Chapter II: Part 2

Dinner being neere halfe done, (the Padre, _Bernardo_, and the other black atendants, waiting on us;) in comes an old fellow, whose complexion was raised out of the red Sack; for neare that Colour it was: his head and beard milke white, his Countenance bold and Cheerfull, a Lute in his hand, and plaide us for a Noveltie, The _Passame sares galiard_; a tune in great esteeme, in Harry the fourths dayes; for when Sir _John Falstaff_ makes his Amours to Mistresse _Doll Tear-sheet_, _Sneake_ and his Companie, the admired fidlers of that age, playes this tune, which put a thought into my head, that if time and tune be the Composits of Musicke, what a long time this tune had in sayling from _England_ to this place. But we being sufficiently satisfied with this kind of harmonie, desired a song; which he performed in as Antique a manner; both savouring much of Antiquitie; no Graces, double relishes, Trillos, Groppos or Piano Forte’s, but plaine as a packstaffe; his Lute too, was but of tenne strings, and that was in fashion in King Davids dayes; soe that the raritie of this Antique piece, pleas’d me beyond measure.

Dinner being ended, and the Padre well neere wearie of his wayting, we rose, and made roome for better Companie; for now the Padre, and his blacke mistresse were to take their turnes; A Negro of the greatest beautie and majestie together: that ever I saw in one woman. Her stature large, and excellently shap’t, well favour’d, full eye’d, & admirably grac’t; she wore on her head a roll of green taffatie, strip’t with white and Philiamort, made up in manner of a Turban; and over that a sleight vayle, which she tooke off at pleasure. On her bodie next her linen, a Peticoate of Orange Tawny and Skye Colour; not done with Straite stripes, but wav’d; and upon that a mantle of purple silke, ingrayld with straw Colour. This Mantle was large, and tyed with a knot of verie broad black Ribbon, with a rich Jewell on her right shoulder, which came under her left arme, and so hung loose and carelesly, almost to the ground. On her Legs, she wore buskins of wetched Silke, deckt with Silver lace, and Fringe; Her shooes, of white Leather, lac’t with skie colour; and pinkt between those laces. In her eares, she wore Large Pendants, about her neck; and on her armes, fayre Pearles. But her eyes were her richest Iewells: for they were the largest, and most orientall, that I have ever seene.

Seing all these perfections in her onely at passage, but not yet heard her Speake; I was resolv’d after dinner, to make an Essay: what a present of rich silver silke and gold Ribbon would doe, to perswade her to open her lips: Partly out of a Curiositie, to see whether her teeth were exactly white, and cleane, as I hop’d they were; for ’tis a generall opinion, that all _Negroes_ have white teeth; but that is a Common error, for the black and white, being so neere together, they set off on another with the greater advantage. But looke neerer to them, and you shall find those teeth, which at a distance appear’d rarely white, are yellow and foul. This knowledge wrought this Curiositie in me, but it was not the mayne end of my enquirie; for there was now, but one thing more, to set her off in my opinioni, the rarest black swanne that I had ever seen, and that was her language, & gracefull delivery of that, which was to unite and confirme a perfection in all the rest. And to that end I took a Gentleman that spoke good Spanish with me, and awaited her comming out, which was with far greater majesty, and gracefulness, then I have seen Queen _Anne_, descend from the Chaire of State, to dance the Measures with a Baron of England, at a Maske in the Banquetting house. And truly, had her followers and friends, with other perquisits (that ought to be the attendants on such a state and beautie) wayted on her, I had made a stop, and gone no farther. But finding her but slightly attended, and considering she was but the Padres Mistres, & therefore the more accessible, I made my addresses to her, by my interpreter; & told her, I had some Trifles made by the people of _England_, which for their value were not worthy her acceptance, yet for their Novelty, they might be of some esteem, such having bin worn by the great Queens of _Europe_, & intreated her to vouchsafe to receive them. She with much gravity, and reservedness, opened the paper; but when she lookt on them, the Colours pleased her so, as she put her gravity into the loveliest smile that I have ever seen. And then shewed her rowes of pearls, so clean, white, Orient, and well shaped, as _Neptunes_ Court was never pav’d with such as these; & to shew whether was whiter, or more Orient, those or the whites of her eyes, she turn’d them up, & gave me such a look, as was a sufficient return for a far greater present, and withall wisht, I would think of somewhat wherein she might pleasure me, and I should finde her both ready and willing. And so with a gracefull bow of her neck, she took her way towards her own house; which was not above a stones cast from the _Padres_. Other addresses were not to be made, without the dislike of the _Padre_, for they are there as jealous of their Mistrisses, as the _Italians_ of their wives.

In the afternoon we took leave, and went aboard; where we remained three or four days; about which time, some passengers of the ship, who had no great store of linnen for shift, desired leave to go ashoare and took divers women along with them, to wash their linnen. But (it seem’d) the _Portugalls_, and _Negroes_ too, found them handsome and fit for their turnes, and were a little Rude, I cannot say Ravisht them; for the Major part of them, being taken from Bridewell, Turnboule street, and such like places of education, were better natur’d then to suffer such violence; yet complaints were made, when they came aboard, both of such abuses, and stealing their linnen.

But such a praise they gave of the place, as we all were desirous to see it: for, after the Raine, every day gave an increase to the beauty of the place, by the budding out of new fruits and flowers.

