Inportunate Whispering Murmuring threatning of enraged companions could daunt O name Collon worthy to be named to the Worlds end which to the Worlds end hast conducted Collonies or may I call thee Collumbo for thy Dove-like simplicity and patience the true Collonna or Pillar whereon the knowledge of the new World is founded the true Christopher which with more then Giant-like force and Fortitude hast Carried Christ his name and Religion through unknown Seas to unknown Lands which we hope pray that it may be more Refined than Popish Superstition and Spanish pride will yet suffer Now let the Antients no Longer Mention Neptune Minos Erithras or Danaus to all which Divers authors Diversly Ascribe the Invention of Navigation Missians Tirrians Trojans vail your bonnets strike your Top-sail to this Indian Admiral that deserveth the Top-sail indeed by aspiring to the top that sailing could Aim at in Discovering another World Let Spaniard French England and Dutch Resound thy name or his name rather whose name who can tell Psal 30.4 that would acquaint thee and the World by the news of a new World But lest we drown our selves in this Sea of Extasie and Admiration let us go on shore with Collumbus in this new discover'd Island and first methinks I see the Spaniards yesterday in Mutiny now as far Distracted in Contrary passions some gazing with greedy eyes on the Desired Land some with tears of Joy not able to see that which the Joy of seeing made them not to see Others Embracing and almost adoreing Collumbus who brought them to that sight some also with secret Repining Envying that glory to a stranger but biting in their biting Envy and making shew of Glee and Gladness all new awaked out of a long trance into which that step-mother Ocean with Danger Death Dread Despair had Dejected them Revived now by the sight of their Mother Earth from whom in unknown Arms they had been so long weaned and detained On then they go and felling a tree make Cross thereof which they there Erected and took Possession of that new World in the name of the Catholick King this was done on the 11 of October Anno. 1492 In the Island Guana hani one of the Lucai which Collumbus named San Saluatore from whence he sailed to Baracoe a Haven on the North side of the Island Cuba when he went on Land and asked of the Inhabitants for Cipango Japan they understanding him of Cibao where are the Richest Mines of Hispaniola signed him that it was in Haiti so was the Island then Called and some of them went with him thither Some think Collumbus did run on ground on purpose that he might Leave some behind him What Wordly Joy is not Mix'd with some Disaster after their Admiral here spliteth on a Rock but the men are saved by the help of the other Ships This fell out in the North part of Panicola so named by them where they had sight of Inhabitants who seeing these strangers Ran all away into the Mountains one woman the Spaniards took whom they used Kindly and gave her Meat Drink and Cloathes and so let her go she declaring to her people the Liberalitie of these new comers easily perswaded them to come in troops to their shiping thinking the Spaniards to be some Divine Nation sent thither from Heaven They had before taken them for the Caribbes which are Certain Canibals which use Inhumane Huntings for Humane Game to take men for to eat them Children likewise which they gelded to make them more fat and then to devour them the women they did not eat but used them for Procreation and if they were old for other Services The Islanders had no other Defence against them but the Woody Hills and swiftest Heels to which they betook them at the Spaniards arrival thinking them as 't is said to be Canniballs and such have they since proved in effect not leaving of three Millions of people which here they found so many hundreds and that long-since the Divil had forewarned them of this by Oracle that a bearded Nation should spoil their Images and spill the blood of their Children which was all verified as may be seen by any that has been Conversant in such Tracts as Treats of those parts Collumbus obtained leave of Guacanarillus the Cacick or King to build a fort in which he Left 38 Spaniards and taking with him 6 Indians Returned to Spain where he was highly welcomed by the King and Queen Some Controversie fell out between Collumbus and one of the Pinzons Masters of one of the Caravels about leaving those men behind but Collumbus sent a Letter to Reduce him to peace by the Indians who held the Letter in a most Religious Regard thinking it had some Spirit or Deity by which they could understand one another being absent The Pope then a Spaniard Alexander the 6 hearing of this devided the World by his Bull betwixt the Portugal and Spaniards bearing date the 4 of May 1493. Drawing a Line one hundred Leagues beyond the Island of Azores and Cape verde this Alexander giving more then great Alexander could conquer the East to the one and West to the other The Bull soon after turned into a Unicorn his 2 horns grew into one by the uniting of these two Nations Collumbus Graced with the title of Admiral and Enriched with the tenths of the Spanish Gaines in the Indies is sent a second time with his Brother Barthol who was made Deputy of Hispaniola they had fifteen hundred men the first Island he Espied in his Second Navigation he called Desteada or Desired because he had longed to see Land arriving in Hispaniola he found the Indians had Murther'd these 38 Spaniards which he had left there and lay the blame on the Spanish Insolencies He now built and peopled the town of Isabella which was their chief place of Residence and Government which in the year one thousand four hundred ninety eight was Removed to the City of San. Domingo they built also the fort of S. Thomas But both in the one and the other the Spaniards Died of famine through the Indians wilfulness who unwilling to have such Neighbours would not plant their Maze and Jucca and so starved both themselves and their Guests As for the Pox the Spaniards in this Voyage got it of the Indian women and brought them into Spain and they after paid the Indians in Recompence with a Disease as deadly and Infectious to them which consumed thousands and was never known before amongst them That is the small Pox the other were Improperly named of the French or of Naples seeing that in these wars of Naples which the Spaniards Maintain'd against the French some carryed this Disease with them out of Spain and communicated the same both to the French and Neapollitans having been usual and easily Curable in the Indies Another disease also assaulted them of a little kind of flies called Niguas which would eat into and Breed in the flesh and made many lose their toes Collumbus at this time Discover'd Cuba and Jamaica with the Neighbour Isles Returning to Spaniola he found his Brother and the Spaniards in Dissention and separation and punishing the Authors of sedition Returned home In the year of our Lord 1492 he made his third Voyage and then touched on the Continent Discover'd Cubagua paria and Cumana But Roldanus Ximenius raising a Rebellion and accusing the Collumbi to the King effected that Bovadilla was sent Governor into Spaniola who sent the two Brethren bound as Prisoners to Spain Base ingratitude for the brave attempt of the worthys the King freeth them and Imploy'd Christopher a fourth Voyage Anno 1502. in which Ovandus the Governour forbid Collumbus the first finder to Land on Hispaniola He then discover'd Guanaxa Higvera Fondura Veragua Vraba and learned news of the South Sea He stay'd at Jamaica to Repair his fleet where some of his men were sick and then they which were sound in Body were more then sick froward and tumultuous in Behaviour and many left him upon this occasion the Islanders also forsook him and brought in no victualing herewith Collumbus neither able to abide nor depart was driven to his shifts no less admirable for subtilty then Resolution he told the Islanders that if they did not bring him in provision the Divine anger would consume them a sign thereof they should see in the Darkned face of the Moon 2 Days after at that time he knew the Moon would be Eclipsed which the simple Islanders seeing with fear and Grief humbled themselves to him and offered themselves ready to all kind and dutyful offices At last returning into Spain he there died Anno 1506. his body was buryed at Sevil in the Temple of the Carthusians This was the end if ever there can be an end of Collumbus Pinzenus one of Collumbus his Companions by his Example invited made new Discoveries Vespatius and Cabbet and many other every day making new Searches and Plantations till the World at last is come to the knowledge of this new World almost wholly FINIS
