Chapter XXIII: Front Matter (23)

The _Latine_ School and Hospital belonging to the City, are Endow’d with great yearly Revenues.

The Arch-bishop of _St. Domingo_ hath Command over the Bishoprick of _Conception_, _La Vega_, _Cuba_, _Venezuela_, and _Porto Rico_.

The City is surrounded with a Stone Wall, and fortifi’d with a Castle, which with two Bulwarks reaches to the River _Ozama_, and within them two Half-Moons.

On the utmost Shore stands a round Tower near the Southern Bulwark.

Before the new discover’d Countreys entic’d away many People from _St. Domingo_, and the Silver Fleet put into _Havana_, the Inhabitants drove a great Trade in Hides, Tallow, Sugar, _Cassia_, Horses, and Hogs.

_Anno 1586._ Sir _Francis Drake_ Landed here with twelve hundred _English_-men, took the City by Storm, staid a whole Moneth in the same, and upon Composition with the _Spaniard_, left it undestroy’d.

[Sidenote: Other chief Towns of _Hispaniola_.]

Other chief Towns in _Hispaniola_ are 1. _Salvaleon_, twenty eight Leagues distant from _St. Domingo_, towards the East.

2. _Zeybo._ 3. _Cotny_, formerly inhabited by those that work’d in the Gold-Mines; the last especially was once a rich Town, and much frequented, but now in a manner deserted.

4. _Azua_, or _New Compostella_, eight Leagues distant from _St. Domingo_, famous for the Sugar-Mills not far from it, and one of the Ports before-mention’d.

5. _Yaguana_, for its brave Harbour also call’d _Maria del Puerto_, in the more Western parts of the Island; a small Town not above a League distant from the Sea; It was burnt by Captain _Christopher Newport_.

6. _Conception de la Vega_, adorn’d with a Cathedral and Cloysters of Fryers, and lying twenty or thirty Leagues Northward of _St. Domingo_: It was built by _Columbus_, and from thence he had his Title of _Duke de la Vega_.

7. _Sant Jago de los Cavalleros_, a very pleasant Place, ten Leagues Northward of _St. Domingo_.

8. _Puerto de Plata_, or _The Silver Haven_, four Leagues distant from _St. Domingo_ towards the North: It hath been counted the second Place of Trading and Wealth in the whole Island, being commodiously seated on an Arm of the Sea, and fortifi’d with a Castle.

9. _Monte Christo_, one of the Ports also above-mention’d: It lies fourteen Leagues Westward of _Plata_, and extends it self along the Northern Coast: it is wash’d by the River _Yagui_, on whose Banks are many Salt-pans.

[Sidenote: The Island dispeopled by the cruelty of the _Spaniards_.]

[Sidenote: Their barbarous usage of _Guaccanarillo_ and others.]

All those Cities are much decay’d, and thinly inhabited, the _Spaniards_ being most of them drawn by the temptation of new discover’d Gold and Silver Mines in other places, and the first Inhabitants having been miserably destroy’d. The Bishop _De las Casas_, an Eye-witness, relates, That the King _Gauccanarillo_ secur’d the Goods of a stranded Ship, of which _Columbus_ was Commander, and receiv’d the _Spaniards_ very courteously; but not being able to continue supplying them with that quantity of Gold they requir’d, wanting Men to gather so much out of the Streams and Mines, and seeing no way to rid himself from the _Spaniards_ Oppressions, fled to the Province of _Ciguayos_, the _Casique_ of which was his Deputy; whereat the _Spaniards_ were so enrag’d, that they burnt all that they could meet with, neither sparing young nor old; and at length taking _Guaccanarillo_, put him in Irons, and thought to have carried him to _Madrid_; but the Ship in which he went suffering Shipwrack, he with many others was cast away, being before almost dead with grief for his Consort, who had been Ravish’d by a _Spanish_ Commander, Likewise _Anacoana_, Sister to the _Casique_, or Governor of the Province _Xarana_, and Partner with him in the Government, seeing three hundred of her Councellors burning in a great House, set on fire by the _Spaniards_, and her Subjects torn by Dogs, or cut in pieces, hung her self out of despair. The same Death died _Higuanama_, Queen of _Huguey_. Others say that _Anacoana_ was put to death together with her Brother in a most barbarous and cruel manner, by _Nicholas de Olanda_, who succeeded _Diego de Arana_ in the Government of this Island. Many Women and Children were kept alive onely to Manure the Ground. The Men dying of their hard Labour in the Gold-Mines, and those which endur’d stoutly the cruel Labour under Ground, were never suffer’d to go to their Wives; from whence proceeded a great decrease of People, the _Spaniards_ seeming purposely to design the destruction of the Natives of _Hispaniola_, though they receiv’d great benefit by their Service; for Gold in former times was found between the Cracks and split Stones of the Mountains, whose Veins the Mine-workers digg’d for not without great and dangerous Labour.

[Sidenote: First original of the People of _Hispaniola_.]

The first Planters of _Hispaniola_ are, according to the common opinion, deriv’d from _Matinio_, a high and Mountainous Isle, from whence the most eminent Inhabitants were driven by certain Rebels, as formerly the _Syrians_ under the Government of _Dido_, were driven from _Tyre_ to _Lybia_, and the _Batavians_ from _Hessen_ to the Countrey between _Rhyne_ and _Wall_, at present inhabited by the _Gelders_ and _Hollanders_. These _Matininoensians_ thus expell’d from their native Countrey, setled themselves on _Cahonao_, near the River _Bahaboni_: The first House they call’d _Camoteia_, and afterwards turn’d it into a Temple, to which they shew’d Reverence, and made great Presents: In like manner the _Tyema_, which stood on a high Rock belonging to one of the _Canary_ Islands, was by the ancient Inhabitants of the Place had in great veneration, insomuch that many leap’d down from the same, being perswaded by the Priests, That the Souls of those which threw themselves off this sacred Break-neck, should immediately be translated into a place of everlasting happiness.

[Sidenote: The ancient Name of this Island.]