This was the valley on the left side of the Hill, more spacious and beautifull by much than that on the right hand, where the _Padre_ dwelt. The next day, a dozen Gentlemen of our company, resolv’d to go and see this so much admired valley, and when our Saylers with their long boat went to fetch water, (as dayly they did,) we went along with them and landed there, in as high going Billows, as I have ever seen, so near the land. Much adoe we had, to be carried to land though on mens backs, and yet the grapple came as near the shoare as they durst bring it, for bulging against the bottome.

No sooner were we landed, but the Captaine of the Castle, with one souldier with him; came towards us, with a slow formall pace; who desired to speake with one of us alone. Colonel _Modiford_, being the chiefe man in the Company, went with an Interpreter to meet him; and being at the distance of speech, desired to know his pleasure; which he told him was this. That he understood divers of our women had bin ashoare, the day before; and received some injury, from the people of the Iland, and that it was conceiv’d, we were come Arm’d to take revenge on those that did the affront. He therefore advised us, either to make speedy returne to the boate that brought us: or to send back our swords and pistols, and commit our selves to his protection; and if one of those were not presently put in act, we should in a very short time have all our throats Cut.

We told him we had no intention of revenge for any wrong done, and that the only cause of our landing, was to see the beauty of the place we had heard so much Commended, by our people that were ashore, of which they had given a very large testimony, both of the pleasantness and fruitfulness of it, and that our visit was out of love, both to the place and people. But for sending our weapons back to the boate, we desired his pardon; for this reason, that the Billows going so very high at that time, we could not send them to the boat without being dipt in the Sea water, which would spoyle them; and the most of them, being rich swords, and pistols, we were loath to have their beauty covered with rust, which the salt water would be the occasion of. We desired rather, that he would Command a souldier of his, to stay with a man of ours, and keep them safe, till our returne; which he being content to doe, we committed our selves to his protection, who put a guard upon us of 10 Souldiers, part _Portugalls_ part _Negroes_; the most part of either kind, as proper men as I have seen, and as handsomely cloathed.

Their garments made with much Art, and all seem’d to be done by the Tayler; the Coverings for their heads, were not unlike Helmits; of blew and white strip’t silke, some tawny, and yellow, others of other sorts of Colours; but all of one fashion, their doublets close to their bodies, with Cassocks, made of the fashion of the Kings guard: loose sleeves, which came to their elbowes; but large and gathered so as to fit loose from their armes; with foure large skirts, reaching down to the middle of their thighs; but these of a different colour from their suits, their breeches indifferently large, comming down below the knee; and the upper part, so wrought with Whalebones within, as to keep them hollow, from touching their backs; to avoid heat, which they were much troubled with; upon their leggs, buskins of the colour of their suits, yet some made a difference: their shooes Colour’d for the most part; some white, but very few blacke. Their weapons, as Swords, Pistols, Muskets, Pikes, and Partisans, kept very bright, and worne comelily and gracefully; which argued a decencie in the Commander, as their awfull respect did of his austeritie.

Being now under a Guard, we marcht into this valley, one of the delightfullest places that I have ever seen, for besides the high and loftie trees, as the _Palmeto_, _Royall_, _Coco_, _Cedar_, _Locust_, _Masticke_, _Mangrave_, _Bully_, _Redwood_, _Pickled yellow wood_, _Cassia_, _Fistula_, _Calibash_, _Cherry_, _Figgtree_, whose body is large inough for timber, _Cittrons_, _Custard apple_, _Guavers_, _Macow_, _Cipres_, _Oranges_, _Limons_, _Lymes_, _Pomegranat_, _Anotto_, _Prickled apple_, _Prickled peare_, _Papa_, these and more may be accounted wood: and yet a good part of them bearing excellent fruit; But then there are of a lesser sort, that beare the rarest fruit; whose bodyes cannot be accompted wood, as the _Plantine_, _Pine_, _Bonano_, _Milon_, _water Millon_, &c. and some few grapes, but those inconsiderable, by reason they can never make wine: because they have no winter, and so by that meanes, they can never ripe together, but one is green, another ripe, another rotten, which reason will ever hold, that no wine can be made on Ilands, where there is no winter; or within twenty degrees of the line on either side. I have heard that wine is made in the _East Indies_, within lesse then fifteen Degrees; but ’tis of the Palme tree; out of whose body, they draw both wine and oyle; which wine will not keep above a day, but no wine of grapes, for the reasons aforesaid. Other kinds of trees, we found good to smell to, as _Mirtle_, _Jesaman_, Tamarisk, with a tree somewhat of that bignesse, bearing a very beautifull flower. The first halfe next the stalke, of a deep yellow or gold colour; the other halfe, being the larger, of a rich Scarlet; shap’d like a Carnation, & when the flowers fall off, there grows a Cod, with 7 or 8 seeds in it, divers of which, we carried to the _Barbados_, and planted there: and they grew and multiplied abundantly, and they call them there, the St. _Jago_ flower, which is a beautifull, but no sweet flower.

From these woods of pleasant trees, we saw flying divers birds, some one way, some another, of the fairest, and most beautifull colours that can be imagined in Nature: others whose Colours and shapes come short of these, did so excell in sweetnesse, and loudness of voyce, as our Nightingals in England, are short of them, in either of those two properties; but in variety of tunes, our birds are beyond them, for in that they are defective.

