AN ADVERTISEMENT Concerning the Province of EAST-NEW-JERSEY IN AMERICA. Published for the Information of such as are desirous to be concerned therein, or to transport themselves thereto.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by John Reid, Anno DOM. 1685.   

AN ADVERTISEMENT Concerning the Province of EAST-NEW-JERSEY IN AMERICA.  
THE certain and undoubted account of the Province of East-New-Jersey, hath been so authentically verified, now for two years past, by the testimony of persons of unquestionable Credit, who have written from thence; As also by the Verbal account of severals, who having been many Months upon the place, have since returned: that it seems strange there should be any further need, to inculcate the verity or certainty of it. And yet to this day, for all the clamours that have been raised, all unanimosly agree, even those Letters, whereupon the late noise hath been built, in asserting the healthfulness, pleasantness, and fertilty of the Country; its advantageous Situation for Trade, and plenty and safety of excellent Herbors, and Inletts, so that no Ship was ever known, through the uneasiness or disadvantage of the Coast, to be thrown away, nor yet the People to melt away, by decease incident and customary in the Country: (which those who Industriously seek to spread reports to the disadvantage of this Province, dare not affirm, in favours of that interest, they seek to set up by decrying it without being convict of manifest falsehood,) also all the reports agrees in the plenty of Cattle and Corn, and Fruits of all kinds, already there, and of Fish and Fowl of all sorts.  
But the ground of all these clamours are founded upon some expressions of a letter written by John Campbel, to the Lord Secretary, Lundin, which because they have been industriously represented, many degrees worse than really they are, are here verbatim insert.  
New-Perth, 9th. of October, 1684. My Lord,  
WE came here on Friday the last of September and found but bad Quarters, there being but four Houses built upon the Proprietors' account (which are not worthy to be called houses) they are but little, with one Chimney in every one of them, having but two low Rooms, and garrets above, and scarce will hold out Snow or Drift, and they are possessed by others that are here: There are four Houses considerable, building upon particular men's accounts, that will be finished this Winter, one of them is for the Governor, which Munivarde possessed as it was, and calls it the Earl of Perths-house: The present Governour-Depute lives at Elizabeth-town, he came here to us on Wednesday last, and took very great pains to accommodate us all; and Lockharts Ship arrived the next day, which made us very throng; the Governour-Depute after he had settled us, went alongs and shown us the Townbounds, that we might choice out our Town-interest, which falls to be very little, for the Town being always computed to be 1500. Acres, it proves to be after survey, but a 1000 of this; 1000 there is laid out for high ways, and public uses, 200. Acres, so there remains to be divided for 24. Proprieters, but 800. Acres, of which 800. there is for every Proprieter within the Town 4. Acres for building on; so that I have taken up for your Lordship, having the half of a Propriety in your own hand, including what your Lo: has disponed to Gavin Drummond and me, 2 Acres, which your Lo: is obliged by Act of Council here, to build upon within a twelve month, else the first that desires to build after the year is run out (for the better advancing of the Town, the Governor gives them what is left unbuilt;) but I got him to delay giving of your Lo: to any body, till I have your Lo: return whither you resolve to build in the Town on not? If your Lo: do build, 300. lib. will be the least that your Lo: can allow to build sueh houses as are here building; There is about 33. Acres to fall to every Proprieter within the Town, of which John Reid possesses near the half of the Scots Proprieters' share, and has your Servants and Stock on it: When I begin to talk of calling them to an account of the Stock sent over, they say, It cannot be done till the 4. years is out. John Reid has a considerable dale of land under Corn, and a stock of Cows and Horse; John Hanton has the other share in another place of the Country, whom I have not yet seen. I show the Governour-depute here your Lo: Commission to me, and Instructions, and desired he would lay out a convenient place near a River, for a House and Plantation for your Lo: But by all that I find, there is no such thing to be had, for all sucb places are already planted, and taken up; and by all appearance had not the Governour-depute purchased a tract of land a little before we came from the Natives, there had not been enough to settle those who came in this two Ships. There is a place called Chinkaroray, which by the Governors' letter is appointed to be preserved for the Proprieters; and when the Depute Governor had surveyed it, and counted what was of it, there would not fall 3. Acres to every Proprieters share, there being so much of it laid out already; So that as yet I can see no convenient place for your Lo. Munivarde and I with some others, are going towards the Hills on Monday, to see that land last purchased, which is computed to be about 15000. Acres, which Munivarde says he will have wholly to himself, and 1000 more if it please him, if not, he will immediately return home, or to Mariland, where be had very good offers of good Land. I do not find no place as I hear of, that is good untaken up within 5. or 6. miles of a portable River; I have not as yet the Governor Deputes final resolution as to your Lo: Plantation; But I will get him to give your Lo: an account of things as they are himself, which he cannot do at the present, he being so taken up with the People that is here. My Lord, as to what I have seen of the product of this Country, there is very good Grain, such as Indian-corn, to a great increase, English-wheat, and Oats, and no question Barley and Pease will grow, which they are now going to try; There is abundance of good , Horse and Swine, and some Sheep; they will labour the ground twenty years without any dunging; there are many good Meadows upon the Rivers; there is abundance of Deir, Turkiefowles, Quails, and Partridges; Some of our People has killed of them here very near the Town, and Water-fowles in all Creiks and Rivers. My Lord, this is all I have to trouble your Lo: with at present; But, if your Lo: please to build in your share of the Town, you would send your Commands by the first occasion, with Provision for that end. The Servants that are useful here, are Carpenters and Brick-layers and Makers, for they may make Brick where they found their houses, this is all from  
My Lord, Your Lordship's most humble and obliged Servant, John Campbel.  
