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Full text of "The history of Barbados from the first discovery of the island in the year 1605, till the accession of Lord Seaforth 1801"

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DAI    ois»i55.i^ 


HARVARD 
COLLEGE 
LIBRARY 


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mm.^sm 


/^  ^  '^c^.  4  //>^-^, 


THE 

HISTORY 


OF 


BARBADOS, 

FROM  THE 

mUST  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  ISLAND, 
IN  THE  YEAR  1605, 

TILL 

THE  ACCESSION  OF,  LORD  SEAFORTH,  1801. 


BY   JOHN  POYER. 


LONDON: 

RTNTED  FOR  J.  MAWMAN, 

n,  POULTRY. 

1808.  A    ■ 

[J.  G.  Barnard,  Printer,  Snow- Hill  1 

• 

X   - 

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1 


PREFACE. 


XHERE  is  no  desire  more  natural  to  the 
mind  of  civilized  man>  than  that  of  retracing  the 
transactions  of  former  ages.  Curiosity  stamps  a 
value  on  the  most  trifling  records  of  antiquity^ 
^d  we  attend  with  pleasure  to  the  recital  of  oc- 
currences, in  which  we  are  no  longer  iiiterested. 
Like  every  other  affection  of  the  human  soul,  this 
propensity  gathers  strength,  and  becomes  more 
ardent,  as  its  energies  are  more  concentrated,  and 
its  object  is  more  limited.  Hence  we  pursue,  with 
e^acreased  eagerness,,  the  inquiry  which  leads  to  the 
knowledge  of  those  events  that  have  occurred  in 
the  country  ifphich  we  claim  as  our  own*  ^   To  gratify 

a  2 


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iv  PREFACE. 

this  laudable  and  rational  Guriosity,  >  is  the  object  of 
the  present  undertakings  in  which  I  have  endeap* 
voured  to  give,  with  historic  fidelity,  a  Warrativeof 
the  most  remarkable  Events  and  Legislative  Transac- 
tions of  my  nath^  Cbuntry^     ' 

'  It  will  readily  be  perceived,  that  the  annals  of  a 
small  colony  can  furnish  but  few  particulars  m  orthy 
the  attention  of  the  general  historian,  or  the  pro- 
found politician,  'wiiose  enlarged  vieNvs  are  occupied 
yviih  the  fate  of  mtidns,  or  the  complicated  interests 
of  empires.'  Bqt^  '*  no  period  in  the  history  of 
one's  own  country>f'  says' a  celebrated  autlior,'  '*  can 
be  considered  as  altogether  uninteresting.  Such 
transactions  as  tdnd  to  'illustrate  the  progress  of  its 
constitution,  laws^  and  manners,  merit  the  utmost 
attention.  Even  remote  and  minute  events  are 
objects  of  a  curiosity,  which,  being  natural  to  the 
human  mind,  the  gratification  of  it  is  attended 
with  pleasure.^'  Encouraged  '  by  this  opinion  of 
Robertson,'  the  first  historian  of  the  stge,  I  have 
presumed  to   submit   the  following  W<Mrk  to  the 


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PREFACE.  V 

candour  of  the  public^  in  the  hope  that  it  will  not  be 
deemed  wholly  unimportant^  or  unworthy  of  their 
approbation. 

To  others^  I  willingly  resign  the  brilUant  meed 
which  crowiis  the  efforts  of  comprehensive  genius^ 
^employed  in  recording* the  splendid  achieyements 
of  warriors,  the  actions  of  heroes,  or  liie  beneficent 
institutions  of  statesmen.     My  ambition  soars  not 
beyond  the  humble  task  of  presenting  my  country- 
men with  a  mot^ '  complete  and  impartial  Histwy 
of  Barbadoes  than  has  hitberto  appear^d^     In  the 
progress  of  the  work,  due  notice'has  been  taken  of 
the  civil,  military, '  and  ecclesiastical  establishments 
of  the  colony,  its  latvs,  and  cotistitution.     Their 
errors  and  imperfections  are  illustrated,    and  the 
abuses 'which  have  crept  into  the  public  admini- 
stratioh  Wre  noted  with  decent  freedom,  in- which 
candour  has  not  been  forgotten. 

In  the  performance  of  this  delicate  and  essential 
jpa]4'of  my  plan,  I  am  apprehensive  thatil  fihall  be. 


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\{i  PREFACE. 

%>^i^t  ob^oxipus.  to  cei^ure;  fi)r  Wi^ig  deyjUiAe4 
£(0I»  l^e' strict  ralef  of  bj^tqi^  qoi^^ppsitlioifu    Tlji^ 
reflections  scattered  through  the  book^  auid  tjbu^  d^r 
(*ussions  of  political  subjects,   into  which  I  have 
oocasionsdly  d^^^i^4»   ^}^ufr^y  ioterr^p^  the 
|2»EnitirQ>  .«wd  di«ei;t  tbe  ai^^oiii  from  iit9  pi:c^r 
olj^t. '  I  was  i^ojt  aw;are  of  th»  imc;onyeiuence  tiU 
it  waa  too  1^  to  qialqe  any  alteration  in  the  ar- 
isuAgem^^   Y^  t^eriQ  are  many  iate])igej:\t  readers, 
by  wAiCNn,  I  ain  .{^ersuf^ed^  tbe^e  will  be  .cojisidered 
the  belt  p»r|«f  ctf.tl)e  F^f^^r     Fajiigufid  wiljh  a  tedi- 
i»j»  «iurrat(ive  (tf  f^vei^ts,  which  it  is  fei^ed  will  n^t 
be  g^R^s^ly  iB^tere^ting,  tl\e ,  mind  w.}\^  repose  and 
untod  ,t^)f  Jin  tb^  c;»r^yan^eras  of  rest  and  refresl^- 
mw^'    JUke  ejfwode^  in  an  epic  poem,  they  will 
r0li^eyQ  the  ajtjteqliQpir,  ^d  a^use  the .  imagination 
with  tb'eir  v^ety.     Afkd,   .^ven  vi^h  respect  to 
tbf^  utility,  jif.tbe  sentiments,  of  the  ?iuthor  should  be 
found  worthy  of  atteftt.iQi;^,  it  is  prejsumed  ihat  their 
effect  must  be  increased,  by  preserving  the  natural 
.\^l^OB.bistween.tl^e  reflectiion  at^d  the  ^ct,  by  which 
M  v^  smgges^edk     The^e  dig;re^ions  sure  vinflicated , 


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PREFACE.  ni 

hf  ttd  mitliof  ^  tHe  fitst  daSs  in  tiiis  departmettt  of 
Htcdi-aftufe;  and  1  may  t^ture  to  affirm,  ^itb 
Gihhoti,  that  ih&^  will  be  censured  only  by  those 
I'eiidef^  y^/bo  are  it^nsible  to  thfe  hn;p(j)rtance  of  laws 
sthd  inatinidrs,  whilfe  they  petUse,  with  eagei-  cu- 
riosity, the  transient  intrigues  of  a  court,  or  the 
accidental  event  of  a  battle. 

r 

T&e  fiT^feddm  of  liiy  rettiiiria  may  probahty  give 
offence*  ko  miiny  respectable  |>ersons  in  high  officiai 
situatioiis;  and  I  iMa^  evfetibe  accused  of  betray- 
ihg  the  interests  of  my  country,  by  the  representa- 
tion which  1  have  drawn  of  itN  intemdl  gdvet'rfment. 
But  t  utterly  discMtti  the  smallest  personal  allusion 
\<^hatever.  Measures,  and  hot  men,  wtere  they 
can  be  separated,  ai^  the  objects  of  reprobation; 
and  in  comnientirig  on  the  errors  df  our  establish- 
ment, it  is  not  my  intention  to  wound  the  feelings 
of  any  honest  man,  to  whom  the  abuses  of  office 
have  been  transmitted  through  successive  genera- 
tions. Nor  is  tt  tr'^acheiy,  but  patriotism,  which 
calls  the  attention  of  persons  in  authority  to  the 


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Tiii  PREFACE, 

causes  of  those  abuses  which  exist  in  the  subordi- 
nate departments  of  the  state.  The  purity  of  t^e, 
motive  will,  I  hope,  entitle  me  to  the  indulgence 
of  the  public,  and  extepuate  any  imperfection  which 
may  be  perceptible  in  the  execution  of  ^hi^  plart  of 
my  design.  r  ' 

J  J  '        ■  '  # 

Had  I  foreseen  the  difficulties  which  I  baye  had 
to  encounter^  I  must  confess,  that  I  should  nev6r . , 
have  engaged  in  this  undertaking.  Sensibly  how 
little  I  had  to  expect  i^om  the  ordinary  sour^^s  of 
information,  I  flattered  myself  that,  as  doon  ,as  my 
design  was  known,  the  lovers  of  literature  would 
have  facilitated,  by  every  coipmunication  in  their 
power,  a  Work,  tne  \f  ant  of  which  was  universally 
acknowledged.  But  I  have  met  with,  discourage- 
ment and  disappointment,  where  I  expected  to  have 
found  support  and  assists^ncc       .     ,,  ,  .  ^ 

Notwithsianding  several  h^ktoncal  .accounts  of 
Barbadoes  have  been  published,  its  genuine  nis- 
tory  remains  involved  in  great  obscurity.     Of  these. 


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PREFACE,  IX 

publications^  thatof  Ligos  is  little  more  thana  journal 
of  his  voyage  to  and  from  the  island^  including  an 
account  of  what  happened  during  the  few  years  he 
resided  in  the  country.  Mr.  Hughs's  Natural  His- 
tory is  entirely  barren  of  events;  and  the  Memoirs 
of'  Barbadoes^  published  in  the  year  1742>  though 
they  contain  some  valuable  information,  are  too  con- 
cise to  re\^^d  the  search  of  the  curiouH  inquirer. 
The  best  and  most  copious  account  of  this  country 
extant,  is  said  to  have  been  published  by  Oldmixon, 
in  his  History  of  the  British  Empire  ip  America. 
This  publication  I  have  never.,  seen.  Anxious  to 
consult  every  author  who  had  written  oq  t^ie  sub- 
ject, I  offered,  by  public  advertisement^  any  price 
for  the  book,  but  those  who  had  it  irere  not  liberal 
enough  to  indulge  me  with  the  use  of  it. 

This  disappointment  has  been,  in  a  great  mea« 
sure,  compensated  by  the  Account  of  Barbadoes 
contained  in  the  forty-^rst  volume  of  the  Universal 
History,  m  hich  seems  to  have  been  compiled  from 
01dmixon*6  book.     Here  I  found  a  sufficient  stock 

b 


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ribbmimt.i  '•  'Utafe- dariited  mudh.coilaterai  ia^HUha- 

4 

ixSon  fami  on  i  tesd^lknt .  H^aHuBetipi  .'oJ^QMitii  i>r  /iff 
JRtns^  Seitietkeut ,  ff  Burhad&gs,  "wniti^iir  by.  •  HaU^ 
die',  editor  .of  the  •Laws;  niHc^  wtw;  kindly  cmnmiir 
picBtetl  to  vk&hyi  lAie  .Hbiwoiable  Ahjamiii  fimds^ 
^hief  JHsticb  of  jkcoibI  of  lOoiaiHiciB  ploai^  «nd  ierbBu- 
,  funr  of  die  island;  a  gende]imi>  ■  whose  stem  peti-^ 
tioal  reetitade  aiM  integrity  are,  8ofixn«d  hy  k  Hai^ 
]^-aiiiitAi  Iwitii  the  inost  annlsle  domestic  viitqas: 
Many  offllheiBPOBtimportairt trails  rf^SirBer 

inXi  OraiiHlie's  aiid  Mr.  Crowe's  adiiiiiiistratioiis>  axe 
V  detailed  £rom  an  old  journal  of  the  prooeediiigis  bf 
diea8SQ»ibly^  lent  ine^  widi  liis  usual  urfoaniiy>  hf 
fliy  esteemed  and  iqgentouB  frieiid  Mr.  Abrahmm 
JHiirtlq.  <  For  many  mteveating  ^lactiadar^  I  im 
ukdeliited  tb' 7ti»a  .' valusible  nianidscnpti^  >  wHicii 
were  pciitely  put  iiitoi  my  bands  %  Willimn  lEvers*- 
hj,  Esq.:  an'  eminckit  ahxuney^  whose  integnty 
«aid 'professional  kiuiwli^dg^  Isure  podcur^d  1bh»  . 
die  oonfide^e  and  esteem;  iiot  mdy  of  his  clt- 
eai^,  but  of  ill  ivlio  «njoy  thft  pleasure  of  Ids  ao- 
4|«KUQtanc4. 

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PREFAGK  xiii 

to  acfenowjedge  my  obligatioS.     The  iirieiidship 

of  soich  men  is  a  aistmetion  of  whkh  I  am;  justly 

■  yam,  and  amply  compensates  ;me  for.  the  envMus 

.  maligmty  whith  has-  endeavoured  to^  obstruct  my 


r> 


\. 


'i:  -.".'f  V.  i'  /idn  vcj 


impediments  tW  have  lain,  in  mV  way,  t  submit 

.'^v,/.  V'^"   ^•"^^..'-     -  .v>-,  J-'-.j-T/^  iJ'^^d  T    1... 
to  the  candour  ot  aa  enlightened  community,  with> 

'  aljL  those  tender  hopes  and  tears  which  are-  ivatural 
to  the  mind  of  a  maii,.  anxious  for  the  success  of  a 

"  ^  prorfuciioii>;  oia.' which  ne  has  bestowed- 'much  time* 
and  paihsi.  Gonsciaiis  of  my  own  df^ficienoies,  I 
CMi  scarcely  "expect  a  favourable  reception  from  the- 
world.  Denied  the  advantages' of  an  academical 
edi^ation,.  I  cannot  pretend-  lib  those  ornameQtsof 
"style  which  are  neceissary  to  embellish,  and  recom> 
mend  a  work,,  which,'  from  the  nature  of  the  sub- 
ject,  it'isapprehended^  will  prove  dry  anduneniber* 
ikining.  I  have  endeavoured,  however,  to  supply 
,  ^wai]d:^f. learning  ah()  talents  W  diligence  and' 
iqpplica^n;   and  1  twVt  tpat,  as'my/^iilts  hav« 


^j.*  ,  .        # .  *•     •     ,.-•,>,,,  i       :      :''*.•*•>*.  /   I  / 


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xiv  PREFACk/ 

m 

not' b«en  aggmvated  by  presumption^  they  will  not 
bt  puni^d  m1^  ^  sererity  of  literary  criticism.  ^ 

,  from  the  liviely  intOf«sl;  taken  by  pe<^le  o£  every 
description^  in  whatever  relates  to  the  condkion  of 
the  enslaved  Mncasx,  it  may,  perhaps,  appear  strange 
that  I  shofM  have  taken  no  notice  of  die  general 
state  of  West  ibidian.  slavery.  But  the  isnli^ct  has 
been  so  fiilly  and  ably  treated,  by  Mr.  Bryan  £d- 
wardsy  the  degaat.  aiid  angenious  faistonan  of  the 
West  Incbci^  .  as  to  preclude  the  Meecssity  of  an^ 
ulterior  discussioD*  .And,  as.  his  viduable  work  is 
in  general  circulation,  it  would  be  superfluous  to 
repeat  what  he  has  adinanced  with  so  much  greater 
ability.  It  has,  doubtless,  been  expected,  that  I 
should  take  notice  of  die  torrent  of  illiberal  inflective 
with  wliich  our  mistaken,  misiitformed,  transatlantic 
feRoW'Subjects  continue  to  over^^Im  a  peaceful, 
unoffending  conMnunity,  with  whose  intemdl  »tn- 
ation.  thfey  are  very  imperfectly  acquainted;  and 
thait  I  ^loidd  vindicate  the  character  of  my  injured 
country,  Irom  the  gross  calumnies  which  are  daily 


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propagMedf  ^hcc;rmii^  the  tfc^t|H€at<i  tif>slstl^/ 
Bui  I  home .  fodbsraet  td  ^femark  iip^  fhii  tiii^^tti^ 
raataUe  abii9e>  Vfthtlts^t  hoif^iincH^M^tidfi  Whi^k 
ai-chur  seii^  of  aocofliulited  tdjim^-kid  if»l^ 
tnight  mtBralJy  inspire  ati«l<excttfi&;  mid  thiiU  klM^ 
lim  d»t  't9  tfeedilioiii/'khefte  by  whclni  khst^he&cut^ 
UnjustlyAndinfeelingfy  ihrowiiui  Ima}^,  J«$«»ete|^ 
be  pQl-mitted  to*  r<^  to*  the  c^di^iepite^rstk^Kfm 
vi'  ff  Jew  ittteifigeiit  travelbsre,  hr  ai  i^fertation -(^  fhi^ 
charges  of  tohuiinaity,-  too  indnscAmiifmtdljr  ittt^ 
pvted  to- the  West  Indians  to  bejnst* 

I  shall  begin  with  the  tssdshony  o^  the  Re^ftei^MHi 
Mr.  WiHiaomsy  vicar  of  Exning,  in  Siiifb&.  Thi^ 
re9pectal>l«  Hiiraster  of  the  gospel,  was  cfaapkftf  of 
Sir  John  Jerris's  ^Ag-Mp,  when  that  eelebrated 
eommandex  and  Sir  Charles  Grey  were  en^Ioyecl 
in  eittencbiig  the  glory  of  the  Biritish  arina  ill  i^ 
western  hemisphefe.  While  the  fleet  lay  at  Bar- 
badoes,  he  had  an  opportunity  ol  observing  th^ 
condition  of  skves,  smd  the  result  of  hm  observations^- 
is.  related  wifb  a  candour  beeoiMn^  his  hdy  vocft^ 


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xyi  PRErACB. 

tion:  i'  Dunng  «ur  residence  at  this  idand^  xurW 
osity  led  me  to  be  present  at  a  sale  of  slaves^  just 
imported  from  Africa.      As  this  hoitid  traffic  in 
human  fletdi  has  been  the  topic  of  public  investi- 
gation for  some  time  past,  and  niuch  learning  and 
ingenuity  have  been  displayed  on  both  sides  of  the 
question,  I  shall  not  give  any  opinion  on.it,  but 
merely  state  hcts  ^at  came  within  my  own  ^now-> 
ledge.     The  sale  is  proclaimed  by  beat  of  dhim, 
and  is  held,  ait  Barbadoes  at  least,  not  in  the  open 
air,  as  I  had  been  taught  to  beheve,  but  in  a  com- 
modious: house,    appointed  for  that  purpose^    As 
soon  as  the  planter  has  fixed  on  a  slave,  he  retires 
with  the  salesman  to  another  room,  there  concludes 
the  bargain,  and  departs  with  his  purchase   to  his 
plantation,  where  the  new  comer,  being  clothed  in 
a  coarse  jacket,  and  provided  with  a  hat,   knife, 
and  other  trifles,  is  placed  with  one  of  the  old 'ne- 
groes, by  whom  he  is  instructed  in  his  business. 
In  regard  to  the  severity  exercised  by  the  slave- 
owners on  their  slaves,  vi^hatever  may  have  been 
the  case,  I  am  well  assured  that  now  there  are  sel- 


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di^'imttaaak^s^M  i^i)^  ^^^  been 

so  f«eliilgly  described,  at  le«6t  in  tllfe-.yftads  vre  vi-' 
sited  on  this  .^sq^editioQ. '  At  l^ha^ittA,  tbey  Up-' 
peared  to  be  in  as  ^6mfoi:M^ble>'«ituastion:aslii0 lower 
ranks  of  society  generally  are;  and«^  ibe  climate 
is  peculiarly  fevourable  to  poverty,  dothea  siod  firr 
ing>  the  greaf  article^  of  expose-  to  the  ^fitta  in 
o^er  countries,  b^Qg  hardly rjliwte  ionised)  I  may 
ventU^'e  to  a£|imi,r  that  the  ^alaves  'm  ^  Weet  In- 
dies are  in  a  better  situation,  aa  t(| :  the  ^eoessaoies 
of  life,  than  iAi€  labouring  poor  iniJbigliiad,  <»  ^y 
odier  country  in  Em»pe*." 

On  the  comparative  feliciiy  of  the  'West  bidian 
slaves,  we  have  the  candid  declaration  4i  another 
clergyman,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Munn>  who  was  sent  to 
Jamaica  as  a  missipnary.  He  acknowledged  that 
he  had  received,  in  England,  very  unfav«lixakle 
impressions  respecting  the  treatment  of  slaves ; 
but,  from  what  he  had  himself  witnessed,  be  saw 


*  WillaupiM's  CMOfWDghiafheWeit  laliw,  p.  12. 
C 


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xvm 


PKEFACE. 


ware  «f  the  cMii£>rtB.  9f  life  aniAiig  tbeiii,*iiiom 
appoROt  coBtentment^  more  htippmm,  than-bie 
had  oner  seen  among  tbe  labomang  ordtr  of.  pe^le 

Twiiieoe  Teoerabk'  autboiities  let  jm  add  tkait 
of  Doctor'  Piackasd.  This  g«fitletiiaii ,  ww  em* 
ployed  in  a'  prc^mional  capacity  ta:  atftuid-  tbe 
troDpd  lindoTitbe  cDmmBBd  o£  Sir  Balph  Abencrom- 
bie>r  «i'  iibe;^Kpfditio«  ib»  the  W^  Ipdiei^  and 
hrMight  if^  biw ,  l4A  ttme^  invt^^er^d^  preji;bdices> 
generated  by  ignorance  and  fetsehioocU  aad^  nur- 
tured by  humanity^  which  prevail  against  the 
crfufituated  slave  owner.  .  JSoon  af^r;  his  arrival^ 
at  B«rbadoe«>  he  had  an.  <]pporil»unity  ^  visiting  «a 
slave  shii^  '' to  witness,'*  as  he  explains  \m  design^ 
''  the  oMn^er  <^  treating  those  poor  beings  <»f  sable 
6kin>..vdbo  vpe  tM^  fr<Rin  their  native,  hmne  1^  the 
iron  hand  of  «em»eraej  to  be  lanjiisported  to  a 
hmk^  of  slavcjry.'^     After  a  minute  detail  of  1^ 


*  D^lksV  UUmty  ot  lim  Maw pi,  yA  «» p.  4*u 
5 


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.rB£FAC£.  xk 

{MttiGiilars  x>6  duscnoi^l  aightv  the  d(>ctDr  assures 
liis  cofrospoadeBt— '^  I  am  mottt?  happy  tOr  ochI'" 
dtide  my  feport,  by  inlbFiaiiig  3ridiu;..that  we  olv 
served  no  UKurks  of  liiose  horrorakaSKt)  cmekies  said 
t^  be  pi9cticed  on  board  tbe  ships  occupied  in 
thil^  sflid  traffic  of  human  flesh,  aad  wbiek  ave  re- 
presented as  frightfully  augmenting  the  mmifold 
iSis  of  staveiy*.*'  And  in  a  aobsequent.ietter,  the 
doctor  adds,  '^Ihe  difference^  in  poind:  of  heahb, 
is  peeulia]4y  siriking,  between  ikit  troops^  conwyed 
in  trail^iorts^rom  £ngland>  and  tbeslaM^s  brought  in 
the  Gtifnear  sK^  fr6m  Africa.  The  «fe^  are-  in 
more  ctowded  dian  the  soldierS)  yet  for  ^oove 
hesiMiy.  Tmtght  venture  it  as  an  optnien;  ihat  a 
Guinea  ship'TrouM  carry  with  less  danger  of  -dis- 
ease being  generated  among  them,  a  cargo  of  slaves 
more*  ihan  thrice  as  numemus  as  a  transport  Would 
carry  of  soldiersf;*'  No  better  evidence  can  be  had 
than  ihls  of  a  gentleman  of  professional  eminence,. 


*  'Pinckard's  Notes  qn  the  Wes\  la&et,  TC^t  h  p<  S^t* 
t  Ibid,  vol.  «,  p.  9- 

C    « 


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p^x  PREFACE. 

■J 
•who  had  a  Ikir  oppo^nity  of  esftmihing  both  iht 

transport  an4-  slave  ships^  and  ^o^  spontaneoas 

declaratbn  in  favour  of   the  latter  mode  of  coii«- 

^eyance.  proves,  that  so  far  from  augmenting,  as 

had  biceii  r^tesented,  ,the  manifold  ills  of  slavery, 

it  -waa,  tn  fact,  an  amelioration  of  human  liiisepy.  • 

In  the  course  of  this  traveller's  peregrinations  in 

.this  countiy>  he  met  with,  what  he  is  pleased  to 

tern^,  a  happy  negro  yard.     **  We  contemplated 

this  spot  with  much  satisfaction,  and  were  gratified 

in  observing  the  high  degree  of  atteiition  which  wias 

here  given:  to  the  comfort  and  accommodation  of 

the  negroes;  who  had  little  cause  to  lament  their 

removal  from  the  wild  woods  of  Africa  to  an  opposite 

shore,  and  could ^  as  little  desire  to  exchange  their 

present  lot  for  the  high-rated  freedom  of  European 

paupers.    No  thought  have  they  to.  provide  for  their 

infants  or  their  aged  parents,  nor  have  they  to  seek 

either  food,  habitation,   or  apparel.     To  each  &- 

mily  is  allotted  a   separate  home ;    the  necessary 

food  and  clothing  are  issued  to  them;  and  they 


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knowrUdpe-ctf:  tiie  ansious  c^res  w  Hifficulti^  of  the 
wodd^r  .No  feofifiil  concem,  iiiar.  haf^siAg  incum- 
faBBM|Kse»  <cMi. arise,  to  diem>  oii  aiccouat^^f  their  off- 
sfffing,  ^who>  like,  Utemselii^Sy  sAe  fiirm^hed.vnth 
all  that  is  needful  ;■  and  those  who  havendost  chil- 
dreii>  find,  themselitefi.  mdist  valued  and  esteemed* 
In  sickness,  medical  attendance  is-  provided  fox 
them,  and  wfa^tev^r  k  necessary  is.  admimster^d 
without  thqught  or  lamaety  on  their  Qwn  ^ftrt.  -j  Sox 
d£^. labour. is  dtmanded  fi:om,tfa^em  in.die'week, 
hut  the  seventh  i^  giveu.thw.afifAday'  pf  r^t  and. 
relaxatioiil ;  and  £rom  the  total  ajbsmce;  of  c^re,  it  is 
usually  spent  in  fxmbounded  mirth  and  festiidty^." 
Is  there  any  particular  ha^hip  'in  this  species  of 
s^^tude?.  To  labour,  is  the  common  lot  of  man> 
kind.  Tq.  .  eat  bread  earned  by  the  sweat  of  bis 
brow^  \¥as  the  sentence  pronounced  by  an  incensed 
Ood  against  fallen/  disobedient  man.  And  is  the 
sable  African  less  guilty  than  all  the  other  descend- 
ants of  Adam>  ^hai:  he  alone  should  be  exempted 
from  the  operation  of  Divine  law  ?        '    /       , 

'— ^^— — — '  '  '       '        '  ■  I  *      I     ^     I.  .11        ^       I        ,        I  1 1  I    I  II         I         I      — — — — i» 

*  Pinckard  8  Notes  on  the  West  Indies^  vol.  I,  p.  £88. 


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Agatn,  speaking  •^'th^rslav^i  on  Mr.  D»iigftii*« 
pbmtetion^  in  Demarftniy  DoctM  Piuckard  it 
ftffced  tt>  ackflKndMlg^  /^lliat  the  Uboanug  p9ar 
of  Europe  can  attain  no  state  at  all  adequate  to 
such  'flkneiy') '  htt  bad  tbe^  equal  <joinfoiiti  still 
ccmld  tliey  never  be  equailf  free  ficom  care.^  .  :And 
at  a-  f^  .'giyseo  hy-  Goineraov  BattenbuFg>  of  Beiv 
lHee>  rtD  his> slaves^  the  doctor  9siyh  **  While  look^* 
ing  upDath6n»'  at  this-  jio^^ous  moment,  I  bent  a 
<JM|i^t  to  £un^,  and  wished  that  the  tattered, 
ilkhgent  son?  of  liberty  could  fed  as*  happy.  Ee* 
fleeting,  l^at  tb«  peasMitsiof  ExKtopei  niio  toil  iii 
^edom.  ^  their  daily  btead,  hove  not  >ri&in  tfaeir 
reach  sucb  complete  aBd>cheerfid  selaxstionjis  ^vas 
procured  for  ihfise  contented  ^aanas^  I  became  fised 
in  c^mfcemplation  of  the  acene  before  me,  until  thfe 
comforts  and  advantages  had  ueariy  concealed  &om 
my  mind  the  bitter  ills  of  slavery*^"  No  condi* 
tion  of  human  life  is  exempt  from  niiiny  i^fterMlii 
and  it  vere^  perhaps,  a  ta^k  as  impi^ma  m  it  would 

*  Pmckaid's  Notea>  vol.  2,  p.  S5S. 


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||^A^9Ui^j9,liltes(^4»^e«i  ^N)i«  <jfche  comn^oB  lot  of 
humaiiity  thoaet  wh^^  m  •ink^  ^slav^yj  ^Defial-* 
ftiling  th«  mysterious  dispensations  of  Providence. 

It  mof  possibly  be  said^  that:  ^Mse  ase  «  imw  par* 
tioiilar  iii8taace»t>f  negro  fidieity,  vbence  an  ii^ci^ 
enee  <an  be  justly  dravm  m  fimmr  a£  tiie  s^istem. 
But  I  aflseirt;  and  I  doit  without  Abe  ?fear  of  iom- 
ItadiciioM^  tbut  tbe.pic^^u^e  which  I>r»  IHiokaFd  has 
^wb:  of  1^  condition  of  slayes^  i^  a  cdrviict  k!epre- 
soiitation  of  tlie  geoeral  state  of  alaveryt  in  Barbar^ 
does.  Indeed  the  point  is  astabtisbed,  by  faistO'iirD 
confession^  '<  that  the  slaves  o^naany  pereons  whom 
he  visited  in  this  country  niu^t  be  envied .  by  the 
poor  of  nBtions  wfaese  fireeden  is  better  knovm*.** 
Atid^  though  he  hui  selee^ied  Mr.  Waith  from  the 
group,  aopd  held  bitn  iip  to  public  admiration,  I . 
am  happy  to  say>  that,  among  the  plMrters  of  Bar^^ 
badoes,  there  are  thousands  whose  heaits  thixib  with 
the  finest  sensibilities  of  humanity;  and  who  poe* 


*  Piackard's  Notes,  vol.  i,  p.  K>§. 


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xxir  PREFACE. 

sess  as  much  of  the  milk  df  human  kindiiess  as  any 
men  upon  the  fia.ce  of  the  earth. 

I  shall  conclude  with  the  flattering  attestation  of 
an  illustrious  Prince  of  the  Bloody  his  Royal  High- 
ness the  Duke  of  Clarence;  who,  in  his  place,  as  i 
peer  of  the  realm,  asserted,  that  he  knew,  from  per- 
sonal observation  on  the  spot,  ||iat  the  situation  of 
slav^  isi  tfa^  WfeSt  IMies,  Wds  more  desirable  thttii 
that  of  the  lower  classes  of  ]svhites  in  Great  Britain. 
To  dedstfatidilis  SO"  e^jcpticit,  to  testiiftony  so  unques- 
tionable, it  would  be  impertinent,  in  one  labouring 
und^  the  opprobrium  of  a  West  Indian  character, 
to  add  one  single  syllable.  .  If  the  people  of  Eng- 
land believe  not  these,  what  chance  is  there,  that 
my  feeble  voice  will  command  attention  amidst  the 
clamour  which  has. been  raised  by  prejudice  smcl 
perverted  philanthropy  ?  The  obdurate  ear  of  partial 
incredulity  cannot  be  penetrated  by  the  distant, 
unharmonious  accents  of  trulli. 


its  Town,    f 
16,  1807.    y 


Spe^bts  Town, 
March 


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CONTENTS. 


CHAP.    L 

1  HE  Island  discovered.    Granted  to  the  Eari  WMailboroiigb.    A  teitlement 
made  by  Sir  W.  Courteen.    Granted  to  Lord  Carlisle.    A  second  settkment ' 
made  by  a  company  of  Merchants.    Disputes  between  the  settlers.    Sir  W. ' 
Tufton  appointed  Governor.    Superseded  by  Hawley.    Tofton  executed  for 
mutiny.    Prudent  administration  of  Mt.  BelL    Sagir  cane  introduced.  '  Afri* 
can  slafes.    Story  of  Inkle  and  Yarico.    A  conspiracy  among  the  negroes...  1 

CHAP.    11. 

Lord  Witloughby  sueceedi  to  the  Government.  Restraints  on  trade.  Sir  George 
Ajscue  attacks  the  Island.  Gallant  defence  made  by  the  Governor.  Resto- 
ration. Colonel  Modiford  appointed  Governor.  Succeeded  by  President 
Walrond.    Digression  concerning  Courts  of  Law •...•••..  4B 

CHAP.    III.  ' 

DiArontentrof  the  Barbadians.  Origin  of  the  four  and  a. half  diAy«  LordWth? 
looghby.resumca  the  Government.  The  Assembly  grant  n  perpetual,  ni-. 
tcnue  to  the  Crown.  Mr.  Fanner's  spirited  conduct.  Hostile  desigos  ff  tJif, 
Dutch.  L(Mrd  Willoughby  perishes  at  sea.  Succeeded  by  his  brother,  Pre« 
sWbncy  of  Mr.  Codrington.  Sir  Jonathan  Atkins  governor.  Dreadfu^  Jmri*; 
cane.    Semacka  on  forestalling.   Jhe  Barbadians  grievously  cwressed*^.,.;^  7<? 

d 


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xxvi  CONTENTS. 


CHAP.   IV. 

Sir  B*  DujttoQ'8  ifnva^ieBi  adminintr^tion.  ,  Appoints  Sir  Jobn  Witham  bis  De» 
puty  GoYcirnon  Newiduty  on.  sngar.  Disputes  betw<M&  Dufcton  and  Witham. 
The  fimprpot  rcqilled.  Soi^edf^  by  9dwin,Stfde#  A  cgaspiracy  among 
t^esUvw    A  redew,  of  tbeslate  laws. .••«..•.....««...•••••.. ........  115 

CHAP.    V. 

'^      ' 

iir  Timothy  Thomhill's  gaDant  exploits.  Colonel  Kendal  appointed  Governor. 
Tl^  c<^tQf  suffers  fr^m  an  epidemio  disease.  A  new  plot  among  the  negroes. 
Un((^fi|8fttl  ^tack  911  M^rtiiucQ.  Coionel  Russel  succeeds  to  the  Govern* 
ma^^    Hif  death.-......— —. ^ ^. 145 

CHAR    VI. 

Presidency  of  Mr*  Bond.  Arrival  of  Governor  Grey,  '  He  resigns  the  govern- 
ment Mr.  Farmer,  President.  A  Coffpiracy  ofjhe  slaves.  Sir  Bevill 
Granville  appointed  Governor.  The  <o»ifttry  tona  by  factions.  Attempt  on 
/  the  Governor's  life.  Mr.  Ullfngton  prosecuted.  Memorial  against  the  Go^ 
vernor.  Several  Metabers  of  the  Assetnbly  expelled.  A  Bank  eaiablisbtd. 
Departure  of  the  Goveimor.....^...............*...^.....— ...1...^  l67 

CHAP.    VII.  • 

President  Sharpens  administration.  Succeeded  by  Mitford  Crowe.  Disqubition 
.  concerning  the  criminal  judicature^  beath  of  Mr.  Codrington.  Mr.  Lilling- 
ton  admMiten  iltc  goverMnnt.  IL  Lowther  appointed  G#veroor.  His  ty* 
ramicirit^oildtlcti  Mr.  ShHrpc tuiecteds to tiie FresMknoy.  Lowlber  rasldfsdi' 
Wkl  arbtlVary  artd  oppressive  ne«stires.  Peisecutcs  My«  Gordon.  Tha  case <! 
Behiard€DQi[e.  Itbt  t^bv^fdo?  fecaUed.  Bfr.  Frer^  ^mrnXM^ik^  taceamlytf 
attlltority.  feftupers^ded'by'Afr.  Osol  tUuMu  4a  4bc  ftrtiBaatioisy^Mi 
■M- tliie '  of  the  cdtHiia)  ie)pMaiitiiiliMk*.««.*4«^M««»^i>to*j^»«»te««i^*..^r,to««  200 


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CONTENTS.  xxTii 

» 

CHAPi  VIIl 

pact 
Governor  WowleyV  t^iiiiatraitoii.    Mr.  Cox  diqprtced.    Violent  disMmoot 

in  the  country.    The  people  reftiie  toCpay  their  tajct.    Mr.  Worsley  retomi     ^ 

to  Engknd.    The  gofemment  deroWes  oi^  Mr.  Barwick,    I>iiOTderly  conduct 

of  the  Assembly.    Case  of  Mr.  Bennelt    The  Preiident  dk^,  luut  is  toe* 

ceeded   by  Mr.  Dotin*.,,,..*^^^..^...^., ..„„,,.,,, .,^,4,,,^.,  ^44 

CHAP.   IX. 

Lord  Hoire*s  popular  administration.    Payment  of  Mr.lR^onley'a  salary  en- 
forced.   Establishment  of  a  press.    Murder  conmitted  by  Mac  Mahon^' 
Death  of  LonI  Howe.    Pftsidenty  of  Mr.  Dotin.    Mae  Mahon"!  trial    Jf^r-^ 
riral  of  Governor  Byng.    Disputes  between  the  Governor  and  the  Assemblj. 
Death  of  Mr.  Byng.    Legislative  proceedii^j............ — —  f7I 

CHAP.    X.  ,    .     ; 

Administration  of  Sir  Thomas  Hobinson.  Disputes  between  the  <9t>trernor  atiA 
the  Assembly.  Commodore  Snowies.  An  inquiry  into  the  state  of  CharW'^f^ 
Tort.  "Sir  Thomas  is  superseded  by  Mr.  GrenviRe.  The  Government  devolves 
on  Mr.  Weelces.  He  is  succeeded  by  Doctor  Pinfold.  Loyal  and  spirited 
conduct  of  the  Barbadians.  Mr.  Adams  'C^eUed  die  Assembly.  The  Go- 
vernor's reu§piiation.....«.»«...«««.—..»««.«..— «••••.••— •••••••  302 

CHAP.   XL 

The  Honourable  Samuel  Bon«»  President.  The  AssemUy^s  first  claim  to  Priyi- 
1^^.  Doctor  W.  Spry  appmnted  Governor.  The  Speaker  of  the  Assembly 
vacates  his  seat.  The  Frediolders  refuse  to  elect  another  Representative. 
Death  of  Mr.l^.    Mr.  Rous's  re-ascension  to  the  Chair^^«..«,.«.i,«..^.«,  33S 


d3 


ty 


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xxviii  CONTENTS. 


CHAP.'  xir. 

IVIr.  Hay  assumes  t&e  Government.  Pistressed  condition  of  (be  inbabttantfe.' 
Eeprckentation  to  tbe  Throne.  Opposed  by  the  Gotemop.  Suspends  the  tSb- 
licitor-General  and  tbe  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Vice- Admiralty.  His  improper 
interposition  in  favour  of  Captain  Dotih.  War  with  France.  Danger  of  tbe' 
Country.    Apathy  of  tbe  Assembly.    The  Govemor^s  Death .— — . .,-,.  563- 


CHAP.    XIII. 


v^-^^'^ 


The  government  devolves  on  tbe  Hon.  John  Dotin.  Succeeded  by  Msjjor-Genft-' 
ral  James  Cunninghame.  The  governor  disappointed  in  his  salary.  Qaar<^ 
rels  with  tbe  Assembly.  The  Council  sanctions  bis  illegal  claim  of  fees.  The 
island  almost  desolated  by  a  dreadful  hurricane... •«..«••••••••. ...J.;..'  405' 

CHAP.   XIV. 

Addiest  from  the  Legidatare  to  the  Throne.  Extraordinary  proposal  to  suspend 
tbe  prooeediDgs  of  juitice.  Petition  to  tbe  King  for  the  Governor's  removal. 
Hk  £ic«Ueacy  pentvcics-in  bU  illegal  and  arbitrary  Qiea8ure8.r.......^....  457 

CHAP.   XV.  u 

lAmiBeckit  grant  «f  PftrliameBt  for  tbe  relief  of  the  auflerers  by  tbe  stormy 
SialrHmtioa  delayed*  Message  from  the  Governor.  Tbe  Assembly  refuse  to 
raise  tbe  soppliea»  Alarming  prospect  of  affain.  Obstinacy  of  the  Assembly. 
Patviotisiiiofthepe^e.  Dissolution  of  the  Assembly.  New  election.  Cop- 
tiDual  altercationt  between  the  Governor  and  the  Assenibly.  Plans  for  the 
distribuUoo  of  tbe  Parliamentary  bounty.  Tbe  Assembly  prorogued.  Final 
airaogemenU  for  tbe  diftributi^m...,. — .— ...•..•••..^.•..•— ..  490 


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CONTENTS. 


zxix 


CHAP,  xvr. 

The  Cknreraor  recalled.  Mr.  Dotin  utmnes  the  Goremment  Extrtordimry 
eondttctof  the  OtunciL  Mr.  Estwickfs  conduct  censured.  Mr.  Darid  Parry 
racceedi  to  the  Govemmeni.  Legislative  proceedings.  An  atrocious  murder 
committed. ...... ..•.^.•....•^•... .. •.•••••...•.••...•.••.•«.  525 

*  -         -.^  • 

CHAP.    XVII. 

iUtercation  iKtweenr  the  two  Hbusai  cdnderning  the  Excise-bill.  Appointment 
•f  a  new  Agent.  .Augmentation  of  4be .  Governor's  salai^,  Sipgulaff  ph^o*-  .  * 
menon.  A  Lottery.  .  Arrival  of  Prince  William  Henry.  Commercial  rq(li*; 
lalious.  Legislative  proceedings.  Military  outrage.  :The  Govemof  vetumS' 
to  England.  Presidency  of  Mr.  Frere.  The  Governor's  return.  He  regulated 
ibe  currency  of  the  Go^  Coin.  His  Excellency  resigns  the  Government  to 
ffr.  Bishop*  Suspension  ff  Judge  Wedges.  Military  operations*  The  Pre*, 
sidenfs  extraordinary  zeal  for,  the  service— ^••••.••.••.•...••...••••^Si 


CHAR    XVIIL 


emerge  Vomiz  Eiclcetts^Esq.  i^ppoinled  Governor.  'Auipiekmfi  ooMiiieneckmnic 
of  bis  Administration.  Judge  Weekes  convicted  of  extortion.  Militia  esta«  . 
blished.  A  reform  of  the  Court/i  of  Law  attempted.  The  Storekeeper's  de* 
mand  revived.  Alarming  state  of  afiairs  in  the  West  Indies.  Murd<^r  com-* 
mitted  by  Joe  Denny.  Extraordinary'interp^ilticBfr  mliis  fatout.  '  Vklftnt ; 
commotion  in  Bridge*town.  Denny  transported.  Mr.  <Sii8i)ies  AtopendeA 
government  adopts  the  dangerous  scheme  6f :  eoiployiixg  }iAz&i  tfoofii.'  Sir 
John  Gay  Alleyne  retires  from  public  life.  Mr.  Ricketts  irisfgW  the  Gtfperii* 
ment*    Is  succeeded  by  Plresident  Bishop.  A  compendinmcf  diee<ttbtifatkil.  (R>i 


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The  Rev.  WSIliam  AWw. 
The  tloti.  Jok  Porster  Aileyud* 
James  Anstie^  fesq. 
Samuel  Applewhaite^  JEsq, 
Mr.  focharcl  Archer. 
3ar.  Charles  BarnQ^rton  A^B. 
Mr.  Jphn  Ajg^d^  Jud. 
Mr.  John  Archer. 
Mr.  Israel  Armstrong. 
Mr.  Richard  Austin.  ^ 
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Mr.  Abel  Archer. 
Robert  C.  Ashby,  Esq. 
Mr.  V  iliiam  Adamson^  Jun« 
John  AUeyne^  Esq. 


John  P.  F.  Affiistrbng^  Esq. 
Mr.  Tbotfiiss  AgKri. 
Mr.  WWiam  Ame^^ 

B. 
The  Hon.  and  ReV.  Jobti  Brd^e,  S  <^es 
The  Hon.  John  BecHeS,  Attwuey-^fenc- 

n(t  and  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 
The  Hon.  John  Alleyne  Beckles. 
Jolm  WXIiam  Bovell,  M.  D. 
William  Bovell,  Esq  Demerara. 
Stephen  Bla^kett,  Esq.  S  Copied. 
Mr.  James  Bovetl.' 
Mr.  Howard  Bo  veil. 
Mr.  Waiiam  Ball. 
George  Barclay^  Esq.  2  co|>ies. 
William  Barton^  Esq.  Liverpool. 
Mr.  Jacob  Belgrave. 
Joeeph  Bute,  Esq.  Demerara. 
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Colonel  Pinson  Bonham. 
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Jehu  Caudle  Bendj  Esq. 

Mr.  Thomas  Beard. 

Samuel  Berrisfordy  "Efiq.  Berbice. 

Francis  Shorey  Bajley,  Esq. 

Ouu-l^  Kyd  Bishop^  Esq. 

Joseph  Bayne^  Esq. 

Mr.  William  Bosie  Baker. 

Andrew  Boyce,  Esq; 

Jcmathan  Boyce,  Esq^ 

John  Brathwaite^  Esq. 

Mr.  Matthew  Bojcew 

t/lr.  Israel  Bo  wen 

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Mr.  Thompson  Boyce. 

John  Bowen,  Esq. 

John  Bowen,  Jun.  Esq. 

Mr.  John  Birmhigham* 

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Mr.  Francis  A.  6arrbw. 

Mr.  J.  L.  %noe. 

Mr.  Thomas  Briggs. 

Mr.  James  Buhol 

Mr.  J^mes  Thomas  fiascom. 

Mr.  Henry  CroFts  Baley. 

c.'  [^' ;''''[  ' 

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Thfi  Hon.  Tht'Iuas  Chase. 
Mr.  Thomasj  Chase;  Breedies.. 


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Ward  Cadogan^  Esq.  2  copieft» 

John  Q^^^,  Esq.   .    , 

Hamlet  Alexander  Chase,  1^. 

Jacob  Perry  Clarke,  Esq. 

Mr.  Samuel  Clarke. 

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Mr.  Henry  Thomas  Crane^ 

Hairy  S.  Cumvuns,  Esq.  8  eopietb. 

Doctor  John  Cuttingr 

James  Cummins,  Esq. 

Mr.  George  Cragg. 

Mr.  Christopher  P.  CarmicBaeT. 

Matthew    Coulthurs^   !Esq.'  Advocate^ 

General,  2  copies^ 
The  Rev.  Henry  Ckddelt. 
Philip  CaddeU^  Esq. 
Philip  Crick,  Esq. 
James  Cook,  Esq. 
Mr.  Abel  Clinckett 
Mr.  John  Ckiadderton» 
WiUiam  Cadogan,  Esq. 
Charles  (j.  Coiletod,  Esq. 
James  Cavan,  Esq. 
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Mr.  Renn  P.  CollyteM.^ 
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Mr.  John  Crone. 
X  Mn  Christopher  Chandler. 
Thomas  Challenor^  Esq. 
Richard  Clement^  Esq. 
Mr.  Michael  Corbifi. 
Mr.  George  Clinton. 
John  Cumminsy  Esq. 
Mr.  Joseph  Crick.  ^ 

Mr.  John  Crick. 
Mr.  W.  Ashby  Capleman. 
Mrs.  Anna  Maria^  Clinton: . 

I>. 

Allen  Dalzell,  ^^v^  cbpits. 
Francis  Dixon^Esq. 
Thomas  Dummett,  Esq. 
Thomas  Dayrell,  Esq. 
James  Douglas,  Esq.  . 
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Thomas  Daniel,  Esq.  2  copies. 
John  Daniel,  Esq. 

Grant  Ellcock^M.Df 

John  Gittens  £astmon4»  ^*  .- 


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Mr.  Samuel  Evans. 

Mr.  Samuel  French  Edwards. 

Nathaniel  Evanson,  Esq. 

Mr.  William  Grant  Ellis. 

William  Eversley,  Esq. 


William  Foderingham,  Esq. 

William  Newton  Firebrace,  Esq.  Deme- 

rara. 
Charles  Davis  Forrester,  Esq.  Demerara. 
Mr.  Joseph  Farnum. 
Mr.  John  R.  Farrell. 
Mr.  Christopher  Porte. 
Doctor  Nathaniel  Forte. 
Doctor  Samuel  Forte. 
Doctor  Christopher  Forte. 
Mr.  Thomas  Carmichael  Forte. 

G.  ; 

The  ^on.  Joshua  Gitteos«  ... 

The  Rev.  William  Gamett. 

Doctor  Nicholas  R.  Gamer. 

William  Gill,  Esq.  [ 

Mr.  Isaac  Gittens. 

James  Grasett^  Esq. 

Robert  Grtbbons^  Esq.  £  copies. 

William  Grasett,  Esq. 

Doctor  Parris  Greaves; 

Mr.  Howard  Griflltb,  St.  Lucy's. 

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Mr.  Edward  Greenidge. 

Mr.  Hawaid  Griffith,  Speight's  Town. 

Messrs.  J^n  and  William  Groodridge. 

Alexander  Graham,  Esq. 

William  Graham,  Eiq. 

John  Gay  Goding,  Esq. 

Mr.  William  Greenidge. 

Francis  BdU  Grant,  Esq. 

Mr.  Thbmas  G'iL 

Jacob  Qoodridge^  Esq.  Qirist  Church* 

Mr.  John  Goring. 

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Mr.  Robert  Manly  Gaskio. 


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The  Hon.  Rob.  Aug.  Hjfndman. 
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Mr.  WiUiam  HaU. 
Mr.  John  Hussej  Hendy. 
Mr.  Richard  Hawkesworth 
Mrs.  Mary  Sims  Howell.' 
.The  Rev.  WiUiam  M.llarte. 
John  Hamden,  Esq. 
Mr.  Edward  J.  Henery,  Demeraca 
Mr.  William  HaUstead,  Detnerara 


J. 

Mr.  William  Jaekibik 
Samuel  Jackmian,  Esq  \ 


The  Hon.  Benjamin  Hinds,  2  copies. 

Messrs.  David  and  George  HaU,  4  copies!  |  Gabriel  Jemmett,  Esq, 

The  Rev.  Henry  Evans  Ho^ands. 

The  Hob.  Robert  Hayn^ 


)  Benjamin  Ifill,  Esq.  2  copied^ 
Geoige  Iriam,  Esq.  liverpool. 


Mr.  William  M.  Harris. 

M.  Jacob  Hinds. 

Mr.  Robert  Harris. 

Mr.  John  Hawfceiwortk  * 

Mr.  John  Heycs^ .     ,   .  .  .      . 

John  Higpnson,  Esq 

Mr.  Samuel  Hinds,  Jun. 

Richard  Hooton,  Esq. 

Comrade  Adams  Howell,  Esq.  2  copies. 

John  Humpleby,  Esq. 

Mr.  Daniel  Hunte. 

Joseph  Dotin  Husbands,  Esq. 


Mr.  John  IronnKNDf  ef • 

Jqhn  Johnson,  Esq.  0tmenira; 

Mr.  Johnlnniss.  .    '  « 

Joseph  Johnson,  Esq.      

Doctor  WiUiam  Howao^  Jordan. 

Mr.  Joseph  Jotimi 

Mr.  Joseph  Johnson,  Jun-. 

Mr.  Nadianiel  M.  Jemott. 

John  F.  D  Jones,  M.  D. 

Benjamin  Jones,  Esq 

Frere  Jones,  Esq. 

Gibbes  Walker  Jordan,  Esq.  F.  K.  S. 


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Kr.  Alez«p(ter  Kmg^  Jun. 
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Mr.  Samuel  Knigliti  Jm^; 
Ouistopher  Knigbt,  Eb^  t  «cq|4^ 
Mr.  James  C.  ISOman.    . 
John  Keir,  Esq.    * 
Mr.  Francb  Ktrtcm.  • 


literary  Society  of  Barbadoeft^  2  copies. 

Mr.  Edward  LintoD. 

Thomas  M.  Lovell^  Esf  • 

JNatbaniel  Lucas,  Esq. 

€!apt.  Fraoeis  lightboume. 

WiUiam  Draper  lAoyi,  Esq.  2  copies* 

John  Wrong  Lcacock,  Esq. 

Mr.  Edward  Licoriab. 

Mr.  William  C>  Xeslie* 

Joseph  Leacock^Esq. 

Lble  Uoyd,  Esq* 

Mr.  Wffliam  licorisb.^ 

Mr.  Richard  A^Arpft  l^ayw^ 

Mr.  George  Law. 

Joseph  Lowe>  Esq. 

JcAiii  Ltwi^  Esq^ 

M.-     '      '    '"'• 
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James  Maxwdil>  Esq,  6  copies. 
John  Pollard  Mayers^  tlsq.S  copies.  . 


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Mr.  John  M'Pherson^ 

Mr.  Henry  M'^Gratk 

Mr.  William  Morris. 

Lawrance  Mudie,  Esf^ 

John  M'Leay^  Esq. 

William  Moore^  Esq# 

Jthe  Hon.  George  Mj^aardi 

Mr-  Francis  M'CIum,^ 

Silieser  Montefi^ri,  Esq.  Z  COpiea* 

Mr.  John  H/bdmL 

Mir.  Henry  Madden. 

Tliomas  Mcintosh,  Esq. 

N. 
the  Rev.  Mark  Nicholson. 
The  Rev.  James  Fowler  Neblelt. 
Nathaniel  Nowell,  Esq. 
Mr.  Joshua  Nurse. 
Mf*  Robert  Norris. 
,Mr.  Samuel  O.  Nurse. 
Mr.  Richard  Nurse. 

O. 

The  Rev.  Thoito  H.  Ordersoh. 
Mr.  Isaac  Williamson  Orderson. 
Mrs.  Isaac  W.  Orderson. 
Arthur  Oughterson,  Esq. 
Mr.  Wilfiam  Oidey. 
Thomas  Whilfeot  O*  N^ale,  ^.  ^ 
ddraOlton^Esq. 
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Airt  Heniy  SttiiiMi'lf* 
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John  Randall  Phillips,  fisqi 
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Mr.  Conrade  Pile. 
Joseph  Paynei  Esq^ 
Mr.  Edward  Parris* 

R* 

OeorgeReed^Esq. 

Mr.  James  Reid.  .;,.  _  i ,         . , 

I^ilkry  RplM^  flsq.     • 

Messrs.  liodmmtiSla^limkj^tnU 

JDoctcMT  Charles  SM^i  lUMgt^ 

Thomas  ite^^/Bsq, 


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Council. 
Doctor  John  William  Sober. 
The  Hon.  John  SpoQIier^  Jan. 
Mr.  John  Soper. 
Thomas  Spencer,  Esq, 
John  Straker,  Esq.    . 
John  C.  Straker,  Eiq. 
Mr.  John  Seed. 
Mr.  Thomas  H.  §h<^fpF^. 
Thomas  Sealyj.  Jltm.  Xa;^ 
Henry  Sealy/Esqr 
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Mr.  JameaR^Siampie. 
Waiiam  Shand,  IB^  Im^rpotit. 
John  Sober,  Esq. 
John  Springer,  Esq^  Gs^^^hCmo^. 
Mr.  Horatio  Nelson  Spca^. 
^Gebiige  WaUwyn  ShifteH^Si,, ; 
Mn  William  SiHtiopr* 
Mr;  Richard  Smitten. 
:Mn  John  Springer/ JUn. 
Mn  ThomasJMiikbtf  ipri^t 
Mr.  Benjanun  Stoift*. 
Mr.  Enos  Skinner. 
Ediirard  Skeete,  Esq.  ' 

Jacob  Skmner,  Esq. 
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Henry  P.  Simmons,  Esq. 
Mrs.  Alice  Southwell 

.  •  ■■  •  T. ;  •  ■•  •■ 

Samuel  Taylor,  Esq. 
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Mr.  Henry  Taitte. 
Timothy  ThomfciB,  Esq.    ' 
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Mr.  John  Howell  Todd; 
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Mr.  Samuel^Watt. 
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Capt.  William  Wilson. 


Mr.  John  Williams/: 

Mr.  Jonas  Wilkinson.  :        |  . 

Mr.  Richard  WaU.  .  :    . 

Stephen  Wallc^tx  Esq. 

Robert  James  Wallcott|£sqi  , 

Thomas  Went,  Esq. 

Hamlet  Wilsop,  Esq. 

Mr.  William  Welch,  London. 

Mr.  Thomas  Waiiapui,  St.  Joseph's. 
Mr.  Richard  Wood.  .       .     .  * 

WiUiam  Welch,  M.D. 
Mr.  John  Ward,  Jun. 
Mr.  William  Wilkinson.  . 
L  Thomas  Williams,  Esq.  ^U  Thpmaa's. 
James  Thomas  Williams^  Esq. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Williams. 
Miss  Ruth  Whitfoot. 
Geoi^e  Williams,  E^.  -     ^ 
1  Mr,  Thomas  Willianis,  Jun«^t.  l^omas'f 
John  Walton,  Esq. 
Mr.  Thomas  W.  White. 


n  h 


Y. 

Thomas  Yaid,  Esq. 

Mr.  William  T.  YewnvoOd'. 

Mr.  Lewis  Young. 

iMr.  Samuel  Yearwood.  ^ 

•Mr.  James  Johnson  YearWood;  - 
Doctor  Jpho  Ceily  Y^aimood  i 
Mr.  Geoige.D,  YofJjM-^  ,.  ) 
Mr.  Howard  Griffith  .Yqmvpgdj 


: '  T 


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THE 

HISTORY 


09 


BARBADOES. 


CHAP.  I. 

THE  ISLAND  DISC OVERED---OR ANTED  TO  THE  EARL  OF  MARLBO- 
ROUGH— A  SETTLEMENT  MADE  BY  <!0URTE£N--G RANTED  TO 
LORD  CARLISLE — A  SECOND  SETTLEMENT  MADE  BY' A  CbMFANY 
OF  MERCHANTS-7-DISPUTES  BETWEEN  THE  SETTLERS — ^SIR.V. 
TUFTON  APPOINTED  OOVERNORr-SVPERSEDEp  BY  HAWLBY— - 
TUFTOK  EXECUTED  FOR  MUTlirY*-^PRUDENT  iADMINISTRATlOIT 
OF  MR.  BELIr-^SUOAR  CANE  INTRODUCED— AFHIG AM  SLATEf— 
STORY  OF  INCKLE  AND  YARICO— A.  CONSPIRACY  AlfONO  THE 
NEGROES. 

7h£  discoYery  of  Barbadoes  is  involYed  in  greater  ob«   chap. 
scanty  than  that  of  any  of  the  adjacent  island?.    Placed 
at  the  southeastern  extremity  of  the  great  AmMicaa  Ar-» 
chipelago,  it  remained  unknown^  or  unnoticed,  for  upwards 
of  a  century  after  the  bold  and  enterprisjing  genius  of  Colum- 

B 


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THE  HISTORY 

CHARir  bus  had  extended  the  bounds  of  the  habitable  globe,  and 
added  a  new  world  to  the  dQi][iinions.of  Spain.  No  mention 
is  made  of  this  island  in  the  journals  or  charts  of  any  Eu- 
ropean navigator  earlier  than  the  year  one  thousand  six 
hundred.  Hence  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  was  the 
last  known  of  all  the  Caribbees.  From  its  geographical  po« 
sition*,  it  seems  most  likely  that  Barbadoes  was  first  seen 
and  visited  by  the  Portugwes*-  These  advedturers,  in  their 
voyages  to  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  to  their  settlements 
in  South  America,  might  have  been  driven  by  contrary 
winds,  or  adverse  currents,  within  sight  of  its  shores.  Cu« 
riosity,  or  the  want  of  refreshment,  probably  induced  their 
nearer  approach;  but  the  rude,  uncultivated  aspect  of  the 
(country,  which  they  found  without  inhabitants,  and  desti- 
tute  of  ev^ry  article  necessary  for  hutnan  accommodation, 
was  little  cakulated  ta  induce  these  travellers  to  remain 
long  QVk  s^spot  incapable  of  yielding  those  advantages  which 
wew  tlMm  the  piincipal  objects  of  European  pursuit  in 
the  wjestem  henispheie.  Its  natural  beauties  and  favour- 
*Me  sfituation  for  commereiat  purposes  were  overlooked  by 
men  whose  sordid  minds  were  wholly  occupied  with  the  hope 
of  obtaining  the  immediate  possession  of  gold  and  silver.  To 
Kodtf  their  diaeorery,  howevef ,  i^  some  mcasuve  useful  Id 
AemMlvea,  oc  to  suck  of  their  countsymen.  as  should  have 
oceasioa  tft  t^dk  here^  in.any  of  their  fdtuie  voyages,  ^ef 

*  In  ht  13  deg.  5.  mui.  N.  and  IPDgitiide  59  deg,  41  min.  VT. 


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OF  BAfiBADOES.  3 

piaitted  »oa»  vegetabfes,  and  left  a  €tw  swine  for  the  pur-   ^^^^-  ^ 
pof  e  of  propa^T&tioa. 

from  the  P(»tugii«se  the  i^md  obtained  tiie  name  of 
Im  Bta^kadasi  in  alluwMky  as  tome  writers  have  supposed* 
to  l^e  barbarous,  inhoepitable  state  of  the  couatry.  Tk» 
feaxaed  author  of  the  Natnral  Htstorj  of  Barbadoes,  how- 
ever, with  much  greater  pzobabilitj,  coi^ectares  thiv  sp* 
pellatioci  to  have  aignified  ihc  Bearded  Idmtd^  from  the  raifc 
number  of  Indian  fig-treeg  vith  which,  it  abounded.  The 
widfi  spreading  branches  of  this  TeneraUe  tree  send  lbrt& 
JnnuaaeraWe  fifaaea  whidi^  by  the  help  of  a  warn  imagina- 
tion,  mighl^  not  unreasonably,  have  beco  ^mpposed  to  m- 
semble  those  luxuriant  beards  wdiich  wereso  nrach  is  rogue 
in  those-  days.*. 


*O0tfr«»  ^liA  cpicport  KpwMOs  flu  tiee  »  afbrding  ^  first  corertny 
HMdeiueof  b;^ Adaa  aad  fee,  aftas.  haring •xdNngtitlnt  inmiaa«r  ftr  •  aoH. 
■cioumess  of  shame,  and  thus  accurately  dascribcs  iu  growth.; 

Thefgrtrte^  not  that  kindfarfrmt  mom'd^ 
But  $uek  as  at  tUi  day  to  Indidut  Ibunos, 
ik  BTalabar  or  Decan  ^prtoib  l<r arms; 
J^*»timg  tubman  and  kng^  t^PmtlWgrmmi 
The  htnding  twigt  take  root,  and  daughters  grmo 
About  the  mother  tree,  a  fiUar'd  Aade ! 
High  veer'ord^d  mdechoifig  tmlks  between. 

" Itkunder  thiatneeth^tbo QKih«»w«adt^» in<4»^  cithek  nH^om Mbh^ 
their  rites.    The  pagodas  are  usually  erected  iiktha  MghiWMitMA  «(  t)H»  fiaeq% 

B-  2 


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^  THE  HISTORY 

CHAJPL^  Abandoned  by  its  original  discoverers,  Barbadoes  conti- 
nued unfrequented  till  the  year  one  thousand  six  hundred 
and  five.  At  that  time  a  vessel,  called  the  Olive,  belong- 
to  Shr  Olive  Leigh,  returning-  from  Guinea,  accidentally 
put  in. here,  and  landed  a  part  of  her  crew  near  the  spot  on 
which  the  Hole-town  was  afterwards  built  Here  they 
erected  a  cross,  and  took  possession  of  the  island  in  the 
name  of  their  sover^gn  ;  inscribing  these  words  on  a  tree 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  place  where  they  landed,  "  James, 
King  of  England  and  of  this  Island/'  They  then  proceeded 
along  the  coast  until  their  progress  was  obstructed  by  the 
stream  since  called  Indiani  River,  from  the  Indian  imple- 
ments and  utensils  found  there.  Here,  again,  they  fixed 
some  memorial  of  the  title  which  the  right  of  occupancy 
conferred  on  the  crown,  to  this  distant  and  hitherto  neg- 
lected territory.  But  finding  no  refreshments  necessary  for 
persons  in  their  situation,  not  even  fresh  water,  (no  springs 
or  reservoirs  of  that  useful  element  being  at  that  time  ac- 
cessible to  strangers)  they  qiiitted  their  new  acquisition  and 
sailed  for  Saint  Christopher's,  where  the  establishment  of 
a  colony  had  been  recently  attempted  by  thirty-three  Eng- 
lish settlers. 


•iMide.  It  is  CMBinoii  fi)r  the  Indian  to  take  up  bit  abodt  under  this  tree,  and  to  re. 
main  stretched  at  hit  ease  in  the  thade^  whiff  e? ery  thing,  exposed  to  the  rayt  of  the 
tun,  ia^tooffched  with  intolerahk  heal.'' 

ffdr  PmRC&TAL't  AcaouNT  or  Cbtlow. 


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OF  BARBADOES. 

After  this  visit  Barbadoes  appears  to  have  been  thought  ^^J^^ 
of  no  more,  until  some  Dutch  men  of  war,  which  had  been 
employed  on  a  secret  expedition  against  the  Spaniards,  re- 
turning home,  chanced  to  stop  here*.  It  may  be  proper 
to  observe,  that  this  account  does  not  agree  with  that  given 
by  the  compilers  of  the  Universal  History-f-;  by  which  it 
would  seem  that  these  vessels  were  particularly  licensed  by 
the  Spanish  court  to  trade  to  BrasiL  But,  notwithstanding 
the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese  endeavoured  to  exclude  the 
other  nations  of  Europe  from  any  participation  in  the  com- 
merce with  their  settlements  in  the  new  world,  if  we  may 
credit  the  Abb6  Raynal,  the  Dutch  had  long  been  engaged 
in  an  illicit  intercourse  with  BrasiL  At  length  the  West 
India  company,  established  in  Holland,  had,  about  this 
time,  wrested  that  valuable  country  from  the  Spaniards, 
under  whose  yoke  it  had  fallen  by  the  subjugation  of  Por- 
tugal. Whether  these  vessels  were  fair. traders,  smugglers, 
or  ships  of  war,  is  inunaterial.  Certain  it  is,  that  their 
crews,  having  procured  some  refreshments  at  Barbadoes, 
and  finding  the  soil  capable  of  cultivation,  were  induced, 
on  their  return  to  £urope,  to  speak  of  it  in  the  most  jfa^ 
vourable  terms. 

These  particulars  having  been  coroibiinicated  to  Sir  Wil- 
liam Courteen,  a  priilcipal  merchant  of  the  city  <^  X,pn- 
don,  by  his  correspondent  in  Zealand,  his  oiterprising  ge* 

*  Memoin  of  Barbad4)^  p,  5.  f  UniT.HwU  vol  41,p.  191. 


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OH^^  ^jm  vmfi  fe:^  vitH  tbej  n)4^;m£c«iit  ^eol  of  oakmg  an 

1625.     ^(Botui^  sQiU^ec^t  oi^  the  iplraod.    la  th»  ^ign  Iiq  was 

aqpn  cQQfiroMd  bgr  thf  axriva)  of  a  ^ip  of  hkt  own,  wlvicb 

^turning  froQ)  Pemsoohucca,  ii)  Bra»il>  v«i  dciveD,  hy 

ftire«&  Qf  fr^t])ev»  oa  ^he  coa&t  of  Barbadoes,    TW  aMwcn 

Ipielm^g  to  thi»  ve^l,  l^aviog  explored  Um  eoontry,  wers 

pka«ed  mth  tb^  Uoom  bjkI  voicliue  which  cv«rjr  wbeM  aoot 

then  viewl  and  having  jsocqrod  some  ptofvUkiDfi^  probabfy 

pavt  of  the  hoga  fcunnerljr  left  here  by  the  PoPtitguaie,  th^ 

proceeded  oa  their  voyage«    Th^  repeesestation  made  by 

the^  inaiiQeni}  oo  their  rqtmn  to  £BgkKBd»  of  the  beanty 

and  fertility  of  the  islaiad,  and  of  ita  advantageous,  position 

iat  difiosing  the  commodities  and  maaufaotures  of  £tHt>pe 

among  the  rising  colonies  in  the  Caribbean  Sea,  made  such 

an  impxession  on  the  minds  of  people,  that  the  Ear)  of 

Madborougbi,  afterwajrds  Lord  High  Treasiirer,  obtained 

fnaa.  James  I.  a  patent  for  the  island,  to  lum  and  his-  h^rs 

fiw  ever*. 

This  geant  did  not  obstract  the  eseeution  of  Sir  Wiinam 
Conftem's  design.  Fcrsbtiag  in  hi»  original  iotentioft  of 
Bttddag  a  settlement  whiich  promised  fair  to  improve  Ms  for> 
tune ;  and  having  obtained  the  sanction  of  Hie  nol!^  pa- 
tttiitee^  he  fitted  out  twa  large  ships  at  his  biro  expence, 
supplied  with  men>  anus,  atumuni^diH),  and  every  thing 
lequisitfrfQr  establishiBg  a  eolo»y,  and  securing  it  ftom  in- 


*  Unin  Hitt.  vol  41%  p.  l«l'.    Idmid**!  HiA  Wtit  htdkt,  Tot  I.  p.  St9. 


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OF  BARBADOBS.  7 

• 

vmnon.  Of  these  sliips  one  only,  the  Johti  and  'William,  <^^ap.  t 
commanded  by  John  Powell,  arrived  at  Barbadoea.  Thirty  ^^-J^ 
men  wei«»  immediately  landed*  on  the  spot  which  had  been 
taken  pbAe^sion  of  nearly  twenty  yean  before  by  the  crew  of 
the  Olive.  Here  these  adventurers  commenced  their  opera* 
tions,  aiid  laid  the  foundation  of  a  town,  which,  in  honour 
of  the  prince  on  the  throne,  they  called  James  Town,  since 
denominated  the  Hole^town. 

In  all  enterprises,  in  which  numbers  are  concerned,  1ii6 
necessity  of  submitting  to  the  guidance  and  authority  of 
•  purticolar  chief,  or  leader,  whose  power  may  control  the 
actions^  and  whose  judgment  may  direct  the  efforts  of 
every  individual  to  the  advancement  of  the  common  good', 
is  a  principle  of  the  most  obvious  utility,  whether  the  as- 
sociation be  dvtl  or  political.  The  first  step  taken  by  these 
cariy  coIofnst»  was  the  appointment  of  a  proper  person  to 
fuperintend  and  govern  the  infant  settlement.  Tot  this 
par  pose,  William  Deane  was  unanimously  chosen  and  in- 
vested with  the  authority  of  commander  in  chief.  The 
Biitish  flag  was  tb^  diirplayed,  and  they  proceeded  to  fof- 
Hiy  themselves  as  well  a»  the  nature  of  their  circumstances 
would  permit. 

In  reviewing  this  early  period  of  our  colonial  history, 
every  libeml  mind  mus>  glow  with  conscious  satisfketi«nct 


*  Memoirs  of  Bwb«doe%  p.  S.    Of  these  settkrs  William  AnuAi  wm  among  the 
first  who  landed. 


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8  THE  HISTORY 

on  reflecting,:  tliat  the  settlement  which  we  have  been  con- 
templating wa»  quietly  effected  without  the  perpetration 
of  tl^ose  ^trpcious  acts  of  cruelty  and  injuatioe  which 
marked  the  progress  of  the  Europeans  in  every  other  part 
of  the  new  ^orld.  Abandoned  by  its  aboriginal  inhabi- 
tants, if  any  such  tl^ere  weye,  for  some  cause  wholly  un- 
known to  us,^  Barbados,  according  to  ev&ty  principle  of 
natural  law,  became  the  rightful  and  legitimate  property  of 
the  first  occupants.  ,  .,  ,     .  ^      . 

Although  the  Eiigjlis^  found  the  island  uninhabited,  the 
Heverend  ]Vfr.  Hughes  seems  ^very  unwil^ng  to.  relinquish 
the  idea  of  its  leaving  been  formerly  occupied  by  spme  sa- 
vage trjbeji.  ^  He  has  prosecujbed  the  inquiry  cpnoerning 
thes^  pecjpl^. with} much  ipdustry,  and  CQUegted  every  cir- 
cumstance^, that  could  give  weight  or  ^dd  probability  to 
his  opinion.  He  relies,  however,  on  facts,  which,  though 
indisputable,  are  by  no  means  conclusive; ;"  that  there  are 
several  places  in  the  island  called  after  th^ir. names;  aqd 
that  in  these  very  places  there  are  daily  dug  up  such  marks 
of  their  former  residence  as  were  peculiar  to  the  Indians*/' 
But  after  all  the  pains  which  the  learped  divine  has  takep, 
the  proofs  that  he  has  collected  are  insufScient  to,  establish 
the  point  in  dispute.  They  only  shelv  that  the  neighbour- 
ing Caribs  occasionally  visited  this  delightful  spot  for  the 
purpose  of  hunting  and  fishing ;  and,  perhaps,  to  procure 

*  Natural  Hirt.  of  Barbadoct,  p.  5  and  7- 


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QFBABBADOES.  9 

0Qitable  day  for  manu&ctaring  Che  Tarioiif  doartsto  «tei>    cvk?.  i. 
sils  with  which,  he  asserttt  the .  Leeward  labiids  were  kup«      ^^0. 
plied  from  hence.    Of  tins  there  is  the  m9ti  indubi^le 
evidence, 

Ligon,  who  "mitedthis  island  aboni  twenty  yeatB  after 
the  arrival  of  the  first  wttlera,  relaAeSt  that  tibe  nativcB  of 
the  neighbouring  iatamdn,  Hibet  likely  of  Saint  Vincent  ai|d 
Saint  Lucia,  from  thdr  proximity  of  situation,  frequently 
e^me  hither  in  their  canoes  or  periaguas,  £»  the  sake  «f 
hunting  the  hogs  that  had  been  left  here  by  the  Port«- 
guese ;  which,  he  observes,  famished  them  wiih  jMk  ^  « 
tweei  and  txelUnt  jlavour.  In  these  excursions  they  would 
sometimes  spend  a  month  or  longer;  and  tbea  retiuming 
home,  leave  behind  them  many  tools  and  other  iropletientiit 
ehiefly  pots  of  several  siaes,  in  which  they  boiUeii^  thear 
meat,  tliese  pots  were  made  of  clay»  sdi  Jitfuiy  tempos 
and  turned  with  such  art^  that  our  author  affirms,  b€  hiid  wt 
wtn  m^  like  iktm^fmrfinmenofmaUtnnd  cwrk^  ^Utm-^ 
irn^  m  Engtand^. 

This  account  of  these  desultory  visits  is  corroborated  b^ 
the  ingenious  natuml  histoviaa  htnudf^  who  adds,  that  th^ 
fUequent  arrivals  and  departoies  were  alwaya  in  the  waile 
of  tito  moQi?,  fbr  the  benefit  o£  H^  nighti ;  that  wfhen  any 
diflferencr  arose  between  thenn  said  the  BnglisK  the  Jsr 
dians  retired  to  the  woods  until  they  were  presented  with 


« ligottli  Hist.  <^  "BarbadoMT,  ]p,  29. 
C 


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10  THEHBTORr 

CHAPj^  «  ftlvoiimUe  opportunity  of  feturt^   home ;  and  that  then, 
*^^-      in  their  >way  dcmh  to  theincanoes^'  'they  would  coyer  them- 
ftel'ves  wtth^gt-een'  boUghB  ^to^  elude:  tho  searoh  of  the  Eng- 
lish.    During  their  tran^ent  residence  in  the  country*  they 
inadethe  earthen-Vinre  already  mentioned ;  and,,  like  the 
ancient  idolatets  of  Etttope  and  rAsia,  formed,  out  of  the 
jl^wi^' fiiiiEUierials,    sensible  rdpvesentatkiiQS  of  the  iQvblble 
idi^iti^.  -  whom  thej  -aidoFed, '  and  .absurdly  worshipped .  the 
<#drk  of  their'owQ  hands;  >  Manrpof tirase im»g^ were; seea 
^  Htighe^  aj^'late  sis  th^  jcarioiie 'tlioufiand  s^ven  hupdrfid 
«ui'd  fertj-eight.  '  Among  ttaeili  .was  one,  of  which' tbebe^ 
^one  weighed  above  sixty 'poahds*«.    Tkv»  it  seeips  eaiyr  to 
^acccNiht'fcn'  the  htimber  bf ''lQdiaa>i»maios;  whio^  ]|ay«.^;>f^ 
loiind  in  diffeireht  'pMrt^  '' bi  the  eottntry^  aiod. i  to  .ifpc,o//^i^ 
the  tnSeliiih  hamei  ^U  borni9  by  toakiy.  pkboes  ,wiMi  ,thi9  imiftr 
luibit^  state '  of  the  blabd  Wh^  fink .  discov^re^  ;  by  JByj. 
irbp^n'toavigatonf."'  ^'^ '     '>>■■'•'';_'.:»>-.).,;;  'i  nf.  •,-,•:  i  r/j 
•  j^me  yeu^'prev'ibti^  to'CtJoufteen'^  atttoipt  Ui  mfifi^ki^jf. 
fL  colony  in  i^arbadoe^,  Mr.  Thottias  Wamev  ihad  .«i^3»^ 
in  a  similar  undertaiiiiig  W'  St.  Chnstdphec's.  r  This  mttl»ai-> 
n^ni  was  in^  a 'ph)sper6ti« 'cdnditipii,  wfaea  the-jhop^s,,^^ 
the  planters '\^m  suddenly' desbnyed  by  a  klre^dfvl'jhuiin^- 
ti(ne,  wHidli  dbiit^ated  their  plantalooB&i  i  To:  repmi  ^  lAr 

jury  8t&taine(i  by  thi^  calaneuty^  IVamer waso^ig^  U^J^ 

■'■ i  "  -^  i  ;   ...  .     .,-)    I, ,.-   .::      .,  ...,.,      •■ 

•  '     •       '    •  •       ■\ 
_■_'/     '      'I   •  ii    nil,  I    ii,   , ,)      .).,,; .    _'         , 

*  NtU  Hiat.  «r  Bubadocs,  p.  7. , 


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OF  BARBADOSS. 

tjurti  t6  England  toi9<dkntitbe;a98i9tanc»iO^^ 
.  Upon  thhi  occasicm  be  applied  to  JjasqiQa^H^fji!^^  pf  Car* 
]kh;  whb  readify  pafcroniMd  the  adve9tUFo|a|it3e(#ef,^and» 
by    bis    powerful '  supiport,.  pieacsryefl  tbe  oolony  from 
ipiiin*'  ;•'.*-•    .        '.'',.•  -t;  .    ..''.,- :./  -  c,.  ^. ,    .  , ,-  .•'.  ■ 

VTam^r's  appKcatioii  xipetaied  a^  new  and  spl^did  jprospe^: t 
to  th9  ambitions  peer.  He-  saw  very  clearly  the  ppwer  and 
opulence  trhich*  bet  might,  L  by  prudent  management  deiiim 
fh>m  ato  esKMive  estafoii^hoient  ih;  the.  Wesit  Indies ;  .wd^, 
to  seeure  the  importent  aidvantagpes  tbm  accidentally  tbioi^a, 

,  ih'his  i^ay,  itnmediately ^applied to  Charles  L  who.bad^Fer 
bentfy  ascended 'thtt  tlirone^  for<a.gBaht,;of  all  the  Caribbee 
ista^s^  to»b«''l)»rm€!dinto  .a<  palatinate,  x^*!  proprietary  go* 
Temmenty'^nder* the  name  of  Cariiola.  The  unfortuQater 
taohhmiij'to  i^boMwafBiof  fomaess  qiay  be^ijaspribe^  oaiofit: 
df  ib^  raisfdHtiioefr  that^mbitteyed:  hiff  reiga^  readily  abided' 

'  to  the  importunity  of  a  powerful  favouritfj,,  and  ^ve  the- 
lieeessaty orders?^for'pFepaling  hi^psUe&^  .This  ^nt  was 
rtreittiOUsljroppbsetf  by*  the  Earl- of  Marlborough,  as.  af-^ 
ifecttngiiisf  priortight^ the  island  of  Barbadoes,  and  p«K 
ihiccld  a^tedii[)miitigatson  between  the  two  claimants,  which' 
Dras  at' length  cdn^^mHed^  4Mi  iiOrd  CarlisleV  i^reeilig:  to 
pSLj  to  the  Lord  Treaswwr,-  attd  his^  heirs  v  for  ev^  a&  ap- 
unity  of  three  h«nired^  pounds,  in  lieu  of  hii  claim.  >  lim^ 

'  dispute  being  thus  adjusted,  the^  Earl  of  Carlisle's*  i^gtent 
passed  the  Great  SeaT  wTlfae  irocond^jay-^tf.  Juafe.ioae 


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IB .  THE  HISrrOHY 

^J^S^   tltmifttiid  sifx  liinictTad  and  tirentj-^seveB,  ftnd  his  Loodiilrip 

.  7^6'  j^M^mble  of  ttiifr  celebrated  cfaaiter  assigns  the  r«a-. 
softHon  whiHDh;  U  wias  granted^ia  thete  vords :  *'  Whereas  our 
WjsUrbelOved  cousin  ^od  counseUor,  James  Lord  Hay,  Ba-. 
r^A-oC-Sawl^y,  Viscount  iXDnearter*  and  Ei^rl  of  Carlisle, 
efi^li^ev6wfvag,  m^  a  lauidabie  and  pious  design  of  propa- 
gating'the'  Chnstiaa  rdig^,.  and,  aho  .of  the  eQlai'g^ment 
olr  Uie  t«m^Mies  of  onr  dominioos,  hath  humblj  petiliooed 
lis  K)r-a  Cettnun  tegum  of  it^nds  in  our  diKvinioos  after* 
tma^ir  lyihg  tbwafniii  &e  north  part  of  tbe  iiorld,  a%  yet 
yft^d^  and  idaatated,  in  spniA  (dapes,  with  /savago^*  who 
hAven<^.fcnQwlQdjge  of  Ifaediriiw  power*  oomq^iQnljr  ca^ 
the  Caribba^  Iidaad;!^  oontsdntog  the'  iskutds  MiS^di^  Chris- 
to^ry  dnsAadm'  Saint  Vincent,  Sai«t  l^^c'i9^  Bajrhadoas^. 
Martia^iuev  T>rvminka,  .Marigalaote*  Posc^d^,  lodosan- 
tMy  Cttadaloyipe^  ikatigfta,  .Mo^tsevrat,  JUdfwdp^  ^ari^u^ 
dm-  Vhm»  £ustaiaii>  S^mU.  P^rtholop^^,  S^int  M>u:tin» 
Anguiila)  ^embran^  and.  iQnegadas  a^  viany  other  i;iU^»ds» 
foiwid  out  aA  his  giimtcofX  and  ohai^gesx  an^  now  brought 
ta  lh«]t,pA8fi;ti^  be  inhsUsiited  by  9,  b);cge^  and  copious  jcolonj 
o£'  %n|^ifljk^  yfii^  <}«rtav».privilpj^  aiul  jjvrisdictlons  bebng? 
ii^tQ..tb».9ai4  govoj^infpt  ipijl  sUW  of  a  colony  and  re- 
gMii  tahin»-  hia  heiis  904*  utitsw*i  to  bieg^nted." 

'" '  -^^™ — ■ Til       '*■■*     i"'"::r^ s^  n  1  ,    ."        -    ; 

Vol  41,  p.  132. 


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OF  HARBADOES.  13 

By  the  sacceeding  clauses,  fab  Majegty  did,  by  the  said  chat>.  i. 
grant,  for  him,  his  heirs  and  successors,  make,  create  i^^- 
and  constitute  the  said  £iu4  of  Carlisle,  kis  hein  aad 
assign^,  absolute  |>ropri«tor  abdr  lord  of  the  said  region ; 
reserving  still  the  allegiance  due  to  his  Majesty,  his  heirs 
and  successors.'  It  Was  theft  tfdded,  **  And  because  we 
halve  made  and  appointed  the  said  James  Earl  of  CaAi^, 
true  lord  of  all  the  aforesaid  province,  as  he  to  whom,  the 
r^htbelongeth,  know  ye, -that  we  hate  aititherissed  add  iip^ 
pointed  the  ^aid'  Jafne»  Earl  of  Carlisle,  and  hk  heir*,  of 
wtiose  fiddityi  prudence,  justi^e^nd  wisdom,  we 'have 
gt^t  confidence,  for  the  godA  ttid  hkppy  gor^nment  of 
tfie  siid  provlnfee,  or  the  private  utility  «<'  every  man;  to 
mak^,  ettdt  and  set  fdtfh ;  and  ntid^r  hfil  or  l^efar  sigiieiC  to 
pul^h  such  law^  as  lie,  the  said  Eaii'  of  CmttiAe,  9t  Ifeis 
heifs;  ti^fh  thetonsetlt,  assent  mtdappfb^H^  'of  ike'fi^e  in* 
heMittnh  tf  the  mid' "pkiyoiwue^  ot-  (^  greatet  pari  ^  them 
iKeireunto  to  -be  calltd,  and'  iii  such'  fottti,  attd  if4idB  and 
as  dfteii  a^  hd  ot  titey,  in  his  or  titeir  dlsc'r^tiiMii  shall  think 
fit  And  be^ti.  And  these  laws  Aittst  all  men,  for  fShe  tittie 
being,  that  do  live  withiii'  the  Ihnits  of  the  stkl  prorince, 
observe ;  whether  they  be  bound  to  isea  or  from  thence  te* 
turning  to  !fin^iid.  Or  any  other  of  ^ouf  dominion^  or  any 
oth^r  place  appointed,' upon  such  impo%itioaB}  peaalttot^ 
imprisotiment,  orrestrakt,  t^atitbehcrreth,  aiHl-the'ipii^jr 
of  die  offence  reqnht^  ^  either  tipon  '#ie  bddy,^  of  dcatil 
Itself,  to  h6  executed  by  the  sftid  JMiid»  £arl  of  Ciriiaie^ 


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X4,  THE  HISTORY 

aiid  his  Iieirs;  or  by  feis  or  their  deputy,  judges^  magis* 
tr&tes;  officers  and  ministers,  according  to  the  tenor  and 
true  meaning  of  these  presents,  in  what  case  soever;  and 
trithsnch  power,  as  td  him,  the  said  James  Earl  of  Car* 
Usle,'  or  hii(  heirs,  shkll  deem  best.  And  to  dispose  of  all 
^  ofiences  or  riots  whatsoever,  either  by  sea  or  by  land,  .whe- 
ther'before  judgment  received,  or  afker  remitted,  freed, 
patdbned,  6r  forgiven.  And  to, do  and  perform  all  atid 
ev6ry  thing  ;or  things,  which,  to  the  ful611ing  of  justice, 
icouils;  or  madner  of  proceeding,  in  their  tribunals  may  or 
doth  belong  or  appertain,  although  express  mention  of  them 
in^hese  presents  be  not  made;  yet  we  have  granted,  full 
power, -^by  virtue  of  these  presents,  thete  to  be  made; 
which '  1^5  so  absolutely  proclatmed^  a&d  by  strength  of 
tight  supported,  iw  they:  j^re  ^nted,  we  will  ^joib,  diarge, 
and  cbmdkthd,  all.  a&d  etnely  subject  and  liege  people  of 
us,  our  heirs  and  succeissors,  as  far  aa  them  they  do  ooncern, 
isMcXtXAy  to  keep  and  dbA^rv^  under  the  paina  therein  ex- 
preaseSyM  ax^  tootWithstandiiGigi,'  the af&ise$aid  hm$  be t^ec' 
ieNk,  knd  Mt  rqtugnani  mta  reiuotil  mfrttf^muttibfUMcott" 
wniiM  and't^eeable.  as  maa/  ic;  ^o:  the  Icim^  gta(uta,\  nu' 

i.;¥.  And  because  in  thegovMnment.ef  to  greiwt:  a :pn6vi^e 
ofteAtioies  sudden  oc4»8iocM  dofall  ont,,.tQ  which  it  shall  be 
jMiSdAlltoiapply  a  remedy: befi^re.  the  £»e/uili^db!;taata  of 
Hie  said  •pio'tf^Baee  can  becalled ;.  and  fo?  that  it  ahdl  not  al* 
ways  be  neediiil,  in  sudi  leafM,  4iat;aU  the.p^ple  be-  cal- 

l 


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OP  BARBADOES.  l5 

led  together,  we  will  and  ordem,  and  bj  these  presents,  for  chap.  i. 
w,  .our  heii?  and  successors,  ^aye  granted  to  the  said  James      i^^- 
Earl  of.  Carlisle,  and  his  I>eh«,  .that  he  bj  himself  or  his 
nuH^gtmtes  ^nd  qtfficers,  in  that .  ease  lawful!^,,  preferred, 
i»ay-;^Aake- decree  caM  ordinanci^  both  fit  and  profitable, 
hosnf  titne>  t<^4Hi«>  tb^\  th?y  piay  bip  esteiemed,  kept,  and 
obaervied^  within  the  ^aid  prchrincer  ^  well  for  keeping  the 
peace  as.fpr  the  better,  gOivernment  of  the  p<?opl?  there 
liv^ngl  sa't^  they  .i^ay  be  pubKcIy.  known  'to  ^\\  whcwa  .they, 
dc^'ipf^et^^    t^^hieh'^dln^ci^s  we  will^  within  jt^e.  sai^ 
ptrdHnc^Javiqlibly  to  be  -kept,;  'opotfi  pain  in  tliem  e^  press-- 
ed i,  sp'ilhat  4bo9e  Iju^s  \>p  agitable  \tp  reaspn,  .i^nd  pot^re-^ 
pigD^t^i|6r  jag^t  it>  ^1^  as.  faq  af ,  may ,  he,  agre^bj^ 
tp.>tli^|h|(W8,apji:?|j>^,ut^fjf  pnjrlfin^^  ajf(j 

-  *•  W^  alscb/  i  of*;  oWi  pnnfielf;  .igr«i*e,  ;ft>r  u^ :  our  heirs  ,an^ 
8uoeMB<Hrs»,?inlK.'StRai^htlyi'Cl}ftrg6v  si^i^tand  ordain,  thai 
iht. 8aul:pQrOTiiM».'.Jb«;^ of  .oiir, allegiance, -find , fchat.alj . and 
every  subject  and.liege  people  x^  us,  >  our.  heirs ,  and's.ucqeSr 
sors,  brought  ck  tolil^'brijiuigfait,'  and  their- chrldrln/' whether 
thMebc^t  ior  flftefWfirds  tci' be. born,. .'become  jiativres,  an^ 
sttbj6ctit  of^usv  our^hdirsi  land -isiiccessors^  and  be  a»  frte^ 
theyiwh^  wtve*  baitit  ml ' Brtgkmd-i]  )ando so  the(ir;:in1ieTit|aDC^ 
witMa  oiarikkigdoltf  Of  I  Jk>gl&nd«  oc'-lother  >'oiir  ii9ommion4« 
toseek^  tsoeiv^,  >tdl4e^Uoldv  bn^^^nld  posstesfeyrahd.usf;  <axui 


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16  THE  HI5T0EV 

CHAR^  eojojr  tbem  as  bU  oiro ;  and  ip  |^ve,  ^ell,  ijjuen.  and  be^* 
^^'  queath  them  at  their  pleasi^re ;  and  abojrfcfy^  T'^'^kf*  '"^ 
peaciobly  to  have  and  po$iei$,  aU  the  Ubertkst  frawi4bi$m,  tmd 
privii€ge9of  thU  kingdttmf  ami  them  i9  01909  ag  Utgcpptpk 
^  Engkm^t  whether  bore  or  to  be  bo|i>»  without  iAp<^ 
mept,  molestatioQ,  vexation,  injury  or  trovble  <^.»$»W* 
heirs  and  successors ;  any  ac|;  or  statute  to  tl^e  contrfu*/  99t< 
withstanding."  .,  ..       * 

"While  this  business  was  transacting  in  i^n^wdj^  the 
young  settlers  were  diligently  proi^uting  their  enterppse* 
In  this  hazardous  undertaking,  it  is  easy  to  im^^ne,:  that 
they  were  exposed  to  ii^numejable  h^rdships^  aqd  ^Mygenr^ 
^tht  cQxxntvjy  overgrown  with  thick  i^nptsBe^hle  woodb^ 
exhibited  the  most  gloomy  prpsjpect  that  the  iioagiQajtiQn 
■  can  possibly  conceive.  No  trac^  of  hunaaa  society  cheered 
th^  solitary  scene ;  ^no  ^\^  M  cultivatioo  esliveaed  th« 
lurid  i^ce  of  nature.  One  immense  forest,  crowned  with 
att  Exuberant  foliage^  i^pread  itself  in  >c^ry  dif^tion. 
Withih  its  dark  recess^  no  beasts  of  lvuthej|.w<eQeiiMiiulto 
lessen  the  toil  pf  m^  ai^  but  ityt  quadmmds  lor  his 
domestic  use^  /  .r 

Koiwithstaoding  these  discouragements,  0|^i;  a^YfflaltuMni 
upplied  thdmselves  to  clearing  the  wood»  aijtd  pl^tt^^g  ppo* 
visions,  with  a  diligence  mmI  ])«rs^veranpe  fipt  JesQ  com- 
iBiendable  th«|i  astonishing,  l^  this  Mc^sAfur^  ;^pf>k>yaaciit, 
'  liowevei;,  they  proceeded  tiut  slowly  and  with  difficulty, 
for,  as  the  tsees  were  in  geneial  cxifemely  hard  and  he«vy» 


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OFBARBADOfiS,  17 

ftAtt  the  labfiffions  ti4k  of  fdlmg  tbem  wa»  accompUslied,   ^^^^^ 
tiiere  wi^  not' sufficient'  strength  to  remoFC  them;  thej      *^^' 
wett^ '  thenfefdre/ suffix        to  rbmain  on  the  ground;  the 
pla&tevs' contenting  themselves  with  cultivating  in  the  inter- 
m^diite '  Gfjakces,  such  iosculent  plaab  as  were  necesikirj  for 

.    Ibrkunateljr^  the  wpods  aflPbrded  lignum  vitsB  an4  fui[tiC|k^ 
which  became  articles  of  immediate  export  to  En^^la^, 
and^  pi^dbuf^d/  in  return,  suoh  commodities  as  \f^re  most 
wanted  In  the  colony.    And  as  the  climate^  esp^sciatl^t  at 
4hit  se^ou'  of  th^  yeair  iit  which  tiie  ^rst  settlers  arriy^). 
was^fb^cl  and  pleasant;  and  the  soil  appeared  to  be  fertite. 
and  iviell  lidapted  for  the  cuttivation  of  ebtton  and  tobaccd. 
tbe^'^titi&rj^sing  f^ek^  resblutety  persisted  in  the  laudable  ^ 
d^gh'  <tf  Adding' Wilesira       a  spot  to  the  comCorts  of, 
socfcd'life.'  'jffae  'fii^t  fruits  of  th6  |and  vrpfe  inadequate, , 
both  in  i^uadti'ty  Wd^  qu^htyi,  to  their  suppprt.    Potatoes, 
plaiittiilk^*  and  Indian  corn  were  little  Suited  to  EuropeaQb; 
habitii  (^  Irving;'  and 'as'  their  supplii^  from  home  wpre  , 


etii^taAfi^it6kti6tik  Mnd  unbertiun,'  tliB  distreuet  of  the 
eariy  coloninta  weie  proportionably  grievous  and  pppces^y^. 
N<Nrckd^«i  sul^cieiitly'adinire  th^  pa,iieiiGe.  and  £in|iuiess  . 
pi^wiAetiiiii^'peinnieA  in  'e6mhaiiikff  tlie  vaiious  hatd^,. 
ships  and  difbbultlesiacictent' to  their  sitaatlon.  , 

Fldtterea  witSi  the  presaites  of  success,  which  he  re-  . 

*  iigon't  Hitt.  Bairb.  p.  24.    FciiiiiDg'«  Geogr»pti^«  rol.  2.  p. ' 

D 


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18  THE  HISTORY 

CHAPj.  ceived  from  the  iofeiit'  setflctAent,  Sir  Wiftiitm  eoufteen 
1027.  determined  to  prosecute  hb  scheoie  with'  vigoor.  De- 
serted, as  we  have  seen,  by  his  fortner  jpiltron,  he  now 
sought  the  protection  of  the  Earl  of  Pembroke,  kMrd 
chiamberlain  t>f  the  housdi6ld.  Tliis  nobleiriatt,  encou- 
raged by  the  favouraUe  representation  made  to  him  <)f 
the  condition  of  the  new  settlement,  generously  undertook 
to  (demote  the  interest  of  the  worthy  ctti2en,  by  whom 
it  had  been  established,  by  aa  imodddiate  Upplication  to 
the  King*.  Charles,  who  ip  generally  «dlowed:  to  have  hod 
sagacity  enongh  to  perceive  what  ^wat  rights  though  ^he  sd* 
dom  had  resolntioQ'  to  practise  it^  thou^  no  more  of  the 
grant  to  Lord  Carlisle  thaii  if  it  had  ttever*  existed  i  and  as 
his  lordship  was  at  that  moment  employed  i(n'a.|di|rfomatic 
'  character  abroad,  he  could  give  no  opposition  to  an  apjfrii^ 
cation  so  repugnant  to  his  prior  right  The  field  being  thus 
left  open,  the  Lord  Chamberlain  pies^  his  suit  with  aoeh 

Feb.  25t.  successful  assjduity,  that  he  soon  obtained  a  grant  £r«iD-tiis 
royal  roaster,  fm  the  island  of  Barbadoes,  in  th»t  lor  Sir 
William  Courteen«    It  is  scarcely  possible  to  account  for 

'  '  -   '  '■ '  - 

* 

^    ♦  Mem:  of  Birb.  p.  9.  Ubit.  Hint.  r<A.  41,  p.  ISfl.  ^ 

t  lb  anticipate  toy  miitpprehemion  concenuDg  tbe.^hm^elogj  of  theie  e«fly 
events,  it  mutt  be  rememberecl,  thit  until  the  introductioB  of  tbe  new  style  in  1752^ 
the  year  was  reckoned  to  commenae  on  the  25tb  day  of  March.  Hence  all  transac- 
tions between  the  first  of  January  and  the  twenty-fcurth  day  of  March,  are  dated  as 
if  they  had  taken  place,  according  to  the  present  computation,  one  whole  year  earlier. 
Thus,  for  example^  the  grant  mentioned  in  the  text,  agreeable  to  the  new  style,  would 
bear  date,  February  2^,  )S28. 


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I«2». 


OFBARBADOES,  ij) 

gnob  verai^iUty  and  inootosiateEice  in  the  king's  conduct,  ^2iLI* 
ftherwi^^.  tjiaa  ky  supposing  Hm^  ,tbe.  opulent  merchant 
mighK  hf^j»;l)een'«JbJe, to  relieve  t^e  vaiits  pf  his  necessitous 
sQT^r^ignv  Thiis  conjec^ture  will  appear  .the  moKe  .probable, 
ifjwf)  recollepti  the  mean  shifts  aQd.iUegal  .enactions  to 
whjpb  tl»ecpecnniaf7..en4>an«^mi^itS;.9f  that  unlbrtunafce 
ii^(iparffh:coinp^Ue4  hij»rtp:i?e8p)rt.,     .  .  . .,  :  ,  ; 

..THejJKfM* of  Qarlirifi ^n.«fterjJifl|>W8W|;  of,  ikp»  grant, 
re|i|TO^#  ftopatbt*  ewbftssyj  ^he^^^beipgijinfj^rnied  of  the 
settlomi^nt; which JMibecin iinad?^  upop^anis^land  wt^in his 
province,  he  deterpoiped  to  adopt;  swhmeawrp* .  w  would 
frustrate  jthe  designs  of  his  powpntitor,  ^nd.^^^blisli.a  co- 
hay  of  bisQval;,  Jp<i«n»ed  fttithe;grW?^tiWhich;had been  so 
surcef^iitiQttsIijr  obtainftd^  hiec^a^li^flfd  to.tbe.l^gof.the 
^dvai^ljige  w.hie^.;fe^d>  bew^teHflft-Of  !ili8,*fewnce,to|^priyfi 
hinv  of  j  his  pijopaqty.  i  ,T4»e  ;in»sQlHt§iOh«rl^»»i  .^ho,}hr9ugli- 
out  ihit  whole  tran«oe^on,  :«;as ;  Qvore ,  cnlpable ,  th^p  anj 
body  ,clse»>  jegUiibitod :  aofi«ah  instewe^  of  ^  ■  ^^smt^,oi  -  fiun- 
igi&^i  fifMl;  |0  appease)  dhe]  reseiit»entt  of,  ihis  jrriuted  .iat 
tourifc9>  ffii«iik^»l»;fate»trAo  the  JiOrd  Chwaber^aijfl,,aiid 
icin9tated,thei.£arl  of .  Carlblein the  possession  of.  the.  tenir 
tory  pf.  which,  he.  hiad  .so  ^reqen^aod^  unjustly  derived 

Having  gmned  this  point,  the  next  steps  to  be  taketi  by 
the  esurl,  were  to  n^kp,  an  eff<?ctual  settlement  on- the  island, 
and  to  concert  proper  measurea  for  securing  to  himself  the 
advantages  it  was  capable  of  jrieldjng.    With  this  view  he 


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20 

CHAP.  I. 
t6M. 


March  29. 


THE  HlSnPORY 

coAtraoted  with  a  oompanj  of  London  merofaanti,  consigt* 
ing  of  Marmadpke  Brandon,  Wiliiiini  PerkiM^  Atexander , 
Banister^  Robert  Wheatly^  Edmund  Foratenr,  Robert  Swiii^ 
nertoft,  H«nr3^  Wbeiitlj^  Jolm  Chatleft,  and  John  Farring- 
don,  for  a  grant  of  ten  tbotnand  acres  of  land,  on  condition 
of  his  receiying  from  ieach  settler  forty  pounds  of  cotton 
annually;  and  allowing  tbetaft  the  privilege  of  (tending  <Mit» 
in  quality  of  gov^nor,  a  proper  person  to  supermtefiid  the 
settlement  and  conduct  their  concerns.  For  this  purpose 
Charies  Wolferstone,  a  native  of  Bermuda,  was  made 
dboice  of,  and  received  a  commissMm  from  the  noble  pro^ 
jmetary  ^^  empowering  him  to  use,  exercise,  and  put  in  eic^ 
ecution^  ^  oi&ce  of  governor,  coramandei^in^hief,  and 
«aptaki,  in  doing  justice^  deciding  contrdvecdies,  keeping 
his  Majest/s  peace,  and  punishing  otfender^  accOiding  to 
the  quality  of  their  crimes,  and  according  to  the  laws  of 
England*.^ 

Armed  with  these  powers,  Wolferslone^  accompanied  by 
siiLtyHFow  persons,  arrived  in  Carlislei-bay^  attd  landed  on 
fhe  twenty-Alth  day  of  Jufy,  one  thousand  six  hundned  iltA 
twenty-eigbt  Each  of  thoe  settlers  was  cmtiUed;  on  his 
arrival^  to  one  hundnd  acres  of  landf .  They  fixed  their 
residence  in  the  vicinity  of  the  bay,  where  they  built  houses 


«  Mtm.  Barb.  p.  10.  Uoif.  Hiat  fuL  4J,  p,  ISO. 

t  Of  Uiete  adTcntoreriy  the  ntmes  of  t^o  only  btre  reacbedfiis :  is,  BuIUcj  and  J. 
SoiBttn,  wbo  crtaUbbed  UieiBidfti  in  St.  G^^ 


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S^^$^Tp«<n*>.'  -.;  io  -  J  •'•.'  ''';,••.■  --»:•  .:■:  •  ': '  .-.^.-.v.  ;,•  ■)  ;; ,...  >. 

filfibiislKii  ^;  CoRiite^  aanpocd  the  appellation  <^|  mndr 
if)ardHaMia>:.  while  tb9.ptben  wjere  deDomtoated  Icen^ardrAieD. 
yf^UfffBUwa  np^  afl^r  hip.  ^vBlyM  o^afaaa^ I  iifi^ 
miif9Ct^m^  ai^poiott^  ioha^ {Swan  to  lie hjslteii^ORaptVi. mcI 
«f«ated  a  codnci^y  mhMi  l»  iaveitad:  wU^  a  pf  i<tion  of . legis- 
lative And  executive  aiitbprit>».  Before  thi»  firibanal  the 
gdverMr  $u«»{i|0|)«^;;4^  jp^^bfaket^gett^  to  appear; 
aflnrimQg,.ih4t4b«y  had  no  1^1  title  to  thelaads  wluch 
-Aey  held}  aftd  treating  their  ftettl^efit  as  a  palpable 
eQcroafh^tifiijteti  Ihe  rights,  of  las  pattoii.  The/  accord- 
iogf  J  made  their  appearance  at  the  time  and  place  ap- 
petiai0ii; -bfij^  fioft.hi  a  temper  to  listen  to  any  proposais 
made  themf.bj  WoU^stooe.  They  utterly  disclaimed  all 
€if peii^O<;e  opt:  |he  Elarf  of  Carlisle ;  and»  peremptorily  re^ 
feting,  t0  ^Qtbrnlt  either  to  has  authority  or  (bat  of  his  gover- 
nor, fetamed  home  thai  nigfat. 

*  ligon'k  Hirt.  Bwrb.  p.  25.  Hughes.  Bowtvevi,  U  of  opinion,  tbat  thit  town  dfcrlMd: 
laAmminatla*  fmovM  /i«K«»b«id|gefh>Mm  ontnttmrn  iie^  of  A*  toy  l^^lhe 
Qinib«.  IVo/.  Htir.  p.  6.  Hence  it  it  evident,  that  thi>  capital  wa>  always  known  by 
the  appellatioD  of  BridgfTown ;  yet  in  alliegitlative  and  judicial  proceedings*  it  is. 
Boat  absurdly  called  SeiBt  Michacll  Town :  •  nane  equally  unknown  to  bistoriaM. 
and  geogjapheis.  1 


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22  THE  HISTORY 

Upon  this  occasion,  Deaoe,  who,  It  seems,  was  also  a 
Bertnudian,  deserted  them;  and  having  submitted  to  the 
governor,  was  intrusted  with  the  command  of  a  party  qf( 
armed  men,  who  were  detached  in  order  to  reduce  them  to 
subjection.  Abandoned  by  their  faithless  leader,  the  lee- 
ward settlers  arrayed  themselves  under  the  direction  of 
John  Powell,  son  of  the  mariner  who  brought  them  to  Bar- 

5ept  u.  badoes,  and  marched  out  to  meet  their  adversaries.  The 
hostile  parties  met  at  Palmeto  fort,  near  the  Hole  Town ; 
and,  prompted  by  mutual  animosity,  prepared  for  action. 
Happily  the  effusion  of  human  blood  was  prevented  by  the 
humane  interposition  of  Mr.  Kentlane,  a  pious  clergyman, 
who,  rushing  between  the  angry  disputants,  prevailed  on 
them  to  suspend  their  mutual  resentment,  and  refer  their 
differences  to  the  determination  of  the  noble  personages, 
whose  opposite  interests  bad  occasioned  the  contest. 

Peace  being  thus  restored,  the  Pembroke  settlers  acknow- 
ledged Wolferstone's  authority,  and  Powell  became  thp 
prisoner  of  his  fortunate  rival*.    The  calm,  however,  wi^ 

Ian.  14.  not  of  long  duration.  Henry  Powell,  soon  after  this  ar- 
rangement, arrived,  and  brought  with  him  a  commission 
from  the  Earl  of  Pembroke,  appointing  John  Powell  gover- 
nor of  the  colony.  Wolferstone  now,  in  turn,  became  the 
prisoner  of  his  former  captive.  Taken  by  surprise,  he  ajid 
the  perfidious  Deane  ware  conveyed  on  board  ship,  loaded 


^  Mem.  of  Barb.  p.  12. 


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OFBARBADOES.  23 

witlifetierS)  and  sfent  to  England.     Powell  enjoyed  his  tri-   chap,  i 
umph  but  a  short  time  before  he  experienced  the  mutability      ^^'^ 
of  fortune*    Hearing  of  the  disturbances  which  existed  in 
Ihe  colony,  Hobert  Wheatly,  one  of  the  merchants  con- 
cerned in  the  contract  with  Lord  Carlisle,  determined  on 
Making  a  voys^  to  Barbadoes,  accompanied  by  Captain 
H^ry  Hawley,  in  the  hope  of  being  able,  by  his  presence 
and  prudent  management,  to  adjust  all  differences*    This 
gentleman,  artfully  concealing  his  intentions,  on  his  ar- 
rival, invited  Powell  on  board  his  ship,  where  he  was  kept   April  9. 
uvder  confinement  until  he  could  be  sent  to  England  to 
answer  for  his  conduct. 

Incensed  at  this  injurious  treatment,  the  leeward  settlers  April  16. 
instantly  resumed  their  arms,  with  the  desigu  of  avenging 
the  insult  offered  them  in  the  person  of  their  chiefs  and  of 
extirpating  the  Carlisle  settlemenC*  In  this  spirited  attack, 
however,  they  met  with  such  a  vigorous  resistance  as  com- 
pelled them  to  a  precipitate  retreat.  For  this  gallant  de- 
fence, the  windward-men  were  honoured  with  the  thanks  of 
their  noble  patron,  who  farther  rewarded  their  bravery  by 
allowing  them  their  goods  free  from  any  charge  qf  storage 
for  the  term  of  seven  years. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  noble  peers,  whose  opposite 
claims  had  produced  these  contentions,  did  not  reinain 
indifferent  spectators  of  the  disputes.    They  appealed  to 

■  I  ■       .  ■      I       I  I  ■    I  I  ■  I     ■   I  K— H— —         III 

.   ♦  Unif.  HUt.  fOl.  41.  p.  134. 


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U  THE  mSTORY 

^^^    the  King;  each  oomplained  of  the  inju^ce  vith  which  h& 

1^^     had  been  treated,  and  endeavoured,  by  pkuttUe  objee** 

.  tions,  to  invalidate  his  competitort  pmteiEdons.    Finding 

thAt  the  Lord   Chambeiiain'g  title  rested  priocipalij  mi 

some  informaiity  in  the  original  charter  granted  to  Lord 

Cariisle,  his  Majesty  ordered  a  seoond  patent,  made  out  om 

.  Uie  seventh  day  of  April,  correcting  and  expbnning  the 

errors  imputed  to  the  first ;  and  confiniiing,  in  the  most  ex« 

plicitand  unequivocal  manner,  the  fomoer  gcant  to  Loixl 

Carlisle. 

The  Earl  of  Carlisle,  having  thus  overcome  aH  oppositicHi, 
and  rendered  himself  lord  paramount  of  Barfaadoes,  thought 
novr  of  providing  for  the  security  of  his  subjects.  To  this 
esid  he  gave  a  commission  to  Sir  Williatn  Tuflon^  appoint 
ing  him  commander*in-chief  of  the  island.  Hiis  gende« 
man,  accompanied  vrith  a^ufficient  force  to  reduce  the  dis^ 
contented  settlers  to  obedience,  arrived  at  his  government 

Z>eceni.  2i«  eaiiy  in  December,  and  immediately  applied  himself  to 
business.  The  first  step  taken  after  his  arrival,  vras  the 
appointment  of  a  council*,  with  whom  he  hdd  a  court  or 
general  sessions  of  the  peace.  He  issued  one  hundi^ 
jand  forty  grants   for  nearly   sixteen   thousand   acres  ^f 


*  Coiioiitj  will  not,  U  it  prannnecL  qaanel  with  as  tor  inserting  a  list  of  the 
flnemben  of  this,  boardf  in  which  it  is  easy  to  recognise  the  origin  of  the  second 
ImiiehofAelegiihtore;  AAoArtw^-Oapteto  Tidbot»  T.  Pstw,  ft.  Hall>  A.  Imb*. 
ard«  A.  Marbury,  H.  Bmov  Q^ptMn  Htjynn^  T,  iiibbes,  D.  Fletcher  and  W. 
Bifcb. 


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07  BARBADOES.  85 

tofid)  alid  oonfifmed  those  "which  imd  been  alvetMly  giren.  chap.i. 
Durii^  his  ibort  Admimgtmtion  many  laws  were  enacted,  *^^- 
with  ^  coaseht  of  hit  conndl;  and  the  part  of  4he 
tmiAiry  whidh  had  first  yidded  to  the  arts  of  opkiva- 
thM,  ws»  ^Ainded  iato  «be  six  parishes  of  Chnst  Chuvdi, 
Df  Saiut  Midiad>  ^iat  Jaates,  Sakit  Itunaas,  Saint  Ba- 
leT)  tmd  Saoait  Lucy*. 

liie  JgOPOOMt  was  proceniiiig  ia  the  adoptioa  of  «uoh 
m^sores  as  appeared  ti^  be  moat  oneMtial  to  the  welBve  of 
^lose  W0t  whOA  ins  ^esided^  when  he  m  loexpeotedty 
4bti9A«ipted  ^  the  antral  of  Henrf  Bamlef,  viho  tuwigfat  Jne. 
with  hiltt  n  (power  to  vopersede  'Xaftm  and  ito  «siawe  the 
-govfemmoat.  It  has  hoea^ooojcctareMl  kfaot  Sir  WiAtianidad 
^^PMAi  «fb&  biMfs^fDho  di^pkasure  of  4ihe  noble  jw<h 
ij^^kiry  {  ^^lA,  as  itto  cause  iias  been  'asaigned  for  thisiffis« 
like,  it  is  hi^y  fAFobtttile  that  his  Tsmoval  iwas  not  •owing 
^  4^S  'OWn  fiMscondaet.  IDbe  ^ct  lis,  ihat  Jharkeg:,  a«rho 
"en  his  'royalgb  home,  ^^e  la  A  year,  iiad  Hofeeo  x^qitured 
^  >the  Spaaiai^,  had,  on  His  :retttni  to  ^glaoid*  ip»- 
^eattd  <A«Om  ^vA  lOaalKsle  a  grant  fur  a  oonsiikraiifettract 
Hif  iatiiL.  Ohi  ii^gdtiafting  t^s  busioocss,  iit  is  laot  lUnliiaBly 
'Vbat -an  titiM  ntati,  >8uch  as  Howkgr  rappeam  to^hane 
'Amelia,  i^fOttld  have  'bad  t^cottiae  'to  aome  un&ir  ^naans  to 
prevoil  ona  nobleman,-goveHiod-only-by  his  interest,  JoJp- 
#fst  him  <^tnth  'the  impiditie  .ttutfaodty  .over  Jtbk  distant 
'SCttteitterft. 

*  Metnoin  of  Butudost,  p.  14, 
E 


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26  THE  HISTORY 

25^^  Tv^^^^^oi^  calmly  submitted  to  the  arrangement  which 
>*«*•  deprived  him  of  his  employment ;  but,  suspecting  that 
some  improper  influence  had  been  Used  to  prejudice  him, 
he  appears  to  have  cherished  a  secret  resentment  against 
the  suspected  author  of  his  downfall.*  Nor  was  it  long 
before  he  was  furnished  with  an  opportunity  of  she w- 
ing  his  animosity.  About  this  time  the  colony  suffered 
very  severely  from  the  eflfects'of  a  long  continued  drought, 
which  occasioned  so  great  a  scarcity  of  provisions,  that 
the  planters  were  reduced  to  the  utmost  extremity.  Ac- 
tuated, as  ¥ras  alle^ged,  by  motives  of  personal  enmity 
to  the  goverdor,.  Sir  William  prevailed  on  many  of  the 
inhabitants  to  join  in  a  petition  to  his  excellency,  com- 
plaining blf^^is^  withholding  from.  tHem  certain  stores, 
which  had  been  sent  out  by  the  Earl  of  Carlisle  for 
the  relief  of  the  sufferers,  during  the  late  calamity. 

li\censed  at  thiis  proceeding,  Hawley  now  determined 
to,  destroy  the  man  whom  he  had  already  injured.  A 
council  of  twelve  persons*  had  been  previously  appointed 
.  to  assist  him  in  framing  such  ordinances^  as  should  be 
deemed  expoiient  for  the  public  welfare,  and. to  serve 
as  a  court  of  judicature.  Before  this  tribunal  Tufton 
was  arraigned,  on   a    charge   of  mutiny.    Although  Sir 


*  These  penont,  whose  names  d^erre  to  be  remembered  with  ezecratioD«  were  Sir 
R.  Calvily,  T.  Peers,  T.  Gibbes,  Edm.  Reed,  J.  Yates,  T.  Blis,  Wi  lUley,  R.  Leonard. 
V.  Kitterich,  F.  Langdon,  Reynold  AUeyne,  and  W.  Ddin. 


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OF  BARRADOES.  27 

Williani^s  conduct  was  not  altogether  free  from  blame^   chap,  j, 
there  certainly  was  not  the  smallest  foundation  for  the       '*'^' 
charge  exhibited  against  him.    Nevertheless,   the  servile 
court,  awed  into  a  mean  compliance  with  the  sanguinary 
designs  of  their  arbitrary  principal,  found  the  prisoner 
guilty  of  the  crime  with  which  he  stood  accused,  and    April  n. 
condemned  him  to  be  shot  to  death.    This  iniquitous  sen- 
tence was  suspended  until  the  next  month,  and  then  exe- 
cuted without  remorse*.  . 

A  transaction  so  cruel  and  illegal,  excited  the  most  lively 
indignation  and  discontent  throuj^out  the  {nrovinc6.  The 
death  of  this  unfortunate  gentleman  was  universally  regard- 
ed, as  an  act  of  the  greatest  cruelty  and  injustice!  The 
governor  himself  was  abhorred  as  a  tyrant  and  a  murderer; 
and  in  the  subsequent  fate  of  the  base  instruments  of  his 
revenge,  the  superstitious,  who,  in  the  dispensations  of 
Providence,  always  pretend  to  discern  the  retributive  arm 
of  Omnipotence,  were  persuaded,  that  they  beheld  the  Dip 
vine  justice  particularly  displayed  in  the  punishment  of  the 
guilty  judges.       . 

