Chapter XXIV: Front Matter (24)

The Parrots which breed here us’d to be taken by the Natives after a strange manner: A Boy having a Bundle of Herbs about his Head, climbs up to the top of a Tree, holding a Parrot over his Head, which by griping he forces to make a noise, and thereby draws others to come flying about him; upon which, being expert in this Art, he throws a String with a Noose made fast to a Stick about them, and pulls them to him.

There are a sort of four-footed Serpents, by the Natives call’d _Yguanas_, of which they us’d to eat.

The Flesh of Tortoises or Turtles, was accounted a great Dainty amongst them, especially those of the biggest size, of which some have been known to weigh a hundred and thirty Pound: The Feet of them are said to cure the Leprosie and Scabs.

Amongst the peculiar Trees of this Countrey, are the _Zagua_ and the _Caninga_.

The Cotton, which is of the natural Growth of this Place, is exceeding fine.

Here is also the Bird _Flamingo_, and another sort of Bird call’d _Bambayas_.

In former times _Cuba_ was Govern’d by several Lords, each Commanding over his own Province.

[Sidenote: Chief Provinces of _Cuba_.]

The chiefest of these Provinces are _Mayzi_, _Bayamo_, _Cueyba_, _Camguey_, _Macaca_, _Xagua_, _Habana_, and _Uhima_; some of them are plain, others mountainous, and being more or less fruitful, were very populous, before the _Spaniards_ came thither, but since their cruel Massacres, scarce any of the antient Natives are left: Nor are the _Spaniards_ here at present very populous, considering the largeness of the Island.

In the Province of _Camaguey_ is a Valley three Leagues in bigness, where Nature produces a great number of large Stones so exactly round, that no Man with a Compass can make a more exact Circle.

Though the Gold, which is digg’d out of the Mines, and found in Rivers, is none of the purest, yet the Copper which this Countrey affords is accounted excellent.

[Sidenote: Serpents.]

The Serpents here are about the bigness of a Hare, having Heads like Weezles; they prey on little Beasts call’d _Guabiniquinazes_, and have been accounted delicious and wholsom Meat.

[Sidenote: Antient Customs of the Natives.]

The antient Natives went formerly naked. The Men made it a Custom to forsake their Wives when they pleas’d; yet the Women were still oblig’d to be faithful to them, though from the very first day of their Marriage they were taught to Cuckold them, by a certain wicked Ceremony in use amongst them; for the Bridegroom lay not with his Bride the first Night, but suffer’d her to be enjoy’d by one of his Friends of equal Quality with himself, whether he were Lord, Merchant, Laboring-man, or what Estate soever.

[Sidenote: The _Spaniard_ at first beaten by the Natives.]

This Island was reduc’d under the _Spanish_ Government not without great effusion of Blood; for the Natives having had continual Wars with the Cannibals, as hath been said, were not ignorant in the Exercise of Arms. The first _Spanish_ Commander sent against them was _Valdivia_, whom they slew with all his Men, and hew’d his Ship in pieces. Little better escap’d _Fogeda_, whose Men were all cut off, and he himself escaping very miraculously, died not long after of his Wounds in _St. Domingo_.

[Sidenote: _St. Jago_ built by _Valasquez_.]

Within two years after, _viz._ _Anno 1514._ _Diego Velasquez_ with better success set forth for _Cuba_, where the first thing he did was to build a City, which he call’d _St. Jago_, lying near a Southern Bay, full of Fish, and defended with several small Isles, behind which the Ships in the greatest Storm may Ride very secure; by reason whereof the new City increas’d so much, that in a short time it could shew two thousand Inhabitants, a brave Church, a Cloyster, and was made a Bishop’s See, but subordinate to that of _St. Domingo_.

[Sidenote: The Copper Mountains.]

[Sidenote: _St. Jago_ taken by the _English_.]

Three or four Leagues from the City are those famous Mountains, by the _Spaniards_ call’d _Sierra de Cobre_, or _The Copper Mountains_, from the abundance of that Metal which the Mines in them afforded, and do yet afford; but the City was afterwards almost left desolate, (divers Houses in the same standing empty) having in it scarce two hundred Inhabitants; which made it the easier to be taken by a hundred and sixty _English_-men, led by Captain _Cliff_, _Anno 1601._ who carried from thence a hundred thousand Pieces of Eight, and a Ships Lading of Hides and Sugar.

[Sidenote: _Baracoa._]

2. Besides _St. Jago_, _Valasquez_ built the Town _Baracoa_, on the Eastern Shore of _Cuba_, wash’d by the River _Mares_, which falls into the Ocean between two Mountains on one side, and a flat Point on the other, and is a most excellent Harbor: Not far from which grows the best Ebony Wood.

[Sidenote: _St. Salvador._]

3. He also built the Town _St. Salvador_, one of the most healthful Promontories of all _Cuba_, near the River _Bayamo_, which produces round Stones, us’d there in stead of Bullets.

[Sidenote: _Trinidad._]

4. He likewise built _Trinidad_, before which hardly accessible Harbor many a Ship hath been cast away: But this Fort was by a mighty Storm levell’d even with the Ground.

[Sidenote: _Puerto del Principe._]

5. Near the Haven before the Town _Puerto del Principe_ is a Fountain, out of which at certain times flows liquid Pitch.

[Sidenote: _Villa Sancti Spiritus._]

6. The Town call’d _Villa Sancti Spiritus_, six Leagues from the Ocean, boasts fifty brave Houses, and is wash’d by the River _Saaz_.

[Sidenote: _Havana._]

7. The chiefest City which the _Spaniards_ possess in the _West-Indies_, and the present Seat of their Governor, is _Christovall de Havana_; which stood first on the South side of _Cuba_, but was afterwards built on the North, opposite to _Florida_: The Harbor before it is large and safe, for it is able to contain a thousand Ships, without the least endangering of one another, and yet the Entrance so narrow, between a Promontory and a square Fort, that two Ships cannot Sail in together: the shallowest part thereof hath six Fathom Water. On each side the Mouth of the Harbor is a Fort, the one call’d _Mesa de Maria_, which stands built on a Champain Ground; the other call’d _Morro_, which lies at the Foot of two Hills, on whose tops several Guns are planted, which Command the Town and Haven.

Betwixt these two Forts is a Tower cover’d, on the top whereof is a round Lantern, wherein stands continually a Watch-man, who puts forth as many Flags as he discovers Ships at Sea, to give notice thereof to the City, which is a Mile from thence.

Before _Havana_ stands a third Castle, well stor’d with Guns, as likewise the rest are, in all to the number of two hundred and forty, and strongly Garrison’d; of which great care was taken by the General _Jean de Texeda_, and _Baptista Antonelli_, an Architect, sent thither by _Philip_ the Second, King of _Spain_, to secure the Place from all foreign Assaults, because the Plate-Fleet, and other Ships that come out of the _West-Indies_, have their place of Rendezvouz here, and from hence set Sail altogether for _Spain_. The City stands along the Haven, and hath two Churches with spiry Steeples. The Houses are now built after the _Spanish_ manner.

[Sidenote: _Havana_ several times Assaulted and taken.]

But _Havana_ was not so strongly fortifi’d in former times, for _Anno 1536._ it could not resist a mean _French_ Pyrate, who losing the rest of his Fleet was driven hither by Storm, and conquering _Havana_, had burnt the same, consisting at that time of woodden Houses cover’d with Thatch, had not the _Spaniards_ redeem’d them from the Fire for seven hundred _Ducats_; with which Money the _French_ set Sail, when the day following three Ships arriv’d from _New Spain_ before _Havana_, and having unladed their Goods, and preparing themselves for Battel, pursu’d the Pyrate; whom getting sight of, the Admiral, who Sail’d before, durst not venture to Engage him alone, but staid for the other two Ships: from which cowardly Action the _French_ Pyrate taking Courage, fell on the _Spanish_ Admiral, who without firing a Gun ran his Ship ashore, and deserted the same: the next Ship thereby discourag’d Tacking about, made away from the Enemy; on which the third also follow’d, insomuch that at last they were all three taken by the _French_; who encourag’d with this unexpected Victory, steer’d their Course a second time to _Havana_, where they got as much more Money from the Inhabitants as before. After this the _Spaniards_ built all their Houses of Stone, and a Fort at the Mouth of the Harbor, yet nevertheless the City lay open on the Land side; of which the _English_ Fleet, Cruising about in those Seas, being inform’d, Landed not far from _Havana_, and enter’d the City before Day-break: the _Spaniards_ thus suddenly surpriz’d, fled into the Woods, whilest the _English_ plunder’d and ransack’d the City without any resistance. But this was not the last Blow which _Havana_ receiv’d, for during the Wars between the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, and the _French_ King _Henry_ the Second, a Ship set Sail with ninety Soldiers from _Diep_ to _Cuba_, where they made themselves Masters of _St. Jago_, and carried great Treasure away with them: Thus enrich’d, they set in the Night on _Havana_, but found their Expectations frustrated, for all the Houses were empty, the _Spaniards_ (being so often Plunder’d) having remov’d all their Goods to their Countrey Houses, which lay scattering about the Island. Whilest the _French_ were searching the Houses, two _Spaniards_ came under pretence of agreeing with them, but their Design was chiefly to take an Account of their Enemies Forces. The _French_ demanded six thousand _Ducats_ of them: to which the two _Spaniards_ reply’d, That all their Goods would not raise so much: then going to their Party, inform’d them of the number of the Enemies, and their Demands; whereupon Consulting, some judg’d it best to comply with a forc’d Necessity, and if they could not get any thing abated, to pay the demanded Sum: but most of them were of another opinion, alledging, That the number of the _French_ was not equivalent to their Demands, and that it would not be for their Credit, to yield up their Estates so tamely, without trying their Title by the Sword: This being judg’d fittest, they march’d to Engage them with a hundred and fifty Men, which about Midnight fell on the _French_, and at the first Onset slew four of them; but upon the firing of the Gun they were all alarm’d, and after a small Skirmish, put the _Spaniards_ to flight. The Conquerors enrag’d at this treacherous Plot of the _Spaniards_, set fire on _Havana_, in which at that time was a good quantity of Pitch and Tarr; with which the Gates, Windows, Roofs, and Pent-houses being all bedaub’d over, were in few hours all in a light Flame; after which the Churches in order for their firing, were also going to be over-laid with the same combustible Matter; at which a _Spaniard_ boldly desir’d, that the Temples erected for Gods Service might be spar’d: to which he was answer’d, That People who keep not their Promise, nor had any Faith, had no need of Churches to profess their Faith in. The _French_ not satisfi’d with burning, pull’d down the Walls, and utterly demolish’d the Fort.

[Sidenote: The Haven _Xagua_.]

The Haven _Xagua_ also is not inferior to any, the Mouth thereof being a Boweshot wide, and within, ten Leagues: The Ships are securely shelter’d behind three Islands, and also the Mountains, which rise along the Shore.

[Sidenote: The Success of Admiral _Peter Hein_.]

Moreover, the Inlet _Matanca_ is not onely eminent, by reason of the round Mountain _Elan de Matancas_, which rises from a low Ground; but chiefly for the Expeditions of Admiral _Peter Peterson Hein_, who being sent out by the _West-India_ Company, to Cruse up and down before _Havana_ with one and thirty Sail, was from thence by a strong Current driven down to _Matanca_; where he stood from the Shore, when ten Ships came just running amidst his Fleet, and were all taken but one: About Noon they discover’d nine Ships more, which Sailing along the Shore, got into the Inlet _Matanca_, where they ran aground; whither _Hein_ following, came up to them the next Morning by Break-of-day, and after a small Resistance took them, being valu’d to be worth above a hundred and fifteen Tun of Gold, besides the Musk, Ambergreece, and _Bezoar_ with which two other Ships were laden, and another rich Prize.

