132 CHAP. IX.
H I S T O R Y
O F
towards the fea are reckoned among the ftrongeft in the Weft Indies. On the fide of the land they are overlooked by the furrounding heights, and hence it is concluded, that although it might be difficult to take the place by an invading armament, it would be ftill more difficult to retain it afterwards, unlefs poffeffion was obtained alfo of the interior country. T H E Weftern province began at Cape St. Nicholas, and ex tending along the line of coaft which forms the bight of Leogane, for upwards of one hundred leagues, terminated at Cape Tibu rón. It contained fourteen parifhes,and five chief towns, namely, Port au Prince, St. Marc, Leogane, Petit Goave, and Jeremie ; befides villages, of which thofe of Gonaives, Arcahaye, and Croix des Bouquets, are not inconfiderable. T h e only good harbours in this great extent of coail are thofe of Port au Prince and Gonaives. All the other fhipping-places are open roads, lbmetim.es much expofed. PORT AU PRINCE (except in time of war, when the Gover nor General was directed to remove to Cape François) was confidered as the metropolis of the colony. I t was deftroyed by a dreadful earthquake on the 3d of June 1770, and had never been completely rebuilt. In 1790 it confifted of about 600 houfes, and contained 2,754 white inhabitants (d). T h e fitu ation is low and marfhy, and the climate, in confequence, very unhealthy. It is furrounded moreover by hills, which command (d.) T h e free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negroes at about 8 , 0 0 0 : but being comprehended in the general return for the whole diftrict, they are no where afcertained with precifion.
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