1 9$ HISTORY OF THE [BOOK. n. 



Ot the. whole scries of these awful visitations, the 

 6rst was undoubtedly the most destructive; but in 

 Jamaica, the sphere of its activity was chiefly con- 

 fined to the western parts of the island. The large 

 and opulent districts of Westmoreland and Hanover 

 presented, however, such extent and variety of deso- 

 lation from its effects, as are scarcely to be equalled 

 in the records of human calamity. Westmoreland 

 alone sustained damage to the amount of . 700,000 

 sterling, and Hanover nearly as much. The sad fate 

 of Savanna la Mar (a small sea-port in the former pa- 

 rish) can never be remembered without horror. The 

 sea bursting its ancient limits, overwhelmed that un- 

 happy town, and swept it to instant destruction, lea- 

 ving not a vestige of man, beast, or habitation be- 

 hind; so sudden and comprehensive w r as the stroke, 

 that T think the catastrophe of Savanna la Alar was 

 even more terrible, in many respects, than that of 

 Port Royal. The latter however, was in its effects 

 more lasting; for to this hour the ruins of that de- 

 voted town, though buried for upwards of a century 

 beneath the waves, are visible in clear weather from 

 the boats which sail over them, presenting an awful 

 monument or memorial of the anger of Omnipotence ! 



Dread end of human strength, and human skill, 

 Riches, and triumph, and domain, and pomp, 

 And ease and luxury ! 



DYER. 



What has thus frequently happened, will probably 

 lisppen again; and the insolence of wealth, and the 