Now to satisfy all reasonable People, who does not use these expressions, upon a private design, to advance their own interest, and support their desperate adventures elsewhere, and to prejudge others: Let it be considered, that first, Those persons had not been above eight days in the Country, when they wrote these Letters, wearied, toiled, and fretted, with a tedious Journey about 200. miles overland, from Mary land, where they had been put in by stress at Sea; that their information proceeded from the Old-Planters, who besides their enmity to our Countrymen, and unwillingness they should come in upon them; do all that they can to discourage those at their first coming, and to undervalue the Interest of the Proprietors, because they are behind in above 1000 lib. English, of quitt-Rents, would willingly shun the punctual payment in time coming, which they see they are not like to do; and are called in question for several large Tracts of Land, they have had in possession, (though not improved by them, all agreeing they are a lazy People) and have no true tittle too. And we have certain information from others, who were many Months upon the place, that they used the same Discouragements to them, upon their first arivale: But they in a short time discovered their falsehood; and fraudulent design in it, as appears in this very case, by Letters written a Month and more, after the date of these, to wit, the middle and end of December, whereas these are in the beginning of November, several abstracts of which Letters when returned from the Countries where they were directed, to the Parties concerned, may be hereafter published. As to that which John Campbel says, He hears that there is hardly any good Land untaken up, within 5. or 6. miles of a portable River; his Information has proved so for false, that David Mudie of Montrose, in his letter to his Wife, of the 12th of December, a month after, Declares, he had got 500 Acres, which was his full proportion of the first Division, upon a Navigable part of the South River; where (he says) David Violent hath got the like quantity, though each of them had but a 20th. part of a Propriety; and that to this place, they can in a Boat go from New-Perth in two hours and a half, and return in the like time. This sufficiently proves that assertion not to be true; That there is no part untaken up within 5. or 6. miles of a Portable River; Besides, that it is unquestionably known, that without Sandy-hook, by the Sea to the Southward of a place called Neversniks, there is about 30. miles where there is not yet one Family settled; And there is also a Navigable Bay, called, Barnagate, and the some of that Seaside be Pin-tree-land, which is the worst sort; though good for the ranging of : Yet about Barnagate, where there is also a River, there is as good Land as in all those parts of America, and already cleared of the Indian encumbrance, enough to aceommodate hundreds of Families; Besides, that there are several. Tracts of Land, untaken up upon Hakinsake, Pissaik, and Raritin Rivers; And there is a large Tract of excellent land upon Milstoun-River, which runs into Raritin, and upon many other Revers and Crieks which were tedious here to mention, that is altogether untaken up.  
New though some have not spared, to call this Design a Cheat, upon this account, yet that Imputation is so manifastlie false, that the Map of Jersey hath been patent above these two years, whereupon the obvious Navigable places within the Bay, the seven several Towns. stands, and who ever either did or had thought to engage in the Affair, not only might but were invited to observe it, so far were those Concerned from seeking to conceal it, that they pressed it as an encouragement, that people should not land in a wilderness, or remote from Neighbour hood, but in a Country tolerably well inhabited, where they could be accommodated with necessaries, till they could raise it out of their own Industry, which all, even these Letters yields may be done; and with far easier labour, than here in a years time: Also, These concerned recommended the Province upon that account, because, besides the conveniency abovementioned, for the land they want in these places, (as being taken up by the Old-Planters, before their Purchase) they have a valuable consideration for it, there being a List to be produced, sent over from that Country in September-last, of the names of the Planters, the number of Acres they possess, and what they pay, which amounts to about 300. lib. Sterling of yearly Rent; though at that time this List was sent, the Rental of all was not completed; so that those who found upon this as a Cheat, newly discovered by these Letters in the Affairs of Jersey, manifest their malice, or at least their ignorance.  
