Chapter IX: Part 9

Now for the sense of Tasting, I do confesse, it receives a more home satisfaction, then all the rest, by reason of the fruites that grow there; so that the Epicure cannot be deceived, if he take a long journy to please his palate, finding all excellent tastes the world has, comprehended in one single fruit, the Pine. And would not any Prince be content to reduce his base coyne, into Ingots of pure gold. And so much shall serve touching the _Barbadoes_.

Some men I have known in _England_, whose bodies are so strong and able to endure cold, as no weather fits them so well as frost and snow; such Iron bodies would be fit for a Plantation in Russia: For, there is no traceing Hares under the Line, nor sliding on the Ice under either Tropick. Others there are that have heard of the pleasures of _Barbadoes_, but are loath to leave the pleasures of England behind them. These are of a sluggish humour, and are altogether unfit for so noble an undertaking; but if any such shall happen to come there, he shall be transmitted to the innumerable Armie of Pismires, and Ants, to sting him with such a reproof, as he shall wish himselfe any where rather then amongst them. So much is a sluggard detested in a Countrey, where Industry and Activity is to be exercised. The Dwarfe may come there, and twice a year vie in competition with the Giant: for set them both together upon a levell superficies, and at noone, you shall not know by their shadowes who is the tallest man.

The Voluptuous man, who thinks the day not long enough for him to take his pleasure. Nor the sleepie man who thinks the longest night too short for him to dreame out his delights, are not fit to repose and solace themselves upon this Iland; for in the whole compasse of the Zodiacke, they shall neither find St. Barnabies day, or St. Lucies night, the Sun running an eeven course, is there an indifferent Arbiter of the differences which are between those two Saints, and like a just and cleere sighted Judge, reconciles those extreams to a Medium, of 12 and 12 houres, which equality of time is utterly inconsistent to the humours and dispositions of these men.

But I speak this, to such as have their fancies so Aereall, and refin’d as not to be pleased with ordinary delight; but think to build and settle a felicity here: above the ordinary levell of mankind. Such spirits, are too volatile to fixe on businesse; and therefore I will leave them out, as useless in this Common-wealth. But such as are made of middle earth: and can be content to wave those pleasures, which stand as Blocks, and Portcullisses, in their way; and are indeed, the main Remoras in their passage to their profits. Such may here find moderate delights, with moderate labour, and those taken moderately will conduce much to their healths, and they that have industry, to imploy that well, may make it the Ladder to clyme to a high degree, of Wealth and opulencie, in this sweet Negotiation of Sugar, provided they have a competent stock to begin with; such I mean as may settle them in a Sugar-work, and lesse then 14000 l. sterling, will not do that: in a Plantation of 500 acres of land, with a proportionable stock of Servants, Slaves, Horses, Camels, Cattle, Assinigoes, with an Ingenio, and all other houseing, thereunto belonging; such as I have formerly nam’d.

But one wil say, why should any man that has 14000 l. in his purse, need to runne so long a Risco, as from hence to the Barbadoes: when he may live with ease and plenty at home; to such a one I answer, that every drone can sit and eate the Honey of his own Hive: But he that can by his own Industry, and activity, (having youth and strength to friends,) raise his fortune, from a small beginning to a very great one, and in his passage to that, doe good to the publique, and be charitable to the poor, and this to be accomplished in a few years, deserves much more commendation and applause. And shall find his bread, gotten by his painfull and honest labour and industry, eate sweeter by much, than his that onely minds his ease, and his belly.

Now having said this much, I hold it my duty, to give what directions I can, to further any one that shall go about to improve his stock, in this way of Adventure; and if he please to hearken to my directions, he shall find they are no Impossibilities, upon which I ground my Computations: the greatest will be, to find a friend for a Correspondent, that can be really honest, faithful and Industrious, and having arriv’d at that happinesse, (which is the chiefest,) all the rest will be easie; and I shall let you see that without the help of Magick or Inchantment, this great Purchase of 14000 l. will be made with 3000 l. stock, and thus to be ordered.

One thousand pound, is enough to venture at first, because we that are here in England, know not what commodities they want most in the _Barbadoes_, and to send a great Cargo of unnecessary things, were to have them lye upon our hands to losse. This 1000 l. I would have thus laid out: 100 l. in Linnen Cloth, as Canvas and Kentings, which you may buy here in London, of French Marchants, at reasonable rates; and you may hire poor Journy-men Taylers, here in the Citty, that will for very small wages, make that Canvas into Drawers, and Petticoats, for men and women Negres. And part of the Canvas, and the whole of the Kentings, for shirts and drawers for the Christian men Servants, and smocks and peticoates for the women. Some other sorts of Linnen, as Holland or Dowlace, will be there very usefull, for shirts and smocks for the Planters themselves, with their Wives and Children. One hundred pounds more, I would have bestow’d, part on wollen cloath, both fine and coorse, part on Devonshire Carsies, and other fashionable stuffes, such as will well endure wearing. Upon Monmoth Capps I would have bestowed 25 l. you may bespeak them there in Wales, and have them sent up to London, by the waynes at easie rates. Forty pound I think fit to bestow on Irish Ruggs such as are made at Killkennie, and Irish stockings, and these are to be had at St. _James_’s faire at _Bristow_; the stockings are to be worne in the day, by the Christian servants, the Ruggs to cast about them when they come home at night, sweating and wearied, with their labour; to lap about them, when they rest themselves on their Hamacks at night, than which nothing is more needfull, for the reasons I have formerly given. And these may either be shipt at Bristow, if a ship be ready bound for Barbadoes, or sent to London by waynes which is a cheap way of conveyance. Fifty pound I wish may be bestowed on shooes, and some bootes, to be made at Northampton, and sent to London in dry fates, by Carts; but a speciall care must be taken, that they may be made large, for they will shrink very much when they come into hot Climats. They are to be made of severall sises, for men women and children; they must be kept dry and close, or else the moistnesse of the Ayre will cause them to mould. Gloves will sell well there, and I would have of all kinds, and all sises, that are thinne; but the most usefull, are those of tann’d leather, for they will wash and not shrinke in the wetting, and weare very long and soople; you may provide your selfe of these, at Evill, Ilemister and Ilchester, in Somerset shire; at reasonable rates. Fifteen pound I would bestow in these Commodities. In fashionable Hats and Bands, both black and coloured, of severall sises and qualities, I would have thirty pounds bestowed. Black Ribbon for mourning, is much worn there, by reason their mortality is greater; and therefore upon that commodity I would bestow twenty pound; and as much in Coloured, of severall sises and colours. For Silkes and Sattins, with gold and silver-Lace, we will leave that alone, till we have better advice; for they are casuall Commodities.

