Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/224

, from tronger Breezes and an opener Country, which gives les Interruption to the Winds.

The northernmot Part of it tretching about 180 Leagues, (a fine fertile Country,) was taken from the Portuguee by the Dutch Wet-India Company, Anno. 1637 or thereabouts; but the Conquerors, as is natural where there is little or no Religion ubiting, made uch heavy Exactions on the Portuguee, and extended uch Cruelty to the Natives, that prepared them both eaily to unite for a Revolt, facilitated by the Dutch Mimanagement: For the States being at this Time very intent on their India Settlements, not only recalled Count Morrice their Governor, but neglected Supplies to their Garrions; however, tho’ the others were countenanced with a Fleet from Portugal, and had the Affection of the Natives, yet they found Means to withtand and truggle with this uperior Power, from 1643 to 1660, and then was wholly abandoned by them, on Articles dihonourable to the Portuguee, viz.

That the Dutch, on Relinquihing, hould keep all the Places they had conquered in India from Portugal. That they hould pay the States 800000 l. and permit them till the Liberty of Trade to Africa and Brail, on the ame Cutom and Duties with the King of Portugal’s Subjects. But ince that Time, new Stipulations and Treaties have been made; wherein the Dutch, who have been totally excluded the Brail Trade, have, in lieu thereof, a Compoition of 10 per Cent. for the Liberty of trading to Africa; and this is always left by every Portuguee Ship (before he begins her Slaving) with the Dutch General of the Gold-Coat, at Des Minas.

There are only three principal Towns of Trade on the Brail Coat, St. Salvadore, St. Sebatian, and Pernambuca. St.