Saba stBardiotomew DOMINGO 4 a PORTO 3. Groir ApsEurnunia SL.eyis St ato K a S'Christophars 1'a OAntigua Cahe Ror J D 2 Derrada Thnnge de Montsorat - Cads de Punte HAene 4 Aeote Guadaloupe Basseterre Marie Galante Sartes contgsta Dominica 1 Putot - Bay 1 ERoval Martinico 11 Clarm B B E A N S E' sumdt Barbadoca 5 Bridgetom Kingstown I S:Vincents Becoipa Lt Granadines - Girtuaren LE Fort n Gramada s Royall Curacao Bluneal: Sya Ordhilla Tolago CIda Chan. C Margarita Ivaudaa lioma riodine at TE L.I TRLNID.AD GeLF Or FVENEZUELA RISTE OSANTA Leon Tnidare Saracaybn CARACAS CUMANA GUARAUNOS 1 AGUNA MARTHA VENEY F ZUELA HARACAYnE GUITIYIS S 17 11 I M E R I d m EMIE 65 Longitude Wep from London : LJtodiale. Pucodill --- Page 60 --- --- Page 61 --- T H E H IS T C R Y, CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL, OF The Britith Colonies in the Weft Indies.' BOOK I. A GENERAL VIEW OF THEIR ANCIENT STATE AND INHABITANTS. CHAP. I. Geographical arrangement. Name. - Climate.- Sea-breeze, and Land-wind.- Beauty andfngularity of the vegetable and animal creation.- Magnificence and fublimity ofthé mountains : reAections concerning the origin %f thefe iflands, 6Sc. T EOGRAPHERS, following the diftribution of Nature, divide the vaft Continent CHAP. I. of America into two great parts, North and 1 South; the narrow but mountainous Ifthmus of Arrange- ment, Darien ferving as a link to conneét them together, and forming a rampart againft the encroachments of the Atlantick on the one fide, Vor. I. B and creation.- Magnificence and fublimity ofthé mountains : reAections concerning the origin %f thefe iflands, 6Sc. T EOGRAPHERS, following the diftribution of Nature, divide the vaft Continent CHAP. I. of America into two great parts, North and 1 South; the narrow but mountainous Ifthmus of Arrange- ment, Darien ferving as a link to conneét them together, and forming a rampart againft the encroachments of the Atlantick on the one fide, Vor. I. B and --- Page 62 --- HISTORY OF THE and of the Pacifick Ocean on the other. Thefe BOOK diflinguifhed alfo, I. great Oceans were anciently the names of from their relative fituation, by the North and South Seas (a). To that prodigious chain of Iflands which Name. extend in a curve from the Florida Shore on Northern Peninfula, to the Gulph of Venethe is given the denomination zuela in the Southern, of Wef Indies, from the name of India originally Columbus. This illuftrious affigned to them by not, as RayNavigator planned his expedition, the idea of nal and others have fuppofed, under of a New World to the knowledge introducing principally, in the view of finding the Old; but, which a route to India by a Weftern navigation; lefs tedious he was led to think would prove conclufion than by the Coaft of Africa: : and this of the would have been juft, if the geography been on which it was founded, had Ancients, Indeed, fo firmly perfuaded was accurate (b). Columbus of North, applied to that part of the (a) The appellation flows into the Gulph of Darien, feems now Atlantick which but the Pacifick is ftill coinmonly to be entirely South difufed; Sea. It was difcovered in 1513called the of the earth was known to (b) 46 The fpherical figure invented the method Aill the ancient geographers. They and latitude of different in ufe, of computing the their longitude doétrine, the equator conplaces. According to thefe they divided into twenty-four tained 360 degrees; parts, --- Page 63 --- WEST INDIES. Columbus of its truth and certainty, that he CHAP. continued to affe- his belief of it after the difI. covery of Cuba and Hifpaniola 3 not doubting L that thofe iflands conftituted fome part of the Eaftern extremity of Afia: : and the nations of Europe, fatisfied with fuch authority, concurred in the fame idea. Even when the difcovery of the Pacifick Ocean had demonftrated his miftake, all the countries which Columbus had vifited ftill retained the name of the Indies; and in contradiftinétion to thofe at which the Portuguefe, after pafling the Cape of Good Hope, had at length arrived by an Eaftern parts, or hours, each equal to fifteen degrees, The country of the Seres or Sina being the fartheft part of India known to the Ancients, was fuppofed, by Marinus Tyrius, the moft eminent of the ancient geographers before Ptoleiny, to be fifteen hours, or 225 degrees to the eaft of the firft meridian, pafling through the Fortunate Iflands. If this fuppofition was well founded, the country ofthe Seres, or China, was only nine hours, or 135 degrees weft from the Fortunate or Canary Iflands; and the navigation in that direétion was much fhorter than by the courfe which the Portuguefe were purfuing." From this account, for which the reader is indebted to the learned Dr. Robertfon, it is evident that the fcheme of Columbus was founded on rational fyftematical principles, according to the light which his age afforded; whereas if he had propofed, without any fuch fupport, to difcover a new hemifphere by failing weftward; he would have been juftly confidered as an arrogant and chimerical projector, and fuccefs itfelf would not have reconciled his temerity to the fober diétates ofreafon. B 2 courfe, reader is indebted to the learned Dr. Robertfon, it is evident that the fcheme of Columbus was founded on rational fyftematical principles, according to the light which his age afforded; whereas if he had propofed, without any fuch fupport, to difcover a new hemifphere by failing weftward; he would have been juftly confidered as an arrogant and chimerical projector, and fuccefs itfelf would not have reconciled his temerity to the fober diétates ofreafon. B 2 courfe, --- Page 64 --- HISTORY OF T HE courfe, they were now denominated the Indies of 300X I. the W'ef (c). howAMONG the Geographers of thofe days, there were fome, who, envying the glory ever, or giving more credit to ancient of Columbus, fable than to the achievements of their cotemporaries, perfifted in affigning to the newly-difcovered Ifands the appellation of Antilia or Anto Charlevoix) of an tiles : the name (according charts imaginary country, placed in ancient about two hundred leagues to the Weftward of the Azores; and it is a name ftill very generally foreign Navigators, although the etyufed. by of the word is as uncertain as the applimology To the Britifh nation cation of it is unjuft. beftowed by Columbus is abundantly the name and thus the whole of the New more familiar: Hemifphere is, with us, commonly comprifed under three great divifions; North America, and the Weft Indies (d). South America, BUT, Columbus failed on his firft voyage the 3d of Auguft, (c) Bartholemus Dias difcovered the Cape of 1492. In 1494 but it was not doubled till the year 1497, Good Hope; de Gama fucceeded (for the firft time in mowhen Vafquez in this, as it was then fuppofed, formidable dern navigation) attempt. The term Antiles is applied by Hoffman to the Wind- (d) Iflands only, and is by him thus acward or Charaibean Americae quafi ante Infulas counted for: 6 Dicuntur Antilae Sinis Mexicani." (HofAmericae, nempe ante majores Infulas man it was not doubled till the year 1497, Good Hope; de Gama fucceeded (for the firft time in mowhen Vafquez in this, as it was then fuppofed, formidable dern navigation) attempt. The term Antiles is applied by Hoffman to the Wind- (d) Iflands only, and is by him thus acward or Charaibean Americae quafi ante Infulas counted for: 6 Dicuntur Antilae Sinis Mexicani." (HofAmericae, nempe ante majores Infulas man --- Page 65 --- WEST INDIES. BUT, fubordinate to this comprehenfive and CHAP. fimple arrangement, neceffity or convenience has I. introduced more minute and local diftinétions. That portion of the Atlantick, which is feparated from the main Ocean to the North and to the Eaft, by the Iflands I have mentioned, although commonly known by the general appellation of the Mexican Gulph, is itfelf properly fubdivided into three diftinét Bafins : the Gulph of Mexico, the Bay of Honduras, and the Charaibean Sea (e). The latter takes its man Lexic. Univ.) Rochfort and Du Tertre explain the word nearly in the fame manner, while Monf, D'Anville applies the name ta thofe iflands only, which are more immediately oppefed t0, or fituated againh, the Continent: thus he terms Cuba, Hifpaniola,Jamaica, and Porto Rico, the Great Antiles, and the fmall Iflands of Aruba, Curaçoa, Bonair, Magaritta, and fome others near the coaft of Caraccas on the Southern Peninfula, the Lefs; excluding the Charaibean Iflands altogether. A recurrence to the early Spanith Hiftorians would have demonftrated to all thefe writers, that the word Antilia was applied to Hifpaniola and Cuba, before the difcovery either of the Windward Iflands, or any part of the American Continent. This appears from the following pafage is, the Firft Book of the Firft Decad of Peter Martyr, which bears date from the Court of Spain, November 1493, eight months only after Columbus's return from his firft expedition ; 4 Ophiram Infulam fefe reperiffe refert: fed Cofmographorum traétu diligenter confiderato, Antiliae Infulae funt ille et adjacentes aliae : hanc Hifpaniolam appellavit, &c." (e) Vide Introduction to the Weft Indian Atlas, by Jefferies. B 3 name is, the Firft Book of the Firft Decad of Peter Martyr, which bears date from the Court of Spain, November 1493, eight months only after Columbus's return from his firft expedition ; 4 Ophiram Infulam fefe reperiffe refert: fed Cofmographorum traétu diligenter confiderato, Antiliae Infulae funt ille et adjacentes aliae : hanc Hifpaniolam appellavit, &c." (e) Vide Introduction to the Weft Indian Atlas, by Jefferies. B 3 name --- Page 66 --- HISTORY OF THE which bound this name from that clafs ofMflands of thefe BOOK of the Ocean to the Eafl. Moft I. part by a nation of Cannibals, were anciently poffeffed of the mild and inoffenthe fcourge and terror exfive natives of Hifpaniola, who frequently fierce their dread of thofe preffed to Columbus them Charaibes or and warlike invaders, ftiling of And it was in confequence Caribbees (f). the Mflands to which thefe this information, that difcovered afterwards by favages belonged, when generally him denominated Columbus, were by the Charaibean Iflands. nearly adjoinOF this clais, however, a group de Porto the Eaftern fide of St. John ing to called the Virgin Iiles ; a difRico, is likewife will be explained in tinétion ofwhich the origin its place (g). lib.i. Fer. Columbus, chap. xxxiii. (f Herrera, to obferve, that the old Spanifh (g) It may be proper of the Weft Indian Ifands in geNavigators, in fpeaking them alfo into two claffes, by neral, frequently difinguith and Sotavento, from whence our Wind- in the terms Barlovento Ifands ; the Charaibean conftituting of swarfand Leeward former clafs (and as fuch I fhall fpeak Strict propriety the of this work), and the four large Iflands them in the courfe and Porto Rico, the latter. of Cuba, Jamaica, Hifpaniola, both terms to the ChaBut our Englith mariners appropriate them according to their raibean Hlands only, fubdividing of the trade wind ; the Windward fituation in the courfe terminating, I believe, with Iflands by their arrangement at Dominica, and Martinico, and the Leeward commencing extending to Porto Rico. NEITHER --- Page 67 --- WEST INDIES. NEITHER muft it pafs unobferved, that the CHAP, name of Bahama is commonly applied by the I. Englith to that clufter of fimall iflands, rocks, and reefs of fand, which ftretch in a northwefterly direétion for the fpace of near three hundred leagues, from the Northern coaft of Hifpaniola to the Bahama Strait, oppofite the Florida Shore. Whether this appellation is of Indian origin, as commonly fuppofed, is a queftion I cannot anfwer ; neither does it merit very anxious inveftigation: yet thefe little iflands have defervedly a claim to particular notice ; for it was one of them (h) that had the honour of firft receiving Columbus, after a voyage the moft bold and magnificent in defign, and the moft important in its confequences, ofany that the mind of man has conceived, or national adventure undertaken, from the beginning of the world to the prefent hour, MosT of the countries of which I propofe Climate, to treat being fituated beneath the tropick of Cancer, the circumftances of climate, as well in regard to general heat, as to the periodical rains and confequent variation of feafons, are nearly the fame throughout the whole. The tempe- (h) Called by the Indians Guanahani, by the Spaniards St, Salvadore, and is known to Englith feamen by the name of Cat Ifland. The whole group is called by the Spaniards Lucayos. B 4 rature of which I propofe Climate, to treat being fituated beneath the tropick of Cancer, the circumftances of climate, as well in regard to general heat, as to the periodical rains and confequent variation of feafons, are nearly the fame throughout the whole. The tempe- (h) Called by the Indians Guanahani, by the Spaniards St, Salvadore, and is known to Englith feamen by the name of Cat Ifland. The whole group is called by the Spaniards Lucayos. B 4 rature --- Page 68 --- HISTORY OF THE of the air varies indeed confiderably acBOOK rature the elevation of the land ; but, with I. cording to degree of heat is this exception, the medium of this part of much the fame in all the countries the globe. feems properly to comA TROPICAL year feafons; the wwet and prehend but two diftinét thefe climates conthe drys but as the rains in it, like ftitute two great periods, I fhall defcribe under four divifions. the European year, may be faid to THE vernal feafon, or Spring, the with the month of May, when commence more vivid, foliage of the trees evidentlybecomes: their and the parched favannas begin to change ruffet hue, even previous to the firft periodical and generains, which are now daily expeêted, month. fet in about the middle of the rally with the Autumnal rains, may Thefe, compared fhowers. They come from be faid to be gentle about the South, and commonly fall every day and break up with thunder-ftorms; 5 creatnoon, and beautiful verdure, and a rapid ing a bright The thermometer at and luxuriant vegetation. fallthis feafon varies confiderably 5 commonly after the immediately ing fix or eight degrees be ftated diurnal rains: its medium height may at 75. thefe rains have continued about a AFTER the weather becomes dry, fettled, and fortnight, falutary; ; --- Page 69 --- WEST INDIES. falutary; and the tropical Summer reigns in full CHAP. glory. Not a cloud is to be perceived; ; and the I. fky blazes with irrefiftible fiercenels. For fome - 1 hours, commonly between feven and ten in the morning, before the fetting in of the fea-breeze or trade-wind, which at this feafon blows from the fouth-eaft with great force and regularity until latein the evening, the heat is fcarcely fupportable; but, no fooner is the influence felt of this refrefhing wind, than all Nature revives, and the climate, in the fhade, becomes not only very tolerable, but pleafant. The thermometer now varies but little in the whole twenty-four hours: its medium, near the coaft, may be ftated at about 80°. I have feldom obferved it higher than 85" at noon, nor much below 75" at fun-rife *. THE nights at this feafon are tranfcendently beautiful. The clearnefs and brilliancy of the heavens, the ferenity of the air, and the foft tranquillity in which Nature repofes, contribute to harmonize the mind, and produce the moft * Mr. Long, in his hiftory of Jamaica, juftly obferves, that 6 it is not merely a high degree of heat which renders a climate unwholefome, but the fudden change from great heat to (comparatively) great coolnefs, and vice werfà." Such tranfitions frequently occur in the fouthern provinces of North America. In Virginia, Mr.Jefferfon relates, that the mercury in Farenheit's thermometer has been known to defcend from 92°to 47in thirteen hours. The Weft India Iflands are happily exempt from thofe noxious variations. calm ferves, that 6 it is not merely a high degree of heat which renders a climate unwholefome, but the fudden change from great heat to (comparatively) great coolnefs, and vice werfà." Such tranfitions frequently occur in the fouthern provinces of North America. In Virginia, Mr.Jefferfon relates, that the mercury in Farenheit's thermometer has been known to defcend from 92°to 47in thirteen hours. The Weft India Iflands are happily exempt from thofe noxious variations. calm --- Page 70 --- HISTORY OF THE fenfations. The moon too sOOK calm and delightful far greater radiance climates difplays I. in thele The fmalleft print is legible by thani in Europe. ablencel her funétionis herl light,andi in the moon's brightnefsoft thei milky-way, not ill fuppliedbythe Venus, which appears and by that glorious planet with fo rehere like a little moon, and glitters Thade from trees, fulgent a beam as to caft a full amends buildings, and other objeêts, making of the for the fhort ftay and abrupt departure crepufculum or twilight (i). commonly contiTHIS ftate of the weather little variation, from the beginning nues, with middle of Auguft, when the of June until the and the atdiurnal breeze begins to intermit, and becomes fultry, incommodious mofphere the latter end of this month, fuffocating, In we look about in and moft part of September, The thermovain for coolnefs and comfort. and inftead of exceeds 90, meter occafionally wind from the fca, there a fteady and refrefhing and interior parts of the larger (i) In the mountainous abound at night, which have a iflands, innmerable, fire-fies They confift of different furprifing appearance to a ftranger- refembling a fpark of fire, fpecies, fome of which emit a light, each eye; and others from from a globular prominence near They are far more lumitheir fides in the aêt of refpiration. and fill the air on all fides, like fo nous than the glow-worm, aftonifhment and admiration of many living flars, to the great the the day-time unaccuftomed to country--In a traveller are they difappear. --- Page 71 --- WEST INDIES. it are ufually faint breezes and calms alternately. CHAP, Thefe are preludes to the fecond periodical, or I. Autumnal, feafon. Large towering clouds, fleeV 1 cy and of a reddifh hue, are now feen, in the morning, in the quarters of the fouth and foutheaft; the tops of the mountains at the fame time appear clear of clouds, and the objects upon them wear a blueifh caft, and feem much nearer to the fpeétator than ufual, When thefe vaft accumulations of vapour have rifen to a confiderable height in the atmofphere, they commonly move horizontally towards the mountains, proclaiming their progrefs in decp and rolling thunder, which, reverberated from peak to peak, and anfwered by the diftant roaring of the fea, heightens the majefty of the fcene, and irrefiftibly lifts up the mind of the fpeétator to the great Author of all fublimity * THE waters, however, with which thefe congregated vapours load the atmofphere, feldom fall with great and general force until the beginning ofOétober. It is then that the heavens pour down cataracts. An European who has * The thunder generally ceafes towards the evening, but, as the night fets in, the eyeis irreftiblyattracted towards the mountains by the diftant lightening, which iffues from the clouds in ten thoufand brilliant corufcations, and plays harmlefsly along the fummits ofthe mountains in various fantaftick fhapes. It is faid that the Aurora Borealis is never feen in the Weft Indies; but I have beheld lunar rainbows frequently. not the heavens pour down cataracts. An European who has * The thunder generally ceafes towards the evening, but, as the night fets in, the eyeis irreftiblyattracted towards the mountains by the diftant lightening, which iffues from the clouds in ten thoufand brilliant corufcations, and plays harmlefsly along the fummits ofthe mountains in various fantaftick fhapes. It is faid that the Aurora Borealis is never feen in the Weft Indies; but I have beheld lunar rainbows frequently. not --- Page 72 --- HISTORY OF THE can form no juft conBOOK not vifited thefe climates, which deluges of the of water I. ception quantity an exaét account the earth at this feafon: : by fell in one of the rain which which was kept it appeared to have year in Barbadoes (1754) equal to 7 feet 3ries been 87T0s cubic inches, *, inches perpendicular" between the beginIr is now, in the interval of Oétober, and the latter end ning of Auguft vifitations of the thofe dreadful that hurricanes, The prognofticks Almighty, are apprehended. have been minuteof thefe elementary confliéts, and their effeéts defcribed by various writers, ly late mournful experience to every are known by ifland within the tropicks, inhabitant of every feems to lie far bebut their immediate caufe knowthe limits of our circumferibed yond ledge + TOWARDS whole iflands throughout, from fixty to fixty- * Taking the the medium of rain in feafonfive inches appear to be about fhould annually fall in Engable years. If this quantity and the fruits of the land, the country would be deluged, of the fun, at that diftance from earth deftroyed. The power feeble to exhale a fuflicient quanthe equator, would be too hand, if fo fmall a portion as 21 tity ofit. On the other fall in the whole year at Barbadoes or inches only, fhould exhalation by the fun and the feaJamaica, where the and rivers would probably be breeze is fo great, the fprings perith by thirft and famine. dried up, and the inhabitants $ but none have t Earthquakes alfo are not unfrequent; fince the fatal one of June been produétive of mifchief 1692, --- Page 73 --- WEST INDIES. TowARDS the end ofI November, or fometimes CHAP. not till the middle of December, a confiderable I. change in the temperature of the air is perceivable. The coafts to the northward are now beaten by a rough and heavy fea, roaring with inceffant noife; the wind varies from the eaft to the north-eaft and north, fometimes driving before it, acrofs the higheft mountains, not only heavy rains but hail; till at length, the north wind having acquired fufficient force, the atmofphere is cleared ; and now comes on a fucceffion of ferene and pleafant weather, the north-eaft and northerly winds fpreading coolnefs and delight throughout the whole of this burning region. IF this interval, therefore, from the beginning of December to the end of April, be called winter, it is certainly the fincft winter on the globe. To valetudinarians and perfons advanced in life, it is the climate of Paradife. 1692, which fwallowed up Port Royal. Slight fhocks are felt in Jamaica I believe every year, generally about the month of June, immediately after the May rains. IfI might venture into the regions of conjeéture, I fhould impute thefe little concuflions folely to changes in the atmofphere, and rather call them air-guakes than earthquakes : they are however very terrifying. During the Autumnal rains the climate is very fickly, and the four laft months ofthe year commonly prove fatal to a great many of the old inhabitants, but more efpecially to perfons of a full habit newly arrived from Europe, and feafaring people. THE about the month of June, immediately after the May rains. IfI might venture into the regions of conjeéture, I fhould impute thefe little concuflions folely to changes in the atmofphere, and rather call them air-guakes than earthquakes : they are however very terrifying. During the Autumnal rains the climate is very fickly, and the four laft months ofthe year commonly prove fatal to a great many of the old inhabitants, but more efpecially to perfons of a full habit newly arrived from Europe, and feafaring people. THE --- Page 74 --- HISTORY OF THE which I have thus given is, how: BOOK THE account exaÉt and not as uniformly I. ever, to be received particular; but as a general reprefentaminutely fubjeét to many variations and exception only, iflands of Cuba, Hifpaniola, tions. In the large mountains are clothed and Jamaica, whofe lofty the rains with forefts perhaps as old as the deluge, than in the are much more frequent and violent of which are finall iflands to windward; fome without wood ; without mountains, and others In the both powerful agents on the atmofphere. the three former interior and elevated diftriéts of month Ibelieve there are thowers in every iflands, the northern coafts of thofe ofthe year; 3 and on in Decemconfiderable rains are expeétedi iflands, foon after the fetting in of the ber or January, north winds. or diurnal feathe trade-wind, Winds. CONCERNING blows in thefe climates from the breeze, which with little intereaft, and its collateral points, months in the year, miflion or variation nine traced and difthe caufes of it having been for numerous writers, it is unneceffary played by of the landme to treat; but the peculiarity can be more wind by night (than which nothing lefs has been generally grateful and refrething) among others, noticed. This is an advantage, Weft Indies derive which the larger iflands ofthe their furface 5 for as from the great inequality of foon --- Page 75 --- WEST INDIES. foon as the fea-breeze dies away, the hot air of CHAP. the plains being rarefied, afcends towards the I. tops of the mountains, and is there condenfed by the cold; which making it fpecifically heavier than it was before, it defcends back to the plains on both fides of the ridge. Hence a night-wind is felt in all the mountainous countries under the torrid zone, blowing on all fides from the land towards the fhore, fo that on a north thore the wind Thall come from the fouth, and on the fouth fhore from the north. Agreeably to this hypothefis, it is obfervable that in the iflands to windward, where they haveno mountains, they have no land-breeze (k). OF thegeneral appearance of a diftant country, General and the fcenery with which it is clothed, it is appeardifficult, by mere verbal defcription, to convey ance. an idea. To the firft difcoverers, the profpect of thefe iflands muft have been interefting beyond all that imagination can at prefent conceive. Even at this day, when the mind is prepared (k) The account thus given of the land-wind, is chiefly in the words of Dr. Franklin, whofe defcription is fo precife and accurate as to admit of no improvement. In Barbadoes, and moft of the fmall iflands to windward, the feabreeze blows as well by night as by day. It is fometimes the cafe in Jamaica in the months of June and July, the land at that time being heated to fuch a degrec, that the cold air of the mountains is not fufficiently denfe to check the current which flows from the fea. and thus given of the land-wind, is chiefly in the words of Dr. Franklin, whofe defcription is fo precife and accurate as to admit of no improvement. In Barbadoes, and moft of the fmall iflands to windward, the feabreeze blows as well by night as by day. It is fometimes the cafe in Jamaica in the months of June and July, the land at that time being heated to fuch a degrec, that the cold air of the mountains is not fufficiently denfe to check the current which flows from the fea. and --- Page 76 --- HISTORY OF THÉ awakened by antecedent ac BOOK and expeétation the voyager for the I, counts, they are beheld by of admiration 1 firft time, with ftrong emotions arifing not only from the novelty and pleafure; from the beauty of the of the fcene, but alfo of the larger, fmaller iflands, and the fublimity and mountains form a ftupendous whofe lofty both of wonder and awful piéture; the fubject contemplation (1). NOR to the Weft Indies, many muft (1) To the firft voyagers and in fome refpeôts have been the objeêts of aftonifhment, of land; fuch as. the of terror, even before the appearance of the winds, the variation of the compafs, the regularity of the exiftence of which water-fpout, and other phaenomena; ; It is in furch cafés that they weré previoully unapprized. over the mind with uncontroulablé terror exerts its power and refleétion can furnifh no arafcendancy; for reafon Columbus in truth found gument to oppofe to its creation. progrefs. What, for inftance, could himfelf amidft a new curiofity than the firft fight of have more ftrongly excited Who would have that wonderful little animal the Aying f? had power to quit their believed that the natives of the deep the birds of the air! It watery element, and fily aloft with the propenfity of was an era of miracles, and confidering truly is ftrange, the modefty mankind to magnify what of his enterprifes and difplayed by Columbus in adherence fpeaking to truth which he apdifcoveries, and the ftriét form a very difon all occafions to have manifefted, the travelpears feature in his chara@ter. In general which tinguifhing reported wonderful things lers of thofe days not only believed what they never exifted, but fometimes Ponce even de really Leon, a Spaniard of réported. In 1512 John Herrera) actually took a diftinaion (as we are informed by voyage Columbus in adherence fpeaking to truth which he apdifcoveries, and the ftriét form a very difon all occafions to have manifefted, the travelpears feature in his chara@ter. In general which tinguifhing reported wonderful things lers of thofe days not only believed what they never exifted, but fometimes Ponce even de really Leon, a Spaniard of réported. In 1512 John Herrera) actually took a diftinaion (as we are informed by voyage --- Page 77 --- WEST INDIES. NoR did thefe promifing territories difappoint CHAP. expeétation on a nearer fearch and more accurate I. infpection. Columbus, whofe veracity has never V - been fulpeéted, fpeaks of their beauty and fertility in terms of the higheft admiration : Ce There Ce is a river (he obferves in one of his letters to € King Ferdinand written from Cuba) which 66 difcharges itfelfinto the harbour that I have 66 named Porto Santo, of fufficient depth to be 66 navigable, I had the curiofity to found it, €c and found it cight fathom. Yet the water is 66 fol limpid, that I can eafily difcern the fand at K the bottom. The banks of this river are em6 bellilhed with lofty palm-trees, whofe fhade 66 gives a delicious frefhnefs to the air; and the 6e birds and the flowers are uncommon and beau- &6 tiful. I was fo delighted with the fcene, that 66 I had almoft come to the refolution of ftaying K here the remainder of my days; for believe voyageto Florida fort the purpofeofbathinginthe River Bimini, which he had been told and believed would reftore him to youth, like the cauldron of Medea. If we laugh at the credulity of this old man, what fhall we fay to our own learned countryman Sir Walter Raleigh, who fixty years afterwards, in the hiftory of his voyage to Guiana, gives an account of a nation wuho were born vithout heads, and wolofe eyes were placedin their) Moulders. Raleigh does not indeed pretend that he had feen any of thefe ftrange people himfelf, but he repeats what he had heard from others with a gravity and folemnity which evince that he ferioufly believed their exiftence. See his account of Guiana in Hakluyt's Colleation, yol. ii. Vor. I. C 66 me, --- Page 78 --- HISTORY OF THÉ countries far furpafs all the BOOK c me, Sire, thefe and conveniency; I. c reft of the world in beauty obferved to my people, cc and Ihave frequently endeavours to convey to c6 that, with all my idea of the charme6 your Majefty an adequate prefent themcontinually 6 ing objeéts which will fall view, the defcription: ce felves to our (e greatly fhort ofthe reality." are thofe How ill informed, or prejudiced, who, affedting to difbelievé, writers, therefore, the enormities of the to palliate, or endeavouring reprefent thefe once delightfol Spanifh invaders, difcovered by Columbus, to fpots, when firft and unhealthy have been fo many impenetrable after the Spaniards, in deferts ! It is true, that had extermithe courfe of a few bloody years, poffeffors, the nated the ancient and rightful fertility, beneath earth, left to its own natural teemed with the influence of a tropical fun, the faireft of noxious vegetation. Then, indeed, folitudes; thefe iflands became fo many frightful Such was the impervious and unwholefome. wrefted from the condition of Jamaica when and fuch is the condiSpanifh Crown in 1655, and Porto Rico at tion of great part of Cuba wife and benevolent this day : for the infinitely the exerGovernor of the univerfe, to compel he has given us, tion of thofe faculties which cultivation alone, has ordained, that by human the the influence of a tropical fun, the faireft of noxious vegetation. Then, indeed, folitudes; thefe iflands became fo many frightful Such was the impervious and unwholefome. wrefted from the condition of Jamaica when and fuch is the condiSpanifh Crown in 1655, and Porto Rico at tion of great part of Cuba wife and benevolent this day : for the infinitely the exerGovernor of the univerfe, to compel he has given us, tion of thofe faculties which cultivation alone, has ordained, that by human the --- Page 79 --- WEST INDIES. the earth becomes the proper habitation of CHAP, man (m). I. BUTas the Weft Indian Iflands in their an- 1 cient ftate were not without culture, fo neither were they generally noxious to health. The plains or favannas were regularly fown, twice in the year, with that fpecies of grain which is now well known in Europe by the name of Turkey Wheat. It was called by the Indians Mahez, or Maize, a name it ftill bears in all the Iflands, and does not require very laborious cultivation. This however conftituted but a part only, and not the moft confiderable part, ofthe vegetable food of the natives. As thefe countries were at the fame time extremely populous, both the hills and the vallies (of the fmaller iflands efpecially) were neceffarily cleared of underwood, and the trees which remained afforded a fhade that was cool, airy, and delicious. Of thefe trees fome, as (m) Dr. Lind, in his 66 Eflay on the Difeafes of Hot Cli6 mates," has preferved an extraét from the Journal of an Officer who failed up a river on the coaft of Guinea, which affords a ftriking illuftration of this remark: 66 We were 66 (fays the Officer) thirty miles diftant from the €6 fea, in a country altogether uncultivated, overflowed with 6 furrounded with thick impenetrable woods, and water6 with flime, The air was fo vitiated, noifome and overrun 66 that our torches and candlés burnt dim, andfeemed thick, to be 6 extinguifhed; and even the human wwice lef its natural ready tone." Part I. p.64. the affords a ftriking illuftration of this remark: 66 We were 66 (fays the Officer) thirty miles diftant from the €6 fea, in a country altogether uncultivated, overflowed with 6 furrounded with thick impenetrable woods, and water6 with flime, The air was fo vitiated, noifome and overrun 66 that our torches and candlés burnt dim, andfeemed thick, to be 6 extinguifhed; and even the human wwice lef its natural ready tone." Part I. p.64. the --- Page 80 --- HISTORY OF THE (n), are, without doubt, BOOX the papaw and palmeto the creation. of all vegetable I. the moft graceful bloffom, and bear fruit Othérs continue to bud, nothe year. Nor is it undeferving throughout of the moft part fpringing tice, that the foliage and thence from the fummit of the trunk, only branches, clofely expanding into wide-fpreading is an affemarranged, every grove but clegantly (for there are feveral) is the (n) The fpecies here meant fo called becaufe the palmeto-royal, or mountin-cabbage is fometimes eaten, and fuppofed to upper part of the trunk cabbage in flavour. Ligon menrefemble the European fettlement of Barbadoes, about 200 tions fome, at the firft obferves, that the higheft in feet in height; but Mr. Hughes feet. faminclined tol beliève, his time, in that iland, was 134 upwards of 150 feet in that I have feen them in Jamaica with certainty without an height; but itisi impofible to fpeak the tall cedars of Lebanon actual meafurement. 66 Neither of the foreft, are equal to it in (fays Hughes) nor any trees fo that it claims among vege: height, beauty; ot proportion; which Virgil gives to Rome among tables, that fuperiority the cities of Italy: extulit urbes, Verum haec tantum alias inter caput leatafalent inter eiburna capref?" Quantum trunk, from whence the foliage The upper part of the turned finely polifhed balufter, of fprings, refembles a well- fwelling from its pedeftal, and colour, gently into a lively green gradually to the top, where it expands From the diminilsing like plumes of oftrich feathers. branches waving fummit rifes the fpatha or fheath, terminating center ofthe The trunk itfelf is not lefs graceful; at in an acute point. fmooth, flightly annulated column, large of the being a ftraight, from thence to the infertion the bafe, and tapering balufter or cabbage. blage fwelling from its pedeftal, and colour, gently into a lively green gradually to the top, where it expands From the diminilsing like plumes of oftrich feathers. branches waving fummit rifes the fpatha or fheath, terminating center ofthe The trunk itfelf is not lefs graceful; at in an acute point. fmooth, flightly annulated column, large of the being a ftraight, from thence to the infertion the bafe, and tapering balufter or cabbage. blage --- Page 81 --- WEST INDIES. 2X blage of majeftick columns, fupporting a ver- CHAP. dant canopy, and excluding the fun, without I. impeding the circulation of the air. Thus the fhade, at all times impervious to the blaze, and refrefhed by the diurnal breeze, affords, not merely a refuge from occafional inconveniency, but a moft wholefome and delightful retreat and habitation. SucH were thefe orchards of the Sun, and woods of perennial verdure; of a growth unknown to the frigid clime and lefs vigorous foil of Europe; for what is the oak compared to the cedar or mahogany, of each of which the trunk frequently meafures from eighty to ninety feet from the bafe to the limbs? What European foreft has ever given birth to a ftem equal to that ofthe ceiba (0), which alone, fimply rendered concave, has been known to produce a boat capable of containing one hundred perfons ? or the ftill greater fig, the fovereign of the vegetable creation,-itfelf a foreft (p)? Tyz (0) The wild cotton tree. (P) This monarch of the woods, whofe empire extends over Afia and Africa, as well as the tropical parts of America, is defcribed by our divine Poet with great exaétnefs: The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renown'd, But fuch as at this day to Indians known ln Malabar and Decan, fpreads her arms, C 3 Branching containing one hundred perfons ? or the ftill greater fig, the fovereign of the vegetable creation,-itfelf a foreft (p)? Tyz (0) The wild cotton tree. (P) This monarch of the woods, whofe empire extends over Afia and Africa, as well as the tropical parts of America, is defcribed by our divine Poet with great exaétnefs: The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renown'd, But fuch as at this day to Indians known ln Malabar and Decan, fpreads her arms, C 3 Branching --- Page 82 --- HISTORY OF THE fcenery of thefe gigantick BOOK THE majeftick time, enlivened by the I. groves was, at the fame and the furprifing - fingular forms of fome, animals which of others of the inferior thefe beauty them. Although poffeffed and peopled in the fequel, a few will be more fully defcribed occur to me, will, obfervations which at prefent it hath been Ifit be true, as I hope, be forgiven. of the regions of the torrid afferted, that in moft refleéted heat of the fun is, as it were, zone, the fiercenefs of their wild beafts, in the untameable and venom of the nuand in the exalted rage which they are infefted, merous ferpents with of all things has regarded the Sovereign Difpofer Indies with peculiar far the Iflands of the Weft fo broad and long, that in the ground Branching take root, and daughters grow The bearded twigs tree, a pillar'd fhade, Abové the mother and echoing walks beraocen! Book IX. High cpr-arded, Paradife Loft, by Quintus Curtius (who, in And with ftill greater precifion Syloe erant, prope imthis inftance at leaft, is not fabulous): et in eximiam altitudinem menfum Ipatiam difufes procerifque Plerique rami infar ingentium Ripi- adeo editis arboribus umbrofae. rurfus, qua fe curoacerant crigebantir, radice genetum) Pexi in humum, arboris ex fua Mr. stjpecies effet 2072 rami in irdargenin/fida the Eaft Indies the baryan-tre. of rate. It is called Account of the dimenfions Marfden gives the following miles weft of Patna in Bengal: one, near Manjee, twenty circumference of the fhadow at in Diameter, 363 to 375 circumference feet; of the feveral ftems, noon, 1116 feet; feet. Hift. Sumatra, p. 131. number fifty or fixty,9a1 vours Mr. stjpecies effet 2072 rami in irdargenin/fida the Eaft Indies the baryan-tre. of rate. It is called Account of the dimenfions Marfden gives the following miles weft of Patna in Bengal: one, near Manjee, twenty circumference of the fhadow at in Diameter, 363 to 375 circumference feet; of the feveral ftems, noon, 1116 feet; feet. Hift. Sumatra, p. 131. number fifty or fixty,9a1 vours --- Page 83 --- WEST INDIES, vours inafmuch as their ferpents are wholly CHAP. deftitute of poifon (9), and they poffefs no I. animal of prey, to defolate their vallies. The - 1 crocodile, or alligator, is indeed fometimes difcovered 19) I fay this on the authority of Brown, Charlevoix, and Hughes (of whom the firft compiled the Hiftory of Jamaica, the fecond that of Hifpaniola, and the laft that of Barbadoes) -on the teftimony of many gentlemen who have refided in feveral of the Windward Iflands-and on my own experience during a refidence of eighteen years in Jamaica. In that time Ineither knew nor heard of any perfon being hurt from the bite of any' one fpecies of the numerous fnakes or lizards known in that ifland. Some of the fnakes I have myfelf handled with perfect fecurity. I conclude, therefore, (notwithftanding the contrary affertion of Du Tertre refpeéting Martinico and St. Lucia) that all the Iands are providentially exempted from this evil, Neverthelefs it muft be admitted, that the circumftance is extraordinary; inafmuch as every part of the continent of America, but efpecially thofe provinces which lie under the Equator, abound in a high degree with ferpents, whofe bite is mortal,- -Dr. Bancroft, in his Account of Guiana, gives a dreadful litt of fuch as are found in that extenfive country; and, in fpeaking of one, of a fpecies which he calls the fmall labarra, makes mention of a negro who was unfortunately bit by it in the finger. The negro had butjuft time to kill the fnake, when his limbs became unable to fupport him, and he fell to the ground, and expired in leis than five minutes. Dr. Dancer, in his Hiftory of the Expedition from Jamaica to Fort Juan on the Lake of Nicaragua, in 1780, which he attended as phyfician, relates the following circumftance: A fnake hanging from the bough of a tree bit one ofthe foldiers, as he paffed along, juft under the orbit of the left eye; from whence the poor man felt fuch intenfe pain, that he was unable to proceed: and when a meffenger was fent to him a few hoursafterwards, C 4 be minutes. Dr. Dancer, in his Hiftory of the Expedition from Jamaica to Fort Juan on the Lake of Nicaragua, in 1780, which he attended as phyfician, relates the following circumftance: A fnake hanging from the bough of a tree bit one ofthe foldiers, as he paffed along, juft under the orbit of the left eye; from whence the poor man felt fuch intenfe pain, that he was unable to proceed: and when a meffenger was fent to him a few hoursafterwards, C 4 be --- Page 84 --- HISTORY OF THE banks of their rivers; but notwithBOOK véred on the been faid of its fierce and I. ftanding all that has it, from my own favage difpofition, I pronounce avoidand timid creature, knowledge, a cautious the approach ing, with the utmoft precipitation, lizard kind are perof man. The reft of the Some of them fectly innocent and inoffenfive. They emeven fond of human fociety. are their beauty, and court bellifh our walks by and frolick ; but by gentlenefs our attention is returned by their kindne(s, I know not why, the woods of averfion and difguft. Anciently of America aalmoft all the équatorial parts of the fmaller bounded with various tribes creature, and fagacious little monkey, a fportive feem likewife to which the people of Europe deteftation ; for with unmerited have regarded down with fuch barbarous they hunted them feveral of the iflands every fpeaffiduity, that in fince exterminated. cies of them has been long tribes have now Of the feathered race too, many man delerted thofe fhores where polithed nearly dead, with all the fymptoms of putrefaétion, the a he was found fwelling over his whole body; and eye ciryellownes and bitten, wholly diffolved. This near to which he was to me by General Kemble, who cumftance was confirmed that It may not be ufecommanded in chief on expedition. which are venomous are furlefs to add, that thofe ferpents refembling the tufks of a boar: nifhed with fangs fomewhat and inferted in the upper jaw. they are moveable, delights --- Page 85 --- WEST INDIES, delights in fpreading univerfal and capricious CHAP. deftruction. Among thefe, one of the moft reI. markable was the flamingo, an elegant and prince- 1 ly bird, nearly as large as the fwan, and arrayed in plumage of the brighteft fcarlet. Numerous, however, are the feathered kinds, defervedly diftinguilhed by their fplendour and beauty, that Atill animate thefe fylvan receffes. The parrot, and its various affinities, from the maccaw to the parroguet, fome of them not larger than a fparrow, are too well known to require defcription. Thefe are as plentiful in the larger iflands of the Weft Indies as the rook is in Europe, But the boaft of American groves is doubtlefs the colibry, or humming bird; of the brilliance of whofe plumage no combination of words, nor tints of the pencil, can convey an adequate idea. The confummate green of the emerald, the rich purple of the amethyft, and the vivid flame of the ruby, all happily blended and enveloped beneath a tranfparent veil of waving gold, are diftinguifhable in every fpecies, but differently arranged and apportioned in each. Nor is the minutenefs of its form lefs the objeét of admiration, than the luftre ofits plumage; the fmalleft fpecies not exceeding the fize of a beetle, and appearing the link which conneéts the bird and infeét creation. Ir has been obferved, however, that although , and the vivid flame of the ruby, all happily blended and enveloped beneath a tranfparent veil of waving gold, are diftinguifhable in every fpecies, but differently arranged and apportioned in each. Nor is the minutenefs of its form lefs the objeét of admiration, than the luftre ofits plumage; the fmalleft fpecies not exceeding the fize of a beetle, and appearing the link which conneéts the bird and infeét creation. Ir has been obferved, however, that although --- Page 86 --- HISTORY OF THE of ornament to the BOOK though nature is profufe fhe has beftowed far I. birds of the torrid zone, thofe of Europe; V greater powers of melody on true. That proand the obfervation is partly which in the digality and variety of mufick is cervernal feafon enlivens the Briti(h groves, reunknown to the fhades of the tropical tainly thele altogether Gilent or ingions; yet are not of the mockbird is deharmonious. The note the hum of myriads fervedly celebrated, while melody of the of bufy infeéts, and the plaintive abounding in thefe innumerable variety of doves if it ferves not climates, form a concert, which, at leaft to to awaken the fancy, contributes the and, like murmuring footh the affections, of a rivulet, gives harmony naturalift to repofe, the taik of BUT, refigning to the tribes of Mounthe fplendid aerial tains. minutely defcribing variety is not lefs remarkable thele regions, whofe return from thefe, the than their beauty, I now forms of aétive life, to fmalleft and moft pleafing of. inanimate and moft awful objeêts the largeft tranfition is abrupt; ; but it is in nature. The and elevation of the the magnitude, extent, World, that the Almountains of the New manifefted the wonmighty has moft Atrikingly Thofe of South Ameders of his omnipotence. twice the height rica are fiuppofed to be nearly and, in the ancient hemifphere, of the bigheft even --- Page 87 --- WEST INDIES. even under the equator, have their tops involved CHAP: in everlafting fhow. To thofe maffive piles, the I. loftieft fummits of the moft elevated of the Weft Indian Iflands cannot indeed be compared ; but fome of thefe rife, neverthelefs, in amazing grandeur, and are among the firft objeéts that fix the attention of the voyager. The mountains of Hifpaniola in particular, whofe wavy ridges are deferied from fea at the diftance of thirty leagues, towering far above the clouds in ftupendous magnificence, and the blue mountains of Jamaica, have never yet, that I have heard, been fully explored. Neither curiofity nor avarice has hitherto ventured to invade the topmoft of thofe lofty regions. In fuch of them as are acceffible, nature is found to have put on the appearance of a new creation. As the climate changes, the trees, the birds, and the infects are fcen alfo to differ from thofe which are met with below. To an unaccuftomed fpectator, looking down from thofe heights, the whole fcene appears like enchantinent. The firft object which catches the eye at the dawn of day, is a vaft expanfe ofvapour, covering the whole face ofthe vallies. Its boundaries being perfectly diftinet and vifibly circumicribed, it has the exact refemblance of an immenfe body of water; whilft the mountains appear like fo many iflands in the midft ofa beautiful lake. As the fun increafes in uftomed fpectator, looking down from thofe heights, the whole fcene appears like enchantinent. The firft object which catches the eye at the dawn of day, is a vaft expanfe ofvapour, covering the whole face ofthe vallies. Its boundaries being perfectly diftinet and vifibly circumicribed, it has the exact refemblance of an immenfe body of water; whilft the mountains appear like fo many iflands in the midft ofa beautiful lake. As the fun increafes in --- Page 88 --- HISTORY OF THE varies: the incumbent BOOK în force, the profpeôt and melt into air; difclofI. vapours fly upward, of nature, and the triumphs 1 ing all the beauties and embellithed by the ofinduftry, heightened fun. In the equatorial full blaze of a tropical frefeafon, fcenes of fill greater magnificence while all is calm quently prefent themfelves; for, the clouds are and ferene in the higher regions, the fides of the mounfeen below fiveeping along more pondetains in vaft bodies; until growing in accumulation, they fall at length rous by the The found of torrents of water on plains, the fpeétator is diftinétly heard by the tempeft lightning is feen to irradiate above ; the diftant reverberated in a the gloom; while the thunder, his feet. thoufand echoes, rolls far beneath BUT, lofty as the tropical mountains generally Reflectrue, that all the knowa tions, &c. are, it is wonderfully furnith inconteftible eviparts of their fummits dominion over dence that the fea had once afEven their appearance at a diftance them. in fupport of this conclufion. fords an argument billows, and their various Their ridges refemble feem inflexions, and convexities, inequalities, afcribable to the fluétuations of the deep. jufly too, marine fhells are As in other countries in various parts of found in great abundance in the I have feen on a mountain thefe heights. oyfters dug interior parts of Jamaica petrified up, --- Page 89 --- WEST INDIES. uup, which perfeétly refembled, in the moft CHAP. minute circumftances, the large oyfters of the I. weftern coaft of England ; a fpecies not to - 4 be found at this time, I believe, in the feas of the Weft Indies. Here then, is an ample field for conjeéture to expatiate in S and indeed few fubjeêts have afforded greater exercife to the pens of phyfical writers, than the appearances I have mentioned. While fome philofophers affign the origin of all the various inequalities of the earth to the ravages of the deluge, others, confidering the mountains as the parents offprings and rivers, maintain that they are coeval with the world; ; and that, firft emerging from the abyfs, they were created with it. Some again afcribe them to theforce of volcanoes and earthquakes: ce the Almighty," fay they, c6 while he permits fubterranean fires to fwallow up cities and plains in one part of the globe, caufes them to produce promontories and iflands in another, which afterwards become the fruitful feats of induftry and happinefs (r)." ALL thefe and other theorifts concur, however, in the belief that the furface of the globe has undergone many furprifing and violent convulfions and changes fince it firft came from the hands of the Creator. Hills have funk (r) Goldfmith's Hiftory of the Earth, &c. vol. i. into fires to fwallow up cities and plains in one part of the globe, caufes them to produce promontories and iflands in another, which afterwards become the fruitful feats of induftry and happinefs (r)." ALL thefe and other theorifts concur, however, in the belief that the furface of the globe has undergone many furprifing and violent convulfions and changes fince it firft came from the hands of the Creator. Hills have funk (r) Goldfmith's Hiftory of the Earth, &c. vol. i. into --- Page 90 --- HISTORY OF THE go and vallies have been exalted into BOOK into plains, iflands of the the numerous I. hills. Refpeding confidered as the 1 Weft Indies, they are generally of a great tops of lofty mountains, the eminences converted into iflands by a tremencontinent, which, increafing the dous concuffion of nature, from Eaft to Weft, natural courfe of the ocean under has laid a vaft extent of level country water (1)- all that has been writBuT, notwithftanding little feems to be ten on this fubject, very this do not The advocates of fyftem known. that the fea could not have fufficiently confider, of land on one fide of covered fo great a portion fpace as without leaving an immenfe the globe, the other. We have no record fuddenly dry on nor indeed in hiftory of fo mighty a revolution, which this hypoof the premifes on are many eftablithed in truth. thefis is built, thefe iflands PERHAPS, inftead of confidering Origin. of a defolated continent, we as the fragments them as the rudiments of ought rather to regard probable, that many a new one. Itis extremely to emerge of them, even now, are but beginning Buffon has from the bofom of the deep. Mr. that the incontrovertible evidence, fhewn, by of the fea bears an exact refemblance bottom L'Abbé Pluche, and others. ( See L'Abbé Raynal, to --- Page 91 --- WEST INDIES. to the land which we inhabit; confifting, CHAP. like the earth, of hills and vallies, plains and I. hollows, rocks, fands and foils of every con- 1 fiftence and fpecies. To the motion of the waves, and the fediments which they have depofited, he imputes too, with great probability, the regular pofitions of the various ftrata or layers which compofe the upper parts of the earth; and he Chews that this arrangement cannot have been the effect of a fudden revolution, but of caufes flow, gradual, and fucceflive in their operations. To the flow of tides and rivers, depofiting materials which have been accumulating ever fince the creation, and the, various fluctuations of the decp operating thereon, he afcribes therefore, moft of thofe inequalities in the prefent appearance of the globe which in fome parts embellith, and in others (to our limited view at leaft) deface it. PURSUING this train of thought, we may be led perhaps to confider many of the moft terrifying appearances of nature, as neceffary and propitious in the formation and fupport of the fyftem of the world; and even in volcanoes and earthquakes (of which moft of thefe iflands bear evident memorials) we may trace the ftupendous agency of divine providence, employed, as mankind increafe in numbers, in raifing up from the bottom of the deep new portions of land for their habitations and comfort. THESE train of thought, we may be led perhaps to confider many of the moft terrifying appearances of nature, as neceffary and propitious in the formation and fupport of the fyftem of the world; and even in volcanoes and earthquakes (of which moft of thefe iflands bear evident memorials) we may trace the ftupendous agency of divine providence, employed, as mankind increafe in numbers, in raifing up from the bottom of the deep new portions of land for their habitations and comfort. THESE --- Page 92 --- HISTORY OF THE are founded in piety, sOOK THESE confiderations and although in and feem confonant to reafon; I. phenomena which 1 contemplating the tremendous beyond all mountains of South America, the prefent to our noother parts of the globe, which and reflecting on the devaftations tice reafon will fometimes find they fpread, human may we, not by and difmayed, itfelf perplexed uniformi conclude, that the Almighty, analogy wife and benevolent in his purpofes, is equally the fcale on which in all his difpenfations, though for the fpan of he aÉts is fometimes too Jarge ? They who our limited and feeble comprehenfion the works of feem beft qualified to contemplate that it will moft readily acknowledge the Deity, unfold the page of Omnipois not for man to confcious ignorance we add tence. Happy ifto humble adoration ! of the earth America is the place where (J" Ofall parts of nature are the moft confpicuous. the dreadful irregularities Etna itfelf, are but mere fireworks in com- as Vefuvius, and mountains of the Andes, which, parifon to the burning mountains in the world, fo alfo are they they are the higheft for their eruptions." 9 Goldfinith's the moit ofthe formidable Earth, &c. vol.i. P. 99. from Hiftory explofion Catpaxi, It is related, that a volcanick of Quito, has been heard at the mountain in the province diftance of 150 miles. CHAP. --- Page 93 --- WEST INDIES. CHAP. II. %f the Charaibes, or ancient Inhabitants ef the Windward Hands. - Origin. Dificulties attending an accurate inveftigation of their character.-Such particulars related as are leaf difputed, concerming their manners and difpofitions, perfons and domefick habits, education of their children, arts, manufaétures and government, religiots rites, funeral ceremonies, ESc.-Some refeÉlions drawn from the whole. HAvING thus given an account of the cli- CHAP. mate and feafons, and endeavoured to convey to II. the reader fome faint idea of the beauty and magnificence with which the hand of Nature arrayed the furface of thefe numerous Iflands, I fhall now. proceed to enquire after thofe inhabitants to whofe fupport and conveniency they were chiefly found fubfervient, when they firft came to the knowledge of Europe. Ir hath been obferved in the preceding chapter that Columbus, on his firft arrival at Hifpaniola, received information of a barbarous and warlike people, a nation of Cannibals, who frequently made depredations on that, and the neighbouring Iflands. They were called Caribbees, or Charaibes, and were reprefented as comVoL. I. D ing e inhabitants to whofe fupport and conveniency they were chiefly found fubfervient, when they firft came to the knowledge of Europe. Ir hath been obferved in the preceding chapter that Columbus, on his firft arrival at Hifpaniola, received information of a barbarous and warlike people, a nation of Cannibals, who frequently made depredations on that, and the neighbouring Iflands. They were called Caribbees, or Charaibes, and were reprefented as comVoL. I. D ing --- Page 94 --- HISTORY OF THE Columbus, in his fecond BOOK ing from the Eaft. were theinhabitants difcovered that they I. voyage, Hlands. 1 of the Windward in language and chaTHE great difference and the inhabitants raéter between thefc favages and Porto-Rico, Jamaica, of Cuba, Hifpaniola, that their origin hath given birth to an opinion feems indeed tol be alfo was different. Ofthis there from whence but little doubt ; but the queftion is of more each clafs of Hlands was firft peopled, his folution. Rochefort, who publifhed the difficult of the Antilles in 1658, pronounces Floaccount been originally a nation of Charaibest tohave fuppofes that a corida, in North America.-Her having been driven Apalachianl Indians the Windward lonyofthe continent, arrived at from that the ancient male inIflands, and exterminating of their lands and habitants, took poffeffion iflands he prefumes their women. Of the larger and population that the natural ftrength, extent thefe happily affording fecurity to the natives, overtook their which efcaped the deltruction and thus arofe the unfortunate neighbours; ; the inhabitants diftinétion obfervable between and fmaller iflands (a). of the larger Hiftoire des Illes Antilles, liv. ii. C. vii. (a) Rochefort Voyage aux Ifles de L'AmeSee alfo, P. Labat nouveau rique, tom. iv. C. XV. To --- Page 95 --- WEST INDIES 3S To this account of the origin of the Infular CHAP. Charaibes, the generality of hiftorians have II. given their affent ; but there are doubts attend- 1 ing it that are not eafily folved. If they migrated from Florida, the imperfeét ftate and natural courfe of their navigation, induce a belief that traces of them would have been found on thofe iflands which are near to the Florida Shore; yet the natives of the Bahamas, when difcovered by Columbus, were evidently a fimilar people to thofe of Hifpaniola (b). Befides, itis fufficiently known that there exifted anciently many numerous and powerful tribes of Charaibes, on the fouthern Peninfula, extending from the river Oronoko to Effequebe, and throughout the whole province of Surinam, even to Brafil; ; fome of which ftill maintain their independency. It was with one of thofe tribes that our countryman Sir Walter Raleigh formed an alliance, when that commander made his romantick expedition to the coaft of Guiana in 1595(c); and by him we are affured that the Charaibes of that part ofthe Continent, fpoke the language of Dominica (d). Ii incline therefore to the opinion of Martyr (e), and con- (b) Herrera, lib. ix. chap. ii. (c) Bancroft's Hiftory of Guiana, P. 259. (4) Hakluyt, vol. iii. P. 668. (e) P. Martyr, Decad. 2. lib. i, D 2 clude ft of Guiana in 1595(c); and by him we are affured that the Charaibes of that part ofthe Continent, fpoke the language of Dominica (d). Ii incline therefore to the opinion of Martyr (e), and con- (b) Herrera, lib. ix. chap. ii. (c) Bancroft's Hiftory of Guiana, P. 259. (4) Hakluyt, vol. iii. P. 668. (e) P. Martyr, Decad. 2. lib. i, D 2 clude --- Page 96 --- HISTORY OF THE clude that the iflangers were rather a Colony BOOK of South America, than from I. from the Charaibes admits that any nation of the North. Rochefort traditions referred conftantly to Guitheir own that they enterana (F). It does not appear tained the moft remote idea of a Northern anceftry. perhaps, that the ConIT. may be thought, tinental Charaibes were themfelvés emigrants the Northern to the Southern Peninfula : from attempting to controvert the pobut, without difcoveriés feem indeed to fition to which recent that the namely, have given a full confirmation, inhabitants to Afiatick Continent firft furnifhed North-Weftern parts of America, the contiguous to have been a diftinét I conceive the Charaibes of widely differing from all the Nations race, ; and Iam even inclined the New Hemifphere; and other the opinion of Hornius to adopt afcribe to them an oriental anwriters, who ceftry from acrofs the Atlantick (g). Rochefort, liv. ii. C. vii. See alfo, Note 94to Dr. (f) Hiftory of America. The people called Galibis, Robertfon's by Dr. R. are the Charaibesoft the Continent, the mentioned Calibis it is written by Du Tertre) being, term Galibis or (as from Caribbec. Vide Lafitau, tom.i. as I conceive, corrupted tom. ii. p.360. P. 297. and Du Tertre, in fupport of this opinion are fub- (g) Some arguments to Book I. joined in the Appendix ENQUIRIES --- Page 97 --- WEST INDIES. ENQUIRIES however into the origin of a re- CHAP. mote and unlettered race, can be profecuted with II. fuccels only by comparing their ancient manners, laws, language, and religious ceremonies with thofe of other nations. Unfortunately, in all or moft ofthofe particulars relpecting the Charaibes, our knowledge is limited within a narrow circle. Of a people engaged in perpetual warfare, hunted from ifland to ifland by revenge and rapacity, few opportunities could have offered, even to thofe who might have been qualified for fuch refearches, ofinveftigating the natural difpolitions and habitual cuftoms with minutenefs and precifion. Neither indeed could a juft eftimate have been formed of their national charaéter, from the manners of fuch of them as were at length fubjugated to the European yoke; for they loft, together with their freedom, many of their original characterifticks; and at laft even the defire of aéting from the impulfe of their own minds. Wedifcern, fays Rochefort (h), a wonderful change in the difpofitions and habits of the Charaibes, In fome refpeéts we have enlightened; ; in others (to our fhame be it fpoken) we have corrupted them. An old Charaibe thus addreffed one of our planters on this fubjeét : C Our people,' 31 he complained, €6 are become 4 almoft as bad as yours.-We are fo much (h) Rochefort, liz. ii. ch. ix. p. 436. D 3 <6 altered h), a wonderful change in the difpofitions and habits of the Charaibes, In fome refpeéts we have enlightened; ; in others (to our fhame be it fpoken) we have corrupted them. An old Charaibe thus addreffed one of our planters on this fubjeét : C Our people,' 31 he complained, €6 are become 4 almoft as bad as yours.-We are fo much (h) Rochefort, liz. ii. ch. ix. p. 436. D 3 <6 altered --- Page 98 --- HISTORY OF THE us, that we c altered fince you came among it is BOOK and we think I. ce hardly know ourfelves, that hurri- - 66 owing to fo melancholy a change, forthan they were C6 canes are more frequent who has done the evil fpirit 66 merly. : It is beft lands from has taken our Cc all this-who dominion of the < us, and given us up to the 66 Chriftians (i):" muft therefore be Mr prefent inveftigation by feleéting defeétive. Neverthelefs, neceffarily fuch memorials as are leaft conand combining to exhibit a few ftriking troverted, I Thall hope ill-fated in the charaéter of this peoparticulars miftake not, will lead to fome ple, which, if I of human conclufions in the ftudy important nature. is furelya fufficient an- (i) This extraét from Rochefort Monf. de Chanvalon, who wrote fwer to the obfervations ofl of all the Charaibes from the fo late as 1751, and, judging reprefents few with whom he had any communication, or forefight beyond them as not poffeffing any makes fagacity no allowance for their mere animal inftinét. He and fervitude, although degradation in a ftate of captivity of the African blacks in another part of his book, fpeaking on this circumftance in the Weft Indies, he dwells ftrongly (he obferves) refpeating the latter. 4 Peut on connoitre voit fans ceffe les < le vrai genie d'un peuple opprimé, la violence qui toujours prête à 6 chiatimens levès fur fa tete, et fûreté Peut la politique et la publique? 46 être foutenue par elle eft enchainée, et fans 6 onj juger de la valeur, quand P. 58. 6 armecst"--Voyages a la Martinique, THEIR ells ftrongly (he obferves) refpeating the latter. 4 Peut on connoitre voit fans ceffe les < le vrai genie d'un peuple opprimé, la violence qui toujours prête à 6 chiatimens levès fur fa tete, et fûreté Peut la politique et la publique? 46 être foutenue par elle eft enchainée, et fans 6 onj juger de la valeur, quand P. 58. 6 armecst"--Voyages a la Martinique, THEIR --- Page 99 --- WEST INDIES. THEIR fierce fpirit and warlike difpofition CHAP. have already been mentioned. Hiftorians have II. not failed to notice thefe, among the moft dif- 1 tinguifhable of their qualities (K).-Reflels, enterprizing and ardent,it would feem they confidered war as the chief end of their creation, and the reft of the human race as their natural prey; for they devoured without remorfe the bodies of fuch of their enemies (the men at leaft) as fell into their hands.-This cuftom is fo repugnant to our feclings, that for a century paft, until the late difcoveries of a fimilar practice in the countries of the Pacifick Ocean, the philofophers of Europe had boldly impeached the ve- (k) Dr. Robertfon, in note 93 to the firft vol. of his Hiftory of America, quotes from a MS. Hiftory of Ferdinand and Ifabella, written by Andrew Bernaldes, the cotemporary and friend of Columbus, the following inflance of the bravery of the Charaibes. 66 A canoe with four men, two WO66 men,andal boy,unexpedkedly fell in with Columibus's fleet. 6 A Spanilh bark with 25 men was fent to take them, and 66 the fleet in the mean time cut off their communication 6e with the fhore. Inflead of giving way to defpair, the Cha66 raibes feized their arms with undaunted refolution, and 66 began the attack, wounding feveral of the Spaniards al6 though they had targets as well as other defenfive armour, 6 and even after the canoe was overfet, it was with no little Ge difficulty and danger that fome of them were fecured, as es they continued to defend themfelves, and to ufe their 66 bows with great dexterity while fwimming in the fea." -Herrera has recorded the fame anecdote, D 4 racity --- Page 100 --- HISTORY OF THE moft eminent ancient voyagers who BOOK racity of the the exiftence of it. Even I. had firft recorded in the Weft Indies at a pe1 Labat, who refided Iflands ftill remained in riod wher fome of the declares it to be his poffellion of the Charaibes, this abominable pracopinion that inftances of all times extremely tice among them, wero at fudden impulfe of effect only of a rare;-the and unproarifing from extraordinary revenge but that they ever made premedivoked injurys iflands, for the tated excurfions to the larger or of devouring any of the inhabitants, he purpofe them to be eaten at a future time, of feizing very confidently denies (4). in there is no circumftance NEVERTHELESS better attefted than the the hiftory of mankind among univerfal prevalence of thefe praétices informed ofit them. Columbus was not only I have alby the natives of Hifpaniola, as himfelf at Guaready related, but having landed he beheld in daloupe on its firft difcovery (m), limbs of the hufeveral cottages the head and evidently kept recently feparated, and man body He releafed, at the fame for occafional repafts. natives of Porto Rico, who, timé, feveral of the from thence, were having been brought captives (1) Labat, tom. iv. p. 322. (m) November 47 1493. referved iola, as himfelf at Guaready related, but having landed he beheld in daloupe on its firft difcovery (m), limbs of the hufeveral cottages the head and evidently kept recently feparated, and man body He releafed, at the fame for occafional repafts. natives of Porto Rico, who, timé, feveral of the from thence, were having been brought captives (1) Labat, tom. iv. p. 322. (m) November 47 1493. referved --- Page 101 --- WEST INDIES. referved as viétims for the fame horrid pur- CHAP. pofe (n). II. THUS far, it muft be confeffed, the difpolition 1 of the Charaibes leaves no very favourable impreffion on the mind of the reader; by whom it is probable they will be confidered rather as beafts of prey, than as human beings; and he will think, perhaps, that it was nearly as juftifiable to exterminate them from the earth, as it would be to deftroy the fierceft monfters of the wildernefs; fince they who Thew no mercy, are entitled to no pity.- BUT, among themfelves they were peaceable, and towards each other faithful, friendly and affeétionate (0). They confidered all ftrangers, indeed, as enemies ; and of the people of Europe they formed a right eftimation. The antipathy which they manifefted towards the unoffending natives of the larger iflands appears extraordinary; but it is faid to have defcended to them from their anceftors of Guiana: they confidered thofe iflanders as a colony of Arrowauks, a nation of South America, with whom the Charaibes (n) F. Coltmbus, cap. xlvi. Peter Martyr, Decad. I. lib. ii, Herrera, lib. i.-cap. vii. See alfo Bancroft's Hiftory of Guiana, p. 259, who is of opinion, that no other tribe of Indians in Guiana eat human flelh but the Charaibes. Amongf thefe, the proof that this praétice ftill fublifts is in. conteftible. (0) Rochefort, liv. ii, cap.xi. Du Tertre, tom. ii. P.359. of --- Page 102 --- HISTORY OF THE of that continent are continually at war (p). BOOK no caufe for fuch hereditary and I. We can affign - irreconcileable hoftility. With regard to the people of Europe, it is allowed that, whenever oft them had acquired their confidence, it was any without referve. Their friendfhip was as given The Chawarm as their enmity was implacable. raibes of Guiana ftill fondly cherifh the tradition of Raleigh's alliance, and to this day precolours which he left with ferve the Englith them at parting (g). fentiments and their OF the loftinefs of their abhorrence of flavery, a writer, not very partial towards them, gives the following illuftration: 66 There is not a nation on earth (fays Labat)(r) their than the te more jealous of independency the 6 Charaibes They are impatient under of and when, at any 6 leaft infringement it; and deet time, they are witneffes to the refpeét of Europe obferve E6 ference which the natives defpifeus: as abject 6 towards their fuperiors, they be fo bafe ct flaves; wondering how any man can before his Rochefort, who C astocrouch equal." alfo that when confirms this account, relates and carried from their native iflands kidnapped were, the mifeinto flavery, as they frequently (p) Rochefort, liv. ii. chap. X. p. 449. (9) Bancroft, p. 259. (r) Labat, tom. iv. P- 329. rable abject 6 towards their fuperiors, they be fo bafe ct flaves; wondering how any man can before his Rochefort, who C astocrouch equal." alfo that when confirms this account, relates and carried from their native iflands kidnapped were, the mifeinto flavery, as they frequently (p) Rochefort, liv. ii. chap. X. p. 449. (9) Bancroft, p. 259. (r) Labat, tom. iv. P- 329. rable --- Page 103 --- WEST INDIES. rable captives commonly funk under a fenfe of CHAP. their misfortune, and finding refiftance and efcape II. hopelefs, fought refuge in death from the cala- 1 mities oftheir condition (s). To this principle of confcious equality and native dignity, muft be imputed the contempt which they manifefted for the inventions and improvements of civilized life. Of our fire-arms they foon learnt, by fatal experience, the fuperiority to their own weapons ; and thole therefore they valued; but our arts and manufaétures they regarded as we regard the amufements and baubles of children :-hence the propenfity to theft, fo common among other favage nations, was altogether unknown to the Charaibes. THE ardour which has been noticed in them for military enterprize, had a powerful influence on their whole conduét. Engaged in continual warfare abroad, they feldom appeared chearful at home. Refleétions on paft mifcarriage, or anxious fchemes of future achievement, feemed to fill up many of their hours, and rendered them habitually thoughtful, penfive and (s) Rochefort, liv. ii. cap.xi. Labat relates that the following fentiment was proverbial among the firft French fettlers in the Windward Hlands:- Regarder de travers un 66 Charaibe, c'ef le battre, et que de le battre c'ef le tuer, O# 66 s' expefer à en étre tud," Labat, tom. ii, p. 74. filent. --- Page 104 --- HISTORY OF THE itfelf, which exerts its influBOOK flent (4). Love deferts of Iccland, mainI. ence in the frozen dominion over the Cha- - tained but a feeble towards their raibes (u). Their infenfibility of although they allowed a plurality women, has been remarked by many writers; wives (s), arifen from extrinfick caufessand it muft have ftrong enough from the predominance of paffions which counteraét the effeéts of a climate to and awapowerfully difpofes to voluptuoufnes, much fooner than kens the inftinéts of nature bias of their The prevailing colder regions. even in their perfons. minds was diftinguithable of EuroThough not fo tall as the generality mufcular; their frame was robuft and peans, flexible and active, and there was a their limbs wildnefs in their penetrating quicknels, and a fierce and that feemed an emanation from a with the eyes, fpirit'(s). But, not fatisfied martial they called in the affiftworkmanthip of nature, formidable. ance of art, to make themfelves more (t) Du Tertre, tom. ii. (w) Rochefort, C. xi. (x) Ibid. C. xxii. likewife with the Che- () Oviedo, lib. iii. This agrees in note 42 to vol. i valier Pinto's account of the Brafilians 66 At the firft afpeét a Souof Dr. Robertfon's Hiftory. to be mild and innocent, but, on 6 thern American appears difcovers in his countenance 6 a more attentive diftruftful view, one and fullen." $ fomething wild, They ertre, tom. ii. (w) Rochefort, C. xi. (x) Ibid. C. xxii. likewife with the Che- () Oviedo, lib. iii. This agrees in note 42 to vol. i valier Pinto's account of the Brafilians 66 At the firft afpeét a Souof Dr. Robertfon's Hiftory. to be mild and innocent, but, on 6 thern American appears difcovers in his countenance 6 a more attentive diftruftful view, one and fullen." $ fomething wild, They --- Page 105 --- WEST INDIES. They painted their faces and bodies with arnotto CHAP. fo extravagantly, that their natural complexion, II. which was nearly that of a Spanifh olive, was not 1 eafily to be diftinguifhed under the furface of crimfon (z). However, as this mode of painting themfelves was praétifed by both fexes, perhaps it was at firft introduced as a defence againft the venomous infeéts fo common in tropical climates, or poffibly they confidered the brilliancy of the colour as highly ornamental; but the men had other methods of deforming their perfons, which mere perverfion of tafte alone, would not, I think, have induced them to adopt. They disfigured their cheeks with deep incifions and hideous fcars, which they ftained with black, and they painted white and black circles round their eyes. Some of them perforated the cartilage that divides the noftrils, and inferted the bone of fome filh, a parrot's feather, or a fragment of tortoife-fhell (a),a frightful cuftom, praétifed alfo by the natives of New Holland (b), and they ftrung together the teeth of fuch of their enemies as they had flain in battle, and wore them on their legs and arms, as trophies of fuccefsful cruelty (c). (x) Rochefort, lib.ii. c.ix. Hakluyt, vol. iti. P-539- (a) Rochefort, liv. ii. C. ix. Purchas, vol, iv.p. 1157. Du Tertre, tom. ii. P. 391, 393. (b) Hawkefworth's Voyages, vol. ili, P. 171. (c) Gumilla, tom. i, P. 193To in battle, and wore them on their legs and arms, as trophies of fuccefsful cruelty (c). (x) Rochefort, lib.ii. c.ix. Hakluyt, vol. iti. P-539- (a) Rochefort, liv. ii. C. ix. Purchas, vol, iv.p. 1157. Du Tertre, tom. ii. P. 391, 393. (b) Hawkefworth's Voyages, vol. ili, P. 171. (c) Gumilla, tom. i, P. 193To --- Page 106 --- HISTORY OF THE To draw the bow with unerring fkill, to wield BOOK and to fwim with I. the club withd dexterity ftrength, and boldnefs, to catch fith and to build agility ofi indifpen@ible nea cottage, were acquirements and the education of their children was cefity, fuited to the attainment of them. One well their boys fkilful, even in method of making in the exercife of the bow, was to fufinfancy, their food on the branch of a tree, compend urchins to pierce it with their pelling the hardy before they could obtain permiffion to arrows, But thefe were fubordinate objeêts:- eat (d). their youth, at the fame The Chamibesinftru@ed time, in leffons of patience and fortitude; they endeavoured to infpire them with courage in (d) See Rochefort, C. xxvii. p- 555, and Gumilla, tom. ii. p.283. Their arrows were commonly poifoned, except On when they made their military excurfions by night. of thofe occafions, they converted them into inftruments mifchief; for by arming the points with pled. ftill grenter into oil, and fet on flame, they fired gets of cotton of dipt their enemies at a diftance *, The poifon whole villages ufed, was a concoStion of noxious gums and which they juices t and had the property of being perfeatly vegetable when received into the ftomach, but if communiinnocent to the blood, through the flighteft wound, cated immediately mortal. The Indians of Guiana ftill preit was generally Itis fuppofed however, that fugar pare a fimilar poifon. is an antidote. fpeedily adminiftered in large quantities, ESc. Mon/. de la (See Relation Abregée d'un Yiyage, par Condamine; and Bancroft's Hift. of Guiana.) + Oviedo, lib. iii. Rochefort, ch. xX. P. 559war, --- Page 107 --- WEST INDIES. war, and a contempt of danger and death;- CHAP. above all things, to inftil into their minds an II. hereditary hatred, and implacable thirft of re- ( venge towards the Arrowauks. The means which they adopted for thefe purpofes were in fome refpects fuperftitious; in others cruel and deteftable. As foon as a male child was brought into the world, he was fprinkled with fome drops of his father's blood. The ceremonies ufed on this occafion were fufficiently painful to the father, but he fubmitted without emotion or complaint; fondly believing, that the fame degree of courage which hehad himfelf difplayed, was by thefe means tranfmitted to his fon (e). As the boy grew, he was foon made familiar with fcenes of barbarity; he partook of the horrid repafts of his nation, and he was frequently anointed with the fat ofa flaughtered Arrowauk; but he was not allowed to participate in the toils ofthe warrior, and to fhare the glories of conqueft, until his fortitude had been brought to the teft. The dawn of manhood ufhered in the hour of fevere trial. He was now to exchange the name he had received in his infancy, for one more founding and fignificant;-a ceremony of high importance in the life of a Charaibe, but always (e) Rochefort, liv.ii. c.xxv.p. 552. accompanied flaughtered Arrowauk; but he was not allowed to participate in the toils ofthe warrior, and to fhare the glories of conqueft, until his fortitude had been brought to the teft. The dawn of manhood ufhered in the hour of fevere trial. He was now to exchange the name he had received in his infancy, for one more founding and fignificant;-a ceremony of high importance in the life of a Charaibe, but always (e) Rochefort, liv.ii. c.xxv.p. 552. accompanied --- Page 108 --- HISTORY OF THE by a fcene of ferocious feltivity EOOK accompanied I. and unnatural cruelty (f). - THE feverities infliéted on fuch occafions by the hands of fathers on their own children, exof the influence of fuhibit a melancholy proof feelperftition in fuppreffing the moft powerful ings of nature; but the praétice was not without example. Plutarch records the prevalence of a fimilar cuftom among the Lacedemonians. ec are €6 At Sparta," fays the Hiftorian, boys CE whipped for a whole day, oftentimes to death, C before the altar of Diana, and there is a wonec derful emulation among them who beft can of Nor 66 fuftain the greateft number ftripes." did the Charaibe youth, yield in fortitude to the Spartan. If the feverities he fuftained extorted the leaft fymptom of weaknels from the young but if he rofe fufferer, he was difgraced forever; fuperior to pain, and baffled the rage of his perand ferenity, he receivfecutors, by perfeverance thenceforth ed the higheft applaufe. He was numbered among the defenders of his country, by his relations and and it was pronounced countrymen, that he was now a man like one of themfekves. and torments A PENANCE ftill more fevere, ftripes, burning and fuffomore excruciating; (f) Rochefort, liv. ii. C, xxiil. p. 556. Du Tertre, vol. Si. p. 377cation, --- Page 109 --- WEST INDIES. cation, conftituted a teft for him who afpired to CHAP. the honour of leading forth his countrymen to II. war(g); for in times of peace the Charaibes ad- 1 mitted of no fupremacy but that of nature. Having no laws, they needed no magiftrates. To their old men indeed they allowed fome kind of authority, but it was at beft ill-defined, and muft at all times have been infufficient to proteét the weak againft the ftrong- --In war, experience had taught them that fubordination was as requifite as courage; they therefore eleéted their captains in their general affemblies with great folemnity (h); but, as hath been obferved, they put their pretenfions to the proof with circumftances of, outrageous barbarity:-the recital however is difgufting, and may well be fuppreffed. Ir it appears ftrange that where fo little was to be gained by preheminence, fo much fhould be endured to obtain it, it muft be confidered that, in the eftimation of the candidate, the reward was doubtlefs more than adequate to the coft of the purchafe. If fuccefs attended his meafures, the feaft and the triumph awaited his return. He exchanged his name a fecond time; (g) Rochefort, liv. ii. cap. xix. P. 519. Purchas, vol, iv. p. 1262. Gumilla, tom. ii. p. 286. Lafitau, tom. i. p. 297, et feq. (h) Rochefort, ch, xxii. p. 553. Vor. I. E affuming coft of the purchafe. If fuccefs attended his meafures, the feaft and the triumph awaited his return. He exchanged his name a fecond time; (g) Rochefort, liv. ii. cap. xix. P. 519. Purchas, vol, iv. p. 1262. Gumilla, tom. ii. p. 286. Lafitau, tom. i. p. 297, et feq. (h) Rochefort, ch, xxii. p. 553. Vor. I. E affuming --- Page 110 --- HISTORY OF THE 5o in future that of the moft formidable BOOK affuming that had fallen by his hand (i). He I. Arrowauk A - to appropriate to himfelf, as many was permitted he fit, and his countryofthe captives as thought beautifulof to his choice the moft men prefented in reward ofhis valour (k). their daughters teftimony Ir was probably this laft mentioned efteem and gratitude that gave rifein of publick of polygamy, thefe Ilands to the inftitution which, as hath been already obferved, prevailed univerfally among them, and ftill prevails among the Charaibes of South America (4) s-an inftitution the more excufable, as their women, motives, carefully avoided the nupfrom religious I am forry tial intercourfe after pregnancy (m). that the condition of thefe poor creato add, the fame time truly wretched. tures was at beftowed as the prize of fucThough frequently thus honourably obcefsful courage, the wifc, of as little value as tained, was foon confidered which Deficient in thofe qualities the captive. the Charaibes, alone were eftimable among flaves than the females were treated rather as of companions. They fuftained every fpecies (i) Rochefort, ch. xxiii. p. 553. (k) Rochefort, ch. xxii.p. 546. (1) Bancroft, p. 254 ch. xxii. p. 543. Du Tertre, tom. ii. (m) Rochefort, P. 374. drudgery: which Deficient in thofe qualities the captive. the Charaibes, alone were eftimable among flaves than the females were treated rather as of companions. They fuftained every fpecies (i) Rochefort, ch. xxiii. p. 553. (k) Rochefort, ch. xxii.p. 546. (1) Bancroft, p. 254 ch. xxii. p. 543. Du Tertre, tom. ii. (m) Rochefort, P. 374. drudgery: --- Page 111 --- WEST INDIES. S1 drudgery: they ground the maize, prepared the CHAP. caffavi, gathered in the cotton and wove the II. hamack (n/; nor werc they allowed even the - 1 privilege of eating in prefence of their hufbands (o): Under thefe circumftances, it is not wonderful that they were lefs prolifick than the women of Europe (p). But brutality towards their wives was not peculiar to the Charaibes. It has prevailed in all ages and countries among the uncivilized part of mankind; and the firft vifible proof that a people is emerging from favage manners, isa difplay oftendernefs towards the female fex (9). PERHAPS (n) Purchas, vol. iv. P. 1272. Labat, tom. ii. P- 40. (0) Labat, tom. ii. p. IS and 95- (p) Lafitau, tom. i.-p- 590. (9) Father Jofeph Gumilla, in his account of the nations bordering on the Oronoko, relates (tom. i. p. 207. Fr. tranflation) that the Charaibes of the Continent punith their women caught in adultery, like the ancient Ifraclites, c6 46 floning them to death before an affembly of the people:" by but I do not find this faét recorded by any other writer; and as it is evidently brought forward to fapport the author's hypothefis, that the Americans are originally defcended from the Jews, I fufpeet that it is not well founded 1-at leaft there is no trace that fuch a cuftom exifted among the infular Charaibes. Rochefort, fpeaking of the latter, obferves, that before they had any intercourfe with the Chriftians they had no eftablithed punifhment for adultery, becaufe 6 the crime itfelf was unknown He adds, that when (fays this, he) with other European vices, was introduced among them, the Injured hufband became his own aneagr-Labarireafiting E 2 on is no trace that fuch a cuftom exifted among the infular Charaibes. Rochefort, fpeaking of the latter, obferves, that before they had any intercourfe with the Chriftians they had no eftablithed punifhment for adultery, becaufe 6 the crime itfelf was unknown He adds, that when (fays this, he) with other European vices, was introduced among them, the Injured hufband became his own aneagr-Labarireafiting E 2 on --- Page 112 --- HISTORY OF THE intimate knowledge (not PERHAPS a more DooK would have foftened many I. now to be obtained) darken the charaéter of 1 ofthe Thades which thus fome latent thefe iflanders, and have difcovered tending and conduét, properties in their principles the difthough not wholly to remove, to leffen, human nafeel in beholding guft we naturally but of many parture fo debafed and degraded; 2 defire to be ticulars wherein curiofity would but We know gratified, we have no account. their domeftick little, for inftance, concerning and agriculceconomy, their arts, manufaétures, obligatheir fenfe of filial and paternal ture; rites and funeral ceremonies. tions; their religious however, in thefe and Such further information leaft the difputable other refpeêts, as authorities detached afford, I have abridged in the following obfervations. ornaments which we have noBESIDES the both fexes, the women, ticed Itohave been worn by were diftinat the age of puberty, on arriving curious to be omitted: 6c Il n'y a que les on this head is too a l'obèiffance, et dont les 66 femmes qui foient obligèes les maitres. Ils portent cette Cc hommes foient abfolument des fujets trés l'exces, et les fuent pour 66 fuperiorité jufqu' à d'infidelité, bien ou mal fondè, fuffit, 66 legers, Un foupçon les mettre en droit de leur caffer 66 fans autre formalité, pour à la weritè; mais cef un 6 la tête. Cela eff un paufauvage les femmes dans leur devoir." 19 66 frein bien propre pour retenir Tom. iv.p. 327. guilhed ient abfolument des fujets trés l'exces, et les fuent pour 66 fuperiorité jufqu' à d'infidelité, bien ou mal fondè, fuffit, 66 legers, Un foupçon les mettre en droit de leur caffer 66 fans autre formalité, pour à la weritè; mais cef un 6 la tête. Cela eff un paufauvage les femmes dans leur devoir." 19 66 frein bien propre pour retenir Tom. iv.p. 327. guilhed --- Page 113 --- W EST INDIES. guithed alfol by: af fort ofbufkin or half boot, made CHAP, of cotton, which furrounded the fmall part of II. the leg (r). A diftinétion, however, to which 1 fuch of their females as had been taken in the chance of war, dared not alpire (s). In other refpects both male and female appeared as naked as our firft parents before the fall Like them, as they knew no guilt, they knew no fhame; nor was clothing thought neceffary to perfonal comfort, where the chill blaft of winter is never felt. THEIR hair was uniformly of: a (hining black, ftrait and coarfe; but they dreffed it with daily care, and adorned it with great art; the men, in particular, decorating their heads with feathers of various colours. As their hair thus conftituted their chief pride, it was an unequivocal proof of the fincerity of their forrow, when, on the death of a relation or friend, they cut it fhort like their flaves and captives (u); to whom the privilege of wearing long hair was rigoroufly (r) Rochefort, liv. ii. c. ix.p.446. Purchas, vol. iv. P. 3159. Labat, tom. ii.) p. 12, The fame fort of brodequin, or bulkin, is worn by the female Hottentots and other nations ofAfrica. (s) Du Tertre, tom. ji. P- 394. (1) Rochefort, liv. ii. C. ix. P. 44T. Purchas, vol, iv. P. 1157- (u) Rochefort, liv. ii. t. ix, P.439. Du Tertre, tom. si. p. 412, E 3 denied, --- Page 114 --- HISTORY OF THÉ Like moft other nations ofthe New BOOK denied (x). eradicated, with great nicety, I. Hemifphere, they and all hairs the incipient beard (s), fuperfuous which has on their bodies ;-a circumftance of rife to a notion that all the Aborigines given beardlefs. This opinion America were naturally refpectable is indeed countenanced by many and fome inwriters, but after much enquiry, fatisfied that it ftances of ocular infpeétion, I am is groundlefs. the moft remarkable conTHE circumftance was their the perfons of the Charaibes, cerning praétice of altering the natural configuraftrange the head. On the birth of a child, its tion of flexible fkull was confined between tender and which, applied before two fmall pieces of wood, on each and behind, and firmly bound together elevated the forehead, and occafianed it, fide, back of the fkull, to refemble two and the part and frightful fides of a fquare (z); an uncouth remnant cuftom ftill obferved, by the miferable Charaibes in the Iland of St. Vincent (a). of red THEY (x) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p. 405. (3) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p. 392. liv.ii. c.ix. (x) Oviedo, lib.i iii. Rochefort, anatomifts, that the coronal (a) I have been children told by in the Weft Indies is commonly future of new-born that of infants born in colder climates, and more open than liable to external injury. Perhaps, therefore, the brain more the es in the Iland of St. Vincent (a). of red THEY (x) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p. 405. (3) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p. 392. liv.ii. c.ix. (x) Oviedo, lib.i iii. Rochefort, anatomifts, that the coronal (a) I have been children told by in the Weft Indies is commonly future of new-born that of infants born in colder climates, and more open than liable to external injury. Perhaps, therefore, the brain more the --- Page 115 --- WEST INDIES. THEY refided in villages which refembled an CHAP. European encampment; for their cabins were Il. built of poles fixed circularly in the ground, and - drawn to a point at the top (b). They were then covered with leaves of the palm-tree. In the centre ofeach village was a building of fuperior magnitude to the reft. It was formed with great labour, and ferved as a publick hall or ftate houfe (c), wherein we are affured that the men (excluding the women) had their meals in common ; < obferving that law" (faith the Earl of Cumberland, who vifited thefe Iflandsin 1596) &c which in Lycurgus's mouth was thought KK ftrange and needlefs (d)." Thefe halls were alfo the theatres where theiryouth were animated to emulation, and trained to martial enterprize by the renown of their warriors, and the harangues of their orators, THEIR arts and manufactures, though few, difplayed a degree ofingenuity, which one would have fcarcely expeéted to find amongft a people fo little removed from a ftate of mere animal nature, as to rejeét all drefs as fuperfluous. Cothc Indian cuftom of depreffing the osfrontis and the occipnit, was originally meant to affift the operation of nature in clofing the fkull. (8) P. Martyr, decad. i. lib. ii. (c) Ibid. Rochefort, liv. ii, C, xvi. Lafitau, tom. ii. p. 8. (d) Purchas, vol. iv. p. 1159. E 4 Iumbus --- Page 116 --- HISTORY OF THE abundance of fubftantial BOOK Jumbus obferved an iflands which he vifited ; I. cotton cloth in all the it the art of ftaining 1 and the natives poffeffed the Charaibes dewith various colours, though chiefly in red (e). Of this cloth they lighted beds, fuch as are made hammocks, or hanging has not only conow ufed at fea;-for Europe alfo the original pied the pattern, but preferved name (F). likewife the art of making THEY poffeffed domeftick ufes, which they veffels of clay for of Europe. The baked in kilns like the potters of thefe kilns were vifible not long ruins of many of the mafince in Barbadoes, where fpecimens and Mr. nufaéture are ftill frequently dug up; the hiftorian of that ifland, obferves, Hughes, the earthern ware made by that they far furpafs fmoothnefs and beauthe negroes, in thinnefs, invented various Befides thole, they ty (g). purpofes, which other utenfils for aeconomical (e) Labat, tom. ii. p. 40. and French writers exprefsly (f) All the early Spanifh Indian name for their fwinging beds affert, that the original Dr. Johnfon derives the Englith was amack, or hamacky--but Saxon. word hammock from the p. 8. Ligon, who vifited (g) Nat. Hift. of declares Barbadoes, that fome of thefe veffels, which this ifand in 1647, earthern-ware made in England he faw, even furpaled any < in fineffe of mettle, and 4 both" (to ufe his own words) et curiofity ofturninge." are ert, that the original Dr. Johnfon derives the Englith was amack, or hamacky--but Saxon. word hammock from the p. 8. Ligon, who vifited (g) Nat. Hift. of declares Barbadoes, that fome of thefe veffels, which this ifand in 1647, earthern-ware made in England he faw, even furpaled any < in fineffe of mettle, and 4 both" (to ufe his own words) et curiofity ofturninge." are --- Page 117 --- WEST INDIES. are enumerated by Labat. The bafkets which they compofed of the fibres of the palmeto CHAP. II. leaves, were fingularly clegant, and we are told 1 that their bows and arrows, and other weapons, difplayed a neatnefs and polith, which the moft fkilful European artift would have found it difficult to have excelled, even with European tools. OF the nature and extent of their agriculture the accounts are flender and unfatisfaétory. We are told, on good authority, that among the Charaibes of the Continent, there was no divifion of land, every one cultivating in proportion to his exigencies (l). Where no criminal jurifdiction is eftablifhed, the idea of private property muft neceffarily be unknown or imperfeét; and in thefe iflands where land is fcarce, it feems probable that, as among fome of the tribes of South America (i), cultivation was carried on by the joint labour of each feparate community, and their harvefts depofited in publick granaries, whence each family received its proportion ofthe publick ftock.-Rochefort indeed obferves, that all their interefts, were in common. THEIR food, both vegetable and animal, excepting in the circumftance oftheireating human fleth, feems to have been the fame, in moft re- (h) Bartcroft, P. 254. (i) Gumilla, tom. i. p. 265. fpects, --- Page 118 --- HISTORY OF THE as that of the natives of the larger iflands, BOOK fpects, hereafter. But although I. which Thall be defcribed - Y their appetites were voracious (k), they rejected of the beft bounties of nature. Of fome many animals they held the fleth in abhorrence; thefe were the pecary, or Mexican hog, the manati, and the turtle (4). Labat obferves, or fea cOW, the eel, which that they fcrupled likewife to eat the rivers in feveral oft the iflands fupply in great plenty (m). of thefe, and fome THE ftriking conformity other of their prejudices and cuftoms, to the praétices ofthe Jews, has not efcaped the notice of hiftorians (w).-But whether the Charaibes aétuated religious motives, in thus abwere by ftaining from thofe things which many nations account very wholefome and delicious food, we are no where fufficiently informed. IT moft probably was, however, the influence of fuperftition that gave rife to thefe and other ceremonies equally repugnant to the diétates of nature and common fenfe;-one ofwhich appears and incredible, but it is too at firft extraordinary well attefted to be denied, On the birth of his (k) Gumilla, tom. ii-p. 12, 70,237. Lafitau, tom. i. P. (1) 515. Rochefort, liv. ii. C. 16. (m) Labat, tom. iv. P. 304. (m) Gumilla, Adair, Du Tertre, and others. firft equally repugnant to the diétates of nature and common fenfe;-one ofwhich appears and incredible, but it is too at firft extraordinary well attefted to be denied, On the birth of his (k) Gumilla, tom. ii-p. 12, 70,237. Lafitau, tom. i. P. (1) 515. Rochefort, liv. ii. C. 16. (m) Labat, tom. iv. P. 304. (m) Gumilla, Adair, Du Tertre, and others. firft --- Page 119 --- WEST INDIES. firft fon the father retired to his bed, and fafted CHAP. with a ftriétnefs that often endangered life (0). II. Lafitau, oblerving that the fame cuftom was - v 1 praétifed by the Tybarenians of Afia, and the Iberians or ancient inhabitants of Spain, and is ftill in ufe among the people of Japan, not only urges this circumftance as a proof, among others, that the new world was peopled from the old, but pretends to difcover in it alfo fome traces of the doétrine of original fin: he fuppofes that the fèvere penance thus voluntarily fubmitted to by the father, was at firft inftituted in the piousview of protedting his iffue from the contagion of hereditary guilt; averting the wrath of offended Omnipotence at the crime of our firft parents, and expiating their guilt by his fufferings (p). THE ancient Thracians, as we areinformed by Herodotus, when a male child was brought into the world, lamented over him in fad vaticination of his deftiny, and they rejoiced when he was releafed by death from thole miferies which they confidered as his inevitable portion in life: but, whatever might have been the motives that firft (0) Du Tertre, tom. ii. 371, 373. Rochefort, liv. ii. c. xxiii. p. 550. Labat, tom. iv. p. 368. Lafitau, tom. i. p.49. Nieuhoff relates, that this praétice prevails likewife among the natives of Brafil. Churchills-Voyages, vol. iip p. 133. (p) Lafitau, tom. i. P. 257. induced --- Page 120 --- HISTORY OF THE induced the Charaibes to do penance on fuch BOOK it would feem that grief and dejeétion I. occafions, the of - had no great fhare in them; for ceremony fucceeded by rejoicing fafting was immediately by drunkennefs and debauchery. and triumph, for the dead, feem to have Their lamentations arifen from the more laudable diétates ofgenuine unlike the Thracians. on thefe fonature; for, defpoiled their hair, as lemnities, they not only before related, but when the mafter of we have relations, after the family died, the furviving the corple in the centre of his own dwelburying demonftrations of unaffeéted ling, with many and ereéted grief, quitted the houfe altogether, another in a diftant fituation (9). UNFORTEXATELY, however, if now and then among them fome faint traces of we diftinguith fatisfaction is of fhort conrational piety, our tinuance; Nol light, but rather darknefs vifible, MILTON. Serves only to difcover fights of woc: that glimmers for a moment, and or it is a light then fets in blood. IT is afferted, and I believe with truth, that of a future ftate has prevailed the expeatation Labat, tom. iv. p. 36z. They placed the dead body (9) with the knees to the chin. in the grave in a fitting pofture, tom. ii. 402. Lafitau, tom. ii. P- 407. Du Tertre, P. amongft Serves only to difcover fights of woc: that glimmers for a moment, and or it is a light then fets in blood. IT is afferted, and I believe with truth, that of a future ftate has prevailed the expeatation Labat, tom. iv. p. 36z. They placed the dead body (9) with the knees to the chin. in the grave in a fitting pofture, tom. ii. 402. Lafitau, tom. ii. P- 407. Du Tertre, P. amongft --- Page 121 --- WEST INDIES. 8r smongft all mankind, in all ages and countries CHAP. of the world. It is certain, that it prevailed Il. among the Charaibes (r); who not only be- a - - lieved that death was not the final extinétion of their being, but pleafed themfelves alfo with the fond conceit that their departed relations were fecret fpeétators of their conduét;-that they ftill fympathized in their fufferings, and participated in their welfare. To thefe notions, fo flattering to our withes,-perhaps congenial to our nature,-they added others of a dreadful tendency; for, confidering the foul as fufceptible of the fame impreffions, and poffeffing the fame paflions, as when allied to the body, it was thought a religious duty to their deceafed heroes, to facrifice at their funerals fome of the captives which had been taken in battle (s). Immortality feemed a curfe without military glory: they allotted to the virtuous and the brave the enjoyment of fupreme felicity, with their wives and their captives, in, a fort of Mahometan paradife. To the degenerate and the cowardly they affigned a far different portion: thefe, they doomed to everlafting banifhment beyond the mountains;-to unremitting labour, in employ- (r) Rochefort, liv. ii. C. 14. 485. Du Tertre, tom, ii. p- 372. (1) Rochefort, C. xix. p.484. Du Tertre, c.ii. P. 412. Purchas, vol.iv. P. 1274. ments --- Page 122 --- HISTORY OF THE manhood:-and this difBOOK ments that difgrace would be heightened by the I. grace they fuppofed and fervitude 1 greatelt of all afliétions, captivity among the Arrowauks (t). this idea of a ftate of Ir might feem that fowed from retribution after death neceffarily belief in the exiftence of an alla well-founded Governor and Judge of the wife and almighty that Univerles but we are told, notwithftanding, to the minds of the Charaibes were not elevated 6 They admitted," fays Rochefort, this height: was their bountiful parent, ec that the earth things oflife, c which yielded them all the good darknefs fo funk in G6 but they were lamentably 66 and brutality, as to have formed no conception continual Creator, through the € ofitsl beneficent divine influence alone it yields < energy of whofe had not even a name for ac any thing- They Other writers, however, of 6 the Diety (a)" the fame writer equal authority (x), and even elfewhere (s), prefent us with a different reprein, this refpeét, and allow that the fentation entertained an awful fenfe (perplexed Charaibes univerfal indeed and indiftinét) of one great of caufe,-of a fuperior, wife, and invifible Being (t) Rochefort, c.xiv. p.485. (u) Rochefort, c.xiit. p.45g. (x) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p.564- () Rochefort, c. xiv. abfolute with a different reprein, this refpeét, and allow that the fentation entertained an awful fenfe (perplexed Charaibes univerfal indeed and indiftinét) of one great of caufe,-of a fuperior, wife, and invifible Being (t) Rochefort, c.xiv. p.485. (u) Rochefort, c.xiit. p.45g. (x) Du Tertre, tom. ii. p.564- () Rochefort, c. xiv. abfolute --- Page 123 --- WEST INDIES. abfolute and irrefiftible power (2).-Like the CHAP. ancient heathens, they admitted alfo the agency II. of fubordinate divinities-They even fuppofed, 1 that each individual perfon had hispeculiar protector or tutelary deity (a). Nor is it true, as affirmed by fome authors, that they had no notion of praétical worfhip; for, befides the funeral ceremonies above-mentioned, which arofe furely from a fenfe of miftaken piety, they had their lares and penates, gods of their own creating, intended as fymbols probably of their invifible deities, to whom they offered facrifices, fimilar to thofe of. the ancient Romans in their days of fimplicity and virtue (b). It was their cuftom to ereét in every cottage a ruftick altar, compofed (z) The Galibis Indians, or Charaibes ofSouth America, from whom I have fuppofed the Infular Charaibes to have been immediately defcended, ftiled the Supreme Being Tanouft, or Univerfal Father. .-Barrere, (a) Rochefort, C. xili, p. 471. (b) Mr. Hughes, in his Hiftory of Barbadoes, makes mention of many fragments of Indian idols dug up in that ifland, which were compofed of the fame materials as their earthen veffels above-mentioned.- I faw the head ofone" (continues he) 66 which alone weighed above fixty 66 This, before it was broken off, ftood upon an oval pounds. & about three feet in height. The heads of all the pedeftal others * were very fmall. Thefe leffer idols were in all 6 their Penates, made fmall for the eafe and probability of &6 being carried with them in their feveral journeys, conveniency as the 66 larger fort were perhaps defigned for fome ftated of 66 worthip." NaturalHiftory of Barbadoes, places p. 7. of 66 which alone weighed above fixty 66 This, before it was broken off, ftood upon an oval pounds. & about three feet in height. The heads of all the pedeftal others * were very fmall. Thefe leffer idols were in all 6 their Penates, made fmall for the eafe and probability of &6 being carried with them in their feveral journeys, conveniency as the 66 larger fort were perhaps defigned for fome ftated of 66 worthip." NaturalHiftory of Barbadoes, places p. 7. of --- Page 124 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of banana leaves and rufhes, whereon they occaof their fruits, and the I. fionally placed the carlieft - - choiceft oftheir viands, as humble peace-offerings through the mediation of their inferior deities to incenfed Omnipotence (c): for it is admitted, that their devotions confifted lefs in the effufions of thankfulnefs, than in deprecations of wrath; 1 but herein neither were they diftinguifhable from the reft of mankind, either in the old world or the new. We can all forget benefits though we Strange however it is, that the implore mercy. them ofatheifm fhould fame authors who accufe accufe them likewife, in the fame moment, of polytheifin and idolatry. ATHEISTS they certainly were not; and although their fyftem was not that of pure Theifm, their idolatry was probably founded on yet the moral influence of which has circumftances, noticed. not hitherto, I think, been fufficiently If their devotion, as we have feen, was the offnot of gratitude, but of fear;-if they fpring, lefs fenfible ofthe goodnets, than terrified were ofthe Almighty; it fhould be at the judgments that in the climate of the Weft Inremembered, irregularities of nature are dies, the tremendous frequenty--the hurricane that fweeps dreadfully the and the earthquake that fwalnations to deep, (c) Lafitau, tom. i. p. 179. Rochefort, C. xiii. P. 472. Du Tertre, tom. ii. p. 366. lows --- Page 125 --- WEST INDIES. 6; lows continents in its bofom.- -Let us not then CHAP. haftily affix the charge ofimpiety on thefe fimple II. people, if, when they beheld the elements combine for their deftruétion, they confidered the Divine Being as infinite indeed in power, but fevere in hisjuftice, and inexorable in his anger. Under this impreffion, the mind, humbled to the duft in the confcioufnefs of its own imbecility, and fcarce daring to lift up a thought tothe Great Caufe of all things, fondly wifhes for fome mild and gracious interpreter; fome amiable intermediate agent in whom to repofe with confidence, as in a guardian and a friend. This defire encreafing, is at length exalted to belicf. The foul, fecking refuge from its own apprehenfions, creates imaginary beings, by whofe mediation it hopes to render itfelf lefs delfpicable in the fight of the Supreme. To thefe its devotions are intrufted, and its adorations paid. We may lament the blindnefs of thefe poor favages, and exult in our own fuperiority in this refpeét, but let us not forget, that in the moft cultivated periods of the human underftanding, (before the light of revelation was gracioufly difplayed) a fimilar fuperftition was practifed by all the various nations of the heathen world; of which, not one perhaps had fo ftrong an apology top plead as the Charaibes. Vor. I. F THESE paid. We may lament the blindnefs of thefe poor favages, and exult in our own fuperiority in this refpeét, but let us not forget, that in the moft cultivated periods of the human underftanding, (before the light of revelation was gracioufly difplayed) a fimilar fuperftition was practifed by all the various nations of the heathen world; of which, not one perhaps had fo ftrong an apology top plead as the Charaibes. Vor. I. F THESE --- Page 126 --- HISTORY OF THE however, extend only to BOOK THESE obfervations, the worhip of beI. the fair fide of their religion, likewife nevolent deities. A darker fuperftition inhabitants prevailed among all the unenlightenedi believed in of thefe climates; for they not only but ofthe exiftence of demons and evil fpirits, them alfo by the hands of their Boyez, or fered to facrifices and worfhip; pretended magicians, folemnities, with wounding themfelves, on fuch inftrument made ofthe teethofthe: agouti(d); ani infliéted horrible galhes; conceiving, perwhich powers delighted in haps, that the malignant to be appeafed only groans and mifery, and were neverhuman blood (e). I am of opinion, by that even this latter fpecies ofidolatry thelels, reverential piety, and an awful fenfe originated in That of almighty power: and infiniteperfeation. evil at the hands of we receive both good and wife God, and that the Supreme Being is equally are benevolent in the difpenfation of both, and as well by cultivated truths which we are taught, to writ; but they are truths, reafon, as by holy of which uncivilized man the right apprehenfion The faat all times incompetent. was perhaps the deftruétive terrors of the vage, indeed, amidft (d) See Chap. 4. (e) Du Tertre, tom. ii. P. 365. hurricane --- Page 127 --- WEST INDIES. hurricane and the earthquake, might cafily con- CHAP. clude that nothing lefs than Omnipotence itfelf, II. K€ vifiting the nations in his wrath," could thus - 1 harrow up the world; but the calamities of daily occurrence,-the various appearances of phyfical and moral evil which hourly embitter life, he dared not afcribe to an all-perfect and merciful Being. Tohis limited conception, fuch a conclufion was derogatory from divine juftice, and irreconcileable with infinite wifdom. To what then would he impute thefe terrifying and inexplicable phenomena; but to the malignant influence of impure fpirits and aereal demons? The profanations built on fuch notions certainly throw a light on the Chriftian religion, if they ferve not as a collateral evidence of its divine origin. A MINUTE detail of the rites and ceremonies to which thefe, and other religious tenets, gave birth among the Charaibes, moft of them unamiable, many of them cruel, together with an illuftration of their conformity to the fuperftitions of the Pagan theology, would lead me too far; nor is fuch a difquifition neceffary. It is fufficient for me to have fhewn, that the foundations of true religion, the belief ofa Deity, and the expeétation of a future ftate, (to borrow the expreflion of an eloquent prelate) C6 are no lefs F 2 <6 conformable es, moft of them unamiable, many of them cruel, together with an illuftration of their conformity to the fuperftitions of the Pagan theology, would lead me too far; nor is fuch a difquifition neceffary. It is fufficient for me to have fhewn, that the foundations of true religion, the belief ofa Deity, and the expeétation of a future ftate, (to borrow the expreflion of an eloquent prelate) C6 are no lefs F 2 <6 conformable --- Page 128 --- HISTORY OF THE to the firft natural apprehenfions BOOK K conformable mind, than to the foundeft I. c of the untutored C6 principles of philofophy (e)" from a I HAVE thus fcleéted and combined, difcordant materials, a few ftriking parmals of manners and cuftoms ticulars in the charaéter, of the Charaibean of the ancient inhabitants but, as I Ilands. The piéture is not pleafing; fome imelfewhere obferved, it may lead to have for, befides correéting many portant conclufions; fancies which are afloat in wild and extravagant of climate on the world refpefting the influence demonof the mind, it may tend to the powers of that hypothefis of fome ftrate the abfurdity favage eminent philofophers, which pronounces fource of unpolluted happinefslife the genuine to our nafalfely deeming it a ftate conformable ofit. It is ture, and conftituting the perfection obferves, to indeed no eafy taik, as Rouffeau between what is originally difcriminate properly in the prefent connatural, and what is acquired, be conftitution of man: yet thus much may of the cluded, from the account I have given that they derived their furious and Charaibes; from the diétates of fanguinary difpofition-not and abufe of nature, but-from the perverfion Civilization fome of her nobleft endowments. (r) Bifhop of Chefter's Sermons. and --- Page 129 --- WEST INDIES. and fcience would not only have given them CHAP. gentler manners, but probably have eradicated II. alfo many of their barbarous rites and gloomy 1 fuperftitions, either by the introduétion of a purer religion, or bygiving energy and effect to thofe latent principles, which I have fhewn had a foundation among them. But while I admit the neceffity and benévolent efficacy of improved manners and focial intercourfe; conceiving that man by the cultivation ofhis reafon, and the exercife of his faculties, alone anfwers the end of his creation, I am far from concurring with another clafs of philofophers, who, widely differing from the former, confider a ftate ofpure nature as a ftate of unrelenting ferocity and reciprocal hoftility; maintaining, that all thefoft and tender affections are not originally implanted in us, but are fuperinduced by education and refleétion. A retrofpeét to what has been related of the Charaibes will fhew the fallacy of this opinion. Man, as he çomes from the hands of his Creator, is every where conftituted a mild and a merciful being, It was by rigid difcipline and barbarous example, that the Charaibe nation trained up their youth to fuffer with fortitude, and to infliét without pity the utmoft exertions of human vengeance. The dietates of nature were as much violated by thofe enormities of favage life, as they are fuppreffed by the cold F 3 unfeeling the fallacy of this opinion. Man, as he çomes from the hands of his Creator, is every where conftituted a mild and a merciful being, It was by rigid difcipline and barbarous example, that the Charaibe nation trained up their youth to fuffer with fortitude, and to infliét without pity the utmoft exertions of human vengeance. The dietates of nature were as much violated by thofe enormities of favage life, as they are fuppreffed by the cold F 3 unfeeling --- Page 130 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK unfeeling apathy of philofophical refentment. I. To the honour ofhumanity, it is as certain that Y compaffion and kindnefs are among the earlieft propenfities of our nature, as that they conftitute the chief ornament and the happinels ofit. Of this truth our next refearches will furnifh a pleafa ing example. CHAP. III. Of the Natives of Hifpaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Porto-Rico. - Their Origin. - Numbers.-Perfons-Genius and Difpofitions.- Government and Rulgfin-Mifelanom Obfervations refpeÉting their Arts, ManufaSlures and. Agriculture, Cruelty ofthe Spaniards, ESc. I AM now to give fome account of a mild and comparatively cultivated people, the ancient natives Hifpaniola Cuba (b), Jamaica, - of (a), and (a) Hifpaniola was called by the natives Haiti or Ayti, which fignifies mountainous; and I conceive the fame word has the fame meaning in the iflands of the fouth fea. (b) Cuba was the Indian name, It was not difcovered to be an ifland until the year 1508, when a captain, named Scbaftian, failed round it by order of Nicholas Ovando. It was firft planted by the Spaniards in 1511; in that yearJago Velafquez --- Page 131 --- WEST INDIES. and Porto-Rico (c); for there is no doubt that CHAP. the inhabitants of all thofe Iflands were of one III. - common origin,-fpeaking the famela language,- poffeffing the fame inftitutions, and practifing fimilar fuperftitions. Columbus himfelf treats oft them as fuch; and the teftimony of many contemporary hiftorians confirm his opinion. It appears likewife from the information of Las Cafas, the Bithop of Chiapa, to the Emperor Charles V. that moft ofthe natives ofTrinidad(d) were of the fame nation; the extent and natural ftrength of that ifland, as of the others abovementioned, having proteéted them, in a great meafure, from the depredations of the Charaibes. IHAVE elfewhere related that they were confidered by thefe Barbarians as defcended from a Colony of Arrowauks, a people of Guiana; and Velafquez went thither with 300 men, and fettled on the fouth coait, near to a port which he called by his own name, (Yago, a name it fill bears) and which for extent and fecurity may be reckoned one of the fineft in the world. (c) The Indian name of Port-Rico was Boriquen. It was difcovered by Columbus in his fecond voyage, but firf explored by Juan Ponce de Leon, in 1508. (d) Trinidad was difcovered by Columbus in his third voyage, and was named by him after the Holy Trinity, becaufe, fays Herrera, having been in great danger, in a violent ftorm, he made a vow to give that name to the firft land he fhould find; foon after which a failor, in the main-top, faw three points of land, whereby the name fitted every way to his vow, F 4 there by Columbus in his fecond voyage, but firf explored by Juan Ponce de Leon, in 1508. (d) Trinidad was difcovered by Columbus in his third voyage, and was named by him after the Holy Trinity, becaufe, fays Herrera, having been in great danger, in a violent ftorm, he made a vow to give that name to the firft land he fhould find; foon after which a failor, in the main-top, faw three points of land, whereby the name fitted every way to his vow, F 4 there --- Page 132 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK there can be no good reafon to fuppofe that the I. Charaibes were mifinformed in this particular.