Having now made provision for the back, it is fit to consider the belly, which having no ears, is fitter to be done for, then talkt to; and therefore we will do the best we can, to fill it with such provisions, as will best brook the Sea, and hot Climates: Such are Beefe, well pickled, and well conditioned, in which I would bestow 100 l. In Pork 50 l. in Pease for the voyage, 10 l. In Fish, as Ling, Haberdine, Green-fish, and Stock-fish, 40 l. In Bisket for the voyage, 10 l. Cases of Spirits 40 l. Wine 150 l. Strong Beer 50 l. Oyle Olive 30 l. Butter 30 l. And Candles must not be forgotten, because they light us to our suppers, and our beds.

The next thing to be thought on, is Utensills, and working Tooles, such are whip-Sawes, two-handed Sawes, hand-Sawes, Files of severall sises and shapes; Axes, for felling and for hewing; Hatchets, that will fit Carpenters, Joyners, and Coopers; Chisells, but no Mallets, for the wood is harder there to make them: Adzes, of severall sises, Pick-axes, and Mat-hooks; Howes of all sises, but chiefly small ones, to be used with one hand, for with them, the small Negres weed the ground: Plains, Gouges, and Augurs of all sises; hand-Bills, for the Negres to cut the Canes; drawing-Knives, for Joyners. Upon these Utensills I would bestow 60 l. Upon Iron, Steel, and small Iron pots, for the Negres to boyl their meat, I would bestow 40 l. And those are to be had in _Southsex_ very cheap, and sent to _London_ in Carts, at time of year, when the waies are drie and hard. Nailes of all sorts, with Hooks, Hinges, and Cramps of Iron; and they are to be had at _Bromigham_ in _Staffordshire_, much cheaper then in _London_: And upon that Commodity I would bestow 30 l. In Sowes of Lead 20 l, in Powder and Shot 20 l. If you can get Servants to go with you, they will turn to good accompt, but chiefly if they be Trades-men, as, Carpenters, Joyners, Masons, Smiths, Paviers, and Coopers. The Ballast of the Ship, as also of all Ships that trade there, I would have of Sea-coales, well chosen, for it is a commodity was much wanting when I was there, and will be every day more and more, as the Wood decayes: The value I would have bestowed on that, is 50 l. which will buy 45 Chauldron, or more, according to the burthen of the Ship. And now upon the whole, I have outstript my computation 145 l. but there will be no losse in that; for, I doubt not, (if it please God to give a blessing to our endeavours) but in twelve or fourteen months, to sell the goods, and double the Cargo; and, if you can stay to make the best of your Market, you may make three for one.

This Cargo, well got together, I could wish to be ship’t in good order, about the beginning of _November_, and then by the grace of God, the Ship may arrive at the _Barbadoes_ (if she make no stay by the way) about the middle of _December_; and it is an ordinary course to sail thither in six weeks: Comming thither in that cool time of the year, your Victualls will be in good condition to be removed into a Store-house, which your Correspondent (who, I account, goes along with it) must provide as speedily as he can, before the Sun makes his return from the Southern Tropick; for then the weather will grow hot, and some of your Goods, as, Butter, Oyle, Candles, and all your Liquors, will take harme in the remove.

