University of Virginia Library

Chap. V.

BEsides the Fruits, which this Island produceth,
whose plenty, as is held for
certain, surpasseth all the Islands of America,
it aboundeth also, very plentifully, in all sorts
of quadruped Animals. Such are Horses,
Bulls, Cows, Wild-Bores, and others very usefull
unto human kind, not only for common
sustenance of Life, but also for cultivating of
the ground, and the management of a sufficient
Commerce.

In this Island therefore are still remaining
an huge number of Wild-Dogs. These de-

stroy yearly, multitudes of all sorts of Cattle.
For no sooner hath a Cow brought forth her
Calf, or a Mare foaled, but these Wild-Mastives
come to devour the young breed, if they find
not some resistance from keepers, and other
domestick dogs. They run up and down the
Woods, and fields, commonly, in whole
troops of fifty, threescore, or more together.
Being withal, so fierce, that they ofttimes will
assault an entire herd of Wild-Bores, not ceasing
to persecute them, till they have at last,
overcome, and torn in pieces two, or three.
One day a French Bucanier caused me to see
a strange action of this kind. Being in the
Fields hunting together, we heard a great noise
of Dogs, which had surrounded a Wild-bore.
Having tame-dogs with us, we left them to the
custody of our Servants; desirous to see the
sport, if possible. Hence my Companion,
and I, each of us, climbed up into several
trees; both for security and prospect. The
Wild-bore was all alone, and standing against
a tree; with his tusks endeavoured to defend
himself from a great number of Dogs, that
had enclos'd him: Having killed with his
teeth, and wounded, several of them. This
bloody fight continued about an hour; the
Wild-bore, mean while, attempting many times
to escape. At last, being upon the flight, one
of those Dogs, leaping on his back, fastned
upon the testicles, which at one pull, he tore
in pieces. The rest of the Dogs, perceiving
the courage of their companion, fastned likewise
upon the Bore, and presently after killed
him. This being done, all of them, the first
only excepted, laid themselves down upon the
ground, about the prey, and there peaceably
continued till he, the first and most couragious
of the troop, had eat as much as he could
devour. When this dog had ended his repast,
and left the dead beast, all the rest fell in to
take their share; till nothing was left that they
could devour. What ought we to infer
from this notable action; performed by the
brutish sense of wild animals? Only this, that
even Beasts themselves are not destitute of
knowledge; and that they give us documents
how to honour such as have well deserved; seeing
these being irrational animals, as they were,
did reverence, and respect him, that exposed
his life to the greatest danger, in vanquishing
couragiously the common enemy.

The Governour of Tortuga Mounsieur Ogeron,
understanding that the Wild-dogs killed too
many of the Wild-bores, and that the Hunters
of that Island had much a do to find any,
fearing least that common sustenance of the
Isle should fail, caused a great quantity of
poyson, to be brought from France, therewith
to destroy the Wild-Mastives. This was
performed in the year 1668, by commanding
certain horses to be killed, and envenom'd,
and laid open in the woods and feilds,
at certain places, where mostly Wild-dogs
used to resort. This being continued for the
space of six months: there were killed an incredible
number, in the said time. And yet all
this industry was not sufficient, to exterminate
and destroy the race; yea, scarce to make any
diminution thereof; their number appearing
to be almost as entire as before. These Wilddogs
are easily rendred tame among people,
even as tame as the ordinary dogs, we breed
in Houses. Moreover the Hunters of those
parts, whensoever they find a wild-bitch, with
young whelps, do commonly take away the
puppies, and bring them to their houses, where
they experiment them, being grown up, to
hunt much better then other dogs.

But here the Curious Reader, may peradventure
enquire, from whence or by what
accident, came so many wild-dogs into those
Islands? The occasion was, that the Spaniards
having possessed themselves of these Isles,
found them much peopled with Indians.
These were a barbarous sort of people, totally
given to sensuality, and a brutish custom of
life, hating all manner of labour, and only
inclined to run from place to place, killing,
and making war against their Neighbours;
not out of any ambition to reign, but only
because they agreed not with themselves, in
some common terms of language. Hence
perceiving the dominion of the Spaniards did
lay a great restriction upon their lazy and
brutish customs, they conceived an incredible

odium against them, such as never was to be
reconciled. But more especially, because they
saw them take possession of their Kingdoms,
and dominions. Hereupon they made against
them all the resistance, they were capable of,
opposing every where their designs to the utmost
of their power. Until that the Spaniards,
finding themselves to be cruelly hated
by those Indians, and no where secure from
their treachery's, resolved to extirpate, andruine
them every one. Especially seeing they
could neither tame them by the civilities of
their customs, nor conquer them with the
Sword. But the Indians, it being their ancient
custom to make their Woods their chiefest places
of defence, at present made these their
refuge, whenever they fled from the Spaniards
that pursued them. Hereupon, those first Conquerours
of the new World, made use of dogs,
to range and search the intricatest thickets of
Woods and Forests for those their implacable,
and unconquerable Enemies. By these
means, they forced them, to leave their ancient
refuge, and submit unto the Sword, seeing
no milder usage would serve turn. Hereupon
they killed some of them, and quartering
their bodies, placed them in the highways;
to the intent, that others might take
warning from such a punishment, not to incur
the like danger. But this severity proved
to be of ill consquence. For instead of frighting
them and reducing their mindes to a civil
society, they conceived such horrour of
the Spaniards, and their proceedings, that they
resolved, to detest and fly their sight, for ever.
And hence the greatest part dyed in Caves,
and subterraneous places, of the Woods and
Mountains. In which places, I my self have
seen many times, great numbers of human
bones. The Spaniards afterwards, finding no
more Indians to appear about the Woods,
endeavoured to rid themselves of the great
number of Dogs, they had in their houses.
From whence these Animals, finding no
Masters to keep them, betook themselves unto
the Woods, and Fields, there to hunt for
Food to preserve their Lives. Thus by degrees
they became unacquainted with the Houses
of their ancient Masters, and at last grew wild.
This is the truest account I can give, of the
multitudes of wild-dogs, which are seen to this
day in these parts.

But besides the Wild Mastives abovemen-

tioned, here are also huge numbers of WildHorses,
to be seen every where. These run up
and down in whole herds, or flocks, all over
the Island of Hispaniola. They are but low
of Stature, short bodyed, with great Heads,
long Necks, and big, or thick legs. In a word
they have nothing that is handsome in all
their shape. They are seen to run up and
down commonly in troops of two or three
hundred together; one of them going always
before, to lead the Multitude. When they
meet any person, that travelleth through the
Woods or fields, they stand still, suffering him
to approach, till he can almost touch them;
and then suddainly starting they betake themselves
to flight, running away disorderly, as
fast, as they are able. The Hunters catch them
with industry, only for the benefit of their
Skins. Although sometimes they preserve
their flesh likewise which they harden with
Smoak; using it for provisions, when they
go to Sea.

Here would be also Wild-Bulls and Cows, in
greater number, then at present, if by continuation
of hunting, their race were not much
diminished. Yet considerable profit is made
even to this day, by such as make it their business
to kill them. The Wild-bulls are of a vast
corpulency, or bigness of body; and yet they
do no hurt unto any person, if they be not exasperated,
but left to their own repose. The
hides, which are taken from them, are from eleven,
to thirteen foot long.

The diversity of Birds, inhabiting the Air
of this Island, is so great, that I should be
troublesom, as well unto the Reader as my
self, if I should attempt to Muster up their