But next, they grossly be-speak their ignorance, that look they have no convenient Land, if not upon a Navigable River. For what Country can be supposed to lie all thus? Must not the Riches and Export of the Country arise from the Improvement of Corn &  in an Inland Country? And as this is clearly proved, by the great Inland Countries of France, and England; to come nearer home, What Fool will say; That no part of Scotland is Valuable, but what is within five or six miles of a Navigable River? What should become then of the greatest part of all the three Loutheans, of the Sheriffdom of Berwick, of all Clidsdale above Glasgow, and the whole middle part of Fife, where yet the pleasantest Seats in Scotland are. And it's to be observed, that even where there is not Navigable Rivers in East-Jersey, there are more Brooks and pleasant running Streams, like those here; then in any of the Neighbouring Colonies. And as it is not to be denied, but the advantage of Navigation is great, to any Country, so it is most certain, that there is no Province belonging to the English, upon all the continent of America, that is better furnished with good Harbours, and Navigable Rivers, and Creiks than East-Jersey is, for its quantity; And however any have laboured to represent the pennary of Land, yet David Mudie in his Letter of the 12th of December, doth say, The Province is a third larger than ever it was represented in Scotland.  
The next Objection is, As to the Indian purchase, it was a matter never concealed by the Proprietors, that an a knowledgement was to be given to the Indian Natives, upon the taking up of every Tract of Land, so that in the Instructions, that they have been patent these two years, among other Papers at Andrew Hamiltouns, it is positively insert: As also, in the first of the Printed Papers; and whereas it was the design of the Proprietors, as appears by the foresaid Instructions given in to the Deputy Governor in September, 1683. to clear as much of the Country as he could from the Indian encumbrance; He wrote hack, That was not a right measure, for the Indians were still offering the lard, and it was better only to take it up as there came People; But that if the fourth part of the People of Scotland should come, they should not want Land upon that account, for he could still procure it in time. And therefore, John Campbel saving, if 15000. Acres had not been lately purchased from the Indians, there had not been enoughto accommodate those that came in the last two Ships; Which being writ but five daves after his Arrival there, shows he was not yet acquainted with the Method of that Country.  
And yet by Munivards' Letter it is obvious, how east that Indidian Encumbrance is, since he writ, He was to have 20. miles squar, for less than 250. lib sterling, which yet is above three hundred thousand Acres, so that the consequence of that purchase, need not frighten any; Yet Munitard hath been ignorant in that fancy, since no Subject of the King of England, dare purchase any within the bounds of any Patent granted by him, but by allowance of the Government derived from him: And as to Munivards Complants, of his Bargain, and that he was told by the Deputy Governor, he knew not yet where his Land lay, (which yet might be truly said, in an interest undivided, as all the Land is, till it be distinctly taken up) the true mystery of that is known, by Letters of a month latter date, from Credible Persons, that he refused to take up land, for Reasons not proper here to insert.  
This with the Letters and Testimonies before mentioned, do sufficiently evidence how little ground there is for those reports that have been spread abroad, and though in particular many scurulous reports, have past upon Robert Barclay upon this occasion, yet none durst ever challange him to his face, as having done injustice in this matter, and to show how false they are, let it be considered, that though he might have put a considerable sum of money in his pocket by selling of part of his own Propreity, yet he never did it, but only procured from others in England, Sharers to such as desired, out of Zeal to advance the Interest of his Country men, that though there hath been half a Propriety bought since this clamour was raised, and that he might have so disposed of the half of his own, and yet have reserved as great an Interest as any Scots-Man hath; he choised rather to procure it from England, which shows, he neither sought his own advantadge, nor yet hath no Diffidence of the value of the Province, notwithstanding of those clamours; And for the other wild reports, that have been industriously spread upon him as to that matter, they being but a Mass of envy and malice, which of themselves vanish, as such which every Body is ashamed to own, they are not worth the taking notice unto.  

Here Followeth the Testimony of some Persons that were many Months in the Province, with an abstract of some Letters writ by Persons that are lately gone Over.  
WHereas we understand, that there are some Letters come from East-Jersey of late, from some Persons that are lately gone over there; wherein they give an ill Character of the Country, as if there were not in it land to accommodate those, who have purchased Interests there, although this without doubt may startle those that have not been in the Country, and do not know the present state of it; yet to us it seemeth not strange, for had we given ear to the Reports of many persons, who have been long Inhabitants there, we should have write no less ourselves: but we soon perceived their design in it, who being unwilling that others should come in among them, and share of their Advantages, and especially our Country People, of whom they were most jealous, because they saw that they took a right way to improve their Interests there, did what they could to discourage us, telling us, that all the best land was taken up, and many other stories to dissuade us from settling ourselves, or advising any of our Friends and Country People to come and settle there; But after we had been a while in the Country, and had occasion to see the Land, and other Conveniencies of it, we found there was no regard to be had to these reports, and saw it was out of mere prejudice they endeavoured to discourage us, because they perceived that the Scots Proprietors of the Country were in good earnest; and as they had begun to send over People, and make setlements upon their Lands, so they would proceed, and examine all other affairs in the Country, which was very unwelcome to those Planters; not only by reason of the invalidity, and unjustness of the Titles, whereby many of them claimed so great tracts of Land, as they pretended was already taken up, but because such of them as had good and sufficient Rights, to some parcels of land, were run so far in the arrears of their Quitrents, that it would pinch them to pay all they were owing to the Proprietors, and they saw if the Proprietors proceeded in sending over People, and otherways improving their Interests, they must either pay or part with some of their lands, which they were loath to do to any, and especially to Scots People, and so they thought that if they could but discourage those that came first over, it would hinder others from coming, and make the Proprietors careless of their Interests.  
