up the River till Night and then took up our Lodging in a dismal place being laid on our Backs and staked down in which posture we lay many Nights together the manner was our Arms and Legs being stretched out were staked fast down and a Cord put about our Necks so that we could not possibly stir the first Night being much tired I slept as comfortable as ever the next we lay in the Squahag Meadows our Provision was soon spent and whilst we were there the Indians went a Hunting and the English Army came out after us Then the Indians moved again dividing themselves and the Captives into many Companies that the English might not follow their Track At Night having crossed the River we met again at the place appointed the next day we repassed it where we continued a long time which being about thirty Mile above Sqâ— ag the Indians were quite out of fear of the English but much afraid of the Mohawks another sort of Indians Enemies to them In this place they built a long Wigwam and had a great Dance as they called it where it was concluded to burn three of us having provided Bark for that purpose of whom as I heard afterward I was to be one Serjeant Plympton another and the wife of Benjamin Wait the third I knew not then who they were yet I understood so much of their Language that I perceived some were designed thereto That night I could not sleep for fear of the next days work the Indians weary with dancing lay down and slept soundly The English were all loose whereupon I went out for Wood and mended the Fire making a noise on purpose but none awaked I thought if any of the English should wake we might kill them all sleeping to which end I removed out of the way all the Guns and Hatchets but my heart failing I put all things where they were again The next day when they intended to burn us our Master and some others spoke for us and the Evil was prevented at this time we lay here about three weeks where I had a shirt brought me to make one Indian said it should be made this way another a different way and a third his way whereupon I told them I would make it according to my cheife Masters Order Upon this an Indian struck me on the face with his Fist I suddenly rose in anger to return it again which raised a great Habbub the Indians and English coming about me I was fain to humble my self to my Master which ended the matter Before I came to this place my three Masters were gone a hunting and I was left with only one Indian all the company being upon a March who fell sick so that I was fain to carry his Gun and Hatchet whereby I had opportunity to have dispatcht him but did not because the English Captives had ingaged the contrary to each other since if one should run away it would much indanger the remainder whilst we were here Benjamin Stebbins going with some Indians to Wachuset Hills made his escape the tidings whereof caused us all be called in and bound One of the Indian Captains and always our great friend met me coming in and told me Stebbins was run away and the Indians spoke of burning us some were only for burning our fingers and then biting them off He said there would be a Court and all would speak their minds but he would speak last and declare That the Indian who suffered Stebbins to make his escape was only in fault and bid us not fear any hurt should happen to us and so it proved accordingly Whilst we lingred hereabout Provision grew scarce one Bears foot must serve five of us a whole day we began to eat Horsflesh and devoured several Horses three only being left alive At this time the Indians had fallen upon Hadly where some of them being taken were released upon promise of meeting the English on such a Plain to make further Terms Captain Ashpalon was much for it but the Sachims of Wachuset when they came were against it yet were willing to meet the English only to fall upon and destroy them Ashpalon charged us English not to speak a word of this since mischief would come of it With these Indians from Wachuset there came above fourscore Squaws or Women and Children who reported the English had taken Vncas and all his men and sent them beyon the Seas whereat they were much inraged asking us if it were true we denied it which made Ashpalon angry saying he would no more believe Englishmen They then examined every one a part and dealt worse with us for a time than before Still Provision was scarce at length we came to a place called Squaro Maug River where we hoped to find Salmon but came too late this place I reckon 200 miles above Deerfield then we paâ—ted into two Companys some went one way and some another we passed over a mighty Mountain being eight days in travelling it though we marched very hard and had every day either Snow or Rain we observed that on this Mountain all the water ran Northward Here we likewise wanted provision at length we got over and came neer a Lake where we staied a great while to make Canoos wherein to pass over Here I was frozen and here again we were like to starve all the Indians went a Hunting but could get nothing several days they Pawawed or Conjured but to no purpose then they desired the English to Pray confessing they could do nothing and would have us try what the Englishmans God could do I prayed so did Serjeant Plympton in another place the Indians reverently attended morning and night next day they killed some Bears then they would needs make us desire a Blessing and return Thanks at Meals but after a while they grew weary of it and the Sachim forbid us when I was frozen they were very cruel to me because I could not do as at other times When we came to the Lake we were again sadly streightned for Provision and forc't to eat Touchwood fryed in Bears Grease at last we found a Company of Racoons and then we made a Feast the Custom being that we must eat all I perceived I had too much for one time which an Indian that sat by me observing bid me slip away some to him under his Coat and he would hide it for me till another time this Indian as soon as he had got my Meat stood up and made a Speech to the rest discovering what I had done whereat they were very angry and cut me another piece forcing me to drink Racoon Grease which made me Sick and vomit I told them I had enough after which they would give me no more but still tell me I had Racoon enough whereby I suffered much and being Frozen was in great pain sleeping but little and yet must do my task that was set me as they came to the Lake they killed a