- The evidence of Raleigh, and others who vifited both Guiana and Trinidad two centuries ago, might be adduced in fupport of their opinion. Thefe voyagers pronounée the ancient inhabitants of Trinidad to belong precifely to the Arwacks or Arrowauk nation of the Continent; a race of Indians to whofe noblequalities the moft honourable teftimony is borne by every traveller that has vifited them, and recorded his obfervations. And here, all enquiry concerning the origin of our iflanders feems to terminate. It is indeed extremely probable that all the various nations of this part of the new world, except only the Charaibes, emigrated anciently from the great hive of the Mexican empire. Juan de Grijalva, one of the adventurers from Cuba in I 518,found a people who fpoke the language of that ifland, on the coaft ofJucatan (e); but at what period fuch emigrations were made; whether the Charaibes were previoufly poffeffed of the widely extended coaft that bounds the Atlantick, or,in pofterior ages, accidentally found their way thither by fea, from the ancient Continent- (perhaps by their invafion giving birth to that hereditary and unconquerable hatred, which ftill (e) P. Martyr, Decad. iii, lib. X. prevails --- Page 133 --- WEST INDIES. prevails between them and the other Indian CHAP. nations)-thefe are points concerning which, as it III. is impoffible to determine, it is in vain to en- - 1 quire. IN eftimating the number of our iflanders, when firft difcovered by Columbus, hiftorians widely differ. Las Cafas computes them at fix millions in the whole; but the natives of Hicpaniola were reckoned by Oviedo at one million only, and by Martyr, who wrote on the authority of Columbus, at 1,200,000, and this laft account is probably the moft correct. Judging of the other iflands by that, and fuppofing the population of each to be nearly the fame in proportion to its extent, the whole number will fall greatly fhort of the computation of Las Calas. Perhaps if we fix on three millions, inftead offix, as the total, we fhall approach as near the truth as poffible, on a queftion that admits not of minute accuracy. Indeed fuch are the accounts of the horrible carnage of thefe poor people by the Spaniards, that we are naturally led to hope their original numbers muft have been greatly exaggerated; firft by the affociates ofColumbus, from a fond and excufable propenfity to magnify the merit and importance of their difcoveries, as undoubtedly they were afterwards by the worthy prelate I have quoted, in the warmth of his honeft indignation at the bloody proceedings of his on a queftion that admits not of minute accuracy. Indeed fuch are the accounts of the horrible carnage of thefe poor people by the Spaniards, that we are naturally led to hope their original numbers muft have been greatly exaggerated; firft by the affociates ofColumbus, from a fond and excufable propenfity to magnify the merit and importance of their difcoveries, as undoubtedly they were afterwards by the worthy prelate I have quoted, in the warmth of his honeft indignation at the bloody proceedings of his --- Page 134 --- HISTORY OF THE his countrymen: with whom, indeed, every man BOOK and mind, muft blufh to I. of a humane refleéting 1 confels himfelf of the fame nature and fpecies! BuT, not to anticipate obfervations that will hereafter, I thall now promore properly appear ceed to the confideration,-I. Of their perfons endowments: II. Their inteland perfonal leétual faculties and difpofitions: III. Their inftitutions: IV., Their religious rites. political Such fubordinate particulars as are not cafily reducible to either of thofe heads, will conclude the prefent chapter. I. BoTH men and women wore nothing more Perfons, covering of cotton cloth round the than a flight it extended to the waift; but in the women knees: the children of both fexes appeared entirely naked. In ftature they were taller, but lefs robuft than the Charaibes (f). Their colour was a clear brown; not deeper, in general, acto Columbus, than that of a Spanifh cording who has been much expoled to the wind peafant fun Like the Charaibes, they aland the (g). of the head in tered the natural configuration but aftera different mode (h); and by infancys (f) Oviedo, Som. (g) F. Col. C. xxiii. of the head from the eye- (h) The finciput, or fore-part which an brows to the coronal future, was deprefled, hinder gave unnatural thicknefs and elevation to the occiputy or part of the fkull, this --- Page 135 --- WEST INDIES. this practice, fays Herrera, the crown was fo CHAP. ftrengthened that a Spanifh broad-fword, inftead III. of cleaving the fkull atai ftroke, would frequently 1 break fhort upon it (i); an illuftration which gives an admirable idéa of the clemency of their conquerors! Their hair was uniformly black, without any tendency to curl; their features were hard and unfightly; the face broad, and the nofe flat; but their eyes ftreamed with good nature, and altogether there was fomething pleafing and inviting in the countenances of moft of them, which proclaimed a frank and gentle difpofition. It was an honeft face, (fays Martyr). coarfe, but not gloomy; for it was enlivened by confidence, and foftened by compaflion. MUcH has been fuggefted by modern philofophers, concerning a fuppofed feeblenefs in their perfons and conftitutions. They are reprefènted to have been incapable of the fmalleft degree of labour, incurably indolent, and infenfible even to the attractions of beauty, and the influence of love (k). This wonderful debility and coldnefs have been attributed by fome writers to a vegetable diet: by others, it is pretended that they derived from nature lefs appetite for food than the natives of Europe; but nothing can more (i) Herrera, lib. i, C. xvi, who copies this circumftance from Oviedo. (k) Robertfon, Buffon, De Pauw, and others. pointedly left degree of labour, incurably indolent, and infenfible even to the attractions of beauty, and the influence of love (k). This wonderful debility and coldnefs have been attributed by fome writers to a vegetable diet: by others, it is pretended that they derived from nature lefs appetite for food than the natives of Europe; but nothing can more (i) Herrera, lib. i, C. xvi, who copies this circumftance from Oviedo. (k) Robertfon, Buffon, De Pauw, and others. pointedly --- Page 136 --- HI TORY OF THE demonftrate theindolent 1 inattention of BOOK pointedly I. hiftorians, than their combining thefe circum1 ftances in one and thefame charaéter. Ani infenfibility, or contemptuous difregard, towards the female fex, was a feature peculiar to the Charaibes; who, however, as we have feen, were robuft and vigorous in their perfons, and infatiably voracious offood. It conftituted no part ofthe difpofition ofouri iflanders; amongft whom an attachment to the fex was remarkably confpicuous. Love, with this happy people, was not a tranfient and youthful ardour only; but the fource of all their pleafures, and the chiefbufinefs of life: for not being, like the Charaibes, oppreffed by the weight of perpetual folicitude, and tormented by an unquenchable thirft of revenge, they gave full indulgence to the inftinéts of nature, while the influence of the climate heightened the fenfibility ofthe paffions (1). IN truth, an exceflive fenfuality was among the greateft defeêts in their charaéter: and to this caufe alone is imputed, by fome writers, the origin of that dreadful difeafe, with (I) See Oviedo, lib. v.c. iii. We have nearly the fame sconntathwedgofite, Arrowauks of Guiana. 66 In their 6 natural diipofition" (fays Bancrofi) c they are amorous c: and wanton; : and Barrere obierves, 4 ilsfan: lubriques ait 6: Jupreme degres" Ivis relatedby.Herrera,' that a deity fimilar to the Venus of antiquity, was one of the Divinities of the Tiafcalan, a people gf Mexico. the .c. iii. We have nearly the fame sconntathwedgofite, Arrowauks of Guiana. 66 In their 6 natural diipofition" (fays Bancrofi) c they are amorous c: and wanton; : and Barrere obierves, 4 ilsfan: lubriques ait 6: Jupreme degres" Ivis relatedby.Herrera,' that a deity fimilar to the Venus of antiquity, was one of the Divinities of the Tiafcalan, a people gf Mexico. the --- Page 137 --- WEST INDIES. the inflistion of which theyhavealmoft revenged CHAP. the calamities brought upon them by the avarice III. of Europe:-if indeed the venéreal contagion L was firft introduced intoSpain from thefe iflands; a conclufion to which, notwithflanding all that has been written in fupport of it, an atttentive enquirer will ftill hefitate to fubfcribe (m). THAT (m) 44 The venereal difeafe" (fays Oviedo) 6 was cer- $6 tainly introduced into Europe from thefe iflands, where 66 the beft medicine for the cure of it, the Guaiacum, is alfo 66 found; the Almighty fo remembering mercy in judgment a that, when our fins provoke punifhment, he fends likewife s a remedy.-I was acquainted with many perfons who ac6e companied Columbus in his firft and fecond voyages, and 46 fuffered ofthis difeafe: one of whom was Pedro Margarite, 66 a man much refpeéted of the King and Queen. In the 46 year 1496 it began to fpread in Europe, and the phyficians 66 were wholly at a lofs in what manner to treat it.-When, c after this, Gonzales Fernandes de Cordova was fent with 6 an army by his Catholick Majefty on behalf of Ferdinand ce the Second King of Naples, fome infested perfons accom66 panied that army, and by intercourfe with the women, 46 fpread the difeafe among the Italians and the French; 66 both which nations had fucceflively the honour of giving 6 itar name; but in truth it came originally from Hifpaniola, 66 where it was very common, as waslikewife the remedy." 92 This account is fufficiently particular; neverthelefs there is reafon to believe that the venereal infeétion was known in Europe many centuries before the difcovery of America $ although it is poffible it might have broke out with renewed violence about the time of Columbus's return from his firft expedition.--This was the era of wonder, and probably the infrequency of the contagion before that period, gave coloyr 10 a report, perhaps at firft malicioufly propagated by fome who as waslikewife the remedy." 92 This account is fufficiently particular; neverthelefs there is reafon to believe that the venereal infeétion was known in Europe many centuries before the difcovery of America $ although it is poffible it might have broke out with renewed violence about the time of Columbus's return from his firft expedition.--This was the era of wonder, and probably the infrequency of the contagion before that period, gave coloyr 10 a report, perhaps at firft malicioufly propagated by fome who --- Page 138 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THAT a people who poffeffed the means of I. gratifying everyinclination without labour, fhould 1 fometimes incline to be indolent, is a circumftance not very extraordinary. As the wants of nature were fupplied almoft fpontaneoufly, and no covering was abfolutely requifite but the fhade, that. neceffity which urges men to aétion, and, by exercife, invigorates the fibres, was here wholly unknown. It is probable therefore that in mufcular ftrength the natives were inferior to their invaders, and being lefs accuftomed to labour, they might alfo require lefs nourifhment. Thefe conclufions may be admitted without degradation of their nature, and fuppoling any who envied the fuccefs of Columbus, that this difeafe was onc efthefraits ofkis celebrated enterprize. It is impoflible, in the fpace of a marginal note, to enter deeply into this fubjeét; neitherdoest the full inveftigation of it come within the defign ofmy work. I therefore refer fuch of my readers as aredefirous offorming: a decided opinion on the queftion, to the Philof. Tranfaétions, vol. xxvii. and vol.xxxi. (No.36xand No.I1) alfo to two learned treatifes on the fubject by Mr. Sanches, publifhed at Paris 1772 and 1774, and to the authorities referred to by Mr. Fofter in his te Obfervations made during a Voyage round the World," p. 492. G In Stow's Survey of London, vol. ii. p. 7.is preferved a copy of the rules or eftablifhed by Parliament in the eighth year of regulations Henry the Second, for the government of the licenfed ftews in Southwark, among which I find the following, 6 No fewholder to keep any woman that hath the perilous infirmity of burning." This was 330 years before the voyageof Columbus. with --- Page 139 --- WEST INDIES. with no very unfavourable impreffion of the cli- CHAP. mate. Their limbs however were pliant and III. aétive, and in their motions they difplayed both 1 gracefulnefs and eafe. Their agility was eminently confpicuous in their dances; wherein they delighted and excelled; devoting the cool hours of night to this employment (n). It was their cuftom, fays Herrera, to dance from evening to the dawn; and although fifty thoufand men and women were frequently affembled together on thefe occafions, they feemed aétuated by one common impulfe, keeping time by refponfive motions of their hands, feet, and bodies, with an exactnefs that was wonderful (0). Thefep public dances (for they had others highly licentious) were appropriated to particular folemnities, and being accompanied with hiftorical fongs, were called Arietoes; a fingular feature in their political inftitutions, of which I fhall prefently fpeak. BESIDES the exercife of dancing, another diverfion was prevalent among them which they called Bato; and it appears from the account given of it by the Spanifh hiftorians (p), that it, had a diftant refemblance to the Englith game of cricket; for the players were divided into two (n) P. Martyr, Decad. iii, C. vii. (0) Herrera, lib. ix. C. ii, (P) Oviedo, lib. vi. C. ii. Herrera, lib, ii, c.iv. parties, IDES the exercife of dancing, another diverfion was prevalent among them which they called Bato; and it appears from the account given of it by the Spanifh hiftorians (p), that it, had a diftant refemblance to the Englith game of cricket; for the players were divided into two (n) P. Martyr, Decad. iii, C. vii. (0) Herrera, lib. ix. C. ii, (P) Oviedo, lib. vi. C. ii. Herrera, lib, ii, c.iv. parties, --- Page 140 --- 8o HISTORY OF THE BOOK parties, which alternately changed places, and the I. fport confifted in dexteroufly throwing and returning an elaftick ball from one party to the other. It was not however caught in the hand, or returned with an inftrument; but received on the head, the elbow, or the foot, and the dexterity and force with which it was thence repelled, werea aftonifhing and inimitable.- Such exertions belong not to a people incurably enervated and flothful. II. THEY are, neverthelefs, pronounced by Intelleéts. writers, to have been naturally inferior to many the natives of Europe, not only in bodily ftrength, but likewife in genius and mental endowments. This affertion has I think been advanced with more confidence than proof. That the mind, like the body, acquires ftrength by employment, is indeed a truth which we all acknowledge, becaufe we all experience its and it requires no great fagacity to difcover, that ingenuityis feldom very powerfully exerted to gratify appetites which do inconveniences not exift, or to guard againft which are not felt. If our iflanders therefore rofe in fome refpects to a degree ofrefinementnotoficn obfervable in favage life, it may juftly be prefumed that in a ftate of fociety produétive of new defires and artificial neceffities, their capacities would have been fufceptible of ftill further improvement. Their fituation alone, without recurring --- Page 141 --- WEST INDIES. 8r fecurring to the various other caufes affigned by CHAP. philofophers, fufficiently accounts for the paucity III. of their ideas. Men, without anxiety for the 1 future, have little reflection on the paft. What they wanted in excited energy ofmind, was however abundantly fupplied by the fofter affeétionss by fweetnefs of temper, and native goodnefs of difpofition. All writers who have treated of their charaéter, agree that they were unqueftionably the moft gentle and benevolent ofthe human race. Though not bleffed with the light of revelation, they praétifed one of the nobleft prea cepts of Chriftianity, forgivenefs of theire enemies: : laying all that they poffeffed at the feet of their oppreffors; 3 courting their notice, and preventing their wifhes, with fuch fondnefs and affiduity, as one would have thought might have difarmed habitual cruelty, and melted bigotry into tendernefs (g). AMONG other inftances of their generous and compaffionate turn of mind, the following is not the leaft remarkable. Soon after Columbus's firft arrival at Hifpaniola, one of his- fhips was wrecked on the coaft. The natives, fcorning to derive advantage to themfelves from the diftrels of the ftrangers (unconfcious indeed of the cala- (9) Martyr. Herrera. F. Columbus, C. xxvii. xxxii, &c. &c. Voi. I. G mities ftances of their generous and compaffionate turn of mind, the following is not the leaft remarkable. Soon after Columbus's firft arrival at Hifpaniola, one of his- fhips was wrecked on the coaft. The natives, fcorning to derive advantage to themfelves from the diftrels of the ftrangers (unconfcious indeed of the cala- (9) Martyr. Herrera. F. Columbus, C. xxvii. xxxii, &c. &c. Voi. I. G mities --- Page 142 --- OF THE HISTORY BOOK mities which their arrival was foon to bring upon I. them) beheld the accident with the livelieft emotions of forrow, and haftened to their relief. A thoufand canoes were inftantly in motion, bufily employed in conveying the feamen and cargo afhore; by which timely affiftance, not a life was loft;and of the goods and provifions that were faved from the wreck, not the fmalleft article Such was their celerity and was embezzled. good will on this occafion, fays Martyr, that no friend for friend, or brother for brother, in diftrefs, could have manifefted ftronger tokens of fympathy and pity (r), Other hiftorians ftill heighten the piéture; for they relate that Guacanahari, the fovereign of that part of that, notwithftanding the country, perceiving the fhip itfelf, and the efforts of his people, great part of the cargo were irrecoverably funk, to condole with him waited on Columbus Indian laon the occafion ; and while this poor mented his misfortune in terms which excited furprize and admiration, he offered the Admiral (the tears flowing copioufly down his cheeks as he fpoke) all that he himfelf poffeffed, in reparation of his lofs (s). THIS benevolence, unexampled in the hiftory (r) Martyr, Decad. i. lib. Herrera, i. Decad. i. lib. i. C. xviii. (:) Fer. Col. c. xxxii. of --- Page 143 --- WEST INDIES. of civilized nations, was foon bafely requited CHAP. by the conduét of a band of robbers, whom III. Columbus, unfortunately, left in the ifland, on 1 his departure for Europe. Guacanahari however was covered with wounds in defending them from his injured countrymen (e) ; to whofe juft refentment the Spanifh ruffians at length fell a facrifice; but their anger was of fhort duration. On Columbus'sretum, in his fecond voyage, their fondnefs revived; and for a confiderable time the Spaniards lived among them in perfeét fecurity, exploring the interior parts of the country, both in companies and individually, not only without moleftation, but invited thereto by the natives. When any of the Spaniards came near to a village, the moft ancient and venerable of the Indians, or the Cacique himfelf, if prefent, came out to meet them, and gently conduéted them into their habitations, feated them on ftools of ebony curioufly ornamented. Thefe benches feem to have been feats of honour referved for their guefts;-for the Indians threw themfelves on the ground, and kifing the hands and feet of theSpaniards, offered them fruits and the choiceft of their viands; entreating them to their ftay, with fuch folicitude and prolong demonftrated that they confidered reverence as of a fuperior them as beings nature, whofe prefence confecrated (1) Herrera, Decad, i, lib. ii. c. ix. Fer, Col. C, xl. G 2 their their guefts;-for the Indians threw themfelves on the ground, and kifing the hands and feet of theSpaniards, offered them fruits and the choiceft of their viands; entreating them to their ftay, with fuch folicitude and prolong demonftrated that they confidered reverence as of a fuperior them as beings nature, whofe prefence confecrated (1) Herrera, Decad, i, lib. ii. c. ix. Fer, Col. C, xl. G 2 their --- Page 144 --- HISTORY OF THE and brought a bleffing with BOOK their dwellings, I. it which Bartholomew Columbus, THE reception Lieuteriant, Of Deputy Gowho was appointed afterwards vernor, in the abfence of the Admiral, the ifland to met with, in his progrefs through tributes from the feveral Caciques or Princes, levy kindnefs and fubmiffion, manifefted not only munificence, and even a but on many occafions Thefe Caciques had high degree of politenefs. eagernefs ofthe ftrangall heard of the wonderful any for 5 and fuch of them as poffeffed ers gold willingly prefented all that of this precious metal, Govetnor. Others, they had to the Deputy of obtaining gold, who had not the means cotton in great abunbrought provifions and latter, was Behechio, dance Among the the Lieutenant ap powerful Cacique, who invited and the and his attendants to his dominions; from this entertainment which. they received chief is thus defcribed by Martyr. hofpitable the king's dwelling, they As they approached to the number of thirty, were met by his wives; in their handss branches of the palmtree folemn carryingl faluted the Spaniards with a who firft fong. Thefe dance, accompanied with a general Herrera, Decad. i.lib.i.c., xiv. E.Col.c.xxvi. (u) (*) P. Martyr, Decad. i. lib. V. matrons --- Page 145 --- WEST INDIES. 8; matrons were fucceeded by a train of virgins, dif- CHAP. tinguifhed as fuch by their appearance; ; the former III. wearing aprons of cotton cloth, while the latter 1 were arrayed only in the innocence of pure nature. Their hair was tied fimply with a fillet over their foreheads, or fuffered to flow gracefully on their fhoulders and bofoms. Their limbs were finely proportioned, and their complexions, though brown, were fimooth, thining and lovely. The Spaniards were ftruck with admiration, believing that they beheld the dryads of the woods, and the nymphs of the fountains, realizing ancient fable. The branches which they bore in theirhands, they now delivered with lowly obeifance to the Lieutenant, who, entering the palace, found a plentiful, and, according to the Indian mode of living, a fplendid repaft already provided. As night approached, the Spaniards were conduéted to feparate cottages, wherein each of them was accommodated with a cotton hammock; and the next morning they were again entertained with dancing and finging. This was followed by matches of wreftling, and running for prizes ; after which two great bodies of armed Indians unexpeétedly appeared, and a mock engagement enfued; exhibiting their modes of attack and defence in their wars with the Charaibes,- For three days were the Spaniards thus G 3 royally . As night approached, the Spaniards were conduéted to feparate cottages, wherein each of them was accommodated with a cotton hammock; and the next morning they were again entertained with dancing and finging. This was followed by matches of wreftling, and running for prizes ; after which two great bodies of armed Indians unexpeétedly appeared, and a mock engagement enfued; exhibiting their modes of attack and defence in their wars with the Charaibes,- For three days were the Spaniards thus G 3 royally --- Page 146 --- HISTORY OF THE entertained, and on the fourth, the affecBOOK royally their departure. I. tionate Indians regretted - III. THE fubmiffive and refpeêtrul deportment Political towards their fuperiors, inftitu- of thefe placid people was derived tions, and thofe they confidered as fuch, of in fome degree, from the nature probably, contrary to that of their government ; which, fimilar climate, was mothe Charaibes under a authority narchical and even abfolute. The regal though not circumferibed by pofitive however, into great mildnefs, by inftitutions, was tempered whichi predominatthat conflituriemalbemnodenee of their conduét, from ed throughout every part which the higheft to the loweft. The fympathy manifefted towards the diftrefs of others, they were not wretched themfelves; proves that they favery and mifery, men forin a ftate of abfolute of virtue and pity. are commonly devoid both were called THEIR Kings, as we have feen, Caciques, and their power was hereditary 1 there were alfo fubordinate Chieftains, OF But tributaries to the Sovereign Princes, who were in Hifpaof each diftriét. Thus the territory from niola, anciently called Xaraguay, extending of the theplain ofLeogane to the Weftermoft part the of the Cacique Beheifland, was kingdom mentioned ahove ; but it apchio, whom I have lels than thirty-twa pears from Martyr, that no inferior --- Page 147 --- WEST INDIES. inferior chieftains or nobleshadjurifilicion within CHAP. thatfpace of country, whowere accountable to the III. fupreme authority of Behechio (3). They feem 1 to have fomewhat refembled the ancient barons or feudatories of Europe 5 holding their poffeffions by the tenure of fervice. Oviedo relates, that they were under the obligation of perfonally attending the Sovereign, both in peace and war, whenever commanded fo to do (2). It is to be lamented, that the Spanifh hiftorians afford very little information concerning this order of nobles, or the nature and extent of their fubordinate jurifdiétion. THE whole ifland of Hifpaniola was divided into five great kingdoms (a); of two of which, when Columbus firft landed,.Guacanahari and Behechio were abfolute fovereigns.-A third principal Cacique was Cuanaboa, whofe hiftory is remarkable : He had been originally a War Captain among a body of Charaibes, who had invaded the dominions of Bchechio, and, on condition of preventing the further incurfions of his countrymen, had received his fifter, the beautiful Anacoana, in marriage; ; together with an extent of country, which he had converted into a 0) P. Martyr, Decad. i.lib. v. (x) Oviedo, lib. iii, C. iv, (a) Oviedo, lib. iii. C. iv. G 4 feparate : He had been originally a War Captain among a body of Charaibes, who had invaded the dominions of Bchechio, and, on condition of preventing the further incurfions of his countrymen, had received his fifter, the beautiful Anacoana, in marriage; ; together with an extent of country, which he had converted into a 0) P. Martyr, Decad. i.lib. v. (x) Oviedo, lib. iii, C. iv, (a) Oviedo, lib. iii. C. iv. G 4 feparate --- Page 148 --- HISTORY OF THE The eftablifhment of this BOOK feparate kingdom. I. leader and his followers in Hifpaniola, had introduced into this part of the ifland the Charaibean language, and alfo the ufe of the bow and arrow (b); a weapon with the praétice of which the natives of the larger iflands were generally unacquainted. Cuanaboa however ftill retained his ferocious difpofition, and having been accufed by Guacanahari before Chriftopher Columbus, of murdering fome of the Spaniards, was ordered by that commander to be fent to Spain: : but the fhip perifhed at fea. The fad fate of his unfortunate widow, the innocent Anacoana, who was moft atrociouily murdered in by Ovando, the Governor of Hifpaniola, 1505, that I can difcover, but her fond for no caufe, attachment to Bartholomew Columbus, having been related at large in the late American hiftory, need not be repeated here. THE iflands ofCuba and Jamaica were divided, like Hifpaniola, into many principalities or kingdoms; ; but we are told that the whole eXtent of Porto Rico was fubjeét to one Cacique only(c). It has been remarked, that the dignity of thefe Chieftains was hereditarys but if Martyr is to be credited, the law of fucceffion among them, was different from that of all other people; Oviedo, lib. iti, (e) P. Martyr, Decad. i. lib. ii. (5) for --- Page 149 --- WEST INDIES. 8p for be obferves (d), that the Caciques bequeath- CHAP. ed the fupreme authority to the children'of their III. fifters, according to feniority, difinheriting their - 1 own offspring; 66 being certain," adds Martyr, sc that, by this policy, they preferred the blood &6 royal; which might not happen to be the cafe, S6 in advancing any of the children of their nuSe merous wives." The relation of Oviedo is fomewhat different, and feems more probable: he remarks, that one of the wives of each Cacique was particularly diftinguifhed above the reft, and appears to have been confidered by the people at large as the reigning Queen (e); that the children of this lady, according to priority of birth, fucceeded to the father's honours; but, in default ofiffue by the favourite Princefs, the fifters of the Cacique, if there were no furviving brothers, took place of the Cacique's own children by his other wives. Thus Anacoana, on the death of Behechio her brother, became Queen of Xaraguay (f). It is obvious that this regulation was intended to prevent the mifchiefs of a difputed fucceffon, among children whofe pretenfions were equal. THE principal Cacique was diftinguifhed by regal ornaments, and numerous attendants. In (d) Decad. iii. c. ix. (e) Oviedo, lib. V.C. iii. () Herrera, lib.vi, c. i, travelling other wives. Thus Anacoana, on the death of Behechio her brother, became Queen of Xaraguay (f). It is obvious that this regulation was intended to prevent the mifchiefs of a difputed fucceffon, among children whofe pretenfions were equal. THE principal Cacique was diftinguifhed by regal ornaments, and numerous attendants. In (d) Decad. iii. c. ix. (e) Oviedo, lib. V.C. iii. () Herrera, lib.vi, c. i, travelling --- Page 150 --- HISTORY OF THE 9o through his dominions, he was comBOOX travelling on men's fhoulders, after a manner I. monly borne much refembling the ufe of the palanqueen very in the Eaft Indies (g). According to Martyr (h),he was regarded by all his fubjeéts with fuch reverence, as even exceeded the bounds of nature and reafon; forifhe ordered any of them headlong from a high rock, oF to caft themfelves caufe to drown themfelves in the fea, alledging no but his fovereign pleafure, he was obeyed withto the fupreme auout a murmur; oppofition thority, being confidered, not only as unavailing, but impious. veneration terminate with the Nor did their life of the Prince; it was extended to his meafter death; a proof that his authority, mory was feldom abufed. When however extravagant, and died, his body was embowelled, a Cacique heated; fo that dried in an oven, moderately the bones and even the fkin were preferved entire(i). The corpfe was then placed lina cavewith thofe of his anceftors, this being (obferves Oviethefe fimple people the only fyftem do) among they intended to render, of heraldry ; whereby alfo, of not the name alone, but the perfons (8) Herrera, lib. i c. xvi. (h) Martyr, Decad. i. c.i. c.lsi. (i) Herrera, lib. ili. c. iii. F. Columbus, tleir --- Page 151 --- WEST INDIES. their worthies immortal. Ifa Cacique was flain CHAP. in battle, and the body could not be recovered, III. they compofed fongs in his praife, which they - 1 taught their children; a better and nobler teftimony furely, than heaps of dry bones or even monuments of marble; fince memorials to the deceafed are, or ought to be, intended lefs in honour of the dead, than as incitements to the living (k). THESE heroick effufions conftituted a branch of thofe folemnities, which, as hath been obferved, were called Arietoes; confifting ofhymns and publick dances, accompanied with mufical inftruments made of thells, and a fort of drum, the found of which was heard at a vaft diftance (1). (k) Itis related by Martyr, that on the death ofa Cacique, the moft beloved of bis wives was immolated at his funeral. Thus he obferves that Anacaona, on the death of her brother King Behechio, ordereda zery beautiful woman, whofe name was Guanahata Benechina, to be buried alive in the cave where his body (after being dried as above mentioned) was depofited*. But Oviedo, though by no means partialtowards the Indian charnéter, denies that this cuftom was general among themt. Anacaona, who had been married to a Charaibe, probably adopted the praétice from the account the had received from her hufband of his national cuftoms. And it is noti impoflible, under a female adminiftration,- -among. Jar sages,-but that the extraordinary beauty of the unfortunate victim, contributed to her diftruétion. * Martyr, Decad. iii.lib. ix. + Ovicdo, lib V. C. iti. (D Herrera, lib. iii. c.iv. P. Martyr, Decad. iii. C. vii, F Colubus, Thefe probably adopted the praétice from the account the had received from her hufband of his national cuftoms. And it is noti impoflible, under a female adminiftration,- -among. Jar sages,-but that the extraordinary beauty of the unfortunate victim, contributed to her diftruétion. * Martyr, Decad. iii.lib. ix. + Ovicdo, lib V. C. iti. (D Herrera, lib. iii. c.iv. P. Martyr, Decad. iii. C. vii, F Colubus, Thefe --- Page 152 --- HISTORY OF THE: Thefehymns, reciting the great aétions of the deBOOX ; his fame in war, and his gentleI. parted Cacique which 1 nefs in peace,formed a national hiftory(m), was at once a tribute of gratitude to the deceafed monarch, and a leffon to the living. Nor could any thing have been more inftruétive to the rifing generation than this inftitution, fince it comprehended alfo the antiquities of their country, and the traditions of their anceftors. Expreffions of national triumph for victory in war, lamentations in times of publick calamity, the voice of feftivity, and the language oflove, were likewife the fubjeêts of thefe exhibitions 3 the dances, fo effential a part of them, being grave or gay as the occafion required. It is pretended that among the traditions thus publickly recited, there was one of a prophetick nature, denouncing ruin and defolation by the arrival of ftrangers compleatly clad, and armed with the lightning of heaven. The ceremonies which were obferved when this awful prediétion was repeated, we may well believe were ftrongly expreffive of lamentation and horror (n). IV. LIKE all other unenlightened nations, Religious rites. thefe poor Indians were indeed the flaves of fuperftition. Their general theology (for they had an eftablifhed fyftem, and a priefthood to fup- (m) Oviedo, lib. v.c.ii. lib. ii.c. iv. (m) Martyr, ut fupra. Herrera, port --- Page 153 --- Doha GuerBoen Liray --- Page 154 --- --- Page 155 --- WEST INDIES. port it) was a medley of grofs folly and childith CHAP. traditions, the progeny of ignorance and terror. III. Yet we are fometimes dazzled with a ftrong ray 1 of funfhine in the midft of furrounding darknefs. Hiftorians have preferved a remarkable fpeech of a venerable old man, a native of Cuba, who, approaching Chriftopher Columbus with great reverence, and prefenting a baiket of fruit, addreffed him as follows. a Whether you are e divinities," (he obferved) < or mortal men, EE we know not. You are come into thefe €c countries with a force, againft which, were we cE inclined to refift it, refiftance would be folly. a We are all therefore at your mercy; but if €e you are men, fubjeét to mortality like ourR felves, you cannot be unapprized, that after 6 this life there is another, wherein a verydifferent CE portion is allotted to good and bad men. If 66 therefore you expect to die, and believe with 66 us, that every one is to be rewarded in a EE future ftate, according to his conduét in the €e prefent, you will do no hurt to thofe, who do 6 none to you (o)." THEIR (o) This remarkable circumftance happened on the 7th of july 1494, andisattefted by Pet. Martyr, Decad.i i, lib. iii. and by Herrera, lib. ii. c.xiv. Ifitl be afked how Columbus underftood the Cacique, the anfwer is, that he had carried with him to Spain, in his former voyage, feveral of the Indians; one of whom, a native of Guanahani, who had remained with who do 6 none to you (o)." THEIR (o) This remarkable circumftance happened on the 7th of july 1494, andisattefted by Pet. Martyr, Decad.i i, lib. iii. and by Herrera, lib. ii. c.xiv. Ifitl be afked how Columbus underftood the Cacique, the anfwer is, that he had carried with him to Spain, in his former voyage, feveral of the Indians; one of whom, a native of Guanahani, who had remained with --- Page 156 --- HISTORY OF THÉ notions of future happinels feem how* BOOK THEIR and fenfual. They fupI. ever to have been narrow - poled that the fpirits of good men were conveyed valley, which they called Coyaba $ to a pleafant abounding with a place of indolent tranquillity, delicious fruits, cool Thades, and murmuring rivulets (P); in a country where drought never and the hurricane is never felt. In this rages, of antiquity) they befeat of blifs (the Elyfium would lieved that their greateft enjoyment arife from the company of their departed ancefand of thofe perfons who were dear to tors, proof at leaft of their filial them in life (9)5a of their piety, and of the warmth and tendernefs affeétions and difpofitions. THE confcioufnefsi in our Indians thatthey were accountable beings, feems to indicate a greater deofimprovement than we are willing to allow gree of the natives of the New Hemifphere. to any our iflanders acAlthough, like the Charaibes, knowledged a plurality of Gods, like them too, they believed in the exiftence of one fupreme, immortal, and omnipotent Creator ; invifible, (r). But unhapwhom they named Tocahuna with him from Oétober 1492, had acquired the ferved Spanifh him lan- on guage. This man, whofe name was Didacus, this and other occafions, both as a guide and interpreter. Herrera, lib. iii. c. iii. (p) Fer. Col. C. Ixi. (g) (r) Martyr, Decad.i,1 lib. ix. F. Columbus. pily, --- Page 157 --- WEST INDIES. pily, with thefe important truths, thefe poor peo- CHAP. ple blended the moft puerile and extravagant III. fancies, which were neither founded in rational 1 piety, nor produétive of moral obligation. They allignedtothe fupreme Being,a father and mother, whom they diftinguilhedy by a variety of names, and they fuppofed the fun and Imoontol be the chief feats of their refidence(s). Their fyftem of idolworfhip was, at the fame time, more lamentable than even that of the Charaibes; for it would feem that they paid divine honours to ftocks and ftones converted into images, which they called Zemis not regarding thefe idols as fymbolical reprefentations only, of their fubordinate divinities, and ufeful as fenfible objects, to awaken the memory and animate devotion, but alcribing divinity to the material itfelf, and aétually worfhipping the rude ftone or block which their own hands had fafhioned. It may be obferved, however, that an equal degree of folly prevailed among people much more enlightened. The Egyptians themfelves, the moft ancient of civilized nations, worhipped various kinds of animals, and reprefentations of animals, fome of them the moft noxious in nature 5 and even the accomplifhed philofophers of Greece and Rome paid divine honours to men to whom they had (3) F. Columbus. P. Martyr. Benzoni, themfelves one or block which their own hands had fafhioned. It may be obferved, however, that an equal degree of folly prevailed among people much more enlightened. The Egyptians themfelves, the moft ancient of civilized nations, worhipped various kinds of animals, and reprefentations of animals, fome of them the moft noxious in nature 5 and even the accomplifhed philofophers of Greece and Rome paid divine honours to men to whom they had (3) F. Columbus. P. Martyr. Benzoni, themfelves --- Page 158 --- HISTORY OF T HE nearly aliied, BOOK themfelves given an apotheofis.-So is the blindnefs of unrefearches, I. in religious of mere cultutored nature, to the infufficiency tivated reafon ! afferted (whether juftly Ir has indeed been of Paganifm alor not) that c the fuperflitions and ofce ways wore the appearance of pleafure, of our but the theology <6 ten of virtue By a iflanders bore a different afpect. poor inconfiftency in the human mind, lamentable the Creator of all things as wholly they confidered work of his hands ; and as regardlefs of the of the world to having transferred the government and malignant beings, who delightfubordinate into evil, that which HE proed in converting The effufions of gratitude, nounced to be good. confidence of hope, the warmth ofa affection, the Their idols formed no part of their devotions. fometimes hideous and frightful, were univerfally and other odious reptiles; but reprefenting toads human face horribly difmore frequently the confidered them, torted ;a proof that they objeéts but evil, powers 3-AS not as benevolent, and love. of terrory-not of admiration awful alive this facred and prejudice To keep and heighten its in the minds of the multitude, a their Boltitos or Priefts, appropriated influence, (1) Gibbon, confecrated --- Page 159 --- WEST INDIES. confecratedhoufein each village, whereinthe Zemi CHAP. wasinvoked and worfhipped. Nor wasit permit- III. ted to the people at large, at all times, to enter, 1 - and on unimportant occafions approach the dread objeét of their adoration. The Bohitos undertook to be their meffengers and interpreters, and by the efficacy of their prayers to avert the dangers which they dreaded. The ceremonies exhibited on thefe folemnities, were well calculated to extend the prieftly dominion, and confirm the popular fubjcétion. In the fame view, the Bohitos added to their holy profeffion, the practice of phyfick, and they claimed likewife the privilege of educating the children of the firft rank of people (m) 1 a combination of influence which, extending to the neareft and deareft concerns both of this life and the next, rendered their authority irrefiftible. WITH fuch power in the priefthood, it may well be fuppoled, that the alliance between church and ftate, was not lefs intimate in thefe iflands, than in the kingdoms of Europe. As in. many other nations, religion was here made the inftrument of civil defpotifm, and the will of the Cacique, if confirmed by the Prieft, was impioufly pronounced the decree of heaven. Columbus relates, that fome of his people enter- (w) Martyr, VoL.I. H ing WITH fuch power in the priefthood, it may well be fuppoled, that the alliance between church and ftate, was not lefs intimate in thefe iflands, than in the kingdoms of Europe. As in. many other nations, religion was here made the inftrument of civil defpotifm, and the will of the Cacique, if confirmed by the Prieft, was impioufly pronounced the decree of heaven. Columbus relates, that fome of his people enter- (w) Martyr, VoL.I. H ing --- Page 160 --- HISTORY OF THE unexpeétedly into one of their houfes of BOOK ing in obtainI. worfhip, found the Cacique employed 1 ing refponfes from the Zemi. By the found ofthe voice which came from the idol, they knew that it was hollow, and dafhing it to the ground to expofe the impofture, they difcovered a tube, which was before covered with leaves, that communicated from the back part of the image to inner whence the Prieft iffued an apartment, his precepts as through a fpeaking trumpetsbut the Cacique earneftly entreated them to fay nothing of what they had feen; declaring that by means of fuch pious frauds, he colleéted tributes, and kept his kingdom in fubjeétion. THE reader, I believe, will readily acquit- -me for declining to enter into any further detail of the various wild notions, and fantaftical rites which were founded on fuch arts and impoftures. Happily for our iflanders, however, the general fyftem of their fuperftition, though not amiable, was not cruel. We find among them but few. of thofe barbarous ceremonies which filled the Mexican temples with pollution, and the fpeétators with horror. They were even more fortunate in this refpeét than the otherwife happy inhabitants of the lately difcovered iflandsin the Southern Pacifick Ocean ; amongft whom the praétice of offering human facrifices to their deities, is ftill dreadfully prevalent, as it --- Page 161 --- WEST INDIES. it anciently was amongft moft of the nations of CHAP. the earth. III. HAVING thus mentioned the natives of the U - South-Sea Iflands, I cannot but advert to the neous Mifeclla- obwonderful fimilarity obfervablein many refpeêts, fervations. between our ill-fated Weft Indians and that placid people. The fame frank and affedtionate temper, the fame chearful fimplicity, gentlenefs and candour; ;-a behaviour;devoid of meannefs and treachery, of cruelty and revenge, are apparent in the charaéter of both ;-and although placed at fo great a diftance from each other, and divided by the intervention of the American Continent, we may trace a refemblance even in many of their cuftoms and inftitutions; their national fongs and dances, their domeftick ceconomy, their fyftem of government, and their funeral ceremonies. I pretend not, however, to affirm that this refemblance is fo exaét, as to create the prefumption of a common origin. The affinity perceivable in the difpofitions and virtues of thefe widely feparated tribes, arofe probably from a fimilarity in their circumftances and fituation, operating on the general principles of human nature, Placed alike in a happy medium between favage life, properly fo calied, and the refinements of polifhed fociety, they are found equally exempt from the fordid corporeal diftreffes and fanguinary paffions of the former ftate, H 2 and create the prefumption of a common origin. The affinity perceivable in the difpofitions and virtues of thefe widely feparated tribes, arofe probably from a fimilarity in their circumftances and fituation, operating on the general principles of human nature, Placed alike in a happy medium between favage life, properly fo calied, and the refinements of polifhed fociety, they are found equally exempt from the fordid corporeal diftreffes and fanguinary paffions of the former ftate, H 2 and --- Page 162 --- HISTORY OF THE IOO and from the artificial neceffities, the reftraints BOOK of the latter. To a fpeculative I. and folicitudes 1 mind, fuch a fituation may appear, for a moto our own; 5 66 but if we ment, even fuperior hiftorian of the amiace admit" (fays the clegant ble Otaheiteans) cc that they are upon the whole admit that the child 6 happier than we, we muft and that wéare lofers Cc is happier than the man, our the increafe of Cc by the perfeétion of nature, the of our <C our knowledge, and enlargement 66 views (x)." Ix thofe inventions and arts which, varying add confiderably to the value the enjoyments, of life, I believe the Otaheiteans were in general fomewhat behind our iflanders: in agriculture fo (). The great fupthey were particularly port (x) Hawkefworth's Voyages, vol.ii.p.105i. 0) Dr. Robertfon, in his Hiftory of Amerien,vol. World had obferves, that as the natives of thc New p. 332, animals, nor the ufe of the metals, their agriculture no tame beenimperleét. It thould however be muft neceffarily have raifed corn for their own remembered, that as every family of Las fupport, and the iflands being (to uie the expreffion oith Cafas) 4 abounding with inhabitants asan aut-hill ants," fmall of ground allotted to the maintenance a very portion wouli comprehend in the aggregate an imof each family, Thus we find Bartliolomenfe fpace of cultivated country. that the fields about Zabraba, a mew Col.mbus obferving, which he viewed in 1503, country in the Guiph of Darien, like the corn fields of Europe, %4 were all covered with maize, Unacquainted with the foil 4 for abovejix lengues egeller." of afas) 4 abounding with inhabitants asan aut-hill ants," fmall of ground allotted to the maintenance a very portion wouli comprehend in the aggregate an imof each family, Thus we find Bartliolomenfe fpace of cultivated country. that the fields about Zabraba, a mew Col.mbus obferving, which he viewed in 1503, country in the Guiph of Darien, like the corn fields of Europe, %4 were all covered with maize, Unacquainted with the foil 4 for abovejix lengues egeller." of --- Page 163 --- WEST INDIES. TOI port of the infular territories of the South-Sca CHAP. confifts of the bread-fruit, and the plantain; ; III. both which flourifh there (pontancoufly 5 and al- - 1 though the inhabitants have likewife plantations of yams and other efculent roots, yet the cultivation of none of them appears to be as extenfive, as was that of the maize in the Weft Indies, or to difplay equal fkill with the preparation of the caffavi-bread from the maniock (z). The Weft Indians, of the Weft Indies, Dr. Robertfon fhould have delivered his fentiments on this fubjeét with diffidence. That foil whichi is knownin thefe iflands by the name of brick-mould, is not ouly fuperior to moft others in fertility, but requires very little trouble in cultivation. Among our iflanders, to whom the ufe of iron was unknown, inftruments were ingenioufly formed of ftone, and of a certain fpecies of durable wood, which were endued with nearly equal folidity and tharpnefs. We find them felling large trees, building canoes and houfes, and forming domeftick utenfils of exquifite workmanfhip. Poffeffing thet tools and materials neceffary for thefe purpofes, they could not be deftitute of proper implements fort the ruder operations of hufbandry, on a foil incapable of much refiftance. (x) L'Abbe Raynal, in oppofition tot the teftimony of allthe early Spanifh hiftorians who have treated of the difcovery and productions of America (none of whom indeeddoes he appear to have confulted) afferts that the maniock plant was originally introduced into the Weft Indies from Africa, and that the Indians were firft inftruéted by the negroes in the art of converting the poifonous root into wholefome food. For the fatisfaétionoffuch. ofmy: readersasarenoti intimately acquainted with the American Hiftory, I think it neceffary to obferve, that P. Martyr, in his firf Decad, which bears date NovemH3 ber, does he appear to have confulted) afferts that the maniock plant was originally introduced into the Weft Indies from Africa, and that the Indians were firft inftruéted by the negroes in the art of converting the poifonous root into wholefome food. For the fatisfaétionoffuch. ofmy: readersasarenoti intimately acquainted with the American Hiftory, I think it neceffary to obferve, that P. Martyr, in his firf Decad, which bears date NovemH3 ber, --- Page 164 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Indians, notwithftanding' that theypolfefidlaimont I. everyvariety of vegetable naturewhich grewin the countries I have mentioned, the bread fruit eXcepted, raifed alfo both the maize and the maniock in great abundance 5 and they had acquired the fkill of watering their lands from diftant rivers, in time of drought (a). It may likewife be obferved, that although the Otaheiteans poffefs the fhrub which produces cotton, they neither improveith by culture, nor have the knowledge of converting its wool into cloth (b); but content themfelves with a far meaner production as a fubftitute. Our iflanders had not only the fkill of making excellent cloth from their cotton, but they praétifed alfo the art of dying it with a variety of colours 5 fome of them of the utmoft brilliancy and beauty (c). IN the fcience of fhip-building (ifthe conftruction offuch veffels as either people ufed, may be diftinguifhed with that appellation) the fuperiber, 1493, feven months only after the return of Columbus from his firft voyage, particularly mentions the maniock, or jucca, as furnifhing great part of the food of the iflanders, and he defcribes their manner of making the cafavi bread from it; obferving that the raw juice is as firong a poifon as aconite. Negroes were not imported into the iflands till many years afterthis account was publifhed. (a) Martyr, Decad. iii. (b) Forfter's Obfervations. (c) Oviedo. Purchas, vol. ii.p- 985. ority --- Page 165 --- WEST INDIES. ority is on the fide of Olaheite ; yct the Pira- CHAP. guas of the Weft Indians werc fully fufficient III. for the navigation they were employed in, and Q indeed were by no means contemptible feaboats. We are told that fome of thefe veffels were navigated with forty oars (d); and Herrera relates, that Bartholomow Columbus, in pafling through the Gulph of Honduras, fell in witia one that was cight feet in breadth, and in length equal to a Spanith galley. Over the middle was an awning, compofed of mats and palm-tree leaves; underneath which were difpofed the women and children, fecured both from rain and the fpray of the fea.--It was laden with commodities from Jucatan (e). ON the other hand, our iflanders far furpaffed the people of Otaheite, in the elegance and variety oftheir domeftick utenfils and furniture; their earthenware, curioufly woven beds, and implements of hufbandry. Martyr fpeaks with admiration of the workmanfhip of fome ofthe former of thefe. In the account he gives of a magnificient donation from Anaçoana to Bartho- (d) Martyr, Decad. i. (e) Herrera, Decad. i. lib. V. Thefe veffels were built cither ofcedar, or the great cotton-trec-hollowed, and made fquareat each end like punts. Their gunnels were raifed with canes braced clofe, and fmeared over with fome bituminous fubftance to render then water-tight, and they had fharp keels. P. Martyr, D. cad. H 4 lomew Anaçoana to Bartho- (d) Martyr, Decad. i. (e) Herrera, Decad. i. lib. V. Thefe veffels were built cither ofcedar, or the great cotton-trec-hollowed, and made fquareat each end like punts. Their gunnels were raifed with canes braced clofe, and fmeared over with fome bituminous fubftance to render then water-tight, and they had fharp keels. P. Martyr, D. cad. H 4 lomew --- Page 166 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK lomew Columbus, on his firft vifit to that PrinI. cefs, he obferves that, among other valuables, the prefented him with fourteen chairs of ebony beautifully wrought, and no lefs than fixty veffels of different forts, for the ufe of his kitchen and table, all of which were ornamented with figures of various kinds, fantaftick forms, and accurate reprefentations of living animals (). The induftry and ingenuity of Four Indianstherefore muft have greatly exceeded the meafure oftheirwants. Having provided for the neceffities of their condition, they proceeded to improve and adorn it. BUT I muft now leave them to the miferable fate in which it pleafed infinite, but infcrutable, wifdom to permit their mercilefs invaders to involve them for ever!-It may, I think, be fafely affirmed, that the whole ftory of mankind affords no fcene of barbarity equal to that of the cruelties exercifed on thefe innocent and inoffenfive people. All the murders and defolations of the moft pitilefs tyrants that ever diverted themfelveswiththepangsand convulionaofitbciriele creatures, fall infinitely fhort of the bloody enormities committed by the Spanifh nation in the conqueft of the New World ;-a conqueft, on a low eftimate, effeéted by the murder of ten millions of the fpecies ! But although the ac- (f) P. Martyr, Decad. : çounts --- Page 167 --- WEST INDIES. 10S counts which are tranimitted down to us ofthis CHAP. dreadful carnage, are authenticated beyond the III. poffibility of difpute, the mind, fhrinking from the contemplation, wifhes to refift conviétion, and to relieve itfelf by incredulity.-Such at leaft is the apology which I would frame for the author of the American Hiftory, when I find him attempting, in contradiétion to the voice and feclings of all mankind, to palliate fuch horrible wickednefs (g). Yet the fame author admits, that in the fhort interval of fifteen years fubfequent to the difcovery of the Weft Indies, the Spaniards had reduced the natives of Hifpaniola K from a million to fixty thoufand (h)." It is in vain that he remarks on the bodily feeblenefs of thefe poor Indians, and their natural incapacity for labour. Such a conftitutional defect, if it exifted, entitled them to greater (g) Introduétion to the Hiftory of America, by Dr. Robertfon, vol.i. p. IO. 46 It is to bc hoped" (fays this author) 66 thatthe Spaniards will at laft difcover thisfyftem of conceal66 ment to be no lefs impolitick than illiberal. From what 66 I have experienced in the courfe of my enquiries, I am 66 fatisfied, that upon a more minute fcrutiny into their early & operationsi in the New World, however R EPREHENSIBLE" (at tender exprethon) <the actions of individuals maysppear, 66 the conduét oft the nation will be placed in a more favour66 ble light." This opinion, however, needs no other refutation than that which is tol be found in the fubfequent pages of the learned Author's Hiftory. (h) Hillory of America, vol. i. book iii. p. 185. lenity; enquiries, I am 66 fatisfied, that upon a more minute fcrutiny into their early & operationsi in the New World, however R EPREHENSIBLE" (at tender exprethon) <the actions of individuals maysppear, 66 the conduét oft the nation will be placed in a more favour66 ble light." This opinion, however, needs no other refutation than that which is tol be found in the fubfequent pages of the learned Author's Hiftory. (h) Hillory of America, vol. i. book iii. p. 185. lenity; --- Page 168 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK lenity; but the Spaniards diftributed them into I. lots, and compelled them to dig in the mines, 1 without reft or intermiflion, until death, their only refuge, put a period to their fufferings, Such as attempted refiftance or efcape, their mercilefs tyrants hunted down with dogs, which were fed on their fleth. They difregarded fex and age, and with impious and frantick bigotry even called in religion to fanétify their cruelties ! Some, more zealous than the reft, forced their miferable captives into the water, and after adminiftering to them the rite cofbaptifm, cut their throats the next moment, to prevent their apoftacy! Others made a vow tohang or burn thirteen every morning, in honour of our Saviour and the twelve.Apoftles! Nor were thefe the exceffes only of a blind and remorfelefs fanaticifm, which exciting our abhorrence, excites alfo our pity : The Spaniards were aétuated in many inftances by fuch wantonnefs of malice, as is wholly unexampled in the wide hiftory of human depravity, -Martyr relates, that it was a frequent praétice among them to murderthe Indians ofHifpaniola in fport, or merely, he obferves, t0 keep their hands in ufe. They had an emulation which of them could moft dexteroufly ftrike off the head of a man at a blow; and wagers frequently depended on this hellifh exercife (i). To fill up (i) P. Martyr, Deçad. i. lib. vii. the --- Page 169 --- WEST INDIE S. 1oy the meafure of this iniquity, and demonftrate to CHAP. the world, that the nation at large participatèd III. in the guilt of individuals, the Court of Spain 1 not only negleéted to punith thefe enormitiesi in its fubjedts, but when rapacity and avarice had nearly defeatedtheir own purpofes, by the utter extirpation of the natives of Hifpaniola, the King gave permiffion to feize on the unfufpeéting inhabitants of the neighbouring iflands, and tranfport them to perifh in the mines of St. Domingo. *e Several veffels" (fays Dr. Robertfon) <6 were *c fitted out for the Lucayos, the commanders of Sc which informedthenatives, with whofelanguage s6 they were now well acquainted, that they came 4c from a delicious country, in which theirdepart6c ed anceftors refided, by whom they were fent to fc invite them to refort thither, to partake oft the 6 blifs which they enjoyed. That fimple peoce ple liftened with wonder and credulity, and s6 fond of vifiting their relations and friends in s6 that happy region, followed the Spaniards with Ce eagernefs. By this artifice, above 40,000 were $6 decoyed into Hifpaniola, to fhare in the fufse ferings which were the lot of the inhabitants se of that ifland, and to mingle their groans and Cc tears with thofe of that wretched race of 66 men (k):" After reading thefe accounts, who (R) Hiftory of America, book iii, p. 186. See likewife p. Martyr, Decad. vii. This author relates the following affedting Ce eagernefs. By this artifice, above 40,000 were $6 decoyed into Hifpaniola, to fhare in the fufse ferings which were the lot of the inhabitants se of that ifland, and to mingle their groans and Cc tears with thofe of that wretched race of 66 men (k):" After reading thefe accounts, who (R) Hiftory of America, book iii, p. 186. See likewife p. Martyr, Decad. vii. This author relates the following affedting --- Page 170 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK who can help forming an indignant wilh that the I. hand of Heaven, by fome miraculous interpoY affeting particulars of the poor Lucayans thus fraudulently decoyed from their native countries. 46 Many of them in 66 the anguifh of defpair, obftinately refufe all manner of 66 fuftenance, and retiring to defert caves and unfrequented 4 woods, filently give upthe ghoft. Others, repairing to the 66 fea-coaft on the northern fide of Hifpaniola, caft many a 66 longing look towards that part of the ocean where they 66 fuppofe their own iflands to be fituated; and as the fea46 breeze rifes, they cagerly inhale it; fondly believing, that it ct hasl lately vifited their own happy vallies, and comesfraught CE with the breath of thofe they love, their wives and 66 their children. With this idea, they continue for hours 46 on the coaft, until nature becomes utterly exhaufted ; 6 when ftretching out their arms towards the ocean, as if 66 tot take a laft embrace of their diftant country and relations, 66 they fink down, and expire without a groan.' "tt One of 4 the Lucayans" (contintes the fame author) who was 66 more defirous of life, or had greater courage than moft of 66 bis countrymen, took upon him a bold and difficult piece 66 of work. Having been ufed to build cottages in his native 66 country, he procured inftruments of ftone, and cut down 66 a large fpongy tree called jaruma* *, the body of which he ct dexteroufly fcooped into a canoe. He then provided 6 himfelf with Oars, fome Indian corn, and a few gourds of 46 water, and prevailed on another man anda a woman to em66 bark with him on a voyage to the Lucayos lflands. 6 Their navigation was profperous for near 200 miles, and 66 they were almoft within fight of their own long-loft fhores, 66 when unfortunately they were met by a Spanifh fhip, 66 which brought them back to flavery and forrow. The 44 canoe is ftill preferved in Hifpaniola as a fingular curio6 fity, confidering the circumnftances under which it was 46 made." The bombax, or wild cotton tree. fition, to em66 bark with him on a voyage to the Lucayos lflands. 6 Their navigation was profperous for near 200 miles, and 66 they were almoft within fight of their own long-loft fhores, 66 when unfortunately they were met by a Spanifh fhip, 66 which brought them back to flavery and forrow. The 44 canoe is ftill preferved in Hifpaniola as a fingular curio6 fity, confidering the circumnftances under which it was 46 made." The bombax, or wild cotton tree. fition, --- Page 171 --- WE ST INDIES. fition, had fwept thefe European tyrants from the CHAP. face of the earth, who, like fo many beafts of III. prey, roamed round the world only to defolate and deftroy ; and, more remorfelefs than the fierceft favage, thirfted forhuman blood, without having the impulfe of natural appetite to plead in their defence ! ON the whole, ifwe confider of how little benefit the acquifition of thefe iflands has fince proved to the Spanith nation, and-count over the coft of the conqueft, we muft find it extremely dificulttoinclude fuch an eventasthe maffacre of ten millions of innocent people (comprehending the butcheries in Mexico and Peru) amongft the number of thofe partial évils which ultimately terminate in general good: Nor can we poffibly reconcileits permiffion to our limited ideas ofinfinite wifdom and goodnefs! - Divines therefore juftly conclude, that no ftronger proof than that which arifes from hence need be given of the exiftence of a future and better ftate, wherein the unequaldiftribution of mifery and happinefsin this life Thall be adjufted; 66 whèn the crooked/iall C6 be made Arnight, and the rongh places plain (4)!" (1) In 1585 Sir Francis Drake made a defcent on Hifpaniola, and in his account of that ifland, which is preferved in Hakluyt, vol. iii. he relates that the Spaniards, having utterly exterminated the ancient Indians, (not a fingle defendant being, I doubt, at that time living) had neverthelefs derived inefsin this life Thall be adjufted; 66 whèn the crooked/iall C6 be made Arnight, and the rongh places plain (4)!" (1) In 1585 Sir Francis Drake made a defcent on Hifpaniola, and in his account of that ifland, which is preferved in Hakluyt, vol. iii. he relates that the Spaniards, having utterly exterminated the ancient Indians, (not a fingle defendant being, I doubt, at that time living) had neverthelefs derived --- Page 172 --- iro HISTORY OF THE BOOK derived fo little advantage from theircruelty, as to be'obliged I. to convert pieces efleatherinto moncy :-all the filver, in the at- - tainment of which from the bowels of the earth fo many thoufands of poor wretches had perifhed, having long fince found its way to Europe, and the inhabitants had no means of getting a frefh fupply. It may be proper in this place to obferve, that fome of the circumftances which I bave related above, refpeéting the cruelties of the Spaniards, are extrafted from the writings of Bartholomew De Las Cafas, who is accufed by Dr. Robertfon of exaggeration ;-but Oviedo himfelf, who endeavours to palliate the monftrous barbarities of his countrymen towards the natives; by afferting that they were addiéted to innatural vicès, which rendered them properly obnoxious to puniflment (a charge, by the way, which Herrera admits to be gronndlef)-Oviedo, I fay,confeffes that in 1535, only forty-three years pofterior to the difcovery of Hifpaniola; and when he was bimfelf on the fpot, there were not left alivein that ifland above five hundred of the original nativesy old and young ; for he adds, that all the other Indians at that timet there; had been forced or decoyed into flavery, from the neighbouring iflands*. Las Cafas, iti istrue, when hefpeaks of numbers in the grofs, certainly over-rates the original inhabitants. But it does not appéar that he meant to deceivé; nor is there any juft reafon to fufpeét his veracity when he treats of matters fufceptive of précifion; more efpecially in circumfancesofehichher declares himfelfto have been an eyewitnefs. Let the reader judge of Las Cafas fromthe following narrative, in which his falfhood (if the ftory were falfe) eould have béen very eafily deteêted. 66 I once beheld" (fays he) 66 four or five principal Indians roafted alive at a 66 flow fire; and as the miferable viétims poured forth dread66 ful fcreams, which difturbed the commanding officer in 4 his afternoon flumbers, he fent word that they fhould be 66 ftrangled; but the officer on guard (I KNOW HIS NAME; 46 ANDIKNOW HIS RELATIONS IN SEVILLE) would not * Oviedo, lib. iii. Co vi. 6 fuffer --- Page 173 --- W ES" T INDIES. 66 fufferit; but caufing their mouths to be gagged, that their 66 cries might not be heard, he ftirred up the fire with his CHAP. 66 own hands, and roafted them deliberately till they all ex- III. 66 pired.--I SAW IT MYSELF."I!! it may be neceffary perhaps, on my own account, to add, that. I have no other edition of Las Cafas, than that which was publifhed at Antwerp, in 1579- From a copy of that edition I have extraéted the foregoing horrid relation ; my hand trembling as I write, and my heart devouily wilhing it could be proved to be falfe. with his CHAP. 66 own hands, and roafted them deliberately till they all ex- III. 66 pired.--I SAW IT MYSELF."I!! it may be neceffary perhaps, on my own account, to add, that. I have no other edition of Las Cafas, than that which was publifhed at Antwerp, in 1579- From a copy of that edition I have extraéted the foregoing horrid relation ; my hand trembling as I write, and my heart devouily wilhing it could be proved to be falfe. --- Page 174 --- IIZ HISTORY OF THE BOOK I. CHAP. IV. Land animals ufed as food.-Fijfhes and wild fozn. Iudian method ef. ffhing and foueling-Efcaleut vegetables, Se-Conchfion. Ix tracing the feveral tribes of quadrupeds, properly fo called, which anciently exifted in the Weft Indies, it will be found that the Windward or Charaibean iflands, poffeffed all that were poffeffed by the larger iflands, and fome fpecies whichi in the latter were unknown It is likewife obfervable, that all the animals of the former are ftill found in Guiana, and few or none of them in North America: Thefe are additional proofs that the Windward Iflands were anciently peopled from the South. The enumeration of them, follows: I. The Agouti; 2. the Pecary 5 3. the Armadillo; 4- the Opuffum ; 5. the Racoon; 6. the Mufk Rat; 7- the Alco; 8. the fmaller Monkey of feveral varieties. THESE --- Page 175 --- WEST INDIES. THESEIthink are their moft general appella- CHAP. tions; ; but, from the variety ofIndian languages, IV. or dialeéts rather of the fame language, which Y anciently prevailed in the Ilands and on the neighbouring Continent, fome of thefe animals have been diftinguifhed by fo many different names, that, in reading the accounts of them tranfmitted by the French and Spanifh hiftorians, It is often difficult to underftand of which in particular they mean to fpeak. THE Agouti is fometimes called couti, and coati, It was corrupted into uti and utia, by.the Spaniards; and at prefent it is known in fome parts of the Weft Indies by the terms pucarara and Indian coney. It is the mus agutiof Linnaeus, and the cavy of Pennant and Buffon. To thefe writers it is fufficient to refer, for a defcription ofits nature and properties.--I Thall briefly obferve that, in comparing it with the quadrupeds of Europe, it feems to conftitute an intermediate fpecies between the rabbit and the rat ; and of the animals which I have enumerated above, this and the laft are, I fear, the only ones that have efcaped the common fate of all the nobler inhabitants of thefe unfortunate iflands, man himfelf (as we have feen) not excepted ! The agouti is ftill frequently found in Porto-Rico, Cuba and Hifpaniola, and fometimes in the mountains of Jamaica, In moft of Voz.I. I the it feems to conftitute an intermediate fpecies between the rabbit and the rat ; and of the animals which I have enumerated above, this and the laft are, I fear, the only ones that have efcaped the common fate of all the nobler inhabitants of thefe unfortunate iflands, man himfelf (as we have feen) not excepted ! The agouti is ftill frequently found in Porto-Rico, Cuba and Hifpaniola, and fometimes in the mountains of Jamaica, In moft of Voz.I. I the --- Page 176 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the iflands to Windward, the race, though once I. common to them all, is now I believe utterly 1 extinét. THE Pecary, which was not known in the larger Iflands, has been honoured with no lefs variety of names than the Agouti. According to Rochefort it was alfo called javari and pacquire. By Dampier it is named pelas, By Acofta faino and zaino. It is the fits tajacu of Linnaeus, and the pecary and Mexican-mufk hog of our Englith naturalifts. OF this. animal, a very full and particular account has been given by Monf. Buffon in his Natural Hiftory, and by Dr. Tyfon in the Philofophical Tranfactions. I have heard that it ftill abounds in many of the provinces of Mexico; but in the Weft Indian iflands I believe the breed has been long fince exterminated. Thofe that I have feen were carried thither from the Continent as objeéts of curiofity S and they appeared to me to differ from the European hog principally in the fingular but well-known circumftance of their having a mufky difcharge from an aperture or gland on the back, erroneoufly fuppofed to be the navel; and in the colour of their briftles; the pecary being indeed highly ornamented; for the briftles of thofe that I beheld, were of pale blue, tipt with white. It is alfo related of this animal, that it poffeffes far --- Page 177 --- WEST INDIES. far greater courage that the hog of Europe; and CHAP. when hunted by dogs, will frequently turn and IV. compel its enemy to retreat. Thus its native 1 bravery bringing it within the reach of fire-arms, contributed doubtlefs to its final deftruétion in the Iflands. OF the Armadillo, the fpecies anciently known in thefe iflands was I think that which is called by fyftematical writers the nine banded. It is covered with a jointed fhell, or fcaly armour, and has the faculty of rolling itfelf up, like the hedge-hog. As food it is faid to be very wholefome and delicate. It was once found in all parts of the Weft Indies. THE Opuffum (or manitou) is diftinguifhable from all other animals, by a wonderful property. Under the belly of the female there is a pouch, wherein fhe receives and Thelters her young*.- Both this and the former animal are too well known to the curious in natural refearches, to render it neceffary for me to be more particular. I believe the opuffum, like the pecary, was unknown to the larger Iflands. THE Racoon was common in Jamaica in the time of Sloane, who obferves that it was eaten by all forts of people. Its abode was chiefly in hollow trees, from whence, fays Sloane, it makes paths to the cane-fields, where it chiefly fubfifts; * I have fince learnt that the female Kangaro from New Holland, is provided in the fame manner. I2 a cir- neceffary for me to be more particular. I believe the opuffum, like the pecary, was unknown to the larger Iflands. THE Racoon was common in Jamaica in the time of Sloane, who obferves that it was eaten by all forts of people. Its abode was chiefly in hollow trees, from whence, fays Sloane, it makes paths to the cane-fields, where it chiefly fubfifts; * I have fince learnt that the female Kangaro from New Holland, is provided in the fame manner. I2 a cir- --- Page 178 --- HISTORY OF THE circumftance which, while it indicates that its BOOK a eafily accounts for its I. number was confiderable, 1 deftruétion. THE Mufk Rat is the piloris of naturalifts: it burrows in the earth, and fmells fo ftrongly of mufk, that its retreat is cafily difcovered. According to the French writers, thefe abounded anciently in Martinico and the: other Windward Iflands to a great degree (m); and its refemblance to the common rat of Europe, though fatal to the four times as larges probably proved whole race. I am fometimes inclined to fufpect that this animalis the agoutiof the larger Iflands. THE Alco was the native dog of the New Hemifphere, nor does it feem to have differed from that of the Old; except that it greatly poffeffed not the power of barking (n). The natives of Hifpaniola, like thofe of Otaheite, fattened them with care, and accounted their < In St. Domingo" (fays fleth a great delicacy. Acofta) 6 the dogs of Europe have multiplied fo 66 exceedingly, that at this time (1587) they are a (e nuifance and a terror to the inhabitants, and 66 a price is fct on their heads as on wolves in 46 Old Spain. At firft there were no dogs in <c this ifland, but a fmall mute creature refem66 bling a dog, with a nofe like that of a fox; (m) P.Labat, tom. ii. P. 302. (n) F.Cal. c. xxiv. C6 which --- Page 179 --- WEST INDIES. A which the natives called alco. The Indians CH A P. Se were fo fond of thefe little animals, that they IV. < carried them on their fhoulders wherever they / 66 went, or nourifhed them in their bofoms." THE Monkey and its varieties require no defcription. THUS it appears that out of eight different fpecies of edible quadrupeds, one only was domeftick and fequacious. Few indeed are the animals that own allegiance to man in his favage ftate. Oft the beafts of the foreft, the ftrongeft difpute his fuperiority and the weakeft avoid his approach. Tol his conveniency therefore they contribute nothing, and towards his nourifhment, the fupplies that they afford are cafual and uncertain. Nature however feems to have difplayed towards the inhabitants of thefei iflands, a bounty that almoft rendered fuperfluous the labours of art in procuring them fuftenance ; for, befides the animals that I have mentioned, and thofe that are furnithed by the rivers and the fea, the woods were peopled with two very extraordinary creatures; both of which anciently were, and ftill are, not only ufed as food, but accounted fuperior delicacies, THESEare the Iguana and the Mountain-crab, Thelguana(or, asiti is more commonlywritten,the guana) is a fpecies of Lizard :-a clafs of animals, about which naturalifts are not agreed whether to I3 rank the animals that I have mentioned, and thofe that are furnithed by the rivers and the fea, the woods were peopled with two very extraordinary creatures; both of which anciently were, and ftill are, not only ufed as food, but accounted fuperior delicacies, THESEare the Iguana and the Mountain-crab, Thelguana(or, asiti is more commonlywritten,the guana) is a fpecies of Lizard :-a clafs of animals, about which naturalifts are not agreed whether to I3 rank --- Page 180 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK rank them with quadrupeds, or to degrade them I. to ferpents-They feem therefore to ftand aloof from all eftablifhed fyftems, and indeed juftly claim a very diftinguifhed place by themfelves. From the alligator, the moft formidable of the family, meafuring fometimes twenty feet in length, the gradation is regular in diminution of fize to the fmall lizard of three inches;"the fame figure and conformation nearly (though not wholly) prevailing in each. The iguana is one of the intermediate fpecies, and is commonly about three feet long, and proportionably bulky, It lives chiefly among fruit trees, and is perfeétly gentle and innoxious. Europeans doubtlefs learnt to make food of them from the example of the ancient Indians, amongft whom the praétice of hunting them was a favourite diverfion (0)s and théy are now become generally fcarce, except in the iflands of the Windward-paflage, and fuch other places between the tropicks as are feldom vifited by man. I believeindeed the Englith, even when they were more plentiful, did not often ferve them at clegant tables; but their French and Spanifh neighbours, lels fqueamifh, ftill devour them with exquifite relifh : I imagine too they have good reafon ; for I have been affured by a lady of great beauty and ()F.Col.c.xxy. clegance, in the iflands of the Windward-paflage, and fuch other places between the tropicks as are feldom vifited by man. I believeindeed the Englith, even when they were more plentiful, did not often ferve them at clegant tables; but their French and Spanifh neighbours, lels fqueamifh, ftill devour them with exquifite relifh : I imagine too they have good reafon ; for I have been affured by a lady of great beauty and ()F.Col.c.xxy. clegance, --- Page 181 --- WEST INDIES. I19 elegance, who fpoke from experience, that the CHAP. iguana is equal in flavour and wholefomenefs to IV. the fineft green turtle (p). RESPECTING the Mountain Crab, which ftill furvives.in the larger of thefe Iflands, though its final extinétion is probably at hand, its hiftory (P) P. Labat likewife fpeaks of a fricaffeed guana with highapprobation. He comparesit to chicken, for the whitenefs of its fleth and the delicacy of its flavour.-Tom. iii. p- 315- In a fubfequent page, he gives a minute account of the manner of catching this animal, and if the reader has no objeétion to accompany the good Father a la chaft, he may participate in the diverfion as follows : 46 We were attended? (fays he) uby a negro, who carried a long rod; 2t one end c of which was a piece of whipcord with a running knot. 66 After beating the bufhes for fome time, the negro dif46 covered our game baiking in the fun on the dry limb of 66 at tree. Hereupon he began whiftling with all his might, &6 to which the guana was wonderfully attentive, fretching 46 out his neck and turning his head, as ifto enjoy it more 66 fully. The negro now approached, ftill whidling, and <6 advancing his rod gently, began tickling with the end of c6 it the fides and throat of the guana, who feemed mightily 6L pleafed with the operation; for he turned on his back, 66 and ftretched himfelf out like a cat before a fire, and CE at length fairly fell afleep; which the negro perceiving, 46 dexteroufly flipt the noofe over his head, and with a jerk 46 brought him to the ground: and good fport it afforded, < to fee the creature fwell likeat turkey cock, at fndinghim4 felf entrapped. We caught others in the fame way, and. 66 kept one of them alive feven or elght days; but" (continues the reverend hiftorian) it grieved me to the heertto 66 find that he thereby loft much delicious fat." Thefe animals are likewife known in the Eaft Indies. Sir Jofeph Banks fhot one of them at Batavia, and foundit good food. I 4 is ground: and good fport it afforded, < to fee the creature fwell likeat turkey cock, at fndinghim4 felf entrapped. We caught others in the fame way, and. 66 kept one of them alive feven or elght days; but" (continues the reverend hiftorian) it grieved me to the heertto 66 find that he thereby loft much delicious fat." Thefe animals are likewife known in the Eaft Indies. Sir Jofeph Banks fhot one of them at Batavia, and foundit good food. I 4 is --- Page 182 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK is fo wonderful, that I choofe rather to give recital I. it in the language of others, than in any of my own. The authors from whom I tranfcribe, are Du Tertre and Brown. They both wrote from their own knowledge and perfonal obfervation, and the facts which they relate have been repeated to me a thoufand times in the Weft Indies, by perfons, who I am fure never knew what has been publifhed on the fubjeét by any author whatever. <e Thefe anic6 mals" (fays Du Tertre) 6 live not only in a €e kind of orderly fociety in their retreats in the 6 mountains, but regularly once a year march 66 down to the fea-fide in a body of fome milCe lions at a time. As they multiply in great 66 numbers, they chufe the months of April or 66 May to begin their expedition; and then 66 fally out from the ftumps of hollow trees, s6 from the clefts of rocks, and from the holes 66 which they dig for themfelves under the fur- ( face of the earth. At that time the whole 66 ground is çovered with this band of adven6€ turers ; there is no fetting down one's foot 46 without treading upon them, The fea is 6 their place of deftination, and to that they Cc direét their march with right-lined precifion. 4 No geometrician could fend them to their 6 deftined ftation by a fhorter courfe; they GE neither --- Page 183 --- WI EST INDIES. ec neither turn to the right nor to the left what- CHAP. EC ever obftacles intervene ; and even if they IV. 66 meet with a houfe, they will attempt to 66 fcale the walls to keep the unbroken tenor of €c their way. But though this be the general ce orderoftheirroute, they, upon other occafions, S6 are compelled to confori to the face of the 66 country, and if it be interfeéted by rivers, 66 they are feen to wind along the courfe of the 66 ftream. The proceffion fets forward from 66 the mountains with the regularity of an 66 under the guidance of an experienced com- army < mander. They are commonly divided into €6 battalions, of which the firft confifts of the cc ftrongeft and boldeft males, that, like pioneers, 66 march forward to clear the route and face C6 the greateft dangers. The night is their 66 chief time of proceeding, but ifit rains by <6 day they do not fail to profit by the occafion, 66 and they continue to move.forward in their flow 66 uniform manner. When the fun fhines and is C6 hot upon the furface of the ground, they make (6 an univerfal halt, and wait till the cool of the 66 evening, When theya are terrified, they march 66 back in a confufed diforderly manner, C6 holding up their nippers, with which they fometimes Ce tear off a piece of the fkin, and leave the €€ weapon where they infliéted the wound." fe WHEN, after a fatiguing march, and efcap6s ing their flow 66 uniform manner. When the fun fhines and is C6 hot upon the furface of the ground, they make (6 an univerfal halt, and wait till the cool of the 66 evening, When theya are terrified, they march 66 back in a confufed diforderly manner, C6 holding up their nippers, with which they fometimes Ce tear off a piece of the fkin, and leave the €€ weapon where they infliéted the wound." fe WHEN, after a fatiguing march, and efcap6s ing --- Page 184 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK 6 ing a thoufand dangers, for they are fometimes I. 66 three months in getting to the fhore, they c6 have arrived at their deftined port, they pre66 pare to caft their fpawn. For this purpofe 6c the crab has no fooner reached the fhore, than' 6c it eagerly gocs to the edge of the water, and G lets the waves wath over its body two or ce three times to wafh offthe fpawn. The eggs c are hatched under the fand; and foon after, Ce millions at a time of the new-born crabs, <e are feen quitting the fhore, and flowly travelC ling up to the mountains." So far Du Tertre, as copied by Goldfmith. What follows, is from Brown's Hiftory of Jamaica. < The old crabs having difburthened < themfelves" (as above) 4 generally regain their < habitations in the mountains by the latter end Ce ofJune.-In Auguft they begin to fatten, and < prepare for moulting; filling up theirburrows of other 46 with dry grafs, leaves, and abundance < materials. When the proper period. comes, C each retires to his hole, Thuts up the paffage, C and remains quite unaétive until he gets rid with a G of his old fhell, and is fully provided in this EE new one. How long they continue e ftate is uncertain, but the fhell is firft obferved 6 to burft at the back and the fides, to give a 6E paffage to the body, and the animal extraéts Ge its limbs from all the other parts gradually 66 afterwards. --- Page 185 --- WEST INDIES. eE. afterwards. At this time the fleth is in the CHAP. u richeft ftate, and covered only with a tender IV. €c membranous ikin, variegated with a multitude 1 6 of reddith veins, but this hardens gradually, c and foon becomes a perfect fhell like the for46 mer. It is however remarkable that, during cr this change, there are fome ftony concretions 6 always formed in the bag, which wafte and dif- < folve as the creature forms and perfects its 66 new cruft." To thefe full and particular accounts I will add, of my own knowledge, that many people, in order to eat of this fingular animal in the higheft perfection, caufe them to be dug out of the earth in the moulting ftate; but they are ufually taken from the time they begin to move of themfelves, till they reach the fea as already related. During all this time they are in fpawn, and if my teftimony can add weight to that of all who have written, and all who have feafted, on the fubjedt, I pronounce them, without doubt, one of the choiceft morfels in nature. The obfervation therefore of Du Tertre, is neither hyperbolical, nor extravagant. Speaking of the various fpecies of this animal, he terms them K a living and perpetual fupply of manna in E6 the wildernefs; equalled only by the miracuf6 lous bounty of Providence to the childlren of F Ifracl when wandering in the defert. They 66 are written, and all who have feafted, on the fubjedt, I pronounce them, without doubt, one of the choiceft morfels in nature. The obfervation therefore of Du Tertre, is neither hyperbolical, nor extravagant. Speaking of the various fpecies of this animal, he terms them K a living and perpetual fupply of manna in E6 the wildernefs; equalled only by the miracuf6 lous bounty of Providence to the childlren of F Ifracl when wandering in the defert. They 66 are --- Page 186 --- HISTORY OF THE 66 are a refource," continues he, c to which BOOK I. c6 the Indians have at all times refort ; for when - 66 all other provifions are fcarce, this never fails 6e them." SUCH plenty of animal food, had the lavifh hand of nature enabled the groves and the forefts of thefehighly favoured iflands, to furnith for the ufe of man. The regions of water and of air were ftill more cbpioufly gifted. Happily the inhabitants of thofe elements, lefs obnoxious to the arts of deftruétion than the races that I have defcribed, are yet fufficiently numerous to bear witnefs themfelves to the inexhauftible liberality of their almighty Creator-We may fay in the language of Milton, Each creek and bay With fry innumerable fwarm, and fhoals Of fith glide under the green wave. Part fingle, or with mate, Graze the fea-weed their pafture; ; and thro' groyes Of coral ftray, or fporting with quick glance, Show to the fun their wav'd coats dropt with gold. While the woods and the marfhes equally abound with while fowl of infinite variety, and exquifite flavour (g). But of the tribes which thefe (9) The moft delicious bird in the Weft Indies is the Ortalan, or O8ober-bird. It is the emberiza oyziwora of Linnaeus, or rice-bird of South Carolina; of which a deferip. tion js given by Catefby.-Yet it is renarkable, that they ae --- Page 187 --- WEST INDIES. thefe iflands ftill abundantly furnifh, and from CHAP. whofe nature and properties there is no reafon IV. to apprehend an extinétion of the race, it is not within my province to treat. The enumeration that I have made has chiefly extended to fuch, as from their fcarcity are feldom noticed by modern naturalifts and voyagers, or of which the knowledge and even the names are loft to the prefent inhabitants:-for it has been juftly obferved, that what from its antiquity is but little known, has from that circumftance alone the recommendation of novelty. ID (hall therefore clofe my account of the animal creation are reckoned birds of paffage in North America as well as in the Weft Indies. Catelby obferves, that they arrive in Carolina in infinite numbers in the month of September, to devour the rice : they continue there about three weeks, and retire when the rice begins to grow hard.-He fuppofes their route to be from Cuba to Carolina ; but I believe they zre not in the iflands till the month of Odtober.-At leaft it isi in that month that they vifit Jamaica in prodigious flights, to feed on the feeds of the Guinea graf.-According to Catelby, the hens only arrive in Carolina in September. The ben is about the bignefs of a lark, and coloured not unlike itin the back; the breaftandbelly pale yellow, the bill ftrong and fharp pointed, and fhaped like moft others of the granivorous kind.-The cock's bill is lead colour, the fore part of the head black, the hinder part and the neck of a reddifh yellow, the upper part of the wing white, the back next the head black; lower down grey, the rump white, the greateft part of the wing and the whole tail black; the legs and feet brown in both fexcs.-Vide the Yellow Fly-catcher of Edwards, P. S. with belly pale yellow, the bill ftrong and fharp pointed, and fhaped like moft others of the granivorous kind.-The cock's bill is lead colour, the fore part of the head black, the hinder part and the neck of a reddifh yellow, the upper part of the wing white, the back next the head black; lower down grey, the rump white, the greateft part of the wing and the whole tail black; the legs and feet brown in both fexcs.-Vide the Yellow Fly-catcher of Edwards, P. S. with --- Page 188 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK with a defcription oft two very curious methods, I. known to the antient Indians, of catching fith 1 and wild fowl, with which I believe the reader will be amufed. c6 THE Indians of Jamaica and Cuba" (fays Oviedo) c go a fithing with the remora, or fuckCE ing-fith, which they employ as falconers emC ploy hawks. This fifh, which is not above < a fpan long, is kept for the purpofe and re- < gularly fed. The owner on a calm morning Ge carries it out to fea, fecured to his canoe by Cc afmall butftrong line, many fathoms inlength; 66 and the moment the creature fees a fith in <c the water, though at a great diftance, it ftarts <e away with the fwiftnefs of an arrow, and foon 46 faftens upon it. The Indiar, in the mean <e.t time, loofens and lets go the line, which is se provided with a buoy that keeps on the fur- € face of the fea, and ferves to mark the courfe 6e which the remora has taken, and he purfues cc it in his canoe, until he conceives his game 6 to be nearly exhaufted and run down.-He a then, taking up the buoy, gradually draws Ec the line towards the fhore ; the remora ftill 6 adhering with inflexible tenacity to its prey, ac and it is with great difficulty that he is made 6c to quit his hold. By this method" (adds 66 Oviedo)"I haye known a turtle caught, of 66 a bulk --- Page 189 --- WEST INDIES. EE a bulk and weight which no fingle man could CHAP. €6 fupport (r)." IV. THEIR contrivance for catching wild fowl 1 was equally ingenious, though praétifed I believe by other nations, particularly the Chinefe, at this day. In the ponds to which thefe birds refort, they ufed to throw calabafhes (a fpecies of gourd) which float about the water, and which, when accuftomed to them, the fowl would ap. proach without fear. Having fucceeded thus far, the fportfnan puts one of thefe gourds on his head (firft making apertures for the fight (r) Herrera confirms this account. See alfo P. Martyr, Decad. i. lib. ii.- Belides the turtle, it is faid, that the Indians (the reader may believe it or not) frequently caught the Manati in the fame manner. This fingular animal is now become very fcarce on the fhores of the Welt India Iflands, but is ftill fometimes caught there, as I myfelf can witnefs. It is the fame which the French call Lamentin.- By the Britifh feamen it has been named (from a fuppofed refemblance in the head) the Sea-Cow ; and its flefh, which taftes fomewhat like pork, is thought to be very good, both freth and falted.-The animal itfelfis a fort of amphibious creature, neither a quadruped nor a fifh.-It has two legs, and is covered with hair, and fuckles its young; yet it never leaves the water, but feeds on grafs which grows at the bottom of the fea. Itis commonly from ten to fifteen feet long, huge and unwieldy, and weighs from twelve to fiftcen hundred weight, Acofta, who was a very good Catholick, relates that this animal was very excellent food ; but (continues he) 6 I ferupled to eat it on Friday, being dombifiul whether 46 was fhor) Afa." it and It has two legs, and is covered with hair, and fuckles its young; yet it never leaves the water, but feeds on grafs which grows at the bottom of the fea. Itis commonly from ten to fifteen feet long, huge and unwieldy, and weighs from twelve to fiftcen hundred weight, Acofta, who was a very good Catholick, relates that this animal was very excellent food ; but (continues he) 6 I ferupled to eat it on Friday, being dombifiul whether 46 was fhor) Afa." it and --- Page 190 --- HISTORY OF THE into thé BOOK and the breath)and very cautioullycreeps wheré I. water, either gently fwimming, or walking 1 the ftream is (hallow, with his head only above the water, until he gets among the fowl, whert feizing one at a time by the feet, and dragging fudden jerk under the furface, he faftens it by a and thus loads himfelf with as it to his girdle, as he can carry away, without creating many among the reft. the leaft alarm or difturbance and IMIGHT now proceed to an enumeration account of the efculent vegetables originally in thefe Iflands; ; efpecially thofe moft produced the Maize, the maniock (s),and valuable ones, of the different fpecies of the diofcorea or Yam; and the many delicious fruits, the growth which, doubt comof thefe climates, the nativeswithout but pofed the chief part of their daily fupport: by the voluminous Iam here happily anticipated colleétions of fyftematical wtiters; particularly thofe of Sloane, Brown, and Hughes. Neverthelefs it were to be wifhed, that thofe authors difcriminated than they had more frequently as are into have done, fuch vegetables appear writer (Dr. Darwin) has given it as (s) A late ingenious or caffava, when made into his opinion, that the mild maniock, by the heat it undergoes, rather than bread, is rendered juice; and I believe the obferby exprefling its fuperfluous for Sir Hans Sloane relates, that the juice vation to be juft; acrimonious in its raw ftate, becomes, when itfelf, however innocent and wholefome as whey. boiled, as digenous, , fuch vegetables appear writer (Dr. Darwin) has given it as (s) A late ingenious or caffava, when made into his opinion, that the mild maniock, by the heat it undergoes, rather than bread, is rendered juice; and I believe the obferby exprefling its fuperfluous for Sir Hans Sloane relates, that the juice vation to be juft; acrimonious in its raw ftate, becomes, when itfelf, however innocent and wholefome as whey. boiled, as digenous, --- Page 191 --- WEST INDIES. digenous, from thofe which have been tranfplant- CHAP. ed from foreign countries. Nature, with moft IV. beneficent intention, has beftowed on diftant 1 climates and regions many fpecies peculiar to each. This variety in her works, is one of the greateft incitements to human induftry a and,the progrefs of men in fpreading abroad the bleffings ofProvidence, adorning and enriching the widely feparated regions of the globe with their reciprocal productions, as itis one of the moft ufeful employments of our faculties, fo it is a fubject which well deferves the notice of the hiftorian, and the contemplation of the philofopher (t). BUr it is now time to quit general defcription (t) The Weft Indies are much indebted, on this account, tothe Eaft, but I believe that the fiftofall fruits, the anana orpine-apple, was carricd from the Weft tothe Eaft. It was found by Columbus in all the Weft India Hands, and P. Martyr, whofe Decades were chiefly compiled out ofCo. lumbus's Letters to King Ferdinand, writes ofit as follows: Aliumfrultunf invidlifimus rex Ferdinandus comedifefatetors abiifdem terris adveflum, Jyammafim, piniis nucamentumn al- /pertus forma colore amulatur, Jed mollitie par melap-poni,Japore omnem Jmperat hortenfen: frudtum : non enim arbor ef, Rid herba, carduo perfinilis, aut acantho. Huic et rex ipfe palmam tribuit. Ex iis egopomis minime comédi: quia tnun 72 tantim è paucis allatis reperire incorruptum, ceeteris ex longa navigatione putrefaétis. Quiins natise/folorecentia ederunt illorum cum admiraticne fiavitatem extollunt. Who does not lament that King Ferdinand did not leave a flice for his honeft Hiftoriographer ? The term. Anana is, 1 believe, eaftern; The Weft Indian name of this fruit was fan-pelo-mie. VoL.I, K for ime comédi: quia tnun 72 tantim è paucis allatis reperire incorruptum, ceeteris ex longa navigatione putrefaétis. Quiins natise/folorecentia ederunt illorum cum admiraticne fiavitatem extollunt. Who does not lament that King Ferdinand did not leave a flice for his honeft Hiftoriographer ? The term. Anana is, 1 believe, eaftern; The Weft Indian name of this fruit was fan-pelo-mie. VoL.I, K for --- Page 192 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK for particular hiftory. Many objects indeed are I. hereafter to be confidered, which, being common to all our Weft Indian poffeffions, will be comprehenfively difcuffed s-but in previoufly treating of the origin and progrefs of our national eftablifhments in them, it feems proper to dif courfe of each Ifland feparately ;-and, as the moft important, I begin with JAMAICA. --- Page 193 --- WEST INDIES. APPENDIX TO BOOK I. Containing fome additional obfervations concerning the origin ofthe Charaibes. HavisG ventured,in the fecond chapterofthis APPENbook, to adopt the opinion of Hornius (a) and DIX. other writers, who affign to fome of the natives 1 of America an oriental origin, and fuppofe that they anciently croffed the Atlantick Ocean, I beg the reader's indulgence while I briefly ftate the evidence whereon I attempt to rebuild a fyftem, which it has become fafhionable, among fome late philofophers, to reject and deride. So many volumes have indeed already been written, and fo much ufelefs learning exhaufted, on the fubjeét of the firft peopling America, that I doubt the reader will fhrink with difguft from an invefligation, which perhaps has given rife to as great a number of idle books, as any queftion (fome difputed points in divinity excepted) that ever diftraéted the attention of mankind. (a) De originibus Americanis, lib, ii, C. vi. K 2 Ir --- Page 194 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Ir may be neceffary therefore to premife, I. that I mean to apply my argument to the Cha1 raibe Nation only; a people whofe manners and charaéteriftick features denote, as I conceive, a different anceftry from that of the generality ofthe American nations. Ir is not wonderful that the notion of their tranfatlantick origin fhould have been treated with derifion.-The advocates for this opinion, like the framers of moft other fyftems, by attempting to prove too much, have gained even lefs credit than they deferve. In contending that the New World was firft planted by adventurers from the Old, they univerfally take for granted, that fome of thofe adventurers returned, and gave accounts of their difcoveries 5 for they fuppofe that America was well known to the Ancients; that not only the Phenicians thither; but that the made repeated voyages Egyptians and Carthaginians alfo, voluntarily crofled the Atlantick, and planted Colonies, at different periods, in various parts of the New Hemifphere. IN fupport of thefe opinions, quotations have been made from poets, philofophers and hiftorians : But, if we refleét on the limited extent of navigation before the difcovery of the compafs; the prevailing direétion of the winds between the tropicks; and various other obftruétions, we thither; but that the made repeated voyages Egyptians and Carthaginians alfo, voluntarily crofled the Atlantick, and planted Colonies, at different periods, in various parts of the New Hemifphere. IN fupport of thefe opinions, quotations have been made from poets, philofophers and hiftorians : But, if we refleét on the limited extent of navigation before the difcovery of the compafs; the prevailing direétion of the winds between the tropicks; and various other obftruétions, we --- Page 195 --- WEST INDIES, we may I think very confidently determine (not- APPENwithftanding the traditions preferved by Plato; ; DIX. the poetical reveries of Seneca the tragedian, and many other paffages in ancient writers, which admit of various interpretations, and therefore prove nothing) that no velfel every returned from any part of America before that of Columbus.- This conclufion, however, does by no means warrant us in pronouncing that no veffel ever failed thither from the ancient continent, either by accident or defign, anterior to that period. That fuch inftances did actually happen, and by what means, I Thall now endeavour briefly to point out. THERE is no circumftance in hiftory better attefted, than that frequent voyages from the Mediterranean along the African coaft, on the Atlantick Ocean, were made, both by the Pheni-' cians and Egyptians, many hundred years before the Chriftian era. It is true, that almoft all the accounts which have been tranimitted to us, in profane hiftory, of thofe expeditions, are involved in obfcurity, and intermixed with abfurdity and fable;-but it is the bufinefs of philofophy to feparate, as much as poffible, truth from falfehood; and not haftily to conclude, becaufe fome circumftances are extravagant, that all are without foundation. We know from indifputable authority, that the PheniK3 cians --- Page 196 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK cians difcovered the Azores, and vifited even I. our own Iland before the Trojan war (b). That their fucceffors the Carthaginians, were not lels diftinguifhed for the fpirit of naval enterprize, we may conclude from the celebrated expedition of Hanno (c) ; who, about 250 years before the birth of our Saviour, failed along the African coaft, until he came within five degrees of the line. It was the Carthaginians who difcovered the Canary Iflands, and it appears from the teftimony of Pliny (d), that they found in thofe iflands, the ruins of great buildings, (vefigia Edificiorum) a proof that they had been well inhabited in periods of which hiftory is filent. So far, we have clear hiftorical evidencetoguide us in our refearches. Not lefs clear and certain (b) Procopius, Secretary to Belifarius in the time of Juftinian, mentions in his Vandalica, book ii. that there were then ftanding in Africa Tingitana, (Tangier) two columns ereêted by the Chananites that fled from Jofhua, the fon of Nun. Eufebius alfo writes, that thofe Chananites which were driven out by the Ifraelites conduéted Colonies to Tripoli, in Africa. (Bechart in Canaan, cap. xxiv.)-that they navigated the Weftern Ocean (cap. xxxvi.) and were in Gaul and Britain (cap. xlii.) See alfo Sammes's Phanician Hiftory of Britain. (c) This was publifhed with Stephanus de Urbibus, by Berkley, in 1688, and in the minor geographers at Oxford. I believe it was firft publilled in Greek, by Sigifmund Gelenius, who died in 1554- - (1) Lib. vi. C. xxxii. de Fortunatis Infulis. (though navigated the Weftern Ocean (cap. xxxvi.) and were in Gaul and Britain (cap. xlii.) See alfo Sammes's Phanician Hiftory of Britain. (c) This was publifhed with Stephanus de Urbibus, by Berkley, in 1688, and in the minor geographers at Oxford. I believe it was firft publilled in Greek, by Sigifmund Gelenius, who died in 1554- - (1) Lib. vi. C. xxxii. de Fortunatis Infulis. (though --- Page 197 --- WEST INDIES. (though lefs numerous) are the accounts of the APPENPhenician navigation, down the Arabian Gulph, DIX. or Red Sea, to diftant parts of Afia and Africa, 1 in ages ftill more remote than thofe that have been mentioned. In the voyages undertaken by King Solomon, he employed the fhips and mariners ofthat adventurous and commercialpeople. With their affiftance he fitted out fleets from Ezion-geber, a port of the Red Sea, fuppofed to be the Berenice of the Greeks. Ofthofe Mhips, fome were bound for the weftern coaft of the great Indian continent ; others, there is reafon to believe, turning towards Africa, paffed the fouthern promontory, and returned home by the Mediterranean to the port of Joppa. IN fupport of this account of the flourifhing ftate of ancient navigation in the Arabian Gulph, we have, firft of all, the higheft authority to refer to; that of the feriptures. Next to which, we may rank the teftimony of Herodotus, the father of profane hiftory: the truth of whofe well-known relation ofa Phenician fleet doubling the Cape of Good Hope fix hundred years before the birth ofChrifl, was never difputed, I believe, until our learned countryman, the author of the late American hiftory, delivered it as his opinion, that c all the information we have received from 66 the Greek and Roman authors, of the Pheni- €6 cian and Carthaginian voyages, excepting only K 4 66 the --- Page 198 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK c the fhort narrative of Hanno's expediI. C6 tion hefore mentioned, is of fufpicious au1 c6 thority (e)." ISHALL quote from Herodotus the paffage alluded to, that the reader may judge for himfelf of the veracity of the venerable old Grecian. It is as follows. c6 Libya is every where encircled c6 by the fea, except on that fide where it adjoins C to Afia. Pharaoh Neco, King of Egypt (), C6 made this manifeft. Afterhehad defifted from ce his projeét of digging a canal from the Nile to 66 the Arabian Gulph,he furnifhed a body ofPhe6 nicians with fhips, commanding them to enter c the Northern Sea by the Pillars of Hercules ; 6 and fail back by that route to Egypt. The Ce Phenicians therefore failing from the Red Sea 66 navigated the Southern Ocean : At the end < of autumn they anchored, and going afhore t6 fowed the ground, as thofe who make a Libyan 6c voyage always do, and ftaid the harveft. Having ce cut the corn, they failed. Thus two years 66 having elapfed, they returned to Egypt, paffcc ing by the Pillars of Hercules; and they re- (e) Robertfon's Hiftory of America, vol.i.p.9. (f) There were two kings of Egypt of this name. The fecond, who is generally fuppofed to have ordered the eircumnavigation of Africa, was flain in battle by the. Affyrians, I think under the command of Nebuchadnezzar; but an ambiguous phrafe in Herodotus, feems rather to point out the elder Neco, who was contemporary with Solomon. 6 ported Egypt, paffcc ing by the Pillars of Hercules; and they re- (e) Robertfon's Hiftory of America, vol.i.p.9. (f) There were two kings of Egypt of this name. The fecond, who is generally fuppofed to have ordered the eircumnavigation of Africa, was flain in battle by the. Affyrians, I think under the command of Nebuchadnezzar; but an ambiguous phrafe in Herodotus, feems rather to point out the elder Neco, who was contemporary with Solomon. 6 ported --- Page 199 --- WEST INDIES. Te ported a circumftance which to me is not APPENE6 credible, though it may gain belieffrom others, DIX. EE that failing round. Libya they had the fiun 0n the 1 66 right (g)." NOTWITHSTANDING the doubts entertained by Dr. Robertfon refpeéting this account, I perceive in it fuch evidence of truth, as, to my own mind, affords entire conviction-How could it have been known, unlefs from actual obfervation, that Africa, towards the South, was encompaffed by the fea? The caution with which the venerable hiftorian expreffes himfelf, is remarkable : and the circumftance that the voyagers obferved the meridian fun on the north, in failing round Libya, which feemed an impoffibility at a time when all between the tropicks was deemed uninhabitable,is of itfelf decifive ofthe main fact (h). DR. Robertfon has fhewn, it is true, that (g) Herod. Melpomene 42. In the former editions of my work, fome miftakes were made in the tranflation of this paflage, which were pointed out to me by the kindnefs of Henry James Pye, Efq. the Poet Laurcat, who affures me, that he has always confidered the paflage in queftion as an unldeniable proof ofthe carly doubling the Cape of Good Hope. Itwast the opinion of Eratofthenes the cofmographer, that the outer fea flowed round the earth, and that the Weftern, or Atlantick, and Red Seas, were but one Ocean. VideStrabo. B. I. p. 38. See alfo the fame author, B. I.p. 28. where itis afferted, that Homer's Menelaus circumnavigated Africa from Gades to India. (h) This voyage was performed about two thoufand one hundred years before that of Vafquez de Gama in 1497. many of Eratofthenes the cofmographer, that the outer fea flowed round the earth, and that the Weftern, or Atlantick, and Red Seas, were but one Ocean. VideStrabo. B. I. p. 38. See alfo the fame author, B. I.p. 28. where itis afferted, that Homer's Menelaus circumnavigated Africa from Gades to India. (h) This voyage was performed about two thoufand one hundred years before that of Vafquez de Gama in 1497. many --- Page 200 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK many hiftorians and geographers of antiquity, I. who lived long after the days of Herodotus, knew nothing concerning the form and ftate of the fouthern parts of Africa.-He obferves particularly that Ptolemy, the aftronomer, fuppofed that this great continent ftretched without interruption to the South Pole. All this howéver only demonftrates that navigation, like other branches offcience, flourifhed in one many and declined in another. Herodotus lived age, before the birth of our Saviour, and 400 years Ptolemy 140 years after. Ancient hiftory abundantly proves that the Phenicians, and their fucceffors the Carthaginians, poffeffed far greater fkill in naval affairs than the Greeks, Romans, or any other nation that came after them, until the fpirit of naval difcovery revived, and fhone with greater luftre than ever, in the fifteenth century. FROM this recapitulation which I have thought neceffary to make, though the fubftance of it may be found in a thoufand different authors, (commonly blended indeed with much learned abfurdity and frivolous conjeéture) the reader will clearly perceive that the navigation of the Atlantick Ocean, along the coaft of Africa, both from the North and the South, and even at a confiderable diftance from the land, was well underftood and prevailed in very remote ages. Now if we enquire into the nature of the winds --- Page 201 --- WEST INDIES. winds and currents on the African coaft, and re- APPENflect on the various cafualties to which fhips at DIX. fea are liable, even in the moft favourable feafon - of the year; we muft admit, that it not only probably happened in fome of thofe ancient expeditions, but even that it was fcarce polible not to happen, that veffels would be driven by fadden gufts, or carried by adverfe currents, within the verge of the trade-wind; in which cafe, if they happened to lofe their mafts, they muft neceffarily run before the wind, towards Brafil, or the Weft Indies. Two remarkable accidents of this nature, precifely in point, are recorded by writers of credit, and doubtlefs there are many other inftances equally well authenticated, that have efcaped my refearch. The firft is related by Captain Glafs, in his hiftory of the Canary Iflands, who obferves that a fimnall bark, bound from Lancerota to Teneriffe, was thus forced out of her courfe, and obliged to run before the wind, until The came within two days fail of the coaft of Caraccas 5 where the fortunatély met with an Englith cruifer which relieved her diftrefies, and direéted her to the Port of La Guaira on that coaft. The other is told by Gumilla, as follows. ce In C6 December 1731," fays this author, <6 while 66 I wvas at the town of St. Jofeph, in Trinidad, <6 a fimall veffel belonging to Teneriffe, with 6 fix feamen, was driven into that ifland by ftrefs 66 of accas 5 where the fortunatély met with an Englith cruifer which relieved her diftrefies, and direéted her to the Port of La Guaira on that coaft. The other is told by Gumilla, as follows. ce In C6 December 1731," fays this author, <6 while 66 I wvas at the town of St. Jofeph, in Trinidad, <6 a fimall veffel belonging to Teneriffe, with 6 fix feamen, was driven into that ifland by ftrefs 66 of --- Page 202 --- HISTORY OF THE cc ofweather. She was laden with wine; anel BOOK I. < being bound to one other of the Canary <c Iflands, had provifions for a few days only, C6 which, with their utmoft care, had been ex- <6 pended a confiderable time; fo that the crew 66 lived entirely on wine. They were reduced < to the laft extremity, and expeéted death 66 every moment, when they difcovered Trinidad, GC and foon afterwards came to an anchor in that C ifland, to the great aftonifhment of the inK habitants; who ran in crowds to behold the E poor feamen; whofe emaciated appearance, E would have fufficiently confirmed the truth 66 of their relation, even if the papers and docu- < ments which they produced, had not put the 66 matter out of all poffible doubt.' 99 To the preceding inftances it may be added, that Columbus himfelf, in his fecond expedition to the Weft Indies, found the ftern-poft ofa veffel lying on the hore at Guadaloupe ;-a circumftance which affords a ftrong prefumption that a fhip had been in the New World before him. UNDER this head of fortuitous vifits to the American continent prior to that of Columbus, may likewife be included the circumftance mentioned by Martyr, that at a place called Quarequa,in theGulph of Darien, ValchoNunez met with a caloyefaegroasid). Theenquiry (ifany was (d) Mancipia ibi nigra repererunt ex regione diftante à Quarcqua, dierum fpatio tantum duorum quae folos gignit nigritaa head of fortuitous vifits to the American continent prior to that of Columbus, may likewife be included the circumftance mentioned by Martyr, that at a place called Quarequa,in theGulph of Darien, ValchoNunez met with a caloyefaegroasid). Theenquiry (ifany was (d) Mancipia ibi nigra repererunt ex regione diftante à Quarcqua, dierum fpatio tantum duorum quae folos gignit nigritaa --- Page 203 --- WEST INDIES was made) by what means they came into that APPENregion, or how long they had refided in it, and DIX. the anfwers to fuch queftions, are not recorded - 1 by the Spanifh hiftorians ; but from the fmallnels of their number, it was fuppofed they had not been long arrived upon that coaft. There can be no doubt but that fome accidental caufe had conduéted them thither from Africa, and in open canoes, of no better conftruétion than thofe ofthe American Indians (e). THE nigritas et eos feroces atque admodi truces.- -P. Martyr, Decad. iii. c. i. (e) Such accidents in truth are common in all parts of the world. The inhabitants of Java report their origin to have been from China; the tradition among them being that, Sfo years ago, their progenitors were driven by a tempeft upon that ifland in a Chinefe junk : And we owe the European difcovery of Japan to three Portuguefe exiles who were fhipwrecked there in 1542. I believe that fhips bound from Europe to the Eaft Indies, at a certain fcafon of the year generally make for the fouthern coaft of Brafil, in order to fall in with the wefterly monfoon, which enables them either to reach the Cape of Good Hope, or purfue their route by Madagafcar; for while the eaftern monfoon prevails, they are conftantly baffled in their attempts to double the Cape, and are driven to leeward towards the coaft of South America. In the year 1626, when Sir Dodmore Cotton was fent on an embaffy to the Perfian Court, the fleet in which he failed was forced by.contrary winds within a few leagues of the ifland of Trinidad, in the Weit Indies. Sir Thomas Herbert, in his account of this voyage, relates that 4 on the a fint of June, when they were by obfervation in 24° 42" 65 fouth latitude, they met with many fudden gufts and K ftorms leeward towards the coaft of South America. In the year 1626, when Sir Dodmore Cotton was fent on an embaffy to the Perfian Court, the fleet in which he failed was forced by.contrary winds within a few leagues of the ifland of Trinidad, in the Weit Indies. Sir Thomas Herbert, in his account of this voyage, relates that 4 on the a fint of June, when they were by obfervation in 24° 42" 65 fouth latitude, they met with many fudden gufts and K ftorms --- Page 204 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THE reader will now perhaps conclude, that I. Dr. Robertfon pronounced two haftily, when he obferved e6 that fuch events," (as thofe that I have mentioned) c6 are barely poffible, and may 46 have happened ; but thatthey ever did happen, 66 we have no evidence, either from the clear €c teftimony of hiftory, or the obfcure intima46 tions of tradition." This declaration is the more unexpeéted, as the learned author had a little before related the circumftance of the accidental difcovery of Brafil by the Portuguefe, in the year 1500. 66 The fuccefsful 66 voyage of Gama to the Eaft Indies" (obferves the hiftorian) 66 having encouraged the King of 6 Portugal to ft out a fleet, fo powerful, as not ce only to carry on trade, but to attempt con6e queft, he gave the command of it to Pedro e Alvarez Cabral. In order to avoid the coaft e of Africa, where he was certain of meeting 66 with variable breezes, or frequent calms, to 66 retard his voyage, Cabral ftood out to fea, e and kept fo far to the Weft, that, to his 66 furprife, he found himfelf upon the fhore of an Ec unknown country, in the tenth degree beyond 66 the line. He imagined, at firft, that it was 66 fome ifland in the Atlantick Ocean hitherto es ftorms which rendered them unable to purfue their courfe, 66 and drove thei to leeward 100 leagues upon the coaft of 66 Brafil." 66 unobferved; --- Page 205 --- WEST INDIES. et unobferved ; but, proceeding along its coafts APPENE6 for feveral days, he was led gradually to be- DIX. < lieve that a country fo extenfive formed a 1 C6 part of fome great continent. This latter <c opinion was well founded. The country with C6 which he fell in belongs to that province in €6 South America now known by the name of Cc Brafil. He landed; and having formed a 6e very high idea of the fertility of the foil and C6 agreeablenefs of the climate, he took poffeffion 66 ofitf for the Crown of Portugal, and difpatched 66 a thip to Lifbon with an account of this €c event, which appeared to be no lefs important cc than it was unexpeéted. Columbus's dif66 covery of the New World was the effort of <c an aétive genius, enlightened by fcience, guid- < ed by experience, and aéting upon a regular 66 plan, executed with no lefs courage than per66 feverance. But from this adventure of the €6 Portuguefe, it appears that chance might 66 have accomplifhed that great defign, which it 66 is now the pride of human reafon to have Cc formed and perfeéted. If the fagacity of Co46 lumbus had not conduéted mankind to <6 America, Cabral, by a fortunate accident, EE might have led them, a few ycars later, to the f6 knowledge of that extenfive continent f) Hift. America, vol, i.) p.151. AND feverance. But from this adventure of the €6 Portuguefe, it appears that chance might 66 have accomplifhed that great defign, which it 66 is now the pride of human reafon to have Cc formed and perfeéted. If the fagacity of Co46 lumbus had not conduéted mankind to <6 America, Cabral, by a fortunate accident, EE might have led them, a few ycars later, to the f6 knowledge of that extenfive continent f) Hift. America, vol, i.) p.151. AND --- Page 206 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK AND certainly, by fome fuch accident, in agcs I. long paffed, might the ancient Hemifphere have given a beginning to population in the New; or at leaft have fent thither the progenitors of that feparate race of people of which I now treat. It remains for me, however, to affign my reafons for particularly applying this conclufion to the Charaibes, inftead of any other ofthe numerous tribes which inhabit the eaftern fide of the immenfe continent of South America. THE migration ofany people is beft traced by their language; but there is this inconveniency attending this fpecies of evidence, that in reducing a language merely oral, to writing, different perfons even of the fame nation, would fometimes unavoidably reprefent the fame found by a different arrangement of letters; much very would this fhould the more frequently happen, writers be of diftant countries, and confequently habituated to various modes ofI fpronunciation and orthography ;-but although I am of opinion therefore that vocabularies preferved by voyagers, feldom afford much certainty ofinformation on with each other 5 there are, nevera comparifon words of which thelefs, in every language, many the found is too fimple to be eafily mifunderftood Or grofsly mifreprefented. THUS, on comparing the Charaibe vocabulary, preferved by Rochefort, with the ancient oriental dialeéts ently habituated to various modes ofI fpronunciation and orthography ;-but although I am of opinion therefore that vocabularies preferved by voyagers, feldom afford much certainty ofinformation on with each other 5 there are, nevera comparifon words of which thelefs, in every language, many the found is too fimple to be eafily mifunderftood Or grofsly mifreprefented. THUS, on comparing the Charaibe vocabulary, preferved by Rochefort, with the ancient oriental dialeéts --- Page 207 --- WEST INDIES. dialeéts (g), it is fcarce poffible to doubt that APPENthe following words ufed by the Charaibes, had DIX. their origin in the Old Hemifphere, and we may readily believe that many inftances of a fimilar nature might be adduced, but for the caufe I have affigned, namely, the different modes which different perfons would neceffarily adopt, each according to his own perception of the found, of reducing the fame words to writing; thus creating a perplexity which it is now too late to difentangle. To Cbaraibe. Muaring in Frencb,ac- Words baving tbe fame meaning Mianing.in Engcording to Rocbefort. in tbe Oriental dialeéts. lfb. Liani Sa femme nin 5 [Li Hene] His avife Yene-neri Ma femme 11 MT TTIT [Henc Hera nij My rvife Hac yeté Venez ici Sam. MAN XSY [Aca atij Come hitber na >PI Qir Karbet Maifon publique or Or Bng Walled boufe Alembly boufe na mpL Qra Encka Collier py [Ong] Necklace or col. [lar Yene kali Mon Collier 8 pon [E'Ong ali] My necklace Hue-Hue Du bois Cald : RD [Oà] Wood Nora Ma peau Ty [Oir ni] MyRin Nané-guaete Je fuis malade nmisI [Nanecheti] I am fick Halea tibou Sois le bien nrombsm [Yehali et thibou] Good be to you [venu Phoubac Soufé ns [Phouhe] 9o blow Toubana ora Couverture d'un Ty na 17 [Di Bne Olir] Roofefa boufe {Maifon Bayou boukaa Va t'en 7H13 N12 [Boua Bouak] Go thy avay Baika Mange Cald. nan [Dge] Eat. Aika Manger boN [Akl] Toeat Nichiri Mon nez hnz [Ncheri] The mofa Natoni boman Donne moi a joN a ns [Natonibamen] Givemenourip- [boire [ment, (g) For this illuftration, and other affiftance in the courfe ofthis enquiry, I am indebted to alearned friend ; by whom VoL. L. L Iam thy avay Baika Mange Cald. nan [Dge] Eat. Aika Manger boN [Akl] Toeat Nichiri Mon nez hnz [Ncheri] The mofa Natoni boman Donne moi a joN a ns [Natonibamen] Givemenourip- [boire [ment, (g) For this illuftration, and other affiftance in the courfe ofthis enquiry, I am indebted to alearned friend ; by whom VoL. L. L Iam --- Page 208 --- HISTORY OF THE from language, I Thall add BOOK To the proofs arifing from Herodotus, have feen I. the following-We African voyages were 1 that the Phenicians in their accuftomed to land on the Arabian and Libyan and taking poffeffion of a fpot of ground coafts, proceeded to plough fit for their purpofe, they and fow it with corn, and waited untili it came up s-thus providing themfelves with to maturity This praétice muft food for a long navigation. and condoubtlefs have given rife to difputes between the intruders and the inhabitants. fliéts that the word Charaibe, in Now it is remarkable informed, language, fignifies, as Iam the Arabick which we a robber or deftroyer, an appellation by the beftowed may believe was frequently (h). natives on the invaders oft their country THE unacquainted with the oriental I am informed (being myfelf and old Phenician, the hinguages) that the Samaritan, are all dialeéts of one lanSyriack, Chaldee and Hebrew, from each other, except in their guage ; differing but little leis with the other dialects than letters. The Hebrew agrees in the fame charaéter with the the reft, but is now printed in the fame manner except Chaldee. They all form a noun to form the genitive cafe, the Hebrew, which perfixes w (S) all the others ufe T (D) and nR (at) to form the accufative; and n' (it). fpeak of the Charaibes as priefts (h) Leri, and fome others, Rochefort makes Charaibe a or prophets found in Brafil. founding alike, national name. Thefe words are oriental, : The differently; and of a different meaning but fpelt be called W"N anp. as men who offer j27P xoggar an pricfs may which perfixes w (S) all the others ufe T (D) and nR (at) to form the accufative; and n' (it). fpeak of the Charaibes as priefts (h) Leri, and fome others, Rochefort makes Charaibe a or prophets found in Brafil. founding alike, national name. Thefe words are oriental, : The differently; and of a different meaning but fpelt be called W"N anp. as men who offer j27P xoggar an pricfs may --- Page 209 --- WEST INDIES. THE teftimony arifing from a fimilarity of APPENmanners, though far lels conclufive than the DIX. evidence of language, is furely, in the prefent 1 cafe, not without its force. That many of the cuftoms of the eaftern nations prevailed among the Charaibes, I have, I think, fufficiently demonftrated in the fecond chapter of this work. Of fome 'of thofe cuftoms, the refemblance was probably fortuitous, and a fimilarity of climate and fituation, might have given rife to others ; but when very fingular and arbitrary praétices prevail between diftant nations, which are neither founded in nature nor climate, nor proceed from fituation and rank in the fcale of refinement, the coincidence can fcarcely be deemed accidental. Thus, among other cuftoms equally remarkable, it has been related that the Charaibes buried their dead in a cowering pofture, with their knees to the chin. The very fame cuftom prevails at this day in the Sandwich Iflands of the South Sca*, the inhabitants of which are, an offering, xopulas is the Greek word for a prieft of Cybele, unde CORYBANTES, mms j2P D5p anp' Leviticus i. 2. But ifthe national name be derived from their warlike and predatory way of life, then we may derive it from a7n the verb Chaldee. Syr. Arab. to lay wvafle. The noun fignifies a fword or fpear and nan Sam. War. This explanation was given me by the friend mentioned in the preceding note. e Ledyard'sMSS. penes me. L 2 beyond --- Page 210 --- HISTORY OF THE all doubt, of eaftern origin; and that it BOOK beyond I. was an ancient praétice of the eaftern nations appears from the authorities of Herodotus and Cicero; the former recording the exiftence of it among the Nafamones, a people who inhabited the countries between Egypt and Carthage; and the latter relating the fame circumftance of the ancient Perfians. I am inclined to believe that this praétice prevailed alfo in the country and of the patriarchs; ;-for how otherwife are age to underftand the fcripture phrafe OF we GATHERING UP THE FEET OF THE DYING? 