This large Island _Cuba_ (as we have before observ’d) formerly divided into so many populous Territories, is now in a manner desolate; for according to the _Spaniards_ Relation to the Admiral _Henry Jacobson Lucifer_, when he was before _Havana_, _Cuba_ had upon it not above sixty thousand Persons in all, in _Anno 1627._ But who-ever Reads that which Bishop _Bartholomeo de las Casas_ hath written in his Book, (Printed first in _Sivill_ in the _Spanish_ Tongue, and afterwards, with the King of _Spain_’s leave, in _French_ at _Antwerp_) will easily find the reason, why _Cuba_ and many other _Indian_ Countreys lie so desolate; and how sensible the _Indians_ were of the _Spaniards_ usage, appears by this following Story, related by the said Bishop, of a _Casique_ call’d _Hathuey_, who before the _Spaniards_ approach’d his Countrey, _Anno 1511._ fled from _Hispaniola_ to _Cuba_; where afterwards he was taken by the _Spaniards_, and condemn’d to be burnt alive with green Wood: whilest he was tying to a Stake, a _Franciscan_ Monk Preach’d to him the Mysteries of the _Christian_ Religion, of which he had never heard; and likewise that he should ascend up to Heaven if he dy’d in that Belief; but if not, burn perpetually in Hell: Whereupon _Hathuey_ asking the _Franciscan_, If there were any _Spaniards_ in Heaven? and being told there were, answer’d, _I will rather converse amongst the Devils in Hell, than amongst the_ Spaniards, _whose Cruelty is such, that none can be more miserable than where_ Spaniards _are_.

Before we conclude the Description of _Cuba_, it will be material to add some Passages of a Letter from Major _Smith_, Governor of the Isle of _Providence_, who was taken there in the Year 1665. which will give light to the knowledge of the present State, not onely of _Cuba_, but of some other parts of _America_, belonging to the _Spaniards_; which is as followeth:

[Sidenote: Maj. _Smith_’s Letter concerning _Cuba_ and other Parts.]

_Cuba_ is a very good Island, and in it is generally the best Land, for so large a Countrey, as I have seen in _America_, although I have travell’d the main Continent in several places, and have cross’d from the North Sea to the South Sea, as also the North side of _Hispaniola_, and most parts of _Jamaica_.

This great Island is easie to be conquer’d, and would make the best Plantation, besides the prejudice it would be to the _Spaniard_, and the great advantage to our Nation; for instance, Had we the Port and City of _Havana_, which might in all probability be reduc’d with two Regiments of good Soldiers from _Jamaica_, carrying with them two or three Sloops or Shallops for Landing Men, fitted with good Arms and other Necessaries for an Assault, presently after their Armado hath pass’d out of the _Indies_, which is once in two years, towards the latter part of the Summer. There is good Landing on the West side of the City, where it lies open; and you need fear no Ambuscado’s: but not on the East side on the Harbor, for there you will be gawl’d by the strong Castle of the _Moare_, until the City be secur’d; but when that is once taken, you may easily reduce that Castle also, there being no danger of their re-taking it, until the next Armado arrives there, which will be almost two years, against which time you will have Planters enough from other of our Islands, to Manure the Land, and assist the Soldiers in defence thereof: This once effected, would utterly ruine the _Spaniards_, for these Reasons: Our Ships lying both here and at _Jamaica_, would be at all times ready to gather up their stragling Fleet, which it is difficult to keep imbodied without the help of that Port of _Havana_, it being impossible for their great unruly Ships to turn up to Windward from the Bay of _Mexico_, or _Puerto Bello_, without separation; and on the other side, to pass the Gulf of _Florida_, is for them as impossible, where they always Rendezvouz, Victual, Water, and provide all things necessary for their Return into _Spain_; after all which they diligently wait for a convenient Season of Winds and Weather (being much observ’d from the Changes of the Moon) when to pass that dangerous _Straight_: for to say truly, the _Spaniards_ are neither very fit for Sea nor Land-Service, excepting some Officers and Soldiers bred in _Flanders_ for Land-Service, and a few _Biscainers_ for Sea-Affairs. They are so sensible of their Weakness, and jealous of their Riches in those Parts, that it is very difficult for any ingenious Man to get his Liberty, being once taken, fearing he might give such Intelligence, as to be thereby the cause of their ruine, witness their blind-folding of all Strangers, when they pass their Cities and Castles; for they much dread an old Prophecy amongst them, _viz._ _That within a short time the_ English _will as freely walk the Streets of_ Havana, _as the_ Spaniards _now do_; which indeed had been easily perform’d with a third part of the _English_ Army sent to _Jamaica_, and a far greater advantage to the Nation: for I esteem that Port and Harbor of _Havana_ in the _West-Indies_, equivalent (against that Nation) to _Tangier_ in the _Straights_ of _Gibraltar_; and if we were at once Masters of both, it would without doubt so straiten the _Spaniards_, as absolutely to admit us a free Trade into their Ports of _America_, where they impart our Commodities, and sell them for ten times more than they first cost in _Spain_, by reason of the great plenty of Silver: which Trade would not onely be of infinite advantage to us, but also prevent them of their future enslaving of our Nation in Chains as now they do; for being employ’d about their Fortifications, they are worse us’d, all things consider’d, than if they were taken by the _Turks_.

I have seen other parts of the _West-Indies_, where the _Spaniards_ might be fleec’d of considerable quantities of Riches, as at _Panama_, where their Silver Bars lie pyl’d up in Heaps in the open Streets Day and Night without Guard for five or six Moneths together, waiting the arrival of the Armado; which when arriv’d in _Puerto Bello_, they Transport it thither with so slender a Guard, for so great a Treasure, as would be an easie Prey to a thousand resolv’d Men (although of extraordinary value for so small a Charge;) but here is no resting, nor long remaining, they being so numerous (as in all other places of the main Land) though of great Wealth, and easily gotten with a Catch and away: But to my purpose,

This Island of _Cuba_ hath adjacent to it great Conveniences of Salt and Fishing; and in it are very great plenty of Horses, Neat, Sheep, and Hogs, both wild and tame, of a far larger and better breed than any other parts of _America_: It hath also many very rich Mines of Copper already open, and is the onely Place that supplies all the _West-Indies_ with Metal for the infinite number of Ordnance they have in all their Ports and Castles, both in the North and South Seas; but whether it hath any Mines of Silver or Gold, I know not; but if there were any such, they would not adventure their opening and discovery, fearing the Invasion of that Island, whereunto is so easie access by Sea, and of so great import to their whole Interest in _America_: for which reason also they refuse to work any Mines in _Florida_, that are nigh the North Sea, (although they have there very many) but do rather employ themselves about others farther up in the Countrey, although with greater Labor and Cost, for conveyance of the Product by Land to _Mexico_. And lastly, (for its full praise) this Island hath many very good Ports and Harbors of great advantage to Ships, for safe passing the Gulf; and should the _Spaniards_ keep three or four Frigats always plying between the Western end of _Cuba_ and that of _Havana_, off and on, it were impossible for any Ships of ours that came from _Jamaica_ to escape them; the Scales turn’d would be their Case to all _America_. Neither wants it great Sugar-works, which have Water-mills and Horse-mills, and very many large _Cocoa_ Walks, the most and best Tobacco: and in short, it produceth all other Commodities, that any of our _American_ Islands have knowledge of.

