ABSTRACT
JAMAICA, called St. Jago by Columbus, and was altered by King James. The chief Town is called St. Jago de la Vega. Here the Governor resides, Courts are held, and the Assembly meet to enact Laws for the civil Government of the Island; which consequently draws the greatest Resort of People, on account either of Business or Pleasure. This Town of St. Jago is irregular, and low built, to secure it against Storms; even the Governor's, or what they call the King's House, is but a Ground Floor, and makes one side of a Quadrangle, with a Parade, where all Gentlemen meet to transact their Business; the Merchants and Factors for distant Planters, and the Officers civil and military, do together make a considerable Number, dividing in the Evenings to Parties of Dancing, Gaming, or Drinking, and generally to a publick House, to avoid the Obligation of Returns and Treats, very costly in this Country.
