University of Virginia Library

I. BUCANIERS
OF
AMERICA.

I. PART I.

Chap. I.

WEE set sail from Havre de Grace,
in France, in a Ship called St.
John, the second day of May, in
the year 1666. Our Vessel was equipp't with
eight and twenty Guns, twenty Mariners, and
two hundred and twenty Passengers; including,
in this number, those, whom the Company
sent as free Passengers, as being in their service.

Soon after we came to an anchor under
the Cape of Borflor, there to joyn other seven
Ships of the same West India Company, which
were to come from Diep, under the Convoy of
a Man of War, mounted with seven and thirty
Guns, and two hundred and fifty men. Of
these Ships two were bound for Senegal, five
for the Cariby Islands, and ours for the Island of
Tortuga. In the same place there gather'd unto
us, about twenty sail of other Ships, that
were bound for New-found land, with some
Dutch Vessels, that were going for Nants, Rochel,
and St. Martins. So that in all we made
a Fleet of thirty sail. Here we prepared to
fight, putting our selves into a convenient posture
of defence, as having notice, that four
English Frigats, of threescore Guns each, did
lie in wait for us, about the Isle of Ornay. Our
Admiral the Chevalier Sourdis, having distributed,
what Orders he thought convenient, we
set sail from thence with a favourable gale of
wind. Presently after, some mists arising, these
totally impeded the English Frigats, from discovering
our Fleet at Sea. We steer'd our course,
as near as we could, under the Coast of France, for
fear of the Enemy. As we sailed along, we met
a Vessel of Ostend, who complained, unto our
Admiral, that a French Privateer had robb'd
him that very morning. This complaint being
heard, we endeavoured to pursue the said Pirate;
but our labour was in vain, as not being
able to overtake him.

Our Fleet, as we went along, caused no small
fears and alarms, unto the Inhabitants of the
coasts of France; these judging us to be English,
and that we saught some convenient place
for landing. To allay their frights, we used
to hang out our Colours; but notwithstanding
they would not trust us. After this we
came to an anchor in the Bay of Conquet, in Britany,
nigh unto the Isle of Heysant; there to take
in water. Having stor'd our selves with fresh
Provisions at this place, we prosecuted our Voyage,
designing to pass by the Ras of Fonteneau,
and not expose our selves to the Sorlingues, fearing
the English Vessels, that were crusing
there-abouts to meet us. This River Ras is
of a current very strong and rapid, which rowling
over many Rocks, disgorgeth it self into
the Sea, on the coast of France, in the latitude
of eight and forty degrees, and ten minutes.
For which reason this passage is very dangerous;
all the Rocks as yet, being not thoroughly
known.

Here, I shall not omit to mention the cere-

mony, which at this passage, and some other
places, is used by the Mariners, and by them
called Baptism, altho it may seem, either little
to our purpose, or of no use. The Masters
Mate cloathed himself with a ridiculous sort of
garment, that reached unto his feet, and on
his head he put a sutable Cap, which was made
very burlesque. In his right hand he placed a
naked wooden sword; and, in his left, a pot full
of ink. His face was horribly blackt with soot,
and his neck adorn'd with a Collar of many
little pieces of wood. Being thus apparell'd,
he commanded to be call'd before him every
one of them, who never had passed that dangerous
place before. And then causing them to
kneel down in his presence, he made the sign
of the Cross upon their foreheads, with ink;
and gave each one a stroke on the shoulders
with his wooden sword. Mean while the standers
by did cast a Bucket of water, upon every
mans head; and this was the conclusion of the
ceremony. But, that being ended, every one
of the Baptised, is obliged to give a Bottle of
Brandy for his offering; placing it nigh the
main Mast, and without speaking a word; even
those, who have no such liquor, being not
excused from this performance. In case the
Vessel never passed that way before, the Captain
is obliged to distribute some Wine among
the Mariners, and other people, in the Ship.
But, as for other gifts, which the newly baptized
do frequently offer, they are divided among
the old Sea-men; and, of them, they
make a Banquet, among themselves.

The Hollanders likewise do use to baptize
such as never passed that way before. And
not only at the passage abovementioned, but
also at the Rocks called Berlingues, nigh the
coast of Portugal, in the latitude of thirty nine
degrees, and forty minutes, (as being a passage
very dangerous, especially by night, when,
through the obscurity thereof, the Rocks are
not distinguishable, by reason the Land is very
high,) they use some such ceremony. But,
their manner of Baptizing is much distinct from
that we have described above, performed by
the French. He therefore, that is to be baptized,
is fast'ned and hoised up three times at the
main yard's end, as if he were a Criminal. If he
be hoised the fourth time, in the name of the
Prince of Orange, or of the Captain of the Vessel,
his honour is more than ordinary. Thus they
are dipped, every one, several times in the main
Ocean. But he that is the first dipp'd, hath the
honour of being saluted with a Gun. Such
as are not willing to fall, are bound to pay
twelve pence, for their ransom: if he be an
Officer in the Ship, two shillings: and if a
Passenger, according to their pleasure. In
case the Ship did never pass that way before,
the Captain is bound to give a small Runlet
of Wine; which if he doth not perform,
the Mariners may cut off the Stem of the Vessel.
All the profit, which accrueth by this ceremony,
is kept by the Masters Mate; who after
reaching their Port, doth usually lay it out
in wine, which is drank amongst the ancient
Seamen. Some will say this ceremony was instituted
by the Emperour Charls the Fifth; howsoever
it is not found amongst his Laws. But
here I leave these customes of the Sea; and shall
return unto our Voyage.

Having passed the River Ras, we met with
very good weather, untill we came to the Cape
of Finis-Terræ. Here a huge Tempest of wind
surprized us, and separated our Ship from the
rest, that were in our company. This storm
continued for the space of eight days: In the
which time it would move compassion to see
how miserably the Passengers were tumbled
to and fro, on all sides of the Ship; insomuch,
as the Mariners, in the performance of
their duty, were compell'd to tread upon them
every where. This uncouthsom weather being
spent, we had again the use of very favourable
gales, untill we came unto the Tropick
of Cancer. This Tropick is nothing else,
but an imaginary circle, which Astrologers
have invented in the Heavens; and serveth as
a period to the progress of the Sun towards the
North-pole. It is placed in the latitude of
three and twenty degrees, and thirty minutes,

under the line. Here we were baptized the second
time, after the same manner as before.
The French do alwayes perform this Ceremony
this Tropick; as also under the Tropick of
Capricornus, towards the South. In this part
of the World, we had very favourable weather,
at the which we were infinitely gladded,
by reason of our great necessity of water. For
at this time, that Element already was so scarce
with us, that we were stinted unto two half
pints, by man, every day.

Being about the latitude of Barbadas, we
met an English Frigat, or Privateer; who first
began to give us chase. But finding himself
not to exceed in strength, did presently steer away
from us. This flight gave us occasion to
pursue the said Frigat, as we did, shooting at
him several Guns, of eight pound carriage.
But at length he escaped; and we returned to
our course. Not long after we came within

sight of the Isle of Martinica. Our endeavours
were bent unto the coast of the Isle of
St. Peter. But these were frustrated, by reason
of a storm, which took us hereabouts. Hence
we resolved to steer to the Island of Guadalupe.
Yet neither this Island could we reach, by reason
of the same storm, and thus we directed
our course unto the Isle of Tortuga; which was
the very same land we were bound unto. We
passed along the coast of the Isle of Punta Rica,
which is extreamly delicious, and agreeable to
the view; as being adorned with beautiful
trees and woods, even to the tops of the Mountains.
After this, we discovered the Island Hispaniola
(of which I shall give a description in
this Book) and we coasted about it, until we
came unto the Isle of Tortuga, our desired Port.
Here we anchor'd the seventh day of July, in
the same year; not having lost one man in
the whole Voyage. We unladed the goods,
that belonged unto the Company of the West
Indies; and soon after, the Ship was sent to
Cal de Sac, with some passengers.

Chap. II.

THe Island of Tortuga is situated on the
North side of the famous and great Island,
called Hispaniola, nigh unto the Continent
thereof, and in the altitude of twenty degrees
and thirty minutes. Its just extent is threescore
Leagues about. The Spaniards, who gave
name unto this Island called it so, from the
shape of the land, which in some manner resembleth
a great Sea Tortoise, called by them Tortuga
de mar. The Country is very mountainous,
and full of Rocks, yet notwithstanding
hugely thick of lofty trees, that cease not to
grow upon the hardest of those Rocks, without
partaking of a softer soil. From hence
it cometh, that their Roots, for the greatest part,
are seen all over, entangled among the Rocks,
not unlike unto the branching of Ivy against
our Walls. That part of this Island, which
stretcheth towards the North, is totally disinhabited.
The reason is, first, because it hath
proved to be very incommodious, and unhealthy:
And secondly, for the ruggedness of
the coast, that giveth no accesse unto the shoar,
unlessamong Rocks, almost unaccessible. For
this cause it is populated only on the Southern
part, which hath one only Port, that may be
esteemed indifferently good. Yet this harbour
hath two several entries, or channels, which
afford passage unto Ships of seventy Guns;
the Port it self being without danger, and capable,
of receiving a great number of Vessels.
That part which is inhabited, is divided into
four other parts; of which the first is called the
Low-land, or Low-country. This is the cheifest,
among the rest, because it containeth the Port
aforesaid. The Town is called Cayona, and
here, do live the chiefest, and richest Planters
of the Island. The second part is called the
Middle plantation. Its Territory, or soil, is hitherto
almost new, as being only known to be
good for the culture of Tobacco. The third is
named Ringot. These places are scituated towards
the Western part of the Island. The fourth,
and last, is called The Mountain, in which place
were made the first plantations, that were cultivated
upon this Island.

As to the Wood, that groweth on the Island,
we have already said, that the Trees are exceeding
tall, and pleasing to the sight; whence
no man will doubt, but they may be applied,
unto several uses, with great benefit. Such is
the yellow Saunder, which Tree, by the inhabitants,
of this Country, is called Bois de chandel,
or, in English, Candle-wood, being it burneth
like a Candle, and serveth them with light,
while they use their fishery in the Night. Here
groweth also, Lignum Sanctum, by others cal-
Guaiacum. Its vertues are very well known;
more especially unto them, who observe not
the sixth Commandment, and are given to all
manner of impure copulations; Physitians,
drawing from hence, under several compositions,
the greatest antidote, for all Venerel diseases;
as also for cold, and viscous humours.
The trees, likewise, that afford Gummi Elemi,
grow here in great abundance. In like manner
doth Radix Chinæ, or China Root: Yet this
is not so good, as that, which cometh from
other parts of the Western world. It is very
white, and soft; and serveth for pleasant food
unto the wild Bores, when as they can find
nothing else. This Island also is not deficient
in Aloes, nor an infinite number of other
medicinal herbs, which may please the curio-
sity of such, as are given to their contemplation.
Moreover, for the building of Ships,
or any other sort of Architecture, here are
found, in this spot of Neptune, several sorts
of Timber very convenient. The Fruits, like-
wise, which here abundantly grow, are nothing
inferior, as to their quantity, or quality,
unto what the adjacent Islands produce. I
shall name only some of the most ordinary,
and common. Such are Magniot, Potato's,
Acajou apples, Yannas, Bacones, Paquayes, Carosoles,
Mamayns, Ananaes, and diverse other
sorts; which not to be tedious, I omit to specifie.
Here grow likewise in huge number,
those trees called Palmito's or Palmites, from
whence is drawn a certain juyce, which serveth
the inhabitants instead of Wine; and whose
leaves, do cover their houses, instead of tyles.