This Island was, as we said before, first call’d _Haity_ which signifies _Wild_, because in many places it swells with wondrous high Mountains, and in other places is over-grown with great Woods: it was afterwards by the ancient Inhabitants nam’d _Xusqueia_, that is, _Unmeasurably great_, because they suppos’d it to be the whole World, and that the Sun shin’d in no other place.

[Sidenote: _Indian_ Songs or Ballads call’d _Areitos_.]

The Natives of this Island, though wholly rude of acquir’d Knowledge or Literature, like the generality of the _Americans_, yet they took care to instruct their Children in the Original and Antiquities of their Countrey, and the Wars and Exploits of their Predecessors, both which they contain’d in Songs call’d _Areitos_ which they us’d to Sing to the sound of Drums and Trumpets; but especially their Persons of chiefest Quality study’d most these _Areitos_, and exercis’d themselves in Dancing.

[Sidenote: Strange Prediction of the _Spaniards_ Arrival.]

The most remarkable of these ancient _Areitos_, were such as pretended to prophesie of things to come, which if of sad consequence, were Sung very mournfully and with many Sighs; nor were they always, however inspir’d, without effect, as appear’d at last by woful event: for long before the _Spaniards_ Landed on _Hispaniola_, it was foretold by one of them, that _Maguacochios_, signifying _Clothed People_, should Land on _Hispaniola_, who with sharp Weapons should cut off Heads and Arms, and under whose insupportable Yoke their Successors must spend their days without hope of ever being releas’d.

It might be disputed whether these Predictions were dictated by good or evil Spirits; but it is generally believ’d, that all their Oracles, whether hapning true or false, were suggested by diabolical Spirits to the Priests, who commonly convers’d with them; and that these Spirits knew the Design of several People to discover new Countreys.

[Sidenote: The Images of their _Zemes_.]

Their Images _Zemes_, stuff’d full of Cotton, were fashion’d into very frightful Shapes, and might pass for those things which we call _Terricula_, or _Bugbears_; of which some were made very small, and those they ty’d on their Foreheads when they went to the Wars. Every Governor had a peculiar _Zemes_, to whom he shew’d Reverence, in return whereof he expected Rain, fair Weather, and to conquer his Enemies, supposing him to be a Messenger of a perpetual and endless Being, by them call’d _Jocauna Guamaonocon_; whom nevertheless they suppos’d to have a Mother, to whom they gave five Names, _viz._ _Attbeir_, _Mamona_, _Guacarapita_, _Liella_, and _Guimazoa_.

[Sidenote: The Islanders Opinion of the Creation.]

Their opinion of Man’s Creation was thus: They say, that out from a Mountain in the Province _Cuanana_, out of certain small and great Caverns therein, came little and great People: The biggest Hole, call’d _Cazibaragua_, and the little one, nam’d _Amaiauna_, were said to be lock’d up every Night, that none might pass the Sentinel _Machchael_, who out of curiosity leaving the Mountain _Cuata_, and going up into the Countrey, was discover’d by the Sun, whose Beams he not being able to endure, was turn’d into a Rock. The like Mischance hapned to many others, who in the dark Night going to Fish, in the Morning at their Return were chang’d into Oaken Trees, onely one of the Fishermen was sent away by the chief Commander _Vaguoniana_, who moved at the Complaint of a Nightingale’s Singing, suffer’d all the Men to go into the Hole, and the Women and Children he Transported to _Matinino_. But to make short of these non-sensical Stories, in conclusion, the Men being let out of their Caves, saw many strange Beasts amongst the Woods, which being turn’d into Women, were entertain’d by them, and brought forth a numerous Progeny, which spread over all _Hispaniola_.

[Sidenote: Their foolish Opinion of the Original of the Sea.]

No less ridiculous an Account do the Priests give concerning the Original of the Sea, _viz._ That _Jaia_, a mighty Man, buried the Body of his deceased Son in a Pumpion, which some Moneths after, out of meer affection to the Deceased, he cutting open, abundance of Whales sprung out of it. This Wonder being every where known, amongst others, entic’d four Brothers born at one Birth (whose Mother died in Childbed) to get the Pumpion into their possession; which their Design prov’d successful: but afterwards struck with a pannick fear of _Jaia_’s coming thither (who oftentimes came to mourn over the Bones of his dead Son) they fled, and threw away the Pumpion, which breaking with the fall, the Sea gush’d out of all places thereof, and cover’d the Plains in such a manner, that nothing of them was seen, onely the tops of the highest Mountains appear’d; at which the four Brothers terribly afrighted, rang’d through barren Desarts, in which they had died of Hunger, had they not come to a Baker’s House, which one of them entring, ask’d for _Cazabi_; but the Baker denying them Bread, spit on them, which caus’d a mortal Dropsie, which the Brothers upon consultation found no way to cure, but by cutting a hole in the Skin with a sharp Stone, and to let out the Water; but out of each running Wound sprung a Woman, who bare them four Sons and four Daughters.

[Sidenote: The Cave _Jovana-beina_.]

There is a certain Cave call’d _Jovana-beina_, which is adorn’d with a thousand Pictures, in great esteem amongst them; at the Entrance on each side whereof stands a _Zemes_; that on the right side is call’d _Binthaitelles_, the other _Marohur_, to which they come from all places to pay their Devotions, because (they say) the Sun and Moon came out of the said Cave to lighten the World.

[Sidenote: Their absurd Opinion of the Deceased.]

Much after the same absurd rate is their Opinion of the Deceased; for they suppose that they range through Woods and Forrests in the Night, eat of a Fruit call’d _Guannaba_, and steal to the Embraces of Women in Moon-shiny Nights. A Traveller, say they, if he be frighted at the appearance of a deceased Person, great inconveniences will certainly attend him, but if he goes stoutly towards it, then the Goblin vanishes.

These Delusions are made great Mysteries amongst them, and contain’d in Songs, which their Priests _Boiti_ Sing to a kind of Tabor made of a piece of hollow Wood, pretending that they have familiar Conversation with the _Zemes_ concerning future things.

[Sidenote: Their Ceremonies about their Sick.]