Species. Hence leaving aside the prolix Catalogue
of their multitude, I shall content my
self only to mention some few of the chiefest.,
Here is a certain species of Pullets, in the woods,

which the Spaniards call by the Name of Pintadas,
the which the Inhabitants find without
any distinction, to be as good, as those
which are bred in houses. It is already known
unto every body, that the Parrots which we
have in Europe, are transported, unto us, from
these parts of the World. From whence may
be inferred, that seeing such a number of these
talkative Birds, are preserved among us, notwithstanding
the diversity of climates, much greater
multitudes are to be found, where the Air,
and temperament is natural unto them. The
Parrots make their Nests in holes of Palmito trees
which holes are before, made to their hand by
other Birds. The reason is, for as much as they
are not capable of excavating any wood though
never so soft, as having their own bills too crooked,
and blunt. Hence provident nature hath
supplied them with the labour, and industry of
another sort of small birds called Carpinteros, or
Carpinters. These are no bigger then sparrows,
yet notwithstanding of such hard and piercing
bills, that no iron instrument can be made more
apt to excavate any tree, though never so solid,
and hard. In the holes therefore fabricated before
hand by these Birds, the Parrots get possession,
and build their Nests, as hath been said.

of all sorts, are also here, abundantly
provided, unto the Inhabitants, by him,
that created, in the beginning, and provided
all things. For eating of them, those of this
Island, observe the same seasons, we said before,
speaking of the Isle of Tortuga. Betwixt the
Pigeons of both Islands little or no difference
is observable; only that these of Hispaniola,
are something fatter, and bigger, then those.
Another sort of small Birds, here are called
Cabreros, or Goat-keepers. These are very like
unto others called Heronsetas, and do chiefly
feed upon Crabs of the Sea. In these Birds
are found seven distinct bladders of Gall, and
hence their flesh is as bitter unto the taste, as
Aloes. Crows or Ravens, more troublesome unto
the Inhabitants, than useful, do here make
a hideous noise, through the whole circumference
of the Island. Their ordinary food is
the flesh of Wild-Dogs, or upon the Carcasses
of those Beasts, the Bucaniers kill and throw
away. These clamorous Birds do no sooner
hear the report of a fowling piece, or musket,
but they gather from all sides, into whole
flocks, and fill the Air and Woods, with their
unpleasant Notes. They are in nothing different
from those, we see, in Europe.

It is now high time, to speak of the French

Nation, who inhabit a great part of this Island.
VVe have told, at the beginning of this
Book, after what manner, they came at first
into these parts. At present therefore, we
shall only describe their manner of living, customs,
and ordinary employments. The different
callings or professions, they follow,
are generally, but three: Either to hunt, or
plant, or else to rove on the Sea in quality
of Pirats. It is a general, and solemn custom
amongst them all, to seek out for a Comrade,
or Companion, whom we may call Partner,
in their fortunes, with whom, they joyn
the whole stock of what they posses, towards
a mutual, and reciprocal gain. This is done
also by Articles drawn, and signed on both
sides; according to what hath been agreed
between them. Some of these constitute their
surviving companion, absolute heir unto
what is left, by the Death of the first of the
two. Others, if they be married, leave their
estates unto their Wives and Children; others
unto other Relations. This being done, every
one applieth himself unto his calling; which
is always one of the three aforementioned.

The Hunters are again subdivided, into two
several sorts. For some of these are, only
given to hunt wild-Bulls, and Cows; others only

hunt Wild-Bores. The first of these two sorts,
of Hunters, are called Bucaniers. These not
long ago, were about the number of six hundred
upon this Island; but at present, there
are not reckoned to be above three hundred
more or less. The cause hath been, the great
decrease of wild Cattle, through the dominions
of the French in Hispaniola; which hath
appeared to be so notable, that far from getting
any considerable gain, they at present are but
poor, in this exercise. When the Bucaniers
go into the Woods, to hunt for wild Bulls,
and Cows, they commonly, remain there,
the space of a whole twelve month, or two
years, without returning home. After the
hunt is over, and the spoil divided among
them, they commonly sail unto the Isle of
Tortuga, there to provide themselves with Guns,
Powder, Bullets, and small shot, with all other
necessaries, against another going out, or
hunting. The rest of their gains they spend
with great liberality, giving themselves freely
unto all manner of vices, and debauchery.
Among which the first is that of drunkenness,
which they exercise, for the most part, with
Brandy. This they drink as liberally, as the
Spaniards do clear fountain Water. Sometimes
they buy together a Pipe of Wine; this
they stave at the one end, and never cease
drinking till they have made an end of it.
Thus they celebrate the Festivals of Bacchus
so long as they have any mony left. Neither
do they forget at the same time the Goddess
Venus; for whose beastly delights they
find more women, then they can make use of.
For all the Tavern keepers and Strumpets, wait
for the coming of these lewd Bucaniers, even
after the same manner, that they do at Amsterdam,
for the arrival, of the East-India Fleet,
at the Texel. The said Bucaniers are hugely
cruel, and tyrannical towards their Servants.
Insomuch, that commonly these had rather be
Gally-slaves in the Streights, or saw Brasilwood,
in the Rasp-houses of Holland, then serve
such barbarous masters.