CHAP. XVI.
Jamaica.

[Sidenote: Situation and Extent of _Jamaica_.]

The Island of _Jamaica_ lieth North from the Southern Continent of _America_, in the Sea call’d _Mare del Nort_; and South from the Isle of _Cuba_ about twelve Leagues; and West from _Hispaniola_ twenty, in eighteen Degrees of Northern Latitude; and beareth from _Rio de Hacha_ North-West, a hundred and fifty Leagues; from _Santa Martha_ North North-West, a hundred and thirty five; from _Rio Grande_ North-West, a hundred and thirty; from _Carthagena_ North, fourteen; from _Porto Bello_ North-East and by North, a hundred and ninety; from the Bay of _Darien_, North and by East, a hundred and seventy; from the Bay of _Mexico_, a hundred and fifty. It is of Form something nearly resembling oval, being in length from East to West, about fifty four Leagues, or a hundred and seventy Miles; from North to South in the broadest and middlemost part, about three and twenty Leagues, or seventy Miles over, and so groweth narrower and narrower towards each Extream; in circumference about one hundred and fifty Leagues, or four hundred and fifty _English_ Miles.

[Sidenote: Nature of the Country.]

This Island is well water’d with Springs and Rivers, and is all over, especially in the Western parts, full of high Hills and Mountains: It is also well Wooded; for the North and South parts chiefly abound with tall and large Woods: Nor are there wanting every where _Savanas_, or Pastures, which are thought to have been Fields of _Indian Maiz_, till the _Spaniards_ arriving here, brought in Horses, Cows, Hogs, and _Asinego_’s to feed.

[Sidenote: Temperature of the Air.]

The Air in this Place is more temperate, and the Heat more tolerable, than in any of the rest of the _Barloventi_, by reason of the cool Breezes which constantly blow from the East, and the frequency of Showers of Rain, and refreshing Dews which fall in the Night.

This is also the onely Island of the _Barloventi_, which is not subject to violent Storms and Hurricanes; and the Diseases which are predominant here, are onely bred by Intemperance, as Surfets, Feavers, and Agues, or occasion’d by ill Diet or Slothfulness.

[Sidenote: Commodities of the Island.]

The Commodities of this Island are very many; and first for Vegetables, the Sugars are so good, that they now out-sell those of _Barbado_’s 5 _s._ _per Cent._

_Cocoa_, of which there are many large Walks; and greater plenty by improvement may easily be produc’d.

Tobacco, so good, that the Merchants give Six pence a Pound for it, and buy it faster than the Planters can make it.

Indigo is producible in great abundance, if there were Hands sufficient employ’d about it.

The Cotton of this Place is accounted very firm and substantial, and preferr’d before any that grows in the neighboring Islands.

Of Tortoise-shell there is also good store, by reason that much of that sort of Tortoise is taken on this Coast.

Here are also great variety of Dye-woods, as _Brasiletto_, _Fustwick_, Red-wood, a kind of Log-wood, and several others, besides divers of those that are accounted the most curious and rich sorts of Woods, as Cedar, _Mohogeney_, _Lignum-vitæ_, Ebony, _Granadilla_, and others, which are frequently Exported.

Moreover, there are very probable testimonies, that there are Mines of Copper here, since both there have been those who affirm to have seen the Oar wrought out of one of them, and the _Spaniards_ report the Bells that hang in the great Church, to have been Cast out of this Island Copper. As for Silver, the _English_ are said to have been shew’d a Silver-Mine behind the Mountains, West of _Cagway_.

Ambergreece the _Spaniards_ report to have been often found on this Coast.

Salt might be made here in great abundance, there being three good Salt-pans; and Salt-petre hath been found in many Parts.

Ginger is reported to grow better here than in most of the _Caribbee_ Islands; and Cod-pepper very plentifully; and also a certain kind of Spice call’d _Piemete_, being in the form of _East-India_ Pepper, of a very aromatical and curious taste, partaking as it were of divers species together: it grows wild in the Mountains, and is very highly valu’d amongst the _Spaniards_.

Of Drugs and medicinal Plants there is here a very great abundance, as _Guaiacum_, _China_-Root, _Cassia-Fistula_, _Veuillard_, _Achiotes_, _Tamarinds_, _Contrayerva_, _Ciperas_, _Adiantum Nigrum_, _Aloes_, _Cucumis Agrestis_, _Sumach_, _Acacia_, _Misselto_, with several others, both Drugs, Balsoms and Gums.

_Cochinele_ is produc’d by a Plant that grows in this Countrey, but it is not made without much care and curiosity, and the _English_ are not yet well experienc’d in the Husbanding thereof, besides that the Growth of the Plant is much obstructed by Easterly Winds.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

There is here greater store of Cattel than in any of the rest of the _English_ Plantations in _America_, as Horses, which by reason of the great number of them, are bought very cheap.

Cow’s, of a large size, and of which vast numbers are yearly kill’d.

_Asinego_’s and Mules, both wild and tame, being a very serviceable sort of Cattel in those Countreys.

Sheep, large and tall, and whose Flesh is counted exceeding good, but the Fleece worth little.

Goats in great abundance, being a sort of Cattel very peculiar to that Countrey.

But of all other Cattel, Hogs are here in the greatest plenty, both wild in the Mountains, and tame in the Plantations; and they are more in request for Food than any of the rest, their Flesh being counted both of a better rellish, and more easily digestible than the Hogs-flesh of our Parts.

[Sidenote: Fish.]