In this Island aboundeth also, with dayly in-

crease, the Wild-Bore. The Governour hath
prohibited the hunting of them with dogs;
fearing, least, the Island being but small, the
whole race of those Animals, in short time
should be destroy'd. The reason why he thought
convenient, to preserve those Wild Beasts, was
that in case of any invasion of an external
enemy, the inhabitants might sustain themselves,
with their food. Especially were they
once constrained to retire unto the VVoods,
and Mountains. By this means he judg'd,
they were enabled, to maintain any suddain
assault, or long persecution. Yet this sort of
Game is almost impeded by its self, by reason
of the many Rocks, and precipices which for the
greatest part, are covered with little shrubs, very
Green, and thick; from whence the huntsmen
have oftimes precipitated themselves, and left
us the sad experience, and grief, of many memorable
disasters.

At a certain time of the year there resorteth
unto this Island of Tortuga huge flocks of WildPigeons:
At which season the inhabitants feed
on them very plentifully, having more then
they can consume, and leaving totally to their
repose all other sorts of Fowl, both VVild and
Tame, to the intent, that in absence of the
Pigeons, these may supply their place. But
as nothing in the Universe, though never so
pleasant, can be sound, but what hath something
of bitterness joyned to it, the very symbol
of this truth we see in the aforesaid Pigeons.
For these, the season being past wherein
God hath appointed them, to afford delicious
food unto those people, can scarce be
touched with the tongue, they become so
extreamly Lean, and bitter even to admiration.
The reason of this bitterness, is attributed
unto a certain seed, which they eat
about that time, even as bitter as Gall. About
the Sea shoars, every where are found
great multitudes of Crabs, belonging both to

the Land, and Sea; and both sorts very big.
These are good to feed Servants and Slaves,
who find them very pleasing to the pallat,
yet withall, very hurtful to the sight. Besides
which symptom, being eaten too often, they
also cause great giddiness in the head, with
much weakness of the Brain, insomuch, that
very frequently they are deprived of Sight,
for the space of one quarter of an hour.

The French having established themselves in

the Isle of St. Christopher, planted there a sort
of Trees, of which at present, there possibly
may be greater quantities. VVith the Timber
of those Trees, they made Long-boats, and
Hoy's, which they sent from thence VVestward
being well man'd, and victualled, to discover
other Islands. These setting Sail from St.
Christopher's, came within sight of the Island
of Hispaniola, where at length they arrived
with abundance of joy. Having landed, they
marched into the Country, where they found
huge quantities of Cattle, such as were, Cows
Bulls, Horses, and Wild-Bores. But finding no
great profit in those animals unless they could
enclose them, and knowing, likewise the Island,
to be pretty well peopled by the Spaniards,
they thought it convenient to enterprize upon

and seize the Island of Tortuga. This they performed
without any difficulty, there being upon
the Island no more, then ten, or twelve
Spaniards, to guard it. These few men let the
French come in peaceably, and posses the
Island, for the space of six months, without any
trouble. In the mean while they passed,
and repassed, with their Canows unto Hispaniola
from whence they transported many people,
and at last began to plant the whole Isle
of Tortuga. The few Spaniards, remaining there
perceiving the French to encrease their number
dayly began at last, to repine at their prosperity,
and grudge them the possession, they
had freely given. Hence they gave notice
unto others, of their own Nation, their
Neighbours, who sent several great Boats well
arm'd and man'd, to disposses the French of
that Island. This expedition succeeded according
to their desires. For the new possessors
seeing the great number of Spaniards, that
came against them, fled with all they had
unto the VVoods. And hence by Night, they
wafted over with Canows, unto the Isle of
Hispaniola. This they more easily performed
as having no Women nor Children, with them,
nor any great substance to carry away. Here
they also retired into the VVoods, both to
seek themselves food, and from thence with
secrecy, to give intelligence unto others, of
their own faction; as judging for certain, that
within a little while, they should be in a capacity
to hinder the Spaniards, from fortifying
in Tortuga.

Mean while the Spaniards of the greater
Island ceased not to seek after their new guests
the French, with intent to root them out of
the VVoods, if possible, or cause them to perish
with hunger. But this their design soon
failed, having found that the French were masters
both of good Guns, Powder, and Bullets.
Here therefore, the fugitives waited for a certain
opportunity, wherein they knew the Spaniards
were to come, from Tortuga, witharmes
and great number of men, to joyn with those of
the greater Island for their destruction. When
this occasion proffer'd they i'th mean while
deserting the woods where they were, returned

unto Tortuga, and dispossessed the small numof
Spaniards, that remained at home. Having
so done, they fortified themselves, the best
they could; thereby to prevent, the return
of the Spaniards, in case, they should attempt
it. Moreover, they sent immediately unto
the Governour of St. Christophers, craving his
aid and relief; and demanding of him, to
send them a Governour, the better to be
united, among themselves, and strengthened
on all occasions. The Governour of St.
Christophers received their petition with expressions
of much satisfaction, and without
any delay, sent unto them Monsieur le Passeur
in quality of a Governour; together with a
Ship full of men, and all other things necessa-
ry, both for their establishment and defence.
No sooner had they received this recruit,
but the Governour commanded a Fortress to
be built upon the top of a high Rock; from
whence he could hinder the access of any Ships
or other Vessels, that should design to enter
the Port. Unto this Fort no other access could
be had, then by almost climbing through a
very narrow passage, that was capable only of
receiving two persons, at once; and those not
without difficulty. In the middle of this rock
was a great cavity, which now serveth for a storehouse:
And besides here was great convenience
for raising a battery. The Fort being finished the
Governour commanded two Guns to be mounted;
which could not be performed without
huge toil and labour. As also, a house to
be built, within the Fort; and afterwards, the
narrow way that led unto the said Fort, to be
broken and demolished, leaving no other
ascent thereunto, then by a Ladder. Within
the Fort gusheth out a plentiful Fountain of
fresh Water, which perpetually runneth with a
pure and Crystalline Stream; sufficient to refresh
a Garrison of a Thousand Men. Being
possessed of these conveniences, and the security
these things might promise, the French
began to people the Island, and each of them
to seek their living; some by the exercise of
hunting, others by planting Tobacco, and others
by crusing, and robbing, upon the coasts
of the Spanish Islands; which trade is continued
by them unto this day.

The Spaniards, notwithstanding, could not

behold, but with jealous eyes, the dayly increase
of the French in Tortuga; fearing least
in time they might by them, be dispossessed also
of Hispaniola. Thus taking an opportunity,
(when many of the French were abroad
at Sea, and others employ'd in hunting) with
eight hundred Men in several Canows, they
landed again in Tortuga, almost without being
perceived by the French. But finding that
the Governor had cut down many Trees, for
the better discovery of an Enemy, in case of
any assault; as also that nothing of consequence
could be done without great Guns, they
consulted about the fittest place for raising a
Battery. This place was soon concluded, to
be the Top of a Mountain, which was in Sight;
seeing that from thence alone, they could level
their Guns at the Fort, which now did lie
open unto them, since the cutting down of the
Trees, by the new possessors. Hence they resolved,
to open a way, for carriage of some
pieces of Ordnance to the Top. This Mountain
is somewhat high, and the upper part thereof
plain, from whence the whole Island may
be view'd. The sides thereof are very rugged
by reason an huge number of unaccessible
Rocks do surround it every where. So that
the ascent was very difficult, and would always
have been the same, had not the Spaniards
undergone the immense Labour, and Toil of
making the way aforementioned, as I shall
now relate.

The Spaniards had in their company many
Slaves, and Indians, labouring Men, whom
they call Matates, or in English, half yellow
Men. Unto these they gave orders, with Iron

Tools, to dig a way through the Rocks. This
they performed with the greatest speed imaginable.
And through this way by the help of
many Ropes, and Pullies they at last, made
shift to get up two Sole Canon pieces,
wherewith they made a Battery, and intended
next day to batter the Fort. Mean while
the French were not ignorant of these designs.
But rather prepared themselves for a defence
(while the Spaniards were busied about the
battery) sending notice every where to their
companions, and requiring their help. Thus the
Hunters of the Island, all joyned together, and
with them all the Pirats, who were not already
too far from home. These landed by night
at Tortuga, least they should be seen by the
Spaniards. And under the same obscurity of

the Night, they all together by a back way climbed
up the Mountain, where the Spaniards were
posted: Which they more easily could perform
as being acquainted with those Rocks.
They came thither at the very instant, that
the Spaniards, who were above, where preparing,
to shoot at the Fort, not knowing in
the least of their coming. Here they set upon
them, at their backs, with such fury, as forced
the greatest part to precipitate themselves
from the top to the bottom, and dash their
Bodys in pieces. Few or none escaped this
attacque, for if any remained a live, they were
all put to the Sword, without giving quarter
to the meanest. Some Spaniards did still keep
the bottom of the Mountain, but these hearring
the Shreek's, and crys of them, that were
kill'd, and believing some tragical revolution
to be above, fled immediately towards the Sea,
despairing, through this accident, to ever regain
the Isle of Tortuga.

The Governours of this Island did always
behave themselves, as proprietors, and absolute

Lords thereof until the year 1664. At which
time the West India Company of France took
possession thereof, and sent thither for their
Governour, Monsieur Ogeron. These planted
the Colony for themselves, by the means of
their Factors, and Servants, thinking to drive
some considerable trade, from thence, with
the Spaniards, even as the Hollanders do from
Curasao. But this design did not answer their
expectation. For with other Nations they
could drive no trade, by reason they could not
establish any secure commerce from the beginning
with their own. Forasmuch, as at the first
institution of this Company in France, they
made an agreement with the Pirats, Hunters,
and Planters, first possessours, of Tortuga, that
these should buy all their necessaries, from the
said Company, taking them upon trust. And
although this agreement was put in executition,
yet the Factors of the Company, soon
after found that they could not recover either
Monys, or returns, from those People. In so
much, as they were constrained to bring some

armed men into the Island, in behalf of the
Company, for to get in some of their payments
But neither this endeavour, nor any
other could prevail, towards the settling a secure
trade with those of the Island. And hereupon
the Company recalled their Factors,
giving them orders to sell all that was their
own, in the said Plantation, both the Servants,
belonging to the Company (which were sold,
some for twenty, others for thirty, pieces of
eight) as also, all other Merchandizes, and
proprieties, which they had there. With this
resolution all their designs fell to the ground.

In this occasion I was also sold, as being

a Servant under the said Company; in whose
service I came out of France. But my fortune
was very bad. For I fell into the hands of the
most cruel Tyrant, and perfidious man, that
ever was born of Woman; who was then Governour,
or rather Lievtenant General of that
Island. This Man did treat me with all the
hard usages imaginable; yea with that of hunger,
with which I thought to have perished inevitably.
Withal he was willing to let me buy
my freedom, and liberty; but not under the
the rate of three hundred pieces of eight, I
not being Master of one, at that time in the
whole World. At last through the manifold
miseries I endured, as also affliction of mind,
I was thrown into a dangerous Fit of Sickness.
This misfortune, being added to the rest
of my calamities, was the cause of my happiness.
For my wicked Master, seeing my condition,
began to fear, least he should lose his
monies with my Life. Hereupon he sold me
the second time, unto a Chirurgion, for the
price of seventy pieces of eight. Being in the
hands of this second master, I began, soon
after to recover my health, through the good
usage I received from him, as being much
more humane, and civil, then that of my
first Patron. He gave me both Cloathes and
very good food, and after that I had served
him but one year, he offered me my liberty;
with only this condition, that I should pay
him one hundred pieces of eight, when I was
in a Capacity of VVealth, so to do. VVhich
kind proposal of his, I could not choose but
accept with infinite Joy, and gratitude of
mind.

