a sort of Ceder-trees Trees which differ from all other in the World in several respects the Wood whereof is very sweet and well sented The English who settled themselves upon this Isle in the Year 1612 are the only Proprietors Proprietors thereof having now established a powerful Colony there wherein are about five thousand Inhabitants The Island is exceeding strong and defended as it were with a kind of natural Fortification being so fenced about with Rocks that without knowledge of the Passages a Boat of ten Tun cannot be brought into the Haven although by the assistance of a skilful Pilot there is entrance for Ships of the greatest burden And besides the natural strength of those Islands the English have since their settling there added such artificial helps and so strongly fortified the approaches by Block-houses and Forts as renders it impregnable In the Year 1616 which is four Years after the first settling there Captain Tucker is sent over with a new Supply whereupon they applied themselves the more earnestly to the planting of Corn Tobacco and other Commodities so that in about three Years those Isles began to gain so much repute in England that the improving them became a publick business many great Lords and Persons of Quality interesting themselves therein as Adventurers whereupon Captain Buttler was dispatched thither with a new Supply of 500 Men about which time the Isle was divided into Tribes or Counties and the whole reduced to a settled Government both in Church and State after which things succeeded so well that it has been ever since growing to greater perfection A DESCRIPTION OF CAROLINA CAROLINA so called from his late Majesty King Charles the Second of eternal Memory is a new Colony not long since settled by the English in that part of Florida adjoyning to Virginia which makes its Northern bounds in the Latitude of thirty six Degrees Situation and extends its self to the Latitude of 29 Degrees which terminates its extream Southern bounds It is on the East washed with the Atlantick Ocean and is bounced on the West by Mare Pacificum of the South-Sea A New Map of CAROLINA By Robt. Morden This Province of Carolina saith he was in the Year 1663. granted by Letters Patents from his late Majesty in propriety to Edward Earl of Clarendon George Duke of Albemarl William Earl of Craven John Lord Berkley Anthony Lord Ashly since Earl of Shaftsbury Sir George Carteret and Sir John Coleton Knights and Baronets and Sir William Berkley Knight By which Letters Patents the Laws of England are always to be in force in Carolina only the Lords Proprietors have power with the consent of the Inhabitants to make such By-laws as may be thought necessary for the better government of the Province So that no Money can be raised or Law made without the consent of the Inhabitants or their Representatives They are likewise thereby indued with a right to appoint and impower Governours and other Magistrates to grant Liberty of Conscience make Constitutions with many other great Priviledges c. as will sufficiently appear by the Letters Patents And the said Lords Proprietors have there settled a Constitution of Government whereby is granted Liberty of Conscience and wherein all possible care is taken for the equal administration of Justice and for the lasting security of the Inhabitants both in their Bodies and Estates And by their Care and Endeavours and at their very great charge two Colonies are likewise settled in that Province one at Albemarl in the most Notherly part and the other at Ashly-River which is in the Latitude of thirty two Degrees and some odd Minutes Albemarl Albemarl which borders upon Virginia only exceeds it in Health Fertility and Mildness of Winter being in the Growths Productions and other things much of the same nature with it and therefore I shall not trouble my self nor the Reader with a particular Description of that part but apply my self principally to discourse of the Colony settled at Ashly-River This Colony was first settled in the Month of April 1670. by the Lords Proprietors who did at their sole charge furnish out three Ships with a considerable number of able Men and eighteen Months Provision together with Cloth Tools Ammunition and whatsoever else was thought necessary for this new Settlement and continued for several years after to supply the place with all things necessary until the Inhabitants were by their own industry able to live of themselves in which condition they have now been for divers years past and are arrived to a very great degree of plenty so that most sorts of Provisions are cheaper there than in any other of the English Colonies Ashly-River Ashly-River about seven Miles from the Sea divides itself into two branches the Southermost still retains the name of Ashly but the North branch is called Cooper-River Upon the Point of Land which divides those two Rivers the Proprietors in the Year 1680. ordered the Port-Town that should serve for them both to be built calling it Charles-Town which is since considerably advanced to the number of near two hundred Houses more being daily raising by persons of all sorts that repair thither from the more Northern English Colonies in the Sugar-Islands besides those that go from England and Ireland many persons who likewise went thither Servants having since their times were out gotten good stocks of Cattel and Servants of their own built themselves Houses and exercise their Trades Many that went thither in that condition being now worth several hundred Pounds living in a very plentiful condition and continually adding to and increasing their Estates so that Land is already become of that value near the Town that it is sold for twenty Shillings per Acre though pillaged of all its valuable Timber and not cleared of the rest And the Land that is cleared and fitted for planting and fenced is let for ten Shillings per Annum the Acre though twenty Miles distance from the Town and six