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CHAP, m.] WEST INDIES, 91 



natives of Hispaniola, the king gave permission to 

 seize on the unsuspecting inhabitants of the neigh- 

 bouring islands, and transport them to perish in the 

 mines of St. Domingo. " Several vessels" (says Dr. 

 Robertson) " were fitted out for the Lucayos, the 

 " commanders of which informed the natives 3 with 

 " whose language they were now well acquainted, that 

 " they came from a delicious country, in which their 

 " departed ancestors resided, by whom they were sent 

 to invite them to resort thither, to partake of the 

 bliss which they enjoyed. That simple people lis- 

 tened with wonder and credulity, and fond of visit- 

 ing their relations and friends in that happy region, 

 followed the Spaniards with eagerness. By this ar- 

 " tifice, above 40,000 were decoyed into Hispaniola, 

 " to share in the sufferings which were the lot of the 

 " inhabitants of that island, and to mingle their groans 

 " and tears with those of that wretched race of men"J 



: History of America, book iii. p. 186. See likewise P* Martyr, 

 decad. vii. This author relates the following affecting particulars of the 

 poor Lucayans thus fraudulently decoyed from their native countries. 

 '* Many of them in the anguish of despair, obstinately refuse all manner 

 <c of sustenance, and retiring to desert caves and unfrequented woods, si- 

 (< lently give up the ghost. Others, repairing to the sea coast on the 

 '* northern side of Hispaniola, cast many a longing look towards that 

 " part of the ocean where they suppose their own islands to be situated; 

 <f and as the sea-breeze rises, they eagerly inhale it 5 fondly believing, 

 " that it has lately visited their own happy vallies, and comes fraught 

 " with the breath of those they love, their wives andthtir children. With 

 " this idea, they continue for hours on the coastj until nature becomes 

 * f utterly exhausted} when stretching out their arms towards the ocean, 

 tc as if to take a last embrace of their distant country and relations, they 

 ts sink down and expire without a groan. "*" One of the Lucayans" 

 (continue* the same author j " who vas more desirous of life) ov had 



