tb&t the high mountains of Martinico, which were lying at the head
of the brig, had prevented him from seeing this vessel approach, but
that as the stars began now to appear* we should be enabled to
descry any strange sail that might come in our way.
Towards morning tbe weather was very hazy, and as it continued
to be so, it prevented the captain from making an observation at
noon : this was the more unfortunate, as the shores, of Jiavbatlpes
are very rocky, and dangerous to approach ; however, at three in
the afternoon, the fog began to clear up like a stage curtain, apd
presented at once a full view of Carlisle bay» Bridge-town, and
the adjacent country; the captain then found that we were really
nearer the island than be expected.
- The prospect of Barbadoes differs very much from that of Mar»
tinico, for instead of the lofty mountains -and many striking con»
trusts, which distinguish that island, the-view presenls here only a.
hilly country, the eminences of which, however, are variegated with
many pleasant landscapes and country houses. After enje^^g
Carlisle bay, and approaching the town, the depth of the bay became
considerably less, and the water so clear, that a number, of
plants was to bo seen growing at the bottom*
On our arrival f i Bridgetown we found all the people in motion.
Many were preparing for a strong defence of the town and country;
others sending their effects to the interior parts of the island; the
late attack of the enemy at ffominico, and particularly as there
was not at present a squadron here to defend Barbadoes, made it
the more necessary for the inhabitants to provide for their defence;
this was^ of course an unpleasant time for a foreigner to arrive in,
and more so to me, as I did not expect to see Barbadoes: in this
voyage; at all, and therefore was not provided with any: letter of
introduction, and the cash I bad with me was almost entirely
spent in the other two islands.; but whilst I was going tp the
hotel, and passing the beach, I most fortunately met Captain W.
with whom I had made the passage to Madeira, and whom you will
recollect, as particularly noticed for his great talents and judgment
in his profession as a mariner, and likewise for his most excellent 'private
character : whoever once makes if:voy age with^him, will always
prefer becoming his passenger again:
Captain W.*fl was much surprised to see me at Barbadóés, and
when I informed him what had brought me hither, he replied, that
as he supposed I was ®ot proviiked with letters of recommendation
fpr this place, he would introduce me to a friend of his, who was
settled as well at Surinam, as in this island, and whose acquaintance,!
be hoped, Would be of service to me.
The next day I went with Captain W. to Mr. I. G. tö Whëhi I
shewed my letters of credit for Snrinam, and he was sö öbliging as I
to offer to become my banker during my stay at Barbadoes, and
likewise at Surinam, for which place he intended to sail the first
opportunity, adding, it would give him pleasure to have üfy céröi
pany, therefore in respect to this business I can now be quite at
ease.
Bridge-town is not very regularly built, the houses are of briek,
generally two or three stories high, and ornamented with balconies;
but as the streets are not very wide nor straight, it prevents the free
circulation of the sea breezes, and makes the houses extremely hot.
I have been assured by Mr. I. G. that he manylimes has felt ire
Bridge-town the heat more uncomfortable than ever %e did at
Surinam; but in the evening the weather.becomes mbfe pleasant
here, and then it is that the ladies enjoy the refreshing air on the
balconies: Yet it is surprising, that the two sexes of the free negroes
should be allowed to carry on such loud and improper conversation
in the streets, in a manner which certainly must shock the delicaëy
of the ladies, where they are so situated as to be within hearing % f
them; ore the whole, the free negroes seem to be favoured herewith
* Captaih Welch’