The Goods being stowed in a Ware house, or Ware houses, your Correspondent must reserve a handsome room for a Shop, where his servants must attend; for then his Customers will come about him, and he must be carefull whom he trusts; for, as there are some good, so there are many bad pay-masters; for which reason, he must provide himselfe of a Horse, and ride into the Country to get acquaintance; and halfe a dosen good acquaintance, will be able to enform him, how the pulse beats of all the rest: As also by enquiries, he will finde, what prices the Goods bear, which he carries with him, and sell them accordingly; and what valews Sugars bear, that he be not deceived in that Commodity, wherein there is very great care to be had, in taking none but what is very good and Merchantable, and in keeping it drie in good Casks, that no wet or moist aire come to it; and so as he makes his exchanges, and receives in his Sugars, or what other commodities he trades for, they lie ready to send away for _England_, as he findes occasion, the delivering of the one, making room for the other; for Ships will be every month, some or other, comming for _England_. If he can transport all his goods, raised upon the Cargo, in eighteen months, it will be very well. This Cargo being doubled at the _Barbadoes_, that returned back, will produce at least 50 _per cent._ And then your Cargo, which was 1145 l. at setting out, and being doubled there to 2290 l. will be at your return for _England_ 3435 l. of which I will allow for freight, and all other charges 335 l. so there remaines to account 3100 l. clear. By which time, I will take for granted, that your Correspondent has bargained, and gone through for a Plantation, which we will presuppose to be of five hundred acres, Stock’t as I have formerly laid down; (for we must fix upon one, that our computations may be accordingly) if it be more or lesse, the price must be answerable, and the Produce accordingly. And therfore as we began, we will make this our scale, that 14000 l. is to be paid, for a Plantation of 500 acres Stock’t. Before this time, I doubt not, but he is also grown so well verst in the traffick of the Iland, as to give you advice, what Commodities are fittest for your next Cargo; and according to that instruction, you are to provide, and to come your selfe along with it.

By this time, I hope, your remaining 1855 l. by good employment in _England_, is raised to 2000 l. So then you have 5100 l. to put into a new Cargo, which I would not have you venture in one Bottom. But if it please God, that no ill chance happen, that Cargo of 5100 l. having then time enough to make your best Market, may very wel double, and 1000 l. over; which 1000 l. I will allow to go out for fraight, and all other charges. So then, your Cargo of 5100 l. being but doubled, will amount unto 10200 l. But this Cargo being large, will require three years time to sell; so that if you make your bargain for 14000 l. to be paid for this Plantation, you will be allowed three daies of payment; the first shall be of 4000 l. to be paid in a year after you are setled in your Plantation; 5000 l. more at the end of the year following, and 5000 l. at the end of the year then next following. And no man will doubt such payment, that sees a visible Cargo upon the Iland of 10200 l. and the produce of the Plantation to boot. Now you see which way this purchase is made up, _viz._ 4000 l. the first payment, 5000 l. the second, and so there remains upon your Cargo 1200 l. towards payment of the last 5000 l. and by that time, the profit of your Plantation will raise that with advantage; and then you have your Plantation clear, and freed of all debts. And we will account at the lowest rate, that if two hundred acres of your five hundred, be planted with Canes, and every Acre bear but three thousand weight of Sugar, valuing the Sugar but at three pence per pound, which is thirty seven pound ten shillings every acre, then two hundred acres will produce 7500 l. in sixteen months; that is, fifteen months for the Canes to grow and be ripe, and a month to Cure the Sugar that is made.

But if you stay four months longer, your Muscavado Sugar, which I valued at three pence per pound, will be Whites, and then the price will be doubled, and that you see is 15000 l. Out of which we will abate ¼ part for waste, and for the tops and bottomes of the Pots,

3̸2̸
1̸5̸0̸0̸0̸ (3750
4̸4̸4̸4̸

15000
3750
-----
11250
2400
-----
13650

which may be rank’d with the Muscavadoes, and that is 3750 l. and then there remains 11250 l. to which we will add the value of the Drink, that is made of the skimmings, at 120 l. per month, which in twenty months comes to 2400 l. and then the whole revenue will amount unto 13650 l. in twenty months. But this profit must come successively in, as the Sugars are made, and they work all the year, except in _November_ and _December_, when the great downfalls of rain come: and if they pave the waies, between the Canes, for the Slids and Assinigoes to passe, they may work then too; for, little else hinders them, but the unpassablenesse of the waies.

So then you see, that upon the venturing, and well husbanding of 3000 l. stock, you are setled in a revenue of 682 l. a month, of which months we will account 13 in a year, so that after your work is set in order, and that you will account the yearly revenue, you will finde it 8866 l. per Annum.

Now let us confider, what the certain charge will be yearly, to keep the Plantation in the condition we receive it, which we will suppose to be compleatly furnished, with all that is necessary thereunto: And first, of all manner of houseing, as convenient dwelling houses, the Mill-house, or Grinding-house where the sugar is prest out; the boyling-house, with five sufficient Coppers for boyling, and one or two for cooling, with all Utensills, that belong to the Mill, and boyling-house; the filling room, with stantions; the Still-house with two sufficient Stills, and receivers to hold the drinke, with Cisterns to all these rooms, for holding liquor, and temper; the Cureing house fill’d with stantions, two stories high, and commonly in it seventeen or eighteen hundred pots for cureing; the Smiths forge, with room to lay coales, Iron, and steele; the Carpenter, and Joyners houses, where they lodge and lay their tools, and much of their fine worke, with sufficient store-houses, to lay such provision as we receive from forraine parts, as Beefe, Pork, Fish, Turtle; and also to keep our drink which is made of the sugar, to the repairing of all which, the premises with the Appurtenances, we will allow no lesse then 500 l. Per Annum.

To this, there is yet more to be added: for though we breed both Negres, Horses, and Cattle; yet that increase, will not supply the moderate decayes which we finde in all those; especially in our Horses and Cattell, therefore we will allow for that 500 l. Per Annum.

