Jamaica viewed with all the ports, harbours, and their several soundings, towns, and settlements thereunto belonging together, with the nature of it's climate, fruitfulnesse of the soile, and its suitableness to English complexions. With several other collateral observations and reflexions upon the island. / By E.H.

JAMAICA VIEWED.

THat the Iſland of Iamaica was rather the Grave then Granary to the firſt Engliſh Colony (ſeated there, after their inauſpicious Enterprize, upon Hiſpaniola) cannot modeſtly be denied;

Whether occaſioned by the griping Monopolie of ſome hoarding Officers; or through want of timely Recruits, alwayes found neceſſary for ſuch Infant-ſettlements: or, through ſome fatal Conjunction of the ſuperiour Luminaties, (that frown by courſe with a ſquint and malignant Aſpects on one Nation or other,) I will not now diſpute.

But that ſuch a Mortality ſhould proceed, either from the Clime, being ſcituate in the Torrid Zone, (a Hereſie unpardonable in the ancients;) or from any accidental Malignitie in any of the Elements, peculiarly entail'd upon it, whereby it ſhould be leſſe habitable then any other moſt auſpicious ſettlement remains here to be controverted.

The Deciſion whereof can be no better evidenced, then by a faithfull

Deſcription, Of the nature of the Clime, and Soile.

1. FIrſt therefore, it's Climate is placed betwixt the Tropicks, in 17 and 18. degrees of Northern Latitude; and therefore twice every year ſubjected to the Perpendicular Beams of the Sun, whence it borrowed the ſtyle of Torrid Zone; a name which did ſo bugbear and affright the credulity of our Anceſtors, that they unjuſtly exil'd and raz'd it out from the habitable part of the world, (then monopoliz'd in the temperate Zones) till the more daring ſpirits of Columbus, and others, convoy'd us to an experimental confidence in the contrary; the Chariby Iſlands, Barbadoes, St. Kits, Mevis, Antego, &c. having prov'd as happy to the complexions and conſtitutions of Engliſh men; as Virginia, New England; nay as Portugal, Spain, Italy, or any other confines upon the Mediterranean Sea, all which notwithſtanding, are ſcituate in the Temperate Zone; a term of Art that now Ironically ſcandalizes that vulgar diviſion of the World into Zones habitable, (the Temperate Zones;) and inhabitable, the (Frigid, and Torrid Zone.) For I muſt avouch that I have found the Air as ſulphurous and hot in England, in the moneths of Iune, Iuly, and Auguſt, eſpecially whileſt the Sun was near the Meridian, as in the hotteſt ſeaſons at Iamaica, whileſt the Sun makes a double in Cancer) or in Guiana, in the moneths of March, and September; whileſt the Sun gallops or'e their Zenith in the Aequinox.

And this will appear to be no ſuch prodigious a Paradox, if we be undeceived of that vulgar errour, that the neighbourhood of the Sun is the only cauſe of extream heat, and it's elongation the reaſon of extremity of cold: for if ſo, our Summers would be equally hot one year, as another, and each day (after the Sun's departure from the winter Solſtice) hotter then another, 'till he had poſted over his halfdirect ſtages to face about in retrograde Cancer) both which experience doth diſprove; for though his appropriation and elongation be the ſame every year, yet our Summers and Winters are not equally hot and cold, and therefore we muſt ſeek out for more intrinſecal and occult cauſes; which now (are not the Aſylum of ignorance) ſince we can certainly aſcribe them to the Sun's Conjunction (improperly termed an Aſpect) and his Aſpects with other Planets, together with his configurations, with the Fixed starres: for the weather is uſually the hotteſt with us in England, after the Sun hath taken his leave of us from his neareſt viſit, and moſt fervent Complement, in the foot of Gemini, with his old faſhion'd Congee in the Right knee and ſhoulder of Orion, and Auriga: and our hotteſt ſeaſons are the Dogge dayes; yet doth not the Sun accompany the leſſer heavenly Dogge, till he come to his feminine nocturnal and unfortunate Lodging, which is in the eighteenth Degree of Cancer; of wch more at large you may conſult Astronomy; my buſineſs here being only to preſent you with an Historical Truth.

And as the coldneſſe of our Nightair in England tempers our hotteſt and moſt canine ſeaſons; ſo the freſh Breezes that riſe alwayes with the Sun, doe fanne the ſweltering and ſultry Climes within the Tropicks: ſo that the dayes are uſually as cold as the nights, except towards the morning, and then a culinary fire is had in requeſt, though the Inhabitants are thought to be dandled in Apollo's Lap, or (as the Poets feign) to have been ſcorch'd, when raſh Phaeton miſtook his way, in his unskill'd and unhappy Journey, — magnae pereunt cum moenibus urbes: Cumque ſuis totas populis incendiae Gentes In cinerem vertunt, ſylvae cum montibus ardent, Ardet Aethos— Quodque ſuo Tagus omne vehit fluit igntbus aurum. Ovid. Met. l. 2. This ſcorch'd ſoil Phaethon to Cinders burn'd, When he his Father's Chariot overturn'd; With hotter flames (if fame we credit may) Then thoſe he ſmutch't in Aethiopia.

But the Native Indians are ſenſible of no ſuch extraordinary warmth; alwayes making a fire under their Hammocks, that the piercing air diſturb not their ſleep.

And the Engliſh themſelves that inhabit almoſt under the Line in Surinam, contemn not their Coverlets in the night; though indeed very few of them reſt in beds, but Hammocks, which do ſomewhat the more expoſe the body to the inquiſition of the ſearching vapours.

Yet as the extremities of cold in theſe Regions betwixt the Tropicks are indiſputably more remiſſe then in England, and the reſt of Europe; ſo the heat qualified with the benefit of the Breezes, more juſtly ſtyles them Temperate, then thoſe Climates that have already falſly, (though with vulgar conſent) uſurp'd the Title.

And I muſt not credit my ſenſes, if I ſhould not affirm, that upon an impartial compare, I never came in more temperate Climes then thoſe of Iamaica, Hiſpaniola, St. Kits, Barbadoes, &c. ſo ſlanderouſly calumniated; the heat in the day time being alwayes alloy'd with the Sea Breezes; and the nights, naturally cool, are by an interchangeable and never-failing intercourſe, refreſhed with Land Breezes; and therefore authentically renowned (by the Lord Verulam, and others,) above Barbary, Spain, and Italy (though fam'd to be the world's Garden) as being neither ſo intemperately hot nor cold.

Though the Lord Bacon's Arguments are only drawn from the Dictates of his reaſon, neither back't nor reinforced with experience; now ſufficiently confirm'd by every Mariner, to take off the greateſt ſit-faſt of incredulity. And this ſhall ſuffice for our information touching the Clime.

Secondly. The nature of the Soil.

2. THe fertility of the Soil of this Iſland may beſt be examined and appear by it's Productions, Wild and purely natural; or, Improved and artificial.

Firſt then. Of the purely natural, or wild Productions of this Iſland.

1. With which, the Soil is ſo pregnant and fertile, that Nature hath ſtor'd it in no niggardly nor novercal benevolence, with Oranges, Lymes, (or baſtard Lemmons,) Guavars, Pomegranates, a kind of Pepper, that taſtes like Cloves, and very Aromatick (known by the name of Iamaica-Pepper) with innumerable kinds of ſeveral Fruits that have ſcarcely found a name in Engliſh with which the Woods are ſo univerſally crouded, that they are likewiſe incomparably ſtockt with abundance of Wild Hoggs, fat and large, that cannot but thrive well upon ſo bountiful Commons, as falls from the trees in a very liberal contribution; yet their Ordinary is not ſo free, but that it ſometimes coſts them their lives; Their fat backs betraying their throats, to the no ſmall advantage of the Hunters, and the whole Iſland.