Being now at liberty, though like unto Adam,
when he was first Created by the hands
of his maker, that is naked, and destitute, of
all human necessaries, nor knowing how to
get my living, I determined to enter into the

wicked Order of the Pirates, or Robbers at Sea.
Into this Society, I was received, with common
consent both of the Superior, and Vulgar
sort, and among them I continued until the
year 1672. Having assisted them in all their
designs, and attempts, and served them in many
notable exploits, of which hereafter, I shall
give the Reader a true account, I returned unmy
own Native Country. But before I begin
to relate the things abovementioned, I shall
say something, for the satisfaction of such
as are curious, of the Island Hispaniola, which
lyeth towards the VVestern parts of America,
as also give my Reader a brief description
thereof, according to my slender ability, and
experience,

[ILLUSTRATION]

CHAP.

[ILLUSTRATION]

Chap. III.

The very large and rich Island called Hispaniola,
lieth siituate in the altitude of seventeen
degrees, and an half. The greatest part, thereof
extendeth from East to West, twenty degrees,
Southern latitude. The circumference

is of three hundred Leagues; the length one
hundred and twenty; its breadth almost fifty;
being more or less, broad or narrow, at
certain places. I shall not need here to insert,
how this Island was at first discovered;
it being known unto the World, that it was

performed by the means of Christopher Columbus,
in the year 1492; being sent, unto this
purpose, by Ferdinand, the Catholick, then
King of Spain. From which time, unto this
present, the Spaniards have been continually
possessors thereof. There be upon this Island,
many very good, and strong Cities,
Towns, and Hamlets; as also it aboundeth in
a great number of pleasant, and delicious,
Country Houses, and Plantations: All which
are owing unto the care, and industry, of the
Spaniards, its inhabitants.

The chief City, and Metropolis of this Island,

is called Santo Domingo; being dedicated un-
St. Dominick, from whom it deriveth this name.
It is situated towards the South, in a place
which affordeth a most excellent prospect. The
Country round about being embelished, with
innumerable rich plantations, as also verdant
Meadows, and fruitful Gardens; all which
do produce plenty, and variety, of excellent,
and pleasant fruits, according to the nature
of those Countries. The Governour of the
Island maketh his residence in this City; which
is as it were, the Store house of all the other Cities,
Towns and Villages; which from hence
do export, and provide themselves, with all
necessaries whatsoever for human Life. And
yet hath it this particularity, above many other
Cities in other places, that it entertaineth
no external commerce with any other Nation
then its own, the Spaniards. The greatest
part of the inhabitants are rich, and substantial
Merchants, or such as are shop-keepers, and
do sell by retail.

Another City of this Island, is named San
Tiago, or in English, St. James, as being consecrated
unto the Apostle of that Name.
This is an open place, without either Walls,
or Castle; situate in the altitude of nineteen
degrees of Southern latitude. The greatest
part of the inhabitants thereof are Hunters,
and Planters; the adjacent territory, and soil,
being very proper for the said exercises of its
constitution. The City is surrounded with
large, and delicious Fields, as much pleasing
to the view, as those of Santo Domingo: And
these abound with all sorts of Beasts, both
VVild, and Tame; from whence are ta'ne an
huge number of Skins, and Hides, that afford
unto the Owners, a very considerable traffick.

Towards the Southern parts of this Island
is seen another City called Nuestra Sennora de
Alta Gracia. The territory hereof produceth
great quantities of Cacao, which occasioneth
the inhabitants, to make great store of the richest
sort of Chocolat. Here groweth also much
Ginger, and Tobacco; and much Tallow is prepared
of the Beasts, which here abouts are hunted.

The inhabitants of this beautiful Island of

Hispaniola, often go, and come in their Canows,
unto the Isle of Savona, not far distant from
thence, where is their chief fishery; especially of
Tortoises. Hither those Fish do constantly resort
in huge multitudes, at certain seasons of
the year, there to lay their eggs, burying them
in the sands of the Shore. Thus by the heat
of the Sun, which in those parts is very ardent,
they are hatched, and continue the propagation
of their Species. This Island of Savona
hath little, or nothing that is worthy consideration,
or may merit any particular description,
as being so extreamly barren, by reason
of its Sandy Soil. True it is, that here
groweth some small quantity of Lignum Sanctum
or Guajacum; of whose use we have already
said something in another place.

VVestwards of the City of Santo Domin-

go is also situated another great village called
by the Name of El Pueblo de Aso, or the
Town of Aso. The inhabitants of this Town
drive a great commerce, and traffick, with
those of another Village, which is placed in
the very middle of the Island, and is called
San Juan de Goave, or St. John of Goave. This
place is environ'd with a magnificent prospect
of Gardens, Woods, and Meadows. Its territory
extendeth above twenty Leagues inlength; and
grazeth an huge number of Wild Bulls, and
Cows. In this village scarce dwell any others,
then Hunters, and Butchers; who flay the beasts
that are killed. These are for the most part
a mungrel sort of people of several Bloods.
Some of which are born of white European
people and Negros, and these are called Mulatos.
Others are born of Indians, and white
people; and such are termed Mesticos. But others
are begotten of Negros, and Indians,
and these also have their peculiar Name, being
called Alcatraces. Besides which sorts of
people, there be several other species, and races,
both here and in other places of the West Indies.
Of whom this account may be given, that
the Spaniards love better the Negro Women,
in those Western parts, or the tawny Indian
Females, than their own white European
race. When as peradventure, the Negros and Indians
have greater inclinations to the white women;
or those that come near them, the tawny,
then their own. From the said village are exported
yearly, vast quantitiesof Tallow, and Hides;
they exercising no other traffick, nor toil. For
as to the Lands, in this place, they are not
cultivated, by reason of the excessive dryness
of the soil. These are the chiefest places, that
the Spaniards possess, in this Island, from the
Cape of Lobos, towards St. John de Goave, unto
the Cape of Samana, nigh the Sea, on the
North side; and from the Eastern part, towards
the Sea, called Punta de Espada. All the rest
of the Island, is possesled by the French; who
are also Planters, and Hunters.

This Island hath very good Ports for ships

from the Cape of Lobos, to the Cape of Tiburon,
which lyeth on the Western side thereof.
In this space of Land there be no less, then
four Ports, which exceed in goodness, largness,
and security, even the very best of England.
Besides these, from the Cape of Tiburon, unto
the Cape of Donna Maria, there be two very
excellent Ports, and from this Cape, unto the
Cape of St. Nicols, there be no less, then twelve
others. Every one of these Ports, hath also
the confluence of two or three good Rivers,
in which are found several sorts of Fish, very
pleasing to the palate; and also in great plenty.
The Country hereabouts, is sufficiently
watered, with large, and profound Rivers,
and Brooks; so that this part, of the land
may easily be cultivated, without any great
fear of drougths; it being certain, that better
streams are not to be found, in any part
of the World. The Sea coasts, and Shoars,
are also very pleasant; unto which the Tortoises
resort, in huge numbers; there to lay
their eggs.

This Island was formerly very well peopled,
on the North side thereof, with many Towns
and Villages. But these being ruined by the
Hollanders, were at last, for the greatest part
deserted by the Spaniards.

Chap. IV.

THe spacious fields of this Island, do commonly
extend themselves, to the length of
five or six leagues. The beauty whereof is so pleasing
to the Eye, that, together with the great variety
of their natural productions, they infinitely
applaud, and captivate the senses of the
contemplator. For here at once, they not only,
with diversity of objects recreate the sight
but with many of the same, do also please the
smell, and with most contribute abundancy of
delights unto the taste. With sundry diversities
also they flatter and excite the appetite;
but more especially with the multitude of O-

renges, and Lemons: Here growing both sweet
and sower, and those that participate of both
tastes, and are only pleasantly tartish. Besides
which here abundantly grow several other
sorts of the same fruit, such as are called Citrons,
Toronjas, and Limas; in English not imperly
called Crab-Lemons. True it is, that as
to the Lemons, they exceed not here the bigness
of an Hens egg; which smallness distinguisheth
them, from those of Spain most frequently
used in these our Northern Countries.
The Date Trees, which here are seen to cover
the whole extent of very spacious plains, are
exceedingly tall in their proportion; which
notwithstanding doth not offend, but rather
delight the view. Their highth is observed to be
from 150. unto 200. feet; being wholly destitute
of Branches unto the very tops. Here it is,
there groweth a certain pleasant white substance
not unlike unto, that of white Cabbage, from
whence the Branches, and leaves, do sprout,
and in which also the seed, or Dates are contained.
Every Month, one of those branches
falleth to the ground, and at the same time,
another sprouteth out. But the seed ripeneth
not, but once in the year, The Dates are
food extreamly coveted by the Hedge-Hogs.
The white substance, growing at the top of the
Tree, is used by the Spaniards, after the same
manner, for common sustenance, as Cabbage
in Europe; they cutting it into slices, and boyling
it, in their Ollas, with all sorts of meat.
The leaves of this sort of Date Tree, are seven
or eight foot in length, and three or four in
breadth; being very fit to cover houses withal.
For they defend, from Rain, equally with
the best Tiles, though never so rudely huddl'd
together. They make use of them also to
wrap up smoaked Flesh withal; and to make
a certain sort of Buckets, wherewith to carry
Water; though no longer durable than the
space of six, seven, or eight days. The Cabba-
ges of these trees, for so we may call them,
are of a greenish colour, on the out side,
though in wardly very white, from whence may
be separated a sort of rind, which is very like
unto parchment, being fit to write upon, as we
do upon Paper. The bodies of these Trees
are of an huge bulk or thickness, which two
Men can hardly compass with their Arms.
And yet they cannot properly be termed Woody,
but only three or four inches deep, in thickness;
all the rest of the internal part being very
soft. Insomuch that paring off those three,
or four inches of woody substance, the remaining
part of the Body, may be sliced like unto
new Cheese. They wound them three or
four foot above the Root, and making an incision,
or broach in the body, from thence
gently distilleth a sort of Liquor, which in short
time, by fermentation, becometh as strong,
as the richest wine, and which doth easily in-
ebriate, if not used with Moderation. The
French call this sort of Palm-trees Frank-Palms,
and they only grow, both here, and elsewhere,
in saltish grounds.

Besides these Palm-trees, of which we have
made mention, there be also in Hispaniola four
other species of Palms, which are distinguished
by the Names of Latanier, Palma Espinosa or
Prickle-palm, Palma a chapelet or Rosary-palm,
Palma-Vinosa or Wine Palm, The Latanier-palm

is not so tall, as the Wine-palm: Although it
hath almost, the same shape, only that the
leaves are very like unto the Fans our Women
use. They grow mostly in gravelly, and sandy
ground, their circumference being of seven foot
more or less. The body hath many prickles
or thorns, of the length of half a foot, very
sharp and pungent. It produceth its seed after
the same manner with that abovementioned,
which likewise serveth for food unto the
wild beasts.

Another sort of these Palm-trees is called
Prickle-Palm as we said before, by reason it is

infinitely full of prickles, from the Root unto
the very leaves thereof much more then the
precedent. With these prickles, some of the
barbarous Indians use to torment their prisoners
at War, whom they take in battel. They
tye them unto atree, and then taking these
thorns, they put them into little pellets of
cotton, which they dip in oyl, and thus stick them
in the sides of the miserable Prisoners, as thick
as the brizles of an hedg hog; which of necessity
cause an incredible torment unto the
Patient. Afterwards, they set them on Fire,
and if the tormented Prisoner singeth in the
midst of his torments and flames, he is esteemed
as a valiant and couragious Soldier, who
neither feareth his Enemies, nor their torments.
But if on the contrary, he cryeth out they
esteem him but as a Poltron or Coward, and
unworthy of any memory. This custom was
told me by an Indian, who said he had used
his Enemies thus oftentimes. The like cruelties
unto these many Christians have seen,
while they lived among those barbarians. But
returning unto the Prickle-palm, I shall only tell
you, that this palm-tree is in this only different
from the Latanier, that the leaves are like
unto those of the Frank-palm. Its feed is like
unto that of the other palm-trees, being only
much bigger and rounder, almost as a farthing,
and inwardly full of little kernels, which are
as pleasing to the taste, as our Wallnuts in
Europe. This tree groweth for the most part
in the Marshes, and low grounds of the
Sea-coast.