Their Ceremonies about their sick, especially if Persons of Quality, are likewise very remarkably odd and conceited: First they chew a strong kind of Herb, call’d _Cohobba_, with which having sufficiently intoxicated their Brains, they foam at the Mouth, and run with a Stone and a piece of Flesh in their Mouths to the sick Person, whose Family they drive all out of Doors, except one or two, whose presence the Patient requires; then the _Boiti_ walks four times about the sick Person’s Bed, making strange Gestures, pinching his Lips and Nose, blowing upon his Forehead, Throat and Temples, and sucking several parts of his Body, alledging, that thereby he draws the Distemper out of the Veins; after that he chafes and rubs his Shoulders, Thighs and Legs, and ties his Hands and Feet together, then running to the Door, proclaims, That the Sick in a short time shall be restor’d to his former Health; which said, he returns with his Arms stretch’d out towards the sick Person, takes the piece of Flesh out of his Mouth, which he gives him backwards, saying, _You shall rise and go forth in Health, for I have taken away your Sickness_: But if he judges the Distemper not curable, he makes the Sick believe, that _Zemes_ is displeas’d with him, because he did not build a House for him, or consecrate a Garden to him, or in some respect or other did not worship him as he ought to have done. When the Soul departs out of the Body, they conjure the Body with many Adjurations, to reveal whether it died according to God’s decree, or through neglect of the _Boiti_, as not having sanctifi’d himself enough by Fasting when he went first to the Sick, or not prescrib’d sufficient Medicines: wherefore if (as they say) the Devil answers them from the Mouth of the Deceased, that the _Boiti_ did not perform his due Office, then the nearest Friends revenge themselves on the _Boiti_, but if otherwise, then they are highly esteem’d amongst them. The Women taking the Stones which the _Boiti_ kept in his Mouth, wrap them up in a fine Cloth as a holy Relique, supposing that they will much facilitate their Child-birth.

[Sidenote: Their manner of Consulting with their _Zemes_.]

The _Casiques_ desirous to know future Events of War, or whether the approaching Years will be fruitful, go into a Chappel consecrated to the _Zemes_, and snuff the intoxicating Herb _Cohobba_ up their Nostrils; whereupon they break out into loud Exclamations, and some kind of strange extravagant Actions, till the power of the _Cohobba_ begins to decay, and the Frenzie cease; then coming again to their Senses, they bow their Heads, and lay their Elbows on their Knees, in which posture they sit for a considerable time, then lifting up their Eyes they yawn as if they came from sleep; then they mutter to themselves whilest their Retinue which stand about them (for no common Person is suffer’d to be there) thank them with a loud Voice, for the pains they have been at in discoursing with the _Zemes_; then the _Casiques_ begin to declare what hath been reveal’d to them, _viz._ whether they shall be fortunate in the Wars or not; whether it will be a fruitful or unfruitful, healthy or sickly Year.

[Sidenote: Gossipping.]

Moreover, at the Birth of the _Casique_’s Children, the neighboring Governors visit the Women in Child-bed, and every one gives the Child a peculiar Name, from whence it happens that one Man hath oftentimes forty Names, and is highly incens’d if any one of them chances to be forgot in any Writing directed to him.

[Sidenote: Manner of Succession.]

Their manner of Succession in Government is not unremarkable; for not the eldest Heir-male of the Family, but first the King or _Casique_’s Brother, if he have any, and after his Decease the eldest of the Sisters Inherits the Realm or _Seigniorie_: if the Sisters have no Male-issue, then the Brothers Sons Inherit; and in case they have no Male-heir, then the next of Blood, whether Male or Female: but if the Prince or _Casique_ dies without Children, Nephews, or other near Relations, the next in Power in the Countrey Inherits, and Marries as many Wives as he pleases; of which she that he loves best is burn’d alive in her best Apparel with her Husband when he dies, and near the Corps stands a Cup of Water and some of the Bread _Cazabi_.

[Sidenote: Languages.]

There are several Languages in _Hispaniola_, but differing from each other: for in the Province _Bainoa_ they have a different, both Pronunciation and Dialect from that in _Caizimu_.

In the said Province of _Caizimu_ is a very remarkable Rock, or vast Stone to be seen, at the Foot of a high Mountain; and underneath the said Stone is a great Cave, into which they go through a large Passage, not unlike a Temple Door; near which conjoyn many deep Rivers, with such a Noise and Foam, that they lose both their Sight and Hearing, whoever approach the same.

[Sidenote: An Example of the _Bainoan_ Language.]

Of the Language of the Province _Bainoa_, _Peter Martyr_ gives us this Specimen: “The Wife of a _Casique_ (says he) went to Prayers in a Chappel which was built by the _Spaniards_; at her Return from whence her Husband desiring to enjoy her, she refusing, said, _Teitoca, teitoca, techeta Cynato guammechina_, that is to say, _Be contented, Be contented, God would be highly incens’d_: to which the _Casique_ answer’d, _Gnaibba Cynato machabucha guamechyna_, that is, _What care I if God be angry_.”

[Sidenote: The taking of _St. Domingo_ by Sir _Fran. Drake_.]