Nor are the Woods a more plentiful Nurſery for the Hoggs then the Savana's are for the Beeves and wild Cattel; in ſome of which one thouſand would graze in a drove, till the too greedy and repented eagerneſse of felling them by Gun ſhot, frighted them to the ſhelter of the Woods and Mountains; from whence now they dare ſcarcely peep, except ſecur'd with the covert of the night, (their now uſual feeding-time in the Savana's,) and now but in ſmaller numbers.

An inconvenience wiſely prevented by the Spaniard (that lately inhabited, and firſt ſtockt the Iſland) who alwaies on horſe-back ſingled out the Beaſt he intended to kill, (if ſo wild as not to come to his Pen, amongſt his tamer fellows) and with a ſharp Iron in form of an half-moon, faſtened to a ſtaffe, hough'd him on both his hin-leggs; afterwards diſpatching him at his leiſure.

With which two ſingular advantages, for the raiſing and encreaſe of ſtock, (either of Swine in the Woods, or Beeves in the Savana's or Plains,) is happy in Iamaica above any other Iſland or Settlement; (whether upon the Continent or Iſlands of America) at this day peopled by any Engliſh Colony and Plantation; and will ſoon flouriſh above any other, if it want no due encouragement for the preſervation and defence of the Planters.

Every ſhip that comes from the Wind ward Iſlands of Barbadoes, Mevis, St. Christophers, &c. being crouded above convenience with all ſorts of people.

For beſides that the Soil yields not to any of the Chariby Iſlands in the plentifull produce of Sugar-Canes, Tabacco, Cotton, Maiz or Indian Corn, Potatoes, Yawmes, and the like American Proviſions: it hath three, or four ſingular and extraordinary Advantages to enrich the Planter.

Firſt:

1. By the ſpeedy raiſing a ſtock of Cattel, though from a very mean principle, and beginnings: a notable Policy in the thriving Spaniard upon Hiſpaniola, and eſpecially, on Cuba, which is better peopled;) and 'tis this: Near ſome convenient place, in the Wood, that is beſt ſtored with all ſorts of fruit-bearing Trees, as Orange-trees, a ſort of Cabbage-trees, rag'd with berries, &c. they build two or three little Houſes, or more; by them called a Crawle, and in theſe, they firſt incloſe theſe tame Hogs, with which they begin their ſtock, and there feed them; that after (being let out) they will come to the haunt, at the ſound of a Horn; But if they be out of hearing, (they many times ſuſpending all care of them for a week together) they goe out with three or four Dogs, that hunt them in; the whole Herd makeing homewards ſo ſoon as ever the Dogs do Bay them; unto which diſcipline, if any of the Hogs be not conformable, his refractorineſs coſt's him his life; his keeper (for example ſake) ſcarcely indemnifying him for the firſt fault.

Thus two or three Spaniſh ſlaves, (for a native Spaniard ſcorns the Employ) will look to ſix or ſeven hundred Hogs, and provide them meat, not putting their Maſters to a penny charge.

Which courſe may as effectually be managed upon Iamaica, in any part of the Iſland; unparallel'd by any other Engliſh ſettlement in the more VVindward Iſlands.

For a ſtock of Sheep, Cows, Horſes, Goats, and the like, there is excellent Paſture in the Savana's; ſome of them, fourty, ſome fifty miles in circumference, wherein the graſſe ſprings freſh and green all the year long.

The Earth never recalling her lent ſap (as ſhe does mock the Europeans) by giving and taking again, every Moneth being an April; The Trees and Plants being never diſrobed of their Phary-liveries, but wear their beſt clothes every day; in which prodigality they are licenc'd and born out, by their indulgent Parents, the Sun and the Earth; Theſe Regions being their Darlings, and (to uſe Sir Walter Rawleigh's ſtile (The Paradiſe of the world.

In ſo much as here is plenty of food to relieve the Planters Cattel throughout the year, needing no winter-hoard; The providence of the Ant being uſeleſſe here.

2. Another ſingular benefit to the Planter, is the large numbers of wild Horſes, well ſhap'd and very ſerviceable, being all bred of the Spaniſh Gennets, one of theſe tam'd and well manag'd may be bought for three pounds ſterl which would yield ſix thouſand pounds of Sugar at the Barbadoes: of which ſpecial advantage, in eaſing the charge of making Sugars, needs no diſpute.

3. Thirdly, the ſaid Savana's are common to every man that will make uſe of them; For as they are good for little elſe: The woody ground producing the beſt Proviſions for a family, as Corn, Potatoes, Plantanes, Caſſauder, Sugar Canes, &c. ſo ſeating your ſelf upon the skirt of a Savana, bordering upon a Wood, you may with convenience enjoy the benefit of both.

Again, as you may ſtock theſe Plains without limit; ſo you may have fifty Acres, per head, for your ſelf and ſervants, freely aſsign'd and made over to you, in any place you beſt like to make your choice; ſo that the ſeat, you pitch upon, be not firſt taken up by another; whereas in St. Kits, Barbadoes, &c. you cannot turn a Horſe out but he preſently treſpaſſeth upon his Neighbour, if not upon your own Canes: the moſt barren Rocks (even in the Scotland of Barbadoes) owning a Proprietor, and the whole Iſland peſtered with a ſuper-numerary glut of Inhabitants; too ſmall a Hive for ſuch a ſwarm of people.

Laſtly, I ſhall conclude the tranſcendency of this Iſle, by the abundant plenty of choice Timber trees and Wood for the Dyer's uſe, as Fuſtick, Braſiletta, Ebonies, and a kind of Logwood; (but not ſo effectual as that which grows in the Bay of Campeachee) together with choice of medicinal Drugs, as China Roots, Gum Guaic. Lignum vit-Trees, Caſsia, &c. And thus much of the wild and purely natural productions of this happy Soil.

Reddit ubi venerem tellus inarata quotannis: The Virgin-earth's not barren here, But will unoccupy'd, Fruit, bear.

2. General. Second, Of the improv'd Productions of the Iſle.

IN the next place, the fruits of Iamaica that are produc'd by the improvement of Art, will moſt methodically preſent themſelves to be conſidered; wherein I ſhall purpoſely omit to give the Reader any account of thoſe uſual Houſhold Proviſions, of Caſſawder, Corn, Potatoes, &c. nor of thoſe Merchantable Commodities of Cotton, Indico, Tobacco, Sugar, &c. common to it with the reſt of the Engliſh Plantations; But preſuming the Reader's acquaintance with thoſe Fruits and Merchandize ſo vulgarly known; I ſhall only treat of thoſe that are more rare and not to be found in any other of the Engliſh Colonies in America.

1. The firſt that I ſhall mention is the Cacoa. Walks, which are not few in this Iſland, ſome of them containing ten or twelve Acres of Ground, ſome more, ſome leſſe: The Trees are about the bigneſſe of our largeſt Plum-trees in England, orderly ſet, like our Orchards, at the diſtance of 6, or 7. foot from each other; which Interſtitiums are carefully weeded, and cleared from the Graſſe, that the Cacoa Trees may without a Rival engroſs the Sap and ſubſtance of the Soil, which is choſen the moſt fertile that can be got, and naturally skreen'd and ſhaded from the piercing rayes of the Sun; Nor indeed can any ground be better employ'd; the Spaniard, (who beſt underſtands the value of them) reckoning every one of his Cacoa trees to be worth him a piece of Eight per an. after it begins to bear, which is uſually about ſeven yeares after it's firſt planting; in which time they are once or twice tranſplanted for the firſt two yeares, & eſpecially in their Infancy muſt be protected from the ſcorching Sun by the favourable interpoſition of ſome ſhady Trees; and therefore the Plantane-Walks are uſually made choice of, for ſuch Nurſeries.

Of the Fruit or Nuts of theſe Trees is made the ſo fam'd Chocoletta, whoſe virtues are hyperboliz'd upon every poſt in London: though we muſt confeſſe it of excellent nouriſhment.

The Spaniard victualling for a long and wilderneſſe Journey, with no other Refreſhment, then Cakes made of the Kernels of thoſe Cacoa Nuts; which he diſſolves in water for his meat and drink.

