The inhabitants of this
island, even their governor and padres, are all negroes, wool-pated like
their African neighbours; from whom it is like they are descended;
though, being subjects to the Portuguese, they have their religion and
language. They are stout, lusty, well-limbed people, both men and women,
fat and fleshy; and they and their children as round and plump as little
porpoises; though the island appears so barren to a stranger as scarce to
have food for its inhabitants. I enquired how many people there might be
on the isle; and was told by one of the padres that here were 230 souls
in all. The negro governor has his patent from the Portuguese governor of
St. Jago. He is a very civil and sensible poor man; and they are
generally a good sort of people. He expects a small present from every
commander that lades salt here; and is glad to be invited aboard their
ships. He spends most of his time with the English in the salting season,
which is his harvest; and indeed, all the islanders are then fully
employed in getting somewhat; for they have no vessels of their own to
trade with, nor do any Portuguese vessels come hither: scarce any but
English, on whom they depend for trade: and though subjects of Portugal,
have a particular value for us.
Pages:
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56