The Wine palm, is so called from the abundance
of Wine, which is gathered from hence.
This palm groweth in high and rocky
Mountains, not exceeding in tallness the heigth
of forty or fifty foot: But yet of an extraordinary
shape or form. For from the root,
unto the half of its proportion, it is only three
or four inches thick. But upwards something
above the two thirds of its higth, it is as
big, and as thick, as an ordinary bucket or
Milk Pail. Within it is full of a certain matter,
very like unto the tender stalk of a white
cabbage, which is very juicy of a liquor that
is much pleasing to the palate. This liquor
after fermentation, and settling of the grounds,
reduceth it self into a very good and clear
wine, which is purchased with no great industry.
For having wounded the tree with an
ordinary hatchet, they make a square incision
or orifice, in it, through which they bruise the
said matter, until it be capable of being squeesed
out, or expressed with the hands, they needing
no other instrument, then this. VVith
the leaves they make certain vessels, not only
to settle and purifie, the aforementioned liquor,
but also to drink in. It beareth its friut
like unto other palms; but of a very small
shape; being not unlike unto Cherries. The
taste hereof, is very good; but of dangerous consequence
unto the threat, where it causeth
huge and extream pains, that produce malignant
Quinzies in them, that eat it.

The Palm a Chapelet, or Rosary-palm, was
thus called both by the French, and Spaniards,
because its seed is very fit to make Rosaries
or Beads, to say prayers upon, the beads
being small, hard and capable of being easily
bored, for that use. This fourth species
groweth on the tops of the highest Mountains
and is of an excessive tallness; but withall
very strait; and adorned with very few leaves.

Here groweth also in this Island a certain

sort of Apricott-trees, whose fruit equalleth in
bigness, that of our ordinary Melons. The
colour is like unto Ashes, and the taste, the very
same with that of our Apricotts in Europe,
the inward stones of this fruit, being of the
bigness of an Hens egg. On these the wildBores
do feed very deliciously, and fatten even
to admiration.

The trees called Caremites, are very like un-

to our Pear-trees, whose fruits resemble much
our Damascene plums or Pruants of Europe,
being of a very pleasant and agreeable taste, and
almost as sweet as milk. This fruit is black
on the inside, and the Kernels thereof, sometimes
only two in number, sometimes three,
others five; of the bigness of a Lupine. This
plum affordeth no less pleasant food unto the
wild-Bores, then the Apricotts abovementioned,
only that it is not so commonly to be found
upon the Island, nor in such quantity, as those
are.

The Genipa-trees are seen every where, all

over this Island, being very like unto our
Cherry-trees, although it's branches are more
dilated. The fruit, hereof, is of an ash-colour,
of the bigness of two fist's, which interiourly,
is full of many prickles, or points, that are
involved under a thin membran, or skin;
the which, if not taken away, at the time of
eating, causeth great obstructions, and gripings
of the belly. Before this fruit groweth
ripe, if pressed, it affordeth a juice, as black
as ink, being fit to write withal upon paper.
But the letters disappear within the space of
nine days, the paper remaining as white, as if
it never had been written upon. The wood
of this tree is very strong, solid, and hard;
good to build Ships withal, seeing it is observed,
to last many years in the water, without
putrefaction.

Besides these, divers other sorts of trees,
are natives unto this delicious Island, that
produce very excellent, and pleasant fruits. Of
these I shallo mit to name several, knowing
there be entire volums of learned Authors,
that have both described, and searched them
with greater attention, and curiosity, then my
own. Notwithstanding, I shall continue, to
make mention of some few more, in particular.
Such are the Cedars; which trees, this part of

the world produceth, in prodigious quantity.
The French Nation calleth them Acajou: And
they find them very useful, for the building
of Ships, and Canow's. These Canows are
like unto little wherry-boats, being made of one
only tree, excavated, and fitted for the Sea.
They are withal so swift, as for that very property,
they may be called Neptunes post-horses.
The Indians make these Canows without the
use of any iron instruments; by only burning
the trees, at the bottom, nigh unto the
root; and afterwards, governing the fire,
with such industry, as nothing is burnt more
then what they would have. Some of them
have hatchets, made of flint, wherewith they
scrape, or pare, off, whatsoever was burnt too
far. And, thus, by the sole instrument of fire,
they know how to give them that shape,
which rendereth them capable of Navigating
threescore, or fourscore leagues, with ordinary
security.

As to Medicinal productions, here is to be
found the tree, that affordeth, the Gum Elemi,
used in our Apothecaries Shops. Likewise Guaiacum
or Lignum Sanctum; Lignum Aloes, or
Aloe-wood, Cassia Lignea, China-roots, with several
others. The tree called Mapou, besides
that it is medicinal, is also used for making of
Canow's as being very thick. Yet is it much inferiour
unto the Acajou, or Cedar, as being
something spongy, whereby it sucketh in
much water, which rendreth it dangerous in
Navigation. The tree called Acoma hath its
wood very hard, and heavy, of the colour of
Palm. These qualities render it very fit to
make Oars for the sugar-mils. Here are also
in great quantities, Brasilete, or brasil-wood, and
that which the Spaniards call Mancanilla.

Brasil wood is now very well known in the

Provinces of Holland, and the Low Countries.
By another name it is called, by the
Spaniards, Lenna de Peje palo. It serveth
only or chiefly, for dying, and what belongeth
to that trade. It groweth abundantly along
the Sea coasts, of this Island; especially in
two places called Jacmel, and Jaquina. These
are two commodious Ports or Bays; capable
of receiving Ships of the greatest bulk.

The tree called Mancanilla, or Dwarf apple-

tree, groweth nigh unto the Sea Shoar; being
naturally so low, that its branches, though
never so short, do always touch the water.
It beareth a fruit, something like, unto our
sweet sented apples; which notwithstanding
is of a very venemous quality. For these apples
being eaten by any person, he instantly
changeth colour, and such an huge thirst doth
seize him as all the Water of the Thames cannot
extinguish, he dying raving mad within a
litle while after. But what is more the Fish
that eat as it often happeneth, of this fruit
are also poysonous. This tree affordeth, also
a liquor, both thick, and white; like unto the
Fig-tree; which, if touched by the hand, raiseth
blisters, upon the skin, and these are so
red in colour, as if it had been deeply scaldded,
with hot water. One day, being hugely
tormented with Mosquitos or gnats, and as yet,
unacquainted with the nature of this tree, I
cut a branch thereof, to serve me instead of
a fan; but all my face swelled the next day,
and filled with blisters, as if it were burnt to
such a degree, that I was blind for three
days.

Ycao is the name of another sort of tree, so
called by the Spaniards, which groweth by
the sides of Rivers. This beareth a certain
fruit, not unlike, unto our bullice, or damson
plums. And this food is extreamly coveted
by the wild boar, when at its perfect maturity;
with which they fatten as much as our
hogs, with the sweetest acorn's of Spain. These
trees love sandy ground: Yet are so low, that,
their branches being very large, they take up
a great circumference, almost couched upon
the ground. The trees named Abelcoses bare
fruit of like colour, with the Ycaos abovementioned,
but of the bigness of Melons; the
seeds, or kernels, being as big as eggs. The
substance of this fruit is yellow, and of a pleasant
taste; which the poorest, among the
French, do eat, instead of bread; the wildBore
not caring at all for this fruit. These
trees grow very tall, and thick; being somewhat
like unto our largest sort of Peartrees.

As to the Insects, which this Island produ-

ceth, I shall only take notice of three sorts of
Flies, which excessively torment all human
bodies; but more especially such, as never before,
or but a little while, were acquainted
with these Countries. The first sort of these
flies are as big as our common horse flies in
Europe. And these darting themselves upon
mens bodies, do there stick, and suck their
blood, till they can no longer flie. Their
importunity obligeth to make, almost, continual
use of branches of trees, wherewith to
fan them away. The Spaniards in those parts
call them Mosquito's, or Gnats; but the French
give them the name of Maranguines. The se-
cond sort, of these Insects, is no bigger then a
grain of sand. These make no buzzing noise,
as the precedent species doth; for which reason
it is less avoidable, as being able also, through
its smalness, to penetrate the finest linnen, or
cloth. The Hunters are forced to anoint their
faces, with hogs-greece, thereby to defend
themselves from the stings of these little Animals.
By night, in their Huts, or Cottages,
they constantly, for the same purpose burn
the leaves of Tobacco, without which smoke
they were not able to rest. True it is, that
in the day time, they are not very troublesome,
in case any Wind be stirring; for this,
though never so little, causeth them to dissi-
pate. The Gnats, of the third Species, exceed
not the bigness of a grain of Mustard.
Their colour is Red. These sting not at all,
but do bite so sharpely upon the Flesh, as to create
little Ulcers therein. From whence it often
cometh, that the Face swelleth, and is rendred
hideous to the view, through this inconvenience.
These are chiefly troublesome by
day, even from the beginning of the Morning,
until Sun-setting; after which time, they take
up their rest, and permit humane Bodies to
do the same. The Spaniards gave these Insects
the Name of Rojados; and the French
that of Calarodes.

The Insects, which the Spaniards call Cochinillas,
and the English Glow-worms are also to
be found in these parts. These are very like
unto such, as we have in Europe, unless that
they are somewhat bigger and longer then
ours. They have two little specks on their
heads, which by Night give so much light,
that three or four of those Animals, being
together upon a tree, it is not discernable, at
a distance from a bright shining Fire. I had
on a certain time, at once three of these Co-
chinillas, in my Cottage, which there continued
until past midnight, shining so brightly,
that without any other Light, I could easily
read in any Book, although of never so
small a print. I attempted to bring some of
these Insects into Europe, when I came from
those parts, but assoon as they came into a
colder climate, they dyed by the way. They
lost also their shining, upon the change of Air
even before their death. This shining is so
great, according to what I have related, that
the Spaniards, with great reason, may well call
them from their luminous quality, Moscas de
fuego, that is to say, Fire-flies.

There be also in Hispaniola an excessive num-

ber of Grillones, or Crickets. These are of an
extraordinary magnitude, if compared unto
ours; and so full of noise, that they are ready
to burst themselves with singing, if any person
cometh near them. Here is no lesser number
of Reptils, such as Serpents are, and others.
But by a particular providence of the Crea-
tor, these have no poyson. Neither do they
any other harm, then unto what fowl they
can catch. But more especially, unto Pullets,
Pigeons, and others of this kind. Oftimes
these Serpents, or Snakes, are useful in houses
to cleanse them of Rats, and Mice. For
with great cunning, they counterfeit their
Shreeks; and hereby both deceive and catch
them at their pleasure. Having taken them,
they in no wise eat the guts of these Vermin,
but only suck their blood at first. Afterwards
throwing away the guts, they swallow almost
entire the rest of the body; which as it should
seem, they readily digest into soft excrements,
of which they discharge their bellies. Another
sort of Reptils belonging to this Island, is called
by the name of Cazadores de Moscas, or
Fly-catchers. This name was given unto this
Reptil by the Spaniards, by reason they never
could experiment, it lived upon any other food
then flies. Hence itcannot be said, this creature
causeth any harm unto the Inhabitants,
but rather benefit; seeing it consumeth by its
continual exercise of hunting the vexatious and
troublesome flies.