The second sort of Hunters hunt nothing
else, but Wild-bores. The flesh of these they
salt, and being thus preserved from corruption,
they sell it unto the Planters. These Hunters
have also the same vicious customs of life, and
are as much addicted to all manner of debauchery,
as the former. But their manner of
hunting is quite different from what is practiced
in Europe. For these Bucaniers have certain
places, designed for hunting, where they live
for the space of three or four months; and
sometimes, though not often, a whole year.
Such places are called Deza Boulan; and in these
with only the company of five, or six friends,
who go along with them, they continue all the
time abovementioned, in mutual friendship.
The first Bucainers, we spoke of many times

make an agreement with certain Planters, to
furnish them with meat, all the whole year,
at a certain price. The payment hereof is often
made with two or three hundred weight of
Tobacco, in the leaf. But the Planters commonly
into the bargain, furnish them likewise
with a Servant; whom they send to help. Unto
the Servant they afford a sufficient quantity
of all necessaries for that purpose, especially of
powder, bullets, and small shot, to hunt withal.

The Planters began to cultivate, and plant
the Isle of Tortuga, in the year 1598. The
first plantation was of Tobacco, the which grew
to admiration; being likewise of very good
quality. Notwithstanding, by reason of the small
circumference of the Island, they were not
then able to plant but little. Especially there
being many pieces of Land in that Isle, that
were not fit to produce Tobacco. They attempted
likewise to make Sugar, but by reason
of the great expences necessary to defray the
charges, they could not bring it to any effect.
So that the greatest part of the Inhabitants, as
we said before, betook themselves to the exercise
of hunting; and the remaining part unto that
of Piracy. At last the Hunters finding themselves
scarce able to subsist, by their first profession,
began likewise to seek out lands that
might be rendred fit for culture; and in these

they also planted Tobacco. The first land, that
they chose for this purpose, was Cal de Sac;
whose territory extendeth towards the Southern
part of the Island. This piece of ground they
divided into several quarters, which were called,
the great Amea, Niep, Rochelois, the little Grave,
the great Grave, and the Augame. Here by little
and little, they increased so much, that at
present, there are above two thousand Planters,
in those fields. At the beginning, they endured
very much hardship; seeing that mean while they
were busied about their husbandry, they could
not go out of the Island, to seek provisions.
This hardship was also increased by the necessity
of grubbing, cutting down, burning; and
digging, whereby to extirpate the innumerable
roots of shrubs, and trees. For when the
French possessed themselves of that Island, it
was wholly overgrown with Woods extreamly
thick; these being only inhabited by an extraordinary
number of Wild-Bores. The method
they took, to clear the ground was, to
divide themselves into small companies of two
or three persons together, and these companies
to separate far enough from each other,
provided with a few hatchets, and some quantity
of course provision. With these things
they used to go into the Woods, and there
to build Huts for their habitation, only of a
few rasters, and boughs of trees. Their first
endeavour, was to root up the shrubs, and little
trees: Afterwards to cut down the great
ones. These they gathered into heaps, with
their branches, and then set them on Fire; excepting
the roots, which last of all, they were
constrained to grub, and dig up after the best
manner, they could. The first seed, they committed
to the ground, was Beans. These in
those Countries, both ripen, and dry away, in
the space of six Weeks.