The Compoſition of theſe Cacoa Cakes or Chocoletta is now ſo vulgar, that I will not diſparage my Reader by doubting his acquaintance in ſo known a Recipe, a very Crambe in other Authors.

Yet will it not be impertinent to render a moſt exact deſcription of the Nuts, then is hitherto extant, either in the Engliſh or Spaniſh writings, that have as yet come to my hands. Herrera and Acoſta report this fruit to be leſs then an Almond; whereas Doctour Hernandez, or rather, Anthonius Recchius in Hiſt. Plant. in Amer. excuſs. Romae, 1651. deſcribes it to be bigger then a Musk-million. Hernandez was imployed by the King of Spain, to give an account of the Phyſical rarities and Plants of America, and to that purpoſe diſpatched thither by the ſaid Catholick King, and is therefore more creditable and authentick then Herrera or Acoſta: though indeed he does ſomewhat hyperbolize when he equals this Fruit with the largeneſſe of a Musk-million; for the husk or cod is no bigger then the largeſt Pears in England; growing immediately out of the bole or body of the Tree, and ſtock of the branches, admitting not ſo much as the intermedium or uſherage of a twig, ſprouting from the bottome to the top, twice eſpecially every year, viz. in the moneths of Ianuary and May, the chief moneths for the Harveſt of them.

The outward cruſt, or put aminous husk, being broken, appears full of little kernels, or nuts, each of them inveloped in a ſlimy ſubſtance and film, of a phlegmatick complexion, but of a moſt reliſhing taſte: under which is another ſhell, which when bak'd in the Sun, reſembles the colour and ſubſtance of a Cheſnut; but the kernel is of a Cheſnut-hue both within and without, and of this is made the Chocoletta Cakes; full of an oily ſubſtance, not unlike that of the oil of Almonds per expreſsionem: and of this meaneſt Labourer in Iamaica compounds his Morning draughts, wherein though he fares like a Gallant, yet his following Muſick upon the Hoe-boy (wherein he practiſeth to keep his hand in uſe, and ſometimes till his heart akes) doth more melodiouſly affect his maſters eares then his own, and ſeems more harmoniouſly conſonant to his Canvas-Drawers, which are alſo the ſometimes ornament of the Petticoat-Sex (through the rigour of their Maſters unmanumitted;) ſo that here likewiſe the women, (though not with that complacency) ſometimes wear the Breeches.

In the Bay of Honduras, the Coaſt of Carthagena, and alſo in moſt places of Nova Hiſpaniola: two of theſe little Cacoa Nuts (or Kernels) paſs currant for one farthing, with which (as good ſterling) they truck in the Markets.

2. The Coco Nuts, which grow on a ſmooth and ſlender Tree, whoſe wast (in circumference) equals that of a man's; but it's ſtature doubles his height.

Upon the top of whoſe Bulk, the Nuts in ſmall cluſters doe germinate immediately from the Tree, at the footing of the branches.

The Nuts (with the Husk on) is of a Pyramtdal form and may vte dimenſions with the greateſt Logger-head.

The outward rind or husk is of a fibrous, ſpongy ſubſtance, about an inch thick, warily guarding, with ſuperfluous charineſſe, the incloſed ſhell, whoſe Negro-skull is not eaſily broke.

In ſome Countries (as in Guinee) the Natives, card out this Rind into a kind of courſe Tow, which ſerves them for Cordage, Cables, Okam, and Ropes to rigge their Ships; whoſe Hulls and Maſts (as is reported) are ſhap'd out of the body of the Tree; and victualled, only with the Nuts, in whoſe content, is barrell'd up both Drink and Bread; a milky liquour running out, ſo ſoon as you give it vent: for which purpoſe nature hath trim'd it with three bung-holes at the top.

Thus one Tree ſets up a Marriner, and an Orchard ſets out a Fleet: and at the return of the Voyage, the Sea-men are contentedly paid off with this Fruit alone; which ſerves for money, meat and drink.

And indeed the milky juice is a moſt ambroſian Dainty, very Diuretick, and proper Pharmacy for Nephritick diſtempers.

Of the ſhells (poliſhed) are made very handſome Drinking-cups, in which Office, they ſerve us for rarity here in Europe. But they make no ſuch uſe of the Rind at Iamaica; the inner Bark of a kind of Fig-tree furniſhing them (by the Negroes Art) with all ſorts of Cordage, uſefull in a Plantation.

This tree parturiates every Moneth, and will have fifty or ſixty Nuts at a burthen.

If you cut the Bark of the Tree or Fruit (whileſt green) there iſſues forth a Nectar, like that of the wounded Vine; or the Engliſh Birtch-tree perforated in the ſpring, but of a far more aromatick taſte.

I purpoſely omit to ſpeak of other pleaſant Fruits in the Countrey, that are either common with other Iſlands, or not tranſported into Europe: becauſe I would not puzzle the Reader with hard names, nor Tantalize him with a Diſcourſe of Dainties, that he is never like to taſt in Europe; and thoſe that goe thither, need no Tutor.

But the Cacoa and Coco Nuts are Merchantable Commodities, enhanced for their ſingular uſe and delight.

I ſhall conclude with one rarity more, of which in Iamaica is too great a plenty; and that is the Alligator, or Indian Crocodile, an amphibious Creature, that (like an Otter) haunts both the land and water.

I have ſeen many of them upon Hiſpaniola, but never any in the Chariby Iſlands, nor in the Wind-ward Settlements upon the Main.

It would be too long to tell what large feats are ſtoried of this Beaſt; as that he will pull the Bulls into the water, (catching them like a keen Maſtiffe by the cheek) when they come to drink, &c.

This is true, that they have an incomparable ſtrength in the water, in which as their moſt friendly Element, they do uſually encounter the prey, eſpecially, if the maſtery, will require their utmoſt ſtrength in the grapple.

But though he winnes the field in the water, (with a Bull) yet he muſt ſhare the Spoil on the ſhore; for he cannot (without the danger of drowning) ſwallow his Booty, through an impediment in his throat. Some of them (I have ſeen) ſix or ſeven yards long, but their uſual ſtretch, may bate the half; And indeed, though they are fierce and ravenous, yet at the approach of a man, whileſt they lie basking upon the Sands, they betake themſelves, (though with no great haſte) into the water; yet is it not very ſafe ſleeping near the ſhoar where they haunt, leſt they take you napping. Yet can they not prejudice a child that is but aware of them: For their motion is very ſlow; neither can they turn the head, but the whole bodie muſt wheel for company.

Dat Deus immiti cornua curta —

There is as good Civet in the Cods of an old rammiſh Alligator, as in the Ginney Civet Cats.

I ſhall not mention here the plenty of all ſorts of Fiſh, and wild Fowl, as Ginney Hens, Ducks, wild Pigeons, &c. becauſe theſe Collections ſhall take notice onely of what is ſingular in this Iſland, without a Co partner, or any Parallel in any other Settlements of our Countrey men.