The  innummtble  emigrations  froni  Europe,  added  to  the 
natural  fecundity  of  the  human  species,  had,  by  this  time;, 
so  increased  the  population  of  Barbadoes,  that  it  became 

'       ,  "    .  .  ,  ' 

^.  Mem.  of  Barbadoes,  p.  17.-  Univ;  Hist  vol.  il/p.  1S5.    It  may,' perhaps,  lie 

tlwught  strange  that,  notwithsUnding  the  indUputable  authority  on  which  these  fac^s 

are  related,  the  author  of  the  Short  Histocy  of  Barbadoes,  should  Jiay^  passec|  over 

l)iese  and  many  other  important  particulars  in  total  silence. 

E  2 


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28  THE  HfiSTORY 

iace  in  civil  cases,  Jtcoarddngly  ^  'mlemd  nm  ^s  -y^ti^ 
dSvided  :itit6  iota'  'precmcta,  in  taeh  <i  N^i(&  a  covii  of 
tttmnaii^eas,  aamistbi^  df  at  "iefaiof  Joidige  imd  lour  asaiotp 
mt»,  ims  fqipDintaid  tb  tie  :ho3den  evi^  fiUH)lk»  ^  fibeipor^ 
ipMe  4)f '^letiermtiiing  sdJ  canaes  of  Mig^imci,  swt  wcqedui^ 
-Ite  latobvf -fiiire  iiiincljed  iJoiuidBieef  tcd^saacfi,  ifti&iect.tottft 
•flpp0ad4t>itiie  si^fnene  ioouiil,  liii  iwhi^  ^tbe  gonr^nwr  jm«»> 
sided  in  person.    Inr  this  Institution,  •ms^Bdmy  fttawvi^  ii» 

r»neo}ajuiiDei^s^tdmi'kAniAih  donmilptthe 

3pMsie!ilt^dag(^'»Braotioii«d7i»ih^  'ligr^tiieibreetaf^deepoiOQtM 
gprejudioca(^  4uid  ilie.  roapect  doe  tD>aBcieht  izustoms,  *  I^Mmito 
VaDjr  ieo^Bitlsitcc 'df  iits  ntisdoni  )fla^iftffinBcy( ' 

'^'l^siiilikaaae^court^'atTpr^entj^tboi^  tofitbe^goivefQor 
Wdiobtoictl,  riibd  TtEtkes  eo^izaiMs  of  qU  ;gnQvaQ«c»  :«od 
'^fi»iiftfoUB^iF««tteedings}inifae:in{ei^  .^i«e.f|i$mbeis 

'6f-tlt&  MtttSn,  iritbith^^gbvwiior,  ^akei.aqttoftifli  fijr 
eti^n^th^dtaBiitessiii  .ibttrjiidtiiial,  rfts  ih'^ii?  ikgitlftttAte 
'  capacity.  They  eonstitu  te  a  court  of  "erroi-  eund  >  <W[il^5r,  in 
i^iCh4keJgov«irfibr,(  though 'JieVhtts  fthe  is^iM^  titfe  of 
ld^dtlltT,^prendesrddly:a9  iiTMnteis  rMie^  jMf^ ;  ^4ii$(volei«r 
£<^ii^<»i  4»eing  <of ^joo gka^ritmpovtanoe^^iBn  febat  ,bf lany 
ethelTfiieiinber.  •  ISeme^rnters  on  West  Indian-politics  have 
it&a^nd-  tln8:^pratti«ejiias  a  radical. im{MrfcMi«n)in^ the  con- 
IftitOtion'df  thec^onial  chancery.  They  conceive  that  jus- 
tice would  1^  i^Qiore  juu^Qimly^  promptly  and  impaitiall^ 


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♦dminwi^pedj  vei?e  .^  ^9y«n¥»r.  bere,  ^»  iii.n^94  vQ^i^llc  JJ^fj 
other  €QlQQ«e^  sp)^  cI^^c^Qr.  .;      .      .  T^J-' 

^flv^og;*)'*^  3Ue?r<ir^  Jslands,  the  comnofii^^  i^i  f^^i^  ^ 
Chwft^ftr.of  i^ch,  ,t^y  rvtup  ^ jiis  ofit<?e*  ;"  Ateoj)^  ^^ 
k9e»  jm4fiM  3t  Clhi;|Atc{)|l;usr>  to  jo^l,t|le.c;o^nc^  wij^i  ^m* 
h\kt  w»thout.suc4ie^; :  ^  wiv^ts^sKt9.c}wmp^Xf^T.  tpAyi^r 
mit  to  the  e^pence  aijid  dela^.of  folio wiog  .U)e  oh^o^Q]: 
io  Antigua,  the  seat  pf  ^ovetorof  nt, ,  wihete  xthe  xojwt  of 
.GiiaBciwjr?is , usually  jhel4  for  those  islands,  tbao.  .sq^iw  jj^ 
incoi^j^oieftcy.  of  su^)w4ttinjs. their  suits  tp  ^hp.j^Qf^i^pri.oiP 
jrtdgiea,  who,  jfroBithw" ^itua^wm ^4  90flflP?i9*w> 4Pfty  ^ 
iQt^mssiod.iii  the 4<!y^pt  of  eTftryq^vw^.-th^ s^p^l^^^q^ipi^e 

M«wethe»*/-     ■•  .-M  ,  ...  ,;,;.•  ;.■.-■   .  ,   •  ■-.  ,  _..,,„.  ,,  .;, 

Qu'tiiis^i^bjeot  ib«,ft?ii,tiw9ivt!».x>f  w 
our  colonial  constitutkxis  js^rit  attention^  ,*^A^W^T»-' 
Mjf3  be,  .^I'bAsifewi^r  coooesuons  in  .the  country^iuid  i».less 
ilimb}»ii&  iufluen(?e:than.o)thei;  of  the  ,cowcil^„vho  .for  .^l^ 
jiio«t{M«t ftren^t^cs. :  A  eoatifimaawho has.intecestto ob- 
!taukdi^V'«nu9ei)t,piust,b&.a  man  of  some  character  aiid 
jfUs^ivc^n.  He  is  responsible  for  bis  conduct,  and  has  .at 
»take;tl*ftJlwRM  .Qi5<3ev  JWbefl  he.$its,^lQne,  let>K<<iia|^ 
sition  be  iwfaat  it  may,  he  will  hardly  venture  to  commit 
Aoy«flagnt«itact;of  4(^tice;  But  TCh^i-a  doeen  coun^el- 
IjBtn  are  placed  «m  theibenchwitjh'him,  4«fendii  numerm^  if 
4heyare  iiieliaedr^  do  miischief,  they  l^eep  each,  other  in 


j_,j. 


.•^fdwwda't  HitU  tf  41m  W««»  Indies^  vof.  1,  p.  431. 


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30  THE  fflSTORr 

countenance.  It  very  seldom  happens  that  either  of  these 
counsellors  has  been  bred  to  the  law,  and  a  governor  can 
liave  little  assistance,  and  the  country  little  benefit,  from 
twelve  gentlemen  being  placed  oh  the  chancery  bench,  with 
no  knowledge  of  law.  Besides,  in  small  commijinities^ 
scarce  any  cause  can  <^bme  on,  in  which  all  who  sit  oh  the 
bench  are  totally  disinterested*.** 

1633.  The  clamours  of  the  people,  occasioned  by  the  violent 
and  arbitrary  proceedings  of  the  Governor,  having  at 
length  reached  the  proprietary's  ears,  Mr.  Hawley  was 
called  home.  Though  it  was  generally  expected  Aat  he 
would  there  meet  with  the. punishment  which  he  so  justly 
deserved,  for  the  murder  of  Sir  William  Tufton,  he  found 
an  unmerited  protection  under  the  influence  of  his  patron, 
who  prevented  any  inquiry  into  the  affair. 

April  3.  On  the  departure  of  Hawley,  his  brother-in-law,  RTchard 
Peers,  assumed  the  government.  Of  the  deputy-governor's 
fidministration  nothing  is  recorded,  except,  that  under  his 
authority  two  persons  were  condemned,  by  a  court  martial, 
to  suffer  death  for  treasonable  practices  against  the  colonial 
government,  and  that  they  were  executed  pursuant  to  their 
sentence. 

\6s^.^  Hawley  returned  the  next  year  with  fresh  powers  from 
the  Eari  of  Carlisle,  and  particular  instructions  concerning 
the  issuing  of  grants  for  land.     He  was  positively  enjoined 


April  7. 


*  SWics't  View  of  the  Con^lituUoii  of  the  Cdoniis,  p.  197. 


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OF  BARJBAt>OES.  SI 

to  make  no  grants  for  a  longer  tejrm  than  seven  years;  or,  CHAP.i. 
on  any  Conditioii  beyond  the  life  of  the  grantee;  reserving  ^^^^' 
to  the  earl  the  payment  of  an  annual  tribute,  and  seconng 
to  the  governor  and  the  i?lergy  their  respective  dues ;  other* 
wise  the  estate  so  granted  was  to  determioe,  an(l  the  ^pd  to 
revert  to  the'  proprietary.  Neglect  pf  cultivation^  ?in(i 
x)mitting  to  provide  a  servant  for  every  ten  acres,  were  ^l^p 
.declared  to  be  causes  of  forfeiture*.  These  particulars  .are 
worthy  of  attention,  as  they  serve  to  elucidate  th^  natiHTP 
of  the  tenijre  by  which  the  early  settlers  held  their  planta- 
tions, and  to  throw, some  light  on  th^  delicate  qvi^ation 
which  occurred  on  the  island's  revertii^  tQ  the  crown*  .  By 
an  order  of  the  governor  and  council,  a  tax  x)f  twenty  shil- 
lings, for  his  exceliepcy's  use,  was  injpo^ed  9n  every  fo- 
reign vessel  which  stipuld  arrive  at  this  island,  for  ^rade.iOr 
refreshment;  with  ^n  additional  d\ity  of  seyen  shilling;  per 
,  cent,  ad  valorem^,  on  all  goods  which  they,  should  ^offer  ffif  ***y  ^^• 
sale,  to  be  applied  to  the  use  of  the  ha,]:bour ;  a  ^dip^^s 
application  of  an  impolitic  impost. 

Hawley  soon  afterwards  resigned  his  authority  a  s^copfi 
time  to  Mr.  Peers,  and  returned  to  Englan^L  The  adi^i- 
nistration  of  this  gentleman  was  again  stained  with  bloo^. 
At  a  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  William  E^tt^rich,  one  ^^  ^* 
of  Tufton's  judges,  ,was  convicted  of  the.  mu|*d^  q^  C^p- 
tain  Birch,  and  sentenced,  to  be.  hanged;.  bu^in.Gpps^d^ir? 

r  '  '  -  L       -  - 

'        '  ^  Mem.  of  Barbadoet,  p.  19. 


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cjiAP.  r.   itloh  of  bU  hdting  botiig  arffl*  ds  dii  dfficgJ^   the  eduH 
16^8.     witigatiBa  the  «eiiteftce,  and  he  Was  ttWjfered  tt»  be  shtft; 

tta^tej^  quickly  tfettihited  W  BaHJadJWS^  fttfd^  aftfefr  apt 
ptHfatlng  a  fae^  cbuii'cll*,  redoc^d  the  t6vm  df  cbtiitii^A 
}>leaS  to  t^b  ptedttc^,  ^ttehdiWg  tHei^  jutfedic^rdte  tb  MitI 
liOt  elt^dlpg  the  Value  of  'one  thousand  potHkds  6f  cOttdft 
<b^  tobdjcto;  ^nd  appointed  ihf^iktoeirii  in  e&ch  ^krMr.  Thi 
|>b|)iiratii9ti  Md  ti9W  grektly  encreai^d,  knd  olT  the  inha&i:^ 
ta»ts  thei*e  Werie  sfe'vfen  hundred  tind  Sixty-dik  person's,  feich 
<if  Whorift  ^'dsiessed  teii  tucte^  ttf  hind  or  irtote.  Slavery  wto 
9)0^  co'unteuaoicfedv  dnd  ti  law  passed,  VtAhloriain^  themtb 
oi  negt^tn^  and  Ii^dian^  ic^  life. 
1838.  jifterMtiing  M'anjgrani^  fof  !attd,  Hatd^^y  undertook 
^noth^  Voykge  to  Engl&nd,  leaving  the  gdVerntierit  ift  this 
fi^Adfe^fhw  fepot'herWittiana  Hiwley,  Lord^Gai^tei  «b6m 
YUs  Xithht  Began  to  'eStithale  the  Value  df  tearbfedoes  Irighly, 
iaid  ifo  ^li^'ct  thkt  the  VeVeiiue  Which  he  di'ew  frofei  it  Wfto 
liiot^rO^ortidi^ed  to  its  i^pld  Mvance  in  ntMibei^  a'nd  cui- 
tivation.  Hawley,  finding  his  '^tron  di^skti^fied  at  1^ 
^aa^^taten't  of  hfe  colonial  concern,   prtvatety  left  the 

^%^  kingdom  and  'retDiriiC&  t6  fikrbaddes.  Sir  Henry  Hunks  -wsfe 
Iniftk^tfy  di»^tdied  ij^y  the  ^r^ilprietiai^  With  a  >c<»Mbi^on 
to  sdjiefS^fie^the  ^goVCTnor,  and  to  asSftttie  the  sflifection  -of 
afiairs.    'Ifewley,h6\^ver,'ittiwilling  to  part' with 'his'pdwferi 

*  The  new  council' was  conpoted  of  R.  Peer*,  J.  HoMip,  W.  Fbrtetcoe,  T.  Gibbe*. 
T.  Eilii,  W,  H&wley,  G.  Bowyer..  W.  Sondiford,  £.  Ctanefield,  S.  Andiewt  and  T. 
Stevens. 


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OFBARBADOES.  33 

peremptorily  refused  to  submit  to  ihb  authority  of  his  su<J-  ^JJl^" 
cesMMr;  who,  unable  to  resist  the  force  with  whicli  he  was      *®^*' 
opposed,  quietly  proceeded  to  Antigua.    As  so(hi  as  Lord 
Carlisle  was  made  acquainted  with  these  particulars,  he 
appointed  five '  commissioner!*,  with  full  power  to  reduce 
the  refiiictory  goveriM>r  to  obedience.    In  pursuance  of  his 
iordship's  ctMumands,  Hawley  was  arrested,  sent  home  pri-    Dec  «. 
9oaer,  and  his  estate  confiscated.    The  commiasioBers  theh 
Bes^t  fos  Huaks,  and  inrested  him  with  the  gdvemmeDtf. 
..  .The  short  period  during  which  this  gentleman  exercised 
the  supreme  authimty  seeitaa  to  h^ve  been  distinguished  by 
no  occuireace  wcnrth  recording.    The  power,  which  ho  fio- 
quired  with  difficulty,  he  resigned  without  rductance;  and      i64i. 
deputipg  Philip  Bell  to  b»  his  lieutenanthgovembr,  em-     ""^  *  • 
barked  fox  Europe.    The  prudence  and  modemtieb  of  Mr. 
Bell's  conduct  in  the  exercise  of  this  delegated  trust,  while  it 
engaged!  him  tUe  approbation  and.  e»teem  of  all   ranks  <^ 
people,  recommended  him  In  the  strongest  manner. ta  the 
pK^letftvy  as  the  properest  person  to  promote  the  prospe- 
rity pf  ^he  ilising  colony.  ;  H^,  therefore^  sent  him  a  com- 
l|upi(M%  as  cOTunandsir  ia  chief. 

'^.  civU  waf,  which  at  this  time  raged  wi^  the  utaioit      i645. 
.-violence  .m  Ef^^li^d,.  as  well  aa  the  religious  disputes  which 
precfde^i  and^ia  a  great  measuie  produced  it,  contributed 


■  1 1  it  mar 


•  Thts^  were  H.  Ashton,  F.  llnjfth  W.  Powry,  B.  FIctchar,  «nd  J.  Hanroen 

t 


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34  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  I.  in  a  considerable  degree  to  the  rapid  population  of  tiie 
if)45.  jj^^  world.  And  while  the  puritans  and  fanatics,  whose 
principles  were  inimical  to  regal  jpower  and  the  established 
hierarchy,  fled  to  the  inhospitable  wilds  of  North  America, 
many  respectable  families,  attached  to  the  royal  cattset 
found  in  this  delightful  little  spot  an  asylum  from  religious 
persecution  and  republican  "tjrrantiy.  Hiis  emigration  o{ 
the  royalists,  and  their  settlefnent  in  this  country,  may  pos-» 
etbiy  account  for  that  altachmeht  to  the  parent  state,  and 
loyalty  to  their  sovereign,  which  have  ever  been  the  cha* 
nicteristics  of  Barbadians.  And,  in  justice  to  tdj  own  feel* 
ings,  while  I  assign  the  cause,  I  hope  I'lnay  be  permitted 
to  exiilt  in  the  sentiment. 

At  this  calamitous  period,  when  the  viotence  of  contend- 

^^  ing  parties  threatened  the  total  subversion  of  the  British  con- 

stitution,  and  the  entire  annihilation  of  the  most  invalu* 
able  distinctions  of  tivil  society,  it  may  be  readily  supposed 
that  the  Earl  of  Cariisle,  whose  rank  and  fortune  depended 
.  upon  the  issue  of  the  fatal  coiitests  between  the  repubticahs 
•and  the  defenders  of  monarchy  and  social  order,  had  but 
little  leisure  to  attend  to  his  less  impcMftaiit  coMifertts  io 
this  remote  quarter  of  the  globe.  His  authority^  th^ftefore, 
daily  lost  ground,  and  was,  at  length,  scarcely  lefSogni^ 
in  the  colony.  Barbadoes,  tiius  teft  to  ils  ^own  councils, 
.enjoyed  idl  the  advantages  of  commercial  freedom*  To  this 
cause  we  gq^ay  ]^x>perly  assign .  the  extraordinary  opulence 
alid  prosperity  which  it  attained,  whilQ  Great  Britain  was 


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OF  BARBADOES.  35 

d^olaied  hy  the  folly  and  wickedness  of  her  unnatural   ^JJ:^* 

,  'I3i6  Ifi^ard  part  of  the  island  seems  to  have  been  the 
SrstaiMl  )>et»t.  settled  ^  .Many  of  the  planters  had  at  this 
time  amassed  considerable  fortunes.  Hence  the  penetrating 
ey^  of  Mr.  Bell  perceived  the  necessity  of  adopting  a  more 
ragular  anfl  efficapious  system  than  had  been  hitherto  ol>» 
served.  Under  the  mild  and  beneficent  administration  of 
this  prudent  chief,  a  new  and  auspicious  era  is  presented  to 
our  yiew.  \  His  enlaigisd  mind  embraced  a  greater  variety 
of  jntieresting  objects  than  had; ever  engaged  the  attention, 
of  his  predecea3Qrs;  and  it  was  now.  that  the  Biui>adians 
began  :Jto  .enjoy  the  benefits  of  equal  laws  and  social  order. 
Sensible  of  the  influence  of  religion  in  harmonising  the 
pfission^  and  softening  the  inanners  of  mankind,  ,Mr.  Bellas 
first . care. was  to  .provide. for  the  uniformity  of  common 
pcay^,  and  the;eBtabliishment  of  pubhc  worship;  Assisted 
by  the  ^dvipe  of  a  coanciUconsbting  often  persons.  Whose 
aaoi^  arenqt  transmitted,  to  us,  he  divided  ihe.island  into 
eleven  parishesf ,  in  each  of  which  a  church  was  built  and 
a  minister  appointed  to  oflSciate  at  the  altar.  To  secure 
to  the  people  the  grand  and  inestimable  privilege  of  parti- 
cipating, by  their  representatives,  in  the  business  of  legis- 
latioQ,  a  general  assembly  wa^  instituted,  composed  (^  two 


*  St  Geoi^%  St.  Philip's,  St.  John's,  and  St.  Andrew's,  b«iog  ww  added  to  the 
ilxalready  mentioned*    Fi<fc  ante,  p.  iO.   . 

f2    ' 


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36^  TIffi  HESTORY 

^JJJJj   deputies  from  each  parish*,  duly  elected  bj  a  majority  of 

*^*^*     tlie  freeholders.    And,  that  justice  should  be  brought  home 

to  every  man's  own  door,  the  islahd  wi^  agdo  divided  into 

four  circuits,  in  each  of  which  a  court  of  law  was  duly 

constituted. 

From  tbe  number  and  utility  of  the  laws  passed  dur- 
ing this  period,  Mr.  Bell  may,  with  some  {Nropriety,  be 
styled  tiie  Barbadian  Justinian.  Few  of  hw  ordinances 
have  reacheid  the  present  generation,  but  no  ibfeieace 
caa  thence  be  drawn  to  their  prejudice.  Many  l^gudfttive 
acts  might  then  have  been  necessary  and  propety  which 
from  the  lapse  of  time,  change  <^  circumstance,  and 
alteratimi  of  mann^ps,  would  now  be  useless  an4  inex- 
pedient. This  enlightened  legislator  very  early  saw  the 
necessity  of  prescribing  soaie  bo^inds  to  the  rapacity  oC 
public  officers^  by  asoctftaining  their  fees.  The  law  which 
passed  for  this  purpose*^  sjtiH  remains  in  the  statut*-bacrfc, 
as  being  in  ftiA  force,  though  it  is  disregarded.  It  is 
ifodeed  raEOce  than  probable  that  iAte  fees  which  are 
there  specified,  are  inadequate  to  affrad  men  of  talents 


*  Hut  may  justly  be  thought  a  very  unequal  representation  of  the  countfy*  In  the 
pescnt  sule  of  popdBtion  and  iticrene  of  coBiuierce,  it  It  biit  reaioiiaMe  that  the 
■MKbiitsmttradqvi  sbouM  be  alknM  »  cboite  dMsci  ftom  tbe  ktid.boMer; 
and  that  tbe  repretentatires  of  the  several  towns  should  be  proportioned  to  the  num- 
ber  of  electors.  Such  an  accession  to  the  popular  branch  of  the  legislature  might 
possibly  infuse  a  fresh'portion  of  strength  and  vigour  into  that  assembly,  and  render  it 
more  independent  of  the  executive  power. 


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OFBARBADOBS.  37 

and  respectabiliiy  A  reasonable    c<Mnpen8fit;ipn  for  tbe^r   chap/I. 
mnrices.  ^^**- 

This  evil  is  principaUy  owing  to  the  mischievous 
policy  of  bestowing  the  most  lucrative'  emplojjoieiits  ix|u 
the  island  on  persons  resident  in  England.  ,  These  offices 
Ere  executed  by  deputies^,  who  farm  them  fiK>m^the 
patentees  at  an  annual  rent^  far  exceeding  Hjiejit  le^t 
Tidue.  The  remedy  is  obvious^  Were  all  patent  <^kres 
executed  by  tl^ir  principals,  the  legal  emoluments  of 
each  would  foe  a  efficient  ccmipensation  to  an  dlbhp 
upright  officer,  without  resoortiug  to  tiie  unjustifiable 
means  now  ptactised;  the  money,  which  is  now  re^i^ 
mitted  to  Great  Britain,  to  pamper  the  needy  minioni 
of  a  court  favourite,  would  be  expended  at  home; 
and,  in  the  course  of  its  circulaticm,  Feplenish  the  souroes 
from  whence  it  had  been  drawn.  The  executive  auiho#^ 
rity  would  be  strengthened,  and  the  country,  in.  gene^ 
ral;  benefited  by  the  accesnon  of  the  talents  of  a 
number  of  intelligent  men,  employed  in  the  various  de-^ 
patlniients  of  governments 

Nor  was  Mr.  Bell  inattentive  to  the  means  of  de*^}^^;^. 
fending  the  island  againtjt  the  attempts  of  an  exteroa) 
foe.  In  the  list  ^f  expired  laws,  we  find  m^j  acts 
mentioned  ftr^ot^fying  the  Sea  eoasts.  Bot  this  pw^ 
pose  -the  produce  of  the  excise  act  was  granted^  to 
Captain  Burrowes  for  seven  years.  But  the  fbrtifica* 
tions  which  he  erected,  were  so  unskilfully    contrived. 


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SB  THE  HISTORY 

9^^^^'   that  they   were   after*^arc[&    demolished    bj   order  of  a 
1647.      more  able  engineer,  who  was  appointed  to  inspect  tfac»; 
The  militia  was  rendered  formidable  by  its  nunibers,  which 
^t  this  thne  amounted  to  a  thousand  cairaJry  and  ten  tiiou«> 
sand  infantry.    '  . 

*  The  misfortunes  of  the  mother  country  contributed  ma- 

terially to  the  prosperity  of  the  infant  colony.  Its  po^ 
pulatioh  had  encreased  to  the  amazing  ei^tent  of  fifty 
thousand  persons  of  both  sexes;  and  the  value  of  land 
haii  encreased  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  inh|tbi« 
tants«  It  is  asserted  by  a  contemporary  historiiui;  that 
Colonel  Modiford,  in  the  course  of  this  yeai^  purchased 
half  of  a  plantation,  containing  five  hundred  acres  of 
land,  ninety-ruine  slaves,  and  twenty-eight  white  servants, 
with  the  stock  and  buildings,  for  seven  thousand  pounds; 
which  will  doubtless  be  thought  a  cheap  purchase,  until  it  is 
added,  that  the  ssme  land  had  been  sold,  seven  years 
before,  for  only  two  thousand  pounds**  - 

The  um^estraiQed .  intercourse  which  subsisted  between 
the  merchants  of  Barbadoes  and  those  of  Holland,  was 
attended  with  great  advantages  to  the  inhabitants  of 
both  countries;  but  particularly  to  the  Barbadians,  who 
were  supplicxl  by.  the  Dutch  with  the  articles  required 
for  internal  consumption,  upon  better  and  dieaper  terms 

than  they  could  have  obtained  them  from  home.    One 

* 

*  ligon'i  Hist  of  B«rb«  p.  22. 


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OFBARBADOES.  ^ 

incoavenience  must  bitve  been  severely  felt— the  want  ^^:^i^^* 
of.  a  circulating  medium^  to  facilitate  tbe  .meniantile  *^*^' 
transactioDS  of  the  country.  Moneys  the  untversal  re- 
presentative of  the  value  of  commoditiest  was  so  scarce^ 
that  both  merchants  and,  planters  were  frequently  obliged 
to  barter  one  commodity  for  another*.  All  fees  of  officei 
and  even  the  emcduments  which  the  governor  derived  from 
his  appointment,  wexe,  at  ilrst,  payable  in  cotton  or 
tobacco,  and  in  later  time^,  insugox.  i 

.  At,  what  time  the/  sugar-cane  was  fir^t  introduced  into 
Barbadoes^  it.  is.  now  impossible  to  ascertain  exactly* 
It  could  not,  however,  have  been  long  before  the  pe- 
riod we  are  now  contemplating ;  for  we  arp,  informed  by 
Ligoo,  that  on  his  arrival  here^  in  1647»  the  great 
business  of  sugar-malting  had  been,  recently  begun  and 
was  but  .imp^ectly  /  undeistood^  An.  author,  whom'  we 
have  had  frequent  occasion  to  quotet  .spi^^  of  the  duie 


*  Of  this  ligQn  relates  jl  ludicrous  iostance.  **  Nei^ghbour/'  safd  one  planter  to 
tnoftct,  ''  I  bear  you  ha?e  lately  bouglit  good  store  of  serrants  out  of  the  Iftst  shipa 
fi«iBj%glaDdv«ndi  heif'lliat you  want pwr^ions;  I  iraiflbegMtoiiiake  i^es* 
cb^i|Bge.  If  gro^  will  kt  o^  hare  «oine  pf  your,  woiii^n'p  Sesh  you  shall  have  some  of 
my  bog's  flesh/'  The  price  fixed  upon  was  a  groat  a  pound  for  the  hog's  flesh,  and 
silc-pence  for  the  woman's.  The  scales  'were  set  up ;  the  planter  fi'ad  a  maid  whose 
Mine  Wsa  Hdmor,  hi,  laty,  abd  g^od  for  nothing*  ^Tfale  mtm  bioUght  ii  gUsatfiit  Mr; 
and  put  it  intp  one  sqale,  9a^  Honor  was  put  into  tl^  other>  but  wh^  be  saw  how 
i&ucb  the  hog  outweighed  the  maid,  he  broke  off  the  bargain.  Vide  UguCt  UuU 
Barb.f.  5$. 


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40  THB  HKTOKT 

^B^i-  AS  )mi«ajs4>dsn  i  first  ibrougbt  to  thk  isVuSd  "■  by  Mr.  James 
^^'     vHbMi|>^  ia  «/sfai^  fioiti  Ottiaeai*^^    Bat  {«  'seistiis  much 
UlDri  likely  t#-'|iaW')yeen  impicatiBd,  bs  i9«to(Bil4^re  as* 
Mrtwd;  ftou Feitiambtioca,  in  Brasilf. <     (  .  >    n./ 

Tbdr  traluftbte  plant/ grew- Vuxurkntly,  and  ^as  ed^j 
piropMgaled.  Tkie  pla&tidrB'w«l«  at'finit  isdr  extrehidy  ig« 
Horasl  of '  tiie  proper  -manageStnent.'fif  the  caae  -and  the 
miiniilaetufe  of-  ingv,  that  it  wm  several  "y^ars  before 
it  became  a  profitable  'article  of  export.  It  "was,  lioit>:i> 
evar,  tttetul  in  eappiying  thi^  ityeans  bf  preparing  knd 
f^tmeoting  those  refVesbiog  bererageSj  \rhicb,  is  tbe  iieadt 
<of;a('iropioal  cU<nate))irere  both  agreeable 'and  salutary^ 
By  ■  peraevsMiMe  thd^  pktitefs  at'  length*  acquired  sbfil<> 
cieftt.  tbitl  iOJfenable  Hiem  to' proceed  with  greater  adL 
ViCtittage./^  Bor  Mncerfd  ytarl^  the*  ait  Of  sugar-bofling  rel. 
tnaitied  A  8ecF0l«^  known  onl^  'to  Mt^.-Bm  and  a  fnr 
««lier  g^BtlfliM»j  who  bad)  employed  a  Dutch' planted 
from  Bnlsil,  to  superintend  their  works.  The  improve- 
ments viiach  he  introduced  in  the  management  of- their 
plantations  enriched  his  employers,  and.  excited  fioi  aaour 
lation  among  otherS)  to  whom  the. mystery  w^^yet-oi^ 
known.  Sevei^  pknters  were  induced  to  tuider^  tSle 
hazard  and  fatigue'  of  a  voyage  to  Brasil,  to  acquire 
the  best  informatibn  respecting  the  treatmefit  of  a  plant 

^  Mem«  of  Baib.  Appen.  p.  1.  f  Ligon's  Hist,  of  Barbadoes,  p.  t$. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  41 

wbich,  by  pro|>6r  manageooi^it,  was  found  capable  Of  chap.  r. 
producing  the  mpBt  solid  benefits.  At  length,  when  the  ^^^'^* 
Portuguese,  after  the  revolution  which  pUlced  the  Duke 
of  Bragansa  on  the  throne  of  Portugal,  had  recovered 
possession  of  their  territories  on  the  southern  continent^ 
the  Dutch,  expelled  from  Brasil,  became  our  masters 
in  the  art  of  making  sugar.  Many  of  these  exiles,  set* 
tling  on  the  island,  instructed  the  Barbadians  in  the 
proper  culture  of  the  plant,  the  season  of  its  maturity, 
dnd  in  tlie  construction  of  works  suitable  for  the  me^ 
nufacture  of  this  valuable  staple* 

The  field  thus  opened  to  the  industry  of  ihe  island^ 
ers  necessarily  required  an  encrease  of  labourers.  Euro- 
pean constitutions  were  found  by  experience  unequal  to 
the  laborious  occupations  of  agriculture,  in  a  climate 
continually  exposed  to  the  scorching  rays  of  a  vertical 
sun*  Recourse  was  therefore  had,  of  necessity,  to  the 
shocking  rapedient  suggested  by  the  partial  kitmanity 
of    Las  Casas*^  who,  to  preserve  tbe  scanty  remains  of 


*  Bartholomew  de  lat  Casas^  the  benevolent  bishop  o^  Chiapa,  was  a  native  ot  Se^ 
vine,  and. held  a  curacy  in  Cuba;  where  he  was  distinguished  by  his  hamanity  and 
zeal  for  the  conversiod  of  the  Indians.  He  eterted  himself  with  unremitting  a6^« 
duity  in  behalf  of  that  ii\jured  and  oppressed  people.  At  last  the  Emperor  Cfaatles  V. 
moved  by  his  continual  remonstrances,  made  some  laws  in  favour  of  the  Indians ; 
Ahd»  to  relieve  them  from  a  part  of  the  burthen  under  which  they  groaned,  g^nted  a 
patent  to  certain  persons  to  suppTy  the  islands  of  Hispaniola,  Cuba,  PoriO'Rico,  and 
Jamaica  with  4000  negroes  annually.    The  active  part  taken  by  the  bishop  has  in* 


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^2  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  I.  ths  aborigines  of  the  Amerip^in  UlcR  from  destarucjtioD,  pro- 
^^»««^  (posed  to  the  Spai[>i^rds  the  project  of  supplying  their  pkn- 
totiops  with  negroes, from  Africa.  T^s  early  apostle  of  hu- 
iw^nity.ji^tly  copcMv«d  that  there  would  be  less  immorali- 
'  j^y.  ^11  cpiploy fng  v^  ^}^  labours  pf  the  field,  a0  unfortunate, 
but-har%  race,  -who  »re  Sjlaves  from  tlieir  biyth;  than  in 
enslaving  thie  effeminate,  but  free-bom  sons  of  America. 
Birbado^,  Wjas,  therefore,  obliged  to  imitate  the  example 
of  the  French  an4  Spaniards  in  her  neighbourhood,  and 
to  import  fropi  Africa  those  wretched  negro  labourers, 
whom  the  pjjfsterious  dispensations  of  Providence  had 
,^ppa^tJ^,^Ofefl(ied  to  perpetual  slavery. 

purrtduBincritcd  censure.    "  While  be  contended,"  wys  the  great  Dr.  Robinton, 

"for  the  liberty  of  the  people  born  in  one  quarter  of  the  globe,  he  laboured  to  enslave 

th^  inhabitants  of  another  region  V  ahd  in  ^e  warmth  of  his  zeal  to  save  the  Ameri- 

'  cans  from  the  j[oke,  JM-onofcrtted  it  to  bt  lawful  atM  expedient  to  impose  one,  still 

heatier»  ^pop  the,  Afci^Mii/'    ?  But  At-copdu^t  *f  las  Casas/'  sajrs  the  etegant  his- 

,ipri«n/)C.the*W^J''w|Jes^j''as.potffiirly  stated  in  t^c  fwegoing  rejw^ent^ion;  for 

it  supposes  that  each  dass  9f,  people  was  fcund  in  a  similar  condition  and  situatioa  of 

life ;  whereas  it  is  notorious,  that  most  of  the  negroes  imported  from  Africa  arc  bom 

of  insfaT^  pir^U;  are'  brctf  up  as^Vei  tbwb^is,  a^haM  b^to;  haliitoatod  to 

rtAvefy  ftomtb«iririfc»cy.:  JO**f  9lh^r,i4and,.^^^  fe^c 

.  UtuMQ  us^d.to  the  eiuoympnV<^  libefty  in  a  life  of  plenty  and  pastigic,  that  the  yoke 

of  servitude  is  insupportable  to  them.  Las  Casas  therefcre  contended  reasonably  enough, 

that  men,  inured  to  servitude  and  drudgery;  who  could  experience  no  alteration  of 

iircomstanees  from  it  change  rfmasters,  KndWhoi  felt  iwlttcsetitimeols  which  free; 

dom  ahme  inspires^  were  Q0tjM>.gr$at  objects  of  commiseration  as  those  who  having 

always  eigoyed  the  sweets  of  unbounded  liberty,  were  suddenly  deprived  of  it  and 

urged  lo  tasks  of  labour,  which  their  strength  was  unable  to  perform/' 

Edwards's  HistoaY  op  thb  Wist  Imdiis,  vou  2.  p.  S9. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  4». 

But  dm  supply  proving  inadequate  to  the  eflfectoal  jcukH  ^^J^^f 
vatioa  of  tlie  soil,  recourse  was  had  to  the  mere  crtoel  ajid  *^*'' 
less  justifiable  practice  of  kidnapping  and  enslaving  the 
neighbouring  Indians  and  Caribs.  These  baTfoarians,  tw* 
jjatient  of  subjection,  and  too  indolent  ta  endure  the  hard- 
sliips  of  a  life  of  slavery,  pined  themselves  to  death,  or  ex- 
pired under  the  rigour  of  servitude ;  thus  depriving  avarice 
of  its  reward,  and  punishing  treachery  for  its  deceit  and 
cruelty.  These  acts  of  injustice  and  inhumanity,  far  from 
benefiting  the  cruel  perpetrators  of  them,  entailed  on  the 
English  the  perpetual  animosity  of  those  savage  tribes.  A 
British  vessel,  engaged  in  this  odious  cothnierce;  lying  at 
Dominica^  was  visited  by  many  of  the  Caribs,  for  the  pur- 
J  pose  of  exchanging  their  „conMnodities  for  such  articles  a^ 
.  they  wanted.  Itiecupt^in,  having  made  them  drunk,  put 
to  sea  with  them^  but  the  I  savagesi  notwithstanding  tbefir 
intoxicaVion;  pen^viii  execrable  desigrt,  leaped  over- 

board, and  r^gainedTthe  shore  i  teJtcept  two,  who  Were  cbn-^^ 
fined  and  afterwards  sold  for  slaves.  To  avenge  this  injury, 
the  Caribs,  tlispArsed  through  the  Windward  islands^  landed 
npidh  the  English  sbttlekkifenfeaecelMble  to  their  canoes,  and 
massacred  the  urtsuspicioiis  inhabitants  with  the  moSt  in- 
discrtmipate  fury  an4  remorseless  vengeance*/ 
^  Among  the  -ttiany  >  instimces :  of  treachery  practised  on 
";  '  •;-    ^    ''  ^  '"'" — --^  ''  -  'w.  . — :^--  ^^-^'--  "■'■,  -^ 

.  ♦UniV,  Hist,  vol.41,  p.  215.  ^ 

G   2 


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U  THE  HISTOBiY 

cHAi^i.  t]^  ^rejU5^e^:^|q^tim§^^^^  ^Hpi4itj,  %h«m^  is  tow 

i$4^:      nientionea  by  a  contemporary  b^^pi;ii^ny, ivJiiQ^i;  ^      »t  ha^ 

/  e«?|4o^dthe^  degan^^         p&thetM  pei>  of  A4dis0Q,  and 

bafif  e^citec^  ^t^^  jpqst  liyely  sentinjpi^U  ^f  iQd:igl)«tio||Min  thei 
breast  of  the  philapthrapic  Abbe^^aji^alvii^Ut.  notolo:^ 
omitted  in  this  place*    I  sliall,  however^  diveatlhe  affect- 
ing^  naoiative  of  the  fanciful  embellishments  ^  with  which  it 
has^een  decorated  by . othqrs,  and  recite, it,  wit^lv  historic 
fidelity,  in  the  w^rd?  of  the  origin^  .and  art^sg  writef  by 
whom  the  $tQry  wa»  fii*st  told*^    '^  An  J^^Ush  ship  having 
put  into  a  bay,  sent  some  of  her  men  ashoro  to  ^y  lyljat  vic- 
tual? or  water  thcgr  could  find ;  but,  the  Indiaqs  peroeiviog 
them  to  gQ  &J  into  th&  countryt  inAetceptod  4;he(B  op  th^ 
return  and. fi^li  upon  th^m,^  cl^^ing  ^he^  into  a  woo4^  wl^r^. 
some  were  Wl^en,  a^nd  ^uie  lulled^    A  young  jnan,  wh^sss 
name  was  Inck^^  A^T^gg^^^gt  ^^^^''^  ^^  ^^P^  ^^^  \J3^^^y>  ^T^; 
lodiaiv  maid,  who»  ^F>9^  ^^  ^1^1  ^^^  J^^li  J^*  M'^t^I)' 
him,  aod  hi4  him  cjose^  from  her  comxtrjrmeB;  in  ,a^  c^ve,  afx^ 
th^re  fe4  him  t^U  ,tbey  could  safely, go  <ilQy?i|,  tp.^t^;  ^tiQi;e)i 
where  the  ^hip  j^y  9-t.  aochor^ .  ^xpepting,  ^b(?  fffiw^v  of:  thek. 
friends.    But  at  last  s^ing  tl^QOd  tMPQift)  t^tflt^f^  .^iiei  (^fi^^J:^ 
was  8en|;  for  tbiem»  to^Jt  th^m  on  lM>;^4;an^  {brought  them; 
away.    But  the  youths whj^  he  i^ai^e  tq;  ,]^]|Adi09^  foTtgot 
the  kindnei¥»  o^  the^opr  n^aid,  whp,  J^^4  jii^Uii^  .her  life 


•  jMgop;*  m!^.,qf;P»*.f>.«5: 


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OFBAftBADOES.  45 

for  hi»  safijty,  and  icHA  her  for  a  slare*   *  And  so  poor  Fa-   ,^J^- 
ria>  for  her  hyft  test  her  liberty."  ^^*^  . 

*  It  will  rfeadily  be  perceived,  how  ranch  this  simple  tale 
has  beieii  ^HitieUished  by  the  creative  iraagination  and  de* . 
scinptivb  powers  of  Addison*.  And  it  is  painful  to  add> 
though  it  is  too  obvious  to  escape  observation^  that  simi- 
lar artifices  and  exaggerations  have,  been  snccessfuUy  em- 
ployed in  later  times  to  inflame  the  passions  and  prejudice 
the  minds  of  the  credulous  misinformed  Europeans  on  the 
siuhjiect  of  West  Jndian  slavery.  It  does  not,  hoVever,. ap- 
pear,  thai. die  lady  possessed  any  remarkable  share    of 

* 

delicacy,  since  it  is  reported  by  Ligon,  who  was  personally 
acquainted  Wfth'her,  and  received  many  bifices  oi^^ciminess 
at  her  hands,  ♦*  Ihat  she  -would  not  be  wooed  by  any  means 
to  wear  ck)the»i*^  Nor  docs  she  seem  to  have  been'mucli 
a£fe(:ted  l^-the  iagraJtitude  of  her  perfidious  betmyer. 
*♦  Her  ex^llent  "shape  andxblom^,  which  was  a  pure  bright 
bay;  and anofMr^reasts^' with  nipples  of . porphyrie,'\were 
iirreststibi^'attraetions,^  and  she  soon  ;c<wsoled  herself  in  the 
aimps  (^  afi^her  lover.  In  sh6rfc,^^he  chanced  to  be  with 
child  by  a  chmfiaa  servant,  and  lodging  in  an  Indiaa  house, 
anoitgAt  the  otitef  women  of  her  bw^  country, '  and  ^eing 
irery  great  with  cflMldi  ^  that  faerlime  vnad  come  to  be^le- 
livered,  shewalk^  down  to  a  wood,  and  there,  by  the  side 


■■^  mtfi «    ■— mi»   ill  i'[    I    ^i: 


Vide  Ihc  SRecUtor,  No.  j  1, 


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46  THE  HISTORY- 

of  a  pon4*^  ^brought  be^tf  a-bed;  And  presentJj  wosliing 
hcF  child»  in  three  hours  time  came  home  withainsty  boy, 
fmlic  ^aiyi  Jivalyt-''  Who  could  .suppose  that  this  is  tlie 
saixieiuifortimate.  female^  of  whomso'much  has  been  said 
93tdb  sung  by  mofalists,  poets  and  historians ;  whose  hapless 
£»te;baa'Oau«(ed  such  lively  sensations  in  the  tender  minds  of 
£iurppQ'»  phiIar4thropic  sons?  No  apology,  it  is  presu|3fied^ 
]riU^^^.^ho^ght  necessary  for  this  minute  and  authentic  ac- 
i^fw^t^  ^icel&brat^  JfieUn  Saumge^  ^vbo3e  wrongs  hare 
^e^ -amplified  and  recorded  by  the  ablest  pens;  and 
whoaeJmaginaryjKxrrbws  have  drawn  the  tear  of  sympathy 
^ftomrt^ebrightest^yes.  :  ^  .    , 

i6«.  ^ '  Tbf>,.^l(^aa(^ .  though:  inaccurate,  Abbe  .Raynal,  -eiro- 
neaufi^.jEu^cribes  a  conspiracy  among  the  negroes,  ivl^ich  wBi» 
jferaied  ab0ut.tlu&  time,^to  a  design  of  avenging  tlie  (|uarr 
jFel'of  this  much  inji^red  woman.  The  fact  is  related,  and 
jlTjsiydifiirMQtlyaccpuQied  for,  by  an  eye^  witness:|:,  thojigh 
jBOt  in  a  manper^  more  favourable  to  the  character  of  the 
colpnjr.  .  llie.Bl^^  lately  imported  *  from  A^ica^  whose 
savage  manners  and  natural. fierocity  had  not  yielded  tt>  the 
arts  of  civilization^  nor  been  softened  by  the  influence  of 
European .  habits,  probably  conscious  of  their  superiority 
of  numbiers,  and  groaning  under ^  new  and^  toilsome  species^ 


*j  . 


*  There  it  a  pond  in  Kindall't  pUnUtion,  whkb^  from  thk  etreumstftoce,  is  ctUe<l» 
At  Ibis  day«  Yarioo's  Pond. 

t  Ligon's  Hist  of  Barb.  pp.  54  aad  55;     '  %  Ibid.  54« 


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OFBARHADOES.  47 

of  bondage,  determined  to  make  an  effort  to  throw  off 
the  galling  chain-  With  this  tiew  a  oongfwrairf  wists 
entered  into  by  the  bold  and  discontented;  and  a  day  ap- 
pointed for  a  general  insurrection  ;  when  they  proposed  to 
hiassacre  all  the, white  inhabitarits^  arid  to  imatke  themseiTes 
tffastfers  of  the  island.  This  horrid pk>t  was  coriducted  with 
Such  inviolable  secrecy,  that  no  doubt  wais  S^tltertained-  h^ 
the  cbnspiititors  of  its  successftil  coitipYetidni  But  mi' tli^ 
diy  jpreceding  tite  execution  of  theif  diabolifiiiJ  de8%tt,'4  Nor.  15. 
sefvknt  of  Judge  HothersaUi  filled  wil!h  hoitor'M  the^phW* 
pedt  of  the  dreadful  scene  4hich  was  iabbut  t6  ifettftftnttwre; 
dismayed  by  the  apprehension  of  A  ikifuTe,  or  attiiated  by 
gratitude  for  the  kindness  with  which 'he  liaU'-bei^n  treftted, 
^Avuljgedf  tile"  f^Wsecret;  With^whi(^  x 

\o\\s  master.  \^roper  measiires'^ere  irrtniediately  i^keh 
to  fhistrate  tii^^  scheme;  many  ^of  the  Voh^pir^tofrs  beih^ 
^ec\ired;  tuldferxvent  i  legal  exaniinati6d;a(faa'^i^^^ 
of  ^Ke  ptincipat  leader^,  Who' were  the  'most  tiirbufeht  ^fid 
sanguinary,  were  condemned  to  expiafe  their'^uill  oh  &  gib^- 
1}et';  ah  awfiil  example,  dictated  by  the  imperious  Taw  of 
self-preservatioh.  *        ; 


CHAK 


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48  THE  HISTORY 


CHAP.  IL 

LORD  WItlOUGRBT  SUCCKEM  TO  THE  00VERKH£N*r-^It1!> 
5TRA.INTS  ONTEADE — ^SFROEOftOB  A YSCUE REDUCES  THE  ISLAND 
*~RE8T0RATI0N — COLONEL  HQDIPORD  APPOINTED  GOTERMOR 
— 6UCC£KDt;D  BY  PREWD;eNT  .WALROND— DIGRESSION  CONCERN- 
ING <;OURTS  OF  LAW.  , 

CHAP.  IL  During  the  fatal  disputes  between  the  king  and  par- 
1649.  liament)  which  distracted  and  desolated  the  kingdom,  the 
interest  of  the  proprietary  appears  to  have  been  entirely 
n^lected  and  forgotten  in  ^  Barbadoes.  After  the  death  of 
Lord  Carlisle,  the  reputation  of  its  amazing  wealth  and 
prosperity  encouraged  his  son  to  claim  the  island  under  the 
original  grant  made  to  his  father.  But  the  great  difficulty 
was  how  to  secure  the  bene6ts  arising  from  a  property  so 
distant.  At  length,  the  noble  patentee  executed  a  lease  to 
Francis  Lord  Willoughby,  of  Parham,  by  which  he  con- 
veyed to  his  lordship  all  his  right  and  title  to  the  colony  for 
the  term  of  twenty-one  years,  upon  condition  that  the  pro* 
fits  arising  from  his  claiin,  during  the  existence  of  the 
contract,  should  be  applied  to  their  mutual  advantage.  In 
ooMequence  of  this  arrangement,  the  Earl  appointed  Lord 


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OF.IUilfiAliCiES.  49 

W:fllo«gJbbgr  ^vfimor  of  the  whole  province  of  Carliola.  ^^^i^:^ 
Bii»tap(«eheiin¥je  that  the  inhahitants  might  be  indined  to  ^^^^' 
dispute  his  authoiity,  it  was  thought  necessary,  as  a  pru- 
jdent  ppeeaution,  to  obtain  a  commission  from  the  king, 
ciHifinning  his  lordship's  appointnient*.  Tlie  unhappy  pos- 
ture of  the  king'ftafeirs,  at  thfs  critical  period,  probably 
.sssptoded  the'  execution  of  this  desfgn.  *  But 'when  the 
blind  fury  6f  an  mfetualed  people  had  sated  itself  with  the 
blood  of  their  legitimate,  hereditary  sovereign,  the  ptmect 
msLM  revived  and  carried  into  full  effect.  .  . , 

Lord  WiUoughby  was  a  brave  and  active  officer.    As  a 
presbytfrian,  be  had  been  fonneriy  initoictL  to  th6*t6y^ 
cause;  but  disapproving  of  tbe  violeot  lIlelbsureavp^^nled 
hy  the  republican  party,,  he  had  jepouifteed'thekiirfticipks; 
ai)d,  after  the  execution  of  the- unfortunate .fOhafle&b' d«s» 
gusted  at  the  infajnous  pqnduc^  pf .  tihe;regicid^^  he  pasited  „ 
over  i^atq  Holland,  jandopeply  espoused  tbfteaiBejof  the 
resiled  prince,  .  But^ajs  there  was  no  pi^ospect  t>f  his  being  ^ 
serviceable  to  his  royal  master,  binder  his,  present  unfortu^  , 
nate  circumstance^,  hQ  requested  the  king's  permission  to 
assume  the  government  of  Barbadoes,,  in  the  hope  of  being 
inore  ijsefuily  employed  in  that  q^uarter.    The  afllairs  of  th« 
illustrious  exile  now  wore  so  gloomy  an  aspect,  that  his 
most  sanguine  friends  despaired  of  being  ever  abie  to  place 


♦  Caribbianna,  vol.  2.  pref.  p.  ru    Mem.  of  Barb.  p.  27. 

H 


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$0  THE  HISTORY 

^JJi^RM.  hiiaon  tl»  throne,  which  the  enemiea  of  hb  family  had 
^    ^^^-      whverted.    It  wa»  deemed  an. object  of  great  importance 
to  secure  even  the  West  Indian  settlements  in  their  alle- 
giance to  the  crown;  and  for  this  undertaking  no  one  was' 
better  qualified  than    Lord    Willoiighby.     His    Majestj, 
therefore,  readily  complied  with  his  desire,  and  appointed 
him  governor  and  lieutenant-general  of  Barbado^es,  and  all 
the  Caribbee  islands*    Could  the  effect  of  this  mission  have 
been  accomplished,   and  the  ix>lonies  in  North  America, 
induced  to  reject  the  authority  of  parliament,  it  Was  con- 
jectured, that  his  Majesty  would  have  retired  to  that  conti- 
nent, to  avoid  the  dangers  and  persecutions  to  which  he  was 
continually  exposed  in  Europe*. 
May  7.         Lord  Willoughby^  on  his  arrival  at  Barhadoes,  found  the 
colony  in  the  most  prosperous  circumstances ;  rich,  popu- 
lous, and  tranquiU     Many  of  the  republicans,  who  had 
fled  from  the  rage  of  civil  contention  at  home,  concluding 
that  the  interest  of  the  royal  party  was  entirely  mined  by 
the  murder  of  their  sovereign^  returned  to  England,  allured 
by  the  prospect  of  deriving  greater  advantages  from  their 
friend':S  accession  to  power,  than  they  could  expect  to  en- 
joy in  this  obscure  part  of  the  worid,  under  a  proprietaiy 
government.    This  partial  emigration  afforded  a  wider  field 
for  the  royalists,  who  at  this  time  formed  by  far  the  most 
considemble  part  of  the  people.     But,  as  many  of  the  pu- 

*  Univ.  HUt.  vol.  41.  p.  139. 


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Of  BARBADOES.  at 

ritans,  or  parliamentarians,  remaiaed  in  the  island,  the  two  JJi^JlJJ^ 
parties  had  mutuaUy  agreed  to  avoid  all  political  contro-      ^^^ 
veraj,  an,d  live  together  oa  terms  of  reciprocal  friendship 
and  goodfwill. 

Tins' harmony  and  unanimity  were,  in  some  measure,  ib> 
tBBTupled,  by.  the  arrival  of 'Lord  Willoughby.  -His  extel- 
leney  was  too  zealously  attached  to  the  royal  cause  to  tem- 
porize with  the  opposite  party;    The  first  step  taken  by 
his.  lopdship  was  to  pr-ockira  the  accession  of  Charles  II. '    , 
to  thocpown,  jandto  the  'sovereignty  of  all  the  dominions 
thereto  belonging.     Hi*  next  care  wias  to  convene  the  le-     kot.  i. 
gislature,  who  entered'  into  all  his  lordship's  views '  With  ar- 
dour and  alacrity.    An  act  was  knirtiediately  passed,  ac- 
knowledging^  his  majest/s  ri^t  to  the  sovereignty  of  the 
island,  -and  that  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  derived  frdm  his 
maje&ty, 'and  transferred  to  his  exctlliency  Lord  Willoughby. 
It  also  enjoined  the.  iMianimous  profession  of  the  true,  reli- 
gion, and  provided 'for  imposing  coridign  punishment  on 
all  oppqsers  of   the  established  church.     No  less  than 
twenty-five  laws  received  the  governor's  assent  iri  the  course 
of  this  year ;  a  circumstance  which  manifests  much  diligence 
and  attention  to  business,  on  the  part  of  the  members  of 
the  general  assembly.    Among,  these  laws  are  many  salu- 
tary regulations  for  preserving  peace  and-  tranquillity ;  for 
trainings  the  militia,  and'  fortify  ing  tJie  maritime  parts  of  the ' 
island :  all  of  them- useful  objects,  and  well  worthy  the  at- 
tention of  an  enlightened*  administration.    Availing  him- 

Hi 


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Sa  THE  KISTORT 

2^»;i  setf.of  tbe  s^  ofliyafty  which  prevailed  Aroiighout 

itso.  ,  ti,^  ,5^0trj^  Lord  Willoughbj  raised  a  body  of  mea,  and 

e([|Uipped  le|*«»»l  «hipsf,  with  which  he  eonif>etted  (beneigh» 

bouring  islands,  within  his  commission,  to  subnh  to  the 

royal  auth^ty. 

Meanwhile,   Colonei  ^Iteyne,  aod  flieveral  otter  ofndent 
planters)  attached  to  the  fmrtiatnentwy  nteiMt»  fcianug. 
that  these  stroi^  measures  might  d'Ta'w  on  the  eplony  the  re« 
sentment  of  the  ruHog  pow^  on  the  o&es  aide  of  the  AC- 
Iaiitic»  removed  to  England^  to  escape  the  stores  wbkh 
they  saw  gathering ;   and  whieh  thej  thought  thetnaelves 
unable  to  widistand.    The  council  of  state,  whiah.  Uiefr 
directed  the  nalional  ooncems,  having  obtained  from  tbeso 
persons  the  most  ample  information  conocrnidg  the  state  of 
afiSursinthe  West  indies,  immediately  determined  upon 
punishmg  tiie  refractory  colonists*   and  redQCii^  them  to 
obedience..    A  formidable  body  of  troopp  vim  ftecordingly 
embarked  on  board  a  squadron^  under  the  command  of 
Sir  George  Ayscue,  fcN*  the;  purpose  of  giving  effiect  to  this 
determination^    But  this  was  not  enough.    Hitherto  the' 
colonies  had  enjoyed  the  most,  unbounded  freedom  of  com- 
m^ce  with  the  Dutch.    This  furoished  the  coun<^il  of  qtate 
with  a  favourable  opportunity  of  mortifyii^  and  oppressing, 
the  obstinate  planteis,  by  prohiiMtiag  the  lucrative  inter- 
course which  subsisted  between  the  sugar  cc^niesand  the 
United  Provinces;  and^   at  the  same  time,  checking  the 
growing  prosperity  of  those   wealthy  republicans,   the 


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OF  lARSlADOES.  5S 

« 
Butoh.    With  these  vie^r  tb<  loog  ptuUamcsit  pasied)  an 

act,  which  laid  tht  fbtiint«tioa  of  thei  celeteted  iiav%«tion: 
sjrstem,  to' wiiioli  Chreeat  ^itaia:  is  ciuefly  indebted:  for  her 
|jresieat>d(iu)eiM}ei^  gnu»4ew«  sad  mari<ame  strengUit. 

By  this:  femoiM  act  all  8^p»  beloagiog  to-aiiy  foveigR 
nation/ Wer^  prohibited  ihxai  tmdiog  wi^  iaAjp  ^  the 
EngltlJi  plMottftionsr  >w4!Cho4t'  H  liceii8e^  froni^  t)ie  cotiiietf 
of  slat^'  I'Noti'gh  thfei  U'^^  vfosf  ei^pressed  in  gdemi^  terms, 
the  l^iftdb  ytere  rAoit  partioakifiy'  affbcted  hy  it,  because 
t^^  e^oyeid  tl^  greatest  ^^tiave'  of  the  benefib'  Accnung^ 
from  the- tfakle  tcy  tbe  Btiti^li  WesHadian  islaadsy  ftlie 
merehfattts  of  Ho]lci»d^  bj  whoili  the  injury  wasf  iaost 
sc^tely  f^U  pFesented  a  memorial  to-  tbe  &atei»  G^ie- 
rttf,  ai^sf^ftirbfed  at  ttie  Hague,  aganst  this  proceedings 
o^plttitling,  that  tiiey  i<^ho»}d-<btt  Ttiitied  bj  a  probibi" 
tion  which  destroyed  the  most  lucrative  branch  of  itheir 
ct>mmer^»  aind  ptwfiftg  their  High  Mightinesses  to  ex- 
postulate irith  the-  Btoftishi  goreminent  oa  a '  measutte  ^ro 
fatal  to  the  iirteie^te  of  the  republic.  But  the  approach 
c€  hostititielr  between  the^  tM^o  commonwealths,  i^ndered 
s^t  negomflonr  A<eiUesS'  and'  unavailing;  thongh  it  is  as^ 
serted  by  ah  attthor«iF  much  cTedi^^f•,  tfeat  sotne  Dutch 
merchants  had  the  atfilress  to  obtain,  from  Cmtittr^att 
efxclusiveindulgoiceof 'ttading  to' the  Wcst«-Indie8. 


*  Univ.  Hist,  vol  41.  pp.  141  and  289.    Blackstone'*  Comment  vol.  f.  p.  418. 
t  Vide  Univ.  Hist  vel.  41.  p.  141. 


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54  THEHISTOilY 

Nor  did  the  Barbadians  remain  calm  spectators  of  a: 
measure  so  hostile   and  oppressive  to.  themselves.    The 
greatest  cooBteroatidn,  mingled,  with  resentment^  ^  was  .raised  ■ 
in  the  colony  by  an.  act,  which  the  people  saw  rery. clearly- 
was  intended  as  tL  punishment  .for,  their  attachment  to 
their  king»  ,and  which,  in  its  operation,,  must. prove  ex>; 
tremeJLy  injurious  to  tl^  .lai)jcled-.af^  comm^cial  iqt^P^ts. 
of  the  country.    Neyertheles?,  with  a,  spirit,  aiyl  firmoessri 
w:hicb  nothing  but  their  weakness  rendered  blai^eabl^  they ; 
dete]fmined,  to  encpupt^r  every,  danger  M  the  maintenance 
of  their  .rights;  :  The  ^'tMving  been. slant  out  to  the  -colo- 
nieS|,a  spirit^; declaration  wa.%  d<^n ttp.aqd  subscrihied  hy.: 
Feb.  18.    Lord  WillQughby,; the  merobei;s  pf^oiptcilan^  t)fe^9eml3ly»> 
stating  tt^^ifobj^ctipfi^  and  exprepsi^g  ,thfM:  firiD;X99o}i\tian 
of  0[pp9fiii^  the  act  .^f  p^lifim^qt  tp  the\itmQ|t<ex;tent  of, 
their ;power.      j   .    :.,.  ,.  '  .    .        ■.  ',   ...••--    .  <.    h-..'   ;;' 
.1(1  this;  declaration  t^y  de^iy  that  the  <is)a(vd  had  been> 
settle4,  by  ^e  British  goyernmeot,  ait .  the  .ejcpeiise  of  the- 
crown., ,  It  is  per^in,.they,  aay, :tjbat  ,the  pi:esoi^  inlyahit^n^ . 
hady.aJ;  the  manifest  l^b9^d,pf  t|^u:  .lives,  iresorteii  to  %hif„ 
disjtanjt  an^  desplate  spot, ,  whicl^j  the^,,hftd>  ajt  their  qvm, 
ptfirtiqular.pQst  and.  ti5i?pb^,.cle^ed„  fl^ttle4»  a^d  brought, 
to  its.pfcjseqt  profjp^ous.^qn^tion-     )T|iey  ^tallyndis-; 
claimed  the  authority  of  the  British  parjiiament,  in  which, 
they  were  not  represented.    To  submit  to  such  a  jurisdic- 
tion, they  asserted,^  would  H?e  a  species  of  sl?ivery  far  ex- 
ceeding any  thmg  which  the  natioij . had, jret  suffered;  ai^ 


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OF  BAKBADOES.  55 

they  affected  t»ot'to  tloubt  that  the  courage  which  had  ena-  \^^;i^:^^ 
bled  them-  to  sustain  the  hardships  and  dangers  which Ihey       ^®*^' 

:had  enconnteifed  in  a  region rembte  firdfti  their-  nkiive  clime, 

!  would  oontintie  td' support  them  in  the  maintenance  of  that 
freedom,  withtout  which  life  iUdf  would  be  uncomfortable 

.  and  of  little Tahie.  .=  :  '    .        t    .  1       .       . 

'     They  proceed  with  observing,  "^  that  by  this  act  all  out- 
landish nations  are  forbidden  tp  hold  any  correspondeq(9e 

.tM:  traffic  with/ I3ie  inhabitiomts  of.  this  island ;  although  all 

•  4h^  ancient  inhabttants  know  veny  well,  how  greatly  they 
have  been  obliged  td.  those  cf  tbe  Low  Countiies  for  their 
;8iibsist^ee;  and-faow  difficult  it  wauld  Have  been  for"  us, 
'.without  their  assistance,  evef.to.^¥e  inhabited  these  places, 
-  w  to4aave  brougjht  them  into  order.  '  And  we  are  yet  sensible, 

•  wlwit  necessary  comfort  theyribring-  to  ui  xlaily^  and  ;tbat 
;  they  sell  their  commoditiesi  a/giieat  deal  leheaper  than  bur 
,owil  nation  will  dou :  But  this  cbmfort  must  be  takert  from 

us  by  thode  whose  -frills  aue  set  u(v  as  a  law  for  us.    But  we  ' 
'  declare  that  wb  wiH  nearen  be  sd^  unlha^kful  to  the^  Nether- 
knders  for  tileir  •foi'nier  Help  arid  assistance,  as  to  deny '  6r 
ibrbid  them,    ot  any  other  nation^    the  freedom  of   our 

•  ha^Kyurs  iand  the  protection  of  our  laws;  by  whidi  they  may 
;  contirinei  if  they^please,  -  w  all  frebddm  of 'Gomtnfeftre  land 

traffic  with  us.  To  perfect  and  accomplish  diit  ititendod 
slavery,  and  to  make  our  necks  pliable  to  the  yoke,  they 
forbid  our  own  countrymen  to  hold  any  commerce  or  traffic 
with  us,  nor  suffer  any  one  to  come  to  us,  but  such  who  have 
obtained  particular  licenses  from  some  persons   who  are  ' 


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.56  ^H&  UaSKJBT 

!£S^2*  ^^PJ*^^  Mereii  ior  ifchat  ptopose ;  bj  (irl«we  ineanB  it  miy 
1640.     lie  i»Toagbt:t0|>a»8,;that  no  o&erlgoodft  Of  merchamdiflesh^^ 

.|)e  Aiarou^hit  hitli^r  nbui  juoh  as  t^  licenced  '  peorsoiin  shall 
pl^iase  joid-think  M  toigwre  twe^^  to;  nod  that  (they  aie  to  sell 
ibe  sattie<^:ft«ch  ajprioe  as  thegr  tfiafi:pleafl&i6  impose  upon 
fliemr  and  suffer  ho  ships  to  come  hither  but'  idieir  owal 

.^>Bketnfte  that  no inhabitantsof^ie ijatand inojisenk  home 
iipon^liieir'on'n  acGOhhtaa^ i$]diid.^codai;of  tbii  plsu!^;  init 
tiasXtlbeisidAH^jes^  1^.*<jtnnpftngr  ir^Iuxahafl'hare  Abelic^nBe, 
^iiSKi W 4tor  jiegfette^'ki^  tb  n,  ajidi  sutnait'tortitehi^die -li^hdle 

ifuttteiatagebf  oor^aiiour  and  iodnstii^.^   - 

.  r*^  ^VflBerafote^  ;fiaViog  rightly  xfddbid<asd»  tire^«cfeifiKtihai 

.iaritns^yiMMiuAhe'i^^  use  ^Ihoaeat means ^tori^b 

;]Bttqp4iuietice  i^lkowe  cpunfiy;  -sd  wt  n^l^ncrt  AKcinal^  out- 
iadve»from  ti^oleeidlhermqvjrtues.af trae  En^ishmen,  to 
r^n^ttiule^  Qtnr  HEoadote-iand'  pii^ileges  Uy  #h^  <wea^'b<Aii, 
.lo l&e  wIR  and  «pinl6n  «f  any  «he.'  I  Netflie^  «tb-  i^e  think 
iMir  itumlH^r  sd'oODtenfrptible,  ^noromt  r eabltdion^  so  weak  as 
ibht  ^roed-oi'^pefsutuied  to  so  agnoUe  a-submission;  abd 
mt^timwt  thiak  that  tiiet)6ai<  any  amongst'  u» 'vt'lia  &te  ttt 
;stfb]^leaiids6  unvoptMIy'iBiikied,  that  ^y'trdnldiaotiaitli^ 
jehoQ»e«  nob]e'de«ftb  ilha;niT0iBake  ithflir  >>Id  %l^irties  add 
l>wilflgfefc''«    ■  -.-o--    '•■•••   ••^■■•■•-'  '   '■•   :-'•■■     "- 

.,    J.'"...,.  ■..      ..    .;  ■>;.;..;".  1.-   *<,.  •,■'.•_■•>    ,-.^  ■_;.... 
*  firev's  Hurt,  of  the  Puriian'*,  vel.  4.  Append.  12.    Politicpl  Register  for  1701. 


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This  roanifKlbo  if,ajf  ^prodwtive  of  po  bm&^%  U>  Ijhe  c<itlo-  ^JJ^y* 
nies.  ..Tbft  coudcU. of.  sitate  ha<J  ii^en  ^fifectut^l pteasui^  for  *®*^' 
reducio^  thpn^tQ  obedlejace;  £^|(id.theBarba<liaiis  were  soon 
call^  .uifoQ  t<^  giy^  jpf)re  BpHy^  and  iivdubitaUe  proofs  of 
the»r.  loyalty  and.  e<»uiC9g9f  ;1^e:^Uijp)g  of  the  ara^am^ 
destiDed  fpr  the^vii;i<»)  ©^  the  West  |ndi^  hfiv^ng  beei) 
delayed,  bejQi)d;th^ie;2q)fP(e4  time.  Sir  Oe<»^  Ayscue^  tp 
vrhpm  the.  commaitd  Qf  theexpeditifm  was  entrusted,,  did 
jiot  i:ea<^\B9rJwdQeft  l>$^^  thci  e^tfcn  d^yjof  Octobei^ 
.wh^.i^ppeatrif^gpf  Qa|^sle>J3^,  ^.9eiit  ^a.Q^ 
of.  the :  Apiity  ti:^t^  who  papt^ced  seyent^Qn  '  I)u|x:ti 
mefch^at  9hi>ps>  mfikingj^eir  offic«|^apd  .crews  prisoaers.  of 
w^r. ,  Sir  Georgf;,  however,  fou^  .-the  enterp^se  in  which 
Jie  W99  e<^;^^Ced»  fttejadfdwith  gcealer  diScjilty.  a^  mor^ 
daag^r  ^th^o  had  .been,  apprehended.  Losd  WiUpi^g^y 
niade.  such  an  ex£§lle^t  diipqsitioo  of  .tiie  auliti^  under  bift 
cocnmai^:  amoan^iog  to  five  thousand  mei^  4hat  the  £sil)aQt 
admiral  f<M}nd^  it  i^pr^^caUe  to  lai>d  h^  t^ps^..  ^The 
'  coiiQcil  and  assembly  ifesotveid  .to;  support,  ,tb9,govemor  with  jjw.  ♦.  * 
all  their  stirength.  They  published  a.  loyal  and  patriotip 
deplaravtig^^  in.  wjhiich  ^tibey.  expressed  their  ..unfilteiaible 
deteriniAajtion  to  defend  his  Majesty's  lawM.r^gbtfti»<the 
possesitt99  of  the  island;  to  proteict  the  pei^on  of  the^ 
governor;  and  to  vindicate  the  liberties  and  ijp^mnnit^ 
which  they  had  enjoyed  under  t^  ancient  eopstitution*.  . 


*  Mem.  of  Barb^p.  27.  Lmn  of  Barb.  Halh  Edit.  f.  4$i^  ' 


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0B  THfiHmOKV 

^>>^^'  VLsjtf^y^  «ti  «p)>o$ttk);ii  m  «ta«rpeeldl,  Sir  George, 
t^V  l)Ajf^,be««i  ^Ht^tlse^  id  kefteiial  iMli&iti{)i|»  to  effect  a  UmIu 
^g,  «tM^ivdif^^  lb  <»b4iii)  by  intrigtie^  ^HiKt  lie  cooM 
wot%tcain|il«H  fey  ftyrce.  To  this  «4d>  lift  ^jp^ned  4  wigo*. 
itatkto'with  (tie  Bwrbftdift&^;  i«4id,  «l%hoagh  titey  'W«}i 
f^  ocifl^.<^fl)cih0wtedgb  %li6  Ml^^iM^cly  «ifthe^<idiw>- 
^e6t>  pdi<dpbsed  ;^at  C&totiel  All^]^«e^  ieiikl  t1^<^  (Ahftf  ¥^ 
^^iiciift  ^nten,  who,  in  tlife  eicpetftwiiod  of  subduing 
il3iis  Mi&nci^,  liitd  jcttiied  M  fl6e€,  «%i0«i1d  t)^«ie'  tl«e  p^acies 
flitte  p6«i«ftiit)f  tMH-^sl^tes.  Has  pr&poiifl  tv{4fe"tdo  fit- 
ydurAie  telM5  refuscia  by  sttch  «s  wferfe  >*/^ 
^eir  prificiples  to  %h^  iKriCTesl.  It  w«w  ^agesrly  ^aibmced 
fby  all  except  Afleyhe,  ■Who  having  been  appoiflted'to  c6ij- 
^(jft  1^  laflidiag  of  ll»e  traops,  i^heinever  a  !at>ottr^b!e  op^ 
^poiiiuhity 'slic^M  present  itsdf  ibr  that  purpose,  <^stiaale}y 
%tdhered  to  tlie-'Causfe  in  trfcich  be  had  emblEirked.  ]!rfeiri*>- 
%!nley  Sir  George,  finding  that  his  forees  were  ^adequate 
to 'the  tdnqnest  of  the  ishuxd,  prudently  desisted  firom  any 
^osiile  attempt -nntH  ht  shou^^d  hare  a  better  prospect  iof 
tetidering-his  eHbrts  tfftcecssftii. 

Yhh  inactron  onlifae  part  of  t)iat  aitfoT  cctomiander  yn^ 
t»AcnIa*ted  to  impress  die  Barbadians  with  &ti  idea  that  tfi^ 
ttai^ger'was  over.  ^Wbether  it  produced  that  eflfect  is  no^ 
tmceitain ;  \ttX  the  assembly,  oh  Cniistmas-d^)  passed 
two  acts;  llie'firstforBettli&g  the  peskee  and  quiet  of  the 
isl^oid  ■;  Hre  isecond  ■fijr  retumiug  thanks  to  the  welt-allected 
to  has  Mtjesty,  idio  \aA  htttHy  appeared  in  airms.    But 


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OF  BABlSADOES:  19 


tltougH  tbe  ref>«)b)icaT['  cannnani^  bad  saapebdecl  the  oee* 
cutiQn  of  his-eotctiwiscv  lie  bad  not  wboHy  letiiKprithcd  ImB' 
deslgii.  He  broagbt  U%.  squa^io*  to  aiusncfaor  otf  SpeigMV 
Towa,  with  a  view  of  availing  himself  of  the  first  <'PP^ 
ttmily^^  ^li9embafki»t.  B»t  tb»  foraaidabte.  appearance 
of  hoxA  Wajottghhy's  9sm  disconcerted  ail  his  schenje«i 
M  the  amvtkl  of  a.  Aeet  £eo»  Vkginia,  bjF  vhickhctpi&- 
tended  behad  recenned  a  considerable  rerofor^iftjiwft. 

Rrofitinff  by  this  fortunate  qonjunction,  the  admiral  made 
tli^  Bcoeasary  preparatioDa  fqr  landing,  the  troopsj^  ^Dlaunt;* 
in^  to^neadji  tlsqmftllMraihwd^  The  desfiealira&efibcted 
under  the  dSrecftbtr  of  fcotenel  Allfeyne,  wktf  was  kilfed  hy 
a  musket  ball:  before  he  reached  the  shore.  Notiyithstand- 
ipg.  ^b&  los&  of  tl^U  lea^Cn  the  repi^l^licamsk  advai»jped  wiiUii 

stronger  posted  near  the  fortr  after  a  sharp  conflict,  tik 
lordship  was  driven  from  m^  intrenchmehts  and  the  tort 
w^aft  tttk^ea  po^€;s4i9iv  o£  Uy.  tbe.9SiHiU«witft|i  liiw  im  km  of 
abemt  »i«1?y  ef  1^^ 
Far  from  being  dispirited  at  this  misfortune,  Cord  tTit- 

compQse(|.  pnncipB^ly  of  the  comn^oi^  people ;  who,  thocvh 

they  have  the  least fti fcse,  wiff,  on  eyeiv'  simirar*  ocpasion, 

/      be  found  the  jnost  firm  and  steady  in  the,  hour  of  danffer. 

From  the  example  below  u^r  1^  Qufi  l4MB$btWP»  kam  to  ap- 

.^"-: — — :: '    .  ■    ■■  '■ '   'i'''.'  '';    ,'  ■!■     '. ,     ^  '.*  .  .    ■    ■  <  ■ 

^  UniTer.  Hist.  ?ol  41.  p.  U2.— Naval  Bist  toV  2.  p.  85. 
I2, 


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1651. 


60  ^  THEUKTORT 

^»^i-  J)redate*tlte  value  of  b  Hardy  peasinti^j;  Und  influehcecf  by 
eiierj  prihcif)le  of  sound  policy,  eacourftjge  a  dassof  ptt>- 
ple  irlio,  in-  reality,   form  the  physical  strength  of  tliq 

country tv-r    ..-r  ;,-  ?-.-    ^      .-r ,...,    ^  ^  ^.,    . 

r   '  -  -       •     ■         ^  ^  .     1'    ■  .       .;    -       '      '■■•'*•/>  ' — j,^.^,:^ 

'^  Sf ivy  ttMiV  '<«  Afo  tf4;«liiiMv  obfltertatiOd,  nuistlie  tsonvincad  tbat  i^e  dcdin^oC  the 
BaVbad^^^DoHftia^L  fo  owlq;  tn  the jdUtaatfobt  eniigratlett  of  4be  kntcr  cbMca  aT  pto|ik; 
Thit^gVcMi^^vM^nqditt  Miae  l^giflafti^e  rtn^y.  La  aoouotry  poasasMd  iof  .6  po* 
]^iili(l^to'k><exietiti>re^  tbb  is,  and  €ifcumacn|>ed  wMiin  lodi  nafittw  boimdamr; 
ev^p0i6M««|ica«mgiiMDtAa«d4b^^  Ubod^ut,  tm  ncrt 

tbeir  tndiiitYy  g^dJbgentiity  innidt  osefUl  euptojments  at  areauitad  to  thnr  hwo^ 
Ue'e^ldilioii;'  These  men  are  M(t  onlythenal  dfective  dtreDgili<of  their  eeiuit^; 
l^ejrWo^Madd  to  ha  opulence  ivere  tbeyplaced  In  .a  sitiiati«fi  taearnaaubaiitv 
cAe^  fiir  their '  familici.  Bm;  tinformaatelyi  a  difierent  ^  policy  firevails  among  UMt 
Kw  phntationa  have  a  sofficienl  munberof  IdMureva^oeoHiiate  their.fields,  yet 
Biany  ilavet  are  enij^loyed  a»  tradesmeti^  who  wenU  be  equrily  a&profitaWy  engaged 
.  in.aglricvltiiral  occupfdions,  white  the  industriont  iticehanie  U  destknteof  .eo^filoyneQt. 
No  wobder  that»  under  such  dSicouira^ments,  be  ia  coMpcUed  to  fi>regQ  ,bif /oiiA  at- 
tachi)B^nt  to  his  natire  a6iH  ttnd  emigrate  to^the  neighbanring  cokmiet^jirbere  his;d(iU 
andditigenoe^re  better  rewarded.'  fThutthe  physical  atrrnglb  n^.tbr  country. i^ 
daily  dkliinished ;  ^tnd  the  ^ommott  etock  deprived  of  a  due  propprlion  fF  labour 
and  industiy.  ''  The  decay  of  papulation/'  according  to  an  ensineail  /p<^<M^a)  pbite- 
sopher«  /'  is  the  greatest  evil  that  a  stale  ciin  suffer;  and  the  impromneot^  ic.lbe 
ol^ect'Nirhlcb  ought,  in  all  coantries,  tot>eainiedat.in'prefe(encel»ne)irery  alkicp4^  < 
tiad  porpoie  whatever.  Goldsmith  has  adorned  thii  sentiment  with  mUt  the  gnM^es  of 
poetry.  -^  '•  "j^    ^  ■'• »  -•<    ■>  .. 

'  '^JUf»€$tkeUmdiokatfnmg  iiitapre]^;    i..   i  '.'::U   . 

JWacirs  and i(^i9mmfjhiimh or fMayJiuU ;      •  >.        ;       >    . 

Buiaholdpeasanlfjftih^re4nmt9y'Mpri^         ...  ^ 

Wh€Him€€d€9trcjf'dcMn  never  b€  wp^fy'd/*  .     .  ♦ 


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<»' fiABaAD0£6.  61 


squadron^  it  is  more  thap  pr9b^ble  .tpat.the.gQv;ej;^o!:,  %9i^ 


tw%. 


.o^ 


To  chedc  this  alarming  decrease  of  population  two  things  are  obviously  t^edetaarjri 
J^i  top^ovide  homes  for  the  joo^jnd^ctnpkjynient  for  the  industrious.  Among  the 
ancienl  Romans  we  find  frequent  mention  of  Agrarian  laws  for  the  relief  of  the  poort 
3atkiriiiiiMid'p6titir  people  ^ouf^.t^  scpiifidd^)ittl«»if>.whil^!ti)»  ^eMi*nd 
pilridsiw  lived  in  «ffluoD€e,  t]ievetenm.,aoUiivphied  in:  ^praiK  and- obKmrily^^  ;U;i» 
nol  hiiended  to  interrupt -our  tik>derh  pafricians  in  the  i|uittpoi0fmo»^ibeii^4|^M9^ 
{qr  ttcommeiidiTig  this  taoLmnflis^io  theur  imkatiofi  i;.  iiut^  itna^vskhMllfiff fdK4l^  Affttj 
^vt  »ry  few  phntatisar  which  c^mnot^/ witbou^i^^Qf3r:iDitbet9^;(Mr»»ll^^  f«|f« 

ef.iodiftreiiC  hmd  at^beir  eitrenrilies  fist  the  acodmnodtilioD.^  «fa|l  i$mfttK$w,i  7M^ 
uq^brtuoate,  but  usdMclasi  of  jKOple^  ought  to  tie  aaiist^;  tbqr  d^^ft^d  m^o^-^ 
lageoienl.  On  the  sctmty  glcbek  wfakh  riiay  fae  aiaigned  %p  Ibetti  iWjr  v^Ht 
iod  rest  wliea  tbelr  lalnMira  wiws.  d^§t^  ^»i  jM^Jram  1^^ 
qf  tie  4^m^  Hera  tbey  wodUtoiV  «>d^  e^<Qrt9gi^«^frvits  ^f  ^bfii?  M^^^ 
become  useftilmcmbemof  thecommuuity*..  Sme^tp  the  nun^  of  tb%inost  humbl^t 
is  the  lit^  native  oot>  ^tttider  wboielowly  roof  p«ace  aild«eciiri4y  imM  ;  Aqolher  im,. 
portant4)l^ctls,  lofiddeibploymeht  fiirtheindustrioivr*  iTo.fQect  thtsgr^ntf  dm* 
denttum,  one  thing  only  is  ntMsimry^  tb^confipe  tmf^t^mt/  bty<>a||.aiet.pr  tb^.kgi^ 
ture,  to  fbe  faibonts  of  did 6eML  'This iMl  fiirtii^  thfe  tnfwov  orders ^f^ocqsle  wifib 
an  qipotlimity  of  gahiing  $x^  honest  bteiifasod  in  tim  mt'ims  imfih^m$l  prioftstiaps 
w&ieh  kixury  aiid  nceessity  haine  introduced  ior  the  oonvenfempe  or  ornament  of  so- 
ticty.  Were  this  done,  Bftrbadoet  would  fur^iifh  employ  pmd  8ubsistei|oa  fer-  bf r  iiu- 
veromr  sons  at  liome ;  ikt  secprity  oi  the  country  vo^  b?>  MilfnglbeD^  by  the  9g^ 
gregation  of  fkiAfiil  loyal  subfe^ ;  thecorirauotty  jmoUo^joy^  the  9dirao|Mijgf»^  of  a 
general  circulation  of  the  wages  of  industry ;  and  our  planters  would  no  longer,  re*, 
quire  fresh  importations  of  Africans  (or,  the  cultivatiotiiofi  tb4  ^i^  iPenfectly  aware  of 
the  objections  to  the  execution  of  thir  pbq:»>  Loan  only  Ufoftmi  tkt,  4i»K9cible  obstacles 
yvbicb  dfcp-i^ted  prejudices 'a4i,miMak^ti  Mf^Ci  bwiF^fsiijed  ;ti^  ^c^pppse  its  accom<^ 
plishrocnt :  for  I  fed  the  stronf^estoonvktiDa  ^Vthc  day  i|).|iot^l)iMF^di^ant,  when  the 
proposed  regulations,  bad  they  been  early  adopted,  would  ^v.fi- prated  die  salration 
of  the  country.  .    »  ,  - 


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€i  TOE  HISTORY 

cj^^JJJ-  lia«e¥eeBi  ev«it«allj  tedttc»d  to  the  necessity  of  cdpitulat- 
i^K  iiig;  yet  it  Si.  ei^ideQt^  ftowi  ©very  aQ<;ou»t  of  tbia  afiak»  that 
the  parliamentary  forces  could  have  made  no  effectual  im- 
pression on  the  Barbadians  had  they  continued  united  firmly 
.  anK)Qg  themselves*  Sen&ible  of  this,  trutl^  and  impatieikt 
of  delay.  Sir  Gteorge  Ay^cue  adc^xled  the  only  pkin  wkiclr, 
in  his  circumstances,  i^as  likely  to  prove  successful.  ^  His 
ttqaps^  which  were  quartered  at  Speiglit's  Town>  under 
the  eatxunaad  a£  CaptaiB  Mondce^  oiade  frequieaL  iaewv 
•siotos  htto  lAie  adjacent  parts  of  the  owmtry  /  {rfuriderihg 
and  destroying  the  neighbouring  plantations;  a  species  of 
wacfaret,  ^hich  saou  produced  the  desired  effect.  IVIaiay  df 
'thepnoci|)iBln>>j/aHsts,  who  were  Ws&  fiohcitous  i»bout  tb(ni> 
feing  arid  iconstftutioh  than  anxious  ifot'tfer  presenration  dC 
'theiir  estates,  despaiiririg  of^  a  successful  termination  of  the 
conl^,,  anidiigtiujidHted  by  the  prospect  of  impending  ruiri, 
efttored  irIxk  a  sucrel  conrespottdence  "wi^  the  aday<al. '  The 
negociiition  on  the  part' dP 'the  BlarrbacKmis,  #as  cottdftbted 
Ijy.  Colonel  Modifdrd,  wfijo.  engaged,  in  case^  iLord' l^lj*- 
Ifiugkb^  dMMiid  coi^ue  to^  ctject^  ail  o^rtuires  of  accoio,* 
ttodfttion,  litatlkeaiMbaliilns^iiieiids  woulid  j«iii^th«l(Mu|«( 
of  the  republican  fopcesi  and  conipeT'hSi'tordi^lp'''tb  suf- 
xes^  Qtt  feir  awd  eqjiitable  conditions.  Lord  "V^ilfeug^by^ 
itMliiig^  htOBseUf  alMBdoB^^  b^ji  tboae  &^tti,  wh^  hiet  ^<aL 
pectedliieTnostpowerftil'stippwti  had  n^zA^goMtmfi'  left; 
£teL wai  cQmpelled  to  agijee  tp\  <essatiOir  of  &ost9itiear,  sfad 


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to  appgint  ooanmssjo^eKs  to  aitaoge  •rticles  ti  xt^n^  ^^SS^ 
hAidn*.  '  *««• 

The  circmmtaiices/wiuch  led  to  this  pacifioatioaL  tie  V9^ 
tioutdj  lelated  foy  (lifierent  auttwn.  Xwdloivf,  wbo  hmd,c«i> 
jtauMy  the  be$t  opportiuMties  of  ooUectuig  comxtiiifoEo»*^ 
'  tioo,  duMij^  hi*  veracity  is  reiuiered  liable  t&  suipici^  ^Nai 
his  coQiiexioo  with  CromtineU,  nbitcss,  that  Uond  WiJUcni^ 
b^  had  intended  to  make  one  ixdd  ^effiort  Id  tenoimate  tha 
dtepute,  by  clMut^og  hiB  edri^sanes'^itli  a  bod^r.pf  honCv 
ta^rhifc^^  was  greatly  xxxpen^Tt  had.  isot  a  <caiint»np4tail^ 
ftvedtft  landom,  beateh  open  tbfrdo^of  a  r<K)mwhraeiia 
sotd  I»jB  couacti  of  ii»ar  wer^  sitting;  wfaith,  taking.  dE.  ti^ 
head  of  Uye  centi&dL  whd  was  placed  ai  the  door,  soalamied 
the  g<yveraor,  thM-hs  changed  his  desig^^  and  cetrefiiedtik 
adistanoe  of  t#b  ia^e»  tt&m  the  faatboor^  Aa^  dn  tkm 
republican  anaiiy  matchkg  totirards  bam^  ^  proposed.to  tredct 
for  the  sutuender  of  tha  i$landf .     .    ^  - .  « 

The  coftmitaaiaem  appMiilad  -pif:  Jjh^  Wi^ta^)^  tteiie 
SirRicfaafd  Peen,  Cfaariss  1^,  Coliaa^  E^md  M^ 
Byfaaoi.  l^ose  on  the  part  of  tkm  Admiral  ^noee.  jQaptaia 
i^eck,  Itfr.SeaiV  Colonel  jModifonct^  ^  Jaiaffs  ((^^oHrtKnij; 
tdl  of  «i»«ait  excepting  Piw>«.  ■«r|sreQ|>uietit  hindh<iilde»<^ 

day  of  Janaary,  andpropeeclcd  tp  adjust  the  points  ref^nred 

■ '  ■  ■        •■'■>•  - '-  -  i_    ■  ■  -  , 

■    '     '      'I  I      ,  ill'      I      '".'''''"...',       '         '    .,  i'  I    '    ,  I 

•    •  —       <•     •■•     - ■       V  .   u    .  ....   ^,  '    _•    . 

t  Lodk>w'«  Mcmoirsr  T<A.  1,  p.  SM.  Xitaaj^lPt  Um  of  i!be  lAblnit,  V(i«  4, 
►  269. 


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64  THE  HISTOHy 

CHAPjJi;  lo  their  determinatioD»  with  great  temper  and  moderation* 
iW*.  -pjj^  terms  were  soon  settled  by  persons  so  much  inclined  to 
inutual  concession  ^nd  accommodation;  and  were  certainly 
€is  favourable  to  the  governor  and  his  adherents  as  could 
have  been  expected.  It  was  agreed,  that  the  island  should 
be.  ddivered  up  to  Sir  George  Ayscue,  in  behalf  of  the 
connnonWealth  of  England;  that  the  government  should 
consist  of  a  govempr,  council  and  assembly,  according  to 
ihe  ancient  custom ;.  the  assembly  to  be  chosen  by  a  free 
and  voluntary  election,  of  the  freeh9lders  in. the  several  pat 
rishes.  That  no  taxes,  imposts,  customs,  loans  or  ext^ise^ 
should  be  laid  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  without  their 
own  consent  in  general  assembly;  .and  .that  all  law?  which 
tsid  been  made  by  former  general' ass^i^bties,  not  repugn 
iiant  to  the  laws  of  Eogland,  should  still  .be;  valid-  It  wa^ 
also  stipulated,  that  both  parties  should  conti^iie  in  tb^ 
uninterrupted  enjoymept  ofjiberty  and  pTQperty.**  .  : 

But,  whatever  eulogies  mi^t  have  been  bestowed  onihe 
mildness  and  equity  of  the  terms  prescribed  or  igranted  by 
the  conquerors,  it  is  evident,  that,  after,  their  accession  to 
powCT,  they  assumed  a  much  han[her  and,  more .  imperious 
tone*  Two  months  had.not  elapsed,  from  the  signing  of 
ihe  treaty,  which,  as  be  imagined>  granted  him  indemnity; 


«  Uniy.  Hitt  vol.  41,  p.  142.    Mem.  id  Barb.  p.  28.    Edwards's  Wett  lodit^  JVoL 
Kp.34S.    CtinpbeH'sJUTcsof  UieJUimnls,ToI.  2.P.209. 


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OFBARBADOES.  6S 

freedom  of  perton,'  ani  security  of  property,  wheii  Lord   ^^[^|^ 
Willoughby  wias  bauisrhed  for  life,  by  aa  act  of  the  legislate    mI^* 
ture;  and  Colonel  Humphrey  Walrond,  with  several  odier 
femineiit  loyalists^  was  exiled  for  one  year*, 
'  iAfter  tlie  reducdoh  of  Barbadoes,  the  reins  of  govern-      i65«. 
xnentweid&  placed  in  Ifee-iiands  ef  Sit*  (Ge        Aysciie.     Her 
hofwever;  soon  relinquished  thena,  and  proceeded  to  the  con- 
quest of  the  othcir  colonics,  which  had  maintained  their 
aliegfan^e  to  the  cro'wb.*  'before  his  departure,  he  caused 
fSe  passfaig  of  sevenrl  lawsi  oy  dne  of  which  Daniel  Searle 
was  appointed'  ^eputy-gbvebidr;    Under  this  gentleman  s      1^55. 
auspie^s  the  liegisiative  *  cotmtiis  were  actively  employed 
in  providing  for  thri"  public  siafety.    ITie  statute  book  con- 
tains'a  long  fist  of  Ia#s  ebacted  diiiihg  his  adininistration, 
which;  hating  pakseduhder  the  usurper's  authority,  were 
afterwards  dedared  ntall  and  void,  except  a  few  particular 
acts,  which  appeaiirig  to  be  of  Superior  utility,  w^re,  foi* 
thatiteasoh,  confirmed  aifer  the  iestb^  ' 

\  Tite  i noi?dihate  ambition  of  Cromwell  hating  prompted 
hiitn^td  assunie  thegoverhment  of  the  kingdoin,  liiider  the 
tWe  of  lorti  profedtoT*  the  politics  of  Eu'rope  received  a  neW  - 
cftfeeiiiotf.  ^"fhe  grekt  dontineh^  pb^er^itc¥nbwledged  his  * 
a:trt&Otilyi''iihd  cbuii^d^M  'aLlliarice-'but  the  polity  of  the 
ambitious  usurper  soon  plunged  him  into  a  vr&r  with  Spain. 
All  the  English  historical  writers  concur  in  condemriing  this 


*  Vide  IIM'b  Laws  of  Baibadoes^  p.  404-. 
K 


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THE  HiSTdar 

measure  as  uiijugt^  dishonourable,  piitttica},  and  am  open 
Yk>lation  of  the  most  soknm  treaties.  The  degant  hbto^ 
fiafli  of  the  West  Indies'^  alone  vindicates  the  conduct  of 
Cromwell;  and  proves,  by  the  nKwt  unquestionable  evL 
dance,  that  he  was  principal}/  induced  to  undertake  the 
yfBx  for  the  purpose  of  chastisii^g  the  Spaniards,  for  the  cruct» 
ties  which  they  weite  daily  committing  oa  the  subjects  of 
Britaia^  tn  the  western  heoiispheiie. 

Be  diis  as  it  may,  the  Protector,  Jiawing  determined  oa 
war,  lost  no  lime  in  equipping  a  strong .  squadron^  under 
llie  cooimaQd  of  Admiral  Pevin,  with  the  design  of  attacH-^ 
ing  diQ  eneijiy  in  that  quarter,  whence  he  expected  to  obt* 
tain  the  greatest  advantages ;  and  in  which  the  Spaniards 
had  perpetrated  <^e  greatest  enormities  on  the  English  set« 
tiers.  '  Utiis  fleet,  in  its  passage  to  Hispaniola,  touched!  at 
Barfoadoes,  where  the  troops,  under  Ccdouel  Venabies,  were 
sU^ngthened  with  a  reinforcen^nt  of  three  thousand  five 
hundred  effective -men;  an  kicontestible  jw^oof  of  the  hn* 
menise  population  of  the  country  at  that  time.  The  attack 
en  H^spdniola  having  failed,  the  British  commanders  turned 
their  arras  against  Jamaica,  where  their  operations  wern 
more  successfuL  The  conquest  of  that  island,,  while  it 
opened  a  wider  ield  for  speculation  and  the  exercise  of  in^ 
dustry,  served  to  lessen  the  population  c^  Barbadoes  io  no 
inconsiderable  degree.    Allured  by  the  prospect  of  greater 


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OT  BARBADOEB.  Qf 

ftdva&tag^  »n  a  ibeatre  so  much  mote  extetsive,  tauuay  <J!|)«-  ^iJ^JJ* 
lent  planters  and  otbel:  adventorers  rem^yed  ten  Jamaica,       *^^* 
where  land  could  be  procured  in  greater  plekitj>  daeap^, 
and  trith  less  difficuhy. 

After  tilie  death  ^f  Oettwetl,  and  tlie  dep^osition  of  his  1660. 
pttsiUammotts  ion,  f be  cemtnittee  iff  pubUt  iMfety,  who 
assttined  the  aianagraient  of  the  aational  coaoems,  appoiatecl 
Colonel  Thomas  Modifotd,  gorerftor  ^  datbadoe.<k  TWd  J^^y^*- 
gentfeman  is  represented  as  a  steady  adherent  fi6'  tb€  foyaf 
CAuke;  but  the  prudence  and  ttoddfation  tt(  tris  cfdn^a^t 
had,  it  seettis,  recommended  him  to  the  cdnfidt^nce  of  <bi* 
persons  then  in  potirer.  His  adminbtnation,  hcrweftef,  #a* 
short  and  tmproductive  of  amy  interesting  HcCtatetsxHt, 
Hie  only  law  which  received  his  sanction  wa*  aft  act  li-* 
miting  the  existence  of  the  generd  assembly  td  tme  yea*  i 
a  terai  much  too  short  for  tire  dispatch  of  puHic  bu8iVie«». 
The  annual  dissolution  of  the  pop«daT  branch  crf  the  legitf. 
lature  has  been  often  found  prejudicial  to  the  ptrblic,  fty 
impeding  the  progress  of  many  salutary  lawis  tat  tfee  secu- 
rity and  welfare  of  the  commtmity ;  yet  th6  etil  remains 
unredfessed ;  the  membets  fbaring  to  begin  the  nfcCtesary 
reform,  leSt  they  sWufd  ihCUt  the  fesfentmcut  of  then*  Con- 
stituents, for  atternpting  to  render  thd  representative  body 
less  dependant  on  the  elective,   ^  ..  - 

Hie  infatuation  whichfead  long  bliiylted  the  English,  having 
gradually  subsided,  Xhailes  IL  ascended  the  throne  amidst 
the  accfamations  &f  the  vei-y  peopte  who  had  led  his  father 

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68  THE  HISTORY 

to  the  block.  This  happy  event  was  soon  followed  by  some 
important  changes  in  the  government  of  Barbadoes.  Lord 
IVillougliby,  by  virtue  of  the  authority  which  he  derived 
from  his  contract  with  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  immediately  ap« 
pointed  his  friend,  Colonel  Humphrey  Walrond,  the  faiths 
ful  old  royalist,  who  had  been  banished  for  his  loyalty,  de-- 
puty-governor  of  Barbadoes.  To  strengthen  this  commis* 
sion,  he  obtained  from  the  king  a  mandamus,  appointing 
Walrond,  president  of  the  council,  with  directions  to  su- 
Dec.  17.  persede  Colonel  Modiford,  who,  after,  a  short  reign  of 
three  months,  calmly  resigned  his  authority  to  his  successor. 
Modiford,  .who  had  made  a  large  fortune  in  Barbadoes, 
now  went  to  Jamaica,  where  he  found  ^n  ample  field  for 
employing  his  capital,  talents,  and  industry.  The  people 
of  that  country,  addicted  to  a  military  life,  and  animated 
by  the  piratical  spirit  of  buccaneering,  had  attended  but 
little  to  commerce  and  agriculture.  But  as  Modiford  tho- 
roughly understood  the  true  interest  of  the  colonies,  he  in- 
troduced  the  arts  of  civili2Eation,  and  instructed  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Jamaica  in  the  proper  culture  and  management  of 
pimento,  or  allspice;  in  the  manner  of  making  sugar;  of 
planting  cocoa  groves,,  and  erecting  salt  works* ;  so  that  in 
a  short  time  the  arts  of  industry  began  to  prevail  over  the 
fierce  and  immoral  habits  of  the  islanders;  and  Modiford, 
as  a  just  reward  for  his  services,  was  created  an  English 

»—i1^i— ^1i^^— —     I  III         i^lji^^  I  !■     11        ■      ill  I  — — .i^M^W^i— ,1— ^> 

•  XteiT.  HiiU  ToL  41,  p.  352.    Rajml'j  Pbilot..  Hist  vol.  0,  p.  332. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  69 

baronet,  and-protnoted  to  tile  government  of  the  island^  chap.  11. 
wLich  he  had  civilized  and  improved.  ^^^ 

-  While  Sir  Thomas  Modiford  was  thus  noblj  employed  in 
diffusing  the  blessings  of  social  life  in  one  part  of  the  em- 
pire^ President  Walrond  was  no  less  attentive  to  thei  means 
of  providing  for  the  security  of  the  country,  and  promot- 
ing the  peace  and  happiness  of  the  people  committed  to 
his  care.  Some  of  the  laws  which  were  passed  under  his  - 
presidency  appear  to  have  been  founded  on  the  purest  prin- 
ciples of  justice  and  patriotism;  though,  as  is  too  often 
the  case,  the  means  were  not  exactly  proportioned  to  the 
end.  Among  the  most  important  of  these  laws  i&^  ^^  An  act 
for  establishing  courts  of  common  plea^,  and  regulating  the 
manner  of  proceeding  in  all  civil  causes/*"  By  this,  act, 
the  island  is  divided  into  five  precincts,  in  qach  of  which  a 
chief  judge,  and  four  assiistants,  appointed  by  the  governor, 
durante  bene  pladtOy  are  empowered  to  hold  courts,  once  in 
every  four  weeks,  from  the  last  Monday  in  January  to  the 
twenty-fifth  day  of  September,  for  the  decision  of  all  con- 
troversies concerning  property  and  other  matters  of  litiga- 
tion, not  cognizable  by  the  criminal  judicature**. 


*  It  has  been  obserYed  by  a  learned  writer^  wbo  had  been  hinnelf  a  provincial  chief 
justice,  that  "  It  is  absurd  to  have  many  distinct  superior  courts  in  an  island  so  small. 
Had  there  been  but  one  established  in  the  centre  of  it,  for  the  whole  island,  five  gen- 
lienien^  who  had  sonie  experience  in  the  law,  might  have  been  found  to  fill  the  o£Sce 
•f  Judges:  biitk  is  n^t  coiiceinible>«  that  sucb  a^  sdnil  Island  can  afibrd  to  pi^  proper 


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70  tllZ  fltfftORt 

OiAp.tt  Among  *h«  Mdwlngs  df  civil  so(Ji*ty,  ^hd  pw^  mA  !te- 
16^0.  partial  administration  ef  justice  is  eettainly  ohft  of  the 
"  moot  jmportaDt  The  security  of  prop^rty^  which  is  fen- 
joyed  tthder  the  protection  ef  just  and  eqnal  tawi^  faith'- 
foHy  And  Imp^itiaHy  administered,  is  the  strongest  link  ^H 
the  social  chairt ;  and  the  facility  of  obtaining  a  speedy  re- 
paration of  injuries,  is  the  most  effectual  meAns  trf  TccoticiJ^  . 
ing  t^e  ^b^t  to  a  cbeerAil  sUbnrnsiMi  to  the  restrarnti  ttf 
civil  poHty.  But,  unfortunately,  the  legal  institutions  of 
Barbadoes  are  not  calcnlaled  to  advance  the  attainment  of 
^se  objects.  The  laws  by  which  out  judicial  tribunals 
'  were  first  established,  And  their  proceedings  have  been 
svnce  reflated,  are,  in  nUany  instances  partial,  absurd, 
HUjUst  a  Ad  oppressive;  particularly  the  act  abov^ 
iiflkided  to,  which,  in  many  material  points,  is  fun- 
damentally bad.  The  first  thing  obnoxious  to  censufe  ii 
the  extraordinary  nunrber  of  judges  which  it  establishes  ; 
-itrho  compose  a  legal  corps  nrore  than  twice  as  numerous* as 
the  whole  judicature  of  England.  In  the  appointment  o^ 
these  gentlemen,  little  regard  is  paid  to  the  mental  quali- 
fications, or  scientific  acquirements  of  the  diflFerent  candi- 
dates for  preferment.  Though  the  solemn  oflSce  of  a  dis- 
penser of  justice  is  generally  filled  by  a  man  of  character 

M  I  r  ■      ■  ■  I  '     ' »  ■■  —    ,■ I  I     ml 

4flla«le«)tot«NrBty4tocj«dlg«»;  by  u4iieb  means  none  liiita  n«»  f»bo  !■»  littlo  know* 
Mge,  tad  taicii  MiiitgF,  WtVi  aod^tan  «ffce  whkb  jli  «ll«nded  iriA  little  er  m 


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OF  BARBADOIS.  ' 

md  fovtnor^  it  is  soihetimes^  bestowed  as  a  dmicktir  to  se- 
OHHBitb  tim^  cammaiider  in  diiefati  undue  iafluenoe  over 
the  pabiic  coicricils^  or  as  a  gent^  estabhshmenfc  &a  mxBM 
Dstative  or  depebdant 

Lesd  caution  is  xuied  in  thr  choice  of  assistants*  The  ap*- 
pointmentof  these  is  cl&iined  asdie  pri?ilege  of  the  chief 
jud^9>  vhO'  does  not  alivays  exercise  the  delegated  paw«|r 
with  beoomiog  dboretiott ;.  but  frequently  makcB  his  elec- 
tion as  do^nce^  caprice^  orp»SDnal  favour  may  suggest. 
The^e  puisne  judgesV  postessod  of  an  offioe  without  power 
or  profit,  are  httle  more  thani cyphers  on  the  bench;  and| 
howetier  respeotable  they  may  be  as  private,  gentkmco; 
&w  of  tibem  are  qualified,  by  dieir  learning  or  abilities^ 
to  determine  abetruse  points  of  law»  iaYolYtng^  perhapd, 
the  ruiik  of  famitids  in  their  decision^. 

Thus  a  judicature  is  formed-  of  men  possossiag.  neithtr 
legal  erudition,  nor  forensic  knoj^vledge;  who  suspend  the 
golden  balaoice  with  timid  hands,  and  wield  the  sivkied 
of  justice  with  trembling  nerves.  Ko  wonder  thei^  thai  thf 
administratioa  of  justice  should  be^  irr(^ulaf,  precarioua, 


♦  "  Whenever  jadieial  commiMions  are  rendered  so  cheap  and  common,  they  be* 
gm  to  hwe  much  of  their  di]pntty  and  vahie  in  the  eyes  of  mtnj;  erea  amoiytht 
wiser  planters ;  and,  by  this  means,  very  unworthy  and  illiterate  persons  may  pie* 
sume  to  aspire  10  them,  and  tboa  make  the  office  of  an  asstalant  disgraceful  and 
Qteless/^  LoNc^'HtaT-o9jAiffAfeiiyv#IJ1,|^.r^ 


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7%  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP^.  and  uncertain.  Unacquainted  with  the  principles  ^of' civii 
aaao.  jurispradence ;  ignorant  of  their  power,  and  conscious  of 
tbeir  deficiencies,  the  judges  are  thrown  into  a  servile  de^ 
pendance  on  the  gentlemen  of  the  bar,  and  even  the  mom 
humble  retainers  of  the  law,  who  are  thus  enabled  to  clog 
the  streams  of  justice,  and  obstruct  their  course.  No  im« 
putation  is  intended  to  be  thrown  on  the  common  seqse,  or 
tiie  integrity  of  the  magistrates  ivho  preside  in  our  courts. 
The  censure  is  levelled  at  the  conttituHon  of  the  public tribu* 
nals,  and  not  at  the  morality  of  the  judge.  Were  integrity 
all  that  was  required,  no  men  in  the  world  would  be  het^ 
ter  qualified  to  sit  in  judgment  than  the  judges  of  Barba- 
doeft«  But,  with  every  allowance  for  probity  and  moral 
Jbonesty^  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  they  often  fall  into  er^ 
ror^  from  an  inability  to  discern  what  is  legally  right.  Nor 
iet  it  be  said  that  it  matters  not,  whether  the  judge  be  wise 
m  simple,  learned  or  illiterate,  since  the  point  at  issue  is 
to  be  determined  ultimately  by  a  jury.  It  is  the  peculiar 
province,  tlie  bounden  duty  of  the  judge,  in  all  cases,  civil 
and  criminal,  to  sum  up  the  evidence,  explain  the  law,,  and 
instruct  the  jury,  in  the  verdict  which  they  are  to  return*. 
Bjut  our  juries  have  no  such  assistance.     In  civil  cases  they 


*  "  The  judge  imparts  to  the  jury  the  benefit  of  hi«  experience  and  erudition :  the 
jucgr,  by  their  disintere«tednef8»  check  any  corrupt  partialities,  which  previous  appli- 
^cation  may  have  produc  ed  in  the  judge."  Palet's  Phxlosopitv;  vol.  %  p.  241. 


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OTBARBADOES.  i^^ 

aire  left  to  fimn  ike  feest  judgmeat  which  tb«y  asm  oathcittost  ^jSiS' 
ab9fcrti9e  porate  of  law;  pupated  ^nd  pOT|^x€<8  by  the  '*''^- 
cobtradictarj  oplnioits  atkd  tui^akait  (^oquen^e  i»F  yentA 
advotxitss ;  mth  hp  other  guide  td  lead  tiiem  Hiraugk  the 
laaaey  laJbyrintfas  of  deecentB  and  coaveyati^,  dian  the 
f»tblD  light  of  uninfiMtned  wsusors  tnd  the  dictates  <^  fr  good 
cottsdenoe^  •''  ,    .  '    . 

>  Attiovoit^  rcfottt  ki  fh6  eofi&titution  of  our  eotttts  of 
IflOT  it  a,fasolutdj»eceB6aty,  to  cotreet  %he  evils  ivMch  «re 
now  obvious  to  the  most  superficial  observer;  to  promote 
Ahef^guiar  di^hutibatif  justices  aod  to  support  i(die  dig- 
Ktity  of  the  {inbtic  ttibsttiala.  Fev  firecdncts  ;ha<ie  Hmtt- 
mesB  enough  to  requiie  a  lepasate  juck|dietipa  {  Mid  in 
Aone^  Uittt  of  Saint  Miobad'a  eaoceptod*  ars  Hat  «m€Aa- 
joeats-of  l)he  oSo^  flui£cient  to  eaoourage.  thti  judge  to  n 
jpuQctual  laMitttidafiQe  'Ot  jils  idiiiy.  Jt  Kjaoaat,  tl^oeitM, 
•be  doubted)  tJbat  ^  jHQgross  of  ju&fiioe  nroiildl>e  «ce«le- 
rated  by  redacifiig  tke  tiUMUfator  «f /coedU  t^  4wof*.  ^nt 
this  alooie.  wcwdd  not  hse  suffioteut.  Xhe  aici«taat5iudfds 
should  bf  seated  Item  -among  gmtfemen  «f  libend  mA^- 


kM*Hi>4         Y*^-*-        "-        ^-^^^^, 


*^  ^^tVTicnevcr  thcte  is  in  any  country  a  number  of  courU  independ^nt,of  e^<Sk 
-Aifelv  tte  Me^  JMinfioh  is  ftdt  tarffottn^  und  ^heife  Acre  are  many  judges  in  a 
^cakH^><^rce  ^y  )3i«!|tiofi  kmi  Mmeinbat  todue  if  Aetaart  it*ertsl6Jtin  0^4** 
eWic^,  ••  friro^  oTiTebiUons.to^oseof  tbe  parties/' 

Vide  Stokes's  CoNSTiTirrioif  op  the  Coywijift  p..2d. 

■      L 


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.74  THE  HISTORY 

CH^^JI*  cation>  distinguished  abiJities,  and  known  integrity.  As 
)^-  ^  recpnxpence  for  their  time  and  trouble,  tibcy  may  be  al» 
lowed  the  customary  fees  on  probates  and  the  examination 
pf  femmei^cawfrtes.  The  office  Of  chief  justice  should 
be;  conferred  on  some  aUe  banristar  of  probity,  study  and 
;expedence»  or  reserved  to  reward  either  of  the  inferior 
judges,  whose  diligence  and  learning  may  entitle  him 
to  promotion ;  with  permanent  salaries,  sufficiently  li* 
beral  to  render  .the  appointment  respectable  and  lucrai- 
tive. 

^  A  laudable  ambition  would  thus  be  excited  in  men  of 
rank  s^id  professional  eminence  to  devote  their  time  and 
.talents  to  the.  public  service.  The  ingenuous  youth  of 
the  island  may«  then  be  induced  to  apply  themselves 
to  the  study  of  the  laws  and  constitution  of  their  coun* 
^tcy,  .by  which  they  may  acquire  both  honour  and  profit. 
^^  It  has  been  urged,"*  says  an  enlightened  historian,  ^^  that 
a  gentleman,  liberally  educated  in  England,  and  bred  to 
the  bar,  who  comes  iiither  to  earn  a  subsistence  by  hra 
profession,  and  by  merit  is  advanced  in  time  to  the  of* 
fice  of  chief  justice,  cannot  be  suspected  of  any  undue 
partiality  arising  from  family  connections ;  nor  be.  so,  lit- 
tle skilled  in  thfe  practice  of  a  court  of  la,w  as  agpntl^ 
man  bom  and  educated  in  the  island;  that  the  making 
this  post  an  object  of  emulation  and  pursuit,  to  able,  honest 
and  expecifiBeed  iawyers,  may  prove  an  encouragement 

'   4 


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OF  BARSADDSS.  75 

for  spch  to  come  over  and  practice  here ;  by  which  means   chap.  i|. 
the  supreme  court  of  justice  will  always  be  supplied  with      ^^^* 
men  learned  in  the  science,  whose  knowledge  will  be  an 
acquisition  to  the  public  stock,  and  redound  greatly  to  the 
credit  and  advantage  of  the  isI^Bihd*/' 


*  Long's  History  of  J«auuoa»  ¥ol«  I,  p.  70« 


*   .    )    /    I 


i  '    .'  ^ 


t    .  ) 


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7^  WB  IBSIORT 


CHAP,  in- 

DISCONTENTS  OF  THE  BABBADIAN8-— ORIGIN  OF  THE  FOUR  ANP 
A  HAI,F  DUTY-^LORD  '^ILLtWC^BY  RESUMES  THE  GOVERNMENT 
— THE  ASSEMBLY  GRANT  A  REVENUE  TO  THE  CROWN — MR. 
farmer's  SPIRITED  CONDUCT — ^HOSTILE  DESIGNS  OF  THE 
DUTCH — LORD  WILLOUGHBY  PERISHES  AT  SEA — SUCCEEDED  BY 
HIS  BROTHER — ^PRESIDENCY  OF  MR.  CODRINGTON — SIR  JOHN  AT- 
KINS GOVERNOR — DREADFUL  HURRICANE — REMARKS  ON  FORE* 
STALLING BARBADIANS  GRIEVOUSLY  OPPRESSED* 

1  HOUGH  Mr.  Walrond  was  advanced  to  the  president 
cy,  on  the  restoration,  as  a  reward  for  his  zeal  and  fidelity 
to  the  king,  the  royal  favour  was  not  confined  to  him  alone* 
FcU  18.  His  Majesty  was  pleased  to  confer  the  dignity  of  knight-* 
hood  on  thirteen  gentlemen  of  the  island*,  in  consideration 
of  the  difficulties  and  hardships  to  which  they  had  been 
exposed  by  their  loyalty  and  attachment  to  his  family  and 
person.     But  these  honours  and  distinctions  were  not  suf^ 


*'*  These  were  Sir  John  CoHetony  Sir  Thomas  Modiford,  Sir  James  Draz,  Sir  Ro- 
bert DaTers,  Sir  R.  Hadcett,  Sir  John  Teamans,  Sir  Timothy  Thorahill^  l^ir  John 
yritfiam.  Sir  Robert  Le  Gard^  Sir  John  Worsam,  Sir  John  Rawdbn^  Sir  Edwin 
^ledti  «aB  Sir  Vitfeughby  Chamberliyno^ 


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not  to  adopt  so  |wiM^^»  »  §ikm>  fof  ^(^nf^mgf^  fi#^fm^ 

9f9»pm^y*  i\¥mgh  biY^te4  hy  4feeir  po^am^*  ^f^m^- 

ii^tm  h^  s^  «^t)t«ir q4  <to  fim'^x^i^  ^  y^y  fri^q%  f^i 
nf  p«iH{jr»  )M  \(^9  mmkfPii  #  Jt>F  ^i^$«il*  vJa»  jib«P  Mi 

^nbtttiect  bcv  Abe  M«^b.an4  (€»f>vdww  ^  fk»  ^(n^Pnr>  :»p4 

lifW  of  a^  flflKkfowtff  ^f^.fMifni^rUin^t  infti^^  ^9^  |bfW 
4iw  «Ui{yw40g  ^  :^«|bftfit/'  of  1^  h9rd  f^Kfift^px*  m»  ^h- 
lei  l^itb  CDvatefBotiio*  and  i«scaitmeoit,  oa  ifiadiBg  a  «mifti:M# 
•0  ]fet|il  ite  itb^ur  ADtesMt^  confilmfld  etfid  adQjited  j)/  iUie^ 
jilMremg^  i>a  iat  :si»slmBtlk.ion*  Tbtiy  isodipiatD^d  «f.  ^ 
J^MiMk^  idjui  i^jttstko  ,«f  f«t^rj«g  their  eotloxmvfiti  ;vi% 
such  arbitrary  restraiDts,  and  deprecated  tiw  riua  t» 
iKbit^  ^y  ^vouVd  t>e  fii^gmeA  b^  tk0  |0pfiiatkka  cf  ihe 


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ri  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  in.  double  monopoly  of  iinpcnt  and  export,  claimed  by  Great 
im.  Britain*  But  these  complaints  were  unavailing.  The  oV 
jects  coiltended  for  were  of  two  much  importance  to  be 
abandoned;  nor  wi^  it  reasonable  to  expect,  that  the  pa-^ 
rent  dtate,  in  compliance  with  the  wayward  whims  and 
sims(ter  dedres  of  sel6sh  individuals,  or  from  a  regard  to 
the  petty  interests  of  the  colonies,  should  consent  to* relink 
i[{utsh  the  solid  and  permanent  advtotages  of  an  iexcludv<^ 
icominerce  with  her  West  Indian  settlements. 
1662.  «  From  reflecting  on  this  calamity,  the  Barbadians  #er* 
soon  called  to  die  Contemplation  of  new  and  grater  itte; 
The  miiids  of  the  planters  were  iat  this  time  perplexed  Wnd 
agitated  with  doubts  tespecting  the  legality  of  the  (enured 
by  which  they  held  their  estates;  Lord  Willoughby,  whos^ 
lease  from  tbe^E^  of  C^ilfele  had  eight  0^  wirie  years' y^t 
to  run,  applied  to  the  itihg  for  a  renewal  Of -his  «otilimsL 
sion  as  governor  of  Barbadoes,  intending  to  rfetiim  to  the* 
island,  for  the  pttrpose  of  enfordinfg  his  claitti^^tiilder  the  prdt 
prietary  grant.  As  his  lordship^s  vifews  in'making  this^  ap* 
plication  w^re  gencfafly  ikftoWn,:  the  plftrtteirs  saw  v€¥^ 
clearly  that  they  were  regarded  by  these  powerful  noblehSeA 
us  mere  tenants  at  will.  This  opinion  seems  to  have  1t)^eik* 
entertained  by  the  great  Lord  Ciarwidon  himself,-:  wbft 
affirms,  that  ^  these  adventurers  liad;  dmring  the  eivilfwats^ 
planted,  without ^any  body's  leave,  and  Hwithdut^oppositioA 
or  contradiction.'*  .      :.  ;    :    :k 

Nor  were  the  planters  theflw^^es^  free  frorai  a}ip#eh4*  • 


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OF  BARfiADOES.  19 

sions  of  thii?  sort,  as  is  evident  frqm  the  precautions  which  chap.  Uk 
were  taken,  at  different  time^  to  S;tre^then  and  confirni  ^^^ 
Iheir  titles.  Under  the  administration  of  Mr*  Be)l,  an  act 
had  been  passed  for  settling  the  estates  and ;  titles ,  of  th0 
inhalpitaiits  of  this  jslandf  to  their  possessions  in  their  plant- 
ations. And,  again,  fiv?  year?  aftejwards,  another  law  was 
enac^d,  with  this  title,  ^^  An  act  iipporting  the  customs  im^ 
posed  and  .granted  by  the  council  9ru4  assembly  to  the  Rigbt 
Honourable  Francis  J^ord  ^  Ayilloughby,  lord  lieutenant* 
general  pf  the  pifovic^e  of  Carliols^  and  gpvemoc  <?f  BajF-r 
b^does;  a^  also  hislord^h^'a..<^firiQatiio(i  of  the  rights  of 
the  people  of  this  island  to  their  several  estates^,  with  the 
fmure  and  rent  thereon  created*  J' 

,  But,  from  the  calamitous  »/^  in  whtch  the  former  of  th^9 
)aws  was  passed,  and  the  peculiar  circumstances  which  ac« 
companied  the  passing  of  the  kUter,^  th^ir  validky  might 
Jbave  been  disputable.  It  might  have  beei^  uisisted,  that 
these  acts^  had  not  b^a  sanctioned^  i^mt  confirmed,  by 
legal  authority.  To  remove,  all  doubt  on.  a  point  sa  inter^ 
^sting  to  themselves  and  their  posterity^  the  inhabitants 
appealed  ta  the  King,  humbly  beseeching  his  Mt^esty  tp 
take  the  colony  under  his  immediate  prof^tipn.  They 
stated,  that  as  subjects  o^  Great  Britain, they  h^d.  repaired 
to  Barbadoes,  which  they  foond  desolate  $mdupf;ultivated; 


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dl^ltiiifiia '%&»b  M^aab  of  i«hd«H«g  life  «6&forM^I>}e,  WhM 

Eii^i^d ;  bitt  bdd  iklsdl^ouglft  il  ti»  a  <^iak  idf  btiHivatiotl 

p«ii«UwKte  t»  lift  tabthetr  toautitry,  oift  a^^outiv  •  ot  Ite  pi«d4ie* 

^wik.  If  tlf!^  mis».ktfn  ^4  thejr  ^^tid^  j^  im^dt^  ihnsm* 
s^iwsi,  AtiA  d«mpoii:bi  for  ttidr  «i«ales»  MCh^  thbn  sttl^Wit 
tft  ihe  Jtai)^idi9itibttb  ^tiid  :«j(<«dtti>fts  bf  the  proprietory,  they 
i^ttld  te  «dm^ene4  «&  ilAifhd6U  %kd  seftil&ffi^ift;  <^dv  bi* 
oOdrt^  tli«  Iri^Maifi^  Wo»)d  4)6  kl^foyed^  to  tlie  Afttiilbst 
injury  of  his  Majesty's  revenue.  Thfe  giUftt  to  the  ©art  of 
Cadlsle,  they:ia»i&fe(d,  ttaii  4bid«ii  ^tmptitidia^ly  *dbmifled, 
tmd^r  A  pfdCi^ifde^  ^(ii)«drl6ii»ly  ^fee,  that  tike  inland  htsui 
bdeita  %^%)ed  ^  liis  ^wA  c^t  and  W^^d ;  %hbl>&aft  they  hkd, 
ih  Iftieti  tostJiiilM  (ihfe  ^^^Ife  tv^hfc  of  ^k^cydir  i^d  ^acp^frc6 
hf  eAl^Hshibg  liMi  celk^y>  %ilhotit  diy  iasfsii^ftfice  Wfaat6v^ 
fhjiftthto  i>M«b»e;  tlj^ycfotteliid^  With  ptetopttsihg,  thai 
hUls  Mkj^ty  ^biM  pmkt  thi^fai  tb  cbui^feiltce  a  suit,  ift 
^stibme,  hxil  kt  Ib^  ^Wh  i^^hde,  in  tbft  Court  df  E&.. 
4Bh^4uer«  tb  Itftt  is^&t  ^^  ^ttUt  ^ade  lb  Ihe  Ealrl  of  O^HsIe; 
dr  %h«{t1ie  #^atd  h«iittile  Ihb  sov^i^ght^  of  ^  island,  amd 
l^ffeiftle  ^Ittiitittntd^,  iinidi^  Ithdt  grafit,  ib  seek'Aiteilr  tt!i»edy 
against  the  planters  by  due  course  of  law*.    These  propp- 

*  Mem.  of  BMb.  ^-SO,   €«riUieill»,  'nL'2.ifttL^A.    Bd««i«s'8  Hist  of  the 
VTett  ladies,  toL  I.  p.  332. 


