Guatimala. 



MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. 



vernor, who delivered them foon after to the Spaniards, who fortified them in 

 a very ftrong manner with nine forts. Afterwards the Spaniards defended tlie 

 forts againft feveral attacks made by captain Morgan, who took thein at hO. 

 by a ftratagem concerted between him and the SpaniJJj governor. 



Rattan-Island, is above 30 miles long and 13 broad, about 8 

 leagues diftant from the coaft of Honduras. This is a plentiful ifland abound- 

 - ing with wild hogs, deer, Indian conies, wild fowl, quantities of turde, 

 and fine fifh, &c. Its foil in the vallies is rich and fertile, and will produce 

 any thing in common with the reft of the Wejl-lndies . There is very good 

 oak grows upon this ifland, as likewife pine-trees of fufficlent bignefs to make 

 mafts and yards for merchant-fhips. The fouth fide is very convenient for 

 (hipping, having many fine harbours. The north fide is defended by a reef 

 of rocks that extend from one end of the ifland to the other, having but 

 few paflages through, and thofc of but fmall note, being moftly made ufe of 

 by the turders. This ifland is very well fituated for trade both with the Spa- 

 niards at Guatimala, and the bay of Honduras. It is likewife very healthy, 

 the inhabitants hereabouts generally living to a great age. 



Port Royal the principal harbour on this ifland, is naturally fortified with 

 rocks and fhoals : the entrance is fo narrow, that only a fingle fhip can pals 

 at a time. 



VERA PAZ. 



THIS province received its name from an odd accident: it was brought 

 under the obedience of the Spaniards by the preaching of certain 

 monks. The foldiers, on their firft entering the province, finding they had 

 nothing to do, called it ironically Tierre de Guerra, (or 'The Land of War) 

 but the graver fort of people, with much more propriety. Vera Paz, as much 

 as to fay The Land of true Peace. This province is but of fmall extent. As 

 to the climate, the Spanijh writers affirm that one half of the province is 



H 2 very 