Guiana and Brasil beyond the Tropique of Capricorn to 32 degrees of Southern Latitude where having stay'd some time and taken possession of the Countrey after their usual Formalities they held on their course beyond the River of Plate to 52 degrees to the height of the Streights of Magellane but being here taken with foul weather and their Ships much impaired by Storms they were forced to return homeward by the Coast of Africa The year following he attempted another Voyage directing his course for Insula Real in the Country of Brasil but having passed Cape Verde and Sierra Liona upon the Coast of Guinney by great misfortune the Ship which carried their Provisions was sunk and 300 Hogsheads of Victuals and other necessaries for the Company were utterly lost by which disaster they were forced again to turn homeward how long he lived and what expeditions he made after this are not remembred in History IV. Francis Pizarro a Person of very mean birth and Education was likewise very fortunate in discoveries for going from Sivil in Spain where he was born to the Indies he went in company of Almagro and others to discover the South-sea in 1526. Pizarro offering to land his men was wounded and forced to retire to his Ships Almagro in another place had better success the Indians using him kindly and presenting him three thousand Duckets of Gold but endeavouring to land in that place of Pizarro's misfortune he was set upon by the Indians and lost one of his eyes in the encounter At length they met at Panama and having cured their wounds and recruited their Forces with two hundred men and many Slaves they set sail and landed at another place but are beaten back to their Ships and forced to an Island called Gorgon six miles from the Continent where Pizarro stay'd while Almagro went back for greater supplies but both he and his company were almost starved before Almagro's return being refreshed and strengthned they once more attempt the Indian Shore but were again repelled both from thence and the Island so that they resolved to go further coursing this Land and their ill fortune and having sailed five hundred miles they came to Chira a Province in Perue and having Intelligence by some of the Natives of the great wealth of this Countrey Pizarro sent one Peter a Candian on shore who was kindly treated by the Governor by whom he was shewed a Temple dedicated to the Sun wherein were inestimable riches whereupon it was agreed among the Partners in this Enterprize that Pizarro should return to Spain and get a License for this Conquest which he did accordingly but yet only for himself absolutely leaving his Companions out of the Grant and returning with Letters Pattents to Panama with his four brethren Hernando Gonzalo John and Martin de Alcantara his brother by â—he Mothers side his Partners were much disturbed â—hereat however after much quarelling Pizarro and Almagro agreed to make an equal division of their booty Pizarro goes before with an hundred and fifty Souldiers ordering Almagro to follow with all the strength â—e could make and Lands in Peru a River so called which gave name to those great and wealthy Provinces â—hey went by Land enduring much misery by the way â—ill they came to Puna where they were well received of the Governor till by abusing their Wives they provoked the Indians to take Arms but were soon defeated â—nd thereby their Riches became a prey to the prevailâ—ng Spaniards The Governor of this Island to satisfy his Jealousy â—ut off the Noses Privy Members and Arms of his Eunuchs Here Pizarro heard first of Atabaliba for the Governor taking part with Guascar Atabaliba's Brother who were at that time at War about the Soveraignty of the Kingdom he had taken six hundred of his Enemies Prisoners who now coming into Pizarro's hands â—e freely sent them to Tumbez a great Indian Town beâ—onging to Atabaliba and three Messengers with them to â—emand peace and safe entrance but notwithstanding â—heir Captives were so generously restored they ingratefully delivered the three Spaniards to their bloudy Priests to be sacrificed to the Idol of the Sun Upon this Pizarro took Tumbez and plunder'd the Temple and City From thence he marches toward Guatimala where Guascar sent some with great promises to desire his aid against his Brother Soon after others came from Atabaliba with a peremptory command that he should return back to his Ships Pizarro answered That he came thither not to hurt any but for their good as his Lord and Emperour had given him in charge nor could he now return without much dishonour being an Ambassador from the Pope and Emperor who were Lords of the World before he had seen King Atabaliba 's Royal Person and bad communicated to him such wholsome Counsels and Instructions as might be good both for his body and Soul Pizarro passed forward and as he went through the Province of Chira the Lords thereof provoked him against Atabaliba who had lately conquered their Countreys these Civil distractions did much facilitate the Spaniards Victories on the River Chira he setled the Colony of St. Michael for securing his Spoils and then marcht on to Guatimala sending Messengers on Horseback to give notice of his coming the Indians having never before seen an Horse were extreamly surprised but Atabaliba was