We doubt not but these persons who have been alarumed with these reports at their first arrival, will (if they be not altogether careless of their own, or the Interests of their Friends there, and take for granted every thing that the Old-Planters say, without further inspection into the Country) writ in another strain, for we know there is yet abundance of good land to be taken up; the Country being large, and but a skirt of it as yet inhabited. It is from the place called Little-Egg-Harbour, to the extent of the bounds of it upon Hudsons' River, reckoned 120. miles at least, and from thence over to Delavare River, it is affirmed by them that have traveled it, to be above 100 miles, and besides Hudsons' River, there are several other brave Rivers, upon which there is land yet to take up, as the Rariton, Pissaick, and Hackinsack Rivers; And also the South-River, and Milston River, and many other Creiks and Rivers, upon all which there is good land to be taken up, and abundance of Meadow, and although some of the land, upon the mouth and a little upwards, upon some of these Rivers be taken up, yet we know that the land above, which is yet untaken up, though it be not altogether so convenient for Trading, so as to have Ships come to it; it hath other conveniencies exceeding that below: For the land is better, and it is generally observed in these Countries, that the farther up the better the land is; and as the Soil is better, so also the Air is wholesomer, and the Country far more pleasant, and not troubled with Musketaes', which breeds in the salt Meadows, upon the mouths of the Rivers, where the Salt-water Ebbs and Flows. And for these Reasons we would as soon choice to settle above upon the Rivers as below; For though ships of burden cannot come up very far in the Rivers, yet Boats and Cannoes may, which are sufficient to carry too and fro, such things as are needful, for those that desire to live a Country life, and do not follow Trading or Merchandizing, (Towns and Cities being only fit for such.) And indeed the Country People themselves begin to be desirous to go backwards into the Country and settle; And we believe, that if they had not settled suddenly at their first coming, before they were well acquainted with, and had viewed all the Country, they had most of them gone further up; for we know some of them that have sold their Plantations below, and gone backwards and settled new ones; and such as have lived any while in the Country, upon Trades or Merchandizing, before they settled Plantations, have gone and settled backwards; as particularly, the Merchants of New York, who have many of them settled Plantations on the Rariton River, and choised to go far above those that first settled; and their Plantations though they be far later, yet are of much more value than those that are below. There is a tract of Land upon Milston River, which lies far above any that is as yet taken up, that was pitched upon by a person well known and experienced in these Countries, upon which he intended to settle a considerable Town, and engaged many Families in New-England to come and settle there, and had sold them land, who being better dequainted with the state of things in America, than any here in Scotland can be, would not left their own Coasts in New-England, and gone there and planted backwards, if it had been inconvenient or disadvantageous: But this person they engaged with not taking the right way to effectuate his design, was forced much against his will to desist; The Governor of the Province refusing him the land upon any terms, which so vexed the People in New-England, that he had treated with, and sold a part of the land to, that he durst not be seen in their Country for a considerable time afterwards.  
And besides these Rivers, there are many pleasant Brooks and Rivulets, all over the Country, that run into the greater Rivers, upon which many curious Plantations may be settled; So that although many thousands were going over, we know there is Land enough to accommodate them, there being Countries as yet in a manner untaken up; and particularly, from Shrewsberry to Little-Egg-Harbor, which is a large Country, altogether as yet untaken up; and towards the South-west-part of it, an excellent Bay or Inlet of the Sea, called Barnagate, wherein runs a River; This place we have heard commended by many to be the best place for Fisheries upon that Coast, and that the Land about it is good and convenient, appears by the desire of several of the Country People, who to our knowledge, offered to make purchase of land there. It was envied by the Governor of a Neighbouring Province, who could he obtained liberty, would have planted it with People from his own Country; So this place being altogether untaken up, may well accommodate many People, especially those that desire to be upon a Navigable River, or Bay, it being a place where Vessels may come in.  
It seems among other things, these Persons writes, That there is not Land purchased of the Indians, It's true the whole Country is not purchased from them, but there is as much purchased as is needful at present, and more than will be settled in haste. For when we came away, the Deputy Governor was treating for above sixty thousand Acres, the greatest part of which was finally agreed for, and the rest very near agreed upon; Seventeen thousand Acres of it lieth betwixt Rava River, and the Rariton River, five thousand Acres lying betwixt two Creiks, the one called Chcesquaks, and the other Chingaroras, which are the Indian names, and thirty two thousand Acres lying betwixt that Chingaroras upwards in the Country, and the lands of Midleton and Shrewsberry, and eight thousand Acres lying upon the Rariton River, and several other Parcels in other places, in all which places there is abundance of good land, which is altogether untaken up, unless what may be taken up of it by these Persous that are lately gone over, and are arrived since our coming away, so that certainly very many people must go over, before this can be all settled, and to Purchase more of the Indians, until this or the greatest part of it, be settled, were not prudence, for whereas now the Indians, part with their land, for a small matter, they would if People seemed too earnest to purchase all in a sudden, augment their price.  
