A New Voyage to Carolina
by
John Lawson
Part 2 out of 6
close to the Fire-side, where we lay. My Spaniel soon discover'd him,
at which, one of our Company fir'd a Gun at the Beast; but, I believe,
there was a Mistake in the loading of it, for it did him no Harm.
The Wolf stay'd till he had almost loaded again, but the Bitch making
a great Noise, at last left us and went aside. We had no sooner laid down,
but he approach'd us again, yet was more shy, so that we could not get
a Shot at him.
{Tuesday.}
Next day, we had 15 Miles farther to the Keyauwees. The Land
is more mountainous, but extremely pleasant, and an excellent Place
for the breeding Sheep, Goats, and Horses; or Mules, if the English
were once brought to the Experience of the Usefulness of those Creatures.
The Valleys are here very rich. At Noon, we pass'd over
such another stony River, as that eight Miles from Sapona.
This is call'd Heighwaree, and affords as good blue Stone for Mill-Stones,
as that from Cologn, good Rags, some Hones, and large Pebbles,
in great abundance, besides Free-Stone of several Sorts, all very useful.
I knew one of these Hones made use of by an Acquaintance of mine,
and it prov'd rather better than any from Old Spain, or elsewhere.
The Veins of Marble are very large and curious on this River,
and the Banks thereof.
Five Miles from this River, to the N.W. stands the Keyauwees Town.
They are fortify'd in, with wooden Puncheons, like Sapona,
being a People much of the same Number. Nature hath so fortify'd this Town,
with Mountains, that were it a Seat of War, it might easily
be made impregnable; having large Corn-Fields joining to their Cabins,
and a Savanna near the Town, at the Foot of these Mountains,
that is capable of keeping some hundred Heads of Cattle. And all this
environ'd round with very high Mountains, so that no hard Wind ever troubles
these Inhabitants. Those high Clifts have no Grass growing on them,
and very few Trees, which are very short, and stand at a great Distance
one from another. The Earth is of a red Colour, and seems to me
to be wholly design'd by Nature for the Production of Minerals,
being of too hot a Quality, to suffer any Verdure upon its Surface.
These Indians make use of Lead-Ore, to paint their Faces withal,
which they get in the neighbouring Mountains. As for the refining of Metals,
the Indians are wholly ignorant of it, being content with the Realgar.
But if it be my Chance, once more to visit these Hilly Parts,
I shall make a longer Stay amongst them: For were a good Vein of Lead
found out, and work'd by an ingenious Hand, it might be of no small Advantage
to the Undertaker, there being great Convenience for smelting,
either by Bellows or Reverberation; and the Working of these Mines
might discover some that are much richer.
At the Top of one of these Mountains, is a Cave that 100 Men
may fit very conveniently to dine in; whether natural, or artificial,
I could not learn. There is a fine Bole between this Place, and the Saps.
These Valleys thus hemm'd in with Mountains, would (doubtless) prove
a good place for propagating some sort of Fruits, that our Easterly Winds
commonly blast. The Vine could not miss of thriving well here;
but we of the Northern Climate are neither Artists, nor curious,
in propagating that pleasant and profitable Vegetable. Near the Town,
is such another Current, as Heighwaree. We being six in Company,
divided ourselves into Two Parties; and it was my Lot to be
at the House of Keyauwees Jack, who is King of that People.
He is a Congeree-Indian, and ran away when he was a Boy.
He got this Government by Marriage with the Queen; the Female Issue
carrying the Heritage, for fear of Impostors; the Savages
well knowing, how much Frailty possesses the Indian Women,
betwixt the Garters and the Girdle.
{Wednesday.}
The next day, having some occasion to write, the Indian King, who saw me,
believ'd that he could write as well as I. Whereupon, I wrote a Word,
and gave it him to copy, which he did with more Exactness,
than any European could have done, that was illiterate. It was so well,
that he who could read mine, might have done the same by his.
Afterwards, he took great Delight in making Fish-hooks of his own Invention,
which would have been a good Piece for an Antiquary to have puzzled
his Brains withal, in tracing out the Characters of all the Oriental Tongues.
He sent for several Indians to his Cabin, to look at his Handy-work,
and both he and they thought, I could read his Writing
as well as I could my own. I had a Manual in my Pocket,
that had King David's Picture in it, in one of his private Retirements.
The Indian ask'd me, Who that Figure represented? I told him,
It was the Picture of a good King, that liv'd according to
the Rules of Morality, doing to all as he would be done by,
ordering all his Life to the Service of the Creator of all things;
and being now above us all, in Heaven, with God Almighty,
who had rewarded him with all the delightful Pleasures imaginable
in the other World, for his Obedience to him in this; I concluded,
with telling them, that we received nothing here below,
as Food, Raiment, &c. but what came from that Omnipotent Being.
They listened to my Discourse with a profound Silence, assuring me,
that they believ'd what I said to be true. No Man living will ever be able
to make these Heathens sensible of the Happiness of a future State,
except he now and then mentions some lively carnal Representation,
which may quicken their Apprehensions, and make them thirst
after such a gainful Exchange; for, were the best Lecture
that ever was preach'd by Man, given to an ignorant sort of People,
in a more learned Style, than their mean Capacities are able to understand,
the Intent would prove ineffectual, and the Hearers would be left
in a greater Labyrinth than their Teacher found them in.
But dispense the Precepts of our Faith according to the Pupil's Capacity,
and there is nothing in our Religion, but what an indifferent Reason is,
in some measure, able to comprehend; tho' a New-England Minister
blames the French Jesuits for this way of Proceeding, as being
quite contrary to a true Christian Practice, and affirms it to be no ready,
or true Method, to establish a lively Representation of our Christian Belief
amongst these Infidels.
All the Indians hereabouts carefully preserve the Bones of the Flesh
they eat, and burn them, as being of Opinion, that if they omitted
that Custom, the Game would leave their Country, and they should not be able
to maintain themselves by their Hunting. Most of these Indians
wear Mustachoes, or Whiskers, which is rare; by reason the Indians
are a People that commonly pull the Hair of their Faces, and other Parts,
up by the Roots, and suffer none to grow. Here is plenty of Chesnuts,
which are rarely found in Carolina, and never near the Sea, or Salt-Water;
tho' they are frequently in such Places in Virginia.
At the other House, where our Fellow-Travellers lay, they had provided a Dish,
in great Fashion amongst the Indians, which was Two young Fawns,
taken out of the Doe's Bellies, and boil'd in the same slimy Bags
Nature had plac'd them in, and one of the Country-Hares,
stew'd with the Guts in her Belly, and her Skin with the Hair on.
This new-fashion'd Cookery wrought Abstinence in our Fellow-Travellers,
which I somewhat wonder'd at, because one of them made nothing
of eating Allegators, as heartily as if it had been Pork and Turneps.
The Indians dress most things after the Wood-cock Fashion,
never taking the Guts out. At the House we lay at, there was
very good Entertainment of Venison, Turkies, and Bears; and which is customary
amongst the Indians, the Queen had a Daughter by a former Husband,
who was the beautifullest Indian I ever saw, and had an Air of Majesty
with her, quite contrary to the general Carriage of the Indians.
She was very kind to the English, during our Abode, as well as
her Father and Mother.
{Thursday.}
This Morning, most of our Company having some Inclination
to go straight away for Virginia, when they left this Place;
I and one more took our leaves of them, resolving (with God's Leave)
to see North-Carolina, one of the Indians setting us in our way.
The rest being indifferent which way they went, desired us, by all means,
to leave a Letter for them, at the Achonechy-Town. The Indian
that put us in our Path, had been a Prisoner amongst the Sinnagers;
but had out-run them, although they had cut his Toes, and half his Feet away,
which is a Practice common amongst them. They first raise the Skin,
then cut away half the Feet, and so wrap the Skin over the Stumps,
and make a present Cure of the Wounds. This commonly disables them
from making their Escape, they being not so good Travellers as before,
and the Impression of their Half-Feet making it easy to trace them.
However, this Fellow was got clear of them, but had little Heart
to go far from home, and carry'd always a Case of Pistols in his Girdle,
besides a Cutlass, and a Fuzee. Leaving the rest of our Company
at the Indian-Town, we travell'd, that day, about 20 Miles,
in very cold, frosty Weather; and pass'd over two pretty Rivers,
something bigger than Heighwaree, but not quite so stony. We took
these two Rivers to make one of the Northward Branches of Cape-Fair River,
but afterwards found our Mistake.
{Friday.}
The next day, we travell'd over very good Land, but full of Free-Stone,
and Marble, which pinch'd our Feet severely. We took up our Quarters
in a sort of Savanna-Ground, that had very few Trees in it.
The Land was good, and had several Quarries of Stone, but not loose,
as the others us'd to be.
{Saturday.}
Next Morning, we got our Breakfasts of Parch'd Corn, having nothing but that
to subsist on for above 100 Miles. All the Pine-Trees were vanish'd,
for we had seen none for two days. We pass'd through a delicate rich Soil
this day; no great Hills, but pretty Risings, and Levels, which made
a beautiful Country. We likewise pass'd over three Rivers this day;
the first about the bigness of Rocky River, the other not much differing
in Size. Then we made not the least Question, but we had pass'd over
the North-West Branch of Cape-Fair, travelling that day above 30 Miles.
We were much taken with the Fertility and Pleasantness of the Neck of Land
between these two Branches, and no less pleas'd, that we had pass'd the River,
which us'd to frighten Passengers from fording it. At last,
determining to rest on the other side of a Hill, which we saw before us;
when we were on the Top thereof, there appear'd to us such another delicious,
rapid Stream, as that of Sapona, having large Stones,
about the bigness of an ordinary House, lying up and down the River.
As the Wind blew very cold at N.W. and we were very weary, and hungry,
the Swiftness of the Current gave us some cause to fear; but, at last,
we concluded to venture over that Night. Accordingly, we stripp'd,
and with great Difficulty, (by God's Assistance) got safe
to the North-side of the famous Hau-River, by some called Reatkin;
the Indians differing in the Names of Places, according to their
several Nations. It is call'd Hau-River, from the Sissipahau Indians,
who dwell upon this Stream, which is one of the main Branches of Cape-Fair,
there being rich Land enough to contain some Thousands of Families;
for which Reason, I hope, in a short time, it will be planted.
This River is much such another as Sapona; both seeming to run a vast way
up the Country. Here is plenty of good Timber, and especially,
of a Scaly-bark'd Oak; And as there is Stone enough in both Rivers,
and the Land is extraordinary Rich, no Man that will be content
within the Bounds of Reason, can have any grounds to dislike it.
And they that are otherwise, are the best Neighbours, when farthest of.
{Sunday.}
As soon as it was day, we set out for the Achonechy-Town,
it being, by Estimation, 20 Miles off, which, I believe, is pretty exact.
We were got about half way, (meeting great Gangs of Turkies) when we saw,
at a Distance, 30 loaded Horses, coming on the Road, with four or five Men,
on other Jades, driving them. We charg'd our Piece, and went up to them:
Enquiring, whence they came from? They told us, from Virginia.
The leading Man's Name was Massey, who was born about Leeds
in Yorkshire. He ask'd, from whence we came? We told him.
Then he ask'd again, Whether we wanted any thing that he had? telling us,
we should be welcome to it. We accepted of Two Wheaten Biskets,
and a little Ammunition. He advised us, by all means,
to strike down the Country for Ronoack, and not think of Virginia,
because of the Sinnagers, of whom they were afraid, tho' so well arm'd,
and numerous. They persuaded us also, to call upon one Enoe Will,
as we went to Adshusheer, for that he would conduct us safe
among the English, giving him the Character of a very faithful Indian,
which we afterwards found true by Experience. The Virginia-Men
asking our Opinion of the Country we were then in? we told them,
it was a very pleasant one. They were all of the same Opinion, and affirm'd,
That they had never seen 20 Miles of such extraordinary rich Land,
lying all together, like that betwixt Hau-River and the Achonechy Town.
Having taken our Leaves of each other, we set forward; and the Country,
thro' which we pass'd, was so delightful, that it gave us
a great deal of Satisfaction. About Three a Clock, we reach'd the Town,
and the Indians presently brought us good fat Bear, and Venison,
which was very acceptable at that time. Their Cabins were hung
with a good sort of Tapestry, as fat Bear, and barbakued or dried Venison;
no Indians having greater Plenty of Provisions than these.
The Savages do, indeed, still possess the Flower of Carolina,
the English enjoying only the Fag-end of that fine Country.
We had not been in the Town 2 Hours, when Enoe-Will came into
the King's Cabin; which was our Quarters. We ask'd him,
if he would conduct us to the English, and what he would have for his Pains;
he answer'd, he would go along with us, and for what he was to have,
he left that to our Discretion.
{Monday.}
The next Morning, we set out, with Enoe-Will, towards Adshusheer,
leaving the Virginia Path, and striking more to the Eastward,
for Ronoack. Several Indians were in our Company belonging
to Will's Nation, who are the Shoccories, mixt with the Enoe-Indians,
and those of the Nation of Adshusheer. Enoe-Will is their chief Man,
and rules as far as the Banks of Reatkin. It was a sad stony Way
to Adshusheer. We went over a small River by Achonechy,
and in this 14 Miles, through several other Streams, which empty themselves
into the Branches of Cape-Fair. The stony Way made me quite lame;
so that I was an Hour or two behind the rest; but honest Will
would not leave me, but bid me welcome when we came to his House,
feasting us with hot Bread, and Bears-Oil; which is wholsome Food
for Travellers. There runs a pretty Rivulet by this Town.