The Fish that is very plentifully caught in these Coasts is of infinite variety, and quite of another kind from what we have in this part of the World, the principal whereof is the Tortoise, which is taken in great abundance both on these Coasts, and in the Islands _Camavas_.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

The tame Fowl in this Place, are chiefly Hens, Turkies, and Ducks; but of wild Fowl infinite store, as of _Guinee_ Hens, _Flamingo_’s, Teal, Ducks, Wigeon, Geese, Pigeons, Snipes, Plovers, Parrots, Turtles, Parachites, Machaw’s, with divers others.

[Sidenote: Fruit-Trees and other Plants.]

Choice and excellent sorts of Fruits are here in great abundance, as _Cocao_-Nuts, _Mannes_, _Maumees_, _Supatas_, _Suppotillias_, _Avocatas_, _Cashuds_, Prickle-Apples, Pickle-Pears, Sower-Sops, _Custud_-Apples, and many others.

For Timber-Trees, _Platanes_ and Pines.

And for Garden-Herbs, Radish, Lettice, Parsley, Cucumbers, Melons, _&c._

The antient Inhabitants us’d two sorts of Bread, the one made of stamp’d Roots, and the other of Corn, which is Reap’d thrice every year, and grows with such success, that one Pint sow’n yields two hundred.

They had a strange way to make their _Cazari_ Cakes of the Root _Juca_, which keep good a year: They first press’d out the Juice with great Weights, which if drunk raw, occasions sudden Death; but boyl’d, is pallatable and good.

Potato’s are here in great abundance, and grow like Artichokes in a moist Soil, and shoot forth Leaves of a dark-green Colour, like Spinage; they spread upon the Earth by Stalks, and bear a Flower like a Bell, at the end of which grows the Seed: the Roots are generally White, but sometimes Red, Marble-colour’d, Yellow, and Violet; they are not onely pleasing to the Pallat, but accounted very wholsom when stew’d in a close cover’d Pot, with a little Water.

But much daintier are the _Ananas_, which grow on a Stalk of a Foot long, surrounded with sixteen large sharp Leaves, between which grows a Fruit like a Pine-Apple, but much bigger, with an uneven Rind, of a pale Green, and inclining to a Carnation on a yellow Ground; on the top shoots out a red Bunch of Leaves and Flowers; the innermost Pulp melts on the Tongue, and is of so delicious a taste, that it exceeds all other Dainties; the Seed produces Fruit once.

Of this Fruit there are several sorts, the chief whereof is accounted a special Remedy against a bad Stomach, Gravel, Poyson, and Melancholy.

The Drink made of _Ananas_ is no way inferior to _Malvasia_ Wine.

[Sidenote: A sort of sensitive Plant.]

Here you may observe a remarkable Secret of Nature in a certain ever-green Plant, which grows either on the Bodies of old Trees, on the Rocks, or in the Woods; the Stalk whereof surrounded with Leaves, full of dark red Spots, bears a sweet-smelling Violet-colour’d Flower, the Leaves whereof as soon as touch’d, close up together and die, and according as they are held in the Hand a shorter or longer time, this strange alteration continues.

[Sidenote: Ginger.]

Since the _Spaniards_ planted Ginger on _Jamaica_, it hath grown there in great abundance; the Male Plant (for it is divided into Male and Female) hath generally bigger Leaves than the Female; the Stalks, which are without Knots, have more Leaves upwards than downwards, and spreads along the Earth, still take Root anew; when the Leaves wither, then the Ginger is commonly ripe, but it hath not that poinancy whilest green as when dry’d.

[Sidenote: Cotton.]

The Cotton of this Island (of which the Clothes and Hammocks that are made, are vended in most parts of the Western World) grows on a Tree of equal heighth with a Peach-Tree, with a straight Stem or Body, out of which shoot Boughs of an equal length, and at equal distance; between the Leaves, which are narrow and long, grow red Flowers, and from them, oval Cods, which when ripe, inclose the Cotton, and a Seed like Pepper.

[Sidenote: Description of the _Alligator_.]

Of hurtful Creatures here, besides the _Manchonele_, and a sort of Snakes call’d _Guaana_’s, wherein ’tis thought there is little or nothing of a poysonous quality; the most observable is the _Alligator_, with which many Rivers and Ponds abound; it is a very voracious Creature, but is seldom known to prey upon a Man; it moves swiftly and strongly forward, but turns slow; the biggest of them are about twenty Foot long, their Backs scaly and impenetrable, so that they are hardly kill’d but in the Belly or Eye; they have four Feet or Fins, with which they go or swim indifferently; are observ’d to make no kind of noise; their usual course for getting their Prey, is to lie on their Backs as dead, then with a sudden onset to surprize what-ever Fowl or Beast comes fearlesly near them; the best caution other Creatures have of them is from the strong smell that flows from their Bodies: to requite the harm done by them, they have something of vertue, for the Fat or Oyl of their Bodies hath been experienc’d to be an admirable Ointment for all kinds of Pains and Aches; they Lay Eggs no bigger than a Turkies by the Water side, still covering them with Sand, which heated by the Sun-beams, hatcheth the young ones, who naturally creep into the Water.

[Sidenote: _Muschilli_ and _Merrywings_.]

In some parts of the Countrey there are also a sort of stinging Flies, call’d _Muschilli_ and _Merrywings_, but the _English_ Quarters are little infested by them.

_Hugh Linschot_ writes, That the antient Natives of this Place were a subtile and sharp-witted People, skilful in Handicrafts, and expert in warlike Affairs, above all the _Americans_ besides.

[Sidenote: First Discovery of the Island.]

The Island was discover’d by the _Spaniards_ under the Conduct of _Columbus_, who first built there the Town of _Mellilla_; which disliking, he remov’d again to _Oristana_; and finding that an incommodious and unhealthy Situation, he remov’d again to another Plantation, where he built a very fair Town, first call’d _Sevilla_, afterwards _St. Jago de la Vega_, consisting of about seventeen hundred Houses, two Churches, two Chappels, and an Abbey, being the chief, if not the onely Seat of the _Spaniards_ before the arrival of the _English_, for their _Estanchas_, or small Plantations, were committed wholly to the custody of their Slaves.

