BRITISH SETTLEMENT


the east. It extends from about 16 to I
deg. north latitude, and from about 84 to
94 4eg. west longitude. This part ofAme-
rica was discovered by Columbus in 1502.
 Previous to the treaty of Paris, in 1763,
the English settlers had established them-
selves, with the friendly approval of the
Indians, their immediate neighbours, on
the east coast of Yucatan, The nearest
Spanish settlements are those of Bacalar
to the northward, and of Omoa and Trux-
illo to the southward. An inconsiderable
military body is kept at each of the for-
mer places, but the latter is a situation of
much more importance, possessing a re-
gular force, and having very extensive
fortifications. The harbour of TruxiUlo
is also large, open, and commodious, an
advantage that is connected with very few
places on this inimense coast.
 On concluding the treaty of peace,
in 1763% by the i1th article it was sti-
pulated, that all the fortifications which