INTRODUCTION. 



is obliged to remain there a confiderable time, and fometimes 

 finds it neceffary to winter in that port; they return with a cargo 

 not altogether fo rich as that of the galleons, but it is faid by 

 lome to encreafe annually in value. This fleet ufually fails from 

 Vera Cruz in the month of May^ but fometimes detained 

 fo late as Augujl ; it then makes for the Havana, and generally 

 returns with the galleons, though they feldom leave Spa-m to- 

 gether. When they are affembled at the Hava?2a^ a few of 

 the lighteft and cleaneft fhips are immediately fent off for Europe^ 

 who carry with them an exad account of the lading of both the 

 galleons and flota, as well as of their own. Thefe veffels the 

 Spaniards properly enough ftile the Flotilla, or little fleet. 

 Tavo reafons may be afTigned for their detaching them in this 

 manner ; the one, in order that the government may be the 

 better enabled to judge Vv'hat convoy may be fuitable, in cafe of 

 any change of affairs, to protecfi: the grand fleet ; the other, for 

 the better regulation of the indulto to be levied on the 

 mercliants, in proportion to their intereft in the galleons and 

 flota. Two caufes likewife may be afligned for the great fleet's 

 remaining fo long at the Havana ; the expectation of a wind, 

 and' of the regifl:er fhips, which they are to convoy home. 



A Register Ship is fo called from its- being regiflered, with 

 all the erfcifls embarked in Spain^ in books kept for that end 

 at Seville : but as a more explanatory account may be defired by 

 the reader, this matter fliall be particularly flated. Suppofing 



a 