These things being considered, we know not what reason of discouradgement there is, to hinder any from engaging in that Country; And indeed we are sorry, that any thing should appear, to stop our Country People, that are inclinable to go and settle there, for we are sure, that if they knew, and understood the nature of the Country, and how easily a man may procure a plentiful Livelihood, for his family in those parts, they would not account those that have rashly written these discouradging Letters their Friends.  
And because we are informed, that it is reported in some places, that we have given an ill. report of the Country: We do hereby, Declare it to be false, for as it truly deserves, we have always commended it, and encouradged such, as we have have found inclinable to go thither, as is well known to those among whom we have conversed since our return from thence, and as may appear, be several Letters we writ to our Friends while we were in that Country; wherein we always acknowledged that the Countrer did deserve, that good Commendation which it generally got, and this hath been confirmed by many Letters from several Persons, that are arrived there, since our coming away, who have not been  ash, and unadvised in their Censures, as these others have been.  
This we thought fit to give forth, for the satisfaction of such, as are desirous to be informed of the Countrcy, from those who have been Inbabitants for a time therein, and have been Eye and Ear Witnesses, to the State and Affairs thereof, testifying under our hands, what we have here written to be true, we remain wellwishers to all our Country People.  


David Barclay.  
Althur Forbes.   At Aberdeen the 5th day of March, 1685.   

David Mudies Letter to his Wife.  
New-Perth the 12. December, 1684. My heart,  
I Hope this shall find you and your Children in Good bealth, and I wish in as much satisfaction as I and our Children are here, far beyond my expectation, and others my wellwishers, who are with you, my last to you was upon my arrival here, dated the Eth of November, and at that time I could give you but a small account of my judgement anent it, it would take a great deal of time to inform you of every thing, as it truclie is; But to be short, I have traveled through a part of it, and it is far larger than ever I heard it reported in Scotland: I dare say, above a third more ground, and there is abundance of brave Rivers through it all, better than ever I did see in any place, brave Meadows alongst all the River sides, good lands above the Meadow ground, ahoundance of Fresh water Brooks, and Springs, plenty of Fishes in all the Rivers, in the Summer time, and that very good Fishes such as they preserve for Victual in the Winter, & in very few days they use to take more than they make use of in Winter; as for wild Meat there is of all sorts, Cows, Sheep and Oxen as large as in England, and abundantly cheap, considering there goodness; Corns and all Sorts of Fruit in great abundance, and no liss than they are called in Scotland. Money within this three years is become pretty plentiful, Servants dear and searce: I have taken up sex Acres of Land in Newperth, which pleases me exceeding well, in regard it is good Land, and fit for building of a City, and Persons of Good Fortune are come from New-York, and other places in the Country, and are very busy building, and I am begun to build a house, and have near digged the ground, which is very hard, it being under a great part of it Ochre, which is hard to dig, and the least deepness is eight foot, I have my two wright's Squaring of Timber for it, and I resolve to have it a good handsome Horse, six Rooms off a floor, with a Study, two stories high above the Sellers, and the Garret above; And I doubt not if the Frost bid away, but I shall have the Sellers finished, and the gests laia above it, against the latter end of this Month; for the land that lies to the house, I resolve to fence in two Acres-of it for an Orchard, and an Yard, and to have that done before the middle of February, and to have it planted with fruit trees; for I find a man in three years will have more Fruit in such an Orchard than he knows how to make use of.  
And about the middle of February, according as the Wether is, I resolve to go out where I have taken up my Land, which is upon a River, called the South River, which is an exceeding pleasant River, and place, there goes only with me there Mr. David Violent. I can go from New-Perth to it in a Boat, in two hours and a half, let the wind blow as it will, and come back again in as much time; I wish I had as many Servants here as I could make use of. Any man that is frugal, and hath 300. lib. Sterling in Stock, to come over here, and bring over 7. or 8. good Servants with him, I could assure him in 3. years' time be should make a stock better than 1000 if not 1500. lib. if he bestow his money right in Scotland, and take advice to bring all things here which is necessary for him to have in this Country. I am uncertain of the time I will be at Home, but I resolve you shall come over with me again, and ye will both think and say, when ye see the Country, that ye wish it had been done twenty years ago. I thought it not fit to trouble my friends and relations, since I could not write short Letters to them, but any of them that desires to know the condition of this Country, ye may show them this Letter, since there is no secret in it, you will find by William Burnet's Letter, that he desires some of his Sons to come over, and John Geddis writs for some of his Brethren; the which Letters cause deliver them carefully, and get an answer that if they be to come over, ye may speak for their passage timely; he tells some of them are good wright's; which is all at present, but keep a good heart to yourself, and take care of your Children, and I hope to see you with more Comfort than we parted, and I am your ever loving Husband while I breath,  
David Mudie.   