The next thing we are to consider is, the feeding of our servants and slaves, over and above the provisions which the Plantations beare, and that will be no great matter, for they are nor often fed with bone-meat; But we will allow to the Christian servants, (which are not above thirty in number,) foure barrels of Beefe, and as much of Porke yearely, with two barrels of salt Fish, and 500 poore-Johns, which we have from New England, foure barrels of Turtle, and as many of pickled Makerels, and two of Herrings, for the Negres; all which I have computed, and finde they will amount unto 100 l, or thereabouts; besides the fraight which will be no great matter; for you must be sure to have a Factor, both at New England and Virginia, to provide you of all Commodities those places afford, that are usefull to your plantation; or else your charge will be treble. As from New England, Beefe, Porke, Fish, of all sorts, dried and pickled; from Virginia live-Cattle, Beefe and Tobacco; for theirs at _Barbadoes_ is the worst I think that growes in the world; And for Cattle, no place lyes neerer to provide themselves, and the Virginians cannot have a better market to sell them; for an Oxe of 5 l. pound price at Virginie, will yield 25 l. there.

But to go on with our computation: for as we have given order for feeding our people, so we must for their cloathing; and first for the Christians, which we will account to be thirty in number whereof ⅔ shall be men, and ⅓ women, that we may make our computation the more exact; and for the men, (which are twenty in number,) we will allow one for the supreame Overseer, who is to receive and give directions, to all the subordinate Overseers, which we allow to be five more; and those he appoynts to go out with severall Gangs, some tenne, some twenty, more or lesse, according to the ability of the overseer hee so imployes; and these are to go out upon severall Imployments, as he gives them directions, some to weed, some to plant, some to fall wood, some to cleave it, some to saw it into boards, some to fetch home, some to cut Canes, others to attend the Ingenio, Boyling-house, Still-house, and Cureing-house; some for Harvest, to cut the Maies, (of which we have three Crops every yeare,) others to gather Provisions, of Bonavist, Maies, Yeames, Potatoes, Cassavie, and dresse it at fit times for their dinners and suppers, for the Christian servants; the Negres alwayes dressing their own meat themselves, in their little Pots, which is only Plantines, boyl’d or roasted, and some eares of Maies toasted, at the fire; and now and then a Makerell a piece, or two Herrings.

The Prime Overseer may very well deserve Fifty pounds Per Annum, or the value in such Commodities as he likes, that are growing upon the Plantation; for he is a man that the master may allow sometimes to sit at his own Table, and therefore must be clad accordingly. The other five of the Overseers, are to be accounted in the ranke of Servants, whose freedome is not yet purchased, by their five years service, according to the custome of the Iland. And for their cloathing, they shall be allowed three shirts together, to every man for shifts, which will very well last halfe a year, and then as many more. And the like proportion for drawers, and for shooes, every month a paire, that is twelve paire a year; six paire of stockings yeerly, and three Monmouth Capps, and for Sundayes, a doublet of Canvas, and a plaine band of Holland.

* * * * *

_An Account of Expences issuing out yearly for Cloathing, for the Christian Servants, both Men and Women, with the Wages of the principall Overseer, which shall be_ 50 l. _sterling, or the value in such Goods as grow upon the Plantation_.

To the five subordinate Overseers, for each mans cloathing.

l. s. d.
Six shirts, at 4 s. a piece 1 04 0
Six pair of Drawers, at 2 s. 0 12 0
Twelve pair of shoes, at 3 s. 1 16 0
Six pair of Linnen or Irish stockings, }
at 20 d. } 0 10 0
Three _Monmouth_ Caps, at 4 s. 0 12 0
Two doublets of Canvas, and }
six Holland bands } 0 15 0

Sum totall for each man 5 9 0
Sum totall for the five Overseers 27 5 0

To the fourteen common servants.

l. s. d.
Six shirts to each man 1 04 0
Six pair of drawers to each man 0 12 0
Twelve pair of shoes, at 3 s. 1 16 0
Three _Monmouth_ caps, at 4 s. 0 12 0

Sum totall to each man 4 04 0

Sum totall, of the fourteen } 58 16 0
servants by the year }

Now for the ten women servants, we will dispose of them, thus: Four to attend in the house, and those to be allowed, as followeth in the first Columne, _viz._

The four that attend in the house to each of them

l. s. d.
Six smocks, at 4 s. a piece 1 04 0
Three petticoats, at 6 s. 0 18 0
Three wastcoats, at 3 s. 0 09 0
Six coifes or caps, at 18 d. a } 0 09 0
piece }
Twelve pair of shoes, at 3 s. 1 16 0

Sum is 4 16 0
Sum totall of the four women } 19 4 0
that attend in the house }

The other six that weed, and do the common work abroad yearly.

l. s. d.
Four smocks, at 4 s. a piece 0 16 0
Three petticoats, at 5 s. a piece 0 15 0
Four coifs, at 12 d. a piece 0 04 0
Twelve pair of shoes, at 3 s. 1 16 0

Sum is 3 11 0
Sum totall of the six common } 21 06 0
women servants }

Thirty Rug Gownes for these thirty servants, to cast }
about them when they come home hot and wearied, from } 37 10 0
their work, and to sleep in a nights, in their Hamocks, }
at 25 s. a Gown or mantle.

Now for the Negres, which we will account to be a hundred of both Sexes, we will divide them equally; The fifty men shall be allowed yearly but three pair of Canvas drawers a piece, which at 2 s. a pair, is 6 s.

The women shall be allowed but two petticoats a piece yearly, at 4 s. a piece, which is 8 s. yearly.