Land-Tortoises here be also in great quantities.
These mostly breed in mud, and feilds
that are overflown with water. The Inhabitants
eat them, and testifie they are very
good food. But a sort of Spiders, which is
here found, is very hideous. These are as big as
an ordinary egg; and their feet as long as
those of the biggest Sea-crabs. Withal, they
are very hairy; and have four black teeth,
like unto those of a Rabbet, both in bigness,
and shape. Notwithstanding their bitings are
not venomous; although they can bite very
sharp, and do use it very commonly. They
breed for the most part in the roofs of houses.
This Island also is not free from the Insect cal-
led in Latin Millepes, and in Greek Scolopendria,
or Many-feet: Neither is it void of Scorpions.
Yet by the providence of nature, neither
the one nor the other, beareth the least
suspicion of poyson. For although they cease
not to bite, yet their wounds require not the
application of any medicament, for their cure.
And although their bitings cause some inflamation,
and swelling at the beginning; however
these Symptoms disappear of their own
accord. Thus in the whole circumference of
Hispaniola, no Animal is found that produceth
the least harm with its venom.

After the Insects abovementioned, I shall

not omit to say something of that terrible
Beast, called Cayman. This is a certain species
of Cocodrile, wherewith this Island very plentifully
aboundeth. Among these Caymanes,
some are found to be of a corpulency, very
horrible to the sight. Certain it is, that such
have been seen, as had no less then threescore
and ten foot in length, and twelve in breadth.
Yet more marvellous, then their bulk, is their
cunning and subtilty, wherewith they purchase
their food. Being hungry they place
themselves nigh the sides of Rivers; more especially
at the Fords, where Cattel come to
drink or wade over. Here they lie without
any motion, nor stirring any part of their
body, resembling an old tree fallen into the
River, only floating upon the waters, whether
these will carry them. Yet they recede
not far from the bank-sides, but continually
lurch in the same place, waiting till some wild
Bore, or salvage Cow cometh to drink, or
refresh themselves, at that place. At which
point of time, with huge activity they assault
them, and seizing on them with no less
fierceness, they drag the prey into the water
and there stifle it. But what is more worthy
admiration, is, that three, or four days before
the Caymanes go upon this design, they eat
nothing at all. But diving into the River
they swallow one, or two hundred weight of
stones, such as they can find. With these they
render themselves more heavy, then before,
and make addition unto their natural strength
(which in this animal is very great) thereby
to render their assault the more terrible and
secure. The prey being thus stifled, they suffer
it to lie four or five days under water untouched.
For they could not eat the least bit
thereof, unless half rotten. But when it is arrived
at such a degree of putrefaction, as is
most pleasing to their palate, they devour it
with great appetite and voracity. If they can
lay hold on any hides of Beasts, such as the
Inhabitants oftimes place in the feilds for drying
against the Sun, they drag them into the
water. Here they leave them for some days,
well loaden with stones, till the hair falleth off.
Then they eat them with no less appetite,
then they would the animals themselves, could
they catch them. I have seen my self many
times, like things unto these I have related.
But besides my own experience, many Writers
of natural things, have made entire Treatises
of these Animals, describing not only their
shape, magnitude, and other qualities, but also
their voracity, and brutish inclinations;
which, as I have told you, are very strange.
A certain person of good reputation and cre-
dit, told me, that one day he was by the
River side, washing his Baraca, or Tent, wherein
he used to lie in the feilds. As soon as he
began his work, a Cayman fastned upon the
Tent, and with incredible fury, drag'd it under
water. The man desirous to see if he
could save his Tent, pulled on the contrary
side with all his strength, having in his mouth
a Butchers knife, (wherewith as it happened
he was scraping the Canvas) to defend himself,
in case of urgent necessity. The Cayman
being angry at this opposition, vaulted upon
his body, out of the River, and drew him with
great celerity into the water, endeavouring
with the weight of his bulk, to stifle him under
the banks. Thus finding himself in the
greatest extremity almost crushed to death by
that huge and formidable Animal, with his
knife he gave the Caman several wounds in
the belly, wherewith he suddenly expir'd. Being
thus deliver'd from the hands of imminent
fate, he drew the Cayman out of the
water, and with the same knife open'd the
body, to satisfie his own curiosity. In his
stomack, he found nigh one hundred
weight of stones, each of them being almost
of the bigness of his fist.

The Caymanes are ordinarily busied in hunting
and catching of flies; which they cagerly
devour. The occasion is, because close unto
their skin, they have certain little scales, which
smell with a sweet sent, something like unto
Musk. This aromatick odour is coveted by
the flies, and here they come to repose themselves
and sting. Thus they both persecute
each other continually, with an incredible hatred,
and antipathy. Their manner of pro-

creating, and hatching their young ones, is as
follows. They approach the sandy banks of
some River, that lies exposed to the rays of
the South Sun. Among these Sands they lay
their eggs, which afterwards, they cover with
their feet: And here they find them hatcht,
and with young generation, by the only heat
of the Sun. These as soon as they are out of the
shell, by natural instinct, run unto the water.
Many times those eggs are destroyed by Birds
that find them out, as they scrape among
the Sands. Hereupon, the Femals of the
Caymanes, at such times, as they fear the
coming of any flocks of Birds, do ofttimes,
by night, swallow these their eggs, and
keep them in their stomack, till the danger is
over. And from time to time, they bury them
again in the Sand, as I have told you bringing
them forth again out of their belly, till
the season is come, of being excluded the
Shell. At this time, if the Mother be nigh
at hand, they run unto her and play with her
as little Whelps would do with their Dams,
sporting themselves according to their own
custom. In this sort of sport, they will oftentimes
run in and out of their Mothers belly,
even as Rabbets into their holes. This I have
seen them do many times, as I have spyed
them at play, with their Dam, over the water,
upon the contrary banks of some River.
At which time, I have often disturb'd their
sport by throwing a Stone that way, causing
them on a suddain, to creep into the Mothers
Bowels, for fear of some imminent danger.
The manner of procreating of those Animals,
is always the same, such as I have related;
and at the same time of the year, for they
neither meddle, nor make with one another
but in the month of May. They give them
in this Country, the name of Cocodriles;
though in other places, of the West-Indies,
they go under the Name of Caymanes.

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.

Chap. VI.

I have told you in the precedent Chapters
of this Book, after what manner I was
compell'd to adventure my life, among the
Pirates of America. Unto which sort of men,
I think my self obliged to give this name, for

no other reason, but that they are not maintained,
or upheld in their actions, by any Soveraign
Prince. For this is certain, that the
Kings of Spain, have upon several occasions,
sent, by their Embassadours, unto the Kings
of France and England, complaining of the molestations
and troubles, those Pirates did often
cause upon the coasts of America; even in the
calm of Peace. Unto whose Embassadours, it
hath always been answered: That such men did
not commit those acts of hostility and Piracy, as
subjects unto their Majesties; and therefore his
Catholick Majesty might proceed against them according
as he should find fit. The King of France
besides what hath been said, added unto this
answer: That he had no fortress nor Castle, upon
the Isle of Hispaniola; neither did he receive
one farthing of tribute from thence. Moreover
the King of England adjoyned: That he had
never given any Patents, or Commissions, unto those
of Jamaica, for committing any hostility against
the subjects of his Catholick Majesty. Neither
did he only give this bare answer, but also out
of his Royal desire to pleasure the Court of
Spain, recalled the Governour of Jamaica,
placing another in his room. All this was not
sufficient to prevent the Pirates of those parts
from acting what mischief they could to the
contrary. But before I commence the relation
of their bold and insolent actions, I shall say somthing
of their Origen, and most common exercises;
as also of the chiefest among them;
and their manner of arming, before they go
out to Sea.

The first Pyrate, that was known upon the
Island of Tortuga, was named Pierre le Grand,
or Peter the Great. He was bornat the Town of
Diep in Normandy. That action which rendred
him famous, was his taking of the ViceAdmiral
of the Spanish Flota, nigh unto the
Cape of Tiburon, upon the Western side, of the
Island of Hispaniola. This bold exploit he
performed alone with one only boat; wherein
he had eight and twenty persons, no more
to help him. What gave occasion unto this
enterprize, was that until that time, the Spaniards
had passed, and repassed, with all security,
and without finding the least opposition,
through the Channel of Bahama. So that
Pierre le Grand set out to Sea, by the Caycos,
where he took this great Ship, with almost all
facility imaginable. The Spaniards they found
aboard, were all set on Shore, and the Vessel
presently sent into France. The manner how
this undaunted Spirit attempted, and took,
such an huge Ship, I shall give you out of the
Journal of a true, and faithful Author, in the
same words, I read them. The Boat, saith he,
wherein Pierre le Grand was, with his companions
had now been at Sea, a long time, without
finding any thing, according to his intent of Piracy,
sutable to make a prey. And now their provisions
beginning to fail, they could keep themselves
no longer upon the Ocean; or they must of
necessity starve. Being almost reduced to despair,
they espyed a great Ship, belonging unto the Spanish
Flota, which had separated from the rest.
This bulkey Vessel they resolved to set upon; and
take; or die in the attempt. Hereupon they
made sail towards her, with design to view her
strength. And although they judged the Vessel
to be far above their forces, yet the covetousness of
such a prey, and the extremity of fortune, they
were reduced unto, made them adventure upon such
an enterprize. Being now come so near that they
could not escape without danger of being all killed,
the Pirates joyntly made an oath unto their Captain
Pierre le Grand, to behave themselves couragiously
in this attempt, without the least fear or
fainting. True it is, that these Rovers had conceived
an opinion, they should find the Ship unprovided
to fight; and that through this occasion they
should master her by degrees. It was in the dusk
of the Evening, or soon after when this great action
was performed. But before it was begun, they
gave orders unto the Chirurgeon of the boat, to bore
a hole i'th' sides thereof; to the intent that their
own Vessel sinking under them, they might be compelled
to attack more vigorously, and endeavour
more hastily to run aboard the great Ship. This
was performed accordingly; and without
any other arms then a Pistol in one of their hands,
and a Sword in the other, they immediately climbed
up the sides of the Ship, and ran altogether into
the great Cabin; where they found the Captain,
with several of his companions, playing at Cards.
Here they set a Pistol to his breast, commanding
him to deliver up the Ship unto their obedience.
The Spaniards seeing the Pirates aboard their
Ship, without scarce having seen them at Sea,
cryed out, `Jesus bless us! Are these Divels, or
what are they? In the mean while, some of them
took possession of the Gun room, and seized the arms
and Military affairs they found there; killing as
many of the Ship, as made any opposition. By
which means the Spaniards presently were compelled
to surrender. That very day the Captain of
the Ship, had been told, by some of the Seamen,
that the boat, which was in view cruzing, was a
boat of Pirates. Unto whom the Captain slighting
their advice, made answer: `What then? Must I
be afraid of such a pittiful thing, as that is?
No, Nor though she were a Ship as big, and as
strong as mine is. As soon as Pierre le Grand
had taken this Magnificent prize, he detained in
his service, as many of the common Seamen, as he
had need of, and the rest he set on shore. This being
done, he immediately, set sail for France, carrying
with him all the riches, he found in that huge Vessel:
There he continued; without ever returning unto the
parts of America.