Since the _Spaniards_ had first possession of this Island, it hath been twice Invaded by the _English_, the first time under the Conduct of Sir _Francis Drake_, who took the Town of _San Domingo_, staid in it a good while, and could if he had pleas’d, have totally dispossess’d the _Spaniards_; the second time under Colonel _Venables_, sent thither by _Oliver Cromwell_ during his usurp’d Dominion; at which time it might as easily have been taken as at first, had not the Business been rashly and indiscreetly manag’d, as shall presently be declar’d more at large. The first Expedition of Sir _Francis Drake_ hath been already hinted, but for the memorableness of that bold Exploit, we shall give a particular Account of it from a late Writer, who hath set forth the Life of that brave _English_ Heroe. In the Year of our Lord 1580. about the end of _February_ setting Sail from _St. Christophers_ for _Hispaniola_, by the Way they met with a small Frigat bound for _San Domingo_, and the Men of her being Examin’d, one assur’d them that the Haven of it was a barr’d Haven, and the Shore well fortifi’d, so that there was no convenient Landing within ten _English_ Miles of the City, whither this Man undertook to conduct them. _January_ the first they Landed ten Miles from the City, and marching thither under the Command of the Lieutenant General, arriv’d about one a Clock in the Afternoon; when they came near, about a hundred and fifty Gentlemen well Mounted, presented themselves against them; but the small Shot playing upon them, they departed, and the _English_ proceeded towards the two Gates of the City that lay towards the Sea, both which the _Spaniards_ had Mann’d, and planted their Ordnance without the Gates, and some small Shot in an Ambush by the Way-side: The _English_ being about twelve hundred Men, divided themselves; the Lieutenant-General leading the one half to one Gate, and Captain _Powel_ the other half to the other Gate, vowing that with God’s assistance they would not rest till they met in the Market-place: No sooner had the _Spaniards_ discharg’d their Ordnance, doing some little Execution, but the Lieutenant-General hasted, or rather ran upon them, to prevent their Charging again, and notwithstanding their Ambush, entred Pell Mell with them into the Gate, not staying till he came into the Market-place, unto whom shortly after came Captain _Powel_ with his Companies. This Place they strengthned with Barricado’s, the City being too large to be guarded by so small and weary an Army. And after Mid-night they in the Castle, hearing some of the _English_ busie about the Gate, quitted it, some being taken Prisoners, and others escaping by Boats. The next day the _English_ enlarg’d their Quarters, and fortifi’d themselves, and held the Town for a Moneths space. During this time the General sent a _Negro_ Boy with a Flag of Truce to the _Spaniards_, who by the Way was met by some Officers of the Galley which the _English_ had taken, together with the City, who furiously thrust the poor Boy through the Body; who returning to the General, and having declar’d how barbarously they had us’d him, fell down and died in his Presence. The General being much mov’d herewith, commanded the Provost-Martial to take two Fryers, and to carry them to the same place with a sufficient Guard, and there to hang them; and withal he sent one of the Prisoners to inform the _Spaniards_ why he did it, and to tell them, that till the Party who had thus murder’d his Messenger were deliver’d to him, there should no day pass wherein he would not hang two Prisoners, till all were consum’d. Hereupon the day following the Murtherer was brought, and an Offer made to deliver him to the General, who yet thought it more honorable to make them perform the Execution themselves in the sight of the _English_, which was done accordingly.

During their abode here, Commissioners oft pass’d between the _Spaniards_ and them about the Ransom of the City, but not agreeing, the _English_ spent every Morning till the heat of the Day in firing and destroying the Houses in the outward part of the City, two hundred Mariners being employ’d therein for divers days; yet were the Houses built so magnificently and strongly of Stone, that they could not consume one third part of the Town all that time; whereupon the General was contented to accept of twenty five thousand _Ducats_ of 5_s._ 6_d._ apiece to spare the rest.

Here his Soldiers met with good Pillage, especially of rich Apparel, but Treasure they found none; for the _Spaniards_ by their Cruelties had so destroy’d the Natives, who us’d to work in the Mines of Gold and Silver, that they were wholly given over; and in that Island they were forc’d to use Copper Money: yet they found store of Wine, Oyl, Vinegar, Wheat, Woollen and Linnen Cloth, some Silks, _&c._ which much reliev’d them: there was but little Plate found, but good store of _Porcelane_, or _China_ Dishes; yet some they found, and very costly Houshold-stuff.

[Sidenote: _Venables_ his Expedition to _San Domingo_.]

