Latitude being about 12. Degrees more to the South then the City of London It is in the same Climate with the Kingdom of Naples and Montpelier in France The Summer is hotter and longer then in England and the Winter colder and shorter the dayes about an hour longer in Winter and as much shorter in Summer Is bounded South-East with the Maine Sea East by that vast Navigable Stream called Hudsons River which divides this from the Province of New-York West by a Line of Division which separates this Province from West-Jersey and North upon the maine-Maine-Land And extends it self in length upon the Sea-coast and alongst Hudsons River one hundred English myles and upward The scituation of this Countrey is just as it were in the Center of the English plantations in America betwixt the South parts of Carolina which is over hot and the North parts of Pemaquitte next New Scotland which are coldest so that its conveniencie of scituation temperature of the Aire and fertility of the Soyl is such that there is no less then seven Towns considerable already viz. Shretsburry Midletonn Berghen New-wark Elizabeth-town Woobridge and Piscataway which are well inhabited by a sober and industruous people who have necessary provisions for themselves and families and for the comfortable entertainment of Travellers and Strangers And the Quit-rents or Fewes as they are called of these Towns and other plantations already in the Countrey yeelds to the 24 Proprietors above 500. lib. sterling yearly Revenue and the Air of this Collony is experimentallie found generally to agree well with English Constitutions and consequently with Ours For Navigation it hath these advantages not onely to be scituate along the Navigable parts of Hudsons River but lyes also fiftie myles along the Main Sea and near the midest of this Province is that notted Bay for ships within Sandy-Hook very well known not to be inferiour to any Harbour in America where ships not only harbour in greatest storms but there Ride safe with all Winds and sail in and out thence as well in Winter as Summer For Fishery the Sea-banks are very well stored with variety of Fishes not only such as are profitable for Exportation but such as are fit for Food there There are Whales Coad-fish Colling and Hake-fish and large Mackeril and also many other sorts of smal Flate-fish The Bay also and Hudsons River are plentifully stored with Sturgeon and other Scal-fish Eills and Shel-fish as Oysters in abundance This Countrey is also plentifully supplied with Lively-springs Rivolets Inland-Rivers and creeks which fall into the Sea and Hudsons-River in which also there is varietie of Fresh-fish and water Fowl There are little hills from Rariton-River which is about the middle of this Province that go to the verie North-West-bounds of it in which are aboundance of good Mill-Stons to be had and there is many both Corn and Saw-milnes set and setting up already also on the other side of these Mountains there is brave fresh Rivolets fit for setting of In-Land-Towns and a great deal of Meadow-ground upon the banks thereof So that there is abundance of Hay to be had for Fodering of Cattle in the Winter time and these Meadows shows the Countrey is not altogether covered with timber It s true the first difficulty meets People in Planting there is the cutting down Wood Tho having some Meadow intermixt already well covered with Hay is a great ease yet the trouble is compensed by the advantage which the timber being cut down yeelds being good Oake fit for Shipping and Masts and also Chesmite Walnut Poplar Cdar Ash Fir And also by the fertility of the Soyl being cleared which yeelds a vast increase not only of Indean Corn which is a very wholsome Food but of English grain as Wheat and Barley whereof it usually yeelds betwixt the 20. and 30th fold and with far less labour the timber being once removed then in Britan. And to show the labour of the cutting down the Trees and clearing the ground is not so great as some may Imagine It is known by experience that two men arriving there in September or October may clear as much ground as usually brings by Harvest following twenty Quarters that is ahout 40. Scots Bolls of grain This Countrey also produceth good Flax and Hemp which they now spine and Manufacture into Linnen Cloath the very Barrens there as they are called are not like most in Britain but produceth Grass fit for Grazing Cattle in Summer time There is also upon Ground already cleared store of good English Claver Grass growing the Countrey is well stored with wild Deir Connies and wild Fowl of several sorts As Turkeys Pigeons Partridges Plevers Quaills wild Swans and Geese Ducks in great plenty It produceth variety of good and delicious Fruits as Grapes Plumes Mulberries and also Appricocks Peaches Pears Apples Quinches Water Millons which are in England planted in Orchards and Gardens but grow there with fare less labour and many more Fruits which come not to perfection in England are the more natural product of this Countrey It is thought Olives