In this valley of pleasure, adorn’d as you have heard, we march’t with our Guard, faire and softly, near a quarter of a mile; before we came to the much praised fountaine; from whence we fetcht our water. The circle whereof, was about 60 foot, the Diameter about 20 from the ground to the top of the Well, (which was of freestone,) 3 foot and a halfe; from thence within, downe to the surface of the water, about 15 foot. The spring it selfe, not so much to be praised for the excellency of the taste, though cleare inough, as for the Nymphs that repaire thither. For whilst we stayed there seeing the Saylers fill their Casks; and withall Contemplating the glory of the place: there appeard to our view, many pretie young Negro Virgins, playing about the Well. But amongst those; two, that came downe with either of them a naturall Pitcher, a Calibash upon their arme, to fetch water from this fountaine. Creatures, of such shapes, as would have puzzelld _Albert Durer_, the great Mr of Proportion, but to have imitated; and _Tition_, or _Andrea de Sarta_, for softnes of muscles, and Curiositie of Colouring, though with a studied diligence; and a love both to the partie and the worke. To expresse all the perfections of Nature, and Parts, these Virgins were owners of, would aske a more skillfull pen, or pencill then mine; Sure I am, though all were excellent, their motions were the highest, and that is a beautie no painter can expresse, and therefore my pen may well be silent; yet a word or two, would not be amisse, to expresse the difference between these, and those of high _Africa_; as of Morcoco, Guinny, Binny, Cutchow, Angola, Æthiopia, and _Mauritania_, or those that dwell nere the _River_ of _Gambia_, who are thick lipt, short nosd, and commonly low foreheads. But these, are compos’d of such features, as would marre the judgment of the best Paynters, to undertake to mend. Wanton, as the soyle that bred them, sweet as the fruites they fed on; for being come so neere, as their motions, and graces might perfectly be discern’d, I guest that Nature could not, without help of Art, frame such accomplisht beauties not onely of colours, and favour, but of motion too, which is the highest part of beautie. If dancing had bin in fashion in this _Iland_, I might have been perswaded, that they had bin taught those motions, by some who had studied that Art. But considering the _Padre’s Musique_ to be the best the _Iland_ afforded, I could not but cast away that thought, and attribute all to pure nature; Innocent, as youthfull, their ages about 15. Seing their beauties so fresh and youthfull, withall the perfections I have named, I thought good to trie, whether the uttering of their language, would be as sweet and harmonious, as their other partes were comely. And by the helpe of a Gentleman that spoke _Portugall_, I accosted them; and began to praise their beauties, shapes, and manner of dressings; which was extreamly prettie. Their haire not shorne as the _Negroes_ in the places I have named, close to their heads; nor in quarters, and mases, as they use to weare it, which is ridiculous to all that see them, but themselves: But in a due proportion of length, so as having their shortenings by the naturall Curles, they appeared as wiers, and artificiall dressings to their faces. On the sides of their Cheeks, they plat little of it, of purpose to tie small Ribbon; or some small beads, of white Amber, or blew bugle, sometimes of the rare flowers that grow there; Their eares hung with Pendants, their necks and armes adorn’d with bracelets of Counterfeit pearles, and blew bugle; such as the _Portugalls_ bestow on them, for these are free _Negroes_, and weare upon the small of one of their legs, the badge of their freedome; which is a small peece of silver, or tinne, as big as the stale of a spoone; which comes round about the leg; and by reason of the smoothnes, and lightnes, is no impediment to their going. Their cloathes, were petticoates of Strip’t silk, next to their linen, which reach to their midle leg: and upon that a mantle, of blew taffitie, tied with a Ribbon on the right shoulder: which coming under the left arme, hung downe carelesly somewhat lower then the petticoate, so as a great part of the naturall beautie, of their backes and necks before, lay open to the veiw, their breast round, firme, and beautifully shaped.

Upon my addresses to them, they appeard a little disturb’d; and whispered to one another, but had not the Confidence to speake aloud. I had in my hat, a piece of silver and silke Ribbon, which I perceiv’d their well shap’t eyes, often to dart at; but their modesties would not give them Confidence to aske. I tooke it out, and divided it between them, which they accepted with much alacritie; and in returne, dranke to one another my health in the liquor of the pure fountaine, which I perceiv’d by their wanton smiles, and jesticulations, and casting their eyes towards me: when they thought they had exprest enough they would take in their Countenances, and put themselves in the modestest postures that could be, but we having brought a Cas of bottles of English spirits, with us; I cald for some, and drunke a health to them, in a small dramme cup; and gave it to one of them, which they smelt to, and finding it too strong for their temper, pour’d some of it into one of their Calibashes: and put to it as much water, as would temper it to their palats; they dranke againe, but all this would not give them the Confidence to speake, but, in mute language, and extream prety motions, shewed, they wanted neither wit nor discretion, to make an answer. But it seem’d, it was not the fashion there, for young Maides to speak to strangers, in so publick a place.