But poſſibly amongſt theſe Rarities ſome will expect I ſhould (as the moſt welcome Newes) diſcover ſome Mines of Silver or Gold; as the moſt undoubted tranſcendency of a rich Land Scilicet uxorem cum dote, fidemque & amicos, Et Genus & formam, regina pecunia donat. Ac bene nummatum decorat ſuadela, Venusque. This Auri ſacra fames of the Lyrick, is uſually the Grand Inqueſt; and without it other things ſeem to want their taſte, or reliſh but unſavourly, eſpecially to ſuch an Epicurean as that was that charm'd his ſenſes with this Lullabie; Forbear your Stoick Rules, go read To bed-rid Age; for I'le not heed Your peeviſh morals, till dull ſenſe Deſpairs to have concupiſcence. No, (whilſt my ſpirits are young & good, Revelling in my frolick bloud) Compar'd to me old Epicure, Shall be a Puritan demure, Each ſenſe ſhall play the Paraſite, To humour my coy Appetite, Till I (bidding all joyes goodnight) Prove the Nil ultra a of delight, For virtues only that attend A State not needy I commend; For on your beggar-virtues I Dote not (except integrity,) Such as is Patience per force, A virtue practis'd by my Horſe. When him to th' Manger I do tie From meat, long'd for with leering eye. And let humility be gone, When I have nought to be proud on. Rather then ſuch poor virtues have, Some court rich vices, or a grave. Such is ſome mens prophane Boulimy and inſatiable Poludipſie after Gold, through the depravement of their canine and pical Appetites. —nec Terret ambuſtus Phacthon avaras ſpes. Hor. Neither heat nor cold can baracade the entratls and womb of the earth from the Caeſarean Section, and debauch'd midwifery of the greedy Miners; which (as 'tis thought) would not in Iamaica, prove labour in vain; for ſome Melottoes and Negroes, (that were lately Slaves to the Spaniards in this Iſle) tell us, that their Maſters did certainly know of two Silver Mines; yet are they not hitherto found by the Engliſh; whoſe ſcrutiny therein is not very prying and exact, the which, though aſtured, were no policy to divulge, till their numbers be encreaſed, and their foot hold ſecured; Arguments, that perſwaded the Spaniard to recloſe and dam up a rich Silver Vein in a Mountain near the Sea, a few Leagues to the Norward of Cape St. Nicholas, at the weſt-end of Hiſpantola: not daring to preſent ſuch a temptation to the Princes of Europe, till his Mines in Petozo, Peru, and new Spain be worn out; that his ſpare hands then may not only extract, but ſecure the Oare; a prize, which if now expos'd to publick notice) would create him many an unwelcome Rival, that would not be to ſeek of pretences enough, to further his ſuit: ſince our mother Earth doth indifferently proſtrate her womb to the common embraces of any Raviſher, that hath Arms ſtrong enough to ſecure him, in the Rape; the only Patent that the Spaniard can ſhow for his Indie-Mines.

Which himſelf very well knows, and is therefore very unwilling to diſpute his Title, but where he can empannell an Army, inſtead of a Iury to make good the Claime; the which he can hardly levie upon Hiſpaniola; it being ſo thinly peopled, that he can ſcarcely muſter five hundred fighting men, (in the whole Iſland) though he ſhould put forth a general Preſſe (enforc'd with the ſtricteſt Commiſſion of Aray;) except only in the Town of St. Domingo; which is diſtant above one hundred and fifty miles from the forementioned Mine; and are not able with all their skill and ſtrength to root out a few Buckaneers or Hunting French-men, that follow their Game, in deſpight of them, though they cannot number three hundred at a general Rendezvouſe: and thoſe diſperſed at three hundred miles diſtance from one another, on the North and Weſt ſides of the Iſland; of whom peradventure I may have hereafter more occaſion to diſcourſe.

Therefore it is not much material, whether or no, Iamaica own any Silver Mines, though it be more then probable that time will diſcover ſome: Quicquid ſub terra eſt, in apricum proferet aetas.

For if there were but ſtrength of hands in Iamaica, they might procure money with leſſe labour then digging: except the Spaniard will quietly ſuffer them to reap the Fruits of the Common Earth. For the propriety whereof he can ſhew no Bill of Sale but his Sword.

Thus much in General.

I shall novv give you a more particular Deſcription of this Iſle, with it's Harbours, Tovvns, Ports, Soundings, exactly repreſented in this Map, to your vievv.

WHerein the chieſe Harbour at Point Cagway merits Precedency, lying North-Weſt from the ſaid Point in an Arme of the Sea, that ſhoots in three or four Leagues within the Land.

Where 1000. tall ſhips may ſafely ride at one time, and all ſufficiently ſhelter'd from winds and waves; and if they pleaſe, cloſe aboard the ſhore, for an Engliſh mile in length, incomparably convenient for careening ſhips of all Burthens.

Upon this Point or ſandy Bay is now built above five hundred houſes, by the Engliſh, chiefly for the accommodation of Sea-men, eſpecially the Privateers, who are their beſt Cuſtomers; and ſometimes, as now it is, the Reſidence of the General, and ſome Merchants and Manufactures; whoſe ſhares to build upon is meaſured out to them by the Foot, and that immediately forfeited, if not forthwith improv'd by Buildings, which now almoſt cover the face of the Bay for a mile in length; the breadth thereof being variable, ſometimes borrowing of the two Seas, in whoſe Armes it lies, and then repaying with unequal Intereſt; ſo that about a mile from the Harbour's mouth, it is almoſt Bankerupt.

The Bank in that place not extending to above half a Cables length in bredth: where, if cut through from Sea to Sea, (which very little labour would effect.) This Isthmus would loſe it's name in an Iſland; And the Converſion conduce much to it's ſecurity.

For there is no landing upon the South-ſide of the Bay (which is waſh'd and Buts upon the main Seas) by reaſon of the fury of the waves (not pacified by any Breakers,) even in the becalmeſt ſeaſons.

And the entrance into the Harbour is commanded with a Fort, built by the Engliſh: wherein there are at this day, ſome as good Canon planted, as the Tower of London would afford, yet the Bay, (or ſaid Town) conſiſting on nothing but looſe ſand (in moſt places whereof you have water, in ſinking but three or four foot) admits no ſufficient defence in Teneable Bulworks, without the Tribute of forreign Materials; which are not far to ſeek.

The worſt is, their water, which is infected (by the intruſion of the Neighbour-ſeas) with a brackiſh taſte; and therefore they make uſe of none but what is fetch'd three or four leagues in Boats and Canoues.

Which incovenience diſſwaded the Spaniards from gracing it with ſo much as one houſe, ſeating themſelves near a pleaſant River, and by the ſide of a moſt lovely Savana, in the famous Town of St. Jago de la Vega.

WHich was as well built, and as large as any Town in England; but now haſt loſt much of it's priſtine luſtre, ſince the Landlords became Engliſh; for it did contain two thoufand Houſes, and upwards, with ſixteen Churches and Chappells, when it was firſt ſeized upon by the Army conducted by Gen. Venables; now there remains only the Skeletons of two Churches and an Abbey, with about five or ſix hundred Houſes; ſome of which are yet very pleaſant and habitable.

This Town was firſt founded by Columbus, to whoſe happy ſearch, the West-Indies firſt diſcovered it ſelf; (all former Commerce and Traffick thither being till then adjourn'd beyond the Records of Time and Memory) bur now by him reviv'd to Correſpondency. He was the firſt Father and God-father to this Town, giving it the name of St. Iago de la Vega; which it reciprocally retorted to him in his, and his yet remaining Families Title of Honour) by the good pleaſure of the King of Caſtile, created Duke de la Vega; famous in Spain, even to this day.

Here is plenty of Caſsta Ligrea, and Oranges of excellent reliſh in abundance, with ſome other choice Fruits, the Fruits of the Spaniſh Induſtry.

The mentioned Savana that faces this Town is now pretty well ſtockt with Sheep, Goats, Cowes, and eſpecially tame Horſes. But it did contain many thouſands of each whileſt the Spaniard own'd it.

The back-ſide of the Town is waſh'd with a fair, but unavigable River which buries it ſelf in the Sea Paſſage-Fort.