THE PRESENT STATE OF Jamaica WITH THE LIFE Of the Great Columbus The first Discoverer To which is Added An Exact Account of Sir Hen. Morgan's Voyage to and famous Siege and taking of Panama from the Spaniards LONDON Printed by Fr. Clark for Tho. Malthus at the Sun in the Poultry 1683. TO THE READER I Present thee here with a short view of Jamaica an Island the most flourishing of any this day in the West Indies and tho it has been but a short time in the Hands of the English yet it hath Augmented it self to that vast strength by reason of its great Trade and number of Inhabitants that it is not only capable to Defend it self against any Invasion that may be made upon it but if occasion be to Offend the most Potent of its Neighbours a proof of which you will find in Sir Henry Morgans famous Voyage to Panama many years ago the Island being then in its Infancy yet was able to give the Club Law to the proud Spaniards the apprehensions of which strikes Terrour into the Inhabitants of those Parts to this day You will find here an exact State of the Government of the Church the Laws the Militia and its Revenue carefully Collected from the Records of the Country with an Account of its Soyl Climate Woods Mountains Winds and the Diseases that the People are most Incident to the Commodities of the Country Cattel Fowls Fish and other Provisions with an Historical Account of its being taken from the Spaniards Vale. Books lately printed for and sold by Tho. Malthus at the Sun in the Poultry BEntivolio and Vrania in six Books by Nathaniel Ingelo D. D. the fourth Ediâ—ion with large Amendments wherein all â—he obscure Words throughout the Book â—re interpreted in the Margin which makes â—his much more Delightful to read than the â—ormer Editions Mr. James Janewayes Legacy to his â—riends containing twenty seven Famous â—nstances of Gods Providences in and about â—ea-dangers and Deliverances with the Names of several that were Eye Witnesses â—o many of them Catastrophe Mundi or Merlin Revived in Discourse of Prophesies and Predictions â—nd their Remarkable Accomplishments with Mr. Lillies Hieroglyphicks Exactly Out â—nd Notes and Observations thereon as also Collection of all the antient reputed Proâ—hecies that are extant touching the Grand evolutions like to happen in these latter ages Historical Memoirs of the Life and Death â—f that wise and valiant Prince Rupert Prince Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Cumâ—erland c. containing a brief but impartial Account of his Great and Martial Achievements during the time of the Civil Wars together with his several Engagements in the Wars between his Majesty and the States General of the United Provinces An Historical Account of the Heroick Life and Magnanimous Actions of the most Illustrious Protestant Prince James Duke of Monmouth containing an Account oâ— his Birth Education Places and Titles with his Great and Martial Achievementâ— in Flanders and Scotland his Disgrace and Departure both from Court and Kingdomâ— with the most material Circumstances thaâ— have occurred since his Return Psalmorum Davidis Paraphrasis Poeticaâ— Georgii Buchanani Scots Argumentis ac Melodiis explicata atque Illustrata The Romish Mass-Book faithfully translated into English with Notes and Observations thereupon plainly demonstrating the Idolatry and Blasphemy thereof containing 1. The Cautelae or Caveats oâ— the Mass 2. The Canon of the Mass 3 The History of the Mass Shewing when how and by whom it was patched together with a curious Copper Cut prefixed representing the Priest a saying Mass With unanswerable Arguments proving it no Service of God Published at this â—uncture to prevent the Designes of those that are endeavouring to introduce Popery amongst us Dedicated to the Right Reverend Father in God Henry Lord Bishop of London Price bound One Shilling The Famous Voyages of the ever Renowned and Valiant Sir Francis Drake into the West-Indies viz. His great Adventures for Gold and Siver and the gaining thereof with a particular Account of the â—amous Battel of Nombre de Dios. A large Account of that Voyage wherein he encompassed the World His Voyage with Captain Knollis and others their taking the Towns of St. Jago Sancto Domingo Carthagena c. His last Voyage in which he died being accompanied with several valiant Commanders and the manner of his Burial To which is added an Account of his valourous Exploits in 1588. in the Spaâ—ish Invasion Price bound One Shilling A most Learned Treatise entituled Fundamental Law the true Security of Soveraign Dignity and the Peoples Liberty By a Person of Honour Octav. Price one Shiling Six pence Vates Astrologicus or England's Astrological Prophet Foretelling what is likely to befal Great Britain and Ireland particularly the great and famous City of London as also France Holland Spain Germany Poland Italy Sicily Apulia Bohemia Turkie and indeed all Europe but morâ— especially the See of Rome for twenty yearâ— together beginning March 10. 1683. ending March 10. 1702. Likewise Astrologicâ—â— Judgments of the effects of that famous Trâ—ple Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter beinâ— thrice repeated in that Regal Sign Leo thâ— great Dignities of the Sun and Jupiter Alsâ— some Remarks upon the Eclipses and moâ—â— especially upon that great and famous viâ—â—ble Eclipse of the Sun July 2. 1684. Witâ— twenty years Predictions from some of thâ— most eminent mutual Aspects of the Planetâ— and Eclipse of the Luminaries and annuâ— Revolutions of Sun With man Hieroglâ—phicks representing the future State anâ— Changes of the World By Richard Kiâ—by Student in Astrology Price one Shillinâ— The Womens Advocate or Fifteen Reâ— Comforts or Matrimony being in requital 〈◊〉 the late Fifteen Sham-Comforts with Satyrâ—cal Reflections on Whoring and the Dâ—baucheries of this Age Written by a Peâ— of Quality of the Female Sex The Seconâ—â—dition Price One Shilling THE PRESENT STATE OF Jamaica THE Island of Jamaica in America is Situated in about 182 North Latitude in the Sea called Mare Del Nort it lies about 140 Leagues North of the Main Continent of America South from the great Island of Cuba about 15 Leagues and from Hispaniola West about 20 Leagues The Island is of an Oval Form and lies due East and West having a continued Ridge of lofty Mountains running from one end to the other By the Map and Survey which Sir Thomas Lynch took it 's above 150 Miles long and from 25 to 50 Miles broad de plano and contains four Millions and a half of Acres it 's imagined if this Island were divided into eight parts one is Excellent Pasturage called by the Indians Savannas 4 8 good Plantable Land â…œ Barren or unplantable In the Year 1675 when Sir Thomas Lynch left the Government there was above 900000 Acres pass'd and Planted and to Manure and Cultivate it about 30000 of all sorts of People This Island is not generally so Fertile and proper for Sugar as Barbadoes has been the Soyl being extreamly differing for in some parts
