V 
CONTENTS. ix 
Carrylfig-tfade.— CoIofnes improve Navigation. — CharaBer of French Seamen ~ ef 
Dutch Seamen. — Treatment on board their own Ships. — Mortality. — The Cape ne- 
cejjary to the Dutch Trade to India — an intermediate Port defirahle to other Nations 
— leaji fo to England — Reafons of it.—Licidents to lubich maritime Iranfaclions are 
liable make friendly Ports always dfirable. — Convenience of the Cape- — Portuguezc 
the firf Vfitors — then the Er.gifJj and Dutch - tahtn Pofjifjion of by the latter — f.r- 
tend their Territory beyond the original Intention — Impediments throiun by the Com- 
pany - Willingnefs to part with it.. — Advantages as a Naval Station., not confined ta 
the Supply of Refrefljments — Refort for Ships in Dijlrefs—the Countefs of Suther- 
land Indinman. — Cape proper for afembling Convoys — Provifions to be procured. ~~ 
Irnporjance ai commanding the Entrance of the Incdan Seas. — Ifes of Fra::ce and 
Bourbon dependent cn the Cape. — France tmahle to dfurb India without a hleet. — 
Trade of India fubjecl to the Mafers of the Cape — Healthinefs of the Climate for 
Seamen. — Moderate Expence of ftbfifting a Fleet — Sailors' Ration of frefi Provifions 
■^Brandx cheaper than IVef India Rum — Cenfumption of colonial Produce by the 
Fleet— about oue-jourth cf the ufual Expence — Wear and Tear of the Ships confiderable. 
— Importance of the geographical Pofition of the Cape — commanding a fpeedy Inter - 
couvfe with mofl Farts of the IVorld. ~ D fadvantages to Britain in the Hands of an 
Enemy. — Three Points cf Annoy vice to our Trade - comparative Danger of the 
outward and homeward bound Puffages — that of pqjfng the Straits of Sunda — of 
Manilla — ef L'Agiiillas Bank — of Saint Helena, — Inejxcacy of Convoys .-^ Difference 
of Circumf.ances between this and the American War. — Prefent Aim af France. — 
The comparative Efiimate of the Cape and Ceylon.' — French jealous of our Commerce. 
— Necejfity of re-poffeffmg the Cape or defraying the Enemy s Shipping there. — Bays of 
the Cape — Table Bay — Robben Ifand—Lofs of the Sceptre — Simon's Bay — Saldanha 
Bay— Objeilions to it — obviated. — Saint Helena Bay. - Conclitfon. Page 2 2 X 
C H A P. V. 
Importance of the Cape of Good Hope, confidered in a com- 
mercial Point of VieWj and as a Depot for the Southern 
Whale Fiihery. 
Intention of the United States in forming the Settlement. — Commerce difcouraged.— 
Rifing Profperity of the Colony checked. — Cottfequences of its becoming a Free Port. 
VOL. II. a — Ameri- 