About twenty or thirty years agoe, this Town was wonne by a little Fleet of Engliſh men, fitted out from the Chariby Iſlands, chiefly from Sr. Kits, under the Command of Gen. Iackſon, who landed about five hundred men at Paſſage-Fort, and fought his way up to the Town, againſt two thouſand Spaniards, who ſtill fled before him; but ſome what retarded his Carcer, by ſix or ſeven ſeveral Breaſtworks, caſt up athwart the Road, on purpoſe to Bulwark this Town, (the Jewell of this Iſle) from ſuch Inroades and ſudden ſurprizals: For the prevention whereof they kept continual watch upon a great Hill that overlooks the Sea, the Harbour, and the Town, from whence the Centinells, in the twinkling of an eye by tokens agreed upon, ſignified the imminency of approaching dangers; As at this time when Gen. Iackſon made the On-ſet; the ſtrength of the Iſle being drawn up on the ſhore, before he could land his men; whom, though the Spaniards ſome what reſiſted, and at their ſeveral Breſt-works caus'd them to make an unwilling Halt; yet the fury of Iackſon's men, greedy of ſpoil, overcame all difficulties, neglecting dangers in compariſon thereof: Thus with the loſſe of fourty men, forcing to the Town, plunder'd it, to their no ſmall enrichment. The booty likewiſe being advanced by a large Fine paid him by the Spaniard, on condition the Town might be preſerved from burning; which was accordingly ſav'd, and their retreat to the Fleet undiſturb'd.

But when the ſwelling Armado with Gen. Venables, attempted this Town, (after their worſe ſucceſſe againſt St. Domingo) they beat the buſh ſo long, till the Bird was flown. For the ſubtle Spaniard, belaying our men with parleys, and fair words, in the interim diſpatches away Bag and Baggage; ſometimes ſending Beeves to ſtay the ſtomacks of the hungry Soldiery; and bearing Gen. Venables, in hand with choice Viands; and Spaniſh Dainties preſented to his Lady, who had more mind to eat then fight.

Thus ſtaving them off, till their Train and beſt Movables had got ſo much Law, that afterwards the ſwifteſt purſuit could not give them a Turn, before they had got Covert in their Faſtneſſe, the Woods.

And certainly, the treaſure they carried with them could not but be very conſiderable if we may gueſs at the worth of the Jewell by the ſplendor of the Cabinet, that kept it: or eſtimate the largeneſs of the Bird by the Neſt: the Town being then even to magnificence, adorn'd with ſpatious Houſes.

For the ſafe-guard whereof the Spaniards never durſt cope with our men in the plain field; yet would ſometimes gawl them, when befriended with the treachery, that night and the Woods do afford; in which clandeſtine encounters, though at firſt the Spaniſh ſucceſſe was too fortunate; yet dear bought experience did in a little time train up our men in the ſame Myſteries: in which now they are grown ſo perfect, that they never ceaſt beating both Spaniard and Negro at their own Play, and with their own weapons, till they had cleared the Iſland of them; In deſpair now of Recovery (being ſo often refruſtrated in their reattempts,) except by ſome invincible Armado, which yet will find work enough, e're they make the Iſland too hot for the Engliſh, now naturaliz'd to the Countrey, and can never want ſhelter nor victuals whilſt they have the Woods to befriend; with which now they are ſo well acquainted, that the Molottoes and Negroes, (which the Spaniards left behind them to keep poſſeſſion of the Iſland, therein reckoning without their Host, preſuming them unconquerable, and paſt finding out) are now ſo overmatch'd in their own Arts, that their Captain and the major part of them have ſubmitted; thereby leſſening their maſter's Title by eleven Points of the Law; and craving Engliſh protection; into which, they are upon ſubmiſſion received, by the truly Honourable General Dawley, and now authoriz'd to prey upon, and hunt their fellows, that in ſcattered Parties yet ſtand it out, having already ſealed their Allegiance with the bloud of their old Aſſociates, not without the dextrous contrivement of that Noble General, whoſe happy policy in the wary preſervation of this Forlorn in Iamaica, hath already without the ſuſpicion of flattery, authoriz'd the ſtyle. To whom our Nation, in ſome meaſures ſtands indebted for the Reprizal of that honour at Rio-Novo, which was ſo ſhamely loſt under the debauch'd conduct of Gen. Venables in Hiſpaniola: the Spaniards till then having ſo mean and deſpicable thoughts of Engliſh courage, that upon the On-ſet at Rio-Novo they upbraided our men with the opprobrious mention of Sancta Domingo, till the repented aſſay of their valour, diſciplin'd them into better manners.

For though the numbers of the Spaniſh Forces at Rio-Novo doubled the Engliſh (being ſent from Cuba to reinforce and reſettle the Iſland) and thoſe ſtrongly entrenched; yet ſuch was the enraged earneſtneſſe of the Souldiery to redeem their wounded Honours, that (regardleſſe of all odds and diſadvantages) they ſtorm'd them in their trenches with a reſolution as undaunted as the ſucceſſe was proſperous. Hereby not only retriving the Priſtine ſame of their Countrey-men; but alſo hitherto fruſtrating all hopes in the Spaniards of further attempts to regain the Iſland.

Another Party of Spaniards reſeating themſelves at Point-Pedro, being attended with a no leſſe inauſpicious fate.

And the truth is, the Iſland, though it were leſſe fruitfull, is worth the fighting for, thou it ſhould coſt the Spaniard ſome of his beſt bloud; for it lies within his Bowels, and in the heart of his Trade.

For all the treaſure that his Plate-Fleet brings home from Carthagina ſteer directly for St. Domingo in Hiſpaniola, and from thence muſt paſs by one of the ends of this Iſland to recover the Havana, The common rendezvouſe of this whole Armado, before it returns home through the Gulf of Florida. Nor is there any other way (whereby to miſs the Iſland of Iamaica) becauſe he cannot in any reaſonable time turn it up to the Windward of Hiſpaniola; the which though he might with difficulty perform, yet he would thereby looſe the ſecurity of his united forces, which at the Havana (from all the Parts of the Bay of Mexico, New-Spain, and the rich Merchandize that comes by Nombre de Dios, from the South Seas,) accompany each other home from the ſaid general Rendezvouſe.

So that the Privateers from Iamaica are often fingering the Plate, and other precious commodities, that was never conſign'd to them; by picking up their ſingle and ſtragling Veſſels before they are enſur'd by their embodied Fleet.

In which reſpects (as in many others) Neceſſity hath made a better choice of a ſeat for the Engliſh Dominions, then their intended ſurprizal of Hiſpaniola, though it had been atchieved: And their winnings, (if the Game be followed) will unexpectedly outvie the ſtakes.

And here I cannot but take notice of the many convenient Harbours, adjudg'd by the moſt experienced Mariners to equal the beſt that they ever came to Anchor in. For beſides that already mentioned at Point Cagg way. There is another (nothing inferiour) below it to Lee-ward at about four or five Leagues diſtance; and may as conveniently ſerve the Town of St. Iago, as that other at Cagg-way; they being triangularly ſcituated: It is uſually known by the name of Old Harbour, where four hundred tall ſhips may ride together without danger of falling foul upon one another.

And about fourteen Leagues to Wind-ward, is another ſafe Port called by the Spaniards Porto Morant, which yet retains the name. In the Confines whereof a Regiment is ſeated; who with many other Planters, have now made themſelves conſiderable in the Produce of Sugar, Tobacco, Cotton, &c.

But it is beſides my ſcope to mention every Harbour on this and the North ſide of the Iſle, leſt this Volume extend beyond the compendious Dimenſions of Journal Notes; calculated only for thoſe that are moſt remarkable, eſpecially ſince the fore-inſerted Plat may ſatisfie a more critical enquiry; and be ſufficiently Authenrick to confute thoſe traditional Heterodoxes, that ſome * Amer. deſc. p. ult. 1655. mens raſhneſſe hath publiſhed to the contrary upon bare report.

But I ſhall adjourn a more plenary diſcovery to theſe enſuing Animadverſions.

REFLEXIONS Upon the preſent Affairs of JAMAICA; And the Expedition againſt HISPANIOLA: Under the Conduct of GENERAL VENNABLES.

1. THat Bulky Armadoes are many times ſunk with their own weight; which, if parcell'd out into ſeaſonable Recruits, had ſignified more by each Retail, then the prodigal waſte of ſuch whole-ſale Adventures.