I thought I had been sufficiently arm’d with the perfections I found in the _Padre_’s Mistresse, as to be free from the darts of any other Beauty of that place, and in so short a time: But I found the difference between young fresh Beauties, and those that are made up with the addition of State and Majesty: For though they counsell and perswade our Loves; yet, young Beauties force, and so commit rapes upon our affections. In summe, had not my heart been fixed fast in my breast, and dwelt there above sixty years, and therefore loath to leave his long kept habitation, I had undoubtedly left it between them for a Legacy. For, so equall were there Beauties, and my Love, as it was not, nor could be, particular to either.

I have heard it a question disputed, whether if a Horse, being plac’d at an equall distance, between two bottles of hey, equally good; and his appetite being equally fix’d upon either: Whether that Horse must not necessarily starve. For, if he feed on either, it must argue, that his appetite was more fixt on that; or else, that bottle was better than the other. Otherwise, what should move him to chose one before the other?

In this posture was I, with my two Mistresses; or rather, my two halves of one Mistresse: for, had they been conjoyned, and so made one, the poynt of my Love had met there; but, being divided, and my affection not forked, it was impossible to fix, but in one Centre.

In this doubtfull condition, I took my leave, with an assurance, that I should never finde two such parallel Paragons, in my whole search through the World: And the reason of their so great likenesse and lustre, was, they were Sisters and Twins; as I was after informed by a Hermite, that came often to visit us, when we came on land, as we often did, and not far off from his Cell.

But you will think it strange, that a man of my age and gravity, should have so much to do with Beauty and Love: But I have three arguments to protect me. The first is, I have in my younger dayes, been much inclined to Painting, in which Art, colour, favour, and shape is exercised; and these Beauties, being a proper subject of all these perfections, (being in themselves perfect) I could not but consider them with a studied diligence.

Next, I had been long at Sea, without setting foot on any Land; and that hath a property, to make all Land-objects beautifull; and these being in the highest degree paramount, could not but surprise my fancy. Besides, the place being extream beautifull and lovely, could not but secretly harbour in it the Spirit of Love, a passion not to be governed. And therefore I hope, you will pardon my wilde extravagancy.

But the main reason of this flying out, is, I had little else to say: for the Iland, being a place of very little or no traffick, could not afford much of discourse. Cattle they have very good, and large, which, they sell at very easy rates; and likewise Horses, of excellent shapes and mettle; but they are contrabanded goods, and whosoever deales in them, (without speciall license) forfeits both Ship and Goods, if, they have power to compell them.

But I believe, they have not, being partly informed by the Hermite, who came often to us, to hear newes, and beg somewhat of us; which being obtained, he would not stick to impart somewhat of the weaknesse of the Iland, that would have cost him dear, if it had been known to the _Padre_. And some of that which he enformed us, was, that the Forts, and Block houses, on either side the Prye, on which we saw the appearance of Ordnances, good store, and large; but we understood by him, that those Forts were neither regular, nor the Guns Brasse or Iron, but such as _Henry_ the Eighth took _Bulloyne_ with; and this we found by experience to be true: For, upon our first difference with _Barnardo_, and the _Padre_, we weyed Anchor, and removed ourselves out of the distance of the Castle, which stood in the bottom of the Prye; and expected to have been shot at from those Forts and Block houses, but saw no fire given; and if they had been furnish’d with such Artillery as would have reach’d us, we should certainly have heard from them.

We also enquired of our Intelligencer, the Hermite, what Trades or Manufactures were practised there; but were answered, that they were few, and inconsiderable; Sugar, Sweet-meats, and Coco-nuts, being the greatest trade they had. Yet by the _Padres_ leave, we carried away with us 50 head of Cattle, and 8 Horses, which _Barnardo_ made us pay double for; the usual price being 25 s. a piece, for which he made us pay 50 s. and for Horses, 10 l. a piece, which others have had for 4 or 5 l. But he was content, we should rate our commodities accordingly, and so we were no great losers by the exchange.

Having dispatch’d our businesse, we got leave to go ashoar, upon the little Iland, at the entrance of the Prye, there to cut and pull grasse, for our Horses and Cattle, which we made up into hay; a work quickly done, where so much Sun-shine was our helper. It being perfectly dried, we stowed it in the ship, which was our last work, and so wayed Anchor, and hoysed Saile, steering our course for the _Barbadoes_, leaving _Bernardo_ (according to his own desire) behinde us; having but 2 Degrees to the southward to varie, in the running of 620 Leagues Westward. St. _Jago_ lying in 15. and the _Barbadoes_ in 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes, to the Northward of the Line.

There are seven more Ilands, which are called the Ilands of _Cape Verd_: _viz._ S. _Michaels_, St. _Vincents_, St. _Anthonies_, St. _Lucia_, _Bravo_, _Fogo_, and _Soll_: Some of which are much larger, but none so considerable, as this of St. _Jago_.

As we lay at Anchor in the entrance of the Prye, we perceived at Sun-set, between the Sun and us, the Iland called _Fogo_; which was at such a distance, as none of us could discern it all the day, till that houre; and then the Iland interposing between the Sun and us, we saw it perfectly, shap’d like the neather half of a Sugar loafe, the upper half being cut off eeven; and in the midst of the top of that, a smoak and fire rising out, from which we guest it took its name.