6 And when Jacob had made an end of commandC6 ing lis Jons, HE GATHERED UP HIS FEET the 66 INTO THE BED, and yielded up 66 ghoft (i)." Maxvother correfponding circumftances may be traced in Herodotus. Thus when he enumerates the army of Xerxés, he obferves of the ancient Ethiopians, that they ufed bows and arrows in battle, and painted their bodies with crimfon *, The coincidence between thefe people and the Charaibes in both thefe refpeéts, can hardly, I think, be afcribed to chance, and it is fuch as inftinét could not have produced. EQUALLY prevalent among the Charaibes, and' many of the ancient nations in the eaftern (i) Gen.c.> xlix.v. 33. * Book vii. part xés, he obferves of the ancient Ethiopians, that they ufed bows and arrows in battle, and painted their bodies with crimfon *, The coincidence between thefe people and the Charaibes in both thefe refpeéts, can hardly, I think, be afcribed to chance, and it is fuch as inftinét could not have produced. EQUALLY prevalent among the Charaibes, and' many of the ancient nations in the eaftern (i) Gen.c.> xlix.v. 33. * Book vii. part --- Page 211 --- WEST INDIES. part of the Old Hemifphere, were the fuperfti- APPENtious rites of fhortening the hair and wounding DIX, thebody,inr religious ceremonies and lamentations Y - for the dead.. That thefe praétices were ufual among the heathens, fo early as the days of Mofes, is evident from the injunétion which the Lord laid on the children of Ifrael to avoid them. CE Ye Aall not round the corners %f your < head, neither Jhalt thou mar the corners of thy <6 beard. Ye Aall not make any cuttings in your ce Refe for the dead, nor print any marks upon 46 yote (k)." Again, Ye are the children of c the Lord,your God: Yefhall not cut yourfelves, E6 nor make any baldnefs betzveen your eyesfor the 66 dead (1)." Among the heathens however the fame ceremonies were ftill continued; for in Samaria, in the days of Ahab, King of Ifrael, it is recorded of the prophets of Baal that, in worfhipping their idol, 66 they cried aloud and <6 cut themfekves after their manner with knives < and lances till the blood guhed out upon 6 them (m)." At this day the Mlanders of the South Sea exprefs grief and lamentation for the dead in the very fame manner. Bur perhaps the inftance the moft appofite (k) Levit. C. xix, v.27. (1) Deut. C. xiv. V. I. (m) I Kings, C, xviii. v.28, L 3 ande, --- Page 212 --- HISTORY, &c. BOOK and illuftrative, was the habit among the ChaI. raibes of chewing the betele, preparing it with 1 calcined Thells precifely after the manner of the Indians in the Eaft;-a circumftance, which, though recorded by P. Martyr (n), had efcaped my refearches, until it was pointed out to me by Mr. Long. Some other refemblances, almoft equally ftriking, might be colleêted; but the reader will probably think that more than enough has already been faid on a fubject, the inveftigation of which he may perhaps deem a mere matter ofidle curiofity, neither contributing to the improvement of fcience, nor the comfort oflife. HERE then I conclude: An attempt to trace back the Charaibes of the Weft Indies to their progenitors, the firft emigrants from the ancient hemifphere, in order to point out, with any degree of precifion or probability, the era of their migration, were (like the voyages I have been defcribing) to venture on a vaft and unknown ocean without a compafs ;-and even without one friendly ftar to guide us through the night of conjecture. (n) Decad. vili. C. vi, comfort oflife. HERE then I conclude: An attempt to trace back the Charaibes of the Weft Indies to their progenitors, the firft emigrants from the ancient hemifphere, in order to point out, with any degree of precifion or probability, the era of their migration, were (like the voyages I have been defcribing) to venture on a vaft and unknown ocean without a compafs ;-and even without one friendly ftar to guide us through the night of conjecture. (n) Decad. vili. C. vi, --- Page 213 --- 10731-1-m Joln Carter Boun --- Page 214 --- / w 3 / wE t : 8 a e1 1E 1L,, P - pE i alt a # e $ la Pa e s d A - / - - / F V de pr F d o e f Poshn, huosr d & 1 Late R ledkes rtent horw lln tivmner tine I Iana far CAFEX biw lemoen llair Mawi lars 1 Thml lan xk NFLRIL. HABD Mhud Aayab 1.0N BAY Mor SECHIL nx - RF CTo Rnf thib /vm Palmrto Phim YRS HAY Whitr ue dime ture Star igeit Toui am nerr nir Mbi spoway S a8 AMAP of Ialle liay Kun Frmh une r the ISLANDY RP IT P'EDRD Nar - i F - : JAMAICA, PEDRO BLCTP y - pet ver L 3 V 7 V V biredulunto S à # Allagnor mhod Key COUNTIES and PARISHES, for thir HISTORY of the BKITISHWESTI INDIES Hiupun Woanhiisy 1791. 1A --- Page 215 --- v Scale of' Miles * f & a * e e s 6 w s / / d d e - # d : - s d - : pf / 2 3 - C C : 3 - - M fe" F a € # P A 3 / - : / y a / - à Lang Hav 11. I. eare I DOROTIT ae DWID - e II ERI d AY E TIl a Malti, Vhote la the Els cox Bat 4. Mby jsdele - T n Me ut 93 Nal - - * YALL * sapeed S T % a A - - Ra - - T ank Ro ERPLANATIGN. Ptmntatom wind walenante a Gr thiortis wunl ::. Po iinjats hiuts walfaumts Rue Ibunls latoonp hv Lmn Figile Iintaunan liv Nault laile Hunh Rwunhan tenire Y de Iotml firsau Lisai d hitaosonit, liri nm Ich a - - * YALL * sapeed S T % a A - - Ra - - T ank Ro ERPLANATIGN. Ptmntatom wind walenante a Gr thiortis wunl ::. Po iinjats hiuts walfaumts Rue Ibunls latoonp hv Lmn Figile Iintaunan liv Nault laile Hunh Rwunhan tenire Y de Iotml firsau Lisai d hitaosonit, liri nm Ich a --- Page 216 --- loin .4 Bescom --- Page 217 --- THE H I S T O R Y, CI/IL AND COMMERCLAL, OF The Britifh Colonies in the Weft Indies. BOOK II. ohs JAMAICA (a). CHAP. I. Dijfcovery of yamaica by Columbus-His relurn in 1503-8 Spirited proceedings ef his fon Diego, after Columbus's death.-Takes pofrelion of Jamaica in 1509-Humane conduet of Suan de Elquivel, the firf Gaursare-Efubtines and defertion efthe town of Sevilla Nueva.- Defiruétion ofthe Indians.-St. Sago de la Vega foded.--Gives the title ef Marquis to Diego's Jon (a) It may be proper to obferve, that the governor of Jamaica is ftiled in his commiflion Captain-general, &c. of Jamaica and tbe territories thereon depending in America. By thefe DEPENDENCES were meant the Britifh fettlements on the Mufquito fhore, and in the bay of Honduras : But his L 4 jurifdiction --- Page 218 --- HISTORY OF THE fon Lewis, 10 whom the Ifand is granted in perpetual fomeguy-Djkauds. to his ffer Ifabella, woho conveys her rights by marriage to the Houfe of Bragauza-Reunts to the crown of Spain, in 1640.-Sir Anthony Shirley invades the Iand in 1596, and Col. Tackfon in 1638. SOOK had the honour of being difII. JAMara by Chriftopher Columbus, in his fecond expedition to the New World. In his former voyage he had explored the north-eaftern part of Cuba, proceeding from thence to Hifpaniola; but he had returned to Europe in doubt whether Cuba was an ifland only, or part jurifdiaion over thofe fettlements having been imperfedtly defined, was feldom acknowledged by the fettlers; except when they wifled to plead it in bar of the authority claimed by their refpective fuperintendants. On fuch occafions they admitted a fuperior jurifdiéion in the governor of Jamaica, and applied to him for commifions civil and military. As both the fettlements were furrendered to the crown of Spain by the Spanifh convention figned at London on the 14th ofJuly 1786, it comes not within the plan of my work to enter on a difplay of their paft or prefent ftate. I formerly drew up a memorial concerning the fettlement on the Mufquito-Ahore, wherein an account was given of the country, its inhabitants and produdions, and the queftion between Great Britain and Spain, as to the territorial right, pretty fully difcuffed. This memorial having been laid before the Houfe of Commons in 1777 (by Governor Johnflone) was foon afterwards publithed in Almon's Parliamentary Regifter for that year. of of my work to enter on a difplay of their paft or prefent ftate. I formerly drew up a memorial concerning the fettlement on the Mufquito-Ahore, wherein an account was given of the country, its inhabitants and produdions, and the queftion between Great Britain and Spain, as to the territorial right, pretty fully difcuffed. This memorial having been laid before the Houfe of Commons in 1777 (by Governor Johnflone) was foon afterwards publithed in Almon's Parliamentary Regifter for that year. of --- Page 219 --- WEST INDIES S. of fome great continent, ofwhich he had received CHAP. obfcure accounts from the natives. To fatisfy I. himfelf in this particular, he determined, foon 1 after his arrival a fecond time at Hitpaniola, on another voyage to Cuba, by a fouth-wefterly courfe, and, in purfuance of this refolution, on the 24th of April, 1494, Columbus failed from the Port of Ifabella, with one fhip and two fhallops. On Tuefday the 29th, he anchored in the harbour of St. Nicholas. From thence he croffed over to Cuba, and coafted along the fouthern fideofthat Ifland, furrounded by many thoufand canoes filled with Indians, whom curiofity and admiration had brought together. In this navigation, on Saturday the 3d of May, he difcovered, for the firft time, the high lands of Jamaica on the left, and probably learnt its name (the namg which it ftill retains) from fome of the Indians that followed him (b). As this was a new difcovery, and many of the feamen were willing to believe that it was the place to which they had been formerly direéted by the Indians of the Bahama Iflands, as the country moft (8) P. Martyr. F. Columbus. The early Spanifh hiftorians wrote the word Xaymaca. It is faid to have fignified, in the language of the natives, a country abounding in Jprings. Columbus having at firft named the ifland St. Jaga, Oldmixon, and fome other writers, erroneoufly fuppofe that Tamaica was the augmentative of James. abounding --- Page 220 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK abounding in gold, Columbus was eafily perfuadII. ed to turn his courfe towards it. Hea approached 1 it the next day, and, after a flight conteft with the natives, which ended however in a cordial reconciliation, he took poffeffion of the country, with the ufual formalities. BUT it was not until the fourth and laft voyage of Columbus, a voyage undertaken by this great navigator, after he had fuffered a feverer trial from the bafe ingratitude of the Country and Prince in whofe fervice he laboured, than from all his paft toils, dangers and inquietudes, that he learnt more of Jamaica ; which, as it had the honour of being firft difcovered by him nine years before, had now the ftill greater honour of affording him fhelter from fhipwreck. For, on the 24th of June I 503, being on his return to Hifpaniola, from Veragua, he ymnet with fuch tempeftuous weather as compelled him, after lofing two of his fhips, to bear away in the utmoft diftrefs for this ifland. With great difficulty, he reached a little harbour on the north fide (c) where he was forced to run aground the two veffels that were left him, to prevent their foundering. By this difafter, his fhips were damaged beyond the pofibility of repair, and he had now the melancholy refleétion that his (e) Called to this day, Don Chripeple'sCove. miferics as compelled him, after lofing two of his fhips, to bear away in the utmoft diftrefs for this ifland. With great difficulty, he reached a little harbour on the north fide (c) where he was forced to run aground the two veffels that were left him, to prevent their foundering. By this difafter, his fhips were damaged beyond the pofibility of repair, and he had now the melancholy refleétion that his (e) Called to this day, Don Chripeple'sCove. miferics --- Page 221 --- WEST INDIES. miferies and his life would probably terminate CHAP. together. During the fpace of twelve months I. and four days, that he remained in this wretched fituation, be had new dangers to furmount, and unaccuftomed trials for the exercife of his fortitude. His people revolted, the Indians deferted him, and the Governor of Hifpaniola not only refufed to relieve, but, with monftrous and unexampled barbarity, aggravated his misfortunes by outrage and mockery. All thefe occurrences however, the dexterity with which he availed himfelf of the fuperftition of the Indians by the circumftance of an eclipfe, and the means whereby his deliverance was at length effeéted, having been recounted by a thoufand different hiftorians, need not be repeated by me. The hardfhips he fuffered on this occafion, and his Sovereign's ingratitude together, proved toa mighty for his generous fpirit: he funk under them, foon after his return to Spain; leaving a name which will not be extinguifhed, but with. that world whofe boundaries he had extended (d). AFTER (d) There is preferved among the Journals of the Hon. Council in Jamaica, a very old volume in MS. confifting of diaries and reports of Governors, which relate chiefly to the proceedings of the ariy and other tranfactions in the firft fettlement of the colony. In this book is to be found the --- Page 222 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK AFTER the death ofthisilluftrious difcoverer, II. thetranfaétions oft the Spaniards, during a century ( and a half, in the fettlement of Jamaica, have fcarcely obtained the notice of hiftory. Happy indeed it would have been for their national charaéter, if the records of many of their more extenfive enterprifes, during the fame period, were the tranflation of a letter to the King of Spain, faid to be written by Columbus during his confinement on this Ifland. As it appears to me to bear marks of authenticity, I fhall prefent it to my readers. It was written probably about eight months after the departure of his meffenger Diego Mendez, who had attempted to reach Hifpaniola in an Indian canoe. Hearing nothing from him in that interval, Columbus feems to have relinquithed every hope of relief, and to have written this letter in an hour of defpondency, not as having any probabie means of fending it to Spain, but on the idea that it would be found after his death.- It is as follows : A Letter from CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, in Jamaica, to King FERDINAND. c6 Jamaica, 1504e Diego Mendes, and the papers I fent by him, will fhew your Highnefs what rich mines of gold I have difcovered in Veragua, and how I intended to have left my brother at the river, Belin, if the judgments of Heaven and the greateft misfortunes in the world had not prevented it. However it is fufficient that your Highnefs and your fucceffors will have the glory and advantage of all, and that the full difcovery and fettlement are referved for happier perfons than the unfortunate Columbus. If God be fo merciful to papers I fent by him, will fhew your Highnefs what rich mines of gold I have difcovered in Veragua, and how I intended to have left my brother at the river, Belin, if the judgments of Heaven and the greateft misfortunes in the world had not prevented it. However it is fufficient that your Highnefs and your fucceffors will have the glory and advantage of all, and that the full difcovery and fettlement are referved for happier perfons than the unfortunate Columbus. If God be fo merciful to --- Page 223 --- WEST INDIES: were veiled in equal darknefs, or configned to CHAP. everlafting oblivion : happier ftill, if their fplenI. dour had been tranfimitted to pofterity through - a purer to meas to conduet Mendes to Spain, I doubt not but he will convince your Highnefs and my great miftrefs that this will not only be a Cafile and Leon, but a difcovery of a world of fubjeéts, lands and wealth, greater than man's unbounded fancy could ever comprehend, or avarice itfelf.covet: 3 but neither he, this paper, nor the tongue of mortal man, can exprefs the anguith and athliétions of my body and mind; $ nor the mifery and dangers of my fon, brother and friends ! Already have we been confned ten months in this place, lodged on the open decks of our fhips, that are run on fhore and lafhed together; thofe of my men that were in health bave mutined under the Porras's ofSeville, my friends that were faithful are moftiy fick and dying, we have confumed the Indians' provifions, fo that they abandon us; all therefore are like to perifh by hunger, and thefe miferies are accompanied with fo many aggravating circumftances, that render me the moft wretched objedt of misfortune, this, world fhall ever fee; as if the difpleafure of Heaven feconded the envy of Spain, and would punifh as criminal thofe undertakings and difcoveries which former ages would have acknowledged as great and meritorious aétions ! Good Heaven, and you holy faints that dwell in it, let the King Don Ferdinand and my illuftrious miftrefs Donna Ifabella know, that my zeal for their fervice and intereft hath brought me thus low; ; for it is impoffible to live and have affliétions equal to mine. I fee, and with horror apprehend, my ow1l, and, for my fake, my unfortunate and deferving peoples' deftruétion. Alas, piety and juftice have retired to their habitations above, and it is a crime to have undertaken and performed too much! As my mifery makes my life: a burthen to myfelf, fo I fear the empty. titles of Vice-Royand Admiral, render me obnoxious to the hatred of the Spanifh nation. It impoffible to live and have affliétions equal to mine. I fee, and with horror apprehend, my ow1l, and, for my fake, my unfortunate and deferving peoples' deftruétion. Alas, piety and juftice have retired to their habitations above, and it is a crime to have undertaken and performed too much! As my mifery makes my life: a burthen to myfelf, fo I fear the empty. titles of Vice-Royand Admiral, render me obnoxious to the hatred of the Spanifh nation. It --- Page 224 --- 1g3 HISTORY OF THE EOOK purer medium, and not, as now, ferving chiefly II. to render yifible the vices and enormities that 1 furround and debafe them ! THE few particulars of their progrefs which, by diligent felection, aided by traditionary memorials, It is vifible that all methods are adopted to cut the thread that is breaking; for I am, in my old age, opprefTed with infupportable pains of the gout, and am now languifhing and expiring with that and other infirmities, among favages, where Ihave neither medicines nor provifions for the body, prieft nor facrament for the foul. My men in a ftate of revolt; my brother, my fon, and thofe that are faithful, fick, ftarving and dying ; the Indians have abandoned us, and the Governor of Saint Domingo, has fent rather to feeif I am dead, than to fuccour us, or carry me alive from hence; for his boat neither delivered a letter, nor fpoke with, nor would receive any letter from us; fo I conclude your Highnefs's officers intend that here my voyages and life fhould terminate. O blefed mother of God, that compaffionates the miferable and oppreffed, why did not cruel Bovadilla kill me when he robbed me and my brother of our dearly purchafed gold, and fent us to Spain in chains without trial crime or fhadow of mifconduét? Thefe chains are all the treafures I have, and they fhall be buried with ine, ifI chance to have a coffin or grave; for I would have the remembrance of fo unjuft an aétion perifh with me, and, for the glory of the Spanifh name, be eternally forgotten. Let it not bring a further infamy on the Caftillian name, nor let future ages know, there were wretches fo vile in this, that think to recommend themfelves to your majefty by deftroying the unfortunate and miferable Chriftopher Columbus ; not for his crimes, but for his fervices in difcovering and giving Spain a new world. As it was Heaven itfelf that infpired and conduéted me to it, the Heavens * will and, for the glory of the Spanifh name, be eternally forgotten. Let it not bring a further infamy on the Caftillian name, nor let future ages know, there were wretches fo vile in this, that think to recommend themfelves to your majefty by deftroying the unfortunate and miferable Chriftopher Columbus ; not for his crimes, but for his fervices in difcovering and giving Spain a new world. As it was Heaven itfelf that infpired and conduéted me to it, the Heavens * will --- Page 225 --- WEST INDIES. rials, Ihave been able to colleét, I thall now pre- CHAP. fent to my readers. I. ABOUT feventeen years had elapied after the 1 Spaniards had firft fixed themfelves in Hifpaniola, before they feem to have entertained any will weep for me, and fhew pity! Let the earth, and every foul in it, that loves juftice and mercy, weep for me ! And you, O glorified Saints of God, that know my innocency and fee my fufferings here, have mercy! for though this prefent age is envious or obdurate, furely thofe that are to come will pity me, when they are told that Chriftopher Columbus, with his own fortune, ran the hazard of his owR and his brother's lives, and, with little or no expence to the Crown of Spain, in ten years, and four voyages, rendered greater fervices than ever mortal man did to prince or kingdom, yet was left to perifh, without being charged with the leaft crime, in poverty and mifery 3 all but his chains being taken from him ; fo that he who gave Spain another worll, had neither fafety in it, nor yet a cottage for himfelf, nor his wretched family : but, fhould Heaven ftill perfecute me, and feem dilpleafed with what I have done, as if the difcovery of this new world may be fatal to the old, and as a punifhment bring my life to a period În this miferable place, yet do you, good angels, you that fuccour the oppreffed and innocent, bring this paper to my great miftrefs. She knows how much I have done, and will believe what I have fuffered for her glory and fervice, and will be fo juft and pious as not to letthe children of him that has brought to Spain fuch immenfe riches, and added to it vaft and unknown kingdoms and empires, want bread, or fubfift only on alms. She,iff the lives, will confider that cruelty and ingratitude will bring down the wrath of Heaven, fo that the wealth I have difcovered, thall be the means of ftirring upall mankind to revenge and rapine, and the Spanifh nation fulfer hereafter, for what envious, malicious and ungratefulpeople, do now. ferious to letthe children of him that has brought to Spain fuch immenfe riches, and added to it vaft and unknown kingdoms and empires, want bread, or fubfift only on alms. She,iff the lives, will confider that cruelty and ingratitude will bring down the wrath of Heaven, fo that the wealth I have difcovered, thall be the means of ftirring upall mankind to revenge and rapine, and the Spanifh nation fulfer hereafter, for what envious, malicious and ungratefulpeople, do now. ferious --- Page 226 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ferious defign of fending forth a colony to pof II. fefs itfelf of Jamaica. As this ifland had hither1 to produced neither gold nor filver, it feems to have been negleéted as unworthy further notice; and perhaps it might have continued a few years longer the peaceful feat of innocent fimplicity, but for the bafe ingratitude of King Ferdinand, towards the family of Columbus. This great man, after his return to Spain in 1504, was compelled to employ the clofe ofl his days in fruitlefs and irkfome folicitation at the court of an unthankful and unfeeling monarch; who meanly fuffered him to be cruelly defrauded of the rights and privileges originally granted to him ; and which he had fo dearly and fo nobly earned. His fon Diego, theheir ofhis fortanes, fucceeded to the fame debafing neceffity, till, at length, wearied out with frivolous and unprincely excufes, he inftituted a memorable procefs againft his fovereign before the council oft the Indies at Seville; and this court, with a firmnefs and virtue that cannot be fufficiently applauded, decided in favour of his pretenfions. After a minute and folemn inveftigation of his claims, the council pronounced him hereditary viceroy and high admiral of all the countries and iflands difcovered by his father. They decreed, that he was invefted with a jurifdiction over them fimilar to that ofthe high admiral of Caftille; that he was --- Page 227 --- WEST INDIES was entitled to a tenth part of all the gold and CHAP. filver that might thereafter be found in thofe I. territories; and they adjudged him various other 3 privileges and immunities, of vaft extent and authority. But the king, notwithftanding this diftinguifhed and competent recognition of his rights, confirmed to him only the title and authority of governor and admiral of Hifpaniola ; and even of this diminifhed command, it is probable he would have been deprived, if he had not fortunately ftrengthened his intereft by an illuftrious marriage (e). The gallant youth, neverthelefs, ftill boldly perfifted in his claim to the full exercife of all the rights and authority, which had been fo recently decreed to belong to him; and he fhortly afterwards, accompanied by a numerous and fplendid retinue, embarked for his government, refolved to enforce his pretenfions. HE arrived in Hifpaniola in the month of July 1508, but had very foon the mortification to difcover that the king had actually invefted in two other perfons (Alonzo de Ojeda and Diego de Nicueffa) not only two feparate and diftinét governments, which comprehended all the con- (e) He married Mary de Toledo, daughter to Ferdinand de Soledo, grand commander of Lcon, who was brother to Frederick duke of Alva. Vor, I. M tinent fions. HE arrived in Hifpaniola in the month of July 1508, but had very foon the mortification to difcover that the king had actually invefted in two other perfons (Alonzo de Ojeda and Diego de Nicueffa) not only two feparate and diftinét governments, which comprehended all the con- (e) He married Mary de Toledo, daughter to Ferdinand de Soledo, grand commander of Lcon, who was brother to Frederick duke of Alva. Vor, I. M tinent --- Page 228 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK tinent as far as it had been difcovered by Chric II. topher Columbus, but had alfo included the 1 ifland of Jamaica, as a joint appendage within the jurifdiétion of each. Thefe appointments Diego Columbus confidered as a manifeft violation of his own rights, and ftrenuoufly contended for the exclufive privilege of nominating, in particular, to the governments of Veragua and Jamaica, the prior difcovery of both thofe countries by his father being a circumftance of univerfal notoriety. To fecure his claim to Jamaica, in the month of November 1509, he fent thither Juan de Efquivel, with about feventy men. Efquivel had acquired the reputation of a gallant foldier, and it is ftill more to his honour, that he was one of the very few Caftillians, who, amidft all the horrors ofbloodfhed and infeétious rapine, were diftinguifhed for generofity and humanity. An eminent inftance of his greatnels of mind is recorded by Hemrera.-About the time that he failed from Hifpaniola to take poffeffion of his new government of Jamaica, his competitor Ojeda was on his departure to the continent. Ojeda violently oppofed the intended expedition of Efquivel, and publickly threatened that ifhe fhould find him at Jamaica, on his return from the continent, he would hang him up as a rebel. It happened that Ojeda's voyage was unfortunate in the higheft degree; for, --- Page 229 --- WEST INDIES. for, after fuftaining a feries of unexampled Ca-, CHAP. lamities, he was fhipwrecked on the Coaft of I. Cuba, and was in danger of miferably perifh- - 1 ing for want of food. In his diftrefs he called to mind that Efquivel was in Jamaica, and he was now reduced to the fad extremity of imploring fuccour from the very man whofe deftruétion he had meditated; ; but the magnanimous Efquivel was no fooner made acquainted with the fufferings of his enemy, than he forgot all his refentment. He immediately fent over to Cuba, Pedro de Narvez, an officer of rank, to conduét Ojeda to Jamaica. EC quivel received him with the tendereft fympathy, treated him, during his ftay, with every poffible mark of diftinétion and refpeét, and provided him with the means of a fpeedy and fafe conveyance to Hifpaniola. It is pleafing to add, that Ojeda was not ungrateful to his benefaétor. UNDER fuch a man, it is reafonable to fuppofe that the yoke of fubjection fat light and eafy on the natives of Jamaica, and that the ravages of conqueft were reftrained within the limits of humanity. Accordingly, the Spanifh hiftorians bear the moft honourable teftimony to his virtuous and gentle adminiftration.- 66 The affairs of Jamaica (fays Herrera) went 66 on profperoufly, becaufe Juan de Efquivel &6 having brought the natives to fubmiflion M 2 66 without onable to fuppofe that the yoke of fubjection fat light and eafy on the natives of Jamaica, and that the ravages of conqueft were reftrained within the limits of humanity. Accordingly, the Spanifh hiftorians bear the moft honourable teftimony to his virtuous and gentle adminiftration.- 66 The affairs of Jamaica (fays Herrera) went 66 on profperoufly, becaufe Juan de Efquivel &6 having brought the natives to fubmiflion M 2 66 without --- Page 230 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK C without any effiufion of blood, they laboured in II. CC planting cotton, and raifing other commodities Y - CS which yielded great profit." This praifeisthe more valuable becaufe it is almoft peculiar to Efquivel, who alorie feems to have been fenfible of the abominable wickednefs of vifiting diftant lands only to defolate them; and of converting the Indians to Chriftianity by cutting their throats. How many noble qualities, in fome of his cotemporaries, were tarnifhed by cruelty and rapine, or unhappily blended with a mifguided and frantick zeal for religion, that rendered their poffeffors ftill more remorfelefs and favage ! ESQUIVEL continued in his office but a few years. He diedin his government, and was buried at Sevilla Nueva, a town which he had founded. fucceeded of a He was probably by governors far different charaéter, who, it is to be feared, foon began to fpread among the wretched natives the fame horrible carnage that was now defolating Hifpaniola. It appears that Francis de Garay held the chief command in 1523, fince in that year he fitted out an expedition from this ifland for the conqueft of Panuco, a territory which Cortes, unknown to Garay, had already annexed to the Spanifh dominion. In this expedition were employed nine fhips and two brigantines, and there were, embarked in it 850 Spaniards, and a confiderable body of Jamaica Indians, --- Page 231 --- WEST INDIES. Indians, and 144 horfes. Such a force, if col- CHAP. lected chiefly within the ifland, proves that a I. great progrefs had been made in its fettlement 1 and population during the thirteen years that the Spaniards had been in poffeffion of it. As Efquivel had eftablifhed the feat of government near to the fpot which had been honoured by the refidence of Columbus after his fhipwreck in 1503, it may be prefumed that the town of Sevilla Nueva was now become of fome confideration. This town, as we are informed by Herrera, was founded on the fcite of an ancient Indian village, called Maima (f), and near to the port named by Columbus Santa Gloria (now St Ann's Harbour) and the daily acceffion of new inhabitants would naturally extend the boundaries of the capital, till the rude village, confifting at firft of a few temporary huts, muft have increafed to a place of importance. Religion too, in all the Spanifh territories, very foon forced architeéture into her fervice ; for, by a lamentable inconfiftency in the human (F) Quaf MAMEE. There is a bay a little to the eaftward, which is called at this hour Mamee Bay. The ground on which Sevilla Nueva was built, is now chiefly the property of Mr. Heming, who has a large fugar plantation thereon. It is calied Seville Plantation ; and the ruins of the ancient town are ftill vifible in fome of the cane-fields. It defcended to him from his anceftor Captain Heming, an officer in Cromwell's army. M 3 mind, in the human (F) Quaf MAMEE. There is a bay a little to the eaftward, which is called at this hour Mamee Bay. The ground on which Sevilla Nueva was built, is now chiefly the property of Mr. Heming, who has a large fugar plantation thereon. It is calied Seville Plantation ; and the ruins of the ancient town are ftill vifible in fome of the cane-fields. It defcended to him from his anceftor Captain Heming, an officer in Cromwell's army. M 3 mind, --- Page 232 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK mind, thefe deftroyers of their fellow-creatures II. were wonderfully exaét in the obfervance of all 1 the outward ceremonies of divine worlhip. With hands yet reekingin the blood of murdered innocence, they could erect temples to the Almighty, and implore that mercy from Heaven, which they had juft denied to the miferable viétims of their cruelty and rapine. Among other coftly buildings a cathedral and monaftery were defigned, and the foundations of both were vifible not long ago, as many of the ruins are at this day. Peter Martyr of Angleria, the author of the Decades, was appointed abbot and chief miffionary oft the ifland. A fort was alfo ereéted, the remains of which, as well as of the cathedral, Sloane in 1688, who relates, were infpeéted by that a pavement was difcovered at the diftance of two miles from the church; a circumftance that may give us fome idea of the extent of the city in the days of its profperity. The weft gate of the cathedral flood entire in 1688, and difplayed, in the judgment of Sloane, very excellent workmanfhip; but it was his opinion that the building was never compleated S for he obferved feveral arched ftones that muft have been defigned for it, which apparently had never been put up (g): He likewife difcovered, in (g) 4 Over the door (of the weft gate) was a carving of our Savicur's head with a crown of thorns between two angels; --- Page 233 --- WEST INDIES. in the fame condition, materials for a capital CHAP. manfion, probably intended for the palace of I. ) the governor. From thefe circumftances, the tradition which flill prevails in the ifland, that the Spanifh inhabitants of Seville were at fome period, in their wars with the natives, entirely and fuddenly cut off, is probably founded in truth. Sloane, indeed, relates that fome of the Spanifh planters, who had retired to Cuba, affigned very different reafons for the defertion of this part of the country, alledging, that a vifitation of innumerable ants had deftroyed all their provifion grounds, and that the fituation of the capital was ill adapted for the purpofes of their commerce. Thefe reafons might poffibly have operated againft the re-cftablifhment of the place; but were: not, I think, of fufficient efficacy to induce a whole body of people, the inhabitants of a growing capital, fuddenly to remove angels; on the right fide a fmall round figure of fome faint, with a knijfe Auck into his head. On the left a Virgin Mary or Madona, her arm tied in three places, Spanith fafhion. Over the gate, under a coat of arm>, this infeription. Petrus. Martir, Ab, Angleria. Italus. Civis. Mediolanen, Prothon. Apos. Hujus. Infule. Abbas. Senatus. Indici. Confiliarius. Ligneam. Primus. Adem. Hanc. Bis. Igne. Confumptam. Latericio, Et. Quadrato, Lapide. Primus, A. Fundamentis. Etruxit." SLOANE. M 4 their , Spanith fafhion. Over the gate, under a coat of arm>, this infeription. Petrus. Martir, Ab, Angleria. Italus. Civis. Mediolanen, Prothon. Apos. Hujus. Infule. Abbas. Senatus. Indici. Confiliarius. Ligneam. Primus. Adem. Hanc. Bis. Igne. Confumptam. Latericio, Et. Quadrato, Lapide. Primus, A. Fundamentis. Etruxit." SLOANE. M 4 their --- Page 234 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK their familics and effeéts, and voluntarily fubII. mit to the labour ofbuilding an entire new town, in a very diftant and wholly uncultivated part of the country*. It is certain, that the town of Seville was not fuffered to fall gradually to decay ; but was depopulated while it was yet in an unfinifhed ftate, many years before the conqueft ofthe ifland by the Englifh (h). Neither (if this tradition of its cataftrophe were true) could a juft account be expeéted from the defcendants of men, who had defervedly brought deftruction on themfelves; fince the recital of their fate would again have brought the deeds alfo of their anceftors to remembrance, and they were deeds of darknefs, too mournful to contemplate; too dreadful to be told! * It is remarkable, however, that the whole ifland of Hifpaniola was nearly deftroyed by ants about the fame period. In 1519, and the two fucceeding years, as Oviedo relates, thefe infeêts over-ran that ifland like an Egyptian plague; devouring all the roots and plants of the earth, fo that the country was nearlydepopulated. In our own times, the ifland of Grenada has fuffered prodigionfly from the fame caufe, of which fome account will hereafter be given. (h) See the account of Jamaica tranfmitted to Cromwell by general Venables, preferved in Thurloe's ftate papers, vol. iii. P. 545, wherdin he fpeaks of Seville as a town that had exiped in times paf. And Sloane relates that when the Englifh took the ifland, the ruins of this city were overgrown with wood and turned black with age. He faw timber-trees growing within the walls of the cathedral, upwards of fixty feet in height. Sloane's Hift. Jamaica, vol. i. p.66, BOTH --- Page 235 --- WEST INDIES. BoTH ancient tradition, and recent difcoveries, CHAP. give too much room to believe that the work of I. deftruétion proceeded no lefs rapidly in this 1 ifland, after Efquivel's death, than in Hifpaniola; for to this day caves are frequently dif covered in the mountains, wherein the ground is covered with human bones; ; the miferable remains, without all doubt, of fome of the unfortunate aborigines, who, immured in thofe receffes, were probably reduced to the fad alternative of perifhing with hunger, or bleeding under the fwords of their mercilels invaders (g). When therefore we are told of the fate of the Spanith inhabitants of Seville, it is impoffible to feel any other emotion than an indignant wilh that the ftory were better authenticated, and that Heaven in mercy had permitted the poor Indians in the fame moment to have extirpated their oppreffors altogether ! But unhappily this faint glimmering of returning light to the wretched natives, was foon loft in everlafting darknefs, fince it pleafed the Almighty, for reafons infcrutable to finite wifdom, to permit the total deftruétion of this devoted people; who, to the number of 60,000, on the moft moderate eftimate, were at length wholly cut off and exterminated by the Spaniards, not a fingle de- (g) It is difcovered by the fkulls, which are preternaturally compreffed, that thefe are the fkeletons of the Indians. fcendant natives, was foon loft in everlafting darknefs, fince it pleafed the Almighty, for reafons infcrutable to finite wifdom, to permit the total deftruétion of this devoted people; who, to the number of 60,000, on the moft moderate eftimate, were at length wholly cut off and exterminated by the Spaniards, not a fingle de- (g) It is difcovered by the fkulls, which are preternaturally compreffed, that thefe are the fkeletons of the Indians. fcendant --- Page 236 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK fcendant of either fex, being alive when the II. Englith took the ifland in 1655, nor, I believe, Y for a century before (he). THE (h) There Îs faid to exift on the fouth fide of the ifland of Cuba, at this day, a fmall remnant of the ancient Indians. They refide in a little town near St. Jago de Cuba, called Iwanee, and have adopted the manners and language ofthe Spaniards. The deftruétion of fuch prodigious numbers of thefe innocent people by the firft difcoverers, is one of the moft extraordinary circumftances in the hiftory of mankind, and the fubjeét can never be contemplated but with blended fentiments of indignation and horror, commiferation and fympathy. Emotions of this kind gave rife to the following night feene (part of an unfinifhed work, which will probably never be compleated) and its infertion in this place the poetical reader may poffibly pardon Now on high Refulgent Venus and the ftarry train, Spangle the vivid hemifphere. Around Myriads of infeét-meteors *, living lamps, People the glittering air. A fairy world I tread : a land of genii! Airy fhapes, Oft vifible to contemplation's eye, Roam in the midnight hour thefe facred thades; Nor unobferved, while now the ftarry train Burn with diminifh'd luftre ; for behold, The radiant moon bid meaner glories fade.- No cloud her courfe obfcures, and high the tow'rs, Guiding in awful majefty thro' Heav'n Her filver car, triumphant o'er the dark. Sure 'tis illufion and enchantment all ! For ftill fond fancy, thro' the thadowy glade, Bees vifionary fleeting forms; ftill hears Fireflies, Sounds fe facred thades; Nor unobferved, while now the ftarry train Burn with diminifh'd luftre ; for behold, The radiant moon bid meaner glories fade.- No cloud her courfe obfcures, and high the tow'rs, Guiding in awful majefty thro' Heav'n Her filver car, triumphant o'er the dark. Sure 'tis illufion and enchantment all ! For ftill fond fancy, thro' the thadowy glade, Bees vifionary fleeting forms; ftill hears Fireflies, Sounds --- Page 237 --- WEST INDIES. THE lofs of Seville was followed by that of CHAP. Melilla, a fmall village fituated about eleven I. leagues to the eaftward, (at the harbour now - called Port Maria) and the cataftrophe which attended Sounds more than human. Once a gentle race Own'd thefe fair vallies : from the birth of time Thefe groves, thefe fountains, and thefe hills were theirs. Perhaps e'en now their fp'rits delighted haunt Their once-lov'd manfions. Oft the penfive Mufe Recalls, in tender thought, the mournful fcene When the brave Incotel, from yonder rock, His laft fad bleffing to a weeping train Dying bequeath'd. € The hour (he faid) arrives, By ancient fages to our fires foretold *- Fierce: from the deep, with Heav'n's own lightning arm'd, The pallid nation comes! Blood marks their fteps; Man's agonies their fport, and man their prey ! What piercing fhrieks ftill vibrate on the ear ! The expiring mother lifts her feeble arm In vain to fhield her infant; the hot fteel Smoaks with their mingled blood ; and blooming youth, And manly ftrength, and virgin beauty, meet Alike th' untimely grave ; till fell revenge Is cloy'd and tir'd with flaughter. See, full-gorg'd, The vulture fickens o'er his wafte of prey, And, furfeit-fwell'd, the reeking hound expires. Yet paufe not, Spaniard! whet thy blunted fteel; Take thy full paftime in the field of blood! But know, fern tyrant, retribution's hour Ere long fhall reach thee. Tho' his once loved ifle, For crimes yet unaton'd, dread Zemi thus To defolation and to death configns, And thou the inftrument of wrath divine; * See B. i c.3-p. 92. In ens o'er his wafte of prey, And, furfeit-fwell'd, the reeking hound expires. Yet paufe not, Spaniard! whet thy blunted fteel; Take thy full paftime in the field of blood! But know, fern tyrant, retribution's hour Ere long fhall reach thee. Tho' his once loved ifle, For crimes yet unaton'd, dread Zemi thus To defolation and to death configns, And thou the inftrument of wrath divine; * See B. i c.3-p. 92. In --- Page 238 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK attended thefe places is fuppofed to have caufed II. the eftablifhment of the capital of St. Jago de 1 la Vega, or, as it is now called, Spanifh Town. CONCERNING In yonder orb, now darken'd in his courfe, Read thy own doom more dreadful With the flain, The murtherer falls ! Th' oppreffor and th' opprefs'd Mingle in duft together! Where are now Thy blood-polluted glories? Ah ! too late, Learn, when avenging Heav'n prefumptuous guilt Gives to its own fell purpofes a prey, More mark'd its fate, more terrible its fall. So perifh the falfe triumphs, and vain hopes Of mad ambition, and remorfelefs pride, That make weak man the murtherer of man ! O my affociates, dry thofe fcalding tears - One little moment, and we fhall arrive At thofe blefs'd iflands, where, from guilt refin'd By fharp affiétion, we no more fhall feel Death's torpid grafp, and agonizing pang ! There, with lov'd forefathers, fhall we rove Thro' palmy fhades ; in limpid fountains bathe, Repofe in jafmin bowr's at fultry noon ; And, when cool ev'ning tempers foft the air, Unenvied gather from his unprun'd bough The fragrant guoyva*. On our cheeks no more The burning tear Thall linger; not a figh Swell the light bofom; but immortal joy Fill ev'ry thought, and brighten ev'ry eye: Meantime, thofe happy interdiéted fhores Our blood-ftain'd foes fhall feek; but feek in vain a The hurricane fhall rave, the thunder roll, And ocean whelm them in his deepeft tide, Or leave transfix'd on the hard pointed rock; * The fruit fo called is the Pfidiunfrudticgum of Botanifts. P. Martyr relates,that it was in high efteem among the natives, The bofom; but immortal joy Fill ev'ry thought, and brighten ev'ry eye: Meantime, thofe happy interdiéted fhores Our blood-ftain'd foes fhall feek; but feek in vain a The hurricane fhall rave, the thunder roll, And ocean whelm them in his deepeft tide, Or leave transfix'd on the hard pointed rock; * The fruit fo called is the Pfidiunfrudticgum of Botanifts. P. Martyr relates,that it was in high efteem among the natives, The --- Page 239 --- WEST INDIES. CONCERNING the precife era ofthefe events, CHAP. iti is now perhaps ufelefs to enquire ; but if conI. jeéture may be allowed, I fhould fix on the year 1523, immediately after the departure of the force under Garay; and if the new capital was really founded by Diego Columbus, as tradition reports, and which there feems no good reafon to difpute, the conjecture is ftrongly confirmed ; for he embarked for Spain in difcontent in 1517, returned to his government with fuller powers in 1520, and died in his native country in the latter end of1525, or the beginning of 1526; and it was certainly after his arrival the laft timein Hifpaniola, that he laid, or caufed to be laid, the foundation of St. Jago de la Vega (i). THE new city increafed rapidly, and in 1545 (twenty years after the death of its founder) it The fport of howling winds. How fhall we laugh, When the pale coward flaves, to us, remote, Direet th' uplifted hand, th' imploring cyc! Their confcious groans fhall feed our great revenge;- Their endlefs woes, our wond'rous wrongs repay.' Jamaica, a poem; MSS. penes me. (i) Since this was written I have difcovered, by are-perufal of Oviedo, that there was a general revolt of the Indians of St. Domingo in December 1522, which Diego Columbus fuppreffed, and immediately afterwards repaired to Jamaica to take on himfelf the government in the room of Garay. It feems probable, from hence, that the revolt extended to both illands. had --- Page 240 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK had the honour of giving the title of Marquis II. to his fon. and heir, who received at the fame Y time from the emperor Charles V. a grant of the whole ifland in perpetual fovereignty, as an hereditary fiefof the crown of Caftille. As this is an important circumftance in the hiftory of this ifland, and feems not to have been perfectly underftood by any of the Englith hiftorians who have treated of the affairs of Jamaica, I prefume that a more copious account and explanation of it, will not be unacceptable. DIEGO COLUMBUS left iffue three fons and two daughters. His eldeft fon, Don Lewis, fucceeded to his father's honours and extenfive claims. Of the daughters, the eldeft, Ifabella, afterwards intermarried with the count de Gelvez, a Portuguefe nobleman of the houfe of Braganza. Lewis Columbus was an infant of fix years of age on the death of his father; but was generally confidered as hereditary vice-roy, and high admiral of the Weft Indies. The emperor, however, though he treated him with fingular diftinction, and confiderably augmented his revenues, as he grew to manhood, abfolutely refufed to admit his claim to fuch extenfive authority; and Lewis, as his minority expired, inftituted, after his father's example, a legal procefs for the recovery of his birthright. It does not appear that infant of fix years of age on the death of his father; but was generally confidered as hereditary vice-roy, and high admiral of the Weft Indies. The emperor, however, though he treated him with fingular diftinction, and confiderably augmented his revenues, as he grew to manhood, abfolutely refufed to admit his claim to fuch extenfive authority; and Lewis, as his minority expired, inftituted, after his father's example, a legal procefs for the recovery of his birthright. It does not appear that --- Page 241 --- WEST INDIES. that his fuit ever came to a legal iffue ; for, CHAP, in the year 1545, he found it prudent to accede I. to a compromife with the emperor, whereby he transferred all his hereditary rights to the crown, for a grant of the province of Veragua and the ifand of Jamaica, with the title of duke de Veragua and marquis de la Vega. What might have been the precife extent and nature of this grant, we have not information fufficient to enable us to judge. Whatever it was, he left no iffue to enjoy it; and his brothers alfo dying without male iffue, his fifter Ifabella, wife of the count de Gelvez, became fole heirefs ofthe Columbus family, and conveyed by her marriage all her rights to the houfe of Braganza, where they continued, I believe, till the year 1640, and then reverted back by forfeiture to the crown of Spain, in confequence of the revolution which placed John duke of Braganza on the throne of Portugal. SIR Hans Sloane therefore, in afferting that a duke de Veragua enjoyed a yearly revenue from Jamaica, at the time the ifland furrendered to the Englith in 1655, muft have been mifinformed; as he clearly is in fuppofing that the family of Columbus were at that time proprietors of the ifland, and had fo continued from the days of Ferdinand and Ifabella. Bur there is a circumftance recorded by Blome, --- Page 242 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Blome, and confirmed by the ftate papers of II. Thurloe, for which the relation I have given - fufficiently accounts. Imean the eftablifhment in Jamaica of many Portuguefe families. The transfer of Ifabella's inheritance to the houfe of Braganza, might have encouraged many of the Portuguefe to fix their fortunes in the newlyacquired colony, and it is equally probable that the fame event would excite jealoufy in the old Spanifh fettlers towards their new vifitors. Blome adds, that the Portuguefe were abhorred. To fuch mutual diftruft, and irreconcileable averfion of the inhabitants towards each other, muft be afcribed the reafon that Sir Anthony Shirley met with fo little refiftance when he invaded the ifland in 1596, and plundered the capital. About forty years afterwards it was again invaded by a force from the Windward Iflands under colonel Jackfon. It is faid, however, that on this occafion theinhabitants behaved with great gallantryin a pitched battle at PaffageFort. They were, however, defeated, and Jackfon, after lofing forty of his men, entered St.Jago de la Vega fword in hand, and, having pillaged the town of every thing valuable, received a confiderable ranfom for fparing the houfes. He then retreated to his Thips, and carried off his booty without interruption. FROM Windward Iflands under colonel Jackfon. It is faid, however, that on this occafion theinhabitants behaved with great gallantryin a pitched battle at PaffageFort. They were, however, defeated, and Jackfon, after lofing forty of his men, entered St.Jago de la Vega fword in hand, and, having pillaged the town of every thing valuable, received a confiderable ranfom for fparing the houfes. He then retreated to his Thips, and carried off his booty without interruption. FROM --- Page 243 --- WEST INDIES. FROM this period, until the capture of the CHAP. ifland by the Englifh in 1655, during the ufurI. pation of Cromwell, I know nothing ofits concerns, nor perhaps were they produétive of any event deferving remembrance, I thall therefore proceed, in the next chapter, to the confideration of the Proteétor's motives for attacking the territories of Spain at a time when treaties of peace fubfifted between the two nations ; which I conceive have hitherto beeri greatly mifunderftood,or wilfully mifreprefented, by hiftorians in general. In the preceding chapter (p. 167 of the prefent edition) Ihave affigned fome reafons in fnpport of the traditional account of the deftruction of New Seville, on the northern fide of Jamaica, by tbe ancient Indians, and I have fuppofed that event to have happened in the year 1523. I have fince difcovered that the reafons I have given were well founded. Among Sir Hans Sloane's MSS. in the Britith Mufeum, I have been fhewn part of an unpublifhed hiftory of Jamaica, which was written the beginning of the prefent century, by DoStor Henry Barham, a very learned and refpeétable phyfician of that ifland, wherein the circumftance is related nearly in the manner I had fuggefted, and ftated to have occurred (as I had fuppofed) immediately after the embarkation of the force under Garay; which is known, from Herrera, to have taken place in 1523--In the fame work, the letter from Chriftopher Columbus (wide P. 156, et feg.) is preferved as a document of undoubted authenticity. VoL. I. N --- Page 244 --- 1,8 HISTORY OF THE CHAP. II. Cromzvell vindicated for attacking the Spaniards in 1655-Their cruelties in the W'eft Indies, in contravention ofthe woareiéso.-Prepgal ofered by Modyford and' Gage-Fercible arguments of the latter.- Secretary Thurloe's account of a conference with the Spanifh AmbafadorCromawell's demand of fatisfation rejegled.- State of Yamaica 01 its capture. TarReis no portion of the Englith annals, in 3OOK II. the perufal of which greater caution is requifite, - - than the hiftory of the adminiftration of the proteétor Cromwell. The prejudices of party, which, in common cafes, are loft in the current of time, have floated down to us in full ftrength againft this profperous ufurper; and his aétions, from the period that he reached the fummit of power, are ftill fcrutinized with induftrious malignity, as if it were impoffible that authority irregularly acquired, could be exercifed withj juftice. IT is not ftrange therefore that the vigorous proceedings of the Proteétor againft the Spanifh nation, in 1655, fhould have been obnoxious to cenfure, or that writers of very oppofite political principles againft this profperous ufurper; and his aétions, from the period that he reached the fummit of power, are ftill fcrutinized with induftrious malignity, as if it were impoffible that authority irregularly acquired, could be exercifed withj juftice. IT is not ftrange therefore that the vigorous proceedings of the Proteétor againft the Spanifh nation, in 1655, fhould have been obnoxious to cenfure, or that writers of very oppofite political principles --- Page 245 --- WEST INDIES. principles fhould concur in mifreprefenting his CHAP. conduét on that occafion. The celebrated II. female republican (a) terms it 66 difhonourable and piratical," and the courtly and elegant apologift of the Stewart family (8), pronounces it a moft unwarrantable violation of treaty. THE publication of the ftate papers of Thurloe (the Secretary) ought, however, to have mitigated this weight of cenfure. In truth, it will be found that nothing but a moft difingenuous concealment of the hoftile proceedings of the Spaniards, too grofs to be palliated, towards the fubjedts of England, can give even the colour of plaufibility to the charge which has been brought againft Cromwell, of having commenced an unjuft and ruinous war, againft a friend and ally, contrary to the intereft of the nation, and in violation of the faith of treaties. If the which is vefted in the executive power magiftrate, by whatever name he be diftinguifhed, be held for the proteétion and fecurity of the religion, liberties and properties of the people under his government, the meafures adopted by the Proteétor on that occafion were not merely juftifiable; they were highly neceffary, and even meritorious : for the conduét of Spain, efpecially in America, (a) Mrs. Macauley--Hifory of England. (6) David Hume-Hiftory of Great Britain, N 2 Was --- Page 246 --- r8o HISTORY OF THE BOOK was the declaration and exercife of war againft II. the whole human race. I fhall adduce a few re1 markable facts to fupport this affertion. The fubjeét is curious in itfelf, and, in fome refpects, will be new to the reader. THE lateft treaty which had been made between England and Spain, previous to the affumption of the proteétorate by Cromwell, was concluded in the year 1630; by the firft article of which it was ftipulated, C that there fhould be amity, and friendfhip between the two peacc, crowns and their refpective fubjects in all parts of the wvorld." Before this period, the fovereigns of Spain had not only encouraged, but openly avowed, the exercife of perpetual hoftility on the fhips and fubjeéts of all the nations of Europe, that were or might be found in any part of the new hemifphere; ; arrogantly affuming to themfelves a right not only to all the territories which their own fubjects had difcovered there, but claiming alfo the fole and exclufive privilege of navigating the American feas (c). PRETENSIONS (c) In the reign of James I. within two years after the conclufion of a peace between England and Spain, which faved the Spanifh monarchy from abfolute deftruétion, Sir Charles Cornwallis, in a letter dated from Madrid in May 1606, informs the Earl of Salifbury, that Don Lewis Firardo, a Spanifh admiral, having met with certain Englifh fhips laden with corn and bound to Seville, 6 took the mafters, and privilege of navigating the American feas (c). PRETENSIONS (c) In the reign of James I. within two years after the conclufion of a peace between England and Spain, which faved the Spanifh monarchy from abfolute deftruétion, Sir Charles Cornwallis, in a letter dated from Madrid in May 1606, informs the Earl of Salifbury, that Don Lewis Firardo, a Spanifh admiral, having met with certain Englifh fhips laden with corn and bound to Seville, 6 took the mafters, and --- Page 247 --- WEST INDIES. PRETENSIONS fo exorbitant, which violated alike the laws of nature and CHAP. nations, were refifted II. by every maritime ftate that felt itfelf concerned / in the iffue : by the Englifh particularly, who had already planted colonies in Virginia, Bermudas, St. Chriftopher's and Barbadoes ; territories fome of which Spain had not even difcovered, and none of which had the ever occupied. Thus aétual war, and war in all its horrors, prevailedbetween the fubjeéts of Spainin the new world, and thofe ofthe feveral other nations who ventured thither; while, at the fame time, peace and firft fet their necks in the ftocks. He afterwards moved them into his own fhip, and theré, with his rehands, didasmuchiotherkgp,s own revilingthem, and hereticks, Lutheran dogs, and enemies of Chrift, callingthem to hang them ;. and in conclufion robbed them threatening of what thought fit." See Winwood, vol. ii. P. 143- It he pears, by fublequent letters preferved in the fame apthat Cornwallis, complaining to the Duke of colleétion, the minifter of Spain, of Firardo's condua, Lerma, ing to the gallies fome Englifh particularly in fendprifoners in the Weft mariners, whom he had made Firardo fhould Indies, was told by that minifter 66 that for be called to account, not (adds the Duke) fending the men to the gallies, not them up, as he oxght to lave done." Sir butfor Walter having hanged time afterwards, in a letter to King James, Raleigh, of it fome well-known faét, that the Spaniards, in another fpeaks as a murdered twenty-fix Englifhmen, inftance, had and then cutting their throats, tying them back to back them a whole even after they hadt traded with full month, and when the Englifh went afhore in confidence, and without fo much as one fword them. See Raleigh's Works by Birch, vol. ip:376. among N 3 apparently --- Page 248 --- HISTORY OF THE Bo'oK apparéntly fubfifted between the parent flates II. in Europe. To fecure to the Englith an uninterrupted intercourfe with their fettlements above mentioned, was one great objeét of the treaty of 1630. It feenys indeed to have been more immediately founded on a remarkable inftance of Spanifh perfidy, which had recently happened in the Mland of St. Chriftopher; ; for the court of Spain having, towards the latter end of the year 1629, fitted out a fleet of twenty-four thips of force, and fifteen frigates, under the command of Don Frederick de Toledo, oftenfibly to attack the Dutch fettlement in Brafil, fecretly ordered the admiral to proceed in the firft place to the ifland I have mentioned (which, although the Spaniards had indeed firft difcovered it 130 years before, they had never once occupied) and rout out from thence both the Englith and French, who at that time held a joint and peaceable poffeffion. NEITHER the French, nor Englith, nor both to oppofe fuch together, were ftrong enough The French planters took refuge an enemy. and the in the neighbouring ifland of Antegua, Englith fled to the mountains; 5 from whence they fent deputies to treat for a furrender ; but the haughty Spaniard required and obtained unconditional fubmiffion; and, having feleéted out the Englith and French, who at that time held a joint and peaceable poffeffion. NEITHER the French, nor Englith, nor both to oppofe fuch together, were ftrong enough The French planters took refuge an enemy. and the in the neighbouring ifland of Antegua, Englith fled to the mountains; 5 from whence they fent deputies to treat for a furrender ; but the haughty Spaniard required and obtained unconditional fubmiffion; and, having feleéted out --- Page 249 --- WEST INDIES. out of the Englith fettlers fix hundred of the CHAP. ableft men, whom he condemned to the mines, II. he ordered all the reft(confifting chiefly of women 1 and children) inftantly to quit the ifland, in fome Englith veffels which he had feized at Nevis, under pain of death. He then laid wafte all the fettlements within his reach, and having reduced the country to a defart, proceeded on his voyage. Ir might be fuppofed that the treaty of 1630, prevented fuch enormities in future ; but in violation of all that is folemn and facred among Chriftian ftates, and to the difgrace of human nature, the Spaniards, eight years only after the affair of St. Chriftopher's, attacked a fmall Englith colony which had taken poffeffion of the little unoccupied Ifland of Tortuga, and put every man, woman, and child to the fword : they even hanged up fuch as came in and furrendered themfelves, on the promife of mercy, after the firft attack. THE unhappy monarch at that time on the throne of England, was too deeply engaged in contefts with his fubjeéts at home, to be able to afford proteétion to his colonifts abroad; and thofe contefts terminating at length in a civil war, the Spaniards proceeded in the fame career with impunity; treating all the Britifh fubjeéts, whom they found in the Weft Indies, as intruders and pirates, In the year 1635, the Englith and N 4 Dutch --- Page 250 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOX Dutch had jointly taken poffeffion of Santa Cruz, II. which before that time was wholly unpeopled and - L deferted. Difputes afterwards arifing between the new fettlers, the Englith took arms and became fole mafters of the Ifland. In 1650 the Spaniards landed there, and without the fmalleft provocation, exterminated every inhabitant that fell into their hands, murdering, as at Tortuga, even the women and children. As ufual with this rèvengeful nation, they conquered only to defolate; for, having deftroyed all the people they could feize, they laid wafte and then deferted the Ifland, and when fome of the Dutch nation, in confequence of fuch defertion, took poffeffion a fecond time, the Spaniards returned and treated them as they had treated the Englifh. OF their cruelties towards the fubjects of foreign ftates, even fuch as were forced on their coaftsin diftrefs, theinftances were without number. Their treatment of the failors was as barbarous and inhuman, as their pretences for feizing their fhips were commonly groundlefs and unjuft. The very mercies of the Spaniards were cruel; for if, in fome few inftances, they forebore to inflict immediate death on their prifoners, they fentenced them to a worfe punithment: 5 condemning them to work in the mines of Mexico for life (d). Ir (d) The Spaniards, after the death of Cromwell, revived thefe practices, and continued them to our own times. About and inhuman, as their pretences for feizing their fhips were commonly groundlefs and unjuft. The very mercies of the Spaniards were cruel; for if, in fome few inftances, they forebore to inflict immediate death on their prifoners, they fentenced them to a worfe punithment: 5 condemning them to work in the mines of Mexico for life (d). Ir (d) The Spaniards, after the death of Cromwell, revived thefe practices, and continued them to our own times. About --- Page 251 --- WEST INDIES. 18s Iris evident, from the numerous fchemes and CHAP. propofals for attacking the Spaniards, which were II. prefented to Cromwell on his elevation to the pro- 1 tectorate, that the Englith in general, had a deep and juft fenfe of the wrongs which they fuftained from the bigotry, avarice, and cruelty of the Spanith nation.-We may furely conclude, that applications of fuch a nature could not have been made to the fupreme executive magiftrate, withAbout the year 1680, they landed on the Ifland of Providence, one of the Bahamas, and totally deftroyed the Englith fettlement there. The governor (Mr. Clark) they took with them to Cuba, in irons, and put him to death by torture. Oldmixon, who wrote 6e The Britifh Empire in America," was informed by Mr. Trott, one of Governor Clark's fucceffors, that the Spaniards roafted Clark on a fpit. The infolence and brutality of the commanders of the Spanifh guarda-coftas, in the days of Walpole, are remembered by many perfons now living; and perhaps there are thofe alive who were prefent when Captain Jenkins gave that remarkable evidence to the houfe of commons, which it would be thought might have animated every Britifh heart to infift on exemplary vengeance, The cafe was this -A Spanifh commander, after rummaging this man's veffel for what he called- contraband goods, without finding any, put Jenkins to the torture, and afterwards, without the fmalleft provocation, cut off one of his ears, telling him to carry itt to the king of England his mafter. Jenkins had preferved the ear in a bottle, which he difplayedtothe) Houfe of Commons. Being afked by one of the members, what he thought or eXpeéted while in the hands of fuch a barbarian? 6 I recommended (he replied) my foul to God, and my caufe to my country." See Torbuck's Parliamentary Debates. out --- Page 252 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK out any pretence ofinjury received. Tofuppofe II. that, a body of the fubjects of any civilized ftate, 1 or that even anyindividual of found mind, would intrude into the national councils, and prefume to folicit a violation of the publick faith, and the commencement of hoftilities towards a powerful ftate and an ally, without any provocation, is to fuppofe a cafe which I believe never did occur in hiftory, and which indeed it feems next to impoffible fhould happen. Among other perfons who prefented memorials on this occafion, we find the names of Colonel Modyford and Thomas Gage. The former was one of the earlieft and moft enterprifing planters of Barbadoes ; and Gage had refided twelve years in New Spain in prieft's orders. He was brother of Sir Henry Gage, one of the Generals under Charles I (e) and appears to have been a man of capacity and extenfive obfervation. In his memorial, which is preferved among the ftate papers of Thurloe, he enters fully into a juftification of the meafures which he recommends. < None in confcience (he obferves) better attempt fuch an expulfion of the may Spaniards from thofe parts, than the Englifh, (c) This Sir Henry Gage was killed at the battle of Culham-Bridge, in 1644- He was anceffor of the late General Gage, by whom I was favoured withthis accountof Thomas Gage. who In his memorial, which is preferved among the ftate papers of Thurloe, he enters fully into a juftification of the meafures which he recommends. < None in confcience (he obferves) better attempt fuch an expulfion of the may Spaniards from thofe parts, than the Englifh, (c) This Sir Henry Gage was killed at the battle of Culham-Bridge, in 1644- He was anceffor of the late General Gage, by whom I was favoured withthis accountof Thomas Gage. who --- Page 253 --- WEST INDIES. who have been often expelled by them from our CHAP. plantations; as from St. Chriftopher's, St. MarII. tin's, from Providence and from Tortugas, where 1 the Englifh wereinhumanly and moft barbaroufly treated by the Spaniards, who to this day watch for their beft advantage to caft us out of all our plantations, and fay that all the iflands as well as the main belong to them. Andi in confcience it is lawful to caft that enemy or troublefome neighbour out ofhis dominions, that would, and hath attempted to caft us out of ours."-He then proceeds to demonftrate, that it is not a work of difficulty to diflodge the Spaniards from fome of their moft valuable poffeffions, and recommends the firft attack to be made on Hifpaniola or Cuba; the former, he obferves, < was the Spaniards' firft plantation, and therefore it would be to them a bad omen to begin to lofe that, which they firft enjoyed." 66 This ifland (he adds) is not one quarter ofit inhabited, and fo the more eafy to take."-Gage, fome years before, had publifhed a book, which is now before me 3 entitled < A new Survey of the Weft Indies." It contains much curious information refpedting the ftate of Spanifh America, at the time that he refided there. In the dedication to Fairfax, General of the parliament's forces, he combats, with great ftrength of reafoning, the pretenfions of the Spanith Crown to an exclufive --- Page 254 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK clufive right to the countries of the New Workd: II. 66 Il know of no title," he obferves, <6 that the 1 66 Spaniard hath (the Pope's donation excepted) €c but force, which, by the fame title may. be 6 repelled.-And, as to the finf difeovery, to me 66 it feems as little reafon, that the failing of €c a Spanifh thip upon the coaft of India, fhould ce entitle the king of Spain to that country, as c the failing of an Indian or Englifh thip upon 66 the coaft of Spain, fhould entitle either the G Indians or Englith unto the dominion thereof. Ce No queftion but the juft right or title to ce thofe countries,appertains to the natives them- &6 felves; who, if they fhould willingly and ce freely invite the Englith to their proteétion, 6 what title foever they have in them, no doubt cc they may legally transfer to others. But, ec to end all difputes of this nature, fince God ec hath given the earth to the fons of men to E6 inhabit, and that there are many vaft countries ce in thofe parts not yet inhabited, either by Cc Spaniard or Indian, why fhould my countryCc men, the Englith, be debarred from making 46 ufe of that, which God, from all beginning, c did ordain for the benefit of mankind ?" THESE, or fimilar arguments, and a long lift of Spanifh depredations on the fubjeéts of England, made without doubt a deep impreflion on the mind of Cromwell." It appears indeed that E6 inhabit, and that there are many vaft countries ce in thofe parts not yet inhabited, either by Cc Spaniard or Indian, why fhould my countryCc men, the Englith, be debarred from making 46 ufe of that, which God, from all beginning, c did ordain for the benefit of mankind ?" THESE, or fimilar arguments, and a long lift of Spanifh depredations on the fubjeéts of England, made without doubt a deep impreflion on the mind of Cromwell." It appears indeed that --- Page 255 --- WEST INDIES. that the court of Spain, confcious of having CHAP, merited the fevereft vengeance, forefaw an im- II. pending ftorm, and endeavoured to avert it. 1 We are told by Thurloe, that Cardenas the ambaffador, in a private audience, congratulated the Proteétor on his elevation to the government, < affuring him of the true and conftant friendthip of his mafter, eitherin the condition he then ftood, or that if he would go a ftep further, and take upon him the crown, his mafter would venture the crown of Spain to defend him in it." Thefe general difcourfes came afterwards to particular propofitions ; which Cromwell received with a coldnefs that alarmed the ambaffador; who then defired that former treaties of alliance between the two kingdoms might be renewed, as the firft ftep towards a nearer union. It does not appear that Cromwell had any objeétion to this propofition. That he fought to involve the nation in an unprovoked and unneceffary war with Spain, or, as Ludlow expreffes it, that <6 he meant to engage thofe men in diftant fervices, who otherwife were ready to join in any party againft him at home," though it has been confidently afferted, has been afferted againft clear and fubftantial evidence. He demanded, it is true, fatisfaction for paft, and fecurity againft future injuries and he appointed commifioners --- Page 256 --- HISTORY OF THE Igo EOOK miffioners to treat with the Spanifh ambaffador II. thereupon; with whom feveral conferences were 1 held, chiefly, fays Thurloe, on the right interpretation of the treaty of 1630.-The refult of thofe conferences, which I thall give in ThurIoe's own words, affords fo full and clear a juftification oftheProteétor's fubfequent proceedings, that no excufe can be offered for thofe hiftorians by whom this evidence has been wilfully fupprefled. THE chief difficulties (obferves Thurloe) were the following, 66 Ift. touching the Weft Indies, 66 the debate whereof was occafioned upon the Cc firft article of the aforefaid treaty of 1630, c whereby it is agreed, that there fhould be 66 peace, amity, and friendfhip between the two 66 kings and their refpective fubjeéts in all parts Ce of the world, as well in Europe as elfewhere. c Upon this it was Thewn, that in contravention C6 of this article, the Englith were treated by the C6 Spaniards as enemies, wherever they were met G in America, though failing to and from their c own plantations, and infifted that fatisfaction ce was to be given in this, and a good foundacc tion of friendthip laid in thofe parts for the cc. future, between their refpeétive fubjects (the 6 Englith there being very confiderable, and ce whofe fafety and intereft the government here <6 ought that in contravention C6 of this article, the Englith were treated by the C6 Spaniards as enemies, wherever they were met G in America, though failing to and from their c own plantations, and infifted that fatisfaction ce was to be given in this, and a good foundacc tion of friendthip laid in thofe parts for the cc. future, between their refpeétive fubjects (the 6 Englith there being very confiderable, and ce whofe fafety and intereft the government here <6 ought --- Page 257 --- WEST INDIES. 19I e ought to provide for) or elfe there could be no CHAP. c folid and lafting peace between the two ftates II. C6 in Europe. c THE fecond difference was touching the 6 inquifition, &c.-To thefe two, Don Alonfo 66 was pleafed to anfwer; that to afk a liberty C from the inquifition, and free failing in the 66 Wef Indies, was to afk lis mafer's two eyes 5 CE and that nothing could be done in thofe €6 points, but according to the practices offormer G6 times." C6 THEN it came into debate, before Oliver SE and his council, with which of thefe crowns Ce (France or Spain) an alliance was to be chofen. Ge Oliver himfelfwas for war with Spain, at leaf ce in the W'ef Indies, if fatisfattion were not giver 66 for the paf damages, and things well fettled for <e the future. And mof of the council went the 6 fame zway.' 99 FROM the faéts and recital which Ihave thus given, it is apparent that the Spaniards not only were the firft aggreffors, but had proceeded to thofe hoftilities againft the fubjects of England, which are unjuftifiable even in a ftate of aétual war; 3 and, although the outrages complained of, were fuch as the moft infignificant ftate in the world would not have tamely fubmitted to, from the moft powerful; yet did Cromwell, --- Page 258 --- HISTORY OF THE Cromwell, in feeking redrefs, diiplay his regard BOOK II. to juftice by his moderation and temper. He demanded, it is true, reparation for paft injuries, and fecurity againft future; but he did not order reprifals to be made, until his demand was rejeéted, and until he was plainly told, that the fame hoftile line of conduét which the Spaniards had hitherto purfued towards the Englith in America fhould be perfifted in. Now, as Blome well obferves, on this occafion, 66 war < muf needs be jufifables when peace is not ec allowdble.?" THE courfe of my work wouldnow bring me to a detail of the Proteétor's meafures in confequence of his appeal to force; the equipment of a powerful armanent, its mifcarriage and fuccefs at Jamaica ; but of at Hifpaniola, accurate and circumall thefe tranfaétions a very ftantial narrative has already been given in the hiftoryof, Jamaica by! Mr.I Long; towhofe account I cannot hope to add perfpicuity or force. Referring thereader, therefore, to that valuable work, for fatisfactory information in thefe particulars, I fhall conclude this chapter with an account ofthe ftate of Jamaica, itsinhabitants and produétions, as it was found by the Englith forces on its capobferving only, and I ture in May 1655; I mention the circumftance with a regret in which am ial narrative has already been given in the hiftoryof, Jamaica by! Mr.I Long; towhofe account I cannot hope to add perfpicuity or force. Referring thereader, therefore, to that valuable work, for fatisfactory information in thefe particulars, I fhall conclude this chapter with an account ofthe ftate of Jamaica, itsinhabitants and produétions, as it was found by the Englith forces on its capobferving only, and I ture in May 1655; I mention the circumftance with a regret in which am --- Page 259 --- WEST INDIES. am fure the reader will participate; that Gage, CHAP. who planned and embarked_in the expedition, II. perifhed in it! ! - 1 THE whole number of white inhabitants on the ifland, including women and children, did not exceed fifteen hundred. Penn, in his examination before the Proteétor's council, on the 12th of September 1655: ftates them at twelve or fourteen hundred only, of whom he fays about five hundred men were in arms when the Englith landed. It is remarkable however that Blome; who compiled a fhort account of Jamaica fo early as 1672, avers that the town of St. Jago de la Vega confifted of two thoufand houfes, two churches; two chapels and an abbey. There muft therefore have happened at forre period a wonderful diminution in the number of the white inhabitants, and the expulfion of the Portuguefe fettlers; as related by this author, appears the more probable. Blome perhaps has given an exaggerated account of the number ofthe houfes; but fufficient evidence remained, until within thefe few years, of the buildings confecrated to divine worfhip, particularly ofthe two churches and the abbey. Or the other principal fettlements, the chief dppears to have been at Port Caguay, fince named by the Englith Port Royal; but though it" was next in confequence to St. Jago, it was VoL.I. O probably --- Page 260 --- HISTORY OF THE morc than an inconfiderable BO OK probably nothing of fome fmall II. hamlet, eftablifhed for the purpofe L traffick with the Thips bound from Hifpaniola to the continent. Its fubfequent rife and extenfive profperity, its deplorable wickednefs and fatal Cataftrophe, are circumftances too well known to be repeated (f). To the weftward of Caguay was the port of de Efquivella) fo called, I Efquivel (Puerta prefume,in) honour of the governor ofthat name, This feems indeed to have been almoft port deferted at the time of the conqueft in 16555 the Spaniards giving the preference to Caguay; but it was ftill reforted to by the galleons, as a place of Thelter during the hurricane months, and, from its ancient reputation, the Englifh namedit Old Harbour. ( The following fingular infcription appears on a tombftone, at Green-Bay, adjoining the Apoftles' Battery, near this town. 66 DIEU SUR TOUT. 6 Here lies the body of Lewis Galdy, Efq. who departed this life, at Port Royal, the 2zd December 1736, aged cighty. He was born at Montpellier, in France, but left that country for his religion, and came to fettle in this ifland, where he was fwallowed up in the great earthquake, in the year 1692, and by theprovidence of God, wasby another fhock thrown into the fea, and miraculoufly faved by fwimming, until a boat took him up. He lived many years after, in great reputation, beloved by all who knew him, and much lamented at his death." FROM the 2zd December 1736, aged cighty. He was born at Montpellier, in France, but left that country for his religion, and came to fettle in this ifland, where he was fwallowed up in the great earthquake, in the year 1692, and by theprovidence of God, wasby another fhock thrown into the fea, and miraculoufly faved by fwimming, until a boat took him up. He lived many years after, in great reputation, beloved by all who knew him, and much lamented at his death." FROM --- Page 261 --- WEST INDIES, FROM Old Harbour to Punto Negrillo, the CHAP. weftern point of the ifland, the fea-coaft was II. chiefly in favanna, abounding in horned cattle; ; - 1 but there does not appear to have been any fettlement in all that great extent of country, except a fmall hamlet called Oriftan, of which however the exact fituation cannot now be afcertained. RETURNING eaftward, to the north of Port Caguay was the Hato de Liguany; 5 prefenting to the harbour an extenfive plain or favanna, covered with cedar and other excellent timber. This part of the country was alfo abundantly ftored with horned cattle and horfes, which ran wild in great numbers; and the firft employment of the Englith troops was hunting and flaughtering the cattle, for the fake of the hides and tallow, which foon became an article of export. It was fuppofed by Sedgewicke, that the foldiers had killed 20,000 in the courfe of the firft four months after their arrival; ; and as to horfes, cc they were in fuch plenty (fays Good66 fon) that we accounted them the vermin of the 6 country (g)." EASTWARD (g) 4 Colonel Barry's houfe all galleried round called Cavaliers) was formerly, when the Spaniards poffeffed (now the ifland, the only place in Liguany inhabited; a rich O2 widow --- Page 262 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK EASTWARD of Liguany was the Hato, by II. fome called Ayala, by others Yalos, and now 1 wrote Yallahs; a placc, faith Venables < which hath much commodity of planting or ereéting of fugar engines of water, by reafon oftwo convenient rivers running through it fit for that purpofe.," Next to Ayala was the Hato called Morante. This Morante (faith Venables) 66 is a large and plentiful Hato, being four leagues in length, confifting of many fmall favannas, and has wild cattle and hogs in very great plenty, and ends at the Mine, which is at the Cape or Point of Morante itfelf, by which toward the north is the port Antonio.' 99 SUCH is the account of Jamaica as tranfmitted in General Venables's letter to Secretary Thurloe, datedigth June 1655- The reader will perceive that no mention is made of the northern fide of theifland; which gives room to conclude, as was undoubtedly the fact, that it was one entire defert, from eaft to weft, totally uncultivated and uninhabited. OF the inland parts, it appears from Sloane, that Guanaboa was famous for its cacao-trees, widow had here a fugar-work, and abundance of cattle in the favannas, near 40,000." (Sloane, vol. i, Introd.p. 73-) The mountains of Liguany were fuppofed alfo to contain mines both of goldand copper. and , as was undoubtedly the fact, that it was one entire defert, from eaft to weft, totally uncultivated and uninhabited. OF the inland parts, it appears from Sloane, that Guanaboa was famous for its cacao-trees, widow had here a fugar-work, and abundance of cattle in the favannas, near 40,000." (Sloane, vol. i, Introd.p. 73-) The mountains of Liguany were fuppofed alfo to contain mines both of goldand copper. and --- Page 263 --- WEST INDIES. and the low lands of Clarendon for plantations CHAP. of tobacco. II. UPoN the whole, although the Spaniards had Y poffeffed the ifland a century and a half, not one hundredth part of the plantable land was in cultivation when the Englifh made themfelves mafters of it. Yet the Spanifh fettlers had no fooner exterminated, in the manner wehave feen, the original proprietors, than they had recourfe, with their neighbours of Hifpaniola, to the introduétion of flaves from Africa. We are told that the number of negroes in the ifland, at the time of its capture, nearly equalled that of the Whites. It is not eafy to difcover to what ufeful purpofe the labour of thefe Blacks was applied. The floth and penury of the Spanifh planters, when the Englith landed, were extreme. Of the many valuable commodities which Jamaica has fince produced in fo great abundance, fome were altogether unknown, and of the reft the inhabitants cultivated no more than were fufficient for their own expenditure. Their principal export, befides cacao, confifted of hogs-lard and hides. The fale of thefe articles, and fupplyingthe few thips that touched at their ports with provifions, in barter for European manufactures, conftituted the whole of their commerce 3 a commerce which the favages of Madagafcar conduét with equal ability and fuccefs. --- Page 264 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK fuccefs, They poffeffed nothing of the cleganII. cies oflifc, nor were they acquainted even with 1 many of thofe gratifications which, in civilized ftates, are confidered as neceffary to the comfort and convenience ofit. They were neither polifhed by focial intercourfe, nor improved by education; but paffed their days in gloomy langour, enfeebled by floth and deprefied by poverty. Having at the fame time but little or no conneétion with Europe, nor the means of fending thdirchildrenthitherfor education (a.circumftance that might have introduced among them, from time to time, fome portion of civility and fcience) they had been for many years in a ftate of progreffive degeneracy, and would probably, in a fhort time, have expiated the guilt of their anceftors, by falling viétims themfelves to the vengeance of their flaves. Time indeed had wrought a wonderful change in the manners and difpofitions of all the Spanifh Americans. It muft however be acknowledged, that if they poffeffed not the abilities of their forefathers, they were unftained with their crimes. If we find among them no traces of that enterprifing genius; ; that unconquerable perfeverance, that contempt of toil, danger, and death, which fo wonderfully diftinguifhed the great adventurers, who firft explored and added a new hemifphere to the Spanifh dominion; ; we muft own at the fame of all the Spanifh Americans. It muft however be acknowledged, that if they poffeffed not the abilities of their forefathers, they were unftained with their crimes. If we find among them no traces of that enterprifing genius; ; that unconquerable perfeverance, that contempt of toil, danger, and death, which fo wonderfully diftinguifhed the great adventurers, who firft explored and added a new hemifphere to the Spanifh dominion; ; we muft own at the fame --- Page 265 --- WEST INDIES fane timc,that they werc happily free from their CHAP. guilty ambition; ; their remorfelefs fanaticifm,and II. frantick cruelty. But, whatever was their cha- 1 racter, it is impoffible to juftify the hard terms impofed by the Englith commanders on the poor fettlers in Jamaica, in requiring them to deliver up their flaves and effeéts, and quit the country altogether. They pleaded that they were born in the ifland, and had neither relations, friends, nor country elfewhere, and they declared that they were refolved to perith in the woods, rather than beg their bread in a foreign foil. This was their final anfwer to the propofitions of Venables, the Englifh General, nor could they be brought again to enter into any treaty. The refiftance they afterwards made againft the efforts of our troops to expel them from the ifland, may furnifh this important leffon to conquerors-that even viétory has its limits, and that injuftice and tyranny frequently defeat their own purpofès (h). (h) The articles of capitulation firft agreed on, which may be feen in Burchet's Naval Hiftory, are fufliciently liberal. By thefe all the inhabitants (fome few individuals excepted) had their lives and effeéts granted them, and permiffion to remain in the country; but on the 4th of June, Venables informs the Lord Proteétor, that the inhabitants having broken their promifes and engagements, he had feized the Governor and other chief perfons, and O 4 compelled --- Page 266 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK compelled them to fubferibe new articles.--What thole II. were he does not fay. It appears, howevér, that it was Y flipulated by one of them, that the Spanith part of the inhabitants fhould leave the Itland; and it feems probable that this meafure was promoted by the intrigues of the Portuguefe; for, in a fubfequent letter, Venables writes thus : 46 The Portuguefes we hope to make gocd fubjeéts of; the Spaniards we fhall remove." The particulars related in thetext, concerning the effeét ofthis determination on the minds of thote poor people, are given on the authority of a paper figned, J. Daniel, dated Jamaica 3d of June, and preferved ameng Thurloe's State Papers, vol. iii. p. 504- the intrigues of the Portuguefe; for, in a fubfequent letter, Venables writes thus : 46 The Portuguefes we hope to make gocd fubjeéts of; the Spaniards we fhall remove." The particulars related in thetext, concerning the effeét ofthis determination on the minds of thote poor people, are given on the authority of a paper figned, J. Daniel, dated Jamaica 3d of June, and preferved ameng Thurloe's State Papers, vol. iii. p. 504- --- Page 267 --- WEST INDIES. CHAP. III. Proccedings of the Englifh in Yamaica after its capture. - Col. D'Oyley declared prefidcnt. - Difcontents and mortality among the army.- Vigorous exertions of the Proteator-Col. Brayne appointed commander in chief-His death.- D'Oyley reaffiumes the govonement-Difeats the Spanijh forces, which had invaded the ifand from Cuba.-His wife and Ready adminipration. -buasini-Cacisating conduet ef Charles II. on his referatisn-Fif efabliflment of a regular government in Jamaica-Lord Windfor's appointment. Royal proclamation. American treaty in 1670.-Change %f meaftres 01 the part of the croron.-Newo conflitution devifed for Yanaica-Barl of Carlifle appointed chief governor for the purpofe of enforcing the new MRem-Succedfal oppofition of the affemblySubfequent difputes refpeEting the confirmation of their laus-Serminated by the revenue act of 1728. APTER the capture of the ifland, until the re- CHAP. ftoration of Charles II. the Englith in Jamaica III. remained under military jurifdiétion. Cromwell 1 had nominated Winflow, Serle and Butler, to act as --- Page 268 --- 2o2 HISTORY OF THE BOOK as commiflioners, with Penn and Venables, inII. tending,) I prefume, to conftitute by this arrange1 ment a council of ftate, whofe authority might mRentarteadole-maal but thetwo generals, with commifioner Butler, returning to England without leave, the fole command of the army devolved on MajorGeneral Fortefcue, and of the fleet on Admiral Goodfon. Neverthelefs it was theintention ofCromwell to have eftablifhed a civil government in the ifland on very liberal principles. Soon after he received the account of its capture, he iffued a proclamation declaratory of that purpofe, and on the return to England of Commiflioner Butler, he fent over Major Sedgewicke to fupply his place. Sedgewicke arrived in Jamaica in Oétober, but Winflow and Serle having in the mean time fallen viétims to the climate, he was unwilling to act under the Proteétor's commiffion withoutfurther affiftance. An inftrument of government was thereupon framed, and fubfcribed, on the cighth of OEtober 1655, by Sedgewicke and the principal officers, who thereby conftituted themfelves a fupreme executive council for managing the general affairs of the ifland; of which Fortefcue was declared prefident, and he dying foon afterwards,. Colonel Edward D'Oyley, the next in command, was chofen to prefide in his room. But the fituation of the troops required martial array, further affiftance. An inftrument of government was thereupon framed, and fubfcribed, on the cighth of OEtober 1655, by Sedgewicke and the principal officers, who thereby conftituted themfelves a fupreme executive council for managing the general affairs of the ifland; of which Fortefcue was declared prefident, and he dying foon afterwards,. Colonel Edward D'Oyley, the next in command, was chofen to prefide in his room. But the fituation of the troops required martial array, --- Page 269 --- WEST INDIES, array, and ftriet difcipline; for the difpoffeffed CHAP. Spaniards and fugitive negroes continued to III. harafs the foldiers with perpetual alarms. Men were daily killed by enemies in ambufh. The Spanifh blacks had feparated themfelves from their late mafters, and murdered, without mercy, fuch of the Englifh as ramblingabout the country fell into their hands, They were even fo audacious as to venture by night to attack the Englith troops in their quarters, and to fet fire to fome of the houfes in which they werelodged, in the town ofSt. Jagode la Vega, the capital. BuT the Proteétor was determined to maintain his conqueft, and feemed anxioufly bent on peopling the ifland. While recruits were raifing in England, he direéted the governors of Barbadoes, and the other Britith colonies to windward (which at that time were exceedingly populous)to encourage fome of their planters to remove to Jamaica, on the affurance of their having lands affigned them there. He difpatched an agent to New England on a fimilar errand, as well as to engage the people of the northern provinces to furnifh provifions to the newly-acquired territory. He gave inftructions to his fon Henry Cromwell,who was Major General of the forcesin Ireland, to engage two or three thoufand young perfons of both fexes from thence, to become jettlers in Jamaica $ and he correfponded with the --- Page 270 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the lord Broghill, who commanded lat Edinburgh, II. on the beft means of inducing as great a num1 ber to emigrate for the fame purpofe from Scotland. IN the mean while the old foldiers within the ifland, difliking their fituation, and conceiving, from the preparations of the government at home, that the Proteétor had thoughts of confining them to Jamaica for life, became diffatisfied and feditious. Other caufes indeed concurred to awaken among them fuch a fpirit of difcontent to mutiny. Having at as approached nearly firft found in the country cattle and fwine in abundance, they had deftroyed them with great wantonnefs of profufion, as fuchi improvidenceand to occafion a fcarcity of frefh provifions in a place which had been reprefented as abounding in the higheft degree. The chief commanders apprehending this event, and finding that the bread and flour which arrived from England were oftentimes fpoilt by the length of the voyage and the heat of the climate, had urged the foldiers, with great earneftnefs, to cultivate the foil, and raife, by their own induftry, Indian and caffavi, fufficient for their maincorn, pulfe endeavoured to make them tenance: They fenfible that fupplies from England muft neceffarily be cafual and uncertain; and, perfuafion failing, they would have compelled them by force the bread and flour which arrived from England were oftentimes fpoilt by the length of the voyage and the heat of the climate, had urged the foldiers, with great earneftnefs, to cultivate the foil, and raife, by their own induftry, Indian and caffavi, fufficient for their maincorn, pulfe endeavoured to make them tenance: They fenfible that fupplies from England muft neceffarily be cafual and uncertain; and, perfuafion failing, they would have compelled them by force --- Page 271 --- WEST INDIES. 2o; force to plant the ground; but the fubaltern CHAP. oflicers concurred with the private men, abfo- III. lutely refufing to contribute in the fimnalleftdegree to their own prefervation by the means recommended. They were poffeffed of a paffionate longing to return to England, and fondly imagined that the continual great expence of maintaining fo large a body of troops at fo great a diftance, would induce the Proteétor to relinquith his conqueft. They even rooted up the provifions which had been planted and left by the Spaniards. 6e Our foldiers (writes Sedgewicke) have deftroyed all forts of provifions and cattle. Nothing but ruin attends them wherefoever they go. Dig or plant, they neither will nor can, but are determined rather to ftarve than work." A fcarcity, approaching to a famine, was at length the confequence of fuch mifconduét, and it was accompanied with its ufual attendants, difeafe and contagion. Perhaps there are but few defcriptions in hiftory wherein a greater variety of horrors are accumulated than in the letters addreffed on this occafion by Sedgewicke and the other principal officers, to the government at home, which are preferved among Thurloe's ftate papers. Such was the want of food, that fnakes, lizards and other vermin, were engerly eaten, together with unripc fruits and noxious quence of fuch mifconduét, and it was accompanied with its ufual attendants, difeafe and contagion. Perhaps there are but few defcriptions in hiftory wherein a greater variety of horrors are accumulated than in the letters addreffed on this occafion by Sedgewicke and the other principal officers, to the government at home, which are preferved among Thurloe's ftate papers. Such was the want of food, that fnakes, lizards and other vermin, were engerly eaten, together with unripc fruits and noxious --- Page 272 --- HISTORY OF THÉ BOOK noxious vegetables. This unwholefome diet II.' concurred with other circumftances to produce 1 an epidemick dyfentery, which raged like the plague. For a confiderable time 140 men died weekly, and Sedgewicke himfelfat length perithed in the general carnage. THE Proteétor, as foon as he had received information of the diftraéted and calamitous ftate of the colony, exerted himfelf, with his ufual vigour, to afford it relief. Provifions and neceffariesofallk kindswere thipped without delays and Cromwell, diftruftful it is faid of D'Oyley's attachment, fuperfeded him, by granting a commiffion of commander in chief of Jamaica, to Col. Brayne, governor of Lochabar in Scotland. This gentleman, with a fleet of tranfports, and a reinforcement of one thoufand recruits, failed from Port Patrick, the beginning ofO@tober1656, and arrived at Jamaica in December following. Col. Humphreys with his regiment, confifting of 830 men, had landed, fome time before, from England; ; and Stokes, governor of Nevis, with 1,500 perfons colleéted in the Windward Iflands, had reached Jamaica, and begun an eftablifhment near to the Port of Morant, where fome of Stoke's defcendants, of the fame name, poffels at this day confiderable property. Another regiment, commanded by Col. Moore, arrived in the --- Page 273 --- W E ST INDIES. the beginning of 1657 from Ireland, and fome CHAP. induftrious planters followed foon afterwards III. from New England and Bermudas. BRAYNE's firft accounts are very difcouraging. He complains that he found all things in the utmoft confufion; that violent animofities fubfifted amongthetroops ; and,above. all, that there was a great want of men cordial to the bufinefs i fuch is his exprefion. He defires a remittance off. 5,000, to enable him to ereét fortifications, and a further fupply of provifions for fix months; ftrenuoufly recommending, at the fame time, a general liberty of trade between the ifland and all nations in amity with England; an indulgence which he thinks would fpeedily encourage planters enough to fettle in, and improve, the country. Bur Brayne, though a man of fagacity and penetration, wanted firmnefs and fortitude. The troops ftill continued unhealthy, and ficknefs fpreading rapidly amongft the new comers, Brayne, alarmed for his own fafety, became as little cordial to the bufinefs of fettling as the reft. He prayed moft earneftly for permiffion to return to England. In the mean while, by way (as he writes) of precaution againft a fever, he weakened himfelf to a great degree by copious bloodletting; 5 a praétice which probably proved fatal to him; for he died at the end of ten months after his arrival, A few days before his death, the new comers, Brayne, alarmed for his own fafety, became as little cordial to the bufinefs of fettling as the reft. He prayed moft earneftly for permiffion to return to England. In the mean while, by way (as he writes) of precaution againft a fever, he weakened himfelf to a great degree by copious bloodletting; 5 a praétice which probably proved fatal to him; for he died at the end of ten months after his arrival, A few days before his death, --- Page 274 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK death, finding himfelf in imminent danger, he II. fent to D'Oyley, and formally transferred his 1 authority to that officer. D'Oyley happily poffeffed all thofe qualifications in which Brayne was deficient; yet he entered on his charge with reluétance; for having already been roughly fuperfeded by the Proteétor, he expeéted perhaps fuch another difmiflion. In the letters which he addreffed to Cromwell and Fleetwood, on the event of Brayne's deceafe, he expreffes himfelf with propriety and dignity. <6 Your highnefs," he obferves to Cromwell, c6 is not to be told how difficult it is to command an army without pay, and I tremble to think of the difcontents I am to ftruggle withal, until the re- ; though I blels God I turn of your commands; have the affeétion oft the people here, beyond any thateveryet commanded them; and a fpirit ofmy own not to fink under the weight of funreafonable difcontents." To Fleetwood he writes, <I would have refufed to accept of this command, if I could have quitted with honour and faithfulnefs to my country; but I am now refolved to go through, until I receive further orders from his highnefs, or a difcharge from him, which I humbly defire your lordfhip to effect for me. Honours and riches are not the things I aim at. I blefs God I have a foul much above them. Pray, my lord, decline your greatnels, and command --- Page 275 --- WEST INDIES. mand your fecretary to give me an anfiwer; for CHAP. ifI were difrobed of all my titles of honour and III. great command, yet you know that I am a - I gentleman, and a faithful friend to my country." Ir was fortunate for his country that his refignation was not accepted, and that the Protector, fenfible at length of the ability and merit of this brave man, confirmed him in his command. To the exertions of D'Oyley, feconded and fupported by theaffection which his foldiers, under all their difficulties and diftreffes, manifefted on every occafion towards him, we owe at this day the poffeffion of Jamaica ; the recapture whereof by the Spaniards, towards the end of the year 1657, became to them an object ofg great national concern. Its defencelefs ftate, the diffatisfaction of the Englith troops, and the exertions making by Cromwell to afford them relief, as well as to augment their numbers, led the governor of Cuba to believe, that the junéture was then arrived for retrieving the honour of his country, by the reftoration of this ifland to its dominion. Having communicated to the viceroy of Mexico, a fcheme built on this idea, and received the fanétion and fupport of that officer, he made preparations for a formidable invafion, and appointed Don Chriftopher Safi Arnoldo, who had been governor of Jamaica at the time VoL. I. P of afford them relief, as well as to augment their numbers, led the governor of Cuba to believe, that the junéture was then arrived for retrieving the honour of his country, by the reftoration of this ifland to its dominion. Having communicated to the viceroy of Mexico, a fcheme built on this idea, and received the fanétion and fupport of that officer, he made preparations for a formidable invafion, and appointed Don Chriftopher Safi Arnoldo, who had been governor of Jamaica at the time VoL. I. P of --- Page 276 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of its capture, to take the conduét and comII. mand of the enterprize. Y ON the eighth of May 1658, thirty companies of Spanifh infantry landed at Rio Nuevo, a fmall harbour on the north fide of the ifland. They were provided with provifions for cight months, with ordnance and ammunition of all kinds, and they brought engineers and artificers for ereding extenfive fortifications. Twelve days had elapfed before D'Oyley knew of their landing, and fix weeks more intervened by the time that he was able to approach them by fea. During this interval, the Spaniards had eftablifhed themfelves in great force; but D'Oyley at length reaching Rio Nuevo, with feven hundred and fifty of his beft-difciplined foldiers, attacked them in their entrenchments: ; carried by affault a ftrong fortrefs which they had ereéted on an eminence over theh harbour ; and compelled the late unfortunate to get back as he could to Cuba, after governor the lofs of all his ftores, ordnance, ammunition and colours, and of one halfthe forces which he with him. Few viétories have been had brought does furnifh many more decifive; nor hiftory inftances of greater military fkill and intrepidity, than thofe which were difplayed by the Englith on this occafion. made AFTER fo fignal a defeat, the Spaniards no --- Page 277 --- WEST INDIES ho effort of confèquencé to reclaim Jamaica. CHAP. A party of the ancient Spanifh inhabitants, III. however, ftill lurked in the woods, and Safi, their governor, had returned to fhare their fortunes; but a body of their fugitive negroes having furrendered to D'Oyley on the promife of freedom; thefe wretches informed him where their late mafters were fheltered; and joined fome troops that were fent in purfuit of them: thus the poor Spaniards were entirely routed, and the féw that furvived, by efcaping to Cuba, took their laft farewel of a country, on their fond attachment to which, it is not poffible to reflect without emotions of pity. By the wife, fteady and provident adminiftration of D'Oyley, the affairs of the ifland began at length to wear a more promifing afpect. The army was now become tolerably healthy. Some fuccefsful efforts in raifing Indian corn; caffavi, tobacco, and cacao, had given encouragement to a fpirit of planting. The arrival of feveral merchant thips, for the purpofe of traffick, contributed ftillfurther to the promotion ofi induftry, and, on the whole, the dawn of future profperity began to be vifible. BUT, as hath been truly obferved by a wellinformed author (a), nothing contributed fo (a) European Settlements. P 2 much Some fuccefsful efforts in raifing Indian corn; caffavi, tobacco, and cacao, had given encouragement to a fpirit of planting. The arrival of feveral merchant thips, for the purpofe of traffick, contributed ftillfurther to the promotion ofi induftry, and, on the whole, the dawn of future profperity began to be vifible. BUT, as hath been truly obferved by a wellinformed author (a), nothing contributed fo (a) European Settlements. P 2 much --- Page 278 --- HISTORY OF THE much to the fettlement and opulence of this BOOK ifland as the refort to it of thofe II. in early times, Y men called Bucaniers; the wealth which they acquired having been fpeedily transferred to people whofe induftry was employed in cultivation or commerce. Of that fingular affociation of adventurers it were to be wifhed that a more accurate account could be obtained than has hitherto been given : I will juft obferve in this place, that fuch of them as belonged to Jamaica were not thofe piratical plunderers and publick robbers which they are commonly reprefented. AS Spanifh war, commenced on thejufteft grounds of the ftill prevailing in the on the part Englifh, Weft Indies, they were furnithed with regular letters of marque and reprifal. After the reftoration of Charles II. the king ordered that they fhould receive every encouragement and proteétion 5 nor, if we may believe Sir William Beefton (b), did his majefty difdain to become a partner in the bucaniering expeditions. It is indeed related, that he continued to exaét and receive a fhare of the booty, even after he had publickly iffued orders for the fuppreffion of this fpecies of hoftility (c). PEOPLE (8) The MS.Journal, favour extended pencs me. by the kingto Henry Morgan, the moft (c) celebrated of the Englifh Bucaniers (a man indeed of an elevated --- Page 279 --- WEST INDIES. PEOPLE of all profeffions, and from all parts CHAP. of the Britifh empire, now reforted to Jamaica, III. The confufions which overfpread England after Y the death of Cromwell, impelled many to feek for fafety and quiet in the Plantations. Some of thofe men who had diftinguifhed themfelves by their activity, in bringing their unhappy monarch to the fcaffold, confidered this ifland as a fure place of refuge. Forefeeing, from the temper which began to prevail amongft all ranks of people in England, efpecially towards the beginning of the year 1660, that the nation was united in its wifhes for the re-eftablifhment of the ancient frame of government, they hoped to find that fafety in a colony compofed of Cromwell's adherents, which they were apprehenfive would fhortly be denied them at home (d). Bur elevated mind and invincible courage) arofe doubtlefs, in a great meafure, from the good undefanding that prevailed between them in the copartnerfhip that I have mentioned. When the Earl of Carlifle returned from Jamaica, Morgan was appointed deputy-governor and lieutenant-general in his abfence; and, proceeding himfelf, at a fubfequent period, to England, he was received very gracioufly, and had the honour of knighthood conferred on him by his fovereign. I hope, therefore, and indeed have good reafon to believe, that all or moft of the heavy accufations which have been brought againft this gallant commander, of outrageous cruelty towards his Spanifh captives, had no foundation in truth. (d) Some of thofe men who had fat as judges at the trial P 3 of , proceeding himfelf, at a fubfequent period, to England, he was received very gracioufly, and had the honour of knighthood conferred on him by his fovereign. I hope, therefore, and indeed have good reafon to believe, that all or moft of the heavy accufations which have been brought againft this gallant commander, of outrageous cruelty towards his Spanifh captives, had no foundation in truth. (d) Some of thofe men who had fat as judges at the trial P 3 of --- Page 280 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK BUr although men of this ftamp were filently II. permitted to fix themfelves in the ifland, the general bodyb both of the army and people caught the reviving flame of loyalty, and fincerely participated in the national triumph on the king's return. The reftored monarch, on his part, not only overlooked their paft tranigreffions, but pru: dently forebore alfo to awaken their jealoufy, by enquiring after any of thofe obnoxious characters to whom they had afforded proteétion. To conciliate the affeétions of the colonifts, whofe valour had annexed fo important an appendage to his dominions, the king even confirmed their favourite General in his command; of Charles I. are faid to have become peaceable fettlers here, and to have remained after the Reftoration unnoticed and unmolefted. Waite and Blagrove are reckoned of the number, and General Harrifon was earneftly preffed to follow their example; but, fuitably to his charaéter, he gloried in the ignominious death that awaited him. After his execution, his children fixed their fortunes in this ifland, where fome ofhis defcendants, in the female line, are (till living, in good credit, in the parifh of St. Andrew. Itis reported alfo, that the remains of Prefident Bradfhaw were interred in Jamaica; and I obferve in a fplendid book, entitled Memoirs ef Thomas Hollis, an epitaph which is faid to have been infcribed on a cannon that was placed on the Prefident's grave 3 but it is, to my own knowledge, a modern compofition. Prefident Bradfhaw died in London, in November 1659 and had a magnificent funeral in Weftminfter abbey. A fon pf Scott, the Regicide, fixed himfelf in this ifland, and fettled the plantation called YSi in St. Elizabeth, appointing --- Page 281 --- WEST INDIES. appointing D'Oyley, by a commiflion which CHAP. bore date the thirteenth of February 1661, III. chief governor of the ifland. He was ordered, V Y at the fame time, to releafe the army from military fubordination, to erect courts of judicature, and, with the advice of a council to be elegted by the inhabitants, to pals laws fuitable to the exigencies of the colony. THIS memorable appointment of General D'Oyley, with a council eleéted by the people, may be confidered as the firft eftablifhment of a regular civil government in Jamaica, after the Englith had become mafters of it; but, in order to create full confidence of fecurity in the minds of the inhabitants, further meafures were neceffary on the part of the fovereign i and they were readily adopted. D'Oyley defiring to be recalled, the Lord Windfor was nominated in his room, and direéted to publifh, on his arrival, a royal and gracious proclamation, wherein, for the purpofe of encouraging the fettlement of the country, allotments of land were offered under fuch terms as were ufual in other plantations, with fuch farther convenient and fuitable privileges andi immunities, as the grantees fhould reafonably require. The proclamation then proceeds in the words following :6 And we do further 66 and declare, that all the children of publith our na4 tural-born fubjects of England, to be born in P+ 66 Jamaica, , a royal and gracious proclamation, wherein, for the purpofe of encouraging the fettlement of the country, allotments of land were offered under fuch terms as were ufual in other plantations, with fuch farther convenient and fuitable privileges andi immunities, as the grantees fhould reafonably require. The proclamation then proceeds in the words following :6 And we do further 66 and declare, that all the children of publith our na4 tural-born fubjects of England, to be born in P+ 66 Jamaica, --- Page 282 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK 66 Jamaica, SHALL, FROM THEIR RSPECTIVE II. C6 BIRTHS, BE REPUTED TO BE, AND SHALL Y C6 BE, FREE DENIZENS OF ENGLAND, AND 66 SHALL HAVE THE SAME PRIVILEGES, TO 66 ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, AS OUR <6 FREE-BORN SUBJECTS OF ENGLAND; and 6 that all free perfons fhall have liberty, withc6 out interruption, to tranfport themfelves Cc and their families, and any of their goods, < (except only coin and bullion) from any of € our dominions and territories to the faid C6 ifland of Jamaica, &c (e Thefe important (c) As the reader may be defirous of (eeing this proclamation at large, it is here inferted verbatim. 