_Diego_, the Son of _Christopher Colonus_, (or, as he is vulgarly call’d, _Columbus_) was the first that was constituted Governor of this Island, and sent _Juan de Squibello_ Commander, who upon their first arrival here committed such horrid Cruelties and Massacres, that (as the fore-mention’d _Bartholomeo de las Casas_ writes) five thousand Inhabitants were in a short time reduc’d to less than three hundred, multitudes being put to death in a most inhumane and barbarous manner, some roasted alive, others torn in pieces by the _Spanish_ Dogs, besides many other studied ways of Butchery, too dreadful to be read with patience; nor were they free from Civil War amongst themselves, which first began in this Island.

[Sidenote: Attempts of the _English_ upon his Island.]

The first and onely Attempters upon this Island since the _Spaniards_ made themselves Masters thereof, have been the _English_, who in the Year 1592. under the Conduct of Sir _Anthony Shirley_ Landed upon it, & got clear possession thereof, none of the _Spaniards_ that were then upon the Place daring to make the least resistance; but not thinking it worth the keeping, they soon deserted it, and made Sail back again for _England_: after which they remain’d unmolested for a long time, till in the Year 1654. a Fleet of _English_ was set out for _Hispaniola_ by _Cromwell_, under the Command of Colonel _Venables_, with a Design for the taking of _St. Domingo_; but meeting with ill success in the Enterprize, and being forc’d to quit that Island with loss of Men, and frustration of their hopes, they steer’d their Course for _Jamaica_, and on the tenth of _May_ in the Year abovesaid, with little opposition possess’d themselves of it. Upon their approach to _St. Jago_ the Inhabitants thereof deserted it, and betook them to the Mountains, gaining time by a pretence of Treaty, to secure their Women and Goods; and oftentimes making Incursions upon the stragling Parties of the _English_, slew and took many Prisoners by surprize: but being weary of this wild and irregular kind of living, they betake themselves at last to the Isle of _Cuba_, where many of them, the Grandees especially, were permitted by favour to continue, the rest being by the Vice-Roy commanded back, with promise of speedy and considerable Supplies; by that time this remnant of the _Spaniards_ was near tir’d out with hardship and necessity, some being very much discourag’d and driven to utter despondence of Mind, others destroy’d out-right, part of the long promis’d and expected Supply arrives, the greatest part being to follow soon after; but finding the Islanders so few in number, and in so sickly and necessitous an Estate, they would not joyn with them, but maugre all the Governor’s Perswasions or Commands, retreat to the North part of the Island, and there fortifie at a place call’d _Chireras_, expecting every day fresh Recruits; which not coming time enough, and their Quarters being discover’d, they were set upon by the _English_, and most of them either slain or taken Prisoners: not many Moneths after the rest of the _Spanish_ Forces Land, being in all about thirty Companies, with Ordnance and good store of Ammunition; who falling presently to make strong Fortifications at _Rio Novo_, are nevertheless in a short time utterly defeated by the _English_: Upon which, and several other ill Successes, despairing to re-gain the Island, they Ship off their Women and the richest of their Goods; and the _Negro_ Slaves grown Masterless, by the general either slaughter or departure of their Patrons, shake off their Obedience to the _Spaniards_, and constitute a Governor of their own, a _Black_, yet submit themselves, and own Subjection to the _English_ Government, the _Spaniards_ from _Cuba_, both by their Perswasions and monethly Contributions, in vain endeavoring to reduce them; onely some few there were that stood out, whom the rest not onely made it their business to discover, but help’d the _English_ to take them, insomuch that at last the _Spanish_ General not having above fifty Men left him, was forc’d to seek for Peace, and offer’d Terms of Accommodation; which the _English_ General would not be drawn to accept of, unless upon Condition that he should deliver up to Justice as many as were left of those that had barbarously murder’d any of our Men, either in time of Treaty, or after Quarter given.

The _English_ in this Island are setled for above a hundred Miles along the Countrey from the Eastward.

[Sidenote: Chief Towns.]

Their chief Towns are 1. _St. Jago_, (built by the _Spaniards_, as afore mention’d) which lieth six Miles within the Land, North-West from the Harbor of _Cagway_. Here the _English_ have built a small Fort.

2. _Passage_, a small Town, built also by the _English_ six Miles from _St. Jago_, for the convenience of going to _Cagway_, consisting of about fifty Houses and a Fort, whence cross this Harbor, about three Leagues distant is the Town of 3. _Cagway_, seated on the Extream end of the Point, containing in it above six hundred Houses, all built by the _English_, besides the Governor’s Palace, and the Houses where the Stores for the Army are kept.

This is counted the most healthful Place in all the Island, and the very Scale of Trade, where all Merchants, Strangers, and Sailors reside.

Here, upon the utmost Angle of the Point towards the Sea, is a round Tower, built of Lime and Stone; about which is rais’d a strong and regular Fort, containing sixty pieces of Ordnance.

[Sidenote: _Port Royal._]

This Town is now call’d _Port Royal_, and is thought to contain about sixteen thousand Inhabitants.

[Sidenote: _Landward._]

A Mile from hence is another Fort, call’d _Landward_, which runs from the Harbor to the Sea, to defend the Town from any Attempt by Land.

[Sidenote: _Little Island._]

Off the Mouth of the Harbor towards the Sea, lie divers small Islands, the most Western of which being within half a League of the Fort, and between which and the Fort every Ship that comes into the Harbor is necessitated to pass: It is call’d _Little Island_; where a Fort is likewise rais’d, to defend the Mouth of the Harbor, containing eight pieces of Ordnance.

Another Fortification is at _Portmorant_, which we shall make mention of amongst the Harbors.

[Sidenote: Chief Ports and Harbors.]

The chief Harbors of this Island, are 1. _Port Anthony_, on the North, a very safe Land-lock’d Harbor, onely the coming in is somewhat difficult, the Channel being narrow’d by a little Island that lies off the Mouth of the Port.

2. On the East of the Island is _Portmorant_, a very capacious Harbor, where Ships do conveniently Wood and Water, and Ride safe from all Winds.

3. On the South is _Port Cagway_, a Harbor wonderfully convenient, secure and capacious, being five Leagues over in some places, in others four, and at the narrowest, three; it is Land-lock’d by a Point of Land that runs twelve Miles South-West from the Main of the Island, having the great River that comes by _Los Angelos_, and _St. Jago_ running into it, and divers Springs about it, where Ships do conveniently Wood and Water. Here is every where good Anchorage, the Road being so deep, that a Ship of a thousand Tun may lay his sides to the Shore of the Point, and load and unload with Planks afloat.