The second fruit, necessary unto humane
life, which here they tryed, was Potatos. These

come not to perfection in lesser time, then
four, or five months. On these they most
commonly make their breakfasts, every morning.
They dress them no otherwise, then
boyling them in a kettle, with fair water. Afterwards
they cover them with a cloath, for the
space of half an hour; by which manner of
dressing they become as soft as boyled Chesnutts.
Of the said Potatos, also they use to make
a drink, called Maiz. They cut them into small
slices, and cover them with hot water. When
they are well imbib'd with water, they press
them through a course cloth; and the liquor,
that cometh out, although something thick,
they keep in vessels, made for that purpose.
Here after setling two, or three days it beginneth
to work; and having thrown off its lees,
is fit for drink. They use it with great delight
and although the taste hereof is somewhat
sower, yet is it very pleasant, substantial, and
wholsom. The industry of this composition
is owing unto the Indians, as well as of many
others, which the ingeniosity of those Barbarians
caused them to invent, both for the preservation,
and pleasure of their own life.

The third fruit, the newly cultivated land af-

forded; was Mandioca, which the Indians, by
another name call Cazave. This is a certain
root which they plant; but cometh not to perfection
till after eight, or nine months; yea,
sometimes a whole year. Being throughly
ripe, it may be left in the ground, the space
of eleven, or twelve months, without the least
suspition of corruption. But this time being
past, the said roots must be converted unto use,
some way or another; otherwise they conceive
a total putrefaction. Of these roots of Cazave,
in those Countries, is made a sort of granulous
flower or meal, extreamly dry, and white,
which supplieth the want of common bread,
made of wheat; whereof the fields are altogether
barren in that Island. For this purpose
they have in their houses certain graters made
either of Copper or Tin, wherewith they grate
the aforementioned roots, even just as they
use to do Mirick in Holland. By the by, let
me tell you, Mirick is a certain root of a very
biting tast, not unlike unto strong Muststard,
wherewith they usually make sauces
for some sorts of Fish. When they have grated
as much Cazave roots, as will serve turn,
they put the gratings into bags, or sacks,
made of course linnen, and press out all
the moisture, until they remain very dry. Afterwards
they pass the gratings through a sieve,
leaving them, after sifting, very like unto sawdust.
The meal being thus prepared, they lay
it upon planches of iron, which are made very
hot, upon which it is converted into a sort
of Cakes very thin. These Cakes are afterwards
placed in the Sun, upon the tops of houses,
where they are throughly, and perfectly
dryed. And least they should lose any part of
their meal, what did not pass the sieve, is
made up into rowles, five or six inches thick.
These are placed one upon another, and left
in this posture, until they begin to corrupt.
Of this corrupted matter, they make a liquor,
by them called Veycou, which they find very
excellent, and certainly is not inferiour unto
our English beer.

Bananas are likewise another sort of fruit, of
which is made another excellent liquor, which
both in strength, and pleasantness of tast, may
be compared unto the best wines of Spain.
But this liquor of Bananas, as it easily causeth
drunkenness, in such as use it immoderately,
so doth it likwise, very frequently, inflame
the throat, and produce dangerous diseases
in that part. Guines agudos is also ano-

ther fruit, whereof they make drink. But this
sort of liquour is not so strong, as the precedent.
Howbeit both the one, and the other,
are frequently mingled with water, thereby to
quench thirst.