The Dimenſions of this great Preparation vaſtly exceeding the difficulties that could encounter them, from all the united Forces in Hiſpaniola: and fitted out with ſtrengths ſufficient to make Prize of the whole Spaniſh Plate-Fleet, rather then the ſacking of a ſmall Town, or an unpeopled Land, ſuch as is St. Domingo, and Hiſpantola; who at the firſt brunt left this town to the Ranſack of Gen. Iackſon's men; though timely Alarum'd by Iackſon's Demurre, at the Harbours mouth, for four dayes ſpace; and then not able to land above five hundred men.

A thouſand Engliſh Souldiers being now an over-match to all the power, that the Spaniards in Hiſpaniola, can bring into the field; unable at this day to ſerrit out a new French Buckaneers, or Hunting Marownaes, formerly mentioned; who live by killing the wild Beeves for their Hides; and might grow rich by the Trade, did not their laviſh Riotings in expence (at the neighbour-Tortudoes) exceed the hardſhip of their Incomes. Their comfort is, they can never be broke whileſt they have a Dog and a Gun; both which, are more induſtriouſly tended then themſelves.

Theſe Acteon-ſtraglers (that ſeldome number above five or ſix in a company) are often affronted with the Spaniſh Rounds (conſiſting of about one hundred Fire-locks) that once a year compaſs the Iſland, yet dare they never cope with theſe reſolute Champions, & wandring Knights; who, ſetting back to back, would make ſure to ſell their lives at a double rate, and in that poſture bid defiance to the Enemy.

The Grave Seignior ſcorning to barter a drop of Poeniſh bloud in exchange for an Ocean of ſuch Raſcal-Gaule.

And I am very confident that the ſmall Remnant left in Iamaica (knowing how to victual their Camps with what the Woods afford) will be able to disaray the Spaniards in Hiſpaniola or Cuba, (even to admiration,) and above what the moſt favouring preſage can expect or Autume.

And certainly this Foot-hold (yet ſecur'd, maugre the Spaniſh craft and power,) foiled twice by them in their reattempts doth open ſo fair a paſſage into the Indies; that if His ſacred Majeſty, our moſt excellent Prince do not in mercy balk the Spaniard; a few years will immortalize Him one of the greateſt Emperours of the World: being happy, and not onely in an invincible Navy, but in the Dominion of Northern Kingdomes, that are therefore ſo fruitfull, that they ſtore him with more men then Room: who are ſooneſt likely to leave juſtling when they are parted with more elbow-room: The very Diviſion of that united Abraham and Lot, who by too near correſpondence fell together by the ears. Thus too nigh neighbourhood begets contentions, whileſt diſtance and abſence uſually enhanceth the affections of near friends.

Reflex. II.

2. THat ſudden ſurprizes from an Ambuſcade, uſually prevailes more then open force. The whole ſtrength of Hiſpaniola, though embodied and in view, not being able to ſtrike that terrour, and make ſuch havock of our amazed Soldiers, as fourty or fifty Negroes and Molettoes effected by an unlook'd for on-ſet.

Gaining more by this jugling deluſion then their whole Army could by Play above-board. The Spaniards (like Hannibal) obtaining conqueſt with their heads rather then their hands. Nor are they ſo uſually foiled, as when encountred with their own weapons: a wary plodding Fabius ſignifying more then a hot Spur Marcellus.

To which ſquint-ey'd Mode in war Scanderbeg ſtands indebted for moſt of his Victories againſt the Ottomanes; as alſo Ioſhua, though back'd with a Divine reſerve, for the defeat of Aj.

Thus alſo do the Native Indians encounter their adverſe Nations, rather ſtealing upon them, then aſſailing them; eſpecially, practis'd by the Meridional, and more oriental Americans; whoſe diminitive ſtatures call for the aſſiſtance of wily ſtratagems; neglected by the more Northerly and armſtrong Regions, whoſe Character, (according to mine own knowledge and experience) eſpecially of thoſe Guiana and Char • by Indians, that cohabit with the Engliſh in Surinam, I deem not much extravagant here to inſert.

Under the Line that equal's night and day Guiana ſtands, part of America: On whoſe head Phoebus ſhoots his fiery ſteams, Twice every year, with down right darted beams. In his Twelve Houſes, as he travels forth Alongſt the Zodiack, 'twixt the South and North. Whoſe Native Indian hath not, nor needs Art To clothe himſelf, Nature ſupplies that Part. They're true Philoſophers, not much they have, Nor do they want much, nor much do they crave. They care not for to morrow; no ſupply, But juſt from hand to mouth, no Granary: If they want Fleſh, they take their bow in hand. And then for Hare or Deer, hunt o're the Land. For all Game here moſt eas'ly taken be, Since they take Covert in ſome hollow tree. Or ſome ſuch crazie Refuge, whence they are Dig'd forth at leiſure for the Hunter's fare. Or if the ſtomack do in Fiſh delight, With wily feats he gluts his appetite. His bread & drink both made of one root are, Caſsawder call'd, cook'd by the Women's care; Who ſhew their beſt of dutie to their Home, When their Mates wearied with their Booties come. For every man in's houſe is Lord and King, Hath pow'r of Life and Death, and every thing: His will's his law, from him there's no appeal, No other Monarchy or Commonweale. If Wives and children offenders are, His will's the Judge; hand, Executioner: To none but to their Chief, they Homage owe, That's th' Eldeſt Son, when marry'd, t' him they bowe, His Father, Mother, Brethren, Nephews, all; Muſt low'r to him, and on the knee muſt fall: Till his firſt Son be married, then he (Depos'd) muſt to his own Son bend the knee. Thus do they live by families, thus then They're alwayes govern'd by middleag'd men. When any dyes, into his Urne is hurl'd All that he hath; (to uſe; i'th' other world:) His Axe, Bill, Knife, his Bow and Hammock too, And this the beſt of ſervice they can doe For their dead Friend. If he a Captain be, Then if he have a Slave, he then muſt die; And the ſame Roge burn both; thus is ſupply'd Each one i'th' other world, as 'fore he dy'd. But uſually their Slaves, when captive ta'ne, Are to the Engliſh ſold; and ſome are ſlain, And their Fleſh forthwith Barbacu'd and eat By them, their Wives and Children as choice meat. Thence are they call'd Caribs, or Cannibals; The very ſame that we Man-eaters call. And yet herein lyes not their chief content To eat for food, but as a Sacrament; To bind them and their Children to be fierce, And into th' entrails of their foes to pierce. Though in the world no greater Cowards be, Managing all their Fights with treachery, Moſt of their feats by ſtealth and night are done, If once it come to handy-gripes they runne. Thus much I'le ſay; I would not wiſh to have A better friend, or foe, or better ſlave Then is an Indian; where he once affects, In love and ſervice ſhall be no neglects. Command him as your ſlave, his life, his All, If he do once you but Bone-aree call; And who would wiſh an eaſier foe then he, That (like a Buck) at noiſe of Guns will flie, But then your ſlave if that an Indian be, No other Caterer you need but he. He plenty ſhall provide for yours and you, With his Dogs only, and his Bill and Bow And thus much for their Men. Their Women are Lovely, though brown; modeſt, hiding their Ware, With ſeveral colour'd Beads together knit, With Art methodical together ſet; And this they uſe whileſt they are young and fair, But when they're old, their heedleſſe, all is bare. If of your Wine and Brandee, youl'e be free, They'le not leave till they drunk as beggars be. They call the Devil Yerkin, him alone They worſhip, ſaying, God wills harm to none, But is intirely good; and therefore they, The mercy of their Yerkin only pray. When they are ſick, Yerkin doth bear the blame, Of him they beg deliverance from the ſame, The Muſes and their Flamens they caſhiere, Only Diana's Troops are 'ſtabliſh'd here, Except ſome Prieſts, which they do call Peei, With mumbling charms Yerkin to pacifie. (In ſumme to ſay) they're all ſimplicity, Almoſt like Adam, in's innocency. Whatever Nature or their Appetite Does dictate, they do follow with delight; Not once with conſcience check embittered, Being by the law of Nature only led. Not coveting large Barns, with hoards to ſtuffe, When once their belly's full, they have enough; For Avarice, here never makes them jarre, Nor warrants, by religion's varniſh, warre. His pride ſo natural, (if't be a vice,) Yet coſts him nothing, or but little Price; It never makes him ſell his land, nor ſhut Shop-windows up, nor a ſpare Jewel put To trouble, in a Pawne for Cloak or Gown. His onely pride's a Feather on his Crown: The caſt-clothes of ſome gaudy Bird fits him. For which he needs not venture life nor limb, Nor Hector it, nor liſt under Sir Hugh, (When known by the old ſuit, to fiſh for new;) Nor cringe to Velvet Titles, with a gape, Like fawning Cur, or mopping Jackan-Ape: Nor need to be light finger'd in a crowd; Nor light heel'd to procure a Scarfe or Hood, Nor with ſtretch'd Fancies beg a Ladies ſmile, Which ſhe (poor ſoul) ſcarce underſtands the while, They make no mintage here of Brains, nor be The ſterling Pence coyn'd with a Comoedie. For pomp and fine clothes only are the cauſe Of all our ſhirking Trades, and endleſſe lawes. Since Nature ne're brought forth a Creature yet, Unfurniſh'd, with what Coverlets were fit. The Back (if not miſus'd) in coldeſt Land, Craving no waſte clothes, more then face or hands.