4. On the West is _Point Megrill_, a Port very convenient and secure; to Windward from which, a little North-West, is the Seat of the old Town of _Mellilla_, founded by _Columbus_, as afore mention’d.

The chief Plantations of this Island, are 1. _Portmorant_, above the Harbor before mention’d, and by the two Rivers that run into it. Here are good Plantations of Sugars, Cottons, Tobacco’s, _&c._

2. Hence about ten Miles lieth _Morant_, where a thousand Acres of Land have been taken up for my Lord _Willoughby_, and a Company of Merchants.

3. Hence farther Leeward lieth _Yallow_, having good Plantations of Cotton, Tobacco, and other Provisions, excellent _Savana_’s, and some store of tame Cattel.

4. Thirty Miles hence, on the North side of _Cagway_ is _Ligonce_, where are excellent Plantations of Sugar, Cotton, and Tobacco, very pleasant _Savana_’s and some store of wild Cattel.

5. Twenty Miles farther West, nine Miles from the Harbor of _Cagway_, is _Los Angelos_, having some Plantations of Sugar, _Cacao_, and Tobacco, all which were old _Spanish_ Plantations, and are less considerable than those made by the _English_ in other places.

6. Eight Miles from hence, North-West, is _Guanaboa_, where likewise were some _Spanish_ Plantations, since improv’d by the _English_, who have very many excellent Plantations of Sugar, _Cacao_, &c.

7. Hence West South-West lieth _Guatabacoa_, a most pleasant rich and fertile part of the Countrey, abounding with Cattel, and excellent _Savana_’s. Here the _Negro_’s setled that revolted from the _Spaniards_, who are endeavouring to make some Plantations of Tobacco’s and Provisions, and with them are setled some few _English_, who have divers Walks of _Cacao_.

[Sidenote: The several Governors of the _English_ in _Jamaica_.]

The several Governors of this Island since the taking of it by the _English_, are as followeth: General _Robert Venables_ staid upon the Place about three Moneths after the taking of it, and at his coming away for _England_ he left the chief Command to Major General _Richard Fortescue_, who liv’d Governor about three Moneths; after which Lieutenant General _Edward Doyly_ was by the Army elected President; but upon his coming away soon after for _England_, Lieutenant General _William Brain_ was sent over Governor in his room; who living in the Government about three quarters of a year, did as it were bequeathe it again to _Doyly_, for he was chosen by vertue of a Blank Commission, wherein _Brain_ had inserted his Name whom he would have succeed, and remain’d Commander in Chief both by Land and Sea till His Majesty’s Restauration, and then by His Majesty’s Letters Patents was confirm’d in the Government, and so was the first that was Governor there for His Majesty: The next that succeeded was the Lord _Windsor_, upon whose coming away Sir _Thomas Muddiford_ was sent Governor, and after him Sir _Thomas Linch_, who remains Governor at present.

CHAP. XVII.
The Islands call’d the Lucaies.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of the _Lucaies_.]

Having done with the four Islands of _Barlovento_, as they are term’d, _viz._ _Hispaniola_, _Cuba_, _Porto Rico_, and _Jamaica_, we come next to the _Lucaies_, so call’d, as some think, from _Lucaioneque_, one of the biggest of them; they lie over against _Florida_, Westward from the _Bermudas_, South-West and North of _Hispaniola_, and the rest of the _Barloventi_; and because they are but small ones, and lie so near the Continent, Geographers sometimes describe them as a part, or appertaining to the Continent. The chiefest of these Islands are _Lucaioneque_ afore-mention’d, _Bahama_, and _Guanahani_; _Lucaioneque_ is accounted the biggest of them all, and lieth in twenty seven Degrees between _Bahama_ and _Guanahani_. _Bahama_ lies nearest to the Coast of _Florida_, and gives Name to the _Straights_ so call’d, which run between the _Cape_ of _Florida_ and it, with such a violent Course and Torrent, that although it be above sixteen Miles broad, yet many times neither Wind nor Oars, can prevail against it; that though the Winds be prosperous, Ships cannot enter it; and if it be cross, they go with the Current; yet those _Straights_ the _Spanish_ Fleet must pass in their Return from the _Havana_ towards _Spain_. _Guanahani_ was the first piece of _American_ Ground discover’d by _Christopher Columbus_, and therefore by him call’d _San Salvador_, or _St. Saviour_, because that thereby he was deliver’d from the mutinous rage of the Seamen, who threatned to throw him over-board, if they discover’d not Land in such a time. There are besides a number of small Isles scatter’d up and down, which are generally comprehended in the number of the _Lucaies_; one is _Little Island_, encompass’d with a company of Shelves call’d the _Bimini_, so that it is hardly accessible: there goes a Tradition, that it hath been inhabited by very beautiful Women, the fame of whom drew many to attempt to Land there and take up their Habitation; in which Attempt many were cast away: There is said to be a Fountain in the midst of it, of such a Vertue, that whosoever drank of the Waters of it, had their Youth renew’d. Also three Islands, or rather Rocks, call’d _Los Martyres_, lying to the South-East of _Cape Florida_, and cover’d for the most part with a whitish Sand and a few Bushes growing on them: they seem at a distance to bear a resemblance of Men, impal’d, or bound to Stakes, as the Martyrs in the primitive Times usually were, which occasion’d the _Spaniards_ so to Name them; ’tis very dangerous to come too near them, but to have sight of them is of great use to Men at Sea; for by passing these Rocks, and leaving them on the South-East, they certainly know, that they are now entred the _Straights_ of _Bahama_, that is, that they have left the Ocean, and are fall’n in amongst those many Islands, which do, as it were, Barracado and Block up the Eastern Coasts of _America_, towards _Nombre de Dios_ and _Terra Firma_, as they call it, through which the Continent is sometimes dangerous, by reason of contrary Winds; and always such, that it requires the skill and care of an experienc’d Pilot to conduct the Ships well thither. The rest are _Abacoa_, twelve Leagues long; _Yuma_, twenty Leagues in length, and eight in breadth, between twenty four and twenty five Degrees; _Yumeata_, fifteen Leagues in length, between twenty three and twenty four Degrees; _Jamana_, seven Leagues every way; _Yabague_, ten Leagues likewise, and lying between twenty two and twenty three Degrees; _Magaguana_, twenty Leagues long, and ten broad; _Quagua_, ten Leagues every way, and lying between twenty and one and twenty Degrees; _Caycos_, five Leagues in length, and in the one and twentieth Degree; _Mackre_, in the twentieth Degree, encompass’d with Shelves; _Abreo_, environ’d also with Shelves, and fifteen Leagues long; also _Guatao_, _Cigateo_, _Guanima_, _Jabaka_, _Triangulo_, and several others.