66 Decima Septima Pars Patentium de Anno Regni Regis Caroli SecundiTertio decimo. Car. 2di. I3tio. A PROCLANRCON, the encouraging of Planters in kis Majehy's ifand of Tamaica in the Weft-Indies. WEE being fully fatisfied that our ifland of Jamaica, being a pleafant and moft fertile foyle, and fcituate comodioufly 5. for trade and commerce, is likely, through God's bleffing, to bee a greate benefitt and advantage to this, and other our kingdomesand dominions, have thought fitt, for encourageing of our fubjeets, as wellfuch as are already upon the faid ifland, as all others that fhall tranfport themfelves thither, and refide and plant there, to declare and publifh, and wee doe hereby declare and publith, that thirtie acres ofimproveable lands hall bee granted and allotted, to every fuch perfon, male or female, being twelve years old, or upwards, who now refides, or within two years next enfuing, fhall refide upon the faid fitt, for encourageing of our fubjeets, as wellfuch as are already upon the faid ifland, as all others that fhall tranfport themfelves thither, and refide and plant there, to declare and publifh, and wee doe hereby declare and publith, that thirtie acres ofimproveable lands hall bee granted and allotted, to every fuch perfon, male or female, being twelve years old, or upwards, who now refides, or within two years next enfuing, fhall refide upon the faid --- Page 283 --- WEST INDIES, tant declarations have always been juftly con- CHAP. fidered, by the inhabitants of Jamaica, as a III. folemn recognition and confirmation by the crown, of thofe rights which are inherent in, and unalienable from, the perfon of a fubjeét of England, and of which, fo long as he preferves his faid ifland, and that the fame Thall bee affigned and fett out by the governor and councell, within fix weekes next after notice fhall bee given, in writing, fubfcribed by fuch planter or planters, or fome of them in behalfe of the ref, to the governor or fuch officer as hee flall appoint in that behalfe, fignifying their refolutions to plant there, and when they intend to bee on the place ; and in cafe they doe not goe thither,within fixmonths then nextenfuing, thei faid allotment Thall be void, and free to bee a affigned to any other planter, and that every perfon and perfons to whom fuch allignment fhall bee made, fhall hold and enjoy the faid lands, foe to bee afligned, and all houfes, edifices, buildings and inclofures thereupon to bee built or made, to them and their heirs for ever, by and under fuch tenures as is ufual in other plantations fubjedt to us. Nevertheleffe they are to bee obliged to ferve in armies upon any infurredtion, mutiny, or forrainei invafion, and that the faid aflignments and allotments Thall be made and confirmed under the publique feale of the faid ifland, with power to create anyi mannor or mannors, and with fuch convenient and fuitable priveledges and imunities ast the grantee fhall reafonably defire and require, and a draught of fuch aflignment fhall bee prepared by our learned councell in thelawe, and delivered to the governor to that purpofe, and that all fifhings and pifcharies, and all copper, lead, tin, iron, coales and all other mines (except gold and filver) within fuch refpective allotments Thall bee enjoyed by the grantees thereof, referving only a twentieth part ofthe pro-. dus oft the faid mines to our ufe, And wee doe further publith ably defire and require, and a draught of fuch aflignment fhall bee prepared by our learned councell in thelawe, and delivered to the governor to that purpofe, and that all fifhings and pifcharies, and all copper, lead, tin, iron, coales and all other mines (except gold and filver) within fuch refpective allotments Thall bee enjoyed by the grantees thereof, referving only a twentieth part ofthe pro-. dus oft the faid mines to our ufe, And wee doe further publith --- Page 284 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK his allegiance, emigration for the benefit of the II. ftate cannot, and furely ought not, to diveft him. Purfuant to, and in the fpirit of the proclamation, the governor was inftruéted to call an affembly, to be indifferently chofen by the people at large, that they might pafs laws for their own internal regulation and government ; a privilege, which being enjoyed by fuch of their fellow fubjects as remained within the realm, it is prefumed they had an undoubted right to exercife, with this limitation only, that thel laws which lith and declare, that all childrenofa fany of our naturall-borne fubjeéts of Englaud, to bee borne in Tamaica, fhall from their refpedtive births, bee reputed to bee, and fhall bee, free Denizens of England; and fhall have the fame priveledges, to all intents and purpofes, as our free-borne fubjeêts of England, and that all free perfons fhall have libertie without interruption, to tranfport themfelves, and their familiesandany their goods (except onley coyne and bullion) from any our dominions and territories to the faid ifland of Tamaica. And wee doe ftriatly charge and command all planters, foldiers and others, upon the faid ifland, to yield obedience to the lawfull commands of our right trufty and w elbeloved Thomas Lord Windfor, now our governor of our faid ifland, and to every other governor thereof for the tyme being, under paine of our difpleafure and fuch penalties as may bee infliéted thereupon. Given at our courte at Whitehall, the fourteenth day of December. P'. ipm'. Regem. This is a true copy ft the original recordremaining in the Chappls of the Rolls, having been examined by me Henry Rooke, CPeftie Rolls. FERA-COPIA they --- Page 285 --- WEST INDIES. they fhould pafs, were not fubverfive of their CHAP, dependance on the parent ftate(f). III. To thefe feveral teftimonies of royal juftice and favour towards the new colonifts, may be added the additional fecurity obtained for them by the American treaty, concluded and figned at Madrid in the month of June 1670. For, after the reftoration, doubts were raifed by the partizans of royalty, whether, as the elevation of Cromwell was adjudged an ufurpation, the conquefts which had been made under the fanétion of his authority, could be rightfully maintained by a kingly government ? Although nothing could well be more futile than thefe fuggeftions, it was neverthelefs thought neceffary to guard againft the conclufions which Spain might deduce from them. This precaution partly gave rife to the feventh article of the treaty above referred to, which is conceived in the words following, viz. 6 The King of Great Britain, his fe heirs and fucceffors, Thall have, hold and ge poffels, for ever, with full right of fovereign (f) His Majefty was likewife pleafed to favour the ifland with a broad feal with the following arms, viz. a crois gules charged with five pine-apples in a field argent; fapporters, two Indians plum'd and condaled; cref, an alligator vivant. The infcription in the orb, Eccealium Ramos porrexit in orbem Nec fterilis eft çrux. €6 dominion, all have, hold and ge poffels, for ever, with full right of fovereign (f) His Majefty was likewife pleafed to favour the ifland with a broad feal with the following arms, viz. a crois gules charged with five pine-apples in a field argent; fapporters, two Indians plum'd and condaled; cref, an alligator vivant. The infcription in the orb, Eccealium Ramos porrexit in orbem Nec fterilis eft çrux. €6 dominion, --- Page 286 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK < dominion, property and poffefion, all lands, II. c6 countries, iflands, colonies and dominions 1 c6 whatever, fituated in the Weft Indies, or any Cc part of America, which the faid king of Great 66 Britain and his fubjects, do, at this prefent, cc hold and poffefs; fo that in regard thereof, or C upon any colour or pretence whatever, nothing C may or ought ever. to be urged, nor any quef6 tion or controverfy moved concerning the G fame hereafter (g)." HITHERTO, it muft be admitted that the fovereign authority was properly exerted in defence of the juft rights of the crown, and in fecuring to its diftant fubjeéts the enjoyment of their poffeffions ; but unhappily Charles II. had neither fteadinefs nor integrity. About the period ofthe American treaty, a fcheme having beeen formed by him, or his miniftry, for fabverting the liberties of the people at home, it is the leis wonderful, that the privileges enjoyed by the colonifts abroad, fhould have been regarded by the king with a jealoufy, which, encreafing with the encreafe of their numbers, (g) From this recital may be feen the folly of the very prevalent notion, that the fovereigns ofSpain, or fome of their fubjeats, fill keep up pretenfions to Jamaica, or claim property therein, as not having been formally ceded to the crown of England. broke --- Page 287 --- WEST INDIES. broke out at length into aéts of open hoftility CHAP. and violence towards them. III. IN the beginning of 1678, the ftorm fell on 1 Jamaica. A new fyftem of legiflation was adopted for this ifland, founded nearly on the model of the Irilh conftitution under Poynings's act; and the Earl of Carlifle was appointed chief governor for the purpofe of enforcing it. A body of laws was prepared by the privy council of England, among the reft a bill for fettling a perpetual revenue on the crown, which his lordfhip was direêted to offer to the affembly, requiring them to adopt the whole code, without amendment or alteration. In future the heads of all bills (money bills excepted) were to be fuggefted in the firft inftance by the governor and council, and tranfmitted to his majefty to be approved or rejeéted at home ; on obtaining the royal confirmation, they were to be returned under the great feal in the fhape of laws, and paffed by the general affembly; which was to be convened for no other purpofe than that, and the bufinefs of voting the ufual fupplies; unlefs in confequence of fpecial orders from England. IF we refleét only on the diftance of Jamaica from Great Britain, we may pronounce, without hefitation, that it was impoffible for the colony to exift under fuch a conftitution and fyftem of government. What mifconduét on the part of laws, and paffed by the general affembly; which was to be convened for no other purpofe than that, and the bufinefs of voting the ufual fupplies; unlefs in confequence of fpecial orders from England. IF we refleét only on the diftance of Jamaica from Great Britain, we may pronounce, without hefitation, that it was impoffible for the colony to exift under fuch a conftitution and fyftem of government. What mifconduét on the part --- Page 288 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK part oftheinhabitants, or what fecret expeétation II. on the part of the crown, originally gave birth Y to this projeét, it is now difficult to determine. The moft probable opinion is this.-In the year 1663, the affembly of Barbadoes were prevailed on, by very unjuftifiable means, as will hereafter be fhewn, to grant an internal revenue to the crown, of 41 per cent. on the grols exported produce of that ifland for ever. It is not unlikely that the fteady refufal of the Jamaica planters to burthen themfelves and their pofterity the refentwith a fimilar impofition, exciting ment of the king, firft fuggefted the idea ofdepriving them of thofe conftitutional franchifes which alone could give fecurity and value to their poffeffions. Happily for the prefent inhabitants, neither fecret intrigue nor undifguifed violence were fuccefsful. Their gallant anceftors tranfmitted to their pofterity their eftates unincumbered with fuch a tax, and their political rights unimpaired by the fyftem of government attempted to be forced on them. 66 The affembly (fays Mr. Long) rejeéted the new conftitution with indignation. No threats could frighten, no bribes could corrupt, nor arts nor arguments perfuade them to confent to. laws that would enflave their pofterity." Let me to the add, as a tribute of juft acknowledgment noble efforts of this gentleman's great anceftor, Col. --- Page 289 --- WEST INDIES. Col. Long, that it was to Iim, Jamaica was prin- CHAP. cipally indebted for its deliverance. As chief III. judge of the ifland, and member of the council, he exerted, onthisimportant occafion, the powers with which he wasinvefted, with fuch ability and fortitude, in defence of the people, as to baffle and finally overpower every effort to enflave them. The governor, after difmiffing him from the pofts which he had filled with fuch honour to himfelf, and advantage to the publick, conveyed him a ftate prifoner to England. Thefe defpotick meafures were ultimately produétive of good. Col. Long, being heard before the king and privy council, pointed out with fuch force of argument, the evil tendency of the meafures which had been purfued, that the Englith miniftry reluétantly fubmitted. The affembly had their deliberative powers reftored to them, and Sir Thomas Lynch, who had prefided in the ifland as lieutenant-governor from 1670 to 1674, very much to the fatisfaction of the inhabitants, was appointed captain-general and chief governor in the room of Lord Carlifle (h). (k)Ihave: fubjoined, as an appendix to this book, e an hif4 torical Account of the Conftitution of Jamaica,". wherein the particulars ofLord Carlifle's adminiftration are detailed at large.-This hiftorical account is now publifhed for the firft timne, and cannot fail of proving extremely acceptable to the reader. Ir land as lieutenant-governor from 1670 to 1674, very much to the fatisfaction of the inhabitants, was appointed captain-general and chief governor in the room of Lord Carlifle (h). (k)Ihave: fubjoined, as an appendix to this book, e an hif4 torical Account of the Conftitution of Jamaica,". wherein the particulars ofLord Carlifle's adminiftration are detailed at large.-This hiftorical account is now publifhed for the firft timne, and cannot fail of proving extremely acceptable to the reader. Ir --- Page 290 --- HISTORY OF T H E BOOK Ir might have been hoped thata all Ipoffible caufe 11. of future conteft with the crown, on the quef- - / tion of political rights, was: now happily obviated; but the event proved that this expectation was fallacious. Although the affembly had recovered the ineftimable privilege of framing fuch laws for their internal government as their exigencies might require, of which doubtleis themfelves alone were competent to judge, and although it was not alledged that the laws which they had paffed, as well before, as after the re-eftablifhment of their rights, were repugnant to thofe of the mother-country, yet the royal confirmation of a great part of them had been conftantly refufed, and ftill continued to be withheld. It was indeed admitted, that the Englith who captured theifland, carried with them as their birthright, the law of England as Ît then ftood; ; but much of the Englith Jaw was inapplicable to the fituation and condition of the new colonifts; and it was contended that they had no right to any ftatute of the Britifh parliament, which had paffed fubfequent to their emigration, unlefs its provifions were fpecially extended to the colony by name. The courts of judicature within the ifland, had however, from neceflity, admitted many fuch ftatutes to be pleaded, and grounded fevetal judgments and important determinations upon them; and the affembly had paffed --- Page 291 --- WEST INDIES. pafled bills adopting feveral of the Englith fta- CHAP. tutes which did not otherwife bind the ifland; III. but feveral of thofe bills, when fent home for the 1 royal confirmation, and thofe judgments and determinations of the courts of law, when brought by appeal before the king and.council, though not difallowed, remained unconfirmed; ; and in this unfettled ftate, the affairs of Jamaica were fuffered to remain for the fpace of fifty years. THE true caufe of fuch inflexibility on the part of the crown, was no other than the old flory of revenue. For the purpofe, as it was pretended, of defraying the expence ofereéting and repairing fortifications, and for anfwering fome other publick contingencies, the minifters ofCharles II. had procured, as hath been related, from the affembly of Barbadoes, and indeed from moft of the other Britifh Weft Indian colonies, the grant of a perpetual internal revenue. The refufal of Jamaica, to confent to a fimilar eftablilhment; ; the punifhment provided for her contumacy, and the means of her deliverance, have already been fated; but it was found that the lenity of the crown in relinquifhing the fyftem of compulfion, was expeéted top produce that effect which tyranny had failed to accomplifh. The Englith ment claimed a return from the people govern- of Jamaica, for having dropt an oppreffive and pernicious projeét, as ifit had actually conferred Voi. I. Q upon them ; the punifhment provided for her contumacy, and the means of her deliverance, have already been fated; but it was found that the lenity of the crown in relinquifhing the fyftem of compulfion, was expeéted top produce that effect which tyranny had failed to accomplifh. The Englith ment claimed a return from the people govern- of Jamaica, for having dropt an oppreffive and pernicious projeét, as ifit had actually conferred Voi. I. Q upon them --- Page 292 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK them a pofitive and permanent benefit; a claitti II. in which all the Britith minifters, from the reftoL ration of King Charles, to the reign of George II. very cordially concurred. THE affembly however remained unconvinced. Among other objedtions, they pleaded that the money granted by the Mland of Barbadoes was notorioufly appropriated to purpofes widely different from thofe for whichit was expreflygiven; and they demanded fome pledge, or fecurity, in cafe they againft a fimilar mifapplication, fhould fubject their country to a permament and irrevocable tax. The minifters refufed to give any fatisfaction in this particular; and finding that the affembly were cqually refolute to pafs their fupply bills from year to year only, as ufual, they advifed the fovercign, from a fpirit of vindictive policy, to wave the confirmation of the laws, and to fuffer the adminiftration of juftice in the ifland, to remain on the precarious footing that Ihave defcribed. SUcH was the aétual fituation of Jamaica until the year 1728, when a compromife was happily effeéted. In that year, the Affembly confented to fettle on the crown a ftanding irrevocable revenue of 6. 8,000 per annum, on certain conditions, to which the crown agreed, and of which the followingare the principal : ift. THAT the quit-rents arifing within the ifland --- Page 293 --- WEST INDIES, ifland (then eftimated at 6.1,460 per annum) CHAP. thould conftitute a part of fuch revenue. 2dly. III. That the body of their laws fhould receive the royal affent. And, 3dly. That 66 all fuch laws c and ftatutes of England, as had been at EC time efteemed, introduced, ufed, any 4E accepted, or received, as laws in the ifland, fhould be and 6 continue laws of Jamaica for ever." The revenue act, with thisi important declaration therein, was accordingly paffed ; and its confirmation by the king, put an end to a conteft no lefs difgraceful to the government at home, than injurious to the people within the ifland. IHAVE thus endeavoured, with as much brevity as the fubject would admit, to trace the political conftitution of Jamaica from infancy to maturity; but although its parentage and principles are Britifh, it has been modified and occafionally regulated by many unforefeen events, and local circumftances. In its prefènt form, and actual exercife, however, it fo nearly refembles the fyftem of government in the other Briti(h Weft Indian Iflands, that one géneral defcription (which I referve for a fubfequent part of my work) will comprehend the whole. A minute detail oflocal occurrences and internal politicks, would not, I prefume, beinterefting to the geueral reader. The following are the only circumftances which pear to me to merit diftinét notice, and I have apQ 2 referved actual exercife, however, it fo nearly refembles the fyftem of government in the other Briti(h Weft Indian Iflands, that one géneral defcription (which I referve for a fubfequent part of my work) will comprehend the whole. A minute detail oflocal occurrences and internal politicks, would not, I prefume, beinterefting to the geueral reader. The following are the only circumftances which pear to me to merit diftinét notice, and I have apQ 2 referved --- Page 294 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK referved the recital for this place, that the thread II. of the preceding narrative might continue unY broken. IN the year 1687 Chriftopher Duke of Albemarle was appointed chief governor of Jamaica. This nobleman was the only furviving fon and heir of General Monk, who had reftored Charles II. and I mention him principally as exhibiting a ftrikinginftance oft thei inftability ofhuman greatnefs. The father had been gratified with the higheft rewards that a fovereign could beftow on a fubjeêt; a dukedom, the garter, and a princely fortune; and the fon, reduced to beggary by vice and extravagance, was driven to the neceffity of imploring bread from James II. The king, to be freed from his importunities, gave him the government of Jamaica; where, dying childlefs, a fhort time after his arrival, his honours were extinguifhed with his life. The noble duke lived long enough, however, to colleét a confiderable fum of money for his creditors; for entering into partnerlhip with Sir William Phipps, who had difcovered the wreck of a Spanifh Plate fhip, which had been ftranded in 1659, on a fhoal to the north-eaft of Hifpaniola, they fent out floops from Jamaica, provided with fkilful divers, to fearch for the hidden treafure, and are faid to have aétually recovered twenty-fix tons of filver. The conduét of this noble governor, on his arrival, --- Page 295 --- WEST INDIES. val, affords many curious inftances of the arbi- CHAP. trary principles ofthe times: :-Having called an III. affembly, his grace diffolved them abruptly, becaufe one of the members, in a debate, repeated the old adage, Jalus populi fuprema lex. His grace afterwards took the member into cuftody, and caufed him to be fined 6.600 for this offence. With his grace came over Father Thomas Churchill, a Romith paftor, fent out by James II. to convert the ifland to popery. 3 but his grace's death, and the revolution in 1688, blafted the good father's projeét. The duchefs accompanied her hufband ; a circumftance which the fpeaker ofthe Affembly,in his firftaddhef,espatiated upon in a high ftrain of eloquence. c It is an honour (faid he) which the opulent kingdoms of Mexico and Peru could never arrive at, and even Columbus's ghofa would be appealed for all the indignities he endured ofthe Spaniards, could he but know that his ozn beloved foil was hallowed by ficha foolheps /* Ox * Having mentioned this lady, the reader, I am perfuaded, will pardon me for adding the following particulars of her hiftory. On the death of the duke, her firft hufband, his grace's coadjutors in the diving bufinefs (many of whom had been bucaniers) complained that they had not received their full fhare of the prize-money, and her grace, who had got poffeffion of the treafure, refufing to part with a ihilling, they formed a fcheme to feize her perfon inthe king's houfe in Spanifh Town, and carry heroff.' Luckily fhe reQ3 ceived particulars of her hiftory. On the death of the duke, her firft hufband, his grace's coadjutors in the diving bufinefs (many of whom had been bucaniers) complained that they had not received their full fhare of the prize-money, and her grace, who had got poffeffion of the treafure, refufing to part with a ihilling, they formed a fcheme to feize her perfon inthe king's houfe in Spanifh Town, and carry heroff.' Luckily fhe reQ3 ceived --- Page 296 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ON the feventh of June 1692, happened that II. tremendous earthquake which fwallowed Y upgreat part of Port Royal. A defcription ofit, dreadfully minute, may be found in the Philofophical Tranfaétions ; but it is not generally known that thie town was chiefly built on a bank of fand, adhering to a rock in the fea, and that a very flight concuffion, aided by the weight of the buildings, ceived fomc intimation of the plot a day or two before it was to have been carried into execution, and communicated her apprehenfions to the Houfe of Affembly, who thercupon appointed a formidable committee oftheir ableft bodied members to guard her perfon by day and night, until fhe was fafely embarked in one of the king'sf fhips. She arrived in England, in the Affiftance man of war, with all her treafure, the beginning of June 1688, and fome years afterwards fellinto a fate of mental imbecility,in the progrefs of which fhe pleafed herfelf with the notion, that the Emperor of China having heard of her immenfe riches was coming to pay his addreffes to her. She even made magnificent preparations for his reception. As The was perfeétly gentle and good-humouredin herlunacy, her attendants not only encouraged her in her folly, but contrived alfo to turn it to good account, by perfuading a needy peer (the firft duke of Montague) to perfonate his Chinefe majefty, and deceive her into wedlock, which he aétually did; and with greater fuccefs than honefty, or, I fhould imagine, even the law. would warrant, got poffeffion by this means of her wealth, and then confined her as a lunatick. Cibber, the comedian, who thought it a good jeft, introduced the circumftance on the ftage, and it forms a fcene in his play, called the Sick Lady Cured. Her grace furvived her hufband, the pretended emperor, for many years, and died in 1734, at the great age of 98. Her frenzy remained however tothe laft, and fhe was ferved on the knee as Empreis of China tot the day of her death. would by this means of her wealth, and then confined her as a lunatick. Cibber, the comedian, who thought it a good jeft, introduced the circumftance on the ftage, and it forms a fcene in his play, called the Sick Lady Cured. Her grace furvived her hufband, the pretended emperor, for many years, and died in 1734, at the great age of 98. Her frenzy remained however tothe laft, and fhe was ferved on the knee as Empreis of China tot the day of her death. would --- Page 297 --- WEST INDIES. would probably have accomplithed its deftruc- CHAP. tion. Iam inclined therefore to fufpeét that the III. delcription of the fhock is much exaggerated*. 1 THE inhabitants were fcarcely recovered from the terrors occafioned by the earthquake, when they were alarmed with an account of an intended invafion by an armament from Hifpaniola, commanded by Monf. Du Caffe, the governor of that ifland, in perfon. Accordingly, on the 17th of June 1694, a fleet of three men of war and twenty privateers (having on board 1,500 land forces) appeared off Cow Bay, where eight hundred of the foldiers were landed, with orders to defolate the country as faras Port Morant. Thefe barbarians obeyed their inftruétions to the full extent. They not only fet fire to every fettlement they came to, but tortured their prifoners in the moft fhocking manner, and murdered great numbers in cold blood, after making them behold the violation oft their wives by their own negroes. Such at leaft is the account tranfmitted by Sir William Beefton, the governor, to the fecretary of ftate. Unfortunately, the militia of this part of the country had been drawn off to guard the capital; ; whereby the French continued their ravages without refiftance, and having fet fire to all the plantations within their reach, * Thefeventhof] June is declared, by an aet ofthe Affembly, to be eftablithed as a perpetual anniverfary faft, in commemeration of this calamity, Q 4 and --- Page 298 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK and feized about one thoufand negroes, Du Caffe II. failed to leeward, and anchored in Carlifle Bay, in Y the parith of Vere. This place had no other fortification than an ill-contrived breaft-work, manned by a detachment of two hundred men from the militia of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon, which Du Caffe attacked with all his force. The Englifh made a gallant refiftance 5 but Colonel Cleyborn, Lieutenant Colonel Smart, Captain Vaffal, and Lieutenant Dawkins being killed, and many others dangeroufly wounded, they were compelled to retreat. Happily, at this moment, arrived five companies of militia, which the governor had fent to their affiftance from Spanifh Town. Thefe, though they had marched thirty miles without refrefhment, immediately charged the enemy with fuch vigour,as entirely to change the fortune of the day. The French retreated to their fhips,and Du Caflfe foon afterwards returnto Hifpaniola with his ill-gotten booty. IN 1712, on the 28th day. of Auguft, and again on the fame day of the fame month, in the year 1722, Jamaica was Thaken to its foundations by a dreadful hurricane. This day, therefore, as well as the feventh of June, the Colonial Legiflature has, by an aÉt of Affembly,pioufly fet apart for fafting and humiliation, and I wifh I could add, that its commemoration annually, is as exemplary among all ranks of people as the OCcafion was fignal. THE 1712, on the 28th day. of Auguft, and again on the fame day of the fame month, in the year 1722, Jamaica was Thaken to its foundations by a dreadful hurricane. This day, therefore, as well as the feventh of June, the Colonial Legiflature has, by an aÉt of Affembly,pioufly fet apart for fafting and humiliation, and I wifh I could add, that its commemoration annually, is as exemplary among all ranks of people as the OCcafion was fignal. THE --- Page 299 --- WEST INDIES. THE next important occurrence in the hiftory CHAP. of this ifland, was the pacification, concluded in III. 1738, with the hoftile negroes called Maroons; ) but the refpite which this treaty afforded the inhabitants from inteftine commotion was of fhort duration. In 1760; the very exiftence of the COlony was endangered by a revolt of the enflaved negroes. As,however, fome particulars of this affair will be given in a fubfequent part of my work, when I come to treat generally of negro flavery, and ofthe condition and charaéter of the newly imporred Africans, it is unneceffary for me, in this place, to enlarge upon the fubject. THE co-operation of the people whom I have juft mentioned, the Maroons, in fuppreffing the revolt of 1760, was confidered, at the time, in a very favourable point of view; and the fafety of the country was attributed in fome degree to their fervices on that occafion; : but the writer of this was convinced by his own obfervations on the fpot, that no opinion could be more illfounded: he was perfuaded that the Maroons were fufpicious allies, and that, whenever they fhould come to feel theirownftrength, they would prove very formidable enemies. Recent events have unhappily confirmed thejudgment he then formed of them. Soon after the publication ofthis work, thefe people began a moft unprovoked war againft the white inhabitants, which has --- Page 300 --- $34 HISTORY OF THE BOOK has ended in their total defcat, and the final II. expulfion of moft of them from the ifland. The circumftances attending this revolt requiring particular difcuffion, I have accordingly given it full confideration, in a diftinét narrative ofits origin, progrefs, and termination, and referved it for the concluding part of thefe volumes : to that therefore the reader is referred. THE year 1744 was diftinguifhed by another deftruétive conflict of the elements; and in 1780, after a long refpite, began that dreadful fucceffion of hurricanes, which, with the exception of 1782 and 1783, defolated this, and fome of the neighbouring iflands, for feven years togcther*. OF the whole feries of thefe awful vifitations, the firft was undoubtedly the moft deftruétive; but in Jamaica, the fphere of îts aétivity was chiefly confined to the weftern parts of the ifland. The large and opulent diftriets of Weftmoreland and Hanover prefented, however, fuch extent and variety of defolation from its effeéts, as are fcarcely to be equalled in the records of human calamity. Weftmoreland alone fuftained damage to the amount of K- 700,000 fterling, and Han1780 hurricane 3d Oétober. ift Auguft. 1784 - 3oth July. 178; - 27th Auguft. 1786 - zoth Oétober. over the ifland. The large and opulent diftriets of Weftmoreland and Hanover prefented, however, fuch extent and variety of defolation from its effeéts, as are fcarcely to be equalled in the records of human calamity. Weftmoreland alone fuftained damage to the amount of K- 700,000 fterling, and Han1780 hurricane 3d Oétober. ift Auguft. 1784 - 3oth July. 178; - 27th Auguft. 1786 - zoth Oétober. over --- Page 301 --- WEST INDIES. over nearly as much. The fad fate of Savanna CHAP. la Mar (a fmall fea-port in the former parith) can III. never be remembered without horror. The fea, burfting its ancient limits, overwhelmed that unhappy town, and fwept it to inftant deftruction, leaving not a veftige of man, beaft, or habitation behind; fo fudden and comprehenfive was the ftroke, that I think the cataftrophe of Savanna la Mar was even more terrible, in many refpeets, than that of Port Royal. The latter, however, wasinits effeets morelafting; for to this hour the ruins of that devoted town, though buried for upwards of a century bencath the waves, are vifible in clear weather from the boats which fail over them, prefenting an awful monument or memorial of the anger of Omnipotence! Dread end of human ftrength, and human (kill, Riches, and triumph, and domain, and pomp, And eafe and luxury! DYER. WHAT has thus frequently happened, will probably happen again ; and the infolence of wealth, and the confidence of power, may learn a leffon of humility from the contemplation * . * Mr. Long, in the third volume of his Hiftory of Jamaica, has enumerated the following prognofticks, as the ufual pre. curfors of a hurricane :- Extraordinary continuance ofe extreme dry and hot weather. On the near approach of the ftorm, a turbulent appearance ofthe fky: the fun becomes unufually --- Page 302 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK unufually red, while the air is perfeétly calm. The higheft II. mountains are free of clouds, and are feen very diftinétly. Y The iky towards the north looks black and foul. The fea rolls on the coaft and into the harbours with a great fwell, and emits, at the fame time, a very ftrong and difagreeable odour. On the full moon, a haze is feen round her orb, and fometines a halo round the fun." To this enumeration, I will add a remarkable circumfance which happened in Jamaica in 1780. Upwards of twenty hours before the commencement ofthe great ftorm in that year, a very uncommon noife, refembling the roar of diftant thunder, was heard to ifue from the bottom of all the wells in the neighbourhood of Kingtton. There was, at that time, in Port Royal harbonr, a feet of merchant fips, which were to fail the next morning. The conmander of one of thefe veffels, was a witnefs to the circum.tance I have mentioned; and having been informed that it was, one of the prognofticks of an approaching hurricane (though none had happened in Jamaica for near forty years) he haftened on board his fhip, warped her that evening into the inner harbour into fhoal water, and fecured her with all the precautions he thought neceflary. At day break the hurricane began, and this fhip was one of the very few that efcaped deftruction from its fury. er of one of thefe veffels, was a witnefs to the circum.tance I have mentioned; and having been informed that it was, one of the prognofticks of an approaching hurricane (though none had happened in Jamaica for near forty years) he haftened on board his fhip, warped her that evening into the inner harbour into fhoal water, and fecured her with all the precautions he thought neceflary. At day break the hurricane began, and this fhip was one of the very few that efcaped deftruction from its fury. --- Page 303 --- WEST INDIES. CHAP. IV. Situation audehinate-Runagftie Country-Mowtains, and advantages derivedfrom them.- Soil. --Lands in Culture. Lands uncultivated, and obfervations thereon. - Woods and Timbers.- Rivers and Medicinal Springs. --Ore.-Vegetable Clafes.- Grain.- Grofn-Kiudergardan produce, and Fruits for the Table, ESc. ESc. JAMAICA is fituated in the Atlantick Ocean, in CHAP. about 18° 12', north latitude, and in longitude IV. about 77" 45' weft from London. From thefe 5 data thegeographical reader will perceive that the climate, although tempered and greatly mitigated by various caufes, fome of which will be prefently explained, is extremely hot, with little variation from January to December; that the days and nights are nearly of equal duration ; there being little more than two hours difference between the longeft day and the fhorteft; that there is very little twilight; and finally, that when it is twelve o'clock at noon in London, it is about feven in the morning in Jamaica. THE general appearance of the country differs greatly from moft parts of Europe ; yet the north and fouth fides of the ifland, which are feparated by --- Page 304 --- HISTORY OF THE BoO K bya vaft chain of mountains extending from eaft II. to weft, differ at the fame time widely from each other. When Columbus firft difcovered Jamaica; he approached it on the northern fide; ; and beholding that part of the country which now conftitutes the parith ofSt. Anne, he was filled witht delight and admiration at the novelty, variety, and beauty ofthe profpeét. The whole ofthe fcenery is indeed fuperlatively fine, nor can words alone (at leaft any that I can fcleét) convey a juft idea ofit. A few leading particulars In may perhaps be able to point out, but their combinations and features are infinitely various, and to be enjoyed muft be feen. THE country at a fmall diftance from the fhore rifes into hills, which are more remarkable for beauty than boldnefs; being all of gentle acclivity, and commonly feparated from cach other by fpacious vales and romantick inequalities ; but they are feldom craggy, nor is the tranfition from the hills to the vallies oftentimes abrupt. In general, the hand of nature has rounded every hill towards the top with fingular felicity. The moft ftriking circumftances however attending thefe beautiful fwells are the happy difpofition of the groves of pimento, with which moft of them are fpontaneoufly clothed, and the confummate verdure ofthe turf underneath, which is difcoverablein a thoufand openings ; prefenting a charming contraft to aggy, nor is the tranfition from the hills to the vallies oftentimes abrupt. In general, the hand of nature has rounded every hill towards the top with fingular felicity. The moft ftriking circumftances however attending thefe beautiful fwells are the happy difpofition of the groves of pimento, with which moft of them are fpontaneoufly clothed, and the confummate verdure ofthe turf underneath, which is difcoverablein a thoufand openings ; prefenting a charming contraft to --- Page 305 --- WEST INDIES. to the deeper tints of the pimento. As this tree, CHAP, which is no lels remarkable for fragrancy than IV. V beauty, fuffers no rival plant to flourifh within its Thade, thefe groves are not only clear of underwood, but even the grals beneath is feldom luxuriant. The foil in general being a chalky marl, which produces a clofe and clean turf, as fmooth and even as the fineft Englith lawn, and in colour infinitely brighter. Over this beautiful furface the pimento fpreads itfelf in various compartments. In one place, we behold extenfive groves; in another, a number of beautiful groups, fome of which crown the hills, while others are fcattered down the declivities. To enliven the fcene, and add perfeétion to beauty, the bounty of nature has copioufly watered the whole diftriét. No part ofthe Weft Indies, that Ihave feen, abounds with fo many delicious ftreams. Every valley has its rivulet, and every hill its cafcade. In one point of view, where the rocks overhang the ocean, no lefs than eight traniparent waterfalls are beheld in the fame moment. Thofe only who have been long at fea, can judge of the emotion which is felt by the thirfty voyager at fo enchanting a profpect. SUcH is the foreground of the picture. As the land rifes towards the center of thei ifland, the cye, paffing over the beauties that I have recounted, --- Page 306 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ed, is attraéted by a boundlefs amphitheatre of II. wood, Y Infuperable height ofloftieft fhade, Cedar; and branching palm: MILTON. Animmenfity of foreft; the outline ofwhich melts into the diftant blue hills, and thefe again are loft in the clouds. ON the fouthern fide of the ifland, the fcenery, as I have before obferved, is of a different nature. In the landfcape I have defcribed, the prevailing charaéterifticks are variety and beauty : in that which remains, the predominant features are grandeur and fublimity. When I firft approached this fide of the ifland by fea, and beheld, from afar, fuch of the ftupendous and foaring ridges of the blue mountains, as the clouds here and there difclofed, the imagination (forming an indiftinét but awful idea of what was concealed, by what was thus partially difplayed) was filled with admiration and wonder. Yet the fenfation which I felt was allied rather to terror than delight. Though the profpeét before me was in the higheft degree magnificent, it feemed a fcene ofmagnificent defolation. The abrupt precipice and inacceffible clift, had more the afpeét of a chaos than a creation; or rather fcemed to exhibit the effects of fome clofed, the imagination (forming an indiftinét but awful idea of what was concealed, by what was thus partially difplayed) was filled with admiration and wonder. Yet the fenfation which I felt was allied rather to terror than delight. Though the profpeét before me was in the higheft degree magnificent, it feemed a fcene ofmagnificent defolation. The abrupt precipice and inacceffible clift, had more the afpeét of a chaos than a creation; or rather fcemed to exhibit the effects of fome --- Page 307 --- WEST INDIES. fome dreadful convulfion, which had laid nature CHAP. in ruins. Appearances however improved as we IV. approached, ; for, amidft ten thoufand bold fea- 3Y tures, too hard to be foftened by culture, many a fpot was foon difcovered where the hand of induftry had awakened life and fertility. With thefe pleafing intermixtures, the flowing line of the lower range of mountains (which now began to bevifible, crownedwith woshofmgpBickgosth) combined to foften and relieve the rude folemnity of the loftier eminences; until at length the favannas at the bottom met the fight. Thefe are vaft plains, clothed chiefly with extenfive canefields; difplaying, in all the pride of cultivation, the verdure of fpring blended with the exuberanceofautumn, and they are bounded only by the ocean; on whofe bofom a new and ever-moving piéture ftrikest the eye; forinnumerable veffels are difcovered in various direétions, fome crowding into, and others bearing away from, the bays and harbours with which the coaft is every where indented. Such a profpeét ofhuman ingenuity and induftry, employedin exchangingthef fuperfluities ofthe Old World, fort the productions ofthe New, opens another, and, I might add, an almoft untrodden field, for contemplation and refleétion. THusthe mountains of the Weft Indies, ifnot, in themfelves, objects of perfect beauty, contribute greatly towards the beauty of general naVoL.I. R ture; --- Page 308 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ture; and furely the inhabitants cannot refleét II. but with the deepeft fenfe of gratitude to Divine ) Providence, on the variety of climate, fo conducive to health, ferenity and pleafure, which thefe elevated regions afford them. On this fubject I fpeak from aétual experience. In a maritime fituation, on the fultry plains of the fouth fide, near the town of Kingfton, where I chiefly refided during the fpace of fourteen years, the general medium of heat during the hotteft months (from June to November, both inclufive) was eighty degrees on Fahrenheit's thermometer (a). Ata villa eight miles diftant, in the highlands of Liguanea, the thermometer feldom rofc, in the hotteft part of the day, above feventy. Here then was a difference of ten degrees in cight miles; and in the morning and evening the difference was much greater. At Cold Spring, the feat of Mr. Wallen, a very high fituation fix miles further in the country, poffeffed by a gentleman who has tafte to relith its beauties and improve its productions, the general ftate of the thermometer is from 55 to 65". It has been obferved fo low as 44's fo that a fire (a)Intheother months, viz.f from Decemberto May,thethermometer ranges from 70 to 80°. The night airi in the months of December and January is fometimes furprifingly cool: I have known the thermometer fo low at fun-rife as 69°, even in the town of Kingfton; but in the hotteft months, the differencebetween the temperature of noon-day and midnight is not more than 5 or 6°. there, 65". It has been obferved fo low as 44's fo that a fire (a)Intheother months, viz.f from Decemberto May,thethermometer ranges from 70 to 80°. The night airi in the months of December and January is fometimes furprifingly cool: I have known the thermometer fo low at fun-rife as 69°, even in the town of Kingfton; but in the hotteft months, the differencebetween the temperature of noon-day and midnight is not more than 5 or 6°. there, --- Page 309 --- WEST INDIES. there, even at noon-day, is not only comfortable CHAP. but neceffary, a great part ofthe year (8). It may IV. be fuppofed, that the fudden tranfition from the ) hot atmofphere oft the plains, to the chill aird ofthe higher regions, is commonly produétive of mif chievous effeêts on the human frame; but this, I believe, is feldom the cafe, ifthe traveller, as prudence (8) Cold Spring is 4,200 feet above the level of the fea. The foilis a black mould on a brown marl; but few or none ofthet tropical fruits will flourifh in fo cold a climate. Neither the nelberry, the avocado pear, the ftar apple, nor the willl bear within a confiderable height of Mr. orange, but many of the Englith fruits, as the apple, Wallen'sgarden; the and the ftrawberry, flourifh there in peach, feveral other valuable exoticks; great perfeétion, with among which I obferved a great number ofvery fine plants of the tea-tree and other oriental produétio.ns. The ground in its native ftate is almoft entirely covéred with different forts of thefern, ofwhich Mr. Wallen has reckoned about 400 diftinét fpecies. A perfon vifiting Cold Spring for the firft tine, almoft conceives himfelf tranfported to a diftant part of the world; ; the air and face of the country fo widely differing from that of the regions he has left. Even the birds are all ftrangers to him. Among others, peculiar to thefe lofty regions, is a fpecies of the fwallow, the plumage of which varies in colour like the neck of a drake; and there is a very fine fong-bird called the of a blackifh brown, with a white ring round the neck. Af-gye, I vifited this place in December 1788, the thermometer ftood at 57"at fun-rife, and never exceeded 64° in the hotteft oft the day. I thought the climate the moft part had ever experienced. On the Blue Mountain delightful that I 7,431 feet from the level of the fea, the peak, which is found to range from 47° at fun-rife to 580 thermometer at was the month of Auguft. See Med. Comment, noon, even in Eding. 1780. R 2 The ifited this place in December 1788, the thermometer ftood at 57"at fun-rife, and never exceeded 64° in the hotteft oft the day. I thought the climate the moft part had ever experienced. On the Blue Mountain delightful that I 7,431 feet from the level of the fea, the peak, which is found to range from 47° at fun-rife to 580 thermometer at was the month of Auguft. See Med. Comment, noon, even in Eding. 1780. R 2 The --- Page 310 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK dence diétates, fets off at the dawn of the mornII. ing (when the pores oft the fkin arein fome meafure Y fhut)a and is clothed fomewhat warmer than ufual. With thefe precautions, excurfions into the uplands are always found fafe, falubrious, and delightful. I will obferve too, in the words of an agreeable writer (c), that < on the tops of high mountains, where the air is pure and refined, and where there is not that immenfe weight of grols vapours preffing upon the body, the mind aéts with greater freedom, and all the funétions, both of foul and body, are performed lin a fuperior manner." I wifh I could add, with the fame author, that c6 the mind at the fame time leaves all low and vulgar fentiments behind it, and in approaching the ethereal regions, fhakes offits earthly affections, and acquires fomething of celeftial purity (d)!" To The following has been given, as an account of the heights from the fea of the moft noted mountains in the world : Feet. Mount Blanc 15,672 Etna a 10,954 Pikeof Teneriffe 11,022 Chimborazo (Andes) 20,575 Snowdon (Wales) 3,557 (c) Brydone. (d) In defcribing the rural features of Jamaica, the diftriét called Pedro Plains, deferves particular notice. It is a level country on a high bluff called Pedro Point, fituated on the fouth- given, as an account of the heights from the fea of the moft noted mountains in the world : Feet. Mount Blanc 15,672 Etna a 10,954 Pikeof Teneriffe 11,022 Chimborazo (Andes) 20,575 Snowdon (Wales) 3,557 (c) Brydone. (d) In defcribing the rural features of Jamaica, the diftriét called Pedro Plains, deferves particular notice. It is a level country on a high bluff called Pedro Point, fituated on the fouth- --- Page 311 --- WEST INDIES. To thefe inequalities ofi its furface, however, it CHAP. is owing that although the foil, in many parts of IV. this ifland, is deep and very fertile, yet the quantity fouth-weft coaft, in the parifh of St. Elizabeth. I am indebted to a friend for the following interefling account of this part of the ifland, which deferves to be better known and better peopled that it feems to be at prefent. ce Pedro Plains differ from every other Savanna of the ifland, and from any part that I have feen ofCuba. From the diftriét of Fullerfwood, in St. Elizabeth's parifh, it runs eaftward along the coaft on an eafy afcent to the higheft ridge, which is called Tophill; from whence it fretches inland more than 20 miles in length, and about five in width. Itis not altogether unlike the downs in fome parts of England, andi is moft beautifully dotted with clumps of wood, amongit which the aloe, torch thiftle, and other plants of that genus, flourifh in great luxuriance, from half an acre, to many acres in extent; the boundaries being as neatly defined as if kept fo by art. The foil in colour is the deepeft red, baked hard on the furface by the aétion of the fun, but of fo porous a nature as to abforb the heavieft rains as faft as they fall. The herbage is in general coarfe; neverthelefs it maintains many thoufands both of neat cattle and horics, and in no part of the world, I believe, is the latter found nearer to a ftate of wild nature than here, As the whole of this diftriét is unfurnifhed with (prings, or even ponds ofany duration, the ftock are compelled to go for water to the wells which are funk in the lower parts ofthe country, at which time the hunters have opportunities of catching them; and contrivances are made for that purpofe. This the mafter-horfe feems to be wellapprized of; for he leads into the inclofure with admirable caution, and as foon as his own thirft is allayed, he is very impatient to get his family out, which he always drives before kim He admits of no interlopers, nor allows any of his faR 3 mily to the wells which are funk in the lower parts ofthe country, at which time the hunters have opportunities of catching them; and contrivances are made for that purpofe. This the mafter-horfe feems to be wellapprized of; for he leads into the inclofure with admirable caution, and as foon as his own thirft is allayed, he is very impatient to get his family out, which he always drives before kim He admits of no interlopers, nor allows any of his faR 3 mily --- Page 312 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK tity of rich produétive land is but fmall, in proII. portion to the whole. The generality ofwhat has been cultivated is of a middling quality, and requires labour and manure to make it yield liberally. In fine, with every prejudice in its favour, if we mily to ftray. The breed is remarkably hardy, but fome-. what reftive from their wild nature. The air of this country (particularly at' Tophill, which approaches to mountainous) is wonderfully falubrious.-As one proof of this, there was living fo late as 1780 a negro man, named John Comelaft, who had refided on this fpot as fhepherd for upwards of 30 years. He had formerly been the coachman of a Mr. Woodftock, who had given him permiffion in his old age to go where he pleafed. At the time I faw him his woolly hair had become perfeétly white, and his body was fhrivelled beyond any thing I had ever beheld; but at the fame time his mufcles were full and firm, and he could run down any fheep in the Savanna ; for he had no dog to affift him. We took him as our guide down to the fea: he ran bcfore us, keeping our horfes on a hand-gallop, to the beach, and he maintained the fame pace on our return (though up-hill) a diftance of about 1o miles. Of one family of the name of Ebanks, who lived on thefe plains, there were threefcore perfons living, all defcended from one man, who was himfelf living in 1780. The air of this diftriét, though not cold, is wonderfully dry and elaftick, and fo temperate withal, that even a European fportiman may follow bis game the whole day without feeling any oppreffion from the heat; and he will meet with good fport in purfuing the galena or wild Guinea-fowl, which Îs found here in great humbers.-The mutton raifed here is equal to the fineft down mutton in England, and the fruits and vegetables of all kinds are exellent.-The water-melon in particular ranks with the firft of fruits. Its coolnefs, crifpnels and flavour are rivalled only by the beauty of the rind,. which --- Page 313 --- WEST INDIES. we compare Jamaica with many other iflands CHAP. of nearly the fame extent (with Sicily, for inIV. ftance, to which it was compared by Columbus) it muft be pronounced an unfruitful and laborious country, as the following detail will demonftrate. JAMAICA is oné hundred and fifty miles in length, and, on a medium of thrée meafurements at different places, about forty miles in breadth. Thefe data, fuppofing the ifland to have been a level country, would give - 3,840,000 Acres, Buragreatp part confifting of high mountains, the fuperficies ofwhich comprife far more land than the bafe alone, it has been thought a moderate eftimate to allow on that account. e more, which is 240,000 The Total is 4,080,000 Acres. Or thefe, it is found by a return of the clerk of the patents, that no more than 1,907,589, were, which is mottled in fhades of green, and bears a glofs like the polifh of marble. On the whole, for beauty of profpedt,- forp purityand drynefs ofair,-anda a climate exemptfrom either extreme of heat and cold, Pedro Plains may vie with any fpot on the habitable globe. VoL. I. R 4 in The Total is 4,080,000 Acres. Or thefe, it is found by a return of the clerk of the patents, that no more than 1,907,589, were, which is mottled in fhades of green, and bears a glofs like the polifh of marble. On the whole, for beauty of profpedt,- forp purityand drynefs ofair,-anda a climate exemptfrom either extreme of heat and cold, Pedro Plains may vie with any fpot on the habitable globe. VoL. I. R 4 in --- Page 314 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK in November 1789, located, or taken up, by II. grants from the crown, and as no grants have been iffued fince that time, it appears that upwards of one half the country is confidered as of no kind of value. The lands in cultivation may be diftributed nearly as follows: IN fugar plantations (including the land referved in woods, for the purpofe of fupplying timber and fire-wood 3 or appropriated for common pafturage, all which is commonly two-thirds of each plantation) the number of acres may be ftated at 690,000 ; it appearing that the precife number of thofe eftates, in December 1791, was 767, and an allowance of 900 acres to each, on an average of the whole, muft be deemed fufficiently liberal. OF breeding and grazing farms (or, as they are commonly called in the ifland, pens) the number is about 1,000; 5 to each of which I would allow 700 acres, which gives 700,000, and no perfon who has carefully infpeéted the country, will allow to all the minor produétions, as cotton, coffee, pimento and ginger, &c. including even the provifion plantations, more than half the quantity I have affigned to the pens. The refult of the whole is 1,740,000 acres, leaving upwards of two millions an unimproved, unproduétive wildernefs, of which not more than one-fourth part --- Page 315 --- WEST INDIES. part is, I imagine, fit for any kind of profitable CHAP. cultivation; great part of the interior country IV. being both impracticable and inacceffible. Y Bur, notwithftanding that fo great a part of this ifland is wholly unimprovable,yet (fuch is the powerful influence of great heat and continual moifture) the mountains are in general covered with extenfive woods, containing excellent timbers, fome of which are of prodigious growth and folidity; fuch as the lignum vitae, dog-wood, ironwood, pigeon-wood, green-heart, braziletto, and bully-trees; moft of which are fo compaét and heavy as to fink in water. Some of thefe are neceflary in mill-work, and would be highly valuable in the Windward Iflands. They are even fo, in fuch parts of Jamaica as, having been long cultivated, are nearly cleared of contiguous woods; but it frequently happens, in the interior parts, that the new fettler finds the abundance of them an incumbrance inftead of a benefit, and having provided himfelf with a fufficiency for immediate ufe, he fets fire to the reft, in order to clear his lands; it not anfiwering the expence of conveying them to the fea-coaft for the purpofe of fending them to a diftant market. Of fofter kinds, for boards and thingles, the fpecies are innumerable; and there are many beautiful varieties adapted for cabinet-work, among others the VoL. I. Rs bread of them an incumbrance inftead of a benefit, and having provided himfelf with a fufficiency for immediate ufe, he fets fire to the reft, in order to clear his lands; it not anfiwering the expence of conveying them to the fea-coaft for the purpofe of fending them to a diftant market. Of fofter kinds, for boards and thingles, the fpecies are innumerable; and there are many beautiful varieties adapted for cabinet-work, among others the VoL. I. Rs bread --- Page 316 --- ago HISTORY OF THE #OOK bread-nut, the wild-lemon, and the well-known II. mahogany*. ) As the country is thus abundantly wooded; fos on the whole, we may affert it to be well watered. There are reckoned throughout tits ex= tent above one hundred rivers, which take their rife in the mountains, and run, commonly with great rapidity, to the fea, on both fides of the ifland. None of them are deep enough to be navigated by marine veffels. Black River in St. Elizabeth's parith, flowing chiefly through a level country, is the deepeft and gentleft, and admits flat-bottomed boats and canoes for about thirty miles. Mr. Beckford (formerly of Weftmoreland in Jamaica) whofe elegant tafte for the beautiful, leads him to feleét the pigture/que, rather than the ufful, in woodland fcenery, thus defcribes the rural features of this richly furnifhed ifland : a The variety and brilliancy of the verdure are particularly 4 ftriking, and the trees and fhrubs that adorn the face ofthe e country, are fingular for the richnefs oftheir tints, and the 46 depth of their fhadows. The palm, the coco-nut, the kc mountain-cabbage, and the plantain, when affociated with 6E the tamarind, the orange, and other trees of beautiful growth 66 and vivid dyes, and thefe commixed with the waving plumes es ofthe) Bamboo cane, the fingular appearance ofthejerufalem 6 thorn, the bufhy. richnefs of the Oleander and African rofe; ct the glowing red of the fcarlet cordium, the verdant bowers 64. of the jeflamine and grenadilla vines, all together compofe ec an. embroidery of colours which few regions can rival, and et which, perhaps, none can furpafs." Defcriptive Account of Jamaica, vol, i: p. 32: Or --- Page 317 --- WEST INDIES. OF the (prings, which very generally abound, CHAP. even in the higheft mountains, fome are mediciIV. nal;and are faid to be highly efficacious in diforY ders peculiar to the climate. The moft remarkable of thefe, is found in the eaftern parifh of St. Thomas, and the fame ofit has created a village in its neighbourhood, which is called the Bath. The water flows out of a rocky mountain, about a mile diftant, and is too hot to admit a hand being held underneath : a thermometer on Fahrenheit's fcale, being immerfed in a glafs oft this water, the quickfilver immediately rofe to 123°. It is fulphureous, and has been ufed with great advantage in that dreadful difeafe of the climate called the dry-belly-ach. There are other fprings, both fulphureous and chalybeate, in different parts of the country; ofwhich, however, the properties are but little known to the inhabitants in general. IN many parts of Jamaica there is a great appearance of metals; and it is afferted by Blome, and other early writers, that the Spanifh inhabitants had mines both of filver and copper : I believe the fact. But the induftry of the prefent poffeffors is perhaps more profitably exerted on the furface of the earth, than by digging into its bowels. A lead mine was indeed opened fome years ago, near to the Hope eftate, in the parifh of St. Andrew, and it is faid, there was no want of parts of Jamaica there is a great appearance of metals; and it is afferted by Blome, and other early writers, that the Spanifh inhabitants had mines both of filver and copper : I believe the fact. But the induftry of the prefent poffeffors is perhaps more profitably exerted on the furface of the earth, than by digging into its bowels. A lead mine was indeed opened fome years ago, near to the Hope eftate, in the parifh of St. Andrew, and it is faid, there was no want of --- Page 318 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of ore, but the high price of labour, or other II. caufes with which I am unacquainted, compelled the proprietors to relinquifh their projeét. OF the moft important of the prefent natural produétions, as fugar, indigo, coffee and cotton, I fhall have occafiontotreatat large, when thecourfe of my work fhall bring me to the fubject of agriculture. It only remains therefore, at prefent, to fubjoin a few oblervations on the vegetable claffes of inferior order : I mean thofe which, though not of equal commercial importance with the preceding ones, are equally neceffary to the comfort and fubfiftence of the inhabitants. If the reader is inclined to botanical refearches, he is referred to the voluminous colleétions of Sloane and Browne. THE feveral fpecies of grain cultivated in this ifland are, ift. Maize, or Indian corn, which commonly produces two crops in the year, and fometimes three: it may be planted at any time when there is rain, and it yields according to the foil from fifteen to forty bufhels the acre. 2dly. Guiney-corn, which produces but one crop in the year: it is planted in the month of September, and gathered in January following, yielding from thirty to fixty bufhels an acre. 3dly. Various kinds of calavances, a fpecies of pea; and, laftly, rice, but in no great quantity; the fituation proper --- Page 319 --- WEST INDIES. per for its growth being deemed unhealthy, and CHAP. thelabourofnegrocs is commonly employedin the IV. cultivation of articles that yield greater profit. Y THIS ifland abounds likewife with different kinds of grafs, both native and extraneous, ofexcellent quality; ofthe firftisr madeexcedinggood hay, but not in great abundance; this method of hufbandry being praétifed only in a few parts of the country ; and it is the lels neceffary as the inhabitants are happily accommodated with two different kinds of artificial grafs, both extremely valuable, and yielding great profufion of food for cattle. The firft is an aquatick plant called Scot's grafs, which though generally fuppofed to be an cxotick,fharermfontol think grows fpontaneoufly in moft of the fwamps and moraffes of the WeftIndies. It rifes to five or fix feet in height, with long fucculent joints, and is of very quick vegetation. From a fingle acre ofthis plant, fivehorles may be maintained a whole year, allowing fiftyfix pounds of grafs a-day to each. THE other kind, called Guiney-grafs, may be confidered as next to the fugar-cane, in point of importance; as moft of the grazing and breeding farms, or pens, throughout the ifland, were originally created, and are ftill fupported, chiefly by means of this invaluable herbage. Hence the plenty of horned cattle, both for the butcher and planter, is fuch that few markets in Europe furnifh horles may be maintained a whole year, allowing fiftyfix pounds of grafs a-day to each. THE other kind, called Guiney-grafs, may be confidered as next to the fugar-cane, in point of importance; as moft of the grazing and breeding farms, or pens, throughout the ifland, were originally created, and are ftill fupported, chiefly by means of this invaluable herbage. Hence the plenty of horned cattle, both for the butcher and planter, is fuch that few markets in Europe furnifh --- Page 320 --- HISTORY OF T HE BOOK furnith beef at a cheaper rate, or ofbetter quality; II. than thofe of Jamaica (e). Perhaps the fettlement of moft of the north-fide parifhes is wholly owing to the introduction of this excellent grafs, which happened by accident about fifty years ago; the feeds having been brought from the coaft of Guiney, as food for fome birds which were prefented to Mr. Ellis, chief-juftice of the ifland. Fortunately the birds did not live to confume the whole ftock, and the remainder, being carelefsly thrown into a fence, grew and flourifhed. It was not long before the eagernefs difplayed by the cattle to reach the grafs, attraéted Mr. Ellis's notice, and induced him to colleét and propagate the feeds;which now thrive in fome of the moft rocky parts of the ifland; beftowing verdure and fertility onl lands which otherwife would not be worth cultivation. THE feveral kinds of kitchen-garden produce, as edible roots and pulfe, which are known in Europe, thrive alfo in the mountains of this ifand; (e) Mutton is alfo both cheap and good. The fheep of Jamaica,according to Sloane,are from a breed originally African. They have fhort hair inftead of wool, and in general are party-coloured, chiefly black and white. They are fmall, but very fweet meat. The fwine of the Weft Indies are alfo confiderably fmaller than thofe of Europe, and have fhort pointed ears. Their flefh is infinitely whiterand fweeter than the pork of Great Britain, and that of the wild fort, of which there are great numbers in the woods, ftill better. and --- Page 321 --- WEST INDIES. and the markets of Kingfton and Spanifh-Town CHAP. are fupplied with cabbages, lettuce, carrots, turIV. nips, parfnips, artichokes, kidney-beans, greenV peas, afparagus, and various forts of European herbs, in the utmoft abundance. Some of them (as the three firft) are I think of fuperior flavour to the fame kinds produced in England. Tomy own tafte however, feveral of the native growths, efpecially the chocho, ochra, Lima-bean, and Indian-kale, are more agreeable than any of the efculent vegetables of Europe. The otheri indigenous produétions of this clafs are plantains, bananas, yams of feveral varieties, calalue (a fpecies of fpinnage) eddoes, caffavi, and fweet potatoes. A mixture of thefe, ftewed with falted fifh or falted meat of any kind, and highly feafoned with Cayenne-pepper, is a favourite olio among the negroes. For bread, an unripe roafted plantain is an excellent fubftitute, and univerfally preferred toitl by the negroes, and moft of the native whites. It may in truth be called the ftaff of life to the former; many thoufand acres being cultivated in different parts of the country for their daily fupport (f). OF the more elegant fruits, the variety is equalled () It is faid by Oviedo that this fruit, though introduced into Hifpaniola at a very early period, was not originally a native of the Weft Indies, but was carried thither from the Canary ubftitute, and univerfally preferred toitl by the negroes, and moft of the native whites. It may in truth be called the ftaff of life to the former; many thoufand acres being cultivated in different parts of the country for their daily fupport (f). OF the more elegant fruits, the variety is equalled () It is faid by Oviedo that this fruit, though introduced into Hifpaniola at a very early period, was not originally a native of the Weft Indies, but was carried thither from the Canary --- Page 322 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK led only by their excellence. Perhaps no country II. on earth affords fo magnificent a deffert; and I Y conceive that the following were fpontaneoufly beftowed on the ifland by the bounty of nature ; the annana or pine-apple, tamarind, papaw, guava, fwect-fop of two fpecies, cafhew-apple, cuftard-apple (a fpecies of chirimoya (g) ; coco-nut, ftar-apple, grenadilla, avocado-pear, hog-plum and its varieties, pindal-nut, nefbury, mammee, mammee-fapota, Spanilh-goofberry, prickly-pear, and perhaps a few others. For the orange, civil and china, the lemon, lime, fhaddock, and its numerous fpecies, the vine, melon, fig and pomegranate, the Weft Indian iflands were probably indebted to their Spanith invaders. Excepting the peach, the ftrawberry, and a few of the growths of European orchards (which however attain to no great perfeétion, unlefs in the higheft mountains) Canary iflands by Thomas de Berlanga, a friar, in the year 1516. The banana is a fpecies ofthe fame fruit. Sir Hans Sloane, whofe induftry Îs commendable whatever may be thought of his judgment, has, in his Hiftory of Jamaica, colleSted much information concerning this produétion; and from fome authorities which he cites,it would feem that Oviedo was mifinformed, and that every fpecies of the plantain is found growing fpontaneoufly in all the tropical parts of the carth. (g) This fruit is the boaft of South America, and is reckoned by Ulloa one of the fineft in the world. I have been informed that feveral plants of it are flourifhing in Mr. Eaft's princely garden, at the foot ofthe Liguanea mountains. the --- Page 323 --- W E ST INDIES. the rofe-apple, genip, and fome others ofno great CHAF P. valuc, I do not believe that Englifh induftry IV. had added much to the catalogue, until within ) the laft twenty years. About the year 1773, a. botanick garden was eftablifhed under the fanction ofthe Affembly, but it was not until the year 1782 that it couldjuftly boaft of many valuable exoticks. At that period, the fortune of war having thrownintot thej poffeflion ofLord Rodney, a French Thip bound from the ifland of Bourbon to Cape François in St. Domingo, which was found to have on board fome plants of the genuine cinnamon, the mango and other oriental productions, his lordihip, from that generous partiality which he always manifefted for Jamaica and its inhabitants, prefented the plants to his favourite ifland;-thus nobly ornamenting and enriching the country his valour had proteéted from conqueft. Happily, the prefent was not ill beftowed. The cinnamon may now be faid to be naturalized to the country : feveral perfons are eftablifhing plantations ofit, and one gentleman has fet out fifty thoufand plants. The mango is become almoft as common as the orange 5 but, for want of attention, runs into a thoufand feminal varieties. Some of them, to my tafte, are perfeétly delicious (). I SHALL (h) The cinnamon tree grows to the height of twenty or thirty feet; it puts out numerous fide-branches with a denfe VoL.I. S foliage naturalized to the country : feveral perfons are eftablifhing plantations ofit, and one gentleman has fet out fifty thoufand plants. The mango is become almoft as common as the orange 5 but, for want of attention, runs into a thoufand feminal varieties. Some of them, to my tafte, are perfeétly delicious (). I SHALL (h) The cinnamon tree grows to the height of twenty or thirty feet; it puts out numerous fide-branches with a denfe VoL.I. S foliage --- Page 324 --- 2;8 HISTORY OF THÉ BOOK ISHALL conclude this chapter, with an atII. thentick catalogue of the foreign plants in the publick botanical garden of this ifland; lamenting, at the fame time, that I am not able to gratify the reader with a more copious and extenfive difplay, from the magnificent colleétion of my late friend Hinton Eaft, Eiquire, who had promifed to favour me with an Hortus Eaftenfis, to be prepared, onder his ownimmediate infpection, purpofely for this work; - but much greater room have Etolament the caufe of my difappointment, and mourn over the feverity of that fate whichr fuddenly fnatched a moft amiable and excellent foliage from the very bottom of the trunk, which furnifhes an opportunity of obtaining plenty of layers, and facilitates the propagation of the tree, as it does not perfeét its feeds in any quantity under fix or feven years, when it becomes fo plentifully loaded, that a fingle tree is almoft fufficient for a colony. When planted from layers, it is ofa pretty quick growth, reaching in eight years the height of fifteen or twenty feet, itisveryfpreading, ,and furnifhed with numerous branches of a fit fize for decortation. The feeds are long in coming up. The fmall branches of about an inch diâmeter yicld the beft cinnamon, which is itfelf the limber or inner bark of the tree, and it requires fome dexterity to feparate the outer barks, which would vitiate the flavour. Specimens of the inner bark, tranfmitted by Dr. Dancer, the ifland botanift, to the Society of Arts, were found fully to poffefs the aroma and tafte of the true cinnamon from Ceylon, and indeed to be fuperior to any cinnamon imported from Holland ; and in all other refpeêts to agree perfeétly with the defcription ofthe oriental cinnamon given by Burman. See their refolutions of the 14th December 1790, citizen eparate the outer barks, which would vitiate the flavour. Specimens of the inner bark, tranfmitted by Dr. Dancer, the ifland botanift, to the Society of Arts, were found fully to poffefs the aroma and tafte of the true cinnamon from Ceylon, and indeed to be fuperior to any cinnamon imported from Holland ; and in all other refpeêts to agree perfeétly with the defcription ofthe oriental cinnamon given by Burman. See their refolutions of the 14th December 1790, citizen --- Page 325 --- WEST INDIES. citizen from his friends and the publick, and hur- CHAP, ried him to an untimely grave.- - Such is the vanity IV. of hope, and the uncertainty ofl life ! (i) (i) A very accurate and comprehenfive catalogue of Mr. Eaft's fuperb colleétion having fince been obtained, it will be found in the third volume; ;-and the catalogue above mentioned, which was inferted in the firit edition, is now therefore omitted. S 2 --- Page 326 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. V. Topographical defcription.- -Towns, willages, and parifkes. Churches, cluurch-livings, and veftries. -Governor Or Commander in chief.-Courts of judicature. Publick offices. - Legiflature aud laws. Revenues. Taxes.- Coins, and rate of exchange. -Militia. - Number of inhabitants of all conditions and complexions- Trade,hipping, exports and imports. Report of the Lords of Trade in 1734-Prefent Rate ofthe trade witk Spanifh America. - Origin and policy of the att for eflablifing free ports.- Difplay ofthe progrefs of the ifand in cultivation, by comparative Aatements of its inhabitants and produéls at differens period.-Appendis No I. No II. 8OOX THE Ifland of Jamaica is divided into three II. counties, which are named Middlefex, Surry, and Cornwall. The county of Middlefex is compofed of cight parifhes, one town, and thirteen villages, The town is that of St. Sago-de-la-Vega or Spanifh Town, the capital of the ifland. Moft of the villages of this and the other counties, are hamlets of no great account, fituated at the different harbours and thipping-places, and fupported by the traffick carried on there. St. yago-de-la-Vega is fituated on the banks of the river Cobre, about fix miles --- Page 327 --- WEST INDIES. miles from the fea, and contains between five and CHAP. fix hundred] houfes, and about fivethonfand inhaV. bitants, including free people of colour. It is the refidence of the governor or commander in chief, who is accommodated with a fuperb palace; and it is here, that the legiflature is convened, and the Court of Chancery, and the Supreme Court of Judicature, are held. THE county of Surry contains feven parifhes, two towns, and cight villages. The towns are thofe of Kingfton and Port-Royal ; the former of which is fituated on the north-fide of a beautiful harbour, and was founded in 1693, when repeated defolations by earthquake and fire had driven the inhabitants1 from Port-Royal. It contained in1788 one thoufand fix hundred and fixty-five houfes, befides negro-huts and warehoufes. The number of white inhabitants, in the fame year, was fix thoufand five hundred and thirty-nine: of free people of colour three thoufand two hundred and eighty: offlayes fixteen thoufand fix hundred and fifty-nine -total number of inhabitants, of all complexions and conditions, twenty-fix thoufand four hundred and feventy-eight, Itis a place of great trade and opulence. Many of the houfes in the upper part oft the town are extremely mag* nificent; and the markets for butchers' meat, turtle, fifh, poultry, fruits and vegetables, &c, are inferior to none, Ican add too, from the inforS 3 mation hundred and eighty: offlayes fixteen thoufand fix hundred and fifty-nine -total number of inhabitants, of all complexions and conditions, twenty-fix thoufand four hundred and feventy-eight, Itis a place of great trade and opulence. Many of the houfes in the upper part oft the town are extremely mag* nificent; and the markets for butchers' meat, turtle, fifh, poultry, fruits and vegetables, &c, are inferior to none, Ican add too, from the inforS 3 mation --- Page 328 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK mation of a learned and ingenious friend, who II. kept comparative regifters of mortality, that fince the furrounding country is become cleared of wood, this town is found to be as healthful as any in Europe (a). PORT-ROYAL, once a place of the greateft wealth andi importance in the Weft Indies, is now reduced, by repeated calamities, to three ftreets, a few lanes, and about two hundred houfes. It contains, however, the royal navy yard, for heaving down and refitting the king's thips; the navy hofpital, and barracks for a regiment of foldiers. The fortifications are. kept in excellent order, and vie in ftrength, as I am told, with any fortrefs in the king's dominions. (a) The numberofthe white inhabitants in Kingfton, had increafed in 1791 to about 7,000. In that year the burials were I5I white men (including 45 fromihepebickholpital) 23 white women, and 20 white children. Total 194- Of the men, the whole number from the hofpital, and a great many of the others, were tranfient perfons, chiefly difcarded or vagabond feamen; but without making any allowance for extraordinary mortality on that account, if this return, whichistaken from the Parochial Regifter, be compared with the bills of mortality in the manufaéturing towns of England, the refult will be confiderably in favour of Jamaica, In the large and opulent Yown of Manchefter, for inilance, the whole number of inhabitants in 1773, comprehending Salford, was 29,151, and the average number ofburials (diffenters included) for five preceding years was 958. If the mortality in Manchefter had been in no greater proportion than in Kinglton, the deaths would not have exceeded 813. CORNWALL --- Page 329 --- WEST INDIES. CORNWALLO contains fivep parithes, threetowns, CHAP: and fix villages.-The towns are Savanna-la-Mar V. on the fouth fide of the ifland, and Montego Bay and Falmouth on the north. The former was deftroyed by a dreadful hurricane and inundation of the fea in 1780, as I have elfewhere related. It is now partly rebuilt, and may contain from fixty to feventy houfes. MoNrEGO-BaY is a flourifhing and opulent town: confifting oft two hundred and twenty-fivé houfes, thirty-three of which are capital ftores or sarehoufes. The number of top-fail veffels which clear annually at this port are about one hundred and fifty, ofwhich feventy are' capital fhips; but in this account are included part of thofe which enter at Kingfton. FALMOUTH, or (as it is more commonly called) the Point, is fituated on the fouth-fide of MarthaBrae harbour, and, including the adjoining villages ofMartha-Brae and the Rock, is compofed of two hundred and twenty houfes. The rapid increafe of this town and neighbourhood within the laft fixteen years is aftonifhing, In 1771, the three villages of Martha-Brae, Falmouth, and the Rock, contained together but eighteen houfes; and the veffels which entered annually at the port of Falmouth did not exceed ten. At prefent it can boaft of upwards of thirty capital ftationed S 4 thipss ofMartha-Brae and the Rock, is compofed of two hundred and twenty houfes. The rapid increafe of this town and neighbourhood within the laft fixteen years is aftonifhing, In 1771, the three villages of Martha-Brae, Falmouth, and the Rock, contained together but eighteen houfes; and the veffels which entered annually at the port of Falmouth did not exceed ten. At prefent it can boaft of upwards of thirty capital ftationed S 4 thipss --- Page 330 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK fhips, which load for Great Britain, exclufive of II. floops and fmaller craft. Y EACH parith (or precinét confifting ofa an union oft two or more parifhes) is governed by a chief magiftrate, ftyled Cuflos Rotulorum, and a body of juftices unlimited by law as to number, by whom feffions of the peace are held every three months, and courts ofCommon Pleas to try aétions arifing within the parifh or precinét, to an amount not exceeding twenty pounds. In matters of debt not exceeding forty thillings,a fingle juftice is authorized to determine. THE whole twenty parifhes contain eighteen churchesandchapels *, and each parith is provided with a reétor, and otherchurch officers; the rectors livings, the prefentation to which refts with the governor or commanderin chief, are feverally as follows, viz. St. Catherine 6.300 per annum ; Kingfton, St. Thomas in the Eaft, Clarendon, and Weftmoreland, E. 250 per annum; St. David, St. George, and Portland, f. ICO per annum, all the reft, 6.200 per annum. Thefe fums are paid in lieu of tythes by the churchwardens of the feveral parifhes refpectively, from the amount of taxes levied by the veftries on the inhabitants. EACH parith builds and repairs a parfonage houfe, or allows the reétor k. 50 per annumin lieu Two or three more have been ereéted fince this account wias written. of --- Page 331 --- WEST INDIES. 26; of one; befides which, many of the livings have CHAP. glebe lands of very confiderable value annexed to V. them, as the parith of St. Andrew, which altogether is valued at one thoufand pounds fterling per annum (b). The bithop of London is faid to claim this ifland as part of his diocefe, but his jurifdiction is renounced and barred by the laws of the country and the governor or commander in chief, as fupreme head ofthe provincial church,. not only inducts into the feveral rectories, on the requifteteftimonials being produced that the candidate has been admitted into prieft's orders ac. cording to the canons of the church of England, but he is likewife vefted with the power of fufpending a clergyman of lewd and diforderly life ab efficio, upon application from his parifhioners. A fufpenfion ab officio is in fact a fufpenfion a beneficio, no minifter being entitled to his ftipend foranyl longertime than he Thall actually officiate; unlefs prevented by ficknefs. THE veftries are compofed of the cuftos, and two other magiftrates; the reétor and ten veftrymen; the latter are eleéted annually by the freeholders. Befides their power of affefling and appropriating taxes, they appoint way-wardens, and (8) In the year 1788, the affembly paffed a law to prohibit the burial of the dead within the walls of the churches; : and as by this regulation feveral of the reétors were deprived of a perquifite, an augmentation of 6-so per annum was made to moft of the livings. allot trates; the reétor and ten veftrymen; the latter are eleéted annually by the freeholders. Befides their power of affefling and appropriating taxes, they appoint way-wardens, and (8) In the year 1788, the affembly paffed a law to prohibit the burial of the dead within the walls of the churches; : and as by this regulation feveral of the reétors were deprived of a perquifite, an augmentation of 6-so per annum was made to moft of the livings. allot --- Page 332 --- HISTORY OF THE DoOK allot labourers for the repair of the publick highII. ways. They likewife nominate conftables, for 1 the colleétion both of the publick and parochial taxes. THE fupreme court ofjudicaturefor the whole ifland (commonly called the Grand Court, as poffefling fimilar jurifdiction in this country to that of the feveral courts of King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer, in Great Britain) is held in the town of St.J Jago-de-la-Vega, the capital of the county of Middlefex, on the laft Tuefday ofe each of the months of February, May, Auguft, and November, in every year. In this court, the chiefjuftice of the ifland prefides, whofe falary is only 6.120, but the perquifites arifing from the office make it worth about 6-3,000 per annum. The affiftant judges are gentlemen of the ifland, commonly planters, whoreceive neither falary nor reward of any kind for their attendance. Three judges muft be prefent to conftitute ea court; and each term is limited in duration to three weeks, From this court, if the matter in difpute in a civilaction be for a fum of K.300 fterling, or upwards, an appeal llies to the governor and council, as a court of error; if fentence of death be patfed for felony, the appeal is to the governor alone (c). ASSIZE (c) By an early law of this ifland (paffed in 1681) freeholders ofl known refidence are not fubjedt to arreit, and being held to bail in civil procefs. The mode of proceeding is, io From this court, if the matter in difpute in a civilaction be for a fum of K.300 fterling, or upwards, an appeal llies to the governor and council, as a court of error; if fentence of death be patfed for felony, the appeal is to the governor alone (c). ASSIZE (c) By an early law of this ifland (paffed in 1681) freeholders ofl known refidence are not fubjedt to arreit, and being held to bail in civil procefs. The mode of proceeding is, io --- Page 333 --- WEST INDIES. ASSIZE courts alfoareh held every three months, CH A P. in Kingfton for the county of Surry, and in SaV. vanna-la-Mar for the county of Cornwall. The Y Surry court begins the laft Tuefday in January, April, July, and Oétober. The Cornwall court begins the laft Tuefday in March, June, September, and December; each affize court is limited to a fortnight in duration. Thus have the inhabitants law-courts every month of the year, befides the courts of chancery, ordinary, admiralty, and the feveral parifh courts (d). The judges of the to deliver the party a fummons (leaving it at his houfe is deemed good fervice) together witha copy of the declaration, fourteen days before the court, whereupon the defendant is bound to appear, the very next court, or judgment will pafs by default. Twenty-eight days after the firft day of each court execution iffues; for which there is but one writ, comprehending both aferifacias and a capias adfatifacieudum; : but as no general imparlance is allowed before judgment, it is enaéted that the effeéts levied on, thall remain in the defendant's hands until the next courf, to give him an opportunity of difpofing of them to the beft advantage; and if he then fails paying over the money, a venditioni exponas iffues to the marfhal, to feil thofe, or any other goods, and take his perfon. The modern praétice is to make no levy on the execution, whereby the debtor obtains the indulgence of one term, or court, after which both his perfon and goods are liable under the writ of venditioni exponas. (d) Soon after this was written an act was paffed (I think in 1790) by which the Auguft term in the fupreme court was abolifhed, and a long vacation eftablifbed as in England, with fimilar --- Page 334 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the affize courts act without falary or rewaid, as II. well as the affiftant judges of the fupreme court, Y any one of whom, if prefent, prefides in the affize court. No appeal from the latter to the former is allowed, but judgments of the affize immediately following the fupreme court, are confidered as of one and the fame court, and have an equal right, in point of priority, with thofe obtained in the grand court. IN this ifland, as in Barbadoes, the departments of council and attorney are diftinét; and although in the ifland laft-mentioned, barrifters have been admitted by licence from the governor, it is otherwifein, Jamaica; the colonial laws expreflyrequiring, that no perfon fhall be allowed to practice who has not been regularly admitted in the courts of England, Ireland, or Scotland; or elfe (in the cafe of an attorney) who has not ferved as articled clerk to fome fworn attorney or folicitor in the Mland for five years at leaft. THE governor, or commander in chief, is chancellor by his office, and prefides folely in that high department, which-i is adminiftered with great form and folemnity. He is alfo the fole ordinary for the probate ofwills and granting letters of adminiftration. From the firft of thefe offices, he defimilar regulations for the affize courts, to the great reliefof perfonsattending as jurors. rives clerk to fome fworn attorney or folicitor in the Mland for five years at leaft. THE governor, or commander in chief, is chancellor by his office, and prefides folely in that high department, which-i is adminiftered with great form and folemnity. He is alfo the fole ordinary for the probate ofwills and granting letters of adminiftration. From the firft of thefe offices, he defimilar regulations for the affize courts, to the great reliefof perfonsattending as jurors. rives --- Page 335 --- WEST INDIES. rives extenfiseauthority,and from the latter con- CHAP. fiderable emolument (e). V. As Y (e) The profits and emoluments arifing annually from the government of Jamaica may, I think, be ftated nearly as follows, viz. Salary - 6.5,000 Fees in Chancery Fees of the Court of Ordinary Share ofCuftom Houfe Seizures 1,400 1,000 The affembly have purchafed for the governor's ufe, a farm of about 300 acres, called the Government Penn, and built an elegant villa thereon. Likewife a polink or provifion fettlement in the mountains (which is alio provided with a comfortable manfion-houfe) and ftocked both properties with 50 negroes, and a fufficiency of cattle, fheep, &c. From thefe places (which are exclufive of the king's houfe in Spanifh Town) the governor is, or ought to be, fupplied with hay and corn, mutton, milk, poultry, and provifions for his domefticks, creating a faving in his houfhold expences of at leaft 1,000 Total in currency -6.8,550 Being equal to E. 6,100 fterling; and this is altogether exclufive of fees received by his private fecretary for militia commiffions, &c. &c. &c. wuhich are not cafily aftertained. It is fuppofed alfo that money has fometimes been made by the fale of church livings; and vaft fums were formerly raifed by efcheats. N.B. A governor of Jamaica may live very honourably for L 3,000 flerling per annum.. - Since the former editions ofthis work were publifhed, the affembly, at the requeft ofthe governor,have paffed an act for the fale of both the Government --- Page 336 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK As appendages softhe fupreme court, the feveral II. great offices, viz. the office of enrollments, or feY cretary of the ifland, provoft-marthal-general, clerk of the court (or prothonotary, cuftos-brevium, &cc.) are held and fituated in Spanith Town. The firft is an office of record, in which the laws paffed by the legiflature are preferved, 3 and copies of them entered into fair volumes. In this office all deeds, wills, fales, and patents, muft be regiftered. It is likewife required that all perfons (after fix weeks refidence)intending to depart this ifland, do affix their names in this office, twenty-one days before they are entitled to receive a ticket or let-pafs, to enable them to leave the country. In order to enforce this regulation, mafters ofveffels are obliged, at the time of entry, to give fecurity in the fum of k. 1,000 not to carry off the ifland any perfon without fuch ticket or let-pafs. Truftees, attornies and guardians of orphans, are required to record annually in this office accounts of the produce of eftates in their charge; and,by a late act, mortgagees in poffeffionareobliged toregifter not only accounts ofthe crops of each ycar, but alfo annual accounts current of their receipts and payments. Tranfcripts of deeds, 8cc. from the office, properly certified, ment Penn and Mountain Polink, and in lieu thereof have fettled an additional falary of 6.2,00o currency on the Commander in Chief for the time being. are phans, are required to record annually in this office accounts of the produce of eftates in their charge; and,by a late act, mortgagees in poffeffionareobliged toregifter not only accounts ofthe crops of each ycar, but alfo annual accounts current of their receipts and payments. Tranfcripts of deeds, 8cc. from the office, properly certified, ment Penn and Mountain Polink, and in lieu thereof have fettled an additional falary of 6.2,00o currency on the Commander in Chief for the time being. are --- Page 337 --- WEST INDIES. are evidences in any court of law, and all decds CH A P. muft be enrolled within three months after date, V. or they are declared to be void as againft any other deed proved and regiftered within the time limited; but if no fecond deed is on record, then the fame are valid, though regiftered after the three months. Itis prefumed that the profits of this office, which is held by patent from the crown, and exercifed by depptation, exceed 6.6,000 iterling per anitim. THE provoft-marthal-mar(hal-general is an officer of high rank and great authority. -The name de: notes a military origin, and the office was firftinftituted in this ifland in 1660, by royal commiffion to Sir Thomas Lynch. It is now held by patent from the crown, which is ufually granted for two lives, and the patentee is permitted to act by deputy, who is commonly the higheft bidder. The powers and authorities annexed to this office are various : and the aéting officer is high-fheriff of the whole ifland during his continuancein office, and permitted to nominate deputies under him for every parifh Qr precinét. His legal receipts have been known to exceed 6.7,000 fterling per antium, and it is fuppofed that fome of his deputies make nearly as much. THE office of clerk of thefupreme court islikewife held by patent and exercifed by deputation, Evidence was given to the houfe of affembly fome vears ago, that its annual value at that time eXceeded --- Page 338 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ceeded E- 9,000 currency. Of late I believe it II. is confiderably diminifhed. Y / OF the other great lucrative offices, the principal are thofe of the regifter in chancery, receivergeneral and treafurer of the ifland, naval officer, and collector of the cuftoms for the port of Kingfton. All thefe appointments, whether held by patent or commiffion, are likewife fuppofed to afford confiderable emolumaent to perfons refiding in Great Britain. It is computed on the whole, that not lefs than 6,30,000 fterling is remitted annually, by the deputies in office within the ifland, to their principals in the mother-country (f). (f) It is not very pleafant to the refident inhabitants to obferve, that almoft all the patent offices in the colonies are exercifed by deputies, who notorioufly and avowedly obtain their appointments by purchafe. Leafes for years of fome of them have been fold by auétion; and nothing is more common, at the expiration of thofe leafes, than the circumftance of an inferior clerk outbidding his employer (the refident deputy) and ftepping into his place. It may be doubted whether both the feller and buyer in fuch cafes are not fubjedt to the penalties of the ftatute 5 and 6 Edw. VI. againft the fale and purchafe of offices relating to the adminiftration ofJuftice. By an excellent law, however, which paffed intheadminitration ofthe prefent Marquis ofLanfdown then Earl of Shelburne, the grievance will in a great degree be prevented in future, for it is énaéted by the 2zd Geo. III. C.75that from thenceforth no office to be exercifed in the plantations Thall be granted by patent, for any longer term than during fuch time as the grantee thereof hall difcharge the duty in perfon. THE the adminiftration ofJuftice. By an excellent law, however, which paffed intheadminitration ofthe prefent Marquis ofLanfdown then Earl of Shelburne, the grievance will in a great degree be prevented in future, for it is énaéted by the 2zd Geo. III. C.75that from thenceforth no office to be exercifed in the plantations Thall be granted by patent, for any longer term than during fuch time as the grantee thereof hall difcharge the duty in perfon. THE --- Page 339 --- WEST INDIES. Tae legiflature of. Jamaica is compofed of thc CHAP. taptain-general or commander in chief, ofa counV. cil nominated by the crown, confifting of twelve - gentlemen, and a houfe of affembly containing forty-three members, who are eleéted by the frecholders, viz. three for the feveral towns and parifhes of St. Jago-de-la-Vega, Kingfton, and Port Royal,and two for each ofthe otherparifhes. The qualification required in the eleétor, is a freehold often pounds perannum in the parifh where the eleétion is made; and in the reprefentative, a landed freehold of three hundred pounds per annum, in any part ofthe ifland, or a perfonal eftate of three thoufand pounds. In the proceedings of the general affembly, they copy, as nearly as local circumftances will admit, the forms of the legiflature of Great Britain; and all their bills (thole of a private nature excepted) have the force of laws as foon as the governor's affent is obtained. The power of rejedtion however is ftill referved in the crown; but until the royal difapprobation is fignified, the laws are valid. OF the laws thus paffed, the principal relate chicfly to regulations of local policy, to which the law of England is not applicable, as the flave fyftem for inftance (8). In this and other cafes, (8) Thus the evidence of a Alave is not admiffible againft a white perfon. Again, althouglr a very carly law ofthis Mand, flavesare confidered as inheritance, and arc accordingVos.I. T ly approbation is fignified, the laws are valid. OF the laws thus paffed, the principal relate chicfly to regulations of local policy, to which the law of England is not applicable, as the flave fyftem for inftance (8). In this and other cafes, (8) Thus the evidence of a Alave is not admiffible againft a white perfon. Again, althouglr a very carly law ofthis Mand, flavesare confidered as inheritance, and arc accordingVos.I. T ly --- Page 340 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK cafes, the Englith laws being filent, the colonial II. legiflature has made, and continues to make, Y fuch provifion therein, as the exigencies of the COlony are foppofed to require; and on fome OCcafions, where the principle of the Englifh law has been adopted, it has been found neceffary to alter and modify its provifions, fo as to adapt them to circumflances and fituation. Thus,in the mode of fetting out emblements, the praétice of fine and recovery, the cafe of infolvent debtors, the repair of the publick roads, the maintenance of the clergy, and the relief of the poor, very great deviations from the praétice of the mother-country have been found indifpenfably requifite (h). THE ly fubjedt to the incidènts of real property (for as they go to the heir, fo may the widow have dower of them, and the furviving hufband be tenant by courtely; and this holds equally whether flaves are pofleffed in grofs, or belong to a plantation) yet in refpeét of debts, flaves are confidered as chattels, and thc executor is bound to inventory them. like other chattels. (h) An outline ofthel law ofinfolvency may not be unacceptable to the reader. - A debtor, after three months continuancein aétual confinement, may obtain his liberty under the following conditions; three weeks previous to the next fitting of the fupreme court, heis to give notice by publick advertifement, that he means to take the benefit of the adt, and to that end, has lodged all his books of account in the hands ofthe marfhal or keeper ofthe gaol, for infpeation by his creditors. He fhall then, on the firft day ofterm, be brought by petition beforethe court, where he is to fubfcribe and deliver in a fchedule of his whole eftate and effeéts, and fubmit, if any one of his creditors require it, to an examination, vIva wecl, upon oath, , that he means to take the benefit of the adt, and to that end, has lodged all his books of account in the hands ofthe marfhal or keeper ofthe gaol, for infpeation by his creditors. He fhall then, on the firft day ofterm, be brought by petition beforethe court, where he is to fubfcribe and deliver in a fchedule of his whole eftate and effeéts, and fubmit, if any one of his creditors require it, to an examination, vIva wecl, upon oath, --- Page 341 --- WEST INDIES. THE revenuesofthisifland may be dividedinto CH AP. two branches; the one perpetnal, by an act of the V. year 1728, called the revenue law, of the origin of which I have already fpoken, and of which revenues the quit-rents conftitute a part ; the other anmal, by grants ofthe legiflature. The revenue oath, in open court. To this fchedule he muft annex an afidavit, certifying that it contains a juft account of all his property, debits, and effedts, except clothing, bedding, and working tools, not worth more than Iol.; that he has given no preference to any particular creditor, for three months previous to his confinement, nor conveyed away nor concealed any part ofhis eftate or effeêts. The court thereupon, being fatisfied with the prifoner's examination, Aall appoint one or more ofthe creditors to be aflignees for the benefit of the whole; and order them poffeffion of the property and effedts, and difcharge the party from confinement. Gaol fees of thofe who are unable to pay them, are paid by the publick. There are various regulations for the prevention of fraud, and itis declared, that if any perfons claiming the benefit of the aft, thall knowingly forfwear themfelves, and be convicted of perjury in confequence thereof, they fhall be adjudged guilty of felony, without benefit of clergy, and fuffer death accordingly. It is alfo provided, that no debtor fhall have thel benefit ofthe: act more than once, and that the future eftate and effeéts of perfons difcharged underit (but not their perfons or apparel) fhall ftill be liable to make up the former deficiency. By a fubfequent law, however, which the Author of this work had the honour to propofe, as a member of the affembly, a debtor may be difcharged a fecond time on the fame conditions, provided he had fully paid his former creditors before his fecond infolvency; and even if he has not paid the debts on which he before took the bénefit ofthe aét, he thall be difcharged, after an alual confinement of Fruoyears; the court being fatisfied that he has fairly furreadered all his eliate and effects to the ufe of his creditors, T 2 law of this work had the honour to propofe, as a member of the affembly, a debtor may be difcharged a fecond time on the fame conditions, provided he had fully paid his former creditors before his fecond infolvency; and even if he has not paid the debts on which he before took the bénefit ofthe aét, he thall be difcharged, after an alual confinement of Fruoyears; the court being fatisfied that he has fairly furreadered all his eliate and effects to the ufe of his creditors, T 2 law --- Page 342 --- HISTORY OF THE BO0 K law may raife about 6. 12,000 per anmum, ofwnich II. 6. 8,000 is particularly appropriated, as I have Y elfewhere obferved; and the furplus is applicable to the contingent expences of government, in aid cf the annual funds. The governor receives K. 2,500 per annum out of the f.8,000 fund. A further falary of f.2 2,500 is fettled upon him during his refidence in the ifland by a fpecial aét cf legiflature, paffed the beginning ofhis adminiftration, and is made payable out of fome one of the annual funds provided by the affembly. Thefe at this time may amount to f-7 70,000, of which about f.40,000 is a provifion for granting an additional pay to the officers and foldiers ofhis majefty's forces flationed for the proteétion of the ifland. Every commiffioned officer being entitled to 20 S. per week, and every private to 55.: An allowance is alfo made to the wives and children of the foldiers; which, with the Britifh pay, enables them to live much more comfortably than the king's troops generally do in Europe. THE ufual ways and means adopted for raifing the above taxes are, firft, a duty of 205. per head on all negroes imported 3 fecondly, a duty on all rum and other fpirits retailed and confumed within the ifland; thirdly, the deficiency law : an act which was intended originally to oblige all proprietors of flaves to kecp one white perfon for every thirty blacks; but the penalty, which is fometimes --- Page 343 --- W E S T INDIES. fometimes 6.1 13, at other times 6.2 26 per annilm, CHAP. for each white perfon deficient of the number reV. quired, is become fo produétive a fource of reY venue, that the bill is now confidered as one ofthe annual fupply bills: : fourthly, a poll-tax on all flaves, and ftock, and a rate on rents and wheelcarriages. Befides thefe, occafional tax-bills are paffed by the legiflature, as neceffity may require. Ihave fubjoined in a note the efltimate of the contingent charges of the government of this ifland on the annual funds for the year 1788, and ofthe ways and means for the payment thereof (i). THE (i) Efimate of the ordinary CONTINGENT CHARGES of the Government fJAMAICA 072 the anmal fundsfor tbe year 1788; viz. E s. d. Governor's additional falary 2,500 1J a Subfiftence of the Troops, and Hofpital expences 41,300 Salaries to Officers of the Afembly, Printing, &c. 2,300 Cleik of the Grand Court ICO - Clerk of the Crown IOO Clerk to the Commiflioners of Forts 150 a Surveyor to the Bath 200 1 - Port Oficers and Waiters 1,600 Maroon Negro Parties 1,000 - Superintendants refiding in the MaroonTowns 1,300 To the Engineer rand Captain ofdifferent Forts 1,000 For the: fupport of the Botanick Garden Salary to the Agent Carried over 6-52,250 T. 3 To ik of the Grand Court ICO - Clerk of the Crown IOO Clerk to the Commiflioners of Forts 150 a Surveyor to the Bath 200 1 - Port Oficers and Waiters 1,600 Maroon Negro Parties 1,000 - Superintendants refiding in the MaroonTowns 1,300 To the Engineer rand Captain ofdifferent Forts 1,000 For the: fupport of the Botanick Garden Salary to the Agent Carried over 6-52,250 T. 3 To --- Page 344 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THE current coins are Portugal pieces of gold, 11. called thehalf-johannes, valucdin England at 36s. each; f S. d. Brought over 52,250 Tot the Officers of the Troops for private Lodgings 1,430 - - Supplying the Forts with Water 1,089 - To the Commiffioners of the Forts 5,600 - To the Kingiton Hofpital 5oo Sundry Demands on the Publick for Official Fees, Medical Care and Gaol Fees of Prifoners, Repairs of the Publick Buildings, &c. &c. 4,359 7 9 Charges of colleéting : viz. Colleéting Conftable's and Receiver General's Commiflions, Reliefs, &c. 15per cent. 9,783 6 - 6-75,011 13 9 WAYs and MEANS. 6. Outftanding Debts 25,000 - - - Negro Duty, computed at 6,000 - - Rum Duty 14,000 Double Deficiencyon,Negroes Poll-Tax 67,000 6.136,000 Deduét for prompt Payment IO per cent - 13.600 122,400 The overplus w2s applied towards difcharging the Publick Debt, which was eftimated at E. 180,000 currency; but fince then, the contingent charges of government, have rifen annually to double the amount above ftated, owing chiefly to a great augmentation of the Britifh troops; the whole expence of - - Rum Duty 14,000 Double Deficiencyon,Negroes Poll-Tax 67,000 6.136,000 Deduét for prompt Payment IO per cent - 13.600 122,400 The overplus w2s applied towards difcharging the Publick Debt, which was eftimated at E. 180,000 currency; but fince then, the contingent charges of government, have rifen annually to double the amount above ftated, owing chiefly to a great augmentation of the Britifh troops; the whole expence of --- Page 345 --- WEST INDIES. each; ; thefe pafs here, if of full weiglit, at 555. CHAP. Spanifh gold coins current here, are, doubloons V. at 6-5. 55. each, and piftoles at 265. 3 d. Silver ) 1 coins are Spanifh milled dollars at 63. 8d. and fo in proportion for the fmaller parts of this coin; the lowett coin is called a bitt, equal to about 5d. fterling. A guinea paffes for 325. 6d. This, however, is confiderably more than the ufual rate of exchange, by which 6. IOO fterling gives k. 140 currency. FROM the fituation of this ifland amidft potent and envious rivals, and the vaft difproportion between the number of white inhabitants and the flaves, it may be fuppofed that the maintenance ofa powerful and well-difciplined militia is among of railing and maintaining all which (above the number of 3,000) is thrown upon the ifland. Among thefe is a regiment of light-dragoons, which is mounted on horfes bred in the country. N. B. The fituation of Jamaica, in refpedt to the expences of its internal government and finances, has been ftrangely al tered fincethe firft publication of the preceding eftimates. Its publick debt and, contingent expences for 1796, came to no lefs than 6.298,333. If 3 d. currency; and this fum was altogether exclufive of the expences incurred by the war with the Maroon Negroes, of which an account will hereafter be given, amounting to no lefs than 6-520,198. 14.. 7d. currency. The committee of the Affembly by whom thefe eftimates were reported, declare, at the fame time, that they find it impraéticable to devife the means of anfwering a debt of fuch magnitude, and an application was made (butl believe without fuccefs) to the Britifh government for a loan of 6.: 200,000 fterling. T 4 the es, of which an account will hereafter be given, amounting to no lefs than 6-520,198. 14.. 7d. currency. The committee of the Affembly by whom thefe eftimates were reported, declare, at the fame time, that they find it impraéticable to devife the means of anfwering a debt of fuch magnitude, and an application was made (butl believe without fuccefs) to the Britifh government for a loan of 6.: 200,000 fterling. T 4 the --- Page 346 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the firft objects of the policy of the legiflature: II. accordingly all perfons, from fifteen to fixty years of age, are obliged by law to enlift themfelves eitherin the horfe or foot, and to provide at their own expence the neceffary accoutrements ; but this law, I doubt, is not very rigidly enforced, as the whole militia, which is compofed of three regiments of horfe and fourteen regiments offoot, does not confift of much more than 8,000 effective troops ; neither do the ufual employments and habits of life, either of the officers or privates, conduce very much to military fubordination * 1 However, in times ofactual danger, whether from the revolt of flaves, or the probability ofinvafion, no troops in the world could have Thewn greater promptitude or alacrity in fervice, than has been difplayed by the militia ofJamaica. In fuch emergencies, the commander in chief, with the advice and confent of a general council of war (in which the members of the affembly have voices) may * The following is a return of the cavalry and infantry on the r3th January 1792 Cavalry. Infantry. Total. County of Surry a 336 2,141 2,477 Middlefex 375 2,647 3,022 Cornwall 368 2,305 2,673 Effeétives 8,172 Free negroes and men of colour included; their number was 1,889. The Maroons were not comprehended. proçlaim --- Page 347 --- WEST INDIES. proclaim martial law. His power is then dieta- CHAP. torial; and all perfons are fubject to the articles V. ofwar. - FROM the given number of men able to bear arms in any country, it is ufual with political writers to eftimate the inhabitants at large; but their rule ofc calculation does not applyto Jamaica, where the bulk of the people confifts of men without families. Europeans who come to this ifland have feldom an idea of fettling here for life. Their aim is generally to acquire fortunes to enable them to fit down comfortably in their native country; and, in the meanwhile, they confider a family as an incumbrance. Marriage, therefore, being held in but little eftimation, the white womeh and children do not bear the fame proportion to the males, as in European climates. From thefe, and other caufes, I have found it difficult to afcertain with precifion the number of the white inhabitants. I have been informed, that a late intelligent chief governor (General Campbell) computed them, after diligent refearch, at 25,000; and I am induced to believe, from more than one mode of calculation, that General Campbell's eftimate was near the truth.-This computation was madein 1780, fince which time I am of opinion, from the many loyal Americans who have fixed themfelves in Jamaica, and other caufes, this pumber is confiderably increafed. Including the troops ertain with precifion the number of the white inhabitants. I have been informed, that a late intelligent chief governor (General Campbell) computed them, after diligent refearch, at 25,000; and I am induced to believe, from more than one mode of calculation, that General Campbell's eftimate was near the truth.-This computation was madein 1780, fince which time I am of opinion, from the many loyal Americans who have fixed themfelves in Jamaica, and other caufes, this pumber is confiderably increafed. Including the troops --- Page 348 --- 28z HISTORY OF THE BOOK troops and fea-faring people, the white populaII. tion may, I think, be fixed at 30,000. - THE freed negroes and people of colour are computed, in a report of a committee of the houfe ofa affemblyof the 12th of November 1788, at 500 in each parifh, on an average of the whole; which makes 10,000, exclufive of the black people called Maroons, who enjoy freedom by treaty (4). OF negroes in a ftate of flavery in this ifland, the precife number in December, 1787, as afcertained on oath in the rolls from which the polltax is levied, was 210,894; and as it may anfwer more ufeful purpofes hereafter than the mere gratification of curiofity, I thall diftinguifh the numbersin each parifh, which are the following: St. Dorothy 3,129 St. Catherine - 5:304 St. John 5,880 St. Thomas in the Vale Vere - 7,487 St. Mary 17,144 St. Ann 13,324 Kingfton - 6,162 St. Andrew 9,613 St. David 2,881 Carried over 78,383 (1) See the hiftorical account of the Maroons in the third volume. St. Thomas --- Page 349 --- WEST INDIES. Brought over 78,383 CHAP. St. Thomas in the Eaft 20,492 V. Portland - St. George - - 5,050 St. Elizabeth - 13,280 Hanover - 17,612 St. James - 1 18,546 Trelawney - 19,318 Port-Royal 2,229 Weftmoreland - 16,700 Clarendon Total 210,894 Irappears,however, from the report ofthe committee of the affembly above cited, that in moft of the parithes it is cuftomary to exempt perfons not having more than fix negroes, from the payment of taxes on flaves, whereby many of the negroes, efpecially in the towns (m), are not given in to the different veftries, and the returns of a great many others are fraudulently concealed; thus the tax-rolls do not contain the full (m) In Kingfton, forinftance, the real numberis 16,659, inftead of 6,162, the number oft the tax-rolls. On an average of the whole number of parifhes, the negroes not given in or returned may be reckoned at one-feventh part of the whole. number of the negroes, efpecially in the towns (m), are not given in to the different veftries, and the returns of a great many others are fraudulently concealed; thus the tax-rolls do not contain the full (m) In Kingfton, forinftance, the real numberis 16,659, inftead of 6,162, the number oft the tax-rolls. On an average of the whole number of parifhes, the negroes not given in or returned may be reckoned at one-feventh part of the whole. number --- Page 350 --- HISTORY OF THE EOOK number offlaves, which in the opinion ofthe comII. mittee, were at that time 240,000, at the leaft; and there is not a doubt that upwards of 1O,000 have been left in the country from fubfequent importations, exclufive of decreafe. The whole number of inhabitants therefore, of all complexions and conditions, at this time (1791) may be ftated as follows: Whites - 30,000 Freed negroes, and people of colour 10,000 Maroons, about 1,400 Negro flaves 250,000 (n) Total 291,400 THE trade of this ifland will beft appear by the quantity of thipping and the number of feamen to which it gives employment, and the nature and quantity ofits exports. The following is an account, from the books ofthe Infpeétor General of Great Britain, of the number of veffels of all kinds, their regiftered tonnage and number of men, which cleared from the feveral ports of entry in Jamaica in the year 1787, exclufive of coafting floops, wherries, &cc. viz. (n) Thefe are increafed at this time (1797) to at leaft 300,000. For --- Page 351 --- WEST INDIES. Number of CHAP. Veflels. Tonnage. Men. V. For Great Britain 242 63,471 7,748 - Y Ireland - IO 1,231 American States 133 13,041 Britifh American Colonies - 66 6,133 Foreign Weft Indies 1,903 Africa - I Total - 474 85,888 9,344 Ir muft, however, be obferved, that as many oft the veffels clearing for America and the foreign Weft Indies make two or more voyages in the year, it is ufual, in computing the real number ofthofe veffels, their tonnage and men, to deduét one-third from the official numbers. With this correction the total to all parts is 400 veffels, containing 78,862 tons, navigated by 8,845 men. THE exports for the fame year are given on the fame authority, as follows: Infpedtor- , be obferved, that as many oft the veffels clearing for America and the foreign Weft Indies make two or more voyages in the year, it is ufual, in computing the real number ofthofe veffels, their tonnage and men, to deduét one-third from the official numbers. With this correction the total to all parts is 400 veffels, containing 78,862 tons, navigated by 8,845 men. THE exports for the fame year are given on the fame authority, as follows: Infpedtor- --- Page 352 --- HISTORY OF THE [Book II. I 3 co N a - --- Page 353 --- CHAP. V.J WEST INDIES. O I I I o o o a + + I I - a T I I S m A en I I en - d a i4 L5 et S 4 N I - Bur --- Page 354 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Burit muftbe noted, that a confiderable part II. of the cotton, indigo, tobacco, mahogany, dye1 woods, and mifcellaneous articles, included in the preceding account, is the produce of the foreign Weft Indies imported into Jamaica, partly under the free-port law, and partly in fmall Britith veffels employed in a contraband traffick with the Spanith American territories, payment of which is made chiefly in Britifh manufactures and negroes; and confiderable quantities of bullion, obtained by the fame means, are annually remitted to Great Britain, of which no precife accounts can be procured * : THE General Accounf of IMPORTS into Jamaica will ftand nearly as follows ; viz. * The preceding account having been made up for 1787, it may reafonably be fuppofed that the ifland has greatly increafed its produce in the fpace of 10 years; and, it is trues that at this period (1797) the amount of its exports, accordto their marketable value, would greatly exceed that of1787, perhaps nearly one third; but it is conceived, that the difference arifes more from an advance of price in the feveral articles, than from any excefs in the quantity produced, coffee excepted. This increafe of price has been chiefly owing to the deftruétion of moft of the French iflands, particularly St. Domingo: the Britifh planters, on the other hand, have to fet againft it the increafe of their internal taxes, for the fupport of a war eftablithment (befides additional infurance, freight, and other charges) to an amount never befote known; thofe of Jamaica, in particular, have been fubjeét to burthens to which this augmentation in the value of their exports was by no means commenfurate. Sce P. 279; note at foot. IMPORTS of the French iflands, particularly St. Domingo: the Britifh planters, on the other hand, have to fet againft it the increafe of their internal taxes, for the fupport of a war eftablithment (befides additional infurance, freight, and other charges) to an amount never befote known; thofe of Jamaica, in particular, have been fubjeét to burthens to which this augmentation in the value of their exports was by no means commenfurate. Sce P. 279; note at foot. IMPORTS --- Page 355 --- CHAP. v.] WEST INDIES. IMPORTS INTO JAMAICA. From Great Brisain.) diredt, according! f: 5. d. L. 5. d. toa returnof the Britifh manufactures 686,657 2 3 Iolpecter-General Foreign merchandize 72,275 3 I for 1787. 758,932 5 4 FromIr-land, I allow a moiety of the whole import froi that kingdom to the Britifh Wef Incies, coniting of manafaétures and falted provifions to the amount of L.277.000 138,500 From.finn, 5 345 (i), at C. 40 ferling each- (This bs wholly a aramnte trade carried on in mhips from Englane) 213,So0 From the Britia Colonies in America (including about ac,oooiquinealse of falted cod from Newioundlan.) 30,000 From tbe United States, Indian corn, wheat, flour, ricc, lumber, faves, &ec. imported in Britifh fliips 190,000 From Madeira and Tinerife, in fhips trading circuitoufly from Great Britain, 5oo pipes of wine (exclufve of wiees for re-exportation) at 6-30 fierling the pipe - 15,000 From the Foreigs IFeR Indies, undert the free-port law, &c. calculated on an average of three Years (k). - 150,000 Total E.1 1,496.232 5 4 (i Beingan s":S arerage of the whole number imported and rotalned inthe "and for tea yeari, snip8r, as returned by the Imips@os-Gameral Tbe import of ine last :ree geeiu-muchmesen YR From retorns of the Inipedor-General The following ere the particulars for the year 1-8p. Cotton Wool 104,000 lbs, Cacao 647se lbs, Catie, viz. Afes Honfes Mules s85 Oxen Sneep ys Dying Wooés 1,202 5.077 No. Tons, Gum Guiacum -9 Berrels. Hices 41537 No. Indigo 4,663 bs. Muhbagany Tortolfe Sbell 9.993 Planks, Doiars 655 Ibs. 55,850 No. Vor,I. U Sosa -8p. Cotton Wool 104,000 lbs, Cacao 647se lbs, Catie, viz. Afes Honfes Mules s85 Oxen Sneep ys Dying Wooés 1,202 5.077 No. Tons, Gum Guiacum -9 Berrels. Hices 41537 No. Indigo 4,663 bs. Muhbagany Tortolfe Sbell 9.993 Planks, Doiars 655 Ibs. 55,850 No. Vor,I. U Sosa --- Page 356 --- HISTORY OF THE ROOK SoME part of this eftimate, however, is not fo II. perfect as might be wifhed; inafmuch as in the ( accounts made up at the lnfpedor-Generalvofisce of goods exported from Great Britain, they reckon only the original coft, whereas the Britifh merchant being commonly the exporter, the whole ofhis profits, together with the freight,infurance, and factorage commifionsin the ifland, fhould be taken into the account,becaufe the whole are comprized in one charge againft the planter. On the Britifh fupply, therefore, I calculate that twenty per cent. fhould be added for thofe items $ which make the fum total 5.1,648,018. 145. 4d. fterling-money. AFTER all, it is very poffible that fome errors may have crept into the calculation, and the balance or furplus arifing from the excefs of the exports, may be more or lefs than appears by the ftatement which I have given 5 but this is a confideration of little importance in a national view, inafmuch as the final profit arifing from the whole fyftem ultimately refts and centers in Great Britain; a conclufion which was well illuftrated formerly by the lords commifioners for trade and plantations, in a report made by them on the ftateof the Britifh fugar coloniesin the year 17343 an extract from which, as it ferves likewife to point out the progrefs oft this ifland during the laft fifty ycars, I fhall prefent to the reader. 66 THE --- Page 357 --- WEST INDIES. e THE annual amount (fay their Lordthips)of CH A P. our exports to Jamaica, at a medium offouryears, V. from Chriftmas 1728 to Chriftmas 1732, as it ftands computed in the cuftom-houfe books, appears to have been 6.147,675. 2. 34. The medium of our imports (1) from Jamaica, in the fame year,is 6-539,499. 18. 34. So that the annual excefs of our imports, in that period, is no lefs than 6-391,824. 