About the tenth of _August_, we put out to Sea; and as we sayled, we left the Iland of our Starbord-side, and did not part with the sight of it, till we discern’d a little Town, near to the shoar, which, we were told, was the best in the Iland, and a place meant for the chief Port, for all Traffick in the Iland; but by means of a great mischiefe, that Ships were subject to in that Harbour, it was almost totally deserted: For the Sea there, was so rocky in the bottome, and those rocks so thick together, and sharp withall, as they cut the Cables off neer to the Anchor, and so the Anchor often left in the bottom. There was a Dutchman that lay there but three daies, and in that little stay, lost two Anchors. From this Iland to the _Barbadoes_, we account 620 Leagues; which, by reason of the constancy of the Windes, which blow seldome in any other point, than Nore-east and By-east, they have usually sayled it in 16 or 17 daies. But we, for that it was the time of _Tornado_, when the windes chop about into the South, were somewhat retarded in our passage, and made it twenty two daies ere we came thither; and many have made it a far longer time. For, in the time of _Tornado_, the clouds interpose so thick, and darken the skie so much, as we are not able to make an observation for a fortnight together; and so being doubtfull of our Latitude, dare not make the best use of our Sayles and way, for fear of slipping by the Island; and being past it, can hardly beat it up again, without putting out into the Main, and so by painfull traverses, recover our selves to the Eastward of the Iland, and then fall back again, by the due Latitude upon it, at 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes.

Besides this paines, and losse of time, when we misse the Iland, we many times run hazards, by falling upon the Leeward Ilands, in the night, of which the Bay of _Merixo_ is well stor’d.

In this long reach, (which may be call’d a voyage it selfe) I had only two things to make the way seem short; the one was Pleasure, the other Businesse; that of Pleasure, was, to view the Heavens, and the beauty of them, which were objects of so great glory, as the Inhabitants of the World, from 40 Degrees to either Pole, can never be witnesse of. And this happens at the time, when the _Turnado_ is with those of that Latitude, where we were. For the clouds being exhal’d in great quantities, some thick and grosse, some thin and aeriall, and being hurl’d and roll’d about with great and lesser curles, the Sun then and there being far brighter, then with us here in _England_, caused such glorious colours to rest upon those Clouds, as ’tis not possible to be believed, by him that hath not seen it, nor can imagination frame so great a beauty: And the reason is, the neernesse and propinquity of the place we are in, which makes us see the glory of the Sun, and of those Stars too, which move in that Horizon, much more perfectly, then at a further distance. The proof of this I found, by looking on the Stars, that appear large and bright to us in _England_, which being seen there, do not only lose much of their light, but of their magnitude. For instance; There is a little Star, called _Auriga_, neer the _Charles Wain_, which in _England_ I have seen very perfectly, in bright nights; but at that distance, I could never see it in the clearest night, though I have often attempted it. And upon my return to _England_, I found it as I left it; which argues, that it was no decay or impediment in my sight, that made me lose it, but only the distance of place. I deny not, but a better sight then mine, may see this Star _Auriga_ at the _Barbadoes_; but then, so good a sight may see it more perfectly in _England_ than I can; and so the comparison holds. But another reason, to prove the Celestiall Bodies brighter at neerer distance, is, That the Moon being neer the Full, (at which time it gives a plentifull light) I have observed in the night, (the Sun having been set two hours, or thereabouts) and at such a time, as the Clouds being in a fit Position, to reflect the beams which the Moon then gives, to the place where you are, you shall see a perfect Rain-bow in the night. But this does not happen at all times, though there be Clouds, for the beams to rest on; but only to such as are in an angle, where these beams reflect, and meet in a just point.

Divers new Constellations we found, to the Southward, which in our Horizon are never seen; and amongst them, one, which we call the _Cruseros_, which is made up of foure Stars, which stand almost square, or rather like the clawes of a Birds foot; and the Sea-men told us, that two of them point at the South Pole, as the Poynters of the _Charles Wain_, do to the North Star. But the South Pole cannot be seen by us, that come from the Northern parts, till we be under the Line, and then we see both North and South; as we do the Sun in morning and evening, at six and six. And thus much for Pleasure.

Now for Businesse, it was only this: To inform my selfe, the best I could, of the account the Master and his Mates kept, of the Ships way, both for Compasse, Card, and Logline, together with the observations at noon, by that excellent and usefull Instrument, the Back-staffe, by which we know to a mile, the Latitude we are in; and if we had an Instrument, to finde out the Longitude as perfectly, every man might guid a Ship, that could but keep an account.

To the knowledge of this great secret, of the Ships Course, divers Gentlemen of our company applyed themselves very diligently; for the Master was not forward, to communicate his skill to all that were of his Messe. And to such a proficiency we were grown, as to lay a wager with the Boat-swain, a very good Seaman, upon the first sight of the Iland of _Barbadoes_. He laid, we should not see it till the afternoon, or late in the evening. We, that we should make it before noon. Whether it were chance, or our skilfulnesse, I know not, but we won the wager, which was a couple of very fat Hens, which we caused to be drest, and eat them in sight of the Iland, with a double joy: first, that we had won the wager; next, that we were grown so neer our wished Harbour.