Men will in six Weeks time fell clear fence in and fit it for planting At this Town as soon as its Foundations were well laid there Rode at one time sixteen Sail of Ships some whereof carried above two hundred Tun that came from divers Parts of the King's Dominions to traffick there which great concourse of Shipping will undoubtedly make it a considerable Town of Trade It 's a Country blessed with a temperate and wholsom Air Temperature neither the heat in Summer nor the cold in Winter being the least troublesom or offensive the latter being so exceeding moderate that it doth not so much as check the growth and flourishing of the Trees and Plants which is occasioned either by reason of its having the great Body of the Continent to the Westward of it and by consequence the North-West Wind which always blows contrary to the Sun and is the freezing Wind as the North-East is with us in Europe or else from the
West other Mountains prevented their sight and the exceeding Coldness prevented further Discovery and compelled them to a speedy return The same Gentleman at another time when he went to make what Discovery he could of the Countrey met with another sort of Indians who were Enemies to the Christians yet venturing amongst them and presenting them with some small Trifles of Glass and Metals found them very kind to him and would fain have obliged him to have setled amongst them by proposing a Match between him and their King's or some other Great Man's Daughter whom he should best fancy nor could he wave their Courtesie nor obtain leave to depart without a Promise of returning again within six Months And South-west from them he found a Nation differing in Government from all the other Indians that inhabit those Parts being rather Slaves than Subjects to their King who was a very grave Man and courteous to Strangers yet horrid barbarous in his Superstition that whilst this Gentleman was there he sent three Youths to kill as many young Women of their Enemies as they could meet withal to serve his Son who was then newly dead in the other World They were not long before they returned with Skins torn off the Head and Faces of several young Girls which they laid at the Feet of their King who received them as the most acceptable Presents CHARLES the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. Whereas by Our Letters Patents bearing date the Twenty Fourth Day of March in the Five and Twentieth Year of Our Reign We were graciously pleased to give unto our right Trusty and right Well-beloved Couzen and Counsellor Edward Earl of Clarendon Our High Chancellour of England Our right Trusty right entirely Beloved Couzen Counsellour George Duke of Albemarl Master of Our Horse Our right Trusty and Well-beloved William now Earl of Craven Our right Trusty and Well-beloved Councellour Anthony Lord Chancellour of our Exchequer Our right Trusty and Well-beloved Counsellour Sir George Carteret Knight and Baronet Vice-Chamberlain of Our Houshold Our right Trusty and Well-beloved Sir John Colleton Knight and Barronet and Sir William Berkley Knight all that Territory Province or Tract of Ground called Carolina situate lying and being within our Dominions of America extending from the North end of that Island called Luke-Island which lyeth in the Southern Virginia Seas within six and thirty deg of Northern Latitude and to the West as far as the River of St. Matthias which Bordereth upon the Coast of Florida and within one and thirty deg of Southern Latitude and so West in a direct Line as far as the South Seas aforesaid Now know ye that We at the humble Request of the said Grantees in the aforesaid Letters Patents named and as a farther mark of Our particular Favour towards them We are graciously pleased to enlarge Our said Grant unto them according to the Bounds and Limits hereafter specified and in Favour to the Pious and Noble purpose of the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. of Our especial Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion have Given Granted and Confirmed and by this Our present Charter for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Give Grant and Confirm unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns at that Province Territories or Tract of Land situate lying and being within Our Dominions of America aforesaid extending North and Eastward as far as the North end of Carah-Tuck River or Inlett upon a straight Westerly Line to Wianoacke Creek which lyeth within or about thirty six deg thirty min. of Northern Latitude and so West in a direct Line as far as the South-Seas and South and Westward as far as thirty nine deg inclusive Northern Latitude and so West in a direct Line as far as the South Seas together with all and singular Ports Harbours Bays Rivers and Islets belonging unto the Province and Territory aforesaid and also all the Soil Lands Fields Woods Mountains Fenns Lakes Rivers Bays Islets situated or being within the Bounds or Limits last before mentioned with the Fishing of all sorts of Fish Whales Sturgeons and all the Royal Fishes in the Seas Bays Islets and Rivers within the Premises and the Fish therein taken together the Royalty of the Sea upon the Coast within the Limits aforesaid And moreover all Veins Mines and Quarries as well discovered as not discovered of Gold Silver Gems and Precious Stones and all other whatsoever be it of Stones Marble or any other thing whatsoever found or to be found within the Province Territory Isles and Limits aforesaid And furthermore the Patronage and Advowsons of all the Churches and Chappels which as Christian Religion shall encrease within the Province Territory Isles Islets and Limits aforesaid shall happen hereaf-to be Erected together with Licence and Power to Build and Found Churches and Chappels and Oratories in convenient and fit places within the said Bounds and Limits and to cause them to be dedicated and consecrated according to the Ecclesiastical Laws