Near the Plantation, I saw a prodigious overgrown Pine-Tree,
having not seen any of that Sort of Timber for above 125 Miles:
They brought us 2 Cocks, and pull'd their larger Feathers off,
never plucking the lesser, but singeing them off. I took one of these Fowls
in my Hand, to make it cleaner than the Indian had, pulling out
his Guts and Liver, which I laid in a Bason; notwithstanding which,
he kept such a Struggling for a considerable time, that I had much ado
to hold him in my Hands. The Indians laugh'd at me, and told me,
that Enoe-Will had taken a Cock of an Indian that was not at home,
and the Fowl was design'd for another Use. I conjectur'd,
that he was design'd for an Offering to their God, who, they say,
hurts them, (which is the Devil.) In this Struggling, he bled afresh,
and there issued out of his Body more Blood than commonly
such Creatures afford. Notwithstanding all this, we cook'd him, and eat him;
and if he was design'd for him, cheated the Devil. The Indians keep
many Cocks, but seldom above one Hen, using very often such wicked Sacrifices,
as I mistrusted this Fowl was design'd for.
Our Guide and Landlord Enoe-Will was of the best and most agreeable Temper
that ever I met with in an Indian, being always ready
to serve the English, not out of Gain, but real Affection;
which makes him apprehensive of being poison'd by some wicked Indians,
and was therefore very earnest with me, to promise him to revenge his Death,
if it should so happen. He brought some of his chief Men into his Cabin,
and 2 of them having a Drum, and a Rattle, sung by us, as we lay in Bed,
and struck up their Musick to serenade and welcome us to their Town.
And tho' at last, we fell asleep, yet they continu'd their Consort
till Morning. These Indians are fortify'd in, as the former,
and are much addicted to a Sport they call Chenco, which is carry'd on
with a Staff and a Bowl made of Stone, which they trundle upon a smooth Place,
like a Bowling-Green, made for that Purpose, as I have mention'd before.
{Tuesday.}
Next Morning, we set out, with our Guide, and several other Indians,
who intended to go to the English, and buy Rum. We design'd for a Nation
about 40 Miles from Adshusheer, call'd the Lower Quarter:
The first Night, we lay in a rich Perkoson, or low Ground,
that was hard-by a Creek, and good dry Land.
{Wednesday.}
The next day, we went over several Tracts of rich Land,
but mix'd with Pines and other indifferent Soil. In our way,
there stood a great Stone about the Size of a large Oven, and hollow;
this the Indians took great Notice of, putting some Tobacco
into the Concavity, and spitting after it. I ask'd them
the Reason of their so doing, but they made me no Answer. In the Evening,
we pass'd over a pleasant Rivulet, with a fine gravelly Bottom,
having come over such another that Morning. On the other side of this River,
we found the Indian Town, which was a Parcel of nasty smoaky Holes,
much like the Waterrees; their Town having a great Swamp
running directly through the Middle thereof. The Land here
begins to abate of its Height, and has some few Swamps.
Most of these Indians have but one Eye; but what Mischance or Quarrel
has bereav'd them of the other I could not learn. They were not
so free to us, as most of the other Indians had been; Victuals being
somewhat scarce among them. However, we got enough to satisfy our Appetites.
I saw, among these Men, very long Arrows, headed with Pieces of Glass,
which they had broken from Bottles. They had shap'd them neatly,
like the Head of a Dart; but which way they did it, I can't tell.
We had not been at this Town above an Hour, when two of our Company,
that had bought a Mare of John Stewart, came up to us,
having receiv'd a Letter by one of Will's Indians, who was very cautious,
and asked a great many Questions, to certifie him of the Person,
e'er he would deliver the Letter. They had left the Trader,
and one that came from South-Carolina with us, to go to Virginia;
these Two being resolved to go to Carolina with us.
{Thursday.}
This Day fell much Rain, so we staid at the Indian Town.
{Friday.}
This Morning, we set out early, being four English-Men,
besides several Indians. We went 10 Miles, and were then stopp'd
by the Freshes of Enoe-River, which had rais'd it so high,
that we could not pass over, till it was fallen. I enquir'd of my Guide,
Where this River disgorg'd it self? He said, It was Enoe-River,
and run into a Place call'd Enoe-Bay, near his Country, which he left
when he was a Boy; by which I perceiv'd, he was one of the Cores by Birth:
This being a Branch of Neus-River.
{Saturday.}
This Day, our Fellow-Traveller's Mare ran away from him;
wherefore, Will went back as far as the lower Quarter, and brought her back.
{Sunday.}
The next Day, early, came two Tuskeruro Indians to the other side
of the River, but could not get over. They talk'd much to us,
but we understood them not. In the Afternoon, Will came
with the Mare, and had some Discourse with them; they told him,
The English, to whom he was going, were very wicked People;
and, That they threatned the Indians for Hunting near their Plantations.
These Two Fellows were going among the Schoccores and Achonechy Indians,
to sell their Wooden Bowls and Ladles for Raw-Skins, which they make
great Advantage of, hating that any of these Westward Indians
should have any Commerce with the English, which would prove a Hinderance
to their Gains. Their Stories deterr'd an Old Indian and his Son,
from going any farther; but Will told us, Nothing they had said
should frighten him, he believing them to be a couple of Hog-stealers;
and that the English only sought Restitution of their Losses, by them;
and that this was the only ground for their Report. Will had a Slave,
a Sissipahau-Indian by Nation, who killed us several Turkies,
and other Game, on which we feasted.
{Monday.}
This River is near as large as Reatkin; the South-side having
curious Tracts of good Land, the Banks high, and Stone-Quarries.
The Tuskeruros being come to us, we ventur'd over the River,
which we found to be a strong Current, and the Water about Breast-high.
However, we all got safe to the North-Shore, which is but poor,
white, sandy Land, and bears no Timber, but small shrubby Oaks.
We went about 10 Miles, and sat down at the Falls of a large Creek,
where lay mighty Rocks, the Water making a strange Noise,
as if a great many Water-Mills were going at once. I take this to be
the Falls of Neus-Creek, called by the Indians, `Wee quo Whom'.
We lay here all Night. My Guide Will desiring to see the Book
that I had about me, I lent it him; and as he soon found
the Picture of King David, he asked me several Questions
concerning the Book, and Picture, which I resolv'd him, and invited him
to become a Christian. He made me a very sharp Reply, assuring me,
That he lov'd the English extraordinary well, and did believe their Ways
to be very good for those that had already practis'd them,
and had been brought up therein; But as for himself, he was too much in Years
to think of a Change, esteeming it not proper for Old People
to admit of such an Alteration. However, he told me,
If I would take his Son Jack, who was then about 14 Years of Age,
and teach him to talk in that Book, and make Paper speak,
which they call our Way of Writing, he would wholly resign him to my Tuition;
telling me, he was of Opinion, I was very well affected to the Indians.
{Tuesday.}
The next Morning, we set out early, and I perceiv'd that these Indians
were in some fear of Enemies; for they had an Old Man with them,
who was very cunning and circumspect, wheresoever he saw any Marks of Footing,
or of any Fire that had been made; going out of his Way, very often,
to look for these Marks. We went, this day, above 30 Miles,
over a very level Country, and most Pine Land, yet intermix'd
with some Quantities of Marble; a good Range for Cattel,
though very indifferent for Swine. We had now lost our rapid Streams,
and were come to slow, dead Waters, of a brown Colour,
proceeding from the Swamps, much like the Sluices in Holland,
where the Track-Scoots go along. In the Afternoon, we met two Tuskeruros,
who told us, That there was a Company of Hunters not far of,
and if we walk'd stoutly, we might reach them that Night.
But Will and He that own'd the Mare, being gone before,
and the Old Indian tired, we rested, that Night, in the Woods,
making a good light Fire, Wood being very plentiful in these Parts.
{Wednesday.}
Next Day, about 10 a Clock, we struck out of the Way,
by the Advice of our Old Indian. We had not gone past two Miles,
e'er we met with about 500 Tuskeruros in one Hunting-Quarter.
They had made themselves Streets of Houses, built with Pine-Bark,
not with round Tops, as they commonly use, but Ridge-Fashion, after the manner
of most other Indians. We got nothing amongst them but Corn,
Flesh being not plentiful, by reason of the great Number of their People.
For tho' they are expert Hunters, yet they are too populous for one Range;
which makes Venison very scarce to what it is amongst other Indians,
that are fewer; no Savages living so well for Plenty, as those near the Sea.
I saw, amongst these, a Hump-back'd Indian, which was the only crooked one
I ever met withal. About two a Clock, we reach'd one of their Towns,
in which there was no body left, but an Old Woman or two; the rest being gone
to their Hunting-Quarters. We could find no Provision at that Place.
We had a Tuskeruro that came in company with us, from the lower Quarter,
who took us to his Cabin, and gave us what it afforded, which was Corn-meat.
{Thursday.}
This Day, we pass'd through several Swamps, and going not above a dozen Miles,
came to a Cabin, the Master whereof us'd to trade amongst the English.
He told us, If we would stay Two Nights, he would conduct us safe to them,
himself designing, at that time, to go and fetch some Rum;
so we resolved to tarry for his Company. During our Stay,
there happen'd to be a Young Woman troubled with Fits.
The Doctor who was sent for to assist her, laid her on her Belly,
and made a small Incision with Rattle-Snake-Teeth; then laying his Mouth
to the Place, he suck'd out near a Quart of black conglutinated Blood,
and Serum. Our Landlord gave us the Tail of a Bever,
which was a choice Food. {Friday.} There happen'd also to be
a Burial of one of their Dead, which Ceremony is much the same with
that of the Santees, who make a great Feast at the Interment of their Corps.
The small Runs of Water hereabout, afford great Plenty of Craw-Fish,
full as large as those in England, and nothing inferior in Goodness.
{Saturday.}
Saturday Morning, our Patron, with Enoe Will, and his Servant,
set out with us, for the English. In the Afternoon, we ferried
over a River, (in a Canoe) called by the Indians, Chattookau,
which is the N.W. Branch of Neus-River. We lay in the Swamp,
where some Indians invited us to go to their Quarters,
which some of our Company accepted, but got nothing extraordinary,
except a dozen Miles March out of their Way: The Country here
is very thick of Indian Towns and Plantations.
{Sunday.}
We were forced to march, this day, for Want of Provisions. About 10 a Clock,
we met an Indian that had got a parcel of Shad-Fish ready barbaku'd.
We bought 24 of them, for a dress'd Doe-Skin, and so went on,
through many Swamps, finding, this day, the long ragged Moss on the Trees,
which we had not seen for above 600 Miles. In the Afternoon,
we came upon the Banks of Pampticough, about 20 Miles above
the English Plantations by Water, though not so far by Land.
The Indian found a Canoe, which he had hidden, in which
we all got over, and went about six Miles farther. We lay, that Night,
under two or three Pieces of Bark, at the Foot of a large Oak.
There fell abundance of Snow and Rain in the Night, with much
Thunder and Lightning.
{Monday.}
Next Day, it clear'd up, and it being about 12 Miles to the English,
about half-way we passed over a deep Creek, and came safe
to Mr. Richard Smith's, of Pampticough-River, in North-Carolina;
where being well receiv'd by the Inhabitants, and pleas'd with
the Goodness of the Country, we all resolv'd to continue.
FINIS.
A
DESCRIPTION
of
North-CAROLINA.
{Carolina how bounded.}
The Province of Carolina is separated from Virginia by a due West-Line,
which begins at Currituck-Inlet, in 36 Degrees, 30 Minutes,
of Northern-Latitude, and extends indefinitely to the Westward,
and thence to the Southward, as far as 29 Degrees; which is a vast Tract
of Sea-Coast. But having already treated, as far as is necessary,
concerning South-Carolina, I shall confine myself, in the ensuing Sheets,
to give my Reader a Description of that Part of the Country only,
which lies betwixt Currituck and Cape-Fair, and is almost 34 Deg. North.
And this is commonly call'd North Carolina.
This Part of Carolina is faced with a Chain of Sand-Banks,
which defends it from the Violence and Insults of the Atlantick Ocean;
by which Barrier, a vast Sound is hemm'd in, which fronts
the Mouths of the Navigable and Pleasant Rivers of this Fertile Country,
and into which they disgorge themselves. {Inlets.} Thro' the same
are Inlets of several Depths of Water. Some of their Channels
admit only of Sloops, Brigantines, small Barks, and Ketches;
and such are Currituck, Ronoak, and up the Sound above Hatteras:
Whilst others can receive Ships of Burden, as Ocacock, Topsail-Inlet,
and Cape-Fair; as appears by my Chart.
{First Colony of Carolina.}
The first Discovery and Settlement of this Country was by the Procurement
of Sir Walter Raleigh, in Conjunction with some publick-spirited Gentlemen
of that Age, under the Protection of Queen Elizabeth;
for which Reason it was then named Virginia, being begun on that Part
called Ronoak-Island, where the Ruins of a Fort are to be seen at this day,
as well as some old English Coins which have been lately found;
and a Brass-Gun, a Powder-Horn, and one small Quarter deck-Gun,
made of Iron Staves, and hoop'd with the same Metal; which Method
of making Guns might very probably be made use of in those Days,
for the Convenience of Infant-Colonies.
{Hatteras Indians.}
A farther Confirmation of this we have from the Hatteras Indians,
who either then lived on Ronoak-Island, or much frequented it.
These tell us, that several of their Ancestors were white People,
and could talk in a Book, as we do; the Truth of which is confirm'd
by gray Eyes being found frequently amongst these Indians, and no others.