little moved thereat though very much concerned that those Bearded Men afforded him such small Reverence and Respect he sent Pizarro a Pair of Shoes cut and Gilded under pretence of distinguishing and knowing him from others though it was judged a design to seize and kill him The next day the King was carried in Solemn Triumph upon the Shoulders of his Nobility in great Pomp and Magnificence Guarded with Twenty five Thousand Indians when Vincent a Dominican Frier coming before him with great Reverence holding a Cross in one hand and his Breviary or as some say a Bible in the other he blessed him with the Cross and said Most Excellent Prince it much concerns you to believe that God in Trinity and Vnity Created the World out of nothing and Formed a Man of the Earth whom he called Adam of whom we had all our beginning that Adam sinned against his Creator by disobedience and in him all his Posterity except Jesus Christ who being God came down from Heaven and took the flesh of the Virgin Mary and to save and redeem Mankind dyed upon a Cross like to this in my hand for which cause we worship it After his death he rose again the third day and after forty days ascended into Heaven leaving for his Vicar on Earth St. Peter and his Successors which we call Popes one of whom hath now given the most Puissant King of Spain Emperor of the Romans the Monarchy of the World Obey the Pope therefore worthy Prince and receive the faith of Christ which if you will believe to be most Holy and your own most false you shall do well but know that if you do
the contrary we will make War upon you and destroy and break your Idols to pieces Let me then advise you to leave off your false worship and thereby prevent all these mischiefs Atabaliba seemed to wonder at the Preaching of this Frier and replied That he was a free Prince and would become Tributary to none neither did he acknowledg any greater Lord than himself As for the Emperour he could be well content to be in friendship with so great a Monarch and to be acquainted with him but for the Pope he would not obey him who gave away what was none of his own and took a Kingdom from him whom he had never seen As for Religion he liked well his own neither would nor ought he to question the Truth thereof it being so ancient and approved especially since Christ died which never happened to the Sun and Moon whom he worshipped And how do you know said he that the God of the Christians created the World Fier Vincent answered That his book told it him giving him his Breviary or Bible Atabaliba looked in it and said It told him no such thing throwing it on the ground The Frier took it up and went to Pizarro crying out He hath cast the Gospels on the Ground Revenge it O Christians upon these Infidel Dogs and since they will not accept our friendship nor our Law let as utterly destroy them Pizarro hereupon set up his Standard and planted his Ordinance and his Horsemen in 3 Squadons assulted Atabaliba's people making great slaughter Pizarro himself with his Foot came in and did much execution with their swords all charged against Atabaliba killing them who carried him on their Shouldiers in his Pavillion whose Rooms were presently supplied by others till at last Pizarro pluckt him down by his Cloaths All the while not one Indian made resistance either because they had no Command or with the amazement to see their Soveraign so abused so that never a Spainarâ— was slain though several Indians were thurst through thus were the Indians routed their King and other rich spoyls remaining to the Spaniards reckoned at fourscore thousand Castilians in Gold and Seven Thousand Marks in Silver of the houshold Plate of Atabaliba every Mark being eight Ounces And in Guatimala they found several Houses filled up to the roof with rich Garments besides Armour and Weapons of which some were Axes and Pole-axes of Gold and Silver The next day the Spaniards searcht all about for spoil and found five thousand women belonging to the King with much Treasure Atabaliba was much disturbed at his imprisonment but especially because they put a chain upon him and when many proposals had been made about his ransom a Souldier said If you will give us this House full of Gold and Silver thus high lifting up his Sword and making a mark upon the wall you shall have your Freedom Atabaliba promised if they would give him Liberty to send throughout his Kingdom he would fulfil their demand whereat the Spaniards amazed gave him three months time but he had filled the House in two months and an half a thing hardly to be credited but saith Lopez Vaz I know above twenty men who were there at that time and all affirmed that there was above ten Millions of Gold and Silver Another Spanish Captain relates that Atabaliba promised to give them so much Gold as should reach up to a Mark which was a span higher than a â—all man could reach the room being 25 Foot long and 15 wide and the Governor demanding how much Silver he would give he said he would fill up a large inclosed Garden with Vessels of Plaâ—e for his ransom this Captain was made Guardian of this Golden House and saw this vast mass of 〈◊〉 melted down the Governâ—â—â— sent a fifth paâ—◠〈◊〉 â—he King of Spain and partâ—◠〈…〉 giving to eveâ— Footman which â—ere 〈…〉 two four thoâ—â—â— eight hundred 〈…〉 which amounted to abovâ— seven 〈…〉 Horsman 63 〈…〉 advaâ—taâ—e 〈…〉 he Victor◠〈…〉 thousand Pezo's and â—o thousand to the Inhabitants of St. Michael Many other gifts he gave to Merchants and others and yet after the Governor was gone there was more Gold brought in than that which had been shared Ten or twelve days after the Spaniards who were sent to Cusco brought in as much Gold as amounted to two Millions and an half and half a million of Silver When Atabaliba had procured this immense sum he was discharged from his promise by sound of Trumpet and yet was still kept under a Guard for the Spaniards security under pretence that his Subjects were again gathered together by his Command he argued with them that if they were assembled together it was no more by his Authority than the moving of the Leaves of the Trees but however being their Captive he said it was in their power to take away his Life Notwithstanding these so reasonable Remonstrances they consulted whether they should burn him alive and at last Condemned him to that cruel death but by the intreaty of some that Sentence was mitigated and he was ordered to be strangled by four Negro's whom Pizarro kept for that purpose which one night was accordingly performed the King understanding he was to dye spake thus to his Murderers Why do you kill me Did not you promise to set me at liberty if I would give you Gold I procured it for you yea more than you required yet if it be your pleasure that I must be killed send me to your King of Spain that I may clear myself of what you falsly object against me but the Executioners stopt his Breath before he could proceed further yet did not vengeance suffer these Ingrateful Villains to escape Almagro was Executed by order of Pizarro and young Almagro slew Pizarro who was likewise put to death by de Castro John Pizarro was slaughtered by the Indians Martin and Francis two other of his Brethren were likewise killed Ferdinand was imprisoned in Spain and his end unknown Gonzales was put to death by Gasca and the Civil Wars among themselves utterly destroyed the rest of these Treacherous Spaniards The difference between the two Brethren accelerated their Ruin Guascar succeeded his Father in the Kingdom and the Province of Quito was assigned to Atabaliba who being of an aspiring Spirit seized on Tumebamba a rich Province upon which his Brother raising Forces took him Prisoner Atabaliba making his escape got back to Quito where he made his People believe that their God the Sun had turned him into a Serpent and thereby he got through a hole in the Prison the conceit of this Miracle made them instantly rise in Arms against Guascar with whose assistance Atabaliba made such Slaughter of his Enemies that there are great heaps of Bones to be seen at this day Threescore Thousand being killed and many Provinces Conquered during Atabaliba's Imprisonment some of his Captains had taken his Brother Guascar who sent word to one of the Spanish Commanders that if
valued under one hundred Pounds to the Landward it is incompassed with a Wall of good thickness and fortified at the entrance of the River so as to command any Ship which passes that way by a Fort called James-Fort It hath a Mayor Aldermen a Sheriff and Justices of Peace for their Magistrates the Inhabitants are most English and Dutch and have a considerable Trade with the Indians for Bever Otter Racoon Skins with other rich Furs likewise for Bear Deer and Elk Skins and are supplyed with Venison and Fowl in the Winter and Fish in the Summer by the Indians at an easy Price The Province of New-York formerly contained all that Land which lies in the North-parts of America betwixt New-England and Mary-Land the length toward the North is not fully known the breadth is about 200 Miles the principal Rivers are Hudsons River Raritan River and Delaaware Bay the chief Islands are the Manahatan Island Long Island and Staten Island Manahatan Island so called by the Indians lyeth within Land betwixt forty one and forty two Degrees of North Latitude and is about fourteen Miles long and two broad New-York is seated on the West end of this Island having a small Arm of the Sea which divides it from Long Island on the South Long Island runs Eastward above an hundred Miles and is in some places eight twelve and fourteen Miles broad Inhabited from one end to the other having an excellent Soil for all English Grain the Fruits Trees and Herbs very good in May you may see the Woods and Fields so curiously bedeckt with Roses and a multitude of other delightful Flowers as equal if not excel many Gardens in England there are several Navigable Rivers which run very swift and are well furnished with variety of Fish as the Land is with all sorts of English Cattel besides Deer Bear Wolves Racoons Otters and Wild Fowl in abundance There are now but few Indians upon the Island and these not unserviceable to the English being strangely decreased since the English first setled there for not long ago there were six Towns full of them which are now reduced to two Villages the rest being cut off by Wars among themselves or some raging mortal diseases They live principally by Hunting Fowling and Fishing their Wives tilling the Land and planting the Corn They feed on Fish Fowl and Venison likewise Polcats Turtles Racoon and the like They build small moveable Tents which they remove three times a year cheifly quartering where they plant their Corn besides their Hunting and Fishing Quarters Their Recreations are cheifly Football and Cards at which they will play away all they have except a Flap to cover their nakedness They are great Lovers of strong drink so that except they have enough to be drunk they care not to drink at all If there be so many in a company that there is noâ— sufficient to make them all drunk they usually chuse so many as are proportionable to that quantity and the rest must be Spectators if any chance to be drunk before he has taken his share which is ordinarily a Quart of Brandy Rum or Strong Waters to shew their Justice they will forcibly pour the rest down his throat In these debauâ—hes they often kill each other which the Friends of the dead revenge â— on the Murderer unless he purchase his life with money which is made of a Periwinkle shell both black and white strung like beads Their Worship is Diabolical and usually performed but once or twice a year unless upon some extraordinary occasion as making war or the like