't is a black fat Earth and in others stiff and Clayie in others Sandy and in some Reddish but by pareels it 's therefore the Settlements are distinct Mountainous and Unplantable Land interposing betwixt them make them appear like so many several Colonies and has occasioned this Division of the Parishes St. Thomas at the East St. Elizabeth at the West St. Johns and St. Thomas in the Vale. In the Island St. Georges St. Maries and St. Anns the North side St. Davids St. Andrews Port Royal St. Catharines St. Dorothies Clarendon and Vere on the South side The greatest Plains and almost all the Savannas or Pasturage is on the South side they are all taken up and Stock'd with Cattel on the South side likewise is Port Royal and all the best Ports and Roads and most considerable Plantations this side being dry plain more agreeable and much quicker and safer Coast than the North for that in the Spring is apt to violent Gusts of Winds and much more subject to Rains than the South as the East and all Parts is that is Woody and Mountainous nor has the North side any safe Port but Port Antonio to the Wind-ward which is subject to violent and constant Rains and the Land about it Morsey and Mountainous so no Settlements are near it The other Lee-ward Parishes have Port St. Maries that is Reasonably good and safe but they have especially in St. Maries Parish abundance of Excellent Plantations of Coccoa many Sugar-works and Provision Plantations that are supported and carried on by Hunting and gathering Pimento with which this Quarter abounds Thus Plantations were begun and the Government settled in Sir Thomas Lynch his time and now the Inhabitants find the goodness of that Soyl Liberally Recompence the want of Harbours and Pasturage and distance from the Chief Port and Seat of Government for its very Fertile Land covered with Excellent Timber it 's a little Hilly but full of fine Rivers and all Conveniencies for Plantations The Climate is as agreeable as any can be betwixt the Tropicks the Air being very serene and clear even to a Proverb among the Spaniards It 's subject to Thunder and Lightning as all Countries in that Latitude are the Rains come uncertainly but most expected about November and May they are generally violent continue an uncertain time are unhealthy and breed Musketoes that are the greatest Plague in the Island but are troublesom only the Rainy Seasons and in most places where they have not good Houses a free Air clean Yards c. This Climate subjects no body inevitably to Diseases here being no such thing as Seasoning which is common in Ireland and Virginia c. Sir Tho. Lynch at St. Jago and thereabouts lost not one Person oâ— his Family that consisted of abouâ— Thirty all the time of his Government But to many Persons the Heat is unsupportable because it 's so constant and its Reflections so violent otherwise it is not greateâ— than our Summers in England Iâ— is Excess in Eating Drinking Exercising Debauchery c. that to new comers and full Bodies often bring Fevers Calentures and such Diseases that are infinitely more Acutâ— than those here and Cured by otheâ— Methods To Servants poor Labouring People c. the Dropsie iâ— the most common of all other Diseases they and Debauch'd Person are the most subject to Belly-aches caused usually by their Disorders want of convenient Lodging Cloathing Exercise Diet but sometime by ill chosen Seats when they Planâ— in low Valleys and have no Air oâ— by Rivers and have too much moisture or by Mountains or Morossos and have too much Rain or by the Sea-side and on Bays where they are Sandy want good Water and have the Reflection of the Sun too violent for this Island differs one part from another as much in the temper of the Climate as nature of the Soyl For the East Parts are Mountainous Rainy and generally Fertile and unhealthful The South Part dry plain very pleasant abounding with Ports and Pasturage The West is between both only that and the South want Rivers which the North side abounds with and Rich Land as likewise good Hunting and gathering Pimento in the Mountains and Fishing on the Sea-Coasts and by what the Spaniards have told us and some little Discovery we have made we think divers of the Mountains have Minerals The Winter Months here have only the Nights Mornings and Evenings cooler the Days as hot as Summer and about fifteen Hours long Winter and Summer The Winds blow not an hours variation commonly here as they do every where betwixt the Tropicks that is Easterly which they call Breeses near the Island they rise not till about Nine in the Morning and usually cease at about six or seven at Night they come in gently and grow as the Sun rises and in the Evening comes in a kind of Westernly Wind which we call Land-breese because it blows off the Land and with it the Vessels go out of Port And to the West that is the Wind-ward as the East is called Lee-ward This Island has never been troubled with those dreadful Hurricanes that so often Ruine and Afflict the Charibe Islands Portorico Hispaniola Cuba and many parts of the Main Here is no great Ebb or Flood of the Sea we have not Observed above a foot difference nor can any Pilot give any certain Account of the Currents of these Seas they are so various and uncertain nor can any guess why the Hurricanes and Earthquakes should never touch Jamaica since they so often Afflict all the Islands and Continent None of the Rivers of this Island are fair or Navigable because the Countrey is very Mountainous and these Hills running through the Centre of it East and West the Rivers rise in them and disembogue North and South so falling out of these high Mountains are very Rappie and because of the great Rains in them are subject to Inundations that carry great stone Rocks and Timber along with the Torrent so make their usual Course foul and unpassable for Boats and make and change the Bars There are divers dry Rivers which hinder the Boats from entring into the Countrey as particularly Minoa that runs through Clarendon which at some time has not a drop of Water and at other times as much as the Thames at High Water The Mountains whether Stony or Plantable are generally covered with Excellent Timber for all Uses both for Curiosity Building and Dying abundance of Fruit and Spice Trees These Mountains are full of Hoggs and there is probability of Minerals but no Trees or Fruit that resemble ours in England There 's no Towns in this Island but on the South side at the East by Port St. Thomas Port Morant several Houses called Rapp-Houses which serve for Store-Houses and Ale-Houses for the Neighbourhood and such Vessels as use that Port which are but few because the Governour has not yet permitted Vessels to Discharge there At St. Davids is Yhallows Bay