of our Kingdom of England together with all and singular the like and as ample right Jurisdictions Priviledges Prerogatives Royalties Liberties Immunities and Franchises of what kind soever within the Territories Isles Islets and Limits aforesaid to have Use Exercise and enjoy the same as amply and fully and in as ample manner as any Bishop of Durham in our Kingdom of England ever heretofore had held used or enjoyed or of right ought or could have use or enjoy and them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns we do by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors make create and constitute the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of the said Province or Territory and of all other the Premisses saving always the Faith Allegiance and Sovereign Dominions due to Us Our Heirs and Successors for the same to have hold possess and enjoy the said Province Territories Isles Islets and all and singular of them the Premisses unto them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns for ever to be holden of Us Our Heirs and Successors as of our Manor of Eastgreen within Our County of Kent in free and common Soccage and not in Capite nor by by Knight-Service yielding and paying a parly to Us Our Heirs and Successors for the same a fourth part of all Gold and Silver Oâ—r which within the Limits hereby granted shall from time to time happen to be found over and beside the yearly Rent of twenty Marks and the fourth part of the Gold and Silver Oar in and by the said recited Letter Patents reserved and payable And that the Province or Territory hereby granted and described may be dignified with as large Titles and Priviledges as any other Part of our Dominions and Territories in that Region Know ye that We of our further Grace certain Knowledge and meer
proper for all industrious Husbandmen and such who by hard Labour here on Rack-Rents are scarce able to maintain themselves much less to raise an Estate for their Children may with God's Blessing on their Labours there live comfortably and provide well for their Families 4. For Carpenters Brick-layers Masons Smiths Mill-wrights Wheel-wrights Bakers Tanners Taylors Weavers Shoomakers Hatters and all or most Handicrafts where their Labour is much more valued than in these parts and Provisions much cheaper 5. And chiefly for such of the above-mentioned or any other who upon solid Grounds and weighty Considerations are inclined in their minds to go into those parts without which their going there cannot be comfortable or answer their expectation The Indian Natives are but few The Inhabitants comparative to the neighbouring Colonies and those that are there are so far from being formidable or injurious to the Planters and Inhabitants that they are really serviceable and advantageous to the English not only in hunting and taking the Deer and other wild Creatures and catching of Fish and Fowl fit for Food in their Seasons but in the killing and destroying of Bears Wolves Foxes and other Vermin and Poltry whose Skins and Furs they bring the English and sell at a less price than the value of Time an Englishman must spend to take them As for the Constitutions of the Country they were made in the time of John Lord Barclay and Sir George Carteret the late Proprietors thereof in which such provision was made for Liberty in Matters of Religion and Property in their Estates that under the Forms thereof that Colony has been considerably peopled and that much from the adjacent Countries where they have not only for many years enjoyed their Estates according to the Concessions but also to an interrupted exercise of their particular Perswasions in Matters of Religion and we the present Proprietors so soon as any persons here in England or elsewhere are willing to be engaged with us shall be ready and desirous to make such farther Additions and Supplements to the said Constitutions as shall be thought fit for the encouragement of all Planters and Adventurers and for the said Colony with a sober and industrious People Having with all possible brevity given an account of the Country we shall say something as to the disposition of Lands there 1. Our purpose is with all convenient expedition to erect and build our principal Town which by reason of Scituation must in all probability be the most considerable for Merchandize Trade and Fishery in those parts It is designed to be placed upon a Neck or Point of rich Land call'd Ambo-Point lying on Raritor-River and pointing to Sandy-Hook Bay and near adjacent to the place where Ships in that great Harbour commonly ride at Anchor a Scheme whereof is already drawn and those who shall desire to be satisfied therewith may treat for a share thereof 2. As for encouragement of Servants c. we allow the same Priviledges as were provided in the Concessions at first 3. Such who are desirous to purchase any Lands in this Province free from all charge and to pay down their Purchase Moneys here for any quantities of Acres or that desire to take up Lands there upon any small quit Rents to be reserved shall have Grants to them and their Heirs on moderate and reasonable terms 4. Those who are desirous to Transport themselves into those parts before they Purchase if any thing there present to their satisfaction we doubt not but the Terms of Purchase will be so moderate equal and encouraging that may engage them to settle in that Colony Our purpose being with all possible Expedition to dispatch Persons thither with whom they may Treat and who shall have our full power in the Premisses As for Passages to this Province Ships are going hence the whole year about as well in Winter as Summer Sandâ—y-hook-Bay being never Frozen the usual Price is 5 l. per Head Passengers Prizes as well Master as Servant who are above ten years of Age and under ten years and not Children at the Breast pay 50 s. Sucking Children pay nothing Carriage of Goods For Carriage of Goods is ususally 40 s. per