The time about Michaelmas when their Corn is ripe The day being appointed by their chief Priest or Pawaw most of them go a hunting for venison when they are all assembled if the Priest wants money he then tells them their God will accept no offering but money which the People believing every one gives according to their ability The Priest takes the money and putting it into some dishes sets them upon the top of their low flat-roofed Houses and falls to invocating their God to come and receive it which with many loud hollows and outcries striking the ground with sticks and beating themselves is performed by the Priest and seconded by the People After being thus wearied a Devil by this Conjuration appears amongst them sometimes in the shape of a Fowle a Beast or a Man at which the People being amazed not daring to stir the Priest improves the opportunity and stepping out makes sure of the money and then returns to lay the Spirit who is sometimes gone before he comes back having taken some of the Company along with him but if at such times any English come among them it puts a period to their proceeding and they will desire his absence saying their God will not come till they are departed In their Wars they fight no pitcht Battel but upon their enemies approach having first secured their Wives and Children in some Island or thick Swamp armed with Guns and Hatchets they way-lay their Enemies and 't is counted a great fight where seven or eight are slain When an Indian dies they bury him upright sitting upon a seat with his Gun money and goods to furnish him in the other World which they conceive is Westward where they shall have great store of Game for Hunting and live at ease At his buriall his nearest Relations paint their faces black and make sad lamentations at his Grave once or twice every day till by time the blackness is worn off their faces and after that once a year they mourn a fresh for him visiting and trimming up the Grave not suffering any Grass to grow neer it fencing it with a hedg and covering it with Mats for a shelter from the rain Notwithstanding all this bustle when an Indian is dead his name dies with him none daring ever after to mention his name it being not only a breach of their Law but an affront to his Friends and Relations as if done on purpose to renew their greife And every Person who hath the same Name instantly changes it for another which every one invents for himself some calling themselves Ratlesnake others Buckshorn or the like Yea if a Person die whose Name is some word used in common speech they change that word and invent a new one which makes a troublesome alteration in their Language When any one is sick after some means used by his Friends every one pretending skill in Physick that proving ineffectual they send for a Pawaw or Priest who sitting down by the sick Person without the least inquiry after the distemper expects a Fee or gift according to which he proportions his work beginning with a low voice to call sometimes upon one God and then another still raising his voice beating his naked breasts and sides till the sweat runs down and his breath is almost gone the little that remains he breathes upon the face of the sick Person three or four
Worship at New-Castle and the Swedes three one at Christina one at Tenecum and one at Wicoco within half a Mile of this Town There rests that I speak of the Condition we are in and what Settlement we have made in which I will be as short as I can for I fear and not without reason that I have tryed your Patience with this long Story The Country lieth bounded on the East by the River and Bay of Delaware and Eastern Sea it hath the Advantage of many Creeks or Rivers rather that run into the main River or Bay some Navigable for great Ships some for small Craft Those of most Eminency are Christina Brandy-wine Skilpot and Skulkill any one of which have room to lay up the Royal Navy of England there being from four to eighâ— Fathom Water The lesser Creeks or Rivers yet convenient for Sloops and Ketches of good Burthen are Lewis Mespilion Cedar Dover Cranbrook Feversham and Georges below and Chichester Chester Toacawny Pemmapecka Fortquessin Neshimenek and Pennberry in the Freshes many lesser that admit Boats and Shallops Our People are mostly settled upon the upper Rivers which are pleasant and sweet and generally bounded with good Land The Planted part of the Province and Territories is cast into six Counties Philadelphia Buckingham Chester Newcastle Kent and Sussex containing about Four Thousand Souls Two General Assemblies have been held and with such Concord and Dispatch that they sate but three Weeks and at least seventy Laws were past without one Dissent in any material thing But of this more hereafter being yet Raw and New in our Geer However I cannot forget their singular Respect to me in this Infancy of things who by their own private Expences so early consider'd Mine for the Publick as to present me with an Impost upon certain Goods Imported and Exported Which after my Acknowledgments of their Affection I did as freely remit to the Province and the Traders to it And for the well Government of the said Counties Courts of Justice are establisht in every County with proper Officers as Justices Sheriffs Clerks Constables c. which Courts are held every two Months But to prevent Law-Suits there are three Peace-makers chosen by each County-Court in the nature of common Arbitrators to hear and end Differences betwixt man and man and Spring and Fall there is an Orphan's Court in each County to inspect and regulate the Affairs of Orphans and Widows Philadelphia the Expectation of those that are concern'd in this Province is at last laid out to the great Content of those here that are any wayes Interested therein The Scituation is a Neck of Land and lieth between two Navigable Rivers Delaware and Skulkil