_Venables_ his Expedition was in the Year 1654. when _Cromwell_ having gain’d the supream Power under the Title of _Protector_, and having us’d so many Engines for the getting of Money to maintain his Greatness and usurp’d Authority, that he was almost brought to his last Shifts, bethought himself of this Project, (or, as some suppose, had it put into his Head by Cardinal _Mazarine_, the then great Minister of State in _France_, with whom he had intimate Correspondence) thinking thereby to kill two Birds with one Stone: for on the one side, he thought by this notable Exploit to advance his Fame abroad, and gain Credit and Applause with the People at home, by enlarging his Empire, and spreading the Renown of the _English_ Nation, and so consequently to establish himself the more firmly in his new gotten Power; and at the same time by the great Riches he promis’d to himself from this Adventure, to recruit his Stock, which all his griping Exactions, especially from the King’s Party, could scarce supply for the keeping up of his Army, maintaining Intelligence, and other vast Expences: To this end he sets forth a considerable Fleet with extraordinary speed and secrecy, it not being known whither this Fleet was design’d till they were almost upon the very Place, that the _Spaniard_ might not be forewarn’d to provide against them, onely in general terms it was given out, that the Design was both advantageous to the Nation, and would prove a great enrichment to all that went upon it; so that it is no great wonder, if within a short space a good competent Army was got together of such as having neither Estates nor Employments, willingly offer’d themselves, as Men that went from the fear of Iron Grates, to the hopes of Golden Ingots; and many of them were such as having been in the late King’s Army, and disdaining to take any Employment at home under that Government, were easily induc’d to List themselves in this Armada: nor was _Oliver_ a little glad of this occasion of sending out of the Land, and employing upon a desperate Adventure those Men, who he had reason to suspect would, upon any opportunity offer’d, be the first Opposers of his usurp’d Power. This Army being sent to _Portsmouth_ for Embarquation, and there making such Preparations as was convenient, which a Moneths time or thereabouts was thought would accomplish, a Messenger came from _Desborough_ (who was there to set them going) to the General, that he should prepare to Embarque on _Christmas_-day; which at the first the General receiv’d with great impatience, alledging, That it was not possible so to do, and that he would not set Sail without his Arms and other Necessaries, which were not yet come from _London_: however, at his going to _Desborough_ he was prevail’d upon to set Sail, with a promise that the Ships with the Arms should immediately follow him to the _Barbado_’s, where he was to stay till their arrival; so on _Christmas_-day they set Sail, and about the fourteenth of _February_ arriv’d at _Barbado_’s with three thousand Men, and a Company of Reformado’s, which there were doubled, and then, and not till then, it was told them, That the reason of their so sudden going away, was because there was a Plot forming in _England_ for restoring the King, and that they were not thought fit to be left there at the Head of their Regiments, to be tempted with the advantage of joyning with any such Party. At _Barbado_’s they staid till they had almost undone that Place by eating up their Provisions, the Planters there seldom preparing more than they have occasion to spend in their Houses, and for their Servants (having better and more profitable Employments upon their Hands) and the Soldiers not being content with such Provisions as their Servants would be well pleas’d with, so that they were in danger of starving the Island and themselves too: Thereupon a Council of War was call’d, and the necessity of leaving that Island declar’d, and Orders issu’d out to set Sail for _Hispaniola_, where they might make such Attempt as their Condition would allow, wanting Arms and other Necessaries; when they came within five or six Leagues of _Hispaniola_ the Fleet lay by, and a Council of War was call’d by the Commissioners (for such they had who were never Soldiers) with some few Officers of the Army, where it was resolv’d to attempt _San Domingo_, and an Order made, That in case it be taken, no Soldier should offer to Plunder, but that satisfaction in lieu thereof should be given by the Commissioners; the Officers of the Army in vain opposing and protesting against it, which occasion’d the Soldiers to say, That the Commissioners should take the Town themselves, for they would not; Lots were there drawn by the several Colonels who should first Land, which fell upon the Black Regiment, who had no Arms but Half-pikes of eight Foot long, made of Cabbage-Tree in the _Barbado_’s; And Orders were then given out to the several Colonels to Land at the River _Hind_, within two Leagues of _San Domingo_; so they steer’d their Course thither, as was thought, by Night, but the next Morning found themselves twenty Leagues at least from the place of Rendezvouz, though one Regiment Landed there, who durst not attempt the Town for want of Orders, though doubtless they might have taken it, had they not staid in expectation of the General and the rest of the Fleet; but when they were thus cast Leeward of the Town, they must Land their Men, who no sooner went on Shore, but the Order against Plundering was read, and the Soldiers in a Mutiny to whom it was read, which made the rest forbear to read it, judging it no time now to disoblige them, who had in their Officers opinion too just a cause of discontent: However this was made known to the rest, and discours’d as they march’d, That they had not thought to be under a Committee here, but they would make them weary of their Employment ere they had done: And this indeed was enough, besides the faintness and unusual Heat of the Countrey, to disanimate Men of good Resolutions, especially the ordinary Soldiers, whose hopes of Plunder is the chiefest prop to their Courage, and expected Gain the spurr to their Valour. After they had Landed their Men, next Morning early they march’d towards _San Domingo_; but before Noon the Heat and Drought which they felt made them sensible of their first Errour and Inadvertency, in coming from _England_ without their Necessaries; for through want of Bottles, which were left behind, and came not till three Moneths afterwards, the Men fell down dead in the High-ways, every one fainting and languishing, and crying out for Water: shortly after they met with a Field of Oranges, which was no unwelcome sight, with which they stor’d themselves; but ere they had march’d four or five Miles thought they had quench’d their present Thirst, and their Drought began to increase however, they march’d on, leaving some of their Men dead on the place, others fainting, were set upon the Troopers Horses till they came that Night to some Water, which gave them new life, and the Morrow early march’d again till they came within some Miles of the appointed Rendezvouz, where they heard of the other Regiment that Landed at the right place: And now having refresh’d themselves with Rest, Water, and Provision, they march’d to the taking of the Town; the General himself, with a small Party and a Guide, went towards the Town to find out some Water, which he knew the Soldiers would want, (not having Bottles to carry any) but as they were on their March, which was very leisurely by reason of the Heat, they heard a firing of Musquets, then making more speed in their March, supposing an Engagement, in the Highway, about a Mile from the Town, was found one of the General’s Secretaries, with others, dead; and not long after some came back to the General, and told him, That looking for Water with the Guide, an Ambuscade issu’d out, and had kill’d the Guide that should have shew’d them the place of Water, and some others; and although some which Commanded the foremost Regiments were very forward and willing to assault the Town, yet it was not thought fit so to do till the Army came up, by which time it was Night; and though they were then within half a Mile of the Town, yet the Soldiers were so impatient for Water, that they could not stay till the next Morning to assault the Town, but were forc’d to march back to the River _Hind_ about eight Miles; (and this Relater did at that time drink his own Water) there they staid till they had again refresh’d themselves, and then prepar’d for their Return to attaque the Town; and notwithstanding the March it self in a hot Countrey was irksom enough, yet they were forc’d to make the Soldiers to draw the Ordnance and other Carriages for want of Harness and other Necessaries, which were left behind; however, they willingly underwent it by Turns: And now a Forlorn was drawn out, and other Orders given for a March, especially it being taken notice of, that the Enemies manner of Fight was and would be by Ambuscades, a File in every Company were order’d to stand till the other came up, and to face to the Right and Left to the Woods, which were all along as they went, for fear of a Surprize; and the Forlorn marching near an old Fort, call’d _Jeronymo_, which we had been possess’d of before, but thought not worth the keeping, and fearing they might meet with some small opposition there, began to fortifie themselves, and took a Dram of the Bottle, which as they were drinking, and others eating a bit, suddenly rush’d forth an Ambush of about a hundred and twenty _Blacks_, with a _Spanish_ Commander in the Head of them, which so amaz’d and surpriz’d them, that some few onely Discharging, the rest immediately fled; the _Blacks_ quickly falling in with their Lances, and doing such Execution as the time would allow them; for presently the Alarm being taken, and Supplies marching out for their relief, the Enemy, who had done more than they could possibly expect to have done, retreated into their Fort, which they had better fortifi’d than before, and had planted some small Drakes there upon it; the Execution was so short, that they had not time either to strip or pick a Pocket, lest they had paid too dear for it. After this Defeat a Council of War was call’d, and there it was agreed the next Morning early to fall on upon that little Fort, and so proceed to the taking of the Town; but very early, as they were in that expectation, Orders came from the General to the Army to march back to the River _Hind_, for what reason this Relator (though a considerable Person) never yet knew; where after they had staid some time, that Miscarriage was question’d at a Council of War, and one of the chief Officers of the Forlorn order’d to have his Sword broke over his Head, with other disgraceful Impositions, and two Colonels of the Army were order’d to draw up the Causes of this Miscarriage to send to _England_; which, because ’twas thought would too much reflect on them in Power that were to supply them, was by those Colonels judg’d inconvenient, and so ’twas never done. The number of Men lost by Stragling, Sickness, and this unhappy Engagement, amounted in the whole to about two hundred and thirty. In a short time after this, it was order’d to Ship the Men; which done, after some Debates amongst the Commissioners what was best to be done, Provisions nor Utensils yet coming fit for the Design intended, which was to possess some considerable Place in the _Main_, it was agreed, That they should steer their Course for the Island of _Jamaica_; which they did accordingly, and on the tenth day of _May 1654._ with little opposition possess’d it: where the same Soldiers have shew’d not onely such Courage and Resolution upon all occasions, (in many and frequent Encounters and Invasions made by the _Spaniards_, not onely with Soldiers of those Parts, but such as have been sent from _Spain_, _Naples_, _Catalonia_, and other Places) as might speak them _English_-men but such hath been their Patience and Sufferance, as none of this Nation in the memory of Man have ever been put to, the Effects whereof their King and Countrey, ’tis hop’d, will have occasion to remember, to their immortal Honor and Renown.