Tun and sometime less as we can agree The cheapest and chiefest time of the year for Passage is from Midsummer till the later end of September when many Virginia and Maryland Ships are going out of England into those Parts and such who take then their Voyage arrive usually in good time to Plant Corn-sufficient for next Summer The Goods to be carried there are first for Peoples own use all sorts of Apparel and Houshold-stuff and also Utensils for Husbandry and Building and secondly Linnen and Wollen Cloaths and Stuffs sitting for Apparel c. which are fit for Merchandize and Truck there in the Country and that to good advantage for the Importer Lastly Although this Country by reason of its being already considerably inhabited may afford many Conveniences for Strangers of which Unpoepled Countries are destitute as Lodging Victualling c. yet all Persons inclined unto those Parts must know that in their Settlements there they will find they must have their Winter as well as Summer they must Labour before they Reap and till their Plantations be cleared in Summer time they must expect as in all those Countries the Musketo Flies Gnats and such like may in hot and fair Weather give them some disturbance where people provide not against them which as the Land is cleared are less troublesom The South and West Part of New-Jersey lying on the Sea and Dela-ware River is called West-Jersey West-Jersey of which Mr. Edward Billing is now Proprietor it hath all the Conveniencies and Excellencies of the other Part afore-mention'd and may be made one of the best Colonies in America for the Situation Air and Soil the Ports Creeks good Harbours and Havens being not Inferiour to any in that Part of the World having no less than thirty Navigable Creeks ranking themselves at a convenient distance upon the Sea and that stately River of Dela-ware the Shores thereof are generally very deep and bold The English that are settled here Buying of Lands buy the Lands of the Natives and give them real satisfaction for the same whereby they are assured of their love and friendship for ever and the poor Creatures are never the worse but much better as themselves confess being now supplied by way of Trade with all they want or stand in need of Hunting and Fishing as they did before except in inclosed or planted Ground bring home to the English seven or eight fat Bucks in a day There is a Town called Burlington which will quickly be a place of great Trade their Orchards are so laden with Fruit that the very Branches have been torn away with the weight thereof it is delightful to the eye and most delicious to the taste Peaches in such plenty that they bring them home in
Motion have thought fit to annex the same Tract Ground and Territory unto the said Province of Carolina and out of the fulness of our Royal Power and Prerogative so do for Us Our Heirs and Successors annex and unite the same to the said Province of Carolina And for as much as we have made and ordained the aforesaid Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns the ame Lords Proprietors of all the Province or Territory aforesaid Know ye therefore moreover that We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in their Fidelity Wisdom Justice Prudence and Circumspection for Us Our Heirs and Successors Do Grant full and absolute Power by virtue of these Presents to them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon and their Heirs and Assigns for the good and happy Government of the said whole Province or Territory full Power and Authority to Erect and make several Counties Baronies and Colonies of and within the said Province Territories Lands and Hereditaments in and by the said Rented Letters Patents and these Presents Granted or mentioned to be Granted as aforesaid with several and distinct Jurisdictions Powers Liberties and Priviledges and also to make ordain and enact and under their Seals to publish any Laws and Constitutions whatsoever either appertaining to the Publick State of the said whole Province or Territory or of any distinct or particular County Barony or Colony of or within the same or to the private Utility of particular Persons according to their best direction by and with the Advice Assent and Approbation of the Free-men of the said Province or Territory or of the Free-men of the County Barony or Colony for which such Laws or Constitutions shall be made or of the greater part of them or of their Diligates or Deputies whom for enacting of the said Laws when and as often as need shall require We will that the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. and their Heirs or Assigns shall from time to time Assemble in such manner and form as to them shall seem best and the same Laws duly to execute upon all Persons within the said Province Territory County Barony or Colony or the Limits thereof for the time being or which shall be constituted under the Power and Government of them or any of them either sayling towards the said Province or Territory of Carolina or returning from thence towards England or any other of our Foreign Dominions by Imposition of Penalty Imprisonment or any other Punishment yet if it shall be needful and the quality of the offence require it by taking away Member and Life either by them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. and theirs by them or their Deputies Lieutenants Judges Justices Magistrates Officers and Ministers to be ordained and appointed according to the Tenor and true Intention of them Presents and likewise to Erect or make any Court or Courts whatsoever of Judicature or otherwise as shall be requisite and to appoint or establish any Judges Justices Magistrates or Officers whatsoever as well within the said Province as at Sea in such manner and form as unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendom c. or their Heirs shall seem most convenient also to remit release pardon and abolish whether before Judgement and after