That fancie of a Common Improvement will not take but whoever expects profiâ—e from their Interests here must Impâ—ove them a part I have sold some of your Gloves aâ— 2 shil and 6 pen 3 shil 4 pen. a pair being what I câ—uld gett for â—hem the money five and a half part less then Inglish and shal make an account thereof at meeting Presâ—nt my service to all Friends I am Your very humble Servant Sic scribitur George Mackenzie A Double of a Letter from New-Perth daâ—ed the 1 of the seventh Moneth 1684. From Iohn Reid who was Gardner to the Lord Advocat to a Friend at Edinburgh SEing it hath plâ—sead God to bring me and mine safe unto this part I took upon my self as oblidged to writ something according to my promise of this Countrey indeed I must saâ— its a brave place but I have nor had time to take such observations as I wâ—uld being so ingadged to attend my other businesse Here is no ouâ—ward want especially of provisions and if people were industruos they might have cloaths also within themselves by the report â—f all it s the best of all â—he Neighbouring Collonies it is very wholesome pleasant and a fertill-land there are also some barren land viz. whit Sandy land full of Pin trees it lyes betwixt South-River and Barngate on Neverssink albiet there be also much good land in that precinct yet it s a good place for raising a stock of cattle providing they have large room to run in for cattle finds gâ—od food there in winter when none is in the best land and therefore do the inhabitants provide little hay in winter The soyl of the countrey is generally a red marle earâ—h with a surface of blak mould nor doth it appear that realy it is to their eyes who cannot penetrat beyond the surface full fraughted with grass pleasant hearbs and flowers and in many places little or no wood but most places full of large timber as walnut especially oak there be some places here and there in the Woods they call swamps whick is low Ground amidst or betwixt rising ground full of bushes which holds water in winter tho most of them be dry in summer but these being cleared and some of them that needs being drained are the richest land here are great conveniencies of Bay Sounds Rivers Creeks Brooks and Springs all over the Province but one of the best things is the large quantities of brave Meadowes both falt and fresh which makes the people here able to supply their Neighbours as they doe throw the abundance of their cattle I know one Planter who hath a hundred of cattle not above three years setled and no wonder for some of the grasse is al 's high as my head Its pity to see so much good land as I have been over in this province lying wast and greater pity to see so much good and convenient land taken and not improven As soon as any of the land here comes to be cultivated it over-runs with small Claver-grass by the pasturage and dunging of cattle and so supplants the naturall grass and hearbs notwithstanding of their quick and strong growth Fruit trees also prosper well here Newark made about a thousand barrell of sider last year a barrell is 8 Scots gallons this is like that of Woodbridge who made 500 barrels of pork in one year before the law was made against the swins trespasses Here they sow most Indian corn and Wheat some Rye Barly Oats Indian corn the first year that they break up or plough the second they sow Wheaâ— because the spontaneous grouth of the weeds is done away by howing the Indean corn as we do cabboge here is one planter makes accompt That he hath about three thousand bushels of wheat reapt this year I suppose he hath above a hundred acres of it but I doe not make these instances as so many precedents I know nothing wanting here except that good Tradsmen and good Husbandmen and Labourers are scarce a Labourer may have a bushell of Corn per day when he is a little acquainted with the work of the country but Tradsmen much more Smiths Carpenters Masons Weavers Taylors Shoemakers are very acceptable any who comes let them bring some cloaths and their proper tools with them as used in England and provide butter bisket wine and especially beer and ale for their Sea-voyage besides the ships allowance and they need not fear when they come here albiet they have no more yet they will be the better if they have something either in money or Scots linning and stuffs to buy a little provision at first to set them up a house and buy a cow or two and tho a man be rich I would not advise him ro bring many servants at least not to keep many at first untill he see about him and know what he is doing I Cannot tell what goods are best to bring David Barclay can tell better But he who brings money may expect 15. d. For the English shil some may bring a Little of the best Wheat for a change of seed and some barly and Oats for the same use also a Litle Scots field pise there being none such here bring also some great clower seed There are great store of Garding hearbs here I have not had time to inquire unto them all nether to send some of the many pleasant tho to me unknown plants of this Countrey to James Sutherland Physick Gardiner at Edinburgh but tell him I will not forget him when opportunities offers I had forgot to writ of Ambo or New-Perth therefore I add that it is one of the best places in America by the report of all Travellers for a town of trade for my part I never saw any so conveniently seated this with my love and my Wifs to all friends and acquaintances I Rest thy friend John Reid David Mudies Letter to his Wife New-Perth the 12. December 16â—4 My heart I Hope this shall find you and your Children in Good-health and I wish in as much satisfaction as I and our Children are here far beyond my expectation and others my well-wishers who are with you my last to you was upon my arrival here dated the 8th of November and at that time I could give you but a small account of my Judgement anent it it would take a great deale of time to inform you of every thing as it truelie is But to be short I have travelled through a part of it and it is far larger than ever I heard it reported in Scotland I dare say above a third more ground and there is abundance of brave Rivers through â—t all â— better then ever I did see in any place brave Meadows alâ—â—â—st all the River sides and lands above the Meadâ—w ground abundance of Fresh water Brooks and Springs plenty of Fishes in all the Rivers in the Summer time and that very good Fishes such as they preserve for Victual in the Wâ—nter and in