whereby it hath two Fronts upon the Water each a Mile and two from River to River Delaware is a glorious River but the Skulkil being an hundrod Miles Boatable above the Falls and its Course North-East toward the Fountain of Susquahannah that tends to the Heart of the Province and both sides our own it is like to be a great part of the Settlement of this Age in which those who are Purchasers of me will find their Names and Interest But this I will say for the good Providence of God that of all the many Places I have seen in the World I remember not one better seated so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a Town whether we regard the Rivers or the conveniency of the Coves Docks Springs the loftiness and soundness of the Land and the Air held by the People of those parts to be very good It is advanced within less than a Year to about four score Houses and Cottages such as they are where Merchants and Handicrafts are following their Vocations as fast as they can while the Country-men are close at their Farms Some of them got a little Winter-Corn in the Ground last Season and the generality have had a handsom Summer-Crop and are preparing for their Winter-Corn They reaped their Barley this Year in the Month called May the Wheat in the Month following so that there is time in these parts for another Crop of divers things before the Winter Season We are daily in hopes of Shipping to add to our Number for blessed be God here is both Room and Accommodation for them the Stories of our Necessity being either the Fear of our Friends or the Scare-Crows of our Enemies for the greatest hardship we have suffered hath been Salt-Meat which by Fowl in Winter and Fish in Summer together with some Poultry Lamb Mutton Veal and plenty of Venison the best part of the year hath been made very passable I bless God I am fully satisfyed with the Country and Entertainment I can get in it for I find that particular Content which hath always attended me where God in his Providence hath made it my place and service to reside You cannot Imagin my Station can be at present free of more than ordinary business and as such I may say it is a troublesome Work but the Method things are putting in will facilitate the charge and give an easier Motion to the Administration of Affairs However as it is some Mens Duty to Plow some to Sow some to Water and some to Reap so it is the Wisdom as well as Duty of a Man to yield to the mind of Providence and chearfully as well as carefully imbrace and follow the Guidance of it The City of Philadelphia as it is now laid out extends in Length from River to River two Miles and in Breadth near a Mile and the Governour as a further manifestation of his Kindness to the Purchasers hath freely given them their respective Lots in the City without defalcation of any of theâ—r Quantities of Purchased Lands and as it s now placed and modelled between two Navigable Rivers upon a Neck of Land and that Ships may ride in good Anchorage in six or eight Fathom Water in both Rivers â—â—se to the City and the Land of the City level dry and wholsom such a Scituation is scarce to be parallel'd The City is so ordered now by the Governour 's Care and Prudence that it hath a front to each River one half at Delaware the other at Skulkil and though all this cannot make way for small Purchasers to be in the Fronts yet they are placed in the next Streets contiguous to each Front viz all Purchasers of one Thousand Acres and upwards have the Fronts and the High-street and to every five Thousand Acres Purchase in the Front about an Acre and the smaller Purchasers about half an Acre in the backward-Street By which means the least hath room enough for House Garden and small Orchard to the great Content and Satisfaction of all here concerned The City consists of a large Front-street to each River and a High-street near the middle from Front or River to Front of one hundred Foot broad and a broad Street in the middle of the City from side to side of the
Water for certain Sea-Fowl which live only by Prey have open hostility with them and seize them as they fly The Sword-Fish is worth observing as well as the Flying-Fish it hath at the end of the upper Jaw a defensive weapon about the bredth of a great broad Sword which hath Sharp hard teeth on both sides some of these Swords are five foot long and six inches broad at the lower end with twenty seaven white solid teeth in each rank and the bulk of their Bodies bears a proportion thereto The head of this Monster is flat and hideous to behold being in the Shape of an Heart neer their Eyes they have two Vents at which they cast out the Water which they have swallowed They have no Scales but a greyish Skin on their back and white under the belly which is rough like a file They have seaven Fins two of each side two on the back and and one which serves them for a Tail some call them Saw-fishes and some Emperors because there is always open War between them and the Whale which is many times wounded to death by this their dreadful weapon CHAP. XV. A Prospect of the Island of Dominica THe Island of Dominica lyes in the Latitude of fifteen degrees and thirty Minutes judged to be in length about thirteen Leagues or forty Mile and not much less in breadth where it is greatest On the West-side of the Isle is a very convenient Harbour for Ships It is very Mountainous in the midst which incompasses an inaccessible bottom where from the tops of certain Rocks may be seen an infinite number of Vipers Dragons and other dreadful venemous Creatures whom none dares approach unto Yet there are many fruitful valleys producing several commodities but especiably Tobacco which is planted by the English but the Natives who are Cannibals and very barbarous do much hinder the coming of the English to settle there For the Caribeans are very numerous in it and have a long time