The Planters and Hunters, of the Isle of

Tortuga, had no sooner understood this happy
event, and the rich prize those Pirates had obtained,
but they resolved to follow their example.
Hereupon many of them, left their
ordinary exercises, and common imploys,
and used what means they could, to get either
Boats or small Vessels, wherein to exercise Piracy.
But being not able either to purchase or
build them at Tortuga, at last they resolved to
set forth in their Canows, and seek them elsewhere.
With these therefore, they cruzed at
first upon Cape de Alvarez, whereabouts the
Spaniards use much to trade from one City to
another, in small boats. In these they carry
Hides, Tobacco, and other commodities, unto
the Port of Havana; which is the Metropolis
of that Island; and unto which the Spaniards
from Europe do frequently resort.

Here abouts it was, that those Pirates at the

beginning, took a great number of Boats, laden
with the aforesaid commodities. These
boats they used to carry to the Isle of Tortuga,
and there sell the whole purchase unto the
Ships that waited in the Port for their return,
or accidentally happened to be there. With
the gains of these prizes, they provided themselves
with necessaries, wherewithal to undertake
other voyages. Some of these voyages
were made towards the coast of Campeche, and
others, towards that of New-Spain. In both
which places the Spaniards at that time, did
frequently exercise much commerce, and trade.
Upon those coasts, they commonly found great
number of trading vessels, and many times
ships of great burthen. Two of the biggest
of these vessels, and two great ships, which the
Spaniards had laden with plate, in the Port of
Campeche, for to go unto Caracas, they took
in less then a months time, by cruzing to and
fro. Being arrived at Tortuga with these prizes,
and the whole people of the Island, admiring
their progresses, especially that within the space
of two years, the riches of the Country were
much increased, the number also of Pirates did
augment so fast, that from these beginnings,
within a little space of time, there were to be
numbered in that small Island and Port, above
twenty ships of this sort of people. Hereupon
the Spaniards not able to bear their Robberies
any longer, were constrained to put forth to
Sea two great Men of War, both for the defence
of their own coasts, and to cruze upon the
enemies.

Chap. VII.

BEfore the Pirates go out to Sea, they give

notice unto every one, that goeth upon
the voyage, of the day on which they ought
precisely to imbarque. Intimating also unto
them, their obligation of bringing each man
in particular, so many pound of powder, and
bullet, as they think necessary for that expedition.
Being all come on board, they joyn
together in Council, concerning what place
they ought first to go unto, wherein to get provisions?
Especially of flesh: seeing they scarce
eat any thing else. And of this the most common
sort among them is Pork. The next
food is Tortoises, which they use to salt a little.
Sometimes they resolve to rob such, or such
Hog-yards; wherein the Spaniards often have
a thousand heads of Swine together. They
come unto these places in the dark of the
night, and having beset the Keepers lodge, they
force him to rise, and give them as many
heads as they desire; threatning withal to
kill him in case he disobeyeth their commands,
or maketh any noise. Yea, these menaces are
oftentimes, put in execution, without giving
any quarter unto the miserable Swine keepers,
or any other person, that endeavoureth
to hinder their Robberies.

Having gotten provisions of flesh, sufficient
for their Voyage, they return unto their Ship.
Here their allowance, twice a day, unto eve-

ry one, is as much as he can eat; without
either weight, or measure. Neither doth the
Steward of the Vessel give any greater proportion
of flesh, or any thing else unto the
Captain, then unto the meanest Mariner.
The ship being well victuall'd, they call another
Council, to deliberate, towards what
place they shall go, to seek their desperate
fortunes? In this Council, likewise they a-

gree upon certain Articles, which are put in
writing, by way of bond, or obligation, the
which every one is bound to observe, and
all of them, or the chiefest, do set their hands
unto. Herein they specifie, and set down very
distinctly, what sums of Mony each particular
person ought to have for that voyage.
The sond, of all the payments, being the common
stock, of what is gotten, by the whole expedition;
for otherwise it is the same law, among
these people, as with other Pirates, no
prey, no pay. In the first place, therefore they
mention, how much the Captain ought to
have for his Ship. Next the salary of the
Carpenter, or Shipwright, who careen'd, men-
ded, and rigg'd the Vessel. This commonly,
amounteth unto one hundred, or an hundred
and fifty pieces of eight; being according to
the agreement, more or less. Afterwards for
provisions and victualling, they draw out of
the same common stock, about two hundred
pieces of eight. Also a competent salary for
the Chyrurgeon, and his Chest of Medicaments,
which usually is rated at two hundred, or two
hundred and fifty pieces of eight. Lastly
they stipulate in writing, what recompence
or reward each one ought to have, that is either
wounded, or maimed in his body, suffering
the loss of any Limb, by that voyage.
Thus they order for the loss of a right Arm,
six hundred pieces of eight, or six slaves: For
the loss of a left Arm, five hundred pieces of
of eight, or five slaves: For a right leg, five
hundred pieces of eight, or five slaves: For
the left leg, four hundred pieces of eight,
or four slaves: For an eye, one hundred pieces
of eight, or one slave: For a Finger of
the hand, the same reward, as for the eye. All
which sums of Mony, as I have said before,
are taken out of the capital sum, or common
stock, of what is gotten by their Piracy. For a
very exact, and equal, dividend, is made of the
remainder, among them all. Yet herein they
have also regard unto qualities, and places.
Thus the Captain, or chief Commander, is allotted
five, or six portions to what the ordinary
Seamen have. The Masters-Mate, only
two: And other Officers proportionable to
their employ. After whom they draw equal
parts from the highest, even to the lowest Mariner;
the boys not being omitted. For even
these draw half a share; by reason, that when
they happen to take a better Vessel, than their
own, it is the duty of the Boys, to set fire
unto the Ship or boat, wherein they are, and
then retire unto the prize, which they have
taken

They observe among themselves, very good
orders. For in the prizes they take, it is se-

verely prohibited, unto every one to usurp any
thing in particular, unto themselves. Hence
all they take, is equally divided, according to
what hath been said before. Yea, they make a
solemn Oath to each other, not to abscond, or
conceal the least thing they find amongst the
prey. If afterwards any one is found unfaithful,
and that hath contraven'd the said oath, immediately
he is separated, and turned out of the
society. Among themselves they are very civil
and charitable to each other. Insomuch, that
if any wanteth what another hath, with great
liberality, they give it one to another. As soon
as these Pirates have taken any Prize of
Ship, or Boat, the first thing they endeavour
is to set on shore the prisoners;
detaining only some few for their own help,
and service. Unto whom also they give their
liberty, after the space of two or three years.
They put in very frequently for refreshment,

at one Island, or another. But more especially
into those which lie on the Southern side of
of the Isle of Cuba. Here they careen their vessels,
and i'th mean while, some of them go to
hunt, others to cruze upon the Seas, in Canows,
seeking their fortune. Many times they
take the poor Fishermen of Tortoises, and carrying
them to their habitations, they make
them work so long, as the Pirates are pleased.

In the several parts of America, are found

four distinct species of Tortoises. The first
hereof, are so great, that every one reacheth
to the weight of two or three thousand pound.
The scales of the species, are so soft, as that
easily they may be cut with a knife. Yet these
Tortoises are not good to be eaten. The second
species is of an indifferent bigness and
are green in colour. The scales of these are
harder then the first; and this sort is of a very
pleasant tast. The third is very little different
in size and bigness from the second; unless
that it hath the head somthing bigger. This
third species is called by the French Cavana,
and is not good for food. The fourth is named
Caret, being very like unto the Tortoises
we have in Europe. This sort keepeth
most commonly among the Rocks, from
whence they crawl out, to seek their food,
which is for the greatest part, nothing but Apples
of the Sea. Those other species, abovementioned,
feed upon grass, which groweth in
the water, upon the banks of the sand. These
banks or shelv's for their pleasant green, do
here resemble the delightful Meadows of the
United Provinces. Their eggs are almost like
unto those of the Crocodile; but without any
shell, being only covered with a thin membrane,
or film. They are found in such prodigious
quantities, along the sandy shores of
those Countries, that were they not frequently
destroyed by birds, the Sea would infinitely
abound with Tortoises.

These Creatures have certain customary
places, whither they repair every year, to lay
their eggs. The chiefest of these places, are
the three Islands called Caymanes, situated in the
altitude of twenty degrees, and fifteen minutes,
Northern latitude; being at the distance of
five and forty leagues, from the Isle of Cuba,
on the Northern side thereof.

It is a thing much deserving consideration,
how the Tortoises can find out these Islands.

For the greatest part of them come from the
Gulf of Honduras; distant from thence, the
whole space of one hundred and fifty leagues.
Certain it is, that many times the ships having
lost their altitude, through the darkness
of the weather, have steered their course only
by the noise of the Tortoises, swimming that
way, and have arrived unto those Isles. When
their season of hatching is past, they retire towards
the Island of Cuba; where be many good
places that afford them food. But the mean while
they are at the Islands of Caymanes, they eat
very little or nothing. When they have been
about the space of one month in the Seas of
Cuba, and are grown fat, the Spaniards go out
to fish for them; they being then to be taken in
such abundance, that they provide with them
sufficiently, their Cities, Towns and Villages.
Their manner of taking them is, by making
with a great nail a certain kind of dart. This
they fix at the end of a long stick, or pole;
with which they wound the Tortoises, as with
a dagger, whensoever they appear above water,
to breath fresh air.

The Inhabitants of New-Spain, and Campeche,
lade their principal sorts of Merchandises,
in Ships of great bulk; and with these
they exercise their commerce to and fro. The
vessels from Campeche in winter time, set out
towards Caracas, Trinity Isles, and that of Mar-

garita. For in Summer the winds are contrary;
though very favourable to return unto Campeche;
as they use to do, at the beginning of
that season. The Pirates are not ignorant of
these times; as being very dextrous in searching
out all places, and circumstances, most sutable
to their designs. Hence in the places,
and seasons aforementioned, they cruze upon
the said Ships, for some while. But in case
they can perform nothing, and that fortune
doth not favour them with some prize, or other,
after holding a Council thereupon, they
commonly enterprize things very desperate.
Of these their resolutions I shall give you one

instance very remarkable. One certain Pirate,
whose name was Pierre Francois, or Peter Francis,
happened to be a long time at Sea with his
boat, and six and twenty persons, waiting for
the Ships that were to return from Maracaibo
towards Campeche. Not being able to find
any thing, nor get any prey, at last he resolved
to direct his course to Rancherias, which is nigh
unto the River, called de la Plata, in the altitude
of twelve degrees, and a half Northern latitude.
In this place lieth a rich Bank of Pearl,
to the fishery whereof they yearly send from
Cartagena, a Fleet of a dozen vessels with a man
of war, for their defence. Every Vessel hath at
least a couple of Negros in it, who are very dextrous
in diving, even to the depth of six fathoms,
within the Sea; whereabouts they
find good store of Pearls. Upon this Fleet of
Vessels though small, called the Pearl Fleet;
Pierre Francois resolved to adventure; rather
then go home with empty hands. They rid at
Anchor, at that time, at the mouth of the River
de la Hacha; the Man of War being scarce
half a league distant, from the small Ships;
and the wind very calm. Having espyed them
in this posture, he presently pull'd down his
sails, and rowed along the coast, dissembling to
be a Spanish Vessel, that came from Maracaibo,
and only passed that way. But no sooner was
he come unto the Pearl bank, when suddainly
he assaulted the Vice-admiral of the said
Fleet, mounted with eight Guns, and threescore
men well arm'd, commanding them to
surrender. But the Spaniards running to their
arms, did to what they could to defend themselves,
fighting for some while; till at last

they were constrained to submit unto the Pirate.
Being thus possessed of the Vice-Admiral,
he resolved next to adventure with some other
stratagem, upon the Man of War; thinking
thereby to get strength sufficient, to master the
rest of the Fleet. With this intent he presently
sunk his own Boat in the River, and putting
forth the Spanish Colours, weighed Anchor,
with a little wind, which then began to stir;
having with promises, and menaces, compelled
most of the Spaniards, to assist him in his design.
But no sooner did the Man of War
perceive one of his Fleet to set sail, when
he did so too; fearing least, the Mariners
should have any design to run away, with the
Vessel, and riches they had on board. This
caused the Pirates, immediately to give over
that dangerous enterprize, as thinking themselves
unable to encounter force to force,
with the said Man of War, that now came against
them. Hereupon, they attempted to get out
of the River, and gain the open Seas, with
the riches they had taken; by making as
much sail, as possibly the vessel would bear.
This being perceived, by the Man of War,
he presently gave them chace. But the Pirates,
having laid on too much sail, and a gust

of wind suddainly arising, had their Mainmast
blown down by the board, which disabled
them from prosecuting their escape.