_Hispaniola_ is surrounded with several other Isles, as 1. Eastward appears _Saona_, full of pleasant Woods and Pastures, with Cattel feeding on them: in former times it produc’d much _Cazabi_ for the City _Domingo_; but since the _Spaniards_ murder’d all the Inhabitants _Anno 1502._ it hath never been inhabited. 2. The Rocky Shelf _St. Catalina_. 3. _Abaque._ 4. _Navaza._ 5. _Guanabo._ 6. _Tortuga_, abounding in Hogs, and 7. _Beata_, famous for the excellent speckled Wood which grows there, and a swift River, which oftentimes detains the Ships there whole Moneths.

CHAP. XIV.
Porto Rico, and Monico.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Extent of _Porto Rico_.]

Another of those call’d _The Isles of Barlovento_, is _Boriquen_, anciently so nam’d, but now more generally _Porto Rico_, from _St. Juan de Porto Rico_, its chief Town, is an Island fifteen Leagues distant from _Santa Crux_, to the North-West, and about as many from _Hispaniola_ to the South-East, but from the Continent or main Land of _Paria_ (which seems to be the nearest) a hundred and thirty, or a hundred thirty six, as some reckon. It lieth almost in a quadrangular Form, being suppos’d to contain about thirty Leagues in length, and not less than twenty in breadth, in eighteen and nineteen Degrees of Northern Latitude.

The Island on the North, which is less fruitful than the South part, produces Gold, and is generally water’d with many Rivers. There is also Silver, Tin, Lead, Quicksilver, and _Azure_, us’d by Painters. The Rain generally falls there between _May_ and _August_. A little before, or in the beginning of Harvest, the Hurricanes breaking forth from the Clouds, rage in such a manner, that it is impossible for any Ships to endure the Sea, and a Northern Blast generally doth great damage to the Plants here.

[Sidenote: _Sierra del Loquillo._]

Ten Leagues towards the South-East beyond _Porto Rico_, appears _Sierra del Loquillo_, being a continu’d Ridge of Mountains which runs through the whole Island from East to West, extending both ways to the very Sea-shore.

[Sidenote: Rivers.]

Twenty three Rivers discharge their Waters also into the Ocean; amongst which the chiefest is _Cairabon_, particularly noted for ten Sugar-Mills which are erected upon its Banks.

[Sidenote: Trees.]

The Hills, Plains, and Valleys, are invested with variety of Trees peculiar to this place, as _Tabunuco_, which affords a medicinal Gum, good against Lameness, and green Wounds: it is also of great use to preserve a Ship’s Keel from the Worms.

Another Tree call’d _Maga_, is everlasting Wood, and bears a great Flower like a Rose.

The Leaves of the _Higillo Pintado_-Tree cures all manner of Bruises.

The same power is also in the little Tree _Sancta Maria_; as likewise in another by the _Spaniards_ call’d _Balsamo_.

The Body of the Tree _Zoyla_ is so thick, that fifteen Men holding Hands together, cannot encompass the same.

The speckled Wood, and _Cassia Fistula_ grow also here in great abundance.

[Sidenote: The poisonous Apple-Tree.]

Here is likewise Apple-Trees, which grow by Rivers sides, or on the Sea-shore, whose Fruit is rank Poyson, and who-ever sleeps under the shadow of them, will certainly be Lame: The Fruit eaten generally causes Death; or if Nature be so strong in him that eats of it, to overcome the same, yet he is certain to lose his Hair.

As hurtful is the prickly Herb _Quibey_, which bears white Flowers like Violets.

[Sidenote: The Tree _Guiaba_.]

But this Island receives the greatest prejudice by the Tree _Guaiaba_, because it grows in most places, and over-runs Plains and Hills, so spoiling all the Grass, between which and the fore-mention’d Tree there is such an antipathy, that none will grow near it. The Tree bears a brown Apple full of Kernels, which are eaten by Beasts and Fowls, and from which falling on the Ground when ripe, grow up in new Trees, which makes the Countrey a meer Wilderness: The Body of it is smooth and of a pale colour, the Leaves hard, and glittering, and grow two and two over one another; the Flowers have also five Leaves, in the middle of which rises a Crown like that on a Peacock’s Head: The Fruit, which is cover’d with a soft Doun, and somewhat longer than the _European_ Apple, when cut through, hath a pale red Pulp, full of eatable Kernels: before it is ripe, it is of a sharp taste, yet good boyl’d, but when ripe, of a most delicious and pleasant rellish; nevertheless too much of it causes a Lask: The Roots, which are red without, and white within, are juicy, sweet, and very long, the Leaves sallow and sowre of taste.