After they had cultivated these plantations,
and filled them with all sorts of roots, and fruts

necessary for humane life, they began to plant
Tobacco; for trading. The manner of planting
this frequent commodity is, as followeth. They
make certain beds of earth, in the field; no larger
then of twelve foot square. These beds
they cover very well with Palmite-leaves, to
the intent, the rays of the Sun, may not touch
the earth wherein Tobacco is sowed. They water
them likewise, when it doth not rain, as we do
our Gardens in Europe. When it is grown about
the bigness of young lettuce, they transplant
it into streight lines, which they make in
other spacious fields; setting every plant at
the distance of three foot, from each other.
They observe likewise, the fittest seasons of the
year for these things; which are commonly
from January, until the end of March; these
being the Months, wherein most rains do fall
in those countries. Tobacco ought to be weeded
very carefully, seeing the least root of any
other Herb, coming near it, is sufficient to
hinder it's growth. When it is grown to the
heighth of one foot and a half, or thereabouts,
they cut off the tops, thereby to hinder the
stalks and leaves, from shooting too high upwards,
to the intent the whole plant may receive
greater strength from the earth, which
affordeth unto it all it's vigour, and taste. Mean
while it ripeneth, and cometh to full perfection,
they prepare in their houses certain apartments
of fifty, or threescore foot in length,
and thirty, or forty, in breadth. These they
fill with branches of trees, and rafters, and
upon them lay the green Tobacco to dry.
When it is throughly dryed, they strip off the
leaf from the stalks, and cause it to be rowled
up by certain people, who are employed in this
work, and no other. Unto these they afford,
for their labour, the tenth part of what they

make up into Rowles. This property is peculiar
unto Tobacco, which therefore I shall
not omit, that if while it is yet in the ground,
the leaf be pulled off from the stalk, it sprouteth
again, no less then four times in one
year. Here I should be glad to give an account
also of the manner of making Sugar,
Indigo, and Gimbes; but seeing these things
are not planted in those parts, whereof we now
speak, I have thought fit to pass them over in
silence.

The French Planters, of the Isle of His-
paniola have always unto this present time been
subject unto the Governours of Tortuga. Yet
this obedience hath not been rendred, without
much reluctancy, and grudging, on their
side. In the year 1664, the West-India Company
of France laid the foundations of a Colony
in Tortuga; under which Colony the Planters
of Hispaniola were comprehended, and named,
as subjects thereunto. This Decree disgusted
the said Planters very much; they taking
it very ill to be reputed Subjects unto a private
Company of men, who had no authority to
make them so. Especially being in a Country,
which belonged not unto the dominions of
the King of France. Hereupon they resolved,
to work no longer, for the said Company.
And this resolution of theirs was sufficient to
compel the Company to a total dissolution
of the Colony. But at last the Governour of
Tortuga, who was pretty well stock't with Planters,
conceiving he could, more easily, force
them, then the West-India Company, found
an invention whereby to draw them unto his
obedience. He promised them he would put
off their several sorts of Merchandize, and
cause such returns to be made, in lieu of their
goods from France, as they should best like.
Withal, he dealt with the Merchants under
hand, that all Ships whatsoever, should come
consigned unto him, and no persons should
entertain any correspondence with those Planters
of Hispaniola; thinking thereby to evite
many inconveniences, and compel them
through necessity, and want of all things, to
obey. By these means, he not only obtained
the obedience he designed from those people;
but also that some Merchants, who had promised
to deal with them, and visit them,
now and then, no longer did it.

