after I had admonished them and a few cases of liquor given them by the Doctor, took an affectionate leave of us, and went ashore, where they were met by the Musquito king, and we never saw one of them afterwards.  We then sailed to the southward of the shore, to a place called Cape Gracias a Dios, where there was a large lagoon or lake, which received the emptying of two or three very fine large rivers, and abounded much in fish and land tortoise.  Some of the native Indians came on board of us here; and we used them well, and told them we were come to dwell amongst them, which they seemed pleased at.  So the Doctor and I, with some others, went with them ashore; and they took us to different places to view the land, in order to choose a place to make a plantation of.  We fixed on a spot near a river’s bank, in a rich soil; and, having got our necessaries out of the sloop, we began to clear away the woods, and plant different kinds of vegetables, which had a quick growth.  While we were employed in this manner, our vessel went northward to Black River to trade.  While she was there, a Spanish guarda costa met with and took her.  This proved very hurtful, and a great embarrassment to us.  However, we went on with the culture of the land.  We used to make fires every night all around us, to keep off wild beasts, which, as soon as it was dark, set up a most hideous roaring.  Our habitation being far up in the woods, we frequently saw different kinds of animals; but none of them ever hurt us, except poisonous snakes, the bite of which the Doctor used to cure by giving to the patient, as soon as possible, about half a tumbler of strong rum, with a good deal of Cayenne pepper in it.  In this manner he cured two natives and one of his own slaves.  The Indians were exceedingly fond of the Doctor, and they had good reason for it; for I believe they never had such an useful man amongst them.  They came from all quarters to our dwelling; and some woolwow, or flat-headed Indians, who lived fifty or sixty miles above our river, and this side of the South Sea, brought us a good deal of silver in exchange for our goods.  The principal articles we could get from our neighbouring Indians, were turtle oil, and shells, little silk grass, and some provisions; but they would not work at any thing for us, except fishing; and a few times they assisted to cut some trees down, in order to build us houses; which they did exactly like the Africans, by the joint labour of men, women, and children.  I do not recollect any of them to have had more than two wives.  These always accompanied their husbands when they came to our dwelling; and then they generally carried whatever they brought to us, and always squatted down behind their husbands.  Whenever we gave them any thing to eat, the men and their wives ate it separate.  I never saw the least sign of incontinence amongst them.  The women are ornamented with beads, and fond of painting themselves; the men also paint, even