Volume 1

Medical and miscellaneous observations relative to the West India Islands / by John Williamson, M.D., fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, formerly surgeon to the Caithness Highlanders, and late of Spanish Town, Jamaica.

  • Williamson, John (Surgeon)
Date:
1817
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical and miscellaneous observations relative to the West India Islands / by John Williamson, M.D., fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, formerly surgeon to the Caithness Highlanders, and late of Spanish Town, Jamaica. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    sages from Jamaica to the Windward Islands are either made by Europe or America. Saw to-day Point Isabellica and Monte Christo. The iatter is a great eminence, and seen at a considerable distance. The ship very badly provisioned ; in want of vegeta- bles particularly. 13//?.—At half past eight A. M. saw the island of Tortuda, bearing west south-west, distant four leagues: At noon, the south-west end of it bore west half south, distant about two leagues. It was said to be inhabited by fishermen only, and appeared to be capable of culti- vation ; is about three miles from the coast of St Do- mingo, and full of lofty wood. Steady breeze in course of the night, with favour- able current. Being near the St Domingo shores, were obliged to be on the alert. The enemy's picaroons were dexterous boarders in the night. Our guns were charged, and arms at hand, to meet any exigency. Preserved a near position to the commodore. At three P. M. the harbour of Jean Rabel Point bore south by west, distant four or five miles. At half past three P. M. saw a merchant ship. The com- modore stood in under full sail, with colours flying, and perceived her getting under way. A schooner, which seemed under the protection of a fort, made after the merchant ship, and fired twice at her. The commodore continued to make for the ship, and returned the schoon- er's fire J on which she tacked, and stood about to re-