Present State of the Spanish Colonies
Including a Particular Report of Hispañola, or the Spanish Part of Santo Domingo

This study of Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and South America was first published in 1810.

William Walton (Author)

9781108024594, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 January 2011

412 pages, 1 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.52 kg

William Walton (?1783–1857) was British agent at Santo Domingo (Haiti), one of the two states on the island of Hispaniola, over which the British had briefly fought with the French before it proclaimed its independence in 1804. Returning to England in 1809 he began to write on Spanish and South American affairs. This work was published in two volumes in 1810. Volume 1 deals with Hispaniola, which was settled by both the Spanish and French, and officially divided in 1697. Haiti was now independent, but the other part (now the Dominican Republic) remained under Spanish control until 1821. Walton discusses the history and geography of the island, and particularly the natural resources and wildlife. The rebellion of Haiti had seriously damaged the economy, which had been thriving, and more successfully exploiting the island's resources than the larger Spanish colony. Walton's object was to encourage the growth of trade between Britain and the region.

Preface
Introduction
1. First discovery, and early history of Hispañola
2. Present government of Haiti
3. Description of the coast, harbours, bays, and detached islands of Hispañola
4. Soil and resources compared with those of Haiti, country, vallies, climate, plains, branding cattle, woods described
5. Rivers, streams, lakes, &c.
6. Aspect of the country, and stroke of the sun and moon
7. Species of woods, fruits, vegetable productions, &c.
8. Mines, mineral productions, &c.
9. Animals, game, fish, insects, &c.
10. Population, cities, towns, &c.
11. Amusements
12. Indians, their history, one of their idols described, decline and rise of Hispañola, policy of the French in the West Indies
13. Occupation of the island by the French, till their final expulsion by the English and Spaniards
14. Advantages that result to England from dispossessing the French of Hispañola
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH]