COWES, EAST and WEST, (Isle of Wight) in the p. of Northwood in W. Medina, are 2 petty Ts. on the shore, which have the
advantage of trade above any in the island. Several rich merchants live here; and formerly ships from Virginia, &c. used
to unload their cargoes here, pay their customs, take in their goods again, and then sail to Holland, Hamburgh, &c. to
intitle them to the drawback of such their goods. Here also masters of ships, &c. are furnished with money for bills in
London; and provisions are taken on ship-board at W. Cowes, which is the most thriving place in the island, tho' it lies
so low, that it is not reckoned very healthy. At W. Cowes is a castle and garrison, which was built by K. Hen. VIII. as
was another at E. Cowes; and at the former also is a ch. sc. In time of war, this is a place of general rendezvous for
merchant-ships that wait for convoys.