This unhappy event much encouraged
those that were in the Man of War; they advancing,
and gaining upon the Pirates
every moment. By which means at last they
were overtaken. But these notwithstanding,
finding themselves still with two and twenty
persons sound, the rest being either killed or
wounded, resolved to defend themselves so
long as it were possible. This they performed
very couragiously for some while, until being

[ILLUSTRATION]

thereunto forced by the Man of War, they
were compelled to surrender. Yet was not
this done without Articles, which the Spaniards
were glad to allow them, as followeth.
That they should not use them as slaves, forcing
them to carry or bring stones, or em-

ploying them in other labours, for three or
four years, as they commonly employ their
Negros. But that they should set them on
shore, upon free land; without doing them
any harm in their bodies. Upon these Articles
they deliver'd themselves, with all that they
had taken; which was worth only in Pearls,
to the value of above one hundred thousand
peices of eight, besides the vessel, provisions,
goods, and other things. All which being put
together, would have made unto this Pirate,
one of the greatest prizes, he could desire.
Which he had certainly obtained, had it not
been for the loss of his Main-mast, as was said
before.

Another bold attempt, not unlike unto

that which I have related, nor less remarkable;
I shall also give you at present. A certain
Pirate, born in Portugal, and from the name
of his Country, called Bartholomew Portugues,
was cruzing in his Boat from Jamaica (wherein
he had only thirty men, and four small
guns) upon the Cape de Corriente, in the Iland
of Cuba. In this place he met with a great
ship, that came from Maracaibo, and Cartagena,
bound for the Havana, well provided, with
twenty great guns, and threescore and ten
Men, between passengers and Mariners. This
ship he presently assaulted, but found as strongly
defended by them that were on board. The
The Pirate escaped the first encounter, resolving
to attacque her more vigorously then before,
seeing he had sustained no great damage
hitherto. This resolution of his, he boldly
performed, renewing his assaults so often,
till that after a long and dangerous fight, he
became Master of the great Vessel. The Portugues
lost only ten men, and had four wounded,
so that he had still remaining twenty
fighting men, whereas the Spaniards had double
the same number. Having possessed themselves
of such a Ship, and the wind being contrary
to return unto Jamaica, they resolved to
steer their course towards the Cape of Saint
Antony, (which lieth on the Western side of
the Isle of Cuba) there to repair themselves,
and take in fresh water, of which they had
great necessity, at that time.

Being now very near unto the Cape
abovementioned, they unexpectedly met with
three great Ships, that were coming from

New-Spain, and bound for the Havana. By
these as not being able to escape, they were
easily retaken both Ship, and Pirates. Thus
they were all made prisoners, through the suddain
change of fortune, and found themselves
poor, oppress'd, and stript of all the riches
they had purchased so little before. The Cargo
of this Ship consisted in one hundred, and
twenty thousand weight of Cacao-nuts, the
cheifest ingredient of that rich liquor called
Chocolate, and threescore and ten thousand
peices of eight. Two days after this misfortune,
there happened to arise an huge and
dangerous tempest, which largely separated the
the Ships from one another. The great Vessel,
wherein the Pirates were, arrived at Campeche;
where many considerable Merchants came
to salute, and welcom the Captain thereof.
These presently knew the Portugues Pirate,
as being him who had committed innumerable
excessive insolences upon those coasts,

not only infinite Murthers and Robberies,
but also lamentable incendiums, which those of
Campeche, still preserved very fresh in their
memory.

Hereupon the next day after their arrival,
the Magistrates of the City sent several of their
Officers, to demand and take into custody,
the criminal prisoners, from on board the
ship, with intent to punish them, according
to their deserts. Yet fearing least the Captain
of those Pirates should escape out of their
hands on shore (as he had formerly done,

being once their prisoner in the City before,)
they judg'd it more convenient to leave him
safely guarded on board the Ship, for that

present. In the mean while they caused a
Gibbet to be erected, whereupon to hang him
the very next day, without any other form of
process, then to lead him from the Ship, unto
the place of punishment. The rumour of
this future tragedy, was presently brought
unto Bartholomew Portugues his ears, whereby
he sought all the means he could to escape
that night. With this design he took two earthen
Jars, wherein the Spaniards usually carry
wine from Spain unto the West-Indies,
and stopp'd them very well; intending to use
them for swimming, as those, who are unskilful
in that art, do calabacas, a sort of pumkins
in Spain; and in other places empty bladders.
Having made this necessary preparation, he waited
for the night, when all should be at sleep;
even the Centry that guarded him. But
seeing he could not escape his vigilancy, he
secretly purchased a knife, and with the same
gave him such a mortal stab, as suddainly
depriv'd him of life, and the possibility of making
any noise. At that instant, he committed
himself to Sea, with those two earthen
jarrs aforementioned, and by their help
and support, though never having learn'd
to swim, he reached the shore. Being arrived
upon land, without any delay, he took his
refuge in the Woods, where he hid himself for
three days, without daring to appear, nor eating
any other food then wild herbs.

Those of the City failed not the next day,

to make a diligent search for him in the woods,
where they concluded him to be. This strict
enquiry Portugues had the convenience to espy
from the hallow of a Tree, wherein he lay
absconded. Hence perceiving them to return
without finding, what they sought for,
he adventur'd to sally forth towards the coasts,
called del Golfo triste, forty leagues distant
from the City of Campeche. Hither he ar-
rived within a fortnight after his escape from
the Ship. In which space of time, as also
afterwards, he endured extream hunger, thirst,
and fears, of falling again into the hands of
the Spaniards. For during all this journy he
had no other provision with him, then a small
Calabaca, with a little water: Neither did he
eat any thing else, then a few shell fish, which
he found among the Rocks, nigh the Seashore.
Besides that, he was compell'd to pass
as yet some Rivers, not knowing well to
swim. Being in this distress, he found an old
board, which the waves had thrown upon tho
shore; wherein did stick a few great nailes.
These he took and with no small labour, whetted
against a stone, until that he had made
them capable of cutting like unto knives, tho
very imperfectly. With these, and no better
instruments, he cut down some branches of
Trees, the which with twigs, and Osiers he
joyn'd together, and made as well as he could,
a boat, or rather a wafte, wherewith he wafted
over the Rivers. Thus he arrived finally
at the Cape of Golfo triste, as was said before;
where he happened to find a certain Vessel of
Pirates, who were great Comrades of his own,
and were lately come from Jamaica.

Unto these Pirates, he instantly related all
his adversities, and misfortunes. And withal
demanded of them, they would fit him with a
boat, and twenty men. With which company
alone, he promised to return unto Campeche,
and assault the Ship, that was in the
River, by which he had been taken, and escaped
fourteen days before. They easily
granted his request, and equipped him a boat,
with the said number of Men. With this small
company he set forth towards the execution
of his design; which he bravely performed
eight days after he separated from his Comrades
at the Cape of Golfo triste. For being
arrived at the River of Campeche, with an undaunted
courage, and without any rumour of
noise, he assaulted the Ship aforementioned.
Those that were on board, were perswaded,
this was a boat from land, that came to bring
contra banda goods; and hereupon were not in
any posture of defence. Thus the Pirates laying
hold on this occasion, assaulted them
without any fear of ill success, and in short
space of time, compelled the Spaniards to surrender.

Being now Masters of the Ship, they immediatly
weighed Anchor, and set sail, determining
to fly from the Port, least they should
be pursued by other Vessels. This they did
with extremity of joy, seeing themselves possessours
of such a brave Ship. Especially Portugues,
their Captain, who now by a second
turn of fortunes wheel, was become rich, and
powerful again, who had been so lately in
that same Vessel, a poor miserable prisoner,
and condemned to the Gallows. With this
great purchase he designed in his mind greater
things; which he might well hope to obtain,
seeing he had found in the Vessel great
quantity of rich Merchandise, still remaining
on board, altho the plate had been transported
into the City. Thus he continued his
Voyage towards Jamaica for some days.
But coming nigh unto the Isle of Pinos
on the South-side of the Island of

Cuba, fortune suddainly turned her back
unto him once more, never to shew him her
countenance again. For a horrible storm arising
at Sea occasion'd the Ship to split against
the Rocks or Banks called Jardines. Insomuch
that the Vessel was totally lost, and
Portugues, with his Companions, escaped in a
Canow. After this manner he arrived at Jamaica,
where he remained no long time.
Being only there, till he could prepare himself
to seek his fortune anew, which from that time
proved alwayes adverse unto him.

Nothing less rare and admirable than the
precedent, are the Actions of another Pirate;
who at present liveth at Jamaica, and who
hath, on sundry occasions, enterprized and
atcheived, things very strange. The place of
his birth was the City of Groninghen, in the
United Provinces; but his own proper Name is
not known: The Pirates, his Companions,
having only given him that of Roche Brasiliano,
by reason of his long residence in the
Country of Brasil. From whence he was forced
to flie, when the Portuguises retook those
Countries, from the West India Company of
Amsterdam; several Nations then inhabiting at
Brasil (as English, French, Dutch, and others)
being constrained to seek new Fortunes.

This Fellow at that conjuncture of time retired
unto Jamaica. Where being at a stand
how to get a livelyhood, he entred himself
into the Society of Pirates. Under these,
he served in quality of a private Mariner for
some while. In which degree he behaved

[ILLUSTRATION]

himself so well, as made him both beloved
and respected by all; as one that deserved to
be their Commander for the future. One day
certain Mariners happen'd to engage in a dis-
sention with their Captain; the effect whereof
was that they left the Boat. Brasiliano followed
the rest, and by these was chosen for
their Conductor and Leader; who also fitted
him out a Boat, or small Vessel, wherein hereceived
the Title of Captain.

Few days were past, from his being cho-

sen Captain, when he took a great Ship, that
was coming from New-Spain. On board of
which he found great quantity of plate; and
both one and the other, he carried unto Jamaica.
This action gave him renovvn, and
caused him to be both esteemed and feared; every
one apprehending him much abroad,
Howbeit, in his domestick, and private affairs,
he had no good behaviour, nor government,
over himself; for in these he would oftentimes
shew himself either brutish, or foolish. Many
times being in drink, he would run up and
down the streets, beating or wounding whom
he met; no person daring to oppose him, or
make any resistance.

Unto the Spaniards he always shewed himself
very barbarous, and cruel; only out of
an inveterate hatted, he had against that Nation.
Of these he commanded several to be

rosted alive upon wooden spits; for no other
crime, than that they would not shew him the
places, or Hog-yards, where he might steal
Swine. After many of these cruelties, it happened
as he was cruzing upon the coasts of
Campeche, that a dismal tempest suddainly surprized
him. This proved to be so violent, that
at last his Ship was wrackt, upon the coasts;
the Mariners only escaping with their Musquets,
and some few bullets, and powder,
which were the only things they could save,
of all that was in the Vessel. The place where
the Ship was lost, was precisely between Campeche,
and the Golfo triste. Here they got on
shore in a Canow, and marching along the
coast, with all the speed they could, they directed
their course towards Golfo triste; as being
a place where the Pirates commonly use to
repair, and refresh themselves. Being upon
this Journy, and all very hungry, and thir-
sty, as is usual in desert places, they were pursued
by some Spaniards; being a whole troop
of an hundred horsemen. Brasiliano no sooner
perceived this imminent danger, then he animated
his companions, telling them: We had
better fellow Soldiers, choose to die under our arms
fighting, as it becometh men of ccurage, then surrender
unto the Spaniards; who in case they overcome
us, will take away our lives with cruel torments.
The Pirates were no more then thirty
in number; who notwithstanding, seeing their
brave Commander oppose himself with courage,
unto the enemy, resolved to do the like.
Hereupon they faced the troop of Spaniards,
and discharged their Musquets against them;
with such dexterity, as they almost kill'd one
horseman with every shot. The fight continued
for the space of an hour, till at last the
Spaniards were put to flight, by the Pirates.
They stripp'd the dead, and took from them
what they thought most convenient for their
use. But such as were not already dead; they
helped to quit the miseries of life, with the ends
of their Musquets.

Having vanquished the Enemy, they all
mounted on several horses, they found in the
field, and continued the Journy aforementioned;
Brasiliano having lost but two of his
Companions in this bloody fight, and had
two other wounded. As they prosecuted their
way, before they came unto the Port, they espyed
a boat from Campeche, well man'd, that
rid at anchor, protecting a small number of
Canows, that were lading wood. Hereupon,
they sent a detachment of six of their Men, to
watch them; and these the next morning by
a wild possessed themselves of the Canows. Having
given notice unto their Companions, they
went all on board, and with no great difficulty,
took also the Boat, or little Man of War, their

Convoy. Thus having rendred themselves
Masters of the whole Fleet, they wanted only
provisions, which they found but very small
aboard those Vessels. But this defect was supplied
by the horses, which they instantly killed,
and salted; with Salt, which, by good fortune,
the Wood-cutters had brought with
them. Upon which victuals they made
shift to keep themselves, until such time, as
they could purchase better.

These very same Pirates, I mean Brasiliano,

and his companions, took also another Ship,
that was going from New-Spain unto Maracaibo;
laden with divers sorts of Merchandize,
and a very considerable number of peices of
eight, which were design'd to buy Cacao-nuts,
for their lading home. All these prizes they
earried into Jamaica, where they safely arrived,
and according to their custom, wasted in
a few days, in Taverns and Stews, all they
had gotten, by giving themselves to all man-
ner of debauchery, with Strumpets, and
Wine. Such of these Pirates are found who
will spend two or three thousand peices of
eight, in one night, not leaving themselves
peradventure a good shirt to wear, on their
backs, in the morning. Thus upon a certain
time, I saw one of them give unto a common
Strumpet, five hundred peices of eight,
only that he might see her naked. My
own Master would buy, in like occasions,
a whole pipe of wine, and placing it in
the street, would force every one, that passed
by to drink with him; threatning also
to Pistol them, in case they would not do it.
At other times he would do the same, with
Barrels of Ale, or Beer. And very often,
with both his hands, he would throw these
liquors about the streets, and wet the
cloathes of such as walked by, without
regarding, whether he spoil'd their
Apparrel, or not, were they Men, or Women.

Among themselves, and to each other,
these Pirates are extreamly liberal, and
free. If any one of them hath lost all his
goods, which often happeneth in their
manner of life, they freely give him, and
make him partaker of what they have.
In Taverns, and Ale-houses, they always have
great credit; but in such houses at Jamaica,
they ought not to run very deep in
debt, seeing the inhabitants of that Island,
do easily sell one another for debt. Thus
it happened unto my Patron, or Master,
to be sold for a debt of a Tavern, wherein
he had spent the greatest part of his
mony. This Man had within the space of
three months before, three thousand peices

of eight in ready cash; all which he wasted
in that short space of time, and became
so poor, as I have told you.

But now to return unto our discourse, I
must let my Reader know, that Brasiliano,
after having spent all that he had robb'd,
was constrained to go to Sea again, to
seek his fortune once more. Thus he set
forth towards the coast of Campeche, his
common place of rendezvous. Fifteen
days after his arrival there, he put himself
into a Canow, with intent to espy the Port
of that City, and see if he could rob any
Spanish Vessel. But his fortune was so bad,
that both he and all his Men, were taken
prisoners, and carried unto the presence of
the Governour. This Man immediately,
cast them into a dungeon, with full intention
to hang them every person. And
doubtless he had performed his intent, were
it not for a Stratagem, that Brasiliano used,
which proved sufficient to save their
lives. He writ therefore a Letter unto the
Governour, making him believe it came
from other Pirates, that were abroad, at
Sea; and withal telling him: He should have
a care, how he used those persons he had in
his custody. For in case he caused them any
harm, they did Swear unto him, they would
never give quarter, unto any person of the
Spanish Nation, that should fall into their
hands.

Because these Pirates had been many
times at Campeche, and in many other
Towns and Villages, of the West-Indies,
belonging to the Spanish dominions, the
Governour began to fear, what mischief
they might cause by the means of their
companions abroad, in case he should punish
them. Hereupon he released them out

of prison, exacting only an Oath of them,
before hand, that they would leave their exercise
of Piracy for ever. And withal he
sent them as common Mariners, or Passengers,
in the Galoon's, to Spain. They
got in this Voyage all together five hundred
peices of eight; whereby they tarried
not long there, after their arrival. But
providing themselves with some few necessaries,
they all returned unto Jamaica,
within a little while. From whence they
set forth again to Sea, committing greater
Robberies and cruelties, then ever they had
done before. But more especially, abusing
the poor Spaniards, that happened to fall
into their hands, with all sorts of cruelty
imaginable.

The Spaniards perceiving they could

gain nothing upon this sort of people,
nor diminish their number, which rather
increased dayly, resolved to diminish the
number of their Ships, wherein they exercised
trading to and fro. But neither this
resolution was of any effect, or did them

any good service. For the Pirates finding
not so many Ships at Sea, as before, began
to gather into greater Companies,
and land upon the Spanish Dominions,
ruining whole Cities, Towns, and Villages;
and withal pillaging, burning, and
carrying away, as much as they could
possible.

The first Pirate, who gave a beginning
unto these invasions by Land, was named
Lewis Scot, who Sack't and Pillag'd the
City of Campeche. He almost ruin'd the
Town, Robbing and destroying all he
could; and after he had put it to the ransome
of an excessive summ of mony, he
left it. After Scot, came another named
Mansvelt, who enterprised to set footing
in Granada, and penetrate with his Piracies,
even unto the South Sea. Both which
things he effected, till that at last for
want of provision, he was constrained to
go back. He assaulted Isle of Saint Catherine,
which was the first land he took,
and upon it some few prisoners. These
shewed him the way towards Cartagena,
which is a principal City, situate in the
Kingdom of Nueva Granada. But the
bold attempts and actions, of John Davis,
born at Jamaica, ought not to be forgotten
in this History, as being some of the most
remarkable thereof. Especially his rare
prudence and valour, wherewith he behaved
himself in the aforementioned Kingdom
of Granada. This Pirate having cruzed
a long time in the Gulf of Pocatauro,
upon the Ships, that were expected from
Cartagena, bound for Nicaragua, and not
being able to meet any of the said Ships,
resolved at last, to land in Nicaragua,
leaving his Ship concealed about the
coast.

This design he presently put in execu-

tion. For taking fourscore men, out of
fourscore and ten, which he had in all, (the
rest being left to keep the Ship) he divided
them equally into three Canows. His
intent was to Rob the Churches, and rifle
the Houses of the chiefest Citizens of the
aforesaid Town of Nicaragua. Thus in the
obscurity of the night, they mounted the
River, which leadeth to that City, Rowing
with Oars in their Canows. By day they
concealed themselves, and boats, under the
branches of Trees, that were upon the
banks. These grow very thick, and intricate,
along the sides of the Rivers, in
those Countries, as also along the Sea
coast. Under which likewise those, who
remained behind, absconded their Vessel,
least they should be seen, either by Fishermen,
or Indians. After this manner, they arrived
at the City the third night, where
the Centry, who kept the post of the River,
thought them to be Fishermen that
had been fishing in the Lake. And as the
greatest part of the Pirates are skilful in the
Spanish Tongue, so he never doubted
thereof, as soon as he heard them speak.
They had in their Company an Indian,
who was run away from his Master, because
he would make him a slave, after
having served him a long time. This Indian
went the first on shore, and rushing
at the Centry, he instantly killed him.
Being animated with this success, they
entred into the City, and went directly
unto three or four Houses of the chiefest
Citizens, where they knocked with dissimulation.
These beleiving them to be
friends, opened the doors, and the Pirates
suddainly possessing themselves of the Houses,
robb'd all the mony and plate, they
could find. Neither did they spare the

Churches, and most sacred things, all
which were pillaged and prophan'd, without
any respect, or veneration.

In the mean while great cries and lamentation
were heard about the Town, of
some, who had escaped their hands; by
which means the whole City was brought
into an uproar, and alarm. From hence
the whole number of Citizens rallied together,
intending to put themselves in defence.
This being perceived by the Pirates,

they, instantly, put themselves to flight,
carrying with them all that they had robb'd,
and likewise some Prisoners. These they
led away; to the intent, that if any of
them should happen to be taken by the
Spaniards, they might make use of them, for
ransom. Thus they got unto their Ship, and
with all speed imaginable put out to Sea; forcing
the Prisoners, before they would let them
go, to procure them as much flesh, as they
thought necessary, for their Voyage to Jamaica.
But no sooner had they weighed

Anchor, when they saw on shore a Troop
of about five hundred Spaniards, all being
very well armed, at the Sea-side. Against
these, they let flie several Guns, wherewith
they forced them to quit the sands, and
retire towards home, with no small regret,
to see those Pirates carry away so much
plate of their Churches, and Houses, tho
distant at least forty leagues from the
Sea.

These Pirates Robb'd in this occasion,
above four thousand peices of eight in ready
mony. Besides great quantity of plate
uncoyned, and many Jewels. All which

was computed to be worth the sum of fifty
thousand peices of eight, or more. With
this great purchase, they arrived a Jamaica,
soon after the exploit. But as this sort of
people, are never Masters of their mony,
but a very little while, so were they soon
constrained to seek more, by the same
means, they had used before. This adventure,
caused Captain John Davis, presently
after his return, to be chosen Admiral
of seven or eight Boats of Pirates; he
being now esteemed by common consent,
an able Conductor for such enterprizes as
these were. He began the exercise of this
new Command by directing his Fleet towards
the coasts of the North of Cuba,
there to wait for the Fleet, which was to
pass from New-Spain. But, not being able
to find any thing by this design, they determined
to go towards the coasts of Florida.
Being arrived there, they landed part
of their Men, and Sacked a small City,
named Saint Augustine of Florida. The
Castle of which place, had a Garrison of
two hundred Men. The which notwithstanding,
could not prevent the pillage of
the City; they effecting it without receiving
the least damage from either Soldiers,
or Townsmen.

Hitherto we have spoken in the first part
of this Book, of the constitution of the
Islands of Hispaniola, and Tortuga, their
proprieties, and Inhabitants, as also of the
fruits to be found in those Countries. In
the second part of this Work, we shall bend
our discourse to describe the actions of
two of the most famous Pirates, who committed
many horrible crimes, and inhuman
cruelties, against the Spanish Nation.

[ILLUSTRATION]