considerable Plantations within the Jurisdiction of that Town viz. Captain John Broun and others that first settled who removed out of the Town and settled greater plantations abroad Richard Hartshorn hath a Plantation with considerable Land belonging to it part within and part without Sandy Hook which with a part of Coney Island and Long Island opposite to it makes the entrance into the Bay that goes up to Now-York and also to the Lands of East-New-Jersey the Town is above 5 myles from the entrance of the Creek or River that goes up to it from the Bay There was a Plantation one the Norths side of the Creek at its entrance first settled by Nicolas Davis having a large tract of Land belonging to it of 2. or 3000. Acres since devided to deverse besides several Out-plantations and there is a great Deall of waist Land and other Improveable betwixt this said Piscattaway for about 20. myles There was a court of Sessions held twice or thrice a year for these two Towns and their Jurisdictions Thirdly Piscattaway Lyes next 25. or 26. myles from Midletoun Irs up Rariton River 5. or 6. myles westward in and there is about half myle within Land The entrance into Rariton River is at the bottome of the Southren bay and opposite to the Southermost point of Staten Islands the Northwest point of the entrance is called Amboy point where is a fair tract of Land formerlie reserved by the proprietor for his own use There are several Plantations all along on the North side of the River as you goe up to the Town and some on the South-side among which are considerable belonging to one Thomas Lauernce a baker at New-York his wife son about 3000. Acres Vp higher on Rariton River near the falls which are about 3. miles over Land there are severall Plantations a good big vassel loaden may goe up to the falls and so may above it for several myles in the River At the falls its foordable for horses and other cattle unlâ—s in great Floods when men may goe over 〈…〉 boats and Canows and horses will swim over though the River be a good breadth About the falls there are severall tract oâ—… Lands some upon on side some on the other siâ—… the River viz a place called by the Inâ—…ans Rachahova-Wallaby Captain John Palmer of Staten Islands Mr. Thomâ—… Coddrington Mr. White and Company Merchant at New-York in part setled there on 6. or 7000. Acres M. John Robison Mr. Samuell Edsall and Company of New-York on 6. or 7000. Acres Captain Palmer Mr. Whyte Captain Corsen and Company on 5. or 6000. Acres There is some other Land taken up by Milstoun River which comes into Rariton River and is near the midle bounds between the two Province of East and West-Jersey you pass Milstoun River to goe over Land from Piscataway to Meltinsed in Island in Delaware River which is near Burlingtoun The Town Consists of about 80 Families and of about 400. Inhabitants and of Acres about the Town about 10000 and for the out-Plantatations 30000. Woodbridge is over Land from Piscattaway about 7. or 8 miles it lyes up a River the entrance whereof is about 5 or 6 miles to the North of Amboy-Point the side ebbing and flowing betwixt the Main Land of New-Jersey and Staten Island on the Westside as it doeth on the East-side of the said Island and Long Island On the South side of the entrance into the River or Creek Mr. Delapairs Surveyour Generall hath a neat Plantation and he hath severall tracts of Land in the Province There are other Plantations on the South side of the River or Creek within Land and diverse on the Northside lying along the water side opposite to Staten Island untill you come to a Creek or River that divydes their bounds from these of Elezabeth Town the mouth of it being 8. or 9. myles from Woodbridge There are severall Plantations up the South-side of the Creek to the Road that goes along from Woodbridge to the Town and passeth over that River it being foordable over the Plantation on the north side Sayling to Elizabeth Town It s reckoned from one Town to the other ahout 15. or 16. miles over-Land but it s more by water This Town pretends to have more priviledges them any other Town in the province and hath a Charter of Corporation It hath a Court house and a prison built on their charge It consists of about 120 Families and 600. Inhabitants The Acres taken up by the Town may be about 10000. and for the Out-plantations about 20000. Elizabeth Town is the first new place that was settled 1664. by vertue of a patent from Mr Nicolas to Captain John Baker before the Lord Barclay and Sir George Cartwrights Tittle was knowen This Town lyes up 3. myles within a Creek the entrance whereof is almost opposite to the North-west-end of Staten Islands There are several Out-plantations on the North side of the River which devides the hounds between this Town and Woodbridge particularlie where the roads pass over to which place is about 7 or 8 myles There are other plantations at the point or entrance of the Creek on the North side if it comonly called Governour Cartwrights point where there is another ferme between the proprietor and him It s but a narrow passage there over to the Meadows of Staten Island then on Northward there are other Plantations fronting to the Bay that lyes to the North part of Staten Island beside some other within Land from the Town to New-York bounds There is in this Town a house orcheards and ferm within the Town in partnership between the Proprietor and Governour Philip Cartwright it being one of the first house built there and hath all along been the residence of the Governour untill of late he hath finished his New-house The Town is built on both sides of the Creek and Consists of 150. Families and of 700. Inhabitants The Acres taken up by the Town are computed to be 10000. and for the Out-Plantations 30000. Newark alias Millfoord is a Town distant to the Northward over Land from Elizabeth Town about 6 or 7 myles It lyes on a River called Newark River which emptieth it self into the Bay about 4 or 5 myles down opposite to the Town on the North side of the River lyeth a great tract of Land belonging to Mr. Kings-Land and Captain Sanfoord the quittrents whereof is purchased There is another great tract of Land taken up higher in the River by Captain Berrie who hath disposed of a part of it There are several Plantations setled there It s said he hath about 10000. Acres there farther up the water is an Island of about 1000. Acres belonging to Mr. Christopher Hoogland of Newark if it be not an Island it is tyed by a very narrow slip of Land to the Continent Above that again is a greater tract of Land above 8. or 9000. Acres purchased by Lease of the Governour according to the Concessions by
the nixt Spring I wish you were here and your whole Family for I doubt not but the Countrey would please you well For there is abundance of much better Land here then ever Arbikie was and an Earldome to be bought far below in pryce the vallow of what such pettie Lairdshipps as Arbikie is sold for in Scotland without purging of the Lands of any incumbrances For I hope to winn as much monie this year as will buy a better Lairdship then Arbikie and if ye resolve not to come over I resolve to buy Land before I come from this and title it Arbikie But I shall be sorie to take away your title for if I do it will be your own fault and for your better incouradgement I know you love a Gunn and a Dogge and here ye will have use for both For Wilde Geese Turkies Ducks and Drake Partridge Cunies Doves and innumerable more kind of Fowls which I know not their names are here to be seen every hour of the day in flocks above Thousands in Number And for your Skieft which you use to Fish with bring here with you or one like her for I assure you of good employment and yet ye may catch more Fish in an hour here than any Fisher in Montrose in two excepting Podloes at the shore head Sir take this as no jest from me for what is here written is a reall truth but ye may think it is not my dictating but the Writter and I have set it together the best way we can But yet not so full as I would have had it Present my Love to your Sister Uncle and all Friends and I am Sir Your very loving Friend and Cusin James Mudie A Letter from David Mudie Merchant in Montrose For James Mudie of Courthill in Scotland New-Perth the 9th of March 1685. Loving Brother I Write you a lyne upon my arivall here and by my last to my Wife of the date the 12. December I desired her to let you see it which I hope she has done if it be come to her hands I do now understand this Countrie better then I did at that time and the longer I travell in it I like it the better for a frugall man with a small fortune may very soon raise a good Estate which I wrote formerly to my Wife in relation to the Countrie I find it most certain and much better then I wrote this Winter hath been exceeding hard and sharpe the like not seen by those who have lived 20. or 30. years in it which hath hindred me of a great deal of work yet I have cleared three Acres of Ground to be an Orchard and a Garden which lyes close to the house which I am a building which is all of Stone work with Cellars under the Ground six Rooms off a floor two Stories high beside the Garrat and I have two Massons dayly working at it since the first of February three Wrights working at an Horse mill which will be clear against the later end of this Moneth And I am told that the Mill will be worth 100. lib. a year but I am sure she will be better then 50. of clear Money for every Scotsboll of Wheat or Indian Corn payes here for grinding of it 2. shill Ster this house and mill stands me a great deal of Money but there is none such in this Countrey nor ever was I resolve to go out to the Countrey to the Land which I have taken up which is upon a place called the South River which is 2 hours going from my own house by water I mind to settle some of my Servants there against the midle of this Moneth I am provided with six course Horse Oxen and Swine sufficiently in number for any Plantation for the first year the Land I have settled on in my Judgement is extroardinary good If any Friend or Acquaintance hath any inclination to come over here I can assure them if they be Frugall men and have but 300. lib. Ster Stock they may live better then a Gentleman with us of 40. Chalders of Victuall I cannot now resolve to come home till this time twelve Moneth since Thomas Parson hath so much disappointed me as I have written to my wife but against that time if the LORD preserve me in health I will come home then present my service to Arbikie and to my Sisters and to all our Friends which will save me a trouble to give them a Line my love to your wife and children I am Your Loving Brother David Mudie Let Arbikie my Sisters and the rest of my Friends see this Letter Abstract of a Letter from Robert Fullerron Brother to the Laird of Kinnaber to his Brothers and Sisters from Amboy the 6. of November 1684. Dear Brothers and Sisters By the Mercies of the Most High we are safe arryved after a long Demur by contrary winds we encountered very hapily at first with Long Island and the next day came to an Anchor in New Jersey The Passengers did all very well though we had some very rough gusts and were very throng in so small a vesshel being 130. Souls besids Sea men of these 27. were women 6. or 7. children only one man whom I hyred in your house called William Clark standing carlesly upon the Forcastle tumbled over boards and drowned tho we put out our boat and endeavoured in vain to save him This Countrey pleaseth us very well and appears to be nothing short of our expectation We were yesterday ranging about veiwing our Land whereâ—â—u shall have accompt by the next 〈◊〉 Land in general is good and aâ—reeâ—â—â—th the accompt you have heard tâ—â— I â—ees are no hing so invincible as I did â—magine being neither so thick nor so great as we thought The first plant which I touched was wild Bayes which row in abundance here the fruits are gery excellent such sorts as I have seen vâ—les the best I believe in the world some I have seen of a pound weight Cattle in generall are abundantly plentifull especially Horse and Oxen the greatness and fatness of the Oxen will Countervail the Difference of the price being about 5. lib. sterling The Countrey is not altogether leavell as some other Countries here but hath easie rysings and Vallies my new experience cannot give you such an accompt as you may afterwards expect but in generall the Countrey may satisfie any rationall ingenuous mind yet I find there be Novices who knows no happiness save home with a glass of Wine and Comorads in a change House tho there be no want here of more noble devertisments as hunting wild Beasts wild Horses and Deer yesterday I did see severall droves of Deer and wild Horses as I did ride up in the Countrey The Land which we were veiwing is a large plain under the blew hills watered with two or three little Rivers about 8. or 9. miles from New-Perth four from Rariton-River Northward the land downwards is all taken up by the Quitrenters
Continents in or near the Atlan ick Ocean And lastlie he findes much of the Origination of the Americans attribute to the Migration of the Seni or Sinenses from the Eastern parts of China and the Philippine Islands from the Islands of Borneo and the Moluccas and Japan through the Mare Pacificum unto the Western parts of America which tho it be a large Ocean of above 2000. Leagues betwixt the Philippine Islands and the West of the American Continent and the passage hither difficult in respect of the constant Easterly Windes betwixt the Tropicks yet many reasons appear to the liklyhood of a plantation from thence 1 in respect of the Peopling of China which Mr. Web sayes Was first Peopled after the Vniversal Deluge Sem the son of Noah first settling here it being the most ancient and primitive Language that by means of the Antiquity and Settledness of this Monarchie having continued ever since the Universal Deluge It is most probable the Western continent of America was Peopled hence 2 Because they were the greatest Masters of Shipping and best skilled in Navigation of any part in the World The Pixis Nautica being there known and used long before the knowledge thereof in Europe 3. The many Islands upon the South and South-east part of China as Borneo Javae Gilolo Celebes and others near the Aequator are disjoyned but by very narrow Seas not much broader than between England and France from the neck of Land called Terra de Papes or Nova Guinea and Nova Hollandia new discovered to be at least in some parts disjoyned from the more Southern Continent by a great Sea but anciently thought to have been a part of the Southern Continent Vpon these and the like Probabilities Judge Hales thinks it reasonable to conclude that the Americans had their Original from the Inhabitants of Europe Asia and Africa that Transmigrated into that Continent either intentionally or Casuallie or both 2. That these Migrations were not of one single People but of manie and diverse Nations 3. That these Migrations were not altogether or at one time but successivelie in several Ages some earlier some later 4. That therefore it is impossible to determine the time of such Migrations onely that they have been all since the Flood now above 4000. years ago some Migrations 2 3 or 400. years after the Flood some later according to various Accidents but that is no wayes probable that the earliest Migration hither was above 4000. years since for of one hundred pair they might easily propagat a number competent to People all that Continent 6. That it appears that since the last of these ancient Migrations suppose that of Madoch and his Brittons untill our late Migrations by the Spaniards French English Dutch and Scottish there probably interceeded an interval of at least 4. or 500. years in all which Interval the Commerce and Communication between Europe or Asia and America hath as it were slept and been forgot both by them and us 7. That in this interval of 500. years or there abouts in all parts but in some parts far greater there must in all Probability happen a great forgetfulness of their Original a great Degeneration from the Primitive Civilitie Religion and Custome of these pâ—aces from whence they first derived a Ferine and necessitous kind of Life by a conversation with these that having been long there were fallen into more barbarous habit of Life and Manners would easily assimilate at least the next Generation to barbarism or ferinnâ—ss where a Colony comes and keeps it self in a Body as the Roman Colonies did and