would grow well there and being store of Mulberrie Trees Silk-worms would do well there for they were tryed in Virginia and proved very well if the laziness of the People and there being wholly set upon Tobacco and the Interest of Merchants who were afraid it might spoil their Silk-Trade from the Straits had not hindered To shew how Fruit-Trees do advance in that Countrey it is credibly reported that about Burlingtoun in West Jersey which is Northernly then the greatest part of this Province from an Apple-tree-Seed in four years without grafting there sprung a tree that in the fourth year bore such a quaintitie of Apples as yeelded a barrell of Syder There is there also great store of Horses Cowes Hoggs and some sheep which may be bought at reasonable prices with English money or English Commodities or mans labour where goods and money are wanting For Minerals It is thought there are not wanting of several sorts For there is an Iron-work already set up where there is good Iron made And also there is discovered already abundance of Black-Lead It is exceeding well furnished with safe convenient Harbours for shipping which is of great advantage and affords already for Exportation great plenty of Horses and also Beef Pork Pipstaves Bread Flower White Barley Rye Indian Corn Butter and Cheese which they export for Barbadoes Jamaica Mevis and other adjacent Islands As also to Portugal Spain and the Canaryes their Whale Oyl and Whale-Fins Beaver Mink Racon and Martine-skins which this Countrey produces they transport for England The Indian Natives in this Countrey are but few comparative to the Neighbouring Collony And these that are there are so far from being Formidable and injurious to the Planters and Inhabitants that they are really serviceable and advantagious to them not only in hunting and taking the Deer and all other wild Creatures and catching of Fish and Fowl fit
considerable Plantations within the Jurisdiction of that Town viz. Captain John Broun and others that first settled who removed out of the Town and settled greater plantations abroad Richard Hartshorn hath a Plantation with considerable Land belonging to it part within and part without Sandy Hook which with a part of Coney Island and Long Island opposite to it makes the entrance into the Bay that goes up to Now-York and also to the Lands of East-New-Jersey the Town is above 5 myles from the entrance of the Creek or River that goes up to it from the Bay There was a Plantation one the Norths side of the Creek at its entrance first settled by Nicolas Davis having a large tract of Land belonging to it of 2. or 3000. Acres since devided to deverse besides several Out-plantations and there is a great Deall of waist Land and other Improveable betwixt this said Piscattaway for about 20. myles There was a court of Sessions held twice or thrice a year for these two Towns and their Jurisdictions Thirdly Piscattaway Lyes next 25. or 26. myles from Midletoun Irs up Rariton River 5. or 6. myles westward in and there is about half myle within Land The entrance into Rariton River is at the bottome of the Southren bay and opposite to the Southermost point of Staten Islands the Northwest point of the entrance is called Amboy point where is a fair tract of Land formerlie reserved by the proprietor for his own use There are several Plantations all along on the North side of the River as you goe up to the Town and some on the South-side among which are considerable belonging to one Thomas Lauernce a baker at New-York his wife son about 3000. Acres Vp higher on Rariton River near the falls which are about 3. miles over Land there are severall Plantations a good big vassel loaden may goe up to the falls and so may above it for several myles in the River At the falls its foordable for horses and other cattle unlâ—s in great Floods when men may goe over 〈…〉 boats and Canows and horses will swim over though the River be a good breadth About the falls there are severall tract oâ—… Lands some upon on side some on the other siâ—… the River viz a place called by the Inâ—…ans Rachahova-Wallaby Captain John Palmer of Staten Islands Mr. Thomâ—… Coddrington Mr. White and Company Merchant at New-York in part setled there on 6. or 7000. Acres M. John Robison Mr. Samuell Edsall and Company of New-York on 6. or 7000. Acres Captain Palmer Mr. Whyte Captain Corsen and Company on 5. or 6000. Acres There is some other Land taken up by Milstoun River which comes into Rariton River and is near the midle bounds between the two Province of East and West-Jersey you pass Milstoun River to goe over Land from Piscataway to Meltinsed in Island in Delaware River which is near Burlingtoun The Town Consists of about 80 Families and of about 400. Inhabitants and of Acres about the Town about 10000 and for the out-Plantatations 30000. Woodbridge is over Land from Piscattaway about 7. or 8 miles it lyes up a River the entrance whereof is about 5 or 6 miles to the North of Amboy-Point the side ebbing and flowing betwixt the Main Land of