So the yearly charge of the fifty men Negres, is 15 00 0
And of the women 20 00 0

Sum is 35 00 0

Now to sum up all, and draw to a conclusion, we will account, that for the repairing dilapidations, and decayes in the houseing, and all Utensills belonging thereunto,

l. s. d.
We will allow yearly to issue out of the Profits, that }
arise upon the Plantation } 500 00 00

As also for the moderate decayes of our Negres, }
Horses, and Cattle, notwithstanding all our Recruits } 500 00 00
by breeding all those kinds }

For forraign provisions of victualls for our servants }
and some of our slaves, we will allow yearly } 100 00 00

For wages to our principall Overseer yearly 50 00 00

By the Abstract of the charge of Cloathing the }
five subordinate Overseers yearly. } 27 05 00

By the Abstract of Clothing, the remaining 14 }
men-servants yearly } 58 16 00

By the Abstract of Cloathing four women-servants }
that attend in the house } 19 04 00

By the Abstract of the remaining six women-servants, }
that do the common work abroad in the } 21 06 00
fields. }

The charge of thirty Rug Gowns for these thirty }
servants } 37 10 00

By the abstract of the cloathing of fifty men-Negres 15 00 00

By the abstract for the cloathing of fifty women-Negres 20 00 00

Sum totall of the expences is 1349 01 00

Sum totall of the yearly profits of the Plantation 8866 00 00

So the clear profit of this Plantation of 500 acres }
of land amounts to yearly } 7516 19 00

A large Revenue for so small a sum as 14000 l. to purchase, where the Seller does not receive two years value by 1000 l. and upwards; and yet gives daies of payment.

I have been believed in all, or the most part, of my former descriptions and computations, concerning this Iland, and the waies to attain the profits that are there to be gathered; but when I come to this point, no man gives me credit, the businesse seeming impossible, that any understanding man, that is owner of a Plantation of this value, should sell it for so inconsiderable a sum: and I do not at all blame the incredulity of these persons; for, if experience had not taught me the contrary, I should undoubtedly be of their perswasion. But lest I should, by an over-weening opinion, hope, that my experience (which is only to my selfe) should mislead any man besides his reason, which every knowing man ought to be guided and governed by, I will without strayning or forcing a reason, deliver a plain and naked truth, in as plain language, as is fitting such a subject, which I doubt not but will perswade much in the businesse.

’Tis a known truth there, that no man has attained to such a fortune as this, upon a small beginning, that has not met with many rubs and obstacles in his way, and sometimes fallings back, let his pains and industry be what it will: I call those fallings back, when either by fire, which often happens there; or death of Cattle, which is as frequent as the other; or by losses at Sea, which sometimes will happen, of which I can bring lively instances: If either of these misfortunes fall, it stands in an equall ballance, whether ever that man recover, upon whom these misfortunes fall: But, if two of these happen together, or one in the neck of another, there is great odds to be laid, that he never shall be able to redeem himselfe, from an inevitable ruine; For, if fire happen, his stock is consumed, and sometimes his house; if his Cattle die, the work stands still, and with either of these, his credit falls; so as if he be not well friended, he never can entertain a hope to rise again.

These toyls of body and minde, and these misfortunes together, will depresse and wear out the best spirits in the world, and will cause them to think, what a happie thing it is, to spend the remainder of their lives in rest and quiet in their own Countries. And I do believe, there are few of them, whose mindes are not over-ballanc’d with avarice and lucre, that would not be glad to sell good penni-worths, to settle themselves quietly in _England_. Besides the casualties which I have named, there is yet one of neerer Concern then all the rest, and that is, their own healths, than which, nothing is more to be valued; for, sicknesses are there more grievous, and mortality greater by far, than in _England_, and these diseases many times contagious: And if a rich man, either by his own ill diet or distemper, or by infection, fall into such a sicknesse, he will finde there a plentifull want of such remedies, as are to be found in _England_. Other reasons, and strong ones, they have, that induce them to hanker after their own Country, and those are, to enjoy the company of their old friends, and to raise up families to themselves, with a Sum which they have acquired by their toyle and industry, and often hazards of their lives, whose beginnings were slight and inconsiderable; and what can be a greater comfort, both to themselves, and their friends, then such an enjoyment. But I speak not this to discourage any man, that has a mind to improve his Estate, by adventuring upon such a Purchase; for, though the Planter, by long and tedious pain and industry, have worn out his life, in the acquist of his fortune; yet, the Buyer, by his purchase, is so well and happily seated, as he need endure no such hardships, but may go on in the managing his businesse, with much ease, and some pleasure; and in a dosen years, return back with a very plentifull fortune, and may carry with him from _England_, better remedies for his health, then they, who for a long time had neither means to provide, nor mony to purchase it; for, though some Simples grow there, that are more proper for the bodies of the Natives, than any we can bring from forraigne parts, and no doubt would be so for our bodies too, if wee knew the true use of them; yet wanting that knowledge, we are faine to make use of our own.

But when able and skilfull Physitians shall come, whose knowledge can make the right experiment and use of the vertues of those simples that grow there, they will no doubt finde them more efficatious, and prevalent to their healths, then those they bring from forraine parts. For certainely every Climate produces Simples more proper to cure the diseases that are bred there, than those that are transported from any other part of the world: such care the great Physitian to mankind takes for our convenience.