They value themselves extremely for their Affinity to the English,
and are ready to do them all friendly Offices. It is probable,
that this Settlement miscarry'd for want of timely Supplies from England;
or thro' the Treachery of the Natives, for we may reasonably suppose that
the English were forced to cohabit with them, for Relief and Conversation;
and that in process of Time, they conform'd themselves
to the Manners of their Indian Relations. And thus we see,
how apt Humane Nature is to degenerate.
{Sir Walter Raleigh's Ship.}
I cannot forbear inserting here, a pleasant Story that passes
for an uncontested Truth amongst the Inhabitants of this Place;
which is, that the Ship which brought the first Colonies,
does often appear amongst them, under Sail, in a gallant Posture,
which they call Sir Walter Raleigh's Ship, And the truth of this
has been affirm'd to me, by Men of the best Credit in the Country.
{Second Settlement of North-Carolina.}
A second Settlement of this Country was made about fifty Years ago,
in that part we now call Albemarl-County, and chiefly in Chuwon Precinct,
by several substantial Planters, from Virginia, and other Plantations;
Who finding mild Winters, and a fertile Soil, beyond Expectation,
producing every thing that was planted, to a prodigious Increase;
their Cattle, Horses, Sheep, and Swine, breeding very fast,
and passing the Winter, without any Assistance from the Planter;
so that every thing seem'd to come by Nature, the Husbandman living
almost void of Care, and free from those Fatigues which are absolutely
requisite in Winter-Countries, for providing Fodder and other Necessaries;
these Encouragements induc'd them to stand their Ground,
altho' but a handful of People, seated at great Distances one from another,
and amidst a vast number of Indians of different Nations,
who were then in Carolina. Nevertheless, I say, the Fame of this
new-discover'd Summer-Country spread thro' the neighbouring Colonies,
and, in a few Years, drew a considerable Number of Families thereto,
who all found Land enough to settle themselves in, (had they been
many Thousands more) and that which was very good and commodiously seated,
both for Profit and Pleasure. {Pleasantness of Carolina.}
And indeed, most of the Plantations in Carolina naturally enjoy
a noble Prospect of large and spacious Rivers, pleasant Savanna's,
and fine Meadows, with their green Liveries, interwoven with
beautiful Flowers, of most glorious Colours, which the several Seasons afford;
hedg'd in with pleasant Groves of the ever-famous Tulip-tree,
the stately Laurel, and Bays, equalizing the Oak in Bigness and Growth;
Myrtles, Jessamines, Wood-bines, Honysuckles, and several other
fragrant Vines and Ever-greens, whose aspiring Branches
shadow and interweave themselves with the loftiest Timbers,
yielding a pleasant Prospect, Shade and Smell, proper Habitations
for the Sweet-singing Birds, that melodiously entertain such as travel
thro' the Woods of Carolina.
The Planters possessing all these Blessings, and the Produce
of great Quantities of Wheat and Indian Corn, in which this Country
is very fruitful, as likewise in Beef, Pork, Tallow, Hides, Deer-Skins,
and Furs; for these Commodities the New-England-Men and Bermudians
visited Carolina in their Barks and Sloops, and carry'd out what they made,
bringing them, in Exchange, Rum, Sugar, Salt, Molosses,
and some wearing Apparel, tho' the last at very extravagant Prices.
As the Land is very fruitful, so are the Planters kind and hospitable
to all that come to visit them; there being very few Housekeepers,
but what live very nobly, and give away more Provisions to Coasters and Guests
who come to see them, than they expend amongst their own Families.
Of the Inlets and Havens of this Country.
{Currituck Inlet.}
The Bar of Currituck being the Northermost of this Country, presents itself
first to be treated of. It lies in 36 deg. 30 min. and the Course over
is S.W. by W. having not above seven or eight Foot on the Bar,
tho' a good Harbour, when you are over, where you may ride safe,
and deep enough; but this Part of the Sound is so full of Shoals,
as not to suffer any thing to trade thro' it, that draws above
three Foot Water, which renders it very incommodious. However,
this affects but some part of the Country, and may be easily remedied,
by carrying their Produce, in small Craft, down to the Vessels,
which ride near the Inlet.
{Ronoak Inlet.}
Ronoak Inlet has Ten Foot Water, the Course over the Bar
is almost W. which leads you thro' the best of the Channel. This Bar,
as well as Currituck, often shifts by the Violence of the N.E. Storms,
both lying expos'd to those Winds. Notwithstanding which,
a considerable Trade might be carry'd on, provided there was a Pilot
to bring them in; for it lies convenient for a large Part of this Colony,
whose Product would very easily allow of that Charge; Lat. 35 deg. 50 min.
{Hatteras Inlet.}
The Inlet of Hatteras lies to the Westward of the Cape,
round which is an excellent Harbour. When the Wind blows hard
at N. or N.E. if you keep a small League from the Cape-Point,
you will have 3, 4, and 5 Fathom, the outermost Shoals lying
about 7 or 8 Leagues from Shoar. As you come into the Inlet,
keep close to the South Breakers, till you are over the Bar,
where you will have two Fathom at Low-Water. You may come to an Anchor
in two Fathom and a Half when you are over, then steer over close aboard
the North Shoar, where is four Fathom, close to a Point of Marsh; then steer
up the Sound a long League, till you bring the North Cape of the Inlet
to bear S.S.E. half E. then steer W.N.W. the East-point of Bluff-Land
at Hatteras bearing E.N.E. the Southermost large Hammock towards Ocacock,
bearing S.S.W. half S. then you are in the Sound, over the Bar of Sand,
whereon is but 6 Foot Water; then your Course to Pampticough
is almost West. It flows on these three Bars S.E. by E. 1/4 E. about
Eight of the Clock, unless there is a hard Gale of Wind at N.E. which
will make it flow two hours longer; but as soon as the Wind is down,
the Tides will have their natural Course: A hard Gale at N. or N.W. will make
the Water ebb sometimes 24 hours, but still the Tide will ebb and flow,
tho' not seen by the turning thereof, but may be seen
by the Rising of the Water, and Falling of the same, Lat. 35d 20".
{Ocacock Inlet.}
Ocacock is the best Inlet and Harbour yet in this Country;
and has 13 Foot at Low-water upon the Bar. There are two Channels;
one is but narrow, and lies close aboard the South Cape;
the other in the Middle, viz. between the Middle Ground,
and the South Shoar, and is above half a Mile wide. The Bar itself
is but half a Cable's Length over, and then you are in 7 or 8 Fathom Water;
a good Harbour. The Course into the Sound is N.N.W. At High-water,
and Neap-tides, here is 18 Foot Water. It lies S.W. from Hatteras Inlet.
Lat. 35d 8".
{Topsail Inlet.}
Topsail Inlet is above two Leagues to the Westward of Cape Look-out.
You have a fair Channel over the Bar, and two Fathom thereon,
and a good Harbour in five or six Fathom to come to an Anchor.
Your Course over this Bar is almost N.W. Lat. 34d 44".
{Cape Fair Inlet and River.}
As for the Inlet and River of Cape Fair, I cannot give you
a better Information thereof, than has been already deliver'd
by the Gentlemen, who were sent on purpose, from Barbados,
to make a Discovery of that River, in the Year 1663, which is thus.
From Tuesday the 29th of September, to Friday the 2d of October,
we rang'd along the Shoar from Lat. 32 deg. 20 min. to Lat. 33 deg. 11 min.
but could discern no Entrance for our Ship, after we had pass'd
to the Northward of 32 deg. 40 min. On Saturday, Octob. 3.
a violent Storm overtook us, the Wind between North and East;
which Easterly Winds and Foul Weather continu'd till Monday the 12th;
by reason of which Storms and Foul Weather, we were forced
to get off to Sea, to secure Ourselves and Ship, and were driven
by the Rapidity of a strong Current to Cape Hatteras in Lat. 35 deg. 30 min.
On Monday the 12th aforesaid, we came to an Anchor in seven Fathom
at Cape-Fair Road, and took the Meridian Altitude of the Sun,
and were in Latitude 33 deg. 43 min. the Wind continuing still easterly,
and foul Weather, till Thursday the 15th; and on Friday the 16th,
the Wind being at N.W. we weigh'd and sail'd up Cape-Fair-River,
some 4 or 5 Leagues, and came to an Anchor in 6 or 7 Fathom,
at which time several Indians came on board, and brought us
great Store of fresh Fish, large Mullets, young Bass, Shads,
and several other Sorts of very good well-tasted Fish.
On Saturday the 17th, we went down to the Cape, to see
the English Cattle, but could not find 'em, tho' we rounded the Cape:
And having an Indian Guide with us, here we rode till Oct. 24.
The Wind being against us, we could not go up the River with our Ship;
but went on shoar, and view'd the Land of those Quarters. On Saturday,
we weigh'd, and sail'd up the River some 4 Leagues, or thereabouts.
Sunday the 25th, we weigh'd again, and row'd up the River, it being calm,
and got up some 14 Leagues from the Harbour's Mouth, where we mor'd our Ship.
On Monday Oct. the 26th, we went down with the Yawl, to Necoes,
an Indian Plantation, and view'd the Land there. On Tuesday the 27th,
we row'd up the main River, with our Long-Boat, and 12 Men,
some 10 Leagues, or thereabouts. On Wednesday the 28th,
we row'd up about 8 or 10 Leagues more. Thursday the 29th,
was foul Weather, with much Rain and Wind, which forc'd us to make Huts,
and lie still. Friday the 30th, we proceeded up the main River,
7 or 8 Leagues. Saturday the 31st, we got up 3 or 4 Leagues more,
and came to a Tree that lay cross the River; but because our Provisions
were almost spent, we proceeded no farther, but return'd downward
before Night, and on Monday the 2d of November, we came aboard our Ship.
Tuesday the 3d, we lay still, to refresh ourselves. On Wednesday the 4th,
we went 5 or 6 Leagues up the River, to search a Branch
that run out of the main River towards the N.W. In which Branch
we went up 5 or 6 Leagues; but not liking the Land, return'd on board
that Night about Midnight, and call'd that Place Swampy-Branch.
Thursday, November the 5th, we stay'd aboard. On Friday the 6th,
we went up Greens-River, the Mouth of it being against the Place at which
rode our Ship. On Saturday the 7th, we proceeded up the said River,
some 14 or 15 Leagues in all, and found it ended in several small Branches;
The Land, for the most part, being marshy and Swamps, we return'd
towards our Ship, and got aboard it in the Night. Sunday November the 8th,
we lay still, and on Monday the 9th, went again up the main River,
being well stock'd with Provisions, and all things necessary,
and proceeded upwards till Thursday noon, the 12th, at which time
we came to a Place, where were two Islands in the Middle of the River;
and by reason of the Crookedness of the River at that Place, several Trees
lay cross both Branches, which stop'd the Passage of each Branch,
so that we could proceed no farther with our Boat; but went up the River side
by Land, some 3 or 4 Miles, and found the River wider and wider.
So we return'd, leaving it, as far as we could see up a long Reach,
running N.E. we judging ourselves near fifty Leagues North
from the River's Mouth. In our Return, we view'd the Land
on both Sides the River, and found as good Tracts of dry, well-wooded,
pleasant, and delightful Ground, as we have seen any where in the World,
with abundance of long thick Grass on it, the Land being very level,
with steep Banks on both Sides the River, and in some Places very high,
the Woods stor'd every where, with great Numbers of Deer and Turkies,
we never going on Shoar, but we saw of each Sort; as also
great Store of Partridges, Cranes, and Conies, in several Places;
we likewise heard several Wolves howling in the Woods,
and saw where they had torn a Deer in Pieces. Also in the River
we saw great Store of Ducks, Teal, Widgeon; and in the Woods,
great Flocks of Parrakeeto's. The Timber that the Woods afford,
for the most part, consists of Oaks of four or five Sorts,
all differing in Leaves, but each bearing very good Acorns.
We measur'd many of the Oaks in several Places, which we found to be,
in Bigness, some Two, some Three, and others almost Four Fathom in Height,
before you come to Boughs or Limbs; forty, fifty, sixty Foot, and some more;
and those Oaks very common in the upper Parts of both Rivers;
also a very tall large Tree of great Bigness, which some call Cyprus,
the right Name we know not, growing in Swamps. Likewise Walnut, Birch,
Beech, Maple, Ash, Bay, Willow, Alder, and Holly; and in the lowermost Parts
innumerable Pines, tall and good for Boards or Masts,
growing, for the most part, in barren and sandy, but in some Places
up the River, in good Ground, being mixt amongst Oaks and other Timbers.
We saw Mulberry-Trees, Multitudes of Grape-Vines, and some Grapes
which we eat of. We found a very large and good Tract of Land,
on the N.W. Side of the River, thin of Timber, except here and there
a very great Oak, and full of Grass, commonly as high
as a Man's Middle, and in many Places to his Shoulders,
where we saw many Deer, and Turkies; one Deer having very large Horns,
and great Body, therefore call'd it Stag-Park. It being
a very pleasant and delightful Place, we travell'd in it several Miles,
but saw no End thereof. So we return'd to our Boat, and proceeded
down the River, and came to another Place, some twenty five Leagues
from the River's Mouth on the same Side, where we found a Place,
no less delightful than the former; and as far as we could judge,
both Tracts came into one. This lower Place we call'd Rocky Point,
because we found many Rocks and Stones, of several Sizes, upon the Land,
which is not common. We sent our Boat down the River before us;
ourselves travelling by Land, many Miles. Indeed we were so much taken
with the Pleasantness of the Country, that we travell'd into the Woods
too far to recover our Boat and Company that Night. The next day
being Sunday, we got to our Boat; and on Monday the 16th of November,
proceeded down to a Place on the East-Side of the River,
some 23 Leagues from the Harbour's Mouth, which we call'd Turky-Quarters,
because we kill'd several Turkies thereabouts; we view'd the Land there,
and found some Tracts of good Ground, and high, facing upon the River
about one Mile inward, but backwards some two Miles, all Pine Land,
but good Pasture Ground: We return'd to our Boat, and proceeded down
some 2 or 3 Leagues, where we had formerly view'd, and found it
a Tract of as good Land, as any we have seen, and had as good Timber on it.