[Sidenote: The _Lucaies_ left desolate by the _Spaniards_.]

On these Islands are no Inhabitants; those that did live there were a harmless simple People, and therefore the easier taken and carried away by the _Spaniards_ that have made them so desolate: Many of them seem of a good Mold, and the Latitude promiseth much fertility. The Air is certainly good and wholsom, and not so extream hot as other Parts of that heighth. There is scarce any Beast on them, save a Coney that hath a Tail like a Rat, but Pigeons and other Birds in great numbers.

There is the Gum _Benjoin_, of the best and worst sort; _Guaiacum_, _Sasaparilla_, and _Sassafras_; and on some of them Red-wood and Ambergreece.

Our _English_ Sea-men are little acquainted with these Islands, though they Sail round them yearly.

[Sidenote: _English_ landing upon them.]

In the time of the Rebellion one Captain _Sail_ and others, obtain’d a Patent, making thither on the Coast of an Island, which was call’d _Illutheria_; his Ship was wrackt, but the People recover’d the Shore with a few Necessaries.

The Coasts of most of them are dangerous, and bad to make, and that Ship that shall be near or amongst them, must keep the Lead always going; but with a wary Pilot, and care in giving the Islands a fair Birth, they are easily recover’d.

The _Spaniards_ know this Place well, and have a yearly Trade thither for the aforesaid Commodities, and amongst the Islands are Wracks of divers of their Ships.

CHAP. XVIII.
The Caribby Islands.

[Sidenote: Situation and Names of the _Caribbee_ Islands.]

The _Caribbee Islands_, as they are generally call’d, are a Row or Ridge, as it were, of lesser Islands, which extend themselves almost in fashion of a Bowe, from the Coast of _Paria_ as far as _St. John de Porto Rico_; they are otherwise call’d _The-Caraibes_, sometimes _The Camercanes_, and by some _The Islands of Cannibals_, or _Man-eaters_, (though this Appellation cannot in reality be more appropriated to these Islands, than to many other, either Islands, or Parts of the Continent of _America_;) lastly, whereas all the Islands between _Florida_ and _New Spain_, and _Southern America_, are by some comprehended all under the Name of _The Antilles_; yet the _Caribbees_ and the _Antilles_ are most generally, and, we conceive, most properly accounted the same; and they are so call’d, either as lying like a Bar before the greater Islands, or _Quasi Ant-Isles_, i. e. _Opposites Isles_; they lie all under the _Torrid Zone_, between the eleventh and nineteenth Degrees of Northern Latitude, and are twenty eight in number; but before we come to treat of each of them in particular, we shall take notice of the most observable of those things which are common to them all in general.

[Sidenote: Temperature of the Air.]

The Air of all these Islands is of a good temperature and healthy, and the Heat not so excessive in them at any time of the year, as might be conjectur’d from their Situation under the _Torrid Zone_, by reason of a gentle East Wind, which rising in the Morning, continues most commonly till towards the Evening, allaying the scorching heat of the Sun, and refreshing the Air; but the Nights are commonly very cold; and it is observable, that by how much the hotter any Day hath been, so much the colder the Night following happens to be; whereof this reason is given, That the Vapors rais’d in the Day-time by the Sun, and falling down condens’d at Night, do very much cool the Air; but it is never so cold as to Freeze.

For half a year together Day and Night are equal in these Parts, and the rest of the Year the Day fourteen hours long, and the Night ten.

From _April_ to _December_ there commonly fall here great Rains, and all that Season is accounted Winter, and the Drought and Heat of the other Moneths is taken for Summer; but the Woods of these Parts looking ever green, make as it were continual Summer.

[Sidenote: Nature of the Soil.]

The Soil is generally as fertile as in most places of _Europe_, and each Island furnish’d with fair Rivers, Brooks, Lakes, Springs, Wells, and other Sources of fresh Water, besides in many places Mineral Waters, which are us’d with good success in the cure of several Diseases; also out of some Mountains store of Brimstone is digg’d, and it is conjectur’d that there are not wanting Mines of Gold and Silver, if they were well look’d after; and there hath been often found Crystal upon the Sands by Rivers sides.

[Sidenote: Vines growing naturally in the _Caribbees_.]

The Vine, though wild, and naturally growing in the Woods, yet yields a very large fair Grape; and those which are cultivated in their Gardens or Vineyards, bear excellent Grapes twice a year, but very little Wine is made of them, in regard they find it will keep but very few days.

[Sidenote: Wheat not apt to grow there.]

Wheat in the _Caribbees_ grows up no farther than the Blade, and the reason is judg’d to be, because through the rankness of the Soil, and for want of Winter, this Grain springs up fast, and hath not substance enough left in the Root to supply it up to maturity; but no doubt but Barley, Rye, and those other Grains, to the ripening of which more Heat is requir’d, would thrive there very well.

Besides Lemmon-Trees, Orange-Trees, Citrons, and Pomegranates, and other Fruit-Trees growing in _Europe_, there are very many sorts of Trees, Herbs, Pulse, and other Plants, of a different kind from those amongst us, and peculiar for the most part to these Islands.

[Sidenote: Fruit-Trees.]

Of Fruit-Trees, the most observable are the _Goyavier_, somewhat resembling the Laurel, onely having a softer Leaf, and of a brighter Green; its Fruit about the bigness of a Pearmain, but full of little Kernels like a Pomegranate.

The _Papayer_, which is of two kinds, one generally growing in all the Islands, the other proper to _Santa Crux_; the first hath a Leaf not much unlike that of the Fig-Tree, and the other bears a Fruit about the bigness of a Melon, which by the _Portuguese_ is call’d _Mamao_, from its resemblance of a Womans Breast: the Tree is hollow and spungy within, and grows up sometimes to the heighth of twenty Foot.