Somewhat I have said of the diseases that raigne in Generall in this Iland, but have falne on no particular, though I have felt the power and Tyranny of it upon mine own body, as much as any man that has past through it to death, though it pleased the mercifull God to raise me up againe: for I have it to shew under the hand of Colonell _Thomas Modiford_ in whose house I lay sick, that he saw me dead without any appearance of life, three several times, not as in sounding but dying fits, and yet recover’d at last.

To tell the tedious particulars of my sicknesse, and the severall drenches our Ignorant Quacksalvers there gave me, will prove but a troublesome relation, and therefore I am willing to decline it: Only this much, that it began with a Fever, and as it is the custome of that disease there to cause Bindings, Costivenesse, and consequently Gripings, and Tortions in the Bowels, so it far’d with me, that for a fortnight together had not the least evacuation by Seige, which put me to such Torment as in all that time I have not slept; and want of that, wore me out to such a weaknesse, as I was not then in a condition to take any remedy at all. This excessive heat within begat a new torment within me, the Stone; which stopt my passage so as in foureteen dayes together no drop of water came from me; But contrary to my expectation, God Almighty sent me a Remedie for that, and such a one as all the whole world cannot afford the like: for in ten hours after I tooke it, I found my selfe not onely eas’d, but perfectly cur’d of that Torment, at least for the present, for it not only broke, but brought away all the Stones and gravell that stopt my passage, so that my water came as freely from me as ever, and carried before it such quantities of broken stones and gravell, as in my whole life I have not seen the like. About three weeks or a month after this, I became in the same distresse and felt the like Torment, whereupon I took the same medicine; which gave me the same help. Now if it did thus to a body so worne out as mine, where Nature was so decay’d as it could operate little to the cure; what will this medicine doe, when it meets with such Organs as can contribute mainly to assist it? But I give the reader but a sooty relation of my Maladies, and indeed very unfit for his eares, yet when I shal prescribe the remedy, which may happen to concerne him, I may hope to make him amends: for truly my touching upon the disease, was but to usher in the cure, which shall follow close after, and ’tis briefly thus. Take the Pisle of a green Turtle, which lives in the Sea, dry it with a moderate heat, pound it in a Morter to powder, and take of this as much as wil lye upon a shilling, in Beere or the like, Ale or White wine, and in a very short time it will doe the cure. If this secret had bin known in Europe but a dosen years since, no doubt we had bin well stor’d with it by this time, for ’tis to be had both at the _Charibby_ and _Lucayicke_ Ilands, where these fishes abound.

Yet so slow was my recovery of the maine sicknesse and my relapses so frequent, as I was ever and anon, looking out to meet my familiar Companion Death; my Memory and Intellect suffering the same decayes with my body, for I could hardly give an account of ⅔ of the time I was sick; but as my health increast, they return’d. In three months more, I was able to ride down to the Bridge, where finding a ship bound for England, I agreed for my passage and dyet by the way; and (as the manner of all Masters of ships is,) he made me large promises, of plentifull provisions aboard, as Beefe, Porke, Pease, Fish, Oyle, Bisket, Beere, and some Wine; This Ship had bin fifteen months out of England, and had traded at _Guinny_ and _Binny_ for Gold and Elephants teeth, but those commodities taking up but little room, the Captaine made the _Barbadoes_ in his way home, intending to take in his full lading of Sugar, and such other commodities as that Iland afforded; and so being ready to set sayle, my selfe and divers other Gentlemen embarkt, upon the fifthteenth of April 1650, at twelve a clock at night; which time our Master made choyce of, that he might the better passe undescri’d by a well known Pirate, that had for many dayes layne hovering about the Iland, to take any ships that traded for London, by vertue of a Commission as he pretended, from the Marquesse of _Ormond_. This Pirate was an Irish man, his name _Plunquet_, a man bold enough: but had the character of being more mercilesse and cruell, then became a valiant man. To confirme the first part of his character; he took a ship in one of the Habours of the Iland, out of which he furnisht himselfe with such things as he wanted, but left the carcase of the vessell, to floate at large. He had there a Frigot of about 500 Tunns, and a small vessell to wayte on her, but the night cover’d us from being discern’d by him, and so we came safely off the Iland. About a fortnight after we had bin at sea, our Master complain’d, that his men had abus’d him, and (for some commodities usefull to themselves) had truckt away the greatest part of his Bisket; So that instead of bread, we were serv’d with the sweepings and dust of the bread roome, which caused a generall complaint of all the passengers but no remedy: our Pease must now supply that want, which with some Physicall perswasion of the Master, that it was as hearty and binding as bread, we rested satisfied, with this Motto, _Patience upon force_. The next thing wanting, was Fish, an excellent food at Sea; and the want of that troubled us much, yet the same remedy must serve as for the other, Patience. The next thing wanting was Porke; and the last Beere, which put us clean out of all Patience; So that now our staple food of the Ship, was onely Beefe, a few Pease, and for drink water that had bin fifteen months out of England; finding how ill we were accommodated, we desir’d the Master to put in at _Fiall_, One of the Ilands of _Azores_, a little to refresh our selves, which Iland was not much out of our way, but the Master loath to be at the charge of re-victualling, and losse of time; refus’d to hearken to us, and being a request much to his disadvantage, slighted us and went on, till he was past recovery of those Ilands, and then a violent storme took us, and in that storme a sad accident, which happened by meanes of a Portugall, who being a Sea-man, and trusted at the Helme, who though he have a compasse before him, yet is mainely guided by the quarter Master that Conns the ship above, upon the quarter deck; whose directions the Portugall mistooke, being not well verst in the English tongue, and so steer’d the Ship, so neer the winde, that she came upon her stayes, which caused such a fluttering of the sayles, against the Masts, (the winde being extreame violent) as they tore all in peeces, Nor was there any other sayles in the ship, all being spent in the long voyage to _Guinny_; nor any thread in the ship, to mend them, so that now the Master (though too late) began to repent him of not taking our Counsell to goe to _Fiall_.