The Banks on the River being high, therefore we call'd it High-Land-Point.
Having view'd that, we proceeded down the River, going on Shoar
in several Places on both Sides, it being generally large Marshes,
and many of them dry, that they may more fitly be call'd Meadows.
The Wood-Land against them is, for the most part, Pine,
and in some Places as barren, as ever we saw Land, but in other Places
good Pasture-Ground. On Tuesday, November the 17th, we got aboard our Ship,
riding against the Mouth of Green's River, where our Men
were providing Wood, and fitting the Ship for the Sea: In the interim,
we took a View of the Country on both sides of the River there,
finding some good Land, but more bad, and the best not comparable
to that above. Friday the 20th was foul Weather; yet in the Afternoon
we weigh'd, went down the River about two Leagues, and came to an Anchor
against the Mouth of Hilton's River, and took a View of the Land there
on both sides, which appear'd to us much like that at Green's River.
Monday the 23d, we went, with our Long-Boat well victuall'd and mann'd,
up Hilton's River; and when we came three Leagues, or thereabouts,
up the same, we found this and Green's River to come into one,
and so continu'd for four or five Leagues, which makes a great Island
betwixt them. We proceeded still up the River, till they parted again,
keeping up Hilton's River on the Larboard side, and follow'd the said River
five or six Leagues farther, where we found another large Branch
of Green's River to come into Hilton's, which makes another great Island.
On the Starboard side going up, we proceeded still up the River
some four Leagues, and return'd, taking a View of the Land on both sides,
and then judg'd ourselves to be from our Ship some 18 Leagues W. and by N.
One League below this Place, came four Indians in a Canoe to us,
and sold us several Baskets of Acorns, which we satisfy'd them for,
and so left them; but one of them follow'd us on the Shoar
some two or three Miles, till he came on the Top of a high Bank,
facing on the River; and as we row'd underneath it, the Fellow
shot an Arrow at us, which very narrowly miss'd one of our Men,
and stuck in the upper edge of the Boat; but broke in pieces,
leaving the Head behind. Hereupon, we presently made to the Shoar,
and went all up the Bank (except Four to guide the Boat)
to look for the Indian, but could not find him: At last,
we heard some sing, farther in the Woods, which we look'd upon
as a Challenge to us, to come and fight them. We went towards them
with all Speed; but before we came in Sight of them, heard two Guns go off
from our Boat; whereupon we retreated, as fast as we could,
to secure our Boat and Men. When we came to them, we found all well,
and demanded the Reason of their firing the Guns: They told us,
that an Indian came creeping along the Bank, as they suppos'd,
to shoot at them; and therefore they shot at him at a great distance,
with small Shot, but thought they did him no Hurt; for they saw him run away.
Presently after our Return to the Boat, and while we were thus talking,
came two Indians to us, with their Bows and Arrows, crying `Bonny, Bonny'.
We took their Bows and Arrows from them, and gave them Beads,
to their Content; then we led them, by the Hand, to the Boat,
and shew'd them the Arrow-head sticking in her Side, and related to them
the whole Passage; which when they understood, both of them shew'd
a great Concern, and signify'd to us, by Signs, that they knew nothing of it;
so we let them go, and mark'd a Tree on the Top of the Bank,
calling the Place Mount-Skerry. We look'd up the River,
as far as we could discern, and saw that it widen'd, and came running
directly down the Country: So we return'd, viewing the Land
on both sides the River, and finding the Banks steep in some places,
but very high in others. The Bank-sides are generally Clay,
and as some of our Company did affirm, some Marl. The Land and Timber
up this River is no way inferiour to the best in the other, which we call
the main River. So far as we could discern, this seem'd as fair,
if not fairer, than the former, and we think runs farther into the Country,
because a strong Current comes down, and a great deal more Drift-Wood.
But, to return to the Business of the Land and Timber: We saw
several Plots of Ground clear'd by the Indians, after their weak manner,
compass'd round with great Timber Trees, which they are no-wise able to fell,
and so keep the Sun from Corn-Fields very much; yet nevertheless,
we saw as large Corn-stalks, or larger, than we have seen any where else:
So we proceeded down the River, till we found the Canoe the Indian was in,
who shot at us. In the Morning, we went on Shoar, and cut the same in pieces.
The Indians perceiving us coming towards them, ran away.
Going to his Hutt, we pull'd it down, broke his Pots, Platters, and Spoons,
tore the Deer-Skins and Matts in pieces, and took away a Basket of Acorns;
and afterwards proceeded down the River 2 Leagues, or thereabouts,
and came to another Place of Indians, bought Acorns and some Corn of them,
and went downwards 2 Leagues more. At last, espying an Indian
peeping over a high Bank, we held up a Gun at him; and calling to him,
`Skerry', presently several Indians came in Sight of us,
and made great Signs of Friendship, saying `Bonny, Bonny'.
Then running before us, they endeavour'd to persuade us to come on shoar;
but we answer'd them with stern Countenances, and call'd out, `Skerry',
taking up our Guns, and threatning to shoot at them,
but they still cry'd `Bonny, Bonny': And when they saw
they could not prevail, nor persuade us to come on shoar,
two of them came off to us in a Canoe, one paddling with a great Cane,
the other with his Hand. As soon as they overtook us,
they laid hold of our Boat, sweating and blowing, and told us,
it was `Bonny' on shoar, and at last persuaded us to go on shoar with them.
As soon as we landed, several Indians, to the Number of near 40 lusty Men,
came to us, all in a great Sweat, and told us `Bonny':
We shew'd 'em the Arrow-Head in the Boat-Side, and a Piece of the Canoe
we had cut in Pieces: Whereupon, the chief Man amongst them
made a long Speech, threw Beads into our Boat, which is
a Sign of great Love and Friendship, and gave us to understand,
that when he heard of the Affront which we had receiv'd,
it caus'd him to cry; and that he and his Men were come
to make Peace with us, assuring us, by Signs, that they would tye the Arms,
and cut off the Head, of the Fellow who had done us that Wrong;
And for a farther Testimony of their Love and Good-Will towards us,
they presented us with two very handsome, proper, young Indian Women,
the tallest that ever we saw in this Country; which we suppos'd to be
the King's Daughters, or Persons of Distinction amongst them.
Those young Women were so ready to come into our Boat;
that one of them crowded in, and would hardly be persuaded to go out again.
We presented the King with a Hatchet and several Beads,
and made Presents of Beads also to the young Women, the chief Men,
and the rest of the Indians, as far as our Beads would go.
They promis'd us, in four Days, to come on board our Ship,
and so departed from us. When we left the Place, which was soon after,
we call'd it Mount-Bonny, because we had there concluded a firm Peace.
Proceeding down the River 2 or 3 Leagues farther, we came to a Place
where were 9 or 10 Canoes all together. We went ashoar there,
and found several Indians; but most of them were the same
which had made Peace with us before. We staid very little at that Place,
but went directly down the River, and came to our Ship, before day.
Thursday the 26th of November, the Wind being at South,
we could not go down to the River's Mouth; but on Friday the 27th,
we weigh'd at the Mouth of Hilton's River, and got down
a League towards the Harbour's Mouth. On Sunday the 29th,
we got down to Crane-Island, which is 4 Leagues or thereabouts,
above the Entrance of the Harbour's Mouth. On Tuesday the 1st of December,
we made a Purchase of the River and Land of Cape-Fair, of Wat-Coosa,
and such other Indians, as appear'd to us to be the chief of those Parts.
They brought us Store of fresh Fish aboard, as Mullets, Shads,
and other sorts very good. This River is all fresh Water, fit to drink.
Some 8 Leagues within the Mouth, the Tide runs up about 35 Leagues,
but stops and rises a great deal farther up. It flows at the Harbour's Mouth,
S.E. and N.W. 6 Foot at Neap-Tides, and 8 Foot at Spring-Tides.
The Channel on the East side, by the Cape-Shoar, is the best,
and lies close aboard the Cape-Land, being 3 Fathoms at high Water,
in the shallowest Place in the Channel, just at the Entrance;
But as soon as you are past that Place, half a Cables Length inward,
you have 6 or 7 Fathoms, a fair turning Channel into the River,
and so continuing 5 or 6 Leagues upwards. Afterwards the Channel
is more difficult, in some Places 6 or 7 Fathoms, in others 4 or 5,
and in others but 9 or 10 Foot, especially where the River is broad.
When the River comes to part, and grows narrow, there it is
all Channel from side to side, in most Places; tho' in some
you shall have 5, 6, or 7 Fathoms, but generally 2 or 3, Sand and Oaze.
We view'd the Cape-Land, and judg'd it to be little worth,
the Woods of it being shrubby and low, and the Land sandy and barren;
in some Places Grass and Rushes, in others nothing but clear Sand:
A Place fitter to starve Cattle, in our Judgment, than to keep 'em alive;
yet the Indians, as we understand, keep the English Cattle down there,
and suffer them not to go off of the said Cape, (as we suppose)
because the Country Indians shall have no Part with them;
and therefore 'tis likely, they have fallen out about them,
which shall have the greatest Share. They brought on board our Ship
very good and fat Beef several times, which they sold us
at a very reasonable Price; also fat and very large Swine, good and cheap;
but they may thank their Friends of New-England, who brought their Hogs
to so fair a Market. Some of the Indians brought very good Salt aboard us,
and made Signs, pointing to both sides of the River's Mouth,
that there was great Store thereabouts. We saw up the River,
several good Places for the setting up of Corn or Saw-Mills.
In that time, as our Business call'd us up and down the River and Branches,
we kill'd of wild Fowl, 4 Swans, 10 Geese, 29 Cranes,
10 Turkies, 40 Ducks and Mallards, 3 dozen of Parrakeeto's,
and 6 dozen of other small Fowls, as Curlues and Plover, &c.
Whereas there was a Writing left in a Post, at the Point of Cape-Fair River,
by those New-England-Men, that left Cattle with the Indians there,
the Contents whereof tended not only to the Disparagement of the Land
about the said River, but also to the great Discouragement
of all such as should hereafter come into those Parts to settle:
In answer to that scandalous Writing, We, whose Names are underwritten,
do affirm, That we have seen, facing both sides the River and Branches
of Cape-Fair aforesaid, as good Land, and as well timber'd,
as any we have seen in any other Part of the World, sufficient to accommodate
Thousands of our English Nation, and lying commodiously
by the said River's Side.
On Friday the 4th of December, the Wind being fair, we put out to Sea,
bound for Barbados; and, on the 6th of February, 1664,
came to an Anchor in Carlisle-Bay; it having pleas'd God,
after several apparent Dangers both by Sea and Land, to bring us all in Safety
to our long-wish'd-for and much-desir'd Port, to render an Account
of our Discovery; the Verity of which we do assert.
Anthony Long.
William Hilton.
Peter Fabian.
Thus you have an Account of the Latitude, Soil, and Advantages of Cape-Fair,
or Clarendon-River, which was settled in the Year 1661, or thereabouts;
and had it not been for the irregular Practices of some of that Colony
against the Indians, by sending away some of their Children,
(as I have been told) under Pretence of instructing 'em in Learning,
and the Principles of the Christian Religion; which so disgusted
the Indians, that tho' they had then no Guns, yet they never gave over,
till they had entirely rid themselves of the English,
by their Bows and Arrows; with which they did not only take off themselves,
but also their Stocks of Cattle; And this was so much the more
ruinous to them, in that they could have no Assistance from South-Carolina,
which was not then planted; and the other Plantations were but
in their Infancy. Were it not for such ill Practices, I say,
it might, in all Probability, have been, at this day, the best Settlement
in their Lordships great Province of Carolina.
{Albemarl Sound and Rivers.}
The Sound of Albemarl, with the Rivers and Creeks of that Country,
afford a very rich and durable Soil. The Land, in most Places,
lies indifferent low, (except in Chuwon, and high up the Rivers)
but bears an incredible Burden of Timber; the Low-Grounds being
cover'd with Beech; and the High-Land yielding lofty Oaks, Walnut-Trees,
and other useful Timber. The Country, in some Plantations,
has yearly produc'd Indian Corn, or some other Grain, ever since
this Country was first seated, without the Trouble of Manuring or Dressing;
and yet (to all appearance) it seems not to be, in the least,
impoverish'd, neither do the Planters ever miss of a good Crop,
unless a very unnatural Season visits them, which seldom happens.
Of the Corn of Carolina.
{Wheat.}
The Wheat of this Place is very good, seldom yielding less than thirty fold,
provided the Land is good where it is sown; Not but that there has been
Sixty-six Increase for one measure sown in Piny-Land, which we account
the meanest Sort. And I have been inform'd, by People of Credit,
that Wheat which was planted in a very rich Piece of Land,
brought a hundred and odd Pecks, for one. If our Planters,
when they found such great Increase, would be so curious as to make
nice Observations of the Soil, and other remarkable Accidents,
they would soon be acquainted with the Nature of the Earth and Climate,
and be better qualified to manage their Agriculture
to more Certainty, and greater Advantage; whereby they might arrive
to the Crops and Harvests of Babylon, and those other fruitful Countries
so much talk'd of. For I must confess, I never saw one Acre of Land
manag'd as it ought to be in Carolina, since I knew it;
and were they as negligent in their Husbandry in Europe,
as they are in Carolina, their Land would produce nothing
but Weeds and Straw.