the Plantations in Virginia and New England do and the New Accessions incorporat and joyn themsâ—lves unto that Body Custom both Religious and Civil And the Original Language are kept intire but where the Accessions are but thin and spairing and scattered among the Natives of the Countrey where they come and are driven to conform themselves unto their Customs fâ—r their very subsistance safety and intertainment it falls out that the very first Planters doe soon degenerate in their habits customs and Religions as a little wine poured into a great veshell loseth it self but if they escape a totall assimilation to the country where they thus are mingled yet the nixt Generation in such a mixture is quicly assimilated to the corrupt manners and customs of the people among whom they are thus planted so that it is no wonder if 〈◊〉 such kind of small Accessions successively from one and the same or severall Countries The third Generation forgot their Ancestors and the Customs Religions and languages of these people from whom they were first derived and assume various temperaments in their language and customs according as the places of their habitatation and the Company among whom they live obtain But there remains yet a great difficulty touching the noxious untameable Beasts as Lyons Tigers Wolves Bears which that continent abounds with how they come to be conducted over the seas to be preserved in the Ark and after to be transported again thither it not being probable that they could be transported by shipping seing no man would be at the pains charge and hazard with such Beasts which would doe more harme than good And altho possibly the Frozen Northern Seas might be a Bridge for their Passage yet that appears unlikly in respect of the great Snows which accompany such frosts and the impossibility of supply of food in so great and troublesome a journey and as to swimming tho the Seas between Tartary and Cathay and some parts of America be not so wide as the Atlantick or Pacifick Ocean yet they are too large to afford a passage by Sea for Tygers and Lyons not apt to take the water and it is not yet certainly discovered tho conjectured that there is any neck of Ground or passage by Land from any part of Europe or Asia unto any part of the continent of America The only thing then remaining to accommodat this difficulty is to suppose that tho it should be granted there is no such Land passage extant yet within the compass of 4000. years elapsed since the Flood there have been some such juncturs or land passages between the Northern parts of Asia or Europe and some Northern parts of the continent of America or between the South cast part of China or the Philipine Islands and the Southern continent tho latly there be discovered an interposition of Sea between the Isleand Delfago that Southern continent whereby either from Asia to Greenland in the North or from China to Terra-Australis incognita on the South a land passage might be from Asia to America for men and beasts tho for some ages past either by the violence of the water or by floods or earthquakes which hath made great alterations in the Globe of the Earth and Seas that Bridge or Line of communication be now broken or obliterat and truely such as observe the infinite number of Islands lying between
Latitude being about 12. Degrees more to the South then the City of London It is in the same Climate with the Kingdom of Naples and Montpelier in France The Summer is hotter and longer then in England and the Winter colder and shorter the dayes about an hour longer in Winter and as much shorter in Summer Is bounded South-East with the Maine Sea East by that vast Navigable Stream called Hudsons River which divides this from the Province of New-York West by a Line of Division which separates this Province from West-Jersey and North upon the Maine-Land And extends it self in length upon the Sea-coast and alongst Hudsons River one hundred English myles and upward The scituation of this Countrey is just as it were in the Center of the English plantations in America betwixt the South parts of Carolina which is over hot and the North parts of Pemaquitte next New Scotland which are coldest so that its conveniencie of scituation temperature of the Aire and fertility of the Soyl is such that there is no less then seven Towns considerable already viz. Shretsburry Midletonn Berghen New-wark Elizabeth-town Woobridge and Piscataway which are well inhabited by a sober and industruous people who have necessary provisions for themselves and families and for the comfortable entertainment of Travellers and Strangers And the Quit-rents or Fewes as they are called of these Towns and other plantations already in the Countrey yeelds to the 24 Proprietors above 500. lib. sterling yearly Revenue and the Air of this Collony is experimentallie found generally to agree well with English Constitutions and consequently with Ours For Navigation it hath these advantages not onely to be scituate along the Navigable parts of Hudsons River but lyes also fiftie myles along the Main Sea and near the midest of this Province is that notted Bay for ships within Sandy-Hook very well known not to be inferiour to any Harbour in America where ships not only harbour in greatest storms but there Ride safe with all Winds and sail in and out thence as well in Winter as Summer For Fishery the Sea-banks are very well stored with variety of Fishes not only such as are profitable for Exportation but such as are fit for Food there There are Whales Coad-fish Colling and Hake-fish and large Mackeril and also many other sorts of smal Flate-fish The Bay also and Hudsons River are plentifully stored with Sturgeon and other Scal-fish Eills and Shel-fish as Oysters in abundance This Countrey is also plentifully supplied with Lively-springs Rivolets Inland-Rivers and creeks which fall into the Sea and Hudsons-River in which also there is varietie of Fresh-fish and water Fowl There are little hills from Rariton-River which is about the middle of this Province that go to the verie North-West-bounds of it in which are aboundance of good Mill-Stons to be had and there is many both Corn and Saw-milnes set and setting up already also on the other side of these Mountains there is brave fresh Rivolets fit for setting of In-Land-Towns and a great deal of Meadow-ground upon the banks thereof So that there is abundance of Hay to be had for Fodering of Cattle in the Winter time and these Meadows shows the Countrey is not altogether covered with timber It s true the first difficulty meets People in Planting there is the cutting down Wood Tho having some Meadow intermixt already well covered with Hay is a great ease yet the trouble is compensed by the advantage which the timber being cut down yeelds being good Oake fit for Shipping and Masts and also Chesmite Walnut Poplar Cdar Ash Fir And also by the fertility of the Soyl being cleared which yeelds a vast increase not only of Indean Corn which is a very wholsome Food but of English grain as Wheat and Barley whereof it usually yeelds betwixt the 20. and 30th fold and with far less labour the timber being once removed then in Britan. And to show the labour of the cutting down the Trees and clearing the ground is not so great as some may Imagine It is known by experience that two men arriving there in September or October may clear as much ground as usually brings by Harvest following twenty Quarters that is ahout 40. Scots Bolls of grain This Countrey also produceth good Flax and Hemp which they now spine and Manufacture into Linnen Cloath the very Barrens there as they are called are not like most in Britain but produceth Grass fit for Grazing Cattle in Summer time There is also upon Ground already cleared store of good English Claver Grass growing the Countrey is well stored with wild Deir Connies and wild Fowl of several sorts As Turkeys Pigeons Partridges Plevers Quaills wild Swans and Geese Ducks in great plenty It produceth variety of good and delicious Fruits as Grapes Plumes Mulberries and also Appricocks Peaches Pears Apples Quinches Water Millons which are in England planted in Orchards and Gardens but grow there with fare less labour and many more Fruits which come not to perfection in England are the more natural product of this Countrey It is thought Olives would grow well there and being store of Mulberrie Trees Silk-worms would do well there for they were tryed in Virginia and proved very well if the laziness of the People and there being wholly set upon Tobacco and the Interest of Merchants who were afraid it might spoil their Silk-Trade from the Straits had not hindered To shew how Fruit-Trees do advance in that Countrey it is credibly reported that about Burlingtoun in West Jersey which is Northernly then the greatest part of this Province from an Apple-tree-Seed in four years without grafting there sprung a tree that in the fourth year bore such a quaintitie of Apples as yeelded a barrell of Syder There is there also great store of Horses Cowes Hoggs and some sheep which may be bought at reasonable prices with English money or English Commodities or mans labour where goods and money are wanting For Minerals It is thought there are not wanting of several sorts For there is an Iron-work already set up where there is good Iron made And also there is discovered already abundance of Black-Lead It is exceeding well furnished with safe convenient Harbours for shipping which is of great advantage and affords already for Exportation great plenty of Horses and also Beef Pork Pipstaves Bread Flower White Barley Rye Indian Corn Butter and Cheese which they export for Barbadoes Jamaica Mevis and other adjacent Islands As also to Portugal Spain and the Canaryes their Whale Oyl and Whale-Fins Beaver Mink Racon and Martine-skins which this Countrey produces they transport for England The Indian Natives in this Countrey are but few comparative to the Neighbouring Collony And these that are there are so far from being Formidable and injurious to the Planters and Inhabitants that they are really serviceable and advantagious to them not only in hunting and taking the Deer and all other wild Creatures and catching of Fish and Fowl fit
call our habitation solitarie for what with the publict employ I have little less companie at my house dayly then I had in George Yeard although not so many pass by my doors The people are general a sober professing people Wise in their Generation Courtious in their Behaviour and Respectful to us in Office among them As for the Temperature of the Air it is wonderfully scituated to the Humours of Mankind the wind and weather rarely holding in one point or one kind for ten dayes together It is a rare thing for a Vessel to be wind-bound for a week together the wind seldom holding in a point more then 48. hours in a short time we have weet and dry warm and cold weather which changes we often desire in England and look for before they come Yet this Variation creats not cold nor have we the tenth part of the cold as we have in England I never had any since I came and in the midst of Winter and Frosts could endure it with less cloaths then in England for generally I go with that same Cloaths I use to wear in Summer with you but warm cloaths hurt not I bless the LORD I never had better health nor my Family my Daughters are very well improved in that respect and tell me they would not change their place for George Yeard nor would I People here are generally settled where the tyde reaches and althoughs this is good Land and well Timbered and plentifully supplied with Salt-Marish yet there is much better Land up higher on the River where they may go up with small boats where many now are settling there 's extraordinary Land fresh Meadows overflowed in the Winter time that produces multitudes of Winter Corns and it s believed will end are 20 30 or 50 years flowing without intromission and not decay such Land there is at Sops on Hudsons River which hath born Winter Corn about 20. years without help and is as good as at first and better William Penn took a view of the Land this last moneth when here and said he had never seen such before in his life All the English Merchants and many of the Dutch have taken and are desirous to take up Plantations with us Our Countrey here called Berghen is almost Dutchmen at a town called Newark 7. or 8. miles hence is made great quantities of Syder exceeding any we can have from New-England or Rood-Island or Long-Island I hope to make 20. or 30. Barrels out of our Orchard next year as they have done who had it before me for that it must be as providence ordered Upon our view and survey of Amboy-point we find extraordinary well scituate for a great Town or City beyound expectation at low water round about the point are Oysters There are Oysters of two kinds small as English and others two or three morsells exceeding good for roasting and stewing The people say our Oysters are good and in season all Summer The first of the third Moneth I eat of them at Amboy very good The point is good lively Land 10. some places 20. foot above the water mark About it are several Coves with small Coasts may lay up Vessels as in a decke besides great Ships of any burthen may all ryde before the town Land-loked against all winds There Rariton-River runs up or rather down 50 far larger some say 100. mylles for small boats I saw several vines upon the point which produces as they say good grapes in their Season this Countrie is very full of them but being no present mother of profite few regard them more then to pick them as they lay in their way when they are rype We have store of Clamms esteemed much better then Oysters one Festivals the Indians feast with them there are Shallops but in no great plentie Fish we have great store as our relation set forth but they are very good when catcht as the proverb is I have several Barrels by me now which are good for our Table and for Sale I brought a Sea-Net over with me which may turn to good account Sea-Nets are good Merchandise here mine cost me about 4. or 5. lib. and can have 20. lib. for it if I would sell it now I may writ of many such matters in our Province which may invite persons here but so am resolved to conclude knowing that in probability there is not an Industrious man but by GODS blessing may not only have a comfortable but plentifull supplie of all things necessary for this life with the salutation of my true affection to all c. I rest thy affectionat friend Tho. Rudyard A Letter from Samuell Groome Surveyour General in East-New-Jersey dated at East-Jersey the 11th of August 1683. Friends and Fellow-Proprietors SInce my last I have now sounded the Channell from Amboy to Sandy-hook and finds it to be a broad and bold Channell in no place less then 3. fathom at high water in ordinary tydes 4 5 or 6 fathom except in one short place Rariton River is a good River and hath a good tyde of flood overpowering the freshes about 30 miles above Amboy after its flood the tyde hath no force against the Freshes which comes out of several branches of Rariton and joyns in one 40. or 50. miles above Amboy I have spent a considerable time in making discovery I have not as yet had times to lay out much land for you only about 17. or 18. thousand Acres in one tract good upland near Elizabeth Town I have now seen the tract of Land against or nigh Amboy point formerly laid out by Vanquillian it is on the West-side of a Creek called Chingeroces about eight thousand Acres And I intend shortly to lay as much or twice as much more to it but first we must talk with the Natives about that and other tracts of Land they are not yet paid for The last day of this moneth is appointed to treat with several Indians to buy several exceeding good tracts nigh the head of Rariton The tenth of the next Moneth is also appointed to treat with other Indians to buy other tracts of choice Meadowing and Vp-land that lyeth about 12. or thirteen myles up into the Countrey which I have seen and when we have accomplished these two things we shall he able to lay out for you much land and when I have been up in the Countrey towards and at Barnagate and agreed with the Indians thereabout for such land as we may see occasion to purchase presently in order to a setlement there for here are many both of New-England New-York and some parts of this Province stands ready to sit down in that part of the Countrey not only for the sake of the good Vp land and Meadows which report saith is much thereabouts but also for the sake of the Whale Trade and other fishing trade which is like to be there shortly New-England Men and others were aâ— tampering with the Indians to have purchased there before
and since we came but now they are out of hopes of coming in at that door so now they make their Addresses to us and would have us to purchase and let them come in our Tennents otherwayes as we may agree I intend to attempt these things this fall I have not been much on the South side of Rariton only upon some upland at severall places and upon the tract of 8. thousand 3. hundreth and 20. Acres of yours aforementioned and also on the Meadowing that lyes on the southside of Rariton above Amboy a year or two since purchased of the Indians in the name of Dam Cartwright though it was never intended for her nor for any Proprietor but as it fell out they quarrelled about disposing and sharing thereof so it is now without controversie yours Now know that Rariton River is accommodate on both sides with salt and fresh meadows salt as far as the salt sea water flows or predominats and fresh above as the River of Thames We have about 3000. Acres of meadowing butting on the river I hope it will never hurt Amboy town besides report saith that the upland next adjoyning to this meadowing beginning over against Amboy and so up 10 or 12 miles to a River that stricks out of Rariton south and is called South River is but mean land It may be well if you would agree to take each one a 24th part of Lands as we lay them out whither it be more or less or else take 500. Acres Lots and let these Lots be cast when 24. times 500 Acres is laid out where we can make greater Lots we may we have now got up three houses at Amboy and three more ready to be set up but workmen are scarce and many of them base the best will work but when they can spare time out of their plantations if no help comes it will be long are Amboy be built as London is housing will bring a Trade to that place the Indians comes thither to get Fish Foul Oysters Clams Mussels c. as people go to mercat for things they want and these Indians brings at Seasons great quantities of skins down Rariton so by Amboy and to New-York where they have a continuall supplie of things they want Well here is a brave Countrey the ground very fruitfull and wonderfull inclinable to English grass as Claver c. It Predominats over the more wild grasse very little barren much dry up-land and good meadow some phenny swampy land and small running brooks and rivers throughout all the parts of the Countrey I have been and these phenny and swampy Land hears great burdens of grass in short the land is four times better then I expected we must needs be out some money at present to purchase lands of the Indians but that will be soon got in with profit as people come to Inhabite and take up Land and pay as alwayes they have done their part of purchase from the Indians Here is great talk of the braveries of the place and land Barnagate I intend to see shortly after the season is fititng to go by land and water to it I intend to go by water in a Sloop to see how convenient it s by water and from thence come by Land so then I shall tell you more Ye must expect to be at charges for doing these and such other things I purpose shortly to writ to and demand in all places of the Quitrents and Arriers they generally say they will pay Captain Berry his two or three hundreth pounds behinds in arriers as is said because his caice differs from others a little I 'le GOD permitting begin with them first of all about his rent c. and either have rent or land what you write concerning building and repairing shall be ohserved I wish I were freely rid of all the goods I have of yours and my own at 28. per cent Excepting such as are for the Indian Trade These part of America are commodated with English goods Nevertheless when I pay Workmen and Labourers I pay them goods rated cent per cent New-York money but then I must pay them 2. or 3. silver and part paction which I procure with goods as well as I can The houses at Amboy are 30. foot long and 16. foot wide 10. foot betwixt joynt and joynt a double Chimney made with Timber and clay as the manner of this Countrey is to build will in about 50. lib. a house this pay procured here for 25. in goods the first coast I shall make you no return this year seing we are about purchasing and surveying all which will run out money in this place where Mint are so scarce to be had on such accounts I must as well as I can turn your goods into money provision and goods for Indians I have laid out Amboy into 150. Lots and have sent home a draught of it your S. G. Abstract of a Letter from Gavin Laurie Deputy Governour of East Jersey to the Proprietors at London dated from Elizabeth Town the 2. of March 1684. I Took up several dayes with Countrey men and others to view the Ground and Water at last I pitched upon a place where a Ship of 300. Tun may ride safely within a plank length of the Shoar at low water and joyning thereto is a peece of marish ground about 12. pearch broad and 20. pearch long and high land on each side like our Keyes by London Bridge this may be easie cut quit round for smal Vessels to come to the Key and lye safe round this Island I set out Lots 1. Acre a peece viz. 4. pole at the Key and 40. pole backward from thence along the river near half a mile I lay'd out the like lotts very pleasant for scituation where they can see the ships coming in the Bayes of Sandy-Hook for near 20 miles the Ships may ride alongs by the Town as safe as at London just at the point by the Town Rariton-River runs up the Countrey a great way there boats of 40 tun may goe and the River by the Town goes to New-York Hudsons-River Long Island Staten Island and so to New-England there is no place in all England for Conveniency and pleasant scituation There are 60 Lotts upon the River and 40 backward between these and the River and these backward have a highway 100 foot broad where I have laid out a place for a mercat with cross Streets from the River to the Market where the Town-houses are to be built when this was done I laid out 400 Acres to be divided in 48 parts viz. 36 to each Proprietor and those who have Lotts in the Town I grant them half Lotts in this to pay for the Lotts in the Town 20 pound or if a half Lott of 36 Acres 40 pounds I laid 400 Acres to ly untill the Proprietors agree to devyd it as people comes over There is 16 Lotts taken up by the Scotish Proprietors and 8 Lotts by the Proprietors