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OFMRBAJyOtS.  Bi 

nlB^wem  fiEiir  and  teesouabla;  but  thfc  king»  imwUUfig;t6  ^^l^^^* 
ict  porecipitarteryy  or  unadvisedly  in  ai  case  of  lo  much  man  '^^ 
nwnt^  detennincd  tin  tefer  tbe  matter  to  the  comideratioti 
oi  a  cotnniittee  of  the  londs  of  the  privy  council. 
-  Upon  a  full  and  candid  investigation  6f  the  claims  and 
allegations  of  the  opposite  parties  it  appeared,  that  the 
Earl  of  Carlisle's  patent  bad  been  obtained  by  a  misrepre^ 
jientation  of  fects,  and  was,  therefore,  pronounced  to  b^ 
null  and  void ;  and,  in  order  to  quiet  the  miilds  of  the  peo<« 
pie,  and  secure  th^ni  in  thb  possession  of  their  estates,  the 
lords  of  the  council  advised  his  Maje$ty  to  revoke  tiiier 
grant. '  But;  the  king  declared  his  resolution  of  receiving 
no  emolument  from  it  until  all  claims,  affecting  the  pro- 
perty in  dispute,  dmuld  be  satisfied ;  and  that  he  would 
make  no  other  use  of  annulling  the  charter  than  to  daspbse 
of  the  j^^rofits  df  the  plantation  to  those  who,  in  lnw  and 
equity,  were  entitled  to  receive  them*. 

The  Earl  of  Garlisle,  dying  la  the  interim,  bequeathed 
hb  property  in  the  West  Indies  to  h}s  kinsman,  (fie  Eerl  of 
Kinnoul ;  and  his  creditors  b^Might  forWatxl  demabds  t»  the 
amount  of  eighty  thousand  pounds,  which  could  only  be 
paid  by  the  profits  arising  from  those  distant  possessions. 
Thefaeirtof  the  Karl  of  Mdirtbck-ough,  as  has  been  already 
sicstiteed,  were  eMitled  to  iEtpeifpetu^l  annuity  from  the  satne 
qutiiter,  on  which  no  incofasiderkble  arrears'  were  due.  Lord 


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0!^  THE' HISTORY 

CH^JTO  Wnipugbbj  demanded  one  moiety  of  the  profits  vbicli 
^^^r  should  accrue  dnring  the  unexpired  terni  <>f  bi^  lease;  and 
the  other  moiety  was  claimed  by  Lord  Kionoul,  who  iNttur 
rally  expected  an  equivalent  for  t^Iinqwshing  his  Tight  to 
flie  whole' in  reversion.  To  satisfy  th^ecl^imSs  and  to  in- 
duce the  King  to  assume  the.  wtire  soycr^jgnty  of  the 
island,  it  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Kendall,  on  the  part  of  t|f^ 
Barbadians,  to  lay  an  internal  duty  of  four  ^nd  a  half  pet^ 
cent,  on  all  counmodities  of  the  native  grpwth  and  produce 
of  .the  country,  on  exportation  J  which  it  was  suppose^ 
would  raise  an  amplQ  fund  for  the  support  of  the  colonial 
government,  and  leave  a  large  surplus  to  be  disposed  of  at 
th^  Kipg's  pleasure.  Charles,  who  was  never  able  to  recqn- 
ciJe  himself  to  an  entire  dependance  on  a  parliamont  but 
little  incliaed  to  indulge  his  extravagant  diaposition,  re- 
ceived the  proposal  with  unaffected  satisfaction,  il^nd  4lie 
first  care  of  the  committee,  according  to  Lord  Chaxicellpc: 
Clarendon,  Hvho' assisted  ou  the  occasion,  was  to  ascertain,  as^ 
sy^^ly  as  possible,  the  probable  amount  of  the  retemie  jbhaft 
might  be  raised  by; this  inapost.  .    ; 

But  when  the  planters  of  ^arbadoes,  resident  in: £iig-( 
lajid^  were  called  upon  to  confirnathe  propc^al^  th.ey  pc? 
reroptorily  refused  tq  xnakeasjy  specific  agrdenient;iiisia^ 
ing,  that  Mr.  Kendall ,  was  not  ^uthorii^ed  to  enter  into  aajr, 
^uch  engagement  for  them,  or  the  other  inhabitants  of  the 
island.     They  declared  that  the  island  was  unable  to  bear 

the  weight  of  so  heavy  an  impost;  whidr,  they  calculated, 
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OF  KARBADOES.  83 

woiild  aihount  to  th^  eiioi'moUs  suai  of  tfeh  thousand  pounds  ^^'S^llLl"* 
aiiiiuajiy  rana  lirdiild  operate  as  a  perpetual  rent  charge  of      *^^^ 
at   least  ten  per  cent   on  the   pfofiM  of  .  their  *  planta* 
tioiis;    Wiet^  anjr  settlement;  they  said,  to  I 
coiild  be  doti^  only  by  ah  act  of  the  colonial 
who  alone,  they  contended,  were  competent! 
A  question  o£  so  much  importance,  and .  to  ais 
to  te  granted*    They,   however,  agreed  to  use  their. en- 
deavours to  prevail  on  their  friends  in  Barbado^sito  iconseiqt 
to  such  a  plan  of  raising  a  revenue  for  the .  use  oJF  the 
crown  as  should  appear  to  them  consistent  with ,  the  piibUb 
service,  and  the  real  circumstances  of  th6  country.    ^  .    | 
To  accomplish  this  desirable  object.  Lord  Willoughby  Iwas 
ordered  instantly  to  repair  to  Barbadoes,  and  ^  endeavour  tp 
obtain  from  the  assembly  such  an  impost  on! their  natlire 
commodities  as  ^^^  should  be  reasonable,  in  consideration  of     i      ^ 
the  great  benefits  they  would  enjoy  in  being  continued,  in  th^ 
possession  of  their  plantations,  of  which, ,  as  :yet,  theyi  z^erc 
but'tencekts  at  wiU*/'    It  was  agreed  by  the  Lor^di  o£  the 
cpminittee,  that  this  fund  should  be  ^applied  towards  pmi' 
<viding.  a  sufficient  compensation  to  the  Earl  of  JCimioul, 
for  surrendering  his  right .  to  the  Carlisle  Xlhartec ;  lahd;.  t^ 
.provide  for  discharging  the  Earl  of  MariBorou^h|s  aihntmtjv. 
One  moiety  of  the  surplus  was  directed  to  be.paidLtoXond 

,   •  .'      .  '-  .\   i  \  .  ^1   ')  i 


*  Caribl>ea9a>  vol.  2,  pref.  p.  x\l 
M  2 


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8*^  THE  HISTORY 

*?>vi**  ^'^^*^^**y»  ^  *^  reiwajtnder  of  hit  lease.;  &e  oih«r 
1403V  'D^oiety  to  be  paid  to  th»  pvedhatB  of  Lord  Carlisle^  watA ' 
the  expiration  of  Lord  Wiiloughby's  oonttact  ;*  vhea,  after 
proiridiAg  for  tiie  payment  of  a  calory  of  tntirc  tiuodred 
jpouiidg  a  year  to  tbe  futane  gotenaor  of  Barbadoes,  tho 
«»>editorftof  Hhe  Earl  «f  Caiitfil^  i««rfr  to  receive  ih&euiam 
t^alance  un^i  -their  '^eiqandir  were  oonqAetely  Uep&iedbfid* 
With'tbibamuigevient  all  parties  -vere  ^)erfecUy  setutfied. 
The  pjioprieiaTy  governmebt  was  acdordiiigly  diisMlired;'  and 
the  sbveveignfy  of  the  i^nd  annexed  to  idie  Droirn.'  Lbi^ 
WiAloiighby  Koon  a£ber  receiired  the^Kuag's  comnUs^i/cm,  ap** 
pointing  ham' captajb^^eaeral,  and  governor '  of  Barbaidoe* 
auad  aff  iUie  £ngli«h  Caribbee  jls/Iandft,  Ibt  the  tienui^of  siix^ea 
^Ms,  liesexvibg tobn'MbjealtyattegatiTle oh airfttttineiicts 
vf  Ihe  i^&latnre.  -^  .      "    •'   '  -: 

Aug-  It-  iKftd  WaUottghi»y  Ibond  the  people  t>f  i^drbaidbcft^^Hi  lib. 
tie  triKsposed  to  concair  dn  a  propbsitibn;  £(y^#lMlch  ith^y>tvfire 
retfttired,  ifi  ^ieirx>«Baccept8tion'b:^the.jmeB^u«/'tto'4M^ 
«diain8  fiDrifaeoisehrcis  and  tiaeir  Jatett  pbsterity^  s  ^Thasevwho 
•had  cu'ffiared  in  their  persons  or  ifdrtuaes,'  &il  tlHirteittBidi*> 
JneMtitolfae  faoaily  on  the  IhiJabe^  6cmibl<te^ ^It  <as ' W  iiiv* 
^atefiftl  letasn  jfbr  i^ieir  fidelity^  aiid  seMc^ }  abdvthttse  <c£ 
^orppwBlc  f>dittoal  ponciipfkB,  ite|>naBtel(Bd  tine  |>n}po8ed^  taf 
JIB  iUi  lucbctraiy  atid>o{3f»ea)keimpOMi(aoil  which  UMaght  to 
be  resisted. '  The  ^murmurs  anrd  objections  df  the  people, 
however,  were  as  fruitless  and  utnayailing  as  they  were  rea- 
sonable and  just    'OoVetnoi^nt  had,' 'in  fslct,  gon6  too  far 


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Of.BAfiaM>OS$;  09 

taredede..  "Kij  pctjeot  of  *  perpe(t»^  wvciliu5,  tfeoug^  ^S^J^'* 

)oiig)d>j.ftniin^i.was  too  deeplly  jj^  eT«ofc 

^KteoQi t lin' eKertfidm  icMr  aeciiriqg  ^i 
«f  Hke  ^^lUua.:  Id  Ip  ^l  I5»r  itttaiiiuxi^ 
lii  npiiBioo  lie  ^e^ected  to  oafl  a 
8«lMi4t^  ^s  popposals  ,tQ  tdie  one  -vk 
bgr  /Mrtiigi  ^  iririts  issued  ttoder  (the  ; 
K'O  aiti  of  pcnuaoipa  w<re  spared 
ia)«qkbMi  vkoas  ^OttCw^Dce;  qpuid  b 
itieiiticr  doftreatj;  in«r  wtxe  menaxtet;  omitted  to  in^^uejace 
amch  as  might  ^  awed  into  a  •iXMbpiianc'e  hj  lihe  frown  of 
.:powfiv     Sudi  meaos  coUld^  1^%  lail  -fff  f^od  vicing^  their 
-wonted' effect i  and  the  assembly^ •a.fter  «mch  hesitaii^) 


"^iHhy,  hik  lordship  had -recourse  to  a  measttre  as  crud  and 
^n^uit,  is  ^  Vras  *  iilegal  and  imcom^tutionad.    He  eansed 


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^^    y^y^<^  Sng^A^  <i$%  ^s&M  ^nMtidti  ittkitireimiendmg  ibAt. 

<»uld''b^  bl^ght^i«i«l»^  t)ettlsr4»ui|!ier.  ^  il%fis;iiTbitrarj^  step 
tK^«^a^}jr4ri|;i»0C)Cis  ^aiul  ut^i^tcfiabte.,  •  Had  Famtte  bs^eui 
aisttndijf '  ginlt^  <tf  :}the  iximio*  iutpviteiihito't  kkml  hei  /6ii^  dni 
la^eiiieen.'  tned>dabis4nniracniixtr^,i!bj,a]jiic)^iQf  Idiipteks^ 

noctaDosp  aixtcbcxpoae  ];)im^o  «htriAld»q£»«im  uoknoTui  tfi* 
bunal,  \rai  contrary  jk)  dvm^  piinoiple  .^  crimio^l  jufk[H!Hrt 
dence ; .  it  was,  id  &ct»  to .  cood^asiQ  him  unbeatrd*  aoid  jtp 
■piuii»h  him  feefote  conviclaeiv.  '  j    :.       .      ..       .;   { 

Farmer,  on  his  arriy^l  ii3^  ^QgUnd,  wa«  earned  .b«&H^ 
the  king  in  jcouncil,  where  he  assorted  the  rights  of  an  Eng* 
Jidhman  with  manly. freedom.  Hft-.c^nti^^^d  that  hi;  cop| 
d«ct  had  been.  ^ric^Iy  lojal  andcpn^tutjopa^;  and  tbsy^ 
-f^jBi  Brijbish  su.bjc(;t,,  be.was  warranted  ,i^,  .^PPP^iqg.  fmj 
measure  jnimical. to  the  interests  of  hh  cpi)i)^y.  ;  W^hfff>t 
ever. truth  there ^wght  .h[aye  be^sf  ^  the^g.^ej^op^, ^,^jf 
ffu^te  |bap;pipl)a^^  that  ]V]rr.F^fn^  j)C^;(:^  nf^t^^ilh.^t 
modesty  apd  decorum  whiqh  were  proper,  upon  sucb  99  ocf 
siQs.;  since  so  great  aivd  food,  a.  manias  the  Earl  of  Clare^ 
don  declare4» '  ^^^  hj^.'  hc^Y'^^ur.waSiijcisc^ept  f^n^  presunipr 
tuotts ;  ^i^fl'^hia-^heottglittp;.  be  ^cojxui)ilttefi.t|i)ttl  Jie.  cqi)]/^ 
be  sent  back  to  Barbadp^s  to  be  proceeded -againsf  in  thp 
colonial  crinui;ial  court.  He  was  accordingly  reinan4€d  Uf 
prison ;  i»>r  (id  be i^aio  bis  iiber^jr  till^ s^ft^^ ja .  1^ 
tedious  confinement. 


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Notwithstanding  Ihepm^iQUSrftnwigMQf^  ««d^.>jr  ^JJAJ^V^ 
th^ .]ord9:Qf  tb^  privy  conncU,  it  ia  eTideot,  from  tiie  wei3cl«.^     ^^^' 
th^  statute,  that  the  representativet-  of  ithe  peo^  conld  not 
be  preYatled.upeo  to  bttfthenr  tfadr  constitaenta /with:  the 
pajmeatof  i&  heavy  an  imp(»t»  1^  t^pwrposeai^bi^i^^ 
mentioned;    Their ^vi^ws  were  very  diffevelM  frem;  tjipsei/of 
the  British  mimstfy,  and  are  best  explained-  by  tfajomiidves 
intbe preambte^to the dause  by  wMeh  the  iduty-  wfo  iKu- 
posed.    It  is  there  expressly  declared,  that  f*-  fonsnntdi  as 
nothing  condncethinore  tothe  peace  aikd  pwMperityfof  tirtiy 
place,  and  the  protection  of  erei^y  person' therein;- thtun 'that 
the  public  revenue  tbereoT  may  be,  hi'«ttaae  nattasure/pr^ 
portioned  to  the  pablie^chiBirged:  atfd'  expeficeis;  <aiid  <alBo 
well  Weighing  tlie  grbat  eharget^  that  there  nVoait  be  of  ne- 
cessity in  maintaining  the  dignity  and  honofu*  of  iis  Majes* 
ty's  eutiiority  here ;  the  public  meeting-  of  t^e-sessidnir ;  the 
ofteh  attendance  of  the  cottncil;  iAie  repaititidh  of 'the  forts; 
the  biiilding  of  a  se^ohs-houseand  ^son  i  and'aR  othet 
charges  inctimbent  on  the  government  t  we  do*,-  in  CCtisider^ 
ation  thereof,  giveand  grant  unto  his  Majesty,   his  4ieirs, 
and  ^ticcessoi^,  upon  all  dead  cotkim'odities  thiit  sb^lf  be 
shipfied  olF  the  same,  four  and'  a'  half, '  in  specie,  fdt'  eveify 
•fifeiJcore*.*' •■'■■-      ''    •     ■■-■■'■-'■■"  'J  -  -  -  ■  -  ■;•/'•.,.,■•..••■. 

This  enormous  duty  on '  the'  prbduce  6f  'tlib  country  has 

1 


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i 


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^HAlP.  At  b«ett  geneiAttj  egmAemaod  by  evdvy  hifttoriaii  vfho  has 
'    1^-     tteated'Cf  4>m  cdloaiA];  epBCftrns ;  and  from  its  fir^t  im(K)4)< 
4kn]tothe|XKii^nt  nilofiieDU  it.  J»f^^^^  bec^  a  favouiritp 
th^me  of  dteclatofclion  with)  *U  West  Indian  patpriots.    To 
ftodioritie^so  respectable  ihe  utmost  defei^ace, ,  and  sub- 
Minion  are  cert»i6)jr  d«e.    B^t  difierent ;  men  will  some- 
'  times  riew  th*  sanle.  object  tbrpiigh  different  mediums. 
The  imdeTStaBdirig  jls  often  darJtened  by  partiality,  prpjw- 
dice,  or  miseonceptioii ;  and  it  «eldonj,  happens  that  men 
irili, -or  indeed  ci^.  Cjftlmly  and  dispassionately  examine 
both  sides  of  a  Question  whiph  involves  thoir  interest,,  when 
•    ^e  result  may  prove  ^isagreealjle  or  injurious.    In  such 
',     4»ijes,it  becomes  the  duty  of  the  candid  historical  inqi^irer, 
to  Anpd  the  mtsl4  of  prejudice,  and,  by  a  faithful  nar- 
CBtion  oi  factsy  enable  the  unbiassed  mind  to  form  aright 
indgment.    And  now,   when  after  repeated  unsuccessful 
endeavours  to  obtain  the  xepeal  of  this  odious  tax,  thir^ 
pltrnteor  i^  precluded  froni  every  hope  of  relief  from  the 
I^Hing  ch^Uy  the  aa^hor  presumes^  that  he  shall  escapp 
^0  imputation  of  betraying  the  interests  of  his  native 
coiiAtiy,  if)  in  expressing  his  own  -sentiments  on  this  mor 
inentous  subject,  he  should  8u^^;est  a  few  considerations 
which  may  induce  the  Barbadian  reader  to  submit,  wit}i 
patience,  to  the  load  which  he  is  lu^able  to  ^remove. 

According  to  the  laws  and  usage  of  all  civilized  nations, 
ihe  soil,  in  every  newly  discovered,  or  conquered  cbunfryy 
becomes  the  propeAy  «f  ikib  IkMlttigB  ify  whose  subjects 


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the  disciovefy,  or*cOiifq«e»t  wjm  iwiijbri'<Mafccl  he  Uj^s  an  indo-  ^.JJ^i^^JJ: 
bitaUe  right  to  grant  oc  dispose  of  the  kud;  thi|ft  Jicquii^ed*  ^^^^ 
on  what  tenns  apd  conditMins  he  thinka  proper*  JPrnauqajLt 
to  this  ri^lit,  Charles  I.  granted  the  i&hiad  <>f  Barbadoes 
to  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,^  vfho  thence, became  entitled  taaa 
absolute  dottiinim),  ai  proprietor  ov^r  the  soil ;  .to  be  dis* 
posed'of  in  like  manner^  as  he  should  find  most  can\sem* 
ent  or  advantageous.  If  welookinta  the  preamble  of  tbe 
act,  whece  alone  we  can  expect  to  find  the  reasons  which 
induced  the  legislature  to  consent  to  lay  such  an  extraordi* 
nary  impost  on  the  produce  of  their  estates,  we  shall  soon 
perceive  that,  "  by  virtue  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle's  patent, 
divers  governors  and  agents,  properly  authorized  lor  that 
purpose^  had  laid  out,  granted,  or  conveyed  in  parcels,  the 
lands  in  this  island  to  different  persons  many  of  whom  had 
lost  their  grants^  warrants j  and  other  evidences  of  their  titles; 
others,  from  the  ignorance  of  the  times,  wanted  sufficient 
words  to  freate  an  inheritable  right  to  their  estates ;  others 
had  never  recorded  their  warrants  or  grants;  and  othersy 
again,  never  had  any  warriants  or  grants  to  record,  for  the 
lands  which  they  occupied*." 

To  supply  th6se  defects  it  was  enacted,  "  that  all  rigthful 
possessors  of  lands,  tenements,  or  hereditaments,  within 
the  island,'^*  should  be  confirmed  in  the  full  and  peaceable 


«  HMb  Laws  of  Barb.  p.  5& 


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$0  .      THE  HISTORY 

^ii^^^^'  enjoymentf  of  their  several  estates ;  and  that  they  should  be 
^^  released  from  the  annual  capitation  tribute  of  forty  pounds 
of  cotton,  to  which  they  had  been  hitherto*  subject;  and 
aU  other  duties^  rents^  or  arrears  of  rents  to  which  they 
were  liable.  Hence  the  act  appears  in  the  light  of  a  coiv-f 
tract  betweea  the  King  and  the  people ;  by  which,  in  con* 
sideration  of  his  Majesty's  having  confirmed  their  doubtful 
and  uncertain  titles  to  their  plantations,  and  released  thenx 
ftom  the  payment  of  other  accustomed  duties,  they  agree 
to  raise  ^  p^pet\xa\  xeyenue  itppiicahicy  however^  to  the  ma- 
ternal espenees  (^  gofverrtmenf.  •  The  ooAy  veaacxnabde  grotradi 
q£  coAipJiaiQt,  therefoxe,.  isr  to  the  nnsacppKcation  of  this 
fimd  ;  no  pttrt  cf  which  has^  been  a-pprophated  to  thernsefi^ 
for  wlbdii  it  was^  grantfed,  except  the  sum  oi  two  thomondr 
potinda»  sterling,!  ainn£n(Uy  paid  to  the  governor  as  m  salary 
ftomtke^  cro(\yn;  aa^d  one  Imadred  pmtnds  curreiiey,  di^ 
Mete«l  to  be  j>cud„  eveiy  six  Haosrtha,.  otcti  of  tlw  KingVca*- 
mxad  levetme,  ariaing  within:  tlie  ialaiftd,  foe  defiraQ^cng  tb® 
*  expenees  attendong  the  Comft  of  Grand  Sessions.  Tliis  nrasO 
ever  be  c«i9id«rcd  as  a  flagrant  violation  of  the  engagement 
entered  into  on  the  part  of  the  ctt>wn. 
1661..  The^  conmwrciali  rivalry   jwid  national  jealoipsy  which, 

at  this  juncture,  subsistisd  between  Great  Brieain«  and  the 
Unrated  Provinces^  had  m  inflamed  tlie  rMiiinds.  of  Uie  £ng« 
hsh  against  their  old  allies  the  Dutch,^  that  CharksJl^was 
forced,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  his  people,  to  de- 
clare war  against  those  friends  who  had  hospitably  enter- 

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1 


OF  BABBADOES-  91 

tained  him  in  the  hour  of  dwtress.  The  States  General,  ^^^^^ 
sensible  of  the  value  of  Barbadoes,  delayed  not  to  dis-  **^*- 
patch  a  squadron,  commanded  by  the  celebrated  Do  Ruy- 
tef,  with  a  view  of  subduing  the  isjand.  But  Lord  Wil- 
Jpughby,  having  taken  the  field  at  the  head  of  the  militia, 
mad^  such  a  judicious  vrangement  of  the  forces  under  his 
directions  that  the  gallant  admiral,  after  an  ineffectuaL  at- 
tempt  on  the  forts  which  guarded  Carlisle  Bay,  abandoned 
the  entprprizc*. 

Notwithstanding  the  florid  declamations  of  modern,  par- 
simonious politicians,  concerning  the  inutility  of  the  militia, 
afld  thq  ^^p^nce  of  maintaining  the  fortifications,  we  have 
here  ^  sQirqnd  instance,. in  the  short  space  of  thirteen  years, 
of  the  u^^fulnesa  of  those  forts,  which  it  is  now  the  fashion 
to  decry ;  and  of  the  real  importance  of  a  well-regulated 
militia.  And»  although,  oin  the  former  memorable  occa- 
^pn,  U>e  spirited  resistt^nci^  of  the  militia  was  not  crowned 
with  suceft$»^  it  should  be  remembered,  that  the  failure 
wa?  n?or^  owing  to  the  intrigues  and  dissentiohs  of  a  sinister 
p^r^  wi^hip*  than  to  the  snperior.strength  of  the  adversary 
who  assailed  them  from  without. 

JjQV^  WyiQUgfeby  doon  rasobred  to  retnrq  this  visit ;  and      1666. 
gi^pordtipg^y  prepaiFcd  an  expedition  for  the  purpose  of  tak- 
iPg  vepgOftniUQ  Oft  Ae  enemies  of  his  country.    The  French 


*  Hume's  Hist,  of  England,  vol.  7,  p.  4Q9.    XJwv^  ^igL  voL  41,  p.  148. 

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92  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  ni.  about  this  time  had  committed  frequent  depredations  on  the 
10&6.  British  Caribbec  Islands.  They  liad  dispossessed  the  Eng- 
lish of  tlie  small  colony  of  the  Saints,  carrying  the  settlei-s 
prisoners  to  Guadaloupe;  and,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Dutch,  had  expelled  them  from  their  plantations  io  Saint 
Christopher's.  These  outrages,  committed  within  his  go- 
vernment, determined  Lord  AVilloughby  to  go,  in  person, 
and  chastise  the  aggressors.  With  this  view  he  resigned  the 
government  of  Barbadoes  into  the  hands  of  Henry  AVil- 
loughby,  Henry  Hawley,  and  Samuel  Barwick,  whom  his 
AJajesty  had  appointed  joint  commissioners  to  execute  the 
office  of  commander  in  chief,  in  his  lordship's  absence.  The 
£rst  attack  was  made  on  Saint  Lucia,  the  English  inhabi- 
tants of  wliich,  reduced  by  various  casualties  to  eighty- 
nine  persons,  liad  been  forced  to  evacuate  their  settlement; 
nevertheless.  Lord  Willoughby  took  possession  of  the  island 
in  the  name  of  hi&  Britannic  Majesty.  He  then  proceeded 
to  the  small  islands  of  the  Saints,  which  having  retaken, 
he  sailed  for  Saint  Christopher's ;  but,  encountering  a  hur- 
ricane, he  perished  at  sea  in  the  streight  between  Guada«* 
loupe  and  the  Saints*. 

Notwithstanding  the  prejudices  entertained  against  this 
nobleman,  for  the  active  part  taken  by  him  in  procuring  the 
settlement  of  an  internal  revenue  on  the  crown,  except  the 
severity  and  illegality  of  his  proceedings  against  the  patriotic 


•  Unirer.  Hiit.  toL  41.  if.  218  and  257. 

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of  BARBADOES.  gS 

Mr.  Farmer,  it  must  be  confessed,  that  his  conduct  was  chap,  hl 
prudent,  mild  and  equitable.  Throughout  the  whole  of  ^*^r 
his  administration,  Lord  Willoughby  manifested  the  warm- 
est zeal  for  the  security  of  the  island,  and  the  most  sedu« 
)ous  attention  to  the  administration  of  justice.  Many  or- 
dinances, were  framed  by  him  and  his  councils  for  regulating 
the  courts  of  law  and  equity.  One  of  these,  for  re- 
ducing the  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  to  two  precincts, 
seems  to  have  occasioned  some  dissatisfaction;  but,  the 
people  no  sooner  remonstrated  against  the  innovation,  than 
his  excellency  rescinded  the  ordinance,  and  again  di- 
vided the  island  into  four  precincts;  appointing,  however, 
but  two  judges ;  one  of  whom,  with  his  assistants,  was 
empowered  to  preside  in  the  courts  at  Bridge  Town  and 
Oistin's*;  and  the  jurisdiction  of  the  other  extended  equally 
to  Speight's  and  James  Town. 

These  ordinances  having  been  made  without  the  partici- 
pation or  ccmcurrence  of  the  representatives  of  the  people, 
we  are  left  to  conjecture,  that  Lord  Willoughby,  after  pre- 
vailing with  the  assembly  to  shackle  their  constituents  with 
the  four  and  half  per  cent  duty,  had  neglected  to  convene 
that  branch  of  the  legislature  as  long  as  he  could  do  with- 
out them.     But  finding  their  assistance  necessary  to  grant 


*  This  town  was  originally  called  Austin's,  not  in  commemoration  of  the  saint  of 
that  name,  hat  of  a  wild,  drunken  fellow^  whose  lewd^dissijpated  conduct  has  damned  . 
\km  to  iMftostiiigfam^  Lxtson's  Bia^.  p.  2^ 


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^94  THE  iSSTQRV 

CHAP.  ui.  gupplies  for  the  public  service,  he  summooecj  a  naeetihg  of 
im.  p^Q  General  Aspembly^  ea^ly  ia.t;Uie  present  year,  wl^en  they 
pgjssed  ap  act  for  cojiecting  i^ve  hupdr^d  thousand  pounds 
of  .3ijgar,  to  Aetfay  tl^  expeojce  of  fortifying  th«  island. 
Thus,  in  little  more  U?a^  two  ye^i^,  jthe  ji^ftsk  was  tbroiva 
.aside :  and  the  repres^eotative^  of  jtlje  people  hwi  scarcely 
revetted  tjie  chaii)  bcfpr^  thpy  ^ere  qalled  upon  to  impose 
fresh  bnrthpns  on  their  copstitpents^  tp  gn^swer  onie  of  the 
very  purpQs^es  for  wjych  the  fornier  he^vy  duty  had  been 
expressly.  ypjLed. 
1^67.  WJiile  the  jexecutive  power  w^s  giioftinistered  by  commissi 

/sipners,  a  yery  nqce?sary  i^ij4  wefiiil  work  \f»8  undertaken* 
In  every  coqam^nity  it  is  pf  the  highest  importanee  that 
^he  laws,  fi^bich  are  prescribecj  a?  rul^  of  p\y'i\  i^^d^cU 
shpyld  be  accurately  dc^fined  afu|  flujy  pfpipu)gated# 
that  the  people,  who  are  boun4  to  obey  iheio^  may  h»  ftp^ 
ppaed  pf  vl^^t  th/ej  axe  ^joii^ed  to  pprforrot  or  what  they 
are  prohibited  frpn^  dping.  Tfeflse  of  BarbwJpss  are  be-r 
cpRje  extrenwely  vplv^IniI)p^§  ;  many  of  thp  original  record* 
^^a4  been  de^oye^  by  various  acqidmts:  and,  in  thp  seve* 
^^1  ypyjojlptiom  e^  gpv^mm^nt  which  the  island  had  expe^ 
ri^n^ed,  iftapy  pu)3l^  fi^cis  were  rendered,  at  leaat  of  dn^ 
^oxi^  jtytljority-  It  bf^fraiike  neoess^y,  therefore,  to  col- 
lect and  arrange  them,  in  order  to  separate  those  that  were 
valid  and  beneficial,  from  those  that  were  obsolete,  void, 
or  no  longer  useful.  Comniissipners  were  accordingly  j^p- 
poy^ted.  Ipy  ^  act  of  the  legislature,  with  iUreckiooa  'ta 


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of  BAHBADOES,  ^5 

ftf^igW  aridi  eoiapite  iA\  the*  laws  and  statutes  theii  in  force.  *^,^^^^;^  . 
Protie^ding  on  th^ir  task  with  becottiing  diligence  and  as--      '**®^' 
giduitj'^  ^6^  soon  accomplished  the  business*;  and,  having 
feitly  transcribed  all  those'  which  Werd  thought  worthy  of 
Reservation,  the  c<Mttn4issidn6rs  rejiorted  them  as  laws  pro- 
pfer  to*  be  obsfetved. 

But  they  cduM  #ot  let  fliis  of^i^tu-nity  j^ass  without  malk- 
ing  oncJ  feeble  effort  lb  relieve  their  country  fVoni  the  but'-' 
Iben  Ittid  ein'  its  staple  pi^tt^f ions',  by  declaring  ftaf  ihd 
as^eiobfy/wM^hadicon^^AScid^  ik>  the  foui*  afnld<  a  half  pet 
etnt  dwty^  was  soe  c^^ually*  ^6tiVeil€^d?  a«  the  tiaiej  «h€  afc« 
piBSsed  fofl  theft  purpose.  TMis  c^i^je^ddri,  wftith'  wab  speteiouS 
a«d  ingenidus,  w*s-ftrtrti<fed'on  tfte  cireoftistjtnce  tAat?  Ldril 
Willooghby  held  A^gfedttfd,  oil  the  dfesolutioit  6f  thd 
pi«dprifettW>goT^ttiittenf,  ftystirtrtttn  a' A<S\v  aisfeiJSfrfy  tndei^ 
the  royal  authority,  and  had  accepted,  the  grant  froitt'  tiid 
^dseadbly'  Whi!6h^  Had'  befen-corivtoied'  under  ^e'prefeidfericy  of 
Mr.  Walk>hA  R'  rHiky^  hd^veVer,  be  ofcs^rverf,  that  th^ 
coii^6iition'  parHkiherit,  by  ^hbttt  ttte' rtfstbiatfott'  of  Charfes 
in  was  atCdrttpiistted,  iii6t  WirtibUt  dtfy  le^al'  authorify 
abdVfe*armoh«!t'  M6fe  tU  KTing^s  r^tttWi,  and*  CottdriUdd'  sif- 
ting s^v^rtll  nibii^hs' attleh^ardk  If/entdAiiny'etaiiSentlaw-  ^ 
yers  doubted  whether  it  was  a  good  parliament.  But  ac- 
cording to  Justice  Blackstone,  this  was  too  nice  a  scruple ; 
for  the  Bficetisiitji,  o5.  the-  thing,  justifiefi  ther  isreguWit^  of 
the  proceedingl 


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96  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  III.  Again,  the  convention  which  placed  the  British  sceptre 
1607.  jii  the  hands  of  tlie  Prince  of  Orange,  was  composed  of 
the  remnant  of  several  parliaments  assembled  in  the  reign 
of  Charles  II.  convened,  without  any  constitutional  autho- 
rity* ;  yet  their  legblative  acts  have  been  con6rmed,  and 
we  enjoy  the  benefits  of  them  to  this  day.  But  the  objec- 
tion started  by  the  commissioners,  whatever  might  have 
been  its  intrinsic  value,  was  wholly  disregarded ;  and  the 
reason  assigned  by  the  learned  commentator  on  the  laws  of 
England,  in  the  memorable  cases  just  mentioned,  may  be 
applied  with  equal  propriety  in  the  present  instance;  **  As 
the  royal  prerogative  was  chiefly  wounded  by  their  so  meet- 
ing, and  as  the  King  himself,  who  alone  bad  a  right  to  pb-. 
ject,  consented  to  wave  the  objection,  thjs  cannot  be 
drawn  into  an  example  in  prejudice  of  the  rights  of  the 


crown." 


An  account  of  the  deafih  of  Francis  Lord  Willoughby 
having  reached  England,  the  King  bestowed  the  vacant 
government  on  his  brother  William  Lord  Willoughby. 
His  excellency  was  accompanied  to  Barbadoes  by  a  regi- 
j«n.  i.  ment,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Tobias  Bridge.  This  cir- 
cumstance seems  to  have  been  misunderstood  by  forme! 


•  Hume't  Hirt.  of  Engknd,  toI  7,  pp.  32$  and  $60.  ♦ol.  8.  p.  298.    fltoolkf. 
ContilittatigDi  vol  I,  p.  7.    Bbckstoae's  Comment  voL  1,  p.  liU 


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OF  BARBADOES.  97 

colonial  historians.  One*  supposes  it  tohavebeea  occa- ^^J^;^:^* 
sioned  by  some  distrust  of  the  loyalty  and  attachment  of  ^^^^' 
the  inhabitants.  Another  -f-  affects  not  to  know  "  how  they 
were  destined,  or  of  what  use  they  were  to  the  country/' 
The  fact  is,  that  the  nation  was  then  at  war  with  Holland, 
and  that  these  troops  were  sent  out  for  the  protection  of  the 
colony,  and  to  act  against  the  enemies  of  their  country  in 
this  quarter  of  the  globe.    Tliis  detachment,  during  a  long  « 

stay  in  the  island,  was  provided  for  at  a  considerable  ex- 
pence  to  the  people  J.  It  was  at  length  employed  in  making 
a  descent  on  Tobago,  then  in  the  possession  of  the  Dutch; 
aikl>  notwithstanding  the  place  was  strongly  fortified,  the 
British  troops  plundered  the  inhabitants,  and  carried  oft' 
four  hundred  prisonersH. 

Soon  after  Lord  Willoughby's  arrival,  the  House  of  As- 
sembly liberally  appropriated  a  considerable  part  of  the 
excise  duty  to  the  purchase  of  a  set  of  jewels  ito  be  pre- 
sented  to  his  lady,  as  a  testimony  of  their  esteem  foi-  her 
ladyship,  and  as  a  mark  of  the  pleasure  which  they  derived 
from  her  residence  among  them. 

The  fortifications  seem  to  have  occupied  no  inconsider*- 
able  portion  of  the  governor's  attention  ;  nor  does  his  lor4^ 
ship  appear  to  have  been  negligent  in  respect  to  the  admi- 
nistration of  justice,  and  the  regulation    of   the  police^ 

"  '  '    '  I  '    ■  !■■■ 

*  Universal  Hist.  vol.  41,  p.  1 49.    t  Frere's  Short  History  of  Barb.  p.  S 1 . 
X  Hall's  Laws  at  BaA.  p.  475.         tl  Fcnning's  Geography,  (6L  edit,  vol,  2.  p.  703. 

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98  THE  HISTORY 

^^^I^^  Many  of  the  laws  which  were  passed  at  that  period  have 
1668.      been  continued  down  to  the  present  day.  .  >  >v 

Lord  Wil  lough  by  had  been  merely  appointed  to  the  go- 
vernment for  the  remainder  of  his  brother's  term;  and  as 
that  was  near  expiring,  he  determined  to  return  to  England, 
probably  intending  to  solicit  a  renewal  of  his  commission* 
He,  therefore,  resigned  the  administration  to  Colonel  Chris- 
November,  topher  Codrington,  as  deputy-governor,  and  embarked  for 
Europe*  But  as  the  English  colony  at  Dominica  had  been 
lately  much  annoyed  by  the  French,  his  lordship  resolved 
to  visit  that  island  in  his  way  home  with  a  sufficient  force 
to  redress  the  injuries  which  the  inhabitants  had  sustained. 
1669.  This  vigorous  measure  produced  the  desired  eflfect,  and  his 
lordship  procured  from  the  Caraibs  a  formal  surrender  of 
the  island  to  his  Britannic  Majesty*. 

Mr.  Codrington  continued  to  act  under  Lord  Willough* 
bys  appointment,  until  the  expiration  of  his  lordship's 
contract,  as  heir  to  his  brother,  with  Lord  Carlisle,  which 
determined  his  authority  under  the  royal  commission.  But 
no  new  appointment  being  made,  the  legislature  met,  audi, 
Dec.  23.  ^y  ^^  ^^*  passed  for  settling  the  government,  declared 
themselves  to  be  Governor,  Council  and  Assembly,  until  his 
Majesty's  pleasure  should  be  known-f.  Lord  WilToughby 
soon  afterwards  arrived  with  a  new  commission,  appointing 


f  Uni?.  Hist  v*.  41.  p.  285.  +  Mcmb.  of  Barb.  p.  42. 


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OFBAEBADOES/  99 

Jam.  governor  of  Barbadoes,  and  all  the  Caribbee  islands  ^^JJ^J:^- 
to  windward  of  Guadaloupe.    The  Leeward  Islands  were       *^^^ 
ijow;,  fpr  the  first  time,  formed  into  a  distinct  government, 
^d  the  commaQd  given  to  Sir  William  Stapleton.     Hence 
comes  the  distinction  of  Windward  and  Leeward  Islands; 
Guadaloupe  being  the  point  of  demarcation. 

Lord  Willoughby  remained  but  a  short  time  in  Barba-  ^^^^ 
jdo^  before  he  again  resolved  on  recrossing  the  Atlantic, 
leaving  Mr.  Codrington,  a  second  time,  commander  m  April?. 
chief.  The  administration  of  this  illustrious  West  Indian 
is  distinguished  by  his  vigilance,  circumspection,  and  pru- 
dent attention  to  the  duties  of  his  exalted  station.  He. con? 
sidered  the  power  with  which  he.  was  invested  as  a  sacred  de- 
posit, to  be  employed  for  the  benefit  of  the  people ;  and  the 
many  salptary  laws  which  were  parsed  under  his  administra** 
tion,  evince  the  rectitude  and  propriety  of  his  ponduct. 
This  enlightened  statesman  early  saw  the  necessity  of  check- 
ing  the  rapacity  and  collusive  practices  of  the  lawyers;  and 
jeadily  assented  to  an  "  Act  for  preventing  the  abuses  of 
lawyers  and  the  multiplicity  of  law-suits.'' 

After  an  absence  of  more  than  two  years.  Lord  Wil-  juil^i. 
loughby  returned  to  Barbadoes.  On  this  occasion,  the 
King  nominated  the  persons  who  were  to  compose  the 
^econd  branch  of  the  legislature,  honouring  them  with  the 
title  of  His  Mqjestjf's  Council ;  and  directing,  in  case  of 
the  death  or  absence  of  the  governor,  that  they  should 
exercise  the  whole  executive  authority.'  By » his  commission 

o  2 


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100  THE  HISTORY     / 

€HAP.  IH.  the  governor  was  required  to  tmosait  to  Englaiid  alL^wsj, 

^^^^      within  three  months  after,  their  passings  for  the  rojal  ap-r 

probation  or  rejection;  akid,  although  they^  were  alli^wect 

to  be  in  force  until  the  King's  pleasuHe  was  known,   hi» 

excellency  was  forbidden .  to  give  his  assent .  to  any  act  of 

the  legislature  ta  continue  in  force  longer  thanlliree  jrears^ 

nnless  it  should  receive  his^  Majesty ^9^  ccmfirmation  within^ 

that  time.     As    some    compensation,   perhaps,    for  tbi»^ 

abridgment  of  legislative  authority,  tlie  executive  powec* 

became   more  enlarged.      The    governor,    besides   being: 

appointed  ordinary  and  vice-admira)r  ^^^^  authorised  to^: 

remit  all  fines  or  forfeitures^  before  or  after  sentence  givenr 

if  the  persons*  were  proper  objects  of  mercy ;  treason,,  and^ 

'   tfiilful  murdeiv^xeepted ;  and  ia  these  e^ses  he  was  allowed. 

to  reprieve^  until  the  result  of  an  application  to^ihe  throne^ 

was^ascertained. 

idTs.  I'he  impaired  state  of  his  health  rendering  him  incapable 

^"    '      of  attending  to  the  arduous  duties  of  government.  Lord 

Willoughby  finally  resigned  his  authority  into  tfie  hands  ol 

Sir  Peter  Colleton,  senior  member  of  the  council ,  having,:  for 

some  reason,  not  now  known,  removed  Colonel  Codrington. 

from  that  board,    and  returned    to  England,^   where  his^ 

Iprdship  died  the  ensuing  yean 

167  \  After  the.  govcroorfs  departure^  the  council,  pufsoaot  to, 

the  royal  instrttction,^  assumed  the  direction  of  ike  puUiii)^ 


♦  mllVrini  Settfcmlmtrf-BaTbadeeii  ^.  «8.  'Mm.  •CBtob.f .  4?.     ' 

6 


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OP  BARBADOES.  tOt 

COficern^  afypointia^  Sir  Beter  CoHetoiK  captaiit*genefal  of  ohap.ift^ 
the  militia.    This^  is  the  acooabt  given .  by  the  author  of  the      i^Ti 
Hemoin  of.  ^arbadoesv    But  it  ia  evident^  from  the  statute 
Vook,  that  Sir  Peter's  authority  wu  not  confined  to  the 
sulitwy  department^  he  contimied  to  exercise  the  4n>nsti» 
tutioiud  iunctio&s-of  first  magistrate,  %aitii  he  was  supers  '  Not^u 
seded  by  the  amral  of  Sir  Jonathan  Atkias,  ivho  wa^ 
appointed  by  bift  M^e»iy  to  tbe  government  of  Barbadoe* 

«m1  die  Wijidwarxl  Islaiijds.^  ^ 

.  The  u€fw  gov^tior  fixed  the  «eat  of  govemmeot  at  Fon^      1075, 
tabe^le;  but'  he  had  aoi  enjoyed  this  sitoation  ioog,  .^dieo^   ^^'  '^" 
ihe  country  Mras  almos-t  laid  waste  by  one  of  the  most 
tremendous  hurricanes  the*  ever  epoMr^^  b. guilty ;  la<id*^ 
Neither  the  palace,  nor  the  cot^.  escaped /^bedeatmctlve 
violence  of  this  aw^  visitation..   Neitfaertiee,  nor  JhotiBe,. 
was  left  fitandiBg,  ^Lcept  the  tew  which  were  jhetterwL  by 
fl^me  fieighbouring  hiti  or  dift.    'Th€r%&ce  of :  tbe-cotmtry 
^hibited  one  ccmtimied  ^oene  of  desolation.     So  eom.^ei^' 
was  the  destructioi^  of  the  'Sugar  worics^  on  the  sei^ra]^ 
plantations,  that  it  ^^s  nearly  two  yeam  before  they  could; 
be  repaired,  or  put  into  a  condition  te^iaenew  abe  iMisiitegs 
of^ugar  making* .  Nor  was  the  crop  of  pr^^visions  sf»yed; 
from  the  genend  devastation  ;  and^  to  add  ta  the  ea^amity^ 
ei^ht  valuable  ship^,  laden  with  the>produce  of  the  country^ 
were  SjUnk  or  stranded^  in  Carlisle  Bay«    InSpei^ilfB  Towtf 
evei^  house  wa^^  either  blown .  down  or  materially  injured*. 
Several,  ftjmpdltes  ^^(e  kxifkd^  iq  j;^  Q;uns  of  their  fallen 


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10«  THE  HISTORY 

^sll^v^*  hfabitations ;  and  there  was  scarcely  one  but  lamei^tedi  scun© 
W5.  ^  relation,  friend)  or  acquaintance,  swept  to  an  untimeljc 
grave*.  Amidst  this  scene  of  ruin  and  misery,  theifate.of 
Major  Streate  and  his  fair  bride  deserves  to  be  leineQCH 
bered  for  its  whimsical  singularity.  They  bad  been  nmrricMl 
that  evening,  at  the  plantation  called  Anderson's,  but  the 
pitiless  storm,  regardless  of  the  sanctity  of  the  marriage, 
bed,  blew  them  from  their  bridal  chamber;  and,  with 
relentless  fury,  lodged  them  in  a  pimploe  hedge.  In  this^ 
bed  of  thorns  they  were  found  the  next  nroming,  incapable 
^f  manifesting  those  tender  attentiops  whiqh  their  new* 
formed  relation  demanded,  or  affording  each  other  th^ 
assistance  which  their  comfortless  craMlUion  required^i 

This  calamity  called  for  the  most  ^udient  counsels  tQ 
ii^ert  the  consequences  which  were  expected  to  result  from 
a  disaster  so  fatal.  It  was  apprehended  that  the  prppertj^ 
which  had  been  saved  fiiom  the.fury  of  the  elements,  would 
be  wrested  from  the  half-ruined  planters,  by  the  rapaciousr 
ne^^oi  their  credilprs;  ^d  that  many  of  theni,  to  avoid 
ftu.ch  a  consumnos^on  of  their  misfortunes^  would  leav^ 
jhe  island^  with  their  effects,  exposed  .to  all  the  horrors  an4 
dangers  pf  insurrection.  Filled  with  these  gloomy  appre- 
hensions, the  goverqor  convened  the  council  and  assembly, 
^nd  stated  to  them  his  sentiment?  on  the  posture  of  affiairs,^ 
jtnd  reconimended  them  to  devise  some  means  of  guarding 


-4-^ 


-^Hiis(hes'«  Nat;  Hht^.  ^. 
4 


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OF  BARBADOES.  lOS 

against  tlie  evils  to  which  they  would  be  exposed,  m  case  ^J^^J:^^* 

df  any  considerable  emigration  06  the  white  inhabitants,      ^^'^^* 

who,  partly  destitute  of  commodious  habitations,   should 

be  induced  to  seek  an  asylum  elsewhere.     But  whatevei? 

ground  there  might  have  been  for  these  apprehensions,  no 

measures  were  taken  to  remove  or  obviate  them. 

*    A   considerable  quantity   of  sugar,    which    had    been 

shipped  op  board  the  vessels,  in  the  harbour,  baving  beeit 

lost  u>  the  late  sterm,  and  the  custom^iouse  officers  refusing 

to  admit  sugar  to  the  san^  amount  to  be  exported,  dutjK 

free,  the  assembly  passed  aa  ^  Act  for  allowing  a  second 

free  «ntry  of  the  dead  productions  of  the  Island,  lost  or 

taken/    The  season  ef  distress  was  thought  to  be.  a  favour* 

able  moment  for  endeavouring  to-  obtain  itelief  from  the 

odious^  and  oppressive  impost  on  the  merchaatable  com^ 

modities  of  the  country.     An  humble  and  pathetic  address 

was   accordingly    presented  to  the  King,    describing  the 

deplorable  condition  to^ which  the  colony  was. reduced  by  the 

late  destructive  tempest  rand  stating  that  the  entire  remission 

of  the  four  and  a  half  per  cent  duty,  was  the  only  means 

of  saving  the  planters  from  impending  min.     But  the  pe* 

cuniary  embarrassments  of  the  extravagant,  dissolute  mo* 

narch,  rendered  him  deaf  to"  the  complaints  and  entreaties 

of  hisi  injxued  and  oppressed  subjects.     So.  far.  from  grants 

ing  the  solicited  immunity,,  the  partial  relief  which  they 

sought,  ta  obtain,  was  denied  them;  and  the.act^  which 

had  been  passed  for  that  purpose,  was  repe^ed  by.  hia^ 

Majesty's  positive  orders. 


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104  TOE  HISTORY 

^£ivw*  The  situation  of  the  Barbadians^  a*  this  junctors,  -was^ 
^^^^-  in  the  highest  degree,  calamitous  and  deplorable*  Theit 
habitations  were  levelled  with  the  earth  ;  and  the  owners,^ 
unable  to  rebuild  them,  or  dismayed  at  the  destructioQ 
they  had  recently  escaped;  ^oid  a^id  to  rentdre  theii 
perscms  in  houses  under  whose  ruins  they  might  be  again 
loverw helmed,  lived  many  months  ynd^r  no  better  shelter 
than  that  of  huts  lightly  and  hastily  constructed.  Artful 
and  designing  traders,  taking  ^vantage  of  ihe  g^ieial 
calannty,  monopolized'  what  provisions  <rere  brought  to 
tnadiet,  and  heightened  the  distrlesses  of  their  unfortunate 
lellow-su&pers,  by  tbdHr  unconscionable  *aiid  villainous 
exactions.  To  rcq^ress  this  dangearous  and  tniqaitous.  pcac-r 
tice,  the  legislature  inconsiderately  enacted  an  absurd  and 
impotitit  law  to  prevettt  Jbrestalling^  ^engr^m$^^  tmd  re* 
jgratmg ;  a  short-sighted  precaution^  which,  however,  ap« 
l^arently  calculated  to  afford  immediate  relief  would,  if 
striefly  enforced,  inevitably  produce  the  scarcity, it  was 
intended  to  prevent.  By  thb  cumms  law  none  were 
allowed  to  sell  or  bart^  any  foreign  provisions  whatever^ 
but  those  to  whom  they  wepe  honajide  consigned;  or  who 
had  imported  ti^em  at  their  own  risk,  and  upon  their 
{>roper  account  Tkus  qo  merchant,  or  8hop4ceeper,  was 
permitted  to  purchase  cargoeff  from  the  importers,  for  the 
purpose  of  selling  them  again^  without  incurring  the  heavy 
punishiMttt  attached  to  the  crime  of  finrestalling. 

To  check  tbd  nefarious  practices  <si  forestallers  and  mo^ 
nopolizers ;  to  diffuse  the  blessings  of  plenty »  and  to  avert 


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01?  MRBADOES.  105 

|^4iOTron  of  ftimine;  or  even  to  guard  against  the  dis-  ^^^^:J^ 
tresses  attending  a  partial  faUure  of  the  means  of  «ub-  ^^^^* 
wtcnce,  are  undertakings  of  so  much  humanity  and 
lienefie^ice,  that  any  proposal  for  effecting  them  will  readily 
meet  the  approbation  of  benevolent  minds,  and  gain  the 
applame  df  those  superficial  thinkers  who  compose  the 
fanlk  of  mankind*  But  these  important  objects  ace  not.t^ 
lieratttiined  by  arbitrary  prohibitions.  Commerce  visits  only 
ihfist  climes  in  which  it  is  cherished  by  the  genius  of  liberty^ 
Xraele;  like  waiter;  shouldbe  left  to  form  its  own  Jevd-; 
and,  although  many  moderate  and  sensible  men  may  object 
io  iMt  raajcim,  to  deciding  too  great  latitude  to  commercial 
fBohopoly^  •  there  certainly  ;is  less .  dajoger  in  leaving  the 
inerdbnat  1o  exercise  his  own  discretion,  than'  in  crampiug 
and  depressing  the  spirit  -of  'mwcantile  ispocmlation;  by 
figorousr  and  injudicious^  restrictions.  .  Highrpric^/  and  a 
scarcity,  of  provisioiiSt  ^iU  be  the  fatal  cooaequeiK:^ 
of  :>  destrojring  or  discouraging  a  competition  ija  .the 
malrket^  by .  prohibitory  regulations.  .Theimulual^atitaof 
mankind,  form .  the  active  principle  which  gives  life .  to 
commerce,  ind  by  which  alone  it  can  be  safely  regulated. ; 
The  traders  of  Barbadoea  may  he  divided^  into ;  three 
-distinct  classes ;  1;he  importer,  the  retailer,  and  the  huckpt^r; 
all  of  wbom  are  useful  in^tKeir  several  vocations.  Through 
them,  the  commodities  imported* from  abroad  are  disperseji 
among  the  people,  ill  sneh  quantities,  and  upon^4»DjQh  terms, 
asaoe^best  suited  tdthe  n^essities  aad  coQveoicncies  of  the 


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IPC  THE  HISTORY 

'CHAy.BL  oobsnttets.    Hie  two  former  classes  me  tat  lo^vequen^ 


M»7*.  4itiited  in  the  sarae  pereem.  Tbeyottgbt,  iM^evier,  to  Jift 
COflsidered  separate.  The  merduun:,  who  is  tn^aged.ni 
Bktensiye  coBoems,  and  imports  1ai||ertai|;aeB't>f -piio«si«Mi» 
gebersliy  finds  it  more  convement  said  advantagaoas  te 
dispose  0f  iiis  xsomiaaodities  to  the  vdteileK,  -in  large  ifiuicB^ 
4)ti!e8,  and  at  a  pro^fcnitiianaMe  redtctiohiaf  |iiiba,  iba* 
t6flw4dtthe  tedaoos  and  ifnrecanoas  «fltte  9€4ixtm  to  tkt 
4X)nsumer.  Some^Khes  fbe'  case  aa^tiejdtffaweKl ;  irt  siny 
tate;  'it  i«muM  be  tjrraitnkal  m€  snijtut  i*  4epEh«  iiJM  Kjf 
:tiie '^ptiod . '  ■  ; 

Vheittmht,  agisii,  6a«fiDtd  «»aiy«iAMid.tmfte,  l^4h» 
MUallhessdf  tldsct^ilid,  ^.ft  <3bQiildi(|f  tto  advQit«pe«'<}eii9«i 
«i^idiitfiti^'  kf 'buj^iiig  ^he  anrtiiclefe  m  itdticlk:^4e«i8iif 
^btesdile,  'dad  ^reveodnig  ithem  Mt  .an^avviiae*  iiiMah  yet 
«x«Mid8  luit;' the 'prices  ist  n^hieh  itiiey  might  luwe  in«a 
4^dapt  Itolst  ^ie  iimport^  hMl  iw  jetaiiad  theoi.  Urn 
pM&h  caMkt4(ti-^A^  diifeNiic»is8tai«en'4hesid|alni[aeaad 
WtiXl  ptiiMi.   7%is  ex«Ms  k  OMbiiaRidly  lest  tnilaMMMlMi 

the  ^Qittpetkioii  ^^<ih  ptevwls  among  tiiat  ahesoriptioovof 

(^IMl^le  4il  "^  iilabd:  ^a  x^uiMtaMe  th^  inii«ver:^n>Te 

3ttteiBeisf'  ^fi(lK;tuiU  iie«JHM»poiBeH»'e6mbiaaftiaMen^^ 

«lil8ett  anil  ^tegMi^nt  «iid  is 'the  .maia  ^^ling  %  «ihidi 

ilM^twfll  <Mri«wlf<its  diwiiiibemMkHis. 

Wo  ehMldieiteltfiis  doetttne,  l^t  «s  Advertito  a  oaee  .wUdi 

^q<iieistiy>lM»pp«iis.  >i)uidttg  a-i^emnll  «cMdty.of4tftk]at 

4 


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fi£#»fii|ii  iweefs%»  «  veaael  laden  vit&  eon  99ti  %tw  «y  ^£i!^ 
iifi«(i'willi«-wyM|Bc«rg04>m  board.    It-may  not  he  conform*     ^^'^ 
«Met-ibotk»oiii^fin,  xun'-foil  ^  ooBveiiiiencQ  of  ^  factiqr 
,l!»:i«f;sH^s  c«Kgo,    TM»p»tgh  it  tbe  life  of  huaioeas,  and 
Ake^ipsal^Baay  t>e  i»quti«dto.diaol)4U!ge  bei|<tai^  and  Ip 
iwlwii '«ilbQi|t4eia9i;t  yet,  trer0  4fae  aioawrd  j|^a  4gw|i«jt 
«MmepolifiBg,^4}iee««ed  ^vildi  a  ^Brat«qaal  to  di^  wbii^ 
4M«M  4)iai|i»  ao  laerchauteoiild  ventuae  ta.  puchaff 
41mi  l»lif(e»  4)r  Qagr<,||aft  4»f  4ba  caiiso,  bjr  vrb^lfiHi^s^  ^  a^ 
"WMii  ltoqaule«  i9j0^if^,:l«t  ^vtwuid  r^ar  Jwrneif  «^ 
noouDus'to  {nui|sl»ient  as  *  f<iiwftaiier»    The  ooiweqiienpy 
iMiiB^M^jli  tlN»-ivtM«al»  by  •«  •futlcBioos  jpoUQr3r«.|g  <li^[vea 
Aam:aii«{i«rtt»  aikI 4ike(pea|i}e,io  « Jll^;0^4a^ 
fifeHi«&4ti  «ta|  a#  «bMeiiip)ptias  a4u6hyl^p,|  ^ 
bad>beeB-  ^pitlMi  Aeir  ««aeli« ;  Oi^upfoae  ^.i^i^Mf^f^  «lMw|i 
(ispauftaitet^  ^eaAjifiiig  to 'iMkee  «lie  aii^epai^  ^ -I^mI 
iS^  gooiis ;  to  eompensdte  y&ia^  for  bift,  trouWipii,  axpomai 
landMAeteotfoD^ 'be wiU'M^  them atlbe bt^iest ret«l|»pieda. 
VUtK  ia*d6»nger  wiIl>eBJej'tiio9e  lucmtiFe  asivaataget  whialiv 
tklkder  a^  w»er  and  inore  eqitkaUe  ifBtoa*  would  ba<i« 
'Centered  anioiig  our  ew^B.^ceuntryaieiiv  % 
'    This  t^iecies  of  traffic  irhieh  ^  law,  uader  4he  spadoui 
pretext  at  preventb^  foreataUing  and  vegratiag,  aMst  m* 
wisely ^KCQantenances,  far*  from  being  detrimeatdf.it,  ia 
&ct,  highly  beneficial  to  ^  public.    A  laige  eapitaJ  it 
tbds  eaipkyed,  wblc|),  ia  so  saiaM  a  eomoMMHty,  wmld 
othecwiie  |tma^  itaxsbh!e  and  «)B^e8s;tiie  importer  is  ac« 


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lOe  THE  HISTOITP 

CHAP.m.  comroodated  and  benefited  by  fiaciliteting  histtks  ;:it  givtv^ 
1675.  energy  to  industry  ;  affords  bread  to  a  considerable  nunir 
berof  useful  citizens;  and  furnisbes.thecKmsumer  willi.^be 
articles  of  domestic  acconimodationi  ia<  mwe  coDveitiefiJb 
quantities^  and  as  cheap  as  he  6ould;  have  purchased  them 
from  the  original  importer; .  It  sometime  happen&^that  the 
value  of  die  itercbEUidise  k  enftancfcdjaliep  getting  into  .this 
intermediate  channel  of  difiuBioii ;. but  this  }b  nbt  io-  much 
owing  to  any  radical  deibctr  in  the  system  for  whieh.'I 
contend^  as  to;the:idt&rvention.ol'  casualties  to  which  mer* 
eantile  a&urs  are  peculiad(y^  liable.  The  pric^  .of  goods 
an&  augmented'  by  Taij^ws-  liaunes  indepaodant  of  nqio0opo« 
liaers^  Supplies  from  dboToad  may  beiotejoepted  by  the 
enemy,  ior  may  ^pbrieace  a  temporary  susp^EUMoil  from 
itppos^Qg  elements,  and  x%ther .  disastrous^  iiMan?.. .  In.  all 
these  oases  ihe  holders  of  proyisiens  will,  unq«estioiiably^ 
embrace  the  farourable  opportunity  of  reinibuprsing  them^ 
^Ives  f(X[  the  losses  which  both  importer  and  retailar  too;  of- 
ten sustain  from  accidents^.whii^,  no  huntan  sagacity;,  ean 
foresee,  nor  human  judgment  prcFent.  Aa^  where  is.  the 
harm  in  this?  The  planter  strives  to  obtain  the  best  {udce 
that  he  can  get  for  the  produce  of  his  fields,  ami  surely  the 
m^chant  is  entitled  to  the  same  privilege  in  the  disposal  of 
his  commodities.  :         ..';.; 

The  distresses  and  d)fficulti^s^ui]fader  which,  as  we  haye 
seen,  the  Barbadians,  were,  at  this  time,  struggling,  were 

sufficient  to  have  affected  the  feelings  of  the  most  obdu« 

6  " 


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0F  BABSADOES:  i09 

tHJtehoattf  botllie  measure  of  itheir  nu8^un^w  ^S^J^f* 

fiilL    Scvcely  had  they  lecorei^  foam  the  oonstematkni    ^^^* 
iijto  which:  they  had  been  thronrn  by  the  late  awM  visitar 
Hon  q§  Pcovideace,  and  begun  to  recover,  from  their  losses; 
to  rebuild  their  houses ;  to  repair  their  fortifications,  and  to 
provide  for.  the  security  of  the  country  before  they  were 
C0|i^U«cl  to  submit  to  t^ie.  retentlet^  gripe  of  ,pawen    The 
principles  of  qommi^rce,  until  lately^  had  b^en  but  very 
ioiperfeptly  upderstood^ia  Eoglaiid*    Be&re  the  restoration^ 
the  iniportant  objected  which  occupied  the  thoughts, of  both 
King  and  parliament,  afforded  either  but  little  leisure  for  at- 
tf^nding  to  the  minor  cqnsiderations  of  colonial  affuis» 
iVom  the  freedom  of  trade  whioh  Barbadoes,  thus,  left  to 
herself,  was  permitted  to  enjoy,  she  attained  a  dfegree  oiT 
projsperity  almost  unparalleled  in  the  annals  of  mankind. 
The  cppimenceqient  of  the.  Navigation  Act^  however  essen^^ 
tialto  the  interests  of  the  empire  at  lai^,  is^  the  memo* 
table  epoch  whence  we  may  date  the  rafud  decline  of  her 
population,  and  consequently   of  her  stsength  and  opu- 
l^ce*   .  . 

After  the  restoration,  the  ministers  of  Charlds^  sensible  of 
the  value  of  the  colonies,  pradendy  deteraiined  to  act  upon 
Cromwell's  plan  with  regard  to  navigation  and  trade. 
Gr^at  Britain  now  begaatO:  perceive  the  advantages  arising 
£rom  the  exclusive  right  of  colonial  supply;  and,  in  the 
same  spirit  which  dictated  the  navigation  laws,  sought  to 


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tkmipfl(tty,iistaMi8faed  tender 'die  pstrotage  ef  the  Dcdce  of 
¥tirk,  ti]iei"ett«>ltim'efldfc»  t]if  iSiis  tucnrdve  Irttindi  'tif.cMia!* 
tnoree,  -wJiwih,  ttccordmg  to  wwy  pnncipltstif  tnt«  polled, 
^fa^iahsfte-bccA  ^wtA  -open  tetbe  tmtion  «t  large.  Th€ 
cixchu^re  dMaittiT  gtaiAed  tothis  compan j  'for  tfctppily  iii^4lt^ 
Ifeit  In^Cia  'irhh  negroes,  t»penrtcd  ^most  poirerftiHy  cgaiint 
CDC  tmcreSt  or  tne  uafuacnaHt,  una  acrouipiiBiieQtuic  mni 
bf  ttiimyndto  'trere i"ecw«tingilrott'tbeirr*cdfl«  l€S^e».  "Thej^ 
\irere  uo  tenger  tdlowsd  to  import  their  o^^n  ^aihiTee,  dr  td 
pptcbue  thcfn  4rom  fUe' Butcii ;  *btit  -«rer<;  compeMed^  sub- 
BM]t  to  the  rapaciMn  «hmI  ex6ilHt«Ett  dewandB  OftheKievI^ 
MERMaai^nk'- 

r '  $Kr  JreBatnftft  ACh4iii  'Tbo^vecl'  fne  KUMt  positif'e  4)raen  ttt 
«c(iee«iid^coQfisettte  aU-Toesels,  with  "their  eai^goei,  4Mlottg^ 
hig  to  {>»v>ftte  adventnrerB,  engaged  in  this  pb>faillited'tpa$> 
fie.  In'  addition  -to  'these  directions;  (he  Wamriek  'taan  ef 
aivifwas  eonstBfiO/  stationed  4rt  Barbadoes  for  ibe«xpae^ 
purpose  of  seizing  all  interlopers,  as  thej^  Were  <:allcldj  in 
tite4isade<to<^<]dnea.  '  fliesefigoreiM  orders  were  exeotrted 
3M<^ equal aeowaey  aadeeverky^.  All -vess^  bdeagittg' to 
{aitate  mctcbants  met  •with  on  4iie'cQft6t  of  Aftica,  ^r'fbunel 
|n.«tie^^Wef(t' Indies  with^^V^s  on  ^>oapd,  ^v^ete  cdptnred 
withasli^jUe  hesitation  as  if  they. had  been  the  property  of 
open  en^aues ;  and  wece  condamned  with  as  little  oeseraon y 


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of  judged    Bjr  ibmti  mul^trnf  |^rQcM»9gR>  lAfiny  pp^t 
IiUmiM.  il»9«««*l^  9fll!H(tti»d»  iP^gft  h^s>g9vm)miBAt^^4 


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lis  THi:  HISTORY 

*HAPj^iv  fie  mind. in  England,  concerning  the  King's  preposseB^cm 
^^-  for  the  Romijsh  commimion,  and  the  inconsiderate  bi^otrf 
vf  the  Duke  of  York,  pr<)d  need  coKeapondent  sen  wtioois  in 
©arbadoeft.  On  the  discovery  made  by  Titus. Oates,  koA 
other  miscreants,  of -the  pretended;  plot  formed  by  the 
itoittdh  Catholics  for  the  subversion  ^  the  Protestant  relL^ 
giop,  ^  Barbadians^  not  to  be  behind  band  in  suitableeiH 
^^fLYOUTfto  guard  the  ^dnstitution,  both  civil  and  cqclesoas^ 
IfcicaU^frqm  the  dangers -^hich.thresrtened  th&m>  passed  aii 
act  to  enforce  the  statute  of  Great  Britain,  for  preventing  the 
dan^rs  which  may  happen  frooi  Popish  nescuants.  ^  ^Their 
zeal  for  the  true  faith  i?ras  not  confined  to  this  attempt  to 
represg  the  errors  of  popery.  The  Quakers  had  been  assir 
duously  endeavouring  to  cop  vert  the  negroes;  but,  as  it 
-Was  apprehended  that  the  prgmulgation  of  thek  pacific  te^ 
nets  might  endanger  the  safety  of  a  colony  -exposed  to  ini 
vasion,  the  legislatuiie  prohibited,  by  law,  the  attendance 
of  slaves  on  the  meetings  of  that  mild  and  inoflleiisive  so- 
ciety .  To  preserve  the  jninds  of  the  rising^enerati«i'  fhtta 
improper  impressions,  a  clause  was  added,  restricting  the 
."keeping  of  schools  for  the  instruction  of  youth,  to  such 
persons  only  as  should  take  the  state  oath9>  and-  be  duly 
licensed  by  the  commander  in  chief  This^  ^ay^.  an*  emi- 
jaent  historian*,  was  a  precaution  not  quite  impolitic  among 


f  Vide  Uniy,  Hi^  yoU  41,  p.  152, 


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.     OF  BARBADpES.  118 

planters,  to  whom  labour  was  of  more  utility  than  learning.  ^^*j!^^ 
feut  it  should  be  observed,  that  the  object  of  the  law  was       *^^^- 
not  discouragement  of  learning,  but  to  take  the  business 
of  education  out  of  the  hands  of  those  dissenters,  whose 
principles  were  supposed  to  be  hostile  to  the  establishments 
of  government  in  church  and  state. 

While  other  religious  sects  were  thus  restrained,  the 
civil  riglits  of  the  Jews  were  very  properly  extended.  This 
extraordinary  people,  once  the  most  favoured  nation  of 
the  only  true  God ;  at  one  timQ  groaning  under  the  cruelty 
and  oppression  of  their  Egyptian  task-masters,  then  deso- 
lating the  kingdoms  that  lay  in  their  way  to  the  land  of  pro- 
mise ;  alternately  abject  in  slavery  and  tyrannical  in  autbo* 
4:ity ;  once  a  powerful  nati&n,  now  a  tribe  of  fugitives,  wan- 
dering from  pole  to  pole ;  in  all  their  migrations  honourably 
distinguished  by  their  invincible  attachment  to  the  religion 
of  their  forefathers ;  in  all  their  changes  affording  the 
most  irrefragable  evidence  of  the  Divine  tmths,  which 
sceptics  vainly  oppose;  here  sought  an  asylum  from 
the  odium  and  detestation  which  universally,  though  un^ 
justly,  pursued  them  whithersoever  they  travelled.  Here* 
too,  these  unfortunate  victims  of  bigotry  and  intolerance, 
were  persecuted  and  oppressed.  Their  testimony  had  long 
been  rejected  in  the  courts  of  law ;  but  a  more  enhghtened 
policy  prevailing  overv an  unjust  prejudice,  thdy  were  now 
admitted,  by  a  law  which  was  passed  for  that  purpose,  to 

Q 


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114 


THE  HISTORY 


^^^^^;^'  give  their  testimony  in  all  civil  suits,  and  not  othenrtsct 
^^^-      upon  oQtb,  on  the  five  books  of  Moses,  according  to  the 
tenets  of  their  religion*. 


*  The  Abb^  Raynal  relates,  that  tbe  Jews  of  Jamaica  vholly  disregarded  the 
solemn  ol^gatioa  of  an  oath  thus  administered.  "  A  magistrate  imagined^  that 
tbis  evil  might  arise  from  tbe  circumstance  of  tbe  Bible,  which  was  presented  to 
'  iktm,  being  in  English.  It  was  (fteo  deteroikied,  that  tbey  should)  in  fiiture,  take 
Aeir  ^atiba  upon  the  Hebrew  text,  and  after  this  precaution-  perjwies  became  infi* 
nitely  kss  frequent*''  Hist,  op  the  East  and  West  Indies,  vol.  6,  p.  322,  This, 
iias  %  species  of  casuistry  worthy  only  of  the  most  pcofligate  of  mankind*. 


CHAP. 


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or  BAIWAIX^.  ti$ 


CHAP-  IV, 

5111  BXCHARD  PUTTOn's  TTRANNXCAt  APMINISTJIATJON — A^T 
POINTS  SIR  JOHN  WITHAM^  DEPUTY  GOVERNOR — NEW  pUTT  ^¥ 
SUGAR — DISPUTES  BETWEEN  DUTTON  AND  WITHAM— GOVERNOR 
RECALLED — SUCCEEDED      BY-  EPWIN     STEDE — A     CONSPIja^CY 

'      AMONG  THE  SLAVES — A  REVIEW   OF  THE  SLAVE   LAWS. 

Charles  ll.  Laving  formed  the  dangerous  design  of  CHAP.  Vf. 
subverting  ^  the  constitution  in  church  and  state,  and*  of  ^^^^' 
establishing  Popery  and  despotism  on  the  ruins  of  civil  H- 
bertj  and  rational  religion,  Sir  Richard  Dutton,  an  abject 
minion  of  the  court,  was  selected  as  a  proper  in^trunent 
for  effecting  tiie  purpose  of  the  royal  brothcJrs,  and  wa«, 
therefore,  appointed  to  the  govemiMent  of  Barbadoes.  'Hie 
namfes^of  the  mfemfoers  of  his  Majesty's  council'  were  now, 
for  the  second  time,  inserted  in  the  governor's  comnaission* . 
Wi4h  directions,  in  cafie  of  the  d^ath  or  absence  of  his  «&- 
cdlency,  tiiat  the  govemmeat  ahotild  devolvfs  oa  the  senior 
member  of  that  board.    Sir  Richard  arrived  at  Barbadoes. 


^  Hiese  were  Benrf  WskoidL  h  Xei4«  Sk  T.  Thmabiii^  J.  0i1bbM.Fr»cj»  Bond, 
Jdm  Famtr^  Osprgt  IMmgtoi}^  <h  /jdr^m,  W.^  ,9|iaiyc«  T^i%i  frtu«»  Micbiel 
T^rril,  and  the  Rev.  William  Walker, 

Q   2 


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IX^  THR  HISTORY    ^ 

CH^]^^.  onfjthevsevejnth  day  of. March,  and  was  received  with  ihe 
fUBi;  most  .lively  expressions  of  loyalty  and  satisfaction ;  which^ 
as  is  very  common^  produced  no  adequate  return  of  grati-? 
tude.  He  immediately  issued  writs  for  a  general  electipn;, 
and,,  on  the,  meeting ,  of  the  new  assembly  %  prevailed  90. 
the  house  to  insert  a  clause  in  the  militia  law,  requiring  the, 
men  to  ^ear  scarlet  uniforms.  With  such  trifling  innova- 
tions were  men  then  displeased,  that  tjiis  was  generally . 
complained  of  as  an  imnecessiary  and  expensive  regulation •: 
The  aqnals  of  this  period  are  barren  of  a^y  interesting; 
particular  respecting  the  public  concerns  of  the  colony*. 
It  is  briefly  stated,  that  the  conduct  of  Governor  Dutton 
was  SO  extremely  ty^nnicaland  oppressive,  J^hat  many  fa- 
milies, tinable  to  endure  the,rigqur  of  ,bis  administnttion^ 
abaiuloned  the  country,^  and  sought  ekewh^ .  an  asylum 
£rom  the  persecution  which  they  suffered  at  home-  This 
disastrous  enrigr^tion  required  legislative  interpositiortpto 
check  the  consequent  decline  of  population ;  an  act  was 
tlierefb|:e  passed,  to  regulate  the  issuing  of  tickets  for  per- 
sons intending  to  leave  the  island. 


*  The  iDenibers  present  on  Hkt  r^urn  jof  Ihe  writft  w€gK>  for ,  $^.  JtfMor^  Xieorgi^ 
PeeiB^,  WUliasn  Wheeler.;^  CkciH-  Omrck^^.  Maxwell^  IXu^  Hooper;  St.  Philiff$^ 
Vf.  Fortescue/H.  MaHdand;  St.  Jokf$,  John  Leslie,  James  Colleton;  St,  Oeargt^i, 
KIchaid' Salter,  Mfknf  Tofi^itk^.^Sk^oiepVi,  Jobn  Holder/ Henry  Gallop;  &/iAiJ 
^brem\  Wi1|i^  Pf^i^  Rmliaird^aHeri  ».  nkwm^/ JcMatfaao  fioMto^  T;  SadUcrf 
at.  Jamu\  AM  Alleynet  W,  Holder;^  F^€t^H  8amiieiMajroai4^  BobcjEt  Hard** 
iWS  &.  JLMC|f'#j  T.  Merrick^  John  (Ubbet. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  II7 

Charles  II.  was,  at  this  time,  much  perplexed  with  the  chap.  iv. 
JQumber  of  petitions  priesented  to  him  from  all  parts  of  the  ^^^^• 
kingdom,  insisting  on  a  new  session  of  parliament ;  com* 
plaining  of  the  increase  of  popery;  and  deprecating  the 
dangers  apprehended  from  plots  continually  forming  by 
persons  of  the  Romish  communion.  Unable  to  withstand 
or  to  elude  these  importunate,  and,  as  they  were  termed^ 
disrespectful  solicitations,  the  court  party  had  recourse  to 
counter-addresses,  professing  the  utmost  abhorrence  of  thofe' 
who  presumptuously  endeavoured  to  encroach  oh  tlie  royal 
prerogative,  by  an  improper  interference  in  public  ihea^'. 
sures.  ^Diitton,  lo  manifest  his  zeal  in*  the  service  of  the 
crowti,  prevailed  on  the  assembly  of  Barbadoes' to  traM^^ 
iliit  one  of  these  abhorring  addresses  to  t^e  throoe ;  whicli^ 
was  honoured  by  his  Majesty  with  the  most  particular 
niarks  of  approbation/ '  -  ^  .  .    ..  . 

The  favourable  reception  with 'which  thw  address  was  iq$x 
distinguished,  encouraged  the  grand-jury  to  emulate  the 
Idyafl  '  example '  of  the  assermWy .  They  accordiiigly  pre- 
pared a  pompous  address  to  the.  King,  in  which  his  Ma* 
jesty  was  Congfafulated  6n*  the  vigour  and  prudence  of  his 
miptese^iitdtwe  m  stiJKfi^^  fatfim  andfdnaii^ 

cismin  Imbrno.  Tiie  histpry  of  the  British  colonies  affords 
many  instance?  of  th^  facility  with  whiqh  similar  addresses 
are  obtained  from  the  contemptible  sycophants,  who  wish 
to  raiae^hemselvfes  to  a  tempotary  distinction  on  the  ruin  of 
their  couotty,  by  flattering  the  most  weak  and  profligate 


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IIB  TifE  HISTORY 

<2£i^:3'  ^^^  ^^  ^^^  swayed  the  rod*  of  power^    Tb^  jury  pro- 
^^^-     .ceeded  to  iafonn  his  Majesty,  "  that  their  minds  had  bee» 
infinitely  ruffled  and  disturbed  at  the  notice  ivhich  they 
liad  received  of  the  many  attempts  and  offers  lately  made 
hy  the  rebellious  heat  of  some  spirits  hatched  in  helU  to  shake 
liis  Majesty'^  throne;*  and  concluded  with  declaring  them- 
selves **  hearty  lovers  and  warm  admirers  of  his  dearest  bro^ 
ther^r    Sir  Richard  Button's  affairs  requiring  his  presence 
^ay  $•     in  England,  this  notable  address,  on  his  leaving  tl^e  island^ 
was  committed  to  his  care.     Previous  to  his  departure,  and 
an  direct  opposition  to  the  royal  instruction  concerning  the 
i^ucQessiou  to  the  gavemment,  Dutton  appointed  Sir  John 
.Witham,   deputy-governor;  restricting  him  from  enacting^ 
«ipy  new  laws,  or  even  from  calUng  an  assembly  -f-. 
'1684.  Thegovera^r  returned  the  next  year,  and  endeavoured 

]  '  to  acquire  an  ill-founded  popularity,  by  assuring  the  a&- 
jsembly,  that  the  King,  ever  willing  to  lessen  the  burthens 
t>f  liis  faithful  subjects,  was  ready  to  commute  the  four  and 
A  half  per  cent,  duty,  on  fair  arid  equal  terms  of  mutual 
accomniodation.  Rejoiced  at  the  prospect  of  eveu  a  par- 
tial. reUef  from  this  hateful  and  oppressive  impost,  the  coun- 
cil and  assen^bly  propps^  to  farm  tlie  duty  at  ^x  thoi^- 
«and  pounds  sterling  a  year.  For  this  purpose,  the^  paiiged 
•a  bill,  laying  a  tax  of  twenty-one  pence  an  acre  on  ^ 


-^  Ibiv.  Hist  vol.  41,  p.  153.  f  Megi.  of  B«rb.  p.  U. 


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OF  BAHRADOES.  ug 

land  beloDging  to  persoas  possessed  of  not  less  than  ten  crap.  iv« 
acres,  and  appointed  Jokn  Codriogton,  treasurer,  to  coUect      ^^^ 
tlie  money,  and  remit  the  stipulated  sum  to  England.     But 
the  pleasing  illusion  soon  vanished.     On  the  act  being  sent 
kome,  for  hh  Majesty's  confirmation,  the  lords  of  the  com* 
mittee  for  trade  and  plantations,-  to  whose  consideration  it 
was  referred,  reported  that  the  commissioners  were  theii 
iocapable  of  making  an  accurate  estimate  of  the  annual 
produce  of  ^e  duty  ;.  but,  from  the  best  information  which 
tiiey  could  obtain,  they  were  of  opinion  that  it  was  worth 
from  eight  to  ten  thousand  pounds  steriing,  at  least,  clear 
df  all  expense  attending  the  collection.    The  offer  of  the    , 
legislature  was  therefore  rejected,  and  the  bill  which  had 
passed  the  two  houses  wa»  repealed  by  order  of  the  King. 

James  If.  having,  on  the  death  of  his  brother,!  succeeded      i6g5. 
to  the  throne,  his  accession  was  celebrated  by  Sir  Richard 
DuttoB  with  unusual  pomp  and  magnificence.     But  all  the 
demonstrations  of  joy  with  which  the  news-  of  this  event 
Avas  received  in  Barbadoes,  were  insufficient  to  conciliate 
tfcc  fovour  of  government.     Tlie  wealth^  acquired   by  the 
W^t  Indians,  with  which  they  made  lAien  no  small  parade 
m  iiD^and,  attracted  the  notice,  and  probably  the  envy,, 
ef  people  in  power ;  a«d  the  pK>doce  of  tlieir  plantatiiMis^ 
ims  deemed  a  legitimate  object  of  taxation.    Sugar,  being 
a  Ittxiury  o£  life,  was  SMpfWosei  able  to  bear  additional  bur- 
thens with  leaA  irieonvenieftce  to  the  consumers;  while,. 
iu6m  ito.genenk  u^,  the  tan  watf  likel^r  to  be  bimb  piMcUut— 


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J20  T^HE  HISTORY^ 

CHAP.  IV-  t{ye  tbaa  any  other  that  could  be  proposed.  Parliamentt 
is»5.  therefore,  laid  a  duty  of  two  shillings  and  four-pence  upon 
every  hundred  weight  of  Muscovado  sugar^  and  seven  shil* 
lings  upon  refined.  Thus  was  laid  the  foundation  of  a  mode 
of  taxation,  on  which  succeeding  ministers  have  reared  a 
fabric  of  colonial  oppression,  as  ruinous,  in  the  apprehension 
of  the  best-informed  West  Indians,  as  it  is  partial  and 
unjust. 

The  Barbadians  were  far  from  beholding^  with  indiflfer- 
ence,  a  measure,  which,  by  lessening  the  value  of  their 
staple  products,  would  ultimately  depreciate  that  of  their 
estates.  They  remonstrated  against  this  aew  grievance,  but 
with  no  better  success  than  that  which  attendpd  their  former 
complaints.  If  new  taxes  were  absolutely  necessary  for 
th^  support  of  government,  it  was  contended  that  such 
imposts  ought  to  be  preferred  as  would  (equally  affect  air 
commodities ;  that  a  small  advance  upon  the  customs  would 
be  equally  productive,  and  less  oppressive,  than  a  heavy 
impost  upon  any  particular  article,  'as  the  general  partici- 
pation, in  that  case,  would  render  the  tax  comparatively 
-easy;  and^  howevei"  unnecessary,  its  operation  would  be 
less  insupportable  than  when  confined  to  the  cane  planters 
alone.  But  all  reasoning,  or  complaining,  was  precluded 
i>y  the  predilection  which  the  ministry  betrayed  for  their 
project  They  could  only  be  prevailed  on  to  promise,  in 
his  Majesty's  name,  that  if  the  tax  should  be  found  op- 
pressive to  the  planters,  it  should  be  taken  off.    But  when 


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OF  BARBADOES.  121 

the  planters  claimed  the  performance  of  this  engagement,  *2^J:^- 
and  endeavoured  tO'  prove  the  injustice  and  impolicy  of  an       ^^^^' 
impost- so  disproportioned  tq  their  ability,  and  the  circum- 
stances  of  the  country,  they  were  briefly  told,  **  That  it  was 
very  indecent,  not  to  say  undtitifiil,  to  t^x  the  King  with 
his  promise*. 

Sir  RicKard  Button  seems,  upon  all  occasions,  to  have 
encouraged  every  proposal  for  burthening  and  distressing 
the  jpebplife  placed  lindei'  his  care;  and,  although  his  ad- 
ministration has  be^  generally  reputed  grievous  and  op- 
pressive,'the  House  of  ^Assembly,  oh  his  late  return  from 
England,  voted  Captain  "Jones,  of  the  Diamond  frigate, 
a  present  of  one  hundred  pounds,  for  having  brought  over 
tlie^  govei*ii6*r-f ;  ^circumstance  which,  considering  the 
character  of  the  man,  is  scarcely  credible,  if,  besides  po« 
sitive  evidence,  the  fact  were  not  corroborated  by  many 
later  instances,  of  the  respect  and  adulation  with  which 
the  worst  rulers  are  treated  by  men  whose  rank  and  Station, 
in  the  community,  ought  to  place  them  above  every  sinister 
tonsideration  of  hope  or  fear,  and  render  th^m  the 
faithful;  as  they  are  the  delegated,  guardikns  of  their 
country  s  nghts. 

'  Upon  Sir  Richard  Button's  late  return  to  England,  his 
'Majesty  ^as  pleased  to  order,  t^t  biie-half  the  salary  arid 
perijuisitfcs,  claring  his' absence/ should  be  paid  to  the  de- 


Uni?.  Hist.  vol.  41.  p.  154.  t  Hall's  Laws  of  Barb.  ^.  414. 


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122  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  IV.  puty-govemor*  Sych  an  arrao^emcnt  was  by  no  meMU 
ioe5.  agreeable  to  his  excellency's  mercenary  disposition;  and 
Witham,  who  was  little  disposed  to  relinquish  the  reward 
of  his  services,  incurred  the  enmity  of  lus  chief,  by  insist- 
ing on  a  strict  compliance  with  his  Majesty's  favourable,  ia-% 
tention  towards  him.  Nor,  was  Button  long  at  a  loss  for  « 
pretext  to  evade  the  payment  of  the  eaoney.  He  accused 
Witham  of  mal-administration ;  that  he  had  toiitted  to 
take  tiie  usual  oath  for  observing  trade  and  navi^tion ; 
that  he  had  assumed  the  title  of  lieuteoant-^governor;  ai^d 
altered  decrees  of  the  Court  of  Chancery  in  his  chamber. 
Upon  these  frivolous  charges,  Witham  was  committed  to  pri^ 
Nov,  e.  son,  by  an  order  of  council*,  and  bound  to  appear  at  the  next 
court  of  grand  sessions,  where  be*  was  tried  on  three  sepa^ 


''^  It  i«  now  dearly  ascertained,  that  the  council  do  not  possess  this  power  over  the 
liberties  of  their  fellow-subjects*  "  Commitments  of  the  subject  for  arbitrary  causes 
and  contempts  of  their  boards  which  they  were  sufiered  to  order  till  very  lately,  are 
BOW  entirely  at  an  endi  The  privy  council  ^f  Great  Britain  h  found  to  possess  no^ 
freater  authority  in  tbiacase  than  a  cemnion  jiiatice  of  the  i^ce,  with  this  furtheii 
limitation,  that  the  persons  they  commit  cannot  legally  be  apprehended,  in  the  first 
instance,  by  their  warrant,  except  for  treasonable  practices,  or  designs  against  the 
state,  either  violently  presumed,  or  actually  charged  upon  oath.  For  the  explication 
tit  tiiis  we  are  indebted  to  Lord  Camden,  in  the  case  of  Wilkes.  In  the  oase  of  Mr^ 
Di9«glas,  4jf  Jammta,  who  was  imprisoned  by  a  warrant  of  Ike  privy-eautteil  of  that 
island,  and  released  by  the  chief  justice,  on  bis  writ  of  iMbeuicorfm,  th^  were  ad^ 
judged,  by  tha  supreme  court,  to  have  no  right  of  restraining  public  liberty,  vested  in 
Ihefli  1^  the  ktwa  and  eoBstitiiiioB  of  tbeir  oouatqF*.'' 

Long's  Hut*  of  Jamaica^  voI*^  l.p,  174. 


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OP  BARBADOES.  123 

Tate  indi<^»ient!*,  coavicted^  and  condemned  to  pay  a  fine  9^1^^^:^^ 
of  el6ven  hundred  pounds  sterling.    From  this  jsentenct       ^^^* 
Witham  appealed  to  the  justice  of  his  sovereign;  and  the 
governor,   with  Mr.  Henry  Walrond,  chief  justice  of  the 
xourt  of  grand  sessions^  were  immediately  ordered  home  to 
vindicate  their  coiidttct.     Upon  a  full  investigation  of  the. 
alikir  before  the  King  and  council,  the  sentence  of  the 
court  was  annulled,  and  the  fine  remitted. 

Witham,  not  satisfied  with  this  victory,  immediately 
commenced  a  prosecution  against  Dutton  and  Wakond,  as  . 
president  of  the  council,  for  an  assault  and  false  imprieo»- 
inent.  l\\e  governor,  in  his  defence,  alledged,  that  thfe 
plaintiff^s  incarceration  had  been  inflicted,  with  the  con- 
currenceof  the  council,  for  malversation  in  the  execution 
of  his  ofSce  as  d^uty-governor.  .The  council,  it  was 
contended,  were  competent  to  commit  for  ofiences  proved 
to  their  satisfaction ;  and  that  the  inhabitants  of  Barba* 
does  were  not  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  any  particular  sta- 
tute,* or  even  of  the  common  law  of  England;  but  that 
they  might  be  governed  by  any  rule  or  ordinance  that  his 
Majesty  should  think  proper  to  direct*.    To  this  it  was  re- 


*  '*  JUa-ooamiitoa^  ihelordfl  of  cmmnU  March^  Ih  lOBO^  their  lordships  re* 
ferred  this  q[uesti<m  to  the  attorney  and  solicitor  genera] ;  whether  his  Majesty's  sub- 
Jects  inhabiting  and  trading  to  Jamaica,  had  a  right  to  the  laws  of.  England  as  Eng* 
lishmen  ?  To  which  it  was  answered^  The  people  of  Jamaica  haVe  no  right  to  be  go^ 

•  n  2 


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•124  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  IV.  plied,  that  Sir  John  was  responsible  to  his  Sovereign  alone 
i6>5.  for  any  misdemeanour  of  which  he  might  bare  been  guilty 
in  his  government:  that  after  the  King  had  given  to  any 
people  under  Ids  allegiance,  or  subjection,  a  constitution  of 
their  own,  no  succeeding  monarch  hart  a  right  to  alter  it 
without  an  act  of  parlian:ient;  and,  therefore,  as  the  inha» 
bitants  of  Barbadoes  were,  by  the  charter  granted  t-q  the 
Earl  of  Carlisle,  invested  with  all  the  rights,  privileges  and 
franchises  of  British  subjects,  they  were  not  to  be  governed 
by  the  biws  of  England;  but  by  their  owa,  particular,  law^ 
and  customs.  The  court  concurring  in  thisreasoningi  judg- 
ment was  given  for  Sir  John  Witham  ;.but  it  was  afterwards, 
in^tha  5th  of  William  and  Mary,  reversed  by  the  House  of 
Peers.  President  Walrond  was  yet  more  unfortunate ;  for 
although  a  verdict  of  only  thirty  pounds  damages  was 
given  against  him,  the  suit  terminated  in  his  ruin.'  His  long 
detention  from  home,  the  expenccs  of  the  suit  and  other 
charges  incident  to  an  European  voyage,  proved  a  load  toa 
heavy  for  his  fortune  to  bear.  As,  some  reparation  for  the 
injury  he  had  sustained,  and  as  a  tribute  of  gratitude  for 
his  former  meritorious  services,  the  assembly,  on  his  re- 
turn, voted  him  a  present  of  five  hundred  pounds ;  and  ad- 
ded their  testimony  to  the  integrity  and  rectitude  of  his 
—  '        ■  ■  .  .  I       ■■    ^  .  ..,    ■ 

veroed  by  the  laws  of  England^  but  by  such  laws  as  are  made  there  and  established 
by  his  Majesty's  authority.'* 

Edwards's  Hist,  of  the  West  Indies,  vol.  1,  p.  304,^ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  125 

r 
/ 

conduct  in  th0  particular  aflFair  which  had  drawn  on  him  ^yjjij:^' 
the  prosecution  that  had  ended  so  fatally*.  ^^^^• 

Notwithstanding  the  King's  order  that  the  executive  au^ 
thority,  in  case  of  the  Governor's  death  or  absence,  should 
devolve  oa  the  senior  member  of  council,  Sir  Richard,  as 
afresh  proof  of  his  hostihty  to  the  interests  of  the  coun* 
try,  on  his  being  recalled,  -appointed  IVIr.  Edwin  Stede,  de- 
I  puty-governor..    This  gentleman  had. officiated  in  the  seve- 

I  ral  characters  of  his  Majesty's  casual  receiver,  the  gover* 

j  nor's  secretary,  a  commissioner  for  collecting  the  duty  of 

four  and  a  half  per  cent*  and  agent; for  the  African  com- 
pany^ whose  measures  had  been  so  iiymical  to  the  prospe- 
rity  of  Barbadoes*    To  complete  the  climax,  he  was  soon 
confirnaed  in  hi&  present  situatk)n'by  a  commissicm  from  his    July  1 5,. 
Majesty,  constituting  him-  commander  in  chief. 
The  rash  dnd  ill-concerted  enterprise  against  James  II. 


♦  Univ.  Hist.  vol.  41,  p.  154.  Mem.  of  Barb.  p.  44.  This  transaction  is  very  in- 
correctly related  by  the  compilers  of  the  Universal  History.  They  awert,  contrary  to 
tbe  plain  matter  of  fact,  that  Colonel  Walrond,  who  had  been  left  deputy-governor 
by  Dutton,  fell  under  his  displeasure,  and  was  sent  to  England  to  answer  a  charge 
against  him,  on  account  of  a  trial  before  a  court  of  oyer  and  terminer,  in  which 
Walrond  presided.  This  inconsistent  stdry  is  implicitly  adopted  by  the  author  of  the 
Short  History,  p.  37,  wHo  asserts,  that  Walrond's  prosecutor  was  vigowusly  supported 
by  the  governor.  '  Strange  that  Dutton  should  have  supported  his  bitterest  enemy  in 
a  prosecution  against  the  man  who  had  promoted  his  views  !  I  hive  been  enabled  to 
correct  these  misstat*unenlt>  on  the  authority  of  Hall,  the  editor  of  thelaWs^  who,  in 
his  manuscript  account  of  the  6rst  settlement  of  pdrbadoe>,  <;ives  the  relation  of  thifr 
af&ir,  which  I  have  adopted  as  the  most  accurate  and  consistent. 


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126.  THE  HISTORY 

€H>p.iv.  which  temiiaated  in  tiie  ciestraction  af  the  Duke  of  Mon«» 
168^.  mouth  and  his  adherents,  having  been  frustrated  by  the 
bravery  and  activity  of  the  king's  troops^  many  of  the 
wretched  victims  of  ambition  and  tyranny  were  transported 
to  Barbadoes.  An&iouB  to  display  their  seal  and  loyalty, 
the  assembly  passed  a  law  for  governing  and  retaining 
within  the  island  all  such  rebel  convicts  as,  by  hk  Majes- 
ty's most  sacrod  order,  have  been,  or  shall  be,  transported 
to  th»$  pl^ce*/'  By  the  rigorous  proviftiont  of  this  statute, 
the  condition  of  these  men,  whose  only  crime  was  [H^ma^ 
turely  attempting  to  do  that  which,  in  three  short  years  af- 
i^erwards,.  was  happily  accomplished  by  the  Prince  of 
Orange,  with  the  approbatipa  and  assistance  of  a  large 
majwity  of  the  nationt  was  raadered  scarcely  less  miser^- 
^ble  than  that  of  the  plantation  slaves. 

Notwithstanding  the  appearance  of  attachment  to  the 
Prince  on  the  throne,  the  sentiments  of  some^of  the  prin- 
tcipal  men.  in  the  country  were,  in  reality,  extremely  iniml- 
wcal  to  tlie  existing  government,  both  in  England  and  Bar- 
'l>adoes.  Among  these,  Sir  Timothy  Thomhiil,  a  memb^ 
iof  council,  and  major-general  of  the  militia ;  a  gentleman 
most  deservedly  possessed  of  great  popularity,  having 
^xpiessed  his  opinion  on  the  state  of  public  affairs  with  more 


♦  Hall's  Law8«  p.  484-.    This  act  was  repealed  after  the  revolution,  by  an  order 
from  his  Majesty,  for  tilie  enlai^g^ment  of  the  rebels  transported  to  Barbadoes. 

4 


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OF  BARBADOES.  137 

warmth  than  discretioD^  was  prctoecfuted  by  of d«:  of  th^  ^2^J;w* 
governor  for  sedition,  a»d  condemned  to  pay  a  fine  of  five      ^^^* . 
hundred  pounds  to  the  king,  and  fifteen  hundred  pounds  to 
his  exqeUenoy.    Tbomhill  appeal^  to  the  King  in  coun- 
cil, but  without  *succejis:  the  judgment  of  thi6  court  was 
affirmed^. 

Mr.Stedehad  enjoyed  the  honour  of  his  appointment  i687* 
nearly  two  y^ars,  as  all  his  predecessors  bad  done,  without 
peceiving  any  subf^tantial  reward  from  the  country ;  but.  at 
length  he  had  the  address  to  ingratiate  hitnsdf  with  the 
council  and  assembly,  who  generously  made  him  a  present, 
of  one  thousand  pounds!  sterling,  which  act  of  generosity 
was  successively*  repeated  in  tfcelatteh  years  of  his  adminis- 
tration. A  precedent  was  thus  established,  pregnant  with 
much  future  mischief  and  internal  dissension. .  The  Barba- 
dians can,  witJi  little  propriety,  complain  tljiat  none  of  tho 
patriotic  purposes  for  which  the  four  and  a  half  duty  was 
imposed,  have  been  complied  with,since.they  so  eagerly  con- 
tribute to  the  abuse  of  the  grant, ,  by  providing  otherwise 
ftM'the  service  to  which  it  ought  to  be  applied.  This  sea- 
sonable donative  enabled  Mr.  Stede  to  support  the  dignity 
of  his  station  with  suitable  splendour;  and  was  the  more 
acceptable,  as  he  soon  had  occasion  to  make  a  grand  dis- 
]^ay  of  hospitality.     The  Duke  of  Albemarle,  on  his  pas-  . 

...■.■■        .        ■       .  ■  ■■  ■  ^ 

♦  Hall  V  first  settlement  rf  Barb.  p.  30.  M.  S. 


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1(28  THE  HISTORY 

CHAR  IV.   sage  to  Jamaica,  of  which  he  had  been  recently  appoirited 
ia^7.       governor*,  having  jrtopped  at  Barbadoes,  was  received  at. 
Fontabelle  with  all  the  honours  due  to  *his  Tank  arid  qua- 
lity ;   and  was  entertained  by  the  governor  several  days 
with  great  pomp  and  magnificence. 
1688-  ^he  island  was  the  next  year  alarmed  by  the  report  of  a 

conspiracy,  among  the -slaves,  to  make  themselves  masters  of 
the  country,  by  murdering  all  the  male  inhabttants,  or  re- 
ducing them  to  slavery,  and  reserving  the  women  for  the 
gratification  of  their  brutal  appetites.  The  accomplish- 
ment of  this  dreadful  design  was  happily  prevented  by  the 
timely  discovery  of  the  plot ;  and  ^bout  twenty  of  4he  most 
daring  conspirators  were  sacrificed  to  the  public  safety. 
The  calamity  from  which  the  people  had  been  thus  provi- 
dentiaUy  delivered  seems  to  have  awakened  the  legislature 
to  a  sense  of  their  danger,  and  the  necessity  of  encou- 
raging the  population  of  the  country.     To  this  end  they 


*  This  nobleman  aHbrds  a  retnarkable  instance  of  the  anitability  of  fortune;,  the 
vanity  of  human  grandeur,  and  the  fiattal  effects  of  vicious  habits  and  profligate  oian- 
ners  He  was  the  only  son  of  Genera)  Monk,  the  principal  agent  in  the  restoration 
of  Charles  II.  The  services  performed  by  his  father  were  re\i^arded  with  a  dukedom, 
the  garter,  and  a  princely  fortune;  but  the  son,  reduced  to  indigence  by  extrava*  ^ 
gance  and  debauchery,  was  compelled  to  solicit  bread  from  James  II.  who,  to  be  freed 
from  his  importunities,  bestowed  on  him  the  government  of  Jamaica,  where,  dying 
without  issue,  the  title  became  extinct ;  and  the  honours  acquired  by  the  virtue  of 
the  father,  were  lost  by  the  vices  of  the  degenerate  son. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  129' 

enacted  a  law  '*  to  encourage  the  importation  6f  CMstian  chAp^. 
servants,  and  for  retaining  them  within  the  island/'    What*      ^^^^' 
ever  might  hare  been  the  advantages  propcteed  by  this  plan 
it  was  far  from  afibrding  an  effectual  counterpoise  to  that 
preponderance  which  the  negroes  must  necessarily  possess- 
in  the  scale  of  numbers. 

To  provide  a  remedy  suitable  to  the  tria^itude  of  this^ 
evil^  the  best  policy  which  could  be  adopted  in  a  country 
where  slavery  prevails,  is  to  hold  oiit'  every  possible  en- 
couragement t6  that  hardy  and  usefiil,  tihdugh  humble,* 
class  of  people,  known  by  the  Colonial  iappellatioh  bf  tl»' 
tenantry.  ITie  only  legitimate  aim  of  human  politics  is* 
the  extension  of  human  felicity ;  and  this  cannot  be  ef- 
fected except  by  the  encrease  of  numbert,  provided  with  th^i 
comfortable  nieatas  oiT  subsistence*.-  To  aCc^tiirfe  and  mkm^ 
tain  an  extent  of  population  essential  to  theseciiiiiy  ^d* 
prosperity  of  the  country,  the  rich,  whose  individual  in- 
terest is  inseparably  connected  with  the  pubjic  w^^feje, 
should  be  made  toyield^.in  some  points,  to  the  support  andi 
accommodation  of  the  poor.  The  proprietors  of  planta- 
tions may  be  compelled,  by  the  militia  law,  instead  of  bil- 
letted  men,  to  furnish  tenants^  in  proportion  to  tbeic  quan-^ 
tity  of  land,  who  should  be  legally  confirmed  in  the  unmo^ 

♦VacPriey'iHiilo8q)h5r,  fol.2,  p,  34i.  * 


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laot  •  THE  HEyro^Y 

cBAjuv.  lotted  ODyoymeal  ol"  iS^r  litUe  tf ueiBtents*.  It  wa»  tlio 
**^  wi^  of  Heoxy  IV.  of  Fraaoe^  juroajEoed  the  Father  of  his 
People,  that  hecoigh^  Uv^  to  see  a  fow?!  in  the  pot  oi  ewiy 
peasant  in  hi»  biogdom.  Let  it  be  the  aim  of  ererjF  Bais 
badlani  etnul^tt!»  of  the  saooe  gloriiws  appdlati^ifw  to  ejfect 
a  cottage  over  the  head  of  every  peasant  in  Bs^rbad^i^H  9q4 
gratitude  iviU  inifigQiate  th^  vm  up49V  yvia/^  ^l^rdljr 
possepqr  wiU  fii^  1^  be^t  seQurit;  in  the;  hoi|v  <9f  danger. 
Th#  trifling  property  thw  be*to?^ed  Qn  the  h'JJwWe  hws^ 
1^9^i^4i^n,  tl^  loTjulj  r^f  ende<^  tP  him  by  ths  spei^y 
^  a  wifi»  ^94  chUdreih  the  partqe^  of  hisr  toils  and  the 
%c>I%pe  of  hif  d*yst»  ^fould  biftd  hi<%  by  the  njopt  invincible 
ties  tq  hU  oative  soil  j,  and  impel  hin>,.  Yhen  led  on  by  his 
ge^qroy^  landlord,  to  risque  bis  lile  with  ardour,  in  defence 
of  a  gauntry  to.  which  he  is,  attached  by  the  Boost  indis^ 
i^ubl/c  connexions* 


'  -^  The  present  militia  law  has  made  some  provisions  for  tenants ;  but  it  seems  to 
kaxe  hutk  iaefibctuai.  Tbcy  are  either  ehided  with  fiunlity,  er  violated  with  impu- 
nitjf..  Otmm^  i4a«tati«Da,  widioaiMgard  t^ jmticet  policy,  or  hn»MBtlj«  tht  tcoNrti 
have,  been  wantonly  and  cruelly  driven  from  tb^ir  honci^.  and  sha9»  leatKS  given  t<> 
tbe  white  servants  for  the  vacant  tenements.  In  others,  the  poor  tenant,  be«ides  taif 
personal  services,  is  compelled  to  provide  himself  with  uniibrm,  arms,  and  ammu- 
ajtiM,  a^  bit  qm^k  C4tt,  which  is  more,  iamany  instanecs,  than  Hhe  rent  of  the  barren 
heath  which  he  occupies  u  worth.  Some  men  have  a  strange  propension  to  evade 
the  legal  institutes  of  their  country,  merely  to  shew  their  superior  cunning  and  dex- 
terity. Bat  what  minds  mnst  these  m^i  possess,  w4io  can  find  satisftction  in  such 
pitiful  evasions ;  who,  while  they  waste  thousands  in  riot  and  debaucheiy,  deny  bread 

to  tbe  labourer,  and  refuse  rest  and  shelter  to  tbe  houseles*  wanderer  i  ,. 

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1 


OPBARBADOES.  131 

flicse  atte  the  men  on  wliose  strength  and  courage  we  chap.  4y. 
may  tdy  trttti  confidence  to  defend  us  from  All  aUempls  ctf  ^**'*'* , 
bur  en^&iied^  foreign  or  domestic.  Their  liumility  irendeii 
thj^i  more  tractabte  and  obedient,  under  the  restraints  ck 
military  didtiplihfe,  than  the  Wealthy  or  luxurious,  whosfe 
fs^e^  n&istakeh  pride,  cailnot  submit  to  the  subordination 
tie<;^8al7  iik  the  field  oi:  the  camp;  atid  who§e effeminacii^ 
renders  them  incapable  ojF  taartial  exetcis^*  It  is  nek 
ehcnigh  'to  permit  the  jioor  to  erect  their  temperary  haiji- 
t^tidnS  on  Ufteleiis  skirts  c^  barren  land.  They  should  be 
«ticduiraged  to  wotk>  and  puacitually  paid  fdr  their  labou^i 
Slaves  should  no  longef  be  employed  in  mechadical  oecii- 
-pAtiimut  those  employments  shbuld  be  reserved  for  poor 
freemen,  whence  they  tbight  derive  the  medns  of  subsi&^ 
ence,attd  the  public  ^njoy  the  benefit  arising  ftom  agenerd 
diffusion  oF  the  wages  of  industry.  In  Jamaica  there  feSr- 
ists  a  law  to  oblige  all  owners  of  nogroes  to  employ  od^ 
white  servant  for  every  thirty  slaves ;  one  to -every  hundred 
Abd  fifty  h^d  of  cattle ;  obe  to  etei^y  ta^^thj  and  a  likb 
proportion  for  every  boat,  wherry,  and  tanoe^.    This  la^. 


*  This  law  b  justly  commended  by  a  judicious  historian,  thoroughly  acquainted 
WiUi  the  ttue  interests  of  Ac  eokmt^s.  Fide  Lm^s  tinti  of  Jamaica^  w/.  I,  p  3lO.» 
His  retaarks  on  (his  subject  are  too  dHfine  to  be  inserted  in  a  note.  I  ^ah  ohly,  tfaer^- 
fere,  recoibmend  bis  book  to  the  perusal  ot  my  reader,  as  a  pMormaiice  trhioh^ 
thmiS;b  less  elqfant  Qiati  Edwards's  splendid  Histoid  of  the  West  Indies,  ^ontain^  mcftt 
useful  bformation  on  colonial  politics,  thfln  any  other  woAwbicb  has  tofae  willii^ 
my  observation, 

8  2 


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132  .  THE  HrSTORT 

CHAP.  IV.  though  perverted  into  a  mere  regulation  of  finance,  is  acT- 
^^^^'  mirably  calculated  to  preserve  the  legitimate  population  of 
,the  country  ;>  and,  under  the  preBent  circumstances  ofBar- 
badoesy  may,  perhaps,  be  thought  worthy  of  adoption^ 
with  a  penalty  sufficient' to  enforce  its  observance.  '  ' 
,;  It  was  at  this  juncture,  and  upon  (his  occasion,  t^tthe 
legislature  of  Barbadoes  enacted  that  famous  statute^  Nwn^ 
ber  Eighty-two,  for  the  government  of  negroes,,  which  lias 
of  late  years^  becomie  a  popular  theme  of  decktmatio.u  in 
England;  and  subject^  th^ peaceable^  unoffeading' West 
Indians,  to  the  mpf^t  illiberal  invectives  and  the  most  virur- 
Jent  ab,u$e.  By  thisr  l^w,  amocig  many  provisions  made  for 
the  prevention  of  crimes,  and  the  punishment  of  offences ; 
which,,  to  the  honour  of  the  people,  ai^e  executed  with  a 
spirit  as  mild  and  lenient  as  the  object  is  just  and  laudable^ 
it  was  ordained,  "  That  if  any  slave,  under  punislmient  by 
his  master,  or  his  ord^sr,  shall  suffer  in  life  or  member,  no 
ppip  shall  ]ye  liable  to  any  fine  for  it. '  But  if  any  person 
w^^Bly  pr  cruelty  kill  his  own  slave,  he  shall  pay  into  the 
public. treasury  fifteen  pounds*.  If  he  intentionally  kill  the 
slave  of  another,  besides  paying  the  owner  double  the  value, 


*  Though  the  punishment  here  prescribed^  mty  appear  disproportioiied  to  the 
enormity  of  the  crime,  it  should  be  rememhered,  that  in  a  country  where  slaves  com- 
pose the  principal  part  of  the  property  of  the  inhabitants :  and  where  their  labour, 
or  hire,  is,  in  many  cases,  the  only  means  of  their  owner's  support;  the  loss  of  a 
slave  is,  of  itself,  a  very  heavy  forfeiture,  without  any  additional  penalty.  ^  It  never 
once  entered  into  the  imagination  of  the  legislature,  that  any  reasonable  being. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  15S 

and  twenty-five  pounds  to  the  treasurer,  he  shall  be  bound  ^hap.  Wi 
to  hi3  good  behayiour,  during  tte  pleasure  of  the  governor  ^^*^* 
and^councU.  And  if  any  person  kill  another  man's  slave  by 
accident,  he  shall  only  be  Uable  to  the  owner's  action  at 
law*.  But' if  any  person  kiU  a  negro,,  by  night,,  out  of  the 
road)  stealing  or  attempting  toi  steal  his  provisions  or  othec 
goodss  he  shall  not  be  accountable  for  it-f;^ 

The  lenity  of  tiiis.law  has  been  generally  condemned 
with  indecent  asperity  by  the  bumanie,  mistaken,  and  mis^ 
informed  Europeans,  for  its  reputed  insufficiency  to  afford 
protection  to  a  hapless  race  of  beings.    Nor  is  it  surprising: 


Ipvemed  by  those  considerations  of  interest  which  commonly  influence  mankind, 
would  wilfully  sacrifice  the  life  of  a  valuable  slave.  People  abroad  may  indulge  their 
talents  for  conjecture,  and  reason  hypotbetically  concerning  the  repnted^inhumaintj^ 
of  the  West  Indians  ^  but,  hitppily,.  such:  instancrs  of  extreme  crudty  are  uokiioim^ 
ioBarbadoea. 