all crimes and offences whatsoever against the said Laws and to do all and every other thing things which unto the compleat establisment of Justice unto Courts Sessions and forms of Judication and manner of proceedings therein do belong although in these Presents express mention is not made thereof and by Judges by him or them deligated to award press hold please and determine in all the said Courts Places of Judicature all Actions Suits and Causes whatsoever as well Criminal as Civil Real Mixt Personal or any other kind or nature whatsoever which Laws so as aforesaid to be published Our Pleasure is and we do enjoyn require and Command shall be absolute firm and available in Law and that all the liege People of Us Our Heirs or Successors within the said Province or Territory do observe and keep the same inviolably in those Parts so far as they concern them under the Patents or Penalties therein expressed or to be expressed provided nevertheless that the said Laws be consonant to Reason and as near as may be conveniently agreeable to the Laws and Customs of this our Kingdom of England and because such Assemblies of Freeholders cannot be so suddenly called as there may be occasion to require the same We do therefore by these Presents Give and Grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns by themselves and their Magistrates in that behalf lawfully authorized full power and authority from time to time to make and ordain fit and wholsom Orders and Ordinances within the Province or Territory aforesaid or any County Barony or Province of or within the same to be kept and observed as well for the keeping of the Peace as for the better Government of the People there abiding and to publish the same to all whom it may concern which Ordinances we do by these Presents streightly Charge and Command to be inviolably observed within the same Province Territory Counties Baronies and Provinces under the Penalty therein expressed so as such Ordinances reasonable and not repugnant and contrary but as near as may be agreeable to the Laws and Statutes of this our Kingdom of England and so as the same Ordinances do not extend to the bringing charging or the taking away of the Right of any Person or Persons in their Free-hold Goods or Chattels whatsoever and to the end the said Provinces or Territories may be the more happily encreased by the multude of People resorting thither and likewise be the more strongly defended from the Incursion of Savages and other Enemies Pirates and Robbers therefore We for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Give and Grant by these Presents Power Licence and Liberty to all the Leige People for Us Our Heirs and Successors in Our Kingdom of England or elsewhere within any other Our Dominions Islands Colonies or Plantations excepting those who shall be expresly forbidden to Transport themselves and Families into the said Province or Territory with convenient Shipping and fitting Provision and there to settle themselves to dwell and inhabit any Law Act Statute Ordinance or any thing to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And We do also of Our more special Grace for Us Our Heirs and Successors streightly Enjoyn Ordain Constitute and Command that the said Province or Territory shall be of our Allegiance and that all and singular the Subjects and Liege People of Us Our Heirs or Successors Transported or to be Transportcd into the said Province and the Children of them or such as shall descend from them there born or hereafter to be born be and shall be Denizens and Lieges of Us Our Heirs and Successors of this Our Kingdom of England and be in all things held
treated and imputed as the Liege faithful People of Us Our Heirs and Successors born within this Our Kingdom or any other of Our Dominions and may inhabit or otherwise purchase and receive take have hold buy and possess any Lands Tenements or Hereditaments within the said places and then may Occupy and Enjoy Give Sell Alien and Bequeath as likewise Liberties Franchises Priviledges of this Our Kingdom of England and of other Our Dominions aforesaid may freely and quietly Have Possess and Enjoy as our Liege People born within the same without the least molestation vexation trouble or grievance of Us Our Heirs and Successors any Statute Act Ordinance or Provision to the contrary notwithstanding And farthermore That Our Subjects of this Our Kingdom of England and other Our Dominions may be rather encoured to undertake this Expedition with ready and chearful minds Know ye that We of Our especial Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion do Give and Grant by vertue of these Presents as well to the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. and their Heirs as unto all others as shall from time to time repair unto the said Province or Territory with a purpose to Inhabit there and to Trade with the Natives thereof full Liberty and Licence to Lade and Freight in any Ports whatsoever of Us Our Heirs and Successors and into the said Province of Carolina by them their Servants and Assigns to Transport all and singular their Goods Wares and Merchandizes as likewise all sorts of Grain whatsoever and any other things whatsoever necessary for their Food and Cloathing not Prohibited by the Laws and Statutes of Our Kingdoms and Dominions to be carried out of the same without any Lett or Molestation of Us Our Heirs and Successors or of any other Our Officers and Ministers whatsoever Saving also to Us Our Heirs and Successors the Customs and other Duties and Payments due for the said Wares and Merchandizes according to the several Rates of the Places from whence the same shall be Transported We will also and by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Give and Grant Licence by this Our Charter unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns and to all the Inhabitants or Dwellers in the Province or Territory aforesaid both present and to come full Power and absolute Authority to Import or Unlade by themselves or their Servants Factors or Assigns all Merchandize and Goods whatsoever that shall arise of the Fruits and Commodities of the said Province or Territory either by Land or by Sea into any the Ports of Us Our Heirs and Successors in the Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland or otherwise to dispose of the said Goods in the said Ports And if need be within one year after the Unlading to Lade the same Merchandize or Goods again into the same or other Ships and to Export the same into any other Countries either of Our Dominions or Foreign being in Amity with Us Our Heirs and Successors so as they pay such Customs Subsidies and other Duties for the same to Us Our Heirs and Successors as the rest of Our Subjects of this Our Kingdom for the time being shall be bound to pay beyond which We will not that the Inhabitants of the said Province or Territory shall be any way charged provided nevertheless And Our Will and Pleasure is and We have farther for the Considerations aforesaid of Our special Grace certain Knowledg meer Motion Given and Granted and by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Give and Grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full and free Licence and Liberty and Power and Authority at any time or times from and after the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel which shall be in the Year of our Lord Christ 1667. as well to Import and bring into any of Our Dominions from the said Province of Carolina or any parts thereof of the several Goods and Commodities herein after mentioned that is to say Silks Currans Raisons Capers Wax Almonds Oyl and Olives without paying or answering to Us Our Heirs or Successors any Customs Imposts or other Duty for on in respect thereof for or during the term or space of seven years to come and be accounted or from and after the first Importation of four Tuns of any the said Goods in any one Bottom Ship or Vessel from the said Province or Territory unto any of Our Dominions As also to Export and carry out of any of Our Dominions into the said Province or Territory Custom-free all sorts of Tools which shall be useful and necessary for the Planters there in the accommodation and improvement of the Premises any thing before in these Presents contained or any Law Act Statute Prohibition or other matter or thing heretofore Had Made Enacted or Provided or hereafter to be Had Made Enacted or Provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And furthermore of our more ample and especial Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion We do for Us Our Heirs and Successors Grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full and absolute Power and Authority to Make Erect and Constitute within the said Province or Territory and Islet or Islets aforesaid such and so many Sea-Ports Harbours Creeks and other places for Discharge and Unlading of Goods and Merchandizes out of Ships Boats and other Vessels and for Lading of them in such and so many places as with such Jurisdictions Priviledges and Franchises unto the said Ports belonging as to them shall seem most expedient and that all and singular the Ships Boats and other Vessels which shall come for Merchardize and Trade into the same Province or Territory or shall depart out of the same shall be laden and unladen at such Ports only as shall be erected and Constituted by the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns and not elsewhere any Use Custom or any thing to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And We do furthermore Will Appoint and Ordain and by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns that they the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. and their Heirs and Assigns may from time to time for ever have and enjoy the Customs and Subsidies in the Ports Harbours Creeks and other places within the Province aforesaid payable for Goods Merchandizes and Wares there Laden or Unladen the said Customs to be reasonably Assessed upon any occasion by themselves and by and with the consent of the free People there or the greater part of them as aforesaid to whom we give Power by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors for just Cause and in due Proportion to Assess and Impose the same And furthermore of Our especial Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion We have Given Granted and Confirmed and by
these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors do Grant and Confirm unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full and absolute Licence Power and Authority that they the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns from time to time hereafter for ever at his and their Will and Pleasure may Alien Grant Demise or Enfeoff the Premises or any part or parcel thereof to him or them that shall be willing to Purchase the same and to such Person or Persons as they shall think fit To have and to hold to them the said Person or Persons their Heirs of Assigns in the Fee-simple or Fee-tail or for term of Life or Lives or Years to be held of them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns and not immediately of Us Our Heirs and Successors And to the same Person or Persons and to all and every of them We do Give and Grant by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors Licence and Authority and Power that such Person or Persons may have and take the Premises or any parcel thereof of the said Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns and the same to hold to themselves their Heirs or Assigns in what estate of Inheritance soever in Fee-simple or in Fee-tail or otherwise as to them and the said Earl of Clarendon their Heirs and Assigns shall seem expedient The Statute of the Parliament of Edward Son of King Henry heretofore King of England Our Predecessor commonly called the Statute of Quia Emptores