15-1 II. 6 Buri it muft not be imagined, that this excefs is a debt upon Great Britain to the ifland of Jamaica; a part of it muft be placed to the account of Negroes, and other goods, fent to the Spanith Weft Indies, the produce of which is returned to England by way of Jamaica ; another part to the debt due to our African traders from the people of Jamaica, for the Negroes which are purchafed and remain there for the fervice of the ifland ; a third proportion muft be placed to the account of our Northern Colonies on the continent of America, who difcharge part of their balance with Great Britain by confignments from Jamaica, arifing from the provifions and lumber with which they fupply that ifland; the remain- (I) The Cuftom Houfe prices of goods imported, are confiderably lefs than the real or mercantile prices-perhaps, in general, about one-third. U 2 ing are purchafed and remain there for the fervice of the ifland ; a third proportion muft be placed to the account of our Northern Colonies on the continent of America, who difcharge part of their balance with Great Britain by confignments from Jamaica, arifing from the provifions and lumber with which they fupply that ifland; the remain- (I) The Cuftom Houfe prices of goods imported, are confiderably lefs than the real or mercantile prices-perhaps, in general, about one-third. U 2 ing --- Page 358 --- HISTORY OF THE. BOOK ing part of the excefs in our importations from II. this colony, is a profit made upon our trade, whether immediately from Great Britain, or by way of Africa; and laftly, it is a confideration of great importance in the general trade of Great Britain, that part of the fugar, and other merchandize which we bring from Jamaica, is re-exported from hence, and helps to make good our balance in trade with other countries in Europe." HAVING mentioned the trade which is carried on between this ifland and the Spanifh territories in America, fome account ofitin its prefent ftate, and of the means which have been adopted by the Britilh parliament to give it fupport, may not be unacceptable to my readers. It is fufficiently known to have been formerly an intercourfe of vaft extent, and highly advantageous to Great Britain, having been fuppofed to give employment, about the beginning of the prefent century, to 4,000 tons of] Englith fhipping, and tocreate an annual vent of Britifh goods to the amount of one million and a half in value. From the wretched policy of thé court of Spain towards its American fubjects, by endeavouring to compel them to truft folely to the mother-country, for almoft every article of neceffary confumption, at the very time that fhe was incapable of fupplying a fiftieth part of their wants, it is not furprifing that they had recourfe, under all hazards, to thofe nations of Europe --- Page 359 --- WEST INDIES. Europe which were able and willing to anfwer CHAP. their demands. It was in vain, that the veffels V. employed in this traffick, by the Englith and - others, were condemned to confifcation, and the mariners.to perpetual confinement and flavery 5 the Spanifh Americans fupplied the lofs by veffels of their own, furnifhed with feamen fo well acquainted with the feveral creeks and bays, as enabled them to profecute the contraband with facility and advantage. Thefe veffels received every poffible encouragement in our iflands; contrary, it muft be acknowledged, to the ftriét letter of our aéts of navigation ; but the Britith government, aware that the Spaniards had little to import befides bullion, but horned cattle, mules, and horfes, (fo neceffary to the agriculture of the fugar colonies) connived at the encouragement that was given them. The trade, however, has been, for many years, on the decline. Since the year 1748, a wifer and more liberal policy towards its American dominions, feems to have aétuated the court of Madrid; and the contraband traffick has gradually leffened, in proportion as the rigour of the ancient regulations has been relaxed. Neverthelefs, the intercourfe with this ifland, in Spanifh veffels, was ftill very confiderable fo late as the year 1764. About that period, direétions were iffued by the Englith miniftry to enforce the laws of navigation with the utmoft ftrictnefs; and U 3 cuftom- feems to have aétuated the court of Madrid; and the contraband traffick has gradually leffened, in proportion as the rigour of the ancient regulations has been relaxed. Neverthelefs, the intercourfe with this ifland, in Spanifh veffels, was ftill very confiderable fo late as the year 1764. About that period, direétions were iffued by the Englith miniftry to enforce the laws of navigation with the utmoft ftrictnefs; and U 3 cuftom- --- Page 360 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK cuftom-houfe commiffions were given to the II. captains of our men of war, with orders to feize Y all foreign veffels, without diftinétion, that fhould be found in the ports of our Weft Indian iflands ; a meafure which in truth was converting our navyinto guarda-coftas, for the king of Spain. In confequence of thefe proceedings, the Spaniards, as might have been expeéted, were deterred from coming near us, andthe exportsfrom Great Britain toJamaica alone, in the year 1765, fell fhort ofthe year 1763, 6.168,000 fterling. A WISER miniftry endeavoured to remedy the mifchicf, by giving orders for the admiffion of Spanifh veffels as ufual; but the fubject matter being canvaffed in the Britifh parliament, the nature and intent ofthofe orders were fo fully explained, that the Spanifh court, grown wife from experience, took the alarm, and immediately adopted a meafure, equally prompt and prudent, for countcraéting them. This was, the laying open the trade to the iflands of Trinidad, Porto-Rico, Hifpaniola, and Cuba, to every province in Spain, and permitting goods of all kinds tobe fent thither, on the payment of moderate duties. Thus the temptation of an illicit commerce with foreign nations, being in a great meafure removed, there was reafon to believe that the effect would ceafe with the caufe. SucH, however, is the fuperiority or compara5 tive --- Page 361 --- WEST INDIES. tive cheapnefs of Britith manufaétures, that it is CHAP. probable the trade would have revived to a certain V. degree, ifthe Britith miniftry of 1765, afterg giving orders for the admifion of Spanifh veffelsi into our portsin the Weft Indies, had proceeded no further. But, in the following year, they obtained an act of parliament for opening the chief ports of Jamaica and Dominica, to all foreign veffels ofa certain defcription. Thei motives whichinfuencelidiefanen oft this law, were undoubtedly laudable; theyjuftly confidered the recovery of the Spanifh trade as a matter ofthe utmoft confequence, and concluded that the traders would naturally prefer thofe ports, in which their fafety was founded on law, to places where their prefervation depended only on thep precarious tenure of connivance and favour. Other oftenfible reafons were alligned in fupport of the meafure ; but the jealoufy of Spain was awakened, and the endeavours of the Britifh parliament on this occafion, ferved only to encreafé the evil which was meant to be redreffed. By an unfortunate over-fight, the colleétors at the feveral Britifh free-ports were inftruéted to keep regular accounts of the entry of all foreign veffels, and of the bullion which they imported, together with the names of the commanders. Thefe accounts having been tranfmitted to the commiffioners of the cuftoms in England, copies of them were, by fome means, procured by the court of Spain, and U 4 the creafé the evil which was meant to be redreffed. By an unfortunate over-fight, the colleétors at the feveral Britifh free-ports were inftruéted to keep regular accounts of the entry of all foreign veffels, and of the bullion which they imported, together with the names of the commanders. Thefe accounts having been tranfmitted to the commiffioners of the cuftoms in England, copies of them were, by fome means, procured by the court of Spain, and U 4 the --- Page 362 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the abfolute deftruétion of many of the poor II. people who had been concerned in Y tranfporting bullion into our iflands, was the confequence. This intelligence I received foon afterwards (having at that time the direction ofthe cuftom-houfe in Jamaica) from a very refpectable Spanifh merchant, who produced to me a letter from Carthagena, containing a recital of the fact, accompanied with many fhocking circumftances ofunrelenting feverity in' the Spanifh government. Information of this being tranfmitted to the Britith miniftry, the former inftruétions were revoked, but the remedy came too late s-for what elfe could be expeêted, than that the Spaniards would naturally fhun alli intercourfe with a people, whom neither the fafety of their friends, nor their own evident intereft, was fufficient to engage to confidence and fecrecy P THE little trade, therefore, which now fubfifts with the fubjeéts of Spain in America, is chiefly carried on by fmall veffels from Jamaica, which contrive to efcape the vigilance of the guardacofas. But although, with regard to the revival of this particular branch of commerce, I am of opinion, that the free-port law has not fo fully anfwered the expeétation ofits framers, as might have been wifhed; its provifions, in other refpects, have been very beneficial. It has been urged againft it, that it gives occafion to the introduction --- Page 363 --- WEST INDIES. tion of French wines, brandies, foap, cambricks, CH AP. and other prohibited articles from Hifpaniola ; V. and there is no doubt that fmall veffels from thence frequently claim the benefit of the freeports, after having fmuggledahore, in the various creeks and harbours of this ifland, where no cuftom-houfes are eftablithed, large quantities of brandy (to the great prejudice ofthe rum-market) and other contraband goods. It may be urged too, that the permiffion given by the act to the importation of certain of the produéts of the foreign iflands, is hurtful to the growers of the fame commodities in Jamaica. All this is admitted; but on the other hand, confidering the revenues and commerce of the empire at large, as objects of fuperior concern to local interefts, it cannot be denied, that the woollen and cotton manufaétories of Great Britain are of too great importance not to be fupplied with the valuable materials ofindigo and cotton-wool, on the eafieft and cheapeft terms poffible. The quantities of thefe articles, as well as of woods forthedyer,imported in foreign bottoms into the free-ports, are very confiderable. This fubjedt was thoroughly inveftigated by the Britifh Houfe of Commons in 1774(when the act would have expired); anditbeing given in evidence that thirty thoufand people about Manchefter wereemployedin thevelvet manufactory, for which the St. Domingo cotton was beft -wool, on the eafieft and cheapeft terms poffible. The quantities of thefe articles, as well as of woods forthedyer,imported in foreign bottoms into the free-ports, are very confiderable. This fubjedt was thoroughly inveftigated by the Britifh Houfe of Commons in 1774(when the act would have expired); anditbeing given in evidence that thirty thoufand people about Manchefter wereemployedin thevelvet manufactory, for which the St. Domingo cotton was beft --- Page 364 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK beft adapted; ; and that both French cotton and II. indigo had been imported from Jamaica at leaft thirty per cent. cheaper than the fame could have been procured at through France-the Houfe, difregarding all colonial oppofition, came to a refolution, 66 that the continuance of free-ports in Jamaica would be highly beneficial to the trade and manufaétures of the kingdom." Theaét was thereupon renewed, and has fince been made perpetual. BUr the main argument which was originally adduced in defence of the eftablithment of freeports in Jamaica, was founded on the idea that thofe ports would become the great mart for fupplying foreigners with negroes. It was faid, that in order to have negroes plenty in our own iflands, every encouragement muft be thrown out to the African merchant, to induce him to augment his importations, and that no encouragement was fo great as that of an opportunity of felling part of them to foreigners for ready money; a temptation, It was urged, which would be, as it heretofore had been, the means that a number would be imported fufficient both for the planter's ufe and for the foreign demand; ; and it was added, that at all events the French would deal with us, if the Spaniards would not. WHETHER it be a wife and politick meafure at any time to permit Britifh fubjeéts to fupply foreigners --- Page 365 --- WEST INDIES. foreigners with African labourers, is a queftion CHAP. that may admit ofdifpute/m). Imean, at prefent, V. to confine myfelf only to a recital of faéts ; and it 3 is certain that the very great demand for negroes in the Ceded Iflands, for fome years after the act took place, affected the Jamaica import in a high degrec 5 and in 1773, a circumftance occurred which was thought to render a renewal of the free-port law a meafure ofi indifpenfable neceffity. In that year the Spanifh Afliento Company at Porto-Rico obtained permiflion to remove their principa! factory to the Havanna, and to purchafe flaves in any of the neighbouring ifands, tranfporting them to their own fettlements in Spanifh veffels. It was eafily forefeen, that Jamaica, from its vicinity to the chief colonies of Spain, in which negroes were moft in demand, would engage a preference from the purchafers; wherefore, that (m) The re-export ofnegroes from the Britifh Weft Indies, for the laft twenty years, for the fupply of the French and Spanifh plantations, has not, I believe, exceeded one-fifth of the import. It was greater formerly, and during the exiftence of the Afliento contraét, exceeded one- third.-Perhaps it would be found on the whole, that Great Britain has, by this means, during the laft century, fupplied her rivals and enemies with upwards of 500,000 African labourers ; a circumftance which fufficientlyj juftifies the doubt that Ientertain concerning the wifdom and policy of this branch of the African commerce. encouragement h plantations, has not, I believe, exceeded one-fifth of the import. It was greater formerly, and during the exiftence of the Afliento contraét, exceeded one- third.-Perhaps it would be found on the whole, that Great Britain has, by this means, during the laft century, fupplied her rivals and enemies with upwards of 500,000 African labourers ; a circumftance which fufficientlyj juftifies the doubt that Ientertain concerning the wifdom and policy of this branch of the African commerce. encouragement --- Page 366 --- HISTORY OF THE EOOK encouragement might not be wanting, the Britifhs II. parliament not only renewed the free-port law, but alfo took off the duty of thirty Thillings fterling a head, which, in the former aét, was exaéted on the exportation of negroes, and laid only a duty of two thillings and fix-pence, in lieu of it. The refult was-that the import for the next ten years, exceeded that of theten years preceding, by no lefs than 22,213 negrocs: and the export furpaffed that of the former period, to the number of 5,952. Such part, therefore, ofthis encreafed export, as went to the fupply of the Spanifh colonies, we may attribute to the free-port law; for it is probable, from the circumftances ftated, that the ancient contraband fyftem is nearly at an end. In like manner it may be faid of the importation of foreign indigo and cotton, that ifit be not made in foreign veffels, it will ceafe altogether; and thus, inftead of infringing the navigation-ac, as fome perfons contend, the meafure of opening the ports is ftriétly confonant to the fpirit of that celebrated law; ; for, by furnithing an augmentation of freights to Great Britain,it tends ultimately to the encreafe of our thipping. HAVING now, to the beft of myjudgment and knowledge, furnifhed my readers with fuch particulars as may enable them to form a tolerably correét idea of the prefent trade and produétions of --- Page 367 --- WEST INDIES. of Jamaica, I Thall conclude with a concife dif- CHAP. play of its progrefs in cultivation at different V. periocls, for a century paft. Bx a letter, dated March the 2gth, 1673, from the then governor, Sir Thomas Lynch, to Lord Arlington, the Secretary of State, it appeats, that the ifland at that time contained 7,768 whites, and 9,504 negroes; its chief produétions were cacao, indigo, and hides. C6 The weather (obferves the governor) has been feafonable, and the fuccefs in planting miraculous. Major-General Bannifter is now not very well, but by the next, hefends your lordfip a pot of figar,and wriles you its Rory." It would feem from hence, that the cultivation of fugar was then but juft entered upon, and that Blome, who afferts there were feventy fugar-works in 1670, was mifinformed. So late as the year 1722, thc ifland made only eleven thoufand hogfheads of fugar, of fixteen hundred weight. FROM that time I have no authentick account until the year 1734, when the ifland contained 7,644 whites (n), 86,546 negroes, and 76,01E head of cattle. The value of the imports from this ifland to Great Britain, about this period, (n) The circumftance of the decreafe of the white inhabitants for the firft fixty years, may appear ftrange. It was owing, without doubt, to the decline of the privateering tradé, which gave full employment to the firft adventurers. were hundred weight. FROM that time I have no authentick account until the year 1734, when the ifland contained 7,644 whites (n), 86,546 negroes, and 76,01E head of cattle. The value of the imports from this ifland to Great Britain, about this period, (n) The circumftance of the decreafe of the white inhabitants for the firft fixty years, may appear ftrange. It was owing, without doubt, to the decline of the privateering tradé, which gave full employment to the firft adventurers. were --- Page 368 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK were ftated (as we have feen) by the CommifII. fioners of Trade, at k. 539,499. 18. 31. fterling. Of the particulars I have no account. In the year 1739, the export of fugar was 33,155 hogfheads, of 14 cwt. Ix 1744, the numbers were 9,640 whites, 112,428 negroes, and 88,036 head of cattle. The exports at this period, were about 35,000 hog(heads offugar, and 10,000 puncheons ofrum, exclufive of fmaller articles. The whole might be worth k. 600,000 fterling. IN 1768,the whites were fuppofed to have been 17,000. The number of negroes on the tax-rolls were 166,914, and the cattle 135,773 head. The exports (the value of which could not be lefs at that time than 1,400,000 fterling) were thefe: ExPORTS --- Page 369 --- W EST INDIES CHAP, V. o Cur LTIVATION, --- Page 370 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK CULTIVATION, in all parts of Jamaica, was II. now making a great and rapid progrefs. In 1774, the exports were confiderably encreafed: The following account of them is extraéted from the books of office, kept within the ifland. o + THE --- Page 371 --- WEST INDIES. THE amount ofthe fum total, according to the CHAP. prices current, including the fame allowance for V. mifcellaneous articles, of which no precife account 1 can be obtained, as was allowed by the InfpeétorGeneral for the year 1787, may be fairly flated at two millions of pounds fterling. Bur Jamaica had now nearly attained the meridian ofits profperity (n); forearly in the following year, the fatal and unnatural war which has terminated in the di(memberment of the empire, began its deftruétive progrefs; in the courfe of which, the blamelels inhabitants of this and the reft of the Britifh figar iflands, felt all its effeêts without having merited the flighteft imputation on their conduét. Their fources of fupply for plantation neceffaries were cut off, and proteétion at fea, if not denied, was not given; fo that their produce was feized in its way to Great Britain, and confifcated withouti interruption or mercy. To fill up the meafure of their calamities, the anger of the Almighty was kindled againft them -no lefs than five deftruétive hurricanes in the fpace of feven years, as I have elfewhere obferved, fpread (n) The greateft improvement which Jamaica has manifefted fince 1774, has been in the encreafed number of its coffee plantations. In that year, the export of coffee, as we have feen, was 654.700 lbs. In 1780, the crop having been (hipped beforethe hurricane happened, the export was 735,392 lbs. For the laft ten years, fee the Appendix, NOII. VoL. I. X ruin of feven years, as I have elfewhere obferved, fpread (n) The greateft improvement which Jamaica has manifefted fince 1774, has been in the encreafed number of its coffee plantations. In that year, the export of coffee, as we have feen, was 654.700 lbs. In 1780, the crop having been (hipped beforethe hurricane happened, the export was 735,392 lbs. For the laft ten years, fee the Appendix, NOII. VoL. I. X ruin --- Page 372 --- HISTORY OF T H E BOOK ruin and defolation throughout every ifland! The II. laft of thefe terrible vifitations in Jamaica, hap3 pened in 1786. Since that time, however, the feafons have been favourable; and the crops of 1788, 1789 and 1790, were confiderable. May theinhabitants be thankful, that it has thus pleafed the Divine Providence to remember mercy in judgment ; and may paft misfortunes teach them thole leffons of fortitude, frugality, and forefight, which always alleviate affliétions, and fometimes even convert them into bleffings. NOTHING now remains bat to ftate the value of this ifland, confidered as Britifh property; of whichthe eftimatei is formed as fallows:- -250,000 negroes at fifty pounds ferling each, make twelve millions and a half; the landed and perfonal property to which thefe negroes are appurtenant (including the buildings) are very fairly and moderately reckoned at double the value of the flaves themfelves; making twenty-five millions in addition to the twelvemillion five hundredthoufand pounds I have ftated before; and in further addition, the houfes and property in the towns, and the veffels employed in the trade, are valued at one million five hundred thoufand pounds > amounting in the whole to thirty-nine millions. of pounds fterling. IN --- Page 373 --- WEST INDIES. CHAP. V. / € IN thisdelightful Ifland, thus variegated by the hand of nature, and improved by the induftry of man, it was my fortune to pafs the fpring of my life, under the proteétion and guidance of men whofe wifdom infruded,whofevitues Ihope improved dme,-andwhofe tendernefs towards me expired only with the laft figh that deprived me of them for ever. Towards perfons whofe memories are thus dear to me,-who were at once a bleffing and an ornament to the country of which I write, -my readers will I hope allow me to offerin this place a tribute of affeétionate and refpeétful remembrance. One of thofe perfons devoted fome years to the improvement ofmy mind in the purfuits of knowledge. From the precepts and inftruétions, and ftill more from the beautiful compofitions, ofIsAAC TEALE,I imbibed in my youth that relilh for polite literature, the enjoyment ofwhich is now become the folace of my declining years. If the publick has received my writings with favour, it becomes me to declare that, whatever merit they poffefs is due to the leffons inculcated, and the examples fupplied by my revered and lamented friend. He was a clergyman of the Church of England, and having for twenty years difcharged the paftoral duties of Xz a coun- ofitions, ofIsAAC TEALE,I imbibed in my youth that relilh for polite literature, the enjoyment ofwhich is now become the folace of my declining years. If the publick has received my writings with favour, it becomes me to declare that, whatever merit they poffefs is due to the leffons inculcated, and the examples fupplied by my revered and lamented friend. He was a clergyman of the Church of England, and having for twenty years difcharged the paftoral duties of Xz a coun- --- Page 374 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK a country curacy in an obfcure part of Kent, II. was reluétantly prévailed on, at the age of fortyY five, to exchange his ftipend of 6.40. per annum, for preferment in Jamaica. Here, his virtues, learning and talents attraéted the notice of my diftinguithed relation and bountiful benefactor, ZACHARY BAYLY; by whofe kindnefs he was enabled to fpend the remainder of his days in leifure and independency. Int the fociety ofthefe valuable friends, chiefly under the fame roof, I paffed the days of my youth, until my amiable preceptor in the firft place, and my generous benefaétor a few years afterwards (neither of them having reached his soth year) funk into an untimely grave ! Of Zachary Bayly, the renown is familiar to every one who has refided in Jamaica at any time during the laft forty years. I endeavoured to delineate his charaéter on the ftone which I infcribed to his memory ; and fondly hoping that my book will be read where the ftone cannot be infpeéted, I transfer to this page what his monument imperfeétly records: INSCRIPTION --- Page 375 --- WEST INDIES. CHAP. INSCRIPTION IN THE PARISH CHURCH OF V. ST. ANDREW, JAMAICA. Nearthis place lie the remains of ZACHARY BAYLY, Cuftos and Chief Magiftrate of the precinét of St. Mary and St. George, and one of his Majefty's Hon: Council of this Iland, Who died on the 18th Dec. 1769, in the 48th year of his age. He was a Man To whom the endowments of Nature render'd thofe of Art fuperfluous. He was wife without the affiftance of recorded wifdom, And cloquent beyond the precepts of fcholaftick rhetorick. He applied, not to Books, but to Men, And drank of Knowledge, not from the ftream, but the fource. To Genius, which might have been fortunate without Induftry, He added Induftry, which, without Genius, might have commanded Fortune. He acquired Wealth with Honour, And feemed to poffefs it only to be liberal, His Publick Spirit was not lefs ardent than his Private Benevolence; He confidered Individuals as Brethren, And his Country as a Parent. May his Talents be remembered with refpect, His Virtues with emulation ! X 3 Here --- Page 376 --- 3Io HISTORY OF T HE BOOK II. Here alfo lies (mingled with the fame earth) the duft of NATHANIEL BAYLY EDWARDS, his Nephew: In whom diftinguifhed abilities and an amiable difpofition, affifted by fuch an example, gave the promife of equal excellence; When, on the 28th of January 1771, in the 21"t year of his age, He paid the debt to Nature : His furviving Brother, BRYAN ED W A R DS, Infcribes this Stone as a memorial of his Gratitude, Affection, and Efteem. led with the fame earth) the duft of NATHANIEL BAYLY EDWARDS, his Nephew: In whom diftinguifhed abilities and an amiable difpofition, affifted by fuch an example, gave the promife of equal excellence; When, on the 28th of January 1771, in the 21"t year of his age, He paid the debt to Nature : His furviving Brother, BRYAN ED W A R DS, Infcribes this Stone as a memorial of his Gratitude, Affection, and Efteem. --- Page 377 --- WEST INDIES. Sr1 APPENDIX. APPENDIX TO BOOK II. No. I. A general Rate ef agriculturé, and Negro population in the ifand of Jamaica, at the clofe of 1791,from the report 9f a Committee ofshe Honfe fApembly. Negroes Number. employed thereon. Sugar plantations, 767 - 140,000 Coffee plantations 607 - 21,000 Grazing and breeding farms called penns 1,047 - 31,000 Of fmall fettlements for the growth of cotton, ginger, pimento, corn and other provifions, the number is not afcertained: they are - 58,000 fuppofed (including the Negroes in the feveral towns) to give employment to Total number of enflaved Negroes l in Jamaica in 1791 250,000 X 4 --- Page 378 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK II. Y No. II. An account of the number of fugar plantations in the ifand of Tamaica in 1772, and again in 1791, difinguifing the parifhes; aljo the number in each parifh wohich were fold, in the interim, for the payment of debts;-the number remaining in 1791 in the hands of mortgagees, trufees or receiverss-the number thrown up and abandoned, or converted into other cultivation between the twa periods :-and the number of new plantations recently fettled, or which were fettling, al the end oF Lhe laft period. PARISHE S. Weftmorland - - 39 Hanover 40 a 22 - 9 St. James - - 49 - 13 L 15 ee 3 St. Elizabeth - - 16 - 2 3 - II - 2 Trelawny - - 65 - 14 I - 7 Total in the County of Cornwall - - -09 - 58 - 47 - 30 27 St. Mary --- Page 379 --- WEST N I S. 2 APPENDIX. PARISHES S. 7 * % - St. Mary 37 - 2I - 8 Clarendon a 37 - 18 - 2 I - 2 Vere 22 - 3 1 I - I = 3 St. Dorothy - 6 - 6 - - - 3 St. John 13 - 3 - 3 I - St. Katharine - - 2 - I - - 3 - I St. Thomas in the Vale I - 17 - 13 - 3 - 3 - St. Anne 9 - 6 - 2 I Total in the County L - 74 - - II I2 - of Middlefex St. Andrew - 14 - 8 - 2 I O Port Royal - 3 - O - O I - O Portland 15 - 6 - I - 4 - 2 St. George - 7 - 3 1 4 - 3 - 5 St. Thomas in? - 48 - 23 - - a O the Eaft - -J St. David - - 6 - 5 - I - I Kingfton a - D - O - D - O - Totalin the County 2 of Surry - - S 93 - 45 - 22 - 14 GRAND TOTAL - 451-177 - 92 - 55 - 47 Summary - 6 - I - 4 - 2 St. George - 7 - 3 1 4 - 3 - 5 St. Thomas in? - 48 - 23 - - a O the Eaft - -J St. David - - 6 - 5 - I - I Kingfton a - D - O - D - O - Totalin the County 2 of Surry - - S 93 - 45 - 22 - 14 GRAND TOTAL - 451-177 - 92 - 55 - 47 Summary --- Page 380 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK II. Summary. Exifting plantations in 1791 Plantations then recently fettled or fettling - 47 Total number of fugar eftates in 1791 - - 767 Obfervations. From the preceding table it is fufficiently obvious, that in the courfe of twenty years ending 1791, the planters of Jamaica (however profitably employed in the fervice of the mother-country) were labouring to little purpofe for themfelves: it appearing that no leis than 177 fugar plantations had been fold, during that period, for the payment of debts ;-that 55 had been abandoned by the proprietors, and that 92 others remained in the hands of creditors! Since the year 1791, a favourable change has taken place, and it is prefumed that at this time (Degember 1797) near 200,000 negroes are employed folely in the cultivation of fugar; but the moft rapid improvement which this ifland has experienced is a vaft encréafe in the growth of coffee. The following is an authentick return from the naval officer:-viz. AcCOUNT --- Page 381 --- W E ST INDIES. APPENAccouNT of COFFEE exported from the Ifland DIX. OfJANAICAfOr IO Years, viz. 1787, to 1797: 1 Ibs. to lbs. to Great-Britain. America. From ift Auguft 1787, ) to ift Auguft 1788 808,528 393,273 1789 1,204,649 382,489 1790 1,412,241 427,130 1791 2,114:326 291,764 1792 2,708,548 144,849 1793 3,543,003 69,657 1794 4,314,290 257,103 1795 4,452,611 1,479,961 1796 5,273,814 1,757-444 1797 6,708,272 1,223,349 Total - 32,540,282 6,427,019 * In the former edirions of this work was fubjoined to this Appendix, an Hiftorical Account of the Conftitution of Jamaica, which being found by the printer too long for the firh volume of this edition, is nozo transferred to volume the third. --- Page 382 --- 3.6 T HI E H 2 I S T 0 R Y, CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL, OF The Britifh Colonies in the Weft Indies. BOOK III. ENGLISH CHARAIBEAN ISLANDS. CHA P. I. B A de RBADOES Foyf arrival of the Englifk at this Mland.-Origin, progrefs, and termination of the proprietary government-Reveme granted to the crown of 4i per centum on all produce exported-how obtained, origin of the act ef navigation. Situation and extent ofthe ifand.-Soil and produce-Population,- Decline, and caufes thereof.- -Exports axd imports. BOOK HE ifland of Barbadoes, ofwhich I now III. propofe to treat, was probably firft dif1 covered by the Portuguefe in their voyages from Brafil; and from them it received the name which it Origin, progrefs, and termination of the proprietary government-Reveme granted to the crown of 4i per centum on all produce exported-how obtained, origin of the act ef navigation. Situation and extent ofthe ifand.-Soil and produce-Population,- Decline, and caufes thereof.- -Exports axd imports. BOOK HE ifland of Barbadoes, ofwhich I now III. propofe to treat, was probably firft dif1 covered by the Portuguefe in their voyages from Brafil; and from them it received the name which it --- Page 383 --- - - % E . : A à - - E - E a : E à E - F C. N --- Page 384 --- 16710-1-mg --- Page 385 --- W EST INDIES. it ftill retains (a). It was found without occu- CHAP. pants or claimants. The Charaibes, for reafons 1. altogether unknown to us, had deferted it, and the Portuguefe, fatisfied with the fplendid regions they had acquired on the continent, feem to have confidered it as of little value. Having furnifhed it with a breed of fwiné for the benefit of fuch of their countrymen as might navigate the fame track, they left the ifland in all other refpeêts as they found it. OF the Englith, the firft who are known to have landed in this ifland, were the crew of a thip called the Olive Blofom, bound from London to Surinam, in 1605, and fitted out at the expence of Sir Olive Leigh, whom Purchas ftiles € a wor- € fhipful knight of Kent.' Finding it without inhabitants, they took poffeffion of the country, by fixing up a crofs on the fpot where JamesTown was afterwards built, with this infcription, < James king of England and this ifland 1;" but they began no fettleinent, nor made any confiderable ftay in a country entirely uninhabited and overgrown with woods ; yet it furnifhed them with freth provifions. They found pigs, pigeons, and parrots, and the fea abounded with fith. SOME years after this, a thip of Sir William Courteen's, a merchant of London, returning (a) It is faid not to have been noticed in any fea-chart before the year 1600. from --- Page 386 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK from Brazil, was driven by ftrefs of weather into III. this ifland, and finding refrefhments on it, the L mafter and feamen, on their arrival in England, made fo favourable a report of the beauty and fertility of the ccuntry, that Lord Ley (afterwards Earl of Marlborough, and Lord High Treafurer) immediately obtained from King James the Firft a grant of the ifland to himfelf and his heirs in perpetuity. COURTEEN himfelf was a man of extenfive views and magnificent projeéts. He immediately began (probably under the patronage of Marlborough) to form ideas of eftablifhing a colony in the diftant but promifing territory. Having engaged about thirty perfons to fettle in the ifland, and furni(hed them with tools, provifions, and neçeffaries of all kinds for planting and fortifying the country, he appointed William Deane their governor, and fent them away in a thip called the William and Tolm, commanded by John Powell. They arrived fafe in the latter end of the year 1624, and laid the foundations ofa town, which, in honour of the fovereign, they denominated JAMES-TowN 3 and thus began the firft Englifh fettlement in the ifland of Barbadoes. For fome time previous to this, it had become fathionable in England, for men of high rank and diftinétion to engage in fea adventures, proclaiming ent them away in a thip called the William and Tolm, commanded by John Powell. They arrived fafe in the latter end of the year 1624, and laid the foundations ofa town, which, in honour of the fovereign, they denominated JAMES-TowN 3 and thus began the firft Englifh fettlement in the ifland of Barbadoes. For fome time previous to this, it had become fathionable in England, for men of high rank and diftinétion to engage in fea adventures, proclaiming --- Page 387 --- WEST INDIES. proclaiming themfelves the patrons of coloni- CHAP. zation and foreign commerce. In the lift of thofe I. who contributed to the Briti(h fettlements in Virginia, New England, the Bermuda iflands, and other places in the new world, may be found the names of many of the firft nobility and gentry of the kingdom. Among others who diftinguifhed themfelves in fuch purfuits, at the time that Barbadoes was thus planted by a private merchant, was James Hay, earl of Carlifle. This nobleman was at that junéture engaged in the eftablifhment of a colony in the ifland of St. Chriftopher (as we Thall hereafter have occafion more particularly to relate) and, either not knowing of the Earl of Mariborough'spatent, or conceiving that it interfered with his own pretenfions (b), he applied fora and obtained, in the firlt year of Charles I. a warrant for a grant, by letters patent under the great feal ofl England, ofall the Charaibean iflands including Barbadoes; but when the grant came to be actually paffed, the Earl of Marlborough oppofed it, on the ground of priority of right. The difpute between thefe noble lords continued for a confiderable (3) It is faid that he had obtained from James I. a grant, or warrant for a grant, under the great feal, of all the Charaibean iflands, which the king ereéted into a province by the name of Carliola, on the model of the palatinate of Durham. time; iflands including Barbadoes; but when the grant came to be actually paffed, the Earl of Marlborough oppofed it, on the ground of priority of right. The difpute between thefe noble lords continued for a confiderable (3) It is faid that he had obtained from James I. a grant, or warrant for a grant, under the great feal, of all the Charaibean iflands, which the king ereéted into a province by the name of Carliola, on the model of the palatinate of Durham. time; --- Page 388 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK time; at length the contending parties thought III. it prudent to compromife the matter, and; on 1 the Earl of Carlifle's undertaking to pay the annual fum of 6-300 to the Earl of Marlborough and his heirs for ever, Marlborough waved his patent, and, in confequence of this arrangement, on the 2d of June 1627, the Earl of Carlifle's patent paffed the great feal, whothereupon became fole proprietor (c). DURING (c) Among other claufes in this grant are the following. 66 Further know ye, that we, for us our heirs and fucceffors, have authorized andappointed the faid James Earl lof Carlifle, and his heirs (of whofe fidelity, prudence, juftice, and wifdom, we have great confidence) for the good and happy government of the faid province, whether for the publick fecurity of the faid province or the private utility ofevery man, to make, eredt, and fet forth, and under his or their fignet to publith, fuch laws as he the faid Earl of Carli/fle, or his heirs, with the confent, alfent, and approbation of the free inhabitants of the Jaid province or the greater part of them, thercunto to be called, and in fuch form as he or they in his or their difcretion fhall think fit and beft. And thefe laws muft all men for the time being, that do live within the limits of the faid province, obferve; whether they be bound to fea, or from thence returning to England, or any other our dominions, or any other place appointed, upon fuch impofitions, penalties, imprifonment, or reftraint that it behoveth, and the quality of the offence requireth, either upon the body, or death itfelf, to be executed by the faid James earl of Carlife, and by his heirs, or by his or their deputy, judges, juftices, magiftrates, officers, and minifters, according to the tenor and true meaning of thefe prefents, in what caufe foever, and with fuch power as ions, or any other place appointed, upon fuch impofitions, penalties, imprifonment, or reftraint that it behoveth, and the quality of the offence requireth, either upon the body, or death itfelf, to be executed by the faid James earl of Carlife, and by his heirs, or by his or their deputy, judges, juftices, magiftrates, officers, and minifters, according to the tenor and true meaning of thefe prefents, in what caufe foever, and with fuch power as --- Page 389 --- WEST INDIES DURING this conteft about the difpofal of CHAP. countries moft of which were at that time in I. as to him the faid Tames earl of Carlifle, or his heir, Thall feem bef; and to difpofe of offences or riots whatloever, eitherby fea or land, whether before judgment received, or afterr remitted, freed, pardoned or forgiven; and to do and to perform alland everything and things, which to the fulfiling of juftice, courts or manner of proceeding in their tribunal, may or doth belong or appertain, although exprefs mention of them in thefe prefents be not made, yet we have granted full power by virtue of thefe prefents therein to be made; which laws fo abfolutely proclaimed, and by frength of right fupported as they are granted, we will, enjoin, charge, and command all and every fubjeét and liege pcople of us, our heirs and fucceffors, fo far as them they do concern, inviolably to keep and obferve, under the pains therein expreffed; fo as notwithftanding the aforefaid laws be agreeable and not repugnant unto reafon, noragainftit; but as convenient and agreeable as may be to the laws, ftatutes, cuftoms, and rights of our kingdom of England." 6 We will alfo, of our princely grace, for us, our heirs and fucceffors, ftraightly charge, make, and ordain, that the faid province be of our allegiance, and that all and every fubjeét and liege people of us, our heirs and fucceffors, brought or to be brought, and their children, whether there born or afterwards to be born, become natives and fubjeéts of us, our heirs and fucceffors, and be as free as they that were born in England; and fo their inheritance witbin our kingdom of England, or other our dominions, to feek, receive, take, hold, buy, and and ufe and enjoy them as his own, and to give, fell, poffefs, alter, and bequeath them at their pleafure; and alpsfroeby and peaccably, to have and pollefs all the liberties, Franchifes, quiclys and privileges Fthis kingdom, and them to ufe and enjoy as liege people of England, whether born, ort to be born, without impediment, moleftation, vexation, injury or trouble of us our heirs and fiucceffors, any flatute, act, ordinance, or provifo, to the contrary: notwithfianding." VoL.I. Y the alter, and bequeath them at their pleafure; and alpsfroeby and peaccably, to have and pollefs all the liberties, Franchifes, quiclys and privileges Fthis kingdom, and them to ufe and enjoy as liege people of England, whether born, ort to be born, without impediment, moleftation, vexation, injury or trouble of us our heirs and fiucceffors, any flatute, act, ordinance, or provifo, to the contrary: notwithfianding." VoL.I. Y the --- Page 390 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK the hands of their proper owners, the Charaibes; III. the man, who alone had the merit of annexing - the plantation of Barbadoes to the crown of England, feems to have been fhamefully negleéted. The Earl of Marlborough, having fecured to himfelf and his pofterity, the gratification I have mentioned, deferted him ; and the Lord Carlifle, having done him premeditated injury, became his irreconcileable enemy. Courteen, however, found a friend in William Earl ofPembroke, who reprefented his cafe in fuch a light to the King, as to obtain a revocation of Carlifle's patent, and a grant to himfelfin truft for Courteen. Bur the hopes of this worthy citizen were of fhort continuance. The Earl of Carlifle was, at thatjun@ture,ablent from the kingdom, a circumftance which gave fome colour to his charge ofinjuflice and precipitancy in the proceeding. On his return to England, he complained that he had been condemned and deprived of his property unheard; and the monarch on the throne, who feems, through the whole of his unfortunate reign, rather to have wanted refolution to purfue the right path, than fagacity to difcern it, trod back his ground a fecond time; for unable to refift the clamorous importunity of a wortblefs favourite, he aétually annulled the grant to the Earl of Pembroke, and, by fecond letters patent to --- Page 391 --- WEST INDIES. to the Earl of Carlifle, again reftored to him the CHAP. privileges of which he had himfelf, a fhort time I. before, deprived him. THUS by an act of power, which its repugnancy and abfurdity alone rendered illegal, the Earl of Carlifle again found himfelf lord paramount of Barbadoes; and in order completely to ruin all the intereftsin the colony of his competitor, he proceeded to diftribute the lands to fuch perfons as chofe to receive grants at his hands on the terms propofed to them. A fociety of London merchants (d) accepted ten thoufand acres, on conditions which promifed great advantage to the proprietor; but they were. allowed the liberty of fending out a perfon to prefide over their concerns in the colony, and they madé choice for this purpofe of Charles Woolferftone, who repaired to the ifland, accompanied with fixty-four perfons, each of whom was authorized to take up one hundred acres of land. THESE people landed on the fifth of July, 1628,t which time Courteen's fettlement was in a very promifing condition; ; but Woolferftone declared it an encroachment and ufurpation, and being fupported by the arrival of Sir William (4) The names of thofe merchants were Marmaduke Brandon, William Perkin, Alexander Banifter, Robert Wheatley, Edmond Forfter, Robert Swinnerton, Henry Wheatly, John Charles, and John Farringdon. Y2 Tufton, of land. THESE people landed on the fifth of July, 1628,t which time Courteen's fettlement was in a very promifing condition; ; but Woolferftone declared it an encroachment and ufurpation, and being fupported by the arrival of Sir William (4) The names of thofe merchants were Marmaduke Brandon, William Perkin, Alexander Banifter, Robert Wheatley, Edmond Forfter, Robert Swinnerton, Henry Wheatly, John Charles, and John Farringdon. Y2 Tufton, --- Page 392 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Tufton, who was fent out as chief governor by III. Lord Carlifle,i in 1629, with a force fufficient for the maintenance ofhis pretenfions, he compelled the friends of Courteen to fubmit; and the interefts of the latter were thenceforth fwallowed up and forgotten (e). THE facts which I have thus recited have been related fo often by others, that an apology might be neceffary fortheirinfertion in this work, were it not, that by comparing one account with another, I have been enabled to correct fome important errors in each. And.the claim of the Earl of, Carlifle having originally introduced and eftablifhed the very heavy internal impofition on their grofs produce, to which the planters of this, and fome of the neighbouring iflands, are to this day liable; I have thought it neceffary to be particular and minute, in tracing the claim itfelf from the beginning. In what manner it produced the burthen in queftion, and how Barbadoes reverted from a proprietary to a royal government, I fhall now proceed to relate. THE adminiftration of Sir William Tufton, the firft governor appointed by Lord Carlifle, proving difagreeable to his lordthip, Captain (c) In this year, Sir William Tufton gave 140 grants of land, comprizing in the whole 15,872 acres, and on the 23d of February, 1630, he paffed divers laws, and among others, one fur dividing the ifland into fix parithes, X Henry --- Page 393 --- WI EST INDIES. Henry Hawley was fent over in 1631t0 fuper- CHAP. fede him. Tufton refenting this meafure, proI. cured the fignatures of fome of the planters to 3 a petition complaining of Hawley's conduét. Hawley conflrued this petition into an act of mutiny on the part of Tufton, for which he had him tried and condemned by a court-martial, and with very little ceremony caufed him to be fhot to death; a proceeding univerfally exclaimed againft as a moft horrid and atrocious murder. Hawley, however, though recalled on this account, not only efcaped punifhment through the intereft of his noble patron, but was foon afterwards fent back again as chiefg governor; in which capacity he remained till 1638, when he was driven from the country by the united voice of all the inhabitants; who however permitted his brother, William Hawley, to act as commander in chief, until a governor fhould be nominated at home. He was fucceeded by Major Hunckes, who, leaving the ifland in 1641, appointed Philip Bell, Efquire, his deputy, and Bell, in 1645, was appointed chief governor (). But the conduét of () During the adminiftration of this gentleman, many falutary laws were paffed; among others the following : ift. 66 An AR for the continuance and obfervation of all aéts and ftatutes not repealed;" which aét recites that there were divers and fundry good and wholefome laws, ftatutes, and ordinances provided, enaéted, and made, affigned, and Y3 agreed , Efquire, his deputy, and Bell, in 1645, was appointed chief governor (). But the conduét of () During the adminiftration of this gentleman, many falutary laws were paffed; among others the following : ift. 66 An AR for the continuance and obfervation of all aéts and ftatutes not repealed;" which aét recites that there were divers and fundry good and wholefome laws, ftatutes, and ordinances provided, enaéted, and made, affigned, and Y3 agreed --- Page 394 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of Hawley, thus violent and bloody, and the III. fupport which he received from the proprietor, had alienated the minds of the new fettlers from power thus delegated and abufed ; and the proprietor's authority loft ground every day. In the mean time, the civil war in England caufed many agreed upon, by and with the affent, confent, and approbation of the governor, council, and freeholders out of every parifh of theifland, intituled, A General Allemblyfort that purpefe cledled, made, and chofen. And it is thereby enaéted, that none of thofe laws thall be altered, or any thing added to to then, withoutthe confent of a like General Allembly. And that ever pariffi fhould have two reprefentatives at leaft, to be elefted by the freeholders. 2d. A addition to an act intituled, 6e An A&t for fettling the eftates and titles of the inhabitants of th S ifand to their potleffions in their feveral plantations within the fame :" it is therein recited, thatin a claufe in the firft aét it is ordained, that all the inhabitants of this ifland, that were in quiet poffeffion ofany lands or tenements by virtue of any warrant from any former governor, or by conveyarce or other aét in law, from them w ho had the fame warrant, fhould have, hold, and enjoy the fame, as their free efate : and, as fome fcruples had fince arifen, whether an eftate for life or inheritance might be confrued from the fame, for want of the words their heirs; tothe intent the fame might be more fully explained, and all difputes of that kind for the future abolifhed, itisenafted, that bv the words as their fiee efates, was meant, the rachele Aate and inheritance of the refpeétive plantations within this ifland, fo that by fuch poffeffion in manner as by the faid aét is expreffed, the faid inhabitants are thereby ad. judged and declared to have and to hold their landsof right to them, to difpofe of or alienate, or otherwife to defcend, or be confirmed to their heirs for ever." people, kind for the future abolifhed, itisenafted, that bv the words as their fiee efates, was meant, the rachele Aate and inheritance of the refpeétive plantations within this ifland, fo that by fuch poffeffion in manner as by the faid aét is expreffed, the faid inhabitants are thereby ad. judged and declared to have and to hold their landsof right to them, to difpofe of or alienate, or otherwife to defcend, or be confirmed to their heirs for ever." people, --- Page 395 --- WEST INDIES 32y people, of peaceable tempers and difpofitions, CHAI P. chiefly royalifts, to take refuge in this ifland; and I. the confequent ruin of the King's affairs induced - a ftill greater number, many of whom had been officers of rank in his fervice, to follow their example. The emigration from the mother-country to this ifland was indeed fo great during the commotions in England, that in 1650 it was computed there were 20,000 white men in Barbadoes, half of them able to bear arms, and furnifhing even a regiment of horle to the number of one thoufand. *THESE adventurers,' 9 fays Lord Clarendon, e planted without any body's leave, and without 6 being oppofed or contradiéted by any body." The cafe feems to have been, that the governor granted lands to all who applied, on receiving a gratuity for himfelf; and the claim of the proprietor, whether difputed in the ifland, or difregarded amidft the confufions at home, was at length tacitly and filently relinquifhed (g). THE colony, left to its own efforts, and enjoying an unlimited freedom of trade, flourifhed beyond example. In the year. 1646, however, the then Earl of Carlifle, who was fon and heir of the patentee, ftimulated by the renown of its (g) Lord Carlife had originally ftipulated for an annual tribute of forty pounds of cotton wool from each perfon who held lands under his grant. Y 4 wealth --- Page 396 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK wealth and profperity, began to revive his claims III. as hereditary proprietor ; and, entering into a L treaty with Lord Willoughby of Parham, conveyed to that nobleman all his rights by leafe for twenty-one years, on condition of receiving one half the profits in the mean time; but juftly apprehending that the refident planters might difpute his pretenfions, he very readily concurred with Lord Willoughby in foliciting a commiffion for the latter, as chief governor, under the fanction of regalauthority (b). THIS, though an abfolute dereliction of the proprietary(hip, was afked and obtained; and the Lord Willoughby, thus commiffioned, embarked forhis government ; and, in confideration of the royal appointment, was received by theinhabitants, wha were warmly attached to the King'si intereft, with refpeét and obedience. It feems probable, that at his firft coming, he faid nothing of his leafe from Carlifle; trufting rather to future management for the re-eftablithment of that lord's pretenfions, than to an open avowal of them on his arrival. We are told, however, by Lord Clarendon, that he obtained from the planters a promife of a contribu- (h) When this application was made, the King wasinthe hands of the parliament; the commiffion therefore, with his Majefty's privity and approbation, was figned by the Prince of Wales, at that time in Holland. tion from Carlifle; trufting rather to future management for the re-eftablithment of that lord's pretenfions, than to an open avowal of them on his arrival. We are told, however, by Lord Clarendon, that he obtained from the planters a promife of a contribu- (h) When this application was made, the King wasinthe hands of the parliament; the commiffion therefore, with his Majefty's privity and approbation, was figned by the Prince of Wales, at that time in Holland. tion --- Page 397 --- WEST INDIES. tion to the proprietor; but before it was carried CHAP, into effect, the regal authority was abolifhed in -. England, and Barbadoes reduced to the obe- - dience of the new republick, by whom another governor wasa appointed. ON the reftoration of Charles II. and the reeftablifhment of the royal authority over all the Britifh dominions (i), Lord Willoughby, who had eight or nine years of his leafe unexpired, applied to the King for leave to return to his government of Barbadoes. To this application no objeétion would have been made by the inhabitants, if his lordihip had confidered himfelf merely as reprefentative of the crown 5 but his conneétion and contract with the Earl of Carlifle, were by this time fufficiently underftood by the planters, who faw with aftonifhment that they were regarded by thofegreat lords as meret tenants at will oftheir poffeffions. They folicited therefore the King's fupport and protection. ce They pleaded," fays Clarendon, 6 that they were the King's fubjects; ; that they had repaired to Barba- (i) On the r8th of February, 1661, his Majeftly honoured thirteen gentlemen of Barbadoes with the dignity of baronetage, in confideration of their fufferings andl loyalty the civil war:" They were, Sir Jobn Colleton, Sir James during Modiford, Sir James Drax, Sir Robert Davers, Sir Robert Hacket, Sir John Yeamans, Sir Timothy Thornhill, Sir John Witham, Sir Robert Legard, Sir John Worfum, Sir John Rawdon, Sir Edwyn Stedle, Sir Willoughby Chamberlayne. does --- Page 398 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK does as to a defolate place, and had by their inIII. duftry obtained a livelihood there, when they Y could not with a good confcience ftay in England ; that if they fhould now be left to thofe lords to ranfom themfelves and compound for theireftates, they muft leave the country, and the plantation be deftroyed, which yielded his Majefty fo great a revenue." Refpeéting the charter granted to the earl of Carlifle, they infifted pofitively that it was void in law ; and they made two humble propofitions to the King, either that his Majefty would give them leave to inftitute in his name, but at their own coft, a procefs in the Exchequer for trying the validity of the earl's patent ; or that he would leave thofe who claimed under it (for the fecond Earl of Carlifle dying in the interim, had bequeathed his rights in the Weft Indies to the earl of Kinnoul) to their legal remedy, abfolutely denying that either the late or former Lord Carlifle had fuftained the fmalleft expence in fettling the colony. INSTEAD of confenting to either of thofe moft reafonable propofitions, the King ordered enquiry to be made into the feveral allegations. and claims of the parties concerned, by a committee of the privy-council; before whom fome of the planters being heard, one of them, in order more readily to induce the King to take the fovercignty of the ifland into his own hands, offered, utely denying that either the late or former Lord Carlifle had fuftained the fmalleft expence in fettling the colony. INSTEAD of confenting to either of thofe moft reafonable propofitions, the King ordered enquiry to be made into the feveral allegations. and claims of the parties concerned, by a committee of the privy-council; before whom fome of the planters being heard, one of them, in order more readily to induce the King to take the fovercignty of the ifland into his own hands, offered, --- Page 399 --- WEST INDIES. fered, in the name of the inhabitants, to confent, CH. A P. in that cafe, tolay an impofition of fo much in I. the hundred on the produce of their eftates, out ofwhich his Majefty's governor might be honourably fupported, and the King difpofe of the overplus as he fhould think fit. To a monarch of Charles's difpofition, this was too tempting a propofition to be refifted. We are informed that his Majeflyreceived the offer very gracioufly ; < and the next care oft the committee,' 99 adds the noble hiftorian, who was himfelf of that body, Ce was to make fome computation, that might be depended upon, as to the yearly revenue, that would arife upon thei impofition within the ifland." But the planters, when called up the next day to give fatisfaction in this particular, infifted that Mr. Kendall, the pérfon who had made the offer, had no authority to undertake for them, or the inhabitants within the ifland; and the utmoft they could be brought to promife for themfelves was, that they would ufe their endeavours with their friends in the ifland, to fettle fuch a revenue on the crown as the circumftances of the colony would admit of, which they faid the affembly alone was competent to determine. THE profpedt of a revenue, though diftant and uncertain, brought forward the creditors of the Earl of Carlifle, the patentee, who was indebted, it feems, at his death, in the fum of 6. 80,000, --- Page 400 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK f.80,000, and they had no hopes of being paid III. but from the profits of his Weft Indian poffef- - / fions. The heirs of the Earl of Marlborough likewife put in their claim for the arrearage of the annuity of f6.300, granted under the original compromife which I have before mentioned 3 and the Lord Willoughby infifted at the fame time on receiving a moiety of whatever profits might arife during the remainder of the term yet unexpired in his leafe.. The other moiety, during that time, and the whole in reverfion, was claimed by the Earl of Kinnoul. To fatisfy thefe feveral claimants, and fecure a perpetual revenue to the crown, was a work of difficulty, and its accomplifhment feems to have beenthefoleaimof the King'sminifters;bywhom, after a tedious but partial inveftigation (confidering the colony as wholly at the King's mercy) it was finally ordered, that the Lord Willoughby fhould immediately repair to his government, and infift on the grant and eftablifhment by the affembly of a permanent and irrevocable revenue of four and half per cent. to be paid in fpecie, on all dead commodities, the growth of the ifland, fhipped to any port of the world; the money arifing therefrom to be applied as follows: FIRST, towards an honourable andimmediate provifion for the Earl of Kinnoul, who, it was alledged, was finally ordered, that the Lord Willoughby fhould immediately repair to his government, and infift on the grant and eftablifhment by the affembly of a permanent and irrevocable revenue of four and half per cent. to be paid in fpecie, on all dead commodities, the growth of the ifland, fhipped to any port of the world; the money arifing therefrom to be applied as follows: FIRST, towards an honourable andimmediate provifion for the Earl of Kinnoul, who, it was alledged, --- Page 401 --- WEST INDIES. alledged, had facrificed his fortune in the King's CHAP. fervice, and who covenanted, on fuch provifion I. being fecured to him, to furrender the Carlifle Y patent to the crown: SECONDLY, towards fatisfaction and full dif charge of the Earl of Marlborough's annuity: THIRDLY, it was ftipulated that the furplus fhould be divided equally between the creditors of the Earl of Carlifle and the Lord Willoughby, during the term yet unexpired of his lordfhip's leafe. On the expiration thereof, the remainder, after providing E. 1,200 per annum for the King's governor for the time being, was ordered to be paid among the faid creditors till their demands were fully fatisfied and difcharged : FOURTHLY, on the extinétion of thofe feveral incumbrances, it, was ftipulated that the whole revenue, fubject to the charge of k. 1,200 per annum to the governor, fhould be at the difpolal of the crown. ON thefe terms it was underftood that the proprietary government was tobe diffolved, and that the planters were to confider themfelves as legally confirmed in poffeffion of their eftates; and to carry into effeét the important point, on which the whole arrangement depended (the grant of a perpetual revenue by the affembly) Lord Willoughby returned to his government in 1663Ir is not wonderful that the planters, on his lordihip's --- Page 402 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK lordfhip's arrival, though devoted to the interefts III. of the crown, fhould have loudly murmured at the conduct and determination of the Britith government in the progrefs and conclufion ofthe whole bufinefs. Clarendon himfelf confeffes, that the grant to Carlifle was voidable by law. The King therefore laid them under no great obligation in obtaining a furrender of it. Many of the planters had been obliged to quit their native country in confequence of their exertions in fupport of the royal caufe during the civil war: by the laté fettlement they perceived a regard expreffed towards every intereft concerned but their own; and the return which they met with, both for their former fervices, and alfo for augmenting the trade, revenue, and dominion of the parent ftate by their recent labours, was a demand of a contribution, which they ftated would amount to ten per cent. on the clear profits of their eftates for ever. BuT their complaints, though well founded, were unavailing. The King and his governor were too deeply interefted to recede. The affembly was called upon to forge chains for themfelves and their children; ; and if perfuafion fhould fail, force was not only at hand, but was actually employed to compel them to fubmiffion. Colonel Farmer, who led the party in oppofition, was arrefted and fent prifoner to England, on a charge ten per cent. on the clear profits of their eftates for ever. BuT their complaints, though well founded, were unavailing. The King and his governor were too deeply interefted to recede. The affembly was called upon to forge chains for themfelves and their children; ; and if perfuafion fhould fail, force was not only at hand, but was actually employed to compel them to fubmiffion. Colonel Farmer, who led the party in oppofition, was arrefted and fent prifoner to England, on a charge --- Page 403 --- WEST INDIES. charge of mutiny and treafon, nor was he releafed CHAP. till aftera tedious and fevere confinement. Awed I. by this example, and fenfible that no fupport Y could be expeéted from the people at home, whofe privileges lay proftrate at the feet of the reftored monarch, the affembly paffed an act for the purpofes required of them; and their pofterity ftill bear, and it is apprehended will long continue to bear, the burthen ofit (k)! THE (k) I have thought it may be fatisfaétory to the reader to have an opportunity of perufing theact at large, which I therefore fubjoin, premifing that the claufe which exempts the lands called the 10,000 acres, and alfo that which ftipulates for the building a ieflions-houfe, and a prifon, and providing for all other public charges incumbent on the government, out of the monies to be raifed by the act, have been equally difregarded by the crown. The feffion-houfe and prifon were not finithed until the year 1730, and the expence (upwards of 6-5,000) was then defrayed by a fpecial tax on the inhabitants;and there was raifed by other taxes no lefs a fum than 6-19.440. Is. 4d. in three years (viz. from 1745to 1748) for the repair of the fortifications. An ACT for feutling the Impof on the Commodities ofthe Grouth gf this Mland; paffed the I2th of September, 1663--No 36. WHEREAS our late Sovereign Lord Charles the Firft, of bleffed memory, did, by his letters patent under the great feal of England, grant and convey unto James Earl of Carlifle and his heirs for ever, the propriety of this ifland of Barbadoes: And his facred Majefty that now is having by purchafe invefted himfelf in all the rights of the faid Earl of Carlifle, and in all other rights which any other perfon may claim from that patent, or any other; and thereby, more 1663--No 36. WHEREAS our late Sovereign Lord Charles the Firft, of bleffed memory, did, by his letters patent under the great feal of England, grant and convey unto James Earl of Carlifle and his heirs for ever, the propriety of this ifland of Barbadoes: And his facred Majefty that now is having by purchafe invefted himfelf in all the rights of the faid Earl of Carlifle, and in all other rights which any other perfon may claim from that patent, or any other; and thereby, more --- Page 404 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THE conduét of the Lord Chancellor ClarenIII. don in this affair, who indeed to have e appears been more immediately and particularly, hath taken this ifland into his royal proteétion. And his moft excellent Majefty having, by letters patent under the great feal of England, bearing date the twelfth of June, in the fifteenth year of his reign, appointed his excellency Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, captain-general and chief-governor of Barbadoes and all the Caribbee iflands, with full power and authority to grant, confirm, and affure to the inhabitants of the fame, and their heirs, for ever, all lands, tenements, and hereditaments under his Majefty's great feal appointed for Barbadoes and the reft of the Caribbee iflands, as, relation being thereunto had, may and doth more at large appear. And whereas, by virtue of the faid Earl of Carlifle's patent, divers governors and agents have been fent over hither, with authority to. lay out, fet, grant, or convey in parcels the lands within this ifland, to fuch perfons as they fhould think fit; which was by them, in their refpective times, as much as in them lay, accordingly performed. And whereas many have not their grants, warrants, and other evidences for their faid lands, and others, by reafon of the ignorances of thofe, want fufficient and legal words to create inheritances in them and their heirs, and others that never recorded their grants, or warrants, and othets that can make no proof of any grants or warrants they ever had for their lands; and yet have been long and quiet poffeffors of the fame, and beftowed great charges thereon. And whereas the acknowledgment of forty pounds of cotton per head, and other taxes and compofitions formerly raifed to the Earl of Carlifle, was held very heavy: For ai full remedy thereof for all the defeéts afore-related, and quieting the poffeffions and fettling the tenures of the inhabitants of this ifland; Be it enaéted by his excellency Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, &c. his council, and gentlemen ofthe affembly, and by the authority of the fame, that notwithflanding the defcéts afore-related all the now rightful pounds of cotton per head, and other taxes and compofitions formerly raifed to the Earl of Carlifle, was held very heavy: For ai full remedy thereof for all the defeéts afore-related, and quieting the poffeffions and fettling the tenures of the inhabitants of this ifland; Be it enaéted by his excellency Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, &c. his council, and gentlemen ofthe affembly, and by the authority of the fame, that notwithflanding the defcéts afore-related all the now rightful --- Page 405 --- W E ST INDIES. been the perfon chicfly confulted in it, was afterCHAP. wards thought fo juftly reprehenfible, as tog give I. occafion Y ful poficffors of lands, tenements, and hereditaments within this ifland, according to the laws and cuftoms thereof, atall times repair unto his Excellency for the full confirma- may tion of their eftates and tenures, and then and there Thall and may receive fuch full confirmation and affurance, under his Majefty'sg great feal forthis ifland, ast they can reafonably advife or defire, accordingto the truei intent and meaning of this act. And be it Sensasdinbotonuteer that all and every the payments off forty pounds of cotton per head, and all other duties,rents, and larrearsofrent which have or mighthave been levied, be from henceforth abfolutely and fully releafed and made void ; and thatthe inhabitants ofthis iflandhave and holdt their feveral plantations to them and their heirs for ever, in freeand common foccage, yielding and paying therefore, at the feaft of St. Michael every year, ifthe famel be lawfullydemanded, one ear of Indian corn to bis Majefly, his heirs and fucceffors for ever, in full and free difcharge of all rents and fervices for the future whatfoever, in confideration of the releafe of the faid forty pounds, and in confideration of the confirmation of all eftates in this ifland as aforefaid, and in acknowledgment of his Majefty's grace and favour in fending to and appointing over us his faid of whofe prudence and moderate Excellency, tofore had large experience, and do government reft moft we have herefor the future. And forafmuch as nothing conduceth affured thereof tot the peace: and profperity of any place, and the proteation more of every fingle perfon therein, than that the publick revenue thereof may be in fome meafure proportioned to the publick charges and expences; and alfo well weighing the charges that there muft be of neceflity in maintaining the great honour and dignity of his Majefty's authority here; the publick meeting of the feflions, the often attendance of the council, the reparation of the forts, the bailding a Jefions-honfe and a prifom, and all other pullick charges incumbent en the government; Vor. I. do, perfon therein, than that the publick revenue thereof may be in fome meafure proportioned to the publick charges and expences; and alfo well weighing the charges that there muft be of neceflity in maintaining the great honour and dignity of his Majefty's authority here; the publick meeting of the feflions, the often attendance of the council, the reparation of the forts, the bailding a Jefions-honfe and a prifom, and all other pullick charges incumbent en the government; Vor. I. do, --- Page 406 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK occafion to the eighth article ofhis impeachment III. by the Houfe of Commons in thc year 1667. Y Front do, in confideration thereof, give and grunt unto his Majefty, his heirs and fucceffors for ever, and do moft bumbly defire your Excellency to accept thefe our grants; and we humbly pray your Excellency that it may be enaéted, and be it enaéted by his Excellency Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, captain-general and chief governor of this ifland of Barbadoes, and all other the Caribbee Iflands, and by and with the confent ofthe council and the gentlemen of the affembly, reprefentatives of this ifland, and by authority of the fame, That an impoft or cuftom be, from and after publication hereof, raifed apon the native commodities of this ifland, after the proportions, and in manner and form as is hereafter fct down and appointed ; that is to fay, upon all dead commodities of the growth or produce of this ifland, that thall be fhipped off the fame, fhall be paid to our Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and fucceffors for éver, four and a half in fpecie for every five fcore. And be it further enaéted and declared by the authority aforefaid, That if fany goods before-mentioned, on which the faid cuftom is impofed, and due, by this aét, fall at any time hereafter be fhipped or put into any boat or other veffel, to the intent to be carried'into any parts beyond the feas, the faid impofition due for the fame niot paid, compounded fory or lawfully tendered to the colleétors or their deputies, or not having agreed with the commifioners for that purpofe to be appointed, or their deputies for the fame, according to the true intent and meaning of the faid act, that then, and from thenceforth, fhall the faid goods be forfeit, the moiety thereof to be to our Sovereign Lord the King, and the other to him that thall inform, feize, and fue for the fame in any court of record within this ifland ; whieh grants are left to your Excellency's own way of levying, in full confidenceand affurance that your Excellency will take fuch courfe for the colleêting and gathering of the faid impoft, without any charge, of the faid act, that then, and from thenceforth, fhall the faid goods be forfeit, the moiety thereof to be to our Sovereign Lord the King, and the other to him that thall inform, feize, and fue for the fame in any court of record within this ifland ; whieh grants are left to your Excellency's own way of levying, in full confidenceand affurance that your Excellency will take fuch courfe for the colleêting and gathering of the faid impoft, without any charge, --- Page 407 --- WEST INDIES. From his anfwer to that article, I have colleéted CHAP. (chieflyinhis own words) great partoftheaccount I. that charge, duty or fees, as may be moft for the eafe of the people of this ifland. Provided neverthelefs, that neither this aét, nor any thing therein contained, fhall extend or be conftrued to bar his Majefly, or his faid Excellency, from his or theirright to any land grar.ted, or any incroachments made upon the fea, fince the year one thoufand fix hundred and fifty, or" to any lands commonly called or knozon bythes name of TieTen Thoyfand Acves; the merchants land; granted by the late Earl of Carlifle, or his father, unto Marmaduke Rawden, Efquire, William Perkins, Alexander Bannifter, Edmund Forfter, Captain Wheatley, and others their aflociates, on certain covenants and conditions: Proidedaf, that the grouth and produce of the Jaidiands, mentioned in the preceding provifo, be not liable to any tax, impof, or cuflom, impefed by this ad; any thing in the fumefeeming 1o the contrary metsoilganding. And be it further enaétedby the authority aforefaid, That one act made the feventeenth day of January one thoufand fix hundred and fifty,intituled, An act timporting the cuftoms impofed and granted by the council, and gentlemen of the affembly, to the Right Honourable Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Lord Lieutenant-General of the Province of Carolina, and Governor of Barbadoes; as alfo, his Lordfhip's confirmation of the right of the inhabitants ofthis ifland to their feveral eftates, with the tenure and rent thereon created, be, and is from henceforth repealed, made void, fruftrate, of none effedt, to all intents, conftruétions, and purpofes whatfoever. In 1684, the affembly of this ifland propofed to farm the four and a half per cent. for eleveny years, for the annual rent of 6.6,000 fterling, tobe paid into the exchequer; the nor and council concurred, and it was agreed that 6-7,000 gover. Z 2 currency on created, be, and is from henceforth repealed, made void, fruftrate, of none effedt, to all intents, conftruétions, and purpofes whatfoever. In 1684, the affembly of this ifland propofed to farm the four and a half per cent. for eleveny years, for the annual rent of 6.6,000 fterling, tobe paid into the exchequer; the nor and council concurred, and it was agreed that 6-7,000 gover. Z 2 currency --- Page 408 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK that Ihavegiven; and there cannot bea ftronger III. demonftration of the tendency of power to per1 vert the judgment, and cloud the faculties of the wifeftand worthieft of men, than the juftificationi he has offered. He even claims great merit in not having advifed the king to poffels himfelf of the whole ifland of Barbadoes, without any regard to the planters or creditors concerned in thei iffue. THE profecution of this great ftatefman, liowever, on this account, was of no advantage to the fuffering planters; for in this, as in many other cafes, the redrefs of a grievance, and the punifhment ofits author, were objeêts of very diftinét confideration. Thole who fought the ruin currency per annum fhould be raifedby a tax of twenty-one pence per acre, on all lands amounting to ten or more acres. The towns and traders to be taxed L-500 fterling. Anact palied March Igth 1684, for this purpofe, and was fent home; but the lords of the committee for trade and plantations reportèd, that the commiffioners of the cuftoms with whom they had advifed, were of opinion that they could make no eftimate of theduty, until they had experienced the produce thercof, under the then management, for one year at leaft; and that the commiffioners appointed for managing the faid dutyin Barbadoes, had affured them the duty would be worth from 6.8,000 to 6.10,000 per annum. So the act was repealed. This propofal to farm the four and a half per cent. duty, was made in confequence of Governor Dutton's fignifying to the council and aflembly, on his arrival in 1680, that his Majefty was inclined to commute the tax, for a reafonable recompence. of --- Page 409 --- WEST INDIES. of Clarendon, had nothing lefs in view than the CHAP. removal of oppreffion, from fubjects fo remote as I. thofe of Barbadoes. L IN thus tracing the origin, progrefs, and termination of the proprietary government in this ifland, Ihave purpofely chofen not to break the thread of my narration, by recording any intermediate events of a nature foreign to that fubjeét. Soon afterthe eftablifhment of the Commonwealth in England, circumftances however arole,refpectingthis colony, which haveproduced fuch effeéts on the general commerce of GreatBritain, as cannot be overlooked in an hiftorical and commercial furvey of her Weft Indian plantations, and of which I Chall now give fome account. THE reader has been fufficiently apprized of the attachment of the Barbadians towards the regal government. One of the firft aéts paffed by the affembly, after the arrival of the Lord Willoughby for the firft time, (1647) was a declaration of their allegiance and fidelity to the unfortunate Charles the Firft, at that time a prifoner to the army; ; and on the death of that monarch, the popular refentment againft his perfecutors ran fo high in this ifland, that the few planters who were fufpeéted to be in the intereft of the parliament, thought it neceffary to feek protection in England. To punifh fuch ftubborn defenders of a ruined Z 3 caufe, oughby for the firft time, (1647) was a declaration of their allegiance and fidelity to the unfortunate Charles the Firft, at that time a prifoner to the army; ; and on the death of that monarch, the popular refentment againft his perfecutors ran fo high in this ifland, that the few planters who were fufpeéted to be in the intereft of the parliament, thought it neceffary to feek protection in England. To punifh fuch ftubborn defenders of a ruined Z 3 caufe, --- Page 410 --- HISTORY OF. THE BOOK caufe, the parliament refolved, in 1651, to fend a III. powerful armament for the reduétion of all the Y Englith colonies in America and the Weft Indies; but particularly Barbadoes, at that time the moft important and hoftile of them all. MANY, indeed, were the motives which inftigated the parliament to this determination. From the beginning of the commotions in the mothercountry, the planters, having no other means of conveying the produce of their lands to Europe, had employed in tbis neceffary navigation, many of the Thips and feamen of Holland ; and at this junéture the Englith government entertained very hoftile intentions towards the fubjects of that republick. The reduction of Barbadoes would at once punifh the colonifts, and enable the Englith parliament to deprive the Dutch of fo profitable an intercourfe with them; it would alfo enrich the treafury ofthe new government, by the confifcation of many valuable fhips and cargoes in the harbours of that and the other iflands. The parliament had reafon likewife, it was faid, to apprehend that Prince Rupert, with a fquadron of the King's (hips, Was about croffing the Atlantick, to fecure all the Englith American poffeffions for Charles the Second. AYSCUE, who commanded the parliament's forces employed on this expedition, arrived at Barbadoes on the 16th of OCtober 1651, and fucceeded --- Page 411 --- W E ST INDIES. fucceeded at length in bringing thei ifland to Ca- CHAP. pitulate (1): But this was not effeéted without I. ) great difficulty; for he met with fo ftout a refiftance, as determined his employers at home immediately to enforce a fcheme they had projeéted a thort timebefore, of altering the whole fyftem of the Barbadian commerce ; by prohibiting by an aét of the Commonwealth, all foreign thipping from trading with the Englith plantations ; and not permitting any goods to be imported into England, or any of its dependencies, in any other than Englith bottoms; or in thips of that European nation of which the merchandize imported was the genuine growth and manufaéture. And thus arofe the famous navigation act of this kingdom 5 for, immediately after the reftoration, its provifions were adopted by Charles the Second, with this addition, that the mafter and threefourths of the mariners, fhould alfo be Englith fubjeéts. WHATEVER advantages the general commerce and navigation of England may have derived (1) Ayfcue agreed, among other things, that the government fhould confift of a governor, council, and affembly, according to the ancient and ufual cuftom of the ifland. The affembly to be chofen by a free and voluntary eleétion ofthe freeholders of the ifland in the feveral parifhes. That no taxes, cuftoms, impofts, loans, or excife, fhould be laid, nor levy made on any ofthe inhabitants of this ifland, without their confent in a general affembly i and that all laws that had been made by general affemblies, not repugnant to the laws of England, fhould be good. Z4 from ufual cuftom of the ifland. The affembly to be chofen by a free and voluntary eleétion ofthe freeholders of the ifland in the feveral parifhes. That no taxes, cuftoms, impofts, loans, or excife, fhould be laid, nor levy made on any ofthe inhabitants of this ifland, without their confent in a general affembly i and that all laws that had been made by general affemblies, not repugnant to the laws of England, fhould be good. Z4 from --- Page 412 --- HISTORY OF THE EOOK from thiscelebrated law, it muft be allowed that III. its original framers were actuated no better Y / by motives (as a great (m) writer hath obferved) than thote of punifhing the planters, and clipping the wings of the Dutch. The inhabitants of Barbadocs, juftly confidering the law asa chaftifementinfi@ted on them by the Commonwealth for their loyaltyto Charles the Second, were filled with amazement and indignation, on finding its provifions adopted and confirmed on the reftoration of that monarch. By the regulations of this act, and the eftablifhment of the internal duty on their produce, of which I have fo largely fpoken, they thought themfelves treated with a rigour which bordered on ingratitude, and they prediéted the decline of their population, agriculture and wealth, from the effect of thofe meafures. How far their prediétions have been accomplifhed, a comparative ftate of the ifland at different periods will demonftrate; with which, and a few mifcellaneous obfervations, I Thall difmifs my prefent account. BARBADOES is fituated in 13*10'1 N. lat. and in longitude 59" W. from London. Itis about twenty-one miles in length, and fourteen in breadth, and contains 106,470 acres ofland, moft of which is under cultivation. The foil in the low lands is black, fomewhat reddifh in the thallow parts; on the hills of a chalky marl, and near the fea generally fandy. Of this variety of foil, (m) Blackfione. the --- Page 413 --- WEST INDIES. the black mould is beft fuited for the cultiva- CIAP. tion of the cane, and, with the aid of manure, I. 2 - / has given as great returns of fugar, in favourable feafons, as any in the Weft Indies, the prime lands of St. Kitt's excepted. THAT thefoil of this iflandis, toa great degree, naturally fertile, we muft neceffarily admit, if we give credit to the accounts which are tranfmitted down to us, of its ancient population and opuJence. Weareaffured, that about the year 1670, Barbadoes could boaft of fifty thoufand white, and upwards of one hundred thoufand black inhabitants, whofe labours, itis faid, gave employment to fixty thoufand tons of fhipping (m). I fulpeét that this account is much exaggerated. It cannot however be doubted, that the inhabitants of this ifland have decreafed with a rapidity feldom known in any other country. Ihave now before me authentick returns of the number of its whites in 1724, and of its negrocs in 1753: the former confifted of no more than eighteen thoufand two hundred and ninety-five, the latter of fixty-nine thoufand cight hundred and (n) The earlieft planters of Barbadoes were fometimes reproached with the guilt of forcing or decoying into flavery the Indians of the neighbouring continent. The Hiftory of Iakle and Yarico, which the Speétator has recorded for the deteftation of mankind, took its rife in this ifland; but happily this fpecies of flavery has been long fince abolifhed : and perhaps fuch of my readers as have fympathized with the unfortunate Yarico, may not be forry to hear that fhe bore her ) The earlieft planters of Barbadoes were fometimes reproached with the guilt of forcing or decoying into flavery the Indians of the neighbouring continent. The Hiftory of Iakle and Yarico, which the Speétator has recorded for the deteftation of mankind, took its rife in this ifland; but happily this fpecies of flavery has been long fince abolifhed : and perhaps fuch of my readers as have fympathized with the unfortunate Yarico, may not be forry to hear that fhe bore her --- Page 414 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK and feventy. In1786 the numbers were fixteen III. thoufand one hundred and fixty-feven whites, Y cight hundred and thirty-eight free people of colour, and fixty-two thoufand one hundred and fifteen negroes. Ir appears too that the annual produce of this ifland (particularly fugar) has decreafed in a much greater proportion than in any other of the Weft Indian colonies. Poftlethwayte ftates the crop of fugar, in 1736, at 22,769 hogtheads of 13 cwt. which is equal to 19,800 of 15 cwt.; and the author of the European Settlements, publifhed in 1761, calculates the average crop at 25,000 hogtheads. As the author firft quoted, gives a her misfortunes with greater philofophy than they have hitherto fancied. The ftory was firft related by Ligon, who (after praifing poor Yarico's- excellent complexion, which, he fays, was 6 a bright bay: :" and her fmall breafts 6 with 6 nipples of porphyrie") obferves, that 6 fhe chanc't afteref wards to be with child by a Chriftian fervant, and being 6E very great, walked down to a woode, in which was a pond 6 of water, and there, by the Gde of the pond, brought herd felfe a-bed, and in three hours came home with the child e in her arms, a lufty boy, frolicke and lively." The crime of Inkle the merchant, however, admitsof no palliation S but it is ridiculous enough to hear Abbé Raynal (willing to improve upon Addifon) afcribe to it an intended revolt of all the Negroes in Barbadoes, who, as he afferts, moved by indignation at Inkle's monftrous cruelty, vowed with one accord the deftruétion of all the Whites; but their plot was difcovered the night before it was to have been carried into effedt, The Hifoire Philofsphique has a thoufand beauties; but it grieves me to fay, that in point of hiftorical accuracy, it is nearly on a level with the Hiftory of Robinfon Crufoe or Tom Thumb. precife of all the Negroes in Barbadoes, who, as he afferts, moved by indignation at Inkle's monftrous cruelty, vowed with one accord the deftruétion of all the Whites; but their plot was difcovered the night before it was to have been carried into effedt, The Hifoire Philofsphique has a thoufand beauties; but it grieves me to fay, that in point of hiftorical accuracy, it is nearly on a level with the Hiftory of Robinfon Crufoe or Tom Thumb. precife --- Page 415 --- WEST INDIES. precife number, it is probable his ftatement was CHAP. grounded on good authority. If fo, the ifland I. has fallen off nearly one-haifin the annual growth of its principal ftaple. On an average of cight years (from 1740. to 1748) the exports were 13.948 hogfheads of fugar, of 15 cwt. 12,884 puncheons of rum of IOO gallons, 60 hog(heads of melaffes, +,667 bags of ginger, 600 bags of cotton, and 327 gourds of aloes. The exports, on an average of 1784, 1785 and 1786, had fallen to 9,554 hogtheads of fugar, 5.448 puncheons of rum, 6,320 bags of ginger, 8,331 bags of cotton; ; exclufive of fome fmaller articles, as aloes, fweetmeats, &cc. of which the quantities are not afcertained. THAT the dreadful fucceffion of hurricanes, with which it has pleafed the Almighty to vifit this, and the other Weft Indian iflands, within the laft twelve years, has contributed to this great defalcation, cannot be doubted. The capital of this ifland was fcarce rifen from the afhes to which it had been reduced by two dreadful fires, when it was torn from its foundations, and the whole country made a fcene of defolation, by the ftorm of the Ioth of Oétober 1780, in which no lefs than four thoufand three hundred and twenty-fix of the inhabitants (blacks and whites) miferably perifhed ; and the damage to the country was computed lat 6-1,320,564-155. fterling. Ir --- Page 416 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Ir might have been prefumed, however, from III. the favourable feafons which have been experiY enced for the laft three or four ycars, that the profpeêt was at length beginning to brighten; but although, fince the failure of their fugar plantations, the inhabitants have found fome refource in the cultivation of cotton, it does not feem probable, that any encouragement is capable of ever reftoring this ifland toi its ancient fplendor and opulence 5 unlefs it be relieved from the heavy impofition of 41 per cent. on their exported produce, of the origin of which I have fo largely treated. It is to be hoped, that an enlightened minifter will one day arife, who will have the courage and virtue to fignify to the fovereign, that it is neither becoming the dignity, nor confiftent with the charaéter of the common father ofall his fubjeêts, to infift on a tribute froma part of them, which, though nominally granted by themfelves, was affuredly obtained by fraud and oppreffion, and of which the continuance is a check to honeft induftry, and perhaps the immediate caufe of the decline of this beautiful and once valuable colony. BARBADOES is divided into five diftriéts, and eleven parifhes; and contains four towns, Bridgetown, Oftins or Charles Town, St. James's (formerly called The Hole,) and - Speight's Town; Bridge Town, the capital, before it was deftroyed by the fires of 1766, confifted of about fifteen hundred and oppreffion, and of which the continuance is a check to honeft induftry, and perhaps the immediate caufe of the decline of this beautiful and once valuable colony. BARBADOES is divided into five diftriéts, and eleven parifhes; and contains four towns, Bridgetown, Oftins or Charles Town, St. James's (formerly called The Hole,) and - Speight's Town; Bridge Town, the capital, before it was deftroyed by the fires of 1766, confifted of about fifteen hundred --- Page 417 --- WEST INDIES. hundred houfes, which were moftly built of CHAP. brick; andit is ftill the feat of government, and I. may be called the chief refidence of the governor, who is provided with a country villa called Pilgrims, fituated within a mile of it: his falary was raifed by QueenAnne from twelve hundred to two thoufand pounds per anum, the whole of which is paid out of the exchequer, and charged to the account of the four and a half per cent. duty. The form of the government of this ifland fo very nearly refembles that of Jamaica, which has already been defcribed, that it is unneceffary to enter into detail, except td obferve that the council is compofed of twelve members, and the affembly of twenty-two. The moft important variation refpects the court of chancery, which in Barbadoes is conftituted of the governor and council, whereas in Jamaica the governor is fole chancellor. On the other hand, in Barbadoes, the governor fits in council, even when the latter are adting in a legiflative capacity. This, in Jamaica, would be confidered improper and unconftitutional. It may alfo be obferved, that the courts of grand feffions, common pleas and exchequer, in Barbadoes, are diftinét from each other, and not, as in Jamaica, united and blended in one fupreme court cfjudicature. I Ahall clofe my account of Barbadoes with the following authentick documents: An es, the governor fits in council, even when the latter are adting in a legiflative capacity. This, in Jamaica, would be confidered improper and unconftitutional. It may alfo be obferved, that the courts of grand feffions, common pleas and exchequer, in Barbadoes, are diftinét from each other, and not, as in Jamaica, united and blended in one fupreme court cfjudicature. I Ahall clofe my account of Barbadoes with the following authentick documents: An --- Page 418 --- HISTORY OF THE Boox III. An ACCOUNT of the Number of Veffels, their Tonnage eand Number wards from the Ifland of BARBADOES to all Parts of the World, 1;88; with the Specics, Quantities, and Value of their Cargoes, Infpedor-Generalof Great Britain. Wbitber Bound. SHIPPING. SUGAF R. R U M. MELASSES. No, Tons. Men. Cwt, qrs. lb. Gailons. Gallons. To Great Britain 66 I1,22I 833 170,242 - 16 28,689 Ireland 3 317 28 2,114 25,200 1,089 American States 54 6,416 379 2,668 - 213,400 Br. Am. Colonies 41 3,182 237 2,742 146,100 Foreign W. Indics 78 5,694 458 2,0co I1,700 Africa I 87 7 Total 243 26,917 1,942 1137,766 - 16 415.489 PRODUCE of the Ifland of BARBADOES exported, SUG A R, MELASSES. R U M. A.D. Hds, Trces, Barls. Hds. Trces. Hds. Trces. Barls. 1786 8,659 82 3:419 114 5:199 39 1787 11,529 183 2,415 S7 3,872 27 693 6:4 1788 10,309 63 3,674 3,386 1;89 9,021 96 4,520 - 3,172 1790 9,998 123 2,935 2,331 1791 11,333 60 2,346 30 3,008 1792 17,073* 125 2,698 188 5,064 From this great Increafe in the Export of Sugar, and Decreafe in that in Europe, has encouraged the Cultivation of that Articie on Plantations which ACCOUNT of the Number of NEGROES in BARBADOES, and A1792, both A.D. No. of Slaves Do. imported. Amount of Taxes. 62,115 5TI 6-10,133 14 2t 62,712 13,523 15 I 63,557 1,585 8,382 12 4* 63,870 5:534 18 3 64,068 13I 13-482 19 O 179t 63,2g0 6,203 2 11t 9,443 19 3 --- Page 419 --- CHAP.I. WEST INDIES. of Men (including their repeated Voyages) that cleared Outbetween the Sth of JANUARY 1787 and the sth of JANUARY according to the aétual Prices in London, as made out by the GINGEE R. COTTON, FUSTIC. MISCEL. TOTAL Value ARTICLES. in SterlingMoney Cwt. grs, Ih. lbs. Cwt. qrs. lbs. Value. London agrecable Market. to tbe K. 5. d. E. S. d. 51437 2 18 2,640,725 240 5 45:948 19 486,570 4 8 65,250 5 35 7 IO 11,521 15 IO 23,217 13 4 69 16 18,080 6 TON, FUSTIC. MISCEL. TOTAL Value ARTICLES. in SterlingMoney Cwt. grs, Ih. lbs. Cwt. qrs. lbs. Value. London agrecable Market. to tbe K. 5. d. E. S. d. 51437 2 18 2,640,725 240 5 45:948 19 486,570 4 8 65,250 5 35 7 IO 11,521 15 IO 23,217 13 4 69 16 18,080 6 8 15 5,561 2 13 2,705,975 245 S 46,124 7 II 539,605 14 10 for SevenYears, from 1786 to 1792, both inclufive. GINGER. A L O E S. COTTON. Bagsand Barls. Hds. Trces. Gourds. Bags lbs. 8,070 8,864 6,095 10,51I 5,364 1,894,365 5,180 1,327,840 4,565 1,287,088 3,735 1,163,157 3,046 974,178 of the Minor Staples, it feems probable that the advanced Price of that Article had formerly been abandoned or appropriated to a different Line ofCulture. -mount of the PUBLIC TAXES for Seven Years, from 1786 to inclufive. G The Taxes thus levied on the Publick confift of a Capitation Tax on Negroes.-A Tax on Sugar Mills, Dwelling Houfes, and Carriages; together with an Excife, &c. on Wines imported. Befides all which there is a Parochial Tax on Landamounting on Average throughout the Hland to about Two Shillings per Acre, and an Affeffiment in Labour for the Repair of the Highways. The Whole is altogether exclufive of the heavy Duty of44 per Cent, to the Crown, --- Page 420 --- HISTORY OF THE LOOK III. CHAP. II. GRENADA and its Dependencies. Firfd diftovery, name and inhabitants.- -Frenchinvafion and efablifiment in 1650.-War zvith, and extermination of the natives.- -The iand and its dependencies conveyed to the Count de Cerillac.- Mifconduét and prnifiment of the deputy-governor.-Thecolony revertsto. the crown of France.- State %f the ifand in 1700.-And again in 1762, when captured by the Englifh.- Stipulations in favour of the French inhabitans-Faf meafiures ofthe Britifh government. - Claim efthe crown to lewy a duty of 41 per cent. On produce expertel-Arguneuts for and objections again/t the menfare-Decifiom of the court of King's Bench on this important quefion. -- Strigures 0n Jome pofitions advanced by the lord-chief-jufice on this occafion. - Tranfaclions within the colony. -Reyalingtrudlions infavour of the Roman Catholick capitulauts-luteral difentions-DeJocoipfiate-Fresch invafion in 1779--Brave defence ofthe garrifon. - Unconditional furrender. -Hardhips exercifed towards the Englifh planters and their credhitors-Redrefs given by the court of France-Grovada, ESc.refored 10 Great Britain ofitions advanced by the lord-chief-jufice on this occafion. - Tranfaclions within the colony. -Reyalingtrudlions infavour of the Roman Catholick capitulauts-luteral difentions-DeJocoipfiate-Fresch invafion in 1779--Brave defence ofthe garrifon. - Unconditional furrender. -Hardhips exercifed towards the Englifh planters and their credhitors-Redrefs given by the court of France-Grovada, ESc.refored 10 Great Britain --- Page 421 --- EE a - : S Da L A 3' /: N : : T ARE : - P0A : J : a R Mnl : PE V phun A au ppAl C Lat L I : I 2 a : e K S E - le - E D * : I - a H e $ - R I 5 0 la % E 4e --- Page 422 --- 105t1wad --- Page 423 --- WEST INDIES. Britain by the peace f1783.-Prfot Rate ef CHAP. the colony in refpett to cultivation, produStions and II. exports; government and population. Posr- 1 SCRIPT. Appendix. RENADA was difcovered by, and received its name from, Chriftopher Columbus in his third voyage, in the year 1498. Hefound it poffeffed by a numerous and warlike people, amongft whom it does not appear that the Spaniards ever attempted to force a fettlement. They had a nobler prize to contend for on the continent, and a century elapfed before the other nations of Europe confidered the regions of the new world as countries, wherein all men might feize on what fuited their convenience, without any regard to the proper inhabitants. Thus the Charaibes of Grenada happily remainedin peacefulobfcurity until the year 1650, when the avarice and ambition of a reitlels individual devoted them to deftruction. THIS perfon was Du Parquet, the French governor of Martinico, nephew and heir of Defnambuc, of whom memorable mention is made in the annals of St. Chriftopher. Notwithflanding that the French eftablifhment in Martinico was itfelf of recent date, and that a great part of that ifland ftill remained uncultivated; and although another eftablifhment was, at the fame VoL. I. Aa time, --- Page 424 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK time, begun by the fame nation, in the large and III. fertile ifland of Guadaloupe, yet fuch was the Y rapacioufnefs of this people, that upwards of two hundred hardy ruffians were cafily colleéted by Du Parquet's encouragement for an attempt on Grenada; and it is apparent from the nature and magnitude of the preparations, that it was confidered as an enterprize of difficulty and danger. THE hiftory of this expedition, which took placein June 1650, is related at large by Father du Tertre, whofe account exhibits fuch a monftrous mixture of fanaticifm and knavery in the conduét of its leaders, as cannot be contemplated without indignation and horror. Although it is evident that the French had not the fmalleft juftifiable pretence for thisinvafion, yet we find the commanders adminiftering the holy facrament, in the moft folemn manner, to all the foldiers on their embarkation; and again, on their landing, Du Parquet, caufing a crofs to be ereéted, compelled them to kneel down before it, and join in devout prayer to Almighty God, for fuccefs to their enterprize. THIS commander feems however to have had a few feruples of confcience concerning the juftice ofhis, proceedings 5 for, having been received and entertained with the utmoft kindnefs and cordiality by the natives (contrary to his expectation, and perhaps to his wifhes) he thought it neceffary , on their landing, Du Parquet, caufing a crofs to be ereéted, compelled them to kneel down before it, and join in devout prayer to Almighty God, for fuccefs to their enterprize. THIS commander feems however to have had a few feruples of confcience concerning the juftice ofhis, proceedings 5 for, having been received and entertained with the utmoft kindnefs and cordiality by the natives (contrary to his expectation, and perhaps to his wifhes) he thought it neceffary --- Page 425 --- WEST INDIES, neceflary to affect fome little regard to modera- CHAP. tion, by pretending to open a treaty with the II. chief of the Charaibes for the purchafe of the country. He gave the natives (obferves Du Tertre) fome knives and hatchets, and a large quantity of glajs beads, befides tz0o bottles of brandy for the chief himfelfs and thus (continues he) was the ifland fairly ceded to the French nation by the natives themfelves in lawful purchafe! After this notable tranfaétion, it is not wonderful that the French thould confider the refufal of the poor favages to confirm the agreement, as contumacy and rebellion. Du PARQUET, having thus eftablifhed a COlony in Grenada, and built a fort for its protection, left the government of the ifland to a kinfman, named Le Compte, a man, according to Du Tertre, who poffeffed very fingular talents for government; and was remarkable for clemency and humanity. We find this gentleman however, cight months afterwards, engaged in a moft bloody war with the Charaibes; in the profecution of which he authorized fuch acts of cruelty as furnifh a portrait of him very different from that which the hiftorian has exhibited. On receiving news of the revolt of the natives, Du Parquet fent a reinforcement of three hundred men from Martinico, with orders to extirpate the natives altogether; but Le Compte feems not Aaz to --- Page 426 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK to have wanted any incitement to actsof barba* III. rity ; for Du Tertre admits that he had already ) proceeded to murder, without mercy, every Charaibe that fell intohis hands; not fparing even the women and children. OF the manner in which this humane and accomplithed commander, and his civilized followers, conduéted hoftilities againft thefe miferable people, we may form an idea, from a circumftance that occurred in one of their expeditions, of which the reverend hiftorian concludes his narrative as follows: 4 Forty ofthe Charaibes were maffacred on the fpot. About forty others, who had efcaped the fword, ran towards a precipice, from whence they caft themfelves headlong into the fea, and miferably perifhed. A beautiful young girl of twelve or thirteen years of age, who was taken alive, became the object of difpute between two of our officers, each of them claiming her as his lawful prize; a third coming up, put an end to the conteft, by fhooting the girl through the head. The place from which thefe barbarians threw themfelves into the fea, has been called ever fince le Morne des Sauteurs (a): Our) people (having loft but one man in the expedition) proceeded in the next place to fet fire to the cottages, and root up the provifions of the favages, and, having deftroyed, or taken away, (a)l Leapers Hill. every them claiming her as his lawful prize; a third coming up, put an end to the conteft, by fhooting the girl through the head. The place from which thefe barbarians threw themfelves into the fea, has been called ever fince le Morne des Sauteurs (a): Our) people (having loft but one man in the expedition) proceeded in the next place to fet fire to the cottages, and root up the provifions of the favages, and, having deftroyed, or taken away, (a)l Leapers Hill. every --- Page 427 --- WEST INDIES. every thing belonging to them, returned in high CHAP. fpirits," (bien joyeux). II. By a feries of fuch enormities, the whole race 1 of Charaibes that poffeffed Grenada in 1650, was fpeedily exterminated, and the French, having in this manner butchered all the natives, proceeded, in the next place, to maffacre each other. THE particulars of this çivil conteft may, without injury to my readers, be omitted. I fhall therefare only obferve, that the fupreme authority of Du Parquet and his licutenant, was at length eftablifhed in Grenada; but the expence which had attended the plantation from its outfet, and the maintenance of the force which Du Parquet had been compelled to furnith in fupport of his authority, had fo greatly injured his fortune, as to induce him to look out for a purchafer of all his rights and pofleffions in this ifland and its dependencies. In 1656 fuch a purchafer offered in the Count de Cerillac, to. whom the whole was conveyed for 30,000. crowns, THE conduét of Cerillac towards the inhabitants of his newly acquired dominion was highly injudicious and oppreflive. He appointed a gavernor of fo arrogant and rapacious a difpofition, and fupported him in his extortions with fuch obftinacy, as to compel the moft refpectable of the fettlers to quit the country and feek for fafety Aa3 under --- Page 428 --- HISTORY OF TI HE BOOK undera a milder government. At length the peoIII. ple that remained took the adminiftration of juftice into their own hands; by feizing on the perfon of the governor, and bringing him to a pub. lick trial. The criminal was condemned to be hanged : but he pleaded noble birth, and demanded the honour of decollation. His requeft would have been granted, but unluckily an expert executioner in the bufinefs of beheading could not readily be faund ; thejudges therefore compounded the matter with his excellency, by confenting that he fhould be fhot, and he fuffered in that mode with great compofure. SoME years after this, Monfieur de Cerillac, the proprietor, receiving, as it may be fuppofed, but little profit from his capital, conveyed all his rights and intereft in Grenada, &c. to the French Weft Indian company 3 whofe charter being abolifhed in 1674, the ifland from thenceforward became vefted in the crown of France. UNDER the various revolutions and calamities which had thus attended this unfortunate plantation, it may well be imagined that cultivation had made but little progrefs in it; but although order and fubmifion were at length introduced by the eftablifhment of theroyal authority, various caufes concurred ta keep the colony in a itate of poverty and depreffion for many years afterwards. Even fo late as 1700, if Raynai has being abolifhed in 1674, the ifland from thenceforward became vefted in the crown of France. UNDER the various revolutions and calamities which had thus attended this unfortunate plantation, it may well be imagined that cultivation had made but little progrefs in it; but although order and fubmifion were at length introduced by the eftablifhment of theroyal authority, various caufes concurred ta keep the colony in a itate of poverty and depreffion for many years afterwards. Even fo late as 1700, if Raynai has --- Page 429 --- WEST INDIES. has been rightly informed, the ifland contained CHAI P. no more than 251 whites and 525 blacks; who II. were employed on 3 plantations of fugar, and 52 of indigo. AFTER the peace ofUtrecht, the government of France began to turn its attention towards her Weft Indian poffeflions. Grenada however, for many years, partook lefs of its care than the reft. It had no conftant correfpondence with the mother-country : fome oppreffive regulations of the farmers-general ruined the cultivation of one of its ftaples, tobacco: and the planters had not the means of obtaining a fupply of negroes from Africa, fufficient for the purpofe of cultivating fugar to any extent. Thefe inconveniencies led them into a fmuggling intercourfe with the Dutch : a refource which at length changed their circumftances for the better; encreafed their numbers and occafioned a great part of the country to be fettled, infomuch that when, in the year 1762, the fortune of war made the Englith mafters of this and the reft of the French Charaibean iflands, Grenada and the Grenadines are faid to have yielded annually, in clayed and mufcovado fugar, a quantity equal ta about 11,000h hogtheads of mufcovado. of 15 cwt. each, and about 27,000 lbs. of indigo, GRENADA furrendered on capitulation in February 1762, and, with its dependencies, was Aa4 finally --- Page 430 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK finally ceded to Great Britain the III. by definitive treaty of peace at Paris on the Ioth of February 17635 St. Lucea being reftored at the fame time to France. The chief ftipulations in favour of the inhabitants, as well by the treaty, as by the articles of capitulation, were thefe; ift. That, as they would become by their furrender, fubjects of Great Britain, they fhould cnjoy their properties and privileges, and pay taxes, in like manner. as therehof his Majehy's fmbjeEts of the other Britijfh Leeward Mands. 2dly. With refpeét to religion, they were put on the fame footing as the inhabitants of Canada, viz. liberty was given them to exercife it according to the rites of the Romifh Church, asfar asthe laws of Great Britain permitted. 3dly. Such of the inhabitants of Grenada as chofe to quit the ifland, fhould have liberty fo to do, and, eighteen months fhould be allowed. them to difpofe of their effeéts. THE ifland and its dependencies being thus become a Britith colony, one of the firit meafures of government was to iffue a proclamation under the great feal, bearing date the 7th of October 1763, wherein, amongft othcr things, it is declared 66 that all perfons inhabiting in, or reee - forting to, theifland of Grenada, might confide cc in the royal protection for the enjoyment of 66 the benefit of the laws of England, with the 66 right of appeal to the king in council, as fully 66 as its dependencies being thus become a Britith colony, one of the firit meafures of government was to iffue a proclamation under the great feal, bearing date the 7th of October 1763, wherein, amongft othcr things, it is declared 66 that all perfons inhabiting in, or reee - forting to, theifland of Grenada, might confide cc in the royal protection for the enjoyment of 66 the benefit of the laws of England, with the 66 right of appeal to the king in council, as fully 66 as --- Page 431 --- WEST INDIES. 4 as theinhabitants of the other Britifh colonies CHAE P. Sin America under the king's immediate goII. < vernment.". - It alfo fets forth, 6 that the king, <6 byletters patent under the great feal, had given. S exprefs power and direétion to the governor, as E foon as the ftate and circumftances of the CO5 lony would admit thereof, with the advice and G confent of the counçil, and the reprefentatives ce of the people, to make, conftitute, and ordain 6c laws, ftatutes, and ordinances for the good gon e5 vernment thereof, as near as may be agrecably cc to the laws of England, and under fuch regu- % lations and reftrictions as are ufed in the other eE Britifh colonies." THIS proclamation was followed by another, dated the 26th of March 1764, inviting purchafers upon certain terms and conditions. THE governor thus faid to have been appointed, was general Melville, whofe commiflion however did not bear date until the 9th of April 1764, and the affembly which he was direéted to fummon, met for the firft time in 1765; previous to which, the Britith inhabitants were irrefiftibly called to the difcuflion ofa a great conftitutional queftion S of which it is proper I fhould now give fome account. THE queftion arofe from the information, that the crown, conceiving itfelf entitled by the terms of --- Page 432 --- HISTORYOF T HE BOOK of the capitulation to the duty of 41 per cent. III. upon all produce exported from the newly ceded ) iflands, as paid at Barbadoes, &c. had iffued Tetters patent, bearing date the 2oth July 1764, ordering and direéting, by virtue of the prerogative royal, that from and after the 2gth of September, then next enfuing, fuch duty or import in fpecie, fhould be levied in Grenada $ in lieu of all cuftoms and duties formerly paid to the French king, We have feen, in the hiftory of Barbadoes, in what manner the inhabitants of that ifland became fubject to the duty in queftion 5 and to what purpofes the money was exprefsly ftipulated to be applied; but unjuftifiable as were the means by which that impofition was originally eftablifhed in Barbadoes, the grant was, apparently, the grant of the people themfelves, by their reprefentatives in their legiflative capacity. Even Charles the IId. in whofe reign the grant patfed, though a rapacious and unprincipled monarch, did not openly claim the right of laying taxes by his own authority in a colony which had an affembly of its own, competent to that purpofe. The king was ready enough to overawe, or to corrupt the members which compofed that affembly; but he left them the formand femblance at leaft, of a free government. Ix elves, by their reprefentatives in their legiflative capacity. Even Charles the IId. in whofe reign the grant patfed, though a rapacious and unprincipled monarch, did not openly claim the right of laying taxes by his own authority in a colony which had an affembly of its own, competent to that purpofe. The king was ready enough to overawe, or to corrupt the members which compofed that affembly; but he left them the formand femblance at leaft, of a free government. Ix --- Page 433 --- WEST INDIES. Ix defence of the prefent it that Grenada meafure, was urged CHAP. being a conquered country, the II. king was invefted with the power of putting the 1 inhabitants under what form of government he thought beft; that he might have granted them what terms of capitulation, and have concluded what articles of peace with them he faw fit; and further, that the affurance to the inhabitants of Grenada, in the articles of capitulation, that they fhould enjoy their properties and in like manner as the other his Majefty's privileges in the Britith Leeward Iflands, fubjects that neceffarily implied they were bound to fubmit to the fame confequences of their being fubjeéts as were fubmitted to by the inhabitants of thofe iflands which was the payment of the ; one of duty in It was faid therefore that the demand queftion. of this duty was moft reafonable, equitable and polititical; for that it was only putting to duties, on the fame footing with Grenada, all as tith Leeward Iflands. If Grenada the Briwould be detrimental paid more, it to her, iflefs, it would be detrimental to the other Leeward Iflands. ON the other fide, it was contended, that the letters patent were void on two points, the firft was 4 that although they had been granted before the proclamation of the 7th of Oétober yet the king could not exercife fuch a 1763, legiflative power over a conquered country." The fecond point --- Page 434 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK point was, < that although the king had fufficient III. power and authority, before the 7th of October Y 1763, to do fuch a legiflative act, he had divefted himfelfoffuch authority previous to the letters patent of the 2oth of July 1764." THE crown however perfifting in its claim, and the inhabitants in oppofing it, iffue was joined on the arguments that I have ftated, and the queftion was at length referred to a folemn adjudication before thejudges of the Court of King's Bench in England (b). THE cafe was elaborately argued in Weflminfter-hall, four feveral times; and in Michaelmas term 1774, Lord chief juftice Mansfield pronounced judgment, againf? the crown. The confequence was, that the duty in queftion was abolifhed, not only in Grenada, but alfo in the ceded iflands of Dominiça, St. Vincent, and Tobago. Ir may be reafonably fuppofed that the inhabitants of all thefe iflands had fufficient caufe for exultation at a verdict fo favourable to their interefts; but the circumftances on which the decifion was founded, and the doétrines which were promulgated along with it, became the fubjeét of much animadverfion ; and indeed (ifI J may obtrude my own opinion in fuch a cafe) they (6) The cafe is related at large in Cowper's Reports. appear obago. Ir may be reafonably fuppofed that the inhabitants of all thefe iflands had fufficient caufe for exultation at a verdict fo favourable to their interefts; but the circumftances on which the decifion was founded, and the doétrines which were promulgated along with it, became the fubjeét of much animadverfion ; and indeed (ifI J may obtrude my own opinion in fuch a cafe) they (6) The cafe is related at large in Cowper's Reports. appear --- Page 435 --- WEST INDIES. appear to me to be of a dangerous and unconfti- CHAE P. tutional tendency. II. THE noble and venerable jadge who pro1 nounced the opinion of the Court, refted the determination folely on the circumftance, that the proclamations of Oétober 1763, and March 1764, were of prior date to the letters patent ; obferving, that the king had precluded himfelf from the exercife of legillative authority over Grenada, before the letters patent were iffued. *c Through inattention, he faid, of the king's fervants, in inverting the order in which the inftruments fhould have paffed, the laft act was contradiétory to, and a violation of the firft, and on that account null ând void." But, although the noble lord confined the mere legal queftion to a narrowcompafs, hejudgedit neceffary, at the fame time, to enter on a wide and extenfive field of difcuffion in fupport of the regal authority over conquered countries; 5 maintaining 66 that it is left to the king to grant or refufe a capitulation if he refufes, and putsthe inhabitantstothef fword, orotheravife exterminates them, all the lands belong to himfelf. Ifhe receives the inhabitants under his protection, and grants them their property, he has a power to fix fach terms and conditions as he thinks proper. He may (faid the noble judge) yield up the conqueft, or retain it, O1 what terms hè pleafes, and change part, or the whole, of the law, or political --- Page 436 --- HISTORY OF TH E EOOK liticalform ofits government, as le fees bef." In III. reply to an obfervation, that no adjudged cafe, in 1 point, had been adduced, the noble lord declared that this was not to be wondered at, "inafmuch as no queftion was ever ftarted before but that the king has a right to a legillative authority over a conquered country :" and he quoted an opinion of the crown lawyers in 1722, in refpeét of Jamaica. The affembly of that ifland being refractory, it was referred to Sir Philip Yorke and Sir Clement Wearge to know cE what could be done if the affembly fhould obftinately continue to withhold all the ufual fupplies." They reported, that 66 if Jamaica was ftill to be confidered as a conquered ifand, the king had a right tolevy taxes upon the inhabitants; but if it was to be confidered in the fame light as the other colonies, no tax could be impofed on the inhabitants, but by an afembly ofthe ifand, or by an astof parliament." Ir is impoffible, I think, not to perceive, throughout thefc, and other parts of the learned judge's argument, a certain degree of bias arifing from the unhappy diffentions which, about that period, broke out into a civil war between Great Britain and her colonies; in the progrefs ofwhich, it is believed, this noble perfon diftinguifhed himfelf fas an active partizan, and a powerful advocate for the unconditional fupremacy of the mother- by an afembly ofthe ifand, or by an astof parliament." Ir is impoffible, I think, not to perceive, throughout thefc, and other parts of the learned judge's argument, a certain degree of bias arifing from the unhappy diffentions which, about that period, broke out into a civil war between Great Britain and her colonies; in the progrefs ofwhich, it is believed, this noble perfon diftinguifhed himfelf fas an active partizan, and a powerful advocate for the unconditional fupremacy of the mother- --- Page 437 --- WEST INDIES. 35y mother-country. I might otherwife be charge- CHAP. able with great arrogance in prefuming to differ II. from fuch weight of authority; - but furely it will 1 be permitted me to examine the doétrine maintained on this occafion, by theteft of thofe cafes, which the noblejudge himfelf adduced in its fupport. In fuch an examination, plain argument and common fenfe may fupply the fubtleties of legal refinement, and the want of profeffional learning. THE cafes chiefly relied on by the learned judge, were thofe of Ireland, Wales, Berwick and New York;inall which places it was afferted that the king, after their conqueft, had, of his own authority, exercifed the powers of legiflature, by introducing an alteration of their former laws, and eftablifhing a new fyftem ofg government over the inhabitants. < No man (obferved his lordfhip, in the cafe of Ireland) ever faid, that the change in the laws of that country was made by the parliament of England: : no man ever faid the crown could not doi it." WITH the utmoft deference, however, to the fentiments of this great and enlightened lawyer, Iprefume to think that the queftion was not fimply, Whether the crown alone, or the parliament of England, had the right of exercifing the authority contended for?