New-Jersey and Staten Island on the Westside as it doeth on the East-side of the said Island and Long Island On the South side of the entrance into the River or Creek Mr. Delapairs Surveyour Generall hath a neat Plantation and he hath severall tracts of Land in the Province There are other Plantations on the South side of the River or Creek within Land and diverse on the Northside lying along the water side opposite to Staten Island untill you come to a Creek or River that divydes their bounds from these of Elezabeth Town the mouth of it being 8. or 9. myles from Woodbridge There are severall Plantations up the South-side of the Creek to the Road that goes along from Woodbridge to the Town and passeth over that River it being foordable over the Plantation on the north side Sayling to Elizabeth Town It s reckoned from one Town to the other ahout 15. or 16. miles over-Land but it s more by water This Town pretends to have more priviledges them any other Town in the province and hath a Charter of Corporation It hath a Court house and a prison built on their charge It consists of about 120 Families and 600. Inhabitants The Acres taken up by the Town may be about 10000. and for the Out-plantations about 20000. Elizabeth Town is the first new place that was settled 1664. by vertue of a patent from Mr Nicolas to Captain John Baker before the Lord Barclay and Sir George Cartwrights Tittle was knowen This Town lyes up 3. myles within a Creek the entrance whereof is almost opposite to the North-west-end of Staten Islands There are several Out-plantations on the North side of the River which devides the hounds between this Town and Woodbridge particularlie where the roads pass over to which place is about 7 or 8 myles There are other plantations at the point or entrance of the Creek on the North side if it comonly called Governour Cartwrights point where there is another ferme between the proprietor and him It s but a narrow passage there over to the Meadows of Staten Island then on Northward there are other Plantations fronting to the Bay that lyes to the North part of Staten Island beside some other within Land from the Town to New-York bounds There is in this Town a house orcheards and ferm within the Town in partnership between the Proprietor and Governour Philip Cartwright it being one of the first house built there and hath all along been the residence of the Governour untill of late he hath finished his New-house The Town is built on both sides of the Creek and Consists of 150. Families and of 700. Inhabitants The Acres taken up by the Town are computed to be 10000. and for the Out-Plantations 30000. Newark alias Millfoord is a Town distant to the Northward over Land from Elizabeth Town about 6 or 7 myles It lyes on a River called Newark River which emptieth it self into the Bay about 4 or 5 myles down opposite to the Town on the North side of the River lyeth a great tract of Land belonging to Mr. Kings-Land and Captain Sanfoord the quittrents whereof is purchased There is another great tract of Land taken up higher in the River by Captain Berrie who hath disposed of a part of it There are several Plantations setled there It s said he hath about 10000. Acres there farther up the water is an Island of about 1000. Acres belonging to Mr. Christopher Hoogland of Newark if it be not an Island it is tyed by a very narrow slip of Land to the Continent Above that again is a greater tract of Land above 8. or 9000. Acres purchased by Lease of the Governour according to the Concessions by
Spanish French Dutch Portugues English undertakings of this nature and their staits and difficulties they have been trysted with in prosecuting thereof to think I have any ground to expect to be altogether exeemed from all the inconveniencies they met with as to this I cast my self altogether upon the divine Providence being convinced I am in my duty if you please to take a share it would be not a little incouraging to me you see that we have some Gentlemen of our Countrey settled already there so that I am hopefull we may have there a very agreeable society if your affairs cannot allow your good wishes are expected by Sir Yours c. G. S. Sir Since the conclusion above written severall other Letters are come to my hand which I had not formerly seen most of them of a later date I resolved to add them to the rest for your further Confirmation A Letter for Mr. Robert Paterson Principal of Marishal Colledge in the City of New Aberdeen in Scotland Woodbridge in East-Jersey in America March the 7th 1685. Sir I Hope you have heard of our Voyage and safe Arrival here I thought it my duty to present my dutiful respects to you and all Friends at Aberdeen and to acquaint you of mine own and all their welfares who came over the last year all which intends to settle in the Countrey except _____ who has spent all his means already foolishly on drink and is returning home for more you have David Barclay and Arthur Forbes to inform you of this Countrey when I have seen it through all the Seasons of the