about seven Leagues from Port St. Thomas as far from Port Royal there is several Ale-Houses and Store-Houses At Liguania the in-side of the Harbour opposite to Port Royal about two Leagues is several Houses some of them very handsom and well Built which place in time is like to become a pretty Town Port Royal is Situate on the extream Point of Land that makes the Harbour It runs about Twelve Miles from the Main off the Land Westernly It has to the South the Sea to the North the Harbour which is the largest safest and most convenient in America This Neck of Land is exceeding narrow and nothing but a loose Sand that has neither Grass Stone Water nor Trees But being so Commodious for Ships that they are Secure all Weathers and can unload a Float at the Merchants Key It is the most Populous place for Trading in the Island and there only Ships enters and are dispatch'd In the Spaniards time there was no Houses the Sea-men of Cromwel's Fleet begun the Town by Building Store-Houses and called it Cogway as we judge corruptly from the Spanish word La aguia Col. Doyly caused it to be laid out as a Town but not very Regularly In Sir Char. Littleton's time it was called Port Royal from the Excellency of the Harbour It now contains above 1500 Houses there is a House though none of the best belonging to the King And in the Earl of Carlile's time a fine New Church Built partly by Liberal Subscription of divers Gentlemen Inhabiting the Island and partly by an Assessment laid upon the Inhabitants of the Port. Going from Port Royal to St. Jago de la Vega People Land at Passage where a Fort was in Col. Doyly's time and there is about Thirty Houses that are Store-Houses Ale-Houses and Horse-keepers and Hackney Coaches this being the greatest Passage in the Island it is two Leagues from Port Royal by Sea and six Miles from St. Jago by Land St. Jago de la Vega is Situated in a large Plain by a River that is called pro de Cabre as having a taste of that Metal or coming out of those Mountains in Liguania where the Spaniards told us they found of it This Town was almost quite Deserted when Sir Tho. Lynch came to the Government but in his time about Forty Houses were Built and Repaired about one Hundred more The Grand Court is holden Quartâ—rly in this Town and a Fair was Erected in Sir Tho. Lynch his time it has one Spanish Church and Gentlemens Houses that made it look well during the time the Governour Lived there but since that time it is much increased in Number of Beautiful Buildings and Inhabitants At Old Harbour about seven Miles West from St. Jago are about Thirty Houses for the Uses and Accommodation of Vessels and Store-Houses for Planters Goods this being esteemed the best Harbour excepting Port Royal in the South side By the Spaniards it was more Frequented At Withy Wood Twenty Miles to the West is about forty or fifty Houses for the Accommodation of Vessels that Road being more frequented than any other on the South side there being good Land many Settlements and a Pleasant Countrey all about it At the Extensive Point of Port Royal was Built a Round Tower by Cromwel's Sea-men in 1656 in 1657 and 1658 Col. Doyly laid the Foundation of a more Regular one which Sir Charles Littleton near Finished in 1664 and Sir Tho. Modyford in his time which was to the Year 1671 quite finished and Mounted in it about 36 Guns Employing the Round Tower only as a Store-House for Ammunition Besides this he Built a Breast-work of stone that run from the Harbour to the Sea about 200 Yards this was to Defend the Town from any surprize by Land as the Castle was to Defend the Mouth of the Harbour It was Named by Sir Charles Littleton Charles Fort in Honour of His Majesty In Sir Tho. Lynch his time was Built a Fort called James Fort Built by Sir Thomas and the Voluntary Contribution of some Gentlemen On the Island Point of the Town to flank the Ships at turning into the Harbour and Batter them when at Anchor in it which the Castle cannot He likewise made a slight Work for that purpose at Prison Point where six Guns were Mounted and at Port Morant four Guns and a Breast-work raised to Defend the Port. Another likewise at Old Harbour which was done in Sir Tho. Lynch his time but many more were added in the time of the Earl of Carlisle The Commodities the Countrey produces are Excellent Sugars Cocoa Cotton Hides Ginger Tobacco Tortoise shell Indico Primento Fustick Brazilletto Lignum Vitae Granadilla Ebony besides some Gums Achot Drugs c. This Island abounds with Cattle and the Islands of Spaniola Portico and Cuba do the like so does many Parts of the Main the first Breed being brought out of Europe for before the Discovery there was none of our Cattel great or small in the West Indies In Jamaica they Multiplyed so exceedingly that when the English took the Island a Cow was not worth above a Piece of Eight and a Horse half as much But the Army destroy'd them so that in the Year 1671 when Sir Tho. Lynch came to the Government a Cow was worth Twelve or Fourteen pounds but by the goodness of the Pasture and the Cattle Sir Thomas Imported from the Spaniards they increased so that in the Year 1675 they were worth but four pounds per Head one with another Besides here is plenty of good sprightly Horses some Mules and Asnegroes abundance of Hogs Goats and Sheep whose Wool is hairy the Flesh not generally so good as in England they breed often but live not well unless about Alligater Ponds Rabbets live well enough but there 's no Hare nor Deer in the Island In this Countrey is Hens Turkeys and Ducks bred better and are better flesh than in England Geese are but rare there 's abundance of Excellent Wild Fowl as Guiny Hens Flemingoes Teale Ducks Curlews with great variety of Pidgeons Turtles Parrots Maces and other Birds whose Flesh is good and Feathers finely coloured There is store of Fish both in the Sea and divers Rivers not much common to England but a King of Lobster Craw-fish Eels Mullers and Spanish Mackrael with abundance of all sorts of Admirable Fish proper to those Seas Tortoise are taken much on this Coast but chiefly at the Island Cay Manos 30 Leagues to the West of this Island whither the Vessels go May June and July to Load of their Flesh that they Pickle in Bulk and take them in that Season when they come on shore to lay their Eggs which they do and cover them with Sand that hatches them and then by instinct they crawl to the Sea where they Live and feed on Weeds that grows in the bottom or floats In many Rivers and Ponds of Jamaica there 's vast Numbers of Crocodiles or Allegators that is an Amphibious Creature and
Horse the Company and Troop that is at St. Jago wait on the General as his Guards on Sundays to Church and on any other occasion the Regiment at Port-Royal keep the Fort there by half a Company at a time All the Militia here is much more obedient useful better Disciplin'd and Arm'd than in England The Revenue of this Island consists in what is properly the Kings as Quit-Rents Fines Forfeitures Escheats Seizures that are Collected by His Majesties Officer and accomptable to his Order and a Revenue paid by the Assembly by an Impost on Strong Liquors Imported and a Tax for Licences for Ale-houses the Licences are received by the Secretary and the Impost by such Collectors the Governour and Councel name and appoint these and all that receive any of the Kings or Publique Money give an account thereof to a Treasurer who Issues it out according to the Governours Order of which he gives him and the Councel an account once every six Months and keeps fair and open Books to shew the Assembly or any that desire to inspect them that every body may see the Money not misapply'd or ill managed that they may be encourag'd thereby to raise more when needful In Sir Thomas Linch his time all the Kings and Countrys Dues did not amount to 3000 l. per Annum which was not near sufficient to pay the Governour and Officers Sallarys and maintain the Forts and defray other contingent Charges This was the manner of Government and State of the Island of Jamaica when Sir Thomas Linch was remanded thence in 1675. Sir Henry Morgan's VOYAGE TO Panama 1670. LONDON Printed for Thomas Malthus at the Sun in the Poultry 1683. Sir Henry Morgans Voyage to Panama 1670. At a Council held at St. Jago Delavega the 29th day of June 1670. by Adjournment Present His Excellency Sir Tho. Modyford Baronet Governour Lieutenant General James Modyford Major General Thomas Modyford Lieutenant Collonel Thomas Ballard Lieutenant Collonel John Cope Lieutenant Collonel Richard Hope Lieutenant Collonel Robert Bindles Lieutenant Collonel William Ivy Major Thomas Fuller Major Anthony Collier WHereas it evidently appeared to this Board by a Copy of a Commission sent his Excellency by the Honourable William Berk Governor of Quariza that the Queen Regent of Spain did by her Shadula