entertained those who came to visit them with a story of a vast and monstrous Serpent which had its aboad in that bottom affirming that there was on the head of it a very sparkling stone like a Carbuncle of inestimable price and that it commonly covered this Rich Jewel with a thin moving Skin like that of a mans Eye-lid but that when it went to drink or sported it self within the midst of that deep bottom he fully discovered it and that the Rocks all about received a a wonderful lustre from the Fire issuing out of that precious Crown The Supream Person of this Island was heretofore one of the most considerable among those of the same Nation for when all their forces marched out against the Arovagues their Common Enemies of the Continent he had still the conduct of the Van-guard and was known by a particular Mark which he had about him When any French ships come neer this Island there are immediately seen several Canows in each of which there are are three or four Indians at the most who come to direct them to the Havens where they may safely Anchor They commonly bring along with them some of the Countrey fruits whereof having presented the Captains and other Officers with the choicest they offer the rest in exchange for Fishing hooks graines of Chrystal and such trifles as they Account precious They have had some differences with the English upon the account of damage received from some particular Persons which though our nation hath protested against yet their reveng is so implacable that they hardly ever forgive nor pass by any injuries And upon this Account next the Arovages on the Continent of America the greatest enemies the Caeibbeans have are the English which enmity took his rise from hence that some ill principled Englishmen under the Flags of other Nations having by pretended kindness and little gifts and Aqua Vitae which they dearly love got divers of the Carribbeans aboard their Ships when they saw their Vessel ful of these poor people who never dreamt of such Treachery carried away men Women and Children into their Plantations were they are still kept slaves Hence it happens they bear such a grudg to the English as hardly to endure to hear their Language and if a Frenchman or some other Nation in Friendship with them chance to use any English expression he runs the hazard of their Enmity In revenge hereof they oft make Incursions into Montserrat Antego and other English Settlements firing their Houses and carrying a way Goods Men Women and Children with them but do not eat them as they do the Arovagues They do not love to be called Cannibals though they eat the Flesh of their Enemies which they say they do to satisfy their Indignation and revenge and not out of any delicacy they find in it more than in any thing else which they eat In other things they are of a good tractable disposition and so great enemies to severity that if the European or other Nations who have any of them slaves treat them with rigour they dye out of pure grief They commonly reproach the Europeans with their Avarice and immoderate industry in getting wealth for themselves and Children since the Earth is able to find sufficient sustenance for all men if they will take pains to cultivate it As for themselves they say they are not perplexed with care for those things wherewith their lives are preserved and it is apparent they are much fatter and healthier than those that fare deliciously They live without Ambition without vexation without disquiet having no desire of acquiring Honours or Wealth slighting Gold and Silver and seeming astonished to see us so much esteem them considering we are so well furnished with Glass or Chrystall which they think more beautiful and valuable When they go a hunting Fishing or root up Trees for ground to make a little Garden or to build Houses which are innocent Imployments and sutable to the nature of man they do all without eagerness and as it were in a way of divertisement and Recreation When they see the Christians sad or perplext at any thing They give them this Gentle Reprehension Compeer a Familiar word they learn of the French signifying Friend or Gossip how miserable art thou thus to expose thy Person to such tedious and dangerous Voyages and to suffer thy self to be orepressed with cares The inornate desire of getting wealth puts thee to all this trouble and all these inconveniences and yet thou art no less disquieted for the goods thou hast already gotten than for those thou art desirous to get Thou art in continual fear lest some body should rob thee either in thy own Countrey or upon the Seas or that thy Goods should be lost by shipwrack or the Waters thus thou growest O d in a short time thy hair turns grey thâ— forehead is wrinckled a thousand inconveniencies attend thy Body a thousand afflictions surround thy heart and thou makest all the hast
their Division the French more of the plain Country fit for Tillage The English exceed the French in number but the French have four Forts and the English only two and to prevent differences between the two Nations each of them have a Guard upon the Frontiers of their Division which is renewed every day There is a fine Salt Pit in the Island and some conceive there is a Silver Mine but because the Salt Pits Woods Havens and Mines are common to both People it is not regarded besides the great stock and multitude of slaves which such an enterprize would require The true Silver Mine is Sugar This Island may be easily incompassed by Land but one cannot pass through the midst of it by reason of several great and steep Mountains between which are dreadful Rocks Precipices and springs of hot Water yea some springs of Sulphur which causeth one of them to be called the Sulphur Mountain The Island seems to descend gently toward the Sea and is divided into several Stages from the uppermost whereof a man may take a very