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HISTORY OF THE [book m 
ing of their kindness to many poor Europeans, who 
in the hopes of mending their fortunes repair to 
the Spanish West Indies, where they are utterly 
unknown he has the following account of such of 
them as are called at Carthagena Pulizones; being, 
he says, men without employment, stock, or re¬ 
commendation. “ Many of these, (he observes), af¬ 
ter traversing the streets until they have nothing 
left to procure them lodging or food, are reduced 
to have recourse to the last extremity, the Francis¬ 
can hospital; where they receive, in a quantity 
barely sufficient to preserve life, a kind of pap 
made of cassada, of which the natives themselves 
will not eat. This is their food; their lodging is 
the porticoes of the squares and churches, until 
their good fortune throws them in the way of some 
trader going up the country, who wants a servant. 
The city merchants, standing in no need of them, 
discountenance these adventurers. Affected by the 
difference of the climate, aggravated by bad food, 
dejected and tortured by the entire disappointment 
of their romantic hopes, they fall sick; without any 
other succour to apply to, than Divine Providence, 
Now it is that the charity of the people of co¬ 
lour becomes conspicuous. The negro and mulatto 
free women, moved at the deplorable condition of 
these poor wretches, carry them to their houses, 
and nurse them with the greatest care and affection. 
If any one die, they bury him by the alms they 
procure, and even cause masses to be said for his 
soul.” 