dated at Madrid the 20th of April 1669. Commanded her respective Governours in the Indies to make open War against the Subjects of our Soveraign Lord the King in these Parts and also that the Governour of St. Jago of Cuba hath executed the same by granting Commissions of War against us and lately in a most Hostile manner Landed his Men in three several places on the North side of this Island marching as far as he durst into the Country burning all the Houses they came at killing and taking Prisoners all the Inhabitants they could meet with and now lately they appeared with three Ships on the South side of this Island at Michaels-hole within eight Leagues of our chief Harbour and came near the Shore full of Men but finding the Inhabitants prepared for them went out again and the next day Landed at Paratee-Bay 18 Leagues to Lee-ward and there burnt two Houses and that divers of the rest of the Spanish Governours have also granted Commissions and are levying of Forces against us and have as we are credibly informed made St. Jago of Cuba their present Magazine and their Rendezvous where their present Forces are to unite and embody for the speedy Invasion of this Island which intention if it be suffered to ripen so far as that the Enemy be enabled to Land their Forces in this Island we shall be inforced to quit the present care of our Plantations and attend on the Enemies motion whereby our said Plantation will run to ruin our Cattle and other Stock run wild our Slaves take the Woods and although by chance of War Conquers put to begin the World again to our insupportable loss and most infinite damage to his Majesties Service And whereas His Majesty hath out of his most Princely fore-sight and great care of us directed in his last Article of Royal Instructions which his Excellency hath been pleased on this extraordinary occasion to communicate to this Board in these words As forasmuch as there are many things incident to that Government there for which it is not easie for us to prescribe such Rules and Directions for you as our service and the benefit of that Island may require instead of them you are with the Advice of the Council to take care therein as fully and effectually as if you were instructed by us of which extraordinary causes giving us due information you shall receive farther satisfaction from us as our Service shall require In discharge therefore of that great trust which is by that Instruction put in us by His Majesties Council of this Place and in this great and urgent necessity we humbly advise and pray your Excellency for the seasonable prevention of these impending Evils It may Ordain and be it so Ordained by his Excellency and His Majesties Ciuncil now Assembled and by Authority of the same That Commission be granted to Admiral Henry Morgan to be Admiral and Commander in Chief of all the Ships of War belonging to this Harbour and of all the Officers Souldiers and Seamen belonging to the same requiring him with all possible speed to draw into one Fleet and with them to put to Sea for the security of the Coast of this Island and of the Merchants Ships and other Vessels Trading to and about the same And to Attain Seiz and Destroy all the Enemies Vessels that shall come within his reach and also for destroying the Stores Magazines laid up for this War and disposing such Forces as are or may be brought together for prosecuting the same That he have power to Land in the Enemies Country as many of his Men as he shall judge needful and with them to March to such places as he shall be informed the said Magazines or Forces are and them accordingly take destroy and dispose of and to do and perform all manner of Exploits which may tend to the preservation and quiet of this Island being His Majesties chief Interest in the Indies And that for the better Government of the said Fleet Officers Souldiers and Seamen he have power to execute Marshal Law according to the Article of War already made or which hereafter shall be made by his Excellency the same having been first published unto them And it is further Ordained in regard there is no other pay for the encouragement of the said Fleet That they shall have all the Goods and Merchandises that shall be gotten in this Expedition to be divided amongst them according to their usual Rules and for their better encouragement to engage in this so necessary a Service It is further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That no person already belonging to the said Fleet shall be molested for his Debts but
what Quarter hath been given by the Enemy to such of ours as have faln under their power and being well informed you are to give the same or rather as our custom is to exceed in Civility and Humanity endeavouring by all means to make all sorts of People sensible of your Moderation and good Nature and your in a pritude and loathness to spill the blood of man 8. You have hereby power to execute Marshal Law according to such Military Laws as have been made by me and the Laws made by Act of Parliament for the Government of the Fleet which I approve of as fitting for the Service and hereby Authorize you to put them in Execution against such as shall offend you having first published the said Laws unto them that none may pretend ignorance 9. If any Ship or Ships shall present which have not any Commission you are hereby impowered to grant Commissions to them according to the form I have used taking security of 1000 l. Bond for the performance of the same 10. What Ships in this Expedition you shall keep with you under your Command and them order and dispose for the best improvement of this Service not suffering the takers or pretenders to sell them until they come into their Commission Port. 11. In regard many things may happen in this Action which cannot be by me fore-seen and provided for in these Instructions therefore all such Matters are left to your well known prudence and conduct referring it to you that are in the place to do therein what shall be needful thus wishing you good success and this Island happy thereby I remain St. Jag. Delav 2 July 1670. Your faithful Friend and Servant Tho. Modyford By his Excel Command Cary Helier Reg. of the Admiralty A true Account and Relation of this last Expedition against the Spaniard by vertue of a Commission given unto H. Morgan by his Excel Sir Tho. Modyford Governour General of His Majesties Island of Jamaica with the advice and approbation of His Majesties Honourable Council fully Assembled the prosecution of which I humbly here present HIs Commission bearing date the 22 of July 1670. the tenour of which was to fight with take or destroy all the Ships that I shoulâ— meet withal belonging to the subject of his Catholick Majesty in the American Seas as also to Land on the Islanâ— of Cuba attempt the City of St. Jagâ— upon the said Island if himself anâ— the Commanders find it feazible anâ— farther more to Land in any of thâ— Dominions of his said Catholiquâ— Majesty in America and to attempâ— take or surprize by force of Arms any of his said Catholique Majesties Cities Towns Forts or Fortresses where he should by any intelligences be advised that they were storing up or making Magazines of Arms Amunition or Provisions or levying any men for the propagating or maintaining of this War against his Majesties Island of Jamaica 1670. In order whereunto they sailed from Port-Royal the 14th of August with 11 Sail of Vessels and 600 men and having rounded the Island we arrived at the Isle of Ash the place of Rendezvous the 2 of September following from whence we having no Advice of the course of the Enemy or their design we dispatched away Vice Admiral Collier the sixth of the same Month with six Sail of Vessels and 350 men to go for the Course of the Main to get Prisoners for Intelligence for the better stearing our Course and managing our design for the most of his Majesties Honor and Service and the safety of Jamaica The last of September arrived to us at the Isle of Ash Capt. John Morris who brought with him Imanuel Riveras Vessel of eight Guns who burnt the Coast of Jamaica having taken him on the Coast of Cuba and in her three original Commissions 2 of which they sent his Excellency the 7th of October following so violent a Storm happened in the Harbour that drove all the Fleet ashore except the Admirals Vessel then consisting of 11 Sail all of which except three were got off again and made serviceable In this Month arrived here three French Vessels and conditioned to sail under our Flag and in November arrived seven sail more from Jamaica Now being of force enough to attempt St. Jago we examined some of our own men who had been lately there Prisoners and also those Spaniards that were taken in Imanuel Rivers One of our men in particular Captain Richard Powell Captain of the Prize that was River's Ship who had not been above 30 daies from St. Jago declared that time of year being Winter and being but one landing place and that strongly fortified it was impossible for us to attempt that place without the hazard of the whole Party and the certain loss of the most if not all our Vessels by foul weather all the knowing Prisoners examined affirming the same upon which we relinquished that Design The 20th of the same Month Vice Admiral Collier returned from the Main with good quantities of provisions and two of the Enemies Vessels one of which called the Galerdeene was assistant to Riveras in the burning the Coast of Jamaica and in her were 38 Prisoners who the 29th of the same Month were examined and what was said by two of the most sensiblest of them redue'd into English is as followeth Nov. the 29. 1670. The Deposition of Marcus de Cuba Spaniard Master Pilot of the Galerdeene Prize born at the Grand Canaries aged 47 years or thereabouts being disposeth saith That he did see the People at Carthagena Listed and all in Arms offensive against the English And farther saith that several Spanish Ships have had and now have Commissions from the president of Panama named Don Juan Perez de Gusman and that they have taken several English-men and that the last Spaniard have by the said President great incouragement against the Island of Jamaica and the more by reason of a Fleet fitted out of old Spain for those parts under the Command and Conduct of one Don Alonso and further saith not Sworn the day and year above written Coram Henry Morgan and the rest of the Officers of the Fleet. Nov. 29. 1670. The Deposition of Lucas Peroz a Seaman born at Palma aged 31 years or thereabouts being disposeth saith That he did see the People at Carthagena some of them in Arms others Listing of themselves and two Ships ready fitted against Jamaica one with 18 and the other with 12 Guns and also that the President of Panama hath granted several Commissions against the English by vertue of which several English Ships hath been taken and further saith not Sworn the day and year above written Coram H. Morgan and the rest of the Officers of the Fleet. Upon December the 22d Commanded all the Captains on board me being 37 in number and demanded their advice what place was fittest to attain for His Majesties Honour and preservation of Jamaica and to put the greater curb to the Insolencies of
marched for the City and further this Deponent saith not Sworn Coram this 3 day of April 1672. John Peeke Tho. Lynch A short account of the Life of Christopher Collumb or Collumbus the first Doscoverer of Jamaica COllumbus was born at Cugnero or as some say at Nervi in the Territory of Genoa he was a Mariner from a Child and traded into Syria and other parts of the East After this he became a Master in making Sea Carts and went to Portugal to Learn their Navigations on the Coast of Affrica The Spaniards who Envy the Honour of the Discovery of the New World to a stranger Report that a certain Caravel sailing in the Ocean by a strong East Wind long continuing was carryed to a Land unknow which was not expres'd in the Mapps and Cards it was much Longer in Returning than in Going and arriving had none left alive but the Pilot and three or four Marriners the Rest being Dead of Famine and other Extremeties of which also the Remnant perish'd in fews days leaving to Collumbus then the Pilots Host their papers and some grounds of this Discovery the time place Country and name of the man is Uncertain some Esteem this pilot an Andaluzian and that he traded at Madera when this befel some a Biscaine and that his traffick was in England and France and some a Portugal that traded at the Mina some say he arrived in Portugal others at Madera or at one of the Azores all agree that he Died in the house of Christopher Collumbus it is most Likely at Madera This Relation as it hath no witness to prove it the whole company being dead nor any good circumstances so the most look on it to be a fable and Spanish trick envying a foraigner and Italian that Glory to be the first Finder of the Indies and the most Juditious and sincere of the Spaniards themselves esteem but a tale as appears by the Testimony of Gorsalo Fernando De Omedo in his Summary and more fully in his General History of the Indies they shew and and so doth he which then Lived in the Court of Spain Peter Martir another Cause that mov'd Collumbus to this Discovery and not that Pilots paper or Reports for he being a Mariner used to Sea from his youth and sailing from Cales to Portugal observed that at certain seasons of the year the winds used to blow from the West which continued in that Manner a long time together and believing that they came from some Coast beyond the Sea he busied his mind so much therewith that he Resolved to make some tryal and proof thereof When he was now forty years old he propounded his purpose to the Senate of Genoa undertaking if they would lend him Ships he would find a way by the West unto the Island of Spices but they Rejected his proposals as Idle fancies Columbus frustrate of his hopes at Genoa yet leaves not his Resolution but goeth to Portugal and Communicates this Matter with Alphonsus King of Portugal but finding no Entertainment to his suit he sends his Brother Bartholomew Collumbus to King Henry the seventh of England to sollicit him in the Matter while himself passed into Spain to Implore the Aid of the Castillian herein Bartholomew in his Voyage to England unfortunately fell into the hands of Pirates which Robbed him and his company and forced him to sustain himself with making of Sea Cards and having gotten somewhat about him presents a Map of the World to King Henry with his Brothers offer of Discovery which the King Gladly accepted and sent for him into England But he had speed of his suit before in Spain and by that King and Queen was employ'd according to his Request for coming from Lisbon to Pallos di Moguer and then conferring with Martin Alonso Pinzon an expert Pilot and Frier Jo. Perez a good Cosmographer he was Counsel'd to aquaint these with his project the Duke De Medina Sidonia and of Medina Celi which yielding him not Credit the Frier Counsel'd him to go to Court and wrote in his Behalf to Fryer Fernandi Di Telavera the Queens Confessor Christopher Collumbus came to the Court of Castile Anno 1486. and found cold welcome to his suit at the hands of the King and Queen busied with Hot Wars in Granada whence they expel'd the Moores and thus remain'd he in Contempt as a Man meanly Cloathed without other patron then a poor Frier save that Alonso Di quintalignia gave him his Diet who also at the last procured him Audience of the Bishop of Toledo by whose Mediation he was brought before the King and Queen who gave him favourable Countenace and promis'd to Dispatch him when