-I will even admit that the interpofition of parliament was unneceffary. Still --- Page 438 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Still however the main queftion remains to be anIII. fwered, which is, To what extent may the royal W prerogative in fuch cales be exerted? Did the noble judge mean to affert, that conqueft deftroys all the rights of the conquered, and that the king, in changing thcir laws and form of government, bas a right to prefcribe to them, not merely the Englifh coyfhitations-but any other fyftem he thinks beft? If fuch was the opinion, it may be affirmed that the cales which his lordfhip adduced in fupport of his argument, warrant no fuch conclufion. THE firft cafe was that of Ireland. c The fact, fays the noblelord, comes out clearly to be, that Ireland received the laws of England by thecharters and commarids of Henry II. King John, and Henry III." OF Wales, the hoble lord obferves 66 that thé ftatute of Wales (12 Edward I.) is certainly no more than regulations, made biy the king in his corncilfor the government of Wales, and that the king governed it as a comguen;"but let us hear on this fubjeét the Jearned judge Blackftone. kk This territory, obferves Blackftone, being then entirely re-annexed (by a kind of feodal refamption) to the dominion of the crown of England, or, as the ftatute of Rutland expreifes it, terra Walliae cum incolis fitis, prius regijure feodali fub je8las (of which homage was the fign) jam in pro3 prictatis king governed it as a comguen;"but let us hear on this fubjeét the Jearned judge Blackftone. kk This territory, obferves Blackftone, being then entirely re-annexed (by a kind of feodal refamption) to the dominion of the crown of England, or, as the ftatute of Rutland expreifes it, terra Walliae cum incolis fitis, prius regijure feodali fub je8las (of which homage was the fign) jam in pro3 prictatis --- Page 439 --- W E ST INDIES, prictatis dominium totaliter et cumintegritate comverfa CHAP. ef, et coronae regni Angliae tanquam pars corporis II. ejufdem annexa el unita. But the finifhing ftroke Y to their independency, was given by the ftatute 27 Henry VIII. c. 26. which at the fame time gave the utmoft advancement to their civil profperity, by admitting them to athorough communication oflaws with the fiubjessof England. Thus were this brave people gradually conquered into the enjoyment of true liberty; being infenfibly put zpon the Jame footing, and madef fellow citizens with their comquerors." ANOTHER cafe was that of Berwick, which, obferved the noble lord, cc after the conqueft of it, was governed by charters from the crown, without the interpofition of Parliament, till the reign of James I." The noble judge would have ftated this cafe more fairly, had he faid that Edward I. at the requef of the inhabitants, confirmed to them the' enjoyment of their ancient laws; but that cits conftitution was put on an Englifh footing, by a charter of king James." Theleare the very words of Blackftone. THE cafe next quoted by the learned judge was that of New York, which was conquered from the Dutch in 1664, and, like Wales, remained in poffeffion of moft of its former inhabitants. 65 King Charles II. (obferves the noble judge) changed the form of their conftitution and poliVoz.I. Bb tical --- Page 440 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ticalgovernment; by granting it to the duke of III. York, to hold of his crown under all the regu1 lations contained in the letters patent."-Sof far is true; but what followed? This duke of York (afterwards James II.) was a man whofe prinçiples of government were in the higheft degree repugnant and inimical to thofe of the Englith conftitution. Accordingly he attempted at firft to introduce into the newly acquired country, a fyftem little confonant to Britifh freedom ; but he was difappointed and defeated. He was compelled much againft his inclination, to allow the people to choofe deputies to reprefent them in the legiflature; and thefe deputies aétually voted 6e that all the ordinances which had been made by the governor and council, before the people were admitted to a Thare in the legiflature, were invalid, becaufe they were pafed in a manner repugnant 10 the confitution of England." FROM this recital, itis I think evident that the noble and learned judge miftook the gif of the queftion; or rather confounded together two things which are totally diftinét and repugnant in their nature ; for he appears to have confidered the prerogative in the king, of extending to his newly acquired fubjeets, the benefits of the Englifh confitution, as equivalent to the right of ruling them by whatever conftitution or fyftem of government he pleafes; or, by none at all. Ir ." FROM this recital, itis I think evident that the noble and learned judge miftook the gif of the queftion; or rather confounded together two things which are totally diftinét and repugnant in their nature ; for he appears to have confidered the prerogative in the king, of extending to his newly acquired fubjeets, the benefits of the Englifh confitution, as equivalent to the right of ruling them by whatever conftitution or fyftem of government he pleafes; or, by none at all. Ir --- Page 441 --- WEST INDIES. Ir would feem then that, if the cafes which CH AP. have been adduced prove any thing, they prove II. that the crown neither has prefcribed, nor could Y prefcribe, any form of government incompatible with the principles of the Britifh conftitution, to any colonyort territory whatever, whether acquired by conqueft or fettlement ;-and good authorities are not wanting in fupport of this doétrine. 6 The king of Great Britain (fays an excellent writer (c) although at the head of a free ftate, may, in his own right, hold other ftates, under a form of government that is not frees as he does, for inftance, the ftates oft the eleétorate of Hanover. He may too even as king of Great Britain, by virtue of his prerogative and as generaliffimo ofthe empire, hold a conquered ftate (fort the time being) under a form of government that is not free; that is, under military law : but, in the inftant that fuch conquered ftate is, by treaty of peace, or otherwife, ceded to the crown of Great Britain, in that inftant it imbibes the fpirit of the conftitution, it is naturalized; ; it is affimilated to the govemment, it is governable and to be governed by, and under all thofe powers with which the governing power of king, lords and commons is invefted by the conftitution; but it is not governable, neither is to be governed, by any powers which the governing power of king, (c3 Mr. Eftwick. Bbz lords --- Page 442 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK lords and commons does not poffels from the III. conftitution : as for example, it cannot be goY verned on the principles 'of flavery; becaufe the governing power of king, lords and commons is appointed by the conftitution to govern on the principles of liberty." Surely it is a propofition abfurd and monftrous on the very face of it, to fay that a limited monarch in a free ftate, may govern any part of the dominions of fuch a ftate in an arbitrary and tyrannical manner. A body of fubjeéts fo governed, would, iffufficiently numerous, be fit inftruments to enflave the reft! THE intelligent reader will admit the vaftimportance of this queftion, both to the prefent age and to pofterity; and perceive how greatly the deareft interefts of men, who, in the contingencies of war, Chall hereafter fall under the Britich dominion, may poffibly be concerned in its difcuffion. To fuch readers no apology will be neceffary, for the detail which I have thought it my duty to give on a fubjeét of fuch conftitutional magnitude.-I now return to tranfaétions with the colony. Ir has been ftated that the firft affembly met in 1765- At that time none of the French Roman catholick inhabitants claimed a right, or even expreffed a defire, of becoming members, either of the council or affembly: but in 1768 the in its difcuffion. To fuch readers no apology will be neceffary, for the detail which I have thought it my duty to give on a fubjeét of fuch conftitutional magnitude.-I now return to tranfaétions with the colony. Ir has been ftated that the firft affembly met in 1765- At that time none of the French Roman catholick inhabitants claimed a right, or even expreffed a defire, of becoming members, either of the council or affembly: but in 1768 the --- Page 443 --- WEST INDIES. the governor receivedinftructions from the crown, CHAP. to admit two of them into the council, and to II. declare others to be cligible into the affembly, Y on taking the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy. The governor was direéted alfo to include the names of certain perfons ofthis defcription, in the commiflion of the peace. THLSE inftructions, and the meafures which were taken in confequence thereof, gave rife to violent commotions and party divifions in the colony, which, being embittered by religious controverly, continue to divide the inhabitants to the prefent hour. It were highly unbecoming in me (a ftranger to the ifland) to flatter the paffions of one party or the other; and I fhould readily confign all the circumftances to oblivion, but that it is my duty as an hiftorian, to ftate without prejudice fuch particulars as may, in their confequences, affect the general welfare of the colony, that the errors of one age may ferve as a leffon to the next. THE oppofition that was given by the Britifh inhabitants to the appointment of any of the Roman. catholick capitulants to feats in the legifature, arofe, I believe, originally from an idea that the royal inflruétions in this cafe were in direét violation of the teft act of Charles IL which requires 6 that all perfons enjoying any place of truft or profit thall, in addition to the Bb3 oaths --- Page 444 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK oaths of allegiance and fupremacy, fubfcribe a III. declaration againft the doétrine of tranfubftanY tiation in the facrament of the Lord's fupper." By the king's inftruétions, above cited, his Roman catholick fubjeéts of Grenada were declared eligible withoût fubfcribing to this declaration. LIBERAL and enlightened minds at this day are not cafily reconciled to the doctrine, that an adherence to mcre fpeculative opinions in matters of faith, ought to drive any loyal fubjeét from the fervice of his country, or deprive a man (otherwife entitled) of the enjoyment of thofe honours and diftinétions, the diftribution of which the wifdom of the laws has affigned to the fovereign. Much lefs will it be thought that fuch a man is unworthy of that confidence which his neighbours and fellow citizens, who are beft acquainted with his principles and virtues, and are themfelves of a different perfuafion, Chall think fit to repofe in him. At the fame time, it muft be acknowledged, that the recent and then depending claim in the crown, to lay taxes on Grenada by its own authority, gave the inhabitants juft caufe of apprehenfion, that the royal inftructions in the prefent cafe were founded, in like manner, on a pretenfion to legiflative authority, fubverfive of their own colonial affembly. ON , and are themfelves of a different perfuafion, Chall think fit to repofe in him. At the fame time, it muft be acknowledged, that the recent and then depending claim in the crown, to lay taxes on Grenada by its own authority, gave the inhabitants juft caufe of apprehenfion, that the royal inftructions in the prefent cafe were founded, in like manner, on a pretenfion to legiflative authority, fubverfive of their own colonial affembly. ON --- Page 445 --- WEST INDIES. ON the other hand, it was alledged that the CHAP. teft act was never meant to extend to the Britifh II. plantations; thati it was confined, bothin its letter and fpirit, to the kingdom of England and the town of Berwick; and though it were true that it is the praétice of the courts of Grenada to adopt both the common and flatute law of England, it was contended neverthelefs, that the adoption could extend only to fuch of the Englith ftatutes as were applicable to the peculiar fituation of the colony. It was urged, that the act in queftion originated in an age of religious frenzy and fanatick violence. The authority of hiftory was adduced to prove that it was particularly promoted by a worthlefs individual, from animofity to the Duke of York, who was obliged, in confequence ofit, to refign the great office of Lord High Admiral. A law thus founded and fupported, inftead of being confidered as fuited to the circumftances of a new and infant colony, ought, it was faid, to be expunged from the Englith ftatute book. WHATi influence thefe, or other confiderations, had on the Britith miniftry, I prefume not to fay. It is certain that the king refufed to revoke his inftructions; in confequence whereof the moft zealous of the proteftant members of the affembly declining to attend, it was feldom that a houfe could be formed. Publick affairs foon fell Bb4 into --- Page 446 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK into the utmoft confufion, and in this ftate of 1II. faction and perplexity, the ifland continued, Y untilits re-capture by the French in 1779. ON thisoccafion, charges werebrought againft the French inhabitants which 1 will not repeat, becaufe I have no other evidence to fupport them than the mutual reproaches, and reciprocal accufations of the parties. The complaints indeed which wcre loudly made on the part of the French, of an ufurpation of their deareft rights by the prevailing faétion, feemed to imply that they relied rather onjuftification than denial. THE French miniftry however required no other encouragement for attacking this ifland, than the defencelefs ftate in which all the Britifh fettlements in the Weft Indies were at that juncture notorioufly left. The hopelefs and deftructive war in North America had drawn to its vortex all the powers, refources, and exertions of Great Britain. Alrcady had Dominica and St. Vincent become a facrifice to that unfortunate conteft; when it fell to the lot of Grenada to experience her fhare of the general misfortune. ON the 2d of July 1779, a French armament, confifting of a flcet of25 fhips ofthe line, IO frigates,and 5000 troops, under the command of the Count D'Eftaing, appeared off the harbour and town of St. George: the whole force of the ifland was compofed of 90 men of the 48th Dominica and St. Vincent become a facrifice to that unfortunate conteft; when it fell to the lot of Grenada to experience her fhare of the general misfortune. ON the 2d of July 1779, a French armament, confifting of a flcet of25 fhips ofthe line, IO frigates,and 5000 troops, under the command of the Count D'Eftaing, appeared off the harbour and town of St. George: the whole force of the ifland was compofed of 90 men of the 48th --- Page 447 --- WEST INDIES. 48th regiment, 300 militia of the ifland, and CHAP. I3o feamen from the merchant fhips; ; and its forII. tifications confifted chiefly of an entrenchment, / which had been haftily thrown up round the fummit of the Hofpital-hill. This entrenchment the Count D'Eftaing invefted the next day, at the head of 3000 of his beft forces, which he led upin three columns, and after a. hard confliet and the lofs of 300 men, carried the lines. Never didfo fmall a body of men make a nobler defence againft fuch inequality of numbers. The governor (Lord Macartney) and the remains of his little garrifon, immediately retired into the old fort, at the mouth of the harbour; which however was wholly untenable, being commanded by the Hofpital-hill battery, the guns of which having been moft unfortunately left unfpiked, were now turned againft them. At day-break, the French opened a battery of two twenty-four pounders againft the walls of the old fort. In this fituation, the governor and inhabitants had no refource but in the hopes of obtaining favourable terms of capitulation ; and Herein they were difappointed. Their propolals were fcornfully rejected, and fuch hard and extraordinary terms offered and infifted on by Count D'Eftaing, as left them no alternative but the facrifice of their honour, or an unconditional furrender. They embraced the latter; and it muft be acknowledged --- Page 448 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ledged, that the protection which was afforded III. to the helplefs inhabitants of the town, and their - property, not only while the treaty was depending, but alfo after the furrender of the ifland at difcretion, refleéted the higheft luftre on the difcipline, as well as humanity of the conquerors. Proteétion and fafe-guards were granted on every application, and thus a town was faved from plunder, which by the ftriét rules of war might havebeen given up to an exafperated foldiery. Ir is to be lamented that the fubfequent conduét of the French government of Grenada, towards its new fubjects, was not quite fo generous. By an ordinance ofthe Count de Durat, the new governor, they were enjoined, under the penalty of military execution and confilcation of property, from the payment, direétly or indireétly, of all debts due by them to Britifh fubjeéts, refiding in any part of the Britifh dominions 5 and by another ordinance, the prohibition was extended to fuch debts owing to the fubjects of the united provinces of Holland, as were guaranteed by any of the fubjeéts of Great Britain. The Count D'Eftaing had inferted claufes to the fame effect, in the form of capitulation, which he had tendered to the garrifon, and it was thofe prohibitions that induced the Britifh inhabitants with an honeft indignation, to rifque the confequence of an unconditional furrender, rather than fubmit ordinance, the prohibition was extended to fuch debts owing to the fubjects of the united provinces of Holland, as were guaranteed by any of the fubjeéts of Great Britain. The Count D'Eftaing had inferted claufes to the fame effect, in the form of capitulation, which he had tendered to the garrifon, and it was thofe prohibitions that induced the Britifh inhabitants with an honeft indignation, to rifque the confequence of an unconditional furrender, rather than fubmit --- Page 449 --- WEST INDIES. mit to them. With the virtue and integrity CHAP, that it is to be hoped will for ever. diftinguifh II. the Britifh charaéter, they confidered no facrifice fo great as the violation of that confidence, which had been repofed in them by their friends and creditors in Europe. But the ordinances went ftill further. By the regulations which they contained, it was enacted that all the eftates belonging to Englith abfentees, fhould be put into the hands of certain perfons to be nominated by the governor, called confervators ; and the produce be paid into the publick treafury. Thus was plunder fanétioned by authority; and the abfent proprietors were not the only victims, The fhameful facility with which every French claimant was put into poffeffion of eftates to which the flighteft pretenfion was fet up, gave the refident planters reafon to apprehend, that the only indulgence they were to expeét, was that which Poliphemus promifed Ulyffes, of being devoured the laf. MosT of thefe injurious proceedings, and various aéts of perfonal oppreffion, infliéted on the conquered inhabitants of Grenada, were, by them, imputed to the too great influence with the governor of their late fellow fubjeéts and neighbours, the French planters; and it is much eafiert to account for, than to.juftify their conduét. Let it be remembered, however, to the honour of the --- Page 450 --- HISTORY OF THE EOOK the French nation, that thefe nefarious proceedIII. ings were no fooner made known to the court - of France, than they were difapproved and reprobated. The appointment of confervators was abolifhed, and reftoration ordered to be made of the eftates of abfent proprietors. Redrefs was likewife very generally given, by appeals in the laft refort, to fuch of the refident planters as had been illegally deprived of their poffeftions. But it was not long before the ifand itfelf reverted to the Britifh dominion. GRENADA and the Grenadines were reftored to Great Britain, with all the other captured iflands in the Weft Indies (Tobago excepted) by the general pacification which took place in January 17835 a pacification upon which, whatever may be its general merits, it is impoffible but that the Englith fugar planters (except perhaps thofe of the ceded ifland) muft refleét with grateful fatisfaétion. It might indeed have been wifhed, by thofe who have at heart the prefent repofe and future profperity of mankind, that fome falutary regulationshad been framed, at the fame time, for preventing the revival of thofe unhappy national animofities among the white inhabitants ofGrenada, ofwhich, Ihave fo largely fpoken, and which I am forry to be informed, were renewed on the refloration of the ifland with additional force and aggravated violence. Kt is not grateful fatisfaétion. It might indeed have been wifhed, by thofe who have at heart the prefent repofe and future profperity of mankind, that fome falutary regulationshad been framed, at the fame time, for preventing the revival of thofe unhappy national animofities among the white inhabitants ofGrenada, ofwhich, Ihave fo largely fpoken, and which I am forry to be informed, were renewed on the refloration of the ifland with additional force and aggravated violence. Kt is not --- Page 451 --- WEST INDIES. 38r hot myintention however to enterintoany further CHAP. detail on the fubjedt. Asa friend to theinterefts II. of humanity, independent of religious opinions, and locality of birth, I thall rejoice if means can be found to reftore to this little community that peace, confidence and unanimity, without which its inhabitants muft be a ruined people, and a prey to the firft invader. HAVING thus, as of the leceohec.oufomlytemael hiftorical and political concerns of this valuable colony, I Thall conclude with a fhort difplay of its prefent ftate (1791), in refpeét of foil, population, productions and exports; premifing, that many of thofe little iflands which are called the Grenadines, no longer appertain to the government of Grenada. By an arrangement of the Britith adminiftration, which has taken effect fince the peace, a line of divifion paffes in an eaft and weft direétion, between and Union Mland. The former of Cariacou fome fmaller iflands fouth of thele, and it, are all that are now comprized in the Grenada Union ifland, with all the little iflands government; tothe north, being annexed to the adjoining, St. Vincent. government of GRENADA is computed to be about twentyfour milesin length and twelve milesinitsg greateft breadth, and contains about 80,000 acresofland; of which although no lefs than 72,141 acres paid --- Page 452 --- 38z HISTORY OF THE BOOK paid taxesinr776,and maytherefore be fuppofed III. fit for cultivation, yet the quantity - aétually cultivated has never exceeded 50,000 acres. The face of the country is mountainous, but not inacceffiblein any part, and it abounds with fprings and rivulets. To the north and the caft, the foil is a brick mould; the fame or nearly the fame, as that of which mention has been made in the hiftory of Jamaica. On the weft fide, it is a rich black mould on a fubftratum of yellow clay. To the fouth, the land in general is poor, and of a reddith hue, and the fame extends over a confiderable part of theinterior country. Ont the whole, however, Grenada appears to be fertile in a high degree, and by' the variety, as well as excellence, of its returns, feems adaptéd to every tropical production. The exports of the year 1776, from Grenada and its dependencies, were 14,012,1571bs. of mufcovado, and 9,273,607 lbs. of clayed fugar 5 818,700 gallons of rum; 1,827,166 lbs. of coffee ; 457-719lbs. of cacao;91,9431bs. of cotton;27,6381bs. ofindigo, and fome fmaller articles; the whole of which, ona moderate computation, could not be worth lefs, at the ports of thipping, than 6.600,000 fterling, excluding freight,duties, infurance and other charges. It deferves to be remembered too, that the fugar was the produce of I06 plantations only, and that they were worked by 18,293 K negroes, coffee ; 457-719lbs. of cacao;91,9431bs. of cotton;27,6381bs. ofindigo, and fome fmaller articles; the whole of which, ona moderate computation, could not be worth lefs, at the ports of thipping, than 6.600,000 fterling, excluding freight,duties, infurance and other charges. It deferves to be remembered too, that the fugar was the produce of I06 plantations only, and that they were worked by 18,293 K negroes, --- Page 453 --- WEST INDIES. hegroes, which was therefore rather more than one CHAP. hogfhead of mufcovado fugar, of 16 cwt. from II. the labour of each negro, old and young, employed in the cultivation of that commodity; a prodigious return, equalled, I believe, by no other Britifh ifland in the Weft Indies, St. Chrif topher's excepted. The exports of 1787 will be given hereafter : they will be found, except in one or two articles, to fall greatly Chort of thofe of1776; a circumftance for which I know not wholly how to account (d). THIS ifland is divided into fix parifhes, St. George, St. David, St Andrew, St. Patrick, St. Mark (a) This circumftance is the more furprizing as the fugar plantations in Grenada, for fome years previous to the hurricane in 1780, fuffered greatly by the ravages of the fagar, or carnicorous, ant. Of this wonderful infeét a curious account was tranfmitted to the Royal Society of London, an abridgment of which the reader will find in an appendix to this chapter. I conceive however (notwithffanding what is afferted to the contrary in that account) that this fpecies of ant, is common to all the iflands in the Weft Indies, and has been known in them, in a greater or lefs degree, from the earlieft times. It is the formica omnivora of Linnaeus, and is well defcribed by Sloane as the fomicafiefca minima, antennis longilimis (vide note in p. 168 of this vol.) Its trivial name in Jamaica, is the Raftcs ant, from one Thomas Raftes, who is charged with having imported them from the Havanna about the year 1762. They do no injury to the fugar canes in Jamaica; probably becaufe their numbers are few. From what caufes they encreafed fo prodigioufly in Grenada, no fatisfaétory account has I believe been given. ane as the fomicafiefca minima, antennis longilimis (vide note in p. 168 of this vol.) Its trivial name in Jamaica, is the Raftcs ant, from one Thomas Raftes, who is charged with having imported them from the Havanna about the year 1762. They do no injury to the fugar canes in Jamaica; probably becaufe their numbers are few. From what caufes they encreafed fo prodigioufly in Grenada, no fatisfaétory account has I believe been given. --- Page 454 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Mark and St. John; 2 and its chief dependency, III. Cariacou, forms a feventh parifh. It is only fince the reftoration of Grenada to Great Britain byt the peace of 1783, that an ifland law has been obtained for the eftablifhment of a proteftant clergy. This act paffed in 1784, and provides ftipends of 6-330 currency, and f.60 for houfe-rent per anm, for five clergymen, viz. one for the town and parifh of St. George, three for the other five out-parifhes of Grenada, and one for Cariacou. Befides thefe ftipends, there are valuable glebe lands, which had been appropriated to the fupport of the Roman catholick clergy, whilft that was the eftablifhed religion of Grenada. Thefe lands, according to an opinion of the attorney and folicitor-general of England (to whom a queftion on this point was referred by the crown) became vefted in his majefty as publick lands, on the reftoration of the ifland to the Britich government, and I believe have fince been applied by the COlonial legiflature, with the confent of the crown, to the further fupport of the proteftant church, with fome allowance thereout (to what amount Iam not informed) for the benefit of the tolerated Romifh clergy of the remaining French inhabitants. THE capital of Grenada, by an ordinance of governor Melville, foon after the ceffion of the country to Great Britain by the peace of Paris, is called --- Page 455 --- WEST INDIES, called St. George. By this ordinance, Englith CHAP. names were given to the feveral towns and pa- II. rifhes, and their French names forbidden to be thereafter ufed in any publick adts The French name of the capital was Fort Royal. Itis fituated in a fpacious bay, on the weft or lee-fide ot the ifland, not far from the fouth end, and poffefles one of the fafeft and moft commodious harbours for fhipping in the Englith Weft Indies, which has been lately fortified at a very great expence (c). THE other towns in Grenada, are, properly fpeaking, inconfiderable villages or hamlets, which are generally fituated at the bays or fhipping places in the feveral out-parifhes. The parifh town of Cariacou is called Hilliborough. GRENADA has two ports of entry, with feparate eftablifhments, and diftinét revenue officers, independent of each other, viz. one at St. George, the capital, and one at Grenville-bay, (c) The town of Saint George is built chiefly of brick, and makes a handfome appearance. Itis divided by a ridge, which running into the fea forms on one fide the carenage, on the other the bay: thus there is the Bay-trun, which boaftsa handfome fquare and market-place, and the Carenagetorun, wherein the principal merchants refide, the fhips lying land-locked, and in deep water clofe to the wharfs. On the ridgebetween the two townsi ftands the church, and on the promontory above it is a large old fort, which was probably conftruéted by the firft French inhabitants. It is built of ftone, and isl large enoughto accommodate an entire regiment. Voi. I. Cc a town : thus there is the Bay-trun, which boaftsa handfome fquare and market-place, and the Carenagetorun, wherein the principal merchants refide, the fhips lying land-locked, and in deep water clofe to the wharfs. On the ridgebetween the two townsi ftands the church, and on the promontory above it is a large old fort, which was probably conftruéted by the firft French inhabitants. It is built of ftone, and isl large enoughto accommodate an entire regiment. Voi. I. Cc a town --- Page 456 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK a town and harbour on the eaft or windward fide ITI. of the ifland. The former, by the 27 Geo. Y III. C. 27. is made a free port. WHETHER it be owing to the events of war, to domeftick diffentions, or to calamities infliéted by thehand of Divine Providence, I know not, but it appears that the white population of Grenada and the Grenadines has decreafed confiderably fince thefe iflands firft came into' poffeffion of the Englifh. The number of white inhabitants, in the year 1771, was known to be fomewhat more than fixteen hundred ; in 1777 they had decreafed to thirteen hundred; and at this time they are fuppofed not to exceed one thoufand two hundred, of whichabout twothirds are men able to bear arms, and incorporated into five regiments of militia, including a company of free blacks or mulattoes, attached to each. There are likewife about 500 regular troops from Great Britain, which are fupported on the Britith eftablifhment (d). THE negro flaves have alfo decreafed. By the laft returns preceding the capture of the ifland (d) Befides the regular troops which are fent from Great Britain for the proteétion of Grenada, there are in its garrifon three companies of king's negroes, which came from America, where they ferved in three capacities, as pioneers, artificers, andlight dragoons. In Grenada they form a company of each, and are commanded by a lieutenant of the regulars, having captain's rank. in --- Page 457 --- WEST INDIES. in 1779, they were ftated at 35,000, of which CHAP. 5,000 were in Cariacou, and the fmaller iflands. II. In 1785 they amounted to no more than 23,926 in the whole. The decreafe was owing partly to the want of any regular fupply during the French government, and partly to the numbers carried from the ifland by the French inhabitants, both before and after the peace. It is alfo to be obferved, that of the African cargoes fold at Grenada, fome part (perhaps a fourth or fifth) are exported to the neighbouring French and Spanifh colonies. THE free people of colour amounted in 1787, to 1,115. To prevent the too great increafe of this mixed race, every manumiffion is, by an ad of this ifland, charged with a fine of one hundred pounds currency, payable into the publick treafury. But this law has neither operated as a produétive fund, nor as a prohibition ; for it is ufually evaded by executing and recording aéts ofr manumiffion in fome other ifland or government where there is no fuch law. The evidence of all coloured people, of free condition, is received in the courts of this ifland, on their producing fufficient proof of their freedom; and fuch free people are tried on criminal charges in the fame manner as the whites. They are alfo allowed to poffefs and enjoy lands and tenements Cc2 to has neither operated as a produétive fund, nor as a prohibition ; for it is ufually evaded by executing and recording aéts ofr manumiffion in fome other ifland or government where there is no fuch law. The evidence of all coloured people, of free condition, is received in the courts of this ifland, on their producing fufficient proof of their freedom; and fuch free people are tried on criminal charges in the fame manner as the whites. They are alfo allowed to poffefs and enjoy lands and tenements Cc2 to --- Page 458 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK to any amount, provided they are native-born IIT. fubjeéts or capitulants, and not aliens. - THE governor, by virtue of his office, is chancellor, ordinary and vice-admiral, and prefides folely in the courts of chancery and ordinary, as in Jamaica, His falary is 6-3,200 currèncy per annum (e), which is raifed by a poll-tax on all flaves; andit is the practicein Grenada to pafs a falary bill on the arrival of every new governor, to continue during his government. In all cafes of abfence beyond twelve months, the falary ceafes and determines. THE council of Grenada confifts of twelve members, and the affembly of twenty-fix. The powers, privileges and funétions of both thefe branches of the legiflature, are the fame, and exercifed precifely in the fame manner, as thofe of the council and affembly in Jamaica. A freehold, or life eftate, of fifty acres, is a qualification for a reprefentative for a parifh, and a freehold, or life eftate, in fifty pounds houfe-rent in St. George, qualifies a reprefentative for the town. An eftate of ten acres in fee, or for life, or a rent of ten pounds in any of the out-towns, gives a vote for the reprefentatives of each parifh refpectively; 5 and a rent of twenty pounds per annum, (e) The currency of Grenada, or rate of cxchange, is commorly 65 per ccnit. worfe than fterling. iffuing --- Page 459 --- WEST INDIES. iffuing out of any freehold or life eftate in the CHAP, town of St. George, gives a vote for a reprefentaII. tive for the town. ( THE law courts in Grenada, befides thofe of chancery and ordinary, are, firft, the court of grand feffions of the peace held twice a year, viz. in March and September. In this court the firft perfon named in the commiflion of the peace prefides, who is ufually the prefident or fenior in council. 2dly, THE court of common pleas. The court confifts of one chief and four affiftant juftices, whofe commiffions are during pleafure. The chief juftice is ufually appointed in England, a profeffional man, and receives a falary of E. 600 per annum. The four affiftant juftices are ufually appointed by the governor from among the gentlemen of the ifland, and act without falary. 3dly, THE court of exchequer. The barons in this court are commifioned in like manner as in the çourt of common pleas. But this court is lately grown into difufe. 4thly, THE court of admiralty, for trial of all prize caufes of capture from enemies in war, and of revenue feizures in peace or war. There is one judge of admiralty and one furrogate. LASTLY, The governor and council compofe acourt of error, as in Jamaica, for trying all appeals of error from the court ofcommon pleas. Cc3 ALTHOUGH exchequer. The barons in this court are commifioned in like manner as in the çourt of common pleas. But this court is lately grown into difufe. 4thly, THE court of admiralty, for trial of all prize caufes of capture from enemies in war, and of revenue feizures in peace or war. There is one judge of admiralty and one furrogate. LASTLY, The governor and council compofe acourt of error, as in Jamaica, for trying all appeals of error from the court ofcommon pleas. Cc3 ALTHOUGH --- Page 460 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ALTHOUGH there is no law of Grenada declaIII. ring an adoption of the laws of England, yet it has been always the practice of the courts, to confider both the common and ftatute law of England to extend to Grenada in all applicable cafes, not otherwife provided for by particular laws of the ifland. So in like manner the praétice of the courts in Weftminfter- Hall, and authentick reports of adjudged cafes there, are reforted to, when precedents and authorities are wanting in the ifland. In the cafe ofitsfave laws, it may be faid with truth and juftice, that the affembly of this ifland have fhewn a liberality of fentiment which refleêts the higheft honour on their charaéters, both as legiflators and chriftians, I HAVE now furnifhed the reader with all the information I have colleéted, concerning the paft hiftory and prefent ftate oft the ifland ofGrenada, * and if it Thall be thought deficient or uninftructive, the fault is not in the want of materials, but in the workman. Something however remains to be obferved concerning fuch of the Grenadines as are dependent on the Grenada government, the chief of which are Cariacou and Ifle Ronde. The former contains 6,913 acres of land, and in general it is fertile and well cultiThis was written in 1791: fince that time Grenada has fuftained a melancholy reverfe of fortune, fome particulars of which will be related in a fubfequent volume. vated; --- Page 461 --- WEST INDIES. vated; producing in feafonable years a million of C H. AP. pounds of cotton for exportation, befides corn, 1 II. yams, potatoes, and plantains fufficient for the maintenance of its negroes. The cultivation of fugar has been found lefs fuccefsful in this ifland than cotton, though it ftill continues to be made on two plantations. Iile Ronde contains about 500 acres of excellent land, which are wholly applied to pafturage, and the cultivation of cotton. It is fituated about midway between Cariacou and the north end of Grenada, about four leagues from each. ISHALL clofe my account of this colony, as of Barbadoes, with an authentick return by the Infpeétor General of Great Britain, of the exports from Grenada and its dependencies, for the year 1787; containing alfo an eftimate of the actual value ofthe 1 feveral articles at the Britifh market: Cc4 of excellent land, which are wholly applied to pafturage, and the cultivation of cotton. It is fituated about midway between Cariacou and the north end of Grenada, about four leagues from each. ISHALL clofe my account of this colony, as of Barbadoes, with an authentick return by the Infpeétor General of Great Britain, of the exports from Grenada and its dependencies, for the year 1787; containing alfo an eftimate of the actual value ofthe 1 feveral articles at the Britifh market: Cc4 --- Page 462 --- HISTORY OF THE BooxI An ACCOUNT ofthe Number of Veffels, their Tonnage, and Men (including repeated Voyages) that cleared outwards from the Iflandof Grenada, &c. to all Par the World, betwecn the sth January 1787 and the sth January 1788, with the Quantities, and Value of their Cargocs, according to the aétual Prices in London. Spe the Infpeétor General of Great Britain. Whither bound, SHIPPING. SUGAF R. R U M. ME- COFFEE LASSES. No Tons. Men. Cwt. grs. lbs. Gallons. Gallons, Cwt. grs. Ibs To Great Britain 65 13:276 969 172,880 - 9 102,590 8,550 2 4 Ireland 7 771 59 1,248 - 86,100 American States 47 6,373 410 290 - 272,080 Britifh Ameri-7 30 2,610 194 1,130 - 4,300 218 - - can Colonies J 209.620 Foreign Weft? - 39 2,734 192 Indics - - J 188 25.764 1,824 175:548 - 91 670,390 4,300 8,S12 2 4 Value of Total Valu Whither bound, CACAO. COTTON, DIGO. IN- Mifcellancous Articles, as according tot Hides, Dying current London. Priccs Wuods, &c. Cwt. grs.lbs. Ibs. Ibs. *- 1. d. K. Je To Great Britain 2,645 I 2 2,030,177 1,560 64:439 3 555,222 II Ireland - 19 2 16 32,250 1,2go 24 IO 13,580 4 American States 36 27 4 24597 4 Britifh Ameri- 7 16 - - 15 6 - can ) Colonies 21.469 9 Foreign Weft 1 Indies - 2,716 3 18! 2,062,427 2,810 64545 - 31 614.908 9 --- Page 463 --- WEST INDIES. POSTSCRIPTWHE HISTORY/GRENAD4A The firft edition of this work having fallen into the hands of a gentleman of diftinguifhed abilities and learning (one of his Majefty's Serjeants at Law) he was pleafed, at the author's requeft, to communicate his thoughts in writing on the doctrine maintained by Lord Mansfield, concerning the legal authority of the crown over conquered countries, as ftated in page 365 ofthis volume, which Ihaveg great pleafure in prefenting to the reader in the precife words in which they were given: Tns ground upon which the court refted Poftfcript, theirjudgmentin the cafe of Grenada, was clearly CHAP. fufficient to warrant that judgment, even admitII. - Y ting the doétrine laid down by Lord Mansfield on the other point to be well founded; but nothing can be more unfounded than that doétrine: -every propofition upon which it is made to reft is a fallacy. Ideny that the king(at leaft fince the conftitution has had its prefent form) can 66 arbitarily grant or refufe a capitulation." The power of ftfcript, theirjudgmentin the cafe of Grenada, was clearly CHAP. fufficient to warrant that judgment, even admitII. - Y ting the doétrine laid down by Lord Mansfield on the other point to be well founded; but nothing can be more unfounded than that doétrine: -every propofition upon which it is made to reft is a fallacy. Ideny that the king(at leaft fince the conftitution has had its prefent form) can 66 arbitarily grant or refufe a capitulation." The power of --- Page 464 --- HISTORY OF THE Poftfcript, ofgranting or refufing a capitulation, in the cafe BOOK of a fiege or invafion, is certainly vefted in him; III. but it is vefted in him like every other power with which he is entrufted by the Britifh conftitution, to be exercifed according to the ufage which has prevailed in like cafes. If that power fhould be abufed, his officers and minifters muft anfwerto the publick for their mifconduét. For the fame reafon I deny that 46 the king can put the inhabitants of a conquered country to the fword, or otherwife exterminate them," unlefs fuch feverity be fully juftified by the laws ofwar, as they are underftood amongft civilized nations. BUT, fuppofing that a cafe fhould happen wherein fuch feverity would bejuftifiable, I deny that, upon the extermination of the enemy, the lands would belong to the king himfelf: I fay they would belong to the ftate; and that they would be fubjeét, not merely to the king, but to the fovereign power which governs the Britith dominions. Ifthe king receives the inhabitants under his proteétion, and grants them their property, I deny that he has power to fix fuch terms and conditions as he thinks proper; for he cannot referve to himfelf, in his individual capacity, legiflative power over them: that would be to exclude the authority of the Britifh legiflature from the government ofa country fubdued by Britilh --- Page 465 --- WEST INDIES. Britilh forces, and would be an attempt to creét Poffcript, 395 imperium in imperio. One confequence of this CHAP. would be, that fuch conquered territory might II. defcend to an heir of the king not V qualified according to the act of fettlement, to fucceed tothe crown of Great Britain. The king might give it toa younger fon, or beftow it on a ftranger. A thoufand other abfurd confequences might be pointed out, as refulting from fuch incongruity. I ADMIT that the king (fubject to therefponfibility of his minifters) may yicld upa conqueft, or retain it, as he fees beft: but I deny, for the reafons above hinted at, that he can impofe what terms he pleafes, or that he can arbitrarily change the law or political form of its government. I think he may agree, upon the capitulation, that the conquered people Thall continue to enjoy their ancient religion and laws, and even this muft be fub modo ; but I deny that he could, by his own authority, grant thefe things after the capitulation; for that would amount to an exercife of independant fovereignty. The fallacy of Lord Mansfield's argument, proceeds from endeavour to confound the king's civil and mili- an tary charaéters, and to perpetuate in the chief executive magiftrate, the vaft powers with which it is neceffary to inveft the generaliffimo of the armies; during the continuance of military tions, The moment thefe operaoperations ceafe, he refumes grant thefe things after the capitulation; for that would amount to an exercife of independant fovereignty. The fallacy of Lord Mansfield's argument, proceeds from endeavour to confound the king's civil and mili- an tary charaéters, and to perpetuate in the chief executive magiftrate, the vaft powers with which it is neceffary to inveft the generaliffimo of the armies; during the continuance of military tions, The moment thefe operaoperations ceafe, he refumes --- Page 466 --- HISTORY OF THE Pofffcript. refumes his civil charaéter, and in that charaéter BOOK no man will venture to affert that, as king of III. Great Britain, he has the of Y prerogative being a defpot in any part of his dominions. WITH refpeét to the cafes of Ireland, Wales, and Berwick, even taking them precifely as Lord Mansfield puts them, I think they do not weigh a featherin the argument. Thofe cafes happened long before the Englith conftitution had reduced itfelf to its prefent form, confequently, before the rights of the people were afcertained and defined as they exift at prefent. Ifa few inftances of the exercife ofarbitrary power by the ancient kings of England, are to be received as decifive cafes, to fhew what are the powers of the crown at this day,. I think it would be no very difficult tafk to find authorities, even as low down as the reigns of the Plantagenets and Stuarts, to prove that the Britifh government ought to be a pure defpotifin! --- Page 467 --- WEST INDIES. APPENDIX TO H HAP. II. OF BOOK II, CONTAINING Oifervations on the Sugar Ants in the Mand ef Grenada; extradled from: a Letter of Tobm Cofles, Blg. to General Melville: read before the Royal Society in May 1790. Tar Sugar Ants, fo called from their ruinous effeéts on CHAP. fugar cane, are fuppofed to have firft made their appear- II. ance in Grenada about the year 1770, on a fugar planta- - tion at Petit Havre; a bay five or fix miles from the town of St. George, the capital, conveniently fituated for fmnuggling from Martinico: : it was therefore concluded, they were brought from thence in fome veffel employed in that trade, which is very probable, as colonies of them in like. manner were afterwards propagated in difterent parts of the ifland by droghers, or veflels employed in carrying ftores, &c. from one part of the ifland to another. FROM thence they continued to extend themfelves on all fides for feveral years; deftroying in fucceflion every fugar plantation between St. George's and St. John's, a fpace of about twelve miles. At the fame time, colonies of them began to be obferved in different parts of the ifland, particularly: at Duquefne on the north, and Calavini on the fouth fide of it. ALL attempts of the planters to put a ftop to the ravages of the ifland to another. FROM thence they continued to extend themfelves on all fides for feveral years; deftroying in fucceflion every fugar plantation between St. George's and St. John's, a fpace of about twelve miles. At the fame time, colonies of them began to be obferved in different parts of the ifland, particularly: at Duquefne on the north, and Calavini on the fouth fide of it. ALL attempts of the planters to put a ftop to the ravages --- Page 468 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- ravages of thefe infeSts having been found ineffectual, it DIX. well became the legiflature to offer great publick rewards Y to any perfon who fhould difcover a praéticable method of deftroying them, fo as to permit the cultivation of the fugar cane as formerly. Accordingly,an act of affembly was paffed, by which fuch difcoverer was entitled to twenty thoufand pounds, to be paid from the publick treafury of the ifland. MANY were the candidates on this occafion, but very far were any of them from having any juft claim : neverthelcfs, confiderable fums of money were granted, in confideration of trouble and expences in making experiments, &c. IN Grenada there had always been feveral fpecies ofants, differing in fize, colour, &c. which however were perfeôtly innocent with refpect to the fugar-cane. The ants in queftion, on the contrary, were not only highly injurious to it, but to feveral forts of trees, fuch as the lime, lemon, orange, &xc. THESE ants are of the middle fize, ofa flender make, of a dark red colour, and remarkable for the quicknefs of their motions ; but their greateft peculiarities are, their tafte when applied to the tongue, the immenfity of their number, and their choice of places for their nefts. ALL the other fpecies of ants in Grenada have a bitter mufky tafte. Thefe, on the contrary, are acid in the higheft degree, and when a number of them were rubbed together between the palms of the hands, they cmitted a ftrong vitriolick fulphureous fmell; fo much fo, that, when this experiment was made, a gentleman conceived that it might be owing to this quality that thefe infeéts were fo unfriendly to vegetation. This criterion to diftinguifh them was infallible, and known to every one. THEIR a bitter mufky tafte. Thefe, on the contrary, are acid in the higheft degree, and when a number of them were rubbed together between the palms of the hands, they cmitted a ftrong vitriolick fulphureous fmell; fo much fo, that, when this experiment was made, a gentleman conceived that it might be owing to this quality that thefe infeéts were fo unfriendly to vegetation. This criterion to diftinguifh them was infallible, and known to every one. THEIR --- Page 469 --- WEST INDIES. THEIR numbers were incredible, I have feen the roads coloured by them for miles together; and fo crowd- CHAP. ed were they in many places, that the print of the horfes II. feet would appear for a moment or two, until filled the furrounding multitude. This is no upby All the other fpecies of ants, alchough exaggeration. circumferibedand confined to a fmall fpot, numerous, in were to the (pace occupied by the cane ants, as a mole proportion hill amountain. to THE common black ants of that country had their nefts about the foundation of houfes or old walls; others in hollow trees; and a large fpecies in the paftures, defcending by a fmall aperture under ground. The 1 believe, univerfally conftruéted figar ants, roots of particular plants and their nefts among the trees, fuch as the lime, lemon, and orange trees, &c. fugar-cane, THE deftruétion of thefe ants was two ways; by poifon, and the attempted chiefly For the firft application of fire. purpofe, arfenick and corrofive mixed with animal fubftances, fuch as falt fifh, fublimate crabs, and other fhell fifh, &c. were ufed, which herrings, greedily devoured by them, Myriads of them was deftroyed; and the more fo, as it was obferved were thus nifying glafs, and indeed by a magnaked that (though not fo difinétly) by the eye, corrofive fublimate had the effeét of rendering them fo outrageous that they each and that effcét Was produced even by deftroyed. other; with it. But it is clear, and coming into contact it was found, that thefe poifonscould not! be laid in fuflicient a tract ofl land as to give the hundred quantities over fo large them a tafte, thoufandth part of THE ufe of fire afforded a greater cefs; for (from whatever probability of furccaufe) it was obferved, that if wood, effeét of rendering them fo outrageous that they each and that effcét Was produced even by deftroyed. other; with it. But it is clear, and coming into contact it was found, that thefe poifonscould not! be laid in fuflicient a tract ofl land as to give the hundred quantities over fo large them a tafte, thoufandth part of THE ufe of fire afforded a greater cefs; for (from whatever probability of furccaufe) it was obferved, that if wood, --- Page 470 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- wood, burnt to the ftate of charcoal, without flame, and DIX. immediately taken from the fire, was laid in their way, V - / they crowded to it' in fuch amazing numbers as foon to extinguifh it, although with the deftruétion of thoufands of them in effedting it. This part of their hiftory appears fcarcely credible; but, on making the experiment myfelf, I found it literally true. I laid fire, as above defcribed, where there appeared but very few ants, and in the courfe of a few minutes thoufands were feen crowding to it and upon'it, till it was perfectly covered by their dead bodies. Holes were therefore dug at proper diftances in a cane piece, and fire made in each hole. Prodigious quantities perifhed in this way; for thofe fires, when extinguifhed, appeared in the fhape of mole hills, from the numbers of their dead bodies heaped on them. Neverthelefs the ants foon appeared again, as numerous as ever. This may be accounted for, not only from their amazing fecundity, but that probably none of the breeding ants or young brood fuffered from the experiment. For the fame reafon, the momentary general applicataion of fire by burning the cane trafh (or ftraw ofthe cane) as it lay on the ground, proved as little effedtual; for although, perhaps, multitudes of ants might have been deftroyed, yet in general they would efcape by retiring to their nefts under cover, out of its reach, and the breeding ants, with their young progeny, muft have remained unhurt. THIS calamity, which refifted fo long the efforts of the planters, was at length removed by another; which, however ruinous to the other iflands in the Weft Indies, and in other refpects, was to Grenada a very great bleffing; namely, the hurricane in 1780; without which it is , multitudes of ants might have been deftroyed, yet in general they would efcape by retiring to their nefts under cover, out of its reach, and the breeding ants, with their young progeny, muft have remained unhurt. THIS calamity, which refifted fo long the efforts of the planters, was at length removed by another; which, however ruinous to the other iflands in the Weft Indies, and in other refpects, was to Grenada a very great bleffing; namely, the hurricane in 1780; without which it is --- Page 471 --- WEST INDIES. is probable, the cultivation of the fugar-cane in the moft valuable parts of that ifand muft have in a great meafure CHAP. been thrown alide, at leaft for fome years. How this 1 IY. hurricane produced this effect, has been confidered rather as a matter of wonder and furprize than attempted to be explained, By attending to the following obfervations, the difficulty, I believe, will be removed. THESE ants make their nefts, or cells for the of their eggs, only under or among the roots of fuch reception or plants as are not only capable of trees heavy protecting them from rains, but are at the fame time fo firm in the ground as to afford a fecure bafis to fapport them any injury occafioned by the agitation of the ufual againft winds, This double qualification the fugar-cane pofleffes in a very great degree; for a ftool of canes (which is the affemblage of its numerous roots where the ftems fhoot out) is almoft begin to from the impenetrable to rain, and is alfo, amazing numbers and extenfion of the roots, firmly fixed to the ground, Thus, when the field is drenched with everyother part of ftools rain, the ground under thofe will be found quite dry, as I and every other muft have obferved when planter digging out the ftooisi in a cane piece, to prepare for replanting. And when canes lodged or laid down by the ufual are winds, or fall down their own luxuriancy, the ftools commonly remain by in the ground; hence, in ordinary weather, the nefts of thefe ants arein a ftate of perfeét fecurity, THE lime, lemon, orange, and fome other trees, afford thefe infeêts the fame advantages from the number and quality of their roots, which are firmly great fixed earth, and are very large; befides to the fo very thick and which, their tops are rain umbrageous as to prevent even a very heavy from reaching the ground underneath, Vor, I. D d ON by in the ground; hence, in ordinary weather, the nefts of thefe ants arein a ftate of perfeét fecurity, THE lime, lemon, orange, and fome other trees, afford thefe infeêts the fame advantages from the number and quality of their roots, which are firmly great fixed earth, and are very large; befides to the fo very thick and which, their tops are rain umbrageous as to prevent even a very heavy from reaching the ground underneath, Vor, I. D d ON --- Page 472 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- ON the contrary, thefe ants' nefts are never found at DIX. the roots of trees or plants incapable of affording the Y above protedtion; fuch for inftance as the coffee tree: it is indeed fufficiently firm in the ground, but it has only one large tap root, which goes ftraight downwards ; and its lateral roots are fo fmall as to afford no fhelter againft rain. So again, the roots of the cotton fhrub run too near the furface ofthe earth to prevent the accels of rain, and are neither fufficiently permanent, nor firm enough to refift thc agitation by the ufual winds. The fame obfervation will be found true with refpeét to cacao, plantains, maize, tobacco, indigo, and many other fpecies of trees and plants. TREES or plants of the firft defcription always fuffer more or: lefs in lands infefted with thefe ants; whereas thofe of'the lztter never'do. Hence we may fairly conclude, that the mifchief'done byt thefe infcêts is occafioned only by their lodging and making their nefts about the roots of particular trees or plants. Thus the roots of the fugar-canes are fomehow or other fo much injured by them, as to be incapable of performing their office offupplying due nourifhment to the plants, which, therefore, become fickly and ftinted, and confequently do not afford juices fit for making fugar in either tolerable quantity OF quality. THAT thefe ants do not feed on any part of the canes or trees affeéted feems very clear, for no lofs of fubftance în either the one or the other has ever been obferved ; nor have they ever been feen carrying off vegetable fubltances of any fort. ON the contrary, there is the greateft prefumption that thefe ants are carnivorous, and feed entirely on animal fubftances; forifa dead infedt, or animal food ofany fort, was in either tolerable quantity OF quality. THAT thefe ants do not feed on any part of the canes or trees affeéted feems very clear, for no lofs of fubftance în either the one or the other has ever been obferved ; nor have they ever been feen carrying off vegetable fubltances of any fort. ON the contrary, there is the greateft prefumption that thefe ants are carnivorous, and feed entirely on animal fubftances; forifa dead infedt, or animal food ofany fort, was --- Page 473 --- WEST INDIES, was laid in their way, it was immédiately carried off. It CH.AP. was found almoft impoffible to preferve cold viétuals from II. them. Thelargeft carcaffes, as foon as they began to be- ) 1 come putrid, fo as that they could feparate the parts, foon difappeared. Negroes with fores had difficulty tok keep the ants from the edges ofthem. They deftroyed all other vermin, rats in particular, of which they cleared every plantation they came upon, which they probably effected by attacking their young. It was found that poultry, or other fmall ftock, could be raifed with the greateft difficulty; and the eyes, nofe, and other emunétories of the bodies of dying or dead animals were inftantly covered with thefe ants. FROM whathas been faidit appears, that a dry fituation, fo ast to exclude the ordinary rains from their nefts or cells, appropriated for the reception of their eggs or young brood, is abfolutely neceffary; but that thefe fituations, however well calculated for the ufual weather, cquld not afford this protection from rain during the hurricane, may be eafily conceived. WHEN by the violence of the tempeft heavy pieces of artillery were removed from their places, and houfes and fugar works levelled with the ground, there can be no doubt that trees, and every thing growing above ground, muft have greatly fuffered. This was the cafe. Great numbers of trees and plants (which commonly refift the ordinary winds)' were torn out by the root. The canes were univerfally either lodged or twifted about as if by a whirlwind, or torn out of the ground altogether. In the latter cafe, the breeding ants, with their progeny, muft have been expofed to inevitable deftruétion from the deluge of rain which fell at the fame time. The number Ddz of and every thing growing above ground, muft have greatly fuffered. This was the cafe. Great numbers of trees and plants (which commonly refift the ordinary winds)' were torn out by the root. The canes were univerfally either lodged or twifted about as if by a whirlwind, or torn out of the ground altogether. In the latter cafe, the breeding ants, with their progeny, muft have been expofed to inevitable deftruétion from the deluge of rain which fell at the fame time. The number Ddz of --- Page 474 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- of canes,however, thus torn out of the ground, could not DIX. have been adequate to the fudden diminution of the fugar V ants ; but it is eafy to conceive that the roots of canes, which remained on the ground, and the earth about them, were fo agitated and fhaken, and at the fame time the ants' nefts were fo broken open or injured by the violence of the wind, as to admit the torrents of rain accompanying it. Iapprehend, therefore, that the principal deftruction of thefe ants muft have been thus effeéted. IT muft not however be denied, that though nature for a time may permit a particular fpecies of animal to become fo di(proportionably numerous as to endanger fome other parts of her works, fhe herfelf will in due time put a check upon the too great increafe; and that is often done by an increafe of fome other animal inimical to the former deftroyers. In the prefent cafe, however, nothing of that fort appeared; therefore, when a plain natural caufc, obvious to our fenfes, occurred, by which we can account for the amazing and fudden decreafe of thofe ruinous infedts, it is unneceffary to recur to other poffible caufes too minute for our inveftigation. ALL I have faid on this fubject would eertainly be of little or no confequence, did it not lead to the true method of cultivating the fugar-cane on lands infefted with thofe deftruétive infects; in which point of view, however, it becomes important. IF then the above doétrine be juft, it follows that the whole of our attention muft be turned to the deftruétion of the nefts of thefe ants, and confequently the breeding ants with their eggs or young brood. IN order to effeêt this, all trees and fences, under the roots of which thefe ants commonly take their refidence, fhould true method of cultivating the fugar-cane on lands infefted with thofe deftruétive infects; in which point of view, however, it becomes important. IF then the above doétrine be juft, it follows that the whole of our attention muft be turned to the deftruétion of the nefts of thefe ants, and confequently the breeding ants with their eggs or young brood. IN order to effeêt this, all trees and fences, under the roots of which thefe ants commonly take their refidence, fhould --- Page 475 --- WEST INDIES. fhould firft be grubbed out; particularly lime or lemon fences, which are very common in Grenada, and which CHA P. generally fuffered from the ants before the canes Y II. ed in the leaft injured; after which the canes fhould appear- be ftumped out with care, and the ftools burnt as- foon as pollible, together with the field trafh (or the dried leaves and tops of the canes) in order to prevent the ants from making their efcape to new quarters. The beft way of doing this, I apprehend, will be to gather the field trafh together in confiderable heaps, and to throw the ftools as foon as dug out of the ground into them, and immediately apply fire. By this means multitudes muft be deftroyed ; for the field tralh, when dry, burns with pidity. The land fhould then be great raed twice ploughed or hoe-plough- (but at leaft once) in the wetteft feafon of the year, in order to admit the rains, before it is hoed for planting the cane ; by thefe means thefe infeôts, I hend, will be fo much reduced in number appreas at leaft ta fecure a good plant cane. Bur it is the cuftom in moft of the Weft India iflands to permit the canes to ratoon; that is, after the have once been cut down for the canes purpofe of fgar, they are fuffered to grow making ing; and this generally for up again without replanttimes for three or four years, but fometen, fifteen, or twenty. In this mode of culture the ftools become larger every year, fo as to grow out of the ground to a confiderable height, and by that afford more and more fhelter to the ants' nefts; means for two or three fuccefive the 3 therefore crops canes fhould be replanted yearly, fo as not only to afford as little poffible for the ants' nefts, but cover as ants as may have continually to difturb fuch efcaped, in the bufinefs of their fpecies. propagating Das THAT --- Page 476 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- THAT confiderable expence and labour will attend DIX. putting this method into execution there is no doubt, 1 An expenfive cure, however, is better than none; but from the general principles of agriculture,I am of opinion that the planter will be amply repaid for his trouble by the goodnefs of his crops, in confequence of the fuperiog tilth the land will receive in the propofed method. --- Page 477 --- Jokn Contor Broen) Library --- Page 478 --- & 476 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- THAT confiderable expence and labour will attend DIX. putting this method into execution there is no doubt, 1 An expenfive cure, however, is better than none; but from the general principles of agriculture,I am of opinion that the planter will be amply repaid for his trouble by the goodnefs of his crops, in confequence of the fuperiog tilth the land will receive in the propofed method. --- Page 477 --- Jokn Contor Broen) Library --- Page 478 --- & --- Page 479 --- WEST INDIES CHA P. III, Sr. VINCENT AND ITS DEPENDENCIES, AND . Cot? nun Libroyy DOMINICA Tax civil hiftory of thefe iflands may be com- CHAP. priled in a narrow compafs; for the fovereignty of III. them having been long an object of difpute be- - 1 tween the crowns of Great Britain and France, the rightful poffeffors, the Charaibes, derived that fecurity from the reciprocal envy and avarice of the contending parties, which they might have expeéted in vain from theirjuftice andhumanity. As both St. Vincent and Dominica were included, with many other. iflands, in the Earl ofCarlifle's patent, it is not wonderful that attempts were made, at different times, to bring them under the Englith dominion. Thefe attempts the French conftantly oppofed, with delign, it was urged, fecretly and furreptitioufly to occupy the Dd4 Iflands --- Page 480 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Iflands themfelves; and their conduct towards III. the Charaibes on other occafions feems to juftify 1 the fuggeftion, BuT, whatever might have been their motives, they exerted themfelves with fuch effect, that the Englith were compelled to relinquifh all hopes of obtaining thefe iffands by force;-for by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle (1748) St. Vincent, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Tobago, were declared neutral, and the ancient proprietors (fach as remained of them) were at length left in unmolefted poffeffion. THE difputes and hoftilities which thefe attempts of the Englith on the one hand, and refiftance of the French on the other, gave rife to in this part of the world, are no longer interefting, and therefore need not be brought again to remembrance. The depravity and injuftice of mankind are at all times fubjeêts of unpleafing fpeculation 3 but the fubfequent conduét of both nations, refpeéting the Iflands which they had declared neutral, is too remarkable to be overlooked, even if hiftorical precifion did not, as in the prefent cafe it does, require me to relate the circumftances attending it. THE treaty of neutrality was no fooner concluded, than both Englih and French appeared diffatisfied with the arrangement which they had made. The latter fcem not to have confidered until at all times fubjeêts of unpleafing fpeculation 3 but the fubfequent conduét of both nations, refpeéting the Iflands which they had declared neutral, is too remarkable to be overlooked, even if hiftorical precifion did not, as in the prefent cafe it does, require me to relate the circumftances attending it. THE treaty of neutrality was no fooner concluded, than both Englih and French appeared diffatisfied with the arrangement which they had made. The latter fcem not to have confidered until --- Page 481 --- WEST INDIES. until it was too late, that by reftriéting the Eng- CHAP. lith from the occupancy of thofe countries, on, III. theground of rightin a third party, they precluded themfelves. at the fame time. The Englilh, on the other hand, difcovered that, by acceding to the compromi(e, they had given up St. Lucia, an Ifland worth all the reft, and to which it muft be owned we had fome colourable pretenfions, founded on a treaty entered into with the Cha+ raibean inhabitantsin 1664, fixl hundred ofwhom attended an armament that was fent thither by Lord Willoughby, and aétually put the Englith publickly and formally into poffeffion. BOTH nations being tbus alike diffatisfied with an arrangement which left nothing to either, it may be fuppofed, that on the conclufion of the war which broke out a few years afterwards, a very different ftipulation took place. The French no longer pleaded fcruples on behalf of the Charaibes, but very cordially concurred with the Englith in dividing the fpoil. By the 9th article ofthe peace of Paris, figned the Ioth of February 1763, the three iflands of Dominica, St. Vincent, and Tobago, were affigned to Great Britain; 5 and St. Lucia to France, in full and perpetual fovereignty; the Charaibes not being once mentioned in the whole tranfaétion, as if no fuch people exifted. THEY were in truth reduced to a miferable remnant, --- Page 482 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK remnant.-Ofthe ancient, or, as they were called III. by the Englifh, Red Charaibes, not morc than a 1 1 hundred families furvived in 1763, and of all their ancient and extenfive poffeflions, thefe poor people retained only a mountainous diftriét in the Ifland of St. Vincent. Of this Ifland and its dependencies I Thall now treat, referving Dominica for a feparate fection. SECTION I. Sr. VINCENT, 66 THE Spaniards (fays Doétor Campbell) 46 beftowed the name of St. Vincent upon this 66 Ifland, becaufe they difcovered it upon the 6 22d of January, which in their calendar is St. 6 Vincent's day, but it does not appear that they GE were ever, properly fpeaking, in poffeffion of €6 it; the Indians being very numerous here; on 66 account of its being the rendezvous of their 66, expeditions to the continent." Unfortunately, however, neither their numbers, nor the natural ftrength of the country, exempted them from hoftility, What avarice had in vain attempted, accident 66 Ifland, becaufe they difcovered it upon the 6 22d of January, which in their calendar is St. 6 Vincent's day, but it does not appear that they GE were ever, properly fpeaking, in poffeffion of €6 it; the Indians being very numerous here; on 66 account of its being the rendezvous of their 66, expeditions to the continent." Unfortunately, however, neither their numbers, nor the natural ftrength of the country, exempted them from hoftility, What avarice had in vain attempted, accident --- Page 483 --- E at E u urtt - * E : E a E a ertrt E - - a E : J4 F T ta - * : T E - F a * 1l : C DE Ee : I I - I . x * N : --- Page 484 --- 7on3h-g --- Page 485 --- WEST INDIES. accident accomplilhed, by procuringan eftablith- CHAP. ment among them for a race of people, whom, III. though at firft beheld by the native Charaibes - with contempt or pity, they have fince found formidable rivals and mercilefs conquerors. Thefe people have been long diftinguithed, howeverimproperly, by the name of Black Charaibes. OF the origin of thefe intruders, and their ancient conneétion with the native Charaibes, the beft account that I have been able to find is in a' fmall treatifeoft the author above quoted (Doctor Campbell) entitled cE Candid and impartial confiderations on the nature of the Sugar-trade," which being equally authentick and curious, I fhall prefent to my readers entire; and with the Jefs fcruple, becaufe it confifts chiefly ofan official paper which cannot be abridged without 66 In 1672, King Charles thought fit to injury. divide thefe governments, and by a new commifion appointed Lord Willoughby Governor of Barbadoes, St. Lucia, St, Vincent, and Dominica; Sir William Stapleton being appointed Governor of the other Leeward Ifles, and this feparation has fubfifted ever fince, the fame Iflands being conftantly inferted in every new Governor's patent. On the demife of Lord Willoughby, SirJonathan Atkins was appointed Governor of Barbadoes, and the reft of thefe Iflands, and fo continued gill 1680, when he was fucceeded by Sir Richard Dutton, Lord Willoughby Governor of Barbadoes, St. Lucia, St, Vincent, and Dominica; Sir William Stapleton being appointed Governor of the other Leeward Ifles, and this feparation has fubfifted ever fince, the fame Iflands being conftantly inferted in every new Governor's patent. On the demife of Lord Willoughby, SirJonathan Atkins was appointed Governor of Barbadoes, and the reft of thefe Iflands, and fo continued gill 1680, when he was fucceeded by Sir Richard Dutton, --- Page 486 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Dutton, who being fent for to England in 1685, III. appointed Colonel Edwin Stede Lieutenant Governor, who vigoroufly afferted our rights by appointing Deputy Governors for theother Iflands; and particularly fent Captain Temple hither to prevent the French from wooding and watering without our permifion, to which they had been encouraged by the inattention ofthe former Governors 5 perfifting fteadily in this conduet, till it was fignified to him, as we have had occafion to remark before, that the king had figned an act of neutrality, and that commifioners were appointed by the two courts, to fettle' all differences relative to thele Iflands. ( SoME years after, a thip from Guinea, with a large cargo of flaves, was either wrecked or run on fhore upon the Ifland of St. Vincent, into the woods and mountains of which great numbers of the negroes efcaped (a). Here, whether willingly or unwillingly is a little uncertain, the In- (a) I am informed by Sir William Young, who is perfeétly well acquainted with thefe people, that they were originally a1 race of Mocoes, a tribe or nation from the Bight of Benin. They were wrecked on the coaft of Bequin, a fmall ifland abouttwo leagues from St. Vincent, in theyear 1675, and were afterwards joined by great numbers of fugitive negroes from the other iflands. The Red Charaibes frft kept them in flavery; but finding their numbers encreafe, came to a refo, lution to put to death all their male children; upon which the biacks rofe on their mafters, who by degrees have almoft all perified in the conteft. dians --- Page 487 --- WEST INDIES. dians fuffered them to remain, and partly by the CHAP. acceffion of runaway flaves from Barbadoes, partly III. by the children they had by the Indian women, ( they became very numerous; ; fo that about the beginning of the current century they conftrained the Indians to retire into the north-weft part ofthe ifland. Thefe people, as may be reafonably fuppofed, were much diffatisfied with this treatment ; and complained of it occafionally both to the Englith and to the French, that came to wood and water amongft them. The latter at length fuffered themfelves to be prevailed upon to attack thefe invaders, in the caufe of their old. ailies; ; and from a perfuafion that they fhould find moredificultyin dealing with thefe Negroes, in cafe they were fuffered to ftrengthen themfelves, than with the Indians. After much deliberation, in the year 1719, they came with a confiderable force from Martinico, and landing without much oppofition, began to burn the Negro huts and deftroy their plantations, fuppoling that the Indians would have attacked them in the mountains, which if they had done, the blacks had probably been extirpated, or forced to fubmit and become flaves. But either from fear or policy, the Indians did nothing, and the Negroes fallying in the night, and retreating in the day to places inacceffible to the whites, deftroyed iderable force from Martinico, and landing without much oppofition, began to burn the Negro huts and deftroy their plantations, fuppoling that the Indians would have attacked them in the mountains, which if they had done, the blacks had probably been extirpated, or forced to fubmit and become flaves. But either from fear or policy, the Indians did nothing, and the Negroes fallying in the night, and retreating in the day to places inacceffible to the whites, deftroyed --- Page 488 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ftroyed fo many of the French, (amongft whom III. was Mr. Paulian, major of Martinique, who com1 manded them) that they were forced to retire. When by this experiment they were convinced that force would not do, they had recourfe to fair means, and by dint of perfuafions and prefents, patched up a peace with the Negroes as well as the Indians, from which they received great advantage. Ce THINGS were in this fituation when Captain Uring came with a confiderable armament to take poffeffion of St. Lucia and this Mand, in virtue of a grant from our late fovereign King George I. to the late Duke of Montague. When the French had diflodged this gentleman, by a fuperior force from St. Lucia, he fent Captain Braithwaite to try what could be done at the Iland of St. Vincent, in which he wasinot at all more fuccefsful, as will beft appear from that o gentleman's report to Mr. Uring, which, as it contains feveral curious circumftances relative to the country, and to the twoindependent nations who then inhabited it, belongs properly to this fubject, and cannot but prove. entertaining to the reader. The paper is without date, but it appears from Mr. Uring's memorrs that this tranfaction happened in the fpring of the year 1723." THE --- Page 489 --- WEST INDIES 41S *THE REPORT. R Ix purfuance of a refolution ce your order for fo in council, and CHAP. < with his. doing, the day you failed III. Grace's for Kc with the colony Antego, I failed 1 Griffin floop, in ec Majefty's company with his &6 thip the Winchelfea, to St. Vincent. We made the ifland that night, and K moming run along fhore, and next EE dian huts, but faw feveral In- <c as yet no Indians came off to us, nor could we get alhore to €c there was no them, by reafon EG ground to anchor in. Towards the evening, two Indians carne on <c told us, we might anchor in board, and 6E and when we were at anchor a bay to leeward, Sc their they would bring General on board. &c anchor in Here we came to an < the deep water, and very dangerous for 1loop. Onc, whom 6E came on board, with they call General, Cc number of feveral others, to. the € twenty-two. Iientertained them very handfomely, and made Cc trifling the Chief fome prefents, but found he 66 no wasra. perfon of confequence, and that <c to get fome they called him Chief 66 the prefent from me, Here two of Indians were fo drunk 66 go afhore, but ftaid they would not on board fome days, and were well entertained, After &6 andg great currentsdrove this, little winds us off for feveral days; 66 but ientertained them very handfomely, and made Cc trifling the Chief fome prefents, but found he 66 no wasra. perfon of confequence, and that <c to get fome they called him Chief 66 the prefent from me, Here two of Indians were fo drunk 66 go afhore, but ftaid they would not on board fome days, and were well entertained, After &6 andg great currentsdrove this, little winds us off for feveral days; 66 but --- Page 490 --- HISTORY QF THE BOOK c6 but at laft, we came to an anchor in a fpacious III. G6 bay, to leeward of all the ifland, the draught Y 6c of which I ordered to be taken by our furveyor, 66 for your better underftanding the place, being ce the only one where a fettlement could be madé. G6 The thip and floop were fcarce come to anGe chor, before the ftrand of the fhore was coverC ed with Indians, and among them we could C6 difcover a white, who proved to be a French66 man. I took Captain Watfon in the boat with Cc me, with a Frenchman, and immediately went 66 afhore. As foon as I came amongft them, I 66 afked them, why they appeared all armed? 66 For every man had cutlaffes, fome had mufC6 quets, piftols, bows and arrows, &cc. They ci with very little ceremony inclofed me, and 66 carried me up the country about a mile, over 66 a little rivulet, where I was told I was to fee 66 their General. I found him fitting amidft a < guard of about a hundred Indians, thofe neareft C6 his perfon had mufquets, the reft bows and Cc arrows, and great filence. He ordered me a 66 feat, and a Frenchman ftood at his right hand, Ge for an interpreter: he demanded of me, what < brought me into his country, and of what naCc tion ? I told him Englith, and I was put in to <e wood and water, as not caring to fay any thing < elfe before the Frenchman ; but told him if he Cc would be pleafed to come on board our fhips, 66 I would --- Page 491 --- WEST INDIES. Rc I would leave Englifhmen in hoftage for him CHAT. s6 and thofe he fhould be pleafed to bring with III. 4 him; but I could not prevail with him either C to come on board, or fuffer me to have wood 66 and water. He faid he was informed We were 6c come to force a fettlement, and we had no other ce way to remove that jealoufy but to get under C6 fail. As foon as I found what influence the E6 Frenchman's company had upon them, I took ce my leave, after making fuch replies as I kc thought proper, and returned to my boat under a guard: 66 When I came to the fhore, I found the guard there were increafed by a number of de Negroes; all armed with fuzees. Igot in my boat, withec out any injury, and went on board to Captain 2c Orme, and told him my ill fuccefs. <6 IMMEDIATELY after, I fent on fhore the ec thip's boat with a mate, with rum, beef and ec bread, &c. with fome cutlaffes, and ordered a <6 Frenchman who went with the mate, to defire i6 the guard to conduét them to their General, de and to tell him, that though he denied me the de common good of water and a little ufelefs 66 wood, neverthelefs I had fent him fuch refrefh- <6 ments as our thips afforded. Our people found 6 the Frenchman gone, and that then the In66 dian General feemed pleafed,and received what et was fent him, and in return fent me bowsand 8e arrows." Vor.I. E e 6S OUR , to defire i6 the guard to conduét them to their General, de and to tell him, that though he denied me the de common good of water and a little ufelefs 66 wood, neverthelefs I had fent him fuch refrefh- <6 ments as our thips afforded. Our people found 6 the Frenchman gone, and that then the In66 dian General feemed pleafed,and received what et was fent him, and in return fent me bowsand 8e arrows." Vor.I. E e 6S OUR --- Page 492 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK < OUR people had not been long returned III. 66 before their General fent a canoe, with two Y c6 chief Indians, who fpoke very good French, to €6 thank me for my prefents, and to afk pardon €6 for his refufing me wood and water, an affured Cc me Imight have what I pleafed 5 and they had C orders to tell me, if I pleafed to go afhore G6 again, they were to remain hoftages for my C civil treatment. Ifent them on board the man e of war, and with Captain Watfon went on €6 fhore. Iwas well received, and conduéted as 6 before. But now I found the brother of the c chief of the Negroes was arrived, with five cc hundred Negroes, moft armed with fuzees. Cc They told my interpreter they were affured C6 we were come to force at fettlement, or elfe they C would not have denied me what they never 66 before denied any Englith, wiz. wood and C water: But, ifI pleafed, I might take in what cc Iwanted under a guard. Finding them in fo 66 good a humour, I once more introduced the cc defire I had to entertain them on board our 66 Ahips, and with fome difficulty prevailed with 66 them, by leaving Captain Watfon on thore 66 under their guard as a hoftage. I carried them <6 on board the King's Chip, where they were well 66 entertained by Captain Orme, who gave the C6 Indian General a fine fuzee of his own, and 6C to the Chief of the Negroes fomething that 66 pleafed --- Page 493 --- WEST INDIES, a pleafed him. Captain Orme affured him of CHAP. < the fricnethip of the King of England, &c. 1II. < The Negroe Chieff fpoke excellent French, and - - - c6 gave anfwers with the French compliments. < Afterwards I carried them on board the Duke's <6 floop,and aftero opening their hearts with wine, 66 for they fcorned to drink rum, I thought it a €c good time to tell them my commiffion, and cc what brought me on their coaft. They told 66 me it was well I had not mentioned it alhore, Ce for their power could not havé proteéted me; 5 cc that it was impofible; the Dutch had before 66 attempted it, but were glad to retire. They Ge likewife told me, two French floops had, the €c day before we came, been amongft them, t6 them arms and ammunition, and affured them gave cc oft the whole force of Martinico for their 66 tedtion proagainft us. They told them alfo, that 6 they had drove us from St. Lucia, and that now 66 wewere come to endeavour to forcé a fettlement <6 there; and, notwithftanding all our ic (pecious pretences, when we had power, wef fhould enflave 66 them; ; but declared they would truft no Euro6c peans; ; that they owned themfelves under the <6 protection of the French, but would as foon 66 oppofe their fettling amongft them, or any act t of force from them, as us, as they had Sc lately given an example, by killing feveral ; and 3E further told me, it was by very large prefents they Eez 2 66 the (pecious pretences, when we had power, wef fhould enflave 66 them; ; but declared they would truft no Euro6c peans; ; that they owned themfelves under the <6 protection of the French, but would as foon 66 oppofe their fettling amongft them, or any act t of force from them, as us, as they had Sc lately given an example, by killing feveral ; and 3E further told me, it was by very large prefents they Eez 2 66 the --- Page 494 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK <6 the French ever got in their favour again; but III. <e they refolved never to put it in the power of 1 66 any European to hurt them. They advifed cc me to think what they faid was an act of friend- €6 fhip. This being all I could get from them, E6 I difmiffed them with fuch prefents as his €6 Grace ordered for that fervice, with a difcharge C of cannon, and received in return as regular €6 vollies of fmall fhot as I ever heard. In the €6 night the Winchelfea drove from her anchors, 46 which as foon as I perceived, and had received 66 Captain Watfon from the fhore, I got under 66 fail, and ftood to the man of war." SUCH is the hiftory of a very weak and fruitlefs attempt which was made, under the authority of the Britifh government, to obtain poffeffion of this ifland in the year 1723: an interval of forty years fucceeds, in which I find no occurrence in its hiftory that deferves recital. The country continued to be a theatre of favage hoftilities between the Negroes and the Charaibes, in which it is believed that the former were generally victorious; it is certain that they proved fo in the end, their numbers, in 1763, being computed at two thoufand; whereas of the red or native Charaibes, there were not left (as hath already been obferved) more than one hundred families, and moft of thefe, if I am rightly informed, are by this time exterminated. It is however worthy of remark, --- Page 495 --- WEST INDIES. 42r remark, that the African intruders have axlopted CHA AP. moft of the Charaibean manners and cuftoms ; III. among the reft, the practice of flattening the 1 foreheads of their infants, as defcribed in the firft part of this work, and perhaps it was chiefly from this circumftance that they acquired the appellation ofthe black Charaibes. THE firft meafure of the Englith government in refpeét to this ifland, after the peace of Paris, was to difpofe of the lands-I dare not fay to the beft advantage; for no lefs than 24,000 acres, being more than one-fourth part of the whole country, were gratuitoufly affigned over to two individuals (a). The remainder was ordered to be fold for the benefit of the publick, and 20,538 acres were accordingly difpofed of by auétion for the fum of 6.162,854. IIS. 74 d. fterling (b). As nearly (a) Mr. Swinburne had twenty thoufand acres, and General Monckton four thoufand; but from the difputes which afterwards arofe with the Charaibes, I believe they did not derive all the benefit from thofe grants which they expeéted. (b) The Lords of the Treafury fixed a minimum, below which no land could be fold, which was, 6-5 fterling per acre for every acre of cleared land, and twenty fhillings for every: acre in wood, and the principal conditions of fale were thefe, 4 that every purchafer fhould pay down twenty, per cent. of the whole purchafe money, together with fix-pence fterling peracre, for the expence of furveying the land, and that the remainder of the purchafe money fhould be fecured by Ee3 bonds; ury fixed a minimum, below which no land could be fold, which was, 6-5 fterling per acre for every acre of cleared land, and twenty fhillings for every: acre in wood, and the principal conditions of fale were thefe, 4 that every purchafer fhould pay down twenty, per cent. of the whole purchafe money, together with fix-pence fterling peracre, for the expence of furveying the land, and that the remainder of the purchafe money fhould be fecured by Ee3 bonds; --- Page 496 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK nearly Qne half the country was judged unfit for III. any profitable cultivation, thefe and - grants fales Y comprehended all the lands, of any kind of value, from one end of the ifland to the other. The commifioners indeed were direéted not to furvey ord difpofe of any of the lands inhabited or claimed by thc Charaibes, until they fhould receive further inftructions from the crown; but as it was impoffible to afcertain how far the claims of thefe people extended, the furvey alone was poftponed, and the fales were fuffered to proceed, to the amount that E have mentioned; no doubt being entertained by the feveral purchafers, that the Britih government would ratify the acts of its commifioncrs, and put them into poffeflion of the lands which they had bought, without any regard to the claims of the Charaibes; which in truth the purchafers feem to have confidered as of no confequence or validity. OF the meafures which the Britifh minifters afterwards adopted with regard to thefe people, bonds; to be paid by cqual inftalments in the fpacc of five years next after the date of the grant. That each purchafer fhould keep on the lands fo by him purchafedl, one white man, or two white women, for every hundred acres of land, as it became cleared, for the purpofe of cultivating the fame; or in default thereof, or non-payment of the remainder of the purchafe money, thelands W' ere to be forfeited to the crown." Some of the lands fold extravagantly high, as far as fifty pounds ferlinger acre. Ihave --- Page 497 --- WEST INDIES I have fpoken in the former editions of this work CHAP. harfhly and incorreétly; and I feel no difgrace III. in retraéting involuntary error. The reprefenta- 1 tion which I gave, had however the good effeét of calling forth an hiftorical account of thofe meafures from my moft refpeétable friend Sir William Young, Bart. founded on official papers and original documents in his poffeflion, and drawn up with all that candour and perfpicuity which were to have been expeéted from its author's diftinguifhed charaéter and talents. As the fubjeét is no longer interefting to the publick, I need only obferve, that if the claim of the Britifh crown to the fovereignty of this country was originallyj juftand valid, then I do readily acknowledge that the meafures purfued by the Britilh adminiftration to enforce that claim, were as lenient and confiderate as the cafe could poffibly allow; and I was mifinformed when I gavea different reprefentation, Neverthelefs, I will not facrifice, even on the fhrine of friendihip, the dignity of hiftorical narration, by afferting that my friend has entirely convinced me that the pretenfions of Great Britain were originally founded on any other plea than that of political expediency.-Iam here fpeaking of the Britifh claim, as againft the aêtual polfeljors of the country, the black Charaibes. This claim, no ceffion or abandonment on the part of France could have Ee4 ftrength- , I will not facrifice, even on the fhrine of friendihip, the dignity of hiftorical narration, by afferting that my friend has entirely convinced me that the pretenfions of Great Britain were originally founded on any other plea than that of political expediency.-Iam here fpeaking of the Britifh claim, as againft the aêtual polfeljors of the country, the black Charaibes. This claim, no ceffion or abandonment on the part of France could have Ee4 ftrength- --- Page 498 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK ftrengthened ; inafmuch as Great Britain herfelf III. conftantly difputed the pretenfions of that Crown Y / to the neutral iflands; ; St. Vincent among the reft. The Charaibes themfelves, as the report above quoted demonftrates, and as my friend admits, uniformly and abfolutely denied any right in any of the fovereigns of Europe to their allegiance. They averred that they knew no king, and would acknowledge none. They faid E they had originally been landed on the ifland by fhipwreck, and held it not only by right of conqueft over the aborigines, but alfo by actual poffeffion for near a century." Such was their title to St. Vincent's, and it would have been difficult, I think, for any nation in Europe to produce a better. HAPPILY, by the temperate councils and the humane interpofition of the civil commiffioners employed by government to difpofe ofthe lands, the conteft with thefe people (not however until hoftilities had been commenced and many lives facrificed) was at length finally compromifed and adjufted, to the fatisfaction, as it was then hoped, of the contending parties. A treaty of peace and friendfhip was concluded with them on the 27th February 1773 ; the articles ofwhich I have fubjoined in an appendix to this chapter. By this treaty the fituation of the Charaibes, in refpcét to the Crown of Great Britain, was defined and --- Page 499 --- WEST INDIES. and clearly expreffed ; and I admit that their future conduét was to be tried by the terms CHAP. III. ofit. Ox the 1gth of June 1779, St. Vincent's (hared the common fate of moft of the Britifh Weft Indian poffeffions, in that unfortunate with America, which fwallowed war fources of the nation, up all the rebody of being captured by a fmall troops from Martinico, confifting of four hundred and fifty only Lieutenant in the men, commanded by a raibes French navy. The black Chahowever, notwithftanding the treaty of is 1773, immediately joined the enemy, and there no doubt that the terror which feized the Britifh inhabitants, from an apprehenfion that thofe people would procced to the moft bloody enormities, contributed to the very calfjy which was obtained by the victory ifland furrendered invaders; for the of without a ftruggle. Thet terms capitulation were favourable, and the was reftored to the dominion of Great ifland the general Britain by pacification of 1783. It at that time fixty-one fugar eftates, contained acres in coffée, two hundred five hundred hundred in acres in cacao, four dred in cotton, fifty in indigo, and five huntobacco, befides land appropriated to the raifing provifions, fuch as plantains, &c. All the reft of the yams, maize, country, excepting the few was reftored to the dominion of Great ifland the general Britain by pacification of 1783. It at that time fixty-one fugar eftates, contained acres in coffée, two hundred five hundred hundred in acres in cacao, four dred in cotton, fifty in indigo, and five huntobacco, befides land appropriated to the raifing provifions, fuch as plantains, &c. All the reft of the yams, maize, country, excepting the few --- Page 500 --- HISTORY OF TIE BOOK few fpots that had been cleared from time to III. time by the Charaibes, retained its native woods, and moft of it, I believe, continues in the famç ftate to the prefent hour, IT is remarkable that no ftipulation was made by the French government on this occafion, on behalf of their allies the Charaibes, whom they had feduced from their allegiance a and it thereforc refleéts great honour, both on the Britifh government and the refident planters, that no advantage was taken of their mifcondudt. The Charaibes, even thofe who had been the moft aétive in the war, were permitted to return peaceably to their poffeffions and occupations. They were treated as an ignorant and deluded people; as objects of compaffion, not of vengeance; and it was prudently and generoufly agreed, as by common confent, to bury all paft offences and caufes of complaint in oblivion. ST. VINCENT's contains about 84,000 acres, which are every where well watered, but the country is very generally mountainous and rugged; theintermediate vallies, however, are fertile in a high degree, the foil confifting chiefly of a fine mould, compofed of fand and clay, well adapted for fugar. The extent of country at prefent poffeffed by Britifh fubjeéts is 23,605 acres, and about as much more is fuppofed to be held --- Page 501 --- WEST INDIES. held by the Charaibes. All the remainder is CHAP, thought to be incapable of cultivation or im- III. provement. Y THE Ifland, or rather the Britifh territory withinit, is divided into five parifhes, ofwhich onlyone was provided with a church, and that was blown down in the hurricane of1780: whether it is rebuilt I am not informed. There is one town, called Kingfton, the capital of the ifland, and the feat of its government, and three villages that bear the name of towns, but they are inconfiderable hamlets, confifting each of a few houfes only. BUr the publick eftablifhment that refleéts the greateft honour on St. Vincent's is its celebrated botanick garden, under the provident and well direéted care of Mr. Anderfon. It confifts of 30 acres, of which no leis than fixteen are in high cultivation, abounding not only with almoft every fpecies of the vegetable world, which the hand of nature has beftowed on thefe iflands for ufe and beauty, for food and luxury, but alfo with many valuable exoticks from the Eaft Indies, and South America.-Ifit be furpaffed in this latter refpeét, by the magnificent garden of Mr. Eaft (e), it claims at leaft the honour of fenio- (c) In Jamaica. Seep p.203. rity, is than fixteen are in high cultivation, abounding not only with almoft every fpecies of the vegetable world, which the hand of nature has beftowed on thefe iflands for ufe and beauty, for food and luxury, but alfo with many valuable exoticks from the Eaft Indies, and South America.-Ifit be furpaffed in this latter refpeét, by the magnificent garden of Mr. Eaft (e), it claims at leaft the honour of fenio- (c) In Jamaica. Seep p.203. rity, --- Page 502 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK rity, and does infinite credit both to its original III. founders and prefent direétors. Y IN the frame of its government and the adminiftration of executive juftice, St. Vincent feems to differin no refpeét from Grenada.-The council confift of twelve members, the affembly of feventcen. The Governor's falary (exclufive of fees of office) is two thoufand pounds fterling, of which f.1,300 is a charge upon the fund arifing from the duty of 41 per centum. The remainder is by grant of the affembly. THE military force confifts at prefent of a Fegiment of infantry, and a company of artillery, fent from England : and a black corps raifed in the country-but provided for, with the former on the Britifh eftablifhment, and receiving no additional pay from the ifland. The militia confifts of two regiments of foot, ferving without pay ofany kind. THE number ofinhabitants appears, by the laft returns to government, to be one thoufand four hundred and fifty Whites, and eleven thoufand eight hundred and fifty-three Negroes. OF the labour of thefe people I have no other means of thewing the returns, than from the Infpector General's account of the exports from this ifland for 1787, a table of which, as in the cafe of the other iflands, is fubjoined. In this table, however, --- Page 503 --- WEST INDIES. ever, I conceive is comprebended the produce of CHAP, the feveral iflands dependant on the St. Vincent III. government, viz. Bequia, containing 3,700 acres. This little ifland is valuable from the commodioufnefs ofits fine harbour, called Admiralty Bay; Union, containing 2,150 acres; Canouane, containing 1,777 acres ; and Muftique, containing about 1,203 acres (d); the Negroes employed in the cultivation of thefe iflands (in number about 1,400) being, I believe, included in the 11,853 before mentioned. (d) There are likewife the little Iflots of] Petit Martinique, Petit St. Vincent, Maillereau, and Ballefeau, each of which produces a little cotton. ofits fine harbour, called Admiralty Bay; Union, containing 2,150 acres; Canouane, containing 1,777 acres ; and Muftique, containing about 1,203 acres (d); the Negroes employed in the cultivation of thefe iflands (in number about 1,400) being, I believe, included in the 11,853 before mentioned. (d) There are likewife the little Iflots of] Petit Martinique, Petit St. Vincent, Maillereau, and Ballefeau, each of which produces a little cotton. --- Page 504 --- HISTORY OF THE Book IIf: o e 0 4 i S 2 --- Page 505 --- 16931-1-nb --- Page 506 --- a J d : E E I e : ( - : u - E & R E A R de --- Page 507 --- WEST INDIES SECTION II. D 0 MINICA THE ifland of Dominica, was fo named by CHAP: Chriftopher Columbus, from the circumfance III. of its being difcovered by him on a Sunday (e). 3 My account of it will be very brief, for its civil hiftory, like that of St. Vincent, is a mere blank previous to the year 1759, when by conqueft it fell under the dominion ofGreat Britain, and was afterwards confirmed to the Britifh crown,, by the treaty of peace concluded at Paris in February 1763NOTWISHSTANDING that Dominica had, until that time, been confidered as a neutral ifland, many of the fubjects of France had eftablifhed coffee plantations, and other fettlements, in various parts of the country; and it reflects honour on the Britifh adminiftration, that thefe : people were fecured in their poffeffions, on con- (e) November 3d. 1493. It was the firlt land which he difcovered in his fecond voyage, after having been twenty days at fea from the Canaries. dition --- Page 508 --- HISTORY OF THÉ BOOK dition of taking the oaths of allegiance to his III. Britannick Majefty and paying a fmall Y quitrent (). The reft of the cultivable lands were ordered to be fold on the fame conditions as thofe of St. Vincent; by commiffioners nominated for that purpofe, and no lefs than 94,346 acres (comprehending one half of the ifland) were accordingly difpofed of by auétion, in allotments from fifty to one hundred acres, yielding the fum of 6-312.092. II S. I d. fterling money (g). Ir does not however appear that the purchafes thus made by Britifh fubjects have anfwered the expeétation of the buyers; for the French inhatants of Dominica are ftill more numerous than the Englith, and poffels the moft valuable coffes plantations in the ifland, the produce of which () The crowrt granted them lcafes, fome for fourteen, and others for forty years, renewable at the expiration thereof, with conditions in every leafe, 6 that the pofleffor, bis heirs or afligus, fhould pay to his Majefty, his heirs or fucceffors, the fum of two thillings fterling per annum, for every acre of Iand, ofwhich the leafe fhould confift." And further, ethat they fhould not fell or difpofe of their lands, without the e confent or approbation of the governor, or commander in chief of that ifland, for the time being." This indulgence however did not extend to more than three hundred acres of land occupied by each French fubjeét. (g) No perfon was allowed to purchafe, either in his own name, or in the name of others, in truft for him, more than three hundred acres, if in Dominica, or five hundredt açres ifin St. Vincent, has they fhould not fell or difpofe of their lands, without the e confent or approbation of the governor, or commander in chief of that ifland, for the time being." This indulgence however did not extend to more than three hundred acres of land occupied by each French fubjeét. (g) No perfon was allowed to purchafe, either in his own name, or in the name of others, in truft for him, more than three hundred acres, if in Dominica, or five hundredt açres ifin St. Vincent, has --- Page 509 --- WEST INDIES. has hitherto been founditsr moft They differ but little, in important ftaple. CHAP. manners, cuftoms and III. religion, fromi the inhabitants of the other French iflands in the Weft Indies, and their priefts have been hitherto appointed by fuperiors in Martinico; to the governmént of which ifland, and to the laws oft their own nation, they confider themfelves to be amenable, I AM forry hiftorical juftice ferve, that the liberal obliges me to obconduét of the Britifh vernment towards thefe people, after they became go: adopted fubjects, did not meet with that ful return from them, which, for the grateterefts of mankind, general innifefted ought to be religioufly maon fuch occafions. Ar the commencement of the hopelefs and deftruétive war between Great Britain and her Colonies in North America, the ifland of Dominica was in a flourifhing fituation. The Rofeau having been declared port of of a free port by act parliament, was reforted to by trading veffels from moft parts of the forcign Weft well as from America. The French Indies, as and Spaniards purchafed great numbers of Negroes there for the fupply oftheir fettlements, quantities of the merchandize together with vaft of Great Britain; and manufaétures ; payment for all which was made chiefly in bullion, indigo, and Vor. I. Ff cotton, and completed --- Page 510 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK completed in mules and cattle; articles of prime III. neceffity to the ) - Y planter (h). THUS the ifland, though in itfelf certainly not fo fertile as fome others of lefs extent in its neighbourhood, was becoming very rapidly a colony of confiderable importance ; but unfortunately yit wanted that protection, which alone could give its poffcffions ftability and value. To thofe who recolleét the frantick rage, with which all the faculties and means of Great Britain were direéted towards, and applied in, the fubjugation of America, the utter difregard which was manifefted by the then adminiftration towards the fecurity of this and the other Britith iflands in the Weft Indies, may not perhaps be matter of furprife; 2 but it will hereafter be fearcely believed, that the whole regular force allotted, during the height of the war, for the proteétion of Dominica, confifted of no more than fix officers and ninety-four privates! This thameful negleét was the more remarkable, as this ifland, from its local fituation, between Martinico and Guadaloupe, is the beft calculated of all the poffeffions of Great Britain in that part of the world, for (h) Rofeau is ftill a free-port, but the reltrictions and regulations of the late aét are fo rigid, that foreigners are difcouraged from reforting to it, and, fince fome late feizures, confider the lawas a fnare to'invitethem to ruin. fecuring ameful negleét was the more remarkable, as this ifland, from its local fituation, between Martinico and Guadaloupe, is the beft calculated of all the poffeffions of Great Britain in that part of the world, for (h) Rofeau is ftill a free-port, but the reltrictions and regulations of the late aét are fo rigid, that foreigners are difcouraged from reforting to it, and, fince fome late feizures, confider the lawas a fnare to'invitethem to ruin. fecuring --- Page 511 --- WEST INDIES. fecuring to her the dominion of the fea. A few thips of war Charaibean CHAP. ftationed at Prince Ru- III. pert's Bay, would effectually ftop all intercourfe 1 of the French fettlements with each as every veffel is liable to other, cruizing off that bay, and to capture by fhips ifland. This indeed windward of the too late. was difcovered when it was Ir is probable that this, arid the other circumftances which I have recounted, growing profperity of the colony, and namely, the crimi- the hal inattention of the Britith its fecurity, had already attraéted Miniftry towards pacioufnefs of the French the vigilant rais afferted, that of government ; but it many the inhabitants within the colony, who had formerly been fubjects of France, fcrupled not, on the firft intimation that hoftilities had been commenced in in the year 1778,to invite an attack from Europe, nico. Proofoft this may not perhaps cafily bej Martiduced, but it is certain that their produét gave too much caufe for fuch fubfequent a conON Monday, the 7th of fulpicion. September, in that year, a French armament, of gun thip, three frigates, and confifting a fortyarmed about thirty. fail of floops and fchooners, two thoufànd having on board ditti of regular troops, and a lawlefs banvolunteers, about half that number, appeared off the ifland, under the command Ff2 of --- Page 512 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of the Marquis de Bouillé, governor of MarIII. tinico, and general of the French Windward Weft-Indian Ilands. Part of the troops having foon afterwards landed without oppofition, the enemy proceeded to the attack of Fort Calhacrou, the chief defence oft the ifland, and in which a detachment of the regulars was ftationed. This fort was built on a rock, about three hundred feet in perpendicular height, furrounded on three fides by the fea, and was confidered fo very defenfible, that it was fuppofed a few hundred men, well provided, would maintain it againft as many thoufands. Great therefore was the aftonifhment of the Englifh in the town of Rofeau, in perceiving, by the French colours flying on it, that thisfort had furrendered without refiftance; but, ftrange as it may feem, the cafe appeared afterwards to have been, that fome of the French inhabitants had infinuated themfelves into the fort a few nights before, and having intoxiçated with liquor the few foldiers that were there on duty, had contrived to ipike up the cannon! HAVING thus made themfelves mafters of Fort Cafhacrou, the enemy landed their whole force about noon, and began their march for the town, which was defended by Fort Melville, and three other batteries; but unfortunately thefe batteries were ill provided, and worfe manned. The whole number of the militia did not exceed one habitants had infinuated themfelves into the fort a few nights before, and having intoxiçated with liquor the few foldiers that were there on duty, had contrived to ipike up the cannon! HAVING thus made themfelves mafters of Fort Cafhacrou, the enemy landed their whole force about noon, and began their march for the town, which was defended by Fort Melville, and three other batteries; but unfortunately thefe batteries were ill provided, and worfe manned. The whole number of the militia did not exceed one --- Page 513 --- WESTINDIES one hundred and twenty; for but few of the French inhabitants thought CHAP. and of thofe that made proper to affemble; III. withdrew their appearance, many - themfelves again, and were no more feen until the ifland had furrendered, THE fmall force however that was colledted, behaved with that fpirit and gallantry, which give room to lament they were not better fupported. Three times was the enemy driven out of Fort Loubiere, of which they had themfelves in their maarch, and twice poffeffed colours which they had hoifted were the thereon fhot away. Their commiffary-general, and forty of their foldiers, were killed, and Bouillé himfelf had a very narrow efcape; his fword away from his fide * being fhot Bur gallantry was unavailing againft fuch fuperiority of numbers ; for about two thoufand of the French having gained poffeffion of the heights above Rofeau, this laft circumftance determined the fate of the ifland. The of the inhabitants, however, bravery from their obtained for them, liberal and noble-minded conqueror, very honourable terms of Belides being permitted capitulation. to march out with all military honours, they were. allowed to retain * General Bouillé himfelf afterwards affeêted loft no men in the attack of Furt to fay, that he mifhary-general. Thei fact however Loubiere, except the comVoL. I, was as above fated. Ff 3 their --- Page 514 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK their arms, their civil government, and the III. free exercife of their religion, cuftoms, and - 1 laws, ordinances; to preferve the adminiftration of juftice in the fame perfons in whom it was then vefted, and to enjoy their poffeffions, of what nature foever, unmolefted; a privilege which was exprefsly extended to ablent as well as refident proprietors. DE BOUILLE having thus completed his conqueft, departed for Martinico ; leaving the Marquis Duchilleau, (a man of a far different charaéter) commander in chief of Dominica; whofe conduét, during four years that he continued in the ifland, is faid to have been fo wantonly oppreffive and tyrannical, that we are left to wonder at the patient longfuffering and forbearance of the people under his government, in fubmitting to it for halfthé time. Hrs firft meafure was to difarm the Englith inhabitants, in direét violation of the capitulation, and he entered into a treaty with the runaway Negroes for their affiftance, if wanted. He iffued an order, forbidding the Englith to affemble together more than two in a place, and he commanded the centinels to difperfe them if they were found together in greater numbers. He ordered that no lights fhould be feen in their houfes government, in fubmitting to it for halfthé time. Hrs firft meafure was to difarm the Englith inhabitants, in direét violation of the capitulation, and he entered into a treaty with the runaway Negroes for their affiftance, if wanted. He iffued an order, forbidding the Englith to affemble together more than two in a place, and he commanded the centinels to difperfe them if they were found together in greater numbers. He ordered that no lights fhould be feen in their houfes --- Page 515 --- WEST INDIES. houfes after nine o'clock at night, and that Englith perfon thould prefume to walk the no CHAP, after that hour, without a candle and ftreets 2 III. Mr. Robert lanthorn, How, an Englifh merchant, and owner of a thip then in the bay, attempting to go on board his own veffel after that fhot dead in the attempt; and the hour, was killed him centinel wha was raifed to a higher ftation in his regiment, for having thus (as the preffed it) done lis duty. governor exSo very apprehenfive was this governor that the Englith inhabitants were forming retake the ifland, that defigns to every letter of theirs was opened for his infpection before it was delivered. And, deeming this meafure infufficient to furnifh him with the knowledge of their tranfaétions, he adopted the praétice of private himfelf in going difguife, or employing others who better knew the Englith language, in order to liften at their doors and windows in the nighttime, to the converfâtion which paffed in domeftick intercourfe. HE repeatedly threatened to fet fire to the town of Rofeau, in cafe the ifland Chould be attacked; and, though this was neverattempted by the Englith forces, yet that town was fet fire to (asit was believed) by the French foldiers, and there was every reafon to fuppole that the Vor. I. Ff 4 governor --- Page 516 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK vernor was privy to it. This fuppofition was III. ftrongly corroborated by his behaviour on the Y night of that melancholy fcene, at which he himfelf was prefent the beft part of the time, and, it is very confidently afferted, would not allow his foldiers to affiftin extinguifhing the flames, fave only in houfes that belonged to the French inhabitants. THIS fire happened the evening of Eafter Sunday, 1781, by which upwards of five hundred houfes were confumed in a few hours; and a vaft quantity of rich merchandize and effeéts deftroyed, to the value of two hundred thoufand pounds fterling. WHILE the wretched inhabitants were thus groaning under domeftick defpotifim, they had no refources from without. Their trade was entirely cut off, infomuch, that during five years and three months, the time that the ifland of Dominica was in poffeffion of the French, it was not reforted to by any veffels from Old France, nor was any of its produce exported to that kingdom; but part of it was fent in neutral bottoms to the Dutch Ifland of St. Euftatius, ber fore its capture by Admiral Rodney; and from thence it was exported to England, under the moft extravagant expences and lois to the proprictors, OTHER, irely cut off, infomuch, that during five years and three months, the time that the ifland of Dominica was in poffeffion of the French, it was not reforted to by any veffels from Old France, nor was any of its produce exported to that kingdom; but part of it was fent in neutral bottoms to the Dutch Ifland of St. Euftatius, ber fore its capture by Admiral Rodney; and from thence it was exported to England, under the moft extravagant expences and lois to the proprictors, OTHER, --- Page 517 --- WEST INDIES. OTHER parts of their produce were fent in CHAP. Dutch veffels, which were engaged for the pur- III. pofe in England, to Rotrerdam; and after the ) breaking out of the war with the Dutch, the produce of Dominica was fent under imperial colours to Oftend, where the fugar fold from fix to cight pounds fterling the hog/head. THESE accumulated diftreffes ended in the abfolute ruin of many of the planters, and no lefs than thirty fugar plantations were, in confequence thereof, thrown up and abandoned by the proprietors. At length, however, the day of deli- . verance arrived ; for, in the month of January 1783, Dominica was reftored to the government of England. The joy which, on this event, animated the bofom and enlightened the countenance of every man, whom painful experience, under an arbitrary government, had taught to fet a right value on the Britifh conftitution, may be conceived, but cannot be defcribed. The inhabitants were now reftored to the full enjoyment of their former privileges, under a civil eftablithment, fimilar to thofe of the other Britifh colonies in the Weft Indies, which being hereafter to be defcribed at length, it is unneceffary to enlarge upon in this place, except to obferve, that the legiflative authority oft this ifland is vefled in the commander in chicf, a council of twelve gentlemen, --- Page 518 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK tlemen, and an affembly of ninetecn members (k). III, Thefew obfervations therefore which follow, con1 cerning its prefent ftate and produétions, will conclude my account. DOMINICA contains 186,436 acres of land.; and is divided into ten parifhes. The town of Rofeau is at prefent the capital of the ifland, and is fituated in the parifh of St. George, being about feven leagues from Prince Rupert's bay. It is on a point of land on the S. W. fide of the ifland, which forms two bays, Viz. Woodbridge's bay to the north, and Charlotteville bay to the fouthward. ROsEAU is about half a mile in length, from Charlotteville to Rofeau river, and moftly two furlongs in breadth, but lefs in fome parts, being of a very irregular figure. lt contains not more than five hundred houfes, exclufive of the cottages occupied by Negroes. Before its capture by the French, it contained upwards of one thoufand. THIS ifland is twenty-nine miles in length, and may be reckoned fixteen miles in breadth. It contains many high and rugged mountains, interfperfed with fine vallies, and in general they appear to be fertile. Several of the mountains (k) The governor'sfalary, exclufive of his fees of office, is 6.1300 ftcrling, payable out of the 4 # per cent. duties; whether he has any addition from the colonial affembly, Ian not informed. contain capture by the French, it contained upwards of one thoufand. THIS ifland is twenty-nine miles in length, and may be reckoned fixteen miles in breadth. It contains many high and rugged mountains, interfperfed with fine vallies, and in general they appear to be fertile. Several of the mountains (k) The governor'sfalary, exclufive of his fees of office, is 6.1300 ftcrling, payable out of the 4 # per cent. duties; whether he has any addition from the colonial affembly, Ian not informed. contain --- Page 519 --- WEST INDIES. contain unextinguifhed volcanoes, which fre- CHAP, quently difcharge vaft quantities of burning ful- III. phur. From thefe mountains alfo iffue of hot water, fome ofwhich are fprings fels great virtue in the cafe of fuppofed to pofIn fome tropical diforders. places the water is faid to be hot enough to coagulate an egg (2). DOMINICA is well watered, there being wards of thirty fine rivers in the ifland, befides upa great number of rivulets, The foil, in moft of the interior country, is a light, brown-coloured mould, and appears to have been wafhed from the mountains. Towards the fea-coaft, and in of the vallies, it is a deep, black, and rich many earth, and feems well native adapted to the cultivation ofall the articles of Weft Indian under ftratum is in fome produce. The clay, in others parts a yellow or brick a ftiff terrace, but the land is in moft places very ftony. I AM afraid, however, that the fertile foil bears but a quantity of the whole ; there very fimall proportion to not being more than fifty fugar (1) In the woods of Dominica are innumerable bees, which lodgei in the trees, and fwarms of wax and honey, both of which are equalin produce great quantities of Europe. It is precifely the fame of goodnefs bee to anyi in and muft have been traniported fpecies asi in Europe, Weft Indies being a fmaller fpecies, thither; the native bee of the and very different in its manners from unprovided the with flings, European. * plantations --- Page 520 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK plantations at prefent in cultivation, and it is III. computed, that on an average, one year with an1 other, thofe fifty plantations do not produce annually more than three thoufand hog/heads of fugar. This is certainly a very fmall quantity of that article for fuch an extenfive ifland, or even for the number of fugar plantations at prefent under cultivation, allowing only one hundred acres of canes to each. COFFEE fcems to anfwer better than fugar, there being fomewhat more than two hundred coffee plantations in Dominica, which in favourable years have produced three millions of pounds weight. A SMALL part of the lands are alfo applied to the cultivation of cacao, indigo, and ginger; but I believe that moft of thefe articles, as well as of the cotton, which are comprehended in the exports, have hitherto been obtained from the dominions of forcign ftates in South America, and imported into this ifland under the free-port law. THE number of white inhabitants, of all defcriptions and ages, appcars, by the laft returns to government, in 1788, to be 1,236; of free negroes, &c. 445, and of flaves 14.967- There are alfo from twenty to thirty families of the anr cient natives, or Charaibes, properly fo called. They are a very quiet, inoffenfive people, fpeak a language the dominions of forcign ftates in South America, and imported into this ifland under the free-port law. THE number of white inhabitants, of all defcriptions and ages, appcars, by the laft returns to government, in 1788, to be 1,236; of free negroes, &c. 445, and of flaves 14.967- There are alfo from twenty to thirty families of the anr cient natives, or Charaibes, properly fo called. They are a very quiet, inoffenfive people, fpeak a language --- Page 521 --- WEST INDIES a language of their own, and a little French, but CHAP. none of them underftand Englith (m). III. SuCH is the information which I have col- 1 lected concerning the civil hiftory and prefent ftate of Dominica, for great part of which I am indebted to al late publication by Mr. Atwood (n). Nothing (m) A late writer gives the following account of thefe people: c They are of a clear copper colour, have long, fleek, black hair: their perfons are fhort, ftout, and well made, but they disfigure their faces by fattening their foreheads in infancy. They live chiefly by fifhing in the rivers and the fea, or by fowling in the woods, in both which purfuits they ufe their bows and arrows with wonderful dexterity. Itis faid they will kill the fimnalleft bird with an arrow at a greatdiflance, or transfix a fith at a confiderable depth in the fea. They difplay alfo very great ingenuity in making curious wrought panniers, or bafkets, of filk grafs, or the leaves and bark of trees." (n) See the Hiftory of the Ifland of Dominica, by Mr. Thomas Atwood, 1791. Treating of the natural produdtions of this ifland, Mr. Atwood gives the following account of an infeét, which he calls the oegetablepy. 