Notwithstanding, what hath been said, in the
year 1669, two Ships from Holland happened
to arrive at the Isle of Hispaniola, with
all sorts of Merchandize, necessary in those
parts. With these Ships presently the Planters
aforesaid resolved to deal, and with the
Dutch Nation for the future, thinking hereby
to withdraw their obedience from the Governour
of Tortuga, and by frustrating his designs,
revenge themselves of what they had
endured under his Government. Not long
after the arrival of the Hollanders, the Governour
of Tortuga came to visit the Plantation
of Hispaniola, in a vessel very well arm'd.
But the Planters not only forbid him to come
a shore, but with their guns, also forced him
to weigh anchor, and retire faster then he
came. Thus the Hollanders began to trade
with these people for all manner of things.
But such Relations and friends as the Governour
had in Hispaniola, used all the endeavours
they were capable of, to impede the
commerce. This being understood by the Planters,
they sent them word, that in case they
lay'd not aside their artifices, for the hindrance of
the commerce, which was began with the Hollanders,
they should every one assuredly, be torn in
peices. Moreover to oblige farther the Hollanders;
and contemn the Governour, and
his party, they gave greater ladings unto the
two Ships, then they could desire, with many
gifts, and presents, unto the Officers, and
Mariners; whereby they sent them very well
contented to their own Country. The Hollanders
came again, very punctually, according
to their promise, and found the Planters
under a greater indignation then before, against
the Governour. Either because of the
great satisfaction they had already conceived
of this commerce with the Dutch, or that by
their means they hoped to subsist by themselves,
without any further dependance upon
the French Nation. However it was suddainly
after, they set up another resolution
something more strange; then the precedent.
The Tenor hereof was; that they would go
unto the Island of Tortuga, and cut the Governour
in peices. Hereupon they gathered
together, as many Canow's as they could, and
set sail from Hispaniola, with design, not only
to kill the Governour, but also to possess
themselves of the whole Island. This they
thought, they could more easily perform, by
reason of all necessary assistance, which they
beleived would at any time, be sent them from
Holland. By which means, they were already
determined in their minds, to erect themselves
into a new Commonwealth, independent of the
Crown of France. But no sooner had they began
this great revolution of their little State,
when they received news of a war declared between
the two Nations in Europe. This
wrought such a consternation in their minds,
as caused them to give over that enterprize,
and retire without attempting any thing.

In the mean while the Governour of Tortuga
sent into France, for aid towards his own
security, and the reduction of those people,
unto their former obedience. This was granted
him, and two men of war were sent unto
Tortuga with orders, to be at his commands.
Having received such a considerable support,
he sent them very well equipped, unto the
Isle of Hispaniola. Being arrived at the place,
they landed part of their forces, with a design
to force the people, to the obedience of whom
they much hated in their hearts. But the
Planters seeing the arrival of those two Frigats,
and not being ignorant of their design,
fled into the woods; abandoning their houses
and many of their goods, which they left behind.
These were immediately rifled, and
burnt, by the French without any compassion,
nor sparing the least Cottage they found. Afterwards
the Governour began to relent in his
anger; and let them know, by some messengers,
that in case they would return unto his obedience;
he would give ear unto some accomodation
betwixt them. Hereupon the Planters,
finding themselves destitute of all human releif,
and that they could expect no help from
any side; surrendred unto the Governour upon
Articles, which were made and signed on
both sides. But these were not too strictly observ'd;
for he commanded two of the cheifest
among them to be hanged. The residue were
pardon'd; and withal he gave them free leave,
to trade with any Nation, whatsoever they found
most fit for their purpose. With the grant of
this liberty, they began to recultivate their
Plantations, which gave them an huge quantity
of very good Tobacco; they selling yearly
to the summ of twenty or thirty, thousand
rowls.

In this Country the Planters have but very
few slaves. For want of which, they themselves,
and some servants they have, are constrained
to do all the drudgery. These Servants
commonly oblige and bind themselves
unto their Masters, for the space of three
years. But their Masters forsaking all conscience

and justice, oftentimes traffick with their
bodies, as with horses at a Fair; selling them
unto other Masters, even just as they sell Negro's,
brought from the coast of Guinea.
Yea, to advance this Trade, some persons there
are, who go purposely into France, (the same
happeneth in England, and other Countries,)
and Travelling through the Cities, Towns,
and Villages, endeavour to pick up young
men, or boys, whom they transport, by making
them great promises. These, having once
allured and convey'd them into the Islands,
I speak of, they force to worklike horses; the
toil they impose upon them, being much harder,
then what they usually enjoyn unto the
Negro's, their slaves. For these they endeavour,
in some manner to preserve, as being
their perpetual bond-men; but as for their
White Servants, they care not whether they
live or die, seeing they are to continue no longer
then three years in their service. These
miserable kidnap't people, are frequently subject
unto a certain disease, which in those
parts, is called Coma; being a total privation
of all their senses. And this distemper is
judged to proceed from their hard usage, together
with the change of their native climate
into that which is directly opposite. Oftentimes
it happeneth, that among these transported
people, such are found as are persons of
good quality, and tender education. And
these being of a Softer constitution, are more
suddainly surprized with the disease abovementioned,
and with several others belonging
to those Countries, then those who have
harder bodies, and have been brought up to
all manner of fatigue. Besides the hard usage
they indure, in their dyet, apparel, and repose;
many times they beat them so cruelly, that
some of them fall down dead, under the
hands of their cruel Masters. This I have often
seen with my own eyes, not without great
grief and regret. Of many instances of this
nature, I shall only give you the following
History, as being something more remarkable,
in its circumstances.