they had ended the wars of Granada which also they performed Thus Collumbus is set forth with three Caravals at the Kings charges who because his treasure was then spent in the Wars Borow'd 16000 Duckets of Lavis De Sanct Angelo and on Fryday the 3 of August in the year of our Lord 1492 in a Ship call'd the Gallega accompanied with the Pinta and Ninna in which the Pinzors Brethren went as pilots with the Number of 120 persons or thereabouts set sail for Gomera one of the Canary Islands and having there Refresh'd himself followed his Discovery after many Days he Incountered with an Herby Sea which looked like a green Field so thick that he could scarce see the water which not a little amazed the Spaniards and had caused their Return had not the sight of some Birds promis'd them Land not far of He taught the Spaniards to observe the Sun and Pole in their Navigation which till this voyage they had not used nor known But the Spaniard after three and thirty days sailing Desperate of success Mutined and threaten'd to cast Collumbus into the Sea disdaining much that a stranger a Genois had so Abused them but he pacified their Enraged fury with Mild Speeches and Gentle promise On the eleventh day of October one Rodrigo De Triana espied and cryed Land Land the best Musick that might be Especially to Columbus who to satisfie the Spaniards Importunitie had promis'd the day before that if no Land appear'd in 3 Days he would Return One the Night before had Descried fire which Kindled in him some hope of great Reward at the Kings Hand when he Returned into Spain But being herein frustate he Burn'd into such a flame as that it consumed Both Humanity and Christianity in him and in the Agony of Indignation made him Leave his Country and Faith and Revolt to the Moors But Collumbus how can I but Remember but Love but Admire sweetly may those Bones Rest Sometimes the pillars of that Temple where so Divine a spirit Resided which neither want of former Example nor publique Discouragements of Domestique and forreign states not private Insultation of proud Spaniards nor length of time which generally Devoureth the best Resolutions nor the unequal plains of Huge unknown Seas nor Grassy Fields in Neptunes Lap nor
Thomas Morgan and Capt. Linch these being got high enough to wind-ward Landed and took Cumana afterwards rang'd down all that Coast and Landed again at Puerto Cavalla Babanta where they took two Ships thence again for Corow where they met with about 30 or 40 Chests of the King's Money so returned to Jamaica with more Plunder in Money Plate and Jewels than ever was brought thither before by the English In 1658. the Spaniards Landed 300 men at Chircras on the North side and endeavour'd to Fortifie and provide for a great Body that was to come from New Spain by way of St. Jago de Cuba But the General having notice sent a Party that Razed the Fort and kill'd and took almost all the Spaniards Before this time all the Women and Children were gone to Cuba and only the men and Slaves remained under the Command of the Governour who skult up and down the Mountains and lived so wretched a life that most of his Negroes had deserted him and were come in to submit to the English General under the conduct of one Juan de Bola an ingenious Slave that had from Col. Doyly a Commission as 't was call'd to settle with them at Caymanos by St. Jago where he Govern'd them and was afterwards kill'd by some of our Run-away Negroes In 1659. the Spaniards sent the long expected Body of men that consisted of about 1200. who Landed and fortified at Rio Nova on the North side as soon as we had notice the General himself went thither with about 600 choice men and Volunteers that were embarked on the Grantham a Fifth Rate and Blackmore a Sixth Rate and some other small Vessels who Landed the General and his men in the very Port the next day they Attaqued and took the Fort the most of the Spaniards being kill'd and taken in it which was the bravest and last Action the English Army did on Jamaica for after this the Spaniard sent no more People or Supplies But the Governour Don Christopher endeavour'd to get off himself The latter end of this year Col. Doyly sent to Cromwell 10 or 12 Colours as Marks and Trophies of this Victory But the Messenger Col. Barry found him Dead so he never had one syllable of any thing that was grateful from the vastest Expence and greatest Design that was ever made by the English In 1660. there was a Mutiny for which Col. Tyson and Col. Boymond was shot to Death In 1661. his Majesty sent Col. Doyly a Commission for Governour with order to Disband the Army upon which he Erects a Civil Government and People begin to Plant judging the Island would not be surrendred again to the Spaniard In 1662. came my Lord Windsor a Governour and brought with him 〈◊〉 Donative of 20000 l. which the King was pleased to give the Army at their Disbanding My Lord presently after his Arrival sent Capt. Mims in the Centurion with some Souldiers to take St. Jago de Cuba which they performed with most Remarkable Resolution and Success on their return My Lord being very sick and uneasie embarques on the Bear for England Sir Charles Littleton in 1633. is Deputed Governour by my Lord Windsor he sent Capt. Mimms in the Centurion with divers Privateers and Land-men in the Bay of Campeach where he bravely enough took the Town but no great Plunder neither there nor at St. Jago In Sir Charles Littleton's time was Charles Fort almost built the Government form'd and the first Assembly call'd and Laws made But he being sick and having left all his Family was likewise disposed to return and having the King's Licence for as also an Order to Invest the Council with the Power In the beginning of 1664. the Council chose Col. Thomas Linch their President and Sir Charles Littleton made him Commander in chief which he exercis'd till the Arrival of Sir Thomas Modyford Sir Tho. Modyford came in June 1664. and a week before him Col. Edw. Morgan and now People began vigorously to apply themselves to Planting Sir Thomas understanding and incouraging it exceedingly In the Griffin he sent his eldest Son the Major General for his Lady But the Frigat and he was both cast away near the Gulph of Florida so she came not till the year following At the beginning of his Government he endeavour'd a Peace with the Spaniards But not being able to effect it he encourages the Privateers and Capt. Henry Morgan having signalized his courage by burning a Spanish Admiral that shut him and Capt. Pennant and other Privateers up in the Bay of Maricaio Sir Thomas made use of him to Imbody the Privateers which he effects in the year 1668. and Sir Thomas makes him Admiral And that joyning with several French by the assistance of a Dutch man Lands in the Bay and came over the Mountains by night into the Town of Porto Bello which they surpriz'd and resolutely took the Castle that commanded the Town and afterwards that which commanded the Harbour then quitted both having pieces of Eight for delivering the Powder and not Razing their Forts With this Money he brought the Plague to Jamaica that kill'd my Lady Modyford and many People And in the year following Sir Thomas Modyford employ'd Major Beeston to draw the Privateers together again to serve under Admiral Morgan which he effected and they joyning with divers French Vessels went for Panama and bravely took the Fort of Changra But before they came to Panama they found it set on fire by the President so returned to their Ships but in beating up to Jamaica many Vessels fail'd so that Men most miserably perish'd on barren Islands and Rocks By this and such like Designs many brave men were lost and no real advantage brought to the Island And in the year 1670. the Treaty about the West Indies was concluded at Madera and Sir Thomas Modyford removed Sir Thomas Linch made his Majesties Lieutenant Governour and Commander in Chief and arrived at Jamaica June 24. 1671. The same Month he sent Major William Beeston to Cartagena in the Assistance Frigat to notifie the Peace and the March following he made Sir Thomas Modyford a Prisoner aboard the Frigat and sent him for England for breaking the Peace with the Spaniards contrary to his Majesties Express Orders And five or six Months after Admiral Morgan on the same account Sir Thomas Linch endeavoured to procure a good un-understanding between the two Nations according to the Treaty and his Orders and put to Death One Jonson a Dutch man which was the only Privateer ever suffered for all the Murther Rapine and Violence those dissolute People have committed on the Spaniards In his time the Portland took a Caper and the Thomas and Francis His Majesties Hir'd Ship and a Privateer took a Dutch Ship of 544 Negroes which were more beneficial to the Island than all the Prizes ever brought to it During the time of his Government many Ships were loaded with the Product of the Island before it never