James Johnstons' Letter to his Brother John Johnston Drougest in Edinburgh.  
East-Jersey the 12th. of December, 1684. Loving Brother,  
I Have taken up a part of my Land, 9 miles from Amboy, and 4. miles from Piscatway, and as far from the nearest part of Rariton, on a Brook-side, where there are exceeding great plains without any. Timber, there is excellent Gunning for Dear and Turkeys, of which there is great plenty, and easily shot. But I resolve to see a place called Bernagate, which is 60. or 70. miles from this, on the Souther most place of the Province, where there is a good River and Harbour, the best Fishing and Gunning in any place in America 30. or 40. miles from any Plantation. The Indians here are nothing to be feared, the Place being as peaceable as any where else; I had occasion to travel through Long-Island, and Stalen Island, and for many miles found as many towns and plantations in the way, as in any so much Land in Louthean; there are no Bears nor Ravenous Beasts but Wolves, which are nothing to be feared, neither are the Country People afraid to be among them all night, in so much as I oft times going wrong, and lying out all night and hearing there yells about me, and telling that I was afraid of them, the Country People laughed at it; neither are the Snakes any thing to be noticed, for nothing can come near them, but they give warning with the rattling of their tail, so that People may either kill them, or go by them as they please. Oxen are so well taught that they go sometimes in a Plough, or Cart, without Horse, or without a Gade-man; Horses and  are as cheap as in Scotland, considering their goodness and the difference of the Money; All sorts of Scots goods sells well here, ye will be advised with the next Occasion, what goods sells best in this place. I have great reason to thank GOD, that I am in a place which abundantly answers any thing I expected; The Air is healthful, and the Soil fruitful; the Indian Corn yields commonly 2 or 3 hundred fold, Oats 20. fold, as I am informed; the Indian Corn is an excellent grain, I have eat it and likes it very well in Pottage and Bread; there are several reasonable good towns in this Province, most of them hath more than eighty Families there is no poor persons here, but all are half idle in respect of what they work with you. Flax twice heckled, sold at 9 d. per pound. Wool is very cheap, only work is dear; the Liquor we most use is Cider; we have great store of Fruir. In many places untaken up there are many plains and not a tree; I have never since last parting had any sickness to keep me from one Dyct, for which I render thanks to GOD. The Indians here make it their trade to kill Venison, and sell it to us; for a small matter I will have my Family served with Flesh all Winter; one of their Sashiams, (which is their King) came to the Governor when I came first here, desiring he might be suffered to trade among si us, and not to be beat out of our houses, when they were drunk, but only that we might bind them, and permit them to cut timber, and some such things; At new-Berth, we have a good Stationer's Shop of Books the land is not where difflcult to clear, albeit trees be 100 foot long & 3. or 4. foot over; I would hearty with and persuade any to come over that intends to live well, plentifully and pleasantly: Neither is there any Tradesman or Servant that could come wrong to this place, and I could wish my best friends no better but in the same place with me; the old Inhabitants are a most careless and infrugall People, there profession are most part Protestants, few Quakers, some Anabaptists, it is most desired there may be some Ministers sent us over, they would have considerable Benefices, and good Estates; and since it would be a matter of great Piety, I hope ye will be instrumental to advise some over to us the place is abundantly healthful, as any else; there are a great difference betwixt the people here, who are Strong and Vigorous, and the people more Southerly in Mariland; we have great store of Venison which is sometimes as fat as Pork one good Buck is sold at 5. shil. and by the Indians at 2. shil. Oats are sold at 18. pence the Bushel; all sorts of Fish is here exceeding plentiful, the poorest Persons eats no Meat that is Salt, except Pork, in Summer, they live much on Milk. I would no more value the Sea coming through if I had occasion, than ye would riding of of 20. miles; let me be remembered to all friends, to Patrick Fortune who most carefully dissuaded me from this Voyage, which I do not repent, but would as carefully persuade others, who study there own good, what I most earnestly desire of you, for the encouragement of this Plantation, is, you would be Instrumental to send us over some Ministers, who I dare engage shall afterwards ever be thankful, and I oblige to be your ever affectionate Brother,  
James Johnston.   

Amboy, or new Perth in America, 9 of November, 1684. Dear Brother,  
HAving accidentally met with the Bearer, had not time to give you any particular account of this Country, only assure you, that it is beyond (not only) all our expectations, but all that ever you have heard spoken of it, we (praised be GOD) all of us arrived safely without the loss of any one Passenger; scarcely any of them was ever sick, only we had much troubles coming from Mariland by land, our Skipper having for his own advantadge put in first at the Capes of Virginia; but we have had a brave Prospect of the Country, and all the way as well as in this place where now we are, we found plenty of Corn and all Kind's of Fruit, with Fish, Venision and wild Fowls, in such abundance, that a Deer may be had for 2 shilling Country money, and Turkeys for 6. pence; which will be at least as big any 2. Turkeys in Scotland, and are really Turkeys, only blacker than tame Turkeys that you have seen; I shall give you full satisfaction with the next occasion, pray you fail not to writ to me, when you meet with any, otherways you disoblidge him who is ever yours,  
D. Mckgregor.  
Writ to his Brother Munivard, in Scotland.   