66 It is of the appearance and fize of a fmall cockchafer, and buries itfelf in the ground, where it dies; and from its body (prings up a fmall plant, which refembles a young coffee-tree, only that its leaves are fmaller. The plant is often overlooked, from the fuppofition people have of its being no other than a coffee plant; but on examining it properly, the difference is eafily diftinguifhed; the head, body, and feet of the infeét appearing at the foot, as perfect as when alive." This account is extraordinary but not more furprifing than the Rev, Nicholas Collins's defcription, in the American Philofophical Tranfactions * of a certain zooplayton in the Ohio counIntroduction to vol, il. f. 23. try, --- Page 522 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Nothing now remains but to fet forth the partiIII. culars and value of its produétions, which I thall Y adopt, as in other cafes, from the return of the Infpeétor General for the year 1787try, which (he declares) is alternately vegetable and animal ; for having crawled about the woods in its animal ftate until it grows weary of that mode of exiftence, it fixes itfelf in the . ground, and becomes a Rately plant, with a Rem ifuing front its mouth." I give thefe accounts as I find them, without vouching for the veracity of either. ulars and value of its produétions, which I thall Y adopt, as in other cafes, from the return of the Infpeétor General for the year 1787try, which (he declares) is alternately vegetable and animal ; for having crawled about the woods in its animal ftate until it grows weary of that mode of exiftence, it fixes itfelf in the . ground, and becomes a Rately plant, with a Rem ifuing front its mouth." I give thefe accounts as I find them, without vouching for the veracity of either. --- Page 523 --- CRAF. TIL WEST INDIES. N o S E o S I a a - - a - a e e m X 4 s co R --- Page 524 --- HISTORY OF THE APPENDIX TO C H A P. III. OF BOOK II. A TREATY of Peace and Friendfhip, concluded the 17th of February 1773, between his Excellency General Dalrymple, on the part of His Britannick Majefty, and by the Chiefs ofGrand Sable, Mafiraca, Rabacca, Macaricau Byera, Coubamaron Jambon, Colourie, Camacarabou Ourawarou, and Point Efpaniol, for themfelves, and the reft of the Charaibes of St. Vincent; that is to fay: APPEN- CI. Au hoftile proceedings are to ceafe,and a firm DIX. c and lafting peace and friendfhip to fucceed. c The Charaibes fhall acknowledge his Majefty to c be the rightful fovereign of the ifland and domain of c St. Vincent's; take an oath of fidelity to him as their < King 5 promife abfolute fubmiffion to his will, and lay - C down their arms, C 3. They hall fubmit themfelves to the laws and < obedience of his Majefty's government, and the GoG vernor fhall have power to enaét further regulations for < the public advantage as fhall be convenient. (This < article only refpects their tranfactions with his Ma- < jefly's fubjects, not being Indians ; their intercourfe 6 and cuftoms with cach other, in the quarters allotted 46 them, --- Page 525 --- WEST INDIES. C them, not being affected by it.) And all new E6 tions are to receive his Majefty's regula- CHAI P. < tion before carried into Governor's approba- III. execution. e 4- A portion of lands, hereafter c allotted for the refidence of mentioned, fhall be C the river the Charaibes ; viz, from Byera to Point Efpagniol on the one ct from the river Analibou fide, and 4 other to Point Elpagniol on the fide, according to lines to be drawn his < jefty's by Mafurveyors, from the fources of the rivers to < tops of the mountains; the reft of the the cc inhabited lands, formerly by Charaibes, for the future to G tirely to his Majefty. belong en6 5. Thofe Jands Thall not be G alienated, either by fale, leafe, or otherwife, but to perfons Gc rized by his Majefty to receive them, properly authoC 6. Roads, ports, batteries, and communications c] be made, as his Majefty pleafes. Thall c7. No undue intercourfe with the French e fhall be allowed. iflands c 8. Run-away flaves in the poffeffion of the K raibes are to be delivered up, and endeavours ChaC difcover and apprehend the ufed to c ment fhall be entered others; and an engageG into, not to or harbour any flave whatever: encourage, receive, & fhall be the : the forfeiture of lands penalty for harbouring and < them off the ifland Thall be Aaves; carrying < crime, confidered as a capital C 9. Perlons guilty of capital E crimes againft the Englifh are to be delivered up. VoL, L. Gg. € IO, In ours ChaC difcover and apprehend the ufed to c ment fhall be entered others; and an engageG into, not to or harbour any flave whatever: encourage, receive, & fhall be the : the forfeiture of lands penalty for harbouring and < them off the ifland Thall be Aaves; carrying < crime, confidered as a capital C 9. Perlons guilty of capital E crimes againft the Englifh are to be delivered up. VoL, L. Gg. € IO, In --- Page 526 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- C IO. In time of danger, the Charaibes fhall be aiding DIX. G and affifting to his Majefty's fubjeéts againft their 1 6 enemies. KII. The three chains to remain to his Majefty. G 12. All confpiracies and plots againft his Majeffy, C or his government, are to be made known to his Go- & vernor, or other civil magiftrates. K13. Leave (if required) is given to the Charaibes < to depart this ifland, with their families and properties, < and affiftance in thcir tranfportation. < 14. Free accefs to the quarters allowed to the Chac raibes is to be given to perfons properly empowered < to go in purfuit of run-away flaves, and fafe conduêt 6 afforded them, KI5. Deferters from his Majefty's fervice (if any) < and run-away flaves from the French, Thall be de6 livered up, in order that they may be returned to their C mafters. 6- 16. The chiefs of the different quarters are to render G an account of the names and number of the inbabitants G of their refpeétive diftriets. 4 17. The chiefs, and other Charaibes, inhabitants, € are to attend the Governor, when ever required, for < his Majefty's fervice. < 18. All poffible facility, confiftent with the laws of C Great Britain, is to be afforded to the Charaibes in the C fale of their produce, and in their trade to the different c Britilh iflands. c19. Entire --- Page 527 --- WEST INDIES. 45t Ke 19. Entire liberty of filhing, as well on the coaft CHAP. K of St. Vincent's, as at the neighbouring keys, is to be III. K allowed them. c 20, In all cafes, when the Charaibes conceive theme felves injured by his Majefty's other fubjects, or other 6 perfons, and are defirous of having reference to the ec laws, or to the civil magiftrates, an agent, being one 6 of his Majefty's natural born fubjedts, may be emR ployed by themfelves, or if more agreeable at his Majefty's colt. <21. No ftrangers, or white perfons, are to be allowed G to fettle among the Charaibes, without permiffion firft < obtained in writing from the Governor. Cc 22. Thefe articles fubferibed to and obferved, the < Charaibes are to be pardoned, fecured, and fixed in their & property, accordingly to his Majefty's direétions given, < and all paft offences forgot, *23. After the figning of this treaty, fhould any of e the Charaibes refufe to obferve the condition of it, they e are to be confidered and treated as enemies by both & parties, and the moft effedtual means ufed to reduce c them. < 24. The Charaibes hall take the following oath; i 4 viz. c We, A. B. do fwear, in the name of the immortal < God, and Chrift Jefus, that we will bear true E allegiance to his Majefty George the Third, of G Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Dea fender of the Faith, &c.; and that we will 4 due obedience to the laws of Great Britain, and pay Ggz 4 the the moft effedtual means ufed to reduce c them. < 24. The Charaibes hall take the following oath; i 4 viz. c We, A. B. do fwear, in the name of the immortal < God, and Chrift Jefus, that we will bear true E allegiance to his Majefty George the Third, of G Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Dea fender of the Faith, &c.; and that we will 4 due obedience to the laws of Great Britain, and pay Ggz 4 the --- Page 528 --- HISTORY OF THE APPENG the Ifland of St. Vincent; and will well and DIX. 4 truly obferve every article of the treaty conY C cluded between his faid Majefty and the ChaG6 raibes ; and we do acknowledge that his faid < Majefty is rightful Lord and Sovereign of all the c Ifland of St. Vincent, and that the lands held < by us the Charaibes are granted through his 6 Majefty's clemency. Cc On the part of his Majefty, 6 W. Dalrymple. G On the part of the Charaibes, 6 Jean Baptifte, < Simon, < Dufont Begot, G Lalime, fenior. c Boyordell, C Baiiamont, 6 Dirang, 6 Juftin Bauamont, 4 Chatoyér, c Matthieu, c Doucre Baramont, C Jean Louis Pacquin, C Lalime, junior, 6 Gadel Goibau, G Broca, c John Baptifte, € Saioe, C Lonen, E François Laron. C Boyudon, < Saint Laron. < Du Vallet, € Anifettc, 6 Boucharie, c Clement, G Deruba Babilliard, 66 Bigott, ( Canaia," --- Page 529 --- 10111-1 wwry --- Page 530 --- Lung aude u2 Welt tiem London. trm pat Taer : MRALAL Town ae w De E - ate d . dAeshoss TaL 4r - LAmede lyr ernal : S Iuns e shon PART * h a à ra rr OF e o loyere) lia faare * / An uert STK tint White Ving lay) S v SRC Hav Rerees - ayonne R J - Cliglene Bay S " Sandy I FU i - Mortons Hay * s - vtae Dar ! Harkers P! FrEN - A saucle Fis - - h N F F - - 4e e STOTY N EOILIRLES Cadert rih he" INe sPatricks trent Fort llill Fone T Merrke * :. Jonss Ead Mil : :F TUN tamte. Mil : Furt 11: all Moon Bay ( Fere N sr a - Sitt - Jond F Nee - s CME UAE I r: : : Bay aront Prinaee I s E J - a s : < let r / coe s l 3 J 0 : - s Laa a ' Bar 1 - LF a d ma A Hay Mall - J a / < rer Soutin a / Sindwant 1"' Malofthe ISLAND 1 3 White House Bay) *4. of 9 Anthonyst Guana re SICIRISTOTHERS, line for the 1 Creen A UISTORYO the WEST INDIES hi of Sintute Miles. Shitten hay Bryan Edwards El Sheli I Po hunann Hlent ltag Nag IAOIBE FCD FIRTE chcm a der Longitudde 62 .. W.R tirmt London Faatoli-hin Ar - Stochy! Malofthe ISLAND 1 3 White House Bay) *4. of 9 Anthonyst Guana re SICIRISTOTHERS, line for the 1 Creen A UISTORYO the WEST INDIES hi of Sintute Miles. Shitten hay Bryan Edwards El Sheli I Po hunann Hlent ltag Nag IAOIBE FCD FIRTE chcm a der Longitudde 62 .. W.R tirmt London Faatoli-hin Ar - Stochy! --- Page 531 --- WEST INDIES. CH. A P. IV. Leeward Charaibean Mland Government, comprehending St. Chriftopher's, Nevis, Antigua, Montferrat, and the Virgin Mands. - Civil Hifory and Geographical Defcription of each. -Table of Exports from each Mandfor 17873 and an Account ofthe Money arifing from the Duty of Four and a Half per Cent. Obfervations concerning their Decline; and a fhort Account of the Mands of Bermudas and the Bahamas. Txr Britifh Leeward Iflands, fince the year CHAP. 1672, have conflituted one diftinet government; IV. the governor being ftiled Captain General of the V Leeward Charaibean Ihlands. He vifits each OCcafionally, but his chief feat of refidence is Antigua; the government of each, in the abfence of the governor-general, being, ufually adminiftered by a lieutenant-governor, whofe authority is limited to that particular ifland, and where no licutenant-governor is appointed, the prefident of the council takes the command. I Thall treat of them feparately, and afterwards combine, in a concife fummary, thofe circumftances which are common to them all. Gg 3 THEIR --- Page 532 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THEIR civil hiftory will be fhort; for in this III. part of my fubject I have but little to add to the Y recital of Oldmixon, and other writers, who have preceded me ; and where novelty is wanting, brevity is indifpenfibly requifite, SECTION I. ST. CHRISTOPHER's, THE ifland of St. Chriftopher was called by its ançient poffeffors, the Charaibes, Liamuiga, or the Fertile Iland. It was difcovered in November 1493, by Columbus himfelf, who was fo plealed with its appearance, that he honoured it with his own Chriftian name. But it was neither planted nor poffeffed by the Spaniards. It was, however (notwithftanding that the general opinion afcribes the honour of feniority to Barbadoes) the eldeft of all the Britifh territories in the Weft Indies, and, in truth, the common mother both of the Englith and French fettlements in the Charaibean iflands. The fact, as related by an hiftorian (a), to whofe induftry and knowledge I have been fo largely indebted in my ac- (a) Dr. John Campbell. count was neither planted nor poffeffed by the Spaniards. It was, however (notwithftanding that the general opinion afcribes the honour of feniority to Barbadoes) the eldeft of all the Britifh territories in the Weft Indies, and, in truth, the common mother both of the Englith and French fettlements in the Charaibean iflands. The fact, as related by an hiftorian (a), to whofe induftry and knowledge I have been fo largely indebted in my ac- (a) Dr. John Campbell. count --- Page 533 --- WEST INDIES, count of St. Vincent, was this, 66 In the number of thofe gentlemen who CHAP. Roger North, in accompanied Captain IV. Thomas a voyage to Surinam, was Mr. Y Warner, who making an there with Captain Thomas acquaintance perienced Painton, a very exfeaman, the latter fuggefted how eafier it would be to fix, and much preferve in order, a colony in one of the fmall good fpifed and deferted iflands, dethat vaft by the Spaniards; than on of country, the continent, where, for want fufficient authority, all things were fallen into confufion $ and he particularly that pointed out for purpofe the ifland of St. Chriftopher. This gentleman dying, Mr. Warner returned to land in 1620, refolved to put his friend's Engin execution. He projeét felf with accordingly affociated himfourteen other perfons, and with them took his paflage on board a fhip bound to Virginia. From thence he and his failed from St. companions in Chriftopher's, where they arrived January 1623,and by the month of following had raifed a good of Septembér which they crop tobacco, propofed to make their ftaple commodity." It has been fhewn in a former ter, that the firft actual eftablifhment in chapdoes, took place the latter end of 1624. BarbaBr the generality of hiftorians, who have treated of the affairs of the Weft Indies, it is afferted that a party of the French, under the command Gg 4 of --- Page 534 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK of a perfon of the name of D'Efnambuc, took III. poffeffion of one part of this ifland, on the fame day that Mr. Warner landed on the other ; but the truth is, that the firft landing of Warner and his affociates happened two years before the arrival of D'Elnambuc; who, it is admitted by Du Tertre, did not leave France until 1625. Unfortunately, the Englith fettlers, in the latter end of 1623. had their plantations demolithed by a dreadful hurricane, which put a fudden ftop to their progrefs. In confequence of this calamity, Mr. Warner returned to England to implore fuccour; and it was on that occafion that he foughtand obtained the powerful patronage and fupport of James Hay, Earl of Carlifle. This nobleman caufed a fhip to be fitted out, laden with all kinds of neceffaries. It was called the Hopewell ; and arrived at St. Chriftopher's on the 18th of May 1624; and thus he certainly preferved a fettlement, which had otherwife died in its infancy. Warner himfelf did not return to St. Chriftopher's until the year following. He was then accompanied by a large body of recruits, and D'Efhambuc arrived about the fame time; perhaps the fame day. This latter was the captain of a French privateer; and, having in an engagement with a Spanith galleon of fuperior ftrength, been very roughly handled, he was obliged, after lofing feveral of his men, tp feck certainly preferved a fettlement, which had otherwife died in its infancy. Warner himfelf did not return to St. Chriftopher's until the year following. He was then accompanied by a large body of recruits, and D'Efhambuc arrived about the fame time; perhaps the fame day. This latter was the captain of a French privateer; and, having in an engagement with a Spanith galleon of fuperior ftrength, been very roughly handled, he was obliged, after lofing feveral of his men, tp feck --- Page 535 --- WEST INDIES. feek refuge in thefe iflands. He him toSt. brought with CHAP. Chriftopher's about thirty hardy ve- IV. terans, and they were cordially received by the Y Englifh, who appear at this time to have been under fome apprehenfions of the Charaibes. Hitherto Warner's firft colony had lived on friendly terms with thefe poor favages, by whom they were liberally fupplied with provifions; but having feized on their lands, the confcioufnefs of deferving retaliation made the planters henfive of an attack, when appreintended. Du probably none was Tertre relates, that the French and Englith receiving information of a projeéted revolt, concurred in a fcheme for feizing the confpirators beforehand. Accordingly they fell on the Charaibes by night, and, having murdered in cold blood from one hundred to one hundred and twenty of the ftouteft, drove all the reft from the ifland, except fuch of the women as were young and handfome, of whom, fayst the reverend hiftorian, they made concubines and flaves. Such is the account ofa contemporary author, Pere Du Tertre, who relates thefe tranfaétions with fect percompofure, as founded on and not unwarrantable in their common,ufage, nature. He adds, that fuch of the Charaibes as efcaped the maffacre, having given the alarm to their countrymen in the neighbouring of them returned foon iflands, a large body afterwards, breathing revenge; 3 --- Page 536 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK venge 5 and now the confliét became ferious. III. The Europeans, however, more from the fuperiority of their weapons, than of their valour, became conquerors in the end ; but their triumph was dearly purchafed ; one hundred of their number having been left dead on the field of battle. AFTER this exploit, which Du Tertre calls a glorious viétory, the Charaibes appear to have quitted altogether this and fome of the fmall iflands in the neighbourhood,and tohave retired fouthwards. The two leaders, Warner and D'EC nambuc, about the fame time, found it neceffary to return to Europe for the purpofe of foliciting fuccour from their refpeétive nations; and bringing with them the name of conquerors, they feverally met with all poffible encouragement, Warner was knighted by his fovereign, and through the intereft of his noble patron fent back as governorin 1626 with four hundred new recruits, amply fupplied with neceffaries of all kinds; while Defnambuc, under the patronage of Richlieu (the minifter of France) projeéted the eftablifhment of an exclufive company for trading to this and fome of the other iflands. That minifter concurred with Defnambuc in opinion, that fuch an inftitution was beft adapted to the purpofes of commerce and colonization ; -an erroneous conclufion, which Defnambuc himfelf had foon abundant occafion to lament ; for ceffaries of all kinds; while Defnambuc, under the patronage of Richlieu (the minifter of France) projeéted the eftablifhment of an exclufive company for trading to this and fome of the other iflands. That minifter concurred with Defnambuc in opinion, that fuch an inftitution was beft adapted to the purpofes of commerce and colonization ; -an erroneous conclufion, which Defnambuc himfelf had foon abundant occafion to lament ; for --- Page 537 --- WEST INDIES. for the French in general either or mifunderftood difapproved the projeét. Subleriptions CHAP. in reluétantly, and the thips which came Y IV. company fitted out on this the new wretchedly occafion, were fo fupplied with provifions and neceffaries, that of five hundred and cruits, who failed from France thirty-two rein February with Defnambuc, 1627, the greater part perifhed miferably at fea for want of food. THE Englith received the furvivors with paffion and kindnefs; and for comin future about their preventing contefts manders of each relpedtive limits, the comnation agreed to divide the whole ifland pretty equally between their followers. treaty of partition for this A to writing, and purpofe was reduced figned, with many the third of May 1627: it formalities, on al league defenfive and comprehended alfo offenfive; but this alliance proved of little avail againft the Spanith invafion in 1629, the circumftances whereof I have elfewhere related (b). Yet farely, that attack may be deemed, if the unjuftifiable as new fettlers towards conduét of the Du Tertre the Charaibes was fuch as relates, we have but little caufe to lament over the miferies which befel them. mind exults in the chaftifement of The when the inftruments of cruelty, even minal as the objects of vengeance are as criponihment. (8) Book II. Chap. ii. Ir --- Page 538 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK Ir may now be thought that thofe of the two III. nations who furvived fo deftruétive a ftorm, had 1 learnt moderation and forbearance in the fchool ofa adverfity; and indeed for fome years they appear to have lived on terms of good neighbourhood with each other; but at length national rivalry and hereditary animofity were allowed their full influence, infomuch that, for half a century afterwards, this little ifland exhibited a difgufting fcene of internal contention, violence,, and bloodihed. It is impoffible at this time to pronounce with certainty, whether the French or the Englith were the firfl aggreffors. It is probable that each nation would lay the blame on the other. We are told that in the firft Dutch war, in the reign of Charles II. the French king declaring for the United States, his fubjeéts in St. Chriftopher's, difdaining an inglorious neutrality, attacked the Englith planters, and drove them out of their poffeffions; which were afterwards, by the treaty of Breda, reftored to them. In 1689, in confequence of the revolution which had taken place in England the preceding year, the French planters in this ifland, declaring themfelves in the interefts of the abdicated monarch, attacked and expelled their Englith neighbours a fecond time, laying wafte their plantations, and committing fuch outrages as are unjuftifiable among civilized nations, even in a time of open and , and drove them out of their poffeffions; which were afterwards, by the treaty of Breda, reftored to them. In 1689, in confequence of the revolution which had taken place in England the preceding year, the French planters in this ifland, declaring themfelves in the interefts of the abdicated monarch, attacked and expelled their Englith neighbours a fecond time, laying wafte their plantations, and committing fuch outrages as are unjuftifiable among civilized nations, even in a time of open and --- Page 539 --- WEST INDIES. and avowed 46r hoftility. Their conduét on this OCcafion was deemed fo cruel and treacherous, that CHAP. IV. it was affigned by King William and Queen Mary among the caufes which induced them to declare war againft the French nation. Even fortune herfelf, inclining at length to the fide of from henceforward deferted juftice, had them; ; for, after they continued about eight months fole mafters of the ifland, the Englith under the command of General Codrington, returning in great force, not only compelled the French inhabitants to furrender, but aétually tranfported cighteen hundred of them to Martinico and Hifpaniola. Iti is that reparation was true, ftipulated to be made them by the treaty of Ryfiwick in 1697; but war again breaking out between the two nations in the French planters derived but little 1702, from that claufe in their favour. advantage They had however, in 1705, the gloomy fatisfaétion to behold many of the Englith poffeffions again laid wafte by a French armament, which committed ravages, that the Britifh fuch parliament found. it neceffary to diftribute the fum of 6.103,000 among the fufferers, to enable them to re-fettle their plantations, Happily, this was the laft exertion of national enmity and civil within this little difcord of community; for, at the peace Utrecht, the ifland was ceded wholly to the Englifh, and the French poffeffions publickly fold --- Page 540 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK fold for the benefit of the Englifh government, III. In 1733, 6. 80,000 of the money was approY priated as a marriage portion with the Princefs Anne, who was betrothed to the Prince ofOrange. Some few of the French planters, indeed, who confented to take the oaths, were naturalized, and permitted to retain their eftates. SUCH were the origin and progrefs of the Britifh eftablifhment in the Mland of St. Chriftopher. The circumftances which attended the French invafion in the beginning of 1782, when a garrifon of lefs than one thoufand effective men (including the militia) was attacked by eight thoufand of the beft difciplined troops of France, fupported by a fleet of thirty-two fhips of war; the confequent furrender of the ifland, after a moft vigorous and noble defence ; and its reftoration to Great Britain by the general peace of 1783, being within every perfon's recollection, need not be related at large in this work. I fhall therefore conclude with the following particulars, which I prefume are fomewhat lefs familiar to the general reader, and their accuracy may be depended on. Sr. CHRISTOPHER lies in 17 15 North latitude, and 63" 17 Weft longitude ; it is about fourteen leagues in circuit, and contains 43,726 acres of land, of which about 17,000 acres are appropriated to the growth of fugar, and 4,000 to , being within every perfon's recollection, need not be related at large in this work. I fhall therefore conclude with the following particulars, which I prefume are fomewhat lefs familiar to the general reader, and their accuracy may be depended on. Sr. CHRISTOPHER lies in 17 15 North latitude, and 63" 17 Weft longitude ; it is about fourteen leagues in circuit, and contains 43,726 acres of land, of which about 17,000 acres are appropriated to the growth of fugar, and 4,000 to --- Page 541 --- WEST INDIES. to pafturage. As fugar is the only of any account that is raifed, commodity CHAP. and a little cotton, except provifions IV. half the itis probable, that nearly one Y whole ifland is unfit for The interior part of the cultivation. of country confifts indeed many rugged precipices, and barren tains. Of thefe, the loftieft is mounMount-Mifery (evidently a decayed volcano) which rifes feet in perpendicular 3,711 height from the fea (b). Nature, however, has made abundant for the fterility of the mountains, amends fhe has beftowed by the fertility upon the plains. No the Weft-Indies that I have feen, part of the fame fpecies of foil that is found poffeffes even in St. Chrif. topher's. It is in general a dark light and grey loam, fo porous as to be penetrable by the flighteft application of the hoe ; and I it to be the produétion of conceive the black fubterraneous fires, ferruginous pumice of naturalifts, finely incorporated with a pure loam, or The under ftratum is virgin mould. inches gravel, from eight to twelve deep. Clay is no where found, a confiderable height in the except at mountains. (b) There is an immenfe crater on the tain, the bottom of which is top of this mouncontain 50 acres, of which feven nearly level, and fuppofed to the reft are clothed with high are covered with water; the mountain cabbage is grafs and trees, amhong which nies or fiffures of this crater very ftill confpicuous. fow From the cranwhich are ftrongly ftreams of hot water, triolick acid. impregnated with fulphur, alum, and viBr --- Page 542 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK By what procefs of nature the foil which I III. have mentioned becomes more efpecially fuited to the production of fugar than any other in the Weft Indies, it is neither within my province nor ability to explain. The circumftance, however, is unqueftionable. Canes, planted in particular fpots, have been known to yield 8,000 lbs. of Mufcovado fugar from a fingle acre. One gentleman, in a favourable feafon, made 6,400 lbs. or four hog/heads of fixteen cwt. each per acre, on an average return of his whole crop. It is not however pretended, that the greateft part, or even a very large proportion of the cane land, throughout the ifland, is equally productive. The general average produce for a feries of years is 16,000 hogtheads of fixteen cwt. which, as one-half only of the whole cane land, or 8,500 acres, is annually cut (the remainder being in young canes) gives nearly two hogfheads of fixteen cwt. per acre, for the whole of the land in ripe canes 5 but even this is a prodigious return, not equalled I imagine by any other fugar country in any part of the globe. In Jamaica, though fome of the choiceft lands may yield in favourable years two hogtheads of fixteen cwt. per acre 3 the cane land which is cut annually, taken altogether, does not yield above a fourth part as much. I AM informed, however, that the planters of St. canes) gives nearly two hogfheads of fixteen cwt. per acre, for the whole of the land in ripe canes 5 but even this is a prodigious return, not equalled I imagine by any other fugar country in any part of the globe. In Jamaica, though fome of the choiceft lands may yield in favourable years two hogtheads of fixteen cwt. per acre 3 the cane land which is cut annually, taken altogether, does not yield above a fourth part as much. I AM informed, however, that the planters of St. --- Page 543 --- WEST INDIES, St. Chriftopher's are at a great expence for ma- CHAP. nure; that they never cut ratoon canes (c); and IV. although there is no want in the country of - Y fprings and rivulets for the fupport of the inhabitants, their plantations fuffer much in dry weather,as the fubftratum does not long retain moif. ture (d). THIS ifland is divided into nine contains four towns and parifhes, and hamlets, viz. Baffeterre (the prefent capital, as it was formerly that of the French, containing about 800 houfes) SandyPoint, Old Road, and Deep Bay. Of thefe, the two firft are ports of entry, eftablifhed by law. The fortifications confift of Charles-Fort and Brimftone-Hill, both near Sandy-Point; three batteries at Baffeterre, one at Fig-Tree other at Bay, anof Palmeto-Point, and fome fmaller ones no great importance. THE proportion which St. Chriftopher's contributes, with the other iflands, towards an honourable provifion for the Governor General, is E. 1,000 currency per annum 3 which is fettled on him by the affembly immediately on his arexplained (c) Ratoon canes are fhoots from old roots, as will be hereafter. fully harbour (d),The woods on the mountainous part of this ifland which abundance of a fmall fpecies of monkey, of inconceivable frequently come down to devour the canes, troops and do mifchief, VoL, I. H h rival, --- Page 544 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK rival. Hc has befides fome perquifites; and in III. timc of war they are confiderable. EACH ifland within this government has a feparate council, and cach of them an affembly, or houfe of reprefentatives. In St. Chriftopher's, the council fhould contift of ten members, but it is feldom that more than feven are prefent. The houfe of affembly is compofed of twentyfour reprefentatives, of whom fifteen make a quorum. The requilite qualification is a freehold of forty acres of land, or a houfe worth forty pounds a year. Of the eleétors, the qualification is a freehold often pounds per annitm. THE Governor of this, and the other iflands in the fame government, is chancellor by his office, and in St. Chriftopher's fits alone. Attempts have been made to join fome of the council with him, as in Barbadoes; but hitherto without fuccefs, the inhabitants choofing rather to fubmit to the expence and delay of following the chancellor to Antigua, than fuffer the inconveniency of having on the chancery bench judges, fome of whom it is probable, from their fituation and conneétions, may be interefted in the event of evcry fuit that may come before them. Ix this ifland, as in Jamaica, the jurifdiction of both the King's Bench and Cominon Pleas, centers in one fuperior court, wherein juftice is adminiftered by a chief juftice and four puifne judges. and delay of following the chancellor to Antigua, than fuffer the inconveniency of having on the chancery bench judges, fome of whom it is probable, from their fituation and conneétions, may be interefted in the event of evcry fuit that may come before them. Ix this ifland, as in Jamaica, the jurifdiction of both the King's Bench and Cominon Pleas, centers in one fuperior court, wherein juftice is adminiftered by a chief juftice and four puifne judges. --- Page 545 --- WEST INDIES. judges, The chief is appointed by the crown, CHAP. the others by the governor in the King's name, IV. and they all hold their commiffions during pleaV fure. The office of chief judge is worth about . .600 per antm. The emoiuments of the afliftant judges are trifling. THE prefent number of white inhabitants is computed at 4,000, and taxes are levied on 26,000 negroes; and there are about three hundred blacks and mulattoes of free condition. As in the other Briti(h iflands in the neighbourhood, all the white men, from, the age of fixteen to fixty are obliged to enlift in the militia, and in this ifland they, ferve without pay. They form two regiments of foot, although the whole number of effeétive men in each regiment feldom exceeds three hundred; but there is likewife a company of free blacks, and this, before the late war, conftituted the whole of the military force within the ifland; the Britich government refufing to fend them troops of any kind. OF the wifdom of fuch conduét in Great Britain, the reader will be able properly to judge, when he is told, that the natural Arength of this ifland, from the conformation and inequalities of its furface, is fuch, that a garrifon of two thoufand effeétive troops, properly fiupplied with ammunition and provifions, would in all human Hh 2 probability --- Page 546 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK probability have rendered it impregnable to the III. formidable invafion of 1782. Y WITH St. Chriftopher's furrendered alfo the ifland of Nevis; from which it is divided only by a fmall channel, and of which I Thall now give fome account. SECTION Il. N E V I S. THIS beautiful little fpot is nothing more than a fingle mountain, rifing like a cone in an eafy afcent from the fea; the circumference of its bafe not exceeding eight Englith leagues. It is generally believed that Columbus beftowed on it the appellation of Nieves, or The Snows, from its refemblance to a mountain ofthe fame name in Spain, the top of which is covered with fnow. ; but it is not an improbable conjecture, that in thofe days a white fmoke was feen to iffue from the fummit, which at a diftance had a fnow-like appearance, and that it rather derived its name from thence. That the ifland was produced by fome volcanick explofion, there can be no doubt; for there is a hollow, or crater, near the fummit, ftill vifible, which contains a hot fpring ftrongly impregnated , the top of which is covered with fnow. ; but it is not an improbable conjecture, that in thofe days a white fmoke was feen to iffue from the fummit, which at a diftance had a fnow-like appearance, and that it rather derived its name from thence. That the ifland was produced by fome volcanick explofion, there can be no doubt; for there is a hollow, or crater, near the fummit, ftill vifible, which contains a hot fpring ftrongly impregnated --- Page 547 --- WEST INDIES. impregnated with fulphur; and fulphur is frc- CHAP. quently found in fubflance, in the neighbouring IV. gullies and cavities of the earth. THE country is well watered, and the land in general fertile, a fmall proportion towards the fummit of the ifland excepted, which anfwers however for the growth of ground provifions, fuch as yams and other efculent vegetables. The foil is ftony; the beft is a loofe black mould, on a clay. In fome places, the upper ftratum is a ftiff clay, which requires labour, but properly divided and pulverifed, repays the labour beftowed upon it. The general produce of fugar (its only ftaple produétion) is one hog/head of fixteen cwt. per acre from all the canes that are annually cut, which being about 4,000 acres, the return of the whole is an equal number of hog/heads, and this was the average fixed on by the French government in 1782, as a rule for regulating the taxes. As at St. Chriftopher's the planters feldom cut ratoon canes. THIS ifland, fmall as it is, is divided into five parifhes. It contains a town called CharlesTown, the feat of government and a port of entry, and there are two other thipping places, called Indian-Caftle and New-Caftle, The principalfortification: is at Charles-Town,: andi is called Charles Fort. The commandant is appointed by the crown, but receives a falary from the ifland. Hh 3 THE --- Page 548 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK THE government, in the abfence of the GoIII. vernor-General, is adminiftered by the prefident 1 of the council. This board is compofed of the prefident, and fix other members. The houfe of affembly confifts of fifteen reprelentatives; three for each pari(h. THE adminiftration of common law is under the guidance of a chief juflice, and two affiftant judges, and there is an office for the regiftry of deeds. THE prefent number of white inhabitants is ftated to me not to exceed fix hundred, while the ncgroes amount to about ten thoufand; a difproportion which neceffarily converts all fuch white men as are not excmpted by age or decrepitude,into a well-regulated militia, among which there is a troop confifting of fifty horfe, well mounted and accoutred. Englith forces, on the Britifh eftablifhment, they have none. THE Englith firft eftablifhed themfelves in this ifland in the year 1628, under the proteétion and encouragement of Sir Thomas Warner. Among the different claffes of men, who fought to improve their fortunes in St. Chriftopher's by the patronage of that enterprifing leader, it can hardly be prefumed, that every individual experienced the full gratification of his hopes and expcétations. In all focieties, there are many who wil confider themfelves unjuftly overlooked and have none. THE Englith firft eftablifhed themfelves in this ifland in the year 1628, under the proteétion and encouragement of Sir Thomas Warner. Among the different claffes of men, who fought to improve their fortunes in St. Chriftopher's by the patronage of that enterprifing leader, it can hardly be prefumed, that every individual experienced the full gratification of his hopes and expcétations. In all focieties, there are many who wil confider themfelves unjuftly overlooked and --- Page 549 --- WEST INDIES. and forgotten. Of the companions of Warner's CHAP. earlieft voyages, it is probable that fome would ) IV, fet too high a value on their fervices, and of thofe who ventured afterwards, many would complain, on their arrival, that the beft lands were pre-occupied. To foften and temper fuch difcordancy and difquict, by giving full employment to the turbulent and feditious, feems to have been one of the moft important objects of Warner's policy. Motives of this nature induced him, withcut doubt, to plant a cclony in Nevis at fo carly a period ; and the wildom and propriety of his firft regulations gare ilrength and ftability to the fettlement. WHAT Warner began wifely, was happily completed by his immediate fucceffor Mr. Lake, under whofe adminiftration Nevis rofe to opulence and importance. <6 He was a wife man," fays Du Tertre, 66 and féared the Lord." Making this ifland the place of his refidence, it flourifhed beyond example. It is faid, that about the year 1640, it poffeffed four thoufand whites: : fo powerfully are mankind invited by the advantages of a mild and equitable fyftem of government ! Will the reader pardon mc, if I obferve at the fame time, that few fituations in life could have afforded greater felicity than that of fuch a governor. Living amidft the beauties of an eternal fpring, beneath a iky fercne and uncloudHI h 4 ed, --- Page 550 --- HISTORY OF TH b BOOK ed; and in a fpot inexpreflively beautiful (for it III. is enlivened by a variety of the moft enchanting Y profpects in the world, in the numerous iflands which furround it) but above all, happy in the refleétion that he conciliated the differences, adminiftered to the neceffities, and augmented the comforts of thoufands of his fellow-creatures, all of whom looked up to him as their common father and protector. lf there be pure joy on earth, it muft have exiftedin the bofom of fuch a man 5 while he beheld the tribute of love, gratitude, and approbation towards him in every countenance, and whofe heart at the fame time told him that he deferved it. I AM forry that I muft prefent the reader with a very different piéture, in the account that I am now to give of Antigua. SECTION III. A NTIG U A. ANTIGUA is fituated about twenty leagues to the eaftward of St. Chriftopher's, and was difcovered at the fame time with that ifland, by Columbus himfelf, who named it, from a church in Seville, Santa Maria de la Antigua. We enance, and whofe heart at the fame time told him that he deferved it. I AM forry that I muft prefent the reader with a very different piéture, in the account that I am now to give of Antigua. SECTION III. A NTIG U A. ANTIGUA is fituated about twenty leagues to the eaftward of St. Chriftopher's, and was difcovered at the fame time with that ifland, by Columbus himfelf, who named it, from a church in Seville, Santa Maria de la Antigua. We --- Page 551 --- WEST INDIES. We are informed by Ferdinand Columbus, that C H. AP, the Indian name was Jamaica. It is a fingular IV. circumftance, that this word, which in the lanr guage of the larger iflands fignified a country abounding in /prings, fhould, in the dialeét of the Charaibes, have been applied to an ifland that has not a fingle fpring or rivulet of freth water in it. THIS inconvenience, without doubt, as it rendered the country uninhabitable to the Charaibes, deterred for fome time the European adventurers in the neighbouring iflands from attempting a permanent eftablifhment in Antigua; but nature prefents few obflacles which the avarice or induftry of civilized man will not endeavour to furmount. The lands were found to be fertile, and it was difcovered that cifterns might be contrived to hold rain-water (c)., So carly as 1632, a few Englith families took up lands there, and began the cultivation of tobacco, Among thefe was a fon of Sir Thomas Warner, whofe defcendants ftill poffefs very confiderable property*in the ifland, one of them (Alhton Warner, Efquire) having been, in 1787, prefident of the council, and commander in chief in the abfence of the governor, Bur the fettlement was nearly ftrangled in its (c) The water thus preferved is wonderfully light, pure, and wholefome. infancy, --- Page 552 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK infancy. In 1666, a French armament from III. Martinico, co-operating with abody of Charaibes, Y invaded the ifland, and ravaged the country with fire and fword. All the negroes that could be found, were taken away 5 and the inhabitants, after beholding their houfes and eftates in flames, were plundered even to the clothes on their backs and the fhocs on their feet, without regard to fex or age. Its recovery from this calamity was owing chiefly to the enterprifing fpirit and extenfive views of Colonel Codrington, of Barbadoes. This gentleman removing to Antigua about the year 1674, applied his knowledge in fugarplanting with fuch good effect and fuccefs, that others, animated by his example, and affifted by his advice and encouragement, adventured in the fame line of cultivation. Mr. Codrington was fome years afterwards nominated captaingeneral and commander in chief of all the leeward Charaibean iflands, and, deriving from this appointment, the power of giving greater energy to his benevolent purpofes, had foon"the happinefs of beholding the good cffeéts of his humanity and wiflom, in the flourifhing eondition of the feveral iflands under his government. THE profperity of Antigua was manifefted in its extenfive population ; for when, in the year 1690, General Codrington commanded on the expedition ingeneral and commander in chief of all the leeward Charaibean iflands, and, deriving from this appointment, the power of giving greater energy to his benevolent purpofes, had foon"the happinefs of beholding the good cffeéts of his humanity and wiflom, in the flourifhing eondition of the feveral iflands under his government. THE profperity of Antigua was manifefted in its extenfive population ; for when, in the year 1690, General Codrington commanded on the expedition --- Page 553 --- WEST INDIES. expedition againft the French inhabitants of St. CHAP, Chriftopher's, as hath been related in the hiftory IV. of that ifland; Antigua furnifhed towards it no - - lefs than cight hundred effeétive men : a quota, which gives room to eftimate the whole number of its white inhabitants at that time, at upwards of five thoufand. MR. CODRINGTON dying in 1698, was fucceeded in his government by his fon Chriftopher; a gentleman eminently diftinguithed for his attainments in polite literature; and who, treading in the fame paths as his illuftrious father, gave the people under his government the promife of a long continuance of felicity (d). His adminiftration, however, terminated at the end of fix years ; for in 1704 he was fuperfeded (I know not on what account) by Sir William Mathews; who dying foon after his arrival, the Queen was pleafed to appoint to the government ofthis and the neighbouring iflands, Daniel Park, Efg; a man whofe tragical end having excited the attention of Europe, and furnifhed a leffon for hiftory to perpetuate, LChall be exculed (d) Hc was the author, if I miflake not, of a copy of verfes prefixed to Garth's Difpenfary, in which is this beau. tiful triplet: Iread thee over with a lover's eye: Thou haft no faults, or I no fauits can fpy; ; Thou art all beauty j-or all blindnefs I. for --- Page 554 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK for entering fomewhat at large into his conduét III. and fortune. Y MR. PARK was a native of Virginia, and was diftinguithed for his fucceffes at a very carly time of life. Having married a lady of fortune in America, his firft exploit was to rob his wife of her money, and then defert her. With this money he came to England, and obtained a return to parliament ; but grofs bribery being proved againft him, he was expelled the houfe. His next adventure was to debauch the wife of a friend, for which being profecuted, he quitted England, and made a campaign with the army in Flanders, where he had the fortune to attract the notice, and acquire the patronage, of the Duke of Marlborough.-In 1704, he attended the Duke as one of his aides-de-camp, and as fuch, on the event of the battle of Hochftet, having been fent by his Grace to England, with intelligence of that important viétory, he was rewarded by the Queen with a'purle of a thoufand guineas, and her piéture richly fet with diamonds. The year following, the government of the Leeward Ilands becoming vacant, Mr. Park, through thé intereft of his noble patron, was appointed to fucceed Sir William Mathews therein, and he arrived at Antigua in July 1706. As he was a native of America, and his intereft event of the battle of Hochftet, having been fent by his Grace to England, with intelligence of that important viétory, he was rewarded by the Queen with a'purle of a thoufand guineas, and her piéture richly fet with diamonds. The year following, the government of the Leeward Ilands becoming vacant, Mr. Park, through thé intereft of his noble patron, was appointed to fucceed Sir William Mathews therein, and he arrived at Antigua in July 1706. As he was a native of America, and his intereft --- Page 555 --- WEST INDIES. tereft with the Britifh adminiftration was believed to be confiderable, the inhabitants of the Lee- CHAP, IV. ward Iflands, who were probably unacquainted 1 with his private charaéter, received him with fingular refpeêt, and the affembly of Antigua, even contrary to a royal inftruétion, added a thoufand pounds to his yearly inçome, in order, as it was expreffed in the vote, to relieve him from the expence of houfe-rent ; a provifion which, I believe, has been continued ever fince to his fucceffors in the government. THE return which Mr. Park thought to make for this mark of their proper kindnefs, was an avowed and unreftrained violation of all decency and principle. He feared neither God nor man; and it was foon obferved of him, as it had formerly been of another deteftable tyrant, that he /pared n0 man in his anger, nor woman in his luf. One of his firft enormities was to debauch the wife of a Mr. Chefter, who was faétor to the royal African company, and the moft confiderable merchant in the ifland. Apprehending that the injured hufband might meditate revenge, the worthy governor endeavoured to be beforehand with him, by adding the crime of murder to that of adultery; for Chefter having about this time had the misfortune to kill a perfon by accident, his excellency, who had raifed a common foldier to the office of provoft-marthal, brought him to a trial --- Page 556 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK a trial for his life; dircéting his inftrument the III. provoft-mar(hal, to impanel a of certain Y jury perfons, from whom he doubted not to obtain Chefter's conviétion; and the execution of this innocent and injured man would undoubtedly have followed, if the evidence in his favour had not proved too powerful to be overborne ; fo that the jury were compelled to pronounce his acquittal. ANOTHER of his exploits was. an attempt to rob the Codrington family of the ifland of Barbuda (of which they had held peaceable poffeffion for thirty years) by calling on them to prove their title before himfelf and his council; a meafure which gave every proprietor reafon to apprehend that he had no fecurity for his poffeffions but the governor's forbearance. HE declared that he would fuffer no provoftmarfhal to act, who fhould not atall times fummon fach juries as he hould direét. He changed the mode of elccting members to fervein the affembly, in order to exclude perfons he did not like; and not being able by this meafure to procure an affembly to his wifh, he refufed to call them together even when the French threatened an invafion. He entered the houfe of Mr. Chefter, the perfon before mentioned, with an armed force, and feized feveral gentlemen (fome of them the S principal times fummon fach juries as he hould direét. He changed the mode of elccting members to fervein the affembly, in order to exclude perfons he did not like; and not being able by this meafure to procure an affembly to his wifh, he refufed to call them together even when the French threatened an invafion. He entered the houfe of Mr. Chefter, the perfon before mentioned, with an armed force, and feized feveral gentlemen (fome of them the S principal --- Page 557 --- WEST INDIES. principal men of the ifland) who were there met CHAP. for the purpofe of good fellowfhip, on fufpicion IV. that they were concerting meafures againft him- 1 felf; moft of whom he fent by his own to the common jail, and kept them there authority without bail or trial. By thefe, and a thoufand other odious and intemperate proccedings, the whole country became a party againft him, and difpatched an agent to England to lay their grievances before the crown, adopting, in the firft infance, all moderate and legal means to procure his but frem the delays inc.dent to the removal; bufinefs, the people loft all temper, and began to confider forbearance as no longer a virtue. More than one attempt was made on the governor's life, in the laft of which he was grievoufly, but mortally, wounded. not Unhappily the furious and exaiperated ftate of men's minds admitted of no compromife, and the rafh impetuous was not ofa a difpofition to foften or governor occafion had offered. conciliate, if Ar length, however, inftruétions came from the crown, direéting Mr. Park to refign his command to the lieutenani-governor, and England by the firft convenient return to the fame time commiffioners opportunity; at take examinations were appointed to on the fpot, concerning the complaints which had been urged againft his conduét. --- Page 558 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK conduét. It would have been happy if the in* III. habitants of Antigua had borne their fuccefs with V moderation; but the triumphant joy which they manifefted, on receipt of the Queen's orders, provoked the governor into defperation. He declared that he would continue in the government in fpite of the inhabitants, and being informed, that a thip was about to fail for Europe, in which he might conveniently have embarked, he refufed to leave the country. In the meanwhile, to convince the people that his firmnefs was unabated, and that he ftill confidered himfelf in the rightful exercife of his authority, he iffued a proclamation to diffolve the affembly. MATTERS were now coming faft to an iffue. The affembly continued fitting notwithftanding the governor's proclamation, and refolved, that having been recalled by his fovereign, his continuance in the government was ufurpation and tyranny, and that it was their duty to take charge of the fafety and peace of the ifland. On hearing of this vote, the governor fecretly ordered a party of foldiers to furround them ; but the affembly having obtained information of bis intentions, immediately feparated to provide for their perfonal fafety. The enfuing night, and the whole of the following day, were employed in fummoning the inhabitants from all parts of the ifland, to haften to the capital, properly armed, ation and tyranny, and that it was their duty to take charge of the fafety and peace of the ifland. On hearing of this vote, the governor fecretly ordered a party of foldiers to furround them ; but the affembly having obtained information of bis intentions, immediately feparated to provide for their perfonal fafety. The enfuing night, and the whole of the following day, were employed in fummoning the inhabitants from all parts of the ifland, to haften to the capital, properly armed, --- Page 559 --- WEST INDIES. armed, to proteét their reprefentatives. It was giveno out,however,t that the governor'slife was not CHAP. aimed at; ; all that was IV. his intended, was to fecure perfon, and fend him from the ifland. Ox Thurfday the 7th of December early in the morning, about five hundred 1710, appeared in arms, in the town of Saint men where Colonel Park had been John's, for refiftance in cafe of making provifion an attack. He had converted the government houfe into a garrifon, and ftationed in it all the regular troops that were in the ifland. On the approach of the inhabitants however, his courage deferted him. The fight of an injured people, coming one man, with deliberate forward as his valour, to execute on perfon that punifhment which he muft have been confcious his enormities well merited, whelmed him with confufion and overterror. Although he muft have been apprized, that his adverfaries had procceded too far to retreat, he now, for the firft time, when it was too late, had recourfe to conceffion. He dilpatched the voft-marfhal with a meflage, fignifying his readi- pronefs to meet the affembly at Parham, and confent to whatever laws they Chould think to per to pafs for the good of the prooffered at the fame country. He time to difmifs his foldiers, provided fix of the principal inhabitants would remain with him as hoftages for the fafety of bis VoL. I. Ii perfon, --- Page 560 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK perfon. The fpeaker of the affembly, and one III. of the members of the council, unwilling to carry matters to the laft extremity, feemed inclined to a compromife, and propofed themfelves as two of the hoftages required by the governor'; but the general body of the people, apprehenfive that further delay might be fatal to their caufe, called aloud for immediate vengeance 5 and inftantly marched forward in two divifions. One of thefe, led by Mr. Piggot, a member of the affembly, taking poffeffion of an eminence that commanded the government houfe, attacked it with great fury. The fire was brifkly returned for a confiderable time, but at length the affailants broke into the houfe. The governor met them with firmnefs, and fhot Piggot dead with his own hand, but received in the fame moment, a wound which laid him proftrate. His attendants, feeing him fall, threw down their arms, and the enraged populace, feizing the perfon of the wretched governor, who was ftill alive, tore him into a thoufand pieces, and fcattered his recking limbs in the ftreet. Befides the governor, an enfign and thirteen private foldiers, who fought in his caufe, were killed outright, and a lieutenant and twenty-four privates wounded. Of the people, thirty-two were killed and wounded, befides Mr. Piggot. The governor's death inftantly put an end to this bloody confliét. THUS arms, and the enraged populace, feizing the perfon of the wretched governor, who was ftill alive, tore him into a thoufand pieces, and fcattered his recking limbs in the ftreet. Befides the governor, an enfign and thirteen private foldiers, who fought in his caufe, were killed outright, and a lieutenant and twenty-four privates wounded. Of the people, thirty-two were killed and wounded, befides Mr. Piggot. The governor's death inftantly put an end to this bloody confliét. THUS --- Page 561 --- WEST INDIES THUS perifhed, in a general infurreétion of an infulted and indignant CHAP. and licentious community, a brutal IV. defpot, than whom no ftate cri- ) minal was ever more defervedly punifhed. He was a monfler in wickednefs, and being by his fituation beyond the reach of placed reftraint, it was as lawful to cut him ordinary off every means poffible, as it would have been by fhoot a wild beaft that had broke its to was limits, and gorging itfelf with human blood. <6 The people of England," fays an eminent < heard with writer (e), aftonifhment of Park's untimely fate; but the publick were divided in their fentiments; fome looking upon his death as an act of rebellion againft the crown, and others confidering it as a facrifice to liberty. The flagrancy of the perpetration, and compaffion for the man, at laft got the better." In the latter affertion however, the writer is clearly miftaken; for the Englifh government, after full tion, was fo thoroughly fatisfied of Mr. inveftigaPark's mifconduct, as toiffue, much to its honour, a general pardon of all perfons concerned in his death, and two of the principal aétors therein were even promoted fome time afterwards feats in the council. to FROM this period I clofe my account of the civil concerns of Antigua, finding no occurrence (e) Univerfal Hiftory, vol. XLI. Ii 2 in --- Page 562 --- HISTORY OF TH E BOOK in its fubfequent hiftory of fufficient importance III. to detain the reader ; what remains therefore is chiefly topographical, and I hope will be found correét. ANTIGUA is upwards of fifty miles in circumference, and contains 59,838 acres of land, of which about 34,000 are appropriated to the growth of fugar, and pafturage annexed : its other principal ftaples are cotton-wool and tobacco; to what extent of cultivation I am not informed ; and they raife in favourable years great quantities of provifions. THIS ifland contains two different kinds of foil; the one a black mould on a fubftratum of clay, which is naturally rich, and when not checked by exceffive droughts, to which Antigua is particularly fubjeét, very produétive. The other is a ftiff clay on a fubftratum of marl. It is much lels fertile than the former, and abounds with an inirradicable kind of grafs, in fuch a manner, that many eftates confifting of that kind of foil, which were once very profitable, are now fo impoverifhed and overgrown with this fort of grafs, as either to be converted into pafture land, or to become entirely abandoned. Exclufive of fuch deferted land, and a fmall part of the country that is altogether unimprovable, every part of the ifland may be faid to be under cultivation. FROM former, and abounds with an inirradicable kind of grafs, in fuch a manner, that many eftates confifting of that kind of foil, which were once very profitable, are now fo impoverifhed and overgrown with this fort of grafs, as either to be converted into pafture land, or to become entirely abandoned. Exclufive of fuch deferted land, and a fmall part of the country that is altogether unimprovable, every part of the ifland may be faid to be under cultivation. FROM --- Page 563 --- 2.5 T yrer mme pat Glethtom Langford Iay Mrai beggers Litile Bay DElys lay Statute Milee Diekintons i, Battery Iuchuu fans Stes Ishat 00 / in rel Mrtmontus intherpitan Runawny Sny 1iml - ( - II 01 P.IRI . 11 Nrth tirape lay P! Hamiltone tminllhull /1 lhouar a arham Fortl Bay tl. : Sant James or ort Ikas 4H# CDAL Deep Bay ablullo . sonN's StGrO N : therte / nie uratie Thouras Bay Ivat l'arham Le lhenhishille . Indian Town I"' a 0 11 1. le II or ed Thyr lliltewe Tullrt a la SS! Peters 11 Relfast Ch. D! mrt. Five Illands Harbour beonards L: y. PE TE It Nonfuch larbt 1. S tiuardd Magmmme Herk E - 1 It S 11 Mufkeuo o1 : TA V Nata /" HAe C Gurrd pewsr PAnien o Horues PINISII or ST PHILIC 0 r tilta Porkl Morriss Bay thmad on PARISI or skwnutia Valleye TARiA 4 twenenonf fmrattond Tatin S'Philip Elme Frssb Sr M R y Britgen Heacen fair muibs ochinnpeliag Halfllydebar - ST PICI ba CWillian Noon Bay ativnard lle. Hlunsrt, Mill lay Uantane ( D - stisul CrabralleyBay thle Talmnouth /" A Cradet Bay dnont e C Isane x M. J I radom larys Balis rue hurchaa - " cAatin OSandy I. of'the LC Cadeshat Va famona Bay Moriss ls JeRY Vea r Vs ISLAND ANTIGUA Mas menit a Sandfan P! for the - Carie stasm V riut bagtian HISTORY'e WEST INDIES hyy Bryan Edwards Esq: a lungitude Wen, thon London : de l'aitiahil Oetob o ToLtg.t Stvkitalel Pecastilly Balis rue hurchaa - " cAatin OSandy I. of'the LC Cadeshat Va famona Bay Moriss ls JeRY Vea r Vs ISLAND ANTIGUA Mas menit a Sandfan P! for the - Carie stasm V riut bagtian HISTORY'e WEST INDIES hyy Bryan Edwards Esq: a lungitude Wen, thon London : de l'aitiahil Oetob o ToLtg.t Stvkitalel Pecastilly --- Page 564 --- PNEN-: CE --- Page 565 --- WEST INDIES. FROM the circumftances that have been rc- CHAP. lated, it is difficult to furnifh an average return IV. of the crops, which vary to fo great a degree, - Y that the quantity of fugar exported from this ifland in fome years, is five times greater than in others; thus in 1779 were thipped 3,382 hog(heads, and 579 tierces; in 1782 the crop was 15,102 hogiheads, and 1,603 tierces; and in the years 1770, 1773, and 1778, there were no crops of any kind; all the canes being deftroyed by a long continuance of dry weather, and the whole body of the negroes muft have perifhed for want of food, if American veffels with corn and flour had been at that time, as they now are, denied admittance Cf). Ir feems to me on the whole, that the ifland has progreflively decreafed both in produce and white population. The laft accurate returns to government were in 1774. In that year, the white inhabitants of all ages and fexes were 2,590, and the enflaved negroes 37,808, and I believe, that 17,000 hogtheads of fugar of fixteen cwt. are reckoned a good faving crop. This, as one-half the canes only are cut annually, is about a hogthead of fugar per acre for each () In the year 1789, there was no fall of rain for feven months, whereby there was not only no crop of fugar, bur 5,000 head of horned cattle perifhed for want of water. Ii 3 acre, --- Page 566 --- HISTORY OF TH IE BOOK acre that is cut. The produce of 1787 will be III. given hereafter; and I believe it was a more Y year favourable to Antigua, in proportion to its extent, than to any other of the Britifh iflands in the Weft Indies. ANTIGUA is divided into fix parifhes and eleven diftricts, and contains fix towns and villages. Saint John's (g), (the capital) Parham, Falmouth, Willoughby Bay, Old Road, and James Fort; of which, the two firft are legal ports of entry.--No ifland, in this part of the Weft Indies, can boaft of fo many excellent harbours. Oft thefe, the principal are Englifh harbour and Saint John's, both well fortified, and at the former, the Britifh government has eftablithed a royal navy-yard and arfenal, and conveniencies for careening thips of war. THE military eftablithment generally confifts of two regiments of infantry, and two of foot militia. There are likewife a fquadron of dragoons, and a battalion of artillery, both raifed in the ifland, and the regulars receive additional pay, as in Jamaica. Ir hath been already obferved, that the governor or captain-general of the leeward Cha- (g) The town of Saint John was nearly deftroyed by fire on the 17th of Auguf 1769; upwards of 260 houfes being confumed; befides wharfs, cranes, &c. &c. raibean foot militia. There are likewife a fquadron of dragoons, and a battalion of artillery, both raifed in the ifland, and the regulars receive additional pay, as in Jamaica. Ir hath been already obferved, that the governor or captain-general of the leeward Cha- (g) The town of Saint John was nearly deftroyed by fire on the 17th of Auguf 1769; upwards of 260 houfes being confumed; befides wharfs, cranes, &c. &c. raibean --- Page 567 --- WEST INDIES. raibean iflands, although direéted by his inftruc- CIAP. tions to vifit occafionally each ifland within his IV. government, is generally flationary at he is chancellor of each ifland Antigua : by his office, but commonly holds the court in Antigua, and in hearing and determining caufes from the other iflands, prefides alone. In caufes arifing in Antigua, he is alfifted by his council, afterthe tice of Barbadoes; pracand, by an act of the affembly of this ifand, confirmed by the crown, the prefident and a certain number of the council may determine chancery caufes during the abfence of the governor-general. The other courts of this ifland are a court of king's-bench,a a court of common-pleas, and a court of exchequer. THE legiflature of Antigua is compofed of the commander in chief, a council of twelve members, and an affembly of twenty-five; and it is very much to its honour that it the firft example to the fifter iflands of prefented a melioration of the criminal law relpeéing flaves, by giving the accufed party the benefit negroe of a trial by jury : and allowing in the cafe of capital conviétions four days between the time of' fentence and execution. And it is ftill more to the honour of Antigua, that its inhabitants have encouraged, in a particular manner, the laudable endeavours of certain pious men, who have undertaken, from the pureft and beft motives, to Ii 4 enlighten --- Page 568 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK enlighten the minds of the negroes, and lead III. them into the knowledge of religious truth. In - the report of the lords ofthe committee of council on the flave-trade, is an account of the labours of the fociety known by the name of the Unitas Fratrum, (commonly called Moravians) in this truly glorious purfuit; from which it appears that their conduét in this bufinels difplays fuch foundjudgment, breathes fuch a fpirit of genuine chriftianity, and has been attended with fuch eminent fuccefs, as to entitle its brethren and miffionaries to the moft favourable reception, from every man whom the accidents of fortune have invefted with power over the poor Africans; and who believes (as I hope every planter believes) that they are his fellow-creatures, and of equal importance with himfelf in the eyes of an all-fecing and impartial governor of the univerfe. With an abridgment of that account, I Thall clofe the fubject of my prefent difcuffion. 66 THE church of the united brethren have, ever fince the year 1732, been aétive in preaching the gofpel to different heathen nations in many parts of the world, but not with equal fuccels in all places. The method here defcribed, and made ufe of by the miflionaries of the faid church, in leading the negro-flaves in the Weft Indies to the knowledge and praétice of . With an abridgment of that account, I Thall clofe the fubject of my prefent difcuffion. 66 THE church of the united brethren have, ever fince the year 1732, been aétive in preaching the gofpel to different heathen nations in many parts of the world, but not with equal fuccels in all places. The method here defcribed, and made ufe of by the miflionaries of the faid church, in leading the negro-flaves in the Weft Indies to the knowledge and praétice of --- Page 569 --- WEST INDIES. of chriftianity, is followed, in all not local, in all the miffions of points that are CHAP, the brethren. IV. AFTER many years unfuccefful labour, Y rience has taught them, that the plain expeconcerning the death and paffion of teftimony the Son of God, Jefus Chrift together with its caufe and happy confequences, delivered touched with by a miflionary an experimental fenfe of it, is the fureft way of enlightening the of the negroes, in order to lead benighted them minds ftep by ftep into all truth: : they therefore afterwards. it a rule, never to enter into make cuflion of the doctrines an extenfive difnite of God's being an infifpirit, of the holy trinity, &c. nor to feek to open their underflandings in thofe until they believe in Jefus, and that the word points, the crofs has proved itfelf the of unto falvation, power of God by the true converfion of their hearts. Both in the beginning and their inftruétions, the progrefs of deliver miffionaries endeavour to themfelves as plainly and intelligibly to the faculties of their hearers as the Lord has given his poffible ; and bleffing even to the moft unlearned, that went forth in reliance to learn the difficult upon him, fo languages of the as to attain to great fluency in negroes, great difficulty arifes indeed them : one and words from the new ideas neceffry to exprefs the divine truths to --- Page 570 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK to be introduced into them; but even this has III. been furmounted through God's grace. As it is required of all believers, that they prove their faith by their works; the brethren teach, that no habit of fin, in any land or place, nor any prevailing cuftom whatever, can be admitted as a plea for a behaviour not conformable to the moral law of God, given unto all mankind. Upon the fulfilment of this, the miffionaries infift every where. Every thing that is accounted décent and virtuous among chriftians, is inculcated into the minds of the people. Drunkennels, adultery, whoredom, forcery, theft,anger and revenge, and all other works of the fleth, as enumerated by our Lord and his Apoftles as proceeding from the heart, being plain proofs that man is either unconverted, or again fallen into heathenifm and idolatry, it follows of courfe, that any one guilty of thele things is put away from the congregation, and not re-admitted before a true and fincere repentance is apparent, and the offence done away : but it is not fufficient that the believers abftain from open fcandal, their private behaviour in their families, and in every occurrence of life,, muft evidence a thorough change of heart and principles : indeed the believing negroes in Antigua, and in other places where the brethren have , or again fallen into heathenifm and idolatry, it follows of courfe, that any one guilty of thele things is put away from the congregation, and not re-admitted before a true and fincere repentance is apparent, and the offence done away : but it is not fufficient that the believers abftain from open fcandal, their private behaviour in their families, and in every occurrence of life,, muft evidence a thorough change of heart and principles : indeed the believing negroes in Antigua, and in other places where the brethren have --- Page 571 --- WEST INDIES. have miffions, are fo much under the influence of their mafters, and of a variety of CHAP. ftances that attend their being flaves, that circum- it IV. perhaps feem more difficult to effeét a may cuftoms and practices, and to enforce change of chriftian conduét in all cafes a fteady amongft them, than among(t free heathens; and yet it muft be owned, to the praife of God, that this is vifible prefent in many thoufand converted at THE miflionaries, negroes. however, have occafion to fee with forrow, how frequent the habit of fin, and the deeply rooted is in the minds of the tendency to excufe it, negroes 5 who, wheh unconverted, are particularly given to an unbounded gratification of every fenfual luit; but this very account it becomes the on to watch, and not to fuffer the leaft more needful from the deviation right path, to remain unnoticed in the believers, It has been before obferved, that baptifmn is adminiftered to none, but to fuch in whom a thorough converfion of heart is already perceivable. As foon as they are confidered as candidates for baptifin, they are fubjedt to the difcipline of the church, by which, ifthey and private admonition and offend, the defired reproof have not effcêt, they are excluded from the fellowfhip of the reft, though they publick may attend fervice, and every means is ftill faithfully applied to bring them back. Thus a communicant, --- Page 572 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK municant, in cafe of an offence given, is not adIII. mitted to the Lord's fupper. This difcipline Y has, by God's bleffing, had fo good an effect, that many a believing negro would rather fuffer the fevereft bodily punifhment than incur it. If they confefs their fins, and heartily repent, they are willingly, and, according to the nature of the offence, either privately, orin the prefence of a. part or the whole of the congregation, readmitted to the fellowfhip of the church. The believing negroes are not fuffered to attend any where, where the unconverted meet for the fake of feafting, dancing, gaming, &c. and the ufual plea of not entering into thie finful part %f thefe diwerfions, is never admitted, inafmuch as the leaft ftep towards vice and immorality, generally plunges them by degrees into grofs fins. The hankering after the vain traditions of their forefathers, is confidered as a falling off from that love to the Lord Jefus and his doétrines, which once prompted them to forfake all ungodlinefs, and devote themfelves unto God; andi lifthey perfift in evil ways, the faithfulnefs due to the reft of the flock on the part of the miffionaries, demands their feparation, left they feduce others. THE polygamy of the negroes has caufed no fimall embarraffiment to the miffionaries. The following is a fhort account of the brethren's manner of treating them in this particular: : When us and his doétrines, which once prompted them to forfake all ungodlinefs, and devote themfelves unto God; andi lifthey perfift in evil ways, the faithfulnefs due to the reft of the flock on the part of the miffionaries, demands their feparation, left they feduce others. THE polygamy of the negroes has caufed no fimall embarraffiment to the miffionaries. The following is a fhort account of the brethren's manner of treating them in this particular: : When --- Page 573 --- WEST INDIES. When a negro man or woman applies as above defcribed, to be baptized or received into the CHAP, congregation, ftrict enquiry is made 1 IV. concerning every . circumftance attending his or her fituation and conneétions in life. If it is found that man has more than one wife, the queftion a how the brethren have to advife him in arifes, this particular: St. Paul fays, 6e if any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and the be dwell with him, let him not pleafed to put her I Cor. vii. 12; but again he 6 away," muft be blamelefs, the fays, a bifhop hufband of one 2 Tim. iii. 2. We read of no further wife," the holy fcriptures precept in concerning this fubject; the brethren therefore were of opinion, that the mif fionaries fhould keep ftrictly to the following refolutions : I. THAT they could not had, before his compel a man, who converfion, taken more than one wife, to put away one or more of them, her or their confent. without II. BuTy yet,that they could not appoint fuch man to be al helper or fervant in the church; a III. THAT a man who believeth in and, if he marry, fhould take Chrift, only one wife in marriage, and that he is bound to keep himfelf to that woman, till death. only parts them. THE inftances that a man has three wives are --- Page 574 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK are few; all miftreffes muft of courfe be put III. away without exception ; befides this, the mi[- 1 fionaries lofe no opportunity of inculcating into the minds of the married pcople, how to walk in this ftate conformable to the rules laid down in holy writ, and every deviation from them is feverely cenfured. If any baptized man leaves his wife, and takes another, and takes one or more wives befides the firft, or in cafe he has had two, and one dies, and he fhould marry another, he is excluded the fellowfhip of the church. Neither can the brethren admit of the heathenifh cuftoms in courting a wife, but they expeét, that in cafe a believer wifh to marry, he do all things in a decent and chriftian manner : it is of courfe expeéted that all baptized parents educate their children in the fear of the Lord, fhewing them a good example. If by a fale of negroes by auction, or in any other way, wives are torn from their hufbands, or hufbands from their wives, and carried off to diftant iflands, though the brethren do not advife, yet they cannot hinder a regular marriage with another perfon, elpecially, ifa family of young children, or other circumftances, feem to render an helpmate neceffary; 5 and, as is moftly the cafe, no hopes remain of the former ever returning. A certifiçate of baptifm is given to every baptized negro, that muft thus leave the congregation and S there orn from their hufbands, or hufbands from their wives, and carried off to diftant iflands, though the brethren do not advife, yet they cannot hinder a regular marriage with another perfon, elpecially, ifa family of young children, or other circumftances, feem to render an helpmate neceffary; 5 and, as is moftly the cafe, no hopes remain of the former ever returning. A certifiçate of baptifm is given to every baptized negro, that muft thus leave the congregation and S there --- Page 575 --- WEST INDIES. there have been inftances that by their godly CHAP. walk and converfation in diftant parts, they IV. have caufed others to hearken to their word and 1 believe. THOUGH all the above injunétions are of fuch a nature, that they not only war againft their heathenith propenfities, but even againft what fome might call excufable indulgencies ; yet it is a fact, that at this prefent time, fome thoufand negroes in Antigua, and other iflands, fub. mit to them with willingnefs. THE number of converted Negro flaves under the care of the brethren, at the end of the year 1787, was, In Antigua, exadtly - 5:465 In St. Kitt's, a new mifion - In Barbadoes and Jamaica, about - IOO In St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. Jan, about IO,000 In Surinam, about - - Still living in the Weft Indies and? Surinam 16,045 as nearly as can be afcertained from the lateft accounts." --- Page 576 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK III. SECTION IV. M 0 NTSE RR A T. OF this little ifland, neither the extent nor the importance demands a very copious difcuffion. It was difcovered at the fame time with St. Chriftopher's, and derived its name from a fuppofed refemblance which Columbus perceived in the face of the country, to a mountain of the fame name near Barcelona. THE name was all that was beftowed upon it by the Spaniards. Like Nevis, it was firft planted by a fimall colony from St. Chriflopher's, detached in 1632 from the adventurers under Warner. Their feparation appears indeed to have been partly occafioned by local attachments and religious diffenfions; 2 which rendered their fituation in St. Chriftopher's uneafy, being chiefly natives of Ireland, of the Romifh perfuafion. The fame caufes, however, operated to the augmentation of their numbers 3 for fo many perfons of the fame country and religion adventured thither foon after the firft fettlement, as to create a white population which it has ever fince 2 from the adventurers under Warner. Their feparation appears indeed to have been partly occafioned by local attachments and religious diffenfions; 2 which rendered their fituation in St. Chriftopher's uneafy, being chiefly natives of Ireland, of the Romifh perfuafion. The fame caufes, however, operated to the augmentation of their numbers 3 for fo many perfons of the fame country and religion adventured thither foon after the firft fettlement, as to create a white population which it has ever fince --- Page 577 --- W EST INDIES. fince poffeffed; if it be true, as afferted by Old- CHAP. mixon, that at the end of fixteen years there were IV. in the ifland upwards of one thoufand white fa- ( milies, conftituting a militia of thrée hundred and fixty effeétive men. THE civil hiftory of this little ifland contains nothing very remarkable. It was invaded by a French force in 1712, and fuffered fo much from the depredations of that armament, that an article was inferted in the treaty of Utrecht for appointing commiffioners to enquire into the damages; 5 whichs however, were not made good to the fufferers. It was again invaded, and with moft of the other iflands captured by the French in the late war, and reftored with the reft. NOTHING therefore remains but to furnifl the reader with an account of its prefent ftate in refpect of cultivation, produétions, and exports. MOxTSERRATISa about three leaguesinlength, and as many in breadth, and is fuppofed to contain about thirty thoufand acres of land, of which almoft two-thirds are very mountainous, or very barren. The land in cultivation is appropriated nearly as follows. In fugar, fx thoufand acres : In cotton, provifions, and pafturage, two thoufand each. None other of the tropical ftaples are raifed. Its average crop from 1784 to 1788, were 2,737 hogfheads of fugar of fixteen hundred weight, 1,107 puncheons of Rum, and Vor. I. Kk --- Page 578 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK 275 bales of cotton. The exports of1787, and III. their value at the London market, will be feen in a table annexed to this chapter. They are produced by the labour of one thoufand three hundred whites, and about ten thoufand negroes. THE government is adminiftered in this, as in the other iflands, by a legiflature of its own, un+ der the captain general. The council confifts of fix members, and the affembly of eight, two from each of the four diftriéts into which it is divided; and the proportion which Montferrat contributes to the falary of the captain general i56-400 per a1212112. SECTION V. VIRGIN ISLANDS OF the Virgin Iflands I have fo few particulars to communicate, that I fear the reader will accufe me of inattention or idlenefs in my refearches. I have, however, folicited information of thofe who I thought were moft likely to afford it ; but if my enquiries were not flighted, my expectations were not gratified. Even in a late which it is divided; and the proportion which Montferrat contributes to the falary of the captain general i56-400 per a1212112. SECTION V. VIRGIN ISLANDS OF the Virgin Iflands I have fo few particulars to communicate, that I fear the reader will accufe me of inattention or idlenefs in my refearches. I have, however, folicited information of thofe who I thought were moft likely to afford it ; but if my enquiries were not flighted, my expectations were not gratified. Even in a late --- Page 579 --- 6u a m aA I. I - of the Nautie Miles TIRGIN ISLINDS, for the ( mstorule WESTINDIES hit Bryan Edwards Ef: - Frechoutere Pointy N Ora Ctitmtr I 1! yont Hyrkoss JostVant fat tht 10010 111 Sombrero gserpentsl. Hlat I. lira.dl. 110 M.s atet - 3. = Net ta # East En. 4nt Dn L1 k Hourad Fiets cosoer L ahir Broken sravesn Towy Iland 1e hermas HNS - hirta ratagdl. tle itee oopersl Spanihhen - tine - lteuatl.o T cat thrun 1ay "listeue Iunr Bilues: aRel sut Kiver Bay N Barthe o m € mratent A Pristerikstied) 7 - tet Tvat : !! Ter Joer : emmsTommEes SINESTITEN Au E unt 63 longitude a 11 siem Lunden I'nlli utetek e. Elyrd. Nee chilale feeadtillo --- Page 580 --- Mokn Canta? R, --- Page 581 --- WEST INDIES. late hiftorical account by Mr. Suckling, the chief CHAP. juftice of thefe iflands, I find but little of which IV. I can avail myfelf. It furnithes no particulars concerning their extent, their cultivation, or their commerce. It.is filent as to the number of their prefent Englith inhabitants. The author is even mifinformed as to the origin of their prefent name 5 for he fuppofes that it was beftowed upon them in 1580, by Sir Francis Drake, in honour of Queen Elizabeth; but the fact is, that thefe iflands were named Las Virgines, by Columbus himfelf, who difcovered them in 1493, and gave them this appellation in allufion to thé well-known legend in the Romifh ritual of the II,000 virgins. THE Spaniards of thofe days, however, thought them unworthy of further notice. A century afterwards (1596) they were vifited by the earl of Cumberland, in his way to the attack of Porto Rico; and the hiftorian of that voyage, whofe narrative is preferved in Hakluyt's collection, calls them < a knot of little iflands wholly 6 uninhabited, fandy, barren, and craggy." The whole group may comprehend about forty iflands, iflots, and keys, and they are divided at prefent between the Englith, the Spaniards, and Danes. The Englith hold Tortola, and Virgin Gorda (h), (h) This laft is likewife called Pennifton, and aorruptly Spanifh Town. It has two very good harbours. K k 2 Jofvan preferved in Hakluyt's collection, calls them < a knot of little iflands wholly 6 uninhabited, fandy, barren, and craggy." The whole group may comprehend about forty iflands, iflots, and keys, and they are divided at prefent between the Englith, the Spaniards, and Danes. The Englith hold Tortola, and Virgin Gorda (h), (h) This laft is likewife called Pennifton, and aorruptly Spanifh Town. It has two very good harbours. K k 2 Jofvan --- Page 582 --- 5o HISTORY OF THE BOOK Jofvan Dykes, Guana Ifle, Beef and Thatcli III. Iflands, Anegada, Nichar, Prickly Pear, Ca1 mana's, Ginger, Cooper's, Salt Ifland, Peter's Ifland, and feveral others of little value. The Danes poffefs Santa Cruz (i), St. Thomas, with about twelve fialler iflands dependent thereon, and St.John, which laft is of importance as having the beft harbour of any ifland to the leeward of Antigua, and theSpaniards claim Crab Ifland, the Green or Serpent Ifland, the Tropick Keys, and Great and Little Paflage. THE firft poffeffors of fuch of thefe iflands as now belong to the Britith government, were a party of Dutch Bucaniers who fixed themfelves at Tortola about the year 1648, and built a fort there for their protedlion. In 1666, they were driven out by a ftronger party of the fame adventurers, who, calling themfelves Englih, pretended to take poffeffion for the crown of England, and the Englith monarch, if he did not commifion the enterprize, made no fcruple to claim the benefit of it; for Tortola and its dependencies were foon afterwards annexed to the (i) Ste. Croix, or Santa Cruz, belonged originally to the French, and was fold by them to the Danes, in 1733, for the fum of 75,0001. Its inhabitants are chicfly Englith, and the lands being exceedingly fertile, the produce of this little ifland (moft of which I believe is fmuggled into Great Britain as the produce of Tortola) is very confiderable, particularly fugar. Leeward --- Page 583 --- WEST INDIES, Leeward Ifland government, in a commifion granted by King Charles II. to Sir William Sta- CHAP. IV. pleton, and I believe that the Englith title has remained unimpeached from that time to this. THE Dutch had made but little cultivating the progrefs in from country when they were expelled Tortola; and the chief merit of its fubfequent improvements was referved for fome Englifh fettlers from the little ifland of who, about a century paft, embarked with Anguilla, families and fettled in the their wants were Virgin Iflands. Their few, and their government fimple and unexpenfive. The deputy governor, with a cil nominated from counboth the among themfelves, exercifed legiflative and judicial authority, determining, in a fummary manner, without a jury, all queftions between fubjedt and and as to taxes, there feem to have been fubject; laid: : when money was ablolutely none publick ufe, it was raifed, I believe, neceffary for tary contribution. by volunUNDER fuch a fyftem, it was impoffible that the colony could attain to much It wanted the advantage of importance, but credit is iparingly Englith capitals; not eafily be enforced. given where payment canfore, whofe The inhabitants therenumbers in 1756, amounted to 1,263 whites, and 6,121 to be put on the fame blacks,reafonablyl - hoped footing with the fifter Kk 3 iflands, believe, neceffary for tary contribution. by volunUNDER fuch a fyftem, it was impoffible that the colony could attain to much It wanted the advantage of importance, but credit is iparingly Englith capitals; not eafily be enforced. given where payment canfore, whofe The inhabitants therenumbers in 1756, amounted to 1,263 whites, and 6,121 to be put on the fame blacks,reafonablyl - hoped footing with the fifter Kk 3 iflands, --- Page 584 --- 5oz HISTORY OF THE BOOK iflands, by the eftablifhment of a perfeét civil III. government, and conftitutional courts of juftice Y among them ; but in this expeétation they were. not gratified until the year 1773- In that year, they prefented an humble petition to the captain-general of the Leeward Hland government, requefting his excellency to unite with them in an application to his Majefty, for permiflion to eleét an affembly of reprefentatives out of the freeholders and planters, in order that fuch affembly, with the governor and council, might frame proper laws for their peace, welfare, and good government 5 pledging themfetves, in that cafe,to grant to his Majehy, his heirs andfuccefors, an impoft ef four and a half per centum, in /pecie, apon all goods and commodities the growth of thefe iflands, fimilar to that which was paid ir the other Leeward Mands. THEIR application (thus fweetened) proved fuccefsful, It was fignified to them that his Majefty, fully confidering the perfons, circumftances, and condition of his faid Virgin Iflands, and the neceflity there was, from the then ftate oftheir culture and inhabitancy, that fome adequate and perfeét form of civil government fhould be eftablifhed therein; c and finally trufting that his €E faithful fubjects in his faid Virgin Iflands, wha 66 fhould compofe the new affembly, would, as 66 the firft act of legiflation, cheerfully make <e good --- Page 585 --- WEST INDIES, ce good the engagement of granting to his Ma- CHAP. jefty, his heirs and fucceffors, the <6 four and a half per centum impoft of ) IV. Y <c of the on all the produce Virgin Iflands, to be raifed and ce the fame paid in manner as the four and a € centum is made half per payable in the other c Hands," did caufe his royal Leeward pleafure tol be nified to the governor in chief, that he fhould figiffue writs in his Majefty's name, for an affembly or houfe of convening reprefentatives, who, together with a council, to be compofed of twelve perfons, to be appointed by the for that purpofe, might frame and fuch governor pafs laws as fhould be necefary for the welfare and government of the faid Iflands. good ACCORDINGLY, on the 3oth of November 1773, the governor in chief of the Leeward Iflands, in obedience to his Majefty's orders, iffued a proclamation for convening an or houfe of affembly reprefentatives of the Virgin Iflands, who met on the ift of February following, and very honourably complied with their to the crown; the very firft act paffed engagement by them being the grant before mentioned of four and a half per centum, op the produce of the colony for ever. They afterwards paffed a grant of 6.400 currency per annum, as their proportion towards the falary of the governor-general. Kk 4 SucH ued a proclamation for convening an or houfe of affembly reprefentatives of the Virgin Iflands, who met on the ift of February following, and very honourably complied with their to the crown; the very firft act paffed engagement by them being the grant before mentioned of four and a half per centum, op the produce of the colony for ever. They afterwards paffed a grant of 6.400 currency per annum, as their proportion towards the falary of the governor-general. Kk 4 SucH --- Page 586 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOX SucH was the price at which the Virgin Iflands III. purchafed the eftablifhment of a conftitutional Y legiflature. If it be difficult to reconcile this precedent with the doétrines which have been maintained in the cafe of Grenada, it may perhaps be faid (as I believe the fact was) that the inhabitants of thefe iflands were unapprifed of the rights which they inherited as Britith fubjeéts, when they voluntarily propofed to fubject themfelves and their pofterity to the tax in queftion for permiffion to enjoy them; and their pofterity may perhaps difpute the authority which their forefathers exercifed on this OCcafion, THE chief, and almoft the only ftaple produétions of thefe iflands are fugar and cotton, Of the quantity of land appropriated to the cultivation of either, I have no account, nor can I venture even to guefs, at the quantity of unimproved land which may yet be brought into cultivation : Tortola itfelf is not more than fifteen miles long, and fix miles broad : the exports of 1787 will prefently be given, and I have only to add, that they were raifed by the labour of about one thoufand two hundred whites, and nine thoufand blacks. HAVING fo far treated of the feveral iflands which conftitute what is called the Leeward cultivation of either, I have no account, nor can I venture even to guefs, at the quantity of unimproved land which may yet be brought into cultivation : Tortola itfelf is not more than fifteen miles long, and fix miles broad : the exports of 1787 will prefently be given, and I have only to add, that they were raifed by the labour of about one thoufand two hundred whites, and nine thoufand blacks. HAVING fo far treated of the feveral iflands which conftitute what is called the Leeward --- Page 587 --- WEST INDIES. Sos ward Ifland Government, as they ftand diflinét CHAP, from each other, I clofe my account, as in for- IV. mer cafes, with an authentick Table of their 1 Returns for 1787; after which, I Thall, as propofed, offer a few obfervations on circumftances which are common to them all. An --- Page 588 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK An ACCOUNT of the Number of Veffels, &c. that have 1II. Antigua, Nevis, and the Virgin Iflands, between the Sth January Cargoes, and the Value thereof. ST. CHRIS. Whither bound. SHIPPING. Sugar. Rum. No.] Tommagel Men. Cwt. grs. lbs. Gallons. To Great Britain 53 11,992 764 231,397 2 12 Ireland 78,299 3 350 30 3,099 8,500 American States 21 2:457 140 Britith Colonies in America 19 1,201 IIO 167,740 65,000 Foreign Weft Indies 104 7,155 546 15,070 Total from St. Chriftopher's 2CO 23,155 1,590 235-528 2 12 334,609 A NTo Great Britain - 65 13,806 901 254,575 1 18 128,936 Ireland 16 1,909 159 22,295 97,400 American States 71 8,281 552 6,779 375,150 Britifh Colonies in America, 34 2,127 177 109,320 Forcign Welt Indies 47 2,540 259 5:740 Total from Antigua 233 28,66; 2,048 284,526 118 716,546 MONTSERRAT To Great Britain 23 5:371 341 108,325 21 American States 20 1,850 138 1,895 4,406 Britilh Colonies in America 7 379 40 122,710 21,300 Foreign Weft Indies 71 3,085 377 140,660 Africa I 102 Total from Montferrat and Nevis 122 10,787 904 110,284 21 289,076 VIRGIN To Great Britain 25 5:137 344 I American States 3 572 21 78,749 91 o Britith Colonies in America 4 226 20 13,90 7,000 Forcign Weft Indies 8 581 5t Total froin the Virg'n Ilands - 40 6,516 436 79,203 1 6 21,417 GRANDTOTAL 5951 69,121 4,978 709,542 2 I 1,361,648 VIRGIN To Great Britain 25 5:137 344 I American States 3 572 21 78,749 91 o Britith Colonies in America 4 226 20 13,90 7,000 Forcign Weft Indies 8 581 5t Total froin the Virg'n Ilands - 40 6,516 436 79,203 1 6 21,417 GRANDTOTAL 5951 69,121 4,978 709,542 2 I 1,361,648 --- Page 589 --- WEST INDIES. cleared outwards from the Iflands of St. Chriftopher's, Montferrat, CHAP. 1787, and the sth January 1788; : together with an Account of their IV. TOPHER'S. Y Mifcellancous Molaffes Indigo, Cotton, Dying in Value. Woods, Articles,. in TOTAL: Value. Gallons. lbs. lbs. S. d, k. S. d. K. s, d. 8,154 318 484,640 5,824 I 6 33,195 16 IO 480,178 20 11 - 6,035 ' 186 10 15-512 I5 6,788 I0 15 I 6 1,498 14 8,154 318 484,640 51989 I 6 33:456 19 4 510,014 S TIGU A. 3,510 26 131,010 1,742 6 6 46,466 18 3 484,483 19 6 29,500 2,400 50,768 16 8 1,7c0 407 5 44,679 19 2 14 7 11,031 15 4 1,e75 1,632 5 51910 26 160,510 4,142 6 6 48,006 IO 3 592,596 15 8 AND NE VIS. 1,313 140 97,972 352 7 6 1,162 3 2 185,709 IO II 70 s0 13,981 12 6 41 6 3 2,053 T4 3 89 4 12,396 19 1,313 140 92,472 352 7 6 1,363 3 5 214,141 16 8 ISLANDS. 2,011 287,5771 6,561 2 6 2,313 18 5 164,128 17 6 1,50c 6 4 1,499 9. IO 5 1,230 15 IO 11 JCO II 2,011 289,077 6,651 2 6 2,340 18 5 166,959 12 6 17,388 434 1,026,699 17,134 18 85,147 II 5 13483,712 5 3 287,5771 6,561 2 6 2,313 18 5 164,128 17 6 1,50c 6 4 1,499 9. IO 5 1,230 15 IO 11 JCO II 2,011 289,077 6,651 2 6 2,340 18 5 166,959 12 6 17,388 434 1,026,699 17,134 18 85,147 II 5 13483,712 5 3 --- Page 590 --- HISTORY OF THE BOK III. IN furveying thefe iflands colleétively, the circumftance that firft prefents itfelf to notice is the burthen of the four and half per centum on their exported produce, to which they are all fubject equally with Barbadoes,and which, though granted by their own affemblies, was in moft other cafes, as well as the Virgin Iflands, the price of a conftitutional legiflature, and a communication of the common privileges of Britifh fubjeéts. Ir would without doubt be fatisfactory to the reader to be furnifhed with an account of the produce of this duty, and the particulars of its difpofal; but no fuch information, to my knowledge, has of late years been given to the publick. The laft return that I am poffeffed of, is dated fo long ago. as the year 1735. From thence it appears, that the whole money eolleéted on this account, both in Barbadoes and the Leeward Iflands, in twenty-one years, (from Chriftmas 1713 to Chriftmas 1734) amounted to 6.326,529. 25. 3dz. fterling, of which it is hameful to. relate that no more than 6.140,032. 135. 5ds. was paid into the Britith Exchequers upwards of 6.80,000 having been retained in the --- Page 591 --- WEST INDIES. thre Iflands for the charges of colledting, and 6.105,000 more, expended in Great Britain in CHAP. IV. the payment of freight, duties, commifions, fees 1 of office, and other claims and deduétions (k). FROM the net money paid into the exchequer, the Governor General of thefe iflands receives a falary of 6-1,200 fterling, exclufive of the feveral fums granted him by the colonial affemblies (1), and I believe that falaries are allowed from the fame fund to the Lieutenant. General, and the feveral Lieutenant Governors. I have been informed too, that the Governors of the Bahama and Bermudas iflands are likewife paid out of this duty. The balance which re* mains, after thefe and fome other deduétions made, is wholly at the king's difpofal. are BUr it is impofible not to obferve, that almoft all the iflands within this well as government, as Barbadoes, have been, for many years paft, progreffively on the decline; : and it is therefore probable that the prefent net produce of this (k) Some years after this, a new mode of duties was, I believe, adopted, which rendered colleting the produétive to government. the tax more (1) Thefe grants are as follow : Antigua and St. Chrifto- *pher's 6.-1,000 currency cach. Nevis bigoo. Montferrat E-400. Virgin Iflands 6.400. The ufual rate of is 165 per cent. Thefe fums therefore, added to exchange fterling, paid out of the exchequer, make his whole 6.1,200 6-3,000 fterling per annum. falary duty , which rendered colleting the produétive to government. the tax more (1) Thefe grants are as follow : Antigua and St. Chrifto- *pher's 6.-1,000 currency cach. Nevis bigoo. Montferrat E-400. Virgin Iflands 6.400. The ufual rate of is 165 per cent. Thefe fums therefore, added to exchange fterling, paid out of the exchequer, make his whole 6.1,200 6-3,000 fterling per annum. falary duty --- Page 592 --- Sto HISTORY OF THE EOOK duty is not more than fufficient to defray the fe III. veral incumbrances with which it is loaded. The negroes indeed have been kept up, and even augmented, by purchafe, becaufe, as the lands have become impoverifhed, they have required a greater expence of labour to make them any way productive; but as the returns have not increafed in thé fame degree, nothing could have faved the planters from ruin, but the advanced price of fugar in the markets of Europe. Ir appears from authentick accounts laid before parliament, that the import of fugar into Great Britain from all the Britith Weft Indies (Jamaica excepted) has decreafed, in the courfe of twenty years from 3.762,804cwt.to 2,563,228 cwt. (m). The difference in value, at a medium price, cannot be lefs than 6.400,000 fterling, and it will be found to have fallen chiefly on thofe iflands which are fubject to the duty in queftion ; to the effeéts of which, therefore, the deficiency muft be chiefly attributed : for being laid, not on the land, but on the produce of the land, it operates as a tax om induftry, and a penalty which falls heavieft on the man who contributes moft to augment the wealth, commerce, navigation, and revenues of the mother-country. It is confidered by the planters as equal to ten (m) Being the average of two periods, the firft from 1772 to 1775, the fecond from 1788 to 1792. per --- Page 593 --- WEST INDIES. per tent. on the net produce of their eftates for Sii ever. Under fuch a burthen, which while it CHAP. IV. oppreffes the colonies, yields a profit of no - confideration to the crown, they have been great able to ftand a uncompetition with the Britifh planters in the other iflands, and have been depreffed ftill more by the rapid growth and extenfive opulence of the French colonies in their neighbourhood. Thus a check has been to the fpirit of improvement, ànd much given land, which, though fomewhat of that long cultivation, would impoverifhed by ftill, with the aid of manure, contribute greatly to the general returns, is abandoned, becaufe the produce of the foil is taxed as high as that ofthe moft pooreft To the lofs arifing from a decreafe fertile. accompanied with an increafe of ofproduce, pences, muft be added the contingent exruinous effeéts of capture in the late American war. The fuftained in St. Chriftopher's: damages invafion in alone, by DeGrafe's 1782, from the deftruétion of groes and cattle, and the of newere eftimated at burning the canes, 6.160,000 fterling, which was made up to the fum flaves, of fufferers by a poll-tax on the no lefs than forty fhillings. The nual taxes for defraying the antheir internal current charges of governments, in all the alfo exceedingly iflands, are burthenfome 3 befides parifh taxes 1782, from the deftruétion of groes and cattle, and the of newere eftimated at burning the canes, 6.160,000 fterling, which was made up to the fum flaves, of fufferers by a poll-tax on the no lefs than forty fhillings. The nual taxes for defraying the antheir internal current charges of governments, in all the alfo exceedingly iflands, are burthenfome 3 befides parifh taxes --- Page 594 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK taxes for the repair of the roads, the maintenance III. of the clergy, and the relief of the poor: Y BUT, under all thefe and the other difcouragements which are felt by the proprietors, the wealth which ftill flows from thefe little dependencies into the mother-country, muft fill every refleéting mind with furprife and admiration. An extent of cultivated territory, not equal to one-tenth part of the county of Effex, adding yearly one million and a half to the national income, is a circumftance that demonftrates beyond all abftract reafoning, the vaft importance to Great Britain of having fugar iflands of her own. At the fame time, it is both amufing and inftruétive to confider how little the prefent returns from thefe iflands are anfwerable to the hopes and expectations of their firft European pofieffors 3 or rather it affords an animated illuftration of the wifdom of Providence, which frequently renders the follies and weakneffes of man produétive of good. The firft Englith adventurers were influenced wholly by the hopes of opening a golden fountain, fimilar to that which was flowing from Peru and Mexico into Spain. The nation was told of countries where the mountains were compofed of diamonds, and the cities built wholly of ingots of gold. Such were the dreams of Cabot, Frobifher, and Gilbert, --- Page 595 --- WEST INDIES. bert, and it is a lamentable difplay of the of avarice on the human power CHAP. fagacious and learned mind, to behold the IV. fame Raleigh bewildered in the folly ! Experience has at length this frenzy, and is correéted Europe now wife enough to acknowledge that gold and filver have artificial and relative value; that only an is real wealth, and that induftry alone agriculture and are the great fources of national commerce THE produce of thefe iflands profperity. of fuch value to the however, though mother-country, is an expence to the cultivator, which raifed at not equalled in any other perhaps is of the globe. It is purfuit, in any country manent and an expence too, that is pervariable certain; while the returns are more and fluétuating than any other; to calamities, to which thefe countries owing pofed, both from the hands of God are exand it is mournful to add, that and man : taken policy of man is the felfith or miftive than even the fometimes more deftrucanger of ! Ar the time that I write Omnipotence this, humanity of the Britifh nation is (1791) the alive to the real or fiétitious tremblingly African labourers in thefe diftreffes of the of the Weft and the otherifands Indies: and the holders and ployers of thofe people feem to be emto the publick marked out indignation for ruin. So ftrong and univerfal profcription and no room for the fober a fympathy allows VoL.I, exercife of reafon, orit L1 would is (1791) the alive to the real or fiétitious tremblingly African labourers in thefe diftreffes of the of the Weft and the otherifands Indies: and the holders and ployers of thofe people feem to be emto the publick marked out indignation for ruin. So ftrong and univerfal profcription and no room for the fober a fympathy allows VoL.I, exercife of reafon, orit L1 would --- Page 596 --- Stt HISTORY OF THE BOOK would be remembered, that the condition ofthat III. unfortunate race, muft depend greatly on the condition and circumftances oftheir owners. Oppreffion towards the prmcipal, will be felt with double force by his dependants, and the blow that wounds the inafter, will exterminate the flave. FHE propriety of thefe remarks will be feen in fabfequent parts of my work, when I come in courfe to treat of the flave trade and flavery 5 and to confider the commercial fyftem of Great Britain towards her Weft Indian dependencies, of which I have now completed the catalogue. Here then I might clofe the third book of my hiftory; but it has probably occurred to the reader, that' I have omitted the two governments of Bahama and Bermudas (n): ; to which indeed it was my intention, when I began my work, to appropriate a diftinet ehapter. An cxamination of my materials has induced me to alter my purpofe; finding myfelf poffeffed of fearce any memorials concerning the civil hiftory of thofe ilands, that are not given in the numerous geographical treatifes with which the fhelves of the bookfellers are loaded. Of the prefent ftate of the Bahama iflands, I need not be afhamed to (m) I have alfo paffed over unnoticed the fmall iflands of Anguilla and Barbuda, as being of too little importance to merit particular defcription. The former belongs fo the Leeward Hand government; the latter is the privaté of the Codrington family. 0 property acknowledge --- Page 597 --- WEST INDIES. acknowledge my ignorance, inafmuch as even CHAP. the lords of the committee of council for the af- IV. fairs of trade and plantations, were unable to ob- ( tain fatisfaétory information concerning To their % lordfhips enquiries, in 1789, as to the extent of territory in thofe iflands,-the quantity of land in cultivation,-the number of white inlalitants-proluctions and exports, &c. the only anfwer that could be obtained from the Governor was this, that it wwas % that time impofRible 10 afcertain any of thofe particulars. It appears, however, from the teftimony of other perfons, that thefe iflands in general are rocky and barren ; that the only article cultivated for exportation is cotton, of which the medium export is fifteen hundred bags of two cwt.; that the inhabitants (who in 1773 confifted oftwo thoufand and fifty-two whites, and two thoufand two hundred and forty-one blacks) have been of late years confiderably augmented by emigrants from North America ; but of their prefent numbers no precife account is given (0). (e) The Bahama Iflands, comprehending thofe which, either from their fimalinefs, the barrennefs ofthe foil, or the want of *water, are uninhabited, are fome hundreds in number. They are fituated betwcen the 22d and 23d degrees of north latitude. The' principal of them are Providence miles long and eleven broad), Bahama, Abaco, (twenty-feven Hlarbour Ifland, Eluthera, Exuma, St. Salvadore, Long Ifland, Andros, Bimini, &c. The feat of government is at the town of Naffau in Providence. Vid. vol.i i. p.7 7. L1 2 CONCERN- uninhabited, are fome hundreds in number. They are fituated betwcen the 22d and 23d degrees of north latitude. The' principal of them are Providence miles long and eleven broad), Bahama, Abaco, (twenty-feven Hlarbour Ifland, Eluthera, Exuma, St. Salvadore, Long Ifland, Andros, Bimini, &c. The feat of government is at the town of Naffau in Providence. Vid. vol.i i. p.7 7. L1 2 CONCERN- --- Page 598 --- HISTORY OF THE BOOK CONCERNING Bermudas, Governor Brown Îs III. more explicit. From his anfwers to their Lordfhips"queries, it appears that they contain from twelveto thirteen thoufand acres of very poor land, of which nine parts in ten are either uncultivated, or referved in woods for the fupplying of timber for building fmall fhips, floops, and fhallops for fale; this being in truth the principal occupation and employment of the inhabitants 3 and-the veffels which they furnifh, being built of cedar, are light, buoyant, and unexpenfive. OF the land in cultivation, no part was appropriated to any other purpofe than that of raifing Indian corn, and efculent roots and vegetables (of which a confiderable fupply is fent to the Weft Indian Iflands) until the year 1785, when the growth-of cotton was attempted, but with no great fuccefs, there not being at prefent more than two hundred aeres applied in this line of culture. THE number of white people of all ages in Bermudas is five thoufand four hundred and fixty-two ; of blacks four thoufand nine hundred and nineteen (p): THUS (p) It were an aet of great injuftice to the inhabitants of Bermudas, to omit the very honourable teftimony which Governor Brown has tranfmitted to government, concerning the treatment of their negro flaves. c Nothing (he obferves) can better fhew the ftate of flavery in Bermudas than the --- Page 599 --- WEST INDIES. THUS it appears that the lands become lefs fertile as we recede from the and CHAP. IV. tropicks, were there not, as there certainly is, an unaccountable Y propenfity in the greater part of mankind, to under-rate what they have in aétual poffeffion, it would require but little effort to convince the publick of the vaft importance of our Weft Indian dependencies; of which the progreffive growth has now been traced from the firft fetr tlement. What remains is to convey that conviction to the Englifh reader. This then, *after taking a curfory furvey, for the gratification of curiofity, of the prefent inhabitants and the tem of agriculture, I Thall endeavour fyf to accomplith in the next volume, the behaviour of the blacks În the late war. There one time between fifteen and twenty privateers fitted out were from at hence, which were partly manned by negro flaves, who behaved both as failors and marines ever they were captured, always irreproachably; : and whenpower. There were feveral inftances returned, if it was in their condemned with the veffel and fold, wherein and afterwards they had been means to efcape; and through many difficulties and found returned to their mafters fervice. In the fhip hardfhips privateer, there were feventy flaves. She was taken Regulator, and a ried into Bofton. Sixty of thein returned in a flag of cardireétly to Bermudas. Nine others returned the truce New York. One only was mifling, who died by in the way of or in captivity." cruize, Report of the Privy Council on the Slave Trade. Part III. L13 afterwards they had been means to efcape; and through many difficulties and found returned to their mafters fervice. In the fhip hardfhips privateer, there were feventy flaves. She was taken Regulator, and a ried into Bofton. Sixty of thein returned in a flag of cardireétly to Bermudas. Nine others returned the truce New York. One only was mifling, who died by in the way of or in captivity." cruize, Report of the Privy Council on the Slave Trade. Part III. L13 --- Page 600 --- HISTORY OF THE APPENDIX Since the Publication of the former Editions of this Work, the MACCOUNTS the Duty of Four and an Half per Centum, arifng and1796; with the Amount of the Charges and Payments to ahich it Receiver General of the Cufoms, Grofs Receipt Charges paid BE the Recript Hufband in the Years, arifing from Plantations Total Produce in lieu of Duties, configned to Produçe. Receipt, Freight, Annuities. him. &cc. &c. 6 S. d. K. 5. d. K. S. d. K. 5o d. K. S, d. 1794 70,230 I 2 71480 93 77,710 I 113 27,979 8 9 1,586 1795 62,800 6 6,921 16 4 69,722 2 4 18,956 18 4 6,200 - 1796 57,665 I 9 14,907 12 8 73,572 14 5 17,010 I5 3 4,500 Total 190,695 8 II 29,309 9 9t 220,004 18 87 63,947 2 4 12,286 Notes -The Difference between the Net Proceeds and the Payments arifes either from Indies not having been paid within the Year, ag Cuftom Houfe, Londom, iyth March 1798. --- Page 601 --- WEST INDIES. Sx9 to WOL. I. No I. following Paper has been laid before the Houfe of Commons, in Barbadoes and the Leeward Mands, in America, for the Years is liable,. the Nat Proceeds theresf, with the 1794, 1795, Payments into the Exchequer by the by the Hufband. Salaries Charges of Total Payments to Management Payments of Net by Plantation in the Receiver by Charges, Proceeds. Receiver.General Officers. Plantations, into the General. Excheguer. K. S. d. K. s. d, *. 1,792 15 101 4,841 5 I 380 6. 3. d. E. S. d. k. S. d. 1,786 16 7 36,579 9 9 41,130 12 21 43,881 15 44 4,619 2 IIE 380 31,942 17 I0f 899 3 4,747 I 44 380 37,779 4 5$ 34,176 3 Iof 27-536 19 8 45:035 14 81 39,032 8 1 41478 15 6 14,207 9 5* 1,140 96,059 7 44 123,945 II 4 117,Cgo 7 44 Monies having been remitted due on former was particularly the Cafe in the Years, or from Eills remitted from the Weft Year 1796. J. Mills, for the Rect General, Tlos Porter, pro Comptr Gen1, Jas Newrys, Wm Infpector and Exam of Plantn Collrs Accts, Lacoledi, P. Ading Hufband of the Duty of 451 per Cent. Grigany, Comptr of Do, 140 96,059 7 44 123,945 II 4 117,Cgo 7 44 Monies having been remitted due on former was particularly the Cafe in the Years, or from Eills remitted from the Weft Year 1796. J. Mills, for the Rect General, Tlos Porter, pro Comptr Gen1, Jas Newrys, Wm Infpector and Exam of Plantn Collrs Accts, Lacoledi, P. Ading Hufband of the Duty of 451 per Cent. Grigany, Comptr of Do, --- Page 602 --- HISTORY OF THE An ACCOUNT of the feveral Charges upon the FUND, arifing by the Duties of Four Pounds and One Half Pound per Centum during the Years 1794, 1795, and 1796, paid at the Exchequer. SALARIES and PENSIONS paid at the Exchequer. 1795. 1796. Governors of Barbadoes K. S. d. E. 5. d. E- S- d. Bahama Iflands 2,000 2,000 2,000 Bermuda 700 - Leeward Iflands 1,200 1.200 1,300 Tubago 1,300 1,300 Grenada - 1,354 1,500 Dominica - 1,364 1,364 1,300 1,300 St. Vincent's - 1,300 1,300 1,300 Lieut. Governors of Leeward Iflands 1,300 300 w Tortola - 200 300 Nevis Antigua 2co 2C0 Montferrat St. Kitts - Grenada - 2co Dominica - 400 - Agents of Grenada Turks Iland - 200 - Auditor General of Plantations IOO - IOO - 250 - 250 - 250 - ChiefJuftice of Virgin Illands 200 - Governor of the Bahama Iflands" 2 to make up the Deficiencies of 328 4 I his Fees atf. 500 per Annum -J 244 17 IO 208 8 6 Governor of Barbadoes for his Ser-2 a vices - -S 1,500 - Governor of Martinico for his Outft Do - his Salary 1,5oo - Countefs Dowager of Chatham, 1,922 4 54 1,977 15 6$ John Earl of Chatham, and the - Righ: Hon. ourable William Pitt, 3,0co during their Lives, feveraily and 3,000 - 3,000 fuccellively - Reprefentatives of the Earl of Kin-7 noul (Perpetuity) - -3 1,000 1,000 1,000 Carried forward *. 18,892 4 I 20,731 2 31 19,250 4 - $ --- Page 603 --- WEST INDIES. (comtinuud.) SALARIES and PENSIONS paid at the Exchequer. 1795. 1796. 6- 5. d. E f. d. K. 5. Brought forward - E. 18,892 4 I 20,731 2 34 d. Henry Strachey, 19,250 41 Efg. late Secretary" 7 to the Commifion for reftoring Peace in North America, during Life - Henry Ellis, Efq. late Governor of? Georgia and Nova Scotia, during Pleafure - -J 300 - 300 - 300 - Mary Elliott, Widow of Grey E1-) liott, Efg. late additional Clerk in Ordinaryoft the Office ofTrade IOO IOO and Foreign Plantations IOO Sufannah Monckton, Widow of2 the late Gen! Monckton S Do IOO Peter Livius, Efq: formerly Chief? IOO - IOO Juftice of Canaga - 222 5 IOI! Ceafed, Jofah Henry) Children of the a Martin - Mary Martin (lateJofiah Martin 150 - Sarah Martin (Elg. Governor of Elliott, Widow of Grey E1-) liott, Efg. late additional Clerk in Ordinaryoft the Office ofTrade IOO IOO and Foreign Plantations IOO Sufannah Monckton, Widow of2 the late Gen! Monckton S Do IOO Peter Livius, Efq: formerly Chief? IOO - IOO Juftice of Canaga - 222 5 IOI! Ceafed, Jofah Henry) Children of the a Martin - Mary Martin (lateJofiah Martin 150 - Sarah Martin (Elg. Governor of Alice Martin North Carolina - 50 Henry Pelham, Efq. late a Com-2 50 a miffioner of Cuftoms - -S 761 - 761 - 76r Fredefwed Savory Children of Charlotte Todd George Bru- - 40 - - 40 - - Efq. 30 - a Frances Tucker- aro Goyr of 30 - - 30 - J Bermuda. - 30 James Craufurd, Efg. late Governor 1 30 - of Bermuda Ilands Henry Charles Selwyn, Efg. Lieutt? - 407 1O Gov, of Montferrat - IOO 21,8g0 4 I 23,201 8 2 22,005 14 - - Monsrenzum.