{Rye.}
They have try'd Rye, and it thrives very well; but having
such Plenty of Maiz, they do not regard it, because it makes black Bread,
unless very curiously handled.
{Barley.}
Barley has been sowed in small quantities, and does better
than can be expected; because that Grain requires the Ground
to be very well work'd with repeated Ploughings, which our general Way
of breaking the Earth with Hoes, can, by no means, perform,
tho' in several Places we have a light, rich, deep, black Mould,
which is the particular Soil in which Barley best thrives.
{Oats.}
The naked Oats thrive extraordinary well; and the other would prove
a very bold Grain; but the Plenty of other Grains makes them not much coveted.
{Maiz.}
The Indian Corn, or Maiz, proves the most useful Grain in the World;
and had it not been for the Fruitfulness of this Species,
it would have proved very difficult to have settled some of the Plantations
in America. It is very nourishing, whether in Bread, sodden, or otherwise;
And those poor Christian Servants in Virginia, Maryland,
and the other northerly Plantations, that have been forced to live
wholly upon it, do manifestly prove, that it is the most nourishing Grain,
for a Man to subsist on, without any other Victuals. And this Assertion
is made good by the Negro-Slaves, who, in many Places, eat nothing
but this Indian Corn and Salt. Pigs and Poultry fed with this Grain,
eat the sweetest of all others. It refuses no Grounds,
unless the barren Sands, and when planted in good Ground,
will repay the Planter seven or eight hundred fold; besides the Stalks
bruis'd and boil'd, make very pleasant Beer, being sweet like the Sugar-Cane.
{Rice.}
There are several sorts of Rice, some bearded, others not,
besides the red and white; But the white Rice is the best.
Yet there is a sort of perfum'd Rice in the East-Indies,
which gives a curious Flavour, in the Dressing. And with this sort
America is not yet acquainted; neither can I learn, that any of it
has been brought over to Europe; the Rice of Carolina being esteem'd
the best that comes to that Quarter of the World. It is of great Increase,
yielding from eight hundred to a thousand-fold, and thrives best in wild Land,
that has never been broken up before.
{Buck-Wheat.}
Buck-Wheat is of great Increase in Carolina; but we make no other use of it,
than instead of Maiz, to feed Hogs and Poultry: {Guinea-Wheat.}
And Guinea Corn, which thrives well here, serves for the same use.
{Pulse. Bushel-Bean.}
Of the Pulse-kind, we have many sorts. The first is the Bushel-Bean,
which is a spontaneous Product. They are so called, because they bring
a Bushel of Beans for one that is planted. They are set in the Spring,
round Arbours, or at the Feet of Poles, up which they will climb,
and cover the Wattling, making a very pretty Shade to sit under.
They continue flowering, budding, and ripening all the Summer long,
till the Frost approaches, when they forbear their Fruit, and die.
The Stalks they grow on, come to the Thickness of a Man's Thumb;
and the Bean is white and mottled, with a purple Figure on each side it,
like an Ear. They are very flat, and are eaten as the Windsor-Bean is,
being an extraordinary well-relish'd Pulse, either by themselves,
or with Meat.
{Indian Rouncevals.}
We have the Indian Rounceval, or Miraculous Pease, so call'd
from their long Pods, and great Increase. These are latter Pease,
and require a pretty long Summer to ripen in. {Pease and Beans.}
They are very good; and so are the Bonavis, Calavancies, Nanticokes,
and abundance of other Pulse, too tedious here to name,
which we found the Indians possess'd of, when first we settled in America;
some of which sorts afford us two Crops in one Year;
as the Bonavis and Calavancies, besides several others of that kind.
{Eng. Bean.}
Now I am launch'd into a Discourse of the Pulse, I must acquaint you,
that the European Bean planted here, will, in time, degenerate into
a dwarfish sort, if not prevented by a yearly Supply of foreign Seed,
and an extravagant rich Soil; yet these Pigmy-Beans are
the sweetest of that kind I ever met withal.
{Pease.}
As for all the sorts of English Pease that we have yet
made tryal of, they thrive very well in Carolina. Particularly,
the white and gray Rouncival, the common Field-Pease,
and Sickle-Pease yield very well, and are of a good Relish.
As for the other sorts, I have not seen any made tryal of as yet,
but question not their coming to great Perfection with us.
{Kidney-Bean.}
The Kidney-Beans were here before the English came, being very plentiful
in the Indian Corn-Fields.
{Roots.}
The Garden-Roots that thrive well in Carolina, are Carrots, Leeks,
Parsnips, Turneps, Potatoes, of several delicate sorts, Ground Artichokes,
Radishes, Horse-Radish, Beet, both sorts, Onions, Shallot, Garlick, Cives,
and the Wild-Onions.
{Sallads.}
The Sallads are the Lettice, Curl'd, Red, Cabbage, and Savoy.
The Spinage round and prickly, Fennel, sweet and the common Sort,
Samphire in the Marshes excellent, so is the Dock or Wild-Rhubarb,
Rocket, Sorrel, French and English, Cresses of several Sorts,
Purslain wild, and that of a larger Size which grows in the Gardens;
{No Purslain in Indian Fields.} for this Plant is never met withal
in the Indian Plantations, and is, therefore, suppos'd to proceed
from Cow-Dung, which Beast they keep not. Parsley two Sorts;
Asparagus thrives to a Miracle, without hot Beds or dunging the Land,
White-Cabbage from European or New-England Seed, for the People
are negligent and unskilful, and don't take care to provide Seed of their own.
The Colly-Flower we have not yet had an Opportunity to make Tryal of,
nor has the Artichoke ever appear'd amongst us, that I can learn.
Coleworts plain and curl'd, Savoys; besides the Water-Melons
of several Sorts, very good, which should have gone amongst the Fruits.
Of Musk-Melons we have very large and good, and several Sorts,
as the Golden, Green, Guinea, and Orange. Cucumbers long, short,
and prickly, all these from the Natural Ground, and great Increase,
without any Helps of Dung or Reflection. Pompions yellow and very large,
Burmillions, Cashaws, an excellent Fruit boil'd; Squashes, Simnals,
Horns, and Gourds; besides many other Species, of less Value,
too tedious to name.
{Pot-herbs, and others for Physick.}
Our Pot-herbs and others of use, which we already possess,
are Angelica wild and tame, Balm, Bugloss, Borage, Burnet,
Clary, Marigold, Pot-Marjoram, and other Marjorams, Summer and Winter Savory,
Columbines, Tansey, Wormwood, Nep, Mallows several Sorts, Drage red and white,
Lambs Quarters, Thyme, Hyssop of a very large Growth, sweet Bazil,
Rosemary, Lavender: The more Physical, are Carduus Benedictus,
the Scurvy-grass of America, I never here met any of the European sort;
Tobacco of many sorts, Dill, Carawa, Cummin, Anise, Coriander,
all sorts of Plantain of England, and two sorts spontaneous,
good Vulneraries; Elecampane, Comfrey, Nettle, the Seed from England,
none Native; Monks Rhubarb, Burdock, Asarum wild in the Woods,
reckon'd one of the Snake-Roots; Poppies in the Garden,
none wild yet discover'd; Wormseed, Feverfew, Rue, Ground-Ivy spontaneous,
but very small and scarce, Aurea virga, {Rattle-Snakes.}
four sorts of Snake-Roots, besides the common Species,
which are great Antidotes against that Serpent's Bite, and are easily rais'd
in the Garden; Mint; {James-Town-Weed, the Seed like Onion Seed.}
James-Town-Weed, so called from Virginia, the Seed it bears
is very like that of an Onion; it is excellent for curing Burns,
and asswaging Inflammations, but taken inwardly brings on
a sort of drunken Madness. One of our Marsh-Weeds, like a Dock,
has the same Effect, and possesses the Party with Fear and Watchings.
The Red-Root whose Leaf is like Spear-Mint, is good for
Thrushes and sore Mouths; Camomil, but it must be kept in the Shade,
otherwise it will not thrive; Housleek first from England;
Vervin; Night-Shade, several kinds; Harts-Tongue; Yarrow abundance,
Mullein the same, both of the Country; Sarsaparilla, and abundance more
I could name, yet not the hundredth part of what remains, a Catalogue of which
is a Work of many Years, and without any other Subject, would swell
to a large Volume, and requires the Abilities of a skilful Botanist:
Had not the ingenious Mr. Banister (the greatest Virtuoso we ever had
on the Continent) been unfortunately taken out of this World,
he would have given the best Account of the Plants of America,
of any that ever yet made such an Attempt in these Parts.
Not but we are satisfy'd, the Species of Vegetables in Carolina,
are so numerous, that it requires more than one Man's Age
to bring the chiefest Part of them into regular Classes;
the Country being so different in its Situation and Soil,
that what one place plentifully affords, another is absolutely a stranger to;
yet we generally observe, that the greatest Variety is found
in the Low Grounds, and Savanna's.
{Flowers.}
The Flower-Garden in Carolina is as yet arriv'd but to
a very poor and jejune Perfection. We have only two sorts of Roses;
the Clove-July-Flowers, Violets, Princes Feather, and Tres Colores.
There has been nothing more cultivated in the Flower-Garden,
which, at present, occurs to my Memory; but as for the wild
spontaneous Flowers of this Country, Nature has been so liberal,
that I cannot name one tenth part of the valuable ones; And since,
to give Specimens, would only swell the Volume, and give little Satisfaction
to the Reader, I shall therefore proceed to the Present State of Carolina,
and refer the Shrubs and other Vegetables of larger Growth, till hereafter,
and then shall deliver them and the other Species in their Order.
The Present State of Carolina.
When we consider the Latitude and convenient Situation of Carolina,
had we no farther Confirmation thereof, our Reason would inform us,
that such a Place lay fairly to be a delicious Country,
being placed in that Girdle of the World which affords Wine, Oil, Fruit,
Grain, and Silk, with other rich Commodities, besides a sweet Air,
moderate Climate, and fertile Soil; these are the Blessings
(under Heaven's Protection) that spin out the Thread of Life
to its utmost Extent, and crown our Days with the Sweets of Health and Plenty,
which, when join'd with Content, renders the Possessors
the happiest Race of Men upon Earth.
{The Present State of Carolina.}
The Inhabitants of Carolina, thro' the Richness of the Soil,
live an easy and pleasant Life. The Land being of several sorts of Compost,
some stiff, others light, some marl, others rich black Mould;
here barren of Pine, but affording Pitch, Tar, and Masts;
there vastly rich, especially on the Freshes of the Rivers,
one part bearing great Timbers, others being Savanna's or natural Meads,
where no Trees grow for several Miles, adorn'd by Nature
with a pleasant Verdure, and beautiful Flowers, frequent in no other Places,
yielding abundance of Herbage for Cattle, Sheep, and Horse.
The Country in general affords pleasant Seats, the Land
(except in some few Places) being dry and high Banks, {Necks of Land.}
parcell'd out into most convenient Necks, (by the Creeks)
easy to be fenced in for securing their Stocks to more strict Boundaries,
whereby, with a small trouble of fencing, almost every Man
may enjoy, to himself, an entire Plantation, or rather Park.
These, with the other Benefits of Plenty of Fish, Wild-Fowl, Venison,
and the other Conveniencies which this Summer-Country naturally furnishes,
has induc'd a great many Families to leave the more Northerly Plantations,
and sit down under one of the mildest Governments in the World;
in a Country that, with moderate Industry, will afford all
the Necessaries of Life. We have yearly abundance of Strangers
come among us, who chiefly strive to go Southerly to settle,
because there is a vast Tract of rich Land betwixt the Place we are seated in,
and Cape-Fair, and upon that River, and more Southerly,
which is inhabited by none but a few Indians, who are at this time
well affected to the English, and very desirous of their coming
to live among them. {Purchase of Land.} The more Southerly,
the milder Winters, with the Advantages of purchasing the Lords Land
at the most easy and moderate Rate of any Lands in America,
nay (allowing all Advantages thereto annex'd) I may say,
the Universe does not afford such another; Besides, Men have
a great Advantage of choosing good and commodious Tracts of Land
at the first Seating of a Country or River, whereas the later Settlers
are forced to purchase smaller Dividends of the old Standers,
and sometimes at very considerable Rates; {Land in Virginia and Maryland.}
as now in Virginia and Maryland, where a thousand Acres of good Land
cannot be bought under twenty Shillings an Acre, besides two Shillings
yearly Acknowledgment for every hundred Acres; which Sum,
be it more or less, will serve to put the Merchant or Planter here
into a good posture of Buildings, Slaves, and other Necessaries,
when the Purchase of his Land comes to him on such easy Terms.
{Stocks Increase.} And as our Grain and Pulse thrives with us to admiration,
no less do our Stocks of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, and Swine multiply.
{Beef.}
The Beef of Carolina equalizes the best that our neighbouring
Colonies afford; the Oxen are of a great size when they are suffer'd to live
to a fit Age. I have seen fat and good Beef at all times of the Year,
but October and the cool Months are the Seasons we kill our Beeves in,
when we intend them for Salting or Exportation; for then they are in
their prime of Flesh, all coming from Grass, we never using
any other Food for our Cattle. {Heifers.} The Heifers bring Calves
at eighteen or twenty Months old, which makes such a wonderful Increase,
that many of our Planters, from very mean Beginnings, have rais'd themselves,
and are now Masters of hundreds of fat Beeves, and other Cattle.
{Veal.}
The Veal is very good and white, so is the Milk very pleasant and rich,
there being, at present, considerable Quantities of Butter and Cheese made,
that is very good, not only serving our own Necessities,
but we send out a great deal among our Neighbours.
{Sheep.}
The Sheep thrive very well at present, having most commonly two Lambs
at one yeaning: As the Country comes to be open'd, they prove still better,
Change of Pasture being agreeable to that useful Creature.
Mutton is (generally) exceeding Fat, and of a good Relish;
their Wool is very fine, and proves a good Staple.
{Horses.}
The Horses are well-shap'd and swift; the best of them would sell
for ten or twelve Pounds in England. They prove excellent Drudges,
and will travel incredible Journeys. They are troubled with
very few Distempers, neither do the cloudy-fac'd grey Horses go blind here,
as in Europe. As for Spavins, Splints, and Ring-Bones,
they are here never met withal, as I can learn. Were we to have
our Stallions and choice of Mares from England, or any other of a good Sort,
and careful to keep them on the Highlands, we could not fail
of a good Breed; but having been supply'd with our first Horses
from the neighbouring Plantations, which were but mean,
they do not as yet come up to the Excellency of the English Horses;
tho' we generally find, that the Colt exceeds, in Beauty and Strength,
its Sire and Dam.
{Swine.}
The Pork exceeds any in Europe; the great Diversity and Goodness
of the Acorns and Nuts which the Woods afford, making that Flesh
of an excellent Taste, and produces great Quantities; so that Carolina
(if not the chief) is not inferior, in this one Commodity, to any Colony
in the hands of the English.
{Goats.}
As for Goats, they have been found to thrive and increase well,
but being mischievous to Orchards and other Trees, makes People decline
keeping them.
{Produce.}
Our Produce for Exportation to Europe and the Islands in America,
are Beef, Pork, Tallow, Hides, Deer-Skins, Furs, Pitch, Tar,
Wheat, Indian-Corn, Pease, Masts, Staves, Heading, Boards,
and all sorts of Timber and Lumber for Madera and the West-Indies;
Rozin, Turpentine, and several sorts of Gums and Tears,
with some medicinal Drugs, are here produc'd; Besides Rice, and several other
foreign Grains, which thrive very well. Good Bricks and Tiles are made,
and several sorts of useful Earths, as Bole, Fullers-Earth, Oaker,
and Tobacco-pipe-Clay, in great plenty; Earths for the Potters Trade,
and fine Sand for the Glass-makers. In building with Bricks,
we make our Lime of Oyster-Shells, tho' we have great Store of Lime-stone,
towards the Heads of our Rivers, where are Stones of all sorts
that are useful, besides vast Quantities of excellent Marble.
Iron-Stone we have plenty of, both in the Low-Grounds and on the Hills;
Lead and Copper has been found, so has Antimony heretofore;
But no Endeavours have been us'd to discover those Subteraneous Species;
otherwise we might, in all probability, find out the best of Minerals,
which are not wanting in Carolina. Hot Baths we have an account of
from the Indians that frequent the Hill-Country, {Salt-peter.}
where a great likelihood appears of making Salt-peter, because the Earth,
in many places, is strongly mix'd with a nitrous Salt, which is much coveted
by the Beasts, who come at some Seasons in great Droves and Herds,
and by their much licking of this Earth, make great Holes in those Banks,
which sometimes lie at the heads of great Precipices, where their Eagerness
after this Salt hastens their End, by falling down the high Banks,
so that they are dash'd in Pieces. It must be confess'd,
that the most noble and sweetest Part of this Country, is not inhabited
by any but the Savages; and a great deal of the richest Part thereof,
has no Inhabitants but the Beasts of the Wilderness:
For, the Indians are not inclinable to settle in the richest Land,
because the Timbers are too large for them to cut down,
and too much burthen'd with Wood for their Labourers to make Plantations of;
besides, the Healthfulness of those Hills is apparent,
by the Gigantick Stature, and Gray-Heads, so common amongst the Savages
that dwell near the Mountains. The great Creator of all things,
having most wisely diffus'd his Blessings, by parcelling out
the Vintages of the World, into such Lots, as his wonderful Foresight saw
most proper, requisite, and convenient for the Habitations of his Creatures.
Towards the Sea, we have the Conveniency of Trade, Transportation,
and other Helps the Water affords; but oftentimes, those Advantages
are attended with indifferent Land, a thick Air, and other Inconveniences;
when backwards, near the Mountains, you meet with the richest Soil,
a sweet, thin Air, dry Roads, pleasant small murmuring Streams,
and several beneficial Productions and Species, which are unknown
in the European World. One Part of this Country affords
what the other is wholly a Stranger to.
{Chalybeate Waters.}
We have Chalybeate Waters of several Tastes and different Qualities;
some purge, others work by the other Emunctories. We have,
amongst the Inhabitants, a Water, that is, inwardly, a great Apersive,
and, outwardly, cures Ulcers, Tettars, and Sores, by washing therewith.
{Coal-Mine in Virginia.}
There has been a Coal-Mine lately found near the Mannakin Town,
above the Falls of James-River in Virginia, which proves
very good, and is us'd by the Smiths, for their Forges;
and we need not doubt of the same amongst us, towards the Heads of our Rivers;
but the Plenty of Wood (which is much the better Fuel)
makes us not inquisitive after Coal-Mines. {French Refugees.}
Most of the French, who lived at that Town on James-River, are remov'd
to Trent-River, in North-Carolina, where the rest were expected daily
to come to them, when I came away, which was in August, 1708.
They are much taken with the Pleasantness of that Country,
and, indeed, are a very industrious People. At present, they make
very good Linnen-Cloath and Thread, and are very well vers'd in cultivating
Hemp and Flax, of both which they raise very considerable Quantities;
and design to try an Essay of the Grape, for making of Wine.
{Planters.}
As for those of our own Country in Carolina, some of the Men
are very laborious, and make great Improvements in their Way;
but I dare hardly give 'em that Character in general. The easy Way of living
in that plentiful Country, makes a great many Planters very negligent,
which, were they otherwise, that Colony might now have been
in a far better Condition than it is, (as to Trade, and other Advantages)
which an universal Industry would have led them into.
{Women good Houswives.}
The Women are the most industrious Sex in that Place, and,
by their good Houswifry, make a great deal of Cloath of their own Cotton,
Wool and Flax; some of them keeping their Families (though large)
very decently apparel'd, both with Linnens and Woollens,
so that they have no occasion to run into the Merchant's Debt,
or lay their Money out on Stores for Cloathing.
{Natives of Carolina.}
The Christian Natives of Carolina are a straight, clean-limb'd People;
the Children being seldom or never troubled with Rickets,
or those other Distempers, that the Europeans are visited withal.
'Tis next to a Miracle, to see one of them deform'd in Body.
The Vicinity of the Sun makes Impression on the Men, who labour
out of doors, or use the Water. {Beautiful.} As for those Women,
that do not expose themselves to the Weather, they are often very fair,
and generally as well featur'd, as you shall see any where,
and have very brisk charming Eyes, which sets them off to Advantage.
They marry very young; some at Thirteen or Fourteen; and She that stays
till Twenty, is reckon'd a stale Maid; which is a very indifferent Character
in that warm Country. The Women are very fruitful; most Houses
being full of Little Ones. It has been observ'd, that Women long marry'd,
and without Children, in other Places, have remov'd to Carolina,
and become joyful Mothers. They have very easy Travail
in their Child-bearing, in which they are so happy, as seldom to miscarry.
{Not Passionate.} Both Sexes are generally spare of Body,
and not Cholerick, nor easily cast down at Disappointments and Losses,
seldom immoderately grieving at Misfortunes, unless for
the Loss of their nearest Relations and Friends, which seems to make
a more than ordinary Impression upon them. Many of the Women
are very handy in Canoes, and will manage them with great Dexterity and Skill,
which they become accustomed to in this watry Country. {Good Wives.}
They are ready to help their Husbands in any servile Work, as Planting,
when the Season of the Weather requires Expedition; Pride seldom banishing
good Houswifry. The Girls are not bred up to the Wheel, and Sewing only;
but the Dairy and Affairs of the House they are very well acquainted withal;
so that you shall see them, whilst very young, manage their Business
with a great deal of Conduct and Alacrity. {Natives are docile.}
The Children of both Sexes are very docile, and learn any thing
with a great deal of Ease and Method; and those that have
the Advantages of Education, write good Hands, and prove good Accountants,
which is most coveted, and indeed most necessary in these Parts.
The young Men are commonly of a bashful, sober Behaviour; {No Prodigals.}
few proving Prodigals, to consume what the Industry of their Parents
has left them, but commonly improve it. The marrying so young,
carries a double Advantage with it, and that is, that the Parents see
their Children provided for in Marriage, and the young married People
are taught by their Parents, how to get their Living; for their Admonitions
make great Impressions on their Children. {Great Age of Americans.}
I had heard (before I knew this new World) that the Natives of America
were a short-liv'd People, which, by all the Observations I could ever make,
proves quite contrary; for those who are born here, and in other Colonies,
live to as great Ages as any of the Europeans, the Climate being free
from Consumptions, which Distemper, fatal to England, they are Strangers to.
And as the Country becomes more clear'd of Wood, it still becomes
more healthful to the Inhabitants, and less addicted to the Ague;
which is incident to most new Comers into America from Europe,
yet not mortal. A gentle Emetick seldom misses of driving it away,
but if it is not too troublesome, 'tis better to let the Seasoning have
its own Course, in which case, the Party is commonly free from it ever after,
and very healthful.
And now, as to the other Advantages the Country affords,
we cannot guess at them at present, because, as I said before,
the best Part of this Country is not inhabited by the English,
from whence probably will hereafter spring Productions that this Age
does not dream of, and of much more Advantage to the Inhabitants
than any things we are yet acquainted withal: And as for
several Productions of other Countries, much in the same Latitude,
we may expect, with good Management, they will become familiar to us,
as Wine, Oil, Fruit, Silk, and other profitable Commodities,
such as Drugs, Dyes, &c. And at present the Curious may have
a large Field to satisfy and divert themselves in, {Collections.}
as Collections of strange Beasts, Birds, Insects, Reptiles,
Shells, Fishes, Minerals, Herbs, Flowers, Plants, Shrubs, intricate Roots,
Gums, Tears, Rozins, Dyes, and Stones, with several other that yield
Satisfaction and Profit to those, whose Inclinations tend that Way.
And as for what may be hop'd for, towards a happy Life and Being,
by such as design to remove thither, I shall add this;
That with prudent Management, I can affirm, by Experience, not by Hear-say,
That any Person, with a small Beginning, may live very comfortably,
and not only provide for the Necessaries of Life, but likewise for those
that are to succeed him; {Provisions very cheap.} Provisions being
very plentiful, and of good Variety, to accommodate genteel House-keeping;
and the neighbouring Indians are friendly, and in many Cases
serviceable to us, in making us Wares to catch Fish in, for a small matter,
which proves of great Advantage to large Families, because those Engines take
great Quantities of many Sorts of Fish, that are very good and nourishing:
{Indians Hunters.} Some of them hunt and fowl for us at reasonable Rates,
the Country being as plentifully provided with all Sorts of Game,
as any Part of America; the poorer Sort of Planters often get them
to plant for them, by hiring them for that Season, or for so much Work,
which commonly comes very reasonable. Moreover, it is remarkable,
That no Place on the Continent of America, has seated an English Colony
so free from Blood-shed, as Carolina; but all the others have been
more damag'd and disturb'd by the Indians, than they have;
which is worthy Notice, when we consider how oddly it was first planted
with Inhabitants.
{Fishing-Trade.}
The Fishing-Trade in Carolina might be carried on to great Advantage,
considering how many Sorts of excellent Fish our Sound and Rivers afford,
which cure very well with Salt, as has been experienced
by some small Quantities, which have been sent abroad,
and yielded a good Price. {Whale-Fishing.} As for the Whale-fishing,
it is no otherwise regarded than by a few People who live on the Sand-Banks;
and those only work on dead Fish cast on shoar, none being struck
on our Coast, as they are to the Northward; altho' we have
Plenty of Whales there. Great Plenty is generally the Ruin of Industry.
Thus our Merchants are not many, nor have those few there be,
apply'd themselves to the European Trade. The Planter sits contented
at home, whilst his Oxen thrive and grow fat, and his Stocks daily increase;
The fatted Porkets and Poultry are easily rais'd to his Table,
and his Orchard affords him Liquor, so that he eats, and drinks away
the Cares of the World, and desires no greater Happiness,
than that which he daily enjoys. Whereas, not only the European,
but also the Indian-Trade, might be carried on to a great Profit,
because we lie as fairly for the Body of Indians, as any Settlement
in English-America; {Indian-Trade.} And for the small Trade
that has been carried on in that Way, the Dealers therein have throve
as fast as any Men, and the soonest rais'd themselves of any People
I have known in Carolina.
{Climate.}
Lastly, As to the Climate, it is very healthful; {Summer.} our Summer
is not so hot as in other places to the Eastward in the same Latitude;
{No Earthquakes.} neither are we ever visited by Earthquakes, as many places
in Italy and other Summer-Countries are. Our Northerly Winds, in Summer,
cool the Air, and free us from pestilential Fevers, which Spain, Barbary,
and the neighbouring Countries in Europe, &c. are visited withal.