Terrarum or any other Statutes Act Ordinance Use Law Customs or any other Matter Cause or Thing heretofore Published or Provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding and because many Persons born or Inhabiting in the said Province for their Deserts and Services may expect to be capable of marks of Honour and Favour which in respect of the great distance cannot be conferred by Us Our Will and Pleasure therefore is and We do by these Presents Give and Grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full Power and Authority to give and confer unto and upon such of the Inhabitants of the said Province or Territory as they shall think do or shall merit the same such Marks of Favour and Titles of Honour as they shall think fit so as those Titles of Honour be not the same as are enjoyed by and conferred upon any of the Subjects of this Our Kingdom of England And further also We do by these Presents for Us Our Heirs and Successors Give and Grant by these to them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full Power Liberty and Licence to Erect Raise and Build within the said Province and Places aforesaid or any other part or parts thereof such and so many Forts Fortresses Castles Cities Boroughs Towns Villages and other Fortifications whatsoever and the same or any of them to fortifie and furnish with Ordnance Powder Shot and Arms and all other Weapons Ammunition and Habiliments of War offensive and defensive as shall be thought fit and convenient for the welfare and safety of the said Province or places of any parts thereof and the same or any of them from time to time as occasion shall require dismantle disfurnish demolish and put down and also to place constitute and appoint in or over all or any of the said Castles Forts Fortifications Cities Towns or Places aforesaid Governours Deputy-Governours Magistrates Sheriffs and other Officers Civil and Military as to them shall seem meet and to the said Cities Towns Boroughs Villages or any other place or places within the said Province or Territory to grant Letters or Charters of Incorporation with all Liberties Franchises and Priviledges requisite and usual or to be within any Corporation within this Our King of England granted or belonging And in the same Cities Boroughs Towns and other places to constitute erect and appoint such and so many Markets Marts and Fairs as shall in that behalf be thought fit and necessary And further also to make and erect in the Province or Territory aforesaid or any parts thereof so many Mannors with such Seignories as to them shall seem meet and convenient and every of the said Mannors to hold and to have a Court-Baron with all things whatsoever which to a Court-Baron doth belong and to have and to hold Views of Frank-pledge and Courts-Leet for the conservation of the peace and better government of those Parts with such Limits Jurisdictions Precincts as by the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c or their Heirs shall be appointed for that purpose with all things whatsoever which to a Court-Leet or a View of Frank-pledge belong the same Courts to be holden by Stewards to be deputed and authorized by the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. or their Heirs or by the Lords other Mannors and Leets for the time being when the same shall be erected and because that in so remote a Country and situate among so many Barbarous Nations the Invasion as well of Savages as other Enemies Pirates and Robbers may probably be seared Therefore we have as for Us our Heirs and Successours given power by these presents unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns by themselves or their Captains or other Officers to Levy Muster and Train all sorts of Men of what condition soever born whether in the said Province or elsewhere for the time being and to make War and to pursue the Enemies aforesaid as well by Sea as by Land yea even without the Limits of the said Province and by God's assistance to vanquish and take them and being taken to put them to death by the Laws of War and to save them at their pleasure and to do all and every thing which to the Charge and Office of a Captain-General of any Army belongs or hath accustomed to belong as fully and freely as any Captain-General of an Army hath ever had the same Also Our Will and Pleasure is and by this Our Charter We do give unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon c. their Heirs and Assigns full Power and Authority in cause of Rebellion Tumults or Sedition if any should happen which God forbid either upon the Land within in the Province aforesaid or upon the main Sea in making a Voyage thither or returning from thence by him and themselves their Captains Deputies or Officers to be authorized under his or their Seals for that purpose to whom also for Us Our Heirs and Successours We do give and grant by these presents full power and authority to exercise Martial Laws against mutinous and seditious persons of these parts such as shall refuse to submit themselves to their Government or shall refuse to serve in the Wars or shall flie to the Enemy or shall forsake their Colours or Ensigns to be loyterers or straglers otherwise howsoever offending
