INTRODUCTION. XIII 



pect of the neighboring islands and rivers. A 

 good part of the inhabitants are Dutch, in whose 

 hands this colony once was. 



After a fortnight's stay here, we put out from 

 Sandyhook, and in fourteen days after arrived at 

 Charlestown, the metropolis of South Carolina, 

 which is situated in 32.45 north latitude, and ad- 

 mits of large ships to "^ome over their bar up to 

 the town, where is a very commodious harbor 

 about five miles distant from the inlet, and stands 

 on a point very convenient for trade, being seat- 

 ed between two pleasant and navigable rivers. — - 

 The town has very regular and fair streets, in 

 which are good buildings of brick and wood ; and 

 since my coming thence, has had great additions 

 of beautiful large brick buildings, besides a strong 

 fort and regular fortifications made to defend the 

 town. 



The inhabitants, by their wise management and 

 industry, have much improved the country, which 

 is in as thriving circumstances at this time as any 

 colony on the continent of English America, and 

 is of more advantage to the crown of Great Brit- 

 ain, than any of the other more northerly plant- 

 ations, (Virginia and Maryland excepted). This 

 colou}^ was at first planted by a genteel sort of 

 people, that were well accpiainted with trade, and 

 had either money or parts, to make good use of 

 the advantages that ottered, as most of them have 

 done, by raising themselves to great estates, and 

 considerable places of tnist, and posts of honor, 