{Serene.} Our Sky is generally serene and clear, and the Air very thin,
in comparison of many Parts of Europe, where Consumptions and Catarrhs reign
amongst the Inhabitants. The Winter has several Fitts of sharp Weather,
especially when the Wind is at N.W. which always clears the Sky,
though never so thick before. However, such Weather is very agreeable
to European Bodies, and makes them healthy. The N.E. Winds
blowing in Winter, bring with them thick Weather, and, in the Spring,
sometimes, blight the Fruits; but they very seldom endure long,
being blown away by Westerly Winds, and then all becomes fair and clear again.
{Spring.} Our Spring, in Carolina, is very beautiful,
and the most pleasant Weather a Country can enjoy. {Fall.}
The Fall is accompanied with cool Mornings, which come in
towards the latter end of August, and so continue (most commonly)
very moderate Weather till about Christmas; then Winter comes on apace.
Tho' these Seasons are very piercing, yet the Cold is of no continuance.
Perhaps, you will have cold Weather for three or four days at a time;
then pleasant warm Weather follows, such as you have in England,
about the latter end of April or beginning of May. In the Year 1707,
we had the severest Winter in Carolina, that ever was known
since the English came to settle there; for our Rivers,
that were not above half a Mile wide, and fresh Water, were frozen over;
and some of them, in the North-part of this Country, were passable
for People to walk over.
{No Frontier.}
One great Advantage of North-Carolina is, That we are not a Frontier,
and near the Enemy; which proves very chargeable and troublesome,
in time of War, to those Colonies that are so seated. {Near Virginia.}
Another great Advantage comes from its being near Virginia,
where we come often to a good Market, at the Return of the Guinea-Ships
for Negro's, and the Remnant of their Stores, which is very commodious
for the Indian-Trade; besides, in War-time, we lie near at hand
to go under their Convoy, and to sell our Provisions to the Tobacco-fleets;
{Mariland.} for the Planting of Tobacco generally in those Colonies,
prevents their being supplyed with Stores, sufficient for victualling
their Ships.
{Necessaries for Carolina.}
As for the Commodities, which are necessary to carry over to this Plantation,
for Use and Merchandize, and are, therefore, requisite for those
to have along with them, that intend to transport themselves thither,
they are Guns, Powder and Shot, Flints, Linnens of all sorts,
but chiefly ordinary Blues, Osnabrugs, Scotch and Irish Linnen,
and some fine: Mens and Womens Cloaths ready made up, some few Broad-Cloaths,
Kerseys and Druggets; to which you must add Haberdashers-Wares,
Hats about Five or Six Shillings apiece, and a few finer;
a few Wiggs, not long, and pretty thin of Hair; thin Stuffs for Women;
Iron-Work, as Nails, Spades, Axes, broad and narrow Hoes, Frows, Wedges,
and Saws of all sorts, with other Tools for Carpenters, Joiners, Coopers,
Shoemakers, Shave-locks, &c. all which, and others which are necessary
for the Plantations, you may be inform'd of, and buy at very reasonable Rates,
of Mr. James Gilbert, Ironmonger, in Mitre-Tavern-Yard, near Aldgate.
You may also be used very kindly, for your Cuttlery-Ware,
and other advantageous Merchandizes, and your Cargo's well sorted,
by Capt. Sharp, at the Blue-gate in Cannon-street; and for Earthen-Ware,
Window-Glass, Grind-Stones, Mill-Stones, Paper, Ink-Powder,
Saddles, Bridles, and what other things you are minded to take with you,
for Pleasure or Ornament.
And now, I shall proceed to the rest of the Vegetables,
that are common in Carolina, in reference to the Place where I left off,
which is the Natural History of that Country.
[The Natural History of Carolina.]
Of the Vegetables of Carolina.
The spontaneous Shrubs of this Country, are, the Lark-heel-Tree;
three sorts of Hony-Suckle-Tree, the first of which grows in Branches,
as our Piemento-Tree does, that is, always in low, moist Ground;
the other grows in clear, dry Land, the Flower more cut and lacerated;
the third, which is the most beautiful, and, I think,
the most charming Flower of its Colour, I ever saw, grows betwixt
two and three Foot high, and for the most part, by the side of a swampy Wood,
or on the Banks of our Rivers, but never near the Salt-Water. All the Sorts
are white; the last grows in a great Bunch of these small Hony-Suckles
set upon one chief Stem, and is commonly the Bigness of a large Turnep.
Nothing can appear more beautiful than these Bushes, when in their Splendour,
which is in April and May. The next is the Honey-Suckle of the Forest;
it grows about a Foot high, bearing its Flowers on small Pedestals,
several of them standing on the main Stock, which is the Thickness
of a Wheat-Straw. We have also the Wood-bind, much the same as in England;
Princes-feather, very large and beautiful in the Garden; Tres-Colores,
branch'd Sun-flower, Double Poppies, Lupines, of several pretty sorts,
spontaneous; and the Sensible Plant is said to be near the Mountains,
which I have not yet seen. Saf-Flower; (and I believe,
the Saffron of England would thrive here, if planted) the yellow Jessamin
is wild in our Woods, of a pleasant Smell. Ever-Greens are here
plentifully found, of a very quick Growth, and pleasant Shade;
Cypress, or white Cedar, the Pitch Pine, the yellow Pine,
the white Pine with long Leaves; and the smaller Almond-Pine, which last
bears Kernels in the Apple, tasting much like an Almond; and in some years
there falls such plenty, as to make the Hogs fat. Horn-Beam; Cedar,
two sorts; Holly, two sorts; Bay-Tree, two sorts; one the Dwarf-Bay,
about twelve Foot high; the other the Bigness of a middling Pine-Tree,
about two Foot and half Diameter; Laurel-Trees, in Height equalizing
the lofty Oaks; the Berries and Leaves of this Tree dyes a Yellow;
the Bay-Berries yield a Wax, which besides its Use in Chirurgery,
makes Candles that, in burning, give a fragrant Smell.
The Cedar-Berries are infused, and made Beer of, by the Bermudians,
they are Carminative, and much of the Quality of Juniper-Berries;
Yew and Box I never saw or heard of in this Country: There are
two sorts of Myrtles, different in Leaf and Berry; the Berry yields Wax
that makes Candles, the most lasting, and of the sweetest Smell imaginable.
Some mix half Tallow with this Wax, others use it without Mixture;
and these are fit for a Lady's Chamber, and incomparable
to pass the Line withal, and other hot Countries, because they will stand,
when others will melt, by the excessive Heat, down in the Binacles.
Ever-green Oak, two sorts; Gall-Berry-Tree, bearing a black Berry,
with which the Women dye their Cloaths and Yarn black;
'tis a pretty Ever-green, and very plentiful, growing always
in low swampy Grounds, and amongst Ponds. We have a Prim or Privet,
which grows on the dry, barren, sandy Hills, by the Sound side;
it bears a smaller sort than that in England, and grows into a round Bush,
very beautiful. {Yaupon.} Last of Bushes, (except Savine,
which grows every where wild) is the famous Yaupon, of which I find
two sorts, if not three. I shall speak first of the Nature of this Plant,
and afterwards account for the different Sorts. This Yaupon,
call'd by the South-Carolina Indians, Cassena, is a Bush,
that grows chiefly on the Sand-Banks and Islands, bordering on
the Sea of Carolina; on this Coast it is plentifully found,
and in no other Place that I know of. It grows the most like Box,
of any Vegetable that I know, being very like it in Leaf,
only dented exactly like Tea, but the Leaf somewhat fatter.
I cannot say, whether it bears any Flower, but a Berry it does,
about the Bigness of a Grain of Pepper, being first red, then brown when ripe,
which is in December; Some of these Bushes grow to be twelve Foot high,
others are three or four. The Wood thereof is brittle as Myrtle,
and affords a light ash-colour'd Bark. There is sometimes found of it
in Swamps and rich low Grounds, which has the same figured Leaf,
only it is larger, and of a deeper Green; This may be occasion'd
by the Richness that attends the low Grounds thus situated.
The third Sort has the same kind of Leaf, but never grows a Foot high,
and is found both in rich, low Land, and on the Sand-Hills.
I don't know that ever I found any Seed, or Berries on the dwarfish Sort,
yet I find no Difference in Taste, when Infusion is made: Cattle and Sheep
delight in this Plant very much, and so do the Deer, all which
crop it very short, and browze thereon, wheresoever they meet with it.
I have transplanted the Sand-Bank and dwarfish Yaupon,
and find that the first Year, the Shrubs stood at a stand;
but the second Year they throve as well as in their native Soil.
This Plant is the Indian Tea, us'd and approv'd by all the Savages
on the Coast of Carolina, and from them sent to the Westward Indians,
and sold at a considerable Price. {Curing the Yaupon.}
All which they cure after the same way, as they do for themselves;
which is thus: They take this Plant (not only the Leaves,
but the smaller Twigs along with them) and bruise it in a Mortar,
till it becomes blackish, the Leaf being wholly defaced:
Then they take it out, put it into one of their earthen Pots
which is over the Fire, till it smoaks; stirring it all the time,
till it is cur'd. Others take it, after it is bruis'd,
and put it into a Bowl, to which they put live Coals, and cover them
with the Yaupon, till they have done smoaking, often turning them over.
After all, they spread it upon their Mats, and dry it in the Sun
to keep for Use. The Spaniards in New-Spain have this Plant
very plentifully on the Coast of Florida, and hold it in great Esteem.
Sometimes they cure it as the Indians do; or else beat it to a Powder,
so mix it, as Coffee; yet before they drink it, they filter the same.
They prefer it above all Liquids, to drink with Physick, to carry the same
safely and speedily thro' the Passages, for which it is admirable,
as I myself have experimented.
{Timber.}
In the next Place, I shall speak of the Timber that Carolina affords,
which is as follows.
{Chesnut-Oak.}
Chesnut-Oak, is a very lofty Tree, clear of Boughs and Limbs,
for fifty or 60 Foot. They bear sometimes four or five Foot through
all clear Timber; and are the largest Oaks we have,
yielding the fairest Plank. They grow chiefly in low Land,
that is stiff and rich. I have seen of them so high,
that a good Gun could not reach a Turkey, tho' loaded with Swan-Shot.
They are call'd Chesnut, because of the Largeness and Sweetness of the Acorns.
{Scaly Oaks.}
White, Scaly-bark Oak; This is used, as the former, in building
Sloops and Ships. Tho' it bears a large Acorn, yet it never grows
to the Bulk and Height of the Chesnut Oak. It is so call'd,
because of a scaly, broken, white Bark, that covers this Tree,
growing on dry Land.
{Red Oak.}
We have Red Oak, sometimes, in good Land, very large, and lofty.
'Tis a porous Wood, and used to rive into Rails for Fences.
'Tis not very durable; yet some use this, as well as the two former,
for Pipe and Barrel-Staves. It makes good Clap-boards.
{Spanish Oak.}
Spanish Oak is free to rive, bears a whitish, smooth Bark;
and rives very well into Clap-boards. It is accounted durable,
therefore some use to build Vessels with it for the Sea;
it proving well and durable. These all bear good Mast for the Swine.
{Bastard Spanish.}
Bastard-Spanish is an Oak betwixt the Spanish and Red Oak;
the chief Use is for Fencing and Clap-boards. It bears good Acorns.
{Black Oak.}
The next is Black Oak, which is esteem'd a durable Wood, under Water;
but sometimes it is used in House-work. It bears a good Mast for Hogs.
{White Iron.}
White Iron, or Ring-Oak, is so call'd, from the Durability and lasting Quality
of this Wood. It chiefly grows on dry, lean Land, and seldom fails of bearing
a plentiful Crop of Acorns. This Wood is found to be very durable,
and is esteem'd the best Oak for Ship-work that we have in Carolina;
for tho' Live Oak be more lasting, yet it seldom allows Planks
of any considerable Length.
{Turkey Oak.}
Turkey-Oak is so call'd from a small Acorn it bears, which the wild Turkeys
feed on.
{Live Oak.}
Live-Oak chiefly grows on dry, sandy Knolls. This is an Ever-green,
and the most durable Oak all America affords. The Shortness
of this Wood's Bowl, or Trunk, makes it unfit for Plank to build Ships withal.
There are some few Trees, that would allow a Stock of twelve Foot,
but the Firmness and great Weight thereof, frightens our Sawyers
from the Fatigue that attends the cutting of this Timber.
A Nail once driven therein, 'tis next to an Impossibility to draw it out.
The Limbs thereof are so cur'd, that they serve for excellent Timbers,
Knees, &c. for Vessels of any sort. The Acorns thereof are as sweet
as Chesnuts, and the Indians draw an Oil from them, as sweet as that
from the Olive, tho' of an Amber-Colour. With these Nuts, or Acorns,
some have counterfeited the Cocoa, whereof they have made Chocolate,
not to be distinguish'd by a good Palate. Window-Frames, Mallets,
and Pins for Blocks, are made thereof, to an excellent Purpose.
I knew two Trees of this Wood among the Indians, which were planted
from the Acorn, and grew in the Freshes, and never saw any thing
more beautiful of that kind. They are of an indifferent quick Growth;
of which there are two sorts. The Acorns make very fine Pork.
{Willow Oak.}
Willow-Oak is a sort of Water-Oak. It grows in Ponds and Branches,
and is useful for many things. It is so call'd, from the Leaf,
which very much resembles a Willow.