Patrick Falkconers Letter to Maurice Trent.  
Elizabeth-Town in East-Jersey, the 28th. of October, 1684. Sir,  
MY last was dated the 22. Current, from Philadelphia, at which time I could give you but a small account of the Country; and as yet it's but a small account, I can give by reason that I have had but a little time here as yet; I have traveled on Foot more than a 100 miles in East and West Jersey, and Pensilvania; I have also Traveled in Maryland, I cannot but say it is a good Country, but it's possessed with a Debauched, Idle, Lazy People, all that they Labour for is only as much Bread as serves them for one Season, and als much Tobacco as may furnish them with , I believe it is the worst improwed Country in the World, for the Indian wheat is that they trust to, and if that fail them they may expect to starve. I find Pensilvanie and the two Jerseyes are the places which set themselves out most for Planting of Corn; As for the Jersies I need not insist in commending of them, for David Barclay and Arthur Forbes who had a longer stay here than I have had, will give you a more full account; for I intent to write no more than I am able to make good. I may say, that it is a pleasant Country, I did never see more pleasant Meadows, and Grass, than I have seen in both the Jersies, I have seen plains of good Hay consisting of about 50. Acres of ground, hardly one Tree to be seen upon the whole spot. And there are several places so, I can say, it's a well watered Country, and good waters, and if they were desirous, they might have very good Quarry here both for Stone of any sort, and Limestone likewise, but so long as Timber is so plenty, they will not be at the pains, to seek after Stone; there are some houses in the Country, built with stone but very few. Having fallen in here, the end of the year, I cannot be capable to give an account what may be the product of the Country, but I hear that all sorts of Grain hath very good Increase, I see the Country abounds with Apples, Quinches, Peatches, Walnuts, and Chasnuts, and Strawberries in great abundance, wild-Wine-Grapes are plentiful, wildfowl of all sorts, a great number of Deer, Turckie-Fowls-wild, in great abundance and very big, I have seen these things in great plenty: I hope ye will excuse me, becanse I am not capable to give an ampler account of the Country, for I have not been two days in one place, I will tell you this is a good Country, for men who resolves to be Laborious; any who comes here they must resolve to work hard for the first two or three years, till they get a little Ground cleared, for this must be looked on as a woody-Countrey, though I must confess the Woods are not so thick as people expects; and there are several places in the Country where there is little or no Wood; People are generally curious to have there Land near Navigable Rivers, but when they are better acquaint, they will find that the farther back the better is the Land, there are abundance of Fish and Oysters here, this is not a Country for idle people, but such as will be at pains, they need not doubt but to get Bread here in plenty, so I wish it be the Lords will that we may have a happy meeting again, his will be done, I wish you may be protected by the Lord, this from  
Your affectionate Friend, and humble Servant, Patrick Falconer.   

Abstract of a Letter write by Peter Watson (who went over a Servant with David Barclay, in the year 1683.) to John Watson Messenger in Selkirk  
New-Perth, the 20th of August, 1684. Cusing,  
I Can never write to you before now, because I was never rightly settled, and am not yet fully settled, but I am from among the rest of the Servants, one James-Reid and I and our Families are together, set out to a Farm on Amboy, we are to have some Land laid out to us, and we are Stocked with two Mares, four Cows, two Sows, two Oxen; my Wife and I and the Child Richard are very well in health, and hath been so ever since we came out of Scotland: Now as for this Country, it is a very good Country, indeed poor men such as myself, may live better here then in Scotland if they will but work, a man can have Corn and Cattle or any other Goods for his work and he can sell these goods to some hands for money, it is not for a man that hath a Family to come bound four years, but young men, who have no trouble, they will do better to come and serve four years here then to serve in Scotland, for they are not so hard wrought as in Scotland, and when the four years are out, they can gain abundance to work to other men; or if they desire to settle upon Land of their own, they can have it reasonably Cheap, the bardest work that is here, it clearing of the Ground, and felling of Trees, and the like; the first year is the worst, till they be accustomed with the work of the Country. my Neighbour and I did clear from the middle of February till the undst of May. five Acres of Land, and have is planted 〈◊〉 ●●dian Corn, and Indian Beans, and Tobacco for our own smoking; a man who lives here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where to buy anything, here be can have Corn and Catile, and every thing that it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 man's use, if he be Industrious, only the thing that is dearest here, is Clothing, for there are but few Sheep in this country, but there are store of all other Beasts, such as Horse, and Cows, and Hogs, there is here good Fishing, good hunting of Deer, and other kind of wild Beasts; The Country is very healthy as I have seen yet, it is cold 〈◊〉 the Winter like unto Scotland; But fra once the Summer breaks up, it is hotter than it is in Scotland; There are here very good Religious People, they go under the name of Independants, but are most like to the Prsibyterians, only they will not receive every one to their Society; we