-On the 24th Day of February reéted to be iffued out of the 1796, the Sum of C 40,000 was diExpences of His Majefty's 441 per Cent. towards defraying the Charges and Civil Government, Troafury Chambers, Whitchall, George Ryfe, 2yth. April 1798. --- Page 604 --- 5a2 HISTORY OF THE APPENDIX to VoL. I. No 2. Obfervations 0n2 the Difpofition, Cbaraéter, Manners, and Habits ef Life, gf the MAROON. NEGROES of the Hland ef. JAMAICA; and a Detailefthe Origin, Progrefh, and Termination of tbe late War between thofe People and the Wbite Inbabitants: firf publifhed feparately in 1796, SECTION I. APPEN- TAMAICA, as we have feen, was conquered from the DIX. Spaniards, during the proteétorate of Cromwell, in - 1 the year. 1655, by an armament under the command of Admiral Penn and General Venables. The Spanifh inhabitants are faid to have pofleffed, before the attack, about 1,500 enflaved Africans, moft of whom, on the furrender oftheir mafters, retreated to the mountains, from whence they mnade frequent excurfions to harafs the Englith. Major- general Sedgewick, one of the Britifh officers, in a letter to Secretary Thurloe (1656) predicts, that thefe blacks would prove a thorn in the fides of the Englifh. He adds, that they gave no quarter to his men, but defroyed them whenever they found opportunity; fcarce a week paffing without their murdering one or more of them; and as the foldiers became more confident and carglefs, the negroes grew more enterprifing and bloodyminded, ions to harafs the Englith. Major- general Sedgewick, one of the Britifh officers, in a letter to Secretary Thurloe (1656) predicts, that thefe blacks would prove a thorn in the fides of the Englifh. He adds, that they gave no quarter to his men, but defroyed them whenever they found opportunity; fcarce a week paffing without their murdering one or more of them; and as the foldiers became more confident and carglefs, the negroes grew more enterprifing and bloodyminded, --- Page 605 --- WEST INDIES. minded. G Having no moral fenfe," K not continues he, c and G underftanding what the laws and cuftoms of civil APPENnations mean, we know not how to DIX. < with any oft them. But be aflured capitulate or treat - they muft either be deftroyed, or brought in, upon fome terihs or < elfe they will other; or prove a great difcouragement to the fettling the country." What he foretold, foon came to pafs. At the latter part ofthe fame gained fome trifling fuccefs year (1656) the army immediately againft them; but this was afterwards feverely retaliated the ter of forty by flaughfoldiers, cut off as they were bling from their quarters. A detachment carclefsly ramately fent in purfuit of the was immediand killed feven encmy, which came up with or eight of them; but they ftill means to hold out, until being hard preffed the found lowing by Colonel year folof the D'Oyley, who, by his final overthrow Spaniards, had taken from them all hope of future fuccour from their ancient mafters, they became much ftreightened for want of provifions and ammuni- very tion. The main body, under the command of a named Tuan de Bolas (whofe place of retreat in the negro of Clarendon ftill retains his parifh peace, and furrendered name) at length folicited for and freedom. to the Englifh on terms of A large party, however, (who had pardon acquired the name of now Maroons*) remained in their reThe word fignifies, among the Spanifh Mr. Long, Heg-banters: the woods abounding with Ameriaans, the wild according to purfuit of them confituting the chief boar, and the Marràno is the Spanith word for a employment of fugitive negroes. rivation, however, given in the young pig. The following is the depelle maroni, dans les illes Françoifes Encyclopédit, les article Maron: ( On apdu mot Efpagnol Simaran qui lignifie un nègres fugitifs, Ce terme vient ne devoir pas faire plus d'honneur à leurs Singe. Les Efpagnols crurent que de les appeller.finget, parcequ'ils fe retiroient malheoreux efclaves fugitifs, fonds des bois et n'en fortoient que comme ces animaux aux voient dans les lieux les plus voifins pour de leur cueillir des fruits qui fe troupccopt which of theferderivations he likes beft, retrait," The reader will treats ifie un nègres fugitifs, Ce terme vient ne devoir pas faire plus d'honneur à leurs Singe. Les Efpagnols crurent que de les appeller.finget, parcequ'ils fe retiroient malheoreux efclaves fugitifs, fonds des bois et n'en fortoient que comme ces animaux aux voient dans les lieux les plus voifins pour de leur cueillir des fruits qui fe troupccopt which of theferderivations he likes beft, retrait," The reader will treats --- Page 606 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- treats within the mountains; where they not only augDIX. mented their numbers by natural increafe, but, after the 1 ifland became thicker fown with plantations, athey were frequently reinforced by fugitive flaves. At length they grew confident enough of their force to undertake defcents upon the interior planters, many of whom they murdered, from time to time, without the leaft provocation; and by their barbarities and outrages intimidated the whites from venturing to any confiderable diftance from the fea coaft. IN 1663 the Lieutenant-govemor, Sir Charles Lyttelton, and his council, iffued a proclamation, offering a full pardon, twenty acres of land, "and freedom from all manner of flavery, to each of them who fhould furrender. But I do not find that any of them were inclined to accept the terms offered, or quit their favage way of life, On the contrary, they were better pleafed with the more ample range they poffeffed in the woods, where their hunting grounds were not yet encroached upon by fettlements. They took effectual care, indeed, that no fettlement fhould be eftablithed near them; for they butchered every white family that ventured to feat itfelf aay confiderable diftance inland. When the Governor perceived that the proclamation wrought no effect, Juan de Bolas, who was now made Colonel of the Black Regiment, was fent to endeavour their reduétion; but in the profecution of this fervice he fell into an ambufcade, and was cut to pieces. In March, 1664, Captain Colbeck, of the white militia, was employed for the fame purpofe. He went by fea to the north fide; and, having gained fome advantages over the Maroons, he returned with one who pretended to treat for the reft. This embafly, however, was only calculated to amufe the whites, and gain fome refpite; for the Maroons no fooner found themfelves in a condition to act, and the white inhabitants lulled into fecurity, than they began torenew] holitic,murdering, as before, every white white militia, was employed for the fame purpofe. He went by fea to the north fide; and, having gained fome advantages over the Maroons, he returned with one who pretended to treat for the reft. This embafly, however, was only calculated to amufe the whites, and gain fome refpite; for the Maroons no fooner found themfelves in a condition to act, and the white inhabitants lulled into fecurity, than they began torenew] holitic,murdering, as before, every white --- Page 607 --- WEST INDIES. white perfon, without diftinétion of fex or age, who within their reach. came APPENIN this way, they continued to diftrefs the ifland for DIX. wards of forty years, during which time upL Affembly were paffed, and at leaft 6.240,000 fonty-four acts of for their fuppreffion. In expended dable, under 1730, they were grown fo formia very able general, named Cudjoe, that it was found expedient to ftrengthen the by two regiments of regular colonyagainf which them wards formed into independent troops, were afterwith other hired parties, and the companies, whole and employed, their reduétion. In the body of militia, in commanded year 1734, Captain Stoddart, who one of thefe parties, projeéted, and executed with great fuccefs, an attack of the Maroon windward town, called Nanny, fituate on one of the higheft tains in the ifland. Having provided fome mounvel guns, he filently approached, and reached portable fwifmall diftance of their quarters undifcovered. within a ing, for fome time, he began to afcend by the After haltleading to their town. He found it fteep, rocky, only and path difficult, and not wide enough to admit the paflage of two perfons abreaft, However, he furmounted thefe obftacles; and having gained a fmall eminence, the huts in which the negroes were afleep, commanding he fixed his train of artillery to the beft advantage, and fired ligtle them fo brifkly, that many were flain in their upon and feveral threw themfelves habitations, headlong down the pice. Captain Stoddart purfued the precinumbers, took many prifoners, and in fhort advantage; fo killed deftroyed, or routed the whole that completely afterwards to body, they were unable effegtany enterprize of moment in this ter of the ifland. quarABOUT the fame time another party of the Maroons, having perceived that a body ofthe militia ftationed at the barrack of Bagnel's thicket, in St. Mary's parifh, under the pice. Captain Stoddart purfued the precinumbers, took many prifoners, and in fhort advantage; fo killed deftroyed, or routed the whole that completely afterwards to body, they were unable effegtany enterprize of moment in this ter of the ifland. quarABOUT the fame time another party of the Maroons, having perceived that a body ofthe militia ftationed at the barrack of Bagnel's thicket, in St. Mary's parifh, under the --- Page 608 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- the command ofColonel Charlton, ftrayed heedicfsly from DIX. their quarters, and kept no ordes formed a projeét to cut 1 them off, and whilft the officers were at dinner, attended by a very feweof their men, the. Maroons rufhed fuddenly from the adjacent woods and attacked them. Several pieces were difcharged, the report of which alarmed the militia, who immediately ran to their arms, and came up in time to refcue their officers from deftruétion. The Maroons were repulfed, and forced to take fhelter in the woods, but the militia did not think fit to purfue them. Some rumours of this fkirmilh reached Spanifh Town, which is diftant from the fpot about thirty miles; and, as all the circumftances were not known, the inhabitants were thrown into the moft dreadful alarm, from apprehenfions that the Maroons had defeated Charlton, and were in full march to attack the town. Ayfcough, then commander in chief, participating in the general panick, ordered the trumpets to found, the drums to beat, and in a few hours colleêted a body of horfe and foot, who went to meet the enemy. On the fecond day after their departures they came to a place where, by the fires which remained unextinguifhed, they fuppofed the Maroons had lodged the preceding night. They thercfore followed the track, and foon after got fight of them. Captain Edmuads, who commanded the detachment, difpofed his men for action; but the Maroons declined engaging, and fled different ways. Several of them, however, were flain in the purfuit, and others made prifoners. Thefe two viétories reduced their ftrength, and filled them with fo much terror that they never afterwards appeared in any confiderable body, nor dared to make any ftand; indeed, from the commencement cf the war till this period, they had not once ventured a pitched battle, but fkulked about the fkirts of remote plantations, furprifing ftragglers, and murdering the whites by two or three at a time, or when they were too of them, however, were flain in the purfuit, and others made prifoners. Thefe two viétories reduced their ftrength, and filled them with fo much terror that they never afterwards appeared in any confiderable body, nor dared to make any ftand; indeed, from the commencement cf the war till this period, they had not once ventured a pitched battle, but fkulked about the fkirts of remote plantations, furprifing ftragglers, and murdering the whites by two or three at a time, or when they were too --- Page 609 --- WEST INDIES. too few to make any refiftance, By the favourable night they feized opportunity that darknefs APPEN ftealing into the fettlements, where gave them, of DIX. fields and out-houfes, killed all the they fet fire to cane- L 1 and carried the flaves into cattle they could find, method of conduéting the captivity. By this daftardly to the whites, without war, they did infinite mifchief much to danger, for they always expofing their own perfons cept with a number fo cautioully avoided fightings exdifproportionally inferior felves, as to afford them a pretty fure to themtory. They knew every fecret avenue expe@tation of victhat they could either conceal of the' country; fo fhift their ravages from themfelves from purfuit, OF required. Such place to place, as circumftances the were the many difadvantages under Englith had to deal with thofe which were not reducible by defultory foes; who poffefled no plunder to any allure regular plan of attack; who nor had or reward the affailants; favage freedom, any thing to lofe, except life, and a wild and PREVIOUS to the fucceffes above trefs into which the planters mentioned, the diffrom the fenfe which the werethrown, mayt be colleéted in fome of their adts, In legiflature the of Jamaica expreffed that G the Maroons had, within year 1733, they fet forth, creafed, a few years, greatly innotwithflanding all the meafures that had concerted, and made ufe of, for their been ticular, that they had grown fappreffion; in par-0 Eaft, North Weft, and South very formidable in the North ifland, to the great terror of bis Weftern diftriéts of the parts, who had greatly fuffered Majefty's fubjects in thofe murders, and depredations by the frequent robberies, the parifhes of Clarendon, committed by them; that in morland, Hanover, and St. St.Ann, St. Elizabeth, Weftably multiplied, and had Jemes's, they were confidermountains, and leaft acceflible large fettlements among the parts; whence they plundered the North ifland, to the great terror of bis Weftern diftriéts of the parts, who had greatly fuffered Majefty's fubjects in thofe murders, and depredations by the frequent robberies, the parifhes of Clarendon, committed by them; that in morland, Hanover, and St. St.Ann, St. Elizabeth, Weftably multiplied, and had Jemes's, they were confidermountains, and leaft acceflible large fettlements among the parts; whence they plundered --- Page 610 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- dered all around them, and caufed feveral plantations to be DIX. thrown up and abandoned, and prevented many valuable y traéts of land from being cultivated, to the great prejudice and diminution of his Majefty's revenue, as well as of the trade, navigation, and confumption of Britifh manufaétures; and to the manifeft weakening, and preventing the further increafe of the ftrength and inhabitants, in the ifland." We may learn from hence, what extenfive mifchief may be perpetrated by. the moft defpicable and cowardly enemy. The Affembly, perceiving that the employment of Alying parties had proved ineffectual, by the length of their marches, the difficulty of fublifting them in the woods for fo long a time as the fervice required, and the facility with which the Maroons eluded their purfuit, ordered feveral defenfible houfes, or barracks, fortified with baftions, to be ereéted in different parts, as near as poffible to the enemy's moft favourite haunts: : in each of thefe they placed a ftrong garrifon, and roads of communication were opened from one to the other. Thefe garrifons were compofed of white and black Thot and baggage negroes, who were all duly trained. Every captain was allowed a pay of ten pounds, the lieutenants each five pounds, and ferjeants four pounds, and privates two pounds per month. They were fubjected to the rules and articles ofwar; and Othe whole body put under the Governor's immediate order, to be employed, conjunaly or feparately, as he fhould fee occafion. Their general plan of duty, as directed by thel law, was to make excurfions from the barracks, fcower the woods and mountains, and deftroy the provifion gardens and haunts of the Maroons; and that they might not return without effecting fome fervice, they were required to take twenty days paovifion with them on every fuch expedition. Every barrack was alo furnifhed with a pack ef dogs, provided by the Churdnwardens ef the refpedlive feparately, as he fhould fee occafion. Their general plan of duty, as directed by thel law, was to make excurfions from the barracks, fcower the woods and mountains, and deftroy the provifion gardens and haunts of the Maroons; and that they might not return without effecting fome fervice, they were required to take twenty days paovifion with them on every fuch expedition. Every barrack was alo furnifhed with a pack ef dogs, provided by the Churdnwardens ef the refpedlive --- Page 611 --- Dola Gmor Broun Liy --- Page 612 --- --- Page 613 --- WEST INDIES: *fpefive parifhes ; it being forcfeen that thefe would prove extremely animals APPEN. ferviccable, not only in sgaingfurprizes in the night, but in tracking the guarding DIX. THIS arrangement was the moft judicious enemy. - contrived for their effeétual hitherto treffes, ftationed in the reduéion; for fo many forwell very centre of their ufual fupplied with every neceffary, gave the Maroons retreats, conftant and vigorous annoyance, andi in fhort bécame a chief means of bringing on that treaty, which the put an end to this tirefome war. afterwards ABOUT the year 1737, the. Affembly refolved on two hundred of the Mofquito Indians into their taking haften the fuppreflion of the Maroons, pay, to act for rendering free Negroes, They paffed an more ufeful, and forming them into Mulattoes, and Indians per encouragements. Some companies, with proMofquito floops were difpatched to the into fhore; and that number of Indians was the ifland, formed into' brought officers, and allowed companies under their own fides fhoes and other forty fhillings a month for pay, bearticles. White were affigned to conduét them to the enemy, guides and proofs of great fagacity in this fervice. It they gave tice to obferve the moft was their practhe enemy's profound filence in marching to a track, quarters; and when they had once hit they were fure to difcover the haunt to upon it led. They effeéted confiderable which deed, the moft fervice, and were, inof proper troops to be employed in that action, which is known in America the fpecies bufb-fehting. by name of They were well rewarded for their conduat, and afterwards difmiffed to their own good when the pacification took place with the Maroons, country, FoR in 1738, Governor the principal Trelawney, by the advice of gentlemen ofthe illand,propofed. peace with the Maroon chiefs. Both dovertures of grown heartily wearied out with this partics tedious were now VoL, I, M m conflict. The which is known in America the fpecies bufb-fehting. by name of They were well rewarded for their conduat, and afterwards difmiffed to their own good when the pacification took place with the Maroons, country, FoR in 1738, Governor the principal Trelawney, by the advice of gentlemen ofthe illand,propofed. peace with the Maroon chiefs. Both dovertures of grown heartily wearied out with this partics tedious were now VoL, I, M m conflict. The --- Page 614 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- The white inhabitants wifhed relicf from the horrors of DIX. continual alarms, the hardfhip of militaryduty, and the 1 intolcrable burthen of maintaining the army. The Maroons were not lefs anxious for an accommodation: they were hemmed in, and clofely befet on all fides; their provifions deftroyed, and themfelves reduced to fo miferable a condition, by famine and inceffant attacks, that Cudjoe afterwards declared, that if peace had not been offercd to them, they had no choice left but either to be ftarved, Jay violent hands on themfelves, or furrender to the Englith at difcretion. The extremity of their cale, however, was not at that time known to the white inlrabitants, and their number was fuppofed to be twice as great as it was afterwards found to be. Thearticles of pacification (which I have fubjoined) were therefore ratified with the Mafoon chiefs, and fifteen hundred acres of land affigned to one body of them * 5 and one thoufand acres to another, which the legiflature fecured'to them and their pofterity in perpetuity. The Affembly, by fubfequent laws, augmented the premium allowed the Maroons for apprehending fugitive flaves, to three pounds per head; and they paffed many other regulations for their better government and proteétion, for preventing their purchafing and harbouring negro flaves, and for direéting in what manner they hould be tried in the cafe of felony, and other criines, committed againft the whites t and thus an end was at length * This was the body that fe:sled in Trelawney Town, and are the ancef. tors of thofe who have lately taken up arms. The other Maroon negroes were thofe of Accomporg Town, Crawford Town, and Nanny Town, to each of which lanus were allotted. The aggregate number in 1795, was about 1600 men women and child:en. + On complaint made, on oath, to a jufice of peace, of any fclony, bargiary, robbery, or other offence whatfoever, having been committed by Maroon: negrocs, he is required to grant a warrant to apprehend the, offenders, thofe who have lately taken up arms. The other Maroon negroes were thofe of Accomporg Town, Crawford Town, and Nanny Town, to each of which lanus were allotted. The aggregate number in 1795, was about 1600 men women and child:en. + On complaint made, on oath, to a jufice of peace, of any fclony, bargiary, robbery, or other offence whatfoever, having been committed by Maroon: negrocs, he is required to grant a warrant to apprehend the, offenders, --- Page 615 --- WESTINDIES length happily put to this tedious and ruinous conteft; a conteft which, while it lafted, feemed to portend nothing APPENlefs than the ruin of the whole colony. DIX, - Articles fpacification wvith the Maroons ef Trelauney Town, conclauded March the fifs 1738. Int the name of God, Amen, Whereas Captain Captain Accompong, Captain Johnny, Captain Cudjoe, Cuffee, Captain Quaco, and feveral other Negroes, their dents and acherents, have been in a ftate of war and depen- hoftility, for feveral years paft, againft our fovereign lord the King, and the inhabitants of this iland; and whercas peace and friendfhip among mankind, and the the effufion of blood, is agreeable to God, preventing confonant to reafon, and defired by every good man; and whereas his Majefty, King George the Second, King of Great Brioffenders, and to have all perfons brought before him, or fome other tice, that can give evidence; and i upon examination, it jufthere are grounds for publick trial, the juftice is to commit the appears that unlefs the offence be bailable, and bind over the witneffes. accufed, tried where the quarter feffions are held, or where parochial They are to be ufually tranfacted, in the following manner :--The juftice is to call bufinefs in two is other juftices (who muf attend, or forfeit twenty pounds cach), and are to fummon fifteen perfons, fuch as are ufually impanelled to frve they on juries, to appear at a fpecified time, who forfeit five pounds each if they negleét. There muft be ten days between the complaint and the trial. Of the fifteen perfons fummoned, the firft twelve who appear are to compofe aj jury, If the Maroon be found guilty, the juftices may give fen. tence, according to law, of death, tranfportation, publick whipping, or confinement to hard labour for not more than twelve months. Execution of women with child is to be re(pited until a reafonable time after delivery 5 and where fentence of death or tranfportation thall be paffed (except for rebellious con(piracies,) execution is to be refpited until the Governor's pleafure be fignified; the juftices may alfo refpite the execution of other fentence till his pleafure be known, if they fee caufe. Where fevea any ral are capitally convieted for the fame offence, one only is to fuffer death, except for murder or rebellion, M m 2 tain, reafonable time after delivery 5 and where fentence of death or tranfportation thall be paffed (except for rebellious con(piracies,) execution is to be refpited until the Governor's pleafure be fignified; the juftices may alfo refpite the execution of other fentence till his pleafure be known, if they fee caufe. Where fevea any ral are capitally convieted for the fame offence, one only is to fuffer death, except for murder or rebellion, M m 2 tain, --- Page 616 --- HISTORY OF TIE APPEN- tain, France and Ireland, of Jamaica Lord, Defender of DIX. the Faith, &c. has, by his letters patent, dated February 1 the twenty-fourth, one thoufand feven hundred and thir* ty-eight, in the twelfth year of his reign, granted full power and authority to John Guthrie and Francis Sadler, Efquires, to negotiate and finally conclude a treaty of peace and friendfhip with the aforefaid Captain Cudjoe, and the reft of his captains, adhercnts, and others his men; they mutually, fincercly, and amicablyl have agreed to the following articles: Firft, That all hoftilities fhall ceafe on both fides for ever. Secondly, That the faid Captain Cudjoe, the reft of his captains, adherents, and men, fhall be for ever hereafter in a perfect ftate of freedom and liberty, excepting thofe who have been taken by them, or Aled to them, within two years laft paft, if fuch are willing to return to their faid mafters and owners, with full' pardon and indemnity from their faid mafters or owners for what is paft; provided always, that,if they are not willing to return, they fhall remain irk fubjedtion to Captain Cudjoe and în friendfhip with us, according to the form and tenor of this treaty. Thirdly, That they fhall enjoy and poffefs, for themfelves and pofterity for ever, all the lands fituate and lying between Trelawney Town and the Cockpits, to the amount of fifteen hundred acres, bearing northweft from the faid Trelawney Town. Fourthly, That they fhall have liberty to plant the faid lands with coffec, cocoa, ginger, tobacco, and cotton, and to breed cattle, hogs, goats, or any other ftock, and di(pofe of the produce or increafe of the faid commodities to theinhabitants ofthis ifland ; provided always, that when they bring the faid commodities to market, they fhall apply firlt to the cuftos, or any other magifrate of the reipeétive parifhes where they expofe their goods to fale, for a licenfe to vend the fame. Fiftly, That Captain Cudjoe, and all the Captain's adherents, to breed cattle, hogs, goats, or any other ftock, and di(pofe of the produce or increafe of the faid commodities to theinhabitants ofthis ifland ; provided always, that when they bring the faid commodities to market, they fhall apply firlt to the cuftos, or any other magifrate of the reipeétive parifhes where they expofe their goods to fale, for a licenfe to vend the fame. Fiftly, That Captain Cudjoe, and all the Captain's adherents, --- Page 617 --- WEST INDIES. herents, and people now in fubjedtion to him, Thall alllive together within the bounds of APPENthat they have liberty to hunt where Trelawney Town, and DIX. except within three miles of they fhall think fit, 1 provided always, that in cafe any the fettlement, hunters crawl, or pen; joe and thofe of other fettlements of Captain Cudbe equally divided between meet, then the hogs ta the faid Captain both parties. Sixthly, That beft endeavours Cudjoe, and his fucceffors, do ufe their by to take, kill, fupprefs, or deftroy, either themfelves, or jointly with any other number of commanded on that fervice by his excellency the men, nor, or Commander in Chief for the time Gover- all bels wherefoever they be, throughout this being, rethey fubmit to the fame terms of illand, unlefs to Captain Cudjoe, and his fucceflors, accommodation granted in cafe this ifland be invaded Seventhly, That faid Captain by any forcign enemy, the Cudjoe, and his fucceffors hereinafter named orto be appointed, fhall then, upon notice given, immediately repair to any place the Governor for the time fhall appoint, in order to repel thef faid invaders with being their utmoft his or Commander force, and to fubmit to the orders of the in Chief on that occafion, That ifany white man Thall do any manner of Eighthly, tain Cudjoe, his injury to Capthey Thall fucceffors, or any of his or their apply to any commanding officer or pcople, in the neighbourhood for juftice; and in magiftrate Cudjoe, or any of his peoples Iall do any injury cafa to Captain wbite perfons he Ihall fubmit bimfalfs or deliver any tojuftice. Ninthly, That up fuch ofanders away from their mafters ifany negro Thall hereafter run Cudjoe's or owners, and fail into Captain the chief hands, they fhall immediately be fent back to magiftrate of the next parith where are taken; and thofe that bring them are to be they their trouble, as the legillature Thall fatisfied for * The AMembly appoint * Tenth, Aave returned to his granted owner by a premium the of thirty thillings for each fugitive Maroons, belides expences. M m 3 That mafters ifany negro Thall hereafter run Cudjoe's or owners, and fail into Captain the chief hands, they fhall immediately be fent back to magiftrate of the next parith where are taken; and thofe that bring them are to be they their trouble, as the legillature Thall fatisfied for * The AMembly appoint * Tenth, Aave returned to his granted owner by a premium the of thirty thillings for each fugitive Maroons, belides expences. M m 3 That --- Page 618 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- That all negroes taken, fince the raifing of this party by DIX. Captain Cudjoe's people, fhall immediately be returned. 1 Eleventh, That Captain Cudjoe, and bis fucceffors, fhall wait on his Excellency, or the Commander in Chief for the time being, every year, if thereunto required, Twelfth, That Captain Cudjoe, during his life, and the captains fucceeding him, fhall have full power to infliét any punifhment they think proper for crimes committed by their men among themfelves, death only excepted; in which cafe, if the Captain thinks they deferve death, he Thall be obliged to bring them before any juftice of the peace, who fhall order proceedings on their trial equal ta thofe of other free negroes. Thirteenth, That Captain Cudjoe, with his people, fhall cut, clear, and keep open, large and convenient roads from Trelawney Town to Weftmorland and St. James's, and if poflible to St. Elizabeth's. Fourtcenth, That two white men, to be nominated by his Excellency, or the Commander in Chief for the time being, fhall conftantly live and refide with Captain Cudjoe and his fucceffors, in order to maintain a friendly correfpondence with the inhabitants of thisi ifland. Fifteenth, That Captain Cudjoe fhall, during his life, be Chief Commander in Trelawney Town; after his deceafe the command to devolve on his brother Captain Accompong; and in cafe of his deceafe, on bis next brother Captain Johnny; and, failing him, Captain Cuffee fhall fucceed; who is to be fucceeded by Captain Quaco; and after all their demifes, the Governor, or Commander in Chief for the time being, hall appoint, from time to time, whom he thinks ft for that command. In teftimony, &c. &c. --- Page 619 --- WESTINDIER SECTION II. - HE preceding Section confifts chiefly of an extraét from the Hiftory ofJamaica, by EDWARD APPENEfq. publifhed in 1774 whole account I have chofen LoNG, DIX, adopt, rather than offer a narrative of ta 1 reafons; firft, becaufe I have my own, for two the origin of the nothing to add, concerning diftinaly related; Maroons, to what Mr. Long has fo and, fecondly, becaufe its empts me from all fulpicion of having fabricated adoption excalculated to juitify certain circumftances a tale, actions, of which and tranf. Britifh Parliament* complaint was lately made in the hereafter *, and to which due attention be paid. In the fhall and continue the fubjeét meanwhile, I Thall take up ginning with fome reflections where Mr. Long left it, beter, manners and habits of life on the fituation, characgroes; and thus tracing the of the Maroon neits origin. caufe of their late revolt to THE claufe in the treaty, by which thefe compelled to refide within certain boundaries people were terior country, apart from all other in the inprobably, on the apprehenfion negroes, was founded, intermix with the that, by fuffering them to they would negroes in flavery, the example which tility, might thereby continually prefent of fuccefsful hofthe flaves an prove contagious, and create in the minds of for revolt; but impatience time of fabordination, and a difpolition has abundantly proved that it was an March 1796. M m 4 ill- certain boundaries people were terior country, apart from all other in the inprobably, on the apprehenfion negroes, was founded, intermix with the that, by fuffering them to they would negroes in flavery, the example which tility, might thereby continually prefent of fuccefsful hofthe flaves an prove contagious, and create in the minds of for revolt; but impatience time of fabordination, and a difpolition has abundantly proved that it was an March 1796. M m 4 ill- --- Page 620 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- ill-judged and a fatal regulation. The Maroons, inftead DIX. of being eftablithed into feparate hordes or communities, 1 in the ftrongeft parts of the interior country, fhould have been encouraged by all poffible means to frequent the towns and to intermix with the negroes at large. All diftinétion between the Maroons and the other free blacks would foon have been loft; for the greater number would have prevailed over the lefs: whereas the policy of keeping them a diftinét people, continually inured to aris, introduced among them what the French call an e/prit de corps, or a community of fentiments and interefts; and concealing from them the powers and refources of the whites, taught them to feel, and at the fame time highly to overvalue, their own relative ftrength and importance. IT has been urged againft the colonial legillature, as another, and a fill greater, overfight, that after the conclufion of the treaty, no manner ofattention was given to the improvement of thefe ignorant people in civilization and morals. The office of Superintendant, it has been faid, and I believe truly, was commonly beftowed on perfons of no education or confequence, and foon became a mere/inecure. Mr. Long obferved, many years ago, that the Maroons would probably prove more faithful allics, and better fubjedts, if pains were taken ta inftil into their minds a few notions of honefty and religion; and the eftablifhment of (chools, and the ereétion of a chapel in each of the towns, were recommended as meafures of indifpenfible neceflity. THAT thefe obfervations are altogether ill founded, I will not prefume to affirm. Man, in his favage ftate, in all parts ofthe world, is the flave offuperftition: and itis the duty and policy of a good government (let its fyftem ofreligion be what it may) to diredt the weakneffes of our fellow ifhment of (chools, and the ereétion of a chapel in each of the towns, were recommended as meafures of indifpenfible neceflity. THAT thefe obfervations are altogether ill founded, I will not prefume to affirm. Man, in his favage ftate, in all parts ofthe world, is the flave offuperftition: and itis the duty and policy of a good government (let its fyftem ofreligion be what it may) to diredt the weakneffes of our fellow --- Page 621 --- WEST INDIES. f-llow creatures to the promotion of their Chriftian is not only the beft fyftem of happinefs. The APPENfor the attainment of that end, but, religion calculated DIX. to the knowledge of truth and by leading the mind 1 more than any other to amend the immortality, contributes human charaéter. heart, and exalt the Or this high and important truth I hope that I fully fenfible: Yet I cannot fupprefs the am I have long fince opinion which entertained, that the converfion of favage men, from al life ofbarbarity to the praétice of Chriftianity, is a work of much knowledge and ficulty than many pious and excellent greater difBritain feem fondly to imagine, perfons in Great CONCERNING the rant of our Maroons, they are in generalignolanguage, and all of them attached to the gloomy fuperftitions of Africa (derived from their tors) with fuch enthufiaftick zeal and ancef., as I think can only be eradicated with reverential ardour, Gentoos of India are not, their lives. The faith, than the negroes of Iconceive, Guinea more fincere in their lence of Obi*, and the in believing the prevamen, Obftacles like fupernatural power of their Obeab and fordid manners which thefe, accompanied with the fierce clergymen would, I I fhall prefently defcribe, few they might think, be pleafed to encounter, left experience all the fufferings, without ing the glory of martyrdom, acquirUNDER difadyantages of fuch the firft legal eftablifhment of magnitude was founded maica, for our Maroon allies in Inured, a long feries of years, to a Jawarfare within the ifland, it is a matter of life of that they fubmitted, for any length of aftonifhment of time, to any fubordination or government whatever, Iris fyftem probable S 3. A fpecies of pretended magick, defcribed at large in Vol. ji. Book4, they UNDER difadyantages of fuch the firft legal eftablifhment of magnitude was founded maica, for our Maroon allies in Inured, a long feries of years, to a Jawarfare within the ifland, it is a matter of life of that they fubmitted, for any length of aftonifhment of time, to any fubordination or government whatever, Iris fyftem probable S 3. A fpecies of pretended magick, defcribed at large in Vol. ji. Book4, they --- Page 622 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN. they were chiefly induced to remain quiet by the great DIX. encouragement that was held out to them for the appre- - - hending fugitive flaves, and being allowed to range over the uncultivated country without interruption, poffefing an immenfe wildernefs for their hunting grounds. Thefe purfuits gave full employment to the reftlefs and turbulent among them. Their game was the wild boar, which abounds in the interior parts of Jamaica; and the Maroons had a method of curing the flefh without falting it, This commodity they frequently brought to market in the towns; and, with the money arifing from the fale, and the rewards which they received for the delivery to their owners of runaway flaves, they purchafed falted beef, (pirituous liquors, tobacco, fire-arms, and ammunition, fetting little or no account on clothing - ofa any kind, and regarding as fuperfluous and ufelefs moft of thofe things which every people in the loweft degree of civilization, would confider as almoft abfolutely neceffary to human exiftence. THEIR language was a barbarous diffonance of the African dialeéts, with a mixture of Spanith and broken Englith; and their thoughts and attention feemed wholly engroffed by their prefent purfuits, and the objects immediately around them, without any reflections on the paft, or folicitude for the future. In common with all the nations of Africa, they believed, however, as I have obferved, in the prevalence of Obis and the authority which fuch of their old men as had the reputation of wizards, or Obeab-men, poffeffed over them, was fometimes very fuccefsfully employed in keeping them in fubordination to their chiefs. HAVING, in the refources that have been mentioned, the means of procuring food for their daily fupport, they had no inclination for the purfuits of fober induftry. Their repugnance common with all the nations of Africa, they believed, however, as I have obferved, in the prevalence of Obis and the authority which fuch of their old men as had the reputation of wizards, or Obeab-men, poffeffed over them, was fometimes very fuccefsfully employed in keeping them in fubordination to their chiefs. HAVING, in the refources that have been mentioned, the means of procuring food for their daily fupport, they had no inclination for the purfuits of fober induftry. Their repugnance --- Page 623 --- WEST INDIES. repugnance to the labour of tilling the earth able, In fome of their villages I was remark- APPE Nany veftige of culture; but the fituation never could perceive DIX, in fuch cafes, was generally in the of their towns, - 1 plantations belonging to the neighbourhood of grounds of which they either whites, from the provifionplantains, corn, and other efculents. purchafed, or ftole, yams, fupply of this kind, I have When they had no patches ofIndian cornand fometimes obferved fmall gling plantain yams, and perhaps a few trees, near their habitations; ftragground was always in a thocking ftate of but the ruin. negledt and THE labours of the field, however, fuch (as well as every other fpecies of as they were formed by the women, who had no drudgery) other were pering the ground of the vaft and means of clearitis every where heavy woods with which the trunks of the incumbered, than by placing fire round trees, till they were confumed in middle, and fell by their own weight. It the of danger; but the like was a fervice tions, Maroons, all other regarded their wives as fo many beafts of favage naand felt no more concern at the lofs of burthen; a white planter would have felt at the one ofthem, than Polygamytoo, with their other African lofs'of a bullock, among the Maroons cuftoms, prevailed pal men claimed from univerfally, Some of their princiof their fituation left two to fix wives, and the miferies nor inclination thefe poor creatures neither leifure to quarrel with each other, THIS fpirit ofbrutality, which the Maroons played towards their wives, extended in always diftheir children, The paternal fome degree to moft harfhly exerted; but authority was at all times females, I have been more elpecially towards the mon circumftance affured, that it was not an uncomfor a father, in a fit of rage or drunkennef, of their princiof their fituation left two to fix wives, and the miferies nor inclination thefe poor creatures neither leifure to quarrel with each other, THIS fpirit ofbrutality, which the Maroons played towards their wives, extended in always diftheir children, The paternal fome degree to moft harfhly exerted; but authority was at all times females, I have been more elpecially towards the mon circumftance affured, that it was not an uncomfor a father, in a fit of rage or drunkennef, --- Page 624 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- kennefs, to feize his own infant, which had offended him DIX. by crying, and dafh it againft a rock, with a degree of vi1 - olence that often proved fatal. This he did without any apprchenfion of punifhment; ; for the fuperintendant, on fuch occalions, generally found it prudent to keep his diftance, or be filent. Nothing can more ftrikingly demonftrate the forlorn and abjeét condition of the young women among the. Maroons, than the circumftance which every gentleman, who has vifited them on fefive occafions, or for the gratification of curiofity, knows to be true; the offering their own daughters, by the firtt men among them, to their vifitors; and bringing the poor girls forward, with or without their confent, for the purpofe of proftitution. VISITS of this kind were indeed but too acceptable both to the Maroons and their daughters; for they generally endedi in drunkennels and riot. The vifitors too were not only fleeced of their money, but were likewife obliged to furnifh tbe feaft, it being indifpenfibly necellary, on fuch occafions, to fend beforehand wine and provifions of all kinds; and if the guefts expeéted to fleep on beds and in linen, they muft provide thofe articles alfo for themfelves. The Maroons, however, if the party confifted of perfons of confequence, would confider themfelves as higbly honoured, and would fupply wild-boar, land-crabs, pigeons, and fith, and entertain their guefts with a hearty and boifterous kind of hofpitality, which had at leaft the charms of novelty and fingularity to recommend it. ON fuch occafions, a mock fight always conftituted a part of the entertainment. Mr. Long has given the following defcription of a fcene of this kind, which was exhibited by the Trelawney-Town Maroons, in the prefence of the Governor, in 1764. 6 No fooner (he obferves) -crabs, pigeons, and fith, and entertain their guefts with a hearty and boifterous kind of hofpitality, which had at leaft the charms of novelty and fingularity to recommend it. ON fuch occafions, a mock fight always conftituted a part of the entertainment. Mr. Long has given the following defcription of a fcene of this kind, which was exhibited by the Trelawney-Town Maroons, in the prefence of the Governor, in 1764. 6 No fooner (he obferves) --- Page 625 --- WEST INDIES. Terves) did the horn found the fignal, than in a moft hideous they all joined yell, or war-hoop, and APPENaction, With amazing agility bounded into bIX. through their various they ran, or rather rolled, 3 of their exercife, firings and evolutions. This part evolution than indeed, more juftly deferves to be ftiled any that is practifed the for they fire ftooping almoft to the by regular troops; 5 fooneraret theirmufkets very ground : and no felves into a thoufand antick difcharged, than they throw themand over, fo as to be continually geftures, and tumble over intention of which is to elude the fhifting their place; the ceive the aim oftheir thot, as well as to dealmoft inftantaneous adverfaries, which their nimble and uncertain. change of pofition renders When this part of their exercife extremely they drew their fwords; and was over, began, in wild and warlike winding their horn again, his Excellency, geftures, to advance towards fury into their looks endeavouring to throw as much favage as poffible. On him, fome waved their rufty blades approaching near gently laid them upon it; whilft others over his head, then together in horrid concert. clafhed their arms mufkets, and piled them in They next brought their &c." up heaps at his feet, &c. WITH all this however, I feeming fury and affected in perfonal fufpect that they are far below the bravery, whites is a fyftem valour, of Their mode of fighting in real war, I will not, indeed, ftratagem, affirm buth-fighting, and ambufcade. it that fuch a fyftem difplays no proof of courage, is alone, though the contrary, I believe it is the ablolutely evidence to and defence, and that the natural mode of attack civilized nations, is artificial practice of open war, among from their and acquired, Itis rather abominable and habitual captives, and above all to cruelty to their from the thocking enormities women and children, and which they praétife on the ftratagem, affirm buth-fighting, and ambufcade. it that fuch a fyftem difplays no proof of courage, is alone, though the contrary, I believe it is the ablolutely evidence to and defence, and that the natural mode of attack civilized nations, is artificial practice of open war, among from their and acquired, Itis rather abominable and habitual captives, and above all to cruelty to their from the thocking enormities women and children, and which they praétife on the --- Page 626 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- the dead bodies of their enemies, that I infer the deDIX. ficiency of the Maroons, in the virtue of true cou1 rage. In their treatment of fugitive flaves, they manifeft a blood-thirftinefs of difpofition, which is otherwife unaccountable; for, alchough their vigilance IS ftimulated bythe pro/pedtofreward,t theycan have no pofible motives of revenge or malice towards the unfortunate objects of their purfuit: yet it is notorioufly true, that they wilh for nothing more than a pretence to put the poor wretches to death, frequently maiming them without provocation; and, until mile-money was allowed by the legilature, oftentimes bringing home the head ofthe rugitive, inftead of the living man; making the plea of refiftance an excufe for their barbarity. In the year 1760, an occafion occurred of putting the courage, fidelity, and humanity of thefe people to the teft. The Koromantyn flaves, in the parifh of St. Mary, rofe into rebellion, and the Maroons were called upon, according to treaty, to co-operate in their fuppreflion. A partyofthem accordinglyarrived at the fcene of action, the fecond or third day after the rebellion had broken out. The whites had already defeated the infurgents, in a pitched battle, at Heywood-Hall, killed eight or nine of their number, and driven the remainder into the woods. The Maroons were ordered to purfue them, and were promifed a certain reward for each rebel they might kill or take prifoner. They accordingly pufhed into the woods, and after rambling about for a day or two, returned with a colleétion of human ears, which they pretended to have cut off from the heads ofrebels they had flain in battle, the particulars of which they minutely related, Their report was believed, and they received the money ftipulated to be paid them; yet it was afterwards found that they had not killed a man; that no engagement had taken place, ue them, and were promifed a certain reward for each rebel they might kill or take prifoner. They accordingly pufhed into the woods, and after rambling about for a day or two, returned with a colleétion of human ears, which they pretended to have cut off from the heads ofrebels they had flain in battle, the particulars of which they minutely related, Their report was believed, and they received the money ftipulated to be paid them; yet it was afterwards found that they had not killed a man; that no engagement had taken place, --- Page 627 --- WEST INDIES. place, and that the ears which they had produced, had been fevered from the dead Negroes which had lain un- APPENburied at Heywood-Hall. DIX. SoME few days after this, as the Maroons and a de- 1 tachment of the 74th regiment, were ftationed at a folitary place, furrounded by deep woods, called Downs's Cove, the detachment was fuddenlyattacked in the middle of the night by the rebels. The centinels were fhot, and the huts in which the foldiers were lodged, were fet on fire. Thel light of the flames, while it expofed the troops, ferved to conceal the rebels, who poured in a fhower of mufquetry from all quarters, and many of the foldiers were flain. Major Forfyth, who commanded the detachment, formed his men into a fquare, and by keeping up a brifke fire from all fides, at length compelled the enemy to retire. During the whole of this affair the Maroons were not to be found, and. Forfyth, for fome time, fifpeéted that they were themfelves the aflailants. It was difcovered, however that, immediately on the attack, the whole of them had thrown themfelves flat on the ground, body and continued in that pofition until the rebels retreated, without firing or receiving a fhot. A party of them, indeed, had afterwards the merit (a merit of which they loudly boafted) of killing the leader of the rebels. He was a young negro of the Koromantyn nation, named Tackey, and it was faid had been offrec condition, and even a chieftain, in Africa. This unfortunate man, having feen moft of his companions flaughtered, Was difcovered wandering in the woods without arms or clothings and was immediately purfued Maroons, in fullery. The chafe was of no bythe he was fhot through the head; and, it is long duration; but painful to relate, unqueffionably true, that his favage purfuers, decollated the body, in order to preferve the head having as the trophy been offrec condition, and even a chieftain, in Africa. This unfortunate man, having feen moft of his companions flaughtered, Was difcovered wandering in the woods without arms or clothings and was immediately purfued Maroons, in fullery. The chafe was of no bythe he was fhot through the head; and, it is long duration; but painful to relate, unqueffionably true, that his favage purfuers, decollated the body, in order to preferve the head having as the trophy --- Page 628 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- trophy of viétory, roafled and aglually devoured the beart DIX. and entrails of the wretched vidlim *! THE mifconduét ofthefe people in this rebellion, whé+ ther proceeding from cowardice or treachery, was, however, overlooked. Living fecluded from the reft of the community, they were fuppofed to have no knowledge of the rules and reftraints to which all other claffes of the inhabitants were fubjedt; and the vigilance of juftice (notwithftanding what has recently happened) feldom purfued them, even for offences of the moft atrocious nature. In truth, it always feemed to me, that the whites in general entertained an opinion of the ufefulnefs of the Maroons, which no part of their conduét, at any one period, confirmed. - Poffibly their perfonal appearance contributed, in fome degree, to preferve the delufion; for, favage as they were in manners and difpofition, their mode of living and daily purfuits undoubtedly ftrengthened the frame, and ferved to exalt them to great bodily perfection. Such fine perfons are feldom beheld among any other clafs of African or native blacks. Their demeanour is lofty, their walk firm, and their perfons ereét. Every motion difplays a combination of ftrength and agility. The mufcles (neither hidden nor depreffed by clothing) are very prominent and ftrongly marked. Their fight withal is wonderfully acute, and their hearing remarkably quick. Thefe charaéterifticks, however, are common, I believe, to all favage The circumftances that I have related concerning the conduct of the Maroons, in the rebellion of 1760, are partly founded on my own knowledge and perfonal obfervation at the time (having been myfelf prefent) or from the teftimony ofeye witneffes, men of charaéter and probity. The thocking fact laft mentioned was atteited by feveral white people, and was not attempted to be denied or concealed by the Maroons themfelves. They fcemed indeed to make it the fubjeét of boafting and triumph. nations, --- Page 629 --- WEST INDIES hations, in Warm and temperate climates; and, like other APPENfavages, the Maroons have only thofe fenfes perfect, which are kept in conftant exercife, Their fmell is obtufe, DIX. and their tafte fo depraved, that I have feen them drink new. rum frelh from the Aill, in preference to wine which I offered them; and I remember, at a great feftival in one of their towns, which I attended, that their higheft luxury, in point of food, was fome rotten beef, which had been originally falted in Ireland, and which was probably prefented to them, by fome perfon who knew their tafte, becaufe it was putrid. SUCH was the fituation of the Maroon negroes of Jamaica, previous to their late revolt; and the picture which I have drawn of their charaéter and manners, was delineated from the life, after long experience and obfervation. Oft that revolt I fhall now proceed to defcribe the caufe, progrefs, and termination ; and, ifI know myfelf, without partiality or prejudice. VoL.I, Nr n in Ireland, and which was probably prefented to them, by fome perfon who knew their tafte, becaufe it was putrid. SUCH was the fituation of the Maroon negroes of Jamaica, previous to their late revolt; and the picture which I have drawn of their charaéter and manners, was delineated from the life, after long experience and obfervation. Oft that revolt I fhall now proceed to defcribe the caufe, progrefs, and termination ; and, ifI know myfelf, without partiality or prejudice. VoL.I, Nr n --- Page 630 --- HISTORY OF THE SECTION III. APPEN- T N the month of July 1795, two Maroons from TreDIX. K lawney Town, having committed a felony in ftealing Y fome pigs, were apprehended, fent to Montego Bay,and there tried for the offence, according to law. Having been found guilty by the jury, the magiftrates ordered each of them to receive thiry-nine lafhes on the bare back. The fentence was executed accordingly. They were whipped in the workhoufe, by the black overfeer of the workhoufe negroes; the perfon whole office it is to inflict punifhment on fuch occafions. The offenders were then immediately difcharged; and they went off, with fome of their companions, abufing and infulting every white perfon whom they met in the road. ON their return to Trelawney Town, and giving an account of what had pafled, the whole body of Maroons immediately affembled 3 and after violent debates and altercations among themfelves, a party of them repaired to Captain Crafkell, the fuperintendant, and ordered him, in the name of the whole, to quit the town forthwith, under pain of death. He retired to Vaughan's fieid, a plantation in the neighbourhood; and exerted himfelf, by friendly meffages and otherwife, to pacify the Maroons; ; but without effect. They fent a written defiance to the magiftrates of Montego Bay, declaring their intention to meet the white people in arms, and threatening to attack the town on.the 2oth ofthat month (July). In the mcanwhile an attempt was made on Captain Crafkell's lifey and he very narrowly efcaped. ALARMED by the receipt of this letter, and the intelligence which was received of the temper and difpofiX tion ed himfelf, by friendly meffages and otherwife, to pacify the Maroons; ; but without effect. They fent a written defiance to the magiftrates of Montego Bay, declaring their intention to meet the white people in arms, and threatening to attack the town on.the 2oth ofthat month (July). In the mcanwhile an attempt was made on Captain Crafkell's lifey and he very narrowly efcaped. ALARMED by the receipt of this letter, and the intelligence which was received of the temper and difpofiX tion --- Page 631 --- WEST INDIES tion of the Maroons, the Palmer, magiftrates applied to General requelting him to call out the APPENWas done; and the General fent militia; which DIX. of Balcarres, in Spanith an exprefs to the Earl ( to fend down a detachment Town, praying his Lordfhip of the Jamaica Eighty men were accordingly fent, well accoutred dragoons. mounted. and THE militia aflembled on the Igth of number of four hundred; and while July, to the for orders, one of the they were waiting his Maroons, armed with a lance, made appearance, and informed the that they wifhed to have a conference commanding officer; Town, with John Tharp, Efq. in Trelawney Magiftrate of (the Cuftos and Chief the Members Trelawney) Meflrs. Stewart and in the Affembly, and Jarvis Hodges, Efg. Colonel oft the Militia. Gallimore, As this meflage feemed to manifeft a the part of the chief body of the difinelination, on hoftilitics, the gentlemen above Maroons, to proceed to cepted the invitation, and named very readily acday (the 2oth). proceeded to the town the next Thomas They were accompanied by Colonel Reed, of the St. James's tinguifhed and gallant and militia, a very difhonour and charader; oflicer, a man of the higheft and alfo by Major by other perfons of confideration ; James, whofe fon had as fuperintendant of the town, who formerly acted was himfelf tendant-general of all the Maroon fuperinand was fuppofed to have towns in the ifland, greater influence, with the more weight, and to poffefs in the country. Maroons, than any other man THE Maroons received them under peared about three hundred able arms. There appainted their faces for battle, men, all of whom had and they behaved with fo and feemed ready for action; much infolence, that the Nn 2 gentlemen uperintendant of the town, who formerly acted was himfelf tendant-general of all the Maroon fuperinand was fuppofed to have towns in the ifland, greater influence, with the more weight, and to poffefs in the country. Maroons, than any other man THE Maroons received them under peared about three hundred able arms. There appainted their faces for battle, men, all of whom had and they behaved with fo and feemed ready for action; much infolence, that the Nn 2 gentlemen --- Page 632 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- tlemen were at firft cxcecdingly alarmed for their oWi DIX. fafety. A conference however enfued; in which it was Y obfervable that the Maroons complained-not of the injultice or feverity of the punifhment which had been infliSted on two of their companions; but-of the difgrace which they infifted the magiftrates of Montego Bay had put on their wbole body, by ordering the punifhment to be inflieted in the workhoufe by the black overfeer or driver, and in the prefence of fugitive and felon negro flaves, many of whom they had themfelves apprchended *, They concluded by demanding reparation for this indignity; an addition to the lands they pofleffed; the difmiffion of Capt. Crafkell, and the appointment of Mr. Jamcs, their former fuperintendant, THE gentlemen had certainly no authority to agree to anyoftheferequilitionsstheypromifedhoweverto ftate their grievances to the commander in chief, and to recommend to the legiflature to grant them an addition of land, In the meanwhile, they affured the Maroons they would requeft the Governor to provide otherwifc for Capt. Crafkell their fuperintendant, and to re-appoint in his room their favourite Mr. James. With thefe affurances the Maroons feemed pacified, and declared they had nothing further to afk; and the gentlemen, having diftributed a confiderablef fum of money amongf them, returned to Montego Bay. Ir foon appeared however, that the Maroons, in defiring this conference, were actuated folely by motives of treachery. They were apprized that a fleet of I 50 thips was to fail for great Britain on the morning of the 26th; It certainly is to be wifhed, that fomc little attention had been paid, by the magifrates, to the pride or the prejudices of the Maroons in this refpeét, The'l law however is wholly flent on this head, and the court hala right to exercife its difcretion. and oon appeared however, that the Maroons, in defiring this conference, were actuated folely by motives of treachery. They were apprized that a fleet of I 50 thips was to fail for great Britain on the morning of the 26th; It certainly is to be wifhed, that fomc little attention had been paid, by the magifrates, to the pride or the prejudices of the Maroons in this refpeét, The'l law however is wholly flent on this head, and the court hala right to exercife its difcretion. and --- Page 633 --- WEST INDIES and they knew that very few Britifh troops remained in APPENthe ifland, except the 83dr regiment, and that this very re- DIX. giment was, at that junéture, under orders to embark for ) St. Domingo; they hoped, therefore, by the fpecious and delufive appearance of defiring a conference, to quiet fufpicion, until the July fleet was. failed, and the regulars fairly departed, In the meanwhile, they pleafed themfelves with the hope of prevailing on the negro flaves throughout the Ifland to join them: and by rifing in a mals, to enable them to exterminate the whites at a blow. THE very day the conference was held, they began tampering with the negroes on the numerqus and extenfive plantations in the neighbourhood of Montego Bay *, On fome of thefe plantations their emiflaries were cordially received and fecreted : on others, the flaves themfelves voluntarily apprized their overfeers, that the Maroons were endeavouring to feduce them from their allegiance. Information of this nature was tranfmitted from many refpeétable quarters; but moft of the gentlemen who had vifited the Maroons on the 20th, were fo confident of their fidelity and affeition, that the Governor, difbelieving the charges againft them, was prevailed on to let the troops embark as originally intended, and they aétually failed from Port Royal on the morning of the 2gth, under convoy of the Succefs frigate, Ixt the courfe of that, and the two fucceeding days, however, fuch intelligence was received at the Government houfe, as left no poffible room to doubt the treachery of thefe faithful and afudtionate people; and the Earl of Balcarres, with that promptitude and decifion which diftinguith his charaéter, determined on a line of conduét * Trelawney Town is fituated within tweny milcs of the town and harpour of Montego Bay. Nn 3 adapted cefs frigate, Ixt the courfe of that, and the two fucceeding days, however, fuch intelligence was received at the Government houfe, as left no poffible room to doubt the treachery of thefe faithful and afudtionate people; and the Earl of Balcarres, with that promptitude and decifion which diftinguith his charaéter, determined on a line of conduét * Trelawney Town is fituated within tweny milcs of the town and harpour of Montego Bay. Nn 3 adapted --- Page 634 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- adapted to the importance of the occafion. The courle, DIX. from Port Royal to St. Domingo (as the reader is per- - Y haps informed) is altogether againft the wind, and there is fometimes a ftrong lee current; as was fortunately the cafe at this junéture. Thefe were favourable circumftances, and afforded the Governor room to hope that the tranfports which conveyed the troops might poflibly be overtaken at fea, by a faft failing boat, from the eaft end of the ifland, furnifhed with oars for rowing in the night. His Lordfhip was not miftaken; the boat which was provided came up with them on the 2d of Auguft, off the north-eaft end of Jamaica, and delivered orders to Captain Pigot of the Succefs, forthwith to change his courfe, and proceed with the tranfports down the north fide ofthe Ifland to Montego Bay. Captain Pigot immediately. obeyed; and it is probable that by this happy accident the country was faved. THE 83d regiment, confifting of upwards of one thoufand effeétive men, commanded by Colonel Fitch, landed at Montego Bay on Tuefday the 4th of Auguft. At this moment, although the militia of this part of the country were under arms, and had been joined by the detachment of light dragoons, the utmoft anxiety was vifible in every countenance. The July fleet was failed; and the certainty that the Maroons had collected great quantities of arms and ammunition ;-that they had been tampering with the flaves, and the uncertainty of the fuccefs and extent of their machinations, had caft a gloom on the face ofevery man; and while rumours of plots and confpiracies diftraéted the minds ofthe ignorant, many among the moft thoughtful and confiderate, anticipated all the horrors of St. Domingo, and in imagination already beheld their houfes and plantations in flames, and their wives and children bleeding under the fwords of the moft mercilefs of aflaflins, THE they had been tampering with the flaves, and the uncertainty of the fuccefs and extent of their machinations, had caft a gloom on the face ofevery man; and while rumours of plots and confpiracies diftraéted the minds ofthe ignorant, many among the moft thoughtful and confiderate, anticipated all the horrors of St. Domingo, and in imagination already beheld their houfes and plantations in flames, and their wives and children bleeding under the fwords of the moft mercilefs of aflaflins, THE --- Page 635 --- WEST INDIES. THE fudden and unexpeéted arrival of fo zeinforcement, in the moft critical powerful a APPENchanged the fcene, But further meafures moment, immediately DIX. By the advice of a council of were adopted. 1 members of the war, compofed chiefly of ifland under martial Affembly, law. the Governor put the whole 130 well-mounted. A further reinforcement of nel dragoons under the command of ColoSandford, and a detachment of IOO men of the 62d regiment, were fent down on the 3d: Colonel pole, with 150 difinounted dragoons, Walfame time for Black River, to command embarked at the Elizabeth and the forces of St. 4th, the Governor Weflmoreland, and on the morning ofthe tego Bay; determined himfelfleft Spanifh Town for Monin perfon. to command on the fcene of action THE reader will eafily conceive, that meafures extent and of fuch lief that the magnitude Maroons were not adopted folely in the be. alone were concerned, It muft repeated, that the moit certain and abundant be been tranfmitted to the commander in proofs had tempts to create a general revolt of the chief, of their atand it was impoffible to forefee the refult. enflaved negroes, tion of the flaves, under The fituaprevailing quired the moft ferious attention. With circumftances, reample before their eyes of the dreadful the recent eXDomingo, they had been infurreétion in St. feven years, to hear of accuftomed, for the preceding his nothing but Mr. efforts to ferve them in Great Britain. Wilberforce, and formation were not wanting, Means of inftantly found among the black fervants Inftruétors were conturning from England; and I have not'the continually rethat the negroes on every plantation in the fmalleft Weft doubt were taught to believe that their mafters Indies, confidered in the were generally abominable mother-country, as a fet of odious and mifereants, whom it was] laudable to maflàcre! N n 4 THE efforts to ferve them in Great Britain. Wilberforce, and formation were not wanting, Means of inftantly found among the black fervants Inftruétors were conturning from England; and I have not'the continually rethat the negroes on every plantation in the fmalleft Weft doubt were taught to believe that their mafters Indies, confidered in the were generally abominable mother-country, as a fet of odious and mifereants, whom it was] laudable to maflàcre! N n 4 THE --- Page 636 --- HISTORY OF THE APPENTHE wifdom, decifion, and aétivity of the Earl of DIX. Balcarres, on the prefent occafion, defeated their projects. L The effect of his Lorifhip's conduét thenceforward, on thé minds ofthe enflaved negroes throughout the whole country, was wonderful. Submiffion, tranquillity, and good order prevailed univerfally among them. The circumftance attending the return of the 83d regiment, induced them to believe that Heaven itfelf had declared in favour of the whites, and that all attempts at refiftance were unavailing and impious. THE Maroons themfelves became divided in their councils. Many of the old and experienced among them, even in Trelawney Town, the head quarters of fedition, recommended pcace; and advifed their companions to poftpone their vengeance to a better opportunity; and the whole of the Acompong people declared in favour of the whites. It was detcrmined, however, by a very great majority of the Trelawney Maroons, to fight the Bucras (meaning the white pcople). The violent councils of the younger part of their community prevailed; moft of whom were inflamed with a degree of favage fury againft the whites, which fet at nought all confiderations of prudence and policy. THE commander in chief, however, previous to any hoftile movement, determined to try once more to effect an accommodation. As it was evident the Maroons confulted fome perfon who could read and write, his Lordihip, on the 8th of Auguft, fent into their town a written melfage or fummons in the following words; Tothe Maroons of Trelawney Town, cc You have entered into a moft unprovoked, ungrateful, and moft dangerous rebellion. 66 You ought all confiderations of prudence and policy. THE commander in chief, however, previous to any hoftile movement, determined to try once more to effect an accommodation. As it was evident the Maroons confulted fome perfon who could read and write, his Lordihip, on the 8th of Auguft, fent into their town a written melfage or fummons in the following words; Tothe Maroons of Trelawney Town, cc You have entered into a moft unprovoked, ungrateful, and moft dangerous rebellion. 66 You --- Page 637 --- Moia Gmmbansy Liny --- Page 638 --- FP - TRELAWNEY TOWN, CHIEF RESIDENCE of the MAROUNS tunmnemaumo mmassnns --- Page 639 --- WEST INDIES. K You have driven away the fuperintendant placed over you by the laws of this country. APPEN- & You have treated him, your Commander, with in- 1 DIX. dignity and contempt. You have endeavoured to maffacre him. <6 You have put the Magiftrates of the country, and all the white pcople, at defiance, G You have challenged and offered them battle. c You have forced the country, which has long cherifhed and foftered you as its children, to confider you as an enemy. s Martial law has in confequence been proclaimed. G Every pafs to your town has been occupied and guarded by the militia and regular forces. k You are furrounded by thoufands. <e Look at Montego Bay, and you will fee the force brought againft you. C I have iffued a proclamation, offering a reward for your heads; that terrible edict will not be put in force before Thurfday, the 13th day of Auguft. < To: avert thefe proceedings, I advife and command every Maroon of Trelawney Town, capable of bearing arms, to appear before me at Moatego Bay, on Wednefday the 12th day of Auguft inftant, and there fubmit themfelves to his Majefty's mércy. 6c On fo doing, you will efcape the effeêts of the dread. ful command, ordered to be put into execution on Thurf day, the 13th day of Auguft; on which day, in failure of your obedience to this fummons, your town fhall be burnt to the ground, and for ever deftroyed. < AxD whereas it appears that other negroes, befides the Maroons ofTrelawney Town, were there under arms on the day that town was vifited by John Tharp, Efg. and feveral other magiftrates of the parifh of Trelawney, you are ftridlly commanded and enjoined to bring fuch ftranger , the 13th day of Auguft; on which day, in failure of your obedience to this fummons, your town fhall be burnt to the ground, and for ever deftroyed. < AxD whereas it appears that other negroes, befides the Maroons ofTrelawney Town, were there under arms on the day that town was vifited by John Tharp, Efg. and feveral other magiftrates of the parifh of Trelawney, you are ftridlly commanded and enjoined to bring fuch ftranger --- Page 640 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- ftranger negroes to Montego Bay, as prifoners, on or beDIX. fore the beforementioned Wednefday, the 12th day of - Y Auguft inftant. 4] BALCARRES." APPREHENSIVE, however, that this fummons would have but little effeét, the Governor at the fame time gave orders that the regulars and militia fhould take pofleffion of all the known paths leading to Trelawney Town from the furrounding parithes; and the troops arrived at their refpeétive Rations early on the gth. ON the morning ofthe Iith, thirty-eight of the Trelawney Maroons, being chiefly old men, furrendered themfelves to the Governor's mercy, at Vaughan's-field, and frankly declared, that, with regard to the reft of the town; they were determined on war. < The devil, they faid, bad got into them," and nothing but fuperiority of force would bring them to reafon. Two of the thirty-eight were, however, fent back to try, for the laft time, if perfuafion would avail; but they were detained by the reft, who, having fecreted their Women and children, paffed the Rubicon the enfuing night, by fetting fire themfelves to their town, and commencing hoftilities on the outpofts of the army. The attack fell chiefly on the St. James's company of free people of Colour, of whom two were killed and fix wounded: and thus began this unfortunate war. THE Maroons immediately afterwards affembled in a bodys near a fimall village which was called their New Town, behind which were their provifion grounds.-On the afternoon of the 12th, orders were given to Lieutenant Colonel Sandford to march with a detachment of the 18th and 20th dragoons, and a party of the horfe militia, and take poffeffion of thofe grounds the fame evenings it, be-, ing the Governor's intention to attack the Maroons at the fame wounded: and thus began this unfortunate war. THE Maroons immediately afterwards affembled in a bodys near a fimall village which was called their New Town, behind which were their provifion grounds.-On the afternoon of the 12th, orders were given to Lieutenant Colonel Sandford to march with a detachment of the 18th and 20th dragoons, and a party of the horfe militia, and take poffeffion of thofe grounds the fame evenings it, be-, ing the Governor's intention to attack the Maroons at the fame --- Page 641 --- WEST INDIES. fame time, in front. Colonel Sandford ingly, proceeded accord- APPENaccompanied by a body of volunteers; but been informed that the Maroons had retired having DIX. of their old town, he was to the ruins ) his poft for further orders perfuaded, inftead of waiting at from the Governor, to beyond his limits, and to pufh after the proceed unfortunate and fatal enemy; a moft determination, to which this officer, and many valuable men, fell a facrifice. The gallant treat of the Maroons from the New reto draw the whites Town, was a feint intoanambufcade, which fucceeded, The road between the unfortunately was very bad and new and old towns marched about half very narrow; and the troops had in the way, the reguiars in front, the militia centre, and the volunteers in the when heavy fire enfued from the bufhes. Colonel rear, a was among the firft that fell, and with him Sandford ter Mafter MBride, fix privates of the perifhed Quarthe 18th light 2oth, and cight of dragoons, Of the militia, thirteen flain outright, and, among the reft, the were ficer, Colonel Gallimore; commanding ofcight of the volunteers were killed, and many of all deferiptions wounded, alfo troops, however, pufhed forward, and drove the The from their hiding places, and after a night of Maroons hardlhip, the furvivors back unparalleled the morning, and got to Vaughan's-ficld in wounded brought with them moft of their companions *, Among the officers of the militia who efcaped on my Jate excellent and lamented friend Gerge Goodin this occafion, was attended on that day by a favourite Negro Servant; Barrett. He was that, during the firft 3 of whom it is related fent his gun at his beloved attack, mafter, perceiving he a Maroon from behind a tree prehim, by interpoling his own perfon; and inftantly rufhed forward to proteét breaft, I rejoice to add, that the wound actually received the fhot in his poor fellow has been rewarded as he was not mortal, and that the heroick fidelity as hiftory has feldom recorded, deferved, for fuch an inftance of Tavs ant; Barrett. He was that, during the firft 3 of whom it is related fent his gun at his beloved attack, mafter, perceiving he a Maroon from behind a tree prehim, by interpoling his own perfon; and inftantly rufhed forward to proteét breaft, I rejoice to add, that the wound actually received the fhot in his poor fellow has been rewarded as he was not mortal, and that the heroick fidelity as hiftory has feldom recorded, deferved, for fuch an inftance of Tavs --- Page 642 --- HISTORY OF THE APPENTHUS terminated this difaftrous and bloody confiats DIX. in which it was never known with certainty, that a fingle 1 Maroon loft his life. Their triumph therefore was great, and many of the beft informed among the planters, in confequence ofity again anticipated the moft dreadfuli limpending calamities. So general was the alarm, that the Governor thought it neceflary, in a proclamation which he iffued on the occafion, to make publick the orders he had given to Colonel Sandford, and to declare in exprefs terms, that ifthe detachment under that officer's command had remained at the poft which it was direéted to OCcupy, the Maroons, in all probability, would have been compelled to furrender themfelves prifoners of war. G Soldiers will learn from this fatal leffon (adds his Lordfhip moft truly) the indifpenfible necefity of ftrialy adhering to orders. An excefs of ardour is often as prejudicial to the accomplifhment of any military enterprize, as cowardice itfelf."-The truth was, that the whole detachment held the enemy in too great contempt. They marched forth in the confidence of certain victory, and never having had any experience of the Maroons mode of fighting, difregarded the advice of fome faithful negro attendants, who apprized them of it. Happily the clafs of people on whom the Maroons relied for fupport, remained peaceably dilpofed; nor did an inftance occur to raife a doubt of their continuing to do fo. By the death of Sandford, the command, in the Governor's abfence, devolved on Colonel Fitch, an officer whofe general deportment and charaéter excited great eXpectation; but the Maroons found means to elude his vigilance. They had now eftablifhed their head quarters at a place in the interior country, of moft dificult sccefs, called the Cockpits a fort of valley or dell, furrounded by fleep precipices and broken rocks, and by mountains of prodigious height; in the caverns of which they of Sandford, the command, in the Governor's abfence, devolved on Colonel Fitch, an officer whofe general deportment and charaéter excited great eXpectation; but the Maroons found means to elude his vigilance. They had now eftablifhed their head quarters at a place in the interior country, of moft dificult sccefs, called the Cockpits a fort of valley or dell, furrounded by fleep precipices and broken rocks, and by mountains of prodigious height; in the caverns of which they --- Page 643 --- WI EST INDIES: they had fecreted their women and children, and depofited APPENtheir ammunition. From this retreat (almoft inaccefible DIX. to any but themfelves) they fent out fmall parties of their 1 ableft and moft enterprizing young men, fome of which were employed in prowling about the country in fearch of provifions, and others in fetting fire by night to fuch houfes and plantations as were unprovided with a fufficient guard. In the beginning of September, they burnt the habitation and fettlement of Mr. George (mordon, called Kenmure; and foon afterwards the dwellinghoufe and buildings of a coffee plantation, called Lapland; the proprietor too fuftained the ftill greater lofs of thirty valuable negroes, whom the Maroons compelled to go with them, loaden with plunder. Another plantation, called Catadupa, was deftroyed by them in the fame manner, and ten oft the negroes carried off. About the fame time, they burnt the property of John Shand, Efq-; a fettlement belonging to Meffrs. Stevens and Bernard, a plantation called Bandon, a houfe of a Mr. Lewis, and various others. AT thefe places feveral white people unfortunately fell into their hands, all of whom were murdered in cold blood, without any diftinétion of fex, or regard to age. Even women in childbed, and infants at the breaft, were alike indifcriminately flaughtered by this favage enemy; and the fhrieks of the miferable viétims, which were diftinatly heard at the pofts of the Britifh detachments, frequently conveyed the firft notice, that the Maroons were in the neighbourhood. THE fate of Mr. Gowdie, a refpectable and venerable planter, who lived within a few miles of Trelawney Town, was remarkable. This gentleman, having 2 better opinion of the Maroons than they deferved, had employed one of their chief men to aét as the overfeer or fuperintendant of his plantation, whom he treated with fingular viétims, which were diftinatly heard at the pofts of the Britifh detachments, frequently conveyed the firft notice, that the Maroons were in the neighbourhood. THE fate of Mr. Gowdie, a refpectable and venerable planter, who lived within a few miles of Trelawney Town, was remarkable. This gentleman, having 2 better opinion of the Maroons than they deferved, had employed one of their chief men to aét as the overfeer or fuperintendant of his plantation, whom he treated with fingular --- Page 644 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- fingular kindnefs, and allowed him the fame wages as DIX. would have been paid to a white perfon in the fame Ca1 pacity. Although, on the commencement of hoftilities, this man had joined the infurgents, Mr. Gowdie continued to place a fatal dependance on his fidelity, and was induced to vifit his own plantation, as often as his neceffary attendance on military duty would allow. He had the moft perfect confidence that his Maroon overfeer would Mterfere to protect him from danger; yet did this barbarous villain come himfelf to the houfe ofhis benefactor, at the head of a band of favages, and having coolly informed Mr. Gowdie, that the Maroons had taken an oath, after their manner; to murder all the whites without diftination, he maffacred both him and his nephew (the only white perfon with him) without compunation or remorfe. BUT, perhaps, no one circumftance in the courfe of this moft unfortunate war excited greater indignation, or awakened more general fympathy, than the death of Colonel Fitch, who, notwithftanding the recent example of Colonel Sandford's fate, perifhed nearly in the fame manner às that unfortunate officer had done; being like him furprifed by an enemyin ambufh. Onthe 12th of September he went out with a detachment of the 83d regiment, confifting of thirty-two men, to relieve fome diftant out-pofts; at one of which he left a guard, and proeeeded onwards with the reft of his men ; but after getting about halfa mile farther, he was attacked by a volley of mufquetry from the bufhes, and received a wound in the breaft, with which he dropt. After expreffing a wilh, and receiving affurances, that he fhould not fall alive into the hands of the mercilefs favages, he raifed himfelf up; when another ball took place in his forehead, which inftantly put an end to his life. A corporal and three privatcs of the 83d, and two negro fervants, were alfo killed, and after getting about halfa mile farther, he was attacked by a volley of mufquetry from the bufhes, and received a wound in the breaft, with which he dropt. After expreffing a wilh, and receiving affurances, that he fhould not fall alive into the hands of the mercilefs favages, he raifed himfelf up; when another ball took place in his forehead, which inftantly put an end to his life. A corporal and three privatcs of the 83d, and two negro fervants, were alfo killed, and --- Page 645 --- WEST INDIES. and Captain Leigh and nine of the party wounded; and if the guard, which had been left behind, had not pufhed APPENforward to their affiftance, immediately on hearing the 1 DIX. firing, not one of the whole detachment would have efcaped with life; two of them actually fell into the hands of the enemy, and were put to death with circumftances of outrageous barbarity, and Captain Leigh afterwards died of his wounds. The misfortune of this day was aggravated too by: a circumftance, which, though fhocking to relate, muft not be omitted, as it ftrongly marks the bafe and ferocious charaéter of the Maroons. When the remains of Colonel Fitch were found, a day or two aferwards, by a party fent to give them the rites of fepulture, it was perceived that the head had been feparated from the bodys and was entombed in tbe ill-fated offcer's own bowvels! IT now became evident, that it would prove a work of greater difficulty than was imagined, to ftop the depredations which were daily and hourly committed by this horde of favages, and it was allowed that extraordinary meafares were neceffary in order to counteract their conftant practice of planting ambufhes. Neither the courage nor condudt of the beft difciplined troops in, the world could always avail againft men, who, lurking in fecret like the tygers of Africa, (themfelves unfeen) had no object but murder. The legillative bodies 4 of the iland were foon to meet, and the hopes of the whole eommunity refted on their councils. --- Page 646 --- HISTORY OF THE SECTION IV. APPENHE General Affembly was convened the latter a DIX. end of September, and "their firft deliberations - were direéted to the fubject of the Maroon rebellion, with a folicitude equal to its importance. On this OCcafion it was natural to recur to the experience of former times, and enquire into the meafures that had been fuccefsfully adopted in the long and bloody war, which, previous to the treaty of 1738, had been carried on againft the fame enemy. The expedient which had then been reforted to, of employing dogs to difcover the concealment of the Maroons, and prevent the fatal effeets which refulted from their mode of fighting in ambufcade, was recommended as a fit example to be followed in the prefent conjuncture; and it being known that the Spanifh Americans poffefied a certain fpecies of thofe animals, which it was judged would be proper for fuch a fervice, the Affembly refolved to fend to the ifland of Cuba for one hundred of them, and to engage a fufficient number of the Spanifh huntfmen, to attend and direét their operations. The employment to which thefe dogs are generally put by the Spaniards, is the purfuit of wild bullocks, which they flaughter for the hides; and the great ufe of the- dog is to drive the cattle from fuch heights and receffes in the mountainous parts of the country, as are leaft acceffible to the hunters. THE Aflembly were not unapprized that the meafure of calling in fuch auxiliaries, and urging the canine fpecies to the purfuit of human beings, would probably give rife to much obfervation and animadverfion in the mother- , is the purfuit of wild bullocks, which they flaughter for the hides; and the great ufe of the- dog is to drive the cattle from fuch heights and receffes in the mountainous parts of the country, as are leaft acceffible to the hunters. THE Aflembly were not unapprized that the meafure of calling in fuch auxiliaries, and urging the canine fpecies to the purfuit of human beings, would probably give rife to much obfervation and animadverfion in the mother- --- Page 647 --- WEST INDIES. mother-country. Painful experience on other occafions, APPENhad taught them, that their conduct in the prefent cafe, DIX. would be ferutinized with all the rigid and jealous cir- Y cumfpeétion, which ignorance and hatred, and envy and malice, and pretended humanity, and fanaticifin, could exercife. The horrible enormities of the Spaniards in the conqueft ofthe new wofid, would be brought again to remembrance, Itis mournfully true, that dogs were ufed by thofe chriftian barbarians againft the peaceiul and inoffenfive Americans, and the juft indignation of all mankind has ever fince branded, and will continue to brand, the Spanifh nation with infamy, for fuch atrocities, It was forefeen, and ftrongly urged as an argument againft recurring to the fame weapon in the prefent cafe, that the prejudices of party and the virulent zeal of faction and bigotry, would place the proceedings of the Affembly on this occafion, in a point of view equally odious with the conduét of Spain on the fame blood-ftained theatre, in times paft. No reafonable allowance would be made for the wide difference exifting between the two cafes. Some gentlemen even thought that the do-operation ofdogs with Britifh troops, would give not only a crucl, but alfo a very daftardly complexion to' the proceedings of government, To thefe, and fimilar objeétions it was anfwered, that the fafety of the ifland, and the lives of the inhabitants were not to be facrificed to perverfe mifconftruétion or wilful mifreprefentation in the mothercountry. It was maintained that the grounds of the meafure needed only to be fully examined into, and fairly ftated, to induce all reafonable men to admit its and neceffity. To hold it as a principle, that it propriety is an act of cruelty or cowardice in man to employ other animals as inftruments of war, is a pofition contradiéted by the practice of all nations.-The Afiaticks have ever ufed VoL. I, Oe elephants wilful mifreprefentation in the mothercountry. It was maintained that the grounds of the meafure needed only to be fully examined into, and fairly ftated, to induce all reafonable men to admit its and neceffity. To hold it as a principle, that it propriety is an act of cruelty or cowardice in man to employ other animals as inftruments of war, is a pofition contradiéted by the practice of all nations.-The Afiaticks have ever ufed VoL. I, Oe elephants --- Page 648 --- ;62 HISTORY OF THE APPEN- clephants in their battles; and iflions and tygers poffeffed DIX. the docility of the elephant, no one can doubt that thefe Y - alfo would be made to aflift the military operations of man, in thofe regions of which they are inhabitants. Even the ufe of cavalry, as eftabliflied among the moft civilized and polifhed nations,of Europey muft be rejected, if this principle be admitted ; for wherein, it was,afked, does the humanity of that doétrine confift, which allows the employment of troops of horfe in the purfuit of difcomfited and Alying infantry; yet fhrinks at the preventive meafure of fparing the effufion of human blood, by tracing with hounds the haunts of murderers, and roufing from ambufh favages more ferocious and bloodthirfty than the animals which track them? THE merits of the queftion, it was faid, depended altogcther on the origin and caufe of the war; and the objeêts fought to be obtained by its continuance; and the authority of the firft writers on publicklaw, was adduced in fupport ofcthis conftruction. < If the caufe and end of war (fays Paley *) be juftifiable, all the means that appear neceffary to that end are juftifiable alfo. This is the principle which defends thofe extremities to which the violence of war ufually procceds: for fince war is a conteft by force between parties who acknowledge no common fuperior, and fince it includes not in its idea the fuppofition of any convention which fhould place limits to the operations of force, it has naturally no boundary but that in which force terminates; the deftruétion of the life againit which the force is direêted." It was allowed (with the fame author) that gratuitous barbarities borrow no excufe from the licence of war, of which kind is every cruelty and every infult that ferves only to éxafperate the fufferings, or to incenfe the hatred of an enemyy without weakening his ftrength, or in any manner tend- * Moral Philofophy, vol. ii. P. 417. ing the operations of force, it has naturally no boundary but that in which force terminates; the deftruétion of the life againit which the force is direêted." It was allowed (with the fame author) that gratuitous barbarities borrow no excufe from the licence of war, of which kind is every cruelty and every infult that ferves only to éxafperate the fufferings, or to incenfe the hatred of an enemyy without weakening his ftrength, or in any manner tend- * Moral Philofophy, vol. ii. P. 417. ing --- Page 649 --- WEST INDIES. ing to procure his fubmiflion; ; fuch as the captives, the fubjecting them to flaughter of APPENthe violation ofwomen, and in indignities or torture, DIX. defacing of works that conduce general the deftruétion or - 1 defence. Thefe enormities nothing to annoyance or the praétice of civilized are prohibited not only by itelf; as nations, butby the law of nature termination, having no proper tendency to accelerate the or accomplifh the objedt of the as containing that which in peace and war; i and juftifiable, namely, ultimate and war is equally unall thefe very enormities gratuitous mijebief. Now againft the were pradtifed, noti by the Whites Maroons, but by the Maroons againft the Whités. Humanity themfelves was no way concerned in the fort therefore, of it was faid, propofed, or any other, by which fuch expedient that was moft fpeedily be extirpated, an enemy could innocent and defencelefs They were not an unarmed, race of men, like the ancient Americans; but a banditti of affaffins : and towards fuch an enemy, was cruelty to all the reft tendernefs of the commiunity. HAPPILY, in the interval between the of the Allembly to procure the Spanifh determination actual arrival of thofe auxiliaries from dogs, and the fures were purfued as promifed to render Cuba, fuch meaaltogether their affiftance the chief conduét uinnecelfary,-On the death of Colonel of the war, in the abfence of the Fitch, vernor, was entrufted to Major General Goofficer whofe indefatigable Zeal and Walpole, an lantry, circumfpedtion, and alacrity, whofe galgave a new afpect to activity, in a véry. fhort time affairs, and reduced to the laft extremity. the enemy the Maroons Although the country to which retired, was perhaps the moft impraéticable of any on the face of ftrongeft the and was entirely deftitute of (prings and rivers. earth, it, water which the rains had left in the All the hollows of the rocks pole, an lantry, circumfpedtion, and alacrity, whofe galgave a new afpect to activity, in a véry. fhort time affairs, and reduced to the laft extremity. the enemy the Maroons Although the country to which retired, was perhaps the moft impraéticable of any on the face of ftrongeft the and was entirely deftitute of (prings and rivers. earth, it, water which the rains had left in the All the hollows of the rocks --- Page 650 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- rocks was exhaufted, and the enemy's only refource was DIX. in the leaves ofthe wild-pine; a wonderful contrivance, 1 by which Divine Providence has rendered the fterile and rocky defarts of the torrid zone in fome degree habitable * 5 but even this refource was at length exhaufted, and the fufferings of the rebels, for want both of water and food, were exceffive. By the unremitting diligence and indefatigable exertions of the troops, all or moft of the paffes to other parts of the country were effectually occupied ; and a perfeverance in the fame fyftem muft, it was thought, foon force the enemy to an unconditional furrender. In fpite of all thefe precautions, however, a rebel Captain of the name of Johnfon, found means to conduét a fmall detachment of the Maroons into the parifh of St. Elizabeth, and to fet fre to many of the plantations in that fertile diftriet. His firft attempt was againft the habitation of a Mr. M-Donald, whofe neighbour, a Mr. Haldane, together with his fon, haftened to his affiftance. The clder Haldane unfortunately fell by a mufket ball, but the fon fhot the Maroon dead that fired it, and carried his wounded father in his arms to a place of fafety, where he happily recovered.-The Maroons were repulfed; but procceding to a plantation of Dr. Brooks, they burnt the buildings to the ground, and killed two white men. They left, however, a white woman and her infant unmolefted; and. -as this was The botanical name is Tillandfa maxima. Itisnot, properly fpealcings a trees but 1 plant, which fixes itfelf and takes root on the body of trec, commonly in the fork of the greater branches of" the wild cotton tree. By the conformation of its leaves, it catches and retains water from every fhower. Each leaf refembles a fpout, and forms at its bafe a natural bucket or refervoir, which contains about a quart of pure water, where it remains perfeétly fecure, both from the wind and the fun; yiclding refreihment to the thirity travelier in placcs where water is not otherwife to be procured. the elf and takes root on the body of trec, commonly in the fork of the greater branches of" the wild cotton tree. By the conformation of its leaves, it catches and retains water from every fhower. Each leaf refembles a fpout, and forms at its bafe a natural bucket or refervoir, which contains about a quart of pure water, where it remains perfeétly fecure, both from the wind and the fun; yiclding refreihment to the thirity travelier in placcs where water is not otherwife to be procured. the --- Page 651 --- WEST INDIES. the firft inflance of tendernefs fhewn by the rebels to women and children, it was imputed rather to the con- APPENfcioufnefs of their inability to continue the DIX. hopes of getting better war, and the - 1 - terms on a treaty by this act of lenity, than to any change in their difpolition. THE earl of Balcarres, as foon as the bufinefs of the Affembly would allow him to be abfent from the returned in perfon to the fcene of aétion, and it is capital, fible to fpeak of his, and general Walpole's impofin terms of fufficient exercions, idea of the fatigues and approbation, or to convey anyjuft hardfhips which the troops underwent, without entering into a copious detail of the various enterprizes and fkirmithes that enfued, and the difficulties they had to encounter from the nature of the The line of operation extended upwards of country. in length, through tracks and glades of which twenty the miles term defles gives no adequate conception. The caves military in which the Maroons concealed their ammunition and vifions, and fecured their women and proacceffible to the Whites. The children, were inbefore place called the Cockpits mentioned, could be reached only by: a path down a fteep rock 150 feet in almoft perpendicular Strange as it may appear, this obftacle was furmounted height. by the Maroons without difficulty. Habituated to employ their naked feet with fingular effect, in trees and precipices, they had acquired a climbing up practice, which to' Britifh dexterity in the troops was altogether aftonilhing and wholly inimitable, On the other hand, all the officers and privates, both ofthe regulars and from a well-founded confidence in their chief militia, feem to bave felt a noble emulation which commanders, Ahould diftinguifh themfelves for zeal in the caufe, moft orders, and a cheerful alacrity in obedience to every fervice of difficulty and pulhing forward on out a muriur danger; fuftaining withmany extraordinary haruihips; am.ng O03 which, hing and wholly inimitable, On the other hand, all the officers and privates, both ofthe regulars and from a well-founded confidence in their chief militia, feem to bave felt a noble emulation which commanders, Ahould diftinguifh themfelves for zeal in the caufe, moft orders, and a cheerful alacrity in obedience to every fervice of difficulty and pulhing forward on out a muriur danger; fuftaining withmany extraordinary haruihips; am.ng O03 which, --- Page 652 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- which, diftrefs for want of water, and thirft even to exDIX. tremity, were none of the leaft. 1 IT was eafily forefeen that a perfeverance in the fame line of conduét, muft ultimately prove fuccefsful; and intimations were at length received, by means of enflaved negroes whom the Maroons had forced into their fervice, and purpofely difmiffed, that they were extremely defirous of an accommodation, on any terms fhort ofcapital punifhment, or traniportation from the country. They expreffed a willingnefs, it was faid, to deliver up their arms, and all the fugitive flaves that had joined them, tO furrender their lands, and intermix with the general body of free blacks, in fuch parts of the country, as the colonial governinent fhould approve. Although thefe overtures were evidently diétated by deprecation and defpair, it was the opinion of many wife and worthy men among the inhabitants, that they ought to be accepted; and it was faid that General Walpole himfelf concurredin the fame fentiment. It was urged that the war, if continued on the only principle by which it could be maintained, muft be a war of extermination, Some few of the Maroons, however, would probably elude the laft purfuit of vengeance; and thefe would form a central point to which the runaway negroes would refort. Thus hoftilities would be perpetuated for ever; and it was obferved that a fingle Maroon, in the fealon of crop, with no other weapon than a firebrand, might deftroy the canefields of many opulent parifhes, and çonfume in a few hours, prop serty of immenfe value. To thefe confiderations, was to be added the vaft expence of continuing the war. The country had already expended L-500,000, exclufive of the lofs which was fuftained by individual proprietors confequent on the removal from their plantations of all the white fervants, to attend military duty. In the meanwhile, cultivation was fufpended, the courts of weapon than a firebrand, might deftroy the canefields of many opulent parifhes, and çonfume in a few hours, prop serty of immenfe value. To thefe confiderations, was to be added the vaft expence of continuing the war. The country had already expended L-500,000, exclufive of the lofs which was fuftained by individual proprietors confequent on the removal from their plantations of all the white fervants, to attend military duty. In the meanwhile, cultivation was fufpended, the courts of --- Page 653 --- WEST INDIES. of law had long been fhut up; and the ifland feemed more likc a garrifon, under the at large APPENlaw-martial, than a country of power of the DIX. merce, of civil judicature, agriculture and com- 1 ON the other hand, it was induftry and profperity. promife with alawlefs loudly declared that a combanditti, who had many excellent men, and had murdered in flaughtered fo even womenin child-bed, and cold blood a fhameful facrifice of the infants at the breaft, was regard to the diétates of publick honour; a total difthe reft of the Maroons to juftice; an encouragement to a dreadful commit fimilar outrages, and example to the negroes in to imprefs on their minds an idea not fervitude; tending Whites, but of their ofthelenity of the offenders. It was inability to punifh fuch atrocious roons were not themfelves ailedged withal, that the rebel Maaccommodation. Their ferioully defirous of fuch an and only purpofe was to gain procure an opportunity to get into better time, judging perhaps that the militia of the quarters; proportion of whom were at the diflance country, of a large miles from their places of one hundred of thé conteft. refidence, would foon be tired fome ftrong Many facts were indeed related, and to this charge; circumftances: and adduced, which gave a colour together relinquifhed proved that the Maroons had not alrevolt the their hopes of creating a general among enflaved was not likely to happen, negroes, while Such an event tinued in arms. The difinifion of the country confallacious idea of an accommodation the troops, on the would alone, it was faid, realize the with the Maroons, FORTUNATELY for all parties, this danger, ftructive: revolt, was brought to a unnatural and defooner than might have been happy termination much of December, the commifioner apprehended. On the 14th who went to the HavanDo 4 nah general among enflaved was not likely to happen, negroes, while Such an event tinued in arms. The difinifion of the country confallacious idea of an accommodation the troops, on the would alone, it was faid, realize the with the Maroons, FORTUNATELY for all parties, this danger, ftructive: revolt, was brought to a unnatural and defooner than might have been happy termination much of December, the commifioner apprehended. On the 14th who went to the HavanDo 4 nah --- Page 654 --- HISTORY OF THI E APPEN- nah for aififtance, arrived at Montego Bay with forty DIX. chafeurs or Spanifh hunters (chiefly people of colour) and abput one hundred Spanifh dogs. Such extraordinary accounts were immediately fpread of the terrifick appearance, and favage nature of thefe animals, as made an imprefion on the minds of the negroes that was equally furprifing and unexpeêted 1*, WHETHER thefe reports were propagated through folly or defign, they had certainly à powerful and very falutary cffeêt on the fears of the rebel Maroons, a large party of whom now difplayed frong and indubitable evidences of terror, humiliation, and fubmiffion, and renewed their folicitations for peacé with great earneitne(s and anxiety. A negociation was at length opened, and a treaty concluded on the 21ft of December, of which the chief articles were, ift. That the Maroons fhould, on their knees, afk the King's pardon. 2dly. That they fhould fix their futuré refidence in fuch part of the ifland, as the legiflature fhould point out: : And 3dly. That they fhould deliver up all the fugitive negro flaves that had joined them. On thefe conditions it was ftipulated and agreed, that their lives fhould be granted them, and that they fhould not be tranfported from the ifland; and they were allowed ten days to collect their families and perform the treaty. * Though thefe dogs are not in general larger than the fhepherds dogs in Great Britain, (which in truth they much refemble) théy were repreien ed as cquil to the maftiffin buik, to the bull- dog in courage, to the blo.. d-hound in fcent, and to the grey-hound in agility. If entire credit had been given to the delcription that was tranfmitted through the country ofthis extraordinary animal, it might havé been fiuppofed that the Spaniards had obtained the ancient and genuine breed of Cerberiis himtelf, the many-headed munfter that guarded the infernal regions. So Great Britain, (which in truth they much refemble) théy were repreien ed as cquil to the maftiffin buik, to the bull- dog in courage, to the blo.. d-hound in fcent, and to the grey-hound in agility. If entire credit had been given to the delcription that was tranfmitted through the country ofthis extraordinary animal, it might havé been fiuppofed that the Spaniards had obtained the ancient and genuine breed of Cerberiis himtelf, the many-headed munfter that guarded the infernal regions. So --- Page 655 --- WEST INDIES. So great however was the terror of thefe people, ariling from the confcioufnefs of wretched APPENor their unaccountable their enormities, DIX. of their number infatuation, that only twenty-one thirteen others furrendered by the time limited; and three days afterwards, Owthe I4th of January, therefore, from the commander in chief orders were iffued march without further to General Walpole, to orders were delay againft the rebels. Thefe manity, the Spanifh punétually obeyed; but, from regard to huarmy. The effea, dogs were ordered in the rear of the Walpole had advanced however, was immediate. General when a but a fhort way in the woods, fupplication for mercy was brought him enemy, and 260 of them foon afterwards from the 70 other condition than a promife furrendered on pleafing to obferve, that of their lives. It is after the not a drop of blood was dogs arrived in thei iffand. pile SOME of the young men, it was not until the middle of however, ftill held out, arid was entirely March that the rebellion extinguifhed by the furrender body; nor even then, or at time of the whole fugitive negroes that bad any befores were any of the Ir might be fuppofed joined them delivered up. have arifen whether the therefore, that no queftion could the part of the Maroons, treaty was obferved or not, on that doubts on this head Neverthelefs it did fo happen, were fuggefted. on authority, as induced the commander in fuchrefpectable prudence and chief, with propriety, to leave the whole matter great inveftigation and to the bly, who determination of the Council and Affemceive evidence appointed and a joint and fecret committee to reON the report on the facts before them. report of this Committee the majority of 21 to 13, came to the Affembly, by a among others, viz, following refolutions, cc THAT thelefs it did fo happen, were fuggefted. on authority, as induced the commander in fuchrefpectable prudence and chief, with propriety, to leave the whole matter great inveftigation and to the bly, who determination of the Council and Affemceive evidence appointed and a joint and fecret committee to reON the report on the facts before them. report of this Committee the majority of 21 to 13, came to the Affembly, by a among others, viz, following refolutions, cc THAT --- Page 656 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- < THAT all the Maroons who furrendered after the DIX. firft of. January, not having complied with the terms of 1 the treaty, are not entitled to the benefit thereof, and ought to be fhipped off the ifland; but that they ought to be fent to a country in which they will be free, and fuch as may be beft calculated, by fituation, to fecure the ifland againft the danger of their return; that they ought to be provided with fuitable clothing and neceffaries for the voyage, and maintained at the publick expence of this ifand for a reafonable time after their arrival at the place of their deftination. & THAT it is the opinion of this Houfe, that as there may be among the rebels a few who, by their repentance, fervices, and good behaviour, fince their furrender, have merited proteétion and favour, it be recommended to the lieutenant-governor to permit fuch to remain in the ifland, together with their wives and children; and to diftinguifh them by any other marks of favour he may think proper." OF the policy of ridding the country of fuch an enemy (admitting the juftice ofthe war ont the part of the Whites) there could not have been, I fhould have thought, but one opinion. After fuch a war, carried on in fuch a manner, itis impoflible to believe, that a cordial reconciliation between the white inhabitants and the Maroons could ever have taken place. The latter would probably have continued a fullen, fubjugated people, employed only in feducing the enflaved negroes from their fidelity, and ready to revolt themfelves, whenever occafion fhould offer. & No country on earth," fays Rutherford, G would fuffer a body of men to live within its territories, unlels they would agree to be accountable to its laws, as far as the general fecurity requires." To expeét fuch conduét from the Maroons, was to manifeft a total ignorance of their difpofition, The determination therefore of the legillature ubjugated people, employed only in feducing the enflaved negroes from their fidelity, and ready to revolt themfelves, whenever occafion fhould offer. & No country on earth," fays Rutherford, G would fuffer a body of men to live within its territories, unlels they would agree to be accountable to its laws, as far as the general fecurity requires." To expeét fuch conduét from the Maroons, was to manifeft a total ignorance of their difpofition, The determination therefore of the legillature --- Page 657 --- WEST INDIES, legiflature of the colony to tranfport thefe people from the ifland being thus fixed, it remains only to point out in APPEN- DIX. what manner it was enforced. In the beginning of June 1796, his Majefty's fhip 1 the Dover, with two tranfports in company, having on board the Trelawney Maroons (in number about fix hundred) provided with all manner of neceffaries, as well for their accommodation at fea, as for the change of climate, failed from Blue-felds in Jamaica, for Halifax in North America. They were accompanied by William Dawes Quarrell, and Alexander Ouchterlony, Elquires, commiflioners appointed by the Affembly, with and inftruétions (fubjeét to his Majefty's approbation authority and further orders) to purchafe lands in Nova Scotia, Lower Canada, or where elie his Majefty fhould pleafe to appoint, for the future eftablithment and fubfiftence of thofe Maroons, as a free people. The commiflioners had orders withal, to provide them the means of a comfortable maintenance, until they were habituated to the countryand cli. mate. The fum of f.25,000 was allowed by the aflembly for thofe purpofes. They arrived at Halifax in the month ofJuly, and the following letter from Sir, John Wentworth, Bart. the governor of the province, to a friend in dated the Ioth of November, 1796, will London, reader the cleareft and moft convey to the fatisfactory account of their reception in the province, and of the meafures happily adopted for their future eftablifhment and improvement, With this letter, which I have been permitted to from the original, I fhall clofe my account. copy 6 THE Maroons are now comfortably fettled, and their fituation will be daily improving. They are hitherto quiet, orderly, and contented. I have long had rience ufeful for this occafion, and have not a' expe- but that thefe will be an happy and ufeful people. doubt, In this country they can do no harm; nor do they feem difpofed to ftablifhment and improvement, With this letter, which I have been permitted to from the original, I fhall clofe my account. copy 6 THE Maroons are now comfortably fettled, and their fituation will be daily improving. They are hitherto quiet, orderly, and contented. I have long had rience ufeful for this occafion, and have not a' expe- but that thefe will be an happy and ufeful people. doubt, In this country they can do no harm; nor do they feem difpofed to --- Page 658 --- HISTORY OF THE APPEN- to do any. They are exceedingly attached to me. I DIX. have appointed a mifionary and chaplain, with an affiftant - teacher, to perform the fervice of the church of England; to inftruct them in Chriftianity, and to teach the youth and children to read, write, and cypher. Latt Sunday Iattended publick worfhip in their chapel, at opening the church. The Maroons were particularly attentive, decent, and moft exceedingly delighted. Next Sunday many are to be baptized, and the remainder in due courfe. They are folicitous for this duty, and appear defirous of inftruction, from whence civilization will naturally refult. The climate is and will be falutary to them. The children were emaciated, and moft of the adults worn down by war, imprifonment, and fea-ficknefs : they are now healthy, ftrong, and as hearty as any white people in the province. They are therefore, and I have no doubt will continue to be, infinitely benefited by their removal to Nova Scotia; and the moft judicious and fenfible among them, are perfeétly fatisfied, and happy in their future profpedts." The following Votes and Proceedings of the Allembly, are added by way of Illuftration. HOUSE OF ASSE M B LY, Friday, April 22, 1796. RESOLVED, nem. con. That the Receiver General do remit the fum of feven hundred guineas to the agent of the ifland, for the purpofe of purchafing a fword, to be prefented to the Right Hon. ALEXANDER Earl of BALCAR- , are perfeétly fatisfied, and happy in their future profpedts." The following Votes and Proceedings of the Allembly, are added by way of Illuftration. HOUSE OF ASSE M B LY, Friday, April 22, 1796. RESOLVED, nem. con. That the Receiver General do remit the fum of feven hundred guineas to the agent of the ifland, for the purpofe of purchafing a fword, to be prefented to the Right Hon. ALEXANDER Earl of BALCAR- --- Page 659 --- WEST INDIES. S73 BALCARRES, as a teftimony of the grateful fenfe which APPENthe Houfe entertain of his diftinguifhed fervices, difplayed both in the field and cabinet; and under whofe 1 DIX. aufpices, by the bleffing of Divine Providence, a and complete termination has been put to a moft happy rous rebellion of the Trelawney-Town Maroons, dange- whereby the general value of property, as well as fecurity of the ifland, have been highly augmented, ORDERED, that a copy of the above refolution be fent to his honour the Lieutenant-Govemnor RESOLVED, nem. con. That Mr. Speaker be to prefent the thanks of the Houfe to the Hon. requefted General WALPOLE, for the fignal fervices performed Majorhim to this ifland, in the late rebellion of the Trelawney- by Town Maroons. RESOLVED, nem con. That the Receiver- General do remit to the agent of this ifland, five hundred guineas, for the purpofe of purchafing a fword, to be prefented to the Hon. Major-General WALPOLE: as a teftimony of the grateful fenfe which the Houfe entertain of his important fervices and diftinguifhed merit, in the fuppreflion of the late rebellion oft the Trelawney-Town Maroons. RESOLVED, nem. Con. That Mr. Speaker be requefted' to give the thanks of the Houfe to the brave Officers and Privates of the regulars and militia, for their gallant fervices to the ifland, during the late rebellion of the Trelawney-Town Maroons; 5 and that the Commander in Chief, under whofe aufpices they fought, be requefted Mr. Speaker, to communicate the high fenfe which the by Houfe entertain of their diftinguifhed merit. Thurfday, April 28. A Motion being made, that a Committee be to enquire and report to. the Houfe the names appointed of fuch perfons as have fallen in. battle during the late rebellion; that , for their gallant fervices to the ifland, during the late rebellion of the Trelawney-Town Maroons; 5 and that the Commander in Chief, under whofe aufpices they fought, be requefted Mr. Speaker, to communicate the high fenfe which the by Houfe entertain of their diftinguifhed merit. Thurfday, April 28. A Motion being made, that a Committee be to enquire and report to. the Houfe the names appointed of fuch perfons as have fallen in. battle during the late rebellion; that --- Page 660 --- $74 HISTORY.OF THE APPEN- that a monument may be ereéted to perpetuate their meDIX. mories, and the gratitude of this country for their emiY nent fervices; ORDERED, that Mr. Fitch, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Mathifon, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Hodges, be a Committee for that purpofe. Saturday, April 30. THE Lieutenant-Governor's anfwer to the meflage from the Houfe, with the refolution of the 22dinft, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Houfe ef Aembls, THE prefent you have made me, by your unanimous refolution of the 22d inftant, is ineftimable. A foldier's honour, with emblem and emphafis, is placed in his fword; and I Thall tranfmit your precious gift to my pofterity, as an everlafting mark of the reverence, the attachment, and the gratitudé, I bear to the ifland of Jamaica. BALCARRES. THE following addrefs was this day prefented to his honour the Lieutenant-Governor: WE, his Majefty's dutiful and loyal fubjects, the Affembly of Jamaica, beg leave to offer to your honour, our moft fincere and cordial congratulations on the happy and complete termination of the rebellion of the Trelawney-Town Maroons. THIS great and important event muft be productive of fubftantial benefits and falutary confequences to the country; in every point of view in which it can be contemplated: tranquillity and the enjoyment of our civil rights, are reftored; publick credit, fo effential to the fupport --- Page 661 --- WEST INDIES. fapport of government, and to the ifr very exiftence of the country, is profperity, not tot the APPENinternal fecurity greatly increafed re-eftablifhed, and and our DIX. FROM all thefe ineftimable confirmed, ward with confidence to the advantages, we look forproperty, which is augmentation of the value of likely to take place; and time, we truft, will compenfate-all the which, in diture of treafure loffes and expenunavoidably incurred in the ofthe war. profecution Iris with peculiar fatisfaétion and knowledge the livély impreffion made gratitude we acdifplayed by your Lordihip in' difficult on us by the energy which affords the moft convincing operations of war; ardour, and adtivity manifefted in proof, that the zeal, have only been equalled by the found your military conduét, meafures, which marked the wifdom policy, and decifive of your councils. HIS HONOUR's ANSWER. Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Houfe Afembin of YOUR addrefs excites in my bofom pleafure, the mind of man is capable of every fenfation of THE picture you have drawn of the receiving. future of the Ifland; is ftrong and impreffive. profperity AFTER contemplating the unavoidable war, a fentiment arifes, calamities of heartgrateful and foothing to a fecling THAT, during your conteft with an ferocious that ever dilgraced the annals enemy the moft THAT, during your conteft with of hiftory: who have indiferiminately an army of favages, the fortune of war had placed maflacred in every prifoner whom their rity, nor a lingle act of retaliation, power-no barbanefs of your arms, has fullied the brightIPRAY AFTER contemplating the unavoidable war, a fentiment arifes, calamities of heartgrateful and foothing to a fecling THAT, during your conteft with an ferocious that ever dilgraced the annals enemy the moft THAT, during your conteft with of hiftory: who have indiferiminately an army of favages, the fortune of war had placed maflacred in every prifoner whom their rity, nor a lingle act of retaliation, power-no barbanefs of your arms, has fullied the brightIPRAY --- Page 662 --- HISTORY, &c. APPEN- IPRAY that the energy, the vigour, and the humanity, DIX. which you have fo honourably difplayed, may defcend to 1 your" children ; and fecure to them for ever, thofe bleffings which you have hitherto enjoyed, under the mild and happy govemnment of the illuftrious Houfe of Hanover. K Ir muft not be omitted (though I mention it with great concern) that Major-General Walpole, being diffatisfied with the refolution of the Legiflature to tranfport the Maroons from the country, declined the acceptance of the fword voted by the Aflembly. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME, Moin Cantor Bicen) Libray --- Page 663 --- --- Page 664 --- --- Page 665 --- D80I E26h --- Page 666 ---