But this Diverſion is ſomewhat out of our way to Iamaica.

Reflex. III.

3. THough in multitude of Councellours there is ſafety, yet multitude of Commanders equally ſharing in power, are uſually attended with confuſion. And therefore though the wary Romanes inveſted their Confuls with equal Authority, (leſt the unmated Intereſt of a ſingle General ſhould by happy Victories winne ſo much upon the affections of his concern'd Followers, as to enfringe the Liberties, with which they hugg'd themſelves in their Aristocracy;) yet the Conſuls commanded by turns, by intermitting dayes; and very ſeldome in one and the ſame Province;

Counter to the Inſtructions in this Expedition, which oblig'd the General to act nothing without the joint conſent of Gown-Commiſſioners, for that purpoſe conſtituted. Which, though it pleads ſomewhat in Apologie for General Vennables, yet nevertheleſſe it raſeth out this Model from the more Genuine Maxims of Policy; as invented only by the jealouſies of Tyrants and Uſurpers; but found uſeleſſe and prejudicial to more juſtly inſtalled Princes; whoſe undiſputed Titles need not the broke-age of ſuch ſhifting and by-way ſtratagems to enſure their Negotiations.

Reflex. IV.

4. THat Souldiers wives are more properly ſeated in their husband's Kitchin, then his Tent. General Vennable's Lady being not unjuſtly blamed, both for his ſluggiſh and liſtleſſe Proceedings, as alſo, for his unlicenſ'd and immature Return, further'd, if not procur'd by her too opportune Inculcations. A Dalliance of ſo ſad a conſequence to the Engliſh Nation, that zeal to my native Countrey whets my paſſions to ſo Satyrical an edge, that I can ſcarce forbear, here to laſh out, againſt her whole Sex, did not the Virtues of ſome others interceed. However I muſt have a touch at the Martyred State, that warrants ſuch unſeaſonable Companions for the Warres; wiſely prevented by the Turks in their Eunuch-Generals.

The beſt on't is I am not awed (thanks to my fates) with the dreadfull Catechiſme of a Curtain Lecture.

I cannot think on wretched Cleopatra, But ſhe doth move my ſpleen, and Bilis atra: Who caus'd ſilly Mark Anthony to ſmart; Loſing his head, when he gave her his heart. He firſt embrac'd the Serpent in his arm, But ſhe, long after; both, with equal harm. How call you thoſe who fool'd old Solomon; And ſhameleſs put the Royal Breeches on? What can ſecure us from the Petticoat? When wit, nor Samſon's ſtrength can ſave the throat? If Pins and Laces Emperours enthral, Wonder not at a puny General. But if you muſt wed; ſee ſome charm you get, Incloſe i'th' wedding-Ring an Amulet: Nothing can be too ſafe; we thunder fear, A toy to th' Curtain-whiſper in the car. Thus Socrates curſt Zeno, (when in ſtrife, Vying for curſes, wiſh'd, he had a Wife. Thus the grave Judge in rigour did decree, To him that had two Wives, He ſhould have three. (As the Monck ſhriv'd the Drunkard) for his pain, Ordaining that he ſhould be drunk again.) If Expiations merit, none's more meet. Then to do Penance in the Nuptial ſheet: For ſure they need not Purgatory fear Hereafter, that (poor ſouls) endure it here. There's no ſuch joy in this betwin'd State then, If any, th' women get it, not the men. Though I muſt ſay, thoſe pretty ſweetmeats pleaſe Sometime; But to cloy'd ſtomachs a Diſeaſe. Such is the Nuptial Surfeit, a mere Glut, Like loathed Baggage to the nauſeous Gut. Enough is better then a feaſt, each one, After a faſt does fall the keener on; But to lie wallowing in Cates, though rare, Fie on't, what is it but a hoggiſh fare? If then at beſt no better Chear you meet, How doth he fare that's lodg'd i' th' loathed Sheet? If the moſt ſtately Priſons cannot pleaſe, VVhat ſhall we find i' th' Jakes and Little-eaſe? Is there no Paradiſe in Cherry-cheek, What a plague is that then, that's as green as Leek? If that your pretty Maids be things, but filly, (Compar'd by ancient Bards, to Roſe and Lilly) Then ſure, that look muſt needs be out of date, Bedaub'd (like ulcers) with Precipitate. If Females, at the beſt, but peſter men, He's Match'd, that hath a Leagure-Lady then. But I'le forbid no Banes; nor rouſe the Neſt Of little angry Waſps: I'me but in jeſt; Though, whil'ſt ſome read theſe lines, their Wives in view, They'le whiſper to themſelves, and ſay, they're true. For by your leave, with Venus though you're match't, There is no doubt but you are Coneycatch't.

But ſuch poor men, as this General Vennables, (that are thus o're-mated) works my pity rather then ſcorn, moving my bowels more then my ſpleen; for though the Kingdome was the loſer, he is none of the gainers, and the thraldome of his ſheets out-vies the Halter; furniſhing us with this concluſion, That he's unfit to be Pater Patriae that is not Domt Dominus; nor to head an Army, that muſt kneel at his own Fire ſide; nor to ride Admiral of a Fleet, that cannot carry the Flag at home, but is forced to lowre his Top ſail, to a Petty coat. In defiance whereof, I have here, with their own worded weapon, taken up the Gantlet, to my no little hazard of a ſcolding: though if they knew the reſpect and honour I have for the worthy thy Ladies; (as thoſe that knows me, know I am no woman hater,) nor in this relation any thing of kin to the Noble Blake, the niceſt coynes would eaſily vouchſafe me an Act of Grace. All my quarrell with their Sex conſiſting only in the defence of thoſe poor men that ſtand in need of Abaſuerus his Decree.

Reflex. V.

5. THat the moſt promiſing deſigns, though launch'd out and promoted with all the appertinent utenſills, that policy can contrive; are many times eaſily defeated by uncalculated Accidents: ſometimes a miſtaken letter, in the ſound of a word, hath rooted great Armadoes: and the whiſtling of the wind in the Sicamour trees deſtroyed an Hoſt. Thus Gideon founded the Midianites with the ſudden ſurprizal of Trumpets, Lamps, and broken Pitchers. Caeſ. Com. de bell. Gallic. The very looks of the Germanes affrighted the Gaules; And the very flaſhes in the beſmeared faces of the Picts, did gawle the Saxons. Thus did the helliſh viſage of the grim Negroes and Molettoes beyond all imagination at the firſt aſſault nonplus our men at Hiſpaniola; which yet had not ſignified ſo much, if it had not been ſeconded with the unhappy Conduct of Gen. Venables; whoſe crazy management of affairs ſhared ſo ſiniſter an influence to his better deſerving Followers.