Being now come in sight of this happy Iland, the neerer we came, the more beautifull it appeared to our eyes; for that being in it selfe extreamly beautifull, was best discern’d, and best judg’d of, when our eyes became full Masters of the object. There we saw the high, large, and lofty Trees, with their spreading Branches, and flourishing tops, seem’d to be beholding to the earth and roots, that gave them such plenty of sap for their nourishment, as to grow to that perfection of beauty and largenesse. Whilst they, in gratitude, return their cool shade, to secure and shelter them from the Suns heat, which, without it, would scorch and drie away. So that bounty and goodnesse in the one, and gratefulnesse in the other, serve to make up this beauty, which otherwise would lie empty & waste. And truly these vegetatives, may teach both the sensible and reasonable Creatures, what it is that makes up wealth, beauty, and all harmony in that _Leviathan_, a well governed Common-wealth: Where the Mighty men, and Rulers of the earth, by their prudent and carefull protection, secure them from harmes; whilst they retribute their paynes, and faithfull obedience, to serve them in all just Commands. And both these, interchangeably and mutually in love, which is the Cord that bindes up all in perfect Harmonie. And where these are wanting, the roots dry, and leaves fall away, and a generall decay, and devastation ensues. Witnesse the woefull experience of these sad times we live in.

Being now come to the distance of two or three leagues, my first observation was, the forme of the Iland in generall, which is highest in the middle; by which commodity of situation, the inhabitants within, have these advantages; a free prospect to sea, and a reception of pure refreshing ayer, and breezes that come from thence: the plantations overlooking one another so, as the most inland parts, are not bar’d nor restrained the liberties of their view to sea, by those that dwell between them and it. For as we past along neer the shoare, the plantations appear’d to us one above another: like severall stories in stately buildings, which afforded us a large proportion of delight. So that we begg’d of the Master, to take down those of his sayles, that gave the ship the greatest motion, that we might not be depriv’d on a sudden, of a sight we all were so much pleased with. But our Cattle and Horses (who were under hatches; and therefore no partners of this object,) having devoured all their fodder, and were now ready to come to that necessity, as the next thing to be thought on, was to plane deale boards, and feed them with the shavings; Which deadly hunger, caused such lowing and bellowing of the poor Cattle, as their cry stopped the Masters eares, so as the smoothest, and most perswasive language, we could use: could not force a passage, but with all the haste he could, put into _Carlile Bay_; which is the best in the Iland, where we found riding at Anchor, 22 good ships, with boates plying to and fro, with Sayles and Oares, which carried commodities from place to place: so quick stirring, and numerous, as I have seen it below the bridge at _London_.

Yet notwithstanding all this appearance of trade, the Inhabitants of the Ilands, and shipping too, were so grieviously visited with the plague, (or as killing a disease,) that before a month was expired, after our Arivall, the living were hardly able to bury the dead. Whether it were brought thither in shipping: (for in long voyages, diseases grow at Sea, and takes away many passengers, and those diseases prove contagious,) or by the distempers of the people of the Iland: who by the ill dyet they keep, and drinking strong waters, bring diseases upon themselves, was not certainly known. But I have this reason to beleeve the latter: because for one woman that dyed, there were ten men; and the men were the greater deboystes.

In this sad time, we arriv’d in this Iland; and it was a doubt whether this disease, or famine threatned most; There being a generall scarcity of Victuals throughout the whole Iland.

Our intention at first, was not to stay long there, but onely to sell our goods, Cattle, and Horses; and so away to _Antigoa_; where we intended to plant: but the ships being (for the most part) infected with this disease, and our selves being unprovided of handes for a new plantation (by reason of the miscarying of a ship, which set out before us from _Plimouth_, a month before, with men, victuals, and all utensill’s fitted for a plantation, we were compelled to stay longer in the Iland than we attended). Besides, the ship we came in, was consigned to another part in _Africa_, called _Cutchew_, to trade for _Negroes_.

But during the time of our stay there, we made enquires of some small plantation to rest us on, til the times became better, and fitter for our remove; with intent to make use of those few hands we had, to settle that, till we had supplies, and new directions from _England_.

And so upon discourse with some of the most knowing men of the Iland, we found that it was farre better, for a man that had money, goods, or Credit, to purchase a plantation there ready furnisht, and stockt with Servants, Slaves, Horses, Cattle, Assinigoes, Camels, &c. with a sugar worke, and an Ingenio: than to begin upon a place, where land is to be had for nothing, but a triviall Rent, and to indure all hardships, and a tedious expectation, of what profit or pleasure may arise, in many yeers patience: and that, not to be expected, without large and frequent supplies from _England_; and yet fare, and labour hard. This knowledge, was a spurre to set on Colonel _Modiford_, who had both goods and credit, to make enquiry for such a purchase, which in very few dayes he lighted on; making a visit to the Governour _Mr. Phillip Bell_, met there with Major _William Hilliard_, an eminent planter of the Iland, and a Councellor, who had been long there, and was now desirous to sucke in some of the sweet ayre of _England_: And glad to find a man likely to performe with him, took him home to his house, and began to treate with him, for halfe the plantation upon which he lived; which had in it 500 Acres of Land, with a faire dwelling house, an Ingenio plac’t in a roome of 400 foot square; a boyling house, filling roome, Cisterns, and Still-house; with a Carding house, of 100 foot long, and 40 foot broad; with stables, Smiths forge, and rooms to lay provisions, of Corne, and Bonavist; Houses for _Negroes_ and _Indian_ slaves, with 96 _Negroes_, and three _Indian_ women, with their Children; 28 Christians, 45 Cattle for worke, 8 Milch Cowes, a dosen Horses and Mares, 16 Assinigoes.