one And in the end of his Government Land was risen to five times the value it was at in the beginning Col. Tassel and Mr. Rogers at his command run a Chain round the Island An exact Mapp and Survey was sent home by my Lord Vaughan in his time were abundance of Cattel Imported from Cuba which brought down their Price from 12 to 14 l. per Head to 4 and 5 l. In his time Fairs and Markets were Erected at St. Jago Liguania Port-Royal c. Sir Thomas Linch remitted to the Kings principal Secretary of State a large and exact State of the Government of Jamaica of the Church the Laws the Militia and Revenue which was in brief thus His Majesty is Soveraign Lord and Proprietor of this Island in all Writs Commissions and Grants He is stiled King of England c. and Lord of Jamaica the Governour Represents His Person and is invested with his Power being enabled by his Commission under the Great Seal and directed by his Instruction how to Govern and it is alwaies during his Majesties pleasure Here 12 Councellours are chosen by the Governour and Constituted in all Emergencies and Causes like the King's Councel here the which they Resemble and the House of Lords because they Sit with the Assembly the Governour cannot suspend them without giving Advice to the Principal Secretary of the Cause This Government by practice as well as order from His Majesty is Assimulated as near as possible to that in England which renders it grateful to the People who believe they ought to enjoy their Property and Native Right where they are under the King's Dominion so nothing be inflicted on them but by the course of Law nor taken from them but by Acts themselves have consented to Therefore they have by His Majesties Order in Jamaica Assemblies that consist of 32 Persons chosen indifferently by the Freeholders of the 14 Parishes In these Assemblies the Governour has a Negative Voice he Calls Prorogues and Dissolves them at pleasure the Governour the Councel and the Assembly are invested with the Legislative Power and are Convened to make some little Municipal Laws proper to the usage of the Island about Governing Servants Slaves Officers High-waies Church Militia but chiefly to raise Money for the support of the Government What Laws they make are to be sent into England and to be of force but for two years unless the King consent then perpetual unless Revoked as they were made There is but seven Churches in the Island that is one at St. Davids Liguania Port-Royal St. Jago St. Johns and Vere The Governour seems to be the King's Deputy or Bishop of London's Suffragan for he Presents and Inducts and the Parsons being admitted every Parish is bound to allow 100 l. per annum at the least Pot-Royal 200 l. St. Jago 130 l. by Act of the Assembly made in Sir Thomas Linch his time when only these Parishes above-named were supply'd The Governours Residence was at St. Jago more within the Land and easier for People to apply themselves to him he named or appointed all the Officers only such as the King made under the Great Seal of England as the Secretary of the Island that makes all the publique Dispatches keeps the Office of Inrollment And the Marshal who is the Executive Officer of Justice in the nature of a Sheriff Usher of the Black-Rod and Jaylor for the Administration of Justice and better Government of the Parishes There is Sessions of the Justices Quarterly held at Morant Liguania Port-Royal St. Jago St. John Clarendon St. Elizabeth every of these Precincts have a particular Custos Rotulorum appointed who with the Justices and other Officers Present Reform Examine and punish all Crimes Disorders and Misdemeanors that are within their Cognizance by the Laws of England or those of the Island All Pleas of the Crown and Civil Causes are heard and Determined in the Grand Court that Sits Quarterly at St. Jago and thither Errours and Causes are brought from the Inferiour Courts this being like the Kings-Bench Court of Exchequer and Assizes in England In some extraordinary Cases the Governour Grants Commissions of Oyer and Terminer The Governour is Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Island which the King sent by Sir Charles Littleton to my Lord Windsor It 's a Cross charged with four Pines the Reverse his Majesty in his Throne an Indian kneeling and presenting him All publique Commissions and Grants are seal'd with this Seal To every Planter the Governour Grants Thirty Acres per Head for which he gives his Warrant then the Surveyor of the Precinct within which it lies runs it out and returns it to the Clerk of the Pattents which draws the Grant so 't is held of the King in Common and pays for what Sir Thomas Modyford Granted 25 s. per 1000. for what Sir Thomas Linch Granted a half penny per Acre By an Act of the Assembly an Office of Inrollment is Erected and kept by the Secretary where the Pattent and all Deeds and private Writings are Recorded to prevent Law-suits and fraudulent Conveyances and is in the nature of a Registry All Actions at Law between Neighbours are tryed in the Inferiour Courts which are in the nature of Court Barons here There 's one at Morant Liguania Port-Royal St. Johns Clarendon St. Elizabeth and the North side each Court has its Judge 12 Assistants Clerk Marshal and any person may plead his own Cause They hold Pleas of any sum under 20 l. and of greater sums when they take a Justicias out of the Chancery which the Governour grants of course and here all Appeals with the assistance of some of the Councel that sit as the Probate of Wills Licences for Marriages c. are dispatch'd in the Secretarys Office and the Governour seems to be in the nature of Judge of the Prerogative Court At Port-Royal is establisht a Naval Office that takes care of the Entrys dispatches of Vessels and the observance of their Acts of Navigation The Governour is Vice Admiral to his Royal Highness and has a Commission to Command all his Majesties Ships that come to the Island and likewise a large Commission to Erect Courts of Admiralty and exercise all those Maratime powers his Royal Highness hath so there 's at Port-Royal a Judge-Admiral with all the needful Officers that proceed in the Court according to the forms of Admiralty used here and in other parts The Militia is Commanded by the Governour according to the power he Reigns from His Majesty and the Laws of the Country for there 's a particular Act that appoints the time of Mustering the Persons the Arms aad the Places of Rendezvous Here 's no Souldiers paid by the King all the Officers are made by the Governour At St. Thomas and St. Davids is one Regiment another at St. Andrews Port-Royal St. Catherines St. Johns Clarendon St. Elizabeth and North side and in every one of these Regiments is one Troop of