{Fresh-water Oak.}
The Live Oak grows in the fresh Water Ponds and Swamps, by the River sides,
and in low Ground overflown with Water; and is a perennial Green.
{Ash.}
Of Ash we have two sorts, agreeing nearly with the English in the Grain.
One of our sorts is tough, like the English, but differs something
in the Leaf, and much more in the Bark. Neither of them bears Keys.
The Water-Ash is brittle. The Bark is Food for the Bevers.
{Elm.}
There are two sorts of Elm; the first grows on our High-Land,
and approaches our English. The Indians take the Bark of its Root,
and beat it, whilst green, to a Pulp; and then dry it in the Chimney,
where it becomes of a reddish Colour. This they use as a Sovereign Remedy
to heal a Cut or green Wound, or any thing that is not corrupted.
It is of a very glutinous Quality. The other Elm grows in low Ground,
of whose Bark the English and Indians make Ropes; for as soon
as the Sap rises, it strips off, with the greatest ease imaginable.
It runs in March, or thereabouts.
{Tulip-Tree.}
The Tulip-Trees, which are, by the Planters, call'd Poplars,
as nearest approaching that Wood in Grain, grow to a prodigious Bigness,
some of them having been found One and twenty Foot in Circumference.
I have been inform'd of a Tulip-Tree, that was ten Foot Diameter;
and another, wherein a lusty Man had his Bed and Houshold Furniture,
and liv'd in it, till his Labour got him a more fashionable Mansion.
He afterwards became a noted Man, in his Country, for Wealth and Conduct.
One of these sorts bears a white Tulip; the other a party-colour'd,
mottled one. The Wood makes very pretty Wainscot, Shingles for Houses,
and Planks for several Uses. It is reckon'd very lasting;
especially, under Ground, for Mill-Work. The Buds, made into an Ointment,
cure Scalds, Inflammations, and Burns. I saw several Bushels thereon.
The Cattle are apt to eat of these Buds, which give a very odd Taste
to the Milk.
{Beech.}
Beech is here frequent, and very large. The Grain seems exactly the same
as that in Europe. We make little Use thereof, save for Fire-Wood.
'Tis not a durable Timber. It affords a very sweet Nut,
yet the Pork fed thereon (tho' sweet) is very oily, and ought to be
harden'd with Indian Corn, before it is kill'd. {Buck Beech.}
Another sort call'd Buck-Beech is here found.
{Horn-Beam.}
Horn-Beam grows, in some Places, very plentifully; yet the Plenty
of other Wood makes it unregarded.
{Sassafras.}
The Vertues of Sassafras are well known in Europe. This Wood
sometimes grows to be above two Foot over, and is very durable and lasting,
used for Bowls, Timbers, Posts for Houses, and other Things that require
standing in the Ground. 'Tis very light. It bears a white Flower,
which is very cleansing to the Blood, being eaten in the Spring,
with other Sallating. The Berry, when ripe, is black; 'tis very oily,
Carminative, and extremely prevalent in Clysters for the Colick.
The Bark of the Root is a Specifick to those afflicted with the Gripes.
The same in Powder, and a Lotion made thereof, is much used by the Savages,
to mundify old Ulcers, and for several other Uses; being highly esteem'd
among them.
{Dog-wood.}
Dog-Wood is plentiful on our light Land, inclining to a rich Soil.
It flowers the first in the Woods; its white Blossom making the Forest
very beautiful. It has a fine Grain, and serves for several Uses
within doors; but is not durable. The Bark of this Root infused,
is held an infallible Remedy against the Worms.
{Laurel.}
Laurel, before-mention'd; as to its Bigness and Use, I have seen Planks
sawn of this Wood; but 'tis not found durable in the Weather;
yet pretty enough for many other Uses.
Bay and Laurel generally delight in a low, swampy Ground. I know no Use
they make of them, but for Fire-Wood, excepting what I spoke of before,
amongst the Ever-Greens.
{Ever-green.}
A famous Ever-Green I must now mention, which was forgotten amongst the rest.
It is in Leaf like a Jessamine, but larger, and of a harder Nature.
This grows up to a large Vine, and twists itself round the Trees
it grows near, making a very fine Shade. I never saw any thing of that Nature
outdo it, and if it be cut away close to the Ground, it will presently
spring up again, it being impossible to destroy it, when once it has got Root.
'Tis an ornamental Plant, and worth the Transplanting. Its Seed
is a black Berry.
{Trumpet-Vine.}
The Scarlet Trumpet-Vine bears a glorious red Flower, like a Bell, or Trumpet,
and makes a Shade inferiour to none that I ever saw; yet it leaves us,
when the Winter comes, and remains naked till the next Spring.
It bears a large Cod, that holds its Seed.
{Maycock.}
The Maycock bears a glorious Flower, and Apple of an agreeable Sweet,
mixt with an acid Taste. This is also a Summer-Vine.
{Indico-Trees.}
The Indico grows plentifully in our Quarters.
{Bay-Tulips.}
The Bay-Tulip-Tree is a fine Ever-green which grows frequently here.
{Sweet Gum.}
The sweet Gum-Tree, so call'd, because of the fragrant Gum it yields
in the Spring-time, upon Incision of the Bark, or Wood. It cures
the Herpes and Inflammations; being apply'd to the Morphew and Tettars.
'Tis an extraordinary Balsam, and of great Value to those
who know how to use it. No Wood has scarce a better Grain;
whereof fine Tables, Drawers, and other Furniture might be made.
Some of it is curiously curl'd. It bears a round Bur, with a sort of Prickle,
which is the Seed.
{Black Gums.}
Of the Black Gum there grows, with us, two sorts; both fit for Cart-Naves.
The one bears a black, well-tasted Berry, which the Indians mix
with their Pulse and Soups, it giving 'em a pretty Flavour,
and scarlet Colour. The Bears crop these Trees for the Berries,
which they mightily covet, yet kill'd in that Season, they eat very unsavory;
which must be occasion'd by this Fruit, because, at other times,
when they feed on Mast, Bears-Flesh is a very well-tasted Food.
The other Gum bears a Berry in shape like the other,
tho' bitter and ill-tasted. This Tree (the Indians report)
is never wounded by Lightning. It has no certain Grain;
and it is almost impossible to split or rive it.
{White Gum.}
The white Gum, bearing a sort of long bunch'd Flowers,
is the most curled and knotted Wood I ever saw, which would make
curious Furniture, in case it was handled by a good Workman.
{Red Cedar.}
The red sort of Cedar is an Ever-green, of which Carolina affords Plenty.
That on the Salts, grows generally on the Sand-banks; and that in the Freshes
is found in the Swamps. Of this Wood, Tables, Wainscot,
and other Necessaries, are made, and esteemed for its sweet Smell.
It is as durable a Wood as any we have, therefore much used
in Posts for Houses and Sills; likewise to build Sloops,
Boats, &c. by reason the Worm will not touch it, for several Years.
The Vessels built thereof are very durable, and good Swimmers.
Of this Cedar, Ship-loads may be exported. It has been heretofore
so plentiful in this Settlement, that they have fenced in Plantations with it,
and the Coffins of the Dead are generally made thereof.
{White Cedar.}
White Cedar, so call'd, because it nearly approaches the other Cedar,
in Smell, Bark, and Leaf; only this grows taller, being as strait as an Arrow.
It is extraordinary light, and free to rive. 'Tis good for Yard, Top-Masts,
Booms and Boltsprits, being very tough. The best Shingles for Houses
are made of this Wood, it being no Strain to the Roof, and never rots.
Good Pails and other Vessels, free from Leakage, are likewise made thereof.
The Bark of this and the red Cedar, the Indians use to make their Cabins of,
which prove firm, and resist all Weathers.
{Cypress.}
Cypress is not an Ever-green with us, and is therefore call'd
the bald Cypress, because the Leaves, during the Winter-Season, turn red,
not recovering their Verdure till the Spring. These Trees are the largest
for Height and Thickness, that we have in this Part of the World;
some of them holding thirty-six Foot in Circumference. Upon Incision,
they yield a sweet-smelling Grain, tho' not in great Quantities; and the Nuts
which these Trees bear plentifully, yield a most odoriferous Balsam,
that infallibly cures all new and green Wounds, which the Inhabitants
are well acquainted withal. Of these great Trees the Pereaugers and Canoes
are scoop'd and made; which sort of Vessels are chiefly
to pass over the Rivers, Creeks, and Bays; and to transport Goods and Lumber
from one River to another. Some are so large, as to carry thirty Barrels,
tho' of one entire Piece of Timber. Others, that are split down the Bottom,
and a piece added thereto, will carry eighty, or an hundred.
Several have gone out of our Inlets on the Ocean to Virginia,
laden with Pork, and other Produce of the Country. Of these Trees
curious Boats for Pleasure may be made, and other necessary Craft.
Some Years ago, a foolish Man in Albemarl and his Son,
had got one of these Canoes deck'd. She held, as I take it, sixteen Barrels.
He brought her to the Collectors, to be clear'd for Barbados;
but the Officer took him for a Man that had lost his Senses,
and argu'd the Danger and Impossibility of performing such a Voyage,
in a hollow Tree; but the Fellow would hearken to no Advice of that kind,
till the Gentleman told him, if he did not value his own Life,
he valu'd his Reputation and Honesty, and so flatly refus'd clearing him;
Upon which, the Canoe was sold, and, I think, remains in being still.
This Wood is very lasting, and free from the Rot. A Canoe of it
will outlast four Boats, and seldom wants Repair. They say,
that a Chest made of this Wood, will suffer no Moth, or Vermine,
to abide therein.
{Two sorts of Locust white and yellow, is rare if varnish'd.}
The Locust, for its enduring the Weather, is chosen for all sorts of Works
that are exposed thereto. It bears a Leaf nearest the Liquorice-Plant.
'Tis a pretty tall Tree. Of this the Indians make their choicest Bows,
it being very tough and flexible. We have little or none of this Wood
in Pampticough.
{Honey Tree a Locust.}
The Honey-Tree bears as great a Resemblance to the Locust,
as a Shallot does to an Onion. It is of that Species, but more prickly.
They bear a Cod, one side whereof contains the Seed, the other the Honey;
They will bear in five Years, from the Kernel. They were first brought
(by the Indian Traders) and propagated, by their Seed,
at the Apamaticks in Virginia. Last Year, I planted the Seed,
and had them sprung up before I came from thence, which was in August.
Of the Honey, very good Metheglin is made, there being Orchards
planted in Virginia for that intent.
{Sowr Wood.}
The Sorrel, or Sowr-Wood-Tree, is so call'd, because the Leaves
taste like Sorrel. Some are about a Foot or ten Inches Diameter.
I am unacquainted with its Vertues at present.
{Pine.}
Of Pines, there are, in Carolina, at least, four sorts. The Pitch-Pine,
growing to a great Bigness, most commonly has but a short Leaf.
Its Wood (being replete with abundance of Bitumen) is so durable,
that it seems to suffer no Decay, tho' exposed to all Weathers, for many Ages;
and is used in several Domestick and Plantation Uses. This Tree affords
the four great Necessaries, Pitch, Tar, Rozin, and Turpentine;
which two last are extracted by tapping, and the Heat of the Sun,
the other two by the Heat of the Fire.
The white and yellow Pines are saw'd into Planks for several Uses.
They make Masts, Yards, and a great many other Necessaries therewith,
the Pine being the most useful Tree in the Woods.
The Almond-Pine serves for Masts very well. As for the Dwarf-Pine,
it is for Shew alone, being an Ever-green, as they all are.
{Hiccory the best Fire-wood.}
The Hiccory is of the Walnut-kind, and bears a Nut as they do,
of which there are found three sorts. The first is that
which we call the common white Hiccory. It is not a durable Wood;
for if cut down, and exposed to the Weather, it will be quite rotten,
and spoil'd in three Years; as will likewise the Beech of this Country.
Hiccory Nuts have very hard Shells, but excellent sweet Kernels,
with which, in a plentiful Year, the old Hogs, that can crack them,
fatten themselves, and make excellent Pork. These Nuts are gotten,
in great Quantities, by the Savages, and laid up for Stores,
of which they make several Dishes and Banquets. One of these
I cannot forbear mentioning; it is this: They take these Nuts,
and break them very small betwixt two Stones, till the Shells and Kernels
are indifferent small; And this Powder you are presented withal
in their Cabins, in little wooden Dishes; the Kernel dissolves in your Mouth,
and the Shell is spit out. This tastes as well as any Almond.
Another Dish is the Soup which they make of these Nuts, beaten,
and put into Venison-Broth, which dissolves the Nut, and thickens,
whilst the Shell precipitates, and remains at the bottom.
This Broth tastes very rich. {Red Hiccory.} There is another sort,
which we call red Hiccory, the Heart thereof being very red,
firm and durable; of which Walking-Sticks, Mortars, Pestils,
and several other fine Turnery-wares are made. The third is call'd
the Flying-bark'd Hiccory, from its brittle and scaly Bark.
It bears a Nut with a bitter Kernel and a soft Shell, like a French Walnut.
Of this Wood, Coggs for Mills are made, &c. The Leaves smell very fragrant.
{Walnut.}
The Walnut-Tree of America is call'd Black Walnut. I suppose,
that Name was, at first, to distinguish it from the Hiccories,
it having a blacker Bark. This Tree grows, in good Land,
to a prodigious Bigness. The Wood is very firm and durable,
of which Tables and Chests of Drawers are made, and prove very well.
Some of this is very knotty, which would make the best Returns for England,
tho' the Masters of Vessels refuse it, not understanding its Goodness.
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