The Indulgent Heavens till now, ſuſpending the Award of any Damages to the Engliſh Nation, in repair of the loſſe of that invincible Armado in Eighty Eight.

Reflex. VI.

6. THat Neceſſity often trains up a Militia better then Plenty. For had not the Belly been Magister artis, putting the Soldiers to their ſhifts, to ſilence it's importunities, they had never prov'd ſo good Marks-men, nor had come ſo familiarly acquainted with the Woods: whoſe skill therein hath now ſtood them in ſo good ſtead, for the ſtubbing up thoſe Spaniſh Negroes, that till then lay as thorns in their ſides, that they could ſcarce ſtir abroad without being prick'd.

Thus the Alpes prov'd leſs fatal to Hannibal's Army, then Capua; and hunger & cold ſpur'd and egg'd on the weather-beaten Goths and Vandalls to better their Sun, till they did Lord it in France and Italy.

This only inconvenience attended the Soldiery of Iamaica, that finding their leggs, and able to ſtand by themſelves without the aſſiſtance of a Providore, they became more refractory, and head-ſtrong, and of a leſſe bounded diſcipline: acknowledging but ſmall Homage where they received ſo ſmall Pay; which did the rather ſubject them to mutiny, and eaſie to be wrought upon by more working Pates.

Nor did this licentiouſneſs long want the misimproved ſubtilty of a Gentleman, one Lieut. Col. Raymond, a diſcontented Souldier, that wanted nothing but a better Employ, to ſet out his vaſt Parts: and had he not encountred with a General, that is cunning enough, and prov'd himſelf at all Machievilltan aſſayes, his Match; he had certainly reduc'd the Forces in Iamaica, into a ſelf-deſtroying Flame; eſpecially now their diſcontents had heated them to ſo (tinder-like) a touchineſſe, that they were ready to take fire on all occaſions. Nor were theſe Incendiaries to ſeek of all plauſible Pretexts that witty uſurpation doth uſe to colour and gild blacker Deſignes. But what the aimes of Lieut. Col. Raymond were are not eaſily to be diſcovered; but it is more then preſum'd, that his want of employment: (having never had any Charge in Iamaica) though not uncapable of the greateſt, that this Iſle could afford) made him (unable to bear Neglects) thus over buſie; and too too active in moulding poor Lieut. Col. Tiſon to what ſhape he pleas'd; his Heart being better then his Head, and his Armoury better blazoned with the Dove then the Serpent; and I am very confident did not foreſee the evil and danger that thoſe lawleſs Bandyings do incurre, which Relation may admit the more credit in that I am altogether unconcerned in either Party, and neither prejudic'd nor byaſſed with Partiality.

Nor were thoſe fickle-headed Souldiers ſo ſoon invited to riſe in Arms with them, but they ſooner deſerted them: leaving them to the Mercy of their Opponents Court-Maſhalls, who preſently doom'd them, to be ſhot to death. Lieut. Col. Tiſon died with ſome reluctancy and regret; but Lieut. Col. Raymond, like himſelf; with an undiſmay'd Reſolution anſwerable to his wonted Magnanimity on whoſe Interment a buſie Wit threw this Epitaph.

AT thy Nativity the Heaven's have worn Such viſage as when Cataline was born. Your Significators ſure muſt be th' ſame, And Aſpects; ſince you differ but in name. His vaſter ſoul Rome's walls could not confine, Thine daign'd no Pere, ſcarce that of Cataline. His ſtile long-winded Tully's did ſurpaſſe, And thine ſo raviſhing, too perſwaſive was. He knew no fear, ſcarce of his own deem'd Gods, Oh that in this, of thee he'd had the odds! His ſoul, engroſs'd th' Monopoly of Arts, And thy Orphaean skill could raviſh Hearts. His to w'ring Genius could not bend the knee, And thine was fitter for a Throne then thee. The King of Terrours could not him affright, And thou did'ſt ſeem to court eternal might. Not un bewail'd was his Cataſtrophe, And ev'n thine enemies lamented thee. He lives (though not entomb'd) by'is famous facts, Thy Grave, ſcarce known; but, well enough thine Acts.

Reflex. VII.

7. THat though Infant-Settlements, like Infant-years, are uſually moſt fatal; yet their Bloſſomes once Set, are not ſo eaſily Blaſted. Happily experimented in Iamaica, whoſe Blooming hopes now thrive ſo well, and their Stocks ſo well Rooted, that they are not eaſily Routed. The Major part of the Inhabitants being old Weſt-Indians, who now Naturalized to the Countrey, grow the better by their Tranſplantation, and flouriſh in health equivalently comparable to that of their Mother-Sotl. For which I need not beg credit, ſince there is no Countrey Diſeaſe (as at Virginia and Surinam) endemically raging throughout the Iſle; nor any new and unheard of diſtempers that want a name.

So that a wiſe man needs no other Phyſick there but his Temperance, ſcarcely craving Hoſpital aſſiſtance ſo much as we in England, nor have any more reaſon to deify an Aeſculapius.

And therefore we conſult our fears, rather then the dangers, when the very name of Travell into Foreign Parts, doth ſo much affright us, eſpecially into ſo ſerene an Aire as breathes in Iamaica, that owns nothing but it's diſtance to diſmay us from it's viſit; The Indies being no ſuch Bugbear as they are (uſually pourtray'd. In vindication therefore,

For Travel, take this APOLOGY. PRithee, perſwade me not, my Dear, You do miſtake my Fates, I fear. My Glaſs will run no ſooner out, Though I do range the World about. Could my ſtay here, bribe a delay, From the pale Siſters, I would ſtay. But 'tis too true (though't be a Fable) The Sisters are Inexorable; And are as nimble with their Knife To thoſe that lead a Homebred life. Brave Rawleigh found (too ſoon) a Tomb! Not in the Indies, but at home. The Deſtinies did Drake forbear In the Antipodes, not here; And do, like Ladies coy, neglect Thoſe moſt, that Court them with reſpect. But will Embraces beg & pray Of thoſe that are as niceas they. Or, if the froward Stars diſpence With their Malignant influence, Adjourning Plagues they uſe to bring, In peccant Autumns, or the Spring: Yet a Conſumption, or the Gout, In Chimney-corner finds us out: Or, (what is worſe) old driveling Age, With all it's loathed Aequipage, Arreſts us, till we have unſaid The Pray'rs which we for long life made; Yet, they're forc'd ſooneſt to recant, That fruits of youthful Travel want: For knowledge onely doth commend Old Age; whileſt liſtening Nephews'tend With greedy ears to catch up all Old ſtories, Grand-ſires does let fall; (Thus ſhortening long Winters Night) This paliiates Age with ſome delight, For when the cold Palſey doth ſeize On other members, Tongues at eaſe. And is the old man's Commendamus, Which without Travel is leſs famous. Nay damn'd Exile in this was bleſt, Of Kings, it has made ours the beſt: Thus Ioſeph's Brethrens (meant) Abuſe Rais'd him, the Honour of his Houſe. Aeneas thus enhanc'd his fame, From Trojan to the Roman Name.

Reflex. VIII.

8. THat an Army once cow'd, eſpecially in their firſt foreign attempt, ſeldome bound their fear till it become altogether Panick: like that Punick amaze that epidemically invaded Carthage, after the firſt defeat of Hannibal by the more thriving Genius of Scipio Africanus.

This is certain, that after the firſt check given to our Forces by the Negroes and Molettoes in Hiſpaniola; The very mention of their coming, (though bruted but for experiment) caus'd ſome to haſten their march, beyond the pace of gravity and valour.

Though after Tryals approv'd them to be Engliſh men, rather then Normans, daring, to Rally defeated Courage. The truth whereof many an Aethiope hath now unwillingly aſſerted by the laviſh expence of his ſooty bloud. And here I intended to publiſh ſome Eſſayes touching the future Settlement of Iamaica, which now are upon ſecond thoughts condemn'd to privacy.

FINIS.