Recto: Barlow ships as chief mate on the CADIZ MERCHANT, bound for Jamaica. He describes the indenture system in the West Indies. Verso: The voyage home experiences bad weather and there is damage to the ship and her goods. Florida Indians sell them a mysterious substance.

Page 223 and 224 of Edward Barlow's journal.

Page 223 (recto): Barlow ships again on the CADIZ MERCHANT bound for Jamaica, as chief mate. He describes the four-year indenture system in the West Indies, by which even former criminals can enrich themselves. On arrival at Port Royal, Jamaica, a cargo of sugar, wood, dried hides, cotton wool, indigo, pimento and ginger is loaded, the prices of which Barlow gives.

Page 224 (verso): Barlow describes the voyage home, which is hampered by bad weather. Indians from Florida come out by canoe to sell a substance which is described as the gum of a tree or mixed earth. High winds damage the masts and windows of the ship and they lose some of their goods.

Record Details

Item reference: JOD/4/223-224
Catalogue Section: Manuscript volumes acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 page
Date made: 1681-1682
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London