But how to redeeme us out of this certaine ruine, neither the Master, nor his Mates could tell; for though the winds blew never so faire, we lay still at Hull; and to make use of the Tide, in the Maine, was altogether vaine and hopelesse. Our victualls too, being at a very low Ebbe, could not last us many dayes. So that all that were in the ship, both Sea-men and Passengers, were gazeing one upon another, what to doe when our small remainder of provision came to an end. But the Sea-men, who were the greater number, resolv’d, the Passengers should be drest and eaten, before any of them should goe to the Pot; And so the next thing to be thought on was, which of the Passengers should dye first, for they were all design’d to be eaten; So they resolved upon the fattest and healthfullest first, as likely to be the best meat, and so the next, and next, as they eate Cherries, the best first. In this Election I thought my selfe secure, for my body being nothing but a bagg-full of Hydroptique humours, they knew not which way to dresse me, but I should dissolve and come to nothing in the Cooking; At last the Cooper took me into his consideration, and said that if they would hearken to him, there might be yet some use made of me; and that was in his opinion the best; that seeing my body was not of a consistence to satisfie their hunger, it might serve to quench their thirst. So I saying a short Prayer against drought and thirst, remain’d in expectation of my doome with the rest; So merry these kinde of men can make themselves, in the midst of dangers, who are so accustomed to them; And certainely those men, whose lives are so frequently exposed to such hazards, do not set that value upon them as others, who live in a quiet security; yet, when they put themselves upon any noble action, they will sell their lives at such a rate, as none shall out-bid them; and the custome of these hazards, makes them more valiant then other men; and those amongst them, that do found their courage upon honest grounds; are certainly valiant in a high perfection.

At last, a little Virgin, who was a passenger in the Ship, stood up upon the quarter deck, like a she-Worthy, and said, that if they would be rul’d by her, she would not only be the contriver, but the acter of our deliverance. At whose speech, we all gave a strict attention, as ready to contribute our help to all she commanded; which was, that the Ship-Carpenter should make her a Distaffe and Spindle, and the Saylers combe out some of the Occome: with which instruments and materialls, she doubted not, but to make such a quantity of thread, as to repair our then uselesse Sailes which accordingly she did, and by her vertue (under God) we held our lives.

Though such an accident as this, and such a deliverance, deserve a gratefull commemoration; yet, this is not all the use we are to make of it, somewhat more may be considered, that may prevent dangers for the future; and that is, the great abuse of Captaines and Masters of Ships, who promise to their Passengers, such plenty of victualls, as may serve them the whole voyage: But, before they be halfe way, either pinch them of a great part, or give them that which is nastie and unwholsome. And therefore I could wish every man, that is to go a long voyage, to carry a reserve of his owne, of such viands, as will last, and to put that up safe; for, if it be not under lock and key, they are never the neer; for, the Saylers will as certainty take it, as you trust it to their honesties; Complaine to the Master, and you finde no remedy. One thing I have observed, let a Sayler steal any part of the Ships provision, he shall be sure to have severe punishment; but, if from a Passenger, though it concern him never so neerly, his remedy is to be laughed at. These enormities are fit to be complained on at the Trinity-house, that some redresse may be had; for, the abuses are grievous.

Out of this danger at Sea, it has pleased the God of all mercy to deliver me, as also from a grievous and tedious sicknesse on land, in a strange Country; For which, may his holy Name be eternally blessed and praised, for ever and ever.

I am now cast in Prison, by the subtle practices of some, whom I have formerly called Friends; But the eternall and mercifull God has been pleased to visit and comfort me, and to raise me up such friends, as have kept me from cold and hunger, whose charities in an Age, where cruelties and tyrannies are exercised in so high a measure, may be accounted a prodigie. But, I doubt not of my release out of this restraint, by the power of him, who is able to do all in all. For, as _David_ said to _Saul_, that God, who had delivered him out of the paw of the Lion, and out of the paw of the Bear, would deliver him from that uncircumcised Philistine, _Goliah_ of _Gath_: So may I now say; that God, which has delivered me from a sicknesse to death, on land, and from shipwrack and hazards at Sea, will also deliver me from this uncircumcised Philistine, the _Upper Bench_, than which, the

burning fire of a Feavour, nor the raging waves of the Sea,
are more formidable: But, we have seen and suffered
greater things. And when the great Leveller of
the world, Death, shall run his progresse, all
Estates will be laid eeven.

_Mors Sceptra Ligonibus æquat._

A TABLE,

Of the severall things mentioned in this

_HISTORY_.

_A View of_ Porto Sancto, Madera’s,
_and_ Desertes. pag. 2.

_A view of_ Bonavista, _Isle of_ May
_and_ Palma. pag. 3.

_Hunting and Hawking at Sea._ pag. 4.

_Shark and Pilot fish_. pag. 5.

_Carvil, a fish that sails._ pag. 6.

_Observations upon the Ship’s way,
as also the treachery of_ Bernardo, _a
Portugall_. pag. 7.