[Sidenote: The Beast _Javaris_.]

Amongst the strange Beasts the _Javaris_, _Opassum_, and _Tatow_ are the most remarkable. The _Javaris_ are taken for a sort of wild Hogs, and have short Ears and a Navel on their Backs, little Tails, some black, and some spotted white.

[Sidenote: The _Opassum_.]

The _Opassum_ is as big as a Cat, hath a sharp Mouth, the upper Jaw-bone hanging over the lower, long, straight, and broad Ears, and a very long Tail, bald at the end, which winds in a Circle; on its Back black Hair sprinkled with grey Spots, and with its sharp Claws climbs up the Trees, where it feeds on Fruit, and sometimes preys on Fowls. Nature hath furnish’d this Beast with a strange Bag under its Belly, whereof the in-side hath a far softer Doun than the out-side, in which the young ones lie and suck, after which the Bag opening, they creep out upon the Ground. The Males have also a Bag, which serves onely to carry their Young in, for they and the Females carry them by turns.

[Sidenote: The _Tatow_.]

The _Tatow_, which is arm’d with sharp Scales, hath the Mouth of a Hog, and at each Foot five sharp Nails: when it is Hunted, or goes to sleep in the Night, it draws its Head, Legs and Tail under its scaly Coat of Mail, like a Tortoise, and in that manner lies secure against all manner of danger.

The Venison taken here is very delicate, but difficult to be got; for this Beast having a breathing-place in its Back, never tires with running, and when encompass’d by the Dogs, falls valiantly on those that are nearest to it, and often tears them in pieces.

[Sidenote: Chief Towns and Cities.]

The chief Towns in this Island, are 1. _Porto Rico_ it self, commonly call’d _St. John de Porto Rico_ (so term’d by _Christopher Columbus_, as being the first Land discover’d by him in the Year 1493. at that time when he could not perswade his Seamen, wearied out with continual hardship, from returning, if they discover’d not Land in two days) a strong and neat Town, built by the Command of _Philip_ the Second, King of _Spain_: It was attempted by Sir _Francis Drake_ in the Year 1595. without success, but a few years after taken by the Earl of _Cumberland_.

2. _St. Germans_, in the West part of the Island, three or four Leagues distant from the Sea.

3. _Arrecibo_, Westward from _Porto Rico_, where the most noted Haven is of those Parts, for all the others are full of Rocks and Sands.

The antient Inhabitants of this Island maintain’d continual Wars with the Cannibals (probably the Natives of the Islands so call’d) who us’d every year to come thither: those that were conquer’d, as well of the one side as of the other, were eaten by the Conquerors, so that in effect, both sides were but a different sort of Cannibals.

_Columbus_ Landing here, found a great House surrounded with twelve others, but all of them empty and desolate.

This Island (which formerly is said to have been under the absolute Power of one sole King) the _Spaniards_ not much regarded at first, having enough to do with _Hispaniola_, where they found more Gold than on _Porto Rico_.

[Sidenote: The building of _St. Germans_.]

_Anno 1510._ _John Ponce de Leon_ obtain’d a Commission from the Court of _Spain_, to be chief Governor of this Island, and built _Caparra_, which Place was inhabited twelve years, notwithstanding it stood behind a scraggy Mountain, in a desart place far up in the Countrey; but their thirst after Gold, of which some Veins were discover’d there, made them dispence with all other inconveniences: yet at last beginning to be weary of this desolate and barren place of Settlement, they remov’d to _Guanica_, water’d by many Rivers, whose Sands had great quantities of Gold-dust. Not staying long there, they went four Leagues farther, and call’d their new Plantation _Soto Major_. Lastly, returning again, they setled themselves in the former Valley _Guanica_, and built the fore-mention’d Town _St. Germans_ by the River _Guaorabo_, which makes an inconvenient Haven.

[Sidenote: The Situation, Description and Fate of _St. Juan de Porto
Rico_.]

_Juan de Porto Rico_ stands Eastward at the beginning of the North Coast, on a small _Peninsula_, joyn’d to the Island by an high _Isthmus_ call’d _Puente de Aguilar_. Near the Mouth of the Haven lies on a rising Hill the Fort _Morro Empinado_, built triangular by _John de Texila_ and _Baptista Antonelli_ (who also planted there forty Guns), and surrounded with the Sea, which renders it a well fortifi’d place. The Governor _Diego Mendez de Valdez_ had in it fifteen hundred Men and eighty Horses, when the fore-mention’d valiant Duke of _Cumberland_ with a far less number fell upon him in the Year 1597. and not onely took the City _Porto Rico_, but several other Fortifications; and besides an invaluable mass of Treasure he carried away eighty Guns. Sometime before this Defeat the _Spaniards_ under the Government of _Christopher_, Son to the _Portuguese_ Duke of _Camigna_, were Invaded by the Cannibals, and all that were then upon the place utterly destroy’d, none of them escaping but the Bishop and his Servants, who betimes fled away with the Church Ornaments; so that the Islanders from that time were put out of doubt that the _Spaniards_ were mortal, for they suppos’d them immortal when first they saw their great Ships, and heard the noise of their thundering Cannon.

[Sidenote: The Casique _Yaguara_’s Experiment.]

_Hugh Linschot_ relates, That the Casique _Yaguara_ threw a _Spaniard_ into the Water, to try whether he would drown or not, and seeing him wholly depriv’d of Life, he concluded by consequence that the rest of them were mortal, and thereupon he set upon them when they were seeking for Gold, and kill’d above a hundred and fifty of them.

_Peter Martyr_ relates farther, That these People, though very expert in Arms, yet were oftentimes beaten by the Cannibals, who at one time carried above five thousand People out of _Porto Rico_ for their Winter Provisions.

[Sidenote: The Avarice and Cruelty of the _Spaniards_.]