pleasant Prospect of all the Plantations from thence downward There are many gallant Houses built both by the English and French and the English have also erected five fair Churches well furnished within with Pulpits and Seats of excellent Joyners work of precious wood The Ministers being sent thither by the Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury The French and English Colonies had their beginning at the same time for in 1625. Monsieur Desnambuck a French and St. Thomas Warner an English Gentleman jointly took possession of St. Christophers on the same day in the names of the Kings of Great Britain and France their Masters that they might have a place of safe retreat and a good Haven for the Ships of both Nations bound for America as being well furnished with Provisions and therefore often visited by the Spaniards who sometimes left the sick there to be look'd to by the Caribeans with whom they had made a peace upon those Terms These two Gentlemen having thus taken possession of the Island left some men therein to secure it and returned for the further establishment of these Colonies to their respective Countreys But before they parted hence suspecting some private Intelligence between the Indians and Spaniards for destroying all the English and French in their absence they in one night rid their hands of the most factious of that Nation and soon after forced all the rest who were got together in several Bodies and stood upon their Guard to retire to some other Islands and leave that to their disposal After this they both returned home where their Conquests and Proceedings being approved of by the Kings their Masters they returned with recruits of men in the quality of Governors and Lieutenants under the Kings of Great Britain and France and having divided the Island according to their first Agreement and the English having plentiful Provisions from London prospered much more than the French who wanted necessary assistance In 1629. a powerfull Fleet from Spain under Don Frederick de Toledo had received order from that King that before he fell down to the Havana he should touch at St. Christophers and force thence all the English and French who had planted themselves there for some years before This Navy consisted of twenty four great Ships of Burden and fifteen Frigots who first seized some English Ships lying at Anchor near the Isle of Mevis And then came and cast Anchor in the Road of St. Christophers in the French Division and the Forts of both Colonies being not in a condition to stand out a Siege unfurnished with Ammunition and Provisions nay all the Forces of the Nations in Conjunction not being able to have opposed so great an Army it was a great discouragement to them yet resolving the Enemy should not boast they had compassed their designs without blows they made a very Vigorous opposition but being over powered by number the French forsook the Island â—â—snamâ—uâ— Imbarquing all his Men in certain Ships which chanced to be in the Haven The Quarters of the English upon this Intelligence were in great disorder and in continual expectation that the Spaniards would fall upon them Some endeavouring to escape by Sea or shelter themselves in the Mountains while others somewhat more couragious sent Deputies to Don Frederick to propose an accommodation But all the answer they received was an express command immediately to depart the Island or to be treated with that Rigour which the Law of Arms permits to be used toward those who wrongfully possess what belongs not to them and to speed their departure he ordered those English Ships taken at Mevis should be restored to them wherein they should Imbarque Instantly for England and because it was impossible those Vessels should contain so great a number he permitted the rest to continue in the Isle till they had opportunity of Transportation These things dispatcht Don Frederick weighed Anchor but as soon as the Fleet was out of sight the English who were left behind began to rally and took a resolution couragiously to carry on the Settlement of their Colony During these Transactions at St. Christophers the French who went to Sea having suffered many inconveniences were forced to put in at the Islands of St. Martin and Montserrat but looked on them as Desarts in comparison of the place they had left and being desirous to be informed of the condition of the Spaniards there sent one of their Ships to St. Christophers who returning gave them an account the Enemy was gone and the English couragiously imployed in Re building Planting and repairing Desolations This unexpected good News revived their decayed hopes and persuaded them to a speedy return The English Colony with constant supplies from London from that time grew very powerful peopling not only this place but sending new Plantations from hence to Barbuda Montserrat â—ntego and Barbadoes which are grown very numerous and famous for the Trade of the rich commodities they are furnished with as well as this curious Island whose chiefest Trade is Sugar Tobaccâ— Cotton Ginger with several other sorts of Fruits and Provisions The Rocquet is a pretty Animal in this Isle their skin is of the colour of a withered leaf marked with little Yellow or blewish Points they go on four feet those before being highest their Eyes lively and sparkling their heads always lifted up and so active that they leap up and down perpetually like Birds when they make no use of their Wings their Tails are so turned up toward their back that they make a Circle and an half They love to look upon men and are constantly staring on them When they are pursued they open their Mouths and put out their Tongues like little Hounds There is a large Bird in the Carribees called the Eagle of Orinca much like an Eagle in shape All his Feathers are of light Gray marked with black Spots save that the ends of