_The first sight of the Iland of Saint_
Jago. pag. 8.

_Description of the Bay there, which
they call the_ Pry. pag. 9.

_The_ Padre Vadago’s _house and
entertainment_. pag. 10.

_Our landing on the Iland, and what
hapned to us there._ pag. 13.

_There are seven Ilands more, which
are neighbours to this._ pag. 18.

_The first sight of the_ Barbadoes. pag. 21.

_The Iland first discovered by a ship
of Sir_ William Curteen’s. pag. 23.

_The Scituation of the Iland._ pag. 25.

_The extent and length of daies._ pag. 26.

_Temperature of the aire._ pag. 27.

_How watered._ pag. 28.

_Meat and drink for supportation
of life._ pag. 29.

_Bread and drink._ pag. 31.

_Severall sorts of meat._ pag. 33.

_The manner of killing a Turtle._ pag. 36.

_Victualls brought from forraign
parts._ pag. 37.

_A Feast of an inland Plantation._ pag. 38.

_The like of a Plantation neer the
Sea._ pag. 39.

_Commodities exported and imported._ pag. 40.

_What materialls grow on the Iland,
fit to build with._ pag. 41.

_The number and nature of the Inhabitants._ pag. 43.

_A combination among the Servants,
to kill their Masters._ pag. 45.

_Reasons why the Negres can plot no
Massacres upon their Masters._ pag. 46.

_Negres pastime upon Sundaies,
and their aptnesse to learne Arts._ pag. 48.

_The Planters will not allow their
Slaves to be Christians._ pag. 50.

_Observations upon the shapes of the
Negres._ pag. 51.

_A plot of some Negres, to burn the_
Ingenio, _and the plot discovered by
some of their own country-men, who
were honest and noble_. pag. 53.

_Observations upon the_ Indians. pag. 54.

_Somwhat of the Planters themselves._ pag. 55.

_Tame Beasts, which are of great use
to the planters, as_, Camells, Horses,
Bulls, Oxen, Cowes, Assinigoes,
Hoggs, Sheep, Goats. pag. 58.

_Birds of all sorts._ pag. 60.

_Animalls and Insects._ pag. 61.

_Crabs that come and dwell upon the
Land._ pag. 65.

_Severall Trees growing upon the
Iland, and first of the poysonous trees
and plants._ pag. 66.

_Severall kinds of Fruit-trees._ pag. 69.

_Trees of mixt kinds._ pag. 72.

_Timber trees of severall kinds._ pag. 73.

_The_ Palmet Royall _described_. pag. 75.

_Plants that bear fruit._ pag. 79.

_The_ Pine _described_. pag. 82.

_Sugar Canes, with the manner of
planting, growth, time of ripenesse,
with the whole processe of Sugar-making,
both Muscavadoes and Whites._ pag. 84.

_The manner of distilling the skimings
of the Coppers, of which we make
the strong drink, which the planters
call_ kill-devill. pag. 92.

_An estimate of the value of the Sugar
made upon this Iland, in twenty
months._ pag. 95.

_The Withs described._ pag. 96.

_Caves, and the description of their
largenesse._ pag. 98.

_The use of_ Liam-hounds. ibid.

_Aloes growing there._ ibid.

_The flower of the_ Moon. pag. 99.

_English Herbs and Rootes._ ib.

_Strength of the Iland by Nature to
Sea-ward._ pag. 100.

_As also within Land._ ibid.

_How Governed, and how Divided._ ibid.

_No Mines in this Iland._ p. 101.

_The Tar River._ ib.

_The ill contrivance of the Planters
houses, as we found them, when first we
came there._ pag. 102.

_Directions for better buildings._ p. 103.

_A survey of the pleasures and profits,
commodities and incommodities,
sicknesse and healthfulnesse, of this
Iland, ballanced with those of_ England. p. 104.

_The beauties of the Heavens, and
how much they transcend those of farther
distances from the Line._ p. 106.

_The voluptuous nor lazy persons
are not fit to inhabit on this Iland._ pag. 108.

_The value of a Plantation Stock’t, of
five hundred acres of Land, whereof
two hundred for Canes, to be sold for_
14000 l. ibid.

_How this purchase of_ 14000 l. _by
providence and good husbandry, may
be made with_ 3000 l. p. 109.

_The yearly revenue of this Plantation,
being once set in an orderly
course, will amount unto_ 8866 l. pag. 112.

_An Estimate of the expence, that
will issue out yearly to keep this Plantation
in good order, as you first received
it, which we will presuppose to be
compleatly furnished with all things._ p. 113.

_The account ballanced, the yearly
Revenue will amount unto_ 7516 l.
19 s. p. 116.

_An Objection answered, how it
comes to passe, that Plantations of so
great a yearly value, can be purchased
with so little mony._ p. 116.

_Somewhat of the Diseases of the
Country, as also of the Physitians._ p. 118.

_An incomparable medicine for the
Stone._ ibid.

Plunquet, _a great Pirate, took
a ship in one of the Bayes_. p. 119.

_I Embarked, and set sail for_ England,
_the fifteenth of_ Aprill, 1650. ibid.

_The abuses of the Captains and
Masters of ships, that promise large
provision of Victuall and Drink to
their passengers; and when they need
it most, fail them grossely._ ibid.

_A storme at Sea, out of which we
were delivered (under God) by a little
Virgin, being a passenger in the Ship._ p. 121.

Errata.