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An. 1681
Isle of Bon-Airy.
Dutch Sloop come from Europe, laden with Irish Beef; which we bought in exchange for some of our Sugar.
Bon-Airy is the Eastermost of the Dutch Islands, and is the largest of the three, tho not the most con- siderable. The middle of the Island is laid down in Lat. 12 d. 16 m. It is about 20 leagues from the Main, and 9 or 10 from Querisao, and is accounted 16 or 17 leagues round. The Road is on the S. W. fide, near the middle of the Island, where there is a pretty deep Bay runs in. Ships that come from the Eastward luff up close to the Eastern shore; and let go their Anchor in 60 fathom water, within half a Cables length of the shore. But at the same time they must be ready with a Boat to carry a Hafar or Rope, and make it fast ashore; otherwise, when the Land-wind comes in the night, the Ship would drive off to Sea again; for the ground is so steep, that no Anchor can hold if once it starts. About half a mile to the Westward of this Anchoring place there is a small low Island, and a Channel between it and the main Island.
The Houses are about half a mile within Land, right in the Road: There is a Governour lives here, a Deputy to the Governor of Querisao, and 7 or 8 Soldiers, with 5 or 6 Families of Indians. There is no Fort; and the Soldiers in peaceable times have little to do but to eat and sleep, for they never watch, but in time of War. The Indians are Hus- band-men, and plant Maiz and Guinea Corn, and some Yames, and Potatoes: But their chiefest busi- ness is about Cattle; for this Island is plentifully stocked with Goats; and they send great quantities every year in Salt to Querisao. There are some Horses, and Bulls and Cows; but I never saw any Sheep, though I have been all over the Island. The South side is plain low Land, and there are several forts of Trees, but none very large. There is a small Spring