Scurvey against which their Turnips proved a sovereign Remedy There are Musk-Cats and Musk-Rats and near the Coasts is great killing of Marses or Sea-Oxen a small Ship in a small time slew fifteen hundred of them They are bigger than an Ox the Hide dressed is as thick again as a Bull 's they have Teeth like Elephants about a foot longer growing downwards out of the upper Jaw and therefore less dangerous It is sold dearer than Ivory and by some thought ns great an Antidote as the Vnicorn's Horn. The young ones eat like Veal which the old will defend to the utmost holding them in their Arms or Fore-feet out of the Bellies of five of these Fishes which live both on the Land and Water they make an Hogshead of Train-Oyl They sleep in great Companies and have one Centinel or Watchman to wake the rest upon occasion Their Sâ—ins are short-haired like Seals theirfaces resembles a Lion's and may therefore more justly be called Sea-Lyons than Sea-Oxen or Horses East of New-found-land over against Cape-Ray at the distance of about 70 Miles from that Shore lies a Bank or Ridge of Ground extending about 300 Miles in length and not above 75 in breadth where broadest This great Bank is covered with Water when the Sea is high and uncovered and dry on the Ebb on all sides whereof the Sea is 200 fathom deep so that ships of a considerable Burthen may ride over it And about this Bank lies dispersed several small Isles called by St. Sebastian Cabot the first Discoverer Los Boocaloos or the Isles of Cod-Fish from that Prodigious quantities of Cod-fish there found which were said to obstruct the passage of his Vessels It is almost incredible how many Nations yearly Trade thither Their Trade amounting to between three or four hundred Sayl of Ships that are assured to find sufficient Freight of Cod and Poor John one man catching an hundred in an hour they Fish with Hooks which are no sooner thrown into the Sea but the greedy Fish snapping the Bait is taken and drawn on Ship-board where they lay him on a Plank one cutting off his Head another guts and takes out its biggest Bones another salts and barrels it which being thus ordered is hence transported by the European Nations to all parts of Christendom and through most other parts of the World They fish only in the Day the Cod not biting in the Night nor doth the Fish last all Seasons but begins towards Spring and ends in September for in Winter they retire to the bottom of the Sea where Storms and Tempests have no power Near these Coasts is another kind of Fishing for Cod which the call Dried as the other Green-Fish The Fishermen retire into some Harbour and every Morning send out their Shallops two or three Leagues into the Sea who fail not of their Load by Noon or soon after which they bring to Land and order as the other After this Fish has lain some days in Salt they take it out and dry it in the Wind laying it again in heaps and exposing it daily to the open Ayr till it be dry which ought to be good and temperate to make the Fish saleable for Mists moisten it and make it rot and the Sun causes yellowness At this their Fishing the Mariners have likewise the pleasure of taking Fowl without going out of their Vessels for baiting their Hook with the Cod's Livers these Fowls are so greedy that they come by Flocks and fight who shall get the Bait first which soon proves its Death and one being taken the Hook is no sooner thrown out but another is instantly catcht And were the English diligent to inspect the advantage that might accrue to this Nation by setling Plantations on the Island and raise Fortifications for the security of the Place we might give Laws to all Foreigners that come to Fish there and in few years engross the whole Fishery to our selves the greatest Ballance perchance of Foreign Trade In the Year 1623. Sir George Calvert Knight and Principal Secretary of State and afterwards Lord Baltemore obtained a Patent of part of New-found-Land which was erected into a Province and called Avalon where he caused a Plantation to be setled and a stately House and Fort to be built at Ferryland and afterwards transported himself and Family thither and continued the Plantation by his Deputy till by Descent after his Lordships Decease it came to his Son and Heir the right Honourable Caecilius now Lord Baltemore who by Deputies from time to time was no less careful to preserve his interest there which tho' during the last Troubles in England was by Sir David Kirk's means for some years discontinued he was soon re-invested in the same by His Majesties most happy Restauration A DESCRIPTION OF THE Island of TOBAGO THis Island of Tobago is situaated in 11 degrees Iss Situation 30 minutes North Latitude and in 53 degrees 6 minutes Longitude West from the Lizard and about 40 League distance from Barbados its extent not exceeding 32 Miles in Length and about 11 in Breadth It is a Countrey blest with a temperate and wholesom Air It s Temperature by reason of a warm and temperate heat being moderated by a continual Brieze of Wind so that here is no Summer spent on purpose for Winter-provisions because all the year long both Herbage and Fruit bud up by a perpetual Spring And the Island is so well stored with Materials for Building that provided you bring dextrous Hands and good Artificers you may in a short time with little Charge build both Houses Towns and Fortifications The Soyl doth naturally produce Indian-Corn Corn Grain such as grows at Virginia New-York Carolina c. But no English Grain grows here however there are English Pease of divers sorts and Beans and Pulse enough likewise there is Guinea-Corn Bonevis the French-Pea the Kidney-Pea the Pigeon-Pea the French-Bean c. Here are excellent Fruits in great abundance Its Fruits as the Cushen-Apple which are both Meat and Drink only made distinguishable by the Art of Boyling whose Nut if preserved you may eat and of the Rinds while green make an excellent Lamp-Oyl which by small Labour is easily obtained Here is a Fruit called a Bonano which may be eaten raw or bettered by an easie decoction of Fire Here is also the Fig-tree such as is that in Spain and Portugal and several parts in America Then there is the Prickle-Apple the Pomegranate the Pine-Apple Pome Citrons Oranges of three sorts the sower for Sawce and the Flowers for Essences the sweet ones are eaten for Recreation But the China-Orange that grows here in America super-excels those in Europe beyond expression Of Limons here are two sorts the sower one for Limonadoes and the sweet one for Delectation So of Limes also here are sweet and sower with the last of which they make Limeads and Punch Guavers is a Fruit that is exceeding stony there is the