After a Months treaty, the bargaine was concluded, and Colonel _Modiford_ was to pay for the Moity of this plantation, 7000 l; to be payed, 1000 l. in hand, the rest 2000 l. a time, at sixe and sixe months, and Colonel _Modiford_ to receive the profit of halfe the plantation as it rose, keeping the account together, both of the expence and profit.

In this plantation of 500 acres of land, there was imployed for sugar somewhat more then 200 acres; above 80 acres for pasture, 120 for wood, 30 for Tobacco, 5 for Ginger, as many for Cotton wool, and 70 acres for provisions; _viz._ Corne, Potatoes, Plantines, Cassavie, and Bonavist; some few acres of which for fruite; _viz._ Pines, Plantines, Milons, Bonanoes, Guavers, Water Milons, Oranges; Limons, Limes, &c. most of these onely for the table.

Upon this plantation I lived with these two partners a while, but with Colonel _Modiford_ three years; for the other went for _England_, and left Colonel _Modiford_ to manage the imployment alone; and I to give what assistance I could for the benefit of both: which I did, partly at their requests, and partly at the instance of Mr. _Thomas Kendall_, who reposed much confidence in me, in case Colonel _Modiford_ should miscarry in the Voyage.

I only speak thus much, that you may perceive, I had time enough to improve my selfe, in the knowledge of the managment of a Plantation of this bulk; and therefore, you may give the more credit in what I am to say, concerning the profit and value of this Plantation, which I intend as a Scale, for those that go upon the like; or to varie it to greater or lesse proportions, at their pleasure. And indeed, I wanted no tutridge, in the learning this mystery; for, to do him right, I hold Collonell _Modiford_ as able, to undertake and perform such a charge, as any I know. And therefore I might (according to my ability) be able to say something, which I will, as briefly as I can, deliver to you, in such plain language as I have.

But before I come to say any thing of the Iland, as it was when I arrived there, I will beg leave, to deliver you a word or two, what hath been told me by the most ancient Planters, that we found there, and what they had by tradition from their Predecessors. For, few or none of them that first set foot there, were now living.

About the year ____ a Ship of Sir _William Curteens_, returning from _Fernambock_ in _Brasill_, being driven by foul weather upon this coast, chanc’d to fall upon this Iland, which is not far out of the way, being the most windwardly Iland of all the _Carribbies_, (_Tobago_ only excepted;) and Anchoring before it, stayed some time, to informe themselves of the nature of the place; which they found by tryalls in severall parts, to be so overgrown with Wood, as there could be found no Champions, or _Savannas_ for men to dwell in; nor found they any beasts to inhabit there, only Hogs, and those in abundance: the _Portugalls_ having long before, put some ashoar for breed, in case they should at any time be driven by foul weather, to be cast upon the Iland, they might there finde fresh meat, to serve them upon such an extremity: And the fruits and roots that grew there, afforded them so great plenty of food, as they multiplyed abundantly. So that the Natives of the leeward Ilands, that were at the distance of sight, comming thither in their _Cannoas_, and _Periagos_, and finding such Game to hunt, as these hogs, and the flesh so sweet and excellent in tast, they came often thither a hunting, and stayed sometimes a month together, and so returned again at pleasure, leaving behinde them certain tokens of their being there, which were, Pots, of severall sizes, in which they boyled their meat, made of clay, so finely tempered, and turned with such art, as I have not seen any like them, for finenesse of mettle, and curiosity of turning, in _England_. This information I received from the Planters in _Barbadoes_. But being here a Prisoner, in the _Upper Bench_ Prison, my chance was to meet with an antient Captain, and one of those that first landed on the Iland; and had the managing of a good part of the Iland, under _William_ late Earle of _Pembrok_, before my Lord of _Carlile_ begg’d it of King _James_. This Captain _Canon_ (for so was his name) inform’d me for certain, that this was a grosse mistake in the Planters, and that no Indians ever came there: But those Pots were brought by the Negres, which they fetcht from Angola, and some other parts of _Africa_; and that he had seen them make of them at _Angola_, with the greatest art that may be. Though I am willing to believe this Captain, who delivered upon his knowledge, that the Negres brought some Pots thither, and very finely and artificially made; yet, it does not hinder any man from believing, that the Indians brought some too; and who knowes, which were the most exactly made. For, ’tis certain, that from some part of the Iland, you may see (in a clear day) St. _Vincents_, perfectly: And if we can see them, why may not they see us; and they will certainly venture to any place they see, so far as they know they can reach before night, setting out very early in the morning. But I leave you to credit which of these you please, either, or both.

But I have a great inclination to believe, the _Indians_ have been there, for this reason, that the Iland of St. _Vincents_, lying in the same Climate with this of _Barbadoes_, the Clay may be of the same nature and qualitie; and they, having the skill to bring their Clay to so fine a temper, as to burn and not break, may shew us the way, to temper ours of the _Barbadoes_ so, as we may make Bricks to burn, without chopping or cracking; which those of _Angola_, being far off, and it may be, their Clay of different temper, cannot help us in. And it is no hard matter, to procure an _Indian_ or two, to come from that Iland, and give us direction, which would be of infinite use and advantage, to our buildings in _Barbadoes_. But this digression must not lead me out of the way of my businesse.

This discovery being made, and advice given to their friends in _England_, other Ships were sent, with men, provisions, and working tooles, to cut down the Woods, and clear the ground, so as they might plant provisions to keep them alive, which, till then, they found but straglingly amongst the Woods. But having clear’d some part of it, they planted _Potatoes_, _Plantines_, and _Mayes_, with some other fruites; which, with the Hogs-flesh they found, serv’d only to keep life and soul together. And their supplies from _England_ comming so slow, and so uncertainly, they were often driven to great extremities: And the Tobacco that grew there, so earthy and worthlesse, as it could give them little or no return from _England_ or else-where; so that for a while they lingred on in a lamentable condition. For, the Woods were so thick and most of the Trees so large and massie, as they were not to be falne with so few hands; and when they were laid along, the branches were so thick and boysterous, as required more help, and those strong and active men, to lop and remove them off the ground. At the time we came first there, we found both _Potatoes_, _Maies_, and _Bonavists_, planted between the boughes, the Trees lying along upon the ground; so far short was the ground then of being clear’d. Yet, we found _Indico_ planted, and so well ordered, as it sold in _London_ at very good rates; and their Cotten wool, and Fustick wood, prov’d very good and staple commodities. So that having these foure sorts of goods to traffick with, some ships were invited (in hope of gain by that trade) to come and visit them, bringing for exchange, such commodities as they wanted, working Tools, Iron, Steel, Cloaths, Shirts, and Drawers, Hose and Shoes, Hats, and more Hands. So that beginning to taste the sweet of this Trade, they set themselves hard to work, and lived in much better condition.

But when the Canes had been planted three or four years, they found that to be the main Plant, to improve the value of the whole Iland: And so, bent all their endeavours to advance their knowledge in the planting, and making Sugar; Which knowledge, though they studied hard, was long a learning. But I will forbear to say any thing of that, till I bring in the Plants; where you shall finde not only the colour, shape, and qualitie of this Plant, but the worth and value of it, together the whole processe of the great work of Sugar-making, which is the thing I mainly aime at: But, in my way to that, I will give you a sleight description or view, of the Iland in generall: and first, of the Scituation.

[Sidenote: _The Scituation._]

It were a crime, not to believe, but that you are well verst in the knowledge of all parts of the known habitable world; and I shall seem impertinent, if I go about to inform you of the scituation of this Iland. But, because there have been some disputes between Seamen, whether it lie in bare 13 Degrees, or in 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes, I shall easily be led by the most voices, of the most able Seamen, to give for granted, that _Carlile Bay_, which is the Harbour where most of them put in, is 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes from the Line, to the Northern Latitude.

This Bay is, without exception, the best in the Iland, and is somewhat more then a league over; and from the points of Land to the bottom of the Bay, is twice as much.

Upon the most inward part of the Bay, stands the Town, which is about the bignesse of _Hounslo_, and is called the _Bridge_; for that a long Bridge was made at first over a little nook of the Sea, which was rather a Bog then Sea.

A Town ill scituate; for if they had considered health, as they did conveniency, they would never have set it there; or, if they had any intention at first, to have built a Town there, they could not have been so improvident, as not to forsee the main inconveniences that must ensue, by making choice of so unhealthy a place to live in. But, one house being set up, another was erected, and so a third, and a fourth, till at last it came to take the name of a Town; Divers Store-houses being there built, to stow their goods in, for their convenience, being neer the Harbour. But the main oversight was, to build their Town upon so unwholsome a place. For, the ground being somwhat lower within the Land, than the Sea-banks are, the spring-Tides flow over, and there remains, making a great part of that flat, a kinde of Bog or Moraste, which vents out so loathsome a savour, as cannot but breed ill blood, and is (no doubt) the occasion of much sicknesse to those that live there.

At the time of our arrivall, and a month or two after, the sicknesse raign’d so extreamly, as the living could hardly bury the dead; and for that this place was neer to them, they threw the dead carcases into the bog, which infected so the water, as divers that drunk of it were absolutely poysoned, and dyed in few houres after; but others, taking warning by their harmes, forbare to taste any more of it.

The ground on either side the Bay, (but chiefly that to the Eastward) is much firmer, and lies higher; and, I believe, they will in time, remove the Town upon that ground, for their habitations, though they suffer the Store-houses to remain where they are, for their convenience. But the other scituation, may be made with some charge as convenient as that, and abundantly more healthfull.

Three Bayes there are more of note in this Iland; one, to the Eastward of this, which they call _Austin’s Bay_, not in commemoration of any Saint, but of a wilde mad drunken fellow, whose lewd and extravagant carriage, made him infamous in the Iland; and his Plantation standing neer this Bay, it was called by his name. The other two are to the West of _Carlile Bay_; and the first is called _Mackfields Bay_, the other _Spikes Bay_; but neither of these three are environ’d with Land, as _Carlile Bay_ is: but being to the Leeward of the Iland, and good Anchorage, they seldome are in danger; unlesse in the time of _Turnado_, when the wind turnes about to the South; and then, if they be not well moor’d, they are subject to fall foul on one another, and sometimes driven aground. For, the Leeward part of the Iland being rather shelvie then rockie, they seldome or never are cast away.

[Sidenote: _The Extent._]