year as they did I shall then give you my opinion if you be desirous only in short what I have seen I may write that it pleases me better then Virginia Maryland Pensilvania or West-Jersey that it is pleasant to mine eyes and I find it healthful to my body I am not troubled here blessed be GOD with deflâ—ctions head-aikes and coughs as at Edinburgh that the land is furnished with all conveniencies â—f Nature such as Wood Grass Mâ—adow and abundance of fresh Water Springs Brooks and Rivers and plenty of Deer Turkies Geess and Dukes many tender Hâ—rbs Fruits and Trees grow naturally here that will not grow in Scotland at all these things are so notoriously known that it is superfluity to write them and no unbyassed person will deny them or speak ill of the land There is about a duzon of 14. houses in New-Perth and the half of those built since we came several others are building presently and many others have taken Lotts to build Mr. Mudie is building a stone house and has an Horse Mill ready to set up Governour Rudyeard intends another Stone house this Summer The Governours house and the publick Court-house are abuilding It is the best scituate for a City of any yet I have seen or for ought I can learn of any yet known in America There is great encouragement here for all kind of Tradsmen I intend my self to follow mostly Planting and Fishing Let this remember me to all my Friends Relations Comorads and Acquaintances at Aberdeen I could not write to them all being busied about mine own setlement and it is now far spent in the year so that I do not expect to do much this year neither could I settle sooner by reason that my bed-cloaths are not yet come from Maryland and the land I intend to settle on is not yet purchased from the Indians I intreat to hear from you on all occasions and what remarkable News abroad or at home and how the Civilists place is disposed of my service to your self and bedfellow I am Sir Your most affectionat and humble Servant Charles Gordon For Mr. Andrew Irvine Merchant at his Shop in the East end of the Luckenbooths in Edinburgh in Scotland Amboy in the Province of East-New Jersey in America March the 5th 1685. Dear Andrew I Suppose ye have heard of our voyage from my Brother and Governour Barclay I shall only in short tell you that notwithstanding the loss of our masts we were only 8. weeks betwixt land and land and entered the Capes of Virginia the same day 9. weeks we parted from Aberdeen We sailed up Chessapeck bay to the head of Bohemia-River in 2. slowpes from thence we came to Elizabeth-Town partly by Land and partly by Water the storm being the tail of a Hurricane was not universall for we heard of no Ships which met with it but our selves nor the Montrose Ship did not meet with it There is incouragement for several trades here in the first place Planting for Wheat Indian Corn Beef Pork c. give all ready money in York and the Neighbour Collonies Wheat 4. shillings the bushel Indian Corn 2. ss or half a crown Pork and Beef c. to be had at an ordinary easie rate And in the second place there may be Fishing For the Inhabitants averr they swim so thick in the Creeks and Rivers at certain seasons of the year that they have hailed them out of the waters with their very hand In the third place for one to have a Malt-house a brew house and a bake-house to make Malt brew beer and bake biskeet for Barbadoes and the Neighbour Collonies providing he have a ship of his own and skill to manage his busines would certainly be a good trad Lastly for one to buy up the product of the Countrey such as all kinds of grains Beef Pork c. and export them to Barbadoes and import Rumm and Malasses would certainly be a good trade as likewise change keeping wold be a good trad in Amboy for the highest designe of the old Buckskine Planters I am just now drinking to one of them our Countrey man who was sent away by Cromvel to New-England a slave from Dumbar Living now in Woodbridge Like a Scots Laird wishes his Countrey men and Native Soyle very well though he never intends to see it Pardon this Parenthesis is to acquite a piece of monie to drink in the change house This Countrey and particularly this Town showeth it to be the best scituated for a city of any there known in America is but yet in infancie it not being above 48. years at most since ever there was a Planter in the Province that occasioned by their changing so many Masters yet there are several thousands of People already and not want of good company and if ye please badd too as in any place of the world neither are we altogether destitut of Books and Clergy for George Keith who arrived three weeks since with others they were all winter in Borbadoes hath brought Mathematicks and Benjamin Clark a Librarie of Books to sell so that you may see New Perth begins to be founded upon Clergy Shew my Cusins George-Burnet and Richard Maitland that I hope they will not laugh more at me for saying â—n Edinburgh I would line my house with Cedar-wood for all houses here are covered with Cedar and one