have great need of Good. and Faithful Ministers; And I wish to GOD, that there would come some over here, they can live as well, and have as much as in Scotland, and more than many gets; we have none within all this Province of East-Jersey, except one who is Preacher in Newwark; there were one or two Preachers more in the Province, but they are dead; And now the people they meet together every Sabbath day, and Reads and Prays, and sings Psalms in their Meeting-houses, this Country is very well setiled with People, most part of the first Settlers came out of New-England, very kind and loving people, kinder than in Scotland or England, As for the Indian Natives, they are not trouble some any way to any of us, if we do them no harm, but are a very kind and loving people; the men does nothing but hunts, and the women they plant Corn, and works at home; they come and trades among the Christians with Skins or Venison, or Corn, or Pork; and in the Summer time, they and their Wives come down the Rivers, in their Cannoas', which they make themselves of a piece of a great tree, like a little Beat, and there they Fish and take oysters. This Country is a very pleasant Country with Rivers and Creiks to fish in; only it is full of Wood, such as Oak and Walnut-tree, Chesnnt, Poplar, and Cedar; The only thing we want here is good People; I wish that all the poor Friends I or my Wife hath were here: As for my Brother, if he have a mind to come. Brother if you have but as much in the World as would transport you hither and your family. I would desire you earnestly to come, and bring my Sister with you; if you have as much as will transpored you, sell all and come, though you bade not a penny after your passage were paid, you need not fear if you have a mind to work; I was as little brought up with work as an● won, yet blessed be GOD, I can work now as my Neighbours, and lives very contentedly with my Wife better than ever we did in Scotland; show my Mother Law that my Wife and I would be very well pleased, if she would come over, there are as old Women as she comes here out of old England; there was one came alongst with us elder than she, if she will come; she shall live with her Daughter and me, as easy, and as well as ever she did live in Scotland; and I do know that was well enough my Wife and I are well at present, as you could wish, GOD be blessed; I can say no more, but my love to my Brother, and his Wife, and all Friends,  
I rest your loving Cusin, Peter Watson.   

A Letter write by John Campbel, to John Dobie.  
New-Perth, 8th of November, 1684. B. John,  
I Wrote a line from Philadelphia to you, as we were coming hither, your Cusin James Dobbie the cannoneer is in such haste, that I cannot write what I would say; but in short, we are come more to a good wholesome Country, in which with little industry a man may have a comfortable life, there is good Wheat and Oats growing here, and Indian Corn, which our Servants likes very well; There is Fish and Fowl abundance, of Cows and Horse, they labour with Horse and Oxen; There is Deer through all the Country, and Turkeys which some of our 〈◊〉 has killed a part of already; there is Pererages and Quails very rife, that 〈◊〉 Wife yesterday morning saw about 20. of them walking before the door like Chickens. I shall say no more till I see farther, for I am with others going to the Country on Monday to see for the Country lots, for I have taken up the Towns already, and cut down the trees of two Acres of ground with six men in three days. My service to all Friends, I am  
Your most assured Friend, John Campbel.    

POSTSCRIPT.  
BY all these Letters, and many more that could be produced, if need were, it sufficiently appears how little ground there is for these clamours, that have been raised against this Province; And though no reasonable man can suppose that there is a Country in the World that will please the humours of all sorts of people; yet it is to be observed, that albeit several hundreds of people are gone to this Province, within these three years from Scotland and England, the reports of them all agree in the main, and lands in the commendation of the Country.  
Now if any should suspect that these Letters are any ways altered, because some of them are not entirely insert, there being in them other business that relates not to the Country; And in others of them, a large account of their Sea, which were needless here to insert; It is desired, that all who would be further satisfied by these Letters, may repair to Andrew hamilton's at the sign of the Ship, in Edinburgh, where the original of some of them lies, and such of them as are not there, may be found with the persons to whom they were directed.  
There is a good Ship freighted by Mr. Robert Plackwood Merchant in Edinburgh, and David Parclay, which is to be at Leith sometime in June next, and is to call at Montrose and Aberdeen, and thence to sail to the Town of Perth in East-Jersey; So if there be any persons that are desirous to transport themselves thither, let them repair to Mr. Robert Plaickwood. Andrew Hemilton, or David Falconer in Edinburgh; In Aberdeen to Andrew Calloway Merchannt; In she Mearns to David Barclay of Ury, In Aberdeen Shire; to Robert ●urnet of Lethent●, or Robert Gordon of C●uny, where such as are willing to pay their own passage, by giving timely notice, may have assurance of good accommodation in the said Ship; And such as are willing to engage as Tenants, or Servants, wheth●● 〈…〉. Husbandmen, or others. let them repair to any of the foresaids' person● who will engage with them, upon easy and reasonable terms.   

In page 2●● the date of J. Campbels' letter, read November for October; And in the first line of the letter, read October for September, which error was occasioned by the Transcriber.  
FINIS.