*  A  sufficient  punishment,  surely,  for  accidental  homicide  I  *'  This  homicide  is 
not  felony,  because  it  is  not  accompanied  with  a  felonious  intent,  which  is  necessary 
in  every  felony/'  (1*  Hawkins  75.)'  '"But  in  all'caseg  of  homicide,  by  miiadventure#^ 
il-  is  nevertheless  a  tresspass,  spid  the  person  hurt  shall  recover  his  damages ;  for* 
thou(^  the  chance  excuse  from  felony,  yet  it.excuseth  not  from  itegffiM.*^  {\  Mule's 
Eisi,  472.)   Bum*s  Justice,  v.  2,  pi  505, 

t  ''If  a  thief  be  fbfund  breaking  up,  and  he  Be  smittlsn,  that  he  die,  there  shall  no 
Mood  be  spilt  for  him«''  Exodus,  c.  xxii.  «.  2.  ''If  any  evil  disposed  person  shal( 
feloniously  attempt  ta  rob,  or  murder,  any  person,  in  any  dwelhng'house  or  Jdgkwa^^ 
or  feloniously  attempt  to  break  any  dwelling-house  in  thcnigkt  tme,  and  shall  happen 
in  such  felonious  attempt  to  be  slain,  the  slayer  shall  be  discharged,  and  forfeit  no 
lands  or  goods.''    Bwm's  Justice^  v.  2.  p.  502. 


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tS4  THE  HISTORY 

<2^*:2-  fhat  a  uation,  Twbitiiated  to  the  fcontemplatioii  of  pxibtic 
16$$.  executions,  without  perceiving  thiit  i^rimes  are  not  dhni* 
nisbed  by  excessive  severity,  should  erroneously  coticlude 
that  no  puftislnnent,  shott  of  death,  is  capable  of  restraift-i 
ing  the  violfence  and  impetuosity  of  turbulent,  licenttoua 
man.  But  the  children  of  the  sun,  incapable  of  thosft 
deliberate  acts  of  cruelty,  injustice,  and  treachery,  ^*tech 
Are  frequetitly  perpetrated  by  the  gloomy  phlegmatic  ihba- 
bitants  of  more  northern  climates,  have  found  a  milder 
isiystem  of  jurisprudence,  sufficiently  efficacious  in  promoting 
the  ultimate  object  of  all  penal  laws,  the  prevention  of 
crimes. 

It  is  not  pretended  that  no  murders  whatever  have  beeii 
committed.  I  only  mean  to  assert,  and  I  do  it  with  con- 
fidence and  exultation,  that  they  are  less  frequent  in  B^ri 
badoes  thati  in  any  county  of  Great  Britain,  or,  petiiaps^ 
In  any  part  of  the  world,  where  they  are  capitally  punished: 
llie  population  of  Barbadoes  consists  of  seventy-five  thou-^ 
sand  blacks,  and  fifteen  thousand  white  inhabitants;  con- 
sequently, allowing  the  provocations  offered  by  both  classes 
to  be  equal,  thfe  number  of  liegro  homicides  committed  by 
freemen,  compared  with  those  of  the  white,  should  be  in 
the  proportion  of  five  to  one.  But,  however  incredible  it 
may  appear  to  our  European  calumniators,  it  is  an  indifr* 
putable  fact,  that  homicide  among  the  white  inhabitants, 
though  far  from  being  a  common  occurrence,  and  notwith- 
<standing  it  is  usually  punished  here  in  the  same  exemplary 


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OF  BARBADOE&.  135^. 

vpwmtier  (o  at  the  OW  Bailqy,  ia  ydt  n  much  mom  frecpieiit  ^^JJJJJ^ 
9£S3Qce  than  the  murder  of  a  sI^m^  b/  a  free  man.  ^^^ 

-  Ia  a  pmod  of  thirty-foor  years^  there  have  bee^no^au-^ 
theotic  accocmts^  of  mofe  thaa  nxteen  n^oes  killed  bjF 
white  nieii>  and  of  these  only  ait  come  .mthin  tiier  legale 
description  of  that  species  of  homicide  whick  even^  the 
English  crinHnal  judicature  would  punish  with  aeatb. 
Lord  Seaforthy  during,  his  administration,,  instituted,  a  mi- 
nute inc|aify  into  offences  of  this  sort ;  and,  though  he^ 
emplajed  no  ordinary:  diegree  of  industry  in  pursuing  tha 
mquisitionv  three  instances  of  extreme  cruelty  were  all' that 
he  couid  ascertain  to  have  been  committed  for  several  years. . 
Now  let  the  candid  and  impartial  reader  take  these  fects- 
mUy  consideration,  and  then  let  him  say  in  what'  happy 
KfporL  of  the  habitable  globe  it  is  possible  to  meet  with  so 
few  instances  of  criminality^  in  the  same  space  of  time,, 
among  a  people  so  numerous.  Such  is  ^e  lamentably 
fr^ijty  of  imperfect  man,  that  ia  every  socieky,^  composedt 
qC  s«ch. fallible  beings,  whether  under  the  rigour  of  thd 
l(rijlish  criiplnal  code,  or  thenhilder  influence  of  Wiestlndiati; 
poljuqy,,  ofieooes  mmi  come.  That  they  are  p«nushedv  imw 
p^^  but  little  merit  m  the  system  of  legislation  by  which^ 
the  pKtiishmdnt  is^sa&ctibned^;if  they  are  not  prevented;  cur, 
Ht'leost,^  rendered  comparatively  ibw«>i: 

^3Mt;aU  discussionon  thibsubject  isnsow)  at  an  endl  The 
legislature  have  passed  a  law  to  punish  the  wilAd  murder 
of  arsls^ve  with  deaths    NOT'Was  it  from'  any  ytt&toS  hu« 


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136  THE-HISTORY 

<<^^2£J  toanhj^  x>r  regard  for  justice,  that  this  measure  has  bcfew 
jaa^.  ^^  iQug  delayed.  The  infrequency  of  the  crime  proved  the 
cflSLciency  of  the  existing  law,  in  restraining  the  hand  of 
viblence  ks  eflfiectaally  as  could  have  been  done  by  ainore 
sanguinary  mode  of  punishment  Barbadians  require  not 
tlie  terror  of  capital  inflictions  to  restrain  them  from  those 
atrocities  which  disturb  the  domestic  peace  and  happiness 
pf  pritate  society,  in  nations  who  extol  the  perfection 
pf  their  •criminal  -code.  In  the  natural  mildness  and  be- 
nignity of  their  tempers,  the  weak  and  defenseless  find 
security  and  protection  from  violence  and  injustice. 

In  a  review  of  this  meniorable  la^r,  th6  cruelty  and  in- 
justice of  some  sections  cannot  escape  observation*.  The 
negro  is  here  denied  the  natural  right  of  defending  himself 
against  the  attacks  of  his  fellow  slave.  In  assaults  and 
affrays  the  innocent  and  the  guilty  are  equally  liable  to 
pnnishmei][t ;  and  in  homicide  here  are  no  legal  gradations 
of  guilt  /The  dave,  who  i  kills,  ^nollier,  shall  surely  die. 
Self-preservation  is  naiure^s  primary  law.  WheniGod  be-* 
stowed  existetice  upoaiUiabJihe  gav.e  liitxi  the  right xrf'  c^lf- 
defenice  \  and  no  human  jnriidiction  has  a  legitimate  pdwer 
to  deprive  kim.  of  this  sacred  {Mivilege.  This  law  of  nature, 
being  coeval  with  mankind,iiaEidi dictated  by  God  hlinself^ 
is  of  superior  obligation  to  anyitxtfaei;.  .'  No  huinad  Idws-laM 
of  any  validity,  if  jcontmry  to.  ^tWs*!.  •  Such  a  law  is^an 


■     ■  ■;■!  1 1 II   I      1 1  ■    J     III        1 1 1  ■    I  <  ■  I  ■    i»  I  I      '  ,'  ■    ■     f ;      I  ■       ' .   1 '  n     *  I  tr    ,         1 1  I  '  I      I  I'll  I   ,  gT« 

.tn  act  of  parliament^  made  «ontrary  to  natural  justice^  u  void  in  itself. 


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OF  BAia^ADO^.  337 

^u'tra^'  'Oij'  th^.  patural  feelings   of  'tnaokin^,   and  re--*JJJJ:^- 
■  pugttaQt  to  every  principle  of  natural  and  political  jus-      ****• 
'tice..:  •...,'■      , .     _     ...  •...• :  :  .:  ;..' 
,  "Jt  c^pnqt  J>e  :di$seiiiblec|,    that  some  other  clauses  of 
the  statute  evince    a  harshness  aiad     severity  unworthy 
o^  a'  christian   legislature.  •   Capital  offence*  ar^  cfeatejd 
withr  a  facility  and  heedlessness  ^^ly  Gul^al>Ie>  aiji^  ;the 
*  Jni^s^  shocking  a«nd  iroraodefatq  pjuc^hmentsare  ai^nex 
tiivial  pffences.    It  ig  enacted,  That  ^f  ajcijy  ^lave  strike  a 
christian,  he  shall,  for  the  first  offence,  be  severely;  whipped, 
1?;^  ordey  of  the  jasti<?g  o|  J;h^  p^^jt»  whom  the  complm 
shall  baye  been  made  tfppnoaih;  and  fpr;t^fj^cQnd  pffgpc^ 
hfe  shall j  besides  being  whipped,  laave  his  nose  sUtt  aii.d  be 
burned  in  the  face  with  an  .hot  .irpn.     This  clause  breathjes 
the  sanguinary  spirit  pf  r a,Nerp  or  I^oniitian ;  but  let  me 
add,^A^tl».constOipu^ipptnUation^  yxiit4|lj.iji,9§fo^9e<^  vvith.  the 
mildness  and  cl^fnpuc^  /^f  st,  Titjjf.  ^^^^,si^^.ix\;^pft  oi" 
the  horrid  inflic^tifji)  pr^c^ljed  jfarjthe^.sjecond,  q^pce»  is 
unkno,wn  to  the  jc^d^^t  jgjjajj^lj^  gf  fji.e.. country.    It  is 
adraitje4..^vcn  ,b^.  .an.  ,enf;pi|  J^^^^f  hi?  piiesjeut;  raqq  ^f .Bar- 
badians is  more  humane,  and  incomparably  mor^  e^igh^ 
tened,  than  their^jsmcestor^  .  TUQ.genercf^r  i^atives  of  the 
t?.^^(?P??e,,,Yrh(^,l|j^rjg  ^^.^a^  yf^m^  9^.  ^Ip^^pt^ospjier^ 

*  '    "  •     -  I  *  I  1  '  '        ' 

.;    Li:;    !'->   t-iiiijicksAhr^Idetytirs'fchSlaVeiy,  p/us;-  '       '         .      '• 


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1S8  TOE  HISTORY 

^^li^'  ^»  which  they  breathe,  disdain  to  cypress  the  sable  laticmrer 
16W.  ^|jp  contributed  to  their  luxury,  or  provides  for  their  sub- 
sistence. But  this  is  not  enough.  It  is  not  enough  that 
this  barbarous  law  should  be  neglected;  it  ought  tobeex* 
punged  from  the  statute  book.  But  while,  from  the  purest 
knotives  of  humanity,  I  reprobate  this  sanguinary  clause, 
with  what  propriety^  may  I  be  pemiitted  to  ask,  can  those 
condemn  it^  who,  in  a  land  of  freedom,  sanction  and  prac*^ 
tise  punishments  more  severe  for  offences  not  more  atro^ 
cious  ?  Is  the  soldier,  who  fights  the  battles  of  his  country, 
axid  lifts  lus  hand  against  bis  commanding  office,  mor6 
erimma]>  or  punislied  with  less  sdv^rrty,  than  the  audacious 
slare  who  strikes  his  master?  Is  th^  gallant  sailor,  who 
uphdds  the  nation's  glory,  and  protects  it  by  his  valour  and 
prowess,  subject  to  a  milder  punishment,  if,  in  a  moment  of 
unguarded  resentitifent,  he  should  strike  Ifhe  officer  wliose 

t  r 

orden  he  is  bottnd  to  obey?  No,  an  ignominious: death 
awaits  the  rash  offender :  his  former  seizes  are  forgotten, 
and  he  is  consigned  to  a  premature  grave  for  his  temerity, 
while  the  slave  lives  to  lepeat  hisf  crime  and '^x'tili  in  his 
audacity. 

Of  the  mode  of  proceeding  on  tiie  trial  of  slaves,  it  may 

be  proper  to  take  some  notice  Hi  thi^  place.   In  alt  C6i!ntiicui 

cases,  a  justice  of  the  peace  ia  .empowered.- to.  hear  the 

'     complaint,  and  proceed  to  judgment;  wuiy  on  the  most 

ordinary  and  trivial  aggressions,  the  evidence  of  the  first 


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OF  BAl^PADOES.  135> 

g^tii«lpaa,m%rbadoe9,  agaiast  the  worst, negro, >^«t>en  ^^2^^;^^" 
«!•  09th.  But  in. cases  of  JFelony,  two  justices  pf  the  peace  "  "8». 
are  ijequired  tp  take  cognisance  of  the  offence;  an4  to 
sumnaoq.  a  jury,  of  three  freeholders;  not  merely  of  Uw 
vkxqiiij, ,  lest  any  {»rtiaU^  should  he  vsed  in  the^  selecfioft, 
fafQt  «rho  ate  nearest  to  the  sdol;  were  the  felonious -'act 
was  committed.  Here  the  satoe  formnlity  iji  piracttae4i>f 
in  alLother  judicial  proceedings\  iThe  ajccn&ed  is  coofiionte^ 
with  his  accusek:  and.  the  wiitnes^ ;  hie  Imus  coims^^  fk39ig9d4 
.  hma  at  thtes-feuMe  of  his  fda»(£r,  ^nd,  evfrj  m^w  kniatfD 
to  the  oonrts  at  Westminstfur  H^II;  are  ^mpk>ye4  in  tiie-iuU 
and  iair  investigation  of  the  charge.  When  the  evideoce 
is  closfsd,  the  magis^tes.  and  the  piajp  coltectiv«ly«  ai'e 
left  to  decide »  a^' »  sin^  dissentient  -ab^olFes  l^  pnaaoer 
from  guilt  If  he  i&  convicted,  tiiare  ye^  temains  anoEtlKf 
cliance  (^  saving  lumTrom'  the  sentence  of -the  Iftw>  the 
right  of  appeal  ta'  the  go^ertjor  and  couiKil;  a  Tight^wb|c^ 
is  usually  exercned^  wheneret  :the£e  is  theledst'  pimp^^ 
oiF its  being  successful*.'"'      •  -        .  ■■■ ,  ^ 

To  this  form  of  trial,  the'  only  objisetido  vbifli  ims  pes- 
sibly  exist,  is  to  ihe  iitiinl)jer  of  the  jury:iaecl'fiertAi«l-y>it 
would  be  mote  conformabb  to  tise  priacifdefi  of  £nf liiih 
jurisprudence,  were  tbfe  jtiry^  on  thesis  eeoaiuoits;  do^^iofiftd 
of  the  same  nunibib-  of  fi«eh(Jders  axf  in;  oUur  -o^au^  il^t 
no  inconvenience'  has  ^i&f  b^«n  expcrieho^  ffonii^4^ 
lonial  deviation  fh)ai'  iM^'foddamental  .iyi|e  =af.«rinafi*l 

T  2 


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140  •  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  IV.  judicature.  Infallibility  is  not  the  property  of  any  precise 
i«88.  number  of  persons.  Tratb  may  be  as  thoroughly  inves- 
tigated, and  justice  as  faithfotly  administered,  by  five,  as 
by  twelve.  Let"  liie  not  be  Hfrisurtderstood.  I  mean  mA  tQ 
speak  Kghtly,  nor  irreverently,  o,f  the  established  i^^^.qi 
trial  by  juiy.  "With  enthusiastic  Veneration,  I  regard  it  as 
the  palladium  of  all  our  Civil  and  political  rights.  These 
remarks  are  merely  intended  to  establish  this  position,'  that 
the  formi  prescribed  by  the  colonial  lawi  for  the  trial,  of 
slaves^  is,  iii'aU  resects,  cofittpeterit  to  the  JKgnlsMf.'aiid  im^ 
partial  administration  of' justiwft ;  add  «aildid  iBen;inay 
probably  think,  th&t  a  tribunal,  consisting  of  two/ihagi?* 
tirates  and  three  jnryipen,  may  be  as  capable  of  deciding 
justly,  as  the  military  and  naval  courts  mactiaj,  which  are 
allowed  to  decide  upon  tlie.liVeis  of  freemen.' 
'  To  th/e  eflSciency  of  the  code  of  Barbadoes  for  the  pro- 
tection <rf  slaves  it  is  objected,  that  if  allows  not  the  eyi- 
'dehce' of  coloured  people,^  in  arty  cause,  of  •  complatut 
against  the  white  inhabitants.  Evdn  i  the  .advocates  for 
iht  admission  of  such  testimony  seiem  stDr^ed  at  the  ex- 
travagance of '  their  own  proposition,  and  suggest,,  by  ..way 
of  modiiSlcation,  tfaap  this  testimicHLy  of  :two  ormord  i^egroes 
-should  be  made  equivalent  to  that '  of  otte ,  white  person . 
and  that  such  as  profess  Christianity,  might  be  sworn  on  the  ^ 
-£vaiigdists.  God  forbid  that$uch'a  dirieful  calai^ty  should 
^heSail  thk  bajppy  land.    Tli«  avf^i^. sword  of  the, conque- 


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OFBARBADOES.  WI 

ror;  the  famine  that  spreads  desolation  in  its  progress ;  or  the  ^^^^: 
pestilence  that  precipitates  tHoasands  to.eternity,  isRcarcWy      ^^^''*    , 
more  terrible  to  the  ioaaginalibn  than  the  idea  of  admiUaiig 
seventy  dr  eighty  thousand  teatJien  slaves  to  bfear  witnesa 
^gainjt  their  christian  masters*    A  proposal  so  preposterous  : 
can  originate  only  in  the  most  consiiinraate  ignorance  of  ■ 
the  character  bf  the  negroes*.    ;'     '  .  ••       .     .  . 

They  are  pagans  in  the  most  extensive  signification  Of- 
Uhat  dpprobriouB  appellative.    Without  even  the  advantage!  ■  - 
of  idolatry;  they  faat^e  310.  system  of  mOr^ity,.  po  sense  of  • 
i«Iiwioii»' liar,  faith: in  it»  doctrines ;.  thisir.  cijeed  is  witclt. 
eraft,  and  their  oi]dy  religious  rit^  the  practice  of  Obealu  v 
Travellers  r^port^  that  the  Africans  are  believer^  in  the  - 
Supreme  being;   that  they  have  modea  of  worship,  and 
many  religious  ceremonies-.     But  those    wjip^  have  beea  ' 
brought  to  Barbadoeis  seem  to  have  left  their  ^atiottai  faith 
and  household  goods  behind ;  and,  what  ip  fay  more  uur 
fortunate^   the^;  hav^  adopted  no  others  ii^ .  thejy   stead- 
Somt3;  imdeed,  profess  Christianity,  thatis,:  they  have,  been 
baptiz^,  but  tAieit"  hearts  are  as  void  of  any  religious  inv 
pressions  as  if  they  had  continued  in  the  wilds  of  Africa. 
Frequent  attempts    have  beep  niade    by  some  humane 
owners  to.     convert  their:  favourite   slaves  to    Christian- 
ity,  and  though  many  of  them  are  treated  with  parental 
fondness  and  indulgence,  no  benefits  have  been  derived 
from  the  pious  endeavours  to  effect  their  conversion. 


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14^  ^HE  mSTORY 

c^j^^jj^-  It  <vas  laid  d&xm  hy  Lord  Coke;  that  an  ififide!  -cannot 
168B.  t^re  received  as  b witness;  and  in  a  sntt  for  a  'diverte^  in 
Docfor^s  tomriioiis,  the  evidence  of  a  negrd^  in  nuch 
later  times,  was  tejected,  because  he  wasnot  of  ^theChcwr 
ttan  r6ligioi3»  Again/' ill  the  Case  of  Admiral  iMattbMF^ 
againsft  the  Iiidia  Company,  in  the  Exchequte,.  the  teati- 
mony  of  Orangee,  a  black  nian,  was  rejescted,  by  the  '^4* 
Vice  of  tlie  Goiirt  of  King'J}  Beneli,  upon  the  ^ame  ffrinci- 
pl6.  It  seem^,  however,  to  b)e  gi^netaily^  Emitted,  that 
heatliens  and  idolaters  tnay  foe  s\^^om  upon  irhatcb^con- 
"35id^r  the  most  sacreiJ  parts  of  tlieir  religii^.^  ^This^ipoint 
wris  hot  long  since  daborately  airgubd  in  Chancory,'.;liy 
some  of  the  mdst  etiiinent  tatryers  in  £nglaaiMl^*  and  it:  M^% 
finally  decided  by  Lord  H^rdwicke,  assisted  by  QuiefB^y 
Ton  Parker,  and  the  Chief  Justices  of  the  Kiog^'s  Bench  mid 
the  Court  of  Common  Pieas^  that  tlie  tekimony ,  of  DF«(r 
uesses  of  the  OeiVtoo  i^ligi^ii,  fttmra  accordingt  ta ,  tjmr 
particular  ceremonies,  should  ti^  received*.  But.lJififtit 
was  proved  to  their  Lordship's  entif^  3ilti«lactioti .  .thirib/xtike 
Gentoos  believe  in  God,  the  ^resUor  of  ^ba  vnivenie^  and 
in  the  doctrhie  of  future  retribution.  Upcm  •this  oceMion, 
Lord  Chief  Justice  WilUs,  in  ^ehVeting  his  opinion^  Mfd, 
^  though  I  am  of  opinibn  ^at  infidds,  who  believe  a  <}od 

■  '■  ■       I  . '     u  ■       ■■..'    '   .'!    "        '    "  '  . 

«  AtUns's  Keports,  'Omyc^hand  f .  Bntcr. 


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OF  liARSADOES.  X4& 

and  fotore  rewards  and  punishments,  may  be  ititneBSMj  ^ivS* 
yet  I  am  as  clearly  of  opioioD,  that  if  they  da  not  beHeire  ***•• 
in  Gii>d,.  or  fu4are  rewards  and  pmnishinents^  they  ought 
lUft  to>be  adjoitted  a&  witnesses:  neither  ou£^  the 
sasoe  djedit  ta  be  gi^eato  the  evidence  of  an  ifffidel  » 
of  a  Christian^  becaiase  hci  i»  not  under.  Ike  same  ofaii* 
gation*^ 

I  hare  already  shewn  that  the  negroes  are  not  possessed 
of  those  religious  sentiments  which  can  inspire  them  with 
a  just  sense  of  the  sacred  oblig^ion  of  an  oath^.  Besides 
an  obvious  distinction  presents  itself  to  the  mind,  between 
the  testimony  of  infidel  witnesses,  in  particular  cases,  and 
that  of  slaves  admitted  generally  against  their  masters. 
The  admission  of  such  testimony,  in  special  cases,  in  Eu- 
rope, can  be  attended  with^  no  material  inconvenience  to 
the  people^  With  us  there  is  a  difference;  and  it  would  be 
almost  madness  to  expose  the  lives^  the  liberties,  and  pro- 
perties, of  the  West  Indians,  to  a  savage  multitude,  who 
have  not  the  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes  to  restrain  them 
as  witnesses,  from  glutting  their  revenge  by  the  most  horrid 
perjuries.  Were  the  testimony  of  slaves  once  allowed,. 
Barbadoes  would  be  no  place  of  abode  for  any  honest 
man  who  had  a  regard  for  his  reputation,  his  interest,  or 
his  personal  safety.  No  innocence  of  life,  no  integrity  of 
hearty  would  afford  security  from  criminal  prosecutions,  sup- 
ported by  such  evidence*    If  in  civilized  society,  in  the 


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X4k, 


THE  HISTORY 


chAJ^,  ancMBt  poKshed  ^roviDces  of  Europe,  the  most  barefdoed 
*^^*-  |)erjurie8  are  daily  committed  by  men  educated  in  the  prin- 
iciples  of  Chjistianity,  it  is  easy  to  foresee  what  must  be^  the 
iktal  jconsequeoces  o£  legalising  tihe  testimony  of  aa  igoor- 
sant,' superstitious,  vindiotiye  race,  whom  no  feligtous  nor 
*moml  obligatk>a  can  bind  to^ speak  i^e  truth.      !   !      ;;  .  3 


v/    I 


ii  y>  /' J V   :     t     i 


\"   J  1:' 


*iJ 


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OFBARBADOES.  Ii5 


r  CHAP.  V. 

SIK  TIMOTHY  THOBKHILL  's  GALLANT  EXPLOITS — COLONEL  KEK- 
JXAhL  APFOINTEIX  GOVERNOR — THE  COUNTRY  SUFFERS  FROM 
ikN  EPIDEMIC  DISEASE^f-A  NEW  PLOT  AMONG  THE  NEGROES — 
UNSUCCESSFUL  ATTACK  ON  MART  IN  ICO— COLONEL  RUSSEL  SUC- 
CEEDS TO  THE  GOVERNMENT — HIS  DEATH. 

In  the  course  of  this  year  an  event  had  taken  place  in  chap,  v* 
England  which  diffused  a  general,  though  short-livtid,  sa-  i6si. 
tisfaction  among  the  King's  friends.  The  royal  consort,  to 
the  inexpressible  joy  of  the  court  and  the  Roman  Catholics, 
both  at  home  and  abroad,  was  safely  delivered  of  a  son. 
The  birth  of  a  Prince  of  Wales,  it  was  vainly  hoped^ 
would  give  stability  to  the  tottering  throne.  An  occurrence 
of  so  much  importance  did  not  fail  to  draw  forth  the  niost 
lively  demonstrations  of  joy  in  Barbadoes.  But  the  pub- 
lie  rejoicings  on  this  occasion  had  scarcely  ceased  before 
the  Revolution  placed  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain  on  the 
heads  of  William  and  Mary,  Prince  and  Princess  of  Orange. 
Mr.  Stede*§  principles  of  loyalty  arid  fidelity  readily  accom- 
modated themselves  to  this  change  of  circumstances,  and 
he  chearfully  proclaimed  the  accession  of  the  new  sove- 
teigns;  observing,  that  if  they  tvere  King  and  Queen  at 

V 


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146  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  V.  Whitehall,  they  ought  to  be  so  here.    For  this  service  his^ 
lew,      excelleacy  had  the  honour  oT  havkig  his  commission  re- 
newed, induefonn,  by  King  William. 

Thi^  evept  soon  presented  the  Barbadians  with  an  oppor- 
tuuity  of  displayixig  thei?  zeal  and  spirit  in  defence  of  his* 
Majesty's  rights  in  the  western  hemisphere.  The  French^, 
who  were  professedly  the  friends  and  protectors  of  the  un- 
fortunate family  of  the  Stuarts  during  their  exite,  in  ton- 
junctioa  with  some  Irish  Roman  Catholics,  attacked  the 
English  settlers  at  St.  Christopher's,  immediately  after  the 
abdication  of  James.  This  hostile  proceeding,  which  was 
afterwards  extended  to  the  other  British  plantations,,  was- 
conducted  with  such  an  unusual  degree  of  animosity  and 
savage  barbarity,  that  General  Codrington,  who  had  heext 
recently  appointed  by  King  William  to  the  government  of 
the  Leeward  Islands,  was  forced  to  apply  to  Bai^^adoes^ 

;  'for  succour,  to  enable. bim  to  repel  these  diaring  acts  of 
aggression. 
The  Barbadians,,  generously  participating  in  the  resent- 

.  ment  of  their  injured  fellow  subjects,  consented,  without 
hesitation,  to  contribute  their  assistance.  Sir  Timothy 
Thomhill,  major-general  of  the  militia,  gallantly  volun- 
teered hb  services,  and  quickly  raised  a  regiment  of  seven 
hundred  men,  who  were  accoutered,  armed  and  embarked 
at  the  public  expence.  This  expedition  sailed  from  Car- 
lisle-bay, on  the  first  day  of  August;  and  arrived  at  Anti- 
gua on  the  fifth  of  the  same  month.    Here  Sir  Timothy  had 


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OFBARBADOES.  147 

the  mortification  to  learn  that  the  people  of  St.  Chmto^er's   2JJ5;J^* 
had  been  obliged  tp  capitulate  two  days  before  he  left  Bar-       **^^' 
badoes,  on  condition  of  their  being  transported  to  Nevis. 
His  force  being  insufficient  to  attempt  the  recovery  of  the 
i^apd,    General  Codriqgton  and    himself   determined  to 
await  ithejBurival  of  a  flee.t  from  England,  which  was  daily    • 
jB^pected  with  troops  for  the  defence  of  the  islands;     But 
t)iis  reinforcement  not  arriving  at  the  time  it  was  expected, 
the^  spirited  commanders  embarked  a  part  of  the  Barba* 

.dian  militia  on  board  sonjie  small  sloops,  and  dispatched 
ti^m  Jx?  A<^wil^«  whence  they  brought  off  the  remains  t>f 
tjuit  jifluall,  colony,  w^ich  had  suffered  greatly  from  the 
fjpu^ty,  ,and  rapacity  of  the  French  and  Irish  Catholics,   NaTcmberw 

.After  this,  Thornhill  proceeded  with  his  regiment  to  N^evis, 
.which  w^tsmenaped  by  the  enemy,  but  the  timely  arrival  of 
thi9.  mn^orceai^t  effectually  relieved  the  inhabitants  froia 
their  fi?ar  of  invasioji. 

General  Cpdrington,  finding  the  posture  of  affairs  woiili 
admit  of  no  delay,  hastened  after  him ;  and,  though  the 
armament  from  Europe  had  not  arrived,  these  brave  and 
active  officers  soon  planned  an  expedition,  in  wliich  their 
cojobined  forces  might  be  usefully  employed.  Pursuant  to 
this  plan,  Thornhill,  with  a  detachment  of  three  hundred  Dec.  15. 
Barbadian,  and  two  hundred  Nevisans,  sailed  to  the  at- 
tack of  Saint  Bartholomew's.  Having  landed  his  men,  he 
pushed  forward  with  such  alacrity  that  in  four  days  time 
the  island  surrendered  to  his  victorious  arms.    This  acqui- 

.  u  2 


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148  .  THE  HISTORY 

'^^[J^P;^-  sition  was  obtained  ^vith  the  loss  of  onlj  tea  men  killeil' 
^^^  and  wounded.  On  this  occasion  the  general  does  not  ap^- 
pear  to  have  acted  with  beconfting  moderation.  The  pi!i^on* 
ere,  to  the  amount  of  neai-fj^  seven  hundred  wen^  .wi^b^hair 
negroes^  live  stock  and  pther«ffec;t»^  were  coaveye4  to  Nc^ 
vi?,  w^ile  the  unhappy  women  and  children,  torn  from  thj? 
embraces  of  their  husbands  and  fathers,  were,  sent,  to  Saint 
Christopher's.  This  unnecessary  cruelty  was  iseverely  re^ 
probated  in  England,  ^nd  the  inliab^tants  were  restpr^  to 
1690.  *t^  possession  of  their  property  as  Britisti  subjects*.  . 
Jan.  19.  I'lushed  with  victory,  Sir  Tipiothy  next  attempted  the. 
reduction  of  Saint  Martin's ;  where,  though  he  wa^  wW* 
mately  unsuccessful,  he  gained  fresh  laurels  Thje.di^^Qj^t 
was  effected  without  opposition;  but  his  progress  w;a»  \itn^,: 
peded  by  greater  difficulties  than  had  been  foreseen^  <  He 
nevertheless  succeeded  in  destroying  the  principal  fortifica^, 
tions,  and  was  prevented  from  accomplishing  the  conquest 
of  the  island  only  by  the  unexpected  arrival  of  M.  du 
Casse,  the-French  admiral,  with  a  strong  armament^  from 
St.  Christopher's.  .  Thomhill  was  now  compelled  to  xon? 
tract  his  posts',  and  to  concert  proper  measures  for  his  owe 
safety.  General  Codrington,  apprized  of  his  critical  situa* 
tion,  immediately  detached  Colond  Hewitson,  to  Saint 
Martinis,    with  two  hundred  men,  under  the  convoy  of 


♦  Univcwtl  Hist.  vol.  41,  p.  155,  259,  273,  290,  30  k 

6 


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OF  BARBADOES:  ug 

three  sloops 'ofwai*.    After  a  smart  action  between  the  hos-   chap.  v. 
tile  ^sqitadirdrts;  Which  terminated  in  favour  of  the  British,,      ^^^°- 
Thdffihill  conveyed  a'll  his' artillery,  baggage,  and  plunder^ 
on  h>6kid  the  fleet ;  arid  th^,  ordering  his  tents  to  be  struck, 
began  HiS'TMareh'to  a  cbnVenient  place  fot  eniibarking  hisK 
trobpi;  but" the  en6my;*  p&rceWmg  liis  design,  commenced 
a  ftii*i6ujt  attack  upoa  hirri,  in  which,  however,  they  were 
beaten  back  to  the  woods.    The  general  having  made  good 
his  retifeat,  with  a  triftirfg  loss,  reimbarked  bis  gallant  little 
army,  and  returned  to  Nevis/  where  he  was  joined  by  Gre-     Feb.  «. 
rieral  Codringtoti,- with  twelve  hundred  men. 
The  ardourof'th^se  congenial  spirits  urged  them  to.  the 
,  most  vigbrotfe  opehitions  against  the  enemy;  nor  was  it 
loiig'befdte'tfieyHtisre  enabled  to  ac6oinj 
ject  of  thi^ir  Wislies^     Commodore  Wrigh 
arrived' with  the  l6ng  expected  succou 
Codrifaglbn,  "whb'was  appointed  coniman 

troops,' immediately  fiali^d  from  Nevis  Junci9t 

Saint  Christopher's.  •  The  descent  was  c 
neral  ThornhiTl,  who,  at  the  head  of  I 
strengthened  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  drawn  from 
the  othert,  landed  at  tlie  foot  of  a  hill,  which  the  French, 
deeming  inaccessible,  had  left  unguarded*  Sensible  of 
the  importance  of  this  post,  Thomhill,  with  his  usual  viva- 
city, proceeded  to  take  possession  of  the  height;  but  this 
was  not  effected  without  much  danger  and  some  bloodv- 
shed.    When  he  had  gained  the  sunrnxit^  unexpectedly  eu^ 


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150  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.v*  countering  n  detachment  of  the  enemy,  his  corps  sufitaioed 
1690.  an  arduous  conflict,  with!  great  firmness,  till  ihe  anivol  -  of 
Colonel  Holt,  with  the  Duke  of  Bolton's  r^im^t,  wheA 
the  French  were  driven,  in  the  utmost  concision,  from  thdr 
trenches.  In  this  engagemtent,  ThomhiU  was  «o^  grbvot^Iy 
wounded,  that  he  was  forced  to  retire  on  boahcl:  otte  ^f  tht» 
ships.  The  command  of  his  regiment,  after. -this  aeddept, 
-dcTolved  on  Colonel  Thomas,  who  was  ohiered  Uy  pisde* 
trate  into  the  country,  supported  by  Colonel  WHUams,  at 
the  head  of  a  regiment  of  AhtegOmans.  On^  tliis  service 
the  Barbadians  were  exposed  to  a  spirited  attack  from  h  svi^ 
perior  body  of  the  enemy,  and,  from  their  imprudence  in 
Jadvancing  with  too  great  temwity,  must  hiive  beei  inevi- 
lablj  cut  off,  but  for  the  seiasoiiable  advance  of  WilHamif^ 
jrewanre.  The  timely  approach  of  tbcir  friends  impiitd  ti»e 
'Barbadians  with  fresh  courage,  and  the  eneinj  wem  soon 
<;onipelIed  to  take  refuge  in  the  woodsy  and  other  strcmg 
1)olds.  Sir  Timothy  lliombill,  having  sufficiently  recovered 
of  his  wounds,  -soon  after  resumed  the  command  of  his  -re- 
i^iment,  and  contributed  materially,  by  Im  bravery  and 

July  12.  conduct,  to  the  redaction  of  the  island,  wjiich  at  kogtb 
capitulated  to  ijieneral  Codrington,  as  commander  in 
•chief. 

Aftgr  the  conquest  of  Saint  Christopher's,  ThomhiU  pro- 
ceeded with  tfae  marines  and  his  own  regiment  to  Saint 
£us^u5,  whbnee  the  Dutch  had  been  r«centfy  a^pelled 
hjf  ^  fiew^,    With  th«  triflmg  loss  of  ^  txmei  than 


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OF  MRBADOES.  ISI 

u^tmeD*  be  stonned  the  principal  fort,  a  place  of  don- 
siderable.  strefigtlH  mouoting  sixteea  guns,  drove  out  the 
Fj[i9iiicl\  WAd  restored  tbe  islajotd  to  iia  former  proprietors, 
yim  vif^tocj:  closed  SirTimotbjr  Thomhill's  brilliant  career, 
fitmiiiig.th^  he  could  be  of  no  farther  use  in  the  Leeward 
J,^jk»^4»-.  hft  faatbarked  bi»  trqops  and  returned  to  Barbadoes. 
.^^Mse.  ejitorpriacs  were  so  judiciously:  pUoned  and  con- 
duelled . If  itibk  such  coosununate  pradence  and  courage*  that 
^ey,  reflected,  the  highest  honour  on  the  character  of  tfaft 
'West.Ioditftns  iu'  geoeral,  but  more  particulady  on  the  iUus^ 
tnous^.p«^iot,  Genentl  Codringto^  and  the  uttvefitid.  hero, 
9M  Tivm>t]^.  Thonihill,  by  whoiob  they  had  bei^ri.  disinter* 
e^edly;  undertaken  and'  gallantly  p^<CHined.    These  trans- 
acMPW  .h^^Q  heeii  the  mor^  eixcumstant^lly  detailed,  be- 
(^u^  iadepfjMlent  of  .tl>e  gratification,  r^ultii^g  fVom  t^ 
coi;di«g  the  gallant  exploits  of  a  meritorious-  o6Scerj  and'  Mr 
«f(^u»tryiBW»>  thpy  .t^^rve  to  correct  a  popular  errpr.  intti^ 
which  n^ftpy  ec(«AO«aical  politicians  have  fallen  with  respect 
to  thie.expeikGe'O^  ooaintaining  the  militia;  which,  in  their 
a{i$>reh$in8M»i,  is  inadequate  to=  the  purposes  of  e^ectcud 
de^ce.  !We  have  before  us  the  most  iudubitabte  evidence, 
not  only  of  the  court^^e  of  th&.West  XndiaiiS)  bi^t  of  thei|« 
having  been  successfully  eeajdoyed  in  ofensive  opeiations 
ogBOaat  their  enemies  abroad..   As  in,  this  service,  atj^ded 
with  no  inconsiderable  difficulty  and  danger»  tl»ey  ac(luitted 
themselves  with  a  firmness  aid  discipline  ei^^al  to .  Vetentn 
tKK>pe>  we  may^  wilka.  well-gsoandei  MAfideace» vexpecf 


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U^  THE  fflSTORV 

^^^J^Jj^  no  less  spirited  exertions,  wh^i  called  on  to  defend  their 
^^^      country,  thdr  liberty  and  property. 

On  ThornhilFs  return  to  his  native  country,  the  legisla** 
ture,  impressed  with  a  just  sense  of  his  extraordinary  merit, 
voted  him  a  present  of  one  thousand  pounds,  in  coosi* 
deration  of  the  courage,  skill  and  address,  which  be  had 
displayed  in  his  late  command  against  their  IVAajesties' 
enemies,  and  for  his  services  iji  the  care  and  dtsciptit^of 
the  militia.  Sir  Timothy  had  the  further  satis^ction  to 
find,  that,  during  his  absence,  his  implacable  enemy,  Mr. 
Stede,  had  been  superseded  by  Colonel  James  Kendal,  a 
native  of  Barbadoe^  who  had  been  promoted  by  his 
Sovereign  to  the  government  of  the  island. 
*  The  appointment  of  this  gentleman  seems  to  have  been 
TK)  Jess  acceptable  to  his  countrymen  than  beneficial  to  the 
Colony.  By  his  candid  repreSfentation '  of  the  loyalty  and 
'quiet  disposition  of  the  people,  he  diectually  removed  the 
prejudice  which  had  been  expited  against  them  on  the 
other  «ide  of  the  Atlantic,  by  the  partial  and  unjust  ac- 
trounts -transmitted  by  his  predecessors ;  and  Bevend  mem- 
bers of  council,  wTio  had  been  suspended  in  consequence 
of  the  misrepresentations  which  had  been  made  to  the  crown, 
were  now  restored  to  their  former  rank  and  dignity.  The 
tegi^lartwre,  as  a  testimony  of  their  respect  for  the  person 
find  character  of  their  new  governor,  within  two  months 
after  his  anival,  voted  him  a  present  of  fifteen  hundred 
pounds.    This  liberality  was  occasionally  reputed  during 


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their  esteem  for  him  by  aa  aoauaJ,.  tl^ough  irr^ular,-  doosi^      ^^^^■ 
tiye.;.whi(^  fluc^liuated»  acpording  tp  the  humour  of  the 
day^  or  |;hf^.cirf;vvfP$t^QCfspf  thq  country,  froi^  fixe  hux^dred 
pqvuuls  <^n:^npj,,,to;two  tjbjpusa^d  ppunds  s^rim^ 

^1  pur  colppial  historians  .ag^ee,  that;  Barbadoe$  h£id  iv>.w,  1692. 
at^ipttj  l^e  ^quith  of  .pff)sp^rily. ;  i^h^oce  she  Yf^fi  to.de? 
sceodjby  a. gradual  hut.qertftiu  depUpe.  Richt  poweifuU 
and  j^pulpus,  she.pos^sed  all  that  po^ld  n)#ke  her  happjt 
at  ')|on^e.  £^d  respected  abroad*  Bi^l^  th^  pleasing  acaoe 
\v;asiKt^/oyercast  wif^  .the  clojada  of  c^apiity,  tl^at,  lpur« 
mgov^i:  hsf  -l)^.x  ob^i\red.the  gay  sumhute  which  .iliuf 
mined  the  horizpQ. ;  ^oturitjist^nding ,  the  st^cc^gp^  wltiol) 
attpn^^d  the.  military  operaUoiis  of  the  "W^^t  Indifms,,  the 
inhabitants  of  ^l^arbskdoes  pu^jed  seyei^^y,  ftpm  the  dejjre- 
d^tion§  eomypi  j^tjed  on  their  coroxnerce.  /Conuoodom  Wrigh/t* 
y^  $e9im  ,to  bftv e  paespsaed  |iei  fiher .  the.  cjoujage.  nor ,  th<i 
co^dirgt;  c^^ntial  to.  the  phftxac;^];  .€^  %  oftTipJt  commaBdec, 
adopted  np.npjc^^ures.for  th?  prptect^n  9f  trade,  while  thft 
French  rQn%^iRed.B)agt§f^ .of  .the.sea,, .and  diily.iiitfircepted 
the  si^ppli^s^jijfi^geft^  ior.  tfep  .»H^pprt  df  the  pfantatiouss: 
Tlje  Bar|>^9n£i,  tl^us  U^  \ojd^^^  th^n)aely?S,.w^?e.MndflB 

cost,  tp,gij^d  thw  8l)fx?^^,,,a»ii  afE^^^  ,^  ,f§fiWe,seQ^?i3ty  t© 
the  remains  of  their  almost  ruined  commerce.  These  disas- 
ters were  aggravated  by  the  avarice  of  the  ship-owners, 
wh0|  availing  tkefi»3elvda  of  th^  waat  <^^v.essels  to  transpoit 


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154  THE  HISTORY 

^^^JJ;^  the  produce  of  the  island  to  Europe,  demanded  the  most 
^^^^  exorbitant  prices  for  the  carriage  of  sugar  and  other  com- 
modities. To  check  this  evil/  it  was  deemed  expedient  td 
pass  a  law,  ascertaining  the  freight  of  sugar,  cotton,  and 
ginger.  This  regulation  naturally  failed  to  produce  the 
mtended  effect.  The  ship*masters,  whcr  could  not  be  com- 
pelled to  send  their  ressels  to  Barbadoes,  or  to  receive 
freight  upon  the  terms  prescribed  by  the  act^  went  to  other 
ports,  where  they  were  Bable  to^no  resteictibns;  and  the 
planters  suffered  more  from  the  operation  of  the  remedy 
than  from  the  evil  which  they  had  vainly  sought  to  redr^s  ; 
a  convincing  proof  that  trade  will  not  be  bound  nor  confined 
by  arbitrary  restraints.  The  folly  and  expediency  of  the 
law  having  been  thus  demonstrated,  it  was  soon  repeded; 

The  calamities  of  war  were^  new  accompanied  by  the 
lavages  of  pestUeiice.  An  epidemic  disease^  supposed  ta 
have  been  introduced  by  the  troops  from  Europe,  but  whieh 
was  more  pvobaMy,  imported  with  liie  negroes  from  Afnca; 
faged  throughout  <iie  island  with  such  fury  that  the  number 
of  bmiak  in  Bridge-town  s^ne*  were  commonly  twenty  iir 
a  day*«  The^  soil,  depru^ed  of  a-  considemble^  portion  of 
the  labour  required  for  its^<kie  cultivation,  na  longer -yielded 
Its  fruits  with  it»  accustomed  liberality ;  and  a  total  failure 
of  the  crop  added  to  the-  general  misfortune.    Ta  completer 


* Enrtpeaa Settknaaim AflAeriea*  ¥ol.  2. 


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OFBARBADOES.  155 

the  climax  of  ills  with  which  the  Barbadians  were  afflicted,  CHAP.  v. 
the  hoiTors  of  insurrection  seemed  ready  to  overwhelm      ^'^^• 
them.  * 

.  Encouraged  by  the  public  distress,  the  discontented  slaves 
entered  into  a  well  concerted  plan  for  exterminating  the 
white  inhabitants,  whose  numbers  were  considerably  dimi* 
niahed  by  the  contagious  distemper  which  prevailed.  This 
conspiracy  appears  to  have  been  planned  with  more  judg- 
ment than  had  been  hitherto  displayed  by  these  ignorant, 
infatuated  creatui*es,  in  any  of  their  former  criminal  at« 
tempts.  A  particular  day  was  appointed  for  a  general  re- 
volt of  the  slaves  throughout  the  island ;  those  on  each  plan^ 
tation  were,  at  a  certain  hour,  to  massacre  their  masters 
and  all  the  white  servants.  The  .carnage  was  to  have  com- 
menced with  the  governor;  the  store-keeper  was  to  have 
been  assassinated  by  his  waiting-man,  who,  after  perpe- 
trating the  atrocious  deed,  was  to  supply  the  conspirators  ' 
with  arms  and  .  ammunition  from  the  public  magazine. 
Proper  officers  were  appointed,  under  whose  conduct  the 
insurgents  proposed  surprising  the  forts  which  commanded 
Carlisle-bay,  whence  they  might  have  been  enabled  to  se- 
cure the  shipping. 

The  project  was  nearly  ripe  for  execution,  when  that  gra- 
cious Providence,  which  wisely  governs  all  things,  miracu- 
lously interposed  to  save  the  unconscious  Barbadians  from 
the  destruction  just  ready  to  burst  on  their  heads.  Two  of 
the  principal  conspu*ators,  in  a  state  of  fancied  security^ 

X  2 


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156  THE  HISTORY 

Tferte  accidentally  overheard,  conversing  on  their  diabolical 
scheme.  These  wretches  were  instantly  arrested  j  but,  ex-* 
pecting  that  their  confederates  would  make  an  eflfort  for 
their  relief,  they  obstinately  refused  to  make  any  confession 
which  might  implicate  their  friends ;  and,  with  a  firmness 
worthy  of  a  better  cause,  submitted  to  be  hung  in  chains 
four  days,  without  meat  or  drink;  when,  finding  al! 
hopes  of  a  rescue  Tain,  they  cflfered  to  impeach  their  ac- 
complices, on  consideration  of  receiving  a  full  pardon  fat 
themselves.  This  proposal  being  acceded  to,  they  made  an 
unreserved  discovery  of  the  whole  plot.  Their  confederates^ 
were  immediately  apprehended,  and  put  upon  their  trial ; 
and,  upon  the  most  incontestible  evidence  of  their  guilt; 
many  of  theto,  to  the  great  injury  of  their  owners,  were 
condemned  to  sufier  death. 

The  next  object  of  the  public  attention  was  to  provide 
some  effectual  s.ecurity  against  the  recurrence  of  the 
danger^ from  which  tb*y  had  been  roost  providentially 
deliviered.  But  this  seems  rather  to  have  been  an  object 
of  deep-felt  solicitude  than  of  easy  or  perfect  attainment. 
It  is  scarcely  possible,  in  a  country  where  slavery  subsists, 
to  guard  against  the  dark  designs  of  secret  treachery,  or 
the  more  daring  attacks  of  open  violence.  In  every  dis- 
pute between  parties  of  whom  neither  possess  the  advan- 
tages of  military  discipline,  numbers  must  finally  prevail. 
This  single  consideration  is  sufficient  to  convince  our  co- 
lonial statesmen  of  the  imperious  necessity  of  a  strict  atten- 
1 


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•^ 


OF  BARBADOES.  tSf 

tion  to  the  maintenance  of  a  well-regulated  militia,  and  of  €fiAP.  v. 
the  folly  of  putting  arrps  into  the  hands  of  those,  who,  at      *^^^ 
DO  distant  period  of  time,  may  employ  them  in  the  de- 
struction of  their  unwise  rulers. 

Whether  the  legislature  of  that  day  OTeriooked  diese  inr- 
portant  points,  is  now  difficult  to  determine ;  it  is,  however, 
certain  that  they  contented  themselves  with  passing  t^vp^ 
laws,  offering  indemnity  and  emancipation  to  the  slave,  wha^ 
should  give  information  of  any  conspiracy  among  the  ne* 
groes;  the  other  prohibiting  1^  selling  of  rum,  or  any  kind^ 
of  strong  liquor,  to  any  negro  or  other  slave.  The  policy 
of  this  latter  law,  was  founded  on  a  supposition  that  plot^ 
and  conspiracies  were  commonly  entered  into  upon  occa- 
sions of  negro  festivity,  and  were  facilitated  by  the  power 
of  intoxication.  But,  whatever  m'ight  then  have  been  the 
opinion  entertained  of,  the  propriety  and  eflScacy  of  this 
prohibition,  it  is  now  suffered  to  slumber  in  oblivion.  The 
utility  of  this  particular  act  is  at  last  extremely  doubtful ; 
for,  exclusive  of  the  absurdity  of  formally  proliibiting  what 
is  still  openly  pemiitted ;  and  was,  perhaps,  never  intended 
to  have  been  entirely  prevented,  it  would  be  crael  to  deny 
the  servile  labourer  the  use  of  the  cafe-drowning  draught, 
the  opiate  of  affliction ;  which,  taken  in  moderation,  en- 
livens- the  heavy  hours  that  roll  over  his  head;  obtunds^ 
the  sense  of  pain,  reanimates  the  spirits  exhausted  by  fa- 
tigue, and  invigorates  the  constitution  exposed  to  the 
vicissitudes  of  a  rigorous  and  variable  climate^ 


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ld»  .  THE  HISTORY 

Par  from  being  disheartened  by  mwfortunes,  thfc  Barbtf- 
dians  considered  every,  new  calamity  as  an  additional  mo- 
tive for  vigQrou3  exertion.  The  naval  superiority  of  tlkj, 
French,  in  the  West  Indies,  filled  them  with  the  most  serious 
apprehensions  of  invasion.  Under  this  impression,  they 
wasted  no  time  in  fruitless  discussions  concerning  the  mis- 
application of  the  duty  on  their  staple  commodities,  nor 
invoh'ed  themselves  in  unavailing  disputes  with  the  mini- 
sters of  the  crown,  on  the  injustice  of  diverting  the  produce 
of  that  impost  to  purposes  foreign  from  those  for  which  it 
was  granted;  but  with  a  truly  patriotic  spirit,  they  pru- 
dently determined  to  employ  what  means  were  in  their 
power,  in  providing  for  the  safety  of  their  country.  With 
this  view,  the  old  fortifications  were  repaired,  and  new 
ones  erected  wherever  they  were  required.  Two  armed 
ships  were  equipped^  at  the  public  expense,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  trade;  and  their  agents*,  in  England,  wete 
directed  to  apply  lo  the  ministry  for  a  regiment  to  be  sta- 
tioned on  the  island  for  its-  defence.  This  request  was 
readily  complied  with,  and  the  troops  on  their  arrival  were 
quartered  on  such  of  the  inhabitants  as  were  deficient  of 
men  to  serve  in  the  militia.  Each  soldier  was  allowed,  by 
the  person  on  whom  he  was  quartered,  six. pounds  of  salt 


^  Edward  Littleton  and  William  Bridges  were  appointed  agents  for  the  colony  in 
September  1691.  They  were  the  first  persons  employed  in  that  character,  andfaad 
leachof  them,  a  salary  of  two  hundred  and  fifqr  pounds  a  year  allowed  Ihenu 


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pJ  BARBADOES,  l5g 

Meat  or  fish,  each  week,  besides  piaiitation  provisions  ready  chap,  v; 
prest,  and  comfortable  lodgings*  .  ^^^• 

^All  these  precautions  were  deemed  inadeqnate  to  the 
aa&ty  of  the  island^  while  the  French  remained  in  posses^ 
iooa  of  Martinico.     Tte  proximity  of  such  formidaWe 
neighbours^  necessarily  occasioned  continual  alarm;   the- 
British  ministry^  therefore,    determined  to  annihilate  the 
power  of  France  in  the  West  Indies.     But  as  a  sufficient 
force  could  not  be  spared  from  England,  the  colonies  were* 
lequired  to  contribute  a  proportion  of  troops  for  the  ser^ 
yfice ;    the  contingent  demanded  of  Barbadoea,  was  one* 
^usand  men.    The  Barbadians  entered  into  the  scheme 
with  alacrity.     Independent  of  every  other  consideration^ 
their  resentment  against  the  French  was  sharpened  by  re- 
cent injuries,,  and  particularly  by  tlie  mope  than  probable 
ojNinion  that  the  late  insurrection,  among  the  blacks  hadf« 
been  contrived  and  promoted  by  emissaries  from  Mavtinico;. 
Two  regiments,  consisting  of  five  hundred  meaeach),  were 
accordin^y  raised^  and  the  command  given  to  Colonel  StptemW^ 
Sdikec  and  Qolonel  Boteler,  two  gentlemen,  of  distingubhedr 
rank  and  fortune  in  the.  country ..    The  expense  of  this  uo-^- 
dertaking^  amounted  to  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand^  pounds^ 
a.  burthen  too  great  to  be  borne  by  a  small  colony,  aireadif 
labouring  under  a  heavy  load  of  taxes,  for  tibe  svipport  p£ 
government*. 

»  HftirsLawB ^  Baxb.p.4t0^ 


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IQQ  THE  HISTOHY  ^ 

The  wmament  which  Great  Britaia  allotted  for  the  expe^ 
dition   against  Martinico,  consisted  of  eight  ships  of  thee 
,     line  and  four  frigates,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Francis 
Wheeler,  an  offi<:er  of  high  reputation  in  the  navy,  with 
.eighteen  transports,  haying  on  board  fifteen  hundred  troops,^^ 
commanded  by  ColoBcl  Foulk.    These,  on  their  arrival  at 
Barbadoes^  wei^  joined  by  two  regiments  raised  within  the 
island,  and  foor  huadred  volunteers^  who  gallantly  offiered 
their  services  on  the  occasion.      No  unnecessary  delays 
were  suffered  to  impede  the  sailing^  of  the  squadron^  which 
left  Carlisle  Bay  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  March,  and  arrived 
at  ^Jartinico  two  days  afterwards.    The  fleet  Came  to  an 
anchor  in  the  tJul  de  sac  Royale;  and,  after  some  time 
spent  in  mqiking  the  necessary  preparations,  Colonel  Foulk 
April  42.    sftade  A  descent  with  fifteen  hundred  men,  whom  he  em- 
ployed in^stroying  some  defenceless  houses  ahd^serted 
batteries.     Having  spent  one  entire  day  in  these  acts  ot 
wanton  cruelty  and  useless  hostility,  against  an  unresisting 
\    ^nesiy,  he  reimbarked  his  troops,  and  took  no  farth^  share 
m  the  operations  of  the  army.    The  commodore,  at  the 
h€*ki  of  five  hundred  seamen,  now  landed,,  at  Diamond 
Bayi  aftd  pursued  the  work  of  destruction ;  burning  antf 
destwying,  several  plantations  in  that  neighbourfioodj  and 
dtiVmgtbe  uttanaed,  dismayeid  inhabitants,  into  the  woods. 
Another  detachment,  led  by  Colonel  Lillington,  penetrated 
ti»  open  country,  which  they   ravaged  without  oppo- 


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OT  BARBADOES.  T61 

sition  and  returned  without  performing  any  essential  ser-   chap.  v. 
vice*.  >W- 

The  army  was  how  reinforced,  by  the  arrival  of  General 
€odrington,  with  Lloyd's  regitnent,  from  Antigua,  and  a 
body  of  troops  raised  within  his  government.  This  acces- 
sion of  strength  was  deemed  sufficient  to  enable  the 
British  commander  to  attempt  the  reduction  of  the  capital 
of  Martinico.  Sir  Francis  Wheeler  accordingly  proceeded  April  is. 
with  the  fleet  ta  Saint  Pierre's,  and  resolutely  anchored 
within  musket  shot  of  the  shore.  Here*  the  Barbadians, 
Supported  by  the  troops  from  the  Leeward  Islands,  emi- 
nently distinguished  themselves.  Having  effected  a  land- 
ing, they  immediately  occupied  an  eminence  which  com- 
manded the  town;  they  scoured  the  couatry,  drove  the 
enemy  from  all  their  advanced  posts,  and  com|x^lled  them 
to  seek  security  within  their  entrenchments.  Tlie  garrison  April  id. 
made  one  effort,  by  a  vigorous  sortie,  to  dislodge  the 
assailants,  but  they  were  repulsed,  and  retired  under  shel- 
ter of  their  cannon. 

While  the  troops  were  thus  employed  on  shore,  most  of 
the  principal  officers  of  the  army  remained  on  board  the 
ships,  where  they  died  ingloriously  of  pestilential  diseases. 
Victory,  however,  seemed  ready  to  crown.the  invaders  with 
success,  and  to  reward  them  with  the  possession  of  Saiat 
Pierre's,  when  the  attack  was  most  unaccountably  aban- 


*  Vmw.  Hist  rol  K  p.  16a  Campbell't  Lives  of  the  Ateiralt,  vol  2*  p.  447. 

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16B  THE  HISTORY 

CHAj^v.  <ioned.  A  council  of  war  having  met,  they  resolved,  that 
i^^v  in  the  sickly  condition  of  the  army  and  navy,  and  from 
many  unforeseen  difficulties  which  must  be  encountered  in 
the  progress  of  the  siege,  the  conquest  of  the  place  was 
impracticable.  In  consequence  of  this  resolution,  the 
troops  and  artillery  were  immediately  reimbarked ;  and 
thu9,  under  the  most  .encouraging  prospects  of  success, 
ended  an  expedition  which  nothing  could  have  defeated, 
•but  the  flagrant  misconduct  of  those  to  whom  it  was  in- 
trusted- Many  of  the  officers  were  Irish  Roman  Catholics, 
notoriously  disaffected  to  the  family  on  the  throne,  and 
were  employed  on  this  service  merely  as  a  pretext  for  send- 
ing them  out  of  the  kingdom.  To  the  honour  of  the  West 
Indians,  it  is  generally  allowed,  that  if  the  European 
troops  had  behaved  as  well  as  they  did,  not  only  Martinico, 
but  all  the  French  islands  must  have  fallen  into  the  hands 
of  the  British*. 
1694.  Upon  the  change  of  ministry  in  England,  Colonel  Francis 

Russel,  brother  to  the  Earl  of  Orford,  was  appointed  to 
the  government  of  Barbadoes,  and  his  regiment  ordered  to 
be  stationed  there,  Mr.  Kendall,  by  a  particular  order 
from  the  Kingi  took  his  seat  at  the  council,  as  president 
of  that  board-f-,  but  was  soon  after  recalled,  and  made  one 
of  the  commissioners  of  the  admiralty,    l^e  new  governor 


♦  UniT.HisU  vol.  41.. p*  160.  f  Hmll's  JFim  Settljem.  of^aA.  p.  29,  M& 


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OF  BARBADQES.  1^ 

was  received  with  the  usual  demanstrations  of  respect ;   ^2vw ' 
and  iK>twithstanding  the  accumulated  distressed  of  the  peo*  septanber. 
pie,  the  assembly  voted   him  a  present  of  two  thousand 
pounds.    Precedents,   though  dangerous,  are  easily  esta^t 
bltshed;  and  attempts  are  sometimes  made  to  justify  the 
worst  measures  by  cases  originally  innocent  and  commend-.- 
able*    Thus  the  liberal  largesses  bestowed  on  former  gc 
veraors,^  under  circumstances  widely  different,  had  formed 
a  precedent  from  which  the  legislature  could  not  depart, 
witliout  making  an  invidious  distinctiou  ta  the  disadvan* 
tage  of  their  pffeaent  comaumder  m  chief  '  But  Colonel 
Russel  was  to  be  distinguished  by  i  a  innoifioence  which 
none  of  his  predecessors,  had  ester  enjoyed.    Though  the 
country  was  impovensbed  by  a  succession  of  calamities,  it 
was  resolved  to  provide  his  regiment  with  quarlerf^atftlm 
public  charge.    The  soldiers,  by  an  act  of  the  legialat^rBi 
were  quartered  on  the  plantations,  to  serve  in  the  militia^ 
and  were  enti  lied  to  receive  from  each  person,  for  whom 
they    seirved,   the  same  rations  as  were   allowed  4uripg 
the  late   a^mtiiisiratiQii.    The  inhabitants  received  nine^ 
pence  a  day  from  the  treasuTjr,  for  each  soldier  quartered 
on  them;  and  in  lieu  df  provisions,  it  was  optional  with  - 
the  landlord,  to  pay  the  soldi^rs^  while  ou  duty,,  one  jifac^ 
ling  a  day. 

The  next  yiear  wjaa  :marked  with  acts  of  still  .greater      j^^^ 
genjorosity.     In  addition  to  another  benevofenoe  pf  tmo 
thousand  pounds,  ills  escelkacy  was  .presentfid  wiA  tkcm 

T  2 


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Itf4  THE  HISTORY 

CfTAi^.v.  Iiundred  pounds  sterlings  for  the;  purpose  of  repleptsliing 
1605.      }|]g  cellars ;  and,  by  an  extraordinary  stretch  of  complai- 
i^ance,  anothenr  act  was  soon  after  passed,  for  supplying  the 
commissioned  officers  of  bis  regiment  with  provisions  at 
the  public  expense.     For  this  purpose,  the  niajor  was  al* 
lowed  four  shillings  a  day,. each  captain  two  shillings  and 
sixpence,    the  lieutenants,    quarter-master,    and   surgeon, 
each  two  shitlings,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  treasray.    The 
bulk  of  the  people  were  extremely  discontented  at  this  ex- 
cessive profusion.    Tbeir  complaints  were,  however,  but 
little  regarded  by  the  parasites  who  wished  to  ingratiate 
themselres  with  the  governor,  and  to  bask  in  the  sun-shine 
of  <x>urt  favour.    Those  who  hold  the  strings  of  the  public 
purse,  seldom  reflect  on  tiie  condition  of  the  lower  classes 
*      of  people.      Clad  with  authority,    and  indulging   in  the 
pleasures  of  affluence,  they,  are  strangers  to  the  misery  of 
those  from  whom  they  exact  the  last  shilling,   to  pamper 
Iheirown  luxurious  appetites,  or  to  promote  their  schemes 
of  ambition.    They  can  well  afford  to  gratify  the  liberality 
of  their  tempers,  whose  extravagance  is  supported  by  a 
#hole  comtnunity ;  and  to  purchasie.  the  patronage  of  a 
venal  chief,  when  the  price  is  p^id  out  of-  the  public  trea» 
'    sury.    A  few  Teading  members  of  the  Je^slature  enjoy  all 
'  the  merit,  and  receive  the  exclusive  reward  of  their  muni- 
ficence, while  the  poor  labourer,  and  the  humble  house- 
holder,  from  whose  starving  mouth  the  scanty  morsel  is 
snatched,  and  from  whose  shivering  limbs  the  tattered  weed 


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Ol?  BARBADOES;  a65 

is  torn,  are  inBulted  and  despi^d  by  tlie  ppoud>  unfeeling    chap.  v. 
greats  tvhom  tlicy  contribute  to  support.  ^^^• 

Tlie  extfaord^miFy  igeneiosity  t>f  the  Barbadians  proeared 
them  no  favour  nor  indulgence^  Indeed;  any  expeoiatioa 
of  conciUating  the^  friendship  of  governnoent,  by i.  such 
nieansV  vrill  ever  terminate  in  disappointment.  Tlie  ceadi*- 
ness  with  which  the  colonial  assemblies  dispose  of  the 
money  belonging  to  their  constituents,  is  generally  con- 
sid^^d  as  an  evidence  of  their  wealth,  rather  than  of  the 
liberality  of  their  minds;  and  the  demands^  on  their  gene- 
rosity, will  always  be  proportioned  to  the  facility  with  which 
they  are  granted. 

The  epidemic  disease,  already  mentioned,  still  continued 

to  spread  desolation  throughout  the  island.    On  board  the 

men  of  war,  the  mortality  was  so  great,  that  the  legislature, 

notwithstanding  the   enormous  expense  which  they  had 

-J  * 

lately  incurred,  wctc  obliged  to  fit  out  the  Marigold  brig, 
to  bring  home  a  part  of  the  troops  employed  on  the  late 
unsuccessful  expedition  against  JUartinico,  which  had  been 
left  at  Antigua,  by  Commodore  Wheeler.  They  granted 
the  sum  of  fourteen  hundred  and  eighty-four  pounds  ster- 
ling, for  victualling  and  manning  tlie  Bristol  frigate,  and 
the  Playfair  prize,  to  cruise  against  the  enemy*,  and  were 
under  the  necessity  of  paying  the  very  ships  appointed  to 
convoy  their  trade  to  Europe.     Yet  so  little  attention  was 


*  Hall's  Laws  of  Barb.  p.  488,  489« 
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lllfi  THE  HISTOEY 

cHj^J^*  shewn  to  the  security  of  the  islandi  that  on  the  appearance 
liM.  of  a  French  fleet,  bound  for  Carthagena,  there  were  not 
teven  rounds  of  powder  in  all  the  forts  upon  the  island^. 
In  this  state  of  things,  the  governior,  who  was  much  ad*^ 
dieted  to  the  pleasures  of  the  table,  was  seized  with  a  fever^ 
generated  by  intemperance,  which  soon  put  a  period  to 
his  existencef*. 


*  thiT.  Hist,  voV  41.  p.  161.  f  Memoira  of  Barb^^p.  A§. 


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OP  BARBADOES.  167 


CHAP,  VL 

PRESIDENCY  OF  MR.  BOND — ^ARRIVAL  OF  GOVERNOR  GREr-r-HE 
RESIGNS  THE  GOVERNMENT — MR.  FARMER  PRESIDENT — ^A  CON- 
SPIRACY OF  THE  SLAVES — ^SIR  SEVILLE  QRANVILLE  APPOINTED 
GOVERNOR — COUNTRY  DIVIDED  BY  FACTION — ^ATTEMPT  ON  THE 
governor's  LIFE — MR,  LILLINOTON  PROSECUTED-^MEMORIAL 
AGAINST  THE  GOVERNOR — SEVERAL  MEMBERS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY 
EXPELLED— A  BANK  ESTABLISHED— DEPARTURE  OF  THE  GO- 
VERNOR. 

U  PON  the  death  of  Colonel  Russel,  the  executive  antho-  chap.  vi. 
rity  devolved  on  the  Honourable  Francis  Bdnd,  senior  1096. 
meqiber  of  council,  resident  on  the  islaml.  The  Barba«- 
dians  appear  to  have  <exhausted  their  whole  stock  of  gene^ 
rosity  oi^  their  late  governor,  and  to  have  reserved  nothing 
to  bestow  on  the  presiident^  to  whom  they  gave  neither 
salary  nor  present 

i!  Under  ^  auspices  of  Mr«  Bond^  the  assembly  ventured      lag?. 
to  encroach  on  the  prerogative  of  the  crown.    They  passed 
an  act,   laying  an  impost  of  powder  on  4;be  tonnage  oi 
vessels,  in  which  they  assumed  the  annual  right  of  nomi- 
nating a  store-keeper,  of  the  magazipe,   allowing  to  the 

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J68  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  VI.  other  branches  of  the  legislature  the  power  only  of  con- 
;()97.  finning  or  rejecting  their  choice.  Whether  the  appoint- 
ment of  public  officers  is  more  beneficially  exercised  by  the 
representatives  of  the  people,  than  by  the  representative  of 
the  crown,  is  a  question  which  admits  not  of  an  easy  so- 
lution. One  thing,  however,  is  certain,  that  the  assembly 
have,  in  this  instance,  violated  the  Sovereign's  constitutional 
right  of  appointing  to  all  offices,  in  the  state,  civil  and 
inilitary. 

.  The  presidency  of  Mr.  Bond  was  productive  of  no  in- 
teresting event,  though  many  salutary  measures  were 
'  adopted  during  his  administration.  Hence,  a  colonial  his- 
torian*, who  afterwards  sustained,  on  his  own  shohlders, 
the  weight  of  government,  takes  occasion  to  remark,  ^*  That 
a  man  who  has  an  interest  in  a  country,  and  is  a  native 

^  thereof,  will  be  more  concerned  for  the  good  government 

,  of  it,  and  more  attentive  to  its  prosperity,  than  one  who 
considers  it  as  a^  temporary  dwelling,  whither  he  has  pro- 
cured himself  to  be  sent  to  raise  a  fortune,  or  to  patch  up 
one  going  to  decay/'  This  is  one  of  the  many  plausible 
theories,  whose  fallacy  is  demonstrated  by  experience.  The 
reasoning  by  which  it  is  supported  is  specious,  but  candour 
inust  acknowledge,  that  the  security  and  prosperity  of  the 
country  have  been  seldom  more  neglected  than  when  the 
administration  of  public  affairs  has  been  confided  to  a  oa. 

■  '■■■■■-       ■■— ^-^ 

^  Mr.  Frerer— Short  Hist,  of  Barb.  p.  45. 


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OFBARBADOES.  169 

tive,  possessing  an  interest  in  it.  Self-love  and  social  ^j^^^;^* 
are  not  here  the  same :  many  persons  of  rank  and  fortune  ^^^^* 
conceive  that  they  have  an  interest  distinct  from  the  pub- 
lic goody  and  often  sacrifice  the  welfare  of  their  country 
to  their  private  emolument,  the  fleeting  breath  of  popula- 
rity, or  the  gratification  of  their  ambition.  It  is  not,  how- 
ever, intended  to  detract  from  the  particular  merit  of  Mr. 
Bond,  who,  to  his  own  honour,  and  the  satisfaction  of  his 
countrymen,  held  the  reins  of  government  for  the  term  of 
two  years.  And  happy  would  it  have  been  for  Barbadoes 
if  many  succeeding  presidents  had  acquitted  themselves  in 
the  same  high  trust  with  equal  reputation  and  fidelity. 

The  Honourable   Ralph   Grey,  brother  to  the  Earl  of      ^^^^• 
Tankerville,   having  been  appointed  governor  of  all  the 
Windward  Islands,  arrived  at  Barbadoes,  on  the  twenty* 
sixth  day  of  July-     His  excellency  found  the  country  sufr, 
fering  under  the  accumulated  evils  of  tempest,  pestilence 
and  war.      The    epidemic    disease,    formerly  mentioned, 
though  somewhat  abated,  continued  to  rage  with  consider* 
able  violence;    and  many  valuable  plantations  were  de- 
stroyed by  a  hurricane.    The   enormous  expense,  injudi- 
ciously incurred  on  account  of  the  late  unsuccessful  expedi- 
tion, against  Martinico,  and  other  expensive  measures  which 
the  inhabitants,  wholly  neglected  by  the  parent  state,  had 
l>een  compelled  to  adopt  for  their  internal  safety,  had  been 
defrayed  by  such  oppressive   taxes,  that  many  principal 
plant6rs  were  entirely  ruined,  or  at  least  rendered  incapa- 

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170  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  VL  bie  of  supporting  their  plantations.  Above  forty  sugar 
1098.  works  were  totally  abandoned ,  and  land,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  lay  waste  and  unproductive  for  the  want  of  labour- 
ers to  cultivate  it.  Yet,  under  all  these  discouragements, 
thfe  Barbadians  maintained  the  dignity  of  their  government 
with  great  spirit  and  constancy. 

The  governor  was  received  with  every  possible  mark  of 
respect,  Mr.  Maxwell,  the  speaker  of  the  assembly,  in 
aa  appropriate  speech,  offered  him  the  congratulations  of 
the  house  on  his  safe  arrival ;  and  the  legislature  readily 
furnished  his  excellency  with  much  more  substantial  proofs 
of  their  regard.  FontabcUe  had  been  hitherto  leased  by 
the  public  for  the  residence  of  the  first  magistrate;  but  in 
.  their  solicitude  for  the  safety  and  accommodation  of  their 
new  commander  in  chief,  the  Assembly  now  discovered  that 
the  gOTemrocnt-house  was  not  only  much  out  of  repair,  but 
that,  from  its  proximity  to  the  sea,  it  was  exposed  to  tlie 
depredations  of  privateers :  five  hundred  pounds  a  year  was 
therefore  settled  on  Mr.  Grey,  for  the  purpose  of  providing 
lum  with  a  more  eligible  and  commodious  mansion.  Though 
his  excellency  had  a  salary  of  twelve  hundred  pounds  ster- 
ling allowed  him  by  the  Crown,  out  of  the  four  and  a  half 
per  cent,  duty,  to  be  paid  on  the  spot  by  the  collector  of 
the  customs,  the  assembly,  within  two  months  after  liis  ar- 
Sept.  J.  rival,  made  him  a  present  of  two  thousand  pounds  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  of  his  voyage. 
Mr.  Grey  was  particularly  directed  by  his  Majesty's  in- 


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OFBARBADOES.  I7I 

structions  not  to  suffer  any  money,  or  value  of  money,  ^  to  ^hap^  vi. 
be  given  or  granted  by  any  act  or  order  of  the  assembly,  to  ^*^®* 
any  governor  or  commander  in  chief,  whkh  shall  not,  ac- 
cording to  the  style  of  the  acts  of  parliament  in  England, 
be  mentioned  to  be  given  o^  granted  unto  us,  with  the 
humble  desire  of  such  assembly,  that  the  same  be  applied 
to  the  use  of  such  governor,  if  we  shall  think  fit.  Or  if 
we  shall  not  approve  of  such  gift  or  i4)plication,  that  the 
said  money,  or  value  of  money,  be  then  disposed  of  and 
appropriated  to  such  other  u&es  as  in  the  said  act,  or  oir 
der  shall  be  mentioned.'" 

His  excellency  was  also  instructed  "  not  lo  puffer  atty 
public  money  whatsoever  to  be  issued  or  disposed  of,  other^ 
wise  than  by  warrant,  under  his  hand,  by  and  with  the  ajd^ 
vice  and  consent  of  the  council.  But  the  assembly  may^ 
nevertheless,  be  permitted,  from  time  to  time,  to  view  aod 
examine  all  accounts  of  money  or  valufe  of  money  disposed 
of  by  virtue  of  such  laws  as  they  shall  make,'*  which  he 
was  directed  to  signify  to  them  as  occasion  should  offer*. 

This  year  is  rendered  particularly  remarkable  by  th^ 
establishment  of  the  first  patent  oflice  in  Barbadoes.  Th^ 
person  selected  for  this  distinction  was  a  Mr.  S^ene,  who 
was  honoured  with  his  Majesty's  letters  patent,  appdinting 
him  secretary  of  the  island,  and  private  secretary  t^  the  go- 
vernor.   This  appointment  occasioned  a  dispute  betwe^ 

i»  Mdn.  of  Barb.  p.  47. 

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172  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^^^'  his  excellency  and  the  new  secretary,  on  the  score  of  fees. 
^^^'  As.m^&t  of  the  papers  issued  from  thiat  office  require^  tl^ 
govejSrno^s  figa  manual,  either  as  chancellor  or  ordinary, 
fbnxier:  comjnanders  in  chief,  to  expedite  the  bus^aesp  of 
those  departments,  had  appointed  private  secretaries  xjf 
their  own,  who  were  usually  recompensed  with  gratuitous 
fees  for  their  trouble  and  attendance.  These  fees^  from  tlue 
increase  of  business,  soon  became  an  object  of  attention 
to  the  governor  himself^  who  demanded  an  annual  sum 
from  the  secretary,  as  his  share  of  the  profits*  But  Mr. 
Skene,  holding  his  appointment  under  the  crown,  demanded 
these  fees^  which  had  been  established  o^ily  by  common  cjon- 
sent,  as  the  legal  perquisites  of  his  office.  The  gpvejJi^Qr 
opposed  this  claim,  and  insisted  upon  his  rig^t  to  nomiq^te 
his  own  private  secretary.  An  appeal  to  the  Crown  w^s  the 
natural  consequence  of  this,  misunderstawdingt  but  the 
events  which  soon  after  took  place  prevented  the  matter 
from  being  brought  to  an  issue. 

The  administration  of  Mr.  Grey  was  rendered  extremely 
popular  by  the  generosity  of  hb  temper  -and  the  suavity  of 
his  manners.  These  qualities,  whether  they  soften  the  au- 
sterity of  office^  or  sweeten  tlie  social  intercourse  which,  sub- 
sists between  men  in  the  sequestered  walks  of  private  life, 
will  ever  engage  the  esteem  of  mankind.  Qf  a  disposition 
liberal  and  disinterested,  he  sought  not  to  enrich  himself  by 
the  spoil  of  those  whom  ^he  was  sent  to  protect ;  but  sedu- 
lously endeavoured  to  promote  their  prosperity ;  and,  by 


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OF  BARBADOES.  373 

the  firm  but  temperate  exercise  of  authority,  gained  the  chap,  vr.- 
hearts  of  the  peopje  whom  he  governed.     Nor  were  they      ^^^^* 
deficient  in  gratitude*    In  each  successive  year  of  his  mild 
and  equitable  administration,   the  representatives*  of  the 
people   testified  their  esteem  for  his  virtues^  by .  ia.  liberal 
gratuity  of  two  thousand  pounds^    At  length,  having  suc- 
ceeded to  the  barony  of  Werke,  on  the  death  of  his  bro- 
ther,  and  finding  his  health  declining,  he  resigned  the  en-  December^ 
signs  of  authority  into  the  hands  of  John  Fanner,  son  to 
the  patriotic  opponent  of  Lord  Willoughby,  and  returned 
to  England. 

Soon  after  the  governor's  departure,  Mr.  Farmer  received  1702. 
official  information  of  the  King's  death,  and  of  the  acces^ 
sion  of  Queen  Anne.  These  events  were  celebrated  with 
the  usual  ceremonies,  and  the  assembly,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  the  council,  transmitted  a  loyal  and  dutiful  ad^ 
dress  of  condolence  to  her  Majesty  on  the  death  of  her  au- 
gust relative,  and  of  congratulation  on  her  joyful  accession 
to  the  throne  of  her  ancestors,  which  was  prevented  by  the 
late  governor,  now  Lord  Grey. 

Upon  the  commencement  of  hostilities  between  France 
and  Great  Britain,  Commodore  Walker  was  dispatched  to 
the  West  Indies  with  six  ships  of  the  line,  having  four  regi- 
ments on  board. Their  arnval  in  Carlisle  Bay  was  greeted  by 
an  act  of  the  general  assembly  for  the  acconmiodation  of  the 
troops.  They  were  billetted  on  the  inhabitants  for  two 
months,   each  man  to  be  allowed  six  pounds  of  salted 

6 


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174  THE  HISTORY 

chap:  vl  jueat  or  fish,  a  week,  with  plantation  prorisions  and  beds 
*''^^*  of  plantain  leaves,  or  in  lieu  of  food,  to  receive  sixpence 
per  day,  at  the  option  of  the  landlord.  -  Walker  soon  after* 
wards  sailed  for  Antigua,  where  he  was  joined  by  Colonel 
Codrington,  with  some  troops  collected  among  the  islands, 
and  proceeded  to  the  invasion  of  Guadaloupe;  but,  in  con- 
sequence of  some  misunderstanding  between  the  command^ 
ing  ^officers,  the  enterprise  was  abandoned^  after  demolish* 
ing  the  fort,  burning  the  town,  and  ravaging  die  country. 

The  Barbadians,  recovering  from  their  misfortunes,  now 
entered  deeply  into  schemes  of  privateering.  A  fleet  of 
sixteen  of  their  armed  vessels,  cruizing  off  Guadaloupe, 
emboldened  by  the  defenceless  state  of  the  island,  landed 
their  crews,  and,  after  destroying  many  plantations,  brought 
away  a  considerable  number  of  slaves^.  But  their  atten^ 
tion  was  soon  called  off  to  the  means  of  providing  for  thda 
internal  security.  The  turbulent,^licentious  blacks,  entered 
into  a  fresh  conspiracy  for  throwing  off  the  yoke  of  slaveryt 
and  getting  possession  of  the  forts.  Bat  their  diabolical 
scheme  was  again  frastrated  by  the  interposition  of  Provi* 
dence,  and  many  of  the  infatuated  wretches  suffered  the 
dreadful  punishment  incurred  by  their  criminal  designs. 
i703.  When  Lord  Grey  resigned  the  government  of  Barbadoes^ 

the  king  appointed  Mitfbrd  Crowe,   s^  opulent  London 
merchant,  to  be  bis  successor ;  but,  on  the  death  of  his 

♦  Unif.  Hi»t.  Tol.  41,  p.  IW. 


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OFBARBADOES.  I75 

Majesty,  Queen  Aime,  to  the  great  disappointment  of  the  ^^^^^* 
Barbadians,  committed  the  important  trust  to  Major-Gene«  ^^^'* 
lal  Sir  Bevill  Granville.  During  the  whole  reign  of  that 
illustrious  princess  the  affairs  of  the  colonies  were  regarded 
with  greater  attention  than  at  any  former  period.  Her 
Majesty,  upon  every  occasion,  seems  to  have  manifested 
the  most  maternal  solicitude  for  the  happiness  of  her  svih^ 
jeqts  in  this  remote  part  of  the  empire,  and  an  anxiety  to 
relieve  them,  as  much  as  possible,  from  the  heavy  burthens 
which  had  been  imposed  upon  them.  A  petition  had  beenr 
presented  to  the  House  of  Commons  by  several  merchants 
and  planters  of  Barbadoes,  praying  that  the  money  arising 
from  the  four  and  a  half  per  cent,  duty,  might  be  applied 
to  the  uses  for  which  it  had  been  granted.  The  petition^^ 
being  referred  to  a  committee,  an  address  was  presented  to. 
her  Majesty^  recommending  her  to  comply  with  the  wishes 
of  the  Barbadians;  and  she  was  accordingly  graciously 
pleased  to  order^  that  the  produce  of  the  duty  should  be 
appropriated  to  the  repairing  and  erecting  of  fortifications 
for  the  safety  of  the  island;  and  that  an  annual  account  of 
the  expenditure  should  be  laid  before  parliament. 

The  next  proof  which  her  Majesty  gave  of  her  benignant 
disposition  was  an  attanpt  to  relieve  the  island  from  the- 
distresses  occasioned  by  the  usual  presents  to  governors. 
Sir  Bevill  Granville  was  strictly  prohibited,  by  his  instruc- 
tions, from  receiving  any  gift  or  present  from  the  assembly, . 
upon  any  account,  or  in  manner,  whatever,  onpainof  in« 

1. 


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176  THE  fflSTORY 

^^JJ^^I;^-  cuning  her  Majesty's  highest  dbpleasure5  and  of  being  re- 
^^^^-      cidJed  from  the  government.    To  provide  a  competent  main- 
tenance for  the  governor,  her    Majesty  was   graciously 
pleased  to  augment  his  excellency's  salary  to  two  thousand 
,^^  pounds  sterling,  payable  out  of  the  duty  of  four  and  a  half 

"^  per  cent.  **  according  to  the  meaning  of  the  act  of  the  as* 

sembly,  whereby  the  same  is  granted  for  maintaining  the 
honour  and  dignity  of  the  government,  and  for  other  pub- 
iic  uses*/* 

Notwithstanding  these  liberal  concessions  on  the  part  of 
the  Crown,  the  public  mind  was  kept  in  a  continual  state 
of  agitation  during  the  whole  time  of  General  Granville's 
administration.  In  the  face  of  the  royal  order,  the  assem- 
bly settled  five  hundred  pounds  per  annum  on  the  governor; 
and  it  is  generally  allowed  that  his  friends  contrived,  under 
various  pretences,  to  appropriate  several  large  sums  of  the 
public  money  to  his  use.  They  erected  an  elegant  house 
for  him  on  a  small  plantation  above  Bridge-town,  'called 
Pilgrim,  containing  about  twenty  acres  of  land,  which  they 
leased  for  twenty-one  years,  at  the  annual  rent  of  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  pounds.  And,  by  an  extraordinary  ex- 
ercise of  complaisance,  they  nominated  his  brother-in-law. 
Sir  John  Stanley,  one  of  their  agents  in  London.  It  was 
certainly  highly  reprehensible  thus  to  trifle  with  an  employ- 
ment  of  so  much  real  importance.    Among  the  many  quali- 


♦  Mem  of  Barb.  p.  50.    Univ.  HbU  vol.  41.  p.  64.    HaU'i  First  Settle,  of  Barb. 


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OP  BAIiHADOES.  I77 

fic^rtiolis  necesa»fy  in  a  caftdidate  for  the  colonial  ageney;  cfiAP.  Vi. 
it  ii  Bi0t  one  of  the  least  that  be  should  be  thoroughly  ^e-      *^'^^- 
qtijkmted  with  the  internal  policy  and  general  interest  of 
tke  i^kmd  which  he  represents.    Yek  these  were  points  with      noi. 
wMdi'  Sir  John,  as  a  stranger  to  the  West  Indies,  must  *  t^* 

ha*e  b6en  very  imperfectly  aeqaainted,  if  not  whoHy  igno- 
rant On  the  other  hand,  it  may  be  sard,  th<?  htmouraMfe 
Baronet's  incotopetence  could  not  have  been  very  prqudicial 
to  the  interest  of  his  employers,  since  they  had  at  that 
time  the  benefit  of  the  wisfdonai  and  diligence  of  no  less 
than  ibur  agents  at  once. 

TWi  amicable  dispoBition  unfortunately  was  not  of  long 
contkiucuKfe.  Sir  BevilVs  tory  principles  and  supercilious 
behaviooy  rendered  him  extaremely  impopular  ;  an  eilect  to 
whkh  it  is  more  than  probable  the  measures  that  he  thought 
proper  to  lake  for  the  safety  of  the  country  might  greatly 
have  contributed.  Under  the  apprehensions  of  invasion, 
tlie;goven»r  called  out  the  militia  and  employed  them  on 
th0  tedious  ajad  irksome  duty  of  guarding  the  accessible 
parte  of  the  coast.  This  w€w  a  strong  measwe,  whicfh  no- 
thing could  justify  bu£  absolute  necessitjs  and  it  diffused 
a  spirit  of,  discontent  throughout  the  country.  To  relieve 
the  body  of  the  people  from  the  hardships  a^  ^itigue  of 
this  species  of  ;aervitude,  which  fell  heaviest  upon  those 
who  were  least  able  to  bear  them,  a  bill  was  introduced  into 

A  a 


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178  .THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  VI.  the  house  of  assembly*,  to  empower  his  excellency  to  em^ 
i7Q4p*      body  two  companies  of  grenadiers  at  the  public  expense, 
to  be  employed  on  this  particular  service.     The  measure 
was  strenuously  opposed  by  some  factious  members;  from  aoi 
objection  to  the  expense^  and.  from  apprehension  that  part 
of  the  money  to  be  raised  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  ofthe 
men  wxjuld  be  converted  to  the  governor's  private  ^nolu- 
metit.    Finding  that  a  majority  of  the  assembly  were  fa*- 
voucable  to  the  bill,  the  m^Qibers  in  opposition  seceded,, 
expecting  their  absence  would;  effectually  obstruct  its  puro- 
gressby  the  difficulty  of  making  a  house,,  as  fifteen  mem- 
bers, at  that  time,  constituted  a  quorum..    The  defection 
of  nearly  one*third  of  the  iepf;e9e»ta,tive  bady .  ttsoesBaxily 
impede  the  proceedings  of  the  legislature,,  and  oooaAioned 
an  entire  stagnatipn  of  public  business^    Tim  govclrdor^ex- 
postulated  warmly  with  the  assembly  on  such  a  deretictu>ni 
of  the  trust  reposed  ia  them^  and  *  cautioried  them  against: 
the  qonseqnences^  of  a  conduct  so  comtwuaeious  and  dis- 
honourable*,   ^t  length,  findJB^  all  milder  expedients  inef-* 
fectual,  he  dismissed  the  seceders  from  all  their  civil  andi 

'  ■      '  '  -      '  -       '  '  .      '      '  '       ,'  ','L    '„  J'  '■■'■'!  ;■'!  i  1*.     J    /'  ■- 

♦  The  asserobly  was  oompogcd  of  the  fdltowUig.  racmbeij ;.  G,  Peer«  a^d .  Q.  Tho- 
mas, St,  Mtchael's;  A.Walker  and  S.  Maynard,  St.  Peter's;  W.  AUambjr  and  GL^ 
Harper,  9i.  Th&mat^i;  J.LesUe  andC.  Esiwick;  St.  John*^;  P.  Kirtoii  and  1.  jMax^ 
vtt\\,.Chris$ehiMch;  T^  Mayoocfc  awJ.W,  TerriU^  5^,.X4a;jc'ju-  \5L  Holder  .and- R. 
Wayte,  St.Jamei^,;  T.  Ince  and  Enoch  GTretton,  St.  Philip' i;  Rob.  Morriaand  Reyn^ 
Alleyne,  St.  Aniretb't;  Paul  Lyteand  H.  Harding,  5^  George  si  John  Holder  apd, 
W..  Grants  St,  Ioseph% 


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OFBARBADOES.  179 

military  employments  under  the  crown,  and  dissolved  the  ^JJ^^:^' 
assembly*.  ^'^^• 

The  spirit  of  discard  was  not  confined  to  the  popular 
branch  of  the  legislature  alone;  the  most  violent  dissen- 
,tions  prevailed. in  the  council  chamber.     Here  the  evil  was 
more  immediately  within  the  sphere  of  the  governor's  ob- 
servation and  controul ;  nor  did  he  hesitate  long  to  apply 
the  proper  remedy.     Availing  himself  of  his  prerogative, 
he  suspended  the  four  most  turbulent  members,  George  Lil- 
lington^    David   Ramsay,   Benjamin  Cryer,  and   Michael  „ 
Terril.  These  acts  of  resentment  were  not  calculated  to  ap- 
pease the  popular  discontent ;  and  in  the  midst  of  these 
feuds  and  dissentions,  an  attempt  to  assassinate  the  gover-      June. 
nor  was  made  by  some  unknown  person,  in  the  road,  firing 
a  pistol  at  his  excellency  as  he  sat  in  a  window  at  Pilgrim. 
Upon  this  occasion,  the  assembly  presented  a  respectful 
address  to  the  governor,  declaring  their  tttter  abhorrence  of 
an  act  so  stupendously  villainous  as  that  ofattemptingy  through 
his  excellency's  sides^  to  wound  and  destroy  her  Majesty's  re- 
gality  here. 

Of  this  offence  Mr.  Lillington  was  accused,  and  endured, 
notwithstanding  his  ill-health,  a  long  and  rigorous  confine- 
ment.   He  was  at  length  indicted  at  the  court  of  grand  ses- 


♦  Many  of  the  most  important  trantactionsof  this  period  I  am,  enabled  to  detail, 
on  the  authority  of  the  manuscript  jourpal,  of  the  proceedings  of  the  assembly,  men- 
tioned in  the  preface. 

A  a  2 


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lao  THE  inSTORY 

^^JJAPjVl.  MOQ99  aed  sentenced^  pay  a  fine  of  two  thousand  po|i»d8» 
17G4.  Qf  the  justice  of  this  sentence  it  is  impossible  to  speak  witk 
c^tainty^  No  evideQce  of  his  innocence^  or  his  guilty  can 
sow  be  found,  and  little  confidence  is  due  to  the  coatradi;(> 
iory  representations  of  opposite  parties*  The  Honourable 
William  Sharpe,  the  chief  justice,  who  presided  at  the  trial, 
and  at  several  succeeding  courts  of  grand  sessions,  was  ho« 
noured  with  the  thanks  of  the  house  of  assembly,  for  the 
candour  and  integrity  of  his  conduct.  Hence  we  may  infer 
that  Mr.  LilUngton  was  fairly  tried^  and  legally  conricted. 
l^t,  on  the  other  hand,  it  has  been  asserted,  that  the 
prosecution  was  malicious*,  and  that  after  the  heats 
and  prejudices  of  party  bad,  in  some  measure,  subsided^ 
the  fine  was  remitted,  and  the  money  ordered  to  be  return* 
<iA.  Mr-  LilUngton^  bow^erer,  was  forced  to  submit  to  the 
sentence  whether  just  or  unjust. 
Aujuft.  Meanwhile,  the  governor  having  issued  writs  for  calling 
a  »ew  assembly,  the  election  in  several  parishes  was  con- 
tested with  great  warmth  and  earnestness.  In  St.  Lucy's 
Maycock  and  Terrill,  the  late  representatives,  were  guilty 
of  some  acts  of  illegal  violence ;  they  grossly  insulted  and 
obsilructed  Mr.  Gordon,  the  sheriff,  in  the  execution  of 
his  duty,  and  encouraged  a  Mr.  Curl  to  assume  and  exer- 
cise the  oflice  of  sheriff.  The  election,  of  course,  was  con- 
troverted by  Colonel  Pickering  and  Major  Lambert,  the 
■  '  ■  ^     '   ■  III  ■■  I  ■ 

*  HaU'j  Fint  Settlement  of  Btrb.  p.  30.  M.  S. 


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*th«r<5aiMHdatee^  in  whose  favour  the  *h(Htte  of  a«strabljt  '^^iJ^JJ* 

tittknatdy  decided;    Mayooefc  and  Terril  ivere  ordered  to      ^^^- 

he  prosecuted  by  the  attorney^generajl,  for  high  crimefe  aftd 

-iftiBderaeattort;  and  Ourrl,  who  had  given  a  false  te&tibiotty 

at  «Jie  bar  of  the  house^  was  directed-  to  be  indieted  foir 

peipvjr.  .  B«t  brfore  the  day  of  trial  tbey  w^ere  clandes* 

^neiy  takea  from  the  s&kad,  by  C^a^pts^^iii  Martin^  of  the 

SiacckwaU  iVigate. 

'   On  the  meeting  of  the  assemrbly,  tfc^govern«flr  opened   Aug.ss^    • 

the  session,  in  the  u^nal  ibftm,  with  a  speech,  in  which  he 

iwreigh^,  Hrith  equal  justice  and  asperity,   against  the    - 

^awduct  of  tfeose  members  of  the  former  assem My ;  who, 

m, contempt  of  t^  Queen^s  authority,  and  in  violation  of 

the  Mcred  trust  leposed  in  thetn,  had^  pertinaciously,  ab* 

pmted  thamsdvca  fron  tbcU:  bquse ;  whence  the  legislature 

JmA  been  prevented  from  the  exeiciiEtS'ctf  its  fiinotions»  and 

the.aditiittbtrattian  of  govemupent  ha4  beea  suspe^ided.    To 

thi9  cause;  he.  aacvibed  the  declioe  of  public  credit,  and  the 

great  hardships  fiOBstaioed  by  the  gunners^and  iaa«ro$s«r, 

9iad  oihcar  public  ^editors,  whose  sabvies  were  unjieutiy 

withbBoldea  from,  them*    Henoe,  he  said,  l^e  ikeamen*  on 

board  a  brig,  in  the  service  of  ihe  co«ntry,  had  been  pix>. 

voked  to  run  away  with  the  vessel^  as  •»  feir  .reprwal  on 

those  who  had  employed  them  without  payings  thdr  wages.  ' 

By  the  onwaarantabJe  secession  oi  some  of  tbdr  members, 

^^isramblyy  be  said^  had  been  prevented  froiii  making 

the  jmrnBua  ieq3iisi>te  for  tiie  repair  of  the  f ortificatiaaa. 


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182  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  VI.  ^xid  for  relieving  the  militia  from  Uie  toilsome  and  dppres- 
i704r.  ^\yQ  duty  Qf  guarding  the  coasts ;  nor  had  they  beep  able 
to  make  any  inquiry  into  the  expenditure  of  the  pu^blic 
money.  To  this  omission  he  attributed  the  failure  of  Com- 
modore Walkers  attempt  on  Guadaloupe,  the  treasurer 
having  pretended  that  he  had  .not  the  means  of  hiring  a 
vessel  to  carry  dispatches  to  General  Cod  ring  tpn,  on  whase 
receiving  timely  notice  of  the  design,  the  success  of  the 
expedition  principally  depended;  though  it  was  evident, 
that  had  there  been  no  jnisapplication  of  it,  there  would 
have  been  money  enough  in.  the  treasury  for  that  and  other 
public  exigencies-  ;  He  next  accused  the  assembly  of  neg- 
lecting to  avail  themselves  of  her  Majesty's  gracious  inten- 
tion of  appropriating  the  four  and  a  half  duty  to  the  use 
of  the  fortifications,  no  application  having  been  made  for 
thtf  money  then  due  upon  that  score.  He  admonished  them 
to  beware  of  slighting  the  proffered  boon,  lest  by  their 
criminal  negligence  they  should  lose  the  golden  opportunity 
of  rendering  their  country  the  most  essential  services.  His 
excellency  concluded  with  desiring  that  the  house  would 
continue  to  sit  from  day  to  day,  and  consult,  with  linani- 
4nity,  on  the  means  of  promoting  the  security  and  pro* 
sperity  of  the  country. 

The  answer  of  the  assembly  was  modest  and  respectful. 
They  admitted  the  justice  of  his  excellency's  animadver- 
.    sions  on  the  misconduct  of  a  part  of  their  house,  and  con- 
demned, in  the  strongest  terms,  the  pertinacious  opposition 


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OFBARBADOES.  163 

which  he  had  experienced  ia  the  legal  exercise  of  his  au^  ^^^J:^^* 
thoritj.    His  excellency  was  represented  in  this  address^      ^*^** 
s^  possessing  all  the  virtues  which  could  adorn  the  character 
of  the  most  accomplished  ruler.     His  administration  waV 
compared  to  the  dispensations  of  that  Providence  which  even 
designs  the  happiness  of  nmnkind  ;  and.  was  asserted  to  have 
heenfvee  from  spat  or  blemish^,  except  that  with  patience- and: . 
temper  he  had  striven,  to  reclaim  a  people  of  a  stuhhornyobsti'^ 
note  disposition^ 

The  address;  having  been  agreed  to,  and  presentedi  the^ 
house  proceeded  to  the  revisal  of  their  rul^s,  when  Mr- 
John  Holder  suggested,  that  the  irregularity  so  justly/com-^- 
plained  of  in^  the  proceedings  of  the  late^  assembly^  was* 
occasioned  by  the  rule  which  required  the  presence  of  two-^ 
thirds  of  the  representative*  body  to*  rnfake^  a  liou^e;.  To 
obviate  this  inconvenience,  he  moved,  that  thirteen  mem-^- 
bers  should^  in  future,  be  a^  quorum  suffici^ent  to  pass  all: 
la^vs,  either  of  a  public !  or  private  nature;  :  The  rootioiv 
was  vehemently  oppc^ed^by  those*  members  whose  turbulent 
behaviour  had  been  produetivc  of  so  .much  confusion,,  audi 
had  ^esCTvedly'  incurred:  such  sevete-  reprehension..  JBui^ 
finding .^l.oppositioii;vainj.;tlTcy,  rose  from  their  seats ; .  and>. 
in  contempt  ofi  the  speakcr!s  authority; .quittfed. the  house,:, 
expecting  that  Iheic :  xetiring .  would  dissolve  the  meeting  i ; 
the  other  membersj.however,;continBied  sitting, ,  and -agreed! 
to  the  treasurer's  motion* 

The  attention  of  the  assembly  was  now  directed  to  aa-^-  Not,  lo.. 


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184  THE  HffiTORY 

CHAP.  VI.  other  object.  The  speaker,  by  his  cxceWency's  directions, 
170*-  laid  before  tiie  lioute  the  copy  of  a  memcMrial  which  had 
been  presented  to  tlie  Qtieen  by  aereral  factious  m««ber», 
of  the  former  wsembTy,  exhibiting  a  vBriety  of  charges 
against  the  governor  atid  a  mjifority  of  that  honae^  The 
memomliite, .  after  a  pompous  panftgyric  on  their  own 
loyal  and  peaceable  demeanor^  in  the  feithftil  disdiajrge  of 
many  offices  6(  high  irust  and  responsibihty,  h^ment  that 
they  should  be  compelled,  by  their  fidelity*  to  their  con- 
stitnents,  to  comphiin  of  the  injurious  and  oppressive  con- 
duct of  her  Majesty's  governor.  Sir  Beviil  Granville,  They* 
alledged  that  the  mihtia  had  been  kept  oa  guard,  at  the 
dfflferent  baya»  and.  accessible  parts  of  the  coasrt,  to  the 
maMfest  injury  of  her  Majesty's  subjects,  conttary  to  law> 
aQd  without  eveo  tkfi  |ireviou«  coasent  of  the  eoMncil ;  for 
the  ostensible  neasob  of  defending  the  country  from  inva- 
sion, and  to  prevent  evii*dispo0ed  pa'soDs  from  riittning 
away  with  boats ;  hui  that  the  real  design  of  this  arbitrary 
and  iUegal  piHEieeduFe  was  to  coropei  the  rcpnssentatives  of 
the  people  to  coBsent  to  an  act  £m  raising  two  compaiues 
of  soldien,  for  the  pratection  of  the  towns  and  adjacent 
landing  places,  with  a  secret  view  to  the  gov«mor^s  [wivftte 
emolument.  The  annual  expense  of  maintaining  this  body 
«of  men,  was  estimated  at  nine  thousand  pouiKk  ;  and,  as 
the  money  was  to  be  entirely  at  the  governor  s  disposal, 
they  asserted  that  he  would  be  able  to  sat^e,  for  his  own 
mcp  at  Irast^. onei>*tiiird  af(  the  sisa. 


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OV  BARBADOES.  18^ 

To  thdf  own  patriotic  oppoftitbtt  to  thi»  measui^e,  the  chap.vi. 
memorieilist^  HScribiB  their  remdral  firom  offices  of  tr««t  and  i'^**- 
profit,  which  thej  had  enjoyed  mUtoitt  blemisik  fer  above 
ihirly  years.  They  add  thal^  'in  consequence  of  the  dis- 
missal  of  many  officers' of  respectability  from  their  raiUtary. 
command,  the  militia' had  been  disorgittkedaiid  the  iskind 
exposed  defenceless  to  the  tenroW  ^  'invasion.  It  was 
stated  that  the  governor,  in  direct  disobedience  to  her  Ma- 
jesty's commands,  forbidding  his  accepting  any  gift  -or 
present  from  the  aftseitibly,  had ,  at  «De  -time,  received  from 
them  a  present  of  six  hundred  pounds;  and,  at  another,-  of 
five  hundred  pounds;  besides,  a  pr^eni)  of  two  hundred 
pounds  from  the  Jerws,^  who  had  in  consequence  many  pri-^ 
viieges-aod  indulgence*  gmnted  to  themcoatrary  ^-law? 
That  he  bad  accepted  sev^ralvalaable gifts  of  pfate,  honesy 
and  negroes  from  private  persons,  especially  tlie  natives  of 
Nmth  Britain;  on  whom,  notwithstanding  their- known 
aversion  to  the  family  on  the -ferdne,"  he  hfed  beistowed  many 
of  1^  most  important  civil  and  miUtary.employmentg; 
Against  these  afrangeihents  tiie  oMD^odiil ists  Inveighed  with 
great  bittenwfps.  Iliey  complained  that  in  the  room  of 
officers  of  rank  and  takat  who  had  been^d^niiid^^ram'tbti 
service,  perdoiis  had  beem  flf^pdnted  it^l^  u^cftiaMed,  im 
perienced,  of  mean  capacity  -arid  low  estate.  But  of  none 
did  they  speak  With  more  asperity  than  -of  the  HotoouraM^ 
William  Holder,  speaker  of  the  assembly;  who  hfed  been  re- 
cently appointed  diief'  justice -ef  ^Saint  MlehrttSSI  yt&kta^ 

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186  .     ,  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  vi.  though,  to  use  .their  own  phraseology,  he  was  never  Icnown  to 
^^^^  he  i)f  any  christian  comrriunity^  neither  had  he  been  baptized. 
After  several  other  frivolous  accusations,  the  memorial  con- 
eluded  with  praying  her  Majesty  would  be  graciously 
pleased  to  institute  an  inquiry  into  the  conduct  of  Sir 
Bevill  Granville,  and  offering  to  support  the  truth  of  their 
allegations  by, the  most  unquestionable  evidence.  The  me-' 
,  morial  was  subscribed  by  John  Leslie,  Philip  Kirton, 
Thomas  Maycock,  William  Terrill,  Christopher  Estwick, 
Enoch  Gretton,  and  Thomas  Maxwell,  late  speaker  of  the 
assembly.^ 

The  reading  of  this  paper  [produced  the  most  lively  emo- 
ti(ms  of  anger  and  resentment  in  both  chambers  of  the 
l^islature.  They  voted  it  to  be  a  £aJse,  scandalous  and 
seditious  libel  on  the  goi^ernment  of  the  island,  and  vindi- 
cated themselves  from  the  imputations  which  it  contained^ 
in  a  counter-address  to  the  throne*  In  this  address  they 
expressed  the  most  grateful  sense  of  her  Majesty's  maternal 
kindness  in  ^he  prudent  choice  of  a  governor  of  general 
Granville-8  "  probplty,  good  qonduct,  unspotted  integrity, 
and  exemplary,  life;  who,  by  his  extraordinary  vigilance 
and  prudeaqi^j  had  wrested  the  govemmeilt  out  pf  the 
^  h^nds  pf  a  cor^pt  faction,  whose  wi warrantable  behaviour 
would  have  involved  the  country  in  ruin  and  misery,  but  for 
the  wisdom  and  vigour  of  his  administration/' 

The  assembly  now  thought  it  Dec68B^y,i;Q  vin<|ic%te  their 
riglji^tg  by  ponisfaing  ^e  oontjutnacy  of  thoscTelractory  mem- 


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OPHARBADGES.  187 

bers,  whose  secession  was  considered  as  a  contempt  of  le-  chap,  vl 
gislative  authority.  With  this  view  the  speaker,  by  order  ^^^*- 
of  the  house,  issued  a  summons,!  conimanding  their  attend* 
ance  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  legislature.  In  obedience 
to  this  summons  the  seceders  met,  at  the  time  and  place  March  2a 
appointed,  and  put  into  the  speaker's  hands  a  written  paper, 
in  which  they  assigned  as  a  reason  for  their  non-attend- 
ance, the  innovation,  which,  as  they  termed  it,  bad  been 
made  on  the  rights  of  the  people,  in  respect  to  the  number 
of  members  required  to  make  a  house.  They  added,  thai 
they  had  submitted  the  whole  affair  to  her  Majesty's  consi- 
deration, and  were  in  daily  e  f  receiving  her 
commands,  to  which  they  wo  ifully  conform ; 
and,  in  the  interim,  they  utte  d  the  authority 
and  competence  of  the  other  members  to  act  as  the  general 
assembly  of  the  island.  .  These  rejoins  not  appearing  satifr^ 
factory,  the  speaker  demanded)  of  them  severally,  whether 
.they  would  resume. their  seats  5»nd  enter,  upon  business  coni- 
form ably  to  thcTules  of  the  hojuse;  to  which  they  declined 
;giying  any  answer  and  abxupUy  retired;  To  di^counteujaqce 
such  a  dangerous  spirit  of  insub^rdiQfttion,  the  house,  unaiiit- 
mously  voted  for  the  expulsipo  ^f  John  JLeslie,  Philip  Kir- 
ton,  Joseph  Brown,  John  Frere,  and  Christopher  Estwick,* 


^  Gretton,  who  was^alao  one  of  the  seceden,  died  before  the  matter  wu  decided* 
Neither  of  the  expelled  members  was  re-elected  until  the  general  election  ^  when  Mr. 
Frere  was  returned  for  St  Philip^  and  took  hit  seat  accordingly* 

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188  •  THE  aisiDty 

OHSP;^.  ^ch  of  whom  was  dedared  iacapable  ot  sitting  again  duri' 

^'^^^      ing  the  contiiiQaBce  of  that  assembly ;  and  nevr  writs  were 

immediately  issued,    by  the  goreraor,   fbr  the  particular 

election  of  other  ttiembcrs  to '  supply  the  vacancies  occa* 

*  fiioned  by  tiieir  expulsion.     And  to  prevent,  in  future,  any 

factious  attempt' to  impede  the  public  business,  by  the 
abrupt,  indecorous  departure  of  any  member  daring  tl» 
session,  it  became  a  standing  rule  of  the  assembly,  that, 
whenever  a  sufficient  number  of  members  bad  met  to  make 
a  house,  the  door  should  be  locked,  and  the  key  given  to 
the  speaker,  without  whose  permission  no  member  should 
be  allowed  to  depart  under  pain  of  expulsion.'  -  ^ 

yiQS.  It  was  not  long  before  the  governor  had  the  satisfkction 
of  receiving  the  most  unequivocal  testimony  of  hfer  Ma- 
jesty's approbation  of  his  conduct.  In  addition  to  thfe 
A^Morial  alre^y  mentioned,  the  four  suspended  ibembers 
of  council  had  exhibited  a  cotiiplaint  agftinst;  his  excdlency , 
to  which  was  ad^^d,  a  petition  from  Mr,  Richard  Downes*, 
coi!nplaining'  that^  notwithU^Mding  he  bad  been  Jbonouted 
^thhey-Miijesti^s  ikfer  <)f:krt»nd«dKft^  appointirig  hiift'» 
^aeraber  of  cotwieitj^he  had'  b^en  prevented  by  the  gc^emor 
from  taking  his  seat  alt  ihat  board,    lliese  complaints  were 

■  ■  I         I    *■  ■  ■  ■  I  I  ■  I  ■■    ■  ^  I  I 

^  .*  Mr  Downfi  had  been  trf  a^irf  r  of  thf.  islanA  axul  ^aH  prPMim^^^  yp^p^  his  own 
authority,  to  pay  money  to  the  amount  of  several  thousand  pounds,  without  the  usual 
tdrdersfrom  the  governor:  this  conduct  naturaRy  gave  d£^ce,  and  he  was  removed 
from  the  office;  lind  several  yean  dapsed  bcibre  he  fettled  Uif  accounts,  or  paid  tife 
balance  due  to  4he  public.  '  « 


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all  referre4  to  the  cowideration  of  the  lords  comraisf iotters  ^JJJ^'* 
oftrade  and  plantations;  who^  after  ar  due  investigatioii  of  ^^' 
the  several  charges,  together  with  the  govereors  defence, 
xaade  the  necessarj  reports  to  the  Qoeen  in  council.  And, 
opon  reading  these  reports^  her  Majesty  was  pleased  to 
order  one  of  her  pandpal  secretaries  of  state  to  command 
cate  to  &H0  Bevill  Granville  her  Majesty 'a  royal  approbation 
o£  his  proceedings^  in  the  suspension  of  the  four  coun* 
sellofSi  irfao  had  countenanced  and  abetted  those  members 
af  the  assembly^  from  whose '  irregular  behaviour^  and  cii'-^ 
minal  select  of  d^ty;  much  inconvenience  had  arisen. 
He  was,  however,  empowered,  lipon  their  application  and 
mxhmissioG,  ta  admit  them^  if  he*  should  think  proper,  to 
iSMame  tiieir  seate  at  the  council  board.  But  with  respect 
tOi  D&wnea,  her  Majesty  declared  her  absolute  will  and 
pleasuce,  that  he  Js^iouid.  be  eostirely  exduded  from  the 
cooncsl  diamber. 

AlteD  eKprossing,  her.  concera  aad  indignation,  at  the 
cmfiasiMt  and  disortdar  that  haid  happened,  fdomitlie  cepre- 
^entativeivof  the  peopte  wilfully  abseiiting  themselves  from 
their  duty,^^foy  which  means  the  administration  of  g^vem- 
^ment  had  been  greaitiy  embarrassed  and  obstns^ted;^  her 
Majesty  directed  that  his  esodHency  should,  in  ho^naiene, 
represent  to  both. branches  of  the  legiskitupe,  tjie  evils  aiid 
inconveniences  that  must  necessarily  result  from  such  culp- 
able neglect^  and  to  recotmnend  their  making  some  efieo- 
tual  provision  for  preventing  such  al>iises 'iri  i^ttire; '     ' 


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190  THE  HISTORY 

The  joy  of  the  assembly,  on  this  occasion,  was  un- 
bounded. To  such  of  the  members  of  hep  Majesty's  privy 
council,  as  were  present  on  the  inquiry,  they  voted  a  pre- 
.sent  of  Citron  water,  in  the  following  proportion:  six 
dozen  bottles  to  the  Duke  of  Marlborough,  five  dozen  to 
^  the  Lord  Treasurer,  four  dozen  to  the  Lord  President,  and 
to  the  <3hancellor  of  the  Exchequer  three  dozen. '  They 
-also  Toted  their  agent  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds 
^sterling,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  an  entertainment,  which 
they  directed  he  should  give  in  honour  of  the  Royal 
African  Company,  for  their  interposition  in  his  excellency  "d 
behalf 

The  public  mind  was  again  violently  agitated  by  the  fear 
of  invasion.  In  consequence  of  some  alarming  intelligence 
Apra  9.  from  Antigua,  tlie  governor  called  the  legislature  together, 
and  submitted  to  their  consideration  the  danger  to  which 
the  island  was  exposed  by  the  proximity  of  a  formidable 
French  force ;  and  recommended  their  putting  the  fortifica- 
tions in  the  best  possible  state  of  defence.  In  this  emer- 
gency, the  council  proposed  calling  out  the  militia,  and 
laying  them  under  martial  law  for  fourteen  days.  To  the 
fonner  part  of  the  proposal  the  assembly  readily  agreed^ 
but  they  refused  to  sanction  the  declaration  of  martial  law, 
though  they  were  wilUng  to  suspend  the  proceedings  of  the 
.courts  of  justice  during  the  time  the  militia  should  remain 
embodied ;  a  most  extraordinsu'y  proposition,  for  which  no 
sufficient  reason  can  possibly  be  assigned.    To  this  plan  the 


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GFRARBADOES.  19I 

governor  otgected,  that  without  the  restraints  of  martial  law  ^JJ^^^O?* 
the  jcailiti^,  if  called  out,  would  be  no  better  than  a  tumult  ^'^^^• 
tupjuHSy  undisciplined  rabble;  where  there  was  no  power  to 
pipiish,  no  order,  nor  subordination  could  be  expected ; 
9nd  that  a  suspension  of  the  functions  of  the  courts 
qf  justice,  under  such  circunistances,  would  leave  the 
people  without  any  rule  of  conduct,  without  any  legal 
measure  of  good  or  eviL  After  several  conferences  between 
the;  two  houses,  in  which  various  expedients  were  suggested 
to  supply  the  absence  of  martial  law,  the  bill  to  enable  his 
excellency  to  embody  the  militia^  was  finally  rejected  by 
the  assembly. 

The,  coipm^cial  intercourse  between  Great  Britain  and 

her  colpoii^s  had  pow  become  an  object  of  great  national 

importance. .  It  wa&  found  necessary,  for  the  regulation  of 

tljie  pecuniary  transactions  between  the  people  of  England 

ami  her  American  dependencies,  to  establish  a  legal  cur«* 

i:ency  among,  the  islands ;  and  to  ^cectain  the  true  parity  of 

exchange,  between  the  different  parts  of  the  empire.     Sir 

Isaac  Newton,  who  was  then  master  of  the  mint,  had,  by 

order  of  the  privy  council,  made  an  actual  assay  on'  most 

foreiga  coins^-  and  ascertained  the  intrinsic  value  of  the 

bullion  contained  in  each..    To  obviate  the  inconveniences 

arising  from  the  want  of  an  uniform  currency  in  the  planta-* 

tions,  the  Queen,  by  proclamation,  dated  the  fourth  diay 

of  June,  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fouiv 

fixed  the  rate  at  which  they  should  pass  in  the  colomes.  Ry 


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J9j  HiE  HISTORY 

ctiAf.^Vi.  tlih  proclAi«atk>tt,  which  was  afterwards^confinned  by  actt 
"^Ks^^  df  parliament,  6  Anne,  ch,  dO,  the  value  of  thie  dolteri 
which,  by  ««say,  had  been  found  to  be  irorth  four  shillings 
and  sixpence  sterling,  ^a»  estliblished  at  six  shillings  colo- 
nial curfency ;  and  the  vabuA  of  x)ther  eoins  was  regulated 
according  <»  that  standardi  Hence  the  true  parity  «>f.ex- 
cliange  betw^ieh  Londwi  and  Barbadoes  was-tixed  atime 
hundred  and  Urirty-thtee  and  a  tfeifd  per  cent. 

Hitherto  doll*i%  had  passed  in  the  West  Indies  at  eiglrt 
shillings ;  and,  as  the  theory  of  nion^y  was,  at  that  time,  bat 
hnperfectly  understood  in  the  «o!oiiie*,  the  •  money-hewers 
highly  disapproved  of  the  alteration.  Withoat  peHectittg 
that  the  value  of  cottimodities,  of  which  BKmej  is  but  the 
repwsentative,  must  be  aflfected  in  proportion  to  any  depre- 
ciation in-  tfee  nominal  value  of  the  coin,  they  considered 
the  defiUcatioh  in  the  nameral  value  of  the  dollar  as  a  real 
diminution  of  ti>eir'  wealth.  To  avert  a  calamity,  merely 
idekl,  the  monied  men,  on  the  arrival  of  the  proclamations 
exported  almost  the  whole  of  the  circulating  silver  coin  of 
the  country.  This  absurd  expedient  produced  much  in- 
.  eoBvenience  among  the  mercantile  people,  which,  by  a 
Batural  cotununication,  was.  soon  fdt  by  the  planters  i  and 
iha  want  of  a  circulating  medium  became  a  geneval  Cfom" 
plaint. 

The  evil,  however,  wasof  a  temporary  nature;  and,  had 
it  been  left  to  itself,  would  soon  have  found  a  remedy.  A 
country  abouiiding  with  valuable  prodttcticns,  can  kifev«t< 
1 


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OF  BARBADOES.  193 


Jabour  under  a  -permanient  scarcity  of  precious  metals. 
Money  will  always  be  brought  into  exchange  for  those  com- 
modities which  the  luxury,  or  necessities  of  mankind  re- 
<juire  for  their  gratification.  No  considerable  nor  lasting  in- 
convenience will  ever  be  felt  for  the  want  of  specie  in  iet 
country  whose  balance  of  trade,  if  not  in  its  favour,  is  not 
greatly  against  it.  ^  Large  crops,  for  exportation,  will  ne- 
cessarily furnish  the  means  of  paying  for  those  articles 
which  may  be  required  from  abroad ;  and  the  excess  of  its 
exports,  should  there  be  any,  will  afford  an  unfailing  sup- 
ply of  cash.  These  truths  were  either  unknown  or  neg- 
lected by  the  legislature  of  Barbadoes,  and  they  adopted 
the  worst  expedient  that  could  have  been  devised  for  afford- 
ing relief  suited  to  the  circumstances  of  the  country. 

To  supply  tl^e  want  of  cash,  a  Mr.  Dudley  Woodbridge 
suggested  a  scheme  for  the  establishment  of  a  bank,  pro- 
posing, himself  to  be  the  sole  manager.  The  project  was 
countenanced  by  the  governor,  who  laid  the  proposal  before 
the  assembly  for  their  consideration.  Here  it  met  with  a 
very  cold  reception;  not  so  much  from  a  dislike  to  the 
scheme  as  from  an  objection  to  Mr.  Woodbridge's  enjoying 
the  whole  emoluments  of  the  ofl&ce,  as  sole  director  of  the 
bank.  As  the  pkn,  however,  was  pregnant  with  advan- 
,tages  to  those  who  should  be  concerned  in  the  management 
of  the  business,  it  was  soon  revived,  with  a  few  trifling  al- 
terations, to  give  it  the  appearance  of  Originality,  and 
brought  forward  in  the  assembly  by  Mr.  John  Holder, 

c  c 


CHAP.  VI. 
1706. 


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194  TH1C  HISTQRT 

cBA^.Vi.  ti^dsurer  of  tlie  istamt,  supported  hy'^Mr.'Steffpe  aiyd'Mr. 
1706.     AleKHuder  Walker,  twb  mexttbers  t)f  the  <JGuridl. "  '  'f  >     " 

The  influence  of  tbb  ti^inmvirftte'  vas  Hot  to  tpe*4@&iete4;. 
and^froEh^  rootiTes  the  tndst  ccwriij^t^t  «iM!4U]tti«t<!'<bbe 
human  mind,  they  procure  Ib^  pttism^<>f<k  l«>Tlr'to/stip|y)y 
•  the  deficiency  of  gold •  tod  ^hrei:  com-  by  a  'fifdatiou^  jecir- 
rency  of  paper  ntooey.'  By  tiiiis  ki-W"  %he  '^'eae^r^p  #a9iaa- 
thorized  toissibe  biUa  to  ih6  amotmt  otsixtySvt  th<»QiKnd 
poundsy  to  be  lent  to  the  plantets  oo  the  securhly'ii^^lbttir- 
knds  and  negroes,  and  fiift  tfa^iSactlng-  ^a  hviMdm  bc>  kvas 
entitled  to.  a  commissfdn  o{-^9i^eemU  'HolAet^-^us'Wkt 
alTowed  the  ejtelusiTe  cnjoyinent  <#  tliis^  adirigiitagei:  •  rife- 
Wad  content  Id  sfaarenthe  profits* iMlir  JusHdeitdft'^Sbarpt^aad 
Walker^  as  ^recompense  for  ^eir  s^cvkes^in  pflotnotKig  th& 
^cheoie.;^  M'^lker,  nofsatibsfiM^i^  hi»  pr^^ition^  insibted 
that  hfe  brother.  Williwnr  'WaUter,:of  tlte  inMmbljf,  sfaimid  fae- 
Ullow^d  to  participate  ia  (&d  gaiii;  and  in^thfei  tnenti.ikteae 
honest,  disiniere^t<dd  ^{M>diati»-  <tf  tke  pebple  jqiMUvlied 
about  dividing  the  «poil,  tnd  Uie  ^ectei  was  disdoaed. 

This  measure,  the  offspring  of  igsaranbe  aad  OfomptioBr 
encfeased  the  etU  it  affected*  to  remoire,  and  .'idiflitsed  the 
most  lively  diseoiAenI  thr^oghout^tfae;  oowitsryk  v  Xb«  plan- 
ters, who  had  sufficient  seevrity  to  ofier,;  inem  enable^  b^^ 
the  loan  6f  these  bilk  to  wityidd  .tfaeir  ciop»  irom  inarket, 
or  to  demand  the  'most  ^xoj^lMtaiit  fnices  ikas  their  .produce;: 
while  die  merchajit,  whe  et^uld  neither  yeaiit  d&eai  to 
Europe,  nor  pass  them  id  );Myme&t  tx>  tlie  JVmenean-tradevsL 


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OF  BARRADOES.  J95 

for  their  cargoes,  found  them  of  no  ffmtet  value  than  so  CHAP.yt 
much  waste  paper,  .and>  of  course,,  refused  toreceive  thent  '?•** 
in  exchange  for  their  conuaodities.  At  length,,  the  diffi- 
culty of  ne^ociating  the, bills,  wWch.might  haye  been  easiljr 
foreseen  from  ^e>&rit^  opeafd  the  eyes  of  the  people  to  the 
deception  thftt  had  been  practised  npon  thenu  Thejcontr 
plained  of  the  act  as  a  fraud  «iid  resented  it  as  a  job,  in« 
tended  merely  to  promote  the  interest  of  a  few  mercenary 
individuals.  , 

The'  odium  of  tiie  measure  having  drawn  on  the.  pro* 
moters  of  the*  bank  theexectations  of  an  mjuned  and  ia^ 
oensed  people,  the  assraibly,  justly  dreading  the  jresentment 
49f  their  constituents,  passed,  a  >  law  to  prolong  th^  politic^ 
existence^  by  Teodenog  the  election  of  representatives  tjiea.- 
niaj.  While  the  bill:  was  pending,  petitiims  weie  presented 
against  it  from  ail  parts  of  .tb0  idand,  except  Saint  Pet^n. 
The  assembly,  howevi<»r,  were  not  to  be  diverted  firom  their 
purpose,  though,  as  we  shall  soon  see,  thdr  sinister  designs 
were  frustrated,  and  they  wiere  denied  the  in^tmiby  which 
tfaey  sought  to^  obtain. 

Sir  Bevill  Granville  continued  to  exercise  the  rigjbt 
-claimed  by  his  pvedecessor,  of  appointittg  his  private  secse* 
tary,  and  of  daiaring  with  hiia  in  ike  enoloaeatts  of  his 
•office.  This  produced  «i  second  remonstraoce  from  tbe  pa^ 
tentee  to  the  queen,  which  was  referred  to  the  Ixmls  Com- 
missioners of  Trade;  and,  after  a  lapse  of  some  considerable 
time,  withifi  which  Sir  Bevill  resigned  U)e  govamnentt. ' 

c  c  2 


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196  tHE  HISTORY 

CHAP.- VI.  th«if  lordships  rep<«ted  to  her  Majesty  that-  th6  g'oVeHibr 
17M.  .  bttd^ao  right  to  appoint  a  private  tccretaty  but  at* \M  own 
esEpehse,  and  recommended'  that 'Mf.  Sfcetneshorftd' be  Re- 
placed and  coofictped-  in  the  tec^lpl  of  .all  'tlie  itjk'atod 
pofit»  belonging  to  the^oflk*. '  InsooflsequeBd^'fef'^  W^ 
pt^esitatkm  Mr.  Skeene,  by  hef  Majesty  9  liters  M^a- 
toryrims:Testcired  to  ithe  pestession-of '  all  HisTighfe  a^ 
pev^isttes  both  as  private  amd  public  secifetaty.*    "    '  ''  • 

TSie  •governor  finding  his  sitnfation  rendered  extremely 
mipleasaiit'by  the-  eonttmial  contention  of  parties',  aiid  hi» 
G«Ni8titutioii  impaiied  by  the  iofluenee  of  k  tropibal  climate, 

Septeoiber.  resigned  has  autbertfty  into  the  hands  of  William  8&ar^». 
piesklent  of  the  botmcil,  withi  the  v'ieir  of  iretcttnihg'to- 
England  for  the  benefit  of  his  health ;  but  he  livM'  iiot  ix> 
accomplish  his  design..  Death  arrested  irim  on  his  passage, 
and  removed  him  to  a  state  -where  his  virtiies  and  bis  faults 
will  receiye  their  appropriate  recompence  from'  the  only 
ocHKipetent  Judge.    . 

'  NotMdthfitoDdmg  the  animosities  and  disputes  whidi  dis- 
tracted the  councils  at  this  period,  several  salutary  laws  were- 
enacted  under  the  authority  of  general  Granville.  Among 
these  the  most  des^ving  of  attention  is  the  act  for  the  en- 
couragement of  the  clergy.  As  this  venerable  body  of  men 
ha^-e  been  separated  from  the  busy  part  of  raaiikind,.  that 


•  In  latter  times,  however,  the  commandier  in  chief  has  been  allowed  a  private 
' Mcretaiy,  wtiote  lalary,  two  fauodred  pounds  sterXng,  is  paid  by  the  tkttiti.       .  ■  i.  •  * 

6 


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OF:  BARR^VDOES-  .197 

t^yjjwy, pursue  thiwe  3tudie$  which  womW  qualify  thena  to  chapel 
ijofttei^ct^  ot])€^fSv  in ' ibo* great  duties  \of  roligion^  reason  :aod  ^^^oe. 
'J9stip04«caaQd  thji^  th&irsAtaation.should.be  rendes^d  emit- 
Joij(ta\Ap  aflnd  r^spectuble  by  n  cowpet^ot  provisioh  for^*  their 
jffs^ifin^no^^  .  fl^herto:  [the  eia^uments  of  the  racecdotal 
p^^Hiroa^isted;  i;i  tbf  annual  receJ^pl  ef  an  ^ssmmm&itof 
02]tepM3»iidj9f  sugar  on  exc^Fy  aare.€f  land,  unl  of  such  fees 
on  marriag^si^t  baptisQi^^  ^d  burifilB  as  custom  hadjuittho- 
ri^fidr  This,  was^  far  fjjow  *  l?eing  a  decent  op  an  adequate 
. njaintenanpe  jfoT  the  clergy •  Jt  wa«  therefore  enacted,  thafe, 
il^;^0^ti^oii  tQ;  their  glebes^  most  of  which  are  considendiole, 
/tJtff^il^Uv;?;  Qf/Jthe^  ditfereot  parishes  should  receive^a  salany 
v^f^Qnft  fc^ijiijdi^d  »ntl  fifty  po^iads^  b^ides^t&es  for  the  per- 
formaqp^.pf  occasjoq^l  duty.  This  proviaion  is  CCTtainly 
inade<inafie  ^o  m^et  the  advance  which  the  lapse^of  a  cea- 
.turj  has  made  in  the  h^bit^  and  expense  of  hving;  but  it  is 
to  be  observed,  that  among  the.  fees  of  office,  to  the  augmen- 
tation of  which  the  people  have  patiently  submitted,  those 
'  of  the  clergy  have  not  been  aegjeeted ;  and  ia most  parishes 
the  rector's  fees  exceed  one  hundred  poundjsi  a  year.  Be- 
sides, in  the  liberality  of,  the  vestry,  thei  incumbent  generally 
finds  an  ample  compensation  for  the  smaUness  of  the  legal 
stipends  The  annual,  presents  voted  to  the  rectors  af e  com^ 
monly  equal  to  the  established  salary,  and  frequently  ex- 
ceed it.  Hence  the  least  valuable  ""church  living  in  the 
islahd  may  be  moderately  rated  at  four  hundred  pounds; 


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198  THE  HISTORY 

^^J^]^^'-  a  year.    In  addition  to  this  revenue  there  is  on  every  glebe 
^^^^'      a  conunodious,  nay  in  most  instances  an  elegant  mansion, 
built  and  kept  in  excellenrt  lepair^.at  the  expense  of  the 
parish^  for  the  acconamodati^tt  of  the  laimster, . 

^Xt  has  lately  been  doAibted  whether  eveni  this  is  a  suffix 
cient  provision  for  the  support  of  the  clergy^-  of  whom  many 
appear  extremely  anxious  to  be  made  indepemknt  of  the 
bmmty  of  their  vestries.  Those  who  are  satisfied  with 
what  they  receive,  need  neither  wish  for  more  nor  for  any 
alteration  in  the  aiode  by  which  it  is  granted;  and  the  mi-- 
Ulster  who  is  ^termined  to  perform  his  duty  diligently, 
and  to  conduct  himself  with  bumility  and  decorum,  need 
not  fear  the  i^esentment  of  those  from  whom  he  expects  his 
reward.  It  were,  however,  much  to  be  wished,  for  the  «ake 
of  preserving  the  purity  and  dignity  of  the  sacred  function, 
;tbat  the  rectors  of  the  several  parishes  were  rendered  inde- 
pendent of  occasional  ^tuities  from  their  vestries.  As 
jights  of  the  world  they  should  be  placed  above  the  cares 
and  perplexities  of  oTjdinary  men.  The  clergy  would  then 
l>e  no  longer  under  the  necessity  of  temportsrng,  as  some 
o(  them  too  i^tea  do,  with  the  principal  inhabitants  of 
■flieir  cure.  But  in  providing  for  the  independence  of 
the  cleargy,  we  <bouId  not  lose  sight  of  the  circumstances  of 


^  The  legislature  have  just  pasted  a  law,  augmenting  tbe  annual  stipend  of  the 
Erectors  to^ree  hundred  poun^ 


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OFBABSADOES. 


iOQ^^ 


tlK*e  l^y^hMit' they  are  l>aid.V  should  no  longer  ^^ij^^* 

be  inmited  iwitfc  a  power,  tb&  fitequfently  abused,  of  itidtilg-      ^ '  ^• 
ing  to  jostentatiotis  generosity ^io  the  injury  of  their  pa- 
rishionersy  whose  means  <Sf  subsistence  are  often  abridged  to 
p^xmf^  llife  ttutes  which  airfe  levied  onl  them,  for  the  sup^ 
poet^^of  the  pasodbial  establishment. 


\  1 .  .'.■ 


...;    / '    ,    ■ 

I  'i        .)    >..        .   •     t     *     I     >    .M. 

\  )     ;  ' , '  ■        .    ' 


J.. . 


:-? 


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200  THE  HISTORY 


CHAP.  VII. 

PRESIDENT     SHARPENS    ADMINISTRATION — SUCCEEDED    BV     MIT^ 
FORD      CROWE — DISQUISITION      CONCERNlifG      THE     CRIMINAL 

JUDICATURE DEATH  OF    MR.    CODRINGTON MR.    LILLINGTON 

ADMINISTERS  THE  GOVERNMENT MR.     LOWTHER    APPOINTED 

GOVERNOR — HIS     TYRANNICAL     CONDUCT MR.    SHARPE     SUC- 
CEEDS  TO  THE    PRESIDENCY LOWTHER    RESTORED HIS  ARBI-- 

TRART  AND  OPPRESSIVE   MEASURES — PERSECUTES    MR.  GORDON 

THE    CASE  OF   BERNARD  COOK — THE    GOVERNOR  RECALLED— 

MR.     FRERE  ASSUMES   THE    EXECUTIVE   AUTHORITY— IS    SUPER- 
SEDED   BY   MR.  COX REMARKS    ON    THE    FORTIFICATIONS  AND 

THE  COLONIAL  REPRESENTATION. 

ciiAF.vn.  1  HE  Honourable  William  Sharpe,  having  succeeded  to 
1706.  the  government,  on  the  departure  of  Sir  Bevill  Granville, 
commenced  his  short,  but  turbulent,  administration,  by 
dissolving  that  assembly  to  -whose  triennial  existence  he  had 
lately  contributed,  by  his  vote,  as  a  member  of  council. 
The  public  mind  was,  at  this  time,  so  irritated  by  political 
disputes,  and  personal  animosities,  that  the  elections,  in 
many  parts  of  the  island,  vrere  contested  with  an  unusual 
<)egree  of  warmth  and  violence ;  and,  in  most  instances, 


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^  OF  BAIQ8AD0ES..  ^01 

terminated  ift  favour  of  those  wlio  were  known  to  be  hostile  ^^JiS^* 
to  the  measures  of  the  late  executive  government.    Such       ^'^^* 
^as  the^  general  disapprobation  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Jate  assembly,  that  only  seven  of  the  old  members  vrere 
re*elected*.  • 

In  this  violent  collision  of  parties,  Mr.  W:  Holder,  speaker 
of  the  laic  assembly ;  Colonel  J.  Holder,  treasurer  of  the 
island;  his  colleague,  E.  Holder,  Mr.  W.  Walker,  and  kll 
who  were  known  to  be  immediately  concerned  in  the  busi- 
ness of  the  bank,  were  rejected  by  their  former  constituents. 
In  Saint  Joseph's,  Colonel  Holder  endeavoured  to  prevent 
the  publication  of  the  election  writ,  alledging  that  it  had 
been  illegally  issued.  Disappointed  in  his  aim,  he  wreaked 
his  vengeance  on  Mr.  Tullw6od>  the  rector  of  the  parishs 
whom,  chancing  to  meet  on  the  road,  in  company  with  \m 
wife,  he  assaulted  and  violently  beat.  Nor  did  the  lady 
^cape  his  brutal  violence;  ibr^  upon  her  interposing,  he 
iuriously  tore  off  hCT  head^^ress  and  otherwise  unmanfuHy 
abased  heu  Colonel  Cleland  not  only  refused  Jo  execute 
the  office  of  sheriff  at  Saint  Andrew's,  but  appeared  at  thift 


*  The  new  assembly  consisted  of  Mr.  Wheeler  and  G.  Pe^rs,  for  St^MichaeVs;  T. 
Maxwell  and  S.  Adams,  for  Christ  Church  ;  J.  Frefe^and  N.  Webb,  for  St.  PhiUp'ss 
H.  Peert  and  T.  Nerie,  for  St.  Otorgei;  R.  Ddwnes  and  W.  LesBe,  for  St.  John's; 
W.  Cole  and  W,  <!:artor,  ht  it.  Tk^Ms^^  T.  dandlfi»rd  Mid  ii  Gibtts,  f^  ft.  AHdrcrtt's-. 
It  Sandiford  and  S.  Maynard,  for  St.  Peters;  T«  Maycook  and  J.  Mi^iODd^  fcr  tt. 
Lucy's;  E.  Suttofi  and  B.  Yeamans,  for  St.  Jameis;  J.  Vaughan  and  W^.  Grant,  Ibc 
St,  Joseph's :  on  their  first  meetbig,  Mr.  Wheeler  was  ehosen  speaker. 

i  D  d 


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202        '  THE  HISTORY 

CHARVii.  poll  and  protested  against  the  election.  ^  He,  afterwards,  in 
^"^^^^  concert  with  the  Holders,  Waite  and  several  others,  drew  up 
a  remonstrance,  which  they  presented  to  the  assembly,  de^ 
nying  the  president's  authority  to  dissolve  the  late  assembly, 
declaring  the  house  to  be  an  illegal  convention,  and  protest- 
ing against  its  proceedings.  This  paper  was  treated  by 
both  branches  of  the  legislature  as  a  factious  attempt  to 
excite  sedition;  and  Cleland  for  his  disorderly  behaviour 
was  removed  from  the  council  board. 

Fired  with  resentment,  Cleland  presented  a  memorial  to 
the  assembly,  offering  to  make  a  full  disclosure  of  the  cor- 
ruption and  bribery  which  had  been  practised  by  some 
persons  in  liigh  responsible  situations,,  for  promoting  the 
establishment  of  a  bank;  in  which,  as  has  been  already 
shewn,  the  president,  and  Mr.  Walker,  of  the  council,  were 
strongly  implicated.  The  encouragement  given  to  this  pro- 
posal in  the  lower  house,  gave  great  oflfence  in  the  council 
.  chamber,  and  the  president  sent  a  message  to  the  assembly, 
clisclaiming  their  authority  to  proceed  on  Cleland's  infor- 
mation; it  being  inconsistent,  he  said,  with  the  dignity  of 
the  government,  that  a  member  of  council  should  appear 
before  that  house  to  vindicate  himself  against  a  criminal 
charge;  and  contrary  to  natural  justice  to  proceed  against 
him  unheard.  To  this  the  assembly  replied,  that  it  was 
the  undoubted  right  of  the  representative  body  of  the 
people  to  receive  information  against  any  member  of  the 
other  branch  of  the  legislature  for  oppression,  bribery,  ex- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  203 

tortion,  or  other  heinous  offences,  and  to  bring  the  offender  ^^^^^' 
to  condign  punishment.  ^^^' 

In  the  midst  of  this  altercation,  Mr,  Vaughan  brought 
forward  a  fresh  ?iccusatioa  against  the  members  of  the  late 
administration.  A  contribution^  it  seems,  had  been  raised 
among  the  practitioners  in  physic  and  surgery,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  bribing,  certain  members  of  both  houses  to  con- 
sent to  the  passing  of  a  law,  allowing  them  to  prove  their 
accounts  by  their  own  oaths.  Doctor  Gamble,  being  ex- 
amined at  the  bar  of  the  house,  confirmed  the  information 
received  from  Mr.  Vaughan;  but  the  charge  was  so  vague 
and  obscure,  that  it  only  served  to  fan  the  embers  of  dis"" 
cord,  without  giving  suflficient  light  to  discover  the  offen- 
ders.  The  council,  who  were  deeply  involved  in  these 
criminal  imputations,  warmly  resented  the  proceedings  of 
the  assembly,  as  tending  to  encourage  factious,  evil-minded 
persons  to  calumniate  the  most  respectable  characters  in  the 
country.  Much  time  was  thus  spent  in  angry  contentions, 
odious  Tecriminations,  and  mutual  revilings,  which  answered 
no  other  end  than  to  expose  both  houses  to  general  contempt. 

In  the  mean  while,  the  assembly  were  not  negligent  in 
their  endeavours  to  reUeve  their  country  from  the  operation 
of  the  Paper  Credit  Act.    Their  remonstrances  against  it   October, 
were  so  judicious,  that  it  was  repealed  by  her  Majesty's 
order  in  council*.    Justice,  however,  required   that  pro- 


*  Univ.  Hist.  vol.  41.  p.  1 W.   lUlPi  Settlem.  of  Barb.  p.  SO.  Uws  of  Barb.  p.  495. 

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t04  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  Vit.  ^isioD  ahoold  be  made  &x  the  payment  of  suchbiU^  as^liad 
>7o6.  been  negotiated;  the  assembly  accordii^ly  passed  a  lav 
&r  that  purpose.  At  the  same  time.  Holder  was  com- 
pelled to  reAmd  the  premium  which  he  had  received  for 
^aneactiiig  the  business.  This,  however,  was  not  effected 
without  a  struggle.  He  applied  to  tlie  Queen  to  be  per- 
mitted to  retain  bis  ill-gotten  gains,  but  without  success. 
1707.  Ha^ng  administered  the  government  for  the  short  space 

[     ef  nine  raonths^^  Mr.  Sharpe  was  superseded  bj  the  arrival 
«f  Mitibid  Cfowe,  Esquire,  whose  appointment  had  beea 
formerly  postponed,  to  make  way  for  Sir  Bevill  Granville. 
Tlie  goveraof  found  the  public  miad  in  a  considerable  siate^ 
of  irritation,  occasioned  by  the  dispcttes  concerning  the 
banking  business.    In  pursuance  of  the  royal  instructions^ 
his  excellency  immediately  removed  from  the  council-board, 
^       and  from  all  offices  at  his  disposed,  every  person  who  had 
promoted  or  encouraged  the  late  project  for  supplying  the 
want  of  cash.     Holder  had,  however,  the  address  to  obtain 
a  seat  in  council ;  a  circumstance  which  gave  great  ofience 
to  the  assembly.    They  presented  an  address  to  the  gover- 
nor, thanking  him  for  the  alacrity  with  which  he  bad  obeyed 
her  Majesty^s  commands ;  and  insisting  on  the  removal  of 
Mr;  Holder.  To  this  address,  his  excellency,  after  censuring 
their  conduct  in  presuming,  as  he  said,  to  meddle  with  mat* 
ters  not  immediately  within  their  jurisdiction,  replied,  that 
Mr.  Holder  had  received  his  mandamus  subsequent  to  the 
Queen'^  order  for  the  removal  of  those  counsellors  who  had 

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01?  BARBADoi:^.  m$ 

beat  initruokOBitsl  m  promotiBg  the  bwiikiag  scbenoy^;  i»b4  *^*J5^* 
timt  he  should^  thefefore»  take  no  notice  of  thqir  ^ppUc^s^      ^^^^- 
tiaa.  Petefmined  on  effecting  his  downfall^  they  presented 
ft  petiticmt  through  their  agent,  to  the  Qi^^A^  in  whiqhr 
besides  representing  Holder  aa  the  ortgiaa)  contriver  and 
pcsncipal  promoter  of  the  bank,  they  accused  him  of  many, 
other  enormities.    Her  Majesty^  ever  attentive  to  the  com^ 
plaints  of  her  smbjeets^  readily  oomphed  with  their  request^ 
and'  Mr.  Holder^   by  her  Majesty's  offder,  was  degraded 
fttm  his  reeeot  elevation.     This  act  of  jnstic^  far  fron^   ^ 
spying  the  popular  ferment,  served  only  to  kiorease  thi^ 
spirit  of  dissension.     In  the  effervescence  of  party,  many 
complaints  were  eisdiibited  against  Mr.  Cbowe;  and,  upoa 
the  memorable  change  of  ministry^  which  was  effected  in      nio. 
England,   at  this  period,  he  was  removed  fi»>ai  his  g/^ 
verament. 

Amidst  the  rage  oS  faction^y  luod  the  contention  of  par^ 
lies,  the  legislative  councils  of  the  country  were  occa^ 
siohaUy  employed  in  framing  and  digesting  various  laws 
fer  the  government  of  slaves,  the  security  of  property,  ai*4 
tiie  administratitwi  of  justice;  subjects  every  Wjay  deserving 
tbe  matuce  attention  of  an  ^ilighten^  legislature.  But 
the  »)ean&  provided  for  the  attainment  of  these  Qoble  ob- 
ject* aie,  in  some  instances,  v»y  inadequate  tp  the  en4 
proposed. 

The  establishment  of  a  supreme  court  of  cfimia^l  jwjii" 
cature,  is  a  cicoamstance  of  considerable  importaof  $i'  stfH^ 


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Sb6  THE  HISTORY 

CH^;^H.  may  reasoDablj  excite  an  inquiry,  whether  it  is  calculated 
^'^*^-  to  answer  the  purposes  of  its  institutions.  From  the  first 
settlement  of  the  colony,  there  had  been  a  tribunal  for  the 
punishment  of  offences  against  the  public  peace;  but  how, 
or  by  what  rules,  its  proceedings  were  regulated,  does  not- 
.  appear  by  the  statute  book.  It  is  probable,  that  the  plan 
was  erroneous  or  defective,  since  we  find,  that  very  soon 
after  Mr.  Crowe's  arrival,  this  important  subject  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  colonial  parliament ;  and  an  act  was 
passed,  for  establishing  a  court  of  grand  sessions,  of  oyer 
and  terminer,  and  general  sessions  .of  the  peace.  By  this 
law  it  is  directed,  that  a  court  shall  be  holden  once  in  every 
six  months,  by  the  governor,  as  chief  justice,  assisted  by 
the  members  of  council,  the  judges  of  the  courts  of  com- 
mon pleas,  and  the  justices  of  the  peace.  But  should  his 
excellency  decline  the  seat,  he  is  authorized  to  appoint 
a  chief  justice,  with  the  consent  of  his  council.  From  the 
obvious  impropriety  of  the  governor's  presiding  in  this 
court,  the  jurisdiction  of  chief-justice  is  always  delegated 
to  one  or  other  of  members  of  council,  or  of  the  judges  of 
the  common  pleas,  who  succeed  to  the  chair  in  regular 
rotation,  without  the  smallest  regard  to  the  legal  ability,  or 
forensic  skill  of  the  pergon  on  whom  the  appointment  de- 
volves. Few  of  these  gentlemen  have  laid  up  any  stores  of 
knowledge  to  qualify  them  for  the  arduous  undertaking; 
they  have  never  drunk  at  the  fountain  of  science ;  but  trust* 
ing  to  natural  intuition,  they  assume  an  awful  ofiice,  and 


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OF  BARBADOES.  ioj 

grasp  the  avenging  sword  of  justice.    Every  ordinary  jus*  chap.vil 
tice  oF  the  peace,  whose  vanity  prompts  him  tositinjudg-      ^^^^* 
ment  on  the  lives  and  liberties  of  his  fellow  creatures,  is 
eligible  to  a  seat  on  the  bench.    A  court  of  criminal  judi* 
cature  is  thug  formed  of  men  unat^quainted  with  the  laws 
which  they  are  bound,  by  the  most  solemn  obligations,  to 
to  administer  faithfully.    In  a  court  so  absurdly  constituted, 
prejudice  and  partiality  may  safely  exert  their  deleterious 
influence,  secure  within  the  dark  immunities  of  a  crowd  *. 
In  every  court,  according  to  an  eminent  jurisconsult  f-, 
there  must  be  at  least  three  constituent  parts ;  the  actar^ 
reuSy  and  judex :  the  actor ^  or  plaintiff,  who  complains  of 
an  injury  done ;  the  reuSy  or  defendant,  who  is  called  to 
make  satisfaction  for  it ;  and  the  judex^  or  judicial  power, 
which  is  to  examine  the  truth,  and  to  determine  the  law 
arising  upon  that  feet ;  and,  if  any  injury  be  done,  to  as- 
certain and  apply  the  proper  remedy.     Under  the  two 
foilnerof  these  heads  the  whole  bar  is  included,  while  the 
jury  is  admitted  to  a  participation  of  the  duties   of  the 
third.    To  each,  the  constitution  of  the  parent  state  has 
assigned  its  peculiar  function.     It  is  the  province  of  the 


*  •*  This  court  is  inconvenient,  for  the  judges  are  in  general'  unacquainted  with  the 
law,  and  often  commit  mistakes.  Their  number  is  so  greats  that  should  they  do 
wroBfi^y  there  is  no  getting'  at  them;  and  as  most  of  the  principal  men  in  the  colony  sit 
jn  this  couvt,  hardly  any  thing  can  come  on  but  some  of  them  are  connected  with  cue 
or  other  of  the  parties.''    Stokes's  Constit.  qfthe  Colonies,  p.  262. 

t  Blackstone's  Comment  yol.  3.  p.  25« 


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e08  THE  IfiKTORy 

<3HAJ?^.  jury  caudklly  and  impartially  to  inquire  into  the  law  «ad 
^^*^'  the  fact;  and,  by  their  verdict,  to  determine  the  guilt  or 
the  innocence  of  the  accused.  The  judge^  by  his  superior 
skili  and  learning,  supplies  their  deficieodes;  he  directs 
their  attention  to  the  proper  objects ;  leads  them  throtigh 
the  labyrinths  of  legal  sophistry  and  obscurity,  and  instructs 
tibem  in  the  principles  of  the  law  by  which  they  are  bound 
todecide« 

But  very  different  is  the  case  in  Barbadoes.  Here  we 
have  only  die  Semblance  of  this  noble  bulwark  o^  pefsonal 
security.  We  have  indeed  a  judge,  a  bar,  and  a  jury ; 
terms  of  high  significance,  but  differing  widely  from  their 
original  import.  If,  in  the  course  of  their  inquiries,  the 
jury  should  find  themselves  involved  in  difficulties  and  un- 
certainty, to  whom  can  they  apply  for  assistance?  Reason 
and  common  sense  point  to  the  bench.  But  from  tiiat 
quarter  no  information  can  be  expected  to  elucidate  tibeir 
doubts.  Deprived  of  this  constitutional  source  of  infbr- 
mation,  they  are  forced  to  seek  among  the  veiml  advocates 
of  the  litigants  themselves,  a  solution  of  the  doubts  which 
perplex  their  minds  and  render  their  decision  uncertaivi  and 
irresolute.  But  what  confidence  can  a  conscientious  jury 
place  in  such  partial,  interested  guides,  whose  contradic- 
tory opinions  are  calculated  to  deceive  the  judgment,  when 
the  star,  from  the  bench,  whose  sober,  steady  light,  should 
lead  them  in  the  way  of  truth,  is  eclipsed  by  the  clouds  of 
legal  ignorance  ? 


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OP  BARBADOES.  209 

Juries  of  the  present  day  happily  have  the  advice  of  an  chap,  vil 
attorney-general*,  whose  professional  talents,  luniinous  un-  ^''^^' 
demanding,  and  legal  erudition^  are  his  least  excJellencies. 
His  candour,  hninanity,  and  undeviating  rectitude  of  con-* 
dnct,  in  the  senate  and  at  tlie  bar,  justly  claiin  the  admira-* 
tion  and  esteem  of  his  contemporaries;  Bnt  it  is  surely  a 
solecism  in  criminal  jurisprudence  to  require  that  the  pro- 
secutor for  the  crown  should  quit  his  station  at  the  bar  and 
assume  the  judicial  function  of  charging  and  instructing  a 
juty.  It  is  too  much  to  eicpect,  that  aftet  the  faithftil  per- 
formance of  his  duty  to  his  client,  in  the  support  of  a  cri- 
minal charge,  he  should  turn  about  and  gravely  assure  the 
jury  that  the  prisoner  is  less  criminal  than  he  had  been  la- 
bouring to  make  him  appear;  or  tlmt  he  should  instruct 
them,  with  candour,  in  the  nature  of  the  verdict  which 
they  are  bound,  by  their  oaths,  to  return. 

Besides,  the  human  mind,  is  by  nature  susceptible  of 
wrong  impressions ;  and,  perhaps,  the  judgment  of  no  man 
.ip  more  liable  to  perversion  than  that  of  a  pubHc  advocate, 
or  pleader.  Whether  he  is  the  prosecutor  of  guilt  or  the  vin- 
dicator of  innocence,  he  views  but  one  side  of  the  question. 
Studious  Only  of  serving  his  Client  he  twists  and  perverts 
the  law  to  answer  that  sole  purpose  J  and,  while  he  seeks 
for  ingenious  arguinentj^  to  maintain  the  point  which  he 
wishes  to  Establish,  his  own  understanding  yields  to  the  im^ 

^  The  Honourable  John  Becklcs. 

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210  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP^.  position  of  a  plausiUe  fallacy,  contrived  to  influence  the 
^'^*^*  opinion  of  otliers.  Such  a  man  can  never  be  a  proper  ex* 
pounder  of  the  law  to  an  unenlightened  jury.  But,  how- 
ever the  present  attorney-general  may  reconcile  these  in- 
consistencies^ and  honourably  exercise  functions  so  incom- 
patible,  all  men  are  mortal,  and  we  must  look  fcnrward^  with 
painful  apprehension  to  the  day  which  shall  deprive  us  of 
the  services  of  this  able  and  upright  Crawn-lawyer*.  Some 
mercenary  tool  of  despotism  may  then  be  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  bar,  in  whose  hands  this  absurd  custom  may 
degenerate  into  the  most  arbitrary  ioj^stice  and  tyrannical 
oppression. 

The  remedy  is  obvious^  Great  Britain  presents  an  ex- 
ample, which  it  would  be  true  wisdom  to  emulate^  Her 
bar  is  the  school  whence  her  seats  of  justice  are  supplied 
with  those  sages  of  the  law,  whose  learning  and  virtue  are 
their  countr/s  boast,  and  the  admiration  of  surrounding 
nations.  And  why  should  a  system,  which  has  been  bene- 
^cially  adopted  by  the  mother  country  for  a  long  succession 
of  ages  be  rejected  and  despised  by  her  colonies?  Instead 
of  a  bench,  composed  of  an  indefinite  number  of  unlearned 
magistrates,  let  there  be  a  chief  justice  appointed,  who  has 
been  bred  to  the  bar,  and  whose  knowledge  has  been  ma- 
tured by  experience ;  with  him  may  be  joined  three  puisne 
judges,  selected  from  among  gentlemen  of  rank,  the  most 
eminent  for  their  talents  and  integrity.  I  should  prefer, 
says  an  eminent  philosopher,  an  even  to  an  odd  number 


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^  OFBARBADOES,  211 

of  judges,  and  four  to  any  other  number :  for  in  this  num-  ^JJi^:^^* 
ber,  besides  that  it  sufficiently  consults  the  idea  of  separate  ^^*^- 
responsibility,  nothing  can  be  decided  but  by  a  majority  of 
threfe  to  one.  If  the  court  be  equally  divided,  nothing  can 
be  done;  things  remain  as  they  were,  with  some  inconve- 
nience to  the  parties,  but  without  any  danger  to  the  pub- 
life  of  a  hasty  precedent*. 

To  render  the  judges  independant  of  the  governor,  they 
should  be  appointed  for  life,  with  competent  salaries  to 
support  the  dignity  of  the  office.  The  warmest  acknow- 
ledgments of  the  people  are  due  to  his  Majesty  for  the  ap- 
pointnrent  of  an  eminent  civilian  to  preside  in  the  court  of 
Vice^admiralty  bf  this  island :  and  happy  would  it  be  here- 
after for  the  inhabitants  in  general,  were  tliis  appointment 
followed  by  others  of  gentletnen  equally  eminent  for  legal 
ability,  firmness,  and  integrity,  to  preside  in  the  principal 
courts  of  judicature.  Under  the  direction  of  great  profes- 
sional talents,  the  dignity  of  the  public  tribtinals  would  be 
preserved,  and  the  people  would  enjoy  the  blessings  of  li- 
berty and  property,  certain  of  a  steady,  uniform,  and  im- 
partial tMikninistration  of  justice.  Nor  let  the  ihigal  states- 
man iftartle  at  the  proposal,  "  for  that  economy  must  be 
bad,  which  sacrifices  the  public  Wel&reto  tlie  sordid  con- 
siderations of  an  illiberal  parsimony,  and  would  parcel  out 

*  Paky's  Phao«.  vol.  2.  p,  237.  .,     ; 

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211  THE  HISTORY 

^vi^v^*"  ^^®  different  offices  of  state,  as  it  would  ammge  ibA  esta*- 
"io-      biisbm^it  of  a  private  fomily." 

April  7.  ^  / 

This  year  is  rendered  memorable  by  the  death  (r(  Chfa^ 
topher  Codringjbon,  son  of  Sir^  Timothy  ThornhiU's  bra** 
companion  in  anbs.  Gratitude,  for  the  memdrj  of  thii 
illustrious  beB«&ctor  of  bts  eountrj,  majr  probably  render 
a  few  biographical  sketches  of  bis  Itle  aoceptafaJe  td  tht 
Baibadiaii  readef.  He  uras  boi^  in  B^ui>adces  iii  the  ftax 
l66Ut  and  educated  at  Oxford.  Ec^aallj  distinguish^  for 
)u»  learning  and  bedevolenC^  hd  entered  into  ih«  ntmy^ 
wbere  his  courage  soon  reconimefided  trim  to  the  favotit  of 
King  Wilham,  by  whom  havi^  mtide  a  captain  ia  th^  ^nt 
legiment  of  lb«t-guar^t.  He  'was  at  the  si^  96  Namut  itx 
1^ ;  and,  u^pon  the  eoB«k»sion  of  ibe  p«ac^,  Mn»-  ap»> 
pointed  capUuB-^aefal  and  gererHor  «if  th^  LeeWard 
Idaods.  In  17OI,  sewiai  atficlcs  wtre  exhibitdl  agttiritt 
bim  ia  the  House  ef  QmiuIiod^  in  Enghidd ;  td  which  hb 
published  a  distinct  ftnd  parlicitlBr  aa5w«r,  ttfld  was  h6^ 
nourably  actyiitted  of  all  imputdtioin.  He  ske#«d  grtik 
bravery  at  tire  attack  of  Gu^alcnlpe  itt  l-TOSj  hM  at  1^ 
he  resigned  bis  govemflifent  wad  liv^d  a  9tadiou»  r^r^  Wi, 
applying  himself  chi«%  te^chufcch^biatory  ttnd  m«ta|*ysfe§. 
He  .died  at.Ba»badoe»  on  Ote  seveiith  of  April,  and.  #afe 
buried  at  Bridge4ewn  the  ftitewibg  day  ;  his  body  was- tl*. 
terwards  carried  to  England,  and  interred  in  thcs  chapel  of 
AIT  Soul's  College,  Oxford,  of  which  he  had  been  a  fellow. 
To  this  college  he  felt  a  noBle  legacy,  consisting  of  his  li- 

1 


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hmrj,  vi^iied  at  six  tboiuand  poaiids^*  *ml  tea  tBonsMd  chap.  vn. 
poundsio  cash,  to  be  laid  <Mt  ta  biiiUuig  a  library,,  aod  i&iiv  ^^^'^ 
xmhm^  it  witb  books^.  Bjr  his  last  wiU*  l»e  bequeathed  ivi^ 
lEahiaUe  plaalatidiis  in  Barbadioe»^  to  lim  Sodety  for  (iropa^ 
gating  the  Christiaii.  Religion  ia  Foreign  Parts.  Hie  directed 
^at  these  plaatadoiis  sh€>uld.  be  Jcept  entire,  ^4th  at  leaist 
Anee  himdred  negroid  »po&  theiB.  The  prodiuce  ef  these 
tsbutes  yfwk  allotted  to  tnaintaia  a  coBveniefit  number  of  pra« 
fessofB^and  scholars^  ui«lef  the  vews  ^  poyt^ty,  ck^,^t^ 
and  abedke&Ge  ;  wbo  vrere  re^uis^  to  ^  studj  and  practisj» 
pfajsic  and  chmirgeqr^  iia  Vf^  as  divinitj^  Uiat  they  ms^ 
eodoK  tbrmtekes  tb  tbft  people^  and  hav«  the  better  qp^ 
portunittes  df  dicdi^gldod  td^  mea's  60uIS|  wM^  they  aiid 
taking  care  of  thdir  bod&ea  %.^ 

The  ptblk  faaire  n^  hUhett^  dimmed  ihastt  advantii^ 
from  tUls  prmdeljr  benefeetidn,^.ithich  wight  have  be^  eifc^ 
pectedfixmit  A  cMleige  iras  built  oi^-one  f>f  the  planta- 
tknoG^  in  &  hlsahh;^  part  of  tlie  pairish  of  Saint  John,  and 
4iidbwi9d  ibr  thetduimt^oia  6f  )ront&  And  pimpier  mastf^ui 
trei^  i^npleij^v  «rith  toitabte  Varies,  for  ihek  ibstttwrtilo)^ 
fiivntehed  with  et^rj  thing  necessary  for  their  •svi^rt^,  a^ 
tbe«xpe!ti«^  of  t^  fimodatkn^.  Bat  the  calaowNkies  tnci^ 
^bt  to  West  IttdiMi  propevty,  the  ftuhtts  of  ci»p%  the 
i^i^anagement  (^  faithless  and  «iieglige»t  tsteHrairdfl^  imd 
the  tnisapplicatiQh  of  ^  ret^ntie,  soon  oceasimed  tlie  4»-^ 


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S14  THE  HISTORY 

^^I!^^^^^*  cline  of  this  b^ieficial .  institution.  At  length  the  estates 
*^^^'  were  fanned  by  Mr.  John  Brathwaite,  under  whose  judi* 
cious  and  skilful  direction  they  attained  a  more  prosperous 
condition ;  and,  at  the  expiration  of  the  lease,  he  gave  them 
iip  to  the  trustees,  free  from  all  incumbrances,  with  a  con- 
siderable surplus,  which  he  was  entitled  to  retain  for  his 
risk  and  trouble ;  but  which  he  generously  relinquished,  for 
the  benefit  of  the  establishment  Hence  this  admirable 
man  may,  with  propriety,  be  considered  as  the  second 
founder  of  this  noble  institution*  These  plantations  are 
now  under  an  excellent  system  of  management,  and  the 
direction  of  persons  disposed  to  a  ^Eiithful  performance  of 
the  trust  reposed  in  tliem.  The  college  is  under  the  pre- 
sidency of  the  Rev.  Id  ark  Nicholson,  A.  M.  an  accom^ 
plished  scholar,  and  a  pious  divine,  peculiarly  qualified,  by 
bis  learning  and  virtue,  to  be  the  preceptor  of  youth. 

aiaj  loi  '^  ^^^  ileparture  of  Mr.  Crowe  the  executive  autho- 
rity devolved  on  George  lallington,  president  of  the  council; 
A  new  excise  bill  now  furnished  the  foctious  and  turbulent 
with  a  fresh  subject  of  contention.  The  house  of  assembly 
bad  hitherto  exercised  the  exclusive  right  of  nomiiiatiiig 
the  treasurer  and  comptroller  of  the  excise*  This  was  cer^- 
tainly  an  unconstitutional  assumption  of  power,  but,  as  the 
right  had  been  once  admitted,  .th6  propriety  of  its  being^ 
now  disputed  is,  at  least;  doubtful.  When  men^s  minds 
are  heated  they  seldom  reason  rightly ;  and  the  council 
thought  this  a  feivourabie  opportunity  of  resenting  the  in- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  215 

dignities  Mrhicb  they  had  rtceived  fixMn  the  assembly,  by  CHAP.vn^ 
opposing  their  encroachmttits  on  the  royal  prerogative,  and^      ^'^^^* 
tiierefore,  rejected  the  bill ;  insisting  that  they  had  an  equal 
fight  witk  theassen>bly  to  nominate  the  treasurer  and  comp- 
ttoller.    This  added  fresh  luel  to  the  flaoie,  and  produced 
an  intemperate  altercation  between  the  two  branches  of 
the  legislature.     Both  parties  continuing  obstinate,   the 
point  in  dispute  was,  at  length,,  submitted  to  the  Queen's 
deteraiination ;  and,  her  Majesty,^  more  anxious  to  restore 
tranquillity  to  a  distracted  country  than  to  preserve  her  pre- 
rogative in  a  matter  so  trifling  and  unimportant,,  deckired 
it  to  be  her  royal  will  and  pleasure,  that  the  president  and    Sepc^r^ 
council  should  consent  to  the  excise  bill,,  without  insisting 
on  a  right  to  disapprove  of  the  person  proposed  to  be  tres^ 
surer**^    This  order,  in  effect,  transferred  to  the  representa*  , 
tives  of  the  people  a  branch  of  the  exicculive  power,  which 
,they  have  ever  since  continued  to  exercise^  aod,^  m  many 
instances^  they  have  gradually  extended  tiieir  authority,  by 
appointing  to  offices  not  then  within  the  contemplation  of 
^ther  party.. 

Mt;  LUlington  lived  just  long  enough  to  resign  the  reins     ,^^^|- 
of  government  into  the   hands  of  Robert  Lowther,  Esq; 
who  having  been  appointed,  in  an  evil  hour,  commander  in 
ehieft  arrived  in  CarUsle-4>ay,.  on  the  twenty-third  day  of 
June.    The  overbearing  pride  and  arrogance  of  this  gentle* 

*   HaUVEintSeUlem.  p.  30.  M&.'  Mem.  fji  Barb.  p.  52. 


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2i6  THE-  HISTOHT 

cis\t: vn.  tgaB  9000  ei^ated  Ivrm manyenemiesv  atiMii^  a  loffal  andhigln 
^7H.  ^rite(i  people,,  who  cmrid  nofc  €fewily  be  brotight 'to  subthH 
io  the  imperidui^  sway  of  a  despotic  niter.  Aggravated  % 
opposition,  the  impetuosity  of  his  temper  hurried  iwra  into 
many  aetsi  of  injustice  and  oppression.  AimAg  tliese  trasthe 
susprasion  of  Mr:  Sharpe,  Mr.  Walker,  and  Mr.  Betisfard» 
vtho  had  the  firmness  to  oppose  his  measures  in  coumil. 
Tfhraegentiferaeatnsre  not  indolent  in  seeking  redress.  Tbcy 
.  earned  their  complaintito  liie  foot  of  the  throne,  axid  irere 
hoBouited  with  het  Majesty's  order  fo*  then*  restoratiwMi. 
towther,  hoirevwv  ventured  to  disobey  the  commands  of 
his  Sovereign^  and,  for  several  racmths,  refused  to  admit 
the  8u^)eiided  members  to  resmnef  ^ir  seats.  Such  an 
andiaciouscoatempt  of  authority  necessarily  interrupted  the 
progress  of  public  business,  and  excited  the  most  lively 
diacontoit  throughout  the  island.  In  a  council,  composed 
of,  twelve  members^  s^poiitted  by  lett»^  of  mandamus, 
fdrmifngaa  esstdiltial  part  of  the  legislative  and^judicied 
estaMshmeutsf  of  the  country,  it  was  maintained  with  greast 
strength  of  reasoning,  that,  while  the  three  excluded  mekb- 
bersi  were  thuf  arbitranrily  hindered  from  sitting  and  vofing, 
timtie  could  be  no  legitimate  goverdm^t  existing  m  the 
island.  The  govcriior^s  light  ^  ^nispension  was  not  dis- 
|mt^;  buty  ai  tih»  suspension^  in  this  case,  had  been  an* 
nulled  by  a  superknr  amthority,^  it  was  insisted  that  no  conAr 
cil^  court  of  error  or  of  equity,  could  be  properly  holden 
without  tiie  prei^eaGe,  or  doacarrence,  of  every  member. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  217 

whose  attendance  was  not  prevented  by  legal  disability;  chap.vii. 
and,  consequently,  that  all  acts  performed  by  the  sitting       ni*. 
members,  either  as  a  branch  of  the  legislature,   or  as  a 
court  of  chancery,  were  absolutely  null  and  void. 

Mr.  Lowther's  insolence  and  disobedience,  soon  drew  on 
him  the  indignation  of  insulted  Majesty.  He  was  recalled 
from  his  government;  but,  unwilling  to  relinquish  his 
power,  he  delayed  his  departure  so  long,  that  some  of  the 
principal  men  of  the  island  disclaimed  his  authority ;  upon 
which  he  threatened  Mr.  Cox  and  Mr.  Salter,  two  members 
of  council,  with  a  criminal  prosecution,  for  treasonable 
designs.*  At  length,  6iiding  all  tergiversation  fruitless,  he 
reluctantly  submitted  to  her  Majesty's  conmiands,  and 
returned  to  England. 

On  this  joyful  event,  the  Honourable  William  Sharpe  May. 
again-  succeeded  to  the  presidency.  The  mild  and  con- 
ciliatory temper  of  the  president,  bad  a  considerable  share 
ia  tranquillizing  the  public  miad.  Ilis  short  administration 
was  so  perfectly  unexceptionable,  that  he  had  the  honour 
of  receiving  the  thanks  of  the  British  ministry,  for  his  meri- 
torious conduct.  But  unh^^^ppily  for  the  peace  of  the 
colony,  on  the  accession  of  George  I.  Mr.  /Lowther  was  ^^^^ 
re-appointed  governor  of  Barbadoes.  No  appointment 
could  have  been  more  un propitious  and  displeasing  to  the 
Barbadians  than   this.    Absence^    had    not    softened   th^    May  i^ 


•  Untv.  His.'Vol.  41.  p.  165. 
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jl«  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  viL  haughty  wad  vmdictiwe  spirit  of  the  laao.  He  returaed  ta 
w*^*  the  istend^  with  all  his  former  prejudicos  and  inveterate  ani- 
BQsities  rankling  iu  hi3  boeadt,.  and  eagerly  eoibraced  the 
t>ppdrtunit3r  which  his  restoration  to  power  afforded  hiiii» 
ef  wrecking  hia  veogeance  jqa  those  who*  had  opposed  )iis 
Jbmier  administratiDa. 

The  fbrst  rictim  of  ki»  malice  waa  the  Rererend  Mr«. 
dordon,  die  Bisho|>^  ef  LMidoa'a  commissary,,  and  rector 
«f  the  periidx  oi  Saint  Michaels    This  gentleman,,  having 
ineunMdtber  goveiner'a  diap^iwe,.  waa  deemed  to  su^r  a 
.  tedioit»  and  ngorons  persecution..    In  cpnsequenc^  of  the 
Bioat  scandalous  mi«rep9e6«Ktatian^  of  his  character^  ^^d 
condnct,  which  hb  «i»a^ney  had  tran9Qiittedi  tq  £Qgl^d^ 
with  the  a3sbtance  .of  tiDei^eolonial  ag^ts^    Mr.  Goicden 
.was^eKpLMed  to  .the  ceniiirq  of  his  dioceaan,  and  experienced 
some  nAieesited  severity  from  the  Board  of  Trade^    Cipnsci*^ 
1719.      0O8  dft^a  i]iiiiOC«tK»y  (^or4oa  resorted  to  the  fpuntaia  bead 
\fi>r  tedieffu    He  pneseiiited  si  :9iemovial  to  the  King,  com-» 
.  -plaining  Bat  only  f^  the  gOYeHH>ff  s  maUcious^  misrepresent 
tatidn.of  his-.c6ndue|i  ta  the  Bishop  of  London,  but  of  the 
agentsf  petition  to  the  Bo^rd  of  Trade^  and  of  their  lord- 
ship's report  npon  it^    The  mattcp  being  referred  to  a  com- 
nsitfeee  of  the  IViyy  Cotincil',  Gordon  obtained  a  commission^ 
for  the  exanftinatio!n  of  witnesses  on  tlie  island ;   but  the 
governor^  pretending  to  doubt  the  anthenticity  of  the  or- 
der,^  committed  Gordon  to  prison^  and  had  him  indicted  at 
the  ensuing  court  of  grand  sessions^  where  his^  excellency 
6 


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dp  BARBADOBS.  ^19 

{^resQihed  to'tA*esi4«  in  person,  thustiniting  the  iacongrsous  P^iAP.yi;. 
chkradtferfe  of  pmscfcutor  and  judge*  This  step,  the  mp^t  ^^;^^- 
unprecedetttfcd  in  the  annab*  of  criminal  judicature,  was 
sWittly  <!orifermable  id  the  ridicuious  law  of  the  inland,  \yj 
t^hich  a  palpable  ihctftifei^tency  i»  authorized.  Common 
decency  should  have  restrained  the  governor  from  deviating 
irr  this  particular  YroraT  tbe'establislicd  usage  of  his  prede- 
^cessors,  who  had  invariably  delegated  their  authority  m 
iMs^urt  to  some  other  pei^h ;  but,  yielding  to  the  dic- 
tates of  passion,  he  pur^nied  his  vindictive  purpose,  unawed 
hy  ^ligioii   or  morality.     His  criminal  designs,  however, 

r 

^Were  frustrated.     Gordon's  defence  was  ably  ^und  success- 

ftiHy  ccfndiicted  by  Mr.  Hope,  a  respectable  attorney,  and 

iJiimatfeari^l&lenman,  an  eminent  barrister;  who,  undismayed 

'by  the 'frowns  of  power,  stood  forth  the  assertors  of  injured 

iiinocence.  ^ 

This'  spiffed  conduct  necessarily  involved  these  gentlemen 
in  the  resentment  of  the  tyrant.  Blenman  was  immediately 
cojnmitted  to  the  common  gaol,  whence  he  was  released, 
on  giving  bail,  in  the  sum  of  onfe  thbusand  pounds,  to  ap- 
pear at  tlie  next  court  of  grand  sessions.  ^  This  recognizance 
tvas,  in  the  end,  forfeited;  for  Blenman,  accompanied  by 
his  client  and  their  faithful  sx)licitor,  hastened  to  England, 
and  implored  redress  at  the  foot  of  the  throne-  ^  In  shorts 
the  lords  justices,  the  King  being  then  al^seht  on  a  visit  to 
his  electoral  dominronsi  pronounced  the  dwtfge  agairfst  . 
Gordon  to  be  groiindless  and  malicious  j  it  Was,  thereforct 

Ff2 


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220  .THE  HISTORY 

^^^]^^-  ilismissed.  Blemnan,  in  hiis  turn,  enjoyed  the  most  com- 
^^^^'  plete  triumph  over  his  raincorous  adversary.  The  lords 
justices,  after  declariog  the  whole  of  tlie  governors  con- 
duct to  have  been  arbitrary  and  iJlegal,  ordered  that  Mr. 
Btenman's  recognisance,  and  all  the  proceedings  thereon, 
should  be  vacated ;  and  that,  if  any  levy  had  been  made 
for  the  forfeiture,  the  full  sum  should  be  returned  and  paid 
to  him  without  delay^. 

His  presiding  at  the  court  of  grand  sessions,  was  not  the 
only  instance  in  which  Mr.  Lowther  arrogated  to  himself 
extraordinary  judicial  powers.  Under  colour  of  theJa^ir, 
authorizing  the  governor  and  council  to  hear:and;  determine 
petitions  in  equity,  and  writs,  of  error  on  matterd  QQgmza-- 
ble  in  the  courts  of  law,  he  constituted  himself  and  his 
creatures  at  the  council  board,  into  a  court  of  grievance, 
in  which  they  exceeded  the  bounds  of  their  legal  jurisdic- 
tion. The  arbitrary  proceedings  of  this  court,,  occasioned 
many  complaints  against  the  governor;  the  result  of  which 
was,  aa  order  from  the  lords  justices,  abolishing  the  court 
of  grievance;  observing,  that  the  only  proper  jurisdiction 
of  the  governor  and  council,  as  a  court  of  error  or  equity, 
ds  to  correct  the  errors  and  grievances  arising  in .  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  inferior  courts;  but  not  to  proceed  originally 
in  causes,  except  upon  petitions  in  matters  of  equity. 

The  case  of  Bernard   Cook,    a  native  of  Hanover,  is 

*  Caribbeana^  toI.  K  p.  269. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  in 

strongly  characteristic  of.  tbe  genius  and  temper  ;df  Low^  ^^^-^^ 
ther's  administration.  Mr.  Cook  had  bieeii  endeavouriog  ^^*^* 
to  establish  a  riglit  to  an  estate,  which  he  alle^d  was 
objustly  withl>ekl  from  him  by  Mr.  Frere,  a  gentlemaa 
nearly  related  to  the  governor*  This  claim  was  snfiicieijt 
to  inspire  his  excellency  with  resentment  against  the  un-I 
fortunate 'Hanoverian.  When  a  man  is  once  marked  for 
destruction,  the  means  of  accompUshing  his  ruin  are  easily 
fbumi.  Gook  was  reported  to  have  reflected,  in  can^ess 
conversation,  on  the  chastity  of  twb  ladies  :  one,  the  wife 
of  Robert  Warren,  an  artful  attorney;  the  other,  the  wife 
of  Hamuel  Adams,  a  gentleman  of  some  didtinction*'  So 
fevourable  an  opportunity  of  gratifying  their  patron's  spleen, 
as  well  as  their  own  resentment^  was  tiot  to*  be  j^eglected* 
The  angry  husbands,  therefore,  determined  on  a  most 
vigorous  prosecution.  A  ooo*t  of  quarter 'sessions  was  inir 
mediately  ci.Ued,  composed  bf  Guy  Ball  dnd  F.  Bond, 
members  of  council,  with  T.  Maycock,  R.  Bishop,  G'. 
Barry,'  J.  OPevcharson,  S.  Thomas,  and  W,  Kickman,  jus- 
tices df  the  pfeace,  selected  from  different' parishes*  Before 
this,  tribunal,  Oo6k  was  arraigned  on  two  aepcarate  indict* 
ments  for  defamation.  Sensible  that  he  could  expect  nei^ 
ther  justice  nor  mercy  from  such  prejudiced  judges,  he 
objected  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court,  and  claimed  the 
privilege  of  a  trial  by  a  jury  of  his  peets.'  Malice,  how*, 
ever,  was  not  to  be  deprived  of  its  victim.  'Cook  was 
found  guilty  of  both  charges,  and  condemned  to  receive 


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cHAP^rr.  thirty^ino  'l«flu»^for  da<>h  feffgnce;  ^He  6entfeK»  Wtt  eaiu 
*"*•     Twd  into imioedjal* <txieu€i(Hiv  %  thecofniriidii  wfaippe^df 
^^esy  in  the  fulsfieiace.  of >  ti»i  justices,  'who  stood  l>y,  like 
«tein«ft8>'>eflj«&ying>4he  «gomefc'  of  the :  degraded  suffeiwi 
Th«  iftJUriki  H«n<&teridii  flew  to  his^ovei^gtt  foried*eS0i 
His  cdttiptiiots  tvei^  referred'  to- the  liiOi^g  oif  the  Committee 
for  hiwnag  Appeals ;  and,  before  their  londlslap^s  caane  to 
«j(ty  determination  on  the'subje.ctv  they  issued  a  commissioa 
iD(  instituting  «n  inqliiry,:  itt  Bturbtadoes,  dntd  the  particu-r 
law  of  th^  aflfciiri  xlicectidg  the  necessary  proofe  to  be^nt 
to  England,  under  the  seal  of  tke  island.    Having  at  length 
collected  »ufficiBnt  «videnoe  to  form^'^  coKr^e  Jjudgirierii 
their  lordships  reported  to  his  Majesty,  that  *tlie  cttttjplaliit 
against  the  govermtir  thad  liot  been'  sobstantirited ;  but  that 
^  charge  againat  the  justices  iiad  been  fully  jwoved ;  tbiit; 
tliey  had  inroceeded  a^nst  the  prisoner  without  any  ctiteie 
aHegt>dagaha«tha»j  for  that  soandaloos  word*,  spdtenef 
priv^  persons,   are  no  ground  of  criminal  piosecuticov 
Upon  the  whde,  their  lordships  were  of  opinion,  that  the 
justices,  wk>  had  «at  on  the  trial,  had  acted  iHegaHy,  for 
that  they  had  notpioper  cognizance  of  the  matter  before 
tl»m»  b»t  had  ta<ken  upon  them  to  examine  witnesses^  and 
to  determine^atterg  of  feet  without  a  jury,  and  had  finally 
ifiisen  two  seateKoes,  which  were  arbitrary  and  unjust.    In 
««nMeqi^ice  of  this  xepnesentation,  his  Majesty  was  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  order,  that  the  names  ef  the  justices, 
wiio  jjiresided  on  tiie  trial,  ^should  be  struck  out  of  the 


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QFBARBADOES.  323 

CQttQBM&on  of  tbe  peaee;   aQ4  tbM  Mr-  BalU  -a$iU  Mr,  ettAB..y{i« 
BcxDcl^  ^hodki  be  Pd»oved  hoBt  thq  cottucU  bpar^*^,  ^^^ 

::AMr«^  Bieimn,  who  had  been  guUty  of  a  gtucIj.grekatQr 
ofience  tban  that  H»puted[  ta  Coo]c,  experkAc^d^  at:tW 
lAixKi  tiQie^  mach  mUd^r  treatoieott  IjLaying  l^ill^  ^:g^p^ 
tleiimn  ia  a  duel,  he  applied  to  the  governor  for  protectiQj||[ 
aiid,^  although  he  had  never  been  brought  to^  a  trial  for  the 
erime^.  be  found  uo  difficulty  iu  obtaiuiug  hi&  eEXcellenoyV 
pardon*  But^  justly  ap^h«Rsive  that  ao  ri4i^ul9«.i»  aiid 
iincQftatitutiooal  an  iuterposVtion  in  hift  favour  could  afford 
him  na  cfficieB*  secuirity  in  the  event  of  a  prosecution, 
Brenap  went  ta  England,  and  was  indebted  for  security  Uh 
the  clfinency  of  his  IVukc  f^ 

Nor  liv?epe  these  the  onJy  instaocet  of  tyranny  and  inr^ 
ywrtice  of  which  Mr.  Loirtbcr  wa»  guitty^^  With  a  view  tp 
kie  0](Vfi>  private  emoluments^  he  peraaitted'  a  iew  favoured 
perBQA$^to  cforryon  an.  illicit  and  lucrative  traffic  with  th^ 
$p$i))ai;d%  and  l^yw  admitted .  a  Spaniih  vewel  to  frequent 
tk^tpOft  ip|J&ridge--Town ;  while,  from  the  same  corrupt 
moti^es^^  he  .cau^d  a  ship  belpnging  to  Mr.  Lansa,.  a  mer^ 
ch^OQ  of  t^at  p)l»eer  to  be  sei^d  and  oondemned.  In  fine 
h0.  had  the:)tddfiess  to  procure  a  hiindsome  settlement,  by 
which  ^  ^il^^M^ed  the  sum  of  twenty-^ight  thousand  pounds: 
thus  plyindering'  a  loyal  and  oppressed  people,  whom  he  tet- 


♦  Qiribbcana,  vol,  I.  p.  31©.  f  Short  Ilisl^  of  Brtb;p»  101. 


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f 

224  THE  HISTORY 

^^J^^^^  presented  to  the  British  ministry  as  French  smugglers,  dis- 

^^^-      afFected  to  government;    To  this   cause,   perhaps,  it  wa^f 

owing  that  he  was  removed,  since  the  money  was  received 

in  open  violation  of  the  Royal  instructions,  by  whiph  he 

was  expressly  forbidden  to  take  any  salary  or  present  frouv 

'  the  assembly. 

'Lowther's  tyranny  had  now  grown  so  grievous  and  in* 
tolerable,  that  many  of  the  most  respectable  inhabit^nts  of 
the  colony  concurred  in  a  petition  to  the  king,  stating  the 
various  acts  of  delinquency  which  he  had  committed  in  the 
course  of  his  long  and  oppressive  administration,  and  hvuiir 
bly  beseeching  his  Majesty  to  remove  him  from  thegovern^ 
ment.     To  oppose  this  application,  the  governor  procured 
addresses  from  the  sycophants  by  whom  he  was  surroupded, 
commending  the  ntiildqess,  wisdom,  and  equity,  of  his  ad- 
ministration.    But  all  was  in  vain.    The  application,  fpr 
the  governor's  dismissal  was  supported  by  Sir  Robert  Dav^ 
Mr.  Walter,  and   Mr.  Alleyne,  men  of  considerable  pro- 
perty in  the  island,  of  whom  the  two  former  were  membeps 
of  the  English  House  of  Commons.  .... 

The  governor  was  at  length  called  home  to  answer  the 
charges  exhibited  against  him.  To  avert  the  ^torm  wjbich 
seemed  ready  to  burst  on  his  head,  he  took  every  precaution 
which  an  artful  insidious  policy  could  dictate,  and  the  la^t 
moments  of  his  expiring  power  were  occupied  in  annoying 
his  enemies  and  in  providing  for  the  security  of  himself  and 
his  adherents.  All  the  public  employments  were  filled  by 
4 


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or  BAHDADOES.  ttS 

kk  firiebdsv  wba  possessed  a  dedded  ikiaj^jrity  Jfl  fcwth  ho<l*ttl  **ij^' 
oTthe  colbiiial  paiiiament.  Suspecting  rtiat  i?)»uld  tfeey  bfe  ^"^^ 
jprfmonred  by  his  sticcissor^  hh  own  tmsdemeanor^  wxiuM  be 
detected  with  greater  fiidihj^he  fJrocured  a  Ikw  to  be  passed^ 
Ac}  pitofessed  obgect  of  irhkh  was  to  preserve  tiie  pea^e  and 
tranqiiiUitjr  of  the  community;  but  its  real  design  was  to 
keep  the  CTedtureS  df  the  governor  in  power,  by  restraining 
%he  president. frona^lnakiiig  siny  changes  in  the  oiS^ia)  de^ 
partnients.  The  pJaA  was  yet  incomplete.  To  guai^d  every 
avenue  it  tras  necessary  to  place  bis  nej^ew,  Mr.  John 
Pre«v  itt  therbead  of  the  gtovermnent.  There  was  one  ob-^ 
^de,  hburever,  to  be  removed;  Mr.  Cox,  as  senior  member 
of  the'  conncil  was  entitled  to  the  succession.  But  this  ^Ifi-^ 
culty  was  qoichly  obviated ;  Mr.  Co*  and  Mr.  Salter  Were 
both  suspended  td  m^e  room  fot  his  relative.  After  comt 
pleting  these  ftrmngetwents  Lowtber  took  his  last  fareweH  o(  j^^ 
Btybftdoes;  and  Mr.  Frere  imnted?alely  assuirted,  or  rather 
usurped,  the  direction  of  affairs. 

Mr,  Lowther  on  hi*  a»ital  kt  Engtartd  was  summoned  td 
appear  be^^re  the  lords  justices,  his  Majesty  being'  absenff 
dn  an  excursion  to  the  continent,  to  answer  the  various 
eon^plaints  which  had  been  prefertied  against  hint.  After  ^ 
fong  and  patient  investi^tion  of  the  several  allegations  con-^ 
tained  in  the  petition  of  the  Barbadians,  their  lordships  de- 
termined that  tlie  diarges  were  amply  and  clearly  estabiisb-^ 
ed;  they  therefore  directed  him  to  be  taken  krto  custod^F, 
and  ordered  tliat  he  should  be'prosecuted  for  high  crimes 


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^J6    *•  THE  mstORt 

^^$^'*  ^^  iifti^d^liieftn^^.    BM  ^  prosecution  waff  most  tifttact* 
*^^'      toubtebij  pfotracte*  tiiirtil  the  accession  of  €Jebp^  It* 
ivrfaen  aa  act  of  grace  rescued -the  etilprlt  froin  tlie'hittids 
of  justice,  and  saved  him  firotn  condign  puoishmeiit'  '■  '-''■ 

l^^s^While  Sir  Charles  Coic  presented  a  memdnal  td^^^flier 
lords  justices,,  complaining  of  the-arhttrarj  susp^n^ionof  luft 
brother^ and  of  fi!s  baiving  beeasuperseded  in  Ubie  presidchcj» 
by  a  jrOiifigOT  raenaber  of  council.  Thisl  applicaftion  put- 
duced  an.  order  from  ^ir  lordships  for  the '  t'est^ration'  6£ 
€dx  and  Sal^ter^  and  commanding  Frere  to  rfeiigtiitiie  gop- 
^jern^nent.  -But,  pleased  mth  his  surreptitionS'anthBii^tjy 
k64ientated  to  coinply,.u3itil  upoaii-fresbTepresefi^aftion^ 
hiA  teftatetory  conduct,'  he  was  cited  to  a|jpe^'bfei&i'e  %e 
luftg'  aikt  pwy  council,'  to  acconnt  -foir ' faijk  di!96beelMt6e.> 
^ing  thus  compelled  to  sujimiti  he  Went'  to  'EiiglSolaii-wHcfe 
Jie<lied,  Bioort  asftfet  his^rrival,  of '^e-staall  i^i'.^^ 
f  ;i.C<$s:liai/dng  at^l^f^-imeee^d^to^tl^^^idc^f^ii^^ 
tbraiacdijiary  ticeiit  (^^mmii^  'mH  cobAeiog-erisii^r  "iQl 
offices  of  trust  and  profit  were  in  the  handi  df  •Ihefeteg^lfe. 
.VI  ,noi%  Upends,:  niioi&SMte  ft  point  Qi'thwtirtiDg'ilind  b^pdnng  all 
lhein)3a8Ui«riOf:Jtlie.:pi^iamif.s'>tN^t  b^ng  %^ 
'Isufamit^Uitf^tly.to  sudi'pSf  tui«eidfis  ^^to^v^Odk^dfe- 


*  TendemeM  fw  the  memory  of  his  grandfatber  has' induced  tbe  author  of  the  (hort 
tMary  «fSUi)ado<i'  t<^  glMT  )D»«iRhls  lr»ma«ti«){(';  ba!|!llife%T^^'itW  its  false 
««hM|MriiiK^  m  thaimtlfvit^orjtfidCMMMtaiai^rcflH,'^;  942;  tfQd'tiie  t^iSt!  tii^, 
Tol,xli.p.  160.  ".:;,/.  ..■.:..-:. :  ;, J.- -;••;.>. i... 7. .■.•.■■•  ■■■•'  ■  •'••••" 


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'^[|pi)glini^  ia  tii^r  pda$e^,:b|ut  ^hif^b  bad,B9t:jet,r@cei\lGd 
tibe  royal  a^^o^^he  sus|»^d|fd  ffi&  memb^s  of^  cpu^il  je^ 
J^i^i *  he,di^l%c#-Mr»  iSuttpn,  .jch^f  ju^ger^f'Qoa  pl^the 
.^^fjiiMpt?  ,9f,G0BMn^.  pleas,,  and  refl^  Qibb(^,  pj^f 

^)^joni  x>^,tlMq  pp^vb  <>£  exchequer.  He  <lismiB$edj8«(y§i^ 
Jl^t^g^tQlBisers;  frpnf  their  pomiii^nds;  and,  (to  ^^jigth^ 

/A"8n^W^?»*mt»P»i  ^U*^!^^?"  piaSe^-'Witi^  persoosiiB^ 
j^djlu  pUastttto  hia^yieprsh  53»s  y'ui^ncQ  served  on^j?  tof^t;! 
.^{i»ffi%ojf^i?c«';d,  Theasseii^Wy pctitionedthekiip^j^jonft- 
^9ii5W»i<^-^*^-ia!C^MaKy  prpceedi^gs  of  the  pre&ideaiit;.::^.4 
4^  S¥ai^^g*fP\feei^  qfjQpiMicili  OBiftfn  appUcatiu>Hmb(j 
tfefiWBs^ewf^^r^fl^red  iQ.itfe^jr/iiqictioBa^  ,  Tlw  fwofwapstaoc^ 
Ml?!^^WWwr,  .^f.^^h jexultftfi/aa^jift  t^  pppo^ition,  tb«l 
they  deteraiip^  :to,iP!r€»}^(8  .fip,.4«n9frl  viih  the  piwidenfc; 
^>.|n  t^i^.fel^i4a^,of  lMroi»^emp«?fttfe.  lewntniiBirt,  the 
:i9tere$t§rqf;thg.<joj»ptry  ^eie  8fi^ni«sd  to  tbs^4ii4u%eiM»>Df 
^i??sofial,f«in(»<Mitj^,.,       .    r.-^y,-,->  .:..:  ■    ,,j,.  j '  ,-  v.;'y 

It  has  tieea  m€«tiio»cd  l^y  spme  9fmt  iu>tomi3klimU>!i9aa,      irti. 
^  ai^  iiurtaiipe  of  Mr.  CbOs's  wfwt  ofr  ipaaterfetioB,  thaltiie  m- 
^^yed^qin  the^enph  of  n^agiatratefl  agwjBtl  gfti>»lphifin  f  of 
fortune  and  respectability,  and  encouraged  vexatious j>ro< 


4cnicd  io  the  illegal  procetding*  againat  Beniatd  Cook.  ,     .; 


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f28  THE  IIISTOIIY 

CHAP^n.  $eai*i<ms«gftibst4lieni. '  Butthl*  irafi,  ifnfe<it,iii  iftdifpeir'- 
^'7^^  aablfe  pw^  of  bk  duty;  tn  obedience  to  tkt  icomdwiidB  of  im 
loviereign.  For  although  tlie  order  for  the  dagradati!Ob:i>iP 
thoee  persons  who  had  be^n  concerned  ia  the  ar bitmi^  ant 
illegal  f»ro6ecut]an  of  Bernard  Cook,  was  issued  previouaite 
Mr^Xoivther^  rbcal,  it  did  not  reach  Barbaidoes*  till  after 
Mr-  Cox  bad  been  placed  in  the  pmsident's  obair*  .  With 
regaird  to  the  vexitttaus  prosecution  which  he  ii^  -.  cbarg^ 
mtb  having  countenanoed/if  conjecture  may  be^lkxited  ^to 
^Ufiply  the^  {^aoe  of  positive  certainty,  it  might;  not  he 
thought  improbable  that  these  suits  were  oomnteneed'  by 
Cook;  t«  recover,  from  bis  unjust  judges,  a  'pecuniaty  oom^ 
pensiltion  for  the  injury  which  he  had  sustaiheldf 'by  )tbeir 
fltegal  Mnteiice*  The<5onduct  of  the  presidierit  in  e^eciititi^ 
^^  ro}^)  order,  added- only  to  th*i  number  and'tbe^^rrienc^ 
of  his  ^^Qiies ;  for  sueb  are  the  selfishness  and  perverseiie^  bf 
mankittd,  tkat  a  eonunanderiR  chief,  who  holds  the  reins  of 
^vemm^fit  with  a  steady  equil  hand^  will  often  give  offence 
to  the  petty  despots,  whos#  tyranny  ^nd  iicentiousness  he 
putiishes  OF  restrains. 

iAmong  the  various  dtsputea  in  which  Mr.  Cox  Was  in- 
»ilv^  thermit  one  which  deserves  to  be  rertiembered,  for  the 
inckf pendant  spffit  displayed  on  the  occasion  by  a  gentle- 
man wba  then  held  the  highest  law  office  in  the  coun^ 
U7.  The  president  vw  engaged  ia  a  eorrespoadenee,  on 
8oei«  j^Hi««l^attb^^  wi*  Mt.  8tttteB,^a  member  of  the 
geneml  assembly,  who^e  letters  happening  to  be  written 

4   .    * 


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OFBASBADOES.  £S9 

mth  tL^tetiom  wad  atpoignancy,  w^b  bi^iumaor  tb^x^bt  ^{^[^^"' 
iafCowMtotaDt  w'ltk  the. respect  due  to  his  exalted  stiataotii,  be  *^^'' 
hid  tbem  before  theoounoi).  Conciimng in  the  resetitKiedt 
ofthc  {nvitdent,  the  obaequioua board' TX>ted  that  tha  writer 
should  be  prosecuted-  for  a  libel.  Mfi  Riobard  Carter,  the 
attoroey^general  of  tliat  daj)  vrafe  ti^ccordiogly  ordered  to  |*(0* 
cced  against  Mr.  Sutton  for  his  supposed  oflencte.  Dbdai^aig 
the^ervile  office  of  avenging  Mr. -Cox's  personal  quar^els^  this 
upright  crown  lawyer  declined  the  invidious  task.  In  a 
memorial  addressed  to-t^e  president,  he  atatitid  that  SattcMi  s 
letters- cootained  nothing  sufficiently  libellmis,  scandalous, 
ted  deittmatory  to  make  up  the  necessary  ingrediei^f)  m  ati 
indictmeot  for  a  misdemean^f  by  writing.  The  learned 
gootJenan  added,  *^  That  by  the  Jawg  of  all  ciyilked  na* 
tionft,  if  even  a  prince  require  pomethiQg.  to  be  dofte  whieb 
tlifi  persou  who  is  to  do  it  takes  to  be  unlawful,  it  is  his 
duty  to  refuse  the  perfomi?tnqe  of  so  ijlegai  .*  comtfiand,^ 
and  I  fear,  that  should  I  carry  on  airty  prosecution^  by  in* 
dictment  or  information,  against  any  of  the  king^s  subjects, 
which  should  hereafter  be  judged  unlawful,  it  w^l  be  no 
justification  for  me  to  say  that  I  had  your  hotiourV  order, 
grounded  upon  the  opinions  of  five  members  of  council,  for 
*o  doing/'* 

About  this  time  the  duke  of  Portland,  accompanied  by      1725. 
his  acconiplished  ladj,  arrived  in  Carlisle-bay,  ^on  his  paa- 


'    "■'    ■        ' — r« — i' >    *f*  III  »> 
* 'CariU)€aima,vpl.up.40i^  , 


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230  THmHaWTOpyc  ' 

tfe«»:«ag§  oC  party.    The  ppposit^.^iwjtipjif.supppnd^d,  .^J^^^- 
lous  cjf  r|9CoiflmqndM)g  ]^^fi|n^^l;('^^^-|h^ij^i)le,.vi?.ita?jit^  Jyf 

^r^dogs  vt^f^aa^  yfffh^i  /fa^^ffW^fc  opji%a  ,<?f  .^Ije.fi^ 

^,  ej^nflCf .  fjf  111?,  €jiitRrtaj^p?ent^  i^fel*  ^ilfft^  m.  ^ 

f?g¥.thundrp4,jf,i?4jfii^J'pWMj9,^^^^ 
COi^^tof  jlhe.(lp^8l^tj^;9, ,^y.an  frdp^-  on  f^fr^?fmjs4^ 
^t  isuin.    Thjs,  circuiQS^Qpe»  ^s  will  be  ?epa  in  Ijhe.if e<|ii^ 
was  productive  of  much  illiberal  ^ItercatioiLj  .      , ,     , , . ., 

Such  was  .^he  factious  tenmer  of  the  times;  9#d  .the.  Ifttle 
decorum  with  which  even  tl^e  first  magis^ate  was  t^esM^ 
that  Mt.  Cox,  while  presiding  in  the  court  of  chancerj^  wj^ 
grossly  insulted  by  Gelasius  Macl^ahon,  a  turbulent  faq- 
^ous  lawyer;  who,  among  other  insulting  expressions^.cj^g. 
ed  the  president  with  countenancing  and  supjportiog  pe^ 
jury.  For  this  offence  Mac  Mahon  was  prosecuted  At.the 
ensuing  court  of  grand  sessions;  where  he  was  senteaped 
to  pay  a  fine  of  one  hundred  pounds ;  and  to  nj^ke  a  fiibiic 
apology,  in  a  particular  form,  of  words,  prescribed  by  the 
court,  to  Mr.  Cox,  at  his  next  sitting  iik  council;  or,  to 


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Of  BARBADO£$.  231 

1^  stispMided^ir^M  piMcAiiiiig  as  a  barriater  itf  any  coartiof  ^^^:Z^^ 
lft<v^ <H-  equity,  untir  ht  should  cotoply  with  this  part  of  the  ^  ^^^'^^ 
sentence.  Mac  Mahon  objected  to  the  legality  of  this  judg-^ 
ment,  and  tlie  point  was  referred  to  the  determination  of  the 
attorney-generaU  who  gave  a  very  evasive  anduncandid  opi-* 
nion.  The  case  was  theh  tranraiitted  to  England  and  laid  he- 
fare.  Serjeant  PengeHy^,  who  pronounced  the  judgment 
of  the  court  to*  be  erroneous  and  illega]^  attd  ooght  tobe 
reversed..  The  reasons  assigned  by  the  learned  seijeant  fwewi 
these;!  that  it  imposed  a  submissidji  <  and  a  confession:  o£^ 
thi^  oflfenceJn  Ba  prescribed  fom  of  words;  that  it  was  not^* 
as  it  ought  to  have  been,  absobite  and ^ unconditional;  and 
tfiat  the  court ^  of  grand  ^sessions  had  no  authority  to  restraia 
the  defbndantirom.  practising  in  either  of  the  other  courts.' 
This  ^roneous  proceeding  prpbably. would  not  havehap-^ 
pened  had  -the  chief  justice  been  q,  Jawyer. 

It  is  not  to  ba  doubted  that  the  divisions*and  the  dissen-^ 
tions  i^ich,  at  this  period,  distracted  the  country,  were  not 
more  disgraceful  to  its  character  than  prejudicial  to  its  in-^ 
tcrest?.  .Perplexed  .with  the  acrimonious  and  cxMitradictory 
complaitits^  alternately  transmitted  by-  either. faction,  the 
British -iniiiidtry  resolved  to  send  out  ia  commander  in  chief 
-tritk  full  poller  to  ehquite:  ibtb,  and,  if  possible^  to  ^adjust 
all^iTerebces  subsisiib^'in  the  colony,  and  to  punish  all  dis*^ 
twbeisof  theipttblic  peaice.  Lord  Belhaven,  a  Scotch  iioh 
bleniah;'highinfev6^uiwith  the  Prince  of  Wale?,  was^rsfc 
appointed  to  th6  imiiortarit  office;  but  Ms  Lordship,  unJ: 

6 


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S3«  THE  HisraiiT 

:«JARjy.  fcrtuMtely  perisiwii  a«  sea.    The  appourtntftM  iw»  tWJtt 

*^-     'ooafiwredon  Lord  Irwin,  but  lie  toe  ii*d  tlie  tiii»mMune  *» 

^on  bis  fttssage.    At  length,  tlie^  g^rgttiinent  ^'asbesiotr- 

ed  on  ooioMk  liewy  W^wlef,  ft^  gefttlifftiian  of  ft  slej^y  jt^' 

fi^iyis  temper.        -  »  •.     . 

Bis^sted  with  the  teaiou»  detail  ©f  fetfious  idis'puees,* 
^nBod  turns  with  compttcencf  tci^  the  cohtempfetfen  of 
jnore  tranqaiisceniss^  alnid  teek^a^ttrntforaryreHief  m  teviext-^ 
ingthe  means  whieh  have  been  adopted  m  tlie  progfe^  of 
^i^datie%  &x  tte  pubKc  secoritji  and  bappinew.'  Theste 
i«if»i*t«t  objects,  tii[>twith8taiidmg"  the  anArchy  and  confk- 
sioB  »Brbicb  theft  prevailed^  we»e.  not  en«i^y  Weglfecfed. 
Many  laws  wewj  framed  during  «i«  tufbiiletit  period';  and, 
thoBgh  some  <4  theas  ar*  extrcmehf  erroneous  and  defec- 
tiTC  ia  floany  natena!  points,  others  are-jtrdicibusly  adapted 
to  the  circumstances  of  tl»e  people  and!  the  advancement  o^ 
their  welfere.  It  is  nat  proposed  to  take  a  genera!  review 
«r  ti»e  legiylati ve  a«t9  of  this  period ;  a  few  will  suffice  for 
present  observation. 

To  govcraor  Lowthei's  qoarrd  witli  'Mr.  Gordon  it  is 
probably  owing,  that  the  bounty  of  the  parochial  Vestries 
to  theirrcotofs  was  limited  by  law  to  a  sura  not  exceeding 
«v«nty  pound*,  unless,  a  donative  to  a  largeraniouiit  should 
becoafioBBttd  by  the  governor  and  tonnciK  This  law  is 
now  whotty  disregarded,  andthe  vestries  are  leH  to  pursue 
their  own  inclinations,  certain  that  tteif  largesses  wiH  b^ 
sanctioned  by  a  liigher  authority. 


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OT  BARBADOfiS.  833 

To  tlM^aBBBte  improper  cause  may  be  ascribed  the  law  for  ^^J^^i^;^^- 
pi]ieiiei|tia^  |1k  establishment  *  of  a  spiritual  cduH  in' this      ^^^^* 
]h1^4*     -As  the  colonies  had  itever  been  formed  into  dio- 
eeses,  do»  annexed' to ^  any  particular  bishopric,  tlie  bishop 
of  London  proposed  to  the  King  that  they  should  be  sub- 
jected4o;^is  spiritual  jwmdiction.     His  Majesty,    having 
previously,  ad  vised,  with  the  crowh  lawyers,   granted  -the 
bi«}i9]^  a  commiswon,  .giving  him  full  power  and  autliority  * 
by:,hipi»elf,  or  by  his  commissaries,  -to  exercise  an  6ccte- 
sia3ti^  junsdictiofi  in  the  several  <iolonies,  according  to 
the  Jbws  and  canons  of  the  church  of  England;*  reserving 
to  .the  govqrnOT  tii^  right  of  collating  to  all  benefices,  grant-* 
ing  licences^  for  nij|rn^es>  and  probates  of  wills  -^ 

JBy  thip  commission  his  lordship  was  authorized  to  inquire 
into  the  mannei:s  and  conduct  of  all  rectors,  ministers,  cu- 
rates,  and  incumbents,  of  the  seevenll  churches,  and  of  alt 
parish  clorks  ;  and  to  <:orrect  and  punish  them,*  according 
to  their  ^demerits,  by  amoval,  depnvation,  suspension,  ex- 
communication,  or  other  ecclesiastical  censupe^  •  He  was 
also  empoverad  to  inquire  concerning  the  reparation  of  the 
parish^  churches  and  bouses  belonging  to  the  rectors;  to* 
compel  thosa  whose  pBovince  it  was  to  keep  them  in  suitable 
repair;  and  to  punish  aH  w1k>  should  be  found  delinquent 
and  contumacious.  This  seems  to  have  heen  a  proper  ju- 
risdiction to  correct  any  iFreguUritics  in  the  conduct  of  our 
spiritual  pastors,  and  to  decide  in  all  differences  between 
them  and  their  flock.     But.  after  his  disjpute    with    Mr. 

Hh 


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^54  tHS^BSsrtonr 

QHAP;  vn.  Qtfrdani  his  loniahip's  conuniBsafy^  th»  goiramor  o&tamed 
^^  i^  papanag  ofn  JaW'  ''^toqiBet.tb^  ttinds.of  1Jitt>  people 
agsinst  the  terrors  of  a  spirifeual  eiKMrti"  iTbe '  pr^amblo'  of 
thk  Uw"  states,  thai  such  at  €aatt  >wouleL  tAaeh  with  the  intif> 
jiicipal  laws  of  tine  pkjce^  ambaroasai  Hbeg/aveiaamant,  vtat 
and  torment  the  gpntryy  dtptrnpemtd  thSiStibslaAtial  free^ 
holders,  and  rain  the  commoh  people.  It  i&  difficult. to 
i^ceiKehow diese effects  could  xosuUfrom  tho  cause  to 
vhieb  ihey  are  assigned ;  but  to  obviate.  Ihtse .  miacfaiefii,. 
ieal:or  imaginary,  it  waa  enacted,  *'■■  tliat  no.  eeeiesiastiGal' 
law  or  jurisdiction^  :^hall  hare  power  fto  ealoKee,  oon^rsa*)  dc 
estebiishraojr  BHilct  or  puniidiinettt,  ia  aoj  eaact  wJialS!Piev$T, 
irithinrthis.islftnd»''.  ■  .   ?q>;^  07.; 

;.  BEQfu  thenomberof  bays  aad  laodii^  p)aces<iirith)w4ieb 
the  wlu^  nres^em  eo^at  of  tho  island  ia  indented^'  th^,  3a)?>> 
.  badiaiis,'  e^ly  saiw  Hke  ueeesetty  o£  guardJjDg,  with  caie  aj)d 
.Tig^^Me«,  agaui^t  i]^inciiTN(»B(  of  ^.  mactoe  foe.  They 
were  mom  wlimtoiia  «>l«  aeeuring  their  property  from  the  at- 
t^ks  of  hostile  ffoebooters,  than  of  accumulating  weahb, 
unqevtaia  ^  ita  ^i^o^eDt-  A  chain  of  -  fortifications  was 
(jrectad  >ffom.  MaycoclcrVb»f  toC^tin's-^town;  in  trhich. 
v%tr^  ^^HiiaratQd  fotty-^ght  eaetles^  forts,  and  batteries, 
iipoant^d  wilhfour  huudred^ and  siscty-^tbree  pieces  of  or<j|- 
nattca.  The  lawawhi^^  provided  for  the  support  of  this. 
estahlishuiieQt;  wevev^ifilst^  teinp^miy  and  occasioaal,  but 
^er  Mr.  .X>owth«r^s«  s^od  adauuistratioD,  a  more  peima' 
nent  and  tkfficient  i^9B(i  waiMuiopted.    The  island  was  sepa* 


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OF^BiSBBAtlOES.  ^SS 


f 


Mtod  '■  a&gtoTifiTe  -idbisiikiSyV  vncL  ritfaer  "WKt  0st*bUshi3(ieiit  ooio^  ^^^^  ^ 
jfaftErfie^'teien^olaarf  gtmiifcra^ 'twenty  under  igianmens  arid     -^'^^ 
]Mi8llkiiiidre(d*add  fi%«oin6  utf^ODBses;  be^ 
-and  -ii9e'^iypdwiBi)i(s:t.:Tfai3: under  -^gmmsn  .and.  maJbtoBseB 
Jttn  rmq^medi'  to,  i  be  6n  c  cnmstsii^  diit^^  and  to:  be  instrqcted 
^yith^^diid^  gwineit  i»>ttoe«n;of  goms^j^  :antL  tfaeiise  of 
<»bitBdl')ann8<.'   --    .'■•;-  •   -  -t  • .. 

<^'  Xf^itbe  pktmbe  ic9taBain^i.<ndth'an  eje  of  candouridb- 
4rtmttti6d'fr<Htt  the  sbuses  vrhkiEi  have-  ce^t.  into  ite  exeem'- 
ttnNi^ '  it  itertainty  :is  <entitled  to  e^pcoibation;  A  line  rof  id«« 
ifence'ift  fadioKHislj  extcaoded  the  irliole  length  of  tbe  oc-* 
«ir^«^M6>  jpmrt  &(  thd  ooaM ;  ^amd  an  effective  body  ^df  moi 
are  kept  in  continual  readiness  to  repel  the  desuttdry-irttt^ 
^btrtitw  oJP  Msmiiiti^  ivfabiuders,  or  to  sustain  a  uDore  jedout 
MtJicfc' 4iQlil  -they  can  be-  sustakied  bj  liie  nilitiii.  Bat 
'the  wisest  i  of  ^inan  inttitulaons  k  liltbfe  to-  penreimmp 
^tid  the  b^t  concerted  pians'  nnist  f^ni,  Ziehen  l^sci  to  mham. 
the  execution' of  them  'i»  entrusted*  ave  ii^B{U§ent«r.  incul- 
pable. 

•  Tliift  expensive  establiBhment,  tvhatevier  aiigbt  barebew 
.  its: origiaial  design^  hae  degenentted  into  ^  gckn»vaHaid in- 
tolerable bnithen.  The  |my  of  the  officers  and  in(»n>  ind^ 
pendent  of -the  juptihideor'fl  sala««,  which,  |jeing  contin- 
•gent,  are  not  eawly  aacertained,  amount  to  .five  thousand 
: arid  twenty  pounds  annuajly  i  to  .?rhich  musl  .be  ^di^d,  fif- 
teenhundred  ponnda  »  year,  part  of -tibe^lwinage  d«^,  ap- 
propriated to  the  purchase  <tf  gitn*pow^er»    K«r ;  dpee  the 

It  h  S 


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236  THEr  HIS5;ORy 

CHAP.  viL  evil  end  heror.  Bewjdeg.?aii  inwnf^n^e  expenditwre  ^of  ;?tores, 
^'^^'  ia  wl^ich  prodigality  wantons  ;vithQut  contfou},  /great  (abuses 
.  are  committed  by  the  boards  of  corainissioners.*.  To  an- 
swer  ^ome  sinister  puipose ;  to  promote  the  interest  of  a,  fa^ 
vjourite  supervisory  or  to  gratify  the  capricious,  vanity  of  an. 
hospitable  captain  gunner,  considerable  sums*  pf  the  pub- 
lic money  are  squandered  in  repairing  or  erecting  corauK)- 
dious  houses  and  elegant  .apartments  for  his  accommoda- 
tion. Hence  the  annual  expiense  of  tibe  fortifications  may 
be  fairly  computed  to  exceed  eight  thousand  pounds.  Not- 
witlistanding  tiiis  profuse  and  wanton,  waste  of.  the,  pub-: 
lie  treasure,  many  of  the  forts,  particularly  those  which, 
command  the  harbou;-  of  tjie  second  town  in .  the  island,, 
are  literally  mouldering  in  ruins ;  they  contain  scarcely  a 
single  piece  of  serviceable  ordnance,  and  are  so  completely, 
destitute  of  ammunition  as  to  be  frequently  incapable  qf 
exciting  or  propagating .  an  alarm. 

.  The  accessible  nature  of  the  whole  western  coast  lays  the 
country  so  open  to  the  predatory  incursions  of  a  daring  or 
rapacious  foe,  that  nothing  can  be  more  evident  than  the 
imperative  necessity  of  putting  ^ome  of  our  forts  and  Imt-. 
teries  in  a  proper  posture  of  defence.  The  impracticabi- 
lity of  cQQstructing  regular  forti6cations  capable  of  with- 

'"'■'■       ■  ■     '       '      ' "  ' .     '     '■ '■  '  *        ^ 

*  In  177ft  Mr.  Duke  asserted,  in  the  house  of  assembly,  that  the  disbursements 
for  the  uie  of  the  fortifications  were -annually  e&timated  at  three  thousand  pounds,  ex-- 
duaite  of  giinpowder.    This  estimate  waa  made  in  time  of  peace. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  ^57 

rtandifjg  fh«  approaches  of  a  hoitiM  squadron,  or  ft  besieging  chap.  vn. 
aftfty,  isf  adttiitted;  yet  the  reparatton  of  our  principal  fortsi  *^^^^ 
and  the  supplying* thferti' with  cAnnOrt  and*  ordnance  stcfres, 
at*cf  riaeasdres  which  commoii  prud*hcfe  enjoins,  if  they  be 
coWsldeted  merely' as*  the  nteans  of  protecting  our  peaceful 
citizens  fVorh  the  -casu Al  ii  ruptions  asd  ruinous  depredations 
of  privateers*.^  :  .    • 

Were  the  fortifications  kept  in  suitable  repaii=*,  no  mani 
capable  of  thinking  justly,  could  suppose,  for  a  moment^ 
that  the  gunners  and  matrosses  are  an  useless  body  of  men. 
But  in  their  present  ruined  and  disriiantled  condition,  it 
cannot  be  dissembled,  that  the  expenditure  of  the  enpr- 
mous  sum  annually  thrown  away  upon  theni  is  unjust  and 
oppressive,  >  To  provide  for  the  support  of  goyemment, 
and  the  maiatehance  of  the  public  security^  are  duties  in* 
cumbient  on  every  good  subject;  but  the  power  which  wrests 
from  him  fi  single  shiHing  unnece^arily  rouist  be  tyrdnnicali 
To  reconcile  th€i  people  to  the  burthens  imposed  on  them 
for  the  sujiport  of  this' establishment,  some  show  of  decency 
should  be  preserved*  They  should,:  at  feast,  be  amused 
with  the  idea  of  security,  Butthe  money  drawn- from  their 
pockets  is  squandered  in  thoilghtkss  profusion,  without  the 
most  flimsy  pretext  of  necessity  or  exptedieney;  The  voice 
of  justice  calls  loudly  for  the  redress,  of  this  grievance,. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  representatives  of  the  people  to  apply 
the  proper  remedy.  No  objection  is  made  to  the  quantum 
of  the  sum  annually  expended  on  the  fortifications;  the 


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tSB  -THE  mSTORr 

cfUf.ytt  mi^^p1ic4tion  of  it  w  ttie^oiiTy  grobtotJ'  ofn^tidnal  c6m- 
*^*''  plaint.  Were  they  tepaireHatidretiS^ri^d'capdbte'^f'pW^ 
<tectii)g  our  defenceless  towns,-  the  ^moiitej-ve^veed'  l^'Hieir 
lutLiotenatice  M^auld  be  pidd  ^ithbut  ia  mtrftfiiif ;  Ko  ped^lfe 
fo  the  world;  who  conttibute  at^Tl  ia  the^  Suppbr^  ^^^ 
vcmment,  are  more  mc^rately  tk*ed  thatt  ttte  BatblidtttDi ; 
nor  Wotild  they  be  dissatisfied  at  any  augroentatiofi  6f  their 
iAirihefis,  were  thfe  produce  of  their  taxes  faithfuliy  etti- 
jilbyed  in  pro vidiog  for  theit  safety. 

'  It  has  f)een  proposed  to  abandoa  our  feits^  of  t6  sell 
them  to  the  crown^  rather  than  be  at  the  e^speose  of  nepstip-  ~ 
in^  them*  Pitiftil  economy !  Is  th^re  a  mail  so  lost  to ' 
-every  sense  of  public  virttie,  as  not  to  <cion1ie«tti  4h^  v(isi^ 
<lious  {NToposat  ?  So  blind  as  not  i6  see  its  Mfy  ^^^  da»ger ? 
Or  80  ignofant  ak  not  tb  be  sensible  of  thcf  necessity^  of 
keeping  In  repair  the  batteries  within  the  if icinitjr.  of rthe 
townS)  for  the  protection  ^f  tiie adjacent. h^tie^ourr^  -Ear 
from*  my  intention  be  the  idea  of  reconmieiidiftg  the  ifebiiild^ 
ing  of  onr  fellen  forts,  gq  the  extensive  Male  ott  which:  they 
were  originally  planned,  or  of  supplying  them^  with  the 
«ame  nuBlber  of  superflnous  cannon.  It  «tiU  bft^fiiekitt 
if  <mr  principal  bays  are  enfikided  With  stfong  foaUcSri^ 
mewiting  from  two  to  six  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance^,  with 


'^-  TrofeNional  meri  say,  diat  a  battery  of  ftur  guns,  well  potted,  is  a  matdi  for  a 
em-rate  inth  6f  trar.  Sfdcfeei  Owrne^  p.  50.  troa  ordnance,  <xclufhre  of  the  tm^ 
9'»e^  OMCs  tiventy  {ivttltdtf  strHMg  aiMt.    EI|lrtMi  jpoute»«e%iit«ot 


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gu^wi-hoi|a«» -for  tlw.matEw^,  ,*p4.^'''^^*% *^^^  P?iU-  CHAP.yu. 
tiaonalam^..  .TJi«  ei^qienses.  of  this  undertaking  seem, to      t.72?. 
^  igi^ldr  <»f^H^a^d.    Id  most,  placep»  the  matejriaU  are 

L  ali^ac^.  on  the  »pQt,  and  r  will  be  suflScient  &r  the  constiniQ-. 

I  tiofi  of  bfltttei^i^s,  on  the  reduced  spale  projiQ^ed^.  after  e Yeiyi 

I  alk)wftacefts  made%T«3i^^  . 

In    tbe^  mterim,  the  gwrnen  and  matrossea^   whOy,M 
present,  are  incapably  of  being  usefallj  employed,  xn»y.  be 
dismissed   from  the  service*    The  saving  of  stores^  guftr 
powderi  andwdalari^^  which  may  be  thus  obtaiiied  inone- 
year,  may  ba  eatunated  at  eight  thousand  paawte.    Thia 
would'  be  a  ^uffif^ient  fund  for  the  purdlase  of  fifty,  irqn 
eighteen  pi^uadeis, :  aod  twelve  brats  MX  pounders,   wi^h 
limbei^^  haraesB)  aod  aiamuoit4or>  cants^  connplcte.    Wbea 
cannon  aw  prDcwised,  and  the  batteries  rebuilt,  the  full ' 
comp]emeot>of  gunnenand  0iatro»se3>  plight  be  restored: 
with  propfiie^y!;:  jaod  .prQvdsi<H»  ^honld  be  made^  for  the 
pttficiual  payiaent  of  ^teir  ^lari^^    At  present,  they  are^ 
aimually  pmd  halC  the  aalary  due  to  them ;  hence  they  are 
often  obliged'  to  a^l  their  orders. at  a  discount  of  more  than: 
x»erf<M«rth  of.  th^jr  value.    This  i»  a,grpat  discouragement 
to.  tba'serviQe^  -  It  prevents  that  strict  attendance  to  their 

twelve  poundofft  a  toc^  and  a  half.  Ibid,  p^  1 55  dni  i09*  A  light  brass  six  pounder^ 
with  limbers  and liarpesfry  complete^  will  cost  i215l.  sterling;  and  every  two  guos  jvill 
require  an  ammunition  cart,  which  will  oost  201.  more.  Hence,  an  estttnate  maj  bt 
made  of  ihe  moderate  exponae  at  wbicb  tbe  atctssitak  pMiIsc  maj:^  bb  s\w4(df 


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240  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  VII,  duty,  which,  were  they  more  regularly  'paid>  ought  to  be 
'722.  enforced;  and  which,  under  a  better,  regulation^  their 
officers  would  have  a  right  to  demand.  They  should  be 
formed  into  brigades  of  Artillery,  and,  while  on  duty, 
should  be  subject  to  the  articles  of  war,  and  disciplined 
with  the  same  regularity  as  is  usually,  practised  in  the 
KhigV garrisons.  Thus  would. they  be  rendered  an  useful 
body  of  men;  the  country  would  enjoy,  at  a  nioderate  ex- 
pense, the  advantage  of  a  permanent  defence  against  the 
predatory  attacks  of  privateers;  and  possess  a  formidable 
corps  of.  artillery,  ready,  in  case  of  invasion;  to  join  in  the 
more,  important  duties  of  the  field.  .    . 

.  From  this  review  of  the  act,  reiipecting  the  fortifications, 
we  shall  proceed  to  that  which  was  passed  by  president  Cox, 
for  preserving  the  freedom  of  elections.'  By  this  law,  every 
free  and  natural  born  subject,  e^^cept  the  descendants  of 
negroes,  of, the  age  of  twaity*one  y^ars,  professing  the 
Christian  religion,  M^ho  is  actually  and  rightfully  seized,  and 
possessed  of  ten  -acres  of  land,  or  of  a  house,  in  cither  of 
the  towns,  of  the  yearly  value  of  ten  pounds,  in  fee  simple 
or  fee  tail,  in  right  of  marriage,  or  of  dower,  by  the  cour- 
tesy of  England,  in  right  of  the  church  as  rector;  or  by 
Jfive  years  quiet  and  lawful  possession,  is  declared  to  be  a 
freeholder  capable  of  electing,  or  being  elected,  an  assem- 
bly man.  The  first  thing  observable  in  this  law  is,  that  it 
maHes  no  difference  between  the  qualifications  of  the  can- 
4iidateS'and  the  electors*    In  England,  every  knight  of  the 


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or  BARBADOES.  841 

sHri^ttiust  have  ^  clear  eetftte^  tothe  value 6f  six  htmdfcd  charwi. 
poiinds  per  iannutn;  and  every  burgess,  to  the  v«lKi«  of  "^' 
three  handred  pounds ;  nor  isr  it  i%qui^ed  that  these  estates 
«hoti}d  lie  in  the  bordagh  or'cotrtity  fo»  ^H»ch  the  members 
ate  fchbseYi.  But,  in  Barbadoe»,  every  illiteMte  possessor 
of  ten  acfres  is  born  a  legislator,  <»'  i^  dt  teast  eligible  Vo  a 
seat  in  the  general  assetifiblj,  as  a  i^epresentativ^  of  the* 
parish  in  Tfhich  bis  freehold  lies.  The  seebnd  poidt,  de- 
serving of  Aotice,  is  the  qaalification  of  the  eledtors;  Aft* 
heire,  without  adopting  the  wild  theories  and  iM§t!ximi6f  the 
parlidaxintarf  refcrnners*  it  may  be  faiily  t^ssataied»  AH  a 
Just  objection  to  the  colonial  election  kiW)  iJbat  the  «Seo 
toral'fntnchise  i»  toolimitod.  3%e  principal  qtialifitiaf ion 
required  of  a  voter  for  memben  of  the  British  paiiittment; 
is  tiiat  he  should  have  a  freehold  o^  the  value  of  ibMy  shil- 
lings a  year.  Why  the  privilege  of  voting  tot  tepresbtttaftlves 
was  not  made  equally  extensive  in  ^rbadoei^'  in  1  qoM^wl 
loot  easily  solved,  unless  we  c6nc)ade  that  tiie  law  Was 
int^ed  to  enable  those,  by  whom  is  was  fhiitied,  the  mcnre 
readily  to  eiterclse  u  conrupt  and  «»  uftdue  ififltte^eo  «t 
elections.  • 

One  of  th«  most  invaluable  ptivileges  of  a  firitisii  mb^ 
ject,  ivthat  of  appoiHting  repiesqiitatiyeM  to  o^nsttitt  to  <lie 
making  of  such  laws  as  may  be  neccBsiiiry  or  tonwmii'SibU 
To  preserve  this  <uQda(m«ntal  tiglitt  puce  auMi  i&«i<}}aM^ 
should  be  our  primary  oaiB)  oitr  nobloBt  aihbiUoii<  Tlie 
freedom-eissefitial  to  Xlh»  due  «x«roiw  of  tbiii  j^i^til^^^  ^wol 

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844  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP,  vn.  be  maintaiBcd  only  by  an  extension  of  its  benefits.  All  the 
V22.  inhabitants  of  every  district,  says  Montesquieu,  ought  to 
have  a  right  of  voting  at  the  election  of  a  representative, 
except  such  as  are  in  so  mean  a  condition,  as  to  be  deemed 
to  have  no  will  of  their  own.  The  paucity  of  those,  who> 
in  most  precincts,  are  entitled  to  votei,  facilitates  the  sinister 
designs  of  the  opulent  and  powerful ;.  and  often  contributes 
to  raise  very  unworthy  candidates,  to  seats,  in  the  legisla^- 
ture,  while  it  degrades  some  of  our  parishes  to  the  con- 
temptible level  of  venal  boroughs.  Though  no  advocate  for 
universal  representation,  I  conceive  that  the  electoral  fran^- 
chise  is  justly  due  to  every  Christian  freeman,  possessed  of 
the  smallest  real  estate.  The  humble  possessor  of  a  single 
acr^  is  not  less  personally  affected  by  the  laws  of  hia  coun- 
try, than  the  opulent  proprietor  of  a  thousand  acres. 

In  some  districts  it  often  happensy  that  the  freeholders 
are  deprived  of  .the  power  of  making  a  discreet  choice,,  by 
the  difficulty  of  prevailing  on.  gentlemen  of  respectability 
to  accept  the  representation  of  theip  parishes.  This  inconr 
venience  might,  perhaps,  be  remedied,  by  imitating  the 
policy  of  tlie  motlier  country,  and  making  it  no  longer 
necessary  that  the  property  of  the  person  elected  should  be 
situated  in  the  parish  which  he  represents.  In  a  country, 
circumscribed,  within  such  narrow  boundaries,  no  danger 
need  be  apprehended  from  a  dissimilarity  of  interests,  or  a 
want  of  local  attachment ;.  nor  are  genius  and  knowledge 
confined  to  any  particular  spot    -An  inhabitant  of  Christ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  ^43 

Church  may  be  as  well  qualified  to  represent  the  parish  of  ^^^^:J^"- 
Saint  Lucy,  as  though  he  had  been  born  and  bred  in  the  ^'^^^ 
vicinity  of  Pye-Corner.  Thus  the  deficiencies  of  one 
parish  may  be  supplied  by  the  talents  of  another ;  and  the 
abilities,  which,  for  the  want  of  an  opportunity  to  display 
themselves,  remain  inert  and  undistinguished,  may  be 
placed  in  a  sphere  of  action,  in  which  they  may  be  bene^ 
ficially  exerted  for  the  general  welfare. 


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«4«  THE  rasTomr 


CHAR  VIII. 

ceVERNO*  VOESXEY%  ADMINISTRATION — MR.  COX  DI*ORiCE&— 
VIOLENT  DISSENTIONS  IN  T»E  OOUNTRT-— THE  PEOPLB  REFUSS 
TO  PAY  THEIR  TAXES — MR.  WORSLEY  RETURNS  TO  ENGLANI>-^ 
THE  GOVERNMENT  DEVOLVES  ON  MR.  WARWICK — DISORDERLT 
CONDUCT  OE  THt  ASSEMBLY— CASE  OF  MR.  BENNETT — MR.  BAR- 
WICK  DIES,    AND  IB  SUCCEEDED  BY  PRESIDENT  DOXIN, 

cHAP.viil.  Henry  Wopslej,  Esquire,  having  received  his  Majesty^ 
1722.  commission,  appointing  hinr  governor  of  Barbadoes,  arrived 
in  Carlisle  Bay,  on  the  twenty-second  day  of  January,  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty-two.  He  brought  with- 
him  the  most  inveterate  prejudices  against  the  president 
and  his  party  ;  but,  like  a  consummate  politician,  carefully 
concealed  hi&  sentiments,  till  he  had  concluded  an  advan- 
tageous bargain  for  himself  with  those  who  held  the  strings 
of  the  public  purse.  Having  received  his  Majesty's  peiv 
mission  to  accept  a  settlement  from  tlie  legislature*,  he 


*  WilliDg  to  provi<fe  for  the  support  of  the  colonial  gorernment,  hia  Majesty,  bj 
his  instractions  to  Mr.  Worsley,  directed,  i»  case  of  the  gOTcmor's  absence  from  the  . 
island, nhat  one  full  moiety  of  the  salary  dowed  by  the  crown,  and  of  all  perquisites^ 


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OF  BAItBADOES.  245 

i 

leftised  to  tet  hk  fiaot  on  shore,  till  the  leadiog  iijembcrs  of  ^J^^Jj^JJ]^'- 
both  houses  bad  agreed  on  the  reirenue  to  be  raised  for  his  ^''^^^ 
support.  The  ambitious  views  of  the  opposite  parties, 
proved  highly  beneficial  to  the  governor.  Each  seemed 
anxious  to  purchase  his  favour;  and,  during  die  time  which 
rotervened,  between  his  arrival  and  the  meeting  of  the  assem^ 
bl J,  die  conipetition  was  conducted  with  a  spirit  extremeljr 
disastrous  to  the  people*.  It  was  finally  determined  to  settle 
gn  his  excellency  a  salary  of  six  thousand  pounds,  sterling,. 
m  year^  A  sum,,  at  the  stipulated  rate  of  exchange,  equal 
to  «€^en  thousand  eight  hundred  pounds  currency.  Thus, 
in  the  ridiculous  attempt  to  proj^tiate  the  kindness  of  ^ 
venal  chief,  the  assembly  sacrificed  the  permanent  interests^ 
«f  their  con^ituents,  to  their  own  silly  vanity  and' puerile 
ambition.  To  ptovide  for  the  payment  of  this  enormous 
salary,  a  capitation  tax  of  two  sl>illmgs  and  sixpence  was- 
laid  on  all  slaves,  besides  an  assessment  on  the  inhabitants^ 
of  the  several  towns,  in  proportion  to  their  population  and; 
opulence;  and  a  tax  on  lawyers^  patentees,  and  other pul>- 
lie  officers. 

His  excellency  accepted   the  settlement,   with  evident 
marks  of  satisfaction;  avid,,  besides  promising  a  redresa  c£^ 


and  emoUimeaU  wbat6oe¥er,  wbich  should  become  due  to  bim,  should*  duriogtbe 
me  of  his  absence^  be  paid  to  the  president,  for  the  time  being,  for  his  maintenance 
tand  the  support  of  the  dignity  of  thot  goyemment* 

•  Mem.  of  Barb.  p.'53.  UniY.  Ilist  vol.  41.  p.  171,  Hall's  Settle^  of  Barb,  p.  31. 


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246  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^^^i^  grievances,  pledged  his  word  that  he  wouJd  make  no  far- 
^^23.  ther  demands  on  the, public  generosity;  pix^niises  which 
seem  to  have  been  wholly  disregai'ded.  Having  thus  suc- 
ceeded to  the  fuU  extent  of  his  most  sanguine  wishes,  Mr. 
Worsley  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  high  office,  by 
instituting  an  inquiry  into  the  causes  of  the  late  disturb- 
ances. In  consequence  of  the  many  complaints  exhibited: 
against  Mr.  Cox,  he  was  summoned  to  appear  before  the 
governor,  where  his  conduct  underwent  a  rigid  scrutiny^ 
tftiat  lasted  several  days-  The  crimes  imputed  to  C021;  were» 
in  the  first  place,  that  be  had  greatly  biassed  the  members 
of  bis  Majesty -s  council,  by  requiring  their  frequent  at- 
tendance without  sufficient  cause-;  secondly,  that  he  had 
grossly  insulted  them  by  using  insolent  and  unbecoming 
language  in  council ;  thirdly,  that  he  had,  in  the  most  ar* 
bitrary  manner,  removed  many  officers  of  distinction  from 
their  civil  and  military  employments ;  and,  lastly,  that  he 
had,  illegally,  committed  Gelasius  Mac  Mahon,  a  member 
of  the  general  assembly,  to  prison.  To  these  charges,  Mr- 
Cox  pleaded,  that  the  frequent  calls  of  council  were  owing 
to  the  factious  conduct  of  those  members,  who  obstinately 
absented  themselves,  when  Iheir  presence  was  required  for 

«  the  dispatch  of  public  business;  that  any  intemperance  of 

expression,  into  which  he  might  have  been  betrayed,  had 
■been  provbked  by  the  disrespectful  and  contumelious  beha- 
viour of  those  to  whom  it  was  applied  ;  that  those  public 
ctfficers,  who  had  been  dismissed  from  the  service^  bad  for- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  247 

feited  their  employments  by  their  turbulent,  factious  dispo  ^^^^^ 
sition  ;  that  Mac  Mahon  had  deservedly  incurred  the  com-      ^^^^ 
mitment  complained  ofr  by  his  disorderly  contemptuous 
deportment  before  him,  in   the  court  of  error^  of  whicli 
offence  he  had  been  legally  convicted  by  a  jury*. 

The  able  ^nd  judicious  defence  made  by  Mr.  Cox,  availed 
him  nothing.  Upon  these  frivolous  and  malicious  charges^ 
unsupported  by  any  evidence  of  criminality,  he  was  con- 
demned fbr  having  acted  arbitrarily,  corruptly,  and  ille- 
gally; his  excellency,  therefore,  removed  him  from  his 
Majesty's  council,  and  declared  him  unworthy  of  being  re^ 
appointed  to  a  seat  at  that  board ;  adding,  that  he  ought 
to  be  prosecuted  in  the  courts  of  law,  agreeably  to-  the  na*- 
ture  of  the  crimes  proved  against  him.  The  sentence  was 
communicated  to  Mr.  Gox,  in  a  letter  from  his  excellency  s 
secretary,  Mr.  Hammond,  who  received  two  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  from  the  treasurer,  for  attending  the  trial,  and 
making  out  a  copy  of  the  proceedings,  to  be  transmitted 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  f.     :  . 

The  jiidgment  against  Mr.  Cox  was  not  only  resented  by 
his  particular  friends,  but  was  condemned^  according  to  a  - 
contemporary  writer^,  by  the  cajidid  and  impartial  part  of 
the  community,  for  its  extreme  severity  and  injustice* 
Having  been  denied  the  benefit  of  an  appeal,.  Cox.  went 
into  a  voluntary  exile  oa  the  continent  of  North  Ameiica,. 

•— — • — ' — '" — '--^ -^ • -^ 

*  Vide  AQti§.  p.  196i      t  ^^'^^'  Histi  vol.  41.  p.  1T2.     %  Caribbcanna,  vol.  1.  p.  342. 


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348  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.VfH  yfliat  his  death,  soon  afterwards,  expiated  all  his  political 
*723b      gjijg^  2aid  removed  his  cause  to  that  uneijing  tribunal,  where 
he  will  .find  -more  justice  and  mercy  than  he  experienced 
before  aa  earthly  JurisdictioQ. 

By  the  rigour  of  this  procedure,  the  governor  stirred  up 
the  unextinguished  embers  of  party,  and  laid  the  ground- 
work of  an  opposition,  which,  by  the  operation  of  othet" 
causes,  continued  to  gain  strength,  during  the  whole  of  his 
aubsaquent  administration.  Hie  inflammable  tempers,  of 
Cox's  friends  instantly  took  fire  at  the  injury  done  to  their 
patron ;  nor  were  materials  wanted  fojr  spreading  the  flmne 
among  a  people  so  well  prepared  for  the  ignition  as  th6  Bar- 
badians were  at  that  time« 

The  enormous  settlement  made  on  the  governor  was  soon 
found  to  be  a  burthen  totally  disproportioned  to  the  strength 
of  those  by  whom  it  was  to  be  borne  ;  and  was  rendered 
the  more  insupportable  by  the  impoverished  state  of  the 
'  country,  occasioned  by  the  heavy  imposts  on  the  merchant- 
able products  of  the  soil,  and  the  restraints  with  which  the 
commerce  of  the  colonies  wasr  fettered*  The  policy  by 
which  Great  &itaiii  r^ulated  the  trade  of  her  West  In* 
^ian  settlements,  though  it  might  have  promoted  the  na^ 
tional  prosperity,  was  little  caJctilated  to  afford  satisfaction 
to  the  colonists,  or  to  contribute  to  their  individoal  watlfaee. 
1^  monopoly  of  the  sugar  trade,  claimed  by  Great  Bri^ 
tain,  by  requiring  that  all  colonial  produce,  intended  for 
European  consumption,  should  pass  through  the  English 


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OF  BARBADOES.  249 

ttiarkei,  isubject  toa  duty,  on  importatioti,  besides  other  ^^JJ^^I^i^^J^ 
charges  incident  to  a  double  voyage,  afforded  the  Frwich      ^^^^' 
and  Dutch  adventurers,  who  were  free  from  similar  restric- 
tions, a  decided  advantage  over  the  British  merchants  in 
the  sale  of  West  Indian  produce  on  the  continent. 

The  assembly  had  not  only  deceived  themselves,  but  their  1727. 
constituents  too,  with  a  hope  that  their  liberality  to  Mr. 
Worsley  would  have  attached  him.  to  their  interest,  and 
that  by  his  mediation,  the  restraints  on  their  agriculture 
and  commerce  would  be  removed;  while,  by  his  firmness 
and  impartiality,  tranquillity  would  be  restored  to  their  . 
distracted  country.  Far  from  obtaining  these  advantages, 
the  people  found  their  complaints  disregarded^  and  their 
calamities  encreased  by  their  own  culpable  profusion  to  the 
governor.  Disappointed  in  the  expectations  which  they 
had  fondly  cherished,  and  smarting,  under  the  effects  of 
their  own  indiscretion,  they  turned  tlie  edge  of  their  resent- 
ment against  hb  excellency,  as  if  he  had  been  the  sole  au- 
thor of  all  their  grievances  and  misfortunes.  Nor  was  Mr. 
Worsley 's  proud  and  supercilious  carriage  calculated  to 
soften  the  popular  resentment,  nor  to  reconcile  the  people 
to  the  weight  of  the  oppressive  burthens  imposed  on  them 
for  his  support. 

The  deplorable  condition  of  the  country,  and  the  state 
of  the  public  niind  at  this  period,  may  be  best  collected 
from  the  representations  transmitted  to  the  lords  commis- 
sioners of  trade.    In  a  memorial  presented  to  that  board, 
•  •     K  k 


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jB50  THE  HISTORY 

CHAPiTHL  tbe*8se»Wy  did  not  effect  to  concbal  tbe  views  by  whidi 


^^  they  were  actuated  in  fixing  th6  amount  of  tlie  goveroor*! 
•salary.  Expecting  to  silence  tbe  contention  of  parties,  and 
to  obtain  a  redress  of  other  grieraoces,  diey  acknowledge 
that  they  had  been  prevailed  upon  to  consent  to  a  settlemetit 
which  tbe  country  was  unable  tb  bear*  Yet,  fiar  from  deriv- 
ing these  benefits  from  their  indiscreet  generosity,  no  mea* 
sures,  they  observed,  had  been  taken  to  Telieve  thcfm  from 
the  oppression  under  which  they  were  stJuggKfig ;  the  pub- 
lic welfare  had  been  entirely  disregarded;  the  militia  v^A 
iMglected  and  undbciplined ;  the  forte  and  batteties  had 
gone  to  decay,  and  the  stores  were  wasted  or  eihbetsded  ; 
while  his  excellency,  and  all  pereoos  in  office  miderhim^ 
were  solicitous  only  of  enriching  themselveis  by  the  spoits 
€rf*  the  people,  - 

Against  tiiese  representations  Mr.  Worsely  defended  hlim- 
self,  by  his  agents  in  London,  with  great  spirit  ^md  ability. 
He  repelled  eveiiy  charge,  and  finally  triumphed  over  his 
a<JcuseEs* .  His  success  was  principally  owing  to  the  eflco-^ 
miuins  bestowed  on  him  by  the  council  and  the  grand  jury, 
who  at  the  preceding  ^tessions  had  presented  liis  excellency 
with  a  very  flattiering  address,:  praising  the  mildness  and 
prudence  of  his  administration,  and,,  at  the  same  time,  con- 
demning the  proceedings  of  the  opposition.  Hence  let 
grand  juries  leaiti  hkotc  caution  in  the  composition  of  theit 
addresses^  siace  they  see  how  easily  their  unmeaning  pa^ 
negyrics  may  be  ttnroed  to  their  o*n  injury. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  ^51 

'  Jtfttorians  are  seldom  free  from  the  prejudices  aad  par-  CHAi>:Vtti. 
tialiti^s  of  other  men.    Influenced  by  the  spirit  of  p^rty,       ^'^^• 
the/  too  often  distort  and  pervert  the  facts  which  they  relate, 
Ifcnce^  it  is  difficult,  after  any  considerable  lapse  of  time, 
to^recoppile  the  cotttradictory  accounts  transmitted  to  us  of 
tJ^e  transactions  of  former  ages.  *  Nor  is  it  ap  easy  task-tQ 
ascertain  tlie  troth  of  the  imputations  against  Mr.  Worsley^ 
On  the  one  hand  it  is  asserted ,  that  besides  the  general  com- 
plaints contained  in  the  memorial  to  the  board  of  trade^i 
his  cxcellcficy  had  becui  guilty  of  many  particular  jact^  of 
iiv}ustice  and  oppression  on  the  merch»A<9  of  Bridge-town ;; 
ytchoi  from  the  servility  of  tJ^  council,  were  precluded  from 
tibe  jo^e^m  of  redress*.    Opposed  to  this  is  tljie  t;estimony 
of  a  contemporary  author,  to  this  e£kct:  although  Mr« 
Worsley's  pride  and  reserve  had  rendered  him  es^tremely  uqi- 
popular,  he  carefully  refiained  from  all  oi>pressive  mea^ 
sures,  and  was  not  liable  to  be.reoijovi^dop  s^y  other  pri^y 
ciple  tkm  tfiat  of  eiaaiag  the  inhabitants  of  t^  burthen- 
some  settlement  which  he  had  obtained  f.   Upon  the  whole^ 
his  excdlency's  conduct  does  Qojt  appear  to  have  ,be^,  al* 
together  unexceptionable.  .  Notwit^^st^mdii^  Jtiis  promise  to 
the  asscmUy^  on  aectptiog  the  s^ary  which  they  had  set- 
tled oa  him^  he  occafiiomdly  receiyed  several  larg?  sums; 
besides  being  paid  upwards  pf  iwo  thousand  patmds  for  the 
]:epairs  of  the  hou9e  and.  gajrdects^  at  Pilgrim;  that  very 


*  Univ.  Hist.  vq\  41.  p.  174.  f  Memoirs  pf  Barb.  p.  54. 

K  k  S 


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252  THE  HISTORY 

^!!^^^^'  house,  which  onlj  seven  years  afterwards  wasjpurckia^  by 
^7^-^*      the  legislature,  with  twenty  acres  of  land,  {ovtthiiiifien^kmr 
dred  a7idjifty  pounds*.  '■'.•.» 

The  people  of  Barbadoes  were  in  th^  highest  degfeet^is^ 
i^d^ibfied  with  the  payment  of  Mr.  Woraley's ,  salary,  whea 
the  death  of  George  I*  afforded  tbem.a  favonfabiQ  pretext^ 
as  tiiey  erroneously  thought,  of  disengaging  their  necks 
from  the  galhng  yoke.  A  time  (^popular  discQcit<mt  and 
.  ebnfnsion  is  generally  the  season  in  which  men  of  depraved 
hearts  and  wicked  designs,  tmder  the  mask  of  patriotisoi, 
1728  "distinguish  themselves  most  by  their  flagitious'  eQOtmities* 
Gelasius  Mac  Mahon,  a  turbulent  lawyer,  of  infamous,  ce- 
lebrity, and  Robert  Warren,  register  in.  ehaneen^,  and 
clerk  of  the  general  assembly^  now  appeared  the  professed 
champions  of  their  oppressed  countrymen;  whom,  with  a. 
view  to  their  private  ^emolument,  they  sought  to  embroil 
more  deeply  with  the  gdVernof. 

As  an  commissions  and  patent*  w«re  known  to  determine 
with  the  death  of  the  Kittg,  by  whom  they  were  granted, 
unless  continued  or  renewed  l^  his  successor,  these  artful 
incendiaries  pretended  that  Mr.  Worsley,  having  received 
no  new  commission  from  his  present  Majesty,  was  no  longer 
the  lawful  governor  of  the  island ;  ^nd  that  colisequently 
the  act  of  settlement  had  expired.  The  bulk  of  the 
people,  blinded  by  their  wishes  to  be  relieved  from  their 

*  Hall's  First  Settle,  of  Barb.  p.  31,  M.  S. 


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OF  BcAKfiADlQES.  253 

Irardieos^'irm^ljrafiisciited  to  ibis  doctfiiie  r  the  fallacy  of  chap^il 
\fJikhtbey  J  wore.  JincapaWc  of  perceiving,  and  permapto-      *^^^ 
riljr  refused  to  pay  their  taxes,  or  e^en  to  give  in  returns  of         \- 
tibeir  sljEives.    And  such  was  the-  inefficiency  of  the  execu* 
tive^goverament^  and 'the,  illegal  cawbii>ation  among  men 
in  potvpr  tamist .  the  adminiBtrdtioh  o£  the  law^  that  no 
fiffecttml  measures  w^e,;  nor  ooiildbe,  taiwa  to Enforce  the 
tpeaal  by  against  defienilter^  f       , 

i  The  agiftatiDii  'ofvthe  pubtic  Btindf  w^^ts  icncreas^d  to  a  cou- 
siddKaUe  degree  by  a  disdgmenaent  betvr ^Uithe  council  and 
assembly  x^oncenung  tibelexdBe' bill;  In  this  dispute^  as  in 
mpst  domestic  quarrels,  theie  ssem  to  have  been  faults  on 
both  sides;  ^  ^The  council  had  made  some  amendinents  to 
the  inU  ?wfaich;  abstractedly,  c^osidaedy  werednghly  {uroper. 
They  propo^ed^  that  all  sevnitas  to  be  made  by  virtae  of  the 
act  should  be  prosecuted  by  thetattomeyfgeneral  instead  of 
the  treasurer,  in  the  name  of  thi^ -ireaHlreii  or  such  <Aher  of- 
ficer  as  should mahethe-jscMUBeu  ^-Ch^  ^y  qoAtended.was 
absolutely  necessary ^^as  seizures  wight  sometime^bemade  by 
the  excise  waiters^  and  the  cirown  lawyers  must,  of  course,  be 
oonaulted  on  such  ocoasions.  £y  the.  bill  the  tre^isurer  and 
a\\  infeprior  officers  ;wjsre  |rinohi][>itedjfrom  receividg  any  fees  on 
the  lettering  or  icleaaring  of  vessels  under  a  forfeiture  of  five 
pounds,  recover aJ)le  hcfm^t  myjmtic^  of  the  peftfic.  To  this' 
aunuiary  mode  of  proci^edi^.  jthe  council  objected ;  and 
proposed,  that  the  pienajty  should  be  recovered  by  action 
of  debt  in  any  court  of  record.    They  renaarked^  that  on  a 

4  ~ 


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854  THE  HISTORY 

CHARVHL  tecmit  occasion,  a  similar  iqode  of  pioceediiig.  had  beaii 
17^^'  conikmned  by  the  boftrd  of  trade,  and  disapproved  bj 
liis  Majesty,  as  taking  from  the  subject  his  most  int^^ipable 
jMririlege,  the  trial  by  jury.  But  the  principal  ground  ;pfi 
contention  was  the  pn^>osal  made  by  the  XQuncil  to,  op^t 
that  clause  o£  the  bill  by  wbith  the  lower  houae  had  proh^^. 
bited  the  treasurer  fpoOL  paying  a^y  mon^  by:  iirtoe  o£ 
orders  issued  by  the  governor  and  council,  otherwise  tha^ 
on  the  address  of  the  assembly,,  for  |jt|Lyinent  of  accounts 
pieviomLy  submitted  to  their  impection  and  appsbhisAibvL 
3b  this  clauae,  their  honours  said  they  could  never  coment 
without  a  forfeiture  of  their  s|sats>  as  it  was  in  direct  viol^ 
tion  of  the  King's  instruction  to  his  repre$entati]i£e.  The 
manner  of  providing  for  the.  payment  of  the  agent's  siilary 
wm  neti  objected  to^  aa  atfordii^  the  assembly,  fi^oncr  its  Ja« 
titude  df  expression,  aa  opportunity  of  disposing  of  ios^ 
meose  sums  of  the  public  money,  under  that  pretence,  to 
persons  whom  the  eouncil  did  n0ta|)prove*4         * 

The  att^npt  of  the  council  to  alter  a  money-bill  was  evi* 
denttyaninfVuigementof  oneof  thefundamental  principlesof 
the  coturtitution,  by  which  the  right  of  granting  supptios  is 
rented  excl«isively  in  the  repneseoptatiyeB  x>f  the.peop3e% 
And  ti[ie  commons  of  England,  just^  tenacious  of  sucb  an 
inrahiable  privilege,  have  miiiformly  resisted  any  eneraach*- 

*  The  coimciPs  tessotn,  in  tuppoit  ^f  ^iietr  amendmentt,  were  ingenioiitYy  Arawo 

i4>  iMi  {mblMM4«  llicy  oit  pitnrf ed  io  tlie  <Af^iidu  to  Uk  ^^ 

% 


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mtnt  on  iheir  dghS;,  hy  imrttmAAy  (ttfiaaSaxg  nof  emeodmfisat  CH4RVJ& 
to  a  biH  d(br  MJMDg  monej  on  /the  jBiibject  by  thehwisc  of     *'*•* 

The  amendttientt  baridg,  of  icfonree,  proved^  faJtal  to  fhe 
bHl^  tht  asaiembly  pfnepaiied  a  new  drangbi,  in  idiich  thejr 
stipulated,  that  no  orders  on  the  itreasury  should  be  is^ 
sued  bf  ihB'govtamor  jfttid  cauncil  loh  any  occaaioni  not 
otbervTiJSie  protidddfor  bjr  Jai«f,  but  upon  an  addsess*  frcMa 
their  body.  This  i»^  consklered  hy  tbe  tipper  house  as  an 
infringeixient  of  their  idghts,  iatnd  the  prerogative  of  ther 
chief  magistrate;  Theyr  AhfiK&^re,  rejected  the  ibilly  ground^ 
iag  th^ic  disoe^t  OQ.tbe>iK)|rdJ  iUBtcuddon  first  givm  tb'Mru 
Grcy^  and  stnde. continued  to  erery  ;siicoeediQg  govecoor, 
"  not  to  suffiar  any  public  inoney  to  be  disposed  of  otheT'^ 
wise  than  by  warrant  under  3ais  hkhd,  ^by.  and  with  the  ad- 
vice of  bis  council  ;,,permit(ing  the  wscmbly^  nevertheless^ 
froili  time  to  tiine,  to  fe&afflhieith^  atreoiuits  of  money  to  be 
disposed  of  by  Jaws. madeby  them*/' 

Contrary  to  Ibe  letter/ and  the  spirit  of  iJusdnatruction,  the 
aasemlily  insisted  on  their  xight  to  scrutinise  all  -accounts'^ 
pfef^iovB  to  the  ^emisanm  ;of  orders  fbr  payment.  Aposte- 
xior (examination,  they  tjojatendod,  wotAd^arail  nothing;  as, 
in  case  of  abuses  in  the  public  jexpenditure,  it  wodld  be 
much  too  Jaite  to  find  .fimkiafter  the. money /ivas  golie^. 
The  council  disputed  this  claim;  contending  for  thfe  com- 
'-  —  "  i 

*Mom.3aA.  p.  55. 


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25^  THE  HISTORT 

CHAP.vni.  petence  of  their  board  to  ihinestigate^U  demands  of  apub^i 
1708.  lib  nature^  and  to/sanction  the  issciiog  of  orders  for  what- 
ever sums  they  should  think  proper,  without  any  previous 
reference  to  the  popular  branch  of  the  legislature ;  and  in 
this  they  maintained,  that  they  were  warranted  by  th^  cdti* 
staht  prkcticd  of  parhaiiient    '  ," 

Both  ^pardfes' continuing  obstinate,  a  copy  of  the  bill  was 
sent  't6  'Englaiid*  by  ttie  governor^'and,  by  his  Majesty's 
order  referred  to  the  lords  oTt^conimitteeo^f  coun- 

€iL    -Their  lordships,  after  due  consideration,  reported  to 
the  King,  **  that  by  some  ciauses  of  thel)fll,  the  assembly 
wdtild  deprive  the  governor  of  the  power,,  jgiven  hiiti  by  his  ^ 
Majesty,  to  sign  warrants  for  the  issuing  of  money,  without ' 
their  approbation  previously  obtained,  which  was  coritraryi' 
they  observed,  to  the  established  usage  of  all  his  Majesty^s 
colonies,  and  dci  ugatm y  from  "his  royal  prerogative:"  TiJ 
discourage*  sv(^fat^ttmpt9'ii(b  ill tot»^;theit  lordships  iimiiblj' 
advised  his  Majesty^t» ''si^ily  lifS  disapproblitl^ 
dfeught*, '  The  bfll  wasalcciordingry  rejected,  and  the  as- 
sembly passed  a  new  4>ne^  in  which,  they  omitted  Jlie  ex^ 
ceptiqnable  clauBjSs  i  refusing,  howeu«r^' toprovitle'^^'the 
payment  of  those  public  creditors,  whose  demands,*^  sadc- 
tidndd  b^  the  council,  had  originally  given  rise  to  the  ^dis- 
pute.    Bu4  after  a  lapse  of  several  years,  a^ubsequent  . 


i-Ui:. 


* Cftribbetnna:,  foi  ^^i.^li:  Mem.  of  Barb.  p.  57. 


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OF  bahbadoes.  257 

assembly,  having  examined  the  accounts,  consented  to  their  CHAPrviir. 
being  paid.       ^  ija^. 

.   Meanwhile,  a  general  coaUtion  was  formed  among  per- 
I  -sons  of  all  parties  to  .oppose  the  levying  of  taxes  for  paying 

\  the  salary  of  the  governor,     theyestry  of  Saint  Michael's^ 

doubting  their  authority  to  assess  the  inhabitants  of  Bridge- 
town, conformably  to  the  act  for  the  support  of  govern- 
ment,  consulted  Mr.  Blenman,  his .  Majesty's  attomey-ge- 
jieraJ;who^  with  his  usual  candour  and  integrity,  pro-, 
nounced  that  the  act  had  not  expired.  Tbjs  opinion  was 
far  from  proving  satisfactory,  Upon  cases  partially  jand  im- 
perfe^tl^  stated,  Warren  and  Mac  Mahon  had  obtained  tha 
**P*"'?P  f  ^  ^7^  eminent  English  lawyers,  much  more  agree- 
afete  to  tl|»e  views  of  the  malcontents*  ' 


^1  inre  dewfolowBed  Mr.BfeniB«iiVppink>ii,teUwi«.me  to  elucidate  the 
le^t,.^d  as  it  doe.  hafiour  to  the  memofy  of  •  nma  who«Tirtue«  and  talenU  rendered 
bim  one  of  the  brighter  onMmenti  of  hU  country.    It  1m«  been  generally  held:  at 
common  law  that  ell  patents  delennined  by  the  ^ath  of  tbe  king,  by  whom  they 
were  granted     Howew  by  the  Uatnte  7  and  8  Will.  HL  explained  by  l  Anne  ch.  8. 
all  cpmmiuions  or  itatenb  Are  made  to  continue  for  six  months  after  the  demise  Of 
the  king,  unless  superseded  in  the  mean  time  by  bismeceswr.    Newihe  gofcntor 
holding  his  place  by  virtue  of  acommission  from  tbetste  king,  and  that  nothaving 
been  renewed  byliis  present  ifajesty.  till  after  the  six  months  were  elapsed,  it  wo61d 
•eem  iea,onable-e«obgb,  taking  it^n  that  light,  to  iKfer  that  bis'atcellcBcy  had  <;eased 
to  be  goremor  at  the  expiration  of  .ix  months ;  and  consequently  that  tbe  act  was  no  - 
longer  in  force,  it  being  limited  to  the  time  that  Af.  Wonley  should  c^ntinw  to  be 
his  Majesty's «apta«,^eno«land  gomnor  in  diief ;  imd  fa  that  quality  persomilly  to 
reside  on  the  island.    But  this  ca»  rests  on  the  construction  of  the  act  referred  to. 

Ll 


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258  THE  HISTORY 

CHAF.viii.  Mr.  Woftley  finding  there  was  no  chance  of  obfaraia^ 
^'^^*  justice  by  any  ordinary  means,  presented  a  memorial  t4> 
.the  lords  commissioners  for  trade  and  plantatioasv  fairly 
stating  the  particulars  of  the  affaic>  ivith  the  doubts'that 
had  arisen  on  the  subject;  and  reqaesting  that  his  coiil- 
plaints  might  be^laid  before  the  king,  and  implofiug  his 
Majesty's  interposition.  The  memorial  was,  by  order  df 
his  Majesty^  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  attorney 
and  solicitor  general  of  Oreat  Britain.  The  repoit  of  these 
crown  lawyers,  which  may  be  seen  at  length  m  the  Carib- 
beanna,  decided  the  point  in  favour  of  the  governor,  and 
corresponded  in  every  particular  with  that  delivered  by 
Blenman.  '  *     ' 

1731,  This  decision,  it  was  thought,  would  have  removed  every 

doubt:  but  although  these  opinions  were  immediatly  made 
known,,  the  popular  delusion  was  still  kept  up  by  the  agency 
of  evil  minded  persons;  and  people  of  the  first  rank  and 
distinction  determined  to  oppose  the  execution  of  that  law, 
to  which,  in  their  legislative  capacities,  they  had  given 


,  Xh^  iotentioi^  of  the  law  wts  to  make  a  sQiUUeproroion  lor  bis  excellency  at  loBg  as 
be  should  coiUinue  in  his^ofemment;  and,  since  the  king,  in  a  legal  understanding 
neves  dies,  it  seems  ckar:  that  these  words  do  not  conSae  the  provision  ftnrtfae  gof^* 
Bte*  to  that  reign  only ;  but  that  tbey  take  in  the  whole  time  of  his  resideoee  bene  at 
^bkf  magistrate*  Now  as  Mn  Woisl<y  hat  continued  to  reside  in  the  Mand,  ever 
since  bis  first  arrival,,  in  qualify  4jf  commander  in  chief,  it  follows  that  the  act  for  sop* 
porting  the  honour  and  dignity  of  government  it  lK>tdetcrmined/'---Firfe  GartMtaniMi 
vol.  \. p.  40. 


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r 


oy  BAB]aiAix>i;s.  i&si 

fJf^Tmftf^fiJ^    ^fja^y  )i^  refilled  to  give  in  the,  nuo^r  ^^JJ^J^JJJ^ 
9^»^ft??/P^  wjw^n  the  tax  w£M&  to  be  paid,  and  as  many      ^'^^«- 
ah^ng^  ,^f  p^pp^i^ty  had  been  effected 9  it  was  de^ed  im*, 

.pi¥|ct|^al^<e  t9  recpver  the  arrears  by  apy  leg^l  process.  At 
If^^tliij  tfred  Tjrith  a  tedious  contentioi),  to  which  there  seem^-^ 
^  Q9;pf!?^|^ct  of  an  axQi^able  or, avicqessful, termination^ 

vMy.  ^''orfiley  resigned  the  government  and  returned  to    s#pt.ai. 

\  ypoi)  ^r-  Wofstey's  departure  tljie, government  devolved 
9n  SftnHiel  Berwick,  president  of  the  council.    The  acces- 

.  %)Qn  of^  this  gentlefip^B  produced  no  changp  in  tKe  temper  of 
lj|iSfC<^nt^ym^n«  The  gloom  pf  discontent  still  loured  ovef 
the  politiqal  hQipi^oA.  Mr.  Barwiclc  had,  indeed,  reod^r^ 
himself  pb^noxious  to  the  demagogues  of  the  popular  ]^tj 
by  thQ  pnfdent  submission  to  the  Kw,  respecting  the  salary 
of  the  ^vf  rnor,  if  hicl^  he  both  prao,ti^d  and  recommended. 

.  C{i]f  the  fk^t  m^ing  of  the  legislature,  the  president  toolf  November?, 
the  ,9Cpiisian  of  addressing  them  colljectively  to  remark,  that, 
psth^y  hftd  tlje  h^ppinesa  of  enjgying  the  jwotection  of  one 
of  the  best  of  princes,  who,  among  his  other  royal  virtuiea, 
Fps  particularly*  atterttive  to  the  welfare  of  his  colojxies, 
it  W95  their  bounden  duly  to  shew  themselves  worthy  of  his 
p^teFnal  care,  by^au  iaiplicit  obedi^ce  to  bis  commands* 
Tlie  aniMtal  exciae  biU  faaA  ing  le^pkedi  his  honour  suggested 
to  the  assembly  the  ftfcfce*$ity  ^  preparitig  a  nev  &M  irith* 
out  loss  of  time;  and  to  obviate  as  much  as  possible  uny 
^Iteration,  lie  recommended  that  they  would  frame  the  biU 

l\  2 


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i60  THt  HISTORY 

^SS2?  oA'trufe  constitutional  principles,  and  make  the  mo©ey  ap-; 
^^^*^  plicable  onljr  to  the  support  of  government.  He  next  ad** 
verted  to  the  ruined  stale  of  the  fortifications/  sufaobitt&g 
to  the  representatives  of  the  people  the  propriety  of  makti^ 
some  eflfectual  pf6ti«i6tffor  thftir  repair.  \Thdy  ou^hl^«D*;i 
Me  saidj  to^sSirfer  the  hfei^shipi^<if  ^hifelt  they  complafa»i  JOi 
irtjfpede  this  n'Wess&ry  btiiirieiss,.  ki^^thiej  were  hot  thtttf'*tfl»q 
ject^tt  anfy  etbel*  id)jk>sitioiis  oil  their  produce  thaa;i-sti«&^W^ 
tl«fy  Bad  ftbtfj^' nearfy  iw  He  dontliided'U^iiki 

ssSUrihg  both^housesr  of  his  fedditiesd'tb  concur^  in^ttitj  UAetx^ 
sure  tha*  should  be  ^oposed  for  the  ireiE^l  honour  and  i^J 
tfertest  of  the  coantry^  eonsistetot  with  the  royal  itistrui^ionk- 
A&dy  as  it  was  impoesible  to  succeed  in  any  iiseful'  uiideiru.' 
taking,  without  a  perfect  ttnion  among  themselves,  he^ in-, 
dulged  the  pleasing  hope  of  finding  the  most  cordial  unanir*^. 
mity  in  the  ptiMic  councils. .   As  they  were^aK  eqaalTy  in** 
terested  in  the  welfare  of  the  country ^  it  was  not  likely,  lie 
said^  tha»^ey  should  disagree  as  to  the  meao^  cf  promote 
tog  ity  if  all  wepe  actuated  by  the  same  giNieKms  and  patriotic 
spirited  principles*  .         . 

,  Tlie  coaacil  presented  a  poHte  and  respectftil  address  (a 
the  president,  whioh^  as  usual,  was  liltle^nrore  than  an  echo 
of  the  speech.  Bat  his  honour's  loyai  and  exalted  senti- 
ments made  no  impression  on  the^aembers  of  the  assembly* 
Such  was  the  ill  humour  which  prevailed  iu  that  house,  that 
they  would  not  ev«i  observe  the  comiaon  civility  of  ad- 
dressing the  chair,  nor  would  they  ccosept  to  make  any 
6 


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OF  BARBADOES.  361 

pibvii^ipiir  for  Mr*  Barmck'^  suppcwt  duriog  his  admimstra»  ^5^^3^S^ 

ti6B....-'(t.'  i      •  :•      .  •,  .         ..  »'»•' 

,MTbe.lH>use.of  assenibly,  at  this 'periodv  appear  to  have 
Ijkpoikebiiwelj^  Fesigaed'  to  th«  will  of  th^iii  speaker,:  the-. 
Ijwwmrtjile  ^ettyy  P^em^  a  artan,  aqiJ^ilKKi^i  J^oWiflot^gUr-- 
iog 'a«4  viqdi<3tiy«j  Un^^r  the  influ!^w:e,pf  ^8Rl©i|d^rjjtl|^: 
pfOeeo^idgs  of  the  assembly  a68y«ne4.'{«i,.<?bwacte^ 
g«sh$d  by,  ah  mtf^y^  tJiiiHt  giipfimrv  wii^ttimJll jr jnjftr 
ni^liilg  it80lif  by ^croaqlwaapt^^a  tjte?£^liPliOt^tipr^,  4^  tl^. 

a»9f»,^%.fi/9t'terapt  ^  r*fe^artrti<¥%l  «?r*^  J^^^^ 
takvftt.  awl  in  aft^^u|>^:to -mJf^I^ tkw, pfiyitegfis  of  the  camr? 
cat!    Notwth«»ii<ii8g*  Iji^M^^lJjfe'fi^^ia^pr^fe^ioirt  of<;th9i 
h[tsk^H.c'He\ki\h  the  ft>sf«»feb^fag»iife'^||«8^;^§.»i»esp<?§BA. 
sfeiliitional  cootroul  over  Idiiie  -piibJicj^kfelifSfiin^t^j ^hioj^  fcjS4j 
been  pereinptority  denied  thesa.  tb«s^(^^arf>befpFei. '  loSt^, 
enced  by  the  BanHasentiaients  .whiiifohe^ioptMAerf  »<Hhith^ 
on  thB  iwteterft)CGasiou,vthe:  Gouocsty^ctfed^^^         whiphi 
TTas  nowisOTtTflqfwftffc/tiiew^  conG«n»a<ie;    The  '^]^^^i!how 
ev«rv  was  ao*j  «*£*hii^  tioie^  x^jnfiiied'.  to  Jfcbe :  privileges'  of. 
either  branch  06  the  legislature.    An  additional  topicy  ofi  a 
different  comptexHMV  wasikKw  ftarted  byithe  piesident..i 

It  will  doubUesc  bftreinemb^vedv'tfaat  vrheo  the  Duke ^t  nsi. 
Portls^d  vuited  Barbadoea)  president  Ck»  had  incurFcd  a> 
corisiderable  expense  by  entertaining  hi»;  noble  guest  and; 
his  suite;  for  which  he.  had  been.xeiiBixused  by  two  <M'dei» . 
on  the  treasury  for  cight>hundred  and  tc©  pounds*  The  e%m 
hausted state  of  the  puWic; coflfers  rendering  th«.  payment. 


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y 


26e  TH£  UiSTCmY 

^^AVATM  «£the  money  aotnewlmt  nsfttrt^itt*  Mr.  Cox«  foi;lHe^a(;coBi» 

I7S8;      modatioa  pf  Sandford,  the  treasurer,  transferred  the  orders 

.to  hiiDy  aadtook:  Jai»  ^(e«^nal  security  foti  tjbe .  paouot. 

These  odters  wene-  ngulatly  eltorgf d  by  t}^,  ti^aa^ivpr,  ,^  if, 

the  mooieg^iia^  Ixtea  paidt  »iMl:weie  s^tM  by  tlm  efm4 

jntttee-  of  public  aocoantsi. .  He  htid^  .nevertheleas^  <P>it^ 

,!bo|MLyCos;  wbor  as.  we  have  aAre«dy  aeeov  bitd  ^e.to 

ituateoqa,  where  he 4i«4,  leaving  Mfu  Pe)n»«  the  ^o^ki^iif^ 

:tiM  aMembVjr,  ta  whomvho  owed  s  cemuderaUQ  aiiim^  jhija 

enfteitlWP^    Saqdford,  having;  proved  iaaoivent)  rfSfi  mjfffi^ 

ffued  by  hi9  djeditocs ;  and  as  tfaeie,  was  no  chaneejof  col* 

.letting  tHut  moncTf;  doe  from  him  to  Cox's  estate,  Pjeers  ^|4 

.BignafU  his  two  si^cihties,  anxiow  to  providi^  jfbif  t|i<<ir 

. ift'Wti  saffe^y  pfemki^oa; the o^eqiuoos  aasem^y  .^ ^^f t 

a  daHseio  the  exciae*b)llf  diiecting,  the.  fa.yf9^f4'  of  t^te^ 

<rery  orckts  to  Cox's  representatives,  vHiticb  .ha4  ^^'^^  4^" 

.  4K)fWited  nine  years  IMbxe  with  the  late  treasDn^,.,    Happv^ 

the  presidiQnt  discoverod  the  impositioo,  and  esplaine^  it 

,  to  tivs  oonncily  in  time  to  fhuti^te  the  fieaiidukuiit  d^ign. 

Thougjh  Mr.  Barwick,  in  this  instance,  acted,  as  bec^nK; 
; a  faitbfal  guafdian of  the, people,  bis  uprightcondnct  irri- 
tated tbe  itunds  of  those  whose  malversation.. be  bad  de- 
.  leeted,  and  pnpvoked  a  torrent  of  illiberal  imactive  from 
:Mr<  Bi^stl],.  in  the  hpuseof  assonbly^  co  a  speeebnapk^ 
with  the  meet  ftcrtmonicas  expressions.    A  committee  of 
conncil  was  appointed  to  make  a  minute  enquiry  inio  the 
circuoislances  of' tiiis  transaction,  and  had  drawn  up  tbeir 

4 


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import  emthcBulagwrt,  tw*  Ae%n$^-rf  Lc»d  Mowe,  in  the  *0*t^-^niL 
iteteJ^rfl,  'Gt>ening  a*e*r  tfcetafe of  pofitios  tefjdtk  parties,  the     ^^•^^ 
aflfeir  was  compromised,  and  aH  .preftonsiem  *o  tbe  money  in 
^aestion  given  up*. 

^  ^e^sembly,  for  Hbe  dispadcAi  t«f  fiublic  ^u«ii^eM,  liad 
tiedti  emitted  to  adjourti  theras^ilw^^AsalJe  4m  ^fUem;  but, 
iCteth^y  fiiensisted  inlr^fusing  to  pans  an^excBe4MH,  ^eirdOi 
-the  obje€tion&  to  which  tlife  iast'wtis  UaMc;,  ilh«  fHrtisAd^it, 
Ibearhrg  tifitt  tthey  were  {irocotsAkig'  to  dtb«r  4»aiit»ew^  mmtt 
tht  :provd8t  marshal  to  adjotira  1^  hoitM  to  «'  'fatitro  dttgr,. 
4Qtiei]idi(]g,  hi  the  m^n  iiifie,  to  ^dks^^  it  iiy  prodanm- 
iaMii  The  inatshali  instead  of  waiting  till  the  house  had 
kai,  cdtomrwic^ated  his  errand  %o  Warren,  the  cleA^  irha 
immediately  ilew  toihe  diflferettt  members  with  the  ioCtelK^ 
gehfce.  Determined  not  to  relinqui*  their  scheme,  they 
privately  assembled  at  the  t^tore  of  Othniel  Haggat,  mem- 
ber of 'council,  where  they  proceeded  oa  the  busmess  in 
hand,  and  cotttinaed  thdr  illegal  sittings,  without  any  re^ 
gard  to  the  nuttiority  of  the  chief  magistrate,  until  their 
place  of  rendezvous  being,  at  length,  discovered,  they  were 
adjourned  by  the  president's  wder.  His  honour  soon  tffter 
-dissolved  the  house,  and  i«Bued  writs  for  a  new  felecJtion,. 

Nor  were  these  the  only  discorders  and  irpegularities  whioh 
the  annals .  of  this  period  afibvd.     A  few  bold,  turbUletit^ 

I'        '  ■  '■     >  ' ' '       ' '    • 


\ 


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964  THE  HISTORY 

«R^.yiu.Jiceiitioiu  men,  sssumed  a*  domiiieering  influence  ovei* 
J792.     '«^^j;depaitmeiit^f  the  state;  andy  witb  democmtic  inr 
soteBoe^  obstructed  tke  legal  ekercise  of  the  executive  kti- 
tbority, 

Mr.  B«nnett,  a  gentleman  qf  respectability,  bail  'Com- 
menced an  action  against  Doctor  "Warren,  for  the-recovei^ 
•^■a'plantatkiQ;'  and  the  defendant,  to  impede  his  advert 
«ary$  piK>c«6ding&,  had4«moved  the  cause,'  by  a  bill  of  in- 
junction,  into  the  court  of  chancery.  In  the!  pttjgress  dF 
the  suit,  an  -attachment  had  been  issued  against  Bennett, 
Jot  an  imputed  contempt  of  the  court  j  bat,  as  it  was  Hien 
likely  that  the  afiair  would  be  compromised,  the  writ  Was 
aiBTer  executed.  After'  an  interval  of  "nine  mo»ths,'  wh^ 
sdl  prospect  of  an  amicable  adjustment  of  the  tauseof 
litigation  had  disappeared,  Mac  Mihon,  the  advoc»te  iii 
this  suit,  without  any  order  from  the  court  of  chancery, 
which  was.  not  then  sitting,  obtaihed  from  Warren's  brother, 
tJie.iflgiater  of  the  courti  a  second  attachment,  directing 
4he  etijeant  at  arms  to  take  Mr.  JBennett  into  custody.  The 
Offder  was  instantly  oJI>eyed,  and  the  man  conveyed  to 
prwon,,  though  l>e  offered  sufficient  baS  ^fiarhis  appearance, 
wlv^ei^cr  it  should  be  required.  UufbitUnately  for  the 
Ijrieonpr,  the  court  of  chanceiy  vas  prevented  from  sitting 
«n  ,tb^  4ay  in  course ;  and  a&itsad|ouinuneBts  were  monthly, 
it  seemed  probable  that  his .  incarceration  would  be  pro- 
tracted to  an  unreasonable.length.  He  therefore  petitioned 
Mr.  Barwick  to  interpose  his  authority,  as  chancellor,  and 


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iu^asfA^gA,  pMiuNiaced  the  tvlkolie  trttMaetian  ^  be  ii<t«gulttr     ^^'^• 
ami  iltoga};  »nd^  a8>B^ntiM«t  was'  not  eomteitted  bj(»rd«p 
^  <li«  court,    iAm   learned  gen^ia^n  mconiin««Je<l  tlie^ 
pqemdttU  to  4ii-«et  a*  sopersedeas  to  be  isssvad  ^  bi^ 
libfiMttWA^  '        -"' ' ' 

^tHw  n«G«M(ary  onrdflnra  w^ere  aceordia^y  given,  Iw^t  i*» 
wgister,  who-  iwad  not  hesitated  o^i  the  autb«r»aedIwppM«ii- 
tion  ©f  bis  l>rotJ^'&  cowwel,  td  issue  a  Writ  for  confiuin^ 
Bemaetli,  sttddOTfyv  became  se  te»aciou»  of  his  d^ity,  tha* 
3|e,  peremptorily  refused  to  obey  the  president's '  order  fdflu^ 
rf^as^  ^egiug  that  the  chanceltor.  had  no-  iiuth^jdiiy* 
«9lf;of  qpjjit  to  direct  a  8ttperscdeft&  As  Bennett  ha<f 
not ;  beep  '^prermitted'  fer  actael  oontempt,  but  laerely  to> 
ati8n>^  the  imfrataAiou,  bis-isouBsel  eaeHta^d  thfrt  fie  Waa^ 
entitled  tp  baif,  but  the  sei^nt  at  anna  pertinacioosPf 
refn*^  to  Jt«ke  security  for  his  appearance  in  court.  '  ' 

At  the  €ii4  !st$\  Ihree  woekip,  during  which  he  h&d  laitf  in 
t|»oonEM?a©Bgaoli,Bf9«kf*t!pe^>0i»ed  tb«>  IfonouWkWe.Ran:'^ 
c^s  yi^jighao,  dm^  'y&Sg^<9i.  aicoMrt  of"  coantton  pieaa^  tt^ 
B.^^in^^^'fifikM^wmf^-^'f^yJ^^  j)ittde»«Jy  coowAed^ 
%i  i^to^f!afcg»WI»^  irboti-with-  characteristic  catt^.' 
dQ«|i;^fH^iii||m«i^]9i^t»  M  opinio*  «« l^^ig***-  If  <**<^ 
^i;^?flJ99{ii^^J|?^li'jl»ken;-ii5iiby  an  order  of  the  court  of 
c]^aflc^,i,lift^#Wt(te^ii;tlittt  the  judge  would  have  no 
■j^yr^x-po  iuiififi<^f^}'iOb3L  tUe mother  hand,,  if  die  court  didl, 
irot  direct^tbe  process  upon  which  fae  had  Jbopa  arimled^t- 

Mm 


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sea  Tim  msTOBs* 

^^A^^-  th^  learned  barrister  insistod,  be  might  bejc^atty  cUftcihargisd. 
'"23.  An(},  as,  upon  a  review  of  *the  whole  proceedings^  itdid> 
not  app^a^  that  Uie  court  of  chancery  was  a^  all  qoojcernedt 
m  the  oommitoient,  Mr.  Blenmaa  thought  the  judge  wi^ulidt 
nct\  4nt^ife)Qe  wi^th;  the  jurisdiction  of  that  tribunal, by  4i/i-) 
^  chfurgiqg  the  prisoner.  In  pursuance  of  this  advice*  3en*-. 
nett,:i^^.Ub9raled,  .by  virtue  of  a  writ  of  babias  aarpw^ 
Plx>volj^ed  at  |»aying,  the  yictim  thus  rescued  firom  theirs 
ia^gs,  Warren's .  party  xiot  only  a^ysed  Bennett  and  hiet^ 
counsel,  in  the  mo&t  outrageous  manner,  but  Mac  Mahon^ 
n^ore  violent  than  the  rest,  insulted  and^  even  ch^Vr 
len^pd  the  chief  justice.  For.  this  flagrant  o^tragp  h^ 
vffi  indicted  at  the  next  court  pf  grand  ae9sion^^g)jd..SKa;^, 
cpnvicted  of  the  offence ;  but,  from  the  faulty  cons^tatipfi., 
of  our  criminfd  judicature,  an^  his.  influeqf:e,  ov^r  the. 
bench,' he  escaped  wit^.  impunity*;  or,  at  mo^t,  with.«^ 
moderate  ^ne.  .     .  .■   , 

.These  abuses  ^uul  disqr^ens  in  the  ad0^^ist]^tioQ.  of 
gpyerpment,  were  not  the  only  evils  under  which  the  Bar- 
badian laboured.  The  decay  of  commerce^  and  the  der 
cline  of  agricultvire)  were,  ills, most  ^emihly  fiplt  aud  lci(lidl)^f 
.  c^XDplaioed  ot  The  onerous  imposts  on  their^staple  pi;odif  f  ts 
were  rendered  more  oppressive  by  t^eg^treme  rigour  wit^^ 


J) 


♦  Caribbeanna,  rol.  1,  p.  259  and  302.    This  flagitioui  character  was  a  peraoii  of 
coDsiaerable  property,  owtoer  of  Locust  Hall  J)lantatio« ;  a  lawy^  by  i>fofes^ion,'  'antf 


a  nembcr  of  the  general  assembly.  n 


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6F  BARfiAlJdfes.         .  s^ 

wh&tlf  tb«y  wene^xaeied';  partietttiriy  the  duty  otf  ifd^ai*;  cniApJ^. 
.^liich  n^d!)  aetotflty  paid  on  the -wood  af  which  the  e^skV  ^'"• 
^e»«f  mode.  Bbt^ tfie  ihjttfy  t)f  whicti  the  Barbadians  itfoM- 
^ieUn^  most,'  was-  -occasioned'  bf  the  pcitiiission  given'  ^^' 
6¥«at  Britain  to  Iteland,'  dad  hef  North  American  coioni^;' 
of  iinportitig  sugar,  mttt,  and '  molasses,  Itbhi  'the  iJPi^hdk 
aiMliIKitch  «ett)emen(2).  I^e  adventuten  of'«bOse-'{>ta(^^)'^ 
ftfeelfrom  tke'heary  duti^'on-dxjfbbrtatloB.'tOTirhich  ^SWiJ 
dhant»  of  Barbadoes  wei^  liable;  had'  not  only  dbtkined  a^ 
defticTed  adt4ntage  over  the  Bicitish  on  the  cohtinent'of* 
ESirbpe'j  tHey  were  enabled  to  uhder^U  them  in  their  iiiVii' 
tilizirlcetsj  hi'tHe'Afliericair  provinces;  wlberidethey  riecM^di' 
itf  ^kthiangei  every  tnfticle  Tfeqniffed  tor  the  linpport  aiiict  ithX' 
jfttivenieht  of -their  ^knlatioro;  Th^^reiifeh.'ttnlabqttainted' 
v^ith  ike  principles  of  distillktion^  ftrmishe^  the  Aiheticknit^ 
widi'iconstd^i^ble  qhantities  of  molasses;  fbi'  the  Support' 
of  their  distilleries,  which,  but  for  that  intercottrse,  mult' 
have  beeh  thrown  away.  Heiicfe  the '  cdtt^mptidii  of  Wfe«t 
Iddian  lipfhits  was  materially  lessebed  'oA'  Hhe  Ameiickii  * 
continent,  to  the  manifest  injury  of  ihe  ^ilahtelPS  of  Bit^' 
baddei^, '  With  whoni  ram  was  an  mipdrtant  staJHe.  >    *  > 

^Vtfcf6r  cikuirtfetaneefe  so  d^ressifa^fo  th*  cibhito^^ 
iWd  ajgtilcuUtirai^  intei^ts  of  the  'itdiintr^,'  ijke  "Bki^kdUr^' 
concurred  in.- an  humble  petition  to  the  throne,  in  which, 
after  a  pathetic  enumemtion  of  the  grievances  and  oppi^e^- 
uon  tQ  whic^  thejhad  long  ;P^:4«;^Uy  sufewt^edk  t^ 


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^68  .  THE  MISTOKir 

1732.  fidolassesy  into  Irelan4»  «r  the  iAligl6>Aa(tenoaii  t^vinces^ 
should  be  prc^bited»  volesfi  {^e^idMUl  beea  ipfcndcMtslir 
kioded  io-IktglaRd^  or  n(mdeilittbl)3:tocuQbvdMtids.asoiADiM 
put  t]iem.oi>  -ft  ^ii«i 'Vnth  ^  ipcftdttdkMi&iaf  .tfaeBidlsk 
0ok>B)es.  jTbe  itrpth  of  libQse:4^ni|>l«i^ 
of  Uae  di»inaiL(i^  indwsli  «£D«Bap«nied  ibhtstev  aoa«L:  Km  >  Um 
frwakepod  t^  i^^ticMa4;(af'-tjb^  Britidi  ip^isti|r>.,  •tbcKigfaL 

D«c«inber.  ,  ;^^nwbaQ»:  ^  the  ^^y  a ji^iofewi^or -ibe  meetujg.'of'tbe 
i  Dew  aase^ttbl}?,  tiiie  pretMdoEkt^  focdatg  pfe«eated:by  ill  ihhdtii 
£mm  ;geung  to  £ridge«<rown, .  vas  tuider  ibe  fie^esfiitjf  lofr-De^ 
ceiviag.  tiie  other  branches  of  the  i^»hit9U)e  «jt .  trfmeaitiec 
^laotaetioo.  Hts.hoiKmr  (^nsaiu^d  the  Be8Stfkq'witi»&^^^ 
in  whioh^  altor  descaoting  on  Uie  usual  to{jio«>  he  ^laMd» 
that  in  diesi^ving  the  last  assembly,,  he  had  beea  indi^^ed. 
by  ao.Qthejr  CQoaidm«itioa  than  that  of  #fib£ding.t|to  hojose 
an  opportunity  of  passing  aitexcBse  bill  with  consistency,;^ 
whiciv  he  obs^^ved,  the  public  scrvios  requi^ad, should. be 
done  without  delaj.  He  c^oncluded  with  an  j^susaBce^ 
jUiataskNog  as.  he  lived,^  wbich>  io  all  pirob^^lit$,_^;quld. 
AOt  be  loDg).  the  psospeFity  ei*  his  country  i^oqld  IsMg  t^ 
first  wish  of  hia  heact.  These  wGsds  seem  to.  ^ve..bf«9 
uttered  with  a  pct^thetic  i^tnt.  He  sAunuvad  .tbe,patiie^ 
^eclaj»ti«a  Iktle  mpce  thaa  a,  week ;  J^  died.^oa  ikeSM 


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v^^i  Wha^e»er  *«ilte'  tke  t#i€(|e*ife* >«)^  ^itjfv  <ft  the  fw»*ew- 

'  'nittMm^.c£<hiaf)iotttiC8l  oppo&eilts^  may  )mv€  4tnptifted  ^  Ht. 

^  Mmn\'kk, ins  ipfdoitic  cotidu^  if  Wi  ktiof  rniy  ^fh  ^e  ^tU 

w^mf  mi  mn  laalkMruQfi.ii]*  lowb  !liiii»s,  A^tt4  4V«e  fMm  «My 

it^fawito  9iain.  tiibadMttiiiitrittiWi  W2toHlis«klg«itoli^%  ^i^t^ 

^^4atefy^  OB  fhe:s<nmd«S8  6f  fa»i)wli'j«dg(»^fi^^^  h^  cotmhofiTy 
endeavoured  to  render  his  good  intentions  «W*tie  ^effi^ttotl*^, 

'   bjr.  the  advice  of  others ;  and  was  implicitly  guided  by  the 
counsel  of  those  in   whose  integrity  and  superior  under- 
standing he  knew  that  he  could  place  the  utmost  confidence. 
It  was  his  felicity  to  perform   the  duties  of  his  high  sta-    * 
tioHy  without  blame,  to  the  satis&ction  of  the  candid  and 
impartial,  and  to  the  utter  disappointment  of  hisenemies^. 
In  all  cases  of  diflSculty,  he  resorted  to  the  attomey-general>> 
BlenmJEiri,  for  Assistance ;  happy  in  having  a  friend  of  siich 
probity  and  talents  to  solve  his  doubts  and  confirm  Ws. 
honest  purposes;  and  yet  more  happy  in  the  sagacity,  and 
humility  With  which  he  av&iled  himself  of  an  advantage 
so  inestimable. 

The  death  of  Mr;  Barwick  placed  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment in  the  hands  of  the  Honourable  JamesDotin^  This 
gentleman  seems  to  have  possessed  a  much  greater  portion 

*  Caribbeannay  Tol,  h  p«  102». 


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3Ta 


THEr^SrORY 


CHAP.yiiL  of  the  esteem  of  the  assembly  than  had  fallen  to  the  lot  of 
1735.  his  predecessor.  They  voted  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  to  prepare  for  his  reception  at  Pilgrim,  and  a  pre- 
sent of  five  hundred  pounds  to  provide  for  his  accommo- 
dation during  his  tesidei^f  t^ererj)  Whatever  might  have 
been  the  talents  or  virtues  which  procured  him  these  marks 
of  distinction,  he  had  very  little  opportipa^^y  .  tQ^ 
them.  He  was  quickly  superadd  by  the  an^v^  jof^  ^-^^ 
Viscount  Howe,  who  had  beea  ^pppioted  to,,  ^tbo^  ff>^»fip^ 
inent  of  Barbadoest  v .  -.  ^      v.  .— 


I ' 


^  V 


i   j:  > 


;     .:    »  .    /'.. 


;ir.  ' 


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o^Miaiiiiyois.  m 


CHAP.  IX. 

CORD    H0W£'8    POPULAR     ADHINI8TRATI0N — PATMENT    OF     HIU 
^  ^ORSLET^S  f  ALAKT  ENTORCED— ESTABLISHMENT  OP  A  PRESS—*,. 
'  XCRDER  COMHitTED   BT  iiAt?  MAHON^— -DEATH  OF  LORD  HOWE 
— PRESIDEKCr    OF    MR.    DOTIK — MACX     HAJftON^S    TRIAL — ^AR- 
RIVAL OF  OOYERKORBTKG-^D  ISP  UTES  BETWEEN  THE  GOVERNOR 

AND  THE  ASSEMBLY — DEATH  OF  MR.  B7NG LEGISLATIVE  PRO-» 

CEEDINGS. 

I 

On  the  first  meeting  of  the  legislature,  Lord  Howe  ad-  chap.  k. 
dressed  the  council  and  assembly  in  a  plain  respectful  speech* 
He  regretted  that  the  arrangement  of  his  private  concerns 
had  detained  him  much  longer  in  £nglatid,  after,  being 
honoured  with  his  Majesty's  commands  to  take  upon  him 
-the  government  of  the  island,,  than  he  expected.  But  her 
assured  them»  that  he  had  endeavoured  to  make  his  absence 
useful  to  the  colony,  by  employing  himself,  during  that 
interval,  in  representing  to  the  ministry  the  many  hard- 
shipa  and  disadvantages  under  whjich  the  trade  la|>oured  ; 
and  in  soliciting  a  redress  of  their  grievances;  luid  he 
:was  happy  in  bringing  with  him  the  glad  tidings  of  ar 
speedy  and  effectual  relief  intended  for  them  by  the  King 


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c^H^^x.  anjd  his  padiament.  Turning  to  the  awcmbly,  he  ohBewed, 
^^^^*  that  although  it  had  beea  usual  with  former  .gowmofs'  to 
issue  writs,  on  their  arrival,  for  a  new  election,  theconfideoCQ 
which  he  had  in  their  wisdom  and  zeal  for  the  public  wel- 
fare, together  with  his  deare^i^i?  givmg  every  possible  dii- 
patch  to  business,  had  induced  hina  to  depart  from  thta 
custom ;  sDdj  vith  Ou  view  tQ,  pom  p«rsQB»l  e^m^  h^  hai 
prQft«€4,tbe^r.ipei6rt«ig  oa  tiuLdaj.  tfi  irfiich  they  atqod  a4- 
JQVi^Pfd^  Qp  (o^i^ed.tjgyto^  th^  h^had^  reeved  ordors 
frQ{p.iH§it]Vd^jesjt$  t%  1^  be£ve  t^^ewbu  stiMfxal  »fil7uotk^ 

island^;  vwhii^  al- ^pn^MFlMftm,  .^kMJ«t itt  tfoMMTWimcatod         y 
to  ;th^in«    There  was  oiie,  however,  which,  as  it  €eftc*nied 
himself  he  should  i^amediately  subniit  te  their  considera^- 
tioiT,  without  any  <ioxnmeHt  bf  his  oVn.    IVofessing  to  have 
ricrt^ing  uearer  to  his  hdartthan  the  prosperity  of  the  conn- 
try,  he  declared,  that  iticy ination,  as  wett  as  obedience  to  his 
«overeign*i5  cJommands,  wbuVd  impel  him  to  use  his  best  en- 
deavourg  to  'restore  the  tradfc  of  the  islknd  to  its  former 
tfourishiag  condition.     To  render  eflbctttal  hi^  Majesty-*' 
gracious  inteotion  towards  them,  he  urged  xmanimity  and' 
conco]^  among  thems^es*;  a  constant  atte^ndance  on  the 
ditties  of  their  several  stations ;  and  a  perfect  union^  in  the 
pursuit  of  iBuch  objects  as  were  connected  with  tiie  general 
welfare ;  promising,  on  his  part,  that  hi;  would  contribtrte 
«very  ^ing  in  his  power  to  effectuates  a  propitious-  chan^^ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  273 

tn  their  aftum.    He  'eondudfd  vitih  diclariog  bis  readiness  ^JJiJ!;J3" 
to  comply  with  anj  request,  or  to  acquiesce  in  any  propo-      ^753. 
sal  finr  tibe  advantage  and  benefit  of  the  iphabitants  of  the 
nkuML 

^Diis  speech  made  a  powerful  impresuon  on  the  public 
mindi  The  people  of  Barbadoes^  ever  credufous,  and  ea- 
sily <deGeived  by  those  who  find  it  contenient  to  flatter  their 
vaoDty,  or  sooth  their  expectations  with  speck>u»  professions^ 
listened  with  admiration,  and  complacenfey  ta  his  lordship's 
patriotfc  seiiliraents  and  polite  expressions  of  regard. 
That -they  might  not,  by  any  vnreaso&able  parstmody,  ob*- 
stmot  ihe  tide  «f  pirosperity  w^eh  now  seemed  ready  to 
Hov  into  (their  boscMtns,  the  assembly  generously  settled  the 
sunkof '^Mir  thousand  pounds  sterling  annually  on  his  !ord> 
ship,  to  support' the  dignity  of  his  goremment :  no  Irifitng 
aum,  if.  iMtakehito  considaratioia  the  eireumstances  of 
the  eountey  at  that  period,  when  sAgars^^'d  for  only  ten  or 
twejife  shillings  sterling  the  hundred  weiglit.  Ncmt  had  the 
Barbadians  the  smallest  cause '  to  regret  their  liberality  oA 
this  ocoaukm.  Itofd  Howe  was  generous  to  profusiott,  and 
by  his.  m««fficea«e  nsfileaished  the  streams  whkb  supported 
the  mg^va,  of.  his  .<catafaii8hi&e»t  Thrattgh  Che  Whdl^  of  his 
adQiini9tratM%  he  iiurariabiy^  acted  vp6a  the  purest^  pritt* 
cipleaof  ■i0iBL.aadip<Aitai8al.Mctitude:  a  conduct,  whic& 
leadered.hiv.goviermiieM'as'hdiMmraMe  t6  hhnself  as  it  was 
ka^y  tp^the.peopta  i)vee  i^hoin  he  presided. 

The  genoial  satisibctioii'  which  this  amiable  noblettan's 

N  n 


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274  THE  HISTORY 

^v!!^i^^  accession  had  difTused  throughout  the  communityy  soon  ex- 
^^^^'  perienced  a  temporary  interruption  by  the  reviral  of  the 
disputes  concerning  the  payment  of  the  lai^  balance  due 
to  the  late  governor  Worsley.  That  gentleman,  on  his  re- 
turn to  England,  had  not  been  forgetAil  of  the  injustice 
with  which  he  had  been  treated  in  Barbadoes.  He  pre- 
sented a  memorial  to  the  King,  stating  the  particulars  of 
his  demand,  with  the  grounds  on  which  the  payment  of 
his  salary  had  been  refused ;  and  praying  that  his  Majesty 
would  be  pleased  to  direct  such  measures  to  be  pursued 
for  his  relief  as  the  nature  of  the  case  might  require  and 
admit.  This  request  was  so  reasonable^  that  the  King,  in 
council,  on  the  twenty-second  day  of  September,.  o»e. thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  thirty-two,  issued  an{  order,  di- 
re/:^ting  the  colonial  attorney-geowal,  in  case,  the  taxes  were 
not  paid  by  the  first  day  of  July  in  the  foUowing  year,  to 
take  the  niost  efiectual  measures,  by  due  course  of  law,  for 
the  recovery  of  the  arrears  from  the  persons  liable  to  pay 
'  t)iem. 

Though  Blenman  gave  notice  of  this  order,  and  of  .his 
^  determination  to  obey  the  commands  of  hk  Sovereign,  the 
populace  were  still  influenced  by  the  conduct  of  persons  of 
superior  rank  and  superior  means  of' information,  who  yet 
pertinaciously  refused  to  p*y  their  taioes,  expecting  that 
their  personal  influence  would  induce  the^govemot  to  inter- 
fere and  protect  them  in  .violating  the  law.  But  Lord 
Howe  was  too  noble  miiided  to  aim  at  short-lived  popula- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  275 

rtty,  or  ta  ondiie^^rour  to  strengthen  hk  interest  by  obstruct-  chap.  ix. 
mg  the  coorte  of' jtwtiqe*     Nor  was  Blenman  of  a  temper      ^l^^- 
tt)  be  *  intimidated  by  the  frown  of  despotism^  or  seduced 
from  his  duty  by  the  smile  of  power.     He  was  heedless  of. 
pk^shig  thisr  gikied  kna^e,  and  still  lesi^  inclined  to  oppress . 
the  poor.     Detehnined*  to  strike  at  the  root  of  the  evil,  he, 
on  the  appointed  day,  commenced  suits  in  the  court  of  ex* 
cheqtier  againt  President  Dotin,  Othniel  Haggatt,,  meuober 
of  council.  General  Peen^  speakei!  of  the  assembly,  Tho- 
mas Maycock,  chief  »jtist4ce  of  a  court  of  common  pleas, 
John  Maycock,    member  of  the  assembly,    and   Robert 
IfVarren,  clerk  of  that  house,  for  ihe  recovery  of  the  suras 
refspectively  due  ih>m  them»  At  the  same  time  Mr.  Hother-  . 
sal,   the  late  treasurer,   being  about  to  leave  the  island, 
without  giving  the  necessary* information: respecting  the 
names  of  the  defaulters,  ajnd  the  amount  of  their  arreaxs, 
was  detained  by  a  writ  of  ne  eseafin$tdai  and  compelled, 
to  enter  into  bonds  not  to  lea^m  the  island  fwithput  hi&  «2l-; 
cellenc/s  permission. 

^  Such  spirited  proceedings,  so  juditioiisly  directed^  pro- 
duced the  desired  eiect.  Finding  that  «eit^er  rank  n,Qr 
fortune  afforded  any  security  ia  cases:  of  public  delin^ 
quency,  the  commonalty  voluntarily  came  forward  and 
paid  their  arrears.  Thus,  in  the  short  space  of  five  weeks, 
the  hydra  was  subdued,  and  upwards  of  seventeen.  tiiQU^ 
sand  pounds  were  collected,  and  paid  to  Mr«  Woistlesjr's 
agents.  -  ;    .  ,   ?.v  , 


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276  THE  maroRY 

Soon  after  Lord  Hoire's  ainvfti,  a  curioQS  and  interestaog 
question  arose  between  Ivb  lofdslMp  aiwl  the  preetld^. 
Baring  Mr.  Botttt's  admioistratioD,  thcMiigh.  several  qioiUbs 
afber  his  excellencj  had  received  bia  appointmetnt*  a  sloop 
stod  cargo»  Taloed  at  devea  h«udr«d  pounds,  weie  scp^ 
b^  the  officers  of  the  cttstosu  at  Bridge  Towi^  and  cpo^ 
deaned  in  the  court  of  vice^adBiifaltj.    Tb^  law, .  Ja  auql^ 
casea^  catpreisly  directs  that  all  forfeitui£»  inpurfe^  >J.|^ 
violatioB  of  the  acts  of  trade  shall  be  to  bis  Maie^j^,  the 
gnofoorot  tbe  plantation  where  the>o^eace  is.coBunitt^^ 
and  the  officer  hy  ivhora  it  is  prosecuted. ,  But^  as  his  Ma-. 
jcstjp  had  been  ploased  to  order  that  one  h^f  the  sala^^: 
pestfooatea  and  emolum^t?,  which  the  >  governor  was^enti>. 
tied  to  receive,  shoold  be  paid  (o  the  pecs^  exerqis^g  th^; 
sopreaie  anthoritj  durii^  the  goveinc^s^  9ibs«9^e^  bis  Jor^' 
ship  claimed  ool  j  one  moiety  of  the  third  to  which  he 
tkmgbt  himself  entided.    Mr.  Dotia  not.  be^  jdi^>ose4^ 
t»admit  the  pvDineij  of  this  demand,  aa  aetioa  waa  filed 
against  him  at  the  governor's  suit  for.  the  DCC0T«erji>  of  the 
pMnfy-.    The  caiis-  wa»  porieet^  nenr^  and,  tfe  cmuU-  affibr 
a^baasing  <^  thawiatter,  upon^a  motiaBiaadeibf  tibttpon*  ~ 
poM,  agreed  to  a  leftionce  to  the  attornej  ibd  soHeitw- 
generaA  of  C^at  J^tain  ;  bj  whose!  oooeucrent  opinion  the 
qvettion  w«8  Inallj  decided  in  &KOttc  of  the  cbttmant*. 

•*-*■-      •* •       ■      -  ■  -     -  ,     -      '-  f  ^  •  --  ,      -     J  rr     ji    I  '  -      I  I        lu 

*^  iPiie  opinion  of  Mh  Attorney  Glenoml  VKSh  wwr  tbus^  expreMid:  "  UoimMt^ 
standing  the  ddeit  counaeUbr  is  directed  to  take  npon  him  the  administration  of  g^ 


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OV  BARBAIXJES.  ^^T 

This  dfetetiftiiiatioa  gave  rise  to  a  second  demand  on  the  chafml 
p^nof'lx>rdti6^k    On  the  president's  accession  the  as-      njs.   ' 
sembiy  had  wted  him  a  donative  of  five  hundred  pounds, 
for  Ae  purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  incident  to  his 
leiMeact  at  Pilgrim.     His  excdlenty  insisted  that  this  was 
aJQ  emblement  of  office  within  the' meaning  of  the  instruc- 
tioa  already  alluded  to;  but  Mr.  Dotin  was  as  little  ini 
dined  to  yidd  to  this  new  demand  as  to  the  former.    The 
qocstion  therefore  was  referred  to^^Mr.  Blenman,  the  colo- 
nial   attorney-general,,  who    pronounced    that,    whatevef* 
might  have  been  the  motives  by  which  the  assembly  were 
actuated  m  the  provision  made  for  the  president,  as  it' 
was  granted  after  the  date  of  liis  lordship's  commission,^^^ 
•  he  had,   by   virtue  of  the  instruction,    an    indispukble 
right  to  one  moiety  of  the  sum,  as  a  perquisite  of  office. 

Lord  Hdwe  Was^  «mineridy  endowed  with  all  the  virtues 
of  anobteaod'genepous  mind:  courteous,  affabte>  hosJ)it- 

■  1  •,       '    ;  ;    •  >     ,  I    I  :       i  ;-,.:..■; 

vartnttent  doting  the  absence  of  the  goternof,  yet  the  goii^emor  himself,  though  ab« 
Mtf,  ■  to  ISe  eo<toi4*ml  m  geventnr  ■iritUxi.  tfit-  ttiiiart^  of  the  aiitot  parifeMOent>  ' 
and  ir  the  penon  enUtled lo  <9ie-tb»d of  thc/iirfeitaKa.  .;Bot.iab  tb«  f^fanl'it- 
bound  by  bis  instruction^  as  well  as  by  bis  commission,  his  ac^ptan9e  of  the  go^  -i 
vemment  under  them,  amounts  to  an  agreement  on  his' part, .  that  the  eldest  coi^ns^U 
kr,  in  his  absence,  shall  hare  one  moiety  at  tris  salary,  and  of  all  the  peri^uitiMr 
bekmging  t6  Vm  office.    I  am-dMMfo^  «f  opiaion,  An '  oAe^thivtf  <tf '  thtt  fitrfeitim  >'' 
in  qpestion  is,  by  law,  vested  ia  Lord.Howe^  as  the  same  accineii  afier4be  date  oC- 
his  commission ;  yet  that,  by  reason  of  bis  instructions,  he  can  claiip  only  one  moiety 
tliereof,  as  it  happened  befosebis  arriTal  in  Barbadoes."— FtiA;  Mr.  £versliy'4  Mgw 


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1^78  THE  HISTORY 

CH^p.ix.  able,   and  condescending,  he  engaged  the  esteem  df  all 
1^33.      ^ith  whom  he  conversed.     Temperate  but  firm,  <iandid 
.     and  impartial,  he  acquired  a  greater  degree  of  Jx)pularify 
than  has  ever  been  enjoyed  by  any  other  governor  of  Bar- 
badoes.     By  a  familiar  and  unreserved  intercourse  witti  the 
people,  he  was  enabled  to  calm  the  animosities  of  party, 
•    ^  and  contributed  to  unite  the  warmest  political  opponents 
in  soci?tl  amusements  and  festive  entertainments.     All  an- 
gry contention  was  silenced  by  his  firmness  and  impartia- 
lity ;  and  concord  once  more  resumed  her  pacific  reign. 

In  effecting  this  happy  change,  his  lordship's  endeavours 
vere  greatly  fadlitated,  according  to  a  judicious  histo« 
rian  *,  by  the  circulating  of  a  weekly  paper,  published  by 
one  KeimCT,  under  the  title  of  the  Barbadoes'  Gazette -f-. 
Some  of  the  most  enlightened  members  of  the  community 
:^m\ed  themselves  of  the  advantage  of  a  free  press,  and 
devpted  their  pens  to  the  instmction  of  their  countrymen: 
By  the  publication  of  many  spirited  and  ingenious  letters 
and  essays  on  political  and  commercial  subjects,  the  mis- 
chievous designs,  sinister  views  and  corrupt  motives  of  those 
incendiaries,  who,  under  the  specious  garb  of  patriotism, 
had  plundered  the  public  and  disturbed  the  peace  of  soci- 
ety, were  developed,  scrutinized  and  firustrated.  Relieved 
firom  the  illusion  which  had  long^imposed  on  their  senses, 
the  Barbadians  now  b^gan  to  see  and  understand  their  true 


Vide  Uni?.  Hist  vol  41,  p.  176.       f  Kcimcr'f  prew  was  cttabtiihed  ia  1731, 


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OF  BARBADOES.  879 

interest&. .  Nor  let  it  be  thought  that  ihe  cause  was  dispro-  chap,  ix* 
porticmed  to  the  effect .  There  is  no  stronger  principle  in  i^ss. 
human  nature  than  the  fear  of  shame.  The  freedom  of  the 
pcqas  derives  its  utility  from  its  influence  over  this  powerful 
spjix]^  of  action ;  and  furnishes  the  only  weapon  which  can 
be.  safely  and  effectually  employ^'d  against  folly  and  cor- 
ruption acting  with  authodty.  The  man  in  office  who 
fi^rs  not  to  offend  against  the  laws  of  his  country  and  his 
God>when  he  can  do  so.  with- the //w^ect  of  legal  impunity; 
is  oflen  restrained  from  the  commission  of  injustice  and 
ofipres^iou  by  the  dread  of  having  his  crimes  revealed,  and 
of  being  held  up  to  the  scom  and  execration  of  mankind 
by  n^at^s  of  an  open  press*  Hence  the  arbitrary  ruler, 
the  corrupt  magistrate  and  the  profligate  legislator,  of  all 
countries,  have  ever  been  inimical  to  the  liberty  of  the 
press,  aad  anxious^  to  deprive  the  subject  of  the  privilege 
of  ganvasaing  the  measuresvof  government,  and  scrutiniH- 
iijg  the  conduct  of  those  who  are  placed  in  authority  over 
us.  Happily,  by  the  principles  of  tlie  British  constitution, 
the  people  are  themselves  the  guardians  of  this  inestimable 
privilege ;  and  it  is  hoped  that,  in  the  hands  of  a  jury  of 
Barbadians,  it  will  never  be  impaired,  nor  surrendered  to 
the  rude  gripe  of  despotism. 

The  inhabitants  of  Barbadoes  had  not  long  enjoyed  this^ 
advantage,,  when  an  attempt  was  made  to.  restrain,  th©  exer- 
cise of  it.  Mr.  Adams,  one  of  the  coundU  had  published 
some  remarks  on  the  sjagar  trade  of  the  colonies^,  whick 


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4||0  THElilStOKV^ 

cttAf .  Dt  produced  An  antirw^  ia  wWcb  <iie  lMHH>unibl6  autbarV  Mte* 
^ItS^  tai^^tBlehto  were  treated  irtftli  less  ceremony  «na  i«s|iect 
thaasonifi  of  bia  friends  tboaght  due  to  kxift  rank.  At  dn 
iostigatton  of  some  penons,  smarting  under  Uie  censoriiU 
rod,  the  grand  jury  piesented  Keimir  for  publishing  ft  ra%' 
Ketous,  scandalous  and  $editiou8  paper,  and  parttcuiaily 
fo^  printing  a  false  and  defamatoiy  libel  on  Mr.  Adattis. 
When  the  presentment  was  brought  before  tiie  court,  the 
{kttorh^geoeral  declaxed  that  there  tras  nothing  in  the 
publication  conaplained  of  which  could  possibly  warrant 
^  mitiinal  pfosecutioii ;  but  thie  printer  was  neverdieless 
l>oUnd  t»  keep  the  peace  far  six  months* 

The  systeta  of  peculation  and  extortian  on  wlMch  the 
lawyers  and  deputy  patentee  officers  had  long'  subsisted, 
^fld  at  length  become' so  injurious  and  oppressive  to  the 
bulk  of  the  people,  that  it  was  found  necessary  to  restrain 
Ihem  within  more  moderate  bounds.  With  this  view,  a 
cofBmittee  of  the  assembly  was  appointed  to  prepare. a  bill 
for  regulating  1^  fees  oi  puUic  officeei  and  courts  of  jus- 
^ce.  Bat  Warren,  their  clerk,  who  was  himself  a  deputy 
patentee^  contrived  to  impede  their  progress,  under  a  pre* 
tence  that  it  was  a  matter  of  too  much  imporlance  to  be 
hurried  over  lightly.  At  length  the  connnendable  dilig^ace 
-•f  the  committee  surmounted  all  the  obstacles  thrown  in 
their  leay.  The  bill  passed  both  branches  of  the  fegisk- 
^Kte  without  a  dissenting  voice,  and  finally  received  the  go- 
voaor's.  astCBt.     But  as  the  royai  appiobatioa  was  bVso 

I 


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r 


OF  BARBADOES.  281 

necMsvfjTi!  Waitcl&i  aansCed:  by  Mao^M^^ioii^  rniohred  on  chap.'1X> 
trying  pother  dffifft  to  proyent  it»  stoce^sa.  Caiefully  con*-  ^^^^* 
ceaiii^.  their  dQBigQ>:  they  pi^i^jMured  a  petition^  accompa- 
nied by  «everal  affidi^vita,  to  proTetbatthe  iatefests  of  tha 
pajtoftr^ef,  would  be  materiaily  affected  by  tbe  operation 
of  tliislaw.  .  Warren^,  afber  stating  bis  long  practice  as  a^ 
lawy^er,  and  perfect  knowLe^dge  of  tbe  suhject,  deposed  that 
theprothonotary  alone,  in  the  event  of  the  acta  reoeiying:: 
the  royal  4^nction,  would  lose  frpm  three  to  four  huodnedf 
pounds  an  nn^lly.^.  These  dispositions  wete  coaceaied  firou; 
Lord  Howe  till  jthe  evening  before  the  packet  sailed,  when 
they  were  presented  to  his  lord^ip.  to  be  a^ulhentioated  nnr^ 
der  the  great  3eal.of  the  island.  It  waft  then  .too  late  t6 
take  steps  to  counteract  the  effect  of.  this  aietfttl,  uocaDEdid. 
representation;  which,  being  supported: by  the  patentees; 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic^  sueqcwdod  to  ^leir  utmert. 
expectation.  This  was  the. last  l^slatiTe  attacmpt  to  coi^ . 
rect  these  abuses,  .   .    j  ,  .i   :  <..,   i. 

An  event  now  occurred,  which,  by  reOKmttg  thafc  turbu^      n^*. 
lentrincendiary  Mac  Mahon  from  the  cttuntcj^,  cbiitribut^) 
more,  perhaps,  than  any  other  drGumstmncei  iowik*ds  prer-] 
serving  its  tranquillity.     Keeling,  a  deputy :in  titcpoHrdeCi 
office,   having  furnished   his  emplojner's  sofiricklaw  with;  . 
-T ^ ; ^ m — -: ^ 1* 

*  The  prpthoQotary's  office  was  farmed  at  tkree  buiulca^  uul^r  P^^*  ?k'^^*'' 
Consequently,  if  Wairen  swore  true,  th«  patentee  would  have  lost  the  whole  emolu- 
menu  of  hia  office ;  wbidi  was  impossible^  unless  the  pmjrment  of  all  fees  had  been 

fcrbldOeji. 

O  O 


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its  T^Bt  HiarrQRT 

CBAna.  wKMjf  contEWj  to  htt  pasitit^  coxkacB,  aUfiged)  bjwajo^ 
^'^^^      8«m8^  tiut  lie  bed  beoa  penuaiLttd  to  da  so  bj  Mad 
MahoB4    Thift  vm^  oottmuiuGitted  to  Mac  Mahon,  wba 
metoHmg  Keettag  afttswards  at  a  tavera  beat  htm  n^ioleatlj, 
and  tibfcKiat  bim  out  of  the  hou$a.    Keebng,  the  same  crreo^ 
isgi  .\iErQjba  to.  him^  desiiiog  te  be  paid  for  some  $hii^le9 
vbich  bar  bad  lohl  him^  aad  requested  aa  mterriew  fbr  the 
IMqKiie  of  |»8iu^  recdipts^     Mac  Mahon  Deadilj  caor^ 
flteood  d^h>  noto  intaa. challenge;  and  sifx>re.  most  Tefae* 
■salljE  Uiat  hia^wc^ild  go  and  beat  the  rasca}*  Accordin^^ 
accoaaipaiiicd  by  P^nj,  Lawraoce  and  Moms^  who  hmt 
ban  a  MMtd)  be^  pfoeeeded  to  Keelin^s  kxlgtogs,  whp» 
Ibejcteuxlatithe  doer  pr^paiiiig  to  go  out,  his  hoise  being» 
ia.  1km  street  read;:  saddled*      Fdrrj,  without  hesstatioiiy 
steuted  %e  pistols  which  ipere>]o  the  hokters,  and.  Keeh^^ 
ing^   fiaduig  Ihat^  some  vipleiiGe  vas^  iatended,   dcev  hb> 
MiM»d^  faRmfcOMule  noatempt  to  use  it  until  Mac  Mahpo: 
drew,  when  they  both  advanced  and  en^igedl     Keelingi 
wat4«a4Hl  d^wnirwh  it  was  said  bj^  Morrk^  and  retreating 
calilidiosi  he  Ipdilnt  bis  svrard;  but  finding  himadf  hi^id 
pcesied  1^  bi^  diihcniooiable  adycraarj^  he  ran  into  a 
]M%blM|miig  iti^lef  and  oadeaYonred  to  qooceal  hiinBeifi 
iMMtor  tte  fUtam.    fbdi  inftuiate  Mac  Mafaoi^  having  ob-> 
tained-a  Kgh^- tcncwcd-  the- attack ;  and  Keeling  4ttcapa- 
We  of  resistance,  cried  out  murder;  and,  in  the  most  sup- 
pUi^p^t^fH^.l^^ed,  fojr  mercy.     I^erry  and  Lawrance, 
holding  his  weapons,  were  caha  spectators  of  the  biQondjT; 


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OFBARBADOES.  B88 

icemi  P^Mt  Motris  guarded  die  Ador  to  preittnt  the  kiler-  &iAt.  m 
ference  of  tlie  crowd  which  had  gathered  m  the  street)  liM  ^^^^* 
Mac  Malion,  having  pef{>etrated  bis  sarage  doMgti^  witii*- 
drew.  The  hapless  victim  of  his  cruelty  vTas  th^:  SsdMtt 
up  and  placed  in  a  chmr,  wfae&ce  he  immediate j  kXU  ^^ 
claiming/  ^  the  villain  has  murdered  &»  as  I  lay  on  tlM 
ground/'  and  instantlj  expired.  Miller,  a  Surgton's  up^ 
prentice,  who  had  beea  a  witness  of  the  wh^  transactidtt^ 
was  dandestinelj  cbnvefed  ftom  tihe  islaod ;  but  as,  upon 
enquiry,  theie  still  appeared  t6  be  sutBeiebt  evidence  to 
convict  die  inhuman  monster,  he  thought  proper  t&^&sult 
his  safety  by  a  ptecipitate  flight  beyond  sea*  Perry,  Mor- 
ris, and  LaWrance,  were  afterwards  successively  appre- 
hended, and  tried  for  the  murder  as  accessafles,  btlt  they 
were  all  acquitted/ 

The  time  seemed  now  to  have  artived  whm  the  Barba- 
dians were  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  thfe  loiig^^piected  relief 
promised  them  on  the  arrival  of  Loni  Howe,  tJpoti  an 
address  to  his  Majesty  from  the  House  of  Feers,  the  coiii- 
plaints  of  the  colonies  were  referred  to  the  bbnsiid^ration 
of  the  lords  commissioners  for  tirade  and  plantations; 
and  their  lordships,  in  obiedielice  to  his  Majest/s 
order,  made  an  ample  report  concerning  the  com- 
merce, strength,  and  fortifications  of  the  West-Indian  sfet- 
ftements;  snggesiting  the  steps  which  were  proper  to  be 
taken  for  the  encouragement  of  the  trade  and  the  security 
ef  )the  islands  in  general. 

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284  THE  HISTORY 

In  consequence  of  this  representation,  the  iiftportation  of 


foreign  rum,  sugar  and  molasses^  into  Ireland,  was  prohi* 
bited  by  act  of  parliament,  and  the  same  commodities,  on 
being  imported  into  any  of  the  American  provinces,. were 
made  subject  to  heavy  duties.  The  exportation  of  sugajr 
from  the  English  colonies  directly  to  foreign  parts  was  per^ 
mitted  in  ships  built  and  navigated  according  to  law ;  but 
thii  indulgence  was  clogged  with  such  difficulties  and  re^ 
strictions,  tliat  the  ^\^e8t  Indians  received  no  advantage  fmm 
it.  These  marks  pf  favour  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain 
were  accompanied  by  a  donative  of  cannon  and  ordnance 
stores.  And,  on  the  representation  6f  Mr.  Dunbdr,  the 
inspector-genera),  the  origioal  metlwd  of  collecting  the 
duty  on  sugftr  was  revived,  with  an  ^mple  allowance  for 
tare  and  tret.  The  people  Vere  impressed,  with  the  most 
lively  sentiments  of  gratitude, for  these  favours;  and  the 
17S5.  grand  jury  transmitted  to  England  a  most  dutiful  and  loyal 
addyesa  to  the  King,  .yepl^te  with  the  warmest  acknowledge 
ments  of  his. paternal  goodness.      .      '    -     - 

The  joy  to  which  these  concessions  gave  rise  was  soon 
•  <lamped  by  the  death  of  Lord  Howe :  an  event  which  oc- 
casioned  a  general  consternation,  and  a  mourning  as  sin- 
cere as  it  was  universal.  His  lordship  had  been  attacked 
by  a^feyer,  supposed  to  have  been  produced  by  excessive 
fatigue  in  reviewing  the  different  regiments  of  militia,  From 
the  moment  he  was  taken  ill  he  entertained  a  presentiment 
of  the  fatal  termination  of  the  disease ;  and  seemed  per- 

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OF  BARBADOES.  285 

fectly  resigned  to  his  fate.  When  he  was  dying,  he  inquired  chap,  ix- 
if  there  were  any  gentlemen  in  the  house,  and,  being  an-  ^''?^- 
swered  in  the  affirmative,  he  diesired  one  of  his  attendants 
to  go  down  and  remember  him  to  them  most  affectionately; 
and  to  tell  them  that  he  heartily  wished  them  all  well,#  as 
he  did  the  inhabitants  in  general;  adding,  "  they  might 
have  a  governor  more  capable  of  serving  them,  and  he  sin- 
cerely hoped  they  would,  but  that  none  could  endeavour 
for  it  mote  ssealously  than  he  had  done."*  * '  His  lordship  died 
on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  March,  leaving  issue  by  his 
amiable  consort  four  daughters,  who  were  with  their  dis- 
consolate mother  in  Barbadoes,  and  three  sonsi  then  in: 
England,  whose  gallant  exploits  will  be  remembered  with 
admiration  as  long  as  bravery  and  patriotism  continue  to 
be  esteemed  virtuesr  among  mankind.  His  lordship  s  re- 
mains were  interred  in  General  Codringtbn's  vaiih,  whencft 
they  were  afterwards  removed  to  England  *f-. 

All  our  colonial  historians  concur  in  representing  Lord 
Howe's  administration  as  the  happiest  era.  in  the  history  of 
Barbadoes.  Yet,  in  reviewing  the  transactions  of  this  pe*  . 
riod,  we  are  unable  to  discover  any  particular  acts  of  his 
lordship's  government  which  could  justly  entitle  biiii  to  the 
extraordinary  celebrity  which  he  attained.  We  must  there- 
fore ascribe  the  popularity,  which  he  moit  deservedly  ac*- 


*  Caribbeanna,  ^o1.  2!  p«  6(2  and  1 1.0.        f  Ibid.  voL  2«  p.  54^ 


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266  Timnmom 

cjuP-  IK.  quired  9»d  ^  esteei»  9Uadie4  U>  bis  memory,  to  Uift 
IW4.  amiable  dojto^fttip  yirtu^  which  jbe  practiced ;  to  his  jsl^^ 
lxMjiD4e4  gep^Qwty ;  his  exalted  charity,  wad  the  engs^ag 
f yayi^y  pf  jjiw^era,  bjr  which  h^  conciliated  the  esteem  of 
*11  who  Hnew  hiiPf  Though  the  profound  policy  and  noble 
institutioxw  o£  statesmen^  the  brilliant  actions  and  hazard* 
ous  achievements  of  conquerors,  may  dazzle  us  with  their 
^splendour ;  it  is  the  milder  virtues  of  humanity  which  cheer 
^ftd  dfiliglit  us  with  their  pure  and  steady  ray.  Affability^ 
"^ourtesy  and  condescension,  will  gain  the  tou^>  impFacti* 
C^e  heart,  which  disdains  the  pride  and  pomp  of  imagine 
4^y  greatness,  and  spurns  the  insolence  of  hini  whose 
power  ajid  superiority  are  manifested  only  by  arrogance^ 
Injustice  ^nd  oppression.  It  has  been  objected  to  this  no- 
blem^n^^  administration,  that,  had  he  lived  longer^  he  would 
kave  ruined  Batbadoes  by  the  introduction  of  luxury.  But 
luxury  can  never  be  prejudicial  to  a  community  in  which 
there  exists  an  inequality  of  conditions.  It  is  the  only 
remedy  for  the  partial  distribution  of  prop^ty,  by  diffus- 
ing ^mong  the  indusliious  poor  and  middling  classes  of  peo- 
ple, th6  wperfluons  wealth  of  th6  opulent. 

The  council  9ad  assembly  demonstrated  their  gratitude  for 
the  blessings  which  they  1^  enjoyed  under  the  mild,  €x}uit^ 
^b}e  and  pru(feot  adnunistratien  of  their  beloved  governor, 
by  a  liberal  donative  of  twenty-five  hundred  pounds  to  his 
noble  and  accomplished  relicU    As  a  reciprocal  mark  of 


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6F  fiAftMUdiss.  m 

cuoud  {iatt  of  the  tawk  bsdl. 

The  fistoeh  latwiented  death?  cf  lord  Howre  jilalcfed  Air.  i>6^ 
tin  a  second  time  on  th^  seat  of  goveff^mnent.  No  fixdd  iu^ 
iaay  x^m  sdloinied  the  prefrident  ott  his  socceediiig  ta  the^ 
ehsiir;  bat  to  compensate  for  this  onitission,  the  assembly 
voted  him  A  present  of  seven  hundred  pounds;  2tnd»  th^ 
Heytt  yefeLTy  settled  on  him  the  som  of  six  hundred  pouncfe  a: 
yesfy  to  support  the  dignity  of  his^station* 

Mt.  JDotin^s  administration  has  been  generally  com'- 
raenckd  for  hs  mildness^  and  inoffensivetoess;  but  th6*e  ii 
gtBkt  reason  to  sospect  tiiat  jostice  was  not  distributed  with 
mi:  even,  steady  band.  Two  French  prisoners  having  beeti 
eonvieted  of  wilful  murder.  Were  respited  by  the  president 
and  sitccessf^lly  recommended  to  the  clemency  of  thef 
erawn.  This  was  but  the  prelude  to  a  mofe  disgraceful  and 
flagtan^vfplationf  of  the  laws  of  society*  The  melancholy 
event  which  bad  deprived^  the  country  of  tJie  services  of  iti^ 
kte  feitbfiil  and  infle:ii;ible  chief  magistrate,  by  opening  a^ 
pn>S{WOt  of  impnnity  to  offenders  of  a  certain  description, 
WW  considered  as  a  signal  for  the  return  of  Mac  Mahoii.. 
His  arrival  at  Barbadoes  was  more  like  the  triumphal  en- 
try of  a 'Victorious^,  general  returning  from  extending  the 
dominion' of  his  sovereign  than  the  return  of  aii  unconvicted 
fekm,  awaiting  the  punishment  due  t^  hiid  crimes,  in^stead 
o£  being  conveyed  to  prison  by  t*ie  constables  of  Bridge 

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288  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  IX.  To\nj.  he  was  conducted  from  the  wharf  by.  .a  party  of  his 

^^^^-      frieuds,  in  the  elegant  chariot  of  Ge^ieml  Peers  to  the  house 

of  the  provost  marshal.     Here  he  remained  u^der  a  nomi- 

nal  confinement  until  he  was  bailed  by  four  gentlemen  of 

the  first  rank  and  fortune  in  the  country. 

The  whole  of  the  subsequent  proceedipgs  was  of  a  piece 
with  this  illegal  and  indecorous  beginning.     On  the  eleventh 
day  of  December  he  was  brought  to  the  bar  of  the  couit 
of  grand  sessions  and  arraigned  for  the  murder  of  Thomas 
Keeling.     One  of  the  most  material  witnesses  being  dead,- 
his  written  deposition  taken  in  due  form  before  a  justice  of 
tlie  peace,  Avas  produced  by  the  attorney-general,  who  sup- 
ported the  prosecution  with  great  firnmess  and  ability ;  but 
the  prisoner's  counsel  objecting  to  the  reading  of  this  evi*: 
dence,  the  court,  contrary  to  every  principle  of  justice,  re^ 
jected  it     The  prisoner  rested  his  defence  principally  on 
the  testimony  of  Perry,  who  had  been  indicted  for  the  same 
offence  and  acquitted.     His  evidence  tended  to  prove  that 
the  deceased  had  received  the  fatal  wound  while  fighting 
with  Mac  Mahon ;  and  not  while  he  was  under  the  stair- 
case.    Perry's  testimony,  at  best,  was  entitled  to  little  ere* 
dibility ;  and  though  his  assertion  was  contradicted  by  se- 
veral unexceptionable  witnesses,  particularly  by  four  sur- 
geons who  examined  the  wounds,  which  were  all  on  the' 
left  side,  and  could  not  therefore  have  been  received  while  * 
Keeling  Avas  in  a  posture  of  defence,  the  jury,  nevertheless, 
returned  a  verdict  of  manslaughter.     Mac  Mahon  imme- 


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OF  BA&BADOES.  289 

dia*ely  olmmed-  th«  benefit-  ofrdei^gy  attd:  p^titSooed'.the  c^^^ij^' 

pi«ridelit  for  a  pardoar;  -whi^  wiw  granted-  without  tbe      *'**• 

sQiaHest  heintation,  -ex-teo^ing  As  wellito  tbetremission  of 

•the  pMBMhmeBt  of  brandmg.as  to  the'foH^tnre  of  goods 

and  chattds.    Every  art  bad  been  plractised  to  influence 

the  fomda  of  thus  cbvit  •  «iid  jurur ;  and'  to  prepare  the  pubKc 

•fos  this  ousplaced:  tact  .c^-Mrlemeocy.'  'Tjie  naual  assize  ser- 

BK>o  and  the  chief  /juatic^'/  diarge  op  opeoing.'the  sessions 

were  both  calculated  to.  impress  tbe  audience  >with  an '  idea 

^f  the:eKcdloace  of'  that  ceJesttal  attribute,  mercy.*    But 

j^fsrfiy^i»  9ucha47o<nociStiQdfoadei8<iis  injttstloeito  th^  com- 

.  To  Mi,  Dotin's..adiainistiB>tioii^<  baft;  been 'ascribe  tbe 
credit  of  correctii^  suid  estabJishipg  ihefeea.  of  /the.puUic 
.()ffip<^^i  an  act  iirhiQh  ircMdd  .bfii^  coaseorated^  his  m^ 
jafuxfyi  B^^iti»<a.d49rae:of  ineiitWi^i^bdjebjrubfqctUnitlfily, 
h6.v^ not.entitjed.  TbelaiiB  ivhid). wem  paased  during 
his  pne^idenpy  are  in  no  i;e»4>eQt  more  xemarkableth^. for  a 
.spinet  pf  iesti;aint,.  whichk  Fitb  a.  vicar  of  guarding  afunst 
the  dangers  of  monopoly,  •'teiidi  'to ^repress  'the'  fteed«)m  of 
comtxierce.  A  permanent '.and  arbitrary  valuation'  was  set 
^on^X*^ry  specie^  o^  butcher's  meat;  theosjEportatiQn  of  cattle 
and  other  live  stock*  togethoKniritb  aU  Jsiiids  oi  <Krain  and 
provisions  of  native  ptoduce  was  piohibitcRl;  and,  lest  tb« 


*  C|ribbcKin»,  t^  ii.  p,  103,  ,.  .  f  Uoir.  I]nk..rai^  slir p.  177. 

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J90  TMEfllBTDRy 

^^^^'  soil^bottid  be  ressovej,  am  act  W4»  pu»edto  pi«vei>t  the 
.  ^"f^'  eipbrtetioD  df  day,*  in  tiie  wbxm  ipiAt  another  law  m^s 
«Dactedv  xmd&t  thd  «peck)Q$  pretext  of  preveiiting  «ad 
(Msnishing  fonetstalUng  atd  regrating^  A  xnaxioMMtt  Wds 
«ttabi£ihe«l  fbr  Varioud  «irtiblel  <Kf  salted  provitiotu),  and 
igclH-Q  of  ^very  denotiiiiatioii^^  beyond  wIhgIi  tio  panMft  mis 
alkmvd  to  ptvrcfaaie  tkose  vrtictet  «v«n.fi«Bik  lliit  original 
inifKnier)  for.  tbe  inirpose  of  teveadition  or  exp<^tationk    ^ 

The  imiwlicy  and  injugtioe  of  the  itaMtes  agaiofil  icm^ 
tts^leri  a&d  i&o&opolitbrs  ai«  «o  paipab)e»  that  i^y  B»t  sof- 
Aned  by  a  kind  of  odniin<m  ico&Mnt  totliMtfoeriti  o^sc«irity. 
This  is  not  enough,  they  should  be  repealed.  The  &tp&fUt» 
<i6n  of  aittclM  o^  tbe  first  nteo^iuty,  dutiog  a  ge&etalv^ar* 
•city  in  otir  own  itonMry,  k  a  ^ctice  whioh  prudence  and 
iMfiiia&ity  mvMt  «iAdenia.  -And,  although  I  aiu.  fiot  ii» 
•thfilittbift  <)i'pl«6ikigidMob'«onfid€nce  in'i^^ 

^  ^ tiMI  Utt^,"^  iM  '^'HigetAbmliLr. tfoAut Steele,  << are^nwStlihgly kvdied 

^thc  atlurement  of  t  lucratife  retiira  in  l)ie  lal^  of  their  p,rodiice  ?  And  unlest  the 
pttnter  coiml  have  htA  the  liberty  of  exporting  his  horses,  or  asses,  his  oxen  and  lift 

%bdr,%Mi  liU  t6th  and  other  tmyfiiiOnk,  to  ^h^teVer  market  would  hare  ft^rdecLVm 

,lim  i>«t  pitae,  IkWidU  liiie  lhi|>pfeMd;4aft{>»f  tor  i^piM*^  that  He  «o«ia  4M^iMa 
nmag a97  mre  hoi^asies, cuttle, iapip,  orimb^ pr^r^mlthfin  wopVJiQrrtsrperire 
fcr  his  own  plantation  use;  and,  of  some  of  them,  he  would,  perhaps,  raise  none  at  all  j 

J^Ht  WOiddpooTtft  ^^*  ^F^  and  la  hour  to  thf  i*MltiTattifn  rrf  trantt^  ^  ^f  *^n^  i>thi*r  w>t- 
cies,  not  under  the  frowns  of  those  impolitic  sUtutes.^  Thus  a  real  scarcity  of  those 
•rtkktfUa»t€fcpwdilDetf  by  ^  means  whidiwere<e3^etlKd  tooccatioftt>Ienty. 


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or  BARBADOSS:  $9i 

belter,  pnfaape;  to  \oAgG  bk  discsttiimary  power  in  the  ^^^^^' 
hands  of  the  commander  in  chief,  to  interpose  hia  authority  '^^^ 
QCOMtOndUy^  th«ln'to  tStmp  tJb«  geniiM  of  ooiamevGe  by  any 
p«nik(uie»t  ^egAl.  rmtraotions.  By  leaving  the  exporter  to 
pwwt^tbQ  bopt  6i  ]m  own  incUnAtioos^  or  the  dictates  ef 
l>j|9  Judgment,,  ovr  wporti?  wiU  undoijibtedly  be  iqcreiased^ 
and  a  scarcity  more  efiectuftUy  guMded  a^punst  than  by 
arlMtraiy  prohibitions.*  For  though  it  may  scMuetimes-hap^. 
pei^  that  the  neighbooring  colonies  may  draia  this  country 
of  many  article^  ^quir^  for  intevnal  consumption,  upon  a 
general  view,.  we>m9cr  M^ij  qwkM^  timt  the  liberty  of  i«k 
florting.  to  anoth^  marJcet^  when;  onr  own  ceases  ta  have  tbe 
prefer«aice,  will  opi^ktkte  as  a  strong  incentiTe  tathe  entec^ 
prising  tradec  to  import,  mooe  abiindtyit]ty  j^tan  he  w«nld. 
Qtherwipe  have  d<«e.  The  advantage  of  this  donble  species 
of  txaffic  ia  evident.  The  merchant  will  profit  by  ealftfgiDg.  hia 
concerns ;  the  planter  too  will  benefit  by  the  augmentation  of 
OQCimpoitS)  some  of/wbick  in  passii^g  throvgb  tbeinai&et 
idU)  ia  case  of  demznAj  circukile  f&c  the  conomner^s  coa** 
Tenience;  the  number  of  our  shipping  wili  be  mcreased; 
the  demand  for  produce  ivill  be  affected  in  a  relaJtiTC  de« 
gree.;  and^  finally' the  genemli^^Ukro  wilt  be  proiDOl^^  by 


*  ''  It  is  generally  tnie^''  vaida  great  scatter  of  political  knowledge^  "  ibat  ccon* 
nerce  flourishes  most  when  I^  ta  itself.  latei^st,  the  great  guide  of  commerce^  is  not 
«  blhid  one.    It  is  rcry  kblc  to  find  its  own  way ;  and  its  necessities  are  its  best  laws.^. 

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«93  THE  HISTORT 

CHAP^.  the  circulation  of  that  wealth  which  will  be  tbi|8  drawn  from 
1735.      foreign  sources.  t 

In  a  country  circumscrifoed^  within  stich  narrow  limits^' 
and  crowded  with  such  an  immense  population  as  Barba* 
does,  the  soil  is  incapable  of  furnishing  the  means  of  sub- 
sistence for  the  numerous  softs  and  daughters  of  industry 
by  whom  it  is  inhabited.  Uiider  ttieste  circumstances,  coitn- 
merce  enlarges  the  sphere  of  human  kctivity;  extends,  as  it 
were,  the  boundaries, of  nature^  and  overleaping  thciirtular 
barriers  Which  separate  us  from  the  otKeT  parts  of  the' 
globei  furniishes  employment  and  support  to  the  indusrtrious 
and  efnterprising.  Instead,  therefore,  of  repressing  the 
beneficial  spirit  of  commercial  speculation^  a  wise  and. 
prudent  legislator  should  encourage  those  ]aibd^ble>exer^ 
tions,  which,  in  the  purduit  of  private  interest  and  perv 
sonal  aggrandiaement,  open  new  soul*^es  of  national  pro- 
sperity. . 

Mr.  Dolin  had  the  good  fortune  to  preside  as  pcnnqiander 
in:  chief  longer  than  any  other  president  before  or  since  his 
his  time.  For  this  advantage  he  was  principally  indebted 
1739.  to  accident.  A  Mr.  Walter  Chetwynd  had  been  appointed 
to  succeed  Lord  Howe;  but  his  death,  which  happened.soon 
afterwards,  left  the  executive,  power  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
i)otin  until  the  fifteenth  day  of  December,  when  the  Ho- 
nourable Robert  Byng,  elder  brother  to  the  unfortunate  ad- 
miral of  that  name,  arrived  in  Barbadp^s;  and,,  by  vjrtu^ 
of  bb  Majedtj's  commission,  ass^ni^d  |]m?  gQTeriUQeat. 


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OP  BARBADOES.  SfgS 

.  Oh  the  arrival  of  Governor  Byng,  faction  again  reared  ^^JJ^]^;^^' 
her  head.  General  Peers,  having  been  disappointed  in  his  ^'^^ 
hope  lof  succeeding  to  the  chief  magistracy,  could  not 
help  regarding  his  more  successful  competitor  with  an 
envious  eye.  The  house  of  assembly,  as  has  been  already 
hinted,  were  entirely  under  the  influence  of  their  turbu* 
tebti  jand  arebitious  speaker;  who  had  accordingly  no  diffi- 
culty, in  persuading  the  members  of  that  body  to  limit  the 
settlement  of  his  excellency  to  only  one  half  the  sum  allowed 
his  predecessor.  Mr.  Byng  could  not  conceal  his  chagrin  i74<k 
it  a  salary  so  inadequate  to  .his  expectations,  and  to  the- 
dignity  of  his  station.  He  remarked  to  the  assembly,  that 
the  country  was  now- in  a  more  prosperous  situation  than  at 
the  time  of  Lord  Howe's  itirrival ;  that  he  was  conscious  of 
bringing  with  him  as  good  intentions  as  any  former  governor 
had  ever  done  ;  and,  if  he  was  treated  with  less  considera-^ 
tion  than  his  immediate  predecessor,  he  should  tiiink  it  was 
an  ignominious  distinction,  which  he  could  not  cheerfully 
endure.  The  assembly^  however,  were  inflexible;  they 
could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  depart  from,  their  first 
detemiination,  though  they  at  la§t  consented  to  vote  his 
excellency  a .  present  of  twenty-five  hundred  pounds,  to 
repair  the  loss  of  hid  furniture  and  equipage,  which  had 
been  captured  by  the  Spaniards. 

Notwithstanding  the  just  cause  of  dissatisfaction  and 
eomplaint,  which  the  parsimony  of  the  assembly  had  given^ 
Mr.  Byng,  he  applied  himself  with  diligence  and  fidelity 


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39*^  THE  HISTORY 

^JJ^^J;^  to  iJayeporfoniiaAce  of  bis  dutjr  aa»  w«tchful|  CMVsoitolibug 
^^^  guardiaa  of  the  public  weaK  Nor  did  he  isulEel  his;  pntatef 
resentiQEot  to  influence  his  puldio  conduct,  coscefit  iu^zL 
single  instance  F^lating  to  Mr.  Peers.  This  genUeaiaay  i^' 
5|de&  being  speaker  of  the  assembly,  held  a  high  militorjf ' 
rank  in  tbt  country;  he  was  lieateiiantr:^iieral'X>f  th0^iK«i 
tia,  oolonel  of  the  royal  regiment  of  *ibpt,  mMiUa^geoera))  xdl 
the  ordnance,  president  of  the  council  qf  war,  and  a  justice 
of  the  peace  ^.  From  Jus  known  influence  over  the  assaoi- 
bly,  Peers  was  justly  considered  the  leader  of  the  opposttioiii 
against  the  governor  his  excelkncj,  therefore, .  marked^ 
him  out  as  the  proper  object  of  vengeance,  and  dismisMdb 
him  flrom  all  his  military  employments. 
Julys.  This  harsh  exercise  of  prerogative,  gave  great  o&noe:  to 
the  friend^  q£  Mr.  Pears.  The  assembly,  warmly  espoiwin^ 
their  speaker's  quarrel,  entered  into  two  resqlutioos  at  tfaeie 
aext  meeting :  First,  that  the  displacing  of  any  aUe,  «x^ 
peiienced,  military  officer,  without  sufficient  reuQQ»  di« 
rectly  tends  ta  render  the  militia  uBserviceable,  and  to 


*  The  enimKration  of  the  di^rent  oflke*  and  employineDtt*  enjofled  by  lie.  Iteony 
'r  4yiyiito9iiritC9neclk>iitherfii|ti%«f  Mio^kb^^  JobD  Hd^^ 

i  HutchioiOii,  who,  being  tt  one  and  the  same  time,  a  privy  counsellor,  re?enioaary 

secretary  of  state,  migor  of  th$  4th  regiment  of  horse,  provost  of  Trinity  College,  Dub« 
11n>  and  searcher^  packer,  and  guager^  of  the  Port  of  Strangford,  his  lorddiip  said,  "  If 
]|ngian4  snl  Iretand  not  fynsL  U^thia  nan,  he  wmhl  snikiit  tbt  Jslr^ilfra  fipr% 
iMrtaiiQ#  ffaidou^ 


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OF  BARBAIKHSS.  JI95 

iMvne  tb6  reslifaation  of  other  officers.    Secondly,  tbat  the  chamx. 
HonoumUe  Hesiry  Peen  bad  faithfally  and  dUigentlj  dis*     n*.^ 
charged  his  military  offices,  for  which  he  deserved  thanks^ 
as  weU  of  ^  house  as  of  6very  inhabitant  of  the  island. 

The  house  also  agreed  to  an  address  to  his  excellency^ 
in  width  they  reproached  him  with  interrupting  the  bar* 
mbny  which  was  subsisting  at  the  timeof  liisamval;  and 
v^omplaiiied  that  their  liberality'  towiuds  lun,  manilinted 
t>y  a  Voluntary  settlemetlt  fot  his  support,  followed  by  a 
lak'ge  gratuity,  had  laiied  in  bis  mind  to  produce  those 
M^tiinents  of  ^titude,  irMoh  wtmid  have   rendered  his 
government  agveeabHel    After  several  insimiations  respeot*- 
ing  his  exceBcncy's  unfriwidly  disposition  towards  the  peo* 
pie,  contrasting  bis  conduct  wii&  that  of  theif  hte  good  ^mi 
condid  gwemOTf  they  concluded  with  these  wosds,.  *^  Wheit 
the  officers  of  the  militia  are  persons  whta  deserve  tSvs  love     - 
and  esteem  of  their  country,  the  defects  ia  the  establish^ 
ixtent  of  that  useful  body  of  men,  aire  ^dom  attended  with. 
«ny  great  inconveniences..   But  the -late  «e  your  excel- 
lency has  made  of  your  au^iority,  shews  how  highly,  im-- 
prudent  it  would  be  in  us  to  trust  a  greater  power  in  yout 
bands.    You  have  thought  fit  to  displace  ^  ablest  and 
most  experienced  officer  of  which  we  can  boast  r  to  dismisn 
lum  at  so  critical  a  juncture,  is  a  circumstance  lliat  little 
manifests  your  concern  for  our  welfare.    The  condition.to 
which  you  have  reduced,  the  royal  regiment  by  this  step, 
cannot  be  retrieved  under, a  considerable  term;  not  will 


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^  THE  HISTORY. 

CH^^iXj.  proper  officers  e^ily  be  obtained,  if.  m  implicit  coocuf r 
1740.     rencey  in  all  your  jneasures,  should  become  the  only  ,tQQV(K^  » 
of  their  commissions/' 

This  address  was  presealed  by  Mr.  Waterman  and  Mr. 
Gibbes :  and  though  his  excellency  had  every  reason  to 
suspect  that  the  contents  were  not  of  the  most  pleasing 
kind,  he  received  it  with  gre^i;  complacency,  put  it  into  his 
pocket  unopraed,  and,  without  making  any  reply,  treate4 
the  two  gentlemen  with  the  utmost  politeness  and  cojidc^- 
scension.  And  Mr,  Gibbes,  who  was  one  of  the  governor's 
warmest  pc^itical  opponents,  was  the  very  nqxt  day  ap- 
*  pointed  cliief  judge  of.  a  court  of  common  pleas^  This  was 
a  noble  instance  of  generosity  and  moderation.  Were  it 
admitted  that  his  excellency's  treatment  of  Mr.  Pcjers  was 
arbitrary  and  unjv^ti^able,  it  should  be  reinembef^d^  tha^t 
PQ  rank  nor  station  has  ever  been  found  to  exempt  mep  f^Vf^ 

the  passions  and  infinpiities  common  to  human  nature.    We 

■» 

may  lament,  that  the  political  opinions  of  persons  in  high 
xesponsible  situations,  or  the  imperious  calls  of  public,  dutj^ 
should  render  them  obnoxious  to  the  displeasure  of  the  suf- 
preme  authority,  yet  it  should  never  be  forgotten,  that 
governors  and  the  rulers  of  nations  are  not  less  susceptibfe 
of  anger  and  resentment  than  those  whom  they  govern. 
How  unreasonable  is  it  then  to  expect  that  forbearance  in 
jthem,  which  we  find  ourselves  unable  to  practise  in  the 
most  ordinary  concerns  of  life  ? 

Mr.  Peers  survived  his  fall  from  power  but  a  short  time. 


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OF  BARBADOES. 

Ife**aii^'6tt  tfcfe  ib?urt^  day  of  September,  not  quite  ?tro 
mdtoitii^  after  his  dismissal.    This  geatleiAati's  character  has 
dehi  transmitted  to  posterity  in  very  opposite  colours,  by 
dWferent  writers.^   By  one  it  is  said,  that  his  ambition  had* 
p^rtged  him  early  into  factious  designs,  in  the  pursuit  bf* 
trtftclr^he*  acquired  a  peculiar  dexterity  in  the  ihahagement 
of  a  party.     His  passions  livere  violent  and  ungovemaible,  "^ 
ift;;1ft^d8Wp  warm,  m  vesentment.  implacable ;  he  was  the 
^^emy  of  every  man  who  opposed  his  measures*.    On  the 
q^tbuadj  he.  is  represented  as  a  man  cf  integrity,  lenient 
iahisi  disposition,  perfectly  disinterested  in  his  views,  inde« 
&t^gable  in  his  endeavours  to  serve  hi&iiiends,  and.diih^ 
dn/itmg  io^xert  his  power  to  the.  injury  of  those  &om  whom 
hj^i^iifibfisid  in  pditicdf.    We  pr»iHne  not  ta  recottcile^ 
o^lM0n»  so  contradictory* 

.i;:.9]he,d(eath  of  a  man,  whose  turbulent  disposition,  and 
2^||pl^i|^UM^,  ^/ntriguing  spirit,  had  frequently  disturbed  ttie 
riq^^:^  ofjthi^  country,  contributed  ^n  no  small  degree  to  the 
r^tocg^ioiipjf  peace  and  harmony.  And  the  Barbadians 
were  just  l^ginniug  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  Mr.  Byng's  pru- 
dence and  aeal  for  the  public  service,  when  he  was  unfor* 
Innately  seized  by  a  malignant  fever,  whiqji,  in  a  few  days, 
p\jt  a  ]^riod  t^  hia  existence.  Mr.  Byng's  short  administra-  October «. 
tion  was  characterised  by  his  firmness  as  a  man,  and  his 


^  Short  H«t  ofBaA.p.  Bp.  t  Mem.  of  Bar!).  Appcn.  p,  4. 

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^  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^^;^'  integrity  and  activity  as  a  magistrate ;  by  an  unwearied 
*'^  application  to  the  duties  of  his  office^  a  strict  attention  to 
the  organisation  of  the  militia,  and  the  repair  of  the  for*- 
tifications.  And,  to  their  honour  be  it  added,  the  assem*- 
bly,  notwithstanding  their  disputes  with  the  governor,  cheer- 
fully and  liberally  contributed  to  his  patriotic  designs, 
widely  considering  that  no  party  contention  ought  to  divert 
them  from  providing  the  means  of  defending  thdr  country 
against  the  common  enemy. 

On  the  demise  of  Mr.  Byng,  the  executive  authority 
once  more  devolved  on  the  Honourable  James  Dotin. 
Two  days  after  this  event,  the  assembly  met;  and,  ooft» 
sidering  the  mischiefs  and  inconveniences  which  bad  le^ 
iiulted  from  their  liberality  to  their  governor^  unanimously 
resolved,  on  the  motion  of  Judge  Bruce,  to  make  no  setUe- 
ment  whatever  upon  any  succeeding  conmiander  in  chfef^. 
This  was  certainly  a  most  extraordinary  det€3ininati<^  evi^ 
Aenthf  ealcvdated  to  produce  efiects  the  most  opposite  ta 
those  which  were  expected  from  it  Nothing  could  be 
more  preposterous  than  to  suppose  that  any  gentleman  would 
forego  the  pleasures  and  enjoyments  of  his  native  country, 
and  em^ouBter  the  inconveniences  and  perils  of  a  voyage 
,  across  the  Athmtic^  to  become  the  governor  of  a  West 
Indian  province,  in  a  elunate  unfavourable  to  European 
constitutions,  without  a  prospect  erf  deriving  some  more- 
solid  advantages  frt)m  the  appointment  than  the  honour  of 
.the  stationy  or  the  trifling  salary  aSbwed  by  the  ciown* 


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OF  BARDADOES-  $99 

Eflfectually  to  obviate  all  possibility  of  future  altercs^tion  ^J^^^* 
between  themselves  and  their  governor,  on  this  point,  the  ^^^• 
assembly  would  have  acted  with  much  more  prudence  and 
foresight,  had  they  at  once  established  a  permanent  revenue, 
sufficient,  without  any  ulterior  augmentation,  to  support 
the^  dignity  of  the  chief  magistracy «  Had  this  been  dane^ 
every  candidate  for  the  government  would  know  before  he 
1^  England,  the  full  extent  ef  his  reward.  No  disappoints 
ment  could  blast  his  hopes,  n6r  sour  his  temper;  and  a  fruits 
iltl  source  of  strife  and  discontent,  equally  disgraceful  and 
injurious,  would  have  be«i  removed*  Instead  of  resolving 
to  allow  no  salary  to  the  re[Mresentative  of  the  crown,  a  just 
regard  to  the  honour  and  inter^t  of  their  constituents  should 
haveindoced  the  assembly  to  proportion,  the  settlement  to 
die  full  extent  of  the  public  ability.  A  liberal  provisioa 
wtmid  reflect  lustre  on  the  character  of  the  government,  and 
render  it  worthy  the  acceptance  of  gentlemen^  whose  valua- 
ble qualities  and  respdctable  connexions  might  enable  them 
to  be  useful;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  a  mean,  scant/ 
allowattce  can  be  acceptable  o&ly  to  needj  adventurers 
without  talents  or  ponciple* 

It  IB  a  favQwite  istti^  w^ith  some  colonial  politicians, 
^ttbe  governor's  lewiird  slwnild  be  proportioned  to  his 
merits  But  thb,  however  ^pwciousy  is  ^nproper  and  im- 
pra(Aical]de.  The  settlemeal  «» tbe  governor  must,  in  con- 
ft>noity  Jto  th«  royal  inttnicstions,  be  nade  at  ih/^  first  iheet* 
ing  «£  the  aweMUy  aiker  bis  avrivaJv.wbeaa  disappoiotiue^ 

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SOO  THE,  HISTORY 

^^^^^'  ^^^  occasions  disagreeable  dissensions.  Nor  can  it  be 
^'  ^9'  said  that  any  subsequent  encrease  of'  salary  has  ever  been 
productive  of  benefit  to  thfc  country.  On  the  contrary,  it 
has  sometimes  happened,  that  the  measures  of  the  court 
have  assumed  a  very  different  aspect  as  soon  as  his  excel- 
lency found  that  he  had  nothing  farther  to  expect  from  the 
generosity  of  the  people.  Besides,  this  doctrine  betrays  too 
much  of  that  democratic  spirit,  which  has  been  long  labour- 
ing to  transfer  to  the  popular  branch  of  the  government  the 
sole  legislative  and  executive  authority  of  thje;itate.  It  be- 
trays a  wish  to  acquire  and  exercise  an  undue  influence  over 
the  executive  power :  a  wish  in  which  no  true  patriot  should 
ever  concur.  The  perfection  of  our  constitution  consists  in 
the  exact  equilibrium  of  the  three  branches  of  the  legislature 
and  the  harmonious  union  of  all  its  parts.  Whenever  this 
balance  is  destroyed,  whether  it  be  by  the  preponderance 
of  the  monarchic,  aristocratic,  or  democratic  part  of  the 
constitution,  there  is  equally  an  end  of  civil  or  political 
liberty. 
,741,  The  next  year  the  assembly  confirmed  their  resolutipa 

concerning  the  governor's  salary ;  and,  on  the  motion  of 
Mr.  Tobias  Frere,  unanimously  entered  into  sevwai  other 
resolutions,  for  supporting  the  privileges  of  the  people,  with- 
out infringing,  as  they  professed,  the  prerogative  of  the 
crown ;  and  for  regulating  the  proceedings  of  the  assembly^ 
according  to  the  usage  of  the  house  of  commons.  They 
insisted  that  the  representatives  of  the  people  possessed  the 


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OF  BARBADOES.  301 

sole,  inherent  right  of  imposing  taxes,  and  appropriating  chap.  ix. 
the  public  money  to  the  uses  for  which  it  was  raised  ;  and       I'^^i' 
resolved  to  exclude  the  council  from  all  but  a  negative  par- 
ticipation  in  the  business  of  raising  supplies.     Had  they 
stopped  here,  all  would  have  been  welK     But  in  their  ex- 
cessive zeal  for  the  maintenance  of  their  own  privileges, 
they  resolved,  in  direct  opposition  to  the  royal  instructions, 
to  provide  for  the  payment  of  no  account  which  had  not 
been  previously  examined,   and  approved  by  the  house. 
Thus  they  industriously  sowed  the  seeds  of  discord,  between 
themselves  and  the  other  branches  of  the  legislature ;  and 
revived  a  cause  of  litigation,    which   had  been  abready 
peremptorily  decided  against  them* 


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3031  THE  HISTORY 


CHAP.  X. 

administeatiok  of  sir  thomas  robinson — disputes  be- 
tween the  qoyernor  and  the  assembly commodore 

knowles — an  inquiry  into  the  state  of  charles  fort 

sir  thomas  is   superseded  by   mr.    orenvillb — the 

government  devolves  on  mr.  weekes — ^succeeded  by 
jjoctob  pinfold— loyal  and  spirited  conduct  op  the 
barbadians — mr*  adams  expelled  tux  assbmblt-^tju 
governor's  resignation. 

1  HE  progress  of  the  work  now  brings  us  to  the  adminis* 
tration  of  Sir  Thomas  Robinson,  a  period  which  is  repre- 
sented to  have  been  of  some  importance  in  our  colonial  his- 
tory. Yet,  from  the  scantiness  of  the  few  annals  which  I 
have  been  able  to  collect,  I  am  apprehensive  that  my  rela- 
tion of  it  must  be  extremely  defective.  Every  deficiency 
of  this  sort  might  have  been  supplied,  could  I  have  obtained 
access  to  the  journals  of  the  assembly;  but  thb  advantage, 
as  I  have  elsewhere  observed,  was  refused,  with  more 
than  Spanish  jealousy. 

Sir  Thomas  Rc^inson  arrived  on  the  eighth  day  of  Au- 
gust, and,  after  going  through  the  usual  forms  and  cere« 


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' 


OF  BARBAOOES.  30S 

moniei  of  attending  diyine  service,  and  taking  the  itate  ^J^J^ 
oaths,  received  the  reins  of  govenraient  from  the  presidenL      ^^^ 
The  assembly  at  first  seemed  firm  in  their  resolutioir  oi 
giving  the  governor  no  salary ;  their  constancy,  however, 
soon  yielded  to  the  imptilse  of  justice  tand  generosity  ;  and 
after  some  opposition,  the  honse  agreed  to  settle  on  his 
excellency,  the  sum  oi  mx  and  twenty  hundred  pounds  a    Septssw 
year,  during  his  possession  of  the  government    A  §tvt 
months  afterwards,,  an  addition  of  four  hundred  poundi^ 
per  annum  was  made  to  the  salary,  by  a  majority  of  two 
voices  only. 

Though  one  cause  of  contention  was  thus  removed,  at 
some  expense    of   consistency,    others  were    perpetually 
springing  up.     It  is  probable,  that  Sir  Thomas  Robinson, 
in  many  instances,  acted  withotut  a  due  regard  to  the  con^^ 
stitutional  privileges  of  the  people,  and  feited  in  treating 
the  popular  branch  of  the  legislature  with  that  respectful 
attention  to  which  it  was  entitled.     Either  for  his  personal 
convenience,  or  to  gratify  his  taste  in  architecture,  be  pre- 
eipitately  pulled  down  one  of  the  best  and  largest  apart* 
ments  at  Pilgrim,  and  made  several  expensive  alterations^ 
and  repairs  without  consulting  the  assembly.    They  very 
property  objected  to  this  mode  of  pitxeeding,  and  refused 
to  provide  for  the  payment  of  a  debt  which  had  been  so  iu* 
i^ulariy  incurred,  without  their  consent ;  but,  on  his  exf» 
eellenc/s  making  a  suitable  apology,  theaiSur  was  com^ 
promised*. 


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304  THje  HISTORY 

CHAP.  3(.  Jhe  ill  humour  of  the  assembly  had  scarcely .  subsided, 
'^^^^  before  his  excellepcy  very  incautiously  furnished  them  with 
a  fresh  subject  of  discontent.  There  happened  to  be^  at 
that  time,  no  convenient  armory  in  the  island.  The  utility 
of  such  a  building .  was  unquestionable ;  the  governor^ 
therefore,  determined,  of  his  own  authority,  to  erect  on^e^ 
with  a  small  magazine  adjoining,  in  which  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  small  armjB,  and  a  due  proportion  of  ammunition^ 
niight  be  carefully  deposited  fqr  the  use  of  the  militia,  in 
case  of  their  being  called  into  actual  service.  When  the 
work  -was  completed,  his  excellency  laid  the  accounts,  ac- 
companied by  the  proper  vouchers,  before  the  assembly, 
reijuiring  them.to  raise  the  necessary  supplies  to  enable  him 
to  liquidate  the  dfebV  which  he  had  contracted.  The  as- 
setobty acknowledgeci  the  utility  of  the  undertaking;  but 
^ertemptoriiy  refused  to  comply  with  his  excellency's  d^- 
nand;  illeging,  that  h^  had  acted  unconstitutionally,  and 
Hi  oped  Violation  of  thci  rights  of  the  people.  As  the  dele- 
gated guardians  of  the  public  purse,  they  insisted  that  they 
ought  to  Iifiv6  l)een  cbnsulted  on  an  undertaking,  the  ex- 
peoseof  which  \t*a9  to  be  paid  by  their  constituents;  that, 
^rhis-^nciUeoey  had  presumed  to  erect  the  armory  with- 
OQli  4eigniii|(  t*  advise  with  the  representatives  of  the 
pMpiSiftbeyiQQuld  act  Vote  for  hie  reimburtement  without 
ooniiliitiijD^  fi^bnE^aeh  of  the  sacred  trtist  reposed*  in  thcnii, 
aod^pstahliivhing  a  precedwit  not  lew  dangerous  to  tbein^ 


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OP  BARBADOES. 

teresis  and  privifeges  of  the  people  than  injurious  to  tke  ho« 
noar  and  independeQce  of  their  oirn  body*. 

This  reasomng  was  invincible.  Bot  as  legislatire  assem* 
blies  are  not  bound,  like  courts  of  justice,  to  strict  observ- 
ance of  former  decisions^  there  would  have  beeh  less  im-  . 
HioralitT  in  establishing  a  precedent,  which,  at  tiie  worst, 
could  only  have  been  quoted  on  anj  similar  occasion,  than 
in  violating  the  laws  cjf  justice,  which  being  immutable 
and  eternal,  ought  never  to  be  transgressed  on  any  plea  of 
policy  or  expediency. 

A  clandestine  attempt  was  made  by  the  commiteionen  of  17^5 
the  fortifications  to  secure  a  part  of  the  m<mey  for  his  ex«  ^« 
cellency;  diey  certii^d,  that  the  lamb^and  materials  used 
about  the  armoury  had  been  applied  to  the  use  of  the  for* 
tifications ;  and  an  order  was  regularly  passed  at  tht 
eonncil-board  for  the  amount.  Th^  treasurer,  fhnn  a 
previous  knowledge  of  the  circumstances,  doubted  the  1e^ 
gality  of  bo^  1^  certificate  and  tlte  crder ;  and  consulted 
the  attomey'-general ;  who  thought,  that  though  diecommis*^ 
sioners  had  e!!tceded  the  bounds  of  their  authonty,  as  tbe 
order  bad  passed  the  oouncil-board  in  the  Usual  mannetv 
the  treasurer  was  bound  to  pay  it  But  the  assembly  liot 
concurring  in  this  opimon,  withheld  the  supplies,  and  Sk 
Hiomas  was  left  to  sustain  the  umtiminished  expense  of  die 

•  8hOTtHnt.orB»ik]t.7«v    Beanikson  the  "Sbart.  HM.  p.2S.    Rrst  SeU.  .f 
p.  «. 

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S06  THE  HISTORY 

bnildmg)    amounting    heaVly    to    two-and-forty    hundred 
pounds.     In  the  course  of  the  disputes,  to  which  thistrans^ 
action  gave  rise.  Colonel  Gibbons  (afterwards  Sir  William) 
who  had  been  recently  elevated  to  the  speaker^s  chair,  and 
had  been  appointed  to  the  command. of  Speight's  division  by 
Sir  Thomas  himself,  thought  proper  to  resign  his  commis- 
sion, either  to  render  himself  independent  of  the  governor's 
favour,  or  to  anticipate  his  dismissal. 
.   Notwithstanding  these  domestic  feuds,  and  the  animo- 
sity which  prevailed  against  the  governor,  it  is  a  circum- 
stance much  to  the  honour  of  the  assembly,  that  the  public 
safety  was  neither  neglected  nor  sacrificed  to  an  idle  oppo- 
sition to  the   meiisures  of  government.    Two  sloops  were 
fitted  out  to  guard  the  coasts  against  the  depredations  of 
privateers ;  and  the  sum  of  seven  hundi^ed  pounds  sterling 
was  voted  for  the  purchase  of  paterraroes  for  the  use  of  thc^ 
forts ;  a  good  intention,^  niiseraibly  perverted:     At  the  same 
time,  a  suspicion  being  enteirtained  that  there,  were  some 
persons  in  the  country  base  enough  to  hold  a  traitepouft  cor- 
respondence with  the  IVench  at  Martinico,  an  act  was  pas- 
sed, empowering  the  governor  to  cause  any  person  who(n  he 
should  have  reason  to  suspect  of  disaffection,  or  of  cortes- 
ponding  with  the  enemy,  to  be  apprehended,    by  warrant 
irom  any  justice  of  the  peace,  and  committed  to  the  com- 
inon  gaol,  till  he  should  be  released  by  an  order  of  council 
Ubis  was,  in  fact,  an  absolute  suspension  of  the  habeas  cor- 
pus act    A  formidable  power  was  thus  lodged  in  his  ejicel* 

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OF  BARBADOES.  307 

lency's  hands>  which  an  arbitrary  and  vindictive  ruler  mig^ht  char  x. 
have  employed  in  oppressing  his  Majesty's  subjects  ;  espe-  ^'^♦^ 
cially  such,  as  by  thwarting  his  measures,  mi^ht  have  pro- 
voked his  resentment.  But  Sir  Thomas  exercised  this 
alarming  authority  with  becoming  moderation.  Three  men 
of  low  rank  only  were  arrested ;  and  they  were  discharged 
in  a  .few  days,  on  giving  security,  not  to  engage  in  any 
treasonable  correspondence  during  the  continuance  of  the 
act,  which  was  limited  to  three  months. 

A  circumstance  happened  at  this  time,  wluch,  though  it 
may  be  deemed  beneath  the  dignity  of  history^  t9  repord, 
ought  not  to  be  omitted  in  a  i^iarrative  of  don^iestic  qccup* 
reoces.  Mn  Bedford^  a. merchant  of  Bri^ge7towi:|,  haying 
a  »loop  arrived  froiu  Essequebo^  H^f^^  y^\\\^  timber,  j9|0|ld  ^ 
the  careo  to  Commodore  Knowles*  who  hired  thej  vessel 
to  carry  it  to  Antigua,  after  $Jie  ba4,  l^ei^  du}y;  entered  at 
the  proper  offices.  Bedfprfl^  w^s  s^psibjle  ^at  the  ?lopp 
mrefat  to  be  entered  outwards,  before  ^he  could  be  allowed 
to  proceed  on  her  voyage,  and  accordingly  Mentioned  the 
matter  to  the  commodore,  who  most  vin^pcpuntalj^ly  forbad 
it  1  ffivinflj  him  a  certificate  of  her  having  been  hired  into  the 
King's. service,  adding,  that  he  would  hoist  a  pendantj  and 
protect  the  sloop  and  the  owner  from  all ,  damages.  At 
length,  Capjptin  Pare,  the  chief  gunner  at  N?ed[iam's,Jbe- 
iqg  informed  that  the  sloop  was  to  sail  without^  clearing  at 
the  offices,,  as  the  law  directs,  consulted  Colonel  Charnpck, 
who  advised  him  not  to  let  her  go  without  the  usual  order 

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309  THB  HISTORY 

ca«P^  f torn  the,  gpyfempf.  In  thej  jocan  time  the  ^loopt^  acccnn- 
^^^^^  jpeoied  bj  Conmpdoie  KnowWfr  flag-ship^  was  got  under 
.  !we»g)> ;  ajod  Capt^ifv^  Pare»  fiodiiag  ^e  \va$  out  qS  shot  of 
Needbam'9^  hastened  tf>  Jaine»  Fort^  ami  <)irdeKed  tMro  gBnn 
U>  be  ^ttccessWdl  V  &f ed  at  ber •  Tbe  Woolwich,  wbkb  wa» 
tl^enin  s|  vevy  different  direction  from  the  sloop^  imme* 
d^aAelj  fired  afthot  over  the  fort,^  which  penetrated  a  .stons* 
kpuse  ia  the  towa.  Pare^  not  to  be  intimidated  firara  his 
duty,  fired  a  third  shot  ^t  the;aloop^.biit  fio4>^  ^  had 
got  iaejqn4  the  lai:^  of  lais  cavMrn,  tbe  firvRg  wa3  4(Moii- 
turned.  CoBuaodoie  Kaowka  was  rioleutly  exasperated, 
aod  wrote  »  passiMiate  b^ter,  dtnected  to  tbe  go<vemov  tn 
«0ifscij^  complaining  of  the  uQparalleled  insult,  as  l>t 
tfiirBQ^^il^oohia  Makat)['3  fia^iaaiMrting, contrary  to  ik^^t^ 
ifettt  |wa  of  the  sh^l  wejc^  yerj  near,  atriking  thc^WooiwicK 
Mod  decJftriB^  thftt  )ia4  the  ship  been  stmckn  he  wo«ld  c^iv, 
taialy  bavQ  beaten  down  .the  fort:  904  coiacluded  with  io-. 
sitting,  that  the  p^rson^  by  irhjpaer  ordeifs  the^  guns  wfi;e: 
fired/ 8Muld  be  exempkri^^ 

Tbe  matter^  by^otder  of  the  goferiMW.  aa^  couocfl^  was 
leferpedtathecoasid^atkA  attofa^y-g^ieral,  Blea* 

nMi ;  who^  aftes  ap  elaborate  review  of  the  .if  jtM)le,  affjur, . 
leported!,  that  notwithstaqdii^  the  cai^o  had  beea  pur- 
chasedi)Y  CoBunodare  iLnawles,  the  vetuiel  oufibt  to  baye 
cleaxed  a»  the  law  directs,  and  that  the  c^ptaj^-^an^i;  had 
ckme  eatre^ly  light  ia  endeavouring,  to  stop  herv  But 
he  thought  that  Fast  ought  tor  have  infbrmet^  the  commo- 


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OFBARBilDOES.  30^ 

dore  of  'thd  liecessity  of  the  vessel's  clearing  but  ^  befWe  he  6IPM^x> 
ewiM  afi^w  lierto  passl  the  fort ;  and  that  theh^  tboogfa  he      ^^^^t 
might  have  fired  a  single  shot,  to  signify  that  the  vessel  had 
not  complied  with  the  law,  it  tvould  have  been  priiiient  ta 
have  gone  no  farther.    Bat  as  to  panisliing  the  officers^  of 
the  fort,  Mr.  Btoiman  averred  there  was  no  foundation  for 
arach  a  jwroceedifng  b^  any  legal  course,  whatever  might  be 
the  •  ineasuife  of  naval  discipline.    In  remarking  on  tUe 
thMat  of  beating  ddwn  the  fort,  the  spirited  Crown  ,iaw* 
y^r  eongratnlated  the  commodore  on  the  shot  fiopi  the 
Woolwieh  having  produced  no  worse  consequences,  "  siiyccj, 
if  it  had,  he  might  possibly  h4ve  fouh^,'  bii  iiis  return  to 
Iferbadoes,  that  #e  are  neither  Vitiiout  to  for  our 

protection,  nor  a  suitable  spirit  to  j^ut  iMm  in  execution. 

Upon  the  noting  of  the  general  aiseiSib^y,  mi.  Fair*  May  \o. 
child,  after  some  prefatory  i^arks  ofe  the  cieftticctew  state 
ef  Charles-fort,  and  the  alltision^  to  some  disoVders  whicK 
had  recently  happened  in  that  gamson,  moved,  tnht  a^ 
committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into'  the  condition  ,pr 
CharleJr-fbrt  at  the  time  of  the  three  preceding  ^larn;is,  the 
cattees  of  the  denciency  of  stores,,  and  of  the  disorders  re- 


parted  to  have  happened  there ;  and  that  the  committee  be 
OTnpowered  to  send  for^  papers  and  records,  and  to  examine 
wltneiss^s.  TWie  motion  being  agreed  to/ a  committee  was 
appointed  to  prosecute  the  proposed  mqmry. 

The  proceeding  gave  greiat  6ffenc^'t6  his  exce^^^ 
whoria  it  was  cotisideted  as^  to  rafririgemeiit  on  the  rigtte  of 


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310         >  THE  HISTORY 

c!iTA'p>K.  the  executive  power;  He  called  the  committee  before  him> 
1745.  3||(j  endeavoured  to  intimidate  them  from  pursuing  their  de- 
sigh.  But  finding  his  menaces  ineffectual,  he  consulted 
the  attorney-general,  and  demanded  a  categorical  answer  to 
the  following  queries-^^l.  Whether,  by  the  laws  and  consti- 
tution of  Barbadoes,  the  assensjbly  have  a  power  (>f  inquir- 
ing into  any  deficiency  of  stores,  or  into  any  disorders  that 
may  happen  in  either  of  the  forts,  without  any  previous 
addtess  or  application  td  the  governor  ?  2.  Whether  the  as- 
sembly have  aright  to  send  for  persons,  papers,  and*  re- 
cords, and  toexaAine  witnesses  upon  oath,  or  to  direct  la 
justice  of  the  peace  to  take  depositions  for  their  satisfac- 
tion ?  Whether  the  assetubTy  have  power  to  compel  witnes-^ 
sds  to  app(eaf  b^sfore  them,'  and  to  oblige  persons  to  produce 
papei^  and  records  ;  and  what  n^thods  of  a>mpuIsion  miO^ 
they  Tise  fohr  thfese  purposes?  .i  ji   <:r.j  , 

Mr.  Blennian's^ report,  in  answer  to  these  interrogator's, 
was  in  snbsta!nc6  as  follows :  it  is  the  indispu table  prero^-^ 
tive  of  the  commander  in  chief  to  inquire  into  all  griev- 
ances of  a  public  nature,  and  to  redress  tliem  by  the^  rbmoi^l 
of  thosd  officers  whose  negligence  or  incapacity  ^jC.il^e 
causes  of  the  abuses  complained  of.  But,  aj^  various  cir-, 
cumstances  may  concur  ta  prevent  his  excellency's  qooiipg 
to  the  knowledge  of  many  existing  evils,  it  is,  equally  the 
privilege  of  the  assembly  to  inquire  into,  and  represent 
them  to  the  governor,  that  they  may  be  corrected,  and  the 
offenders  punished  by  bis  authority.     Nor  did  the  honour- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  Sll 

able  gentleman  conceive  that  the  present  inquiry  had  any  chap.  x. 
tendency  to  encroach  on  the  prerogative  of  the  Crown.  He  ^^^• 
thought  that  a  previous  address  to  the  governor,  on  the  sub- 
jept>  would  have  been  a  more  regular  and  useful  mode  of 
proceeding;  but,  as . the  assembly  had  preferred  another, 
which  appeared  to  them  more  ejSectual,  he  knew  of  no 
law  Iff hich  could  restrain  them  in  the  exercise  of  their  inhe- 
rent privilege ;  nor  could  they ,  be .  controlled  otherwise  than 
by  his  ©xcellencyV  .undqubted  power  of  dissolving  the 
hou6e.  3^ 'he  earnestly  recommended  to  his  excellency 
to  take  BO  atep  to  .retard,  the  progress  of  an  inquiry,  of  so 
much  importajuseto.the  community,  and  which  was  uni- 
versally expected  ait  th*^  perilous: juncture..  Having  already 
said,  that  the.  assembly  had  an  unquestionable,  r^t  to  ex- 
amine into  all  public  grievanceisi,  the  learned  counsellor 
thought  they  must  have  power,  to  sepd  for  persons  and 
papers^  and  to  caattine/Wfitneases;;  but  pot.  uppn  oath*. 
4odi  i^thottgii*he- would  not  presume  to  determine  precisely 
.ttje  power  of  tiie  assembly,  or 'their  committee,  iii  cases  of 
this  nature ;  yet,  if  they  thought  it  essential  to  the  public 
interest  or  safety;  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  auy  particular 
fact,  relating  to  any  affair  depending  in  their  house,  by  de- 
position taken  by  a  justice  of  the  peace>  he  apprehended  it 


*  Mr.  Christian,  ia  bis  nolesupon  Blacks.  Comm.  vol.  1.  p.  181,  sayt,  '^  the  com- 
mittee (appointed  to  determine  controrerted  elections)  may  send  for  witnesses  and  ex- 
amine tbem  npoa  o<itb^  «  power  which  the  booK  of  cgmmona  d«es  not  possess.'^   , 


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^^^  THE  HISTORV 

^W^JJJ-  would  be  higiay  iDJutioui  to  dispute  tbdf  right  to  pureoe 

"**•     that  jnethod.    As  tbc  third  query  cooceroed  the  conductor 

the  aAsembl/  and  their  committoe  in  their  proceeding*,  Mr. 

Bleomaa  declined  giving  an  cx|riicit  answer,  as  their  privi- 

k-ges  were  no  where  cspr^j  defined. 

Meanwhile  the  comsaittee,  hajviag  finighed  their  inqvi- 
Ties,  made  tbcar  report  to  the  home ;  upon  whicb  ttmf  pw- 
«en*ed  an  addrefs  to  his  exceHeocj,  insistiag  4ip<wi  -the  rfe- 
UJoyalof  the  chief  gunner  <»fCharie».fort.  Il^^ttorne/* 
general  wm  again  con«ihed;  and,  in  a  wpaft -written  wiHi 
roanljr  sense,  caedour,  prudence,  and  jsodenrtioti,  lie  adi 
vis^  a  conjpJiapw  with  the  wishes4^  AeaswemWy,  as  tht 
onlymea^i  pC  restoring  haoaoay  to  the  public  co«ii<«4. 

But  %  se^s  of  diii^ponil  were  too  deeply  «d#«,  arid  ^  hji 
"dustriously  cultivated,  not  to  produce  the  most  deleterious 

frwts.  The  governor,  encouiaged  by  (iie  i«^li6ere^  luteH. 
fcre^m^of  Uiecom»ci3.  di^qja^fed  Ae^gober  ^m^^it^^ 
<>f  his  wgp  ro«^.  Ti«ro  TO, .peri«HWy  a^twng^ 
enceyetbehitfd  4he  curt^  SirThomas  M  *«tttittf -Mm. 
SaJmon,  a  ^ow  My,  who«^ghter,l,y  hter ;f«w«.  hhsL 
band,  was  married  ^  Captain,  fianj,  chief  gtome* ,  of 
Charlesrfwrt..  ,       .,     ^.^  ■    .    ,.^    -r:  ^  ! .-.  ;>.  . 

The  diaaeaaipw  b^Jtwep^  his^celfaacy^^  tfe  aiswnbly 
were  enci«a«^.by:nwt»al-i^,p«il««,  u^  wsentment 

of  the  house  could_no  longerJieiBatrained-within  thcbonnds 
of  moderation.  The7p,e«i»t«i: a  petition,  to  the  throne, 
containing  neveral  allegatiow  againrt  ^iie  t«nremor,  for  an 


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OF  BARBADOES.  313 

abuse  of  tbe  prerogative,  and  a- vielati6Q  of  the  ^nrivneges  ^JJi^!^' 
of  the  commons  of  Barbadoes.    His  excellency  was  refJrc?      "*^* 
sented  .t*  [ha^vi^g^iii' tM|Hiher4««s.  instan^^j  'shewn  ^tm-^ 
8^  dtOfti^^te.  of;  ^f«^.i  tajient  for  government;  as   llav-*  . 
ing  abuaed  and  disgcac^.  the,  sacred    tcust  repp^d   inr 
hin^ i  4^)  iibp4€^  ,]i)iq^lf  4:o|0temptiUe  i^  tl^e  eyes  of 
aai.iuffM^9^yVsal»jiBf9|»K  ,^:cg^^  <^  tiwi»^  com-/ 

plaii^tSy  .Sfr>  Tlhwnw  Eobiofpn,:  on  -^  iobangs  of .  mi(iis>      1747. 
ti'J>yY(«t9  l^oftlled  .ivoofc.  bis  government,    and   the  Ho- 
nowr,9J»I^.}Ie9syr<«it)iwill«^  ]3fi»th^ii-lav  to  Lord  Temple, 
apppiji^^tosi^qeedJiira*.  ^ir  ThoiQafi,  iievertheles%  cdu^    ■ 
timved  to  e^qepcps^  .tl)e:su|)raBe.cuthi6rityi  until  ibhe  arrival 
of  W^.»upcesq«r,.4p  whom  l^:niigaed  the  administration* 
and  j^maii^  fftafu^  tim^  piktke  ishuid  as  a.  private .  gsn-   April  u. 
tleiQffiB.- ■>,    _-.;    ,-,»■.,:•     .  ..  'I.'    ■  •'.  '  '     ^      ]  ■•'' 

^e  ^t8^eif^|^m)\r  .se^ed  vnsiiMe  of-  tho.iii^prgjniely  of . 
^^^,  i^*9<5r  det^i;qiiiBat4Qii  tcsipnotiDg  the  ,gf>yernor's;8alary^ 

impolitip  ^1^  wiinff.  .PnUieir  first  |e^$ion/ after.  Mr.,<jf eijir 
ville'saiyf^»jt\^jettkd  oahijo^jtbe  siwn  of  three. thou- 
sand pouiidf  a  year^  wjth  a  resolution  pot  to  increa:^  that  al- 
lowance pn  any  pretence  whjit8f)wer*.  The  miI4)  ^nd  pa- 
cifip  adji»inis^r»tijpii  of  Mr,  Gftoville  a^ords .  few  bccurreh^ 
>ce8  worthy  <tf  «^Vetaion,  except;  th©  dispute  in  whidH  he 


t  '    n'i'fti  '». "' 


•  One  9f  .fh«.«rM  Mtt  o£.Mr.fiv«|Tflle'*  «4atitti«tratioB,  wa»  to  reXsr^Sir  WilUa^ 


ss 


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c^^J^-  waft  invc^ed  with  M.  4e  Oaylufr,  coHcenifkg  thie  isknd  of 

Diat  nkuid  had  always  been  cdfisiddfe^  as  a  dep^ndeocy 
on  tile  govemfiMent  i>f  Bat4>adoes ;-  bXit'by  ik^  peace  of  'A4x'> 
hmCluq>elte  it  Vtisstiptitetedto  be^^lMitra),  and  'to  be  in 
eonftnon  %d  fivfeh.  i3lf  the  Mfbj^ts  <#•  d^glaad  and  fVance  as 
nvigbt  ^ki^^ally  resort  thiOter  ferr  ttetkisbiaeBt  WitfaSn 
t#6'Ac¥t  fiM)M^  iiftar'8ig«Tti^^  IMi^We'lxettfy,  die 
Tiiencli  toatt  prWtitdy  otrdfeivd'fe  s^U^tdetoent  to  be  ttadeon 
49i6'isltta^yiiiider  the -protedabn  of  d^C^yiu^^ 
Mltrtinieo.  ^ntedean^  #as'iM  sotMier-k^Mrvnirili  Biabadde», 
^tftOn  Mr.  ^raimUe  dispatx^icjd  a  ftigate  to  Ibbagd/  with  a 
fyfodamatidfa,  Tequirio^  the  Freoiefa  setttere  to  ev^cuiafe  the 
ktaad  wiOun  thArty  -dajs^  under  jpeiil  df  ttiilitary  execn- 
tioiL  De  Caylus  immediately  p«blisbed  aa  ordinance^ 
ia  Whi(ft,  after  >tfealih)g  Ilfn  Gfenvillle's  ^oetetna^oa  as  a 
^rgesrf,lM€kakBeAihBMmimgntye('^t^Bxt&-^  bk  most 
Christikli  iRfoyeirty;  promifauig  prtft^tioli  andsofjptdrt  to 
sitiAi  yhnA  sufc^tft  as  shotild'ietiile  there;  and  ^tohitiit* 
ing  all  iiitercotiTse  with  ther  adjacent  l^ogli^,  !Dtitch  and 
D&hish  colohites;  "lb  'shew  that  lite  Was  iil  earaest,  the 
VremJh'GttlCTa!  -^tioiled  iWo  stotit  ftfg^t^  'at*  ^d(ij*r&hd- 
t>ay,  smB.  elected  'twd  sttbiig  tj&tttery  6tt  ijid^k*  'ta  'ihe  in- 
t^ritn,  the  Bosttoii  %g^tfe  W^ihg  '^aQt*fe^*d*' j(t'  "Ibb^gb  %r 
ifood  and  irater,  Capt.  Wheeler  was  "net  ~altowed"foland, 
**rt  -was  *oW,  that  if -hfe  shotrld  be  "seen  "there  again  he 
would  be  expelled  by  force.  '    " 


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OFBARBAIX**.  MS 

A  detail  of  theoe'  particul«n( '  w&s  tsansmitted  by  Mr.  chap.x,. 
'(^Ttmrii^to  £nghiii4>  wherc  thej  excited  a\c^|E^iderabie     ^7^"^' 
degr^  of  rpqpiAut  iiHligtiBtmn:wt^fee.yegfiFly  of  tboJ?oeticfa» 
&ttd  tb«  siipai«n«8«  o£  the  <£d^u^  iotiiiftikrjr*    LorcK  Atho^ 
marie,  ttle  'Bnti»k  loxibaBSBflbr  '^  Pnceui  ma,  Mi  ietagUi*  i{Mt 
8trttctie(¥  to>veftQOflBtrete<agai|isib'  sti^'  api^dble  bnaobMiC 
ftienrds^p'and  goodf^cH^ '-  %e  Sventtii tninii&feiv in  n|kLjr* 
accused  >Mr.>^reiivlUe  <#  ^nedpitaicy  a 
he,  however,  wiccpilrocAHy 'dUsKfowed'  Bie  pmeeesKagid  ^:£Hs 
Caylus;' and  promised' t^  dffet^(y«y'f>«  t^fiken  to^ffiavaot 
similar  conipMints  '  in  ■ftttnife.J"0r(*ffl«  %«rc  -accoHibD^jp 
issued  by  the  court  of*  V^r^iihes  ffinr  the  immc^als  Macoa^ 
tion  of  Ibbago  and  the  otJief  nentmi  is£uids:    TheMFoerder^ 
were  sent  to  Mr.*Greiiraie^l(w  b^'-foh^Fafdiea  lOKDerCbyhta^ 
•who  refused  to  obejr'thtJni  sajftrigihat-hc'^ad  recaired'JiO' 
instructions  fl*o«n'  |he  ftlng;  hw  master, vdorihesabjedt;  :  F^tf 
the  sak^  df*pr6brJistiriatkJiiV  beieatefcd  hitoadfacOT!ii^»wi1^ 
Mi".  GrdaVipe  on  the'  ^rights  of  dier  t«ro  crtwasJ^'^  wM^  iiw?fl> 
interhipted  b^r  liis  3eallb,  artd  the  pwut:  ivrp$:,t(illim?rt^y;4ef 
cided'tiy  an  appeal  to,  ti»e  s,ward,*i   ,  :, .,     :  ,i.n  j)inlu:-.,{ 

Meanwhile  the  gpveKiimfjotof  5arba4oes;F^I9<?iMl^ct!^ 
by  Mr.  Orehville  with  beoji^ning  ddgf^ity  m^^mi^ )  T^Jif 
•world,  which  siddom  ioo^,1%opd.the  $tjrj&<?^  pf  ^^gs,;i$ 
ever  caught  ;by  appe^^oes^  and  ^^vcrtjdd;  jl^^;ji^^f:jfi^ 

^0liin  Hits  tolrtB.  p.  If  tf.    SMi^M  IiytNi9ti^.IU«M^^  ^ftd 

S  S  2 


vV.\' 


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Si6  THE  HMtDRt - 

CHAP.  k.  -T^-^  ffef^ahgf  e<»tesu  ."beUveen  tfaapeople; Jtod<i  %eci^ 

sunk'iHtd-^  stdt«^dt1ar  renioTedfromicoBtlsiQpt;  [bji»li^. 
OretH'illfr's&on  restored  *li0  dignit3r.of  gonrdnnnent  %.  ifie 
sp1ehd6ui'^n<l  tnAgniiceiice.'  iriAi< which  b^  .sqppctrlod  his 
rank '/  tuxd  yM  im^re  -by  bis  dign^i^d  c^portmeat  txd  ■jptk'- 
triotk  cdhdolE^it.t  ->H«9  candour,  iotegHty,  and  imp^M^^y 
remdved^  tiH '  €ati94^.  of  |Mli%y  <]Kd(pute8f  atul  bUsDocd  tlM.cla- 
inottrs'l>f^/&eifS0ii%  -  Hi*  8t«m  (iolitical  tractitadeti^dftHWdl 
the  Ivam&er^'  bjr  vblK:Ai  ignoble  qaiaidf^c^tBrt.aki^attieAQeqt 
popularity,  and  sought  only  .iia.  estabiisb  ibis  .l*ttnae<.QO)tbe 
4uratole.  basis  of  a  ODtpQienboqa  discbarge  of  Ms  4uty. 
Witk  nd'iOtfaer  .oigftot;  in  .view  than  the  public  good,  he 
aii4ed't<t)iiwc<}ua)v  iH>  undue  ioduemre  over  ihe.IegislatiTe 
'  f0ltiwiil9^4vf:griktifjing  the  seI68b  or  ambitious  desires  of 
fiienitt'giotMir;  but 'bestowed  such  employments  as  were  at 
hisu^posdliion'  the  post  ^eaenving,  .regardless  jdif  personal 

'  eoAti^iio&s^'^ait  t!iei5oh»itatiQB8  of  pdvale  firieiid^hip^.  He 
baMl  4tbus>tbe  4eliGit^^k)town:to  few  m  his^cguiited.sphei^,  of 

vdMiwiag  talents  &6va  oh^etinljriand  rewarding  merit,  ia  a 
,    stmnger.-.  x.-^\. /  I i.  Si uv '{-i  (j,, •■;•.(:       ■)• 

17M.      '  iJafing  adnfm'is^l«d' 4he  ^verument  fbr  siiF  y^^r»  and 
'^    '    ^aeiQQBtllyMrvOreaTalle  indulged  a  wishimos^ -natural  to 

4tQ  ingepuons  mind;,  he  la,ng«bhed  for  his  native  hopne; 

an4,  havjpg  obl^ed  ^is  irpyal  master's  permission,  resigned 

his  authority,  with  ^q  .;4iP.9ign  of  returning  to.  £ngtand. 

Previous  to  his  departure,  the  house  of  assembly,  a»  a  testi- 


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OrBAHB^DQES.  817 


1753. 


moi^  of  their  gwtefuJwiwC'Ofi  the  fUcwings^hicbthef)^  ^3iSJ^ 
pic  ta«l  enjoyed  wa^  hia  aii8)noiQ«»  ^dmihisti^OD^  voted 
a  liberal  dpnatiFC  to  d^firay  the  ejfpensiea  pf  bU  noyage. 
Batrhis'mxceUency  gsnerowl^  refased.to  iocrewe  the.lwi»- 
theiis  of  a  people^  i  wh«nih(&-  ctmW  i»o  loogejf  aid.  w^th  ^ 
oouiaeis  hor  benefit  by  his  eyertkma.  tlwpwssed  with  1?^ 
coming  adihiratioa  of-^iM^  ^extraordiitaTy  instance  of  dif- 
intei«irtedaeBs,'tbBias^»itbly.:fea()Ay(^tp  perpet^e  th^/Oi^- 
jnopy  of  his  elaftted  faasrttv  hy/!«f«ptitti  a  n^arl^.  statue,  re*  . 
presenting  ibis  eacetiianojj  atfuU.Ieitgthy  ^i'  th«.iaa©M^  cop- 
spicoous.  pari  of  the  town  ball^^u)  j'-^u*^.,;  iriij, /■'.;.  ;., 
On  Mr.tGnenrilleVidefiaatnitty^Aie/govtonHieDii  devolved 
on  Uie  Hononnifa^  Halpb  Weekes;  pce^ysnt^dheiecMnGiL 
Tbou^  this  gestleinaa  retainedjth0.es£Ci»<iiY^:f»itdM9fit7  fot 
rnqre'tban  three  year8^<  the'dolBomal  ^rficoidt^ffirf ish>  qor  m9' 
ifaonBki  of  his  talents,  fer  gmevQUkettt^  inor  of  h»  Hftmnt^fot 
legida^iorn,  accept  an  actvprdB&btting  the  fiviog  e^:  fi<|Mihf> 
serpeatp^and  other  firq-worka^  the iifli»8l.  iiei»on«tiatt^:si9t>Qf 
pQDulax  attschmeotta  chnidi  aiuistatfi,j.oa  the  aanivst- 
sary<  of  thei.papdsts'^iconspinwy:  Xbid  )aiKii»  .a«mia% 
trampled  upon  with  impunity  by  vulgar  loyalty  aod>  Jtupinl- 
tuDtts. piety.  iMr..Weefcc»  wa*  rewarded  miih  ^a^Uwty  of 
twelve  huadied^  pounds  a  ywf.    Hn  uiunl^i^stwg.  juJau- 

•  Haifs  first  settlement  of  Barb.  p.  33.    This  statue/  togcttiar  wi(b  torcT  rioWittt 
portrait^wM  destroyed  by  tiie  gce«tliuatcM>«iD  l%Mt. 


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51S  TSffi  HtfXOEY 

^>a^2>  Bia^attimf'vlt^  at  lei^  jtovm^toa  hy  the  iHviT&l.  bf €hiwl«fk 

»£*fa    I'iDfi'^^^U^Dt.  wha  had  been  fconoured  iiwtllijiisi  Majesty «[ 

coBCimissioivaa  go/nxnor of  Barbadoes.   The  reventie  aHotibed 

tortile  aupfxvt  of  Mr.  iHnfold  traa  tfa«  same  as  that  lifaiiifi 

luMl- beon  alloired  id  the  two  kt'st  goretfBois/       

1758.  WJnBeeer.  direati  Bntaitf  i&  eogagod  ito  abtual  hoMifitkitt 
ndtfa  ai^)otikessn^asititne-pO(«Qr»  the<  etife«t&  of  tttie><KMiJlM£ 

globe.  The  war  -which  traaoDiw  kindled  im 'Eurftpesoonk 
extended  itsdf  la  the  West  iDdies^  wad  ptesettted  the  Bam 
badians  widi  siti  <>pportu[iiity  of  proving^  thdr  fleai  and  ida^ 
Ityv  b^  tbei  KiadkMM^  atMi  wbicb  they  contributed  their 
iGtebia'aid't»^prt6a9(Mefthe«»td«pri9e»otf  the  Antiish  gov^ii«> 
ment )»  the  western  hemisphefe.  Toward9  the  end  o^tiit» 
jreftT,  ikeieaiMmvaf  iS^int  Ja«n€ttV  Ibntied  the  design  of  ^re* 
dttcki^th^p<j%«i'<»lFia«te>&kith»Caftbb<Mn8^.  Forthi^ 
ptit<p)(^,  d  fiMt  of  «}^  ski^Q^tfief  KheV  with  a  b6djr'«>f  fiVd 
!3M>a9aBd  tM^p^  wei^  o^red  H-om' Sai»t  Helena  io  jc^ 

1759.  €oo>iii!Odo^' Mdore  id  €adi9)e  Bbj.  The  jtmctioii  -yast 
e^f«^:on>'tiiei  thJwl  day- of  the  new  yeas.  The  goieiW 
iititnediately  ^eoiuroked  theC  legislature,  for  the  -purpose  otf 
affotdiog  s«ch  atsistatice  as  might  be  io  their  power  to  fiBtci- 
litate  thffr  ^ipe^^on.  With  a  i^irit  and  promptitude  highly 
creditaMe,  they  gruited  a  auoiber  of  negroes  for  the  re-^ 
inoval  of  aiitUIciry;  and  Qthier  labojdoud,  w^rvkes,  and.  fur- 
iiis&ed  the  seamen  aMtaoldicra  with  every  species'  of  n- 


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iBttry  ^>r  ttcce|>table.'*  .:         .       ,     ■  i^^P- 

'fhte  BHH&h  dttoatnefit  1^  Ottlt^le  ^  KOt  the  tlurteentlL 

ia€  Martllnco  two  daysafbdrwaKls,  t^ii  tfaie  tRHjps  'were 
di»e»ii^ark6d'at  P<«nt  des  Negroes.-  ^b<i  ki  eimste^faaaee  of 
(^dllid^iffifecekte  iA  opuiidn<4>«ttreeh  ^meva!  Mopeon  wad 
<]kMmtK)dfti  llidor^,  tbey  wtttt  ifeHefnbtiiiEed  witbia  twenty- 
4^  fafiin«  «ller  tfaeit  landing*^  tA  Om  irary  mootent  iwben  the 
princjpai  tehafeitahts  were  ■cmfUoy^d  in  9nafi(^g  a  pten  fof 
-fli^s  /suTBfender  of  the  Mlan4  ^he  BrifekA^fleet  thenpro- 
ceedeei  (^  IBa^seterre  at  Ouadaleupey  w^lpey  though  the^ 
♦?ipW€9ncedi  ^'  *igoilaaf  leiMrtance,  th«^  <wew  uliiniat^ly 
Mjceesefol^f        .  .  ,     .        >     . 

|)iirieg4htti«t0gr«tA<Mf  tb<i  siei^ihe  eommOitUivevha^wa^ 
-tevHsived  intellig<BMje(el:ilie<«riv«i:'<rf  |4^id©.S<wiipBfrt,-with 
-toot  -ml  of  th^  U«^  «^  M^iiicoi  M:tbe>  t^oof^  ^  ^otect 
'^m^dtes»  and  retifed  ^  Domwioar  with,  ;hi8  -siliiadi^oD, 
toa&isting  of  wa  Une  «f  ^jattle  ^ipsi  Wi^;  this  auperiot 
Ibwc  Moot©  ingloriiouaiy  lay  at  anchou  in?  MMt^'liupertV 


»  Smollet'i  €onL  vol.  r,  p*  5.  HaiVi  Inra,  p.  SSS.  The  Mmpilelrof.the  Unitenal 
"Bitt  yol.  xU.  p.  til,  erroneoHtlj  anert  Stat  Bail>a^s,  on  UU^oacuion,  &mid>ed  a 
4u^  body  of  r4luAt«eA,  tatB«d>«ad'4lM^tued  at  tlte-'ti^ptaie  ht  lb*  cboi^try.  "fhls 
.^rarhaa  fc«en  ja^ich^  adqyted  by  Mr.  Aren  in  bi«^9bon°Hikt0ty,MM>asfb  bkisAMs- 
of  JDfonnatipii  ou^ht  to  have  ahewnhim  tbatd^e  Barbaditn,voluat«ttl«iplegut|tHMd. 
tflLnearly  three  years  afterwards.. 


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SSO  THE  HISTORY 

^vS^r2?'  b,^y»j^^Y!S. cloven  weeks,  in  which  time  upwards  of  ninety 
'^^1  sail  of  English  merchantmen  were  captured  and  Ga^^4jB:to 
l4artiniC0'<  Theinactivity  of  the  commodore  ex^i^edf^piisi- 
d(erahle  mu,rmuring9'in  Barbadoes;  .where  be  W4^  ]»|i^,m» 
^P?|y  ^  hi»  person  treated  with  indignity,  and  h^i^MV^.]^«^ 
JQ  ajPisplut^  detestation.  Thi^  occasioned  nqme^.iU^-^llQO]^ 
bet^<^  th^.  inhabitants  and  |th«  o^c^r^  of  the:oa,yyi  fiiut 
the.chara.ctor  of.  the  country  was  afterwards  gro^ly  ealuoD- 
niated^  in  a  pamphlet,  published  by  Captain  GMrdoev;  wluiob 
produced  a  spirited,  r^ply.  fron;t.t.he  plassiqal  pen  .q£  Sk 
■  John  Gay  AUeyn^,  who,  for  bis  judicious  defence,  was  ho- 
nouTied  with  th^  publtf  thanks  of  the  geiveraly  assembly. 
i7«u  rTheidesign  of  annihilating  the  power  of  France  in  the 
An^enican  archipelago,  was  revived  by  Mr.  Pitt,  thougii  Uie 
execution  of  it  was  destined  to  bestow  a  splendour,  little 
deserved,  on  the  ministry  of  his  unpopwlfir  successor.  Go- 
vernor Pinfold  lost  «o  time  in  commaaicatiag  to  the  coun* 
cil  and  asscmibly  of  Barhadoes,  the  intentipija  of  the  Britii|i 
cabinet ;  and  called  upon  them  to  secqod  Ms  e^brts  to  pro- 
mote  the  public  service.  Nor  was  Uie  application  made 
in  vain.  A  regiment  of  five  hundred  and  eighty*eigbt  men 
was  raised,  for  the  use  of  government,  under  the  command 
of  Sir  John  Yeamans,  armed  and  accoutred  at  the  exj)qnsip 
of  the  country  J  t6  which  was  added  a  body  of  five  hundced 
and 'eighty-three  negro  men  to  serve  as  pioneen*  Tb«  ex- 
panse of  raising  and  equipping  thiscorpsamottnttd  to  tweiity-* 
four  thousand  pounds;  no  inconsiderable  sum  to  be  paid 


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OF  BARBADOES.  321 

by  a  small  colony,  which  had  flever  been  distinguished  by  ^HAp,  x. 
the  kindness  nor  the  partiality  of  its  parent  state.*  *''<''• 

TIi6  naval  force  allotted  for  the  reduction  of  Martinico, 
wnd^t  the- Command  of  Sir  George  Bridges  Rodney,  arrired 
iniCfertiifei.bay  in  November;  but  it  was  not  tllltbe'^ay 
b«Jfow  Christnms  that  geoci-aj  Monckton  was  able  to  collect ' 
rtie-whofe  iftf^theitroops  placed  under  his  directioti.    From 
thattBOinBBt,  hcJwever,  -no  unnecessary  delay  retarded  the 
sailing  of -.the  41det,  which  reached  Saint  Anne's  bay,  at 
Martiaicoi  m^  theseventh  day  of  Jaiiuary.  General  Monck-     ,t«2. 
tWiSOOH  found  it  necessary  to  occupy  the  almost  in^cces- 
sible.l»ights<if  MonaeTortenson  and  M6m«  Garnierj  whose 
natural  stwttgtli  bad  been  impSroved  With  ^reat  skill  and 
judgaient^    P^per  arrangements  iiaving  been  made  for  the 
atteckof  Mora©  Torteasoii,  the  troopis  advanced  by  bi^eak 
of  day.    The  eugageniiciit  oommenced  with  thfe  gren^iera,     jtn.«4. 
Ie4  Qn  hj!  MajiH-  Gmn*;  wbHe  anfothbr brigade, assisted  by 
a  thonsftnd  seamen  in  flat-bottomed  boats,  feH  upon  their 
redoubte  «k>iig  the.  shore,    A  third  division,  supported  by 
the  light  infentry.  after  attacking  a  plantation  which  lay  in 
tlieir.  way,  marched  round  in  the  rear  of  the-enemy .    The 


•  -n.*  H<,««  of  Comrton.  on  the  7th  May  1765,  voted  the  «um.  pt  ten  Aowtd- 
^''  t^enabfe  K,  M^cty  to  make  a  p„.per  compensation  to  th»gor«.n,,pt^ 
^<^  for  lfce.«.*tenee  whieh^t  g.,e  hi.  M^eat,'.  fcrcea  under  Major  de^nl 
Monckton,  b  the  e,pe^^,,g^M«t»k;^'.    ^«t«/ilqfto«.;«rf,8.;.  240' 


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S28  THE  HISTORY 

^^[^^^^^  ^ttaqk  was  made  with  so  much  impetuosity,  that  by  th6' 
^^^^'      ninth  hour  of  the  day  the  assailants  were  completely  in 
possession  of  the  enemy's  works  on  Morne  Tortenson.    As 
their  batteries  on  Morne  Gamier  were  capable  of  greatly 
annoying  the  British  troops,  General  Monckton  ordered 
several  batteries  to  be  erected,  for  the  purpose  of  covering 
bis  operations  against  Fort  Royal*    On  the  other  hand,  the 
enemy  formed  the  resolution  of  attacking  the  British  troops. 
The  attack  was  sustained  with  great  firmness;:  the  assailants^ 
were  soon  repidsed ;  and,  such  was  the  ardour  of  the  English,- 
that  they  pursued  the  flying  enemy  across  a  deep  ravine 
mU>  their  owji  batteries,  and  ^established  themselves  on  the 
tedioubts  of  their  adveisaries.    Maamjd  Gamier  was  thus,  ioL 
a  few  lioum,  tn&sfarred  to  the  occupancy  of  the  British. 

The  pbssesflicHi  of  these  important  po9ts  enabled  Monck* 
ton  tQ  direct  Ms  views  against  Fort  Eayal.  Batteries  were 
itmnadiately  ereeted,  4tnd  were  nearly  ready  to  begin  the 
work  of  destruction,.  #hea  the  inhabitants  proposed  to  ca*-^ 
fieb.  4.  pjtulfltfiu  The  teriM  were  easily  adjusted,  and  the  garrison 
was  delivered,  up^  to  the  British  troops.  The  conquest  of 
Maftinioo  was  yjet  inoomplete.  La  Toucbe,  the  governor 
general,  had  retired  to  Saint  Pierre js^  with  a  determination 
of  maintaining  the  rights  of  his  sovereign.  Buttheineffi- 
cacy  of  any  opposition  in  his  power,  to  jnake  to  the  prepa- 
rations which  he  saw  going  forward  for  the  siege  of  thafc 
fortress,  induced^  him  to  submit  to  the  conquerors.    The 


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©F  BARBADOES.  828^ 

terms  of  capitulation  were  liberal  and  chatacteristie  bf  ClSAP.  X 
British  generosity;  and  Martinico  was  finally  iJurrendered      i^^^^. 
to  Genera!  Monckton  on  the  fourteenth  day  \yf  February. 

Tlie  distinguished  part  borne  by  the  Barbadians  in  the 
Campaign  in  the  West  Indies,  reflected  great  lustre  oil  their 
character,  and  procured  them  the  most  flattfeiing^  testimo^ 
nials  of  their  sovereign's  approbation.  On  the  liieetkig  of  July  5i. 
the  general  assembly,  the  governor  opened  the  session  with 
a  gracious  speech;  in  which,  after  congratulating  theciouQ- 
ell  and  assembly  on  the  conquest  of  Martinico,  his  exceU 
kncy  was  pleased  tb  add  to  his  own  commendation  of  thmt 
conduct,  the  most  gratifying  information  of  his  Majerty^s 
sentiments  of  their  meritorious  exertions- to  Aid  hie  amis  in 
this  distant  part  of  the  enapire.  ^  Upon  receipt  of  his 
Majesty's  commands,''  said  Mr.  Pinfold,  **  zeal  and^  unani*  "^ 

mity  appeared  in  every  branch  of  the  legislature.  With 
the  greatest  dispatch,  ample  provision  was  made  for  the 
assistance  of  the  king's  forces ;  and  the  handi?  of  government 
were  strengthened  with  great  and  exten^ve  powers^.  By 
your  influence  and  example,  a  vigorous  spirit  was  diflusecf 
and  communicated  among  all  ranks  of  men.  Each  in  his 
proper  sphere;  with  a  laudable  contest,  aimed  to  be  the 
most  active  in  promoting  the  public  service.  The  concur- 
rence of  these  circumstances  enabled  me  to  raise  the  most 
complete,  best  accoutred,  and  best  trained  corps  that  ever 
was  sent  from  the  island,  whose  behaviour  has  exceedMtlid 
most  sanguine  expectations,  and  merited  the  approbation: 

T  t  2 


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324  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.x.  of  their  commander  in  chief.  Happjtam  Ito  b»v«  itin 
17^-  particular  command  from  his  Majesty*  to  convey  to  you  his 
gracious  sense  of  the  cheerfulness  and  unanimity  wiUi  which 
you  enabled  me  to  exiccute  his  commands;  and  his$rm  re^' 
lianpe,  that  his  faithful  and  loyal  subjects  of  Barbadoe* 
will  not  cease  to  manif^t-  the  ^ame  laudable  spirit  in  any 
future  operations  that  may  be  undertaken,  for  annoying  and 
•  distressing  his  enemies  in  the  West  Indies!"  .  , 

From  the  proud  contemplation  of  the  national  successes 
abroad,  the  attention  of  the  general  assembly  was  turned  to  • 
less  pleasing  objects  of  consideration  at  home.  Jolrn 
Adams,  member  for  Christ  Church,  had,  with  a  body  of 
armed  slaves,  opposed  the  provost  marshal  in  the  execur 
tion  of  his  office.  For  this  violent  outrage  he  had  been  in- 
dicted at  the  court  of  grand  sessions,  fined  and  imprisoned. 
Not  satisfied  with  this  punishment,  the  assembly  expelled 
Mr.  Adams  from  their  house;  and*  upon  their  application  to 
the  governor,  a  new  writ  was  issued  for  the  election  of 
another  member.  Adams's  friends  thought  that  the  mis- 
demeanor, for  which  he  had  been  expelled,  was  cognizabb 
only  in  the  courts  of  law,  to  which  he  had  submitted  and 
received  sentence:  a  sentence  which,  it  was  contended 
could  by  no  legitimate  construction  whatever  be  deemed 
to  affect  his  seat  in  the  legislature ;  the  freeholders  there- 
fore re-elected  him  without  hesitation  or  opposition.  The 
assembly,  persuaded  that  the  power  of  expulsion  would 
avail  but  little,  if  the  obnoxious  memj?er  could  thus  be 


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OF-BARBADO£S.  525 

retoHednpon  ^m,  etpelldd  him  a  second  time.   This  proce^  ^J^J:^' 
diire  was  ^  wariMlj  Resented  by  the  electors  of  Christ  Church.      *^^^' 
ThtJy  considered  it^  as  an  arbitrary  encroachment  on  the 
liberty  ^f  the  Subject,  complfctely  subversive  of  the  elec-- 
tivej  franchise.    It  was  insisted  that  the  assembly  did  not 
possess^  an  inheient,  original  authority,  but  a  dd^ted 
pbwer;  fpr  which,  whoever  receives  it,  is  accountable  to/ 
those  who  gave  it;    since  it  is  obvious  that  those,  who 
bestow  authority  by  commission^  always  retain  more  than 
thejf  grant  .  . 

.  Whatever  weight  this  reasoning  may  be  thought  to  pos* 
s68s,.  the  right  of  the  assembly  to  ex{>el-any  of  its  members,^ 
guilty  of  flagrant  offences,  is  clear  and  incototestible;  Ac-^ 
cording  to  an  eminent  law  authority,  if  any  person  is  made 
a  peer  by  the  king,  or  elected,  to  serve  in  the  House  of 
Commons,  by  the  people,  yet  may  the  respective  houses 
upon  complaint  of  any  crime,  and  proof  thereof,  adjudge 
him  disabled  and  incapable  to  sit  as  a  member  ♦•  In  supr  ' 
port  of  this  doctrine,  the  learned  commentator  on  the  laws 
of  England,  refers  to  many  respectable  authorities;  and 
the  journals  of  parliament  furnish  many  precedents  to  jus* 
tify  the  right  of  expulsion,  claimed  by  both  houses.  No 
doubt  then  can  exist  that  the  assembly  of  Barbadoes,  whose 
functions  audi  privileges  are  in  all  respects  analagous  to 


-TT" 


*  Blac^ttone's  Commentaries^  vol.  i.  p.  163* 


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S26  THE  HISraKY 

cflAP.  Xr  tliose  of  the  Commons  of  Great  Britain,  have  theSstoe  paw 
17^-      ramount  jurisdiction  over  the  cpnduct  of  its  members. 

Finding  .that  the  freeholders  were  determined  to  persist 
in  asserting  their  right  to  re-elect  Mr*  Adams,  the  assemWy 
suffered  their  xesentment  to  hurry  them  too  liar,  and  they* 
parsed  a  law,  to  disqualify  him  from  being  dected  a  mem- 
ber of  the  assembly,  or  fvoth  bearing  any  office,  civil  oi^ 
ittUitary,  in  the  government  of  the  island.  Adams  was 
ifot  0f  a  tamper  to  svrbmit  to  siich  an  ignominous  disfran- 
chisement. He  appealed  to  the  justice  and  moderation  of 
his  SovereigYi ;  atnd,  after  a  due  investigation  of  the  cir- 
cufflstatK^s,  the  act  was  i^ejpealed  by  his  Majesty's  order, 
gttiunded  on  the  opinion  of  Sir  Matthew  Lamb,  counsel 
to.  the  !^oard  of  Trade^  by  whom  it  Tfras  represented  as  ar- 
bitrary^ and  xJontrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  British  constitu- 
iiott,  tending  to  establish  a  dangerous  precedent,  and  to 
deprive  his  Majesty  of  the  services  of  a  subject.  *    It  is  to 

'  *  It  is  a  littlfc  sitigiilar  tfiat,  within  eighteen  months  after  this  affair,  the  public 
•inind  was  agitated  bj  a  simtlar  transaction  in  Ehglatid,  The  circumstances  of  this 
occarpenee  are  briefly  these;  John  Wilkei,  on  the  ipth^of  January,  I7d4^  was  ex* 
pdled  the  House  of  Comnons  fur  a  sedltidtts  puV^^^^^^Q'  At  the  dexlt  election  he 
was  returned  for  the  county  of  Middlesex,  upop  which  it  was  again  resolved,  that 
John  Wilkes,  Esq.,  for  having  pdblished  several  libels,  be  expelled  this  House ;  and  a 
^  new  writ  being  issued,  Mr.  Wilkes  was  r^- elected  without*  opposition.    On  the  l^tb 

of  February,  1769,  the  House  resolved,  **  that  John  Wilkes,  Esq.  having  b^en  in  this 
session  uf  parliament  expdted  Ih^  H6use,  was,  and  is^  incapable  of  being  elected  to 
serve  in  this  present  parliament ;"  the  election  was  therefore  declared  void,  and  a  new 
writ  ordered,    Mr,  Luttrel  iio\¥  offtred  himsrff  a  candidate,  in  opposition  to  Mt 


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OF  BARBADOES.  327 

be  observed,  that  the  right  of  expulsion  was  not  affected   chap.x. 
by  this  declaration ;  it  was  the  act  of  disqualification  to      *''^*- 
which  the  King  objected. 

The  unexampled  success  of  the  British  arms  in  every 
quarter  of  the  globe,  was  soon  followed  by  a  general  paci- 
fication-. The  Barbadians  saw  with  regret  the  most  import- 
ant conqiiests  in  the  West  Indies  restored  to  their  national 
enemy;  for^- although  some  politicians  pretended  to  disco-  nes* 
ver,  in  tlie  acquisition  of  the  Prench  colonies,  much  future 
injury  to  the  commerce  of  Barbadoes,  by  depreciating  the 
value  of  its  staple  productions,  men  of  more  enlarged 
views,  justly  considered  the  possession  of  Martinico  and 
Gaudaloupe  in  the  highest  degree  essential  to  tlie  safety  of 
the  English  settlements  in  their  vicinity,  and  to  the  security 
of  their  trade  and  navigation.  Nor  was  this  the  only 
source  of  uneasiness  to  the  Barbadians. 


Wilkes.  On  the  election  Wilkes,  having  a  vast  majority  m  his  favour,  was  returned 
by  the  sheriff  as  duly  elected.  The  House  of  Commons,  nevertheless,  resolved  that 
Mr.  Lattrel  oqght  tOLhare  been  returmadl,  and  ordered  the  return  to  be^  amended. 
The  freeholders  of  Middiescx  preseiued  a  petition  to  the  Hoa|»e,  cemplainiDg  of  this 
invasion  of  their  rights ;  but  the  House,  on  the  8lh  of  JMay,  again  resolved  that  Mr. 
Luttrel  was  diAy  elected.  In  this  state  tlie  matter  remained  nearly  14  years,  when, 
upoD  the  memotable 'Change  of  minisfryin  176S>  ft  was  resolved  by  the  House  of 
Commoni,  that  the  resolution  i)f  th^  17th  February,  1769>  and  all  other  declara* 
tions,  orders  and  resoktiouf,  jrespecting  the  election  of  J.  Wilkes,  should  be  ex- 
punged, as<4»eing  subversive  of  the  rights  of  the  whole  body  of  electors.  Thus  was 
it  establlslied  that,  aKhough  the  Commons  have  a  right  to  expel  theif  members,  ex« 
pulsion  does  not  create  a  disqualification  fpom  rt-eteotioD« 


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328  THE  HISTORY 

The  expense  incurred  in  the  prosecution  of  the  late  war 
liad  been  most  severely  felt  b^  the  people  of  England ;  and 
to  remove  in  some  measure  the  exclusive  burthen  from 
their  shoulders,  it  was  thought  to  be  but  fair  and  equitable 
that  the  North  American  colonies,  for  whose  defence  the 
war  had  been  originally  undertaken,  should  contribute  a 
due  proportion  towards  defraying  the  expense  incurred  for 
their  protection.  To  this  end,  it  was  proposed  by  Mr. 
Grenville,  among  other  financial  expedients,  to  impose  on 
them  the  payment  of  certain  :stamp  duties.  Parliament 
readily  concurred  in  the  arbitrary  and  unconstitutional 
scheme,  and  passed  the  celebrated  stamp  act.  The  eflFects 
produced  by  this  fatal  measure,  are  too  well  known  to  re- 
quire repetition  in  this  place.  The  universal  discontent 
which  it  excited  on  the  continent  of  North  America^  soon 
communicated  itself  to  the  neighbouring  islands.  Con- 
scious of  their  weakness,  the  West  Indians  only  remonstrated 
against  the  oppression,  except  the  inhabitants  of  Nevis  and 
Saint  Christopher's.  In  the  latter,  the  populace  proceeded 
to  «  great  lengths  of  tumultuous  apposition,  as  the  people 
of  New  England;  and,  having  burned  the  stamped  pa- 
per of  their  own  island,  went  over  in  a  body  ta  assist 
their  neighbours  of  Nevis  in  the  same  patriotic  work.* 
The  Barbadians,  more  moderate^  wisely  refrained  from 
a  fruitless  opposition;  and,  having  tried  the  inild  and  legal 


*  Apnual  Begister^  to1«  $.  p.  ia. 


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OF  BARBAD0E5.  999 

mode  of  remonstrating  against  a  measure  so  evidently  pw-  *^*[^^;Jf* 
nicious  and  subversive  of  their  chartered  rights,  calmly  ^^^' 
^bmitled  to  the  Injustice  which  they  could  not  resist  It 
was  not  long,  however^  before  the  ministry,  to  preserre  the 
peace  of  the  empire,  were  compelled  to  abaodon  their  pro- 
ject ;  but  for  the  shoart  time  during  which  the  8ta>mp  act 
was  enforced,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  hundred  po«ii»da  wa» 
exacted  from  tlie  people  of  Barbadoes,  and  remitted  to 
England.* 

Governor  Pinfold  having  exercised  the  executive  autho- 
rity for  nine  years  and  nine  months,  with  a  proparkfty 
which  added  lustre  to  his^  reputotion,  and  afforded  sotisikc^ 
tion  to  the  community  over  which  he  presided,  resigned  hfuj  ^*y  ^* 
government  and  returned  to  his  native  country .-f-  Altiiough 
Mr.  Pinfold  has^  been  invidiously  represented  as  ^*  aqimet^ 
easy  governor,  whose  q^ualitiesr  were  wholly  nega*ive,*'$ 
there  seenw  to  hav^  been  no  just  cause  of  complaint  against 
him ;  ft^,  though  we  eaonot  agree  with  the  author  referred 
to  below,  that  a  quittj  easy  gawrnar  best  mtits  a  cohny^  it 
does  not  appear  that  the  qualities,  here  sneeringly  imputed 
to  hiro,  ev^r  obsitruffted  the  pexformance  of  bis  public  du- 


•^  aiort;  Hist.  BajjU  p.  7«. 


u  u 


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530  THE  HISTORY 

^1^!^:^'  ties.*  Some  men  may  probably  prefer  a  governor  of  that 
*^^^'  character,  because  the  indolence  of  his  disposition  may 
^  afford  them  opportunities  of  accomplishing  their  own  ambi- 
tious projects,  and  of  oppressing  the  people.  To  the  au* 
thority  of  such  easi/^  quiet  rulers  may  the  inhabitants  of 
Barbadoes  never  be  subject.  Better  is  jthe  tyranny  of  a 
single  person,  however  oppressive,  than  the  despotism  and 
misrule  of  a  corrupt  and  arbitrary  oligarchy. 

The  abuses  committed  by  the  deputy  provost  marshal,  in 
the  execution  of  his  office,  were  so  generally  and  loudly 
complained  of,  that  the  legislature  determined  to  take  the 
direction  of  the  office  into  their  own  hands.  To  this  end  a 
law  was  enacted,  tinder  the  administration  of  Mr.  Pinfold, 
authorizing  the  colonial  agent  to  farm  the  office  from  the 
patentee  for  the  public  benefit.  Great  advantages  were 
reasonably  expected  from  a  measure  by  which  the  legisla- 
ture obtainied  the  exclusive  right  of  nominating  the  deputy 

♦  Nor  wat  the  governor  deficient  'm  spirit  upon  proper  occasions.  Sir  William 
Gibbons,  a  man  of  the  moat  considerable  influence  in  the  country,  having  resigned 
his  seat  in  the  assembly,  of  which  be  had  been  speaker  many  years,  on  account  of 
his  advanced  age  and  ill  health,  yet  wished  to  retain  his  commission  as  colonel  of 
Speight's  division.  But  his  excellency  thought  that,  if  age  and  inGrmities  rendered 
him  incapable  of  attending  the  house  of  assembly,  theydisqualified  him  for  the  mcart 
active  duties  of  a  military  command  ^  he  therefore,  on  the  28th  of  March,  l76o» 
dismissed  him  from  all  his  military  employments.  Sir  William  survived  his  loss  of 
power  only  fourteen  days,  and  died  suddenly  during  the  firing  of  a  salute  on  his  sue* 
cessorfs  taking  possession  of  the  divisicm.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Honourable 
Henry  Tho?nhilL  ^  ,    ,  ^  ; 


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OF  BARBADOES.  331 

pFOVost  marshal,  whose  continuance  in  office  would  neces-  ^^j^i^^J^* 
s^rily  depend  upon  the  honest  performance  of  his  duty.  But  ^^^^* 
wiithin  less  than  two  years  after  the  passing  of  this  law, 
nQtwithstanding  some  pecuniary  profit  had  been  derived 
from  it,  the  assembly  came  to  a  resolution  to  relinquish 
the  contract.  It  Was  alleged  that  the  agreement  entered 
into  by  the  agent  with  the  patentee  was  illegal,  and  could 
not  be  carried  into  effect  without  the  violation  of  an  act  of 
parliament;  and  that  it  would  be  highly  improper  for  the  . 
legislature  to  take  an  assignment  of  the  contract,  as  it 
could  not  be  made  without  an  act  of  the  island,  which 
would  render  the  transaction  too  conspicuous  to  escape  the 
censure  of  the  lords  of  trade,  before  whom  it  must  appear 
for  confirmatiort.  This  reasoning  was  founded  on  the  statute 
of  Great  Britain,  against  buying  and  selling  of  offices ;  but 
this  point  had  been  already  so  clearly  decided,  as  to  remove 
every  doubt  of  the  legality  of  the  covenant.  Blanchard, 
the  provost  marshal  of  Jamaica,  had  granted  a  deputation 
of  his  office  to  Galdy,  of  that  place,  who  had  given  a  bond 
for  the  performance  of  the  agreement,  upon  whiph  an  ac- 
tion had  been .  brought  to  enforce  the  payment.  The  de- 
fendant pleaded  that,  by  the  statute  against  buying  and 
selling  of  offices,  both  the  bond  and  the  articles  of  agree- 
ment were  void  ;  and  that  Jamaica  having  become,  a  part 
of  the  territories  of  Great  Britain  was  subject  to  the  laws 
of  tlie  realm.  But  it  was  ruled  by  the  court,  that  neither 
Jamaica,  nor  any  other  of  the  colonies,  was  bound  by  the 

u  u  2 


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SS«  THE  HISTORY 

tJJJ;^  laws  of  England,  unless  particulariy  mentioned,  but  that 
'  *'***  they  were  to  be  governed  by  U^ir  own  laws  and  customg  j 
and  judgment  was  therefore  given  for  the  plaintiff**  This 
case  was  in  point ;  but  perhaps  it  was  not  within  the  con« 
templation  of  the  legislature,  and  they  relinqubhed  the  ob*i> 
.  vioos  advantage  of  possessing  a  paramount  control  over  tbtf 
offices. 

AHiongthe  laws  enacted  under  Mr.  Pinfold's  administra^ 
tion,  there  ift  one  which  ought  not  to  be  passed  over  in  si<^ 
fence.  This  is  an  act  to  regulate  sales  at  outcry,  by 
which,  io  aToid  all  doubt  or  ambiguity  on  the  subject,  it 
is  expressly  declared  that  slaves  shall  be  included  in  the 
legal  comtruction  of  the  words  go&d$y  chattels  and  tfftcti^ 
and  as  such  may  be  taken  and  sold  in  execution  for  debt. 
This  indeed  had  been  the  practice  for  more  than  a  century. 
In  tike  time  of  president  AValrond  a  law  had  been  passed^ 
aliowing  tlie  creditor  to  attach  tlie  slaves  of  hb  utifortu- 
»ate  debtor,  and  to  have  them  sold  as  mere  chattels.  This 
law  was  calculated  to  serve  tie  sinister  purposes  of  itiner-  - 
ant  adventurers ;  who,  after  making  a  fortune  in  the  colony, 
were  anxious  to  return  and  enjoy  it  at  home.  They  had 
no  permanent  interest  in  the  country,  and  were  heedless  of 
the  remote  consequences  of  those  laws  which  answered 


*  Vide  Modern  Reports,  Blanchard  v.  Galdy.    Vide  etiam  Godolpfain  v.  Tudor. 
Salk.  4681  said  CuHiford  v.  De  CardbaelH  Salk.  466.    In  what  cases  a  deptUalion  i$ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  333 

their  ptftsent  conrenience,  by  facilitating  the  collection  of  chaP.  x 
debts.  But  now,  in  a  mote  enlightened  state  of  societjt  ^'^^^'* 
when  the  colony  was  firmly  established,  and  its  population 
consisted  of  a  race  of  free-born  sons,  fondly  attached  to 
their  native  soil,  and  deeply  interested  in  its  prosperity,  it 
must  be  a  subject  of  no  small  surprise,  that  the  legislature 
should  recognise  aind  confirm  a  principle  so  impolitic,  in- 
human and  unjust. 

There  is  scarcely  a  law  in  existence,  from  whose  opera- 
tion the  island  has  suffered  greater  injury  than  this;  By 
the  authority  given  to  a  rapacious  creditor  to  seize  the 
slaves  of  his  debtor,  and  to  sell  th^m  to  the  highest 
bidder,  the  population  of  the  country  has  been  lessened; 
its  agricultural  improvements  have  beeh  impeded ;  many 
respectable  families  have  been  reduced  to  indigence,  and 
many  driven  into  exile.  When  the  labourers  are  swept 
away  from  the  plantations,  the  lands  cease  to  be  valuable; 
the  buildings  are  left  to  moulded  into  rurns  by  a  gradual 
decay  ;  and  the  fields,  whose  fertility  added  to  the  national 
wealth,  beCome.a  barren  waste  over-run  with  noxious  weeds. 
Of  the  slaves  thus  sold  the  rich  only  can  become  the  pur- 
chasers, to  the  utter  extinction  of  those  small  estates,  which, 
in  reality,  constitute  the  real  weialth  and  opulence  of  the 
country.  It  is  a  gross,  though  a  popular  error,  to' suppose 
that  this  transfer  of  property  is  atten'ded  With  n6  detriment 
to  the  state,  because  the  negroes,  who  af^'resMnr'^dvfhjm 


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334  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^^'  ^"^  plantation  are  employed  on  another.  The  argument 
1766.  might  assume  a  plausible  tone,  if  the  real  and  personal 
estate  went  together;  the  aggregate  wealth  of  the  country 
might  then  be  the  same;  though  it  is  obvious  that  the  ge- 
neral prosperity  Mould  be  dipninished  by  limiting  the  diffu- 
sion of  the  means  of  subsistence.  Wealth  might  accumu* 
late  in  the  hands  of  the  rich,  but  the  inferior  ordefs  of  so- 
ciety, deprived  of  the  means  of  cultivating  their  little 
farms,  would  be  driven  from  the  island  to  seek  security 
under  the  shelter  of  a  wiser  policy. 

It  will  probably  be  objected,  that  these  evils  do  not  now 
e?cist  in  their  full  extent;  that  there  are  few  attachments 
made  under  this  law;  and  that,  in  the  present  prrosperous 
condition  of  the  country,  no  man  is  without  a  home,  or 
negroes  to  cultivate  his  land.  But  we  should  not  suffer  our 
judgment  to  be  blinded  by  prosperity.  It  is  now  only 
thirty  years  since  we  witnessed  the  melancholy  verification 
of  the  arguments  against  this  law.  In  the  vicissitudes  of 
human  affairs,  similar  mislbrtunes  may  be  approaching  to 
overwhelm  us.  During  the  American  war,  when,  added  to 
the  evils  incident  to  a  state  of  hostility,  the  hopes  of  the 
industrious  planter  were  frequently  iruslrated  by  a  series  of 
natural  calamities,  the  fairest  portions  of  the  island  were 
desolated  and  sacrificed  to  an  unwise  and  iniquitous  policy. 
'Afflicted  by  continued  drought,  and  visited  by  tribes 
4of  verm'in;  more  destructive  than  the  locusts  and  caterpil- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  335 

lars  of  old,  Barbadoes  was  then  reduced  to  a  state  of  com-  ^"^J;.^ 
parative  poverty ;  her  soil  and  her  negroes  had  sunk  fifty 
per  cent,  below  their  original  value.  A  total  failure  of 
crops,  instead  of  exciting  comnoiiseration,  sharpened  the 
avidity  of  the  rapacious ;  and  the  wretched  slaves  of  the 
unfortunate  debtor  were  dragged  in  crowds  to  the  market, 
and  thence  transported  to  cultivate  and  enrich  by  their  la- 
bour those  colonies  which,,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  war, 
passed  into  the  bands  of  our  enemies.  At  that  season  of 
calamity,  the  pernicious  tendency  of  the  law  was  made  visible 
as  the  sun  at  noon  day.  'J'he  slaves  were  sold  for  less  than 
half  their  value;  the  soil  remained  uncultivated;  the  ori- 
ginal proprietors  were  ruined,  and  the  junior  creditors  were 
defrauded  of  their  just  due,,  by  the  accumulation  of  ex- 
pense, and  the  rapacity  of  the  pri)vost  marshal.  The  evil 
of  tliat  day  is  happily  passed.  How  soon  we  may  be  re- 
duced to  tlie  same  deplorable  condition,  is  known  only 
to  that  omnipotent  Being,  by  whoso  providence  all  things 
are  ordered.  It  may  be  prudent  to  guard  against  the  ad- 
verse change  ;  and,  in  this,  our  better  hour,  repeal  a  law, 
which  experience  has  shewn  to  be  so  pernicious* 

The  most  enlightened  writers  on  the  subject  of  West  In- 
dian concerns,*  have  uniformly  condemned  this  impolitic 


•  Vide  Long's  Hist,  of  Jamaica,  rol.  i.  p.  392.    Edward.'*  West  Indies,  vol.  ii. 
p,  153.  Raynars  History  of  the  East  aniWest  Indies,  t d.  vl.  p.  228  •  and  an  exceU 


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336  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.X,  and  iiilium?tn  law.  In  the  whole  system  of  colonial 
i766.  slavery,  so  universally,  and  often  unjustly,  censured  in 
Jiurope,  there  is  none  more  injurious  and  oppressive  to 
the  negroes  than  the  legal  usage  of  levying  upon  them,  and 
spelling  them  at  auction.  It  ia  by  fai  the  highest  degree  of 
cruelty  annexed  to  their  condition.  One  of  the  strongest 
principles  of  human  nature  is,  that  local  attachment,  which 
ipaa  feels  for  the  plice  of  his  nativity.  ThjB  untutored 
African  shares  this  universal  sentiment  in  common  with  the 
civilized  European ;  and  the  sable  Creole  is  no  less  tenderly 
attached  to  the  spot  on  which  the  carelesa  days  of  infancy 
were  spent ;  to  tha  humble  tenement  which  he  has  culti* 
:vated ;  to  tl>e  frienxMy  tree,  under  whose  verdant  shade  he 
has  passed  the  noon-tide^hour ;  to  the  peaceful  cot,  beneath 
whose  lowly  roof  he  has  participated  with  his  wife  and  his 
children  the  few  domestic  comforts  which  have  fallen  to  his 
lot  By  a  barbjarous,  erroneous  policy,  the  wretched  slave 
ia  dragged  from  this  scene  of  all  his  enjoyments ;  torn  from 
the  Kalip wed  spot  which  contains  the  remains  of  the  mo-^ 
thei;  whQTO  he  revered,  the  wife  that  beloved,  or  the  child 
who  was  dear  to  his  be^rt;  dispossessed  of  the  little  property 
whipH  bestowed  on  him  an  ideal  importance  in  the  eyes  of 
hift  fellow-l^^bourers ;  and  sold  into  a  new  bondage,  into  a 


lent  Memoir,  wriu^n  by  the  l$gbe,  Hon*  Jaabu|^^^d€»  and  pro^fiDtcA to. tkoL Society  o^ 
Jlrtsin3arbadoe8,  17831« 


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OF  BARBADOES.  537 

distant  part  of  the  country,  under  the  dominion  of  an  un-  chap.  x. 
known  master.      Separated   from    the    only  consolations      *7^^» 
which  can  beguile  the  rigour  of  servitude,  these  wretched 
victims  of  avarice  and  folly  oflen  sink  into  a  premature 
grave. 


XX 


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^»  THE  HISTORY 


CHAR  XI. 

THE   HONOURABLE   S.  ROUS,   PRESIDENT — THE   ASSEMBLY'S    CLAIIt 

OF    PRIVILEGES DOCTOR    W.    SPRY     APPOINTto     GOVERNOR— 

THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY  VACATES  HISSEAT THE  FREE- 
HOLDERS OF  SAINT  Andrew's  refuse  to  elect  a  represen- 
tative— DEATH  of  MR.  SPRY — MR.  ROUS's  REASCENSION  Ta 
THE  CHAIR4. 

CHAP.  XI.    The  chief  magiBtracj,  on  the  departtire  of  Mr.  Pinfold,. 
1766.       devolved  oft  the  Honourable  Samuel  Rous,  senior  member 

May  20. 

of  council.  The  first  care  of  the  legislature  was  to  make  a 
ituitable  provinoD,  to  support  the  dignity  of  government  ; 
they  accordingly  settled  on  the  president  the  yearly  sum  of 
fifteen  hundred  pounds,  during  his  residence  at  Pilgrim,  in 
quality  of  commander  in  chiefs 

The  commencement  of  Mr.  Rouses  administration  was 
marked  by  .the  assembly's  first  claim  to  parliamentary  pri- 
vileges. Mr.  John  Gay  AUeyne,  having  been  called  to  the 
speaker's  chair,  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Lyte,  detemiined  to 
remedy  the  omission  of  which  his  predecessors  had  been 
guilty.  Mr.  Alleyne  possessed  great  talents  and  extensive 
erudition.  He  was  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  princi- 
1 


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OF  BARBADOES.  33^ 

plea  of  the  English  constitution,  and  with  the  forms  and  chap.  xi. 
practice  of  the  house  of  commons.  With  an  incorruptible  ^^^^' 
integrity,  he  had  understanding  to  discover,  and  spirit  to 
assert,  the  rights  of  the  people.  His  chief  fault,  if- it  be 
one,  was  that  of  a  great  mind,  an  insatiable  thirst  of  praise; 
and^  though  he  pursued  the  phantom  popularity,  with  un- 
ceasing ardour,  he  assiduously  strove  to  attain  it  by  the 
noblest  means,  the  welfare  of  his  country.  His  appoint* 
ment  having  been  confirmed  by  the  president,  the  speaker,  June  3. 
in  an  appropriate  speech,  demanded  of  his  honour  the  pri- 
vileges to  which  the  assembly  were  entitled,  first,  security 
to  their  persons  and  servants  from  all  arrests  and  other  i^is* 
turbances,  that  may  obstruct  their  regular  attendance  on 
the  house:  secondly,  freedom  of  speech  in  their  proceed- 
ings ;  and,  lastly,  free  access,  at  all  times,  to  the  com- 
mander in  chief.  The  president  was  a  little  startled  at  flie 
novelty  of  the  demand,  and  excused  himself  from  giving 
an  immediate  answer.  The  house  sat  again  the  next  day, 
when,  receiving  no  answer  to  the  speake/s  demand,  they 
resolved  to  enter  on  no  business  till  they  had  obtained  satis- 
faction on  this  important  point  On  the  next  meeting  of  July  7. 
council,  the  president  commanded  the  attendance  of  the 
assembly,  in  the  council  chamber ;  and,  after  an  applpgy 
for  the  delay,  ^  granted  tbem,  as  far  as  was  eensbtent  witk 
the  royal  prerogative,  and  the  laws  and  constitution  of 
the  island,    every  privilege  whiqh  h?id  been  enjoyed  by 

any  former  assembly/' 

X  X  2 


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340  THE  HISTORY 

These  privileges  are  inherent  in  all  legislative  bodies, 
siuce,  without  them,  their  power  must  evidently  be  more 
nominal  than  real*  It  is  declared,  by  statute  of  England, 
that  the  freedom  of  speech  and  debates,  and  proceeding3 
in  parliament  ought  not  to  be  impeached  nor  questioned  in 
any  court  nor  place  out  of  parliament.  And  this  freedpm 
of  speech,  with  the  other  privileges  of  security  of  persons, 
servants^  lands,  and  goods,  is  particularly  demanded  of  the 
King,  in  person,  by  tJie  speaker  of  the  house  of  commons, 
at  the  opening  of  everj  new  parliament  *.  w 

A  colonial  historian  ^  treats  the  speaker  s  demand  of  prir 
vileges  with  a  levity,  th^t  betrays  an  igporance  of  the  con- 
stitution of  his  country,  ^nd  an  indifference  to  the  rights  of 
the  people;  and  represents  it  as  a  precedent  pregnant  with 
1767.  fatal  consequences  to  the  credit  of  the  colony.  Under  the 
protection  of  servants,  he  conceives,  the  power  may  be 
given  of  screening  from  debt,  and  of  conveying  from  the 
island  a  number  of  slaves.  But  it  is  obvious,  that  the  se- 
curity from  arrests,  and  other  disturbances,  here,  claimed, 
is  confined  to  the  person  of  the  member,  and  to  such  do- 


♦  Black.  Comm.  vol.  1.  p.  164. 

+  Mr.  H.  Frere,  vide  Short  Hial.  of  Barb.  p.  83.  These  strictures  provoked  Sir  John 
to  publish  a  criticism  on  the  work  which  eontained  them,  as  just  as  it  was  pregnant* 
This  produced  a  duel  between  the  two  gentlemen ;  and,  though  it  endea  without 
bloodshed,  the  dispute  laid  the  foundattjon  of  an  enmity  which  had  a  visible  influence 
on  the  politics  of  the  literary  antagonists  during  their  lives. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  541 

mestics  only  vrbose  services  he   may  require,  during  his  chap,  xiv 
attendance  on  the  legislature,  at  its  stated  times  of  meeting,       ^'^^^^ 
which  are  usually  monthly.     The  course  of  justice  cannot 
be  obstructed  by  a  privilege,  which  affords  protection  for 
the  short  space  of  no  more  than  one  day  in  every  four  • 

weieks.  At  all  other  times,  the  person  and  property  of  the 
privileged  debtor,  is  subject  to  the  ordinary  modes  of  ju- 
dicial proceeding.  Neither  does  the  privilege  of  parliament 
sanction  nor  facilitate  the  transportation  of  slaves,  belonging 
to  those  debtors  wha  may  happen  to  occupy  a  seat  in  the 
house.  The  danger  is  effectually  guarded  against,  by  the 
legal  formalities  which  must  be  complied  with,  before  any 
slave  can  be  sent  from  the  island. 

Personal  security  is  absolutely  essential  to  the  exercise 
of  legislative  functions.  The  strong  arm  of  power  might 
otherwise  be  occasionally  extended,  to  prevent  the  attend- 
ance  of  those  members  from  whom  opposition  may  be  ex- 
pected. A  sycophantic  creditor  may  become  the  willing 
tool  of  despotism;  and,  by  detaining  his  debtor,  obstruct 
the  progress  of  public  business,  whenever  the  casual  impe- 
diment may  suit  his  sinister  views,  or  enable  a  corrupt  fac- 
tion to  accomplish  their  designs,  by  hurrying  their  pernici- 
ous measures  through  a  house  thinly  attended*. 


*  ♦  This  point  seems  to  have  been  placecTbeyond  all  dispute  by  the  royal  authority. 
A  merchant  of  Spanish  Town/  in  Jamaica^  in  1764^  caused  a  ^rTxiof  vendUiani  exponaf-, 
to  be  executed  upon  the  coach  hones  of  a  member  of  the  assembly  of.  that  kland* 


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M8  THE  HISTORY 

XJHAP,  XL      ^  fcfff  dayi  previous  to  the  departure  of  the  governor, 

-^7W-      the  iababitant3  of  Bridge-town  had  experienced  a  most 

4readful  calamity ;  a  considerable  part  of  that  metropolis 


The  as^mbly  cocf  ideied  thi9  a  breacb  of  privilege,  and  tlie  officers  who  had  eieeiiUd 
tbe  writ  vere  imm^ately  taken  into  custody,  by  order  of  tbe  house.  The  prisoners 
were  quickly  released  by  habeas  corpus,  granted  by  his  excellency,  Mr,  Lyttleton,  as 
chancellor.  Tbe  assembly  resented  this  act  of  power,  as  an  ihvasion  of  their  privileges 
and  again  ordered  the  provost  marshal  and  his  assistant  to  be  taken  into  the  custody 
^Iheir  messenger*  A  petition  was  again  presented  to  tbe  governor,  by  tbt  prisoner^ 
iot  a  writ  {Skohau  carpui,  which  was  granted,  and  they  were  once  more  set  at  liberty 
by  a  decree  of  tbe  court  of  chancery.  This  order  produced  a  violent  ferment  in  tbe 
assembly.  They  resolved  that  the  governor  had  acted  in  an  unjustifiable  manner,  and 
was  guilty  of  a  flagrant  breach  iind  contempt  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  their  hguse. 
And  that  a  remonstrance  against  his  conduct  should  be  draj^n  up  and  laid  at  bis  Ma^ 
jesty's  feet  Tbe  governor  immediately  dissolved  the  assembly  and  issued  writs  for  a 
new  election.  No  advantage,  however,  was  derived  from  this  expedient.  Upon  their 
meeting,  the  speaker  omitted  to  apply  to  the  governor  in  tbe  usual  manner  for  the  pri- 
vileges of  the  house.  His  excellency  therefore  again  dissolved  the  assembly,  atteging 
that  it  was  his  duty  to  see  that  their  usual  privileges  were  maintained,  as  weU  aa  thai 
of  tbe  King's  prerogative  suffered  no  violation.  Amuai  Register,  vol.  S^  p.  ng.  Five 
<]iflerent  assemblies  were  successively  called  and  abruptly  dissolved,  because  they  re- 
/used  to  raise  the  supplies,  unless  satisfaction  was  given  them  in  this  business.  At 
fcngth,  on  a  change  of  ministers  in  {Agknd,  the  governor  was  recalled,  and  tbe 
lieutenant  governor,  Roger  Hope  Elktson,  was  directed  to  grajtify  the  wishes  of  tbe 
assembly  ;  and  tbe  whole  of  the  preceedings  in  chancery  were  solemnly  annulled  and 
iracated.  Edwards*s  West  Indies,  vol.  2.  p.  354.  The  privilegesf  of  domestics,  lands,  or 
goods  have  been  since  taken  away  in  England,  by  Stat.  10  Geo.  111.  c.  50.  which 
enacts  that  any  suit  may  at  any  time  be  brought  against  any  peer  or  member  of 
parliament,  or  their  servants,  which  shall  not  be  impeached  or  delayed  on  pretence  of 
Mfij  privilege  of  parliament ;  except  that  the  person  of  a  member  of  the  house  of  com- 
vona  sh«U  not  thereby  bf  sulycctcd  t^  anj  ai^est  ^l  impriwwient^    ^UuhtimfiS 


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OF  BAllSADOfil  344 

tras  conAttflied  by  fire*.  The  frequcfenfcy  of  the  tofefort'uA*  cHaJ^Xi- 
awak«&ed  the  attention  of  the  ai&embiy,  and  they  passed  ^''^* 
an  act  fbr  rebuilding  the  tavrn  on  a  more  isialfe  aftd  cotnmo*^ 
^U8  plan;  but  unfortunately  this  prudent  precaution  ^as^ 
disapproved  of  in  the  council  chcmiber.  Seveu  raonlhB  had 
scarcely  elapsed,  wlien  the  capilaf  tv^as  again  reduced 
itt  ashes,  by  a  conflagration  still  more  dreadful  than  the 
formed  f«  This^  was  the  fourth  time,  in  little  more  than  ten^ 
yeats.  Bridge-town  had  suflfered  a  similar  disaster. 

The  necessity  of  Febuilding  the  town,  with  grekter  order 
aftd  regularity,  was  now  admitted  by  those  who  had  before 
doubted  the  propriety  of  legislative  interference  i  and  a 
ktw  was  Enacted  for  ttiat  purpose.  At  the  same  time,  the 
assembly  adopted  a  scheme  for  deepening  and  cleansing 
the  mole-head,  and  building  convenient  quays  and  wharfs^ 
for  mercantile  accommodation.  But,  sensible  of  tJie  ina-*- 
bility  of  their  constituents  to  prosecute  such  an  e:3t pensive 
undertaking,  they  determined  ta  apply  to  the  house  of  com- 
mons for  pecuniary  assistance.     Such  was  their  impatience^, 


♦  May  14Ch,  If^. 

t  December  27th,  1766.  On  this  occasioni  the  legislature  of  South  Carolina  Toted^ 
tie  sum  of  seven  hundred  and  eighty -five  pounds  sterling,  for  therelief  of  the  sufierert.. 
The  money  was  paid  into  the  treasury  of  Barbadoes, .  wher«  it  was  allowed  to  remtttB>> 
unless  the  treasurer  used  it,  till  the  29th  of  Aprils  1773,  when  an  act  was  passed  to* 
enable  the  commissioners  fop  cleansing  the  mole-head  to  borrow  it,  and  apply  it  tolbat> 
undertaking.  Whether  it  was  ever  repaid,  and  applied  agreeably  to  the  intentioBa  of  * 
the  benevolent  donors^  would  now  be  an  unnecessary  inquiryj» . 


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34i  THE  HISTORY 

^!iiji^*  Oft  t^iisi.  opcasion,  that,  the  |>etitipn  ,W8W  diftp4*^M:'tQ  4h»- 
^^^7..     colonial  agents  in, London,    >Fith  directiw^s  to  pre«i^l:  itfj 
without  the  cojicurrence,  or  even  the  knowledge, .  of  the 
other  branches  of  the  legislajture*  .  By  the  same  Qonnfeyftjice. 
they  transmitted  a  memorial  to  the  Kjng^  complaining  -Qf  . 
the  great  obstruction  to  public  busipes^^  oGc^a^nedby  thf& 
absence  of  many  members  of  Goi|i\cil,  -whoy  Fega^pdJ^sa^  of  . 
the  welfare  of  ;thea;^  country,  T5Ke^:e  di^ipatingi  thcfe  jtieie  . 
and  fortune,  amidst  %enpIoas}ir€;saad  gaii|tia^i9£^ei^rtCi^  - 
capital.  :  .   »  ..    ;  J;  fj^         '   :■  :•    *  -     '    fj  r     <^    '  ;  *    .. 

1768.         The  app\ic|^J:i(H>  i^^pjiiii^n^^t  was  ccMbmtenancctf  ioriF  tfae^r 
miiptistry?  .a^nd  ,5W  4^a*jvf>  >ffl^.  propoaied^  by;;Mr.:Grenviltej^   ' 
to  eftabjfr  l^>)^S^^^Wre^'/)ff  IBwbadoeflbott)  oadnmieiicB'tli©'-: 
work  iji  cgn^l^Y)]a^ti^)»  j »  but  :Ui  y^m  Uioughbaqlvisable,  tt>   » 
asc^rt^i|iy:pfeMjowsly,,  what.thiey-wofiW         of  tUemselvesy 
to\f§i3df: ^CCQrjiJpilishinfl  the  design;    .TIhs  iwai  fair;   the ^' 
qu^t^, ;h^^Y^Vi^i:»:  R^r^rted  oii  the  bause>oij st6bim<iiifi(^ 
and  |b\ir.  years^  J^  ii^arly  elapsed  before  uny  assislaftCCF ; 
couldL  be:X)fct|ii|B(pd*;.  At  iength,  pariiament,  tired  ^tith  con- 
tinued, up  pprt^nity^  granted  the  trifling  sum  of  five  t^u- 
satid  pounds  fo*  the  projected  irapriH^emeiits^.        if      > ' 
Feb.  11.        Meanwhile,  WiiUantSpry^  LL.D.  having  beeff-hommred 
with  bis.  Majesty's  commission,  as  governor  of  Barbadoes^,* 


^  In  177 S,  Mr.  Walker,  the  colonial  agents  obtained  from  parliament  another  grant 
of  fife  thousand  pounds,  for  which  service  he  was  honourecL  with  the  unanimous  thank* 
•r  the  assembly,  presented  in  a  gold  boi. 


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^  OF  BARBADOES-  S45 

ftfrived  in  Carlisle  Bay,  accompanied  by  his  lady,  and  as-  ^,^J^^:^' 
sumed  the  government  of  the  island.    To  enable  Mr-  Spry     ^^^^' 
to  support  the  dignity  of  his  station,  the  assembly,  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  council;  settled  on  his  excellency  a 
salary  of  three  thousand  pounds  a  year. 

Not  long  after  his  excellency's  arrival,  Mr.  Cox,  the  no9. 
store-keeper,  presented  a  petition  to  the  assembly,  stating 
the  insufficiency  of  the  tonnage  duty  to  supply  the  de- 
mands for  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of  the  forts ;  and  that 
he  had  been  obliged,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  former 
commanders  in  chief,  to  make  advances  to  the  amount  of 
three  hundred  and  fifty-four  barrels  of  gunpowder*^  and 
praying  that  the  house  would  provide  for  his  reimburse- 
ment. An  application  so  extraordinary,  from  a  public 
officer,  who,  if  he  had  not  violated  his  duty,  had  certainly 
exceeded  his  legal  authority,  excited  no  common  degree  of 
popular  clamour.  The  fund,  appropriated  to  this  particulac 
service,  was  raised  by  a  duty  of  one  pound  of  gunpowder 
per  ton  on  all  vessels  entering  at  any  port  of  the  island ; 
and  the  storekeeper  ought,  on  no  pretence  whatever,  to 
have  suffered  the  disbursements  to  exceed  the  receipts  of 
his  office.  Should  the  storekeeper  be  allowed  to  comply 
with  the  governor's  orders,  beyond  the  limits  prescribed  by 
law,  the  treasurer  might,  on  the  same  principle,  supply  hid 


Of  one  hundred  and  twclre  poundt  each.  Tallied  at  jwarlj  il890L  ^unencp 


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546  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP. -XL  excellency^  pecuniary  demands  to  an  indefinite  6iLtektti 
i7^  and  thus,  by  an  abuse  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  1^ 
eitecutive  power  might  be  rendered  independent  of  th^ 
legislative,  and  a  venal  despot  enabled  to  convert  the  peo* 
pie's  money  to  his  own  use,  without  the  consent  of  their 
lepresentatives. 

Ob  these  grounds,  Mr,  Cox's  petition  was  strenuously 
closed  by  the  speaker.  He  contended  that  the  atore- 
keep€»  iiad  nd  discretionary  power,  by  law,  to-purbhase; 
powder  iot  the  use  of  the  fcnls  ;  that,  in  the  present  season 
.  of  {yro&nmd  pemce,  the  powder  had  not  been  requimd  £ox 
file  service  ^  the  country,  but  had  ^been  wasted  ih  firing 
salutes,  eitheji*  to  indulge  an  idle  vanity,  or  for  t^e  no  less 
tmwMra&tal^  puipo^'^  enriching  some  favourite  cat>tain 
Konner.  ^  impdee  on  tfab  people  die  focN^tfaen  X3i  paying 
Ifor^pcfiirder,  thus  illegally  i6SUigd>  and  pro^isely  ekpended,^ 
tg^  Ike  Cffllctts  df  div^sidti^  during  tbeif-  mititary  feasts, 
IMuld  be  contmry  to  justice,  and  inconsistent  widi  the 
tKi»t  ieposed  in  the  members  of  thc^  house,  as  faithful 
^ardiaos  <if  feeir  constituents^  property. 

Vlie  MMse  ef  the  iious^  appearingto  i)e  in  favour  of  ^ 
HX^f^eepef^  ckftm,'  it  was  Agreed;  after  a.  long  debate,  thart 
liie-^yffie^  <yf  im  4ema<Bd  ^ouldL  depend  on.  the  future 
tM^kijgScVi^  ^pcmAtr. .  And  a  memorial  was  presented  t^' the 
governcMr,  stating  the  particulars  of  Coxfs  demand^  and  re- 
questing that  his  excellency  would  enforce  the  orders  which 
he  teid  ihready  gitfen,  to  prevent  the  unnecessary  firing  of 
1 


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OT  SARBADQES.  347 

catkuoo,  daat  tbus  a  saving  might  be  mside^  adequate  to  the  ^JJ^JJ;^* 
liquidation  of  the  debt  in  question*  His  excdlency,  m  *^^- 
**ply>  asMired  the  assembly  of  his  d«tenninatioa  to  prevent, 
4»'«iu<}h  as  lay  in  his  power^  lany  improper  expenflitupe  of 
powder  in  the  forts,  and  of  his  cheerful  concurrence  in  any 
effectual  measure  for  that  purpose.  Nor  was  it  long  before 
tJiey  rec^ved  a  message  from  his  excellency,  signify;ing, 
-that  in  consequence  of  his  jendeavours,  a  saving  of  ten 
-thousand  weight  of  powder  had  already  accrued,  whence 
•his  excellency  was  induced  to  hope,  that  the  whole  df  Mr. 
fCox^s  demand  mighty  in  a  shprt  time,  be  paid,  by  the  ob* 
^Benrance  of  proper  economy  in  that  department*.  ,  A  syjsh 
tom  fundamentally  bad,  and  an  egr^g^ous  abuse  of  power, 
rendered  this  hope  abortive  ;  and,  und^r  succeeding  admi- 
-mstrations,  eQcreased  the  storekeeper's  debt  ^he  tpnnoge 
:on  vessels^  and  the  appropriation  of  the  moiiciy  arising  from 
^tbat  impost,  were  -  soon  .afterwards  altefcd  by  law  ;  bi^t  t^ 
;door  to  abus^. was  still  left  open.      4  .  . 

Towards  the  Is^ttr  end  of  this  year,  the  gwerpo^'s  cjo-  October  3. 
.mestic  felicity  was  interrupted  by  the  death  of  his  <amiabie 
jcooiMrt    She  was  .a  niece  of  tbje;  illustrious  Eati  of^  Chat- 
ham^  and  a  daughter  of  Thomas  Pitt,  of  ^occonic,  who 

*'"  '  '  *         'I       I'"  '    1 1 1  I  j     ^        I    '»l  <  J 

♦  It  tppears^  by  a  subsequent  petition  from  Mr.  Cox  to  governor'  6ay,  tnat'Mr. 
Spiys  onlers  fbr  preventing  the  wtite  of  powder  bad  pi^oducied  so  gii^t  a  iat%  in 
that  article,  that  bts. demand  ^a4.been-,red}y:f4. to  only  eighly^Jght  bprek 
andahaUl 

y.  y  2 


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846  iTB^ABSZOBV 

'^^  fl^lyidesoeochd)  siM]d;ele^iitl3r,:actaBiiipli8heid^  herconjagri 
.«4te«li«i(l)t  .imipeltted .  her;  to  aocoa^uy .  *hef  <  ■  t|Bs^aid  to 
MAtimdiieSi:  ;iir^w>  Jber  jdeljftttQ  jstfii^Hiiiioat  soot  !walf. 

1770.      .!).'£he^A)ik)ir]^g<  jtow:  was  :'pnidu);:|»K.<^rani;!SK|Ru}<ditnMt|- 

JoUspule  /bdbveen.  Una  honse  of  ^membi^^  and.  tba  )irsehaMt# 

*{ii Sbiityt  Addnew'sr parish. .  By^a;law  io^  tl|t;viriaa<i»L'tkftjtt» 

.  senalbly  Wietb  restnttsdt  lrotn'«dio(iring4n)Qnrert:l)«iiitw|»  of  their 

inerabefti  'to  be  tibfttot  fcbm  ^  couutry  ati  the  iciniA  Urnit, 

The  «peakeii'  boiMtr^f^-  fifiding  itiB  health  impsirad;,  jiha 

desirous  bf  trying  the  effisctiof^ivoyjijie  tct  Edrope^  .bbti«» 

.  two  nleUibers  y^st^  akeady^t^MeHt-^j^  w«»:^e0liu&d  findk. 

obtaining -the  ^m0  indltlgetide^  'by  *hlp  vrAnAvyK^ugi  Wty 

remove  tbf^  btibtacfe,  ■  '&  bUI  vms  introduced  by :«b&'dttacoe)K 

generaV  Hein^y  fieeliies,'  to',  etiipemet  Sit  John  Alteyne .  «6 

leave-^ttie'i^^d;'-NKiflidi^'^/^ftcfttiQg  his>8eiitv  andto  exAedd 

^e  penmji^fod  'tblt^r^meitiliers^at  a  .'tine. .  TheJbilJ  inras 

•     pasted  una^i^nidi^slj/^'l^y  both  hou9C8;i.faiat3l:app(aiisd  tiii  be 

a  measufe  '^  of ^ '  'sd'  -  u^^ii^wal  a  .natvre,' ':  that !  th&u  jgowmar 

snspendt'd- LiH.  assent:  until  the.  King'ov  pleaauce-ciould  bt . 

lUKWrn«.,''- '■■•'='-•"''''■"•'*  •■'••'  --'f' .. ' .  •   w  .-)  ,-.)).■<..,;  ■.■;    •-,,  V..-  •■ 
SifUohitt  Aileyne,  itevei^heless,  leffc-thd^uilftiid*;  ai»d  the: 


.  ^  Bef|^d^^Tei|era^)e|>9tri(rt>4«pwtwc,,Iie  m^ebia  c<|^«  liable  totbe  pay- 
^^1  ftf  J^l^e^^iial j^iMi^)ty,j  <^.f<Mrt^rfiv^  poundi  a  year,  for  the  support  of  a  charity* 

*c)kc«I.  in  the  parish  wbteU  be  represented  :  that  being  toe  interest  of  the  sum  vbich. 

-    .    ,  .  .....--..  ^) )..,  ,;,,-.f,;  ,,-:,,  ,:n?};,-,  ,•  .■ .;  ,  ...1  .1,.,: ...  .• 

tf  ma  NceiTcao0hii  rac9«edipgf  im«Uti«iWbit«  the.ofiSce  of  treuurer.. 


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^JBASBADOES:  UQ 

aiil^inbfy,ii|iti  4ihfttr  unit  taseimg^  addressed  <iie  governor  to  ^^£^°[J 

4h6  dwf^  a{ipointed»  ^  freeholders-  of  Saiikt  Andreirfft  cl{|i' 
speared  <^  »fe  tbe  poI),  'but  reHuaed'  to  make  choice  of  us^^ 
nspresentativet^^and'  pveseptedisn  addnesa  toMii  MajiobciE^ 
^criit^g )«erobeivpex)3Uiluuig the  reasoa;0f: tbdirtreAiiaL 
3!!lM(jr  could,  not  be -persuadedj  tiiat>Sm  John  Atio)rn6i(^iad 
iWcafUdluviwat*  t>^v  fafoiilbsetitiie;.  lABd; could  ooti/tbeM^n^ 
Kitb  )»r<»pFi0t;>  proaee;d  tex  toothetf  doctiottiu  liiwo^dd^k- 
^eifintipiacdl  tfae^rsaid,  imply  <a(f«i-S«iftd«(^oC^l^^  f^^m^ 
awviqcsi-  wi^d  a  wilUngiMsfc^  ^ideptivp?  |j«D*<S)tf  th§  J:)^J^t.i^ 
l«dd€d  hiqi^ ibj>  titQ),bar?D«besio£  i^jle^kAv^f}  \§^S^^\j[t 
.thfigr  .aflGBdted<.aavappr^he«8*s»iv>£  jMH)l»t¥»g  ^(jA^  h-Wp 
«nce». :  byi.el?cting  »  ndw  trie^obflU^^fe^St  wftttJ^Jtwi?^  ^hfiiftY^'^^ 

ftbani  tjHjy/  mtta  \l<ig(^\y  m^\%kde%Qt*'y,Mrfm  f^?^? I  <^J?lf?i<iS^ 
Htbust  itb^ide^iSBiMU  ^JinlM^tftJ^hfil«PyfiJ;^a,^a5^^„ 

mid a«fait»the  rwult o(i(iieiif9SfmmeiUf^4-^iC^9WJk*^  -  k.; 
.  Attbfi.neBc^ine«liikg.irfiy*0ie»*q«J>l/^ht)^i;gff^^FPP'^3^  October 2. 
U«sh©i^:&nreitwibto,ih«tb«uap,JM4JM^o©>mf^^ 

;.«>■.*  Ill Mt 'onjiiii-JU(.  ij'g'iiji'i  'OiiJ  ijJxM  Jirj.'.(!Jit '  c.;;)  .JiJl/ni'U''d 
*  The  •«  WM  rqect«d  by  th«  King»  o»  the  recommendation  «f  the  lonhibf^arfl^ 

«n4  vacMed  bis  .seat,,  they  wnceived  that  toe  confirmation  of  the  act  would  invoWe  the 
l^iriature  in  dtfficuli  ie»,  in  case  of  the  electton  of  another  membec,  without  ben^tirig 
the  person  in  whose ^fav'onr  it  had  ^een  proposed;  lo;Wli*«  inenli^r*^!^  had . 
home  Mclt  ampfe  testimony,  a«  to  occasioh 'a' wish  ttikt  tbt  lbadfgent«^«JttM  liwi 
Utaem^  cim^otly  witib.th€£ontitaUott.ft^.the oouotiy^ 


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350  tHfe  ritiiiiftt 

^HAP.^L  ject  to  tiieiir  Serious  corisideratioA.  Th^  art6ttie>-^li*^ 
1770.  immediately  rofe6,  and,  ih  in  elaborate  i*etie\<r  df  the  whojfe 
affafr,  maintained  thit  Sir  lohn  Alley ne  had  vaciteH  Ws 
seat,  4nd  justified  the  proceedi/igfe  of  tbe  house.  It  h^ 
been  cbntended,  both  within  arid  >vlthotit -dooi*,  tliat  tkfe 
,  ^assembly  were  competent  k6  grant  leave  of  abfeOTrcie  to  &ny 
of  its  memberls,  withi^ut  the  cOnciinrelnce  olf  thfe  oth^ 
branches  6f  the  tegislatdrie.  For,  by  the  few  and  dmld^ 
of  parlianient,  whatever  matter  arises  concerriihg  "eft%<ft« 
house  of  parliament,  ought  to  be  examined,  discuised,*  ftud 
adjudged  in  thkt  house  to  which  it  relates,  iand  not  «!tee^ 
Vhere*.  Where,  then,  it  was  asked,  was  the  nefces^ity  ibH: 
*alaw  to  enable  the  assembly  to  indulge  its  ttiembets  i^th 
occasional  leave  of  absenee?  The  ansiver  was  obvidlil 
The  privilege  in  <Iisputfe  had  *been  iufrendered,  hy  thb 
.  assembly,  half  a  century  before -f.  Attd,  h6'^ev<ir  tiddbif- 
trollable  the  house  might^have  befen  originally,  wfth  r^^ct 
to  its  members.  Whatever  privileges  mi^t  bhte'*bcen  ih- 
hereht  in  them,  as  repi-e^eritatrVes  'ol^'^he  fko^^  ;it  (hose, 
said  the  learned  gentleman,  who  Irave  gotie  hetore  Us  Iti 
that  capacity,  Tjy  an  acqiiieseencfe  in  a  law  ft)r"that  pur- 
pose, have  abridged  the  po^er  of  <he  boiise,  un4^l^hat  lew 
isrepealed,  or  the  restriclivie  clause  kWogattetl,  it  w^s  ridi- 
culous to  dispute  its  validity^  or  to  talk  of  original  prf^i- 


;  Blacks  Com.  vol  i:  p.  IjHji  ='t'ttdi'«UH*oil«8i'k;J9*. 


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OFBAEBADOES.  ^Hi 

leges.  Tlieug^y  he  adoaitted,  the  epostitutional  maxim  on  ^^J^^^^ 
which  the  law  of  parliament  is  founded,  he  insisted,  that  ^^^^^ 
liQ  house  of  commons  could  pretpnd  to  urge  a  .privilege 
^nce.jgiven  up^  against  a  positive  law,  by  which  it  had 
Jb^m  feigned.  Nor  cquld  any  colonial  assembly,  by  an 
^dependent  act  of  their  pwn,  destroy  that  which  h^d  been 
,e8^blished  with  the  concurrence  of  the  other  branches  of  thp 
legislature. 

To  obviate  any  doubt  that  may  arise,  concerning  the 
Jjegality  of  their  prpceedinjgs^  under  an  idea  .that  the  represen- 
jt^iojx  of  the  country  was  incomplete,  Mr.  Becfcles  observed, 
^at  the  hpuse.had  done  all  that  the  law  prescribed  in  8uc|x^ 
.pa^e§;  »ndr,^s  the  freeholders  jiad  thought  proper  to  give  up 
.thf^if    ,birtl)-r|gjit   for    an   idle    and  fallacious   sophistry, 
.^  authority  of  that  house  could  not  possibly 
.^y  thieir  conjt^jmftcy ;  all  acts  of  theirs  would  b 
;wirtliout  ^pt^  representative  fc^r  that  parish,  ^ 
iar  ,a  new  e[ec.tipn  had  bee^  obeyed.    This  c 
4p:Qua(led  on  the  general  m^^xim,  that  he  who  d 
lights  whpn  t^xe^  are  tendered  jtp  |iim  jn  (due  fi 
.Cja^  flieirer  aft^rw^rds  cojnplain  of  a  privation  of  ttiem.     He 
.fioncludfid  with  moving  an  answer  tO'  the  govemor  s  n^essage 
,jp  il^^ti  (effect;  which,  he  observed,  was  all  that  could  be 
iJpne,.  ?^n}e^s  it  should  be  thought  proper  to  perpetrate  th^jr 
ej^clusjf^n;  but  this,  for- the  sak^eof  majoy  worthy  men  ii^jthat 
parish,  he  wpukl  ijot  recommend,  thojugh  the  obstinacy  of 
^^^^.^l  "fhsi^.t.^^^^^^^^  ^ad  beepciip^t^ 


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352  THE  HISTORY 

"C^^j^Jxi^^/  d  the  full  weight  of  legislative  dls-^ 

The  dttirney-gefteral  then  complained  of  ah  insull  irhteh 
Tfed  been  oflerdd  to  the  house,  no  less  heinous  tbdn  that 
if^hich  had  occupied  thdr  attentton.  'Whilst  the  m^mberi 
of  «lia<f  assembly  were  under  a  reciprboal  impikd  faith'  to 
keep 'ittviolablc  the  iecretscfthe  house;  and  their  cleric 
^ail 'bound  by  the  sacred  obligmtibn  of  .an  oath ; '  he  thought 
it  ^^hdalbtts  to  see  in^  a  c6mmon  "Miw^piipef  ti^  difesss^ 
^irom  tRe  gcn-ernor,  with  }x  confidential  observathm  of  faii 
oWui  which  had  never  been  entered'  on  their  jourAala  tifl 
thatdajT.  How!4his  bad  hAppeiied»  he  thought  worthy  of 
an  inquiry,  that  tfie  porson  who  hodrofiended  may  be  mftd^: 
to-  cKpr^s  a'  due  tensel/pf  hb  error.  Obionel  Ridgiawmy 
iihmediaiely  *  rose  aad  at^dircrd  himself  the  author  of  Ute 
cotiimunication  alluded  tOy  ub€:0b8ciou^  of  any '  imparuptialy 
atbending^  the  diselosuM  *  of  iwhat  had  paased  ^  wiliuri  their 
wall^.  With  this  ex^planatlftn;  Mr«  BecidcB  prb&ssed;  him^ 
self  ^satisfi^ ;  and  thece  die  btsiness:  tested  untii  trsvbae^ 
iKorrtr.  qtientmeetingof  tbeasiemby,  when  the  rule,  wkM  was 
sup]^O0ed'to  hAve  been  infiriagedi  wafc  leaid  in  tbne  tronjb^; 
that  the  minutes  of  the  house,  taken  by  the  joteikkfe  aifpof * 
•  their  meetings,  sho^  remain  with  Atm^  ^ndisebiad  Ml 
thbysfaaH  b&  Gkm6isned  by  the  hotise  at  A  fatbie^iicetfligl  ^ 
*  Tfae^fttestiQn  was  then  put,  whether  the  rde  is  todse^dn^^- 
siderad  binding  on  the  clerk  alone,  or  wlktfaer  ibimf  Her  am 
obligatioii  on  tbe  members  of  the  house  P  and  ettsieil  in 
3 


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OF  BARBAIH)6S.  355 

•*k  •       ■   ■  • 

th^;{f$|tr)s^ye.    A  more  extTaordinar|r.4^t^ini0a^Q.fi,'.or  ^^ci^ 
stranger  perversion  of  language  perhaps  was  never  ktuf^fo^      ^"'**' 
BitHdraiktifig: thfe  c^o^truetton  to,  be  jtia*<  it;  «ftiay.  l^«^fll- 
<3iljb  tQ.coaoeive  rfhat-Hcrtis  fjf  Jke  Aotipeth^  rppres©n^HT0f* 
of  the.  people  affe  under  orma^mciil.mpU^d  faith. tp-fofieetf^ 
iTGtnr'iheBr'eonstitueitts.v    Shall  the -most  impottatU,  p^it'* 
concerns  -be  canvassed  dnd  deddeel>  upon  by  liii^H^s^l^gii^' 
lature-^th'  the  impeoieflrable  sedreey  of  -ar  llk>i»i{>b^  -inquiai^ 
tiafA ?  ShaU  tbq (frae subjeel^.of  a .BoitisKcolotiy  fefliain in    . 
siietit<5ubiiiis8i«m'<ii)l  ^thedrvfi^i»  .i8,d«jbemii9ed  hy  an  Ask^'* 
d^^ftn?  Off  Ull  tfaetr  detogtttta  omn&aooDd,  ttt  a  mattot  of 
gHice  dnil  &t<niiV'  tor  infoniit  tWofc  df  ttieir  iinKsesdibgs^^ 
NMhitigi'sljould  lever  pos^  <  lirithia  .ttev'^predncts'  oit  the* 
tovn4|EU1.^6f iwhicdi the"p^lei6aght»  not  tbt  have  iAx&  eat-* 
licdt  Dotioeu    The.inestsamUe^nght  o^  pta^kmng;  laws-  fof.. 
tfaoBciJimigofVffiiiiientiia.  liQdigai-.hjn.'tkie»:ii^^  iri  Ibir* 

gmot}  badtf!  «f ithei-pebpfe;  •  l^^o  iiaeoBnaufinoei :  of  tiniBa^^ 
tuHui  sisaeiabKeB  sfiMt'St^gesfed  .illeitaipaiilitnqjr  of  dielegaA*'. 
iB^^lbesadNdi  task  oil  legislattto  tt>  a>  «tiec*  n:unbcr;.  aad> 
tluMe  iHni  .ar(!>a|ipoiilt«cb  'to  e^atonfea  tbe  solemn,  trusts  aire' 
unqoettiaBablyadcniBii^^'tai:  thoat  GauA  wh^ia  tbeiir  ajor- 
t)M»rilj);iatdeiivM.' '?  vJ  /.•«  i-.i  ,•■;•.»!.-«  , 

;  '?hi»«iK>«tatlen«tbo«lJtiU  l^j  HeJtfBV*  Pob^  itopttieDt     i77i. 

July  16. 

of :  Ale»  alttord;  n^traiat,  ofa^ecfted  <^6  tttSDcdoatruetiao  whicbi . 
hmi'ho^q^vik  vipoa  ^Am^Mg\n99ikq^pnakkg  am  obligOtiQii'  of 
8«fMpfito:the  tB^lNar»of(;thab>bki^/H^u&llgr/ wk»» 
midiBaoiiifet«mtwitb^(iiieiv<iddty:tAi. their  000^ 


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354  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XI.  vrhose  sentiments  they  were  bound  to  pay  a  ,'respectftil  at- 
^'^^r-  tdhtion.  He,  therefore,  moved,  that  the  assembly  should> 
by  an  explicit  declaration,  confine  the  rule  to  the  clerk 
alone.  Mr,  Beckles,  far  from  wishing  to  restrain  any  gen- 
tlcinan  from  consulting  his  constituents  by  an  injunction'of 
seCtecy,  secoiided  the  motion;  and  what  was,  if  possible^ 
more  extraordinary,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 
177^  The  scantiness  of  our  records  furnish  no  further  informa-^ 
tidn  concerning  the  administration  of  Mr.  Spry.  After  the 
death  of  his  former  lady,  he  married  the  beautiful  relict  of 
Hamlet  Faitchild,  but  he  had  not  long  enjoyed  the  ddights- 
of  this  imion  before  he  was  removed  to  another,  and. more 
perfedt  state  of  felieitj^. 
;5cpt.  4.  ^his  fnelant^l^  ^vent  placed  thci  Honourable  Samuel 
Roils  a  seCdtid  time  in  the  presidential  chair.  Still  ocCu- 
picid  by  theftW^gtefet  objects -that  had  long  engaged  their 
attention,  of  pteservinglheir  capital  from  fii-e,  and  facili- 
tating itS:  ctommfetccj,  the  assenibly  jmssed  two  acts,  one  for 
the  estdblisbita^t  6f  sii  fire  companies  ;  the  other  for  deep- 
ening, cleansing,  and  imprdving  the  mole-headr.  To  pro- 
vide a^fUnd  for  teffectuating  the  latter  design,  the^x  on  the 
inipoi*tatibh  of  slaves  from  Africa  was  increased;  and,  in 
lieu  teff  the  fbrnier  duty  of  one  potind  -of  gunpowder,  a 
duty  of  two  ^shillings  and'  sixpence  a  ion  wasitidiscrimi- 
nately  laid  6n  srti  vessels  resorting  tO'  the  islaind.  Of  the' 
produce  of  this  impost,  fifteen  hbtidfed^  pounds  were  an- 
nuafly  appropriated  to  the  purchase  of  gunpowder  ibr  the 


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OFBARBADOES.  355 

use  of  the  forts,  and  the  surplus  was  made  applicable  to  CHAP.  iL 
the  works  at,  the  mole-head.  ^''^^• 

This  bill  was  hurried  through  the  house  with  such  cele- 
rity, that  the  ship-owners,  whose  interest  was  mpst  inm^e^ 
diatel^  affected  by  it,  had  no  opportunity  of  endeavouring, 
to  arrest  its  progress  by  any  representation  of  ite  evil 
tendenqy.  The  merchants  pf  Bridge-town,  therefore,  pne- 
.  sented  ,  a  petition  to  the  council,  in  which  they  stated,  that) 
by  a  former  law,  all  vessels,  owned  .  by .  tlje  inhabitants, 
were  exempt  from  the  payment  of  the  tonnage-duty;  an 
immunity  which  they  insisted  was  calculated  to  promote 
the  interest  of  the  country  by  encouraging  the  increase  of 
its  shipping.  They  represented,  that  the  vesaejs. owned  by 
the  native  traders  were  employ edj  in  an  intercourse  among, 
the  neighbouring  cjolpnies,  in  whiqh  tjljiqy  gejjeraljy  made 
from  twelve  tp^fifteep  voyages  annuajly;  and  thftt  suchiS^iL, 
impost,  so  frequently  repeated,  would  be  ^n  ir^^upportable 
burthen  on  the  navigation  of  the ,  country,  and>  in  eflSact, 
prohibit  a  beneficial  branch  of  pommerqe-         ,  .  ^ 

Thijj  being.a  mpqey.bij^.^^^^     not.  bp, ^mended,  by  thp^ 
council;  it  i^vfi^^ ^therefore,,. returned,  to  the  asspmbly,  withy 
a  messgigp^  ,pr9po^jpg^  thajt  vessels,  owned  by  thp  ipwrhants 
of  .tl)e  isjlgjid^  shoul4  ^e  .^subject  to  the  duty  only . thrice  a 
year;  fleconj[|)y^ ,th^|i  a x:ioi:^missiop  of  two  ai^d  a  half^pc^, 
cent,  ipstj^adjpf  ,%ej^AyoMljd  be.g-auffiQijent.einolun^emt fo^^  , 
Uie  storely^epcr;    thirdly,,  that  tliesmii  of  t\YP,  thousand 

z.  z  2 


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S56  THE  HISTTOHY 

<^^;;):^  ould  be  appr6priated  to  tlie  purchase  of 

*^^-  )  use  of  the  fortifications.    The  first  of 

v^as  agreed  to  on  a  division  ;  .the  second, 

terest  t6  prevail  over  considerations  of 

negatived  by  ^  majority  of  ten  to  threfe; 

with  great  propriety,  qnanimously  re- 

hus  amended,  was  again  sent  tip  to  the 

d.     Upon  this  occasion,  the  assembly 

ident  to  discpptinue  the  ftrirtg^  of  the 

ling    giin    at  Needfiam's^    which    un- 

as  they  termed  it^    was  attended  with 

it  hundred  pounds  a  year.    This'requefet, 

too  stroqgly  against  the  interest  of  t^ie 

becbmplied  with.    And  it  is  worthy  of 

ptwithstanding  the  considter^ble  saving 

■  of  pdwder  during  Mr.  Spry's  iidministration,  under  thatlof 

'^t  llous,*  thp  c(Mel6t6T^^  was  inadequate  to  supply  the  de- 

madiB,  in  a  seiasoii  of  profound  ; 

'  fi^oth  bills,  oti  being  transmitted  to  Erigla'nd^  were  r^« 

ferred  td  the  confti^e^tion  of  Mr^  JacksoiH  counsel  to  t^e 

hp^rSt  of  trade.    On  the  met  fer  the  ^stabltthnent  oi.fyce 

cbiripahies,  h^  obsetved^  lihat  it  had  beeiL)naoi«  thto  oitce 

Imported  to  be  the  i^pinioB  of  their  lopdships,  that  the  creat* 

iiig  <^  SL  corgoTAikm,  being  witl^in  the  power  of  the  Crowa, 

and  its  representative,  ought  not  to  be  ex«ndsed  by  the 

'provincial legislature,  tmlesB  it  be  imder  singtilar  ctfoum- 

ttances,  of  which  the  present  occauon  of  iacorporaJtilig  »ix 

1 


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OFBARIUm)ES.  ^i57 

:  •bodied  of  rasU  at  oim;q»  nw^y  possibly  bo  on0^ ,  But  thft  i^Qst'  ^^2!^;;^^ 
.,  fuf^l^atl.  objection  to  the  act  ^as  jhe  po^er  giv«ii  t<>  the    .  *'!'*• 
;$^^fiB^s§iooefii  pot  x]|nly  tgt  cooAtilu^^  aQ4  establish  su,ck 
-  5u|f»  ftnd  Qr4w«i  9*  i^^yf  sfcpuW  thwk  Pony^N^nt  ^  the* 
good  ^venmie^t  of  tbue  fire>cpn)panie» ;  but  §lsp^.*^  to.'makQ 
^n4  ef l;^i»li,  )^^ch  othe^  r^le8  s^qd  prd^rs  a^  tt^ey  shall  thiik 
Cppd\icive  t9  tt^  better  execution  of  the  act ;  jwbiqh  ml^ft^ 
jindor^eEpsSO  to.bf  madt),  ^liaH  biiMil$ua4  ^^ig^  a))  anck 
#yetj5  peF«iitt  %f  pwtpBS,  HEhqin  they  sj^jl,  or^qpiaj  pQ^qera," 
**  Tbispower  te  bf>exei6uted  by  a  few  ija^pjbf^^f  Jthe.<joii|)i- 
fU  qpd  afaeimblj^"  said  the  leayiif)^  b^nj/^jfjy.,**^^.  certainly: 
'tfif>  e*>te«sive,  and,  at  Ifsu^t,  aPRrpaf  hfisr  tof}  ni^  to  ardele*- 
Ipated  legisiatipKJ,  l99tifyw^^^ffl^^^:'ff]'^]^^^^^}<^^:.^ 

Ti»e  utility.  <?£•  its  ql^l  va^,  si^^^ptv  in,  Ml*  Ja^filksonV 
^piitiom  t©,pre«ail  «gf^B8«,  ^  .jp|»^i%»^  pbj^tit^  >> ,  ^^^ 
^impjopving-Maa;  Jiwte'JtfiRdJ^^noe^.  >tlj^iii  .ifn|^<}  a* 
dutjf'ontho  timd©ftDtjbflhipi^i«gf,ofr^^eff,^itaiiJ,,  ■I'hp^te 
^as,  ia  no  oih^r  lOBpact,,  f^^hyt  (ej^^jpt^jt^  jtbeprix^ 
gropcvty  wbijBJb  it  inigktr  bd  .ja^espa^  tp^  oonvcf^  jU^  tke 
J>ubli»?  4if©  w«p,diie«tl:d.t»  be  Yaitif4,>M¥r^M^i  JWP^<^,jh- 
<  n^  lof  a  jwy.  iVwr.tfafae  ie«»«iiM» . ^l^tb^^^  yip^^i^^ 
]gyitd  by,  tfaeiKiogr;  and  Mr*  JlaM*)  v4w!<W  hfi^  T^fi^y^ 
appoidtdd  to  thp  gaTCfaiia<M»tK)"wa&  djj5ir^tpd,,^q]5!,  ^^i^^a^9J^l, . 
tO'TficoiiiD?epdtl|^p^hig;of  ot>W»  fi^»jiiw»^th/*/«#^,fp- 
pUted  to.ti?eie/  jThi«  ^wa  awr4i9|jto5v  4<?9!^.^^4 -f^frrM*"^ 
jesey  oonfinapd*  th«Pr ,  i*?,  ^  coBsideratjoft ,  .^.  jtj^e^  ifopp^i^Mfie 

J. 


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8<58:  THE  FlteTOBY 

^sSJ^'       Mean  time  a  law  was  enacted  to  empower  the  general  as- 
Nw/ai.     «®n»^^y  to  permit  any  of  their  members,  not  exceeding  four 
at  a  time,  to  be  absent  from  the  island.    The  proprietj  of 
such  an  iridalgencc  is  at  best  iiighly  questionable.     Many 
mensber^  of  the  house  of   commons,   it  is  tme,  ai-e  fre- 
quently employed  on  foreign  service,  i*-ithout  producing 
any  national  inconvenience  by  their  albsence;  but  in  a  co-* 
lony  whose Tepresentative  body  -^jonsists  of  only  twenty-two" 
members,  the  absence  of  nearly  one-fourth  of  the  number 
rtiay  justly  be  apprehended  to  impede  the  progress  of  pub-' 
Kc  business,  and  to  fadilitate  the  sinister  views  of  a  venal 
1773.      facHon.  '■  The  lUw,  as  we  have  ah-eady  seen,  originated  in 
the  partial  design  of  granting  a  particular  indulgence  to 
Sir  Joltn  G:  All^yne  ;  but,  from  the  failure  of  that  attempt, ' 
andth^  barohet's'  jealousy  of  Mr.'  Spry,  the  proposal  was' 
notrevived  until  after  his  fexcfellehcy's  death.     Nor  was    ' 
tJiis  the  only  innovatibn  ihtroddced  foi-  the  personalgniti- 
fication  of  Sir  J6hri  Alfcyne.i    It  bad  ever  been  a  standing- 
rule  of  the  assembly;  that  the  speaker.  Tike  the  speaker  of 
the  house  of  commons,  should  vote'only  in  case  of  dn  equal 
division  of  the  House.     Such  a  rule}  dicfnot  suit  !Sir  John   ' 
Alleyne's  ardent,  active  mihd.     Anxious  t6  distinguish  liim- 
self  upon  every  question  in  whidh  the  interest  of  his  coun- 
^        try  was  involved,  he  could  not  bear  to  fettered  by  a  rule' 
which  confined  the  exercise  of  his  •intellectual  'poWere,'ind 
obstructed  therapid  flo^  of  patiiotic  eloquence  wJiicH  he 


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OF  BAUBAD0E9.  359 

p«5sessed;.  1^  restraint  was,  therefore,  jempv^^jiar^drhe  ^^JJ^ 
w^s  permitted  to  speak,  or  vote,  upon  alloccasion^^  afi^any*  J^^ls  - 
ot^ier  member  might  do, ,  ..     ;    ,       .;        r 

The  day  had  now  arrived  whpn  Mr*  Rous,  was  to  <  resign^  r 
for  the  last  time,,  the  offix^e  of  cfciief  ma^trate.  r  ,Hk>J4a^r. 
jesty  had  appointed  the  Honourable  Edflrard  Hay^lat*  qqur^ 
sulat  Lisbpn,.  governor  of  Barbadoes;  and  his^exceUeiacyrr 
accogip^^  by  his  lady  and  two  daughtersi  arrive4  m  Ca^-  • 
lisle-^ay,r  on  Sunday  the  sixth  of  Jupe*.    Oix  the  Tuesday- 
following,  his  excellency  landed  in  state,^  an4  w;^  j^eceived-^ 
on  the  wharf  by  the  members  of  both  houses  of  th^l^^- 
Jatura     He  wasr  attended  with  the  usual  military  parade: 
to  St.  MichaeFs  church,  whence,^  after,  diyinj^/seryice^,  he. 
proceeded,  to  Pilgrim,    and,  haying^ ^taken,t^9  ipauguxal^.^^^^ 
oaths,  was  formally/  invested  W/ith  the,  s^upr.eme  ^uthprity*  > .  r 

Were  an  opinion  formed  of  JVJr.,]^oua^rfr<^n3i*  the  panpgyt^ 
rics  be8t9wed  on  him  by  4i^<^^^.pul|p|Up,.bpi^ies,  .in>  theiF 
respective address?Si  during  his  pKesidegLcy«^,vwe.siiaul4  be 
induced  to  estef^m^hioi  asj.a  itioderi).  Traj;^n,.ADir  Antonine* 
But  no  dependence  can  be  plaijed  in  such  .fallacious  ^ap- 
plause^   Truth  is  Jittl?  regaildcd  i,»  the  composition  of  t^hese; 
eulogies.*  By  his rviffilanceapd  ai^siduitywparp  told,  that   r 
Bridge-town  was  raised  frpin  pi»4^s^  fhat  elegant  struc-^ 
tures  had  risen,  P,hoen)x  like,,  fropi  .^shes;  and  that  the 
same  patriotic  h?ind^  whigh  performed  these  wonders  hadj 
fixed,  the.  i^t  stone  in  tlie,  head  of,  (jben^w.  moje;;  fsnn  un*- , 


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3(50  THE  HISTOHY 

CHAR  XI.  ckertakiog  that  would  shed  a  Icutre  on  hid  adminiatfarCidn. 
1773.  Wkat  peculiar  merit  may  belong  to  the  pfesident  for  tlm 
part  which  he  sustained  in  these  transactions^  we  cannot 
pieeitelj  ascertain.  It  is  pfdbable,  that  ke  participated  in 
common  with  the  other  orde??  of  the  legiakittre  hi  their  aeal 
to  promote  these  useful  works.  But,  whatever  credit  may . 
be  due  to  him  on  this  subject,  candour  must  condemn  brs 
ne^Gct  of  the  administration  of  justice ;  Ills  inattention  to 
^  the  waste  of  stores  on  the  forts,  and  the  ifnfriMgement  whiclk 
Iw  committed  on  the  riglits  of  election. 

At  the  general  dectioo^  inHnediately  pmceding  his^  los»  of 
power,  he  interfered  vei^  impropei-ly  with  the  matrosses  <rf 
Speight's  and  Reid's-bay  divisions ;  several  of  whom  be  en^ 
ccmraged  to  oppose  the  interest  of  their  c<^ne),  by  promis- 
ing them  indemnity  *t  the  expense  of  Uie  adverse  party. 
But  in  the  parish  of  Saint  John,  fee  not  Only  appeared  at 
the  poll  and  voted  himself^  but  inflnenced  others  to  vote  fi>r 
the  candidate  whom  be  supported.  Mr.  Haynes,  tlie  tm- 
-sucoesful  candidate,  petitioned  the-  assembly,  (jontplaining 
of  an  midue  i^urn,  and  praying  that  he  might  be  permHted 
to  controvert  the  election.  Biit  before  the  aifiiir  couM  be. 
investigatcid,  he  consented  to  withdraw  his  petition,  on  the 
ptttkknt's  promising  him  his  fhtute  support. 
'  No»qrthdog(H  tho  aoHcttor^genera],  Mr.  Henry  Duke,  a 
nan i^  a  ftrongj^active  a^d,  generous  mind,  who,  in  the 
study  and  pnactiee'ofhitf  ^professions  had  aoquired  a  dear 


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OFBARBADOES.  S6l 

^nd  perfect^  knowledge  of  the  English  constitution,  brought  ^2^;JP' 
the  .matter  before  the  house*    He  represented  the  presi-  "  ^^^' 
4^t's  canduet  as  a  flagrant  viola^Qpi  ^f  tjie,  elqctiy^  iij^P- 
^i  phwe^  of  whiXfh  it  was  the  duty,of .  that  ho^^.  to  jrecoxd  their 
r .  d^o^d^  ,  disapprobation  ;  and  concluded .  with  moving  a  re- 
sqlutioPt  iui  these  words  s  That  it  is  against  the  freedom  of 
,  f^ecticMis^.^uid  tl^e  privileges  of  this  house,  that,  a  com- 
/  /Q$o4er  ip  ^tiof /4iottl4  vote  at,  or  interfere  in,  the  election 
,:of:i:epre^ntatiyef.    The  learned  gentleman's  design,  bow. 
ever,  was  defeated,  .by  the  -speaker's  moviqg  tl^e  previous 
questiptt ;  and  thQ.  original  motion  was  .'postppo^d  for  future 
considerations  pii,  mpre  properly  ^pealungrcotpigoed  to 
rietertiAVoblii^ioa,..  •  ,  . ,  :i  -.      . 

.  T^vice*  io  the  course -iQf  Mr>  fUas's^.s^dsniuistraticui  the  ' 
,  same  enlightened  ipember  coqiplaixied  to  ih^  assembly;  of 
.  asMsp^Dsiofi  qf  justice,  in  civil  cases^.oiring  ,to  the  culpa- 
ble. neglect.Qfthe.p^nsQiDS  ^ppoiiitiedti^  jp^resiideifithecoorts 
.  .of  law.    IJe  moved  fos  a«(^n^ttee,to,  iaqvHrp.  into  these 
«bus^  And  to  report  to  the  hpu&e  what  .was^  proper  to  be 
dqti&  in  aid  of  defective  Jaws,  or  in  redress  of  those,  which 
.  ^ere  violated.  ■  Buthis  jp^triotic  exfxtion^  ^wisie -rendered 
•injeffectual  bqr  the  influence  of  rthe  judges,  |of;  whom  sevcaal 
had  seats  in  the  assembly.**.  ,  ...  .    ., 

■'J       ' n      I.     ,  iiiini   I  >ii  ■! I    I  'Ml   'Ji.l?     I  I    111  III     I  I      J    <' 

*  The  liouM  Wm,  «t  this  thne;  coapcied  of  SanUon  Vfioi,  itA  H.  Hi^e/foii-  St. 

ten*,  St.  Pkilip,    H.  Walker  and  J.  Cogan  Cox,  St,  Otorg^h    S.  ■  Walkott  and  J* 

3^ 


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3(52  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XI.    Ui\Uv%  St.  /«!»'«.    George  Sander*  and  W.  Gibbet  Alleyne,  Si.  noMctV.    T.  AU 
1179.        1^^^  ^'  ^*  Wheeler  £idgeway,  Si.  Jamai*t.    J.  Leacock  and  S.  Hinds^  Si.  Peier^i.. 
Sir  John  Gaj  Alleyne  and  James  Maycork,  Si.  AndrewU.    Hillary  Rowe  and  H. 
Bowe,  Si.  Luaf$.    T.  P^yne  and  J.  Stewart,  Si.  Joseph's. 

The  members  of  eeundl  were  Samnel  Bous,  J.  Botin,  A.  Cnmbefbatch,  H.  Frere^ 
Conrade  Adami^  Gedney  Claike,  Irenseus  Moe,  B.  Brathwaite,  W.  Senbouae,  IL 
Cobhamj  W.  Bishc^  a|id  John  Best*  The  two  lait  were  added  upon  Mr.  Ha/s  ar* 
arrival^ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  563 


CHAP.  XU.       : 


IIR.  HAY  ASSUMES  THE  GOVERNMENT — DISTRESSED  CONDITION 
OF  THE  INHABITANTS REPRESENTATION  TO  THE  THRONE- 
OPPOSED      BT      THE     GOVERNOR — SUSPENDS      THK     SOLICITOR* 

GENERAL  AND   THE  JUDGE   OF     THE    ADMIRALTY ITS    IMPRO- 

PER  INTERPOSITION  IN  FAVOUR  OP  CAPTAIN  DOTIN — WAR 
WITH  FRANCE — DANGER  OF  THE  COUNTRY-*-APATHY  OF  THE 
ASSEMBLY— THE   GOVERNOR'S   DEATH, 

On  the  first  meeting  of  the  provincial  parliament  after  cHAP.xn. 
the  govemorV  arrival,  his  excellency  opened  the  session  in    "IttsT* 
the  usual  manner,  with  a  speech  from,  the  chair.    He  ob-      ^^  *  * 
served,  that  the  trust  which  his  Majesty  had  reposed  in 
him,  by  promoting  him  to  the  government  of  the  island, 
was,  in  its  nature,  very  diflferent  from  any  of  the  former 
posts  which  he  had  held  under  the  Crown.    The  adminis- 
tration of  the  most  ancient,  most  populous,  and,  in  pro-  ' 
portion^  to  its  extent,  the  most  wealthy  of  his  Majest/i 
^dominions  in  the  new  world,  was  a  charge  of  the  utmost 
importance ;  and  he  was  sensible  Teqaired  a  more  intimate 
knowledge  of  the  laws  and  constitution  of  the  country  thaii 

3  A  S 


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364  THE  HISTORY 

^^I^-^*  te  possessed.  But  whea  he  considered  the  character  o# 
^'^*  the  inhabitants  from  the  first  settlen^jnt  of  the  island,  their 
loyalty  to  their^Sovereign,  and  attachment  to  their  excellent 
constitution  ;  and  that  thbse  principles  had  been  carefully 
banded  down  to  the  present  generation,  he  pi*)fessedto  feel 
encouraged  to  the  arduous  undertaking;  happy  in  the 
thought  that  he  could  confidently  relj  on  tlieir  assistance 
in  conducting  the  business  of  government.  After  recom- 
niend[ing  a  proper  Attention  to  the  defence  of  the  island, 
for  which,  he  remarked,  no  time  could  be  more  proper  than 
that  of  peace,  his.  excellency  modestly  advjerted  to -the 
Kihg's  instructions  respecting  the  usual  provision  for.  the 
support  of  the  commander  in  chiefs  observing  that  it  did 
not  become  him  to  enlarge  on  a  subject  of  so  much  deli-^ 
<jacy. 

The  addresses  of  both  houses  were  in  the  highest  degree 
polite  and  respectful.  They,  breathed  the  same  sentiments 
of  joy  at  his  excellency's  appointment,  and.  of  cordial  con- 
gratulation on  b;5  safe  arrival.  His  excellency's  amiably 
^character,  and  approvied.  conduct  in  other  official  situations 
Avere  suflBcient  pledges,  they  said,  for  the  faithful  discharge 
of  the  high  office  with  which  he  was  now  invested^  and  of 
the  happiness  of  the  people  pl^qed  under  hiscve,.  The 
scene  of  business  may  be  new,, the  po?t  assigned  may  be 
more  iniportant^  ajad,  m  sucb  a  sitviatioi;^,^,the.  ingenuous 
iftind  may  be  led  to  feel  a.  diffidence  of  its  poweins ;  but  io 
the  very  principle  which  suggested  those  fears,  the  assembly. 


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OF.BABBADOES.  5(53 

wOTe  confident  would  be  found  the  true  resources  of  his  chap,  xil 
excelieney's  ease  and  contentment.  ^'^• 

This  interchange  of  civiUties  was  follow^ed  by  a*  more  sub-^ 
stantial  proof  of  regard;  A  settlement  of  three  thousand 
pounds  a  year  was  ma4e  on  his  excellenqy  fluring  the  term 
of  his  administration.  This  sum>  the  speaker  remarked  on 
presenting  the. bilU^hich  in  the  days  of  their  prosperity 
would  have  been  but  the  ea^y  tribute  of  their  benevolence^ 
must,  under  the  pressure  of  recent  calamities,,  be  acknowr 
tedged  as  the  utmost  effort  of  their  good- will.  .  It  cannot 
escape  observation,  that  through  the-whole  of  $ir  John  Al- 
ley ne's  political  life,  his  fine  imagination  Was  clouded  with 
an  idea  of  colonial  poverty.  Oa  this  topic  h^  w?is  perpc- 
tually  disclaiming  and  lamenting  the  visionary  inability  of 
the  country  to  provide  for  the  necessary  expenses  of  go*- 
vemraent.  The  bill  was  receivediin  the  mogt^racioiis. man- 
ner by  the  governor,  who  professed, to. consider  it  as  an 
ample  testimony  of  the  pubUc  esteem.  . 

Sensible  of  the  importance  of  aregular  administration  of 
justice,  Mt.  Hay's  attention  was  ea^ly  turned  to  the  means 
of  redressing  the  abuses  comH^itted  in  .the  judicial  depart- 
ment: Hfe  sent  circular  letters  .to  th^  judges^  remonstrating 
against  their  dilatoiy  procecsdings,  intimating  that  the  cla- 
mours of  the  people  had  reached  the  Royal  ear;  and  re- 
ferring to  his  own  .diligence  on  the  chancery  bench:  as  an 
example  for  the  dispatch  of  business.  The  next  object  of 
his  care  was  not  of  less  importance^    Thoroughly  acquaint-^ 


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366  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^:^*  ed  with  the  principles  of  eommero^  his  cxcdlency  readily 
^^^-  perceived  the  benefit  which  the  island  would  derive  from  an 
extension  of  its  trade.  To  this  end  he  recommended  that  the 
assembly  should  make  an  immediate  application  to  parliament 
for  the  establishment  of  a  free  port  in  Barbadoes.  The  pro*- 
posal  diffused  the  .most  general  satisfaction  ;  and  the  com« 
mittee  of  corfespondence  directed  the  agent  to  pursue  the 
ispeediest  and  most  effectual  means  of  attaining  this  desire- 
able  object.  The  minister  approved  of  the  application, 
and  offeied  to  gitant  a  free  trade  with  the  Spaniards,  on 
*he  same  terms  as  were  enjoyed  by  Jamaica,  which  Mr* 
Walker  most  unaccountably  hesitated  to  accept  till  he 
could  consult  his  conMituQuts;  and,  in  the  interval^  the  Ja« 
maic^  bill  having  past,  the  opportunity  of  securing  the  adr 
vantage  was  lost. 
1775.  The  extremities  to  which  the  fetal   d»putes  between 

Great  Britain,  and  her  North  American  provinces  were  ap- 
proaching^ excited  , the  utmost  anxiety  and  aiann  through^ 
out  the  whole  West  Indian  archipelago.  The  commerciai 
int^xrourse  between  the  British  islands  and  the  American 
continent  was  deemed  the  most  essf^ti^ -to  the  prosperity^ 
nay  to  the  very  existence  of  the  sugar  cokmies ;  as  it  was 
the.  only  channel  through  whkh  they  coitld .  be  supplied 
with  articles  of  the  first  necessity*  The  interruption  of 
this  necessary  intercourse  was  anticipated,  l^T; the <  Bax« 
badiahs  with  dismal  forebodings  of  the  dangerf  and  dis* 
tresses  to  which  it  would  expose  thetn#    Yet  duci^g  the 


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J 


OFBARBADOES.  367 

whole  progress  of  the  dk^ute,  the  legislature  of  Barbadoes  *^JJ^J^^ 
maintained  a  r^pectful  silence^  unwilling  to  add  to  the      '^7^* 
perplexities  c^  the  ministry  bj  aaingling  their  complaints 
with  those  which  were  poured  in  from  every  other  quarter^        ^ 
€»r  conscious  that  no  application  of  theirs  would  be  regard^ 
ed  when  inteiests  of  hx  greater  national  importance  de-- 
pended  on  the  issue  of  the  contest. 

The  sword  was,  at  length,   unsheathed,  and  the  com*^ 
mencement  of  actual  hostilities  prodnced  in  Barbadoes  the 
most  alarming  apprehensions  of  famine.     Early  in  the  pre- 
sent year,  an  attempt  was  made  to  ascertain  the  quantity  of 
provisions  on  hand  in  Bridge-town,  which  was  estimated  to  . 
be  unequal  to  tlie  ordinal^  consumption  for  the  short  pe-* 
wod  of  six  weeks.     At  this  critical  moment  Captain  Payn^ 
an  officer  in  the  British  service,  arrived  for  the  purpose  of 
purchasing  provisions  and  live  stock  for  the  use  of  the 
troops   at  Boston^  who  had  endtnr^d  uncommon  distress 
fcom  the  dehujrs  and  misfortunes  experienced  by  the  vic- 
tualUng  ^ips  from  Europe.    The  permission  which  this 
officer  received  ffom<  tbe  governor  to  execute  his  mission,^ 
excited  a  considerafble  clamour  among  the  people. 

Oa  the  meeting  of  the  assembly,  the  solicitor-general  com-  f*.  13, 
plained  to  f he  bocrtie  of  this  indulgence,  as  a  measure  calcu- 
lated to  endanger  the  safety  of  the  jjeople,  by  depriving 
Aem,  of  the  scanty  means  of  subsistence  which  they  pos- 
sessed. It  was  the  duty  of  that  house,  he  said,  to  adopt 
mec»rares  of  precaution,  to  avert,  if  possible,  the  impending 


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358  *rHE  HISTORY 

bHAP.  XII.  calamity.     All  trade  with  America  was  prohibited ;  our 


^•^^^-  internal  resources  had  failed,  and  self-preservation,  the  pri- 
mary law  of  human  nature,  constrained  them  to .  husband 
the  remaining  stock  of  provisions,  and  not  to  suffer  it  to  be 
further  diminished.  He  lamented  their  inability  to  supply 
his  Majesty's  forces  with  every  accommodation  which  their 
situation  required  ;  but,  under  the  existing  circumstances, 
ft  gracious  prince  would  not  wish  us  to  become  victims  to 
an  impotent  zeal  for  his  service.  Upon  these  considera- 
tions, Mr.  Duke  moved  an  address  to  the  governor,  beseech- 
ing him  to  prohibit  the  exportation  of  the  necessaries  of 
of  life  until  the  island  was  more  plentifully  supplied.  As 
this  could  only  produce  a  temporary  advantage,  the  soli- 
joitor-general  next  proposed  an  address  to  the  King,  pro-^ 
fessing  their  loyalty  and  attachment  to  his  Majesty  and  the 
<:onstitution  of  the  mother  country,  expressing  their  grati- 
tude for  the  favours  rexrently  bestowed  on  the  colony;  re- 
presenting the  misery  and  distress  to  which  the  bulk  of  the 
people  must  inevitably  be  retiuttd,  unless  relieved  by  the 
timely  assistance  of  the  King  and  Parliament;  and  implor- 
ing his  Majesty's  gracious  interposition  in  their  favour. 
Both  motions  were  unanimously  agreed  to;  but,  on  the 
suggestion  of  the  speaker,  the  farther  consideration  of  the 
throne  was  deferred  to  the  morrow^^ 

In  the  meantime  the  governor  went  to  the  apeak^'s  town 
residence,  and  declared,  that  if  the  assembly  persisted  in. 
their  resolution  of  addressing  the  King,  as  it  would  answer 
2 


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OF  BARBAIX)ES.  S69 

tK)  other  end  than  that  of  disturbing  his  Majest/s  peace  of  chap.  xii. 
mind,  he  would  immediately  dissolve  the  house.  But>  find-  *7^^* 
ing  that  the  speaker  and  the  other  members  present  were  not 
of  a  temper  to  be  intimidated  by  menaces,  he  lowered  his 
tone,  and  condescended  to  employ  entreaties.  They  would 
make  him  happy,  he  said,  if  they  would  rescind  their  reso* 
lution  ;  adding  that  he  was  actuated  by  a  friendiy  mqjtire 
towards  the  assembly,  in  wishing  to  dissuade  them  from  a 
measure  which  he  was  apprehensive  would  be  dbpleasing  to 
the  King.  Neither  threats  nor  entreaties  could  divert  the 
assembly  from  their  purpose.  They  met  pursuant  to  ad^. 
joumment,  and  agreed  to  both  addresses.  But,  notwith* 
standing  the  unanimity  of  the  preceding  day,  the  address  to 
his  Majesty  was  warmly  debated.  An  address  proposed  by 
the  speaker,  and  another  by  Mr.  James  Maycock,  were  both 
rejected;  at  length  the  draught  of  the  9oUcitor--gen^l  le- 
conciled  all  parties^  and  was  unanimously  adopted.  Bot 
Judge  Rowci,  who  professed  himself  averse  from  addressing 
at  all,  moved  that  the  agent  should  be  instructed  Xo  present 
or  suppress  it  at  his  own  discretion.  This  extraordinaiy 
pr^osition  was  opposed  by  the  speaker,  tie  could  hot 
thinks  he  said,  of  committing  the  dignity  of  that  house  to  an 
•gent  If  the  address  was  improper,  it  ought  to  have  been 
rejected;  but  now,  ttiat  it  had  passed  the  ^ou^e,  the  agent 
kad  wrthing  more  to  do  wiUi  it  than  to  present  it  in  the  usual 
foim.    The  propriety  of  this  obswvatioa  was  sel^vident, 


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370  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XII  yet  Mr.  Rx)we's  motion  was  negatived  only  by  a  majority 
^^"^-      often  to  nine. 

Mr.  Hay,  naturally  irritable,  was.  highly  exasperated  at 
these  proceedings.  He  transmitted  to  the  secretary  of  state 
a  representation  of  the  circumstances  of  the  country,  wholly 
different  from  that  which  was.  made  by  the  assembly,  whom  ^ 
he  accused  of  exaggerating  the  distresses  of  the  people.  Not 
satisfied  with  this  expression  of  resentment,  he  determined  to 
make  Mr*.  Duke  feel  the  weight  of  his  indigaation;  and  acr 
cordingly  deprived  him^  of  his  rank  at  the  bar  as  his  Ma- 
jesty's solicitor-general.-  Duke,  ever  anxious  to  involve  the 
pubhc  in  his  private  quarrels,  flew  to  the  assembly  for^  Fe^ 
4ress«..  Hie  poured  forth  his  complain ts^in  an  elaborate  aiH 
gumentative  speech,  and  endeavoured  to  persuade  the  house 
jthat  his, disioissal  from  :ofiGtce^  as  it  was  the  consequence  oif 
ike  faithful  exercise  of  hiS' legislative  ^duty,  was  a  direct  vio-i 
lation  .of  their,  privil^es*  To  Ihis.  conclusion  the  speaker 
objected* .  He  laanented  that: the  duty  of  an  upright  repre- 
sentative of  the  people  should  in  any > instance  be*  deemed 
incompatible,  wilh  that  of  a  faithful  servant  of  the  crown  j 
but  hetdm^d  th{^  the  solicitor-generaFs  suspension  was^.a 
yiolatioa  ot  the  privileges  of  the  house.  On  the  contrary^ 
oonsidering*  the  abuses  committed  by  patent  officers.  Sir 
Johoc  Alley ne  insisted  that. the  govempr?s, power  of  suspend^* 
ing  them  was  beneficial  to  the  public,  and  advantageous  to 
eivil  liberty.  The  house  concurring  in  these  sentiments^ 
Mr.  Duke  could  obtain  no  other  satisfaction  than  a  reso^ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  371 

Itition,  moved  by  Mr.  V,  Jones,  that  his  conduct  as  a  mem-  ^J^J^J:^'' 
ber  of  that  house  had  been  such  as  became  a  dutiful  and       ^^^^' 
loyal  subject.     Nor  was  this  tribute  to  his  merit  obtained 
without  difficulty,  several  of  the  members  thinking  it  unne- 
cessary, as  his  loyalty  was  not  impeached. 

The  address  of  the  assembly  to  the  King  was  accompanied 
by  a  memorial  from  Mr.  Walker,  the  agent,  to  Lord  George 
Germaine,  exhibiting  a  gloomy  picture  of  the  condition  of 
the  country  drawn  by  the  dehcate  pencil  of  Sir  John  Al- 
ley ne*  According  to  this  pathetic  representation,  the  poor 
white  inhabitants  were  on  the  point  of  perishing  with  hun- 
ger; those  in  the  neighbourhopd  of  the  sea-coast  came  dowa 
in  crowds  to  gather  the  most  wretched  pf  all  the  fruits  of 
the  earth  for  their  subsistence;  the  negroes,  destitute  of 
any  allowance  for  their  support,  were  left  to  plunder  or  to 
starve;  the  cattle  had  consequently  been  stolen;  the  few 
plantane  walks  and  com  fields,  which,  from  partial  showerSt 
had  produced  an  early  harvest,  had  been  robbed,  and  the 
bloodshed  that  followed  the  rapine,  opened  a  dismal  pre- 
lude to  the  tragedy  that  was  preparing.  These  accounts 
have  been  accused  of  exaggeration.  The  event  indeed 
proved  that  the  apprehensions  of  famine  were  providentially 
relieved.  Yet  that  the  condition  of  the  people,  especially 
the  lower  classes,  was  faithfully  delineated  by  the  pen  of 
the  venerable  patriot,  is  still  within  the  recollection  of  manj 
who  were  participators  in  the  common  calamity.  The 
scarcity  of  provisions  was  so  alarming,  that  the  govfimor 

5b  SI 


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372  THE  HISTORY 

(M^^j^J*  himself  soon  after  applied  to  Admiral  YouDg,  to  facilitate 
^^i^^  the  importation,  by  granting  passports  to  vessels  laden  with 
American  produce.  The  admiral  readily  assented  to  (he 
request;  but,  to  guard  against  any  abuse  of  the  indulgence^ 
recommended  an  association  to  carry  on  the  business  under 
his  license.  This  proposal  was  deemed  impracticable ;  and, 
for  the  want  of  a  sufficient  bond  of  union  among  the  mer- 
chants, the  scheme  proved  abortive. 

jMr.  Duke's  dismission  was  soon  followed  by  that  of  Mr. 
Shepherd,  chief  baron  of  the  court  of  excheqii^r,  for  having 
Opposed  the  governor's  nomination  of  a  mercantile  gentle 
man  to  be  one  of  [the  puisne  barons.  Mr.  Miller,  who  w-as 
appointed  to  succeed  judge  Shepherd,  did  not  losig  enjoy 
his  elevation  before  he  fell  under  his  excdlency's  displeasure, 
by  declining  to  preside  as  chief  justice  at  the  court  of  grand 
.  sessions;  and,  in  consequence  of  eomie  inciviHtiet  which  he 
received  from  the  governor,  be  resigned  his  ^tuation.  Mr, 
.Francis  Cawley  Boson,  an  English  barrister,  was  now  placed 
at  the  h^id  tif  the  court  of  exchequer.  Nor  was  it  long 
before  Mr.  Boson  had  the  misfortune  to  ofifend  the  governor 
by  appointing  a  'reputable  merchant  of  Bridge-town  to  ^fiU 
the  vacancy  an  the  bench.  The  governor,  mcoMecting  the 
Abjection  fcmuetly  made  to  a  person  of  that  character,  pKw 
posed  by  himsefef,  peremptorily  refused  to  conirm  the  chic^ 
baron^s  choice*  Boson  ventured  to  urge  his  recommetida^ 
tion ;  and,  probably,  with  a  view  of  enforcing  the  neceAwty 
of  an  cariy  appointment,  requested  his  excellency'^  per- 


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OPBARBADOBS.  373 

iQimioB  to  leare  the  isfend  for  the  benefit  of  Bis  Ketillh.  The  ^^^:^ 
extreflfie  ioflainmabilitj  of  the  governor's  temper  instantly      *^^^* 
took  fire  at  this  importunity.    He  immediately  convoked 
the  council,  and  having  laid  before  them  the  judge'i  letters^ 
proposed  his  removal  from  office ;  the  board  readily  con^ 
curred  with  their  irritable  chief,  and  Boson,  without  the  im^ 
putation  of  any  crime,  was  dismissed  jfrom^  his  employment^ 
An  injudicious  attempt  made  by  the  governor  to  screen  a^ 
pnblic  officer  frem  condign  punishment,  contributed  m$^ 
teriidly  to  increase  the  ill-humour  between  his  excellency 
and  the  assembly..    R.  Reece,  a  matross  at  James  Fort^ 
aear  the  Hole  Town,  lodged  a  forriial  complaint  in  writ^ 
mg,  to.  CQlooel  T.  Atteyne  against  W.  Dotin,  chief-gunner  of 
that  division^  for  having  embezzled  and  sold  considerably 
gliantiiies  of  gunpowder,  and  other  stores,  belonging  to  thf 
garrison  under  his  command.    The  colonel,  ^  man  of  thfi^ 
most  indexible  integrity,  applied  to  the  chairman  of  the 
commissioners>of  fortifications,  who  was  the  captain's  owOr^ 
brother^  to  convene  a  board  for  the  purpose  pf  inquiring  into, 
the  truth  of  the  accusation.    The  chairman,  the  Honovir^ 
able  John  Dotin^  afterwards  president  of  the  island,  having 
evwted  the  application,  AUeyne  detennined  to  lay  the  mat-  "         "^ 
ter  before  the  governor;,  and,  a?  a  necessary  precaution, 
wrote  to  Captain  Potin,  informing  him  of  his  intention  tOi 
fttttpend  him,  until  he  had  cleared  himself  pf  ^the  cbarge$* 
exhibited  against  hip>;  and  desiring  him  to  deliver  the  key8 
9f  the  foct  to  a  penyon  v hofA  hd  had  Jient  ta  raoeive  thenii 


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674  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.'^n.  ?With  'tliis  demand  Botin  refused  to  comply,  and  accom- 
1776,      panied  by  his  brother,  repaired  to  Pilgrim  the  next  day, 

•He  did  not  deny  having  sold  the  powder  in  question,  but 
endeavoured  to  justify  the  act  by  alledging  that  it  had  accu- 
mukted  from  the  usual  savings  to  which  the  captain  gunner 
was  justly  entitled,  as  a  perquisite  of  office.  To  this  doc- 
trine the  governor  readily  assented;  adding,  by  way  of 
sanction,  that  it  was  a  common  practice  in  the  navy  ;  and 
immediately  wrote  to  the  colonel,  denying  his  authority  to 
remove  the  chief-gunner;  ordering  the  keys  of  the  fort  to 
be  instantly  restored  to  Dotin;  an^  forbidding  the  colonel's 
interfering  farther  with  the  gunners  and  matrosses  than  to 
inform  him  of  any  misconduct  or  neglect  of  duty  in  the  gar- 
Tison.  This  was  an  unprecedented  attack  on  the  colonel's 
authority.  For  though  the  appointment,  and  of  course  the 
removal,  of  the  gunners  and  matrosses  is  legally  vested  ia 
the  commander  in  chief,  it  had  ever  been  -delegated  to  the 
respective  colonels  in  their  several  divisions;  the  governor 
only  reserving  to  himself  the  patronage  of  the  captain-gun- 
ner at  Charles  Port,  and  of  the  gunner  and  matrosses  at 
Pilgrim. 

The  receipt  of  this  letter  hurried  Colonel  Alley ne  to  Pil- 
grim,  with  the  view  of  entering  into  some  explanation  with 
the  governor  on  the  subject;  but  he  found  his  excellency 
little  disposed  to  listen  to  any  thing  which  he  could  offer 
for  his  vindication.  Pale  with  anger  and  trembling  with 
jrage,  his  excellency  accused  him  of  exceeding  tfee  boundar 


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OF  R^RBADOES.  375 

o^  his  authority  in  attempting  to  displace  Captain  Dotioy  S^^.^^^* 
and  of  a  design  to  destroy  a  gentleman's  reputation  and  *^^^* 
family^  in  listening  to.  the  idle  tales  ^of  dirty  fellows.  AUeyne 
h^d  a  spirit  too  noble  to  submit  to  such,  treatment.  He  tore 
the.  cockade  from  his  hat^  and^ ,  indignantly  thrusting,  his 
oommissioninto.  the  governor's  hand^^etu'cd,  saying  he  dis- 
dained to  hold  it  on  such  terms^. 

Mr.  Alleyne's  next  care  was  to  submit  his  complaints  to 
the  only  tribunal  before  which  they  were  cognizable.  The 
regular  application  to  the  proper  authority  having  been  made 
without,  success,  the  only  remaining. resource  was  in  the 
assembly's  interposition  to  enforce  the  claims  of  justice. 
The  house  tlierefore  presented  an  address  to  the  governor^ 
Judge  Rowe  alone,  dissenting,  praying  that  his  excellency 
would  order  the  chairman  of  the  commissioners  of  fortifica- 
tions for  Saint  James's  .division  to  convene  a  board,  for  the, 
purpose  of  inquiring^  into,  the  charges  against  the  chief, 
gunner^. 

Unwilling  to  push  matters  to  extremity  with  theassem-- 
bly,  the  governor  issued  the  necessary  directions  for  investi-, 
gating  Captain  Dotin's  conduct.]  A  board  of  commissioners 
was  accordingly  held  at  Jame  fort,  at,  Vhich  General  Rowe 
presided,  in  the  absence  of  the  chairman,  and  after  a  minute 
examination  of  the  witnesses.  Captain  Dotia  was  fully  con-r 
victed  of  having  embezzled  the  stores  entrusted  to  his  care,  , 
and  was  sentenced  to  be  dismissed  from  the  service.    The^ 
captain's  defence  rested  on  the  legality  of  the  savings  in  thfc 


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376  "THE  HISTORT 

CHAP.3m,  disbtrtsemcrits  of  the  p<mler.    These  sftving*  ftdcmed  by 
1776.     ^tirtting  the  guns  of  one  half  the  customary  charge  of  pow- 
<ier>  and  were  usually  disposed  of  for  the  chief  gunner's 
emolument;    This  was,  indeed,  the  common  practice  in 
*very  division  of  the  island  long  after  Captain  Dotitfs  dis- 
grace.   That  economy  must  be  bad,  which,  by  witli-hold- 
ing  the  fair  reward  of  service,  compels  the  officer  to  seek 
Remuneration  in  fraud  and  peculation-     Ordinary  service, 
^ays  a  great  master  of  political  economy,  must  be  secured 
by  the  motives  to  ordinary  integrity.    An  honourable  and 
fair  profit  is  the  best  security  against  avarice  and  rapacity; 
as,  in  all  tilings  else,  a  lawful  and  regulatfed  enjoyment  is 
the  best  security  against  debauchery  and  excess*. 

The  breach  between  the  governor  and  the  assembly  was 
now  widened  by  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the  agent,  in- 
forming the  house  of  his  excellency's  correspondence  with, 
the  secretary  of  state,  concerning  their  late  address  to  the 
Throne;  which  his  excellency  had  described  as  a  measure 
of  the  assOTfibly  alone ;  and  that  the  distress  of  the  coun- 
try was  not  so  great  as  it  appeared  to  them.  Mr.  Duke 
took  up  the  matter  with  his  usual  warmth  and  public  spirit, 
and  concluded  ah  elaborate  harangue,  with  moving  three 
resolutions.  That  it  is  the  undoubted  right  of  the  general 
assembly,  on  all  occasions,  eitherseparately  or  jointly  with 
flie  other  branches  of  the  legislature,  to  address  the  Throne; 


VMe  Burke's  l^peecb  on  Ecoaomical  Bcfcnn. 

1 


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of  ifARBADbES.  377 

andf  thai  whoever  o]^ poses  or  obst'riicfe  tlie  exercise  of  this  ^^^^^^^^^ 
privilege  is  an  enemy  to  Aie  counti'y :  that  it  nianifestly  ap-  ^'^'^^'  ^ 
pears  that  the  governor  has,  hy  an  application  to  his  Ma- 
jesty's secretary  of  state  for  the  colonies,  done  what'  lay  in 
his  power  to  intercept  hfs  Majesty's  relief  towards  Ins  loyal 
and  distressed  subjects  of  this  colony;  That  a  dutiful  me- 
morial be  immediately  transmitted  to  his  Majesty,  in  sup- 
port of  their  former  petition.  The  first  resolution  was 
agreed  to  unanimously ;  and  the  other  tw6  ifrere  voted  in 
the  affirmative,  by  a  niajority  of  riirie  t6  five. 

things  wei'e  in  this  stat^  when  tlie  Explication  of  tfre 
assembly  ied  to  a  general  election.  C^n  the  of)ening  6f  thte  Aug.  22. 
session,  his  excellency  made  a  gracious  and  idoricilla'tor^ 
speech'  fo  both  houses.  After  expressing  the  Satisfaction 
which  he  felt  at  meietihg  theiri  again ;  and  his  hopes  thtt 
their  zeal  for  the  goo  J  of  the  colony  arid  their  knowledge 
and  experience  would  be  productive  of  such  regulations  as 
would  be  of  lasting  advantage  to  the  country,  he  oTDsefved 
that  the  present  conjuncture  of  affairs  niust  awaken  the 
attention  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  every  part  of  hisdomi- 
nions.  All  must  feel  the  effects  of  a  suspension  of  trade 
with'  «o  many  of  the  northern  colonies  as  were  then  in  open 
rebellion ;  nor  wa?  it  possible  that  the  West  Indies  could 
be  exempt  from  a  large  share  of  inconvenience  from  the 
interruption.  But  such  had  been  the  provident  care  of  the 
King,  and  both  houses  of  parliament,  that  every  precau- 
tion had  been  taken  for  the  benefit  of  his  loyal  subjects. 

3  c 


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578  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XIL  He  congratulated  them  oa  the  mimerous  cargoes^  which  hadf 
^^^^*  been  recently  imfxirted,  and  the  continual  showers  of  rain 
with  which  the  country  had  been  blessed,  and  which  af- 
forded the  most  pleasing  praspect  of  greater  plenty  than 
they  had  yet  enjoyed.  Firmly  persuaded  that  the  repre^ 
sentatives  of  the  people  were  desirous  of  promoting  the 
interest  and  happiness  of  their  constituents,  he  earnestly 
recommended  prudence^  calmness,  and  moderation  in  their 
proceedings,  ^s  essentially  necessary  to  the  public  welfare.. 
He  again  urged,  what  he  had.  often  ineffectually  suggested 
to  their  considemtion,.  the  i;eviaal  apd  amendment  of  their, 
militia  l^ws,,and  the  provision  of  adaily  maintenance  for  thc' 
poor  prisoaers.  The  speech  coucluded  with  an  assurance 
of  his  cheerful  concurrence  in,  every  measure  which  couldi 
contribute  to  the  peace,  happiness,  ajid  prosperity,  of  the 
country,  than  which.no  object  was  ncjarer  to  his  hearts. 

The  moderation  and  gpod.  sense  contained  in, every  sen^- 
tence  of  this  speech,  produced  no  coirespondiqg  sentiments 

October  1.  of  amity  on  the  part  of  the  assembly.  They  entered  into 
an  injudicious  recapitulation,  of  past  grievances,  in  their, 
address  to  the  governor,  and^  commented,  with  unseason- 
able asperity,  ou  his  excellency's  malign  interposition^  by 
which  they  had  been  disappointed  in  the  hopes  of  their 
sovereign's  benevolence,  in  the  hour  of  distress.  Whatever 
might  be  his  excellency's  opinion  of  the  provident  care  of 
the  King  and  parliament,  they  denied  that  the  inhabitant) 
of  Barbadpes  had  received  the  smallest  benefit  from  their 
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OF  BAUBADOES.  379 

attention.  Notwithstanding  the  supplies,  of  which  his  ex-  ^,|J^!^:^^- 
cellency  had  taken  notice,  they  insisted  that,  from  the  ^^^^' 
extravagant  prices  of  articles  of  the  first  necessity,  many 
of  the  poor  inhabitants  had  been  reduced  to  the  most  blttet 
distress;  and  that  even  the  more  'opulent  planters  had 
found  great  difficulty  in  procuring  the  necessary  subsist- 
ence for  their  slaves- 

They  should  be  happy,  they  said,  in  being  allowed  to 
exercise  that  temper,  calmness,  and  moderation,  recom- 
mended in  the  speech,  though  they  were  not  unprepared, 
upon  the  occurrence  of  any  just  occasion,  to  shew  that 
sense  of  injury  and  spirit  of  resentment  inseparable  froni 
the  character  of  faithful,  independant  representatives  of  the 
people.  Having,  in  the  course  of  last  session,  passed  an  act 
for  the  relief  of  insolvent  debtors,  they  thought  that  they  hadl 
given  sufficient  proof  of  their  humane  attention  to  the  case 
of  the  poor  prisoners.  They  unequivocally  declared  their 
unwillingness  to  revise  or  amend  the  militia  bill,  from  the 
difficulties  and  distrusts  that  arose  in  their  minds  against 
the  undertaking ;  which,  they  acknowledged^  were  xa^* 
ther  increased,  than  lessened,  by  every  fresh  impulse  to  re* 
move  them.  In  the  principle  of  personal  attachment,  by 
which  the  privates  were  bound  to  their  officers,  they  con- 
ceived that  every  legal  deficiency  might  be  supplied.  Nor 
would  they  consent  to  renounce  a  principle  so  honourable  to 
tsociety  in  times  propitious  to  the  claims  of  civil  liberty  in  the 

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980  THE  m^jqRY 

^^^^^'  colpnie?,  and  enforce  obedience  b^  a  power  congenial  only 
"177.5:      ^^i^jj  ^j^^  ha^j^its  of  despotic  s^&y. 

Jbese  were  certainly  very  extraftrdipary  sentiments  for  a 
legislative  assemlply,  professing  an  un?haken  loyalty  toth^ir 
iPrinc^,  and  a  generous  zeal  for  tl?e  interests  of  their  country. 
IX  rattier  seemed  to  be  a  dereliction  of  ^yery  honourable  rule 
of  faction,  thus  to  hazard  the  public  safety,  by  a  wilful 
n^^ect  0|f  the.  means  of  defence,  from  motives  of  personal 
resentment. to  their  commander  in  chief.  Were  all  the  faults 
imputed  to  IVJn  Hay  admitted,  yet  the  posture  of  public  af- 
|air3  was  alarming ;  and  the  assembly  were  bound  by  every 
mor^l  ^b^li^tion,  resulting  ^^^^  a  s^nse  of  duty,  to  guard 
ag^^t  the  danger  of  invasion.  To  this  address  his  excel- 
^^cy  jatCpnically  replietl,  "j[  have  rece;yed  your  address  and 
j^aid  it  before  tjie  King/' 
1777.  Mr.  JWa\kerlmd  rendered  Wmsdfjhighly  obnoxious  to  the 

governor,  hj  the  prornptitude  wjttji  which  he  presented  the 
a^embly's.  acldresses  to  ^|ie.  King,  and  ^till  more  by  the  free- 
dom with  which  he  had  censured  his  excellency  s  conduct. 
T|ie  annual  measure  c^  appointing  an  agent,  sQon  furnished 
i^e  gqyernpr  yith  an  opportijnity  of  indi^lgjng  his  resent- 
Jml  21.    ^^U^J  refujsjng  his^assent  to  the  bill  whicl^  had  been  una* 
^i^^^pysly   ps^i^sed  hj  both  lupuses,  nominating  Mr.  Wa^er 
^^pir  ag^nt.     JJijs  excellency,  at  j^hp  ^ame  time  informed  the 
^a^septt.|)ly,  ,^hftt  |ie.was,i:eady  to  concur  in  the  app(^ii^tment 
,§f I W>  S^^^^  ^pet^pn.   .Iliey  ^mmedk^^    voted  .an  .address. 


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OFBARBADOES.  33^ 

in  which,  after  an  eulogiam  on  t|ie  superior  talents,  and  chap,  xiu 
faithful  services  of  their  agent,  they  requested  his  excelleacy      ^'^'^'^^ 
would  communicate  to  them  his  reasons  for  disapproving 
their  choice.    To  which  he  briefly  replied, "  that  his  reasons 
had  been  laid  before  the  King^'' 

Upon  the  receipt  of  this  succinct  message,  Mr.  T.  Alley ne    Feb.  is.. 
moved  the  house  to  con^  to  the  following  resolution ;  that 
after  their  full  experience  of  the  uncommon  zeal  and  extra- 
ordinary ability  of  Mr.  Walker,  in  his  oflicial  capacity,  they 
could  not  renpunce  their  nomination  of  him,  and  proceed  to 
another  choice  without  an  act  of  injustice  to  so  worthy  a 
servant  of  the  public,  an  inj[ury  to  the  country,  and  a  dis-^ 
l^onqur  to  jthemselves.    The  motion  was  opposed  by  Mr.  D. 
Maycock.     He  knew  of  no  circumstances,  he  said,  that 
ought  to  prevent  a  discharge  of  their  duty;  and  as  occur- 
rences might  happen  to  make  tl>e  appointment  of  an  agent 
absolutely  necessary,  if  Mr.  Walker  could  not  be  replaced^ 
they  must  ejither  elect  another  and  violate  the  resolution ;   or 
adhere  to  the  resolution,  and  have  no  agent ;  by  which  they 
would,  indeed,, to  use  the  language  of  the  rnotion,  do  ipjury 
to  the  country  and  dishonour  to  themselves. 

The  speaker  thpught  the  resolution  justifiable  in  its  full 
extent,  "fho  assembly,  he  said,  were  bound  injustice  to 
^r.  Walker,  in  duty  to  their  constituents,  and  id  honour  to 
themselves,  not  to  sacrifice  an  old  and  valuable  servant  to 
private  considerations.'  ^  By  a  too  ready  (submission  to  so 
great  a  loss,  thev  would  appear  to  make  a  virtual  surrender 


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582    ^  THE  IirSTOIlY 


CHAP.  XII.  Qf  the  constitutional  right  of  choosing  their  own  agent,  or 
^^^^*  utterly  destroy  tlie  siilutary  effects  of  that  indjspensible  pri- 
vilege. For  should  the  assembly  passively  consent  to  name 
another  agent,  should  they  thus  requite  the  services  of  one 
vvhose  fidelity  to  their  interests  was  his  only  fault,  what  re- 
lurn  could  be  expected  from  his  successor,  but  that  he 
should  betray  his  trust,  encouraged  by  such  an  example 
of  their  treacherous  imbecility.  These  arguments  prevail- 
ed, and  the  house  agreed  to  the  resolution.  But  in  little 
more  than  twelve  months  they  were  guilty  of  the  very  in- 
consistency which  iVIr.  Maycock's  prudent  foresight  endea- 
voured to  prevent;  and  Mr.  Samuel  Estwick,  after  some 
opposition  from  the  friends  of  Mr.  Brathwaite,  who  was  also 
put  in  nomination,  was  appointed  agent. 

The  uanatural  contest  in  which  Great  Britain  was  en- 
gaged with  her  revolted  colonies,  exposed  the  Barbadians 
to  innumerable  dangers  and  hardships.  Their  commerce 
was  ruined,  and  their  coasts  insulted  by  rebel  privateers. 
One  of  these  had  the  temerity,  under  cover  of  the  night, 
to  venture  into  Speight's  Bay ;  but,  being  discovered,  and 
April  28*  fired  at  from  Orange  Fort,  she  retired  without  doing  any 
other  injury  than  carrying  off  a  negro  man,  who  was  found 
sleeping  in  a  boat  in  the  harbour.  This  attempt  was  soon 
followed  by  another,  less  daring,  but  more  injurious  in  the 
June  12.  event.  A  small  American  schooner  appeared  off  the  north 
end  of  the  island,  and  captured  several  fishing  boats,  with 
many  valuable  slaves  on  board.    The  loss  was  estimated  at 


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OF  BARBADOES.  383 

two  thousand  pounds,  and  fell  principally  on  a  useful  class  ^^J^^;^:^^- 
of  people,  whose  subsistence,  and  that  of  their  numerous  ^^'^^* 
families,  depended  upon  their  success  in  fishing.  These 
alarming  attempts  excited  the  apprehensions  of  the  inha- 
bitants- of  Speight's  Town  for  their  safety^  They  concurred 
in  a  petition  to  the  assembly,  representing  the  danger  to 
which  they  were  exposed  from  the  defenceless  state  of  the 
town,  and  its^  vicinity,  and  praying  that  the  house  would 
take  proper  measures  for  their  effectual  protection.. 

This  irregular  mode  of  proceeding,  gave  rise  to  another 
no  less  singular  and  unprecedented.  Having  taken  the 
prayer  of  the  petition  into  consideration,  together  with  the 
state  of  the  public  finances,  which  they  deemed  inadequate 
to  provide  for  the  defence  of  their  coasts,  the  assembly 
adopted  the  strange  resolution  of  applying,  through  their 
speaker^  to  the  naval  commander  on  the  station-  The 
governor  certainly  was. the  proper  person.to  whom  the  com- 
munication, in  the  first  instance,  ought  to  liave  been  made^ 
and  from  whon^  the  application  to.  the  .admiral  ought  to» 
have  proceeded..  But,  without  the  smallest  atteution  to  his 
excellency.  Sir  John  Alley ne,  who,  in  pui'suit  of  the.  public 
good,  lost  sight  of  every  other  consideration,  readily  under— 

took  the  task  of  representing  to  Admiral  Young  the  defence- 

1  " 

^ess  state  of  the  country,  and  the  depredations  committed 

on  the  property  of  its  inhabitants;  and  concluded  a  highly 

complimentary  letter,  with  soliciting  his  particular  attention 

to  the  protection  of  Barbadoea,    The  admiraVs  reply  was 


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384  •mE'MiStbRt 

^'^^7:  |)jr  $h^  natore  ^  cxf  thfe  service  in  wlilcli  his  s^uadi-oii  %aa 
b^grt  (employed,  from  preventing  the^  injuries  'c6iiij>!airiejrf 
of,  but  promised  that  he  would  stati6A'  ia  frigate  to  crilfefe* 
r9J^p4  tli^i  trfaitdvibr  its  mpre  effectual  i^ctttityir'  ^For  •ftiis 
^e^'iatiptt  friwacr  official  routine,  $ir  John  Alleya^  ^ai 
ho^vrecj  with ,  thfc  tbianks  6f  the  ass^bly^  nndtnimbiii^ly 
XQted.ijijifiilVhousej.  ^  ,      '  ;*  ^    :  .; 

1778.        ,  The  xepeated  applioations  pf  the  asisenihlyr tcr  tbcvBritlsH  , 
ministry  for  relief,  .w^ere  at  last  attanded  with  succ^.i   By 
an  order  of  th^.  lords  of  the  privy  fcouhcil,  ;Mr.  Atkimtam^' 
one  of  the  govqrnj?)ent  Qotitrictors;  purchased  three  thou- 
sand barreUjOf  flouri,  threi^  thEom^nd  barrels  of  Wrings;  and^ 
a  large  c^uajntity;  of,  pe^se  •  aod  betois,  and  •  cbroigned  them 
tp  the  governor,  to  be  *old  under  his  tiirection  at  prinie 
cost;  the  money  to  be  received,  and  remitted  ^o  t^.pe^ 
son  appointed  b^,jtlii?if  lofd^hiipstptr^ni^act  tbb  buwne^i* 
Jan; 20.     Upon  the  rpcp^pjt .  of. tbis^  ^e^sojpable  fittpply,  fpK.the  sup- 
port of  their  dave§,:  the  -governor,  council,  apd  assembly, 
concurred  ip  ap  address  to  the  King,  expressing  44i«i  wannr 
est  ^cknowledgmente  ^of  grateful  hoartf  for  ^^ii/grafcimjRi 
proot  of  condescending  attention  to  the  "w^intsjof  his  faithni 
ful  subjects  in  this  distant  part  of  tlie.einpy^';  ^ith  tJb^ 
mqst  iendd  ai^suia^  hpwev^  ini'poyie;ri$hed^d^ni 

*  TP6  tHc  hoiiom  of  JMr.  Atkinton,  let  it  be  remembered,  th^l  bw-^fiw^  t^m^A 
tlie  uscuu  commissions,  ^oh  snipping  these  gooas* . 


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OF  BA^ADOES.  385 

fsebled  bj  calamity,  iaeHomtiim  as  well  as  duty  would  ^'J^J^^- 
prompt  them  to  testify  their  onshakea  loyalty  to  the  best  of     ^^^* 
iM^vereigns,  and  to  oppose  all  disturbers  of  the  ease  and  hap- 
piness of  his  government 

Not  to  be  inattmitive  to  the  opportunity  of  profiting  still 
more  by  \m  Majesty's  paternal  toidemesa,  the  council  pro- 
{K>sed  an  humble,  address  imploring  his  Majesty  to  recom- 
mend to  his  parliament  the  measure  of  putting  this  ancient 
and  loyal  colony,  now  much  distressed  by  unavoidable 
calamities^  on  a  looting  with  all  the  crther  West  Indian  Is- 
lands, in  regard  to  the  duty  on  their  staple  products.  This  ^ 
proposal  was  eagerly  embraced  by  the  assembly,  tbough  it 
might  probably  have  been  more  decorous  to  have  laid  the 
eAisions  of  gratitude  at  the  foot  of  the  throne  unattended 
by  any  solicitations  for  additional  proofe  of  the  royal 
benevolence. 

The  supply  of  provisions  was  accompanied  by  a  propo- 
sal very  inconsistent  with  thef  benevolent  disposposition  ma- 
nifested by  that  partial  relief.  Mr.  Hay  was  directed  by 
the  secretary  of  state  to  demand  of  the  assembly  an  allow- 
ance for  the  mipport  of  such  rebel  prisoners  as  should  be 
brought  to  Barbadoes.  Thus,  while  relief  was  adminis-- 
tered  with  one  hand,  an  attempt  was  made,  on  the  other, 
to  exhaust  the  country  still  more  by  an  accumulation  of  it» 
burthens.  In  obedience  to  these  orders,  the  governor  u^ed 
^Tery  eibrt  to  persuade  the  assembly  to  assume  the  charge 
of  providing  for  the  prisoners.    But,  witli  a  firmness  hig^y 

3  D 


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386  THfeifl^OltY 

CHAP.  xii.  commendable, '  tli^y  resfeted  every  soticitetiott  ob,  th©  s^b^ 
^^^®-     ject;  and,  as  rib  provhian  had"  be<n  inade.by;i*^;Bsit^ 
government  for  securing  and  maintaining  {H-isonew  .of.  vw, 
his  excellency  wds  obliged  to  advance  conaidcrabte.&u^i^fQf 
inoney  out  of  his  own  pocket  for  their  supports       *  ^  ^    , 
The  encouragement  openly  given  by  France  to  thQ^reb©|^ 
"   lious  colonies  in  North  America,  having  rendered,  ar.wftr  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  that  kingdom  inevitable,  Mr..H[ay 
summoned  a  meeting  of  the  general  assembly  for  >  the  .pin^:* 

May  £8.  pose  of  submitting  to  them  the  necessity  of  adopting  effec- 
tual measures  for  tbs  security  of  thfc  country.  At  the  op^- 
ing  of  the, session  he  had  warned  them  of  the  apptoachifig 
danger ;  and  as  the  colony  was  exposed  to  insults  and  in* 
jury  fifom  American  pirates,  he  earnestly  recommi^ed,  that 
provision  should  he  made  ifor  repairing  the  forts ;  and,  i^bove 
all,  urged  a  due  attention  to  the  militia  as  the  most  consti- 
tutional meaas  of  defence  which  they  could  possess.  As 
these  admonitions  had  made  no  impiiession  on  the  assembly^ 
hrs  excellency  again  exhorted  them  to  exept  themselves  in 
the  cause  of  their  country,'  and  to  strmn  every  nerve.in  the 
defence  of  its  territories,  navigation  and  trade.  The  i^par 
ration  of  their  forts,  and  the'  organization  0§  thein  militia, 
.were  ag^  rocommended  in  the  strongest  tenns*  Bojt  ar- 
guments! and  entreaties  were  ecpi^Iy  vaiit.    ;      i    u,  /  > 

Theafi«(embly>eem€jdf  n'ow  ta  have  fdgained  ttfaeir^gl^^d 
humour/  Theitr  ansiwer  tb  the  ^Ipeecrb  ^V9VA  ubusilfiJIy  i^vil 
and  respecifu^ ;  W,  While  th^y^  )^4Qt44  >iiiM^c^«uscitfitj^^ 


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OF  BARBAm>ES.  387 

th^ey  pfersitted  iri  «ie*tiag  their  ioabilitj:  to  guard  against  ^^^^^^^^^ 
thttse'^iaBgeis*  which:  tbrpatenedth^     Tx>  pujt  their  fortifi-    -^  W'^ 
cations  in  an  efficieat  stc^tOT  of  defence  wotild  cost  mom, 
thefy  said,  than  the  counti^y  v^  able  to  afford.  .  And  air 
though  they  admitted  the  iitUity  of .  a  militia,    properly 
otganized,  and  wclldiscifdined^  they  asserted,  that  the  Icr 
gislature,'  after  repeated  attempts,  had  found,  it  impracti- 
eable  to  make  any  material  altef^tioB  in  their  military,  sys- 
tern  without  increasing  the,  inconveniences  and  hardships  on 
imfividu^s.     After  some  conunoxi-rplace  pfofessious  of  zeal 
and  loyalty,  they  calmly  informed  his  excellency,  that  such 
was  the  exhausted  state  of  tlie  public  coffers,  and  the.un- 
fortunate  circumstances  of  the  people,  that  their  solii  re*. 
liancemust  be  on  his  Majesty's^  ^ooc^ness  foj*  protection. 
Nor  would  they  consent  to  increase  the  public ,  burthens  by 
new  taxes,   or  additional  apt^cles:  of. .expense,   until  W^r^ 
should  be  actually  ^ecjlaped  ^aga^ipst  ]^rance.    Th^se  senti- 
ments, ill  accprdjod  w^th  .i^^irJj^ttajQyal  declarations  of  op^ 
posing.all distmbers^of, hj^  M^sty's ^government. 
Tbat;a  British  legisla^ve^sembly  should  I^e  so  perfectly 

insensible  of  theibl^s^jijgs  pf  civU.  libpifty.  as.  to  hazard  itjs 

. '  '    '    ,,        ^    '  ^  '  3'j'j';:r;h 

enjoy uedt  by  a  pfsrttnacious adherence  tp  an  eppneous  liys- 

temjof  eoowvnj^rand  to  talk.of{^arming  only  when  the  enter 

my  should  be  at  theiii  gaite»  su'.e  facts,  scarcely  credible,  were 

J  >they  not  anthentics^d  *by  the  ffii9utes  of  their  prpcec;4ings. 

'publisbed/by  tiieir  etwfk-i^uthcnrit};. .  JToij  c^njijt  fail  to  excite 

the'astvnisfaoieotjo^  fMst«^lyy,4lf^  thje^feivfe^iiitatiyes'  of  a 

3d  2      '''   '' 


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**^?*^  l^biiCf  sff^j^  90^  risk  the  whole  of  Irheir,  .pRi|>eit^n»tiier 
(iian  sacrifige  a  p$irtiOT  the  p{ese^ratioao^,tlle.re•t•^  3?Im4 
public  virtue^  9a v^  the  decant  Gibbon^  whicb»^  amoqgj^be 
apcientef.  itas  denfupioated  patribtisiQi  is  derived  from  1^; 
^troDg^  8en^  of  pur  awn  jjitorest  in  the  pr^^ofvfition  and 
piptperity  of  the  free  ^aTernpient  of  which^  w^  ar^  mem^ 
ben.  But  among  the  Barbadiaps^  the  ooly  patriotism 
known,  at  the  period  .of  which  we  are  »pealuag>  seem»  tp. 
have  consisted  in  an  opposition  to  the  mea&ures  of  gfivem-^ 
ment,  and  an  endearour  to  promote  the  voluptuous  ea,^^ 
of  mercenary  individuals  a$  the  hazard  and  expense  of  the 
country..         .  ^     >  .     ,   .,  ,  r. 

The  assembly  were  not,  however,  left  lone  ia  a  »tatie  at 
Kincerj^aiptv^resfi^iM  the  hostile  designs  of  ^nce..  PtSr. 
dible  infonoatum  was  received  ei^rlj  '^l  Sep^enahfj?,.  M>4(  ■ 
war  bad  l)eeD 'proclauDcd  9i  Maitioico  (m..  the  ifteeotb,. 
da;jr  of  .^»^tt«^.  Thki  was  soop.^ucecedjed.  by^p9i^ ^l|f?f»T; 
ing  intelUgeBce.    The  Marqiiis  de  Bottitl6^  gojifcnio^^geoer. 

Sept.  7.    la}  of  Maftmtco,  with  ^  bodj  of  two  tbou^afid  ne^  ^ao^to 
ported  m^fMiF frigates  and  fifteen  stoofw^  passed  over.tol^,,. 
<vaKiaU«  ielaiMl  of  ])oBMiiic%  a«d  oatnmeacfti  ^a  ivvr^ 
c^aie  attack  en  ite  hatf'maniied  hattQitet.    The  veak  ami 
defi^celeas  sta^  ef  the  ganisoa  \»h  Gorein^  Stuart  o» 
ether  altenuttive  than  to  make  itke  besttecm^.  he  cotdd  Tith  , 
the  iavadeia.    The  aiticles  of.  capiAalaAiioiii  we^re  ecAiij  w^ . 
zaDjged^  aod  Deninica  was  sDneodefod,  to  fcbe  acBW  oC  his, 


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iAAle  Aiittiial'Bftrrington,  with'  tW  i^iji^'dr  ^Ium^'s^ 
f0me  fiigates^  was  fying  iinettve  at  Baofblaclobt^'ii^m  lie 
had  been  WMtingttro  montlw  for  orden  ^l^'in  tike  liordft 
««  the  ftomiFaltyv  But  soreljr  the  Ftencn  aeclanitioo  m 
wJEir  pretladed  the  necessity  ot  orders;  aa^  kad  ^  adi»>. 
x^f  on  receiving  notice  of  that  event,  pot  tosea  wHh  i^s 
sqii^ron,  ftod  continued  to  cruise  off  Martinico,,  there  is 
not  iL  doubt  that  be  would  bave  frusstn^ed^tHe  dei^gp  6ft 
Dominica.  -  .   '- 


;,:>Vj^ 


On  the  nieetii^  of  the  assemlblyy  the  gb^eirnbr  m6ma^   Sept  is. 
them  of  the  recent  capture  of  Dominica ;  and  availed  him>- 
s^lf  of  that  oppcrUSnity  to  eiaforc^  )ii&  wrmei*  reconvpiiead^ 
tion  concemiBfg  th6  forts  knd  the  miiicrEu'  ^*^WoWd^^    aaid 
his  excellency,  m  ms  plain  blunt  manner,  ^lamen^tne 
unhappy  situatioh  erf  many*or  the  mnayra       more  than  i 
do,  but  the  kland  i^  still^  the?  sanie' ;'  t^e  mnas  dfid  poss^^ 
siohs  ate    st&l  of  irat)brtahc« '; '  *  diid  lliese  are' the  proper     - 
ebjects  of  tlte  tegislature^  i^^liose  duty  k  w  to'use'every  ef^ 
fort  to  put  the  island  ift  such  a  litate  of  defence  as  time  aaid  * 
tacia!  circumstances  will  a^mit  bf*;'  for  sJiouId  they  be  torn 
ftom  UB  then  shall  we   be  pOcir  indeed-"^    Theproaunaity  of ' 
the  danger  now  awakened  the  fears  of  the  asaembly.    Tht 
moment  had  ttow  arriised  wlien  it  confessedly  became  tneir 
interest,  as  well  as  their  duty^  to  prepare  in  the  best  nian^; 
net  f(»r  tiiebr  defence.    Yet^  at  thid  farming  crisis,  ani^ 


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390  THE  mSTOKY 

ciUP^xii.  ^|^;s«cliaix  aqkiiowledgment,  they  resolved  that  the  far* 

* '^7^'     ^i^ation^  in  their  utmost  extent,  were  unnecessary  and  ine?* 

f^aist)3il^;  .that, the  guns  and  mairosses  belonging  to  the 

jp^f;^  ns^le^of  them^  should  be  removed  to  places  of  more 
importances  that  intrenchments  should  be  thrown  up  oil 
the  ni04t  apcessitile  p^rts  of  the  toast ;  and  that  the  sum  of 

j«Ix  ^ousand  poUii4s;sJ^oUld  be  raised  to  defmy  the  expenses 
of  these  pyieparations.      . 

The paynient  of  theguriners  and matrosses salaries  which 
wasprovided  ifiof.Qut  of  this  fund,  left  a  small  surplus  ap- 
plicable tp  anv  9thef  purpose.  And  of  this  balance  fio  ii>- 
^^iisiidecab|e  pfopor^on  was  consumed  in  paying  the  wages 

/^i^,  the  supi^Visor^  je;(i[]^ployed  in  directing  the  throwing  up 
•of  sand-banks  on  the  western  part  of  the  island*  Such  was 
the  extreme  jealousy  entertained  of  the  executive  power^ 

^that  thei  assembly  inserted  a  clause  in  the  bill  which  they 
framjed^in  thegje  resqlutions,  enacting  that  the  money  should 
only  be  p^jid  pn  being  addressed  for  by  their  house.  BuU 
<)q  the  councirs  rejecting  the  bill  on  that  account,  they 
M'aved  this  uncopstitutional  claim.  Nor  did  they  a^ct  to 
dissemble  their  unwillingness  to  attempt  any  innovation  in 
th^ir  military  system ;  **  averse/'  as  they  expressed  it,  *^  even 
under  the  most  pressing  exigencies,  from  resolving,  aflter 

,  the  deliberation  of  a.  few  days  .only,  on  points  essential  in 
the  minds  of  a  free  people,  to  their  ^eatest  happiness." 
Mdancho^  inideed,  s^id  the  speaker,  upon  presenting  the 
bill  for  the  governor's  assent,  are  the  circumstances  of  these 


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OF  BARBADOES.  39I 

^    .  \       '       "  •  :       ■  ■'  r  • 

ticpesy  compared,  with  the  flourishing  state  of  the  country  chap/xil. 
Ml  the  last  war;  when>  upofi  a,  requisition  frbni  tHe^^rbwti;  '  ^*t^^ 
the  assembly  were  able  to  raise  a  tapitaiiibn^tax  of  seti^A      ' 
shiUings  and  sixjpence  upon  slaves,  to  defray  the  expense^  ^ 
•  a  body  of  our  own  forces,  86ht  np6ft  the  exptedition  iagaittst 
Martinico,  although  we  now  find  a  difficulty  in  fkisiK^^'a 
levy  of  fifteen-pence  to  protect  ourselves  fram  invasion. 

Sensible  of  the  danger  to  which  the  islands  in  the  West 
Indies  were  exposed.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,;  on  the  approach 
of  winter,,  detached  five  thousand  trbops  from  New  York, 
under  the  command  of  General  Grant,  for  their  protectioh. 
The  transports,  with  tlie  troops,  w:ere  convoyed  by  Commo- 
dore Hot  ham,:  with  five  sail  of  the  line,  and  some  frigate^. 
On  their  arrival  at  Barbadoes,  A^dmiral/Barrihgtoft,  who  Dec  la 
assumed  the  command  of  the  fleet,  anxious,  by  somb  bdM; 
successful  stroke,  to  convpensate  for  the  loss  of  Dominica^ 
determined,  without  suffering  the  troops  to  land,  to  pro* 
ceed  immediately  to  Saint  Lucia,  and  attempt  the  deduc- 
tion of  that  island  :  an  enterprise  of  ho  small  difficulty  and 
danger ;  but  which,  from  its  ultimate  *  success,  wak  pro- 
diictive  of  no  less  glory  to  the  naval  and  military  omi:6rs^ 
and  the  forces  by  whom  the  conquest  .was  achieveci,  th^in 
advantage  to  tlie  service,  in  the  ensuing  operations  df*' the- 
war  in  this  hemisphere.  '  ^  '  *i^ - 

On  the  intelligence  of  this  event  reaching  Bttrb^(lbes,^'iiie 
assembly  unanimously  voted  the  thanks  of  their ''h'6us^''ta 
Admiral  Barrington  and  General  Grant,  for  their  galmht 


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99i  THE  HIsrORY 

^JAP^^  iervkes;  and,  as  «  more  substaatial  proof  of  UiQk^»ti* 
sJTii.  ******  *"**  «8tee«i,  passed  an  act  fi>r  furnislmig  Uia  anny 
and  ttwy,  at  Saint  tiucia,  idth  a  gratuttotis  wpj^y  i»f  fyft^ 
ftomwm  and  liv«  stock.  Admiral  Baitington,  hoifcvw 
Mmg  resigned  liie  command  to  Bfron,  policy  decli^eA 
accepting  the  generous  donative ;  alleging,  that  tho  h^tA^ 
condition  of  the  fleet  rendered  the  intended  sup^y  «Biie> 
cessary ;  and  that  great  difficulty  would  inevitaihly  attend 
<^  transporting  of  it.  But  on  the  xetiim  of  the  fleet  fta 
Barbadoes,  a  few  months  afterwards,  Admtnri  Jhitker,  on 
whom  the  c(Hnmand  had  devolved,  thankfully  accmied  the 
liberal  ofier,  obaerving  to  the  deputation  of  the  aasembly, 
by  whom  it  was  made,  that  a  supply  of  fresh  proyisions 
was  extremely  necessary  for  the  recovery  of  the  many 
brave  men  who  were  then  in  a  languishing,  dying  condi* 
tion;  especially  as  neither  soklier  nor  sailor  had  eat«»  a 
meal  of  fresh  provisions  for  ncaHy  eighteen  mo»tl».  It 
must  be  observed,  to  the  honour  of  the  Barbadians^  that, 
however  reluctantly  they  submit  to  the  expense  and  incoo! 
vemeace  of  defending  themselves,  they  always  contribute 
cheerfuny  to  the  accomodation  of  those  who  are  emptoyed 
in  protecting  them. 
Jwe.  The  whole  of  the  trade  from  the  West  Indies  to  finghud 

having  been  collected  at  Saint  Christopher's,  the  immense 
wluc  of  such  a  numerous  fleet  induced  Admiral  Byron  to 
employ  his  whole  «|uadron  in  convoying  them  a  coosidev- 
able  part  of  their  voyage.     However  wise  or  prudent  the 


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lii^aifW  ihight  have  b^feit,  k  i\^^' p^o^afefei?!'^  ;d^i^^^  ^^^' 
illttteY'<^'^r«ctlttarof  &  naval  neuiehaiiy  wire  ^HeiacfieS 

vtda.' 

fl%  ' 

c^lum 
butth 

was  th 
habita 
foftke 
D'Esti 

3  E 


July  2, 


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394  THE  HISTORY  • 

CHAP.  xiL      T^ese  transactions  produced  a  considerable  sensation  i^ 
^  7^5-      3*rbadoe9,  ?ind  iqcrea^pd  the  anxiety  of  the  goveraoi:  for  t\|f 
safety,  of.  the  coloDy.    He  immediately  con,voked,t^e  legisf 
July  22.    lature,  and  represented  to  them,  in  the  most  forcible  maur 
ner^  the  danger  to  which  the  island  was  exposed  by  the 
progijess  of  tl>e  enemy  in  their  vicinity  ;  and  particularly 
from  the  recent  injury  sustained  by  Admiral  Byron's  fleet, 
in  a  partial  jictiop  with  the  French  oflF  Grepad^,  after  his 
.Return  from  convoying  the  trade  to  a  certain  latitude, 
5yhich  had  compelled  him  to  retire  to  Antigua  to  refitw 
JVVitli  the  internal  resources  which  we  possessed,  his  excel-p- 
Jeijcy  was  persuaded,   that  a  vigorous  defence  might  be 
made,  in  case  of  an  attack,  and  that  the  island  might  hold 
out  until  it  shoijkl  be  relieved  by  the  arrival  of  naval  as- 
j^istance.     As  preparatory  measures,  he  recommended  prp- 
.  vidjing  tents  for  the  men.;  raising  entrenchments ;  building 
jedoubts  at  proper  distances ;  and  particularly  proposed  pur- 
chasing a  spot  of  land,  in  some  coifvenient  situation,  for  a 
grand  redoubt  and  general  dep6t  of  ordnance,  ammunition, 
and  provisions,  to  which  the  whole  array  might  retire  in  case 
of  necessity.  As  the  militia  were  raw  and  inexperienced,  be 
advised,,  that  they  should  be  more  frequently  assembled 
,^nd  ii^structed  in  the  use  of  arms^  and  submitted  to  the 
consideration  of  th^  assembly,  whether,  in  the  present  cri- 
tical posture  of  aSairs^  a  temporary  eftforcemeni  of  mar- 
tial la^  wefre  not  necessary  ?  To  evince  the  utility  of  ami- 


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.     Ot  BARBAD6ES:  S^- 

litia,  under  proper  regulations,  lie  referred  lb' the  r^eT.CH^^. , 
army  in  America,  composed  entirely  of  militia,  land  yet  ^^^^''' 
^occessfully  fighting  behind  eiitrenthitients  and  strong 're- 
doubts against  veteran  troops.  '  '"!'';"; 
The  house  were  at  last  awakened  to  a  diie  sense  6f  the: 
dangers  which  surrounded  theni.  They  immediately  te^ 
solved  to  provide  tents  for  the  men,  to  throw  up  entrench^ 
ments,  and  build  redoubts  ;  to  arm  a  proportion  of  effectivfe 
negroes,  to  call  out  the  militia  one  day  in  every  w6efc 
for  four  months;  to  equip  two  small  vessels  to'  watcli  the 
motions  of  the  enemy,  to  provide  an  additional  stock  of 
gunpowder,  and  to  purchase  land  for  the  purpose  suggested 
by  his  excellency-  But  they  thought  that  the  adoption  of 
these  vigorous  measures  rendered  martial  law  unnecessary. 
To  give  effect  to  these  resolutions,  they  vited  the  sum  of  July  ^6. 
fourteen  thousand  pounds,  one-half  the  money  tobe  raisfed  in 
the  course  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  the  balance  the  yeac 
after*.  Bills  were  immediately  prepared  agreeable  lo  thes^ 
resolutions,  and  were  passed  with  the  greatest  unanimity  by 
both  houses.  By  the  additional  levy  bill,  five  members  of 
council,  and  seven  ofthe  assembly,  or  any  five  of  them,  werd 
appointed  commissioners  to  cany  the  plan  of  defence  into 
execution,  with  full  power  to  borrow  money,  on  the  pub} 
lie  faith,  or  to  contract  for  such  articles  as  were  required 


*  The  minutes  of  tiie  assembly  say  ten  thousand  pounds;  but  the  law,  v/hiclt  wn 
passed  on  tbe  occasion,  fixes  the  sum  at  fourteen  thousand,  .    j 

3  E  2 


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355  'J^B®  HBTO»Y 

caxpggt  ^iif  cioBipletiDri^'  iwiU  4ie  tem  laid  by  the  act  couki  be 

:  ;A  ntffiaiettt  quiAtitsr  ^  }««^  was  accoKdiii^j  pumhaaodi 
ia  the  parish  of  Saint  George  ;  mkd  itW  baiUiog  4>f  a  graod 
tefotUrty  eaUad  Fort  GecffgOi  wa»  bGgu%  to  \8arie  jn  a 
geaenJ  4fq9^  in  case  of  iavasido.  But  bis  icxc^eacy 
liired  not  te  ^saa  the  cmnfiktiQA  of  hit  patriotic  plaDs%  la 
^i^'^foidbtof  tboi^  jpcssparatiaiiS)  ^^bick  he  bad  ^k>  often 
ftfcettttowly  'TCoomiiictided,  he^^as  Matrested  by  tb^  band  of 
daat^  aod  removed  from  <a]l  the  jgra;ndeur>  bustle,  and 
October  2U  contentioti  of  thts^world/tp  tbe  mansKHfM^  of  •^temal peace. 
The  early  partner  of  hw  bod,  died  itx  Barbadoes,  on  thc^ 
rkreeth  day  of  October^  one^thbtisand  isieven  buiidred  aad 
seventy Hfi\*e ;  wpon  ifrhioh  occasion  bis  daiighteiB  returned 
to  7£og1aiid,  ^aid  h»  exceHettcy,  soon'  after,  married  JSIis^ 
Basn^eU^  a  be^tiful  Barbadian,  whose  personal  accom^ 
f^ftliraeats' attracted  his  admiration,  and  compensated  the 
must  'of  rkvkk  and  fortune.  It  does  not  ippear^  that  this 
tefly's  sorrow*,  for  tlie  loss  of  her"  deceased  lord,  experienced 
ttny  idlemtion  from  those  marks  of  public  favour  wJiich 
kara^  been' t^cf^ioiiaUy  shewn  to  the  family  ofgotvemorst 
mst  nooredi^serAriqg  than  Mr.  Hay.  Tlie  character  of  his  ex* 
ccjlmcy  presentfi  the  eyeof  cwjdour  uitfa  a  tesselated  scene 
of  good  ami  -evil.  Of  a  temper  irrijtable^  impetuous^  im- 
placable^  and  vindictive ;  the  extreme  roughness  of  his 
Jcaajanefs  was  little  calculated  to  conciliate  the  esteem  of  a 
proud,  high-spirited  pe^{pJe.    The  violence  of  his  passions^, 


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OF  B4^A90SS.  ^ 

loSmce,  9od  for  whieH  to  fe»d  Ufitijtflr  lib«r»Mty  6fe»»iid^     ^'^ 

ae»kH0>j  attaipli«d  ,rkD'  j(ke>  io)toi9at»'df  .'btfloontftvpr*  fiutUfai 
I&  Jb>s  pribGcw  aomouA  <ti»  'iNnHMitfieiv^  bftppiocw  *df:i^ 

.  The  fervid  «f  Mr.  Ha/*  «JtaifUitraAii»  :i&  not.  disliii^^ 
gutshed  h-j  fitiy  peeuUar  ilrtMCM  oi.l&^f^^g  wadeeau.  :Qi 
forty-one  lawik  sr^icfa  .mmined  biii  oastiili^  tirtaiby-fliraftft 
irere  .teanqpoffkry,  a«cl  «f  ^  mnMtader  mk  2elat»  to  An»  »&r 
>eot,  the  improvement  »f  tbe>i»e^heftd ;  a»4  jefc  ;*li#  p)fl* 
is.  i^itber.  «xt(»skeily  cMi^&ive  jw4.iw^tu«It'-Qr>  £'q«»j(» 
fsitii^  ^oreUctioa  of  public  i^H>irhi¥b/|at«%.|iieF}!8«i^^ 
inmy :  deparUoeofc  of  owr  little  8jt$k^v  i#:  nwi^ep^ly  nflg^l^d^ 
ao4  ahu^d  io  the  executiotf);  Of  the  ^e|:  la\|(rs.)9a^;^9)jr 
i»  ^utitled  to  pArttcnlar  notify  ;  !#i%.^  |h»  b})£k&,tff%j  f>jr^  ^ 
It  U  sometinie^.  cajledv  the  inspectorls  act.  By  thif  ^aftc.^ 
(aix:h4^je  tax  yias  iaid  oa  ^.lie  shopkeepers  lof  J^idfS^Tf^fr^r 
to  h^  proportipo^ably  rated  f?y  rthe^pacoichjialKe&^-fjf,  ^d> 
aonoally  paid  intO'  the  public  treasury*,  ,  ^t  \v^  .alsp* 
enacted,,  that  any  free  negro  or  nuUattp  whp-  shall  ;l?\^y,  any 
live  oi:  d«ad  stocjk*  ,ftuit»,  iQo^r.<(>>  4^«!gieri«»t#^gi  oc  .QtliMsi:' 
4iiAngB^  tojseU  ag$un>  wicthout  a<  ticeoae  from  the  topfvpu^ 


•)i  :.: 


^  'jfcM>f»M<€  tofribiegp.8igjt^.iyp9iiiili , 


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598]  '^EUlStdRY 

^!^2^J^^''  shalt,  besides  the  goods  bovrght  or  sold,  foffeSt  ten  poun'dd 
*'^^**  for  every  offence.  •  And  the  treasurer  is  authorized  to  grant 
aa*  annual  license  to  any  ^ee  negro  or  mulatto  to  carry  otL 
the  business  of  fi  huckster,  upon  receiving  a  duty  of  ten 
pounds,  applicable  ta  the  uses  bf  the  excise  act,  besides  a 
fee  of  one  pbupd*  fiviii  shillings  for  hi$  trouble.  The  object 
of  this  heavy  impost  was  to  discourage,  $ind  in  effect  to 
proliibit,  the  nefarious  traific  learried  on  by  coloured  huck- 
sters. Mr.  Duke,  by  whom*  the  bill  watsi  iutrodticed,  saw 
,  e^riy,  and  ^deavoured  to^vert,  ^ha  evik  with  which  the 
rapid  enctease  of  free  Coloured  people'  was  pregnant.  Tto 
the  penetrating  eye  of*  that  'enlightehed  statesman  it  was 
clear,  that  the  encourag6thent  given  to  that  spurious  race, 
would  ultimateJy  deprive  isqch  of  the  White  inhabitants  as 
were  employed  in  the  menial  occupations  of  life,  of  the 
means  of  subsistence,  and,  by  forcing  them  into  exile, 
exhaust  the  country  of  the  best  portion  of  its  physical 
strength.  '   *• 

In  this  state  the  bill  was  sent  up  to  the  other  house  for 
its  concurrence ;  and  though  it  was  evidently  a  money  bill*; 


^  XSnder  tbe  denomination  ot  money-hifis,  aire  included  all  those  T>y  whicfi  money 
IB  directed  to  be  raised  upop  the  subject,-  for  any  purpose,  or  iq  'any,  4)ape  wha<^ 

'  soever ;  either  for  the  exigencies  of  government,  and  collected  from  the  kingdom  in 
general,  or  for  private  benefit,  and  collected  in  any  particular  district.    Slack.  Cminm. 

,  tM>2.  1.  p.  170.  This  rule,  says  Christian,  in  his  notes  upon  Blacksumc,  is  now  ex- 
ieiided  to  all  bills  for  caMb^  paviBg,  poor  rates^  and  those  in  which  pecuniary  penal- 


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**  I- 


the  coiracU  insetted  ao  i^mendmenf^  exteiSidiog  the  cl^uaet  <^HAP, 
respectiag  JSwe  negiroes.  and  mulattoes, .  to  all  white  htick<-  '  i*^* 
^iers;  who,,  in  defoiult  of  taking  out  a  Vvdenhey  were  made 
JUable  to  a  forfeiture,  of  fifty  pouuda*  from  which  penalty  the 
coloured  retailer  wds-  exempt.:  This  was  undeniably  a  most 
unpfiirliaaietttary  iuterference,.  but  the  assembly,  taketi  by 
Surprise,  pr  heedless  of.  their,  most  invaluable  privV- 
.legej|,  sUwUy  submitted  to  t|ie  invdsicio  of  its  fiindft- 
mental  right,  and  unapimoysly  acquiesced  ria\  the  ppoposi^d 
alteration^ 
.  The  avowed  object  of  ,this  arbitrary,  partial  and  qHcodk 
^titutional  amendment^  was  to  reduce  the  number  of  fauckr 
sters  by  the  imppsitlon  of  an  oppresJsive  tax,  which  few  of 
them  were  able  to  pay.  In,  support  of  the  measure  it  wa5 
alledged^  that  th?  hucksters,  were  receivers  of  stolen  goods^ 
and  their  shops  th^  asyln«»s*  of /ugitive  slav^».  ThieJeg^Ja- 
ture  therefore  piously  deteroiiiied  to  destroy  those  petty  re* 
tailerS|  who  eked  out  a  scanty  subsistence  by  revetiding  a  few 
articles  pf  the  first  necessity,  and,  ,ta  preserve  their  n^orials^ 
condemned  the;m  to  hunger  a^d  nal^edness/    Should  the 


ties  ttii4  fipe«  tfe  imj^^d  for  oflenf  es.  S  Matstl  '1 10.  And  the  coiDD)oii5  ba^  beem 
at  all  times«  ^o  tenacious  of  ibi&  privilfgei  tbat^bey  iieyeii^.Bu^r  Ih,^ lords ^tjen  t^ 
make  any  change  in  the  money  bills,  which  t^ey  haye  sent  to^thepti';  tut  they  muii 
simply  and  solely,  either  wholly  a9cept  or  reject  them.  .  Dc  Lqlme  on  the  ComtUution, 


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4m  THE'HlsrfDft? 

cMmt.  bwtbslaw  hufgHMy  of  He  «»liii6«-  iatptit&A  td  tHiett,  thtft^ 
iTtfO.  Jips  £wSd»nA  foe  tbeac  imnisfaoiei^  v^i^uC  Msortimg  to  A 
iMfOcewhitt^  tfareatdnc  t^not  witk  extiiiotictt.  l^r  fi^m 
kll^  liioip  paste  of  sociaty  iHm«>>  they  are  Fepi^eated.  (« 
fm-Hmif  aw  SB  weM  ^Mcnptioa  of  tisacten:  Thtougfa  tbetr 
toedijMM  th^.poQft  and  middliog  cla£Be»  o#peopIe»  anid!  evtn 
the  opulent  bouseholdey,  aim  diaily  su||>)ied  with  aitide*  of 
donettiiD  acte^QtlBOdatieot  und^e  sable  labourer  6bt&im  the 
eafli#)f>C|  oihis  ali»j«et  condition^  He«&  he  bartetsthe  oiide, 
unsavoury,  substantial  allowance  of  the  plantations  fbrmore 
f»ria(tabi«!8ndmitritiau»foodi  and,  no  lessfoHdof  variety  than 
bb.e^iciiaeaii.nHistar^  indolgea  bis  satiated  appetite  with  a 
ch?(^geof  idi^t^  tefpesheB  ^h  drooping  spirit;  aad  itno* 
v^  Wb  almost  €xha«»fc^  vigour*  tefe  $ot  the  hapless 
rii^e,  be  dsemed  these  iie«df«l  comfertB^  by  «a  absurd,  unna- 
4aiiai.  podicy,  which,  woujki  c^ftfina^^ Jum- to  ftfted' perpetHally 
on  t|ie  prodBcticrnS' oft  tho  seil. 

Wepfr  this-  law  enforced  wi A  a  spirit^  congenial,  to  that  in 
<^hich  jt_grjgiflated«  its  operation  must  inevitably  produce 
tbe  most>pernicitM»  eonsee^uences  Many  of  those  who  are 
employed  ia  retail  shops,  are  women,  aged  and  infirm  ptef- 
sons;  and  others,  who,  having  been  brought  up  to  no  pro- ' 
i^0O»  Qcbaviug^  failed  in  higher  pwrsuits,  are  det^titate  of,' 
mverj  otfieer  raean9  of  supporting  the  weary  Jpad  -of  ^.. 
^e  capital  thus  employ^,  is  in  very  few  instances  eqiial 
to  the  sum  required  for  a  license.    They  depend  for  subM^t- 

5 


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OP  BAKBADOES.  401 

eneeoa  the  sikisAI  profits  accruing  on  the  retreaditioii  of  it  ^^i^iJ^S' 
few  ajrticle»  proeufed'  on  credit,  from  the  cKeduhraa  ib«v.  '^^* 
chant,  or  the  humane  wholesale  dealer.  Conaeqitentljr,  if 
the  duty  be  exacted  ftom  them,  they  mu»t  nhut  up  their 
diops,  and  remain  in  idleness  and  indigenoe,  whiM: 
t^eir  helpless  cffdpiitig  become  burthensoaie  to  their 
perish** 

There  are  others  again^  whose  larger  stock  in  trade  win 
enable  them  to  pay  the  price  of  a  license,  and  continue 
their  business  with  encreased  adruntage.  By  diminishing 
the  number  of  retailers;  the  law  tends  to  lessen,  if  not  to 
destroy,  that  competition  in  the  market  which  is  always 
found  beneficial  to  t|ie  bulk  of  the  people.  And  the  opiv 
lent  huckster,  who  complies  With  the  exaction,  will  triumph 
in  the  privileged  monopoly  j  and,  by  extorting  from  those 
who  are  driven  to  his  shop  Ifjr  necessity,  will  amply  trim* 
burse  himself  for  the  expense  of  tfie  license,  and  grow  rich 


■  ■ifc  i 


«  ntvteii  lb  an  the  loit  flf  8ooklj«  mt»  Ittd^a  v^ 
tbttfightby  tht  eaUUkhmeatof  kmi?  TOiiktt^  bvm  hivtfy  Ji^f^t^M^  ^m»9m 
of  preterfing  Wh,  it,  in  fact,  to  affect  the  very  principle  of  bis  existence.  By  e^r^ 
ifig  the  subsistence  of  tbe  needy,  the  state  takes  from  him  his  strength  with  his  food* 
It  redoces  the  pdor  man  tb  beggairy,  the  labouiing  man  to  lAen^,  and  makes  the 
itolMfMte  nan.  bacoaae  «  fogucr   SUiyMFt  HUhry  ^  th  I<m  mi  Wm  jMrm; 

3  n 


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^02  THE  HISTORY 

^^j^^'  on  tlic  spoils  of  the  community.     Hence,  as  a  regulation 
V^^      of  police,  the  law  is  absurd,  impolitic,  and  inhuman.  Nof 
is  it  less  objectionable  as  a  financial  expedient. 

The  grand  leading  principle  of  taxation  is,  that  every 
one  should  be  assessed  in  proportion  to  his  property  and 
income.  But>  by  this  law,  an  annual  capitation  tax,  of 
all  modes  the  most  arbitrary  and  unjust,  is  imposed  on.gi 
particular  class  of  traders,  without  any  regard  to  their 
capital,  or  the  profits  of  their  business.  To  add  to  its  obr 
vious.  injustice,  the  tax  is  confined  to  persons  who,  besides 
their  parochial  levies,  are  annually  rated  for  the  support  of 
Ifovernnjeqt,.  by  their  respective  vestries,  on  oath,  in  pro- 
portiQA,  to  their  trade  and  ability..  But.  a§  this .  iqiposjt 
falls  op  indigence  and  industry,  while  it  passes  by  th«^ 
door^  of  wealth  and  indolenqe,  its  manifest  inequality  caur 
not  escape  observation.  The ,  poor  tenant  of  an  humble 
shed,,  who  e?irns  his. daily:  support,  by  the  grpcarioqs  rev;epr 
dition  of  a  few;  provisions,  is  here  taxed  beyjond.all  reason* 
abje  pi:opQrt;ion>  with  ^e  wealthy  merchant,  or  the  opulent 
possessor  of  an  hundred  slaves. 

The  bill  was.  passed  with  such  precipitancy,  that  the 
people  without  doors,  ignorant  of  what  was  doinp  withio-, 
had  no  opportunity  of  deprecating  its  vengeance.  But  no 
sooner,  was  it  knowp,  tha,n  the  door  of  evory  huckster's 
shopjinthe  island  was  shut,  except  a.  few  in  the  metropoli^^ 
^e  owners  of  which  availed  themselves  of  the  sanction  of. 


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Olf  BARBADOES.  .  403 

licences  to  enhance  the  value  of  the  common  necessaries  of  Chap.xii. 
life.  The  members  for  Stl  Michael's  were  instructed,  by  ^'^'^^• 
dome  of  their  constituents,  to  move  for  a  repeal  of  the  ob- 
noxious  clause;  and  the  most  respectable  inhabitahts  of 
Speight's  Town,  concurred  in  a  petition  to  the  assembly 
for  its  abrogation.  These  applications  were  ably  supported 
by  Mr.  Duke,  who,  in  an  excellent  argumentative  speech, 
after  obviating  every  objection  on  the  plea  of  consistency, 
proposed  some  modifications  of  the  tax  in  question.  But 
the  house  was  deaf  to  his  reasoning  and  his  eloquence. 
They  would  not,  formally,  consent  to  rescind  an  act  so 
recently  adopted  ;  but  it  was  liinted,  that  the  pehalclause 

would  never  be  enforced.  "  ' "  * 

This  assurance,  though  it  quieted  the^ apprehensions  of 
the  hucksters,  who  thereupon  resunied  their  occupatiofi^, 
affords  them  no  security.  They  are  still  liable  to  be  oVelS 
whelmed  with  ruin,  by  any  malicious  infonner,  whb,  iPfbm 
pei-sonal  pique,  pecuniary  considerations,  caprice,"  or  ma- 
levolence, may  insist  upon  having  the  law  enforced.  The 
worst  tyranny  is  that  of  bad  laws  suspended  over  our  head^, 
by  a  single  hair,  which  envy  or  revenge  majr  sever  at  dis- 
cretion. It  is  not  enough  that  such  laws  should  slumber 
in  oblivion ;  they  should  be  repealed.  While  they  are  'ex- 
tant, they  aflford  the  means  of  oppressing  the  poor  witfi 
facility,  and  furnish  the  vindictive  with  convenient  initrct-  ^ 
ments  of  revenge,  whenever  he  will  avail  himself  of  tlih 

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m^  THE  pSTpBY  - 

CHARXil.  opporfoinity  of  prosecuting  the  disaffected  person^  under 

i77»»     some  one  or  otlier  of  the  many  statutes,  which,  however 

useless^*  remain  dormant,  like  unextinguished  vokanoest 

ready  to  pour  destruction  on  the  head  of  the  devoted 

ImveUer. 


i.  >-,J'37i/.<'     r  ^t',/  .  /'•*;,  :•: 

"  —    'l,-.r  :o  >"..   ..\:)  I)-:.; 

'i  J'  I:  j'.'v! .'""  !  »!■     j^ ' ..  •' 

'  '       '  *    ' 

!■  V  -1^  J  ',^    '  ^r>'.. ;  -,.-;:  q\ 

>;d  c:  ^..TT'.  ;.  t    ;.;    .,   -  , 

'  '  '/     ' 

'  •.       .!   J?  .:JV'     :        "  .  .  ';;'■;  J 

orfj    no   f','.^'';      ;     ^  ».' 

*     .   i 

'-\r  ■  ■       ';*,,r       ...,;/ x:  ^.iO< 

oi  f*  J  ;:  m.;h   .;i  i/  '  1  'v: 

'     '^  ' 

:'    v^' I    z'^luL   :;ld/jJiiunoii 

;::J  .:)>/'   h  W:;  ■  •;-.    /•'      /   ; 

,  J  ,  *      ^,1 

r.  />i^   ^  )!:;.r;  /jwin  fLf-'.Jiq  o-f' 

illr  V     ^   ;'';    ;:  •;   .      -r       ,\    ?   j. 

,,  .  ., 

•'MI     •  ? .      '!  "*  J  •:  ^  »   '■  '■'\'  ;•''? 

,•:.»]  ,r  J  f 


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OFBARBiiixm 


^'  :  't::    a::. 


..  ,.    I 


.\r- ^   V'i^i 


I.' 


CHAP.  XIII. 


1779. 
October  2a.. 


THX  GOVBBKMENT  DEVOLVES  OK  THE  HOK.  JOHK  DOTIK— -SUCCEED^ 
ED  BT  SUJOR  GENERAL  JAMES  CTXNNJNGBAME — THE  OOVER- 
HOR  DISAPPOINTED  IK  HIS  SALARY — QUARRELS  WITH  THE 
ASSEMBLY — THE  COUNCIL  SANCTIONS  HIS  ILLEGAL  CLAIM  OF 
FEES — THE  ISLAND  ALMOST  DESOLATED  BY  A  DREADFUL 
HURRICANE. 

Upon  ike  demise  of  Mr.. Hay,  Uie  council  met  for  the  chapjqii 
porpoae  of  achninistering  the  inauguration  oaths  to  the 
president.  Mf«  Eous^.  who  had  twice  filled  the  dignified 
station^  was  now  so  enfeebled  by  age  and  infirmities,  that 
he  prudently  prefim^d  the  shades  of  retirement  to  the  hurry 
and  £M.igues  of  public  life*  In  a  respectful  letter,  addressed 
to  the  council,  he  signified  his  resignation  and  enclosed  his 
mandamoB;  whadhiJie  requested  they  would  transmit  to  his 
sovereign.  The  government  of  course  devolved  on  the 
Honourable  John  Dotin,  the  member  next  in  succession  tO> 
the  presidential  chair ;  he  was  accordingly  invested  with  the 
ens^ns  of  authority,  and  commenced  his  administration  with 
an  ocoBomical  refenoEL     He  abolished  the  expense  of  oil 

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406  THE  HISTORY 

^^vS^^*  for  the  use  of  the  lamps  at  Pilgrim ;  an  act  which  was 
^^''^*  e^ftoUed  as  a  noble  proof  of  his  generous  regard  for  the  In- 
terest of  his  country. 
Nov.  2.  r  The  assembly,  which  was  near  the  period  of  its  dissolu- 
tion, haying  met  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  suitable  pro- 
vision for  supporting  the  dignity  of  the  presidency,  Mr. 
Duke  moved  that  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  a  year 
should  be  settled  on  Mr.  Dotin  during  his  administration. 
He  insisted  that  it  would  be  the  highest  folly,  under  the 
existing  circumstances,  to  give  the  next  governor  a  salary 
equal  to  that  which  had  been  hitherto  given ;  and  that  it 
would  be  prudent  to.  begin  the  retrenchment  now,  whea  the 
executive  power  was  lodged  in  the  hands  of  U  native;  no 
exception  could  then  be  taken  by  his  successor  at  a  eon- 
duct  so  free  from  any  appearance  of  partiahty.  These 
arguments  were  far  from  pruducing  the  desired  effect  The 
motion  was  rejected  by  a  large  hiajority ;  and  the  salary 
fixed  at  fifteen  hundred  pounds. 
1780.  A  general  election  having  taken  place,  Mr.,  Duke  em- 

braced the  earliest  opportunity  of  their  meeting  to  press  the 
reduction  of  the  governor's  salary  on  the  attention  of  the 
new  assembly*.    The  proper  time,  he  insisted,  to  agitate 


*  Ibe  proceedings  <^  tbis  as«€4nb]y  form  nicb  «n  intenttiog  ptrt  of  tur  e^nial 

transactions,  that  curiosity  may  naturally  enquire  their  names.    These  were>  VaL 

;  Jones  and  H.  Dulce,  St.  Michael's;  J  Burke  and  T.  Burton,  Chrisiclturch ;  S.  W^lcott 

•ttd  R.  Haynes>  St.  JoknU;  Jos.  Gittina  and  J.  Wood,  St,  PMAy)'«;  James  C.  Cox 


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OFfiARBADOES.  407 

ttie^ question  was  before  an  appointment  had  been  made;  CHAP.xni^ 


the  value  of  the  government  would  then  be  known  at  the  *^^^* 
moment  that  it  was  solicited;  their  proceedings  would  be 
free  from  any  suspicion  ^  of  prejudice ;  no  offence  could  be 
'  taken*  nor  disappointment  felt  by  the  gentleman  who  should 
be  selected  to  administer  the  government*  As  guardians  of 
the  public  purse,  there  was. an  obligation  upon  the  memy 
bers  of  that  house,  he  said,  to  adjust  the  public  expenses  to 
the  power  and  ability  of  those  who  were  to  pay  them.  The 
poor  man  contributed  in  an  equal  proportion,  with  the 
wealthy,  to  the  support  of  government;  it  was  their  duty 
to  look  to  the  community  at  large,  and  to  form  their  judg- 
ment  upon  that  comprehensive  view.  The  unfortunate  con* 
dition  of  the  bulk  of  the  people  rendered  the  strictest  fruga*. 
lity  necessary-  He  wished  not  to  dwell  upon  a  detail  of 
distresses  and  calamities..  Every  one  who  heard  him  must 
have  seen  and  feJt  enough  to  render  isuch  a  recital  supers 
fluous.  After  some  additional  observations,  Mr.  Duke 
moved  t^ree  resolutions,,  in  substance  as  follows  :  That  the 
people,  reduced  by  a  variety  of  mi$fortunes,  were  now 
unable  to  pay.  a  governor  the  same  salary  as  liad. been, for- 


and  Rob.  Burnet  Jones,  St.  George's ;  T.  Alleyne  and  B.  Bdstock,  St.  James's ;  W, 
Gibbe«Alleync  and  R.  Ashford,  St.  Thomas's;  S.  Hinds  andH.  Walke,  St.  Peter's'; 
B.  BttbbtJkiid  Sj  HMtbandB^  *^.  -  Ijtiy$ ;  Sir  John  Gttj  Attejrne,  ^>eaker>  aod^  A,  CtioK 
Hr^Kh,  jniK  St,  Anthtu>'s  i  J.  St^Mrd  and  Edmund  Ha^tMs;  ,St:.  J^pVh.      ^  ^ 


*2. 


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408  THE  mSTOIlY 

<;irAft*M.  Tm«rty  allowed ;  that  two  tbonsand  pounds  were  the  most 


iT«6.  ^hich  they  could  afford  to  settle  on  the  next  govevnor ;  and 
that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  should  be  transmitted  to  the 
1^1^  for  die  information  of  the  secretary  of  state  for  the 
€9lBme9.  These  resolutions  were  opposed  as  being  prmn^ 
tiire  and  inefficient;  and,  on  the  previous  questioa  being 
.moved,  the  bouse  refused  to  take  thera  into  consider* 
ation. 

Feb.  23.  At  their  next  sitting  the  assembly  received  a  message 
fi^m  the  president,  stating,  that  it  being  his  Majesty's  ii^ 
tefition  to  station  troops  on  the  island  for  its  protectioii,  the 
-eigbtyHftinth  regiment  had  been  landed ;  and  that  he  had 
provided  them  with  quarters;  not  doubting  that  tiie  assenr 
b\y  would  approve  of  the  measure,  and  defray  the  expenses 
of  their  accommodation.  This  called  up  Mn  Duke.  WiUi 
the  utmost  respect  for  the.  parent  state,  he  found  himself 
un4er  a  superior  obligation  to  his  native  country.  He  w«s 
averse  to  any  new  article  of  expense,  which,  however  small 
in  the  outset,  may  increase  in  its  progr^^ss.  Jamaica  had 
burthened  itself  with  the  maintenance  of  troops  uader  an 
idea  that  it  was  a  temporaty  provision  for  a  particular 
exigency,  but  the  load  was  fixed  upon  it  and  was  likely  to 
remain.  Conscious  of  the  inability  of  the  people  to  bear 
any  fresh  inipositions,  Mr.  Duke  opposed  the  proposal  for 
tjunrtering  the  troops,  as  a  measure  productifve  of  one  cen^ 
tain  evil,  itud  of  many  that  were  probable,  without  any  pro** 


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OF  MRBADOES.  ftOp 

|>dct  of  ad  vantage.  The  houses' iowever,  thought  diffef«B%,  ^^J^^JJ]^* 
aad  a  ceffiMniitfi0&  was-  appointed  to  ^»ro9idi&  banraclBS  Sot  ike      ^^*^' 
tioops.  at  the  expease  of- the  colony.  ...  -         -     -    . 
'. :  On  thei  next  meeting  of  tbe'asisemlpijr  the  prestdeitt  seitt  March  21. 
iiotVHEkajDether- message. to  t^  bonier  «.nttou»bingtbe'«{>< 
.peiatinent  of  Major Oedie^lJaiaigs>'X2hiintnglianie,  td>tbe 
_goveFmnent  of  the  island,  and  requesting  -  tbatlfi^  liWttW 
prepare  for  his  reception.     A  similar  conmiUniCatioii  'was 
soon  afterwards  received-  iF^ni  Hie'ttgisilti  lak^t^HiopMiiM  by 
the  mfost  favourable  Jepresentatieri^'oTO'^w^Ei^  CWnnTng- 
harafj's  charactefi  his  friendly  dwpesitioii  to^rtls'thd.  peo- 
"ple,  and  his  pirofessed  incHnfttibB  t*  rfett^erhis'igii'^BftiflKMt  - 
easy  tind^happy-fo  then?. '  To  thisVai  added,  ati'a^C6tint  df 
th^  steps  taken-  by  the-  agent  Hiihidf, '  to  ofetalH'd  *eWn^idn  , 

t)f '  the'  Ibitr  ah4  *  half-  ipernj^nt.  duty* '  •  Bfr*  tEsWlfck  had 
siibiWttfed  to  Lordl'N^rth'W'statemefnt  dfnfedfe'refetli^'^to 
that  iinpost;  and  proposed,  as  rf  tfoiwiiiwfetidtf'ef '  tlie  duty; 
"a  general  tax'of  tJiree  peric8  >a'  hiinAred  updA  fell  dngar  kn-  , 
ported  'from  the  "West  f ridiies.  '  Eord  North  icppekf^  "td 
lliihk'  that  tJie  jprojiossfl  wa»  fAftr  add' eHgiMe;' arid  tlrat'thete 
cbuld  ■  bfe  no  reason  wliy  the  other  islands"  should'not  'con- 
tribute to  the  revenue  equally  with  Barbadoes.  His  lord- 
ship, however,  having  taken  no  steps  iii  the  business,  iVlr, 
-Estwick  added,  that  hfc  had  it^tended  to  bring  tlie  matter 
before  the' house  olF  cbmmd'ns  himself ;  but  that  it  had  been 
indirecQy  conveyed  to  his  knowledge  that  General  Cun- 
ninghame  would  carry  out  full  power  for  the  settlement  of 

So 


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ild  THEHISTORT 

<^<4^^*the  affair  ontlie  ishmd.  And  he  nndontood  the  tcnuA 
V190,  -i^re,  that  the  islands  9ab)ect  tQ  this  iinpost^  should  enga^r 
to  raise  a  fund  sufficieoi  for  the  payment  of  the  p^ukmft 
granted  npob  the  duty ;.  thftt.oo  additional  gfont  should  be 
made ;  and  thai  as  the  pttosions  dropnped  ofi;  the  fund  should 
ce^.  These  lie  ohsevred  wese  considerable^  and  Mcioe  of 
them  for  two  cv  tbree  byea^ 
July  10.  While  eveiy  mind  wae  anxkiusly  anticipating  the  balejoa 
day$  that  were  approacluDg^  General  CuDninghame  arrived,. 
and  tia^e  iUnskMi  yanished^  The  hopes  vbich  had  beeiii 
fondly  cbemheii  be£oce  his  am¥al»  derived  a  texnporarj 
coii^&rHMitioQ  fiscal  his 'specious  manners*  Bred  in