It happened that a certain Planter of those

Countries, exercised such cruelty towards one
of his Servants, as caused him to run away.
Having absconded for some days in the woods
from the fury of his tyrannical Master, at last
he was taken, and brought back to the dominion
of this wicked Pharao. No sooner had
he got him into his hands, but he commanded
him to be tyed unto a tree. Here he gave
him so many lashes upon his nacked back, as
made his body run an entire stream of gore
blood, embruing therewith the ground about
the Tree. Afterwards to make the smart of
his wounds the greater, he anointed them with
juyce of Lemmon mingled with salt, and pepper,
being grounded small together. In this miserable
posture, he left him, tyed unto the tree,
for the space of four and twenty hours. These
being past, he commenc'd his punishment again,
lashing him as before, with so much cruelty,
that the miserable wretch, under this
torture, gave up the ghost, with these dying
words in his mouth: I beseech the Almighty
God, Creator of heaven and earth, that he permit
the wicked Spirit, to make thee feel as many
torments, before thy death, as thou hast caused me
to feel before mine. A strange thing and worthy
all astonishment, and admiration! Scarce
three or four days were past, after this horrible
fact, when the Almighty Judge, who
had heard the clamours of that tormented
wretch, gave permission unto the author of
wickedness, suddainly to possess the body of
that barbarous and inhumane Amirricide; who
tormented him unto death. Insomuch that
those tyrannical hands wherewith he had punished
to death his innocent Servant, were the
tormentours of his own body. For with
them after a miserable manner, he did beat
himself, and lacerate his own flesh, till he
lost the very shape of man, which nature had
given him; not ceasing to howl, and cry
without any rest, either by day or night. Thus
he continued to do, until he died, in that condition
of raving madness, wherein he surrendred
his Ghost unto the same spirit of darkness,
who had tormented his body. Many
other examples of this kind, I could rehearse,
but these not belonging unto our present discourse,
I shall therefore omit them.

The Planters that inhabit the Cariby Islands

are rather worser, and more cruel unto their
Servants, then the precedent. In the Isle of
Saint Christopher dwelleth one, whose name is
Bettesa, very well known among the Dutch
Merchants, who hath killed above an hundred
of his Servants, with blows and strips. The
English do the same with their Servants. And
the mildest cruelty they exercise towards them,
is, that when they have served six years of their
time (the years they are bound for among the
English, being seven compleat) they use
them with such cruel hardship, as forceth
them to beg of their Masters to sell them unto
others, although it be to begin another servitude
of seven years; or at least three or four.
I have known many who after this manner,
served fifteen, and twenty years, before they
could obtain their freedom. Another thing
very rigorous among that Nation, is a Law in
those Islands, whereby if any man oweth unto
another above five and twenty shillings, English
mony, in case he cannot pay, he is liable to be
sold for the space of six or eight months.
I shall not trouble the patience of my Reader,
any longer with relations of this kind, as belonging
unto another subject, different from
what I have proposed to my self in this history.
Whereupon I shall take my beginning, from
hence, to describe the famous actions and exploits,
of the greatest Pirates, of my time, during
my residence in those parts. These I shall
endeavour to relate without the least note of
passion or partiality; yea, with that candor
which is peculiar both to my mind and stile.
Withal certifying my Reader, I shall give him
no stories taken from others, upon trust or
hearsay; but only those enterprises, unto
which I was my self an eye witness.