Nor was their Condition better’d after the _Spaniards_ conquer’d the Island, for those that could not furnish them with Gold, were certain of Death: Nor were their Cruelties in other places undivulg’d to this People before their Arrival; whereupon (as is related by _Peter Ordonnez de Carellos_) the Casique _Hatvey_ being inform’d of the _Spaniards_ Approach, took an Oath from his Subjects, That they should never discover where the Gold lay, though they should be put to death for it; _For_ (said he) _Gold is their God, for which they make so many cursed Blood-baths where-ever they come; therefore throw the Gold into some very deep Waters, for when the_ Spanish _God is sunk, the_ Spaniards _will lose their Courage, and not plague us so much for it_.

[Sidenote: Ceremonies of the old Natives.]

Many were the Idolatrous Ceremonies of the old Natives of this Place, which would be too tedious to relate; but amongst the rest, they annually kept a great Feast, at which the _Casiques_ summon’d all their Subjects to a Temple appointed for that purpose, where the Priests had prepar’d an Idol ready set forth in all its Pageantry; near which the _Casique_ plac’d himself, when upon the beating of a Drum all the Commonalty came also into the Temple; the Men painted with divers Colours, having on their Heads Plumes of Feathers, about their Necks, Legs, and Arms, Strings of Sea-shells. The Married Women had a light Covering about their Middle, but the Maids went stark naked, all of them Dancing and Singing Songs in praise of the Idol; after which having saluted the _Casique_, they thrust little Sticks down their Throats, so to bring up all they had upon their Stomachs; which done, and sitting down with their Legs under them, they began to Sing anew, often bowing and shewing Reverence to the _Casique_; whilest some Women carried Baskets of Bread amongst those that Sang, and utter’d certain Prayers, which were answer’d by some of the Men; the Bread being bless’d by the Priests, they gave every one a piece, with which they return’d home very merry and jocund.

But the God of this Island, whoever he was, hath been a long time left without Worshippers; for those that were left by the Invading Cannibals, were cruelly massacred by the _Spaniards_, insomuch that they have been thereby necessitated to furnish themselves with _Negro_’s to work in their Mines and Sugar-Mills; and these also not able to endure such hard Entertainment, ran most of them away; for when a _Negro_ did not bring Gold enough home at Night, his Master tying him naked to a Stake or Post, and beat him with Rods or Switches so long, till the Blood ran down his Back, then pour’d boyling Oyl into the Wounds, and then threw Pepper and Salt into them, and so let him lie, or else put him into a Pit, out of which his Head appear’d onely. But those that fled gathering together, sometimes met with the _Spaniards_, and paid them in their own Coin.

[Sidenote: The Islands _Mona_ and _Monico_.]

Eastward of _Porto Rico_, and betwixt it and _Hispaniola_, there lieth a little, but fruitful Island call’d _Mona_; and Westward of that, another call’d _Monico_, or _Monetta_; which last the _English_, when time was, found so admirably stor’d with a sort of wild Fowl, that the huge Flights of them seem’d to darken the Air over their Heads, and upon their Landing found such plenty of their Eggs upon the Shore and Ground thereabouts, that they presently laded two of their Boats with them. But how peopled or possess’d, not so well known.

CHAP. XV.
Cuba.

[Sidenote: The several Names of _Cuba_.]

[Sidenote: Its Bounds.]

Westward, or rather to the North-West of _Hispaniola_, lieth _Cuba_, accounted one of the four Isles of _Barlovento_, and by _Columbus_, upon his first Discovery, call’d _Joanna_, afterwards _Fernandina_, then _Alpha_ and _Omega_, till at last the present Name prevail’d; it is parted from the other by a Frith, or narrow Channel, which runneth betwixt the Capes of _St. Nicholas_, belonging to _Hispaniola_, and that call’d _Mayzi_, belonging to _Cuba_: On the North it hath a Frie of little Islands call’d _The Leucayæ Islands_, of which more in their proper place, so many and so thick scatter’d, that they serve for no small Security and Defence of the Island on that side; besides, a part of the _Peninsula_ of _Florida_, which Coasteth it likewise Northward; on the West it hath the Countrey of _Jucatan_, which is part of the Continent, but at a distance of forty or fifty Leagues; and on the South, _Jamaica_. It is reckon’d to be in length from Cape _Mayzi_, which looks towards _Hispaniola_ to the Cape of _St. Anthony_, which is upon the Bay of _Mexico_, two hundred and thirty Leagues; but in breadth in some places not above fifteen or sixteen Leagues over; in the broadest place from _Jardines_ to _Lucanaca_, not above forty, in others sixty five. But for fertility of Soil, contending with _Hispaniola_ it self, and for temperature and healthiness of Air, much exceeding it; nor less rich formerly in good Mines both of Gold and Silver, and plentifully stor’d at present, not onely with Sugar-Canes of the best Growth, but likewise with abundance of Ginger-Roots, _Cassia-Fistula_, Mastick, Aloes, Cinamon, Long-Pepper of _America_, as they call it, and divers other sorts of Spices. The Pastures no less abounding with Cattel of all sorts, especially of _European_ Breed; the Rivers and Coasts of the Sea with good Fish; no scarcity of Fowl, whether wild or tame; good Brass and Iron still found, with some Gold in the Rivers, especially those which fall into the Bay _Xagua_ on the South side of the Island; the chiefest thereof are _Arimao_, _La Luna_, _De Mares_, and _Cauto_; the biggest of them falls Southward into the Sea; all of them breed store of Crocodiles, which have oftentimes seiz’d both upon Men and Beasts, and carrying them into the Water, devour’d them there.

[Sidenote: Trees.]

The Cedars breathe forth a most excellent sweet smell, and grow so large, that out of the single Trunks of some of them Boats are said to have been made, capable to hold forty, sometimes sixty Men.

There are also many other very odoriferous Trees, yielding a certain Rozen or Gum, no less precious than the _Storax_.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

But nothing grows here more plentifully than Vines, the Bodies or Stocks of which are as thick as a Man’s Middle, and bear excellent Grapes.

Besides Partridges, Turtle-Doves, and other Fowl, the Sea-shore breeds thousands of Cranes, which when young, are white, but when old, become of several Colours; they stand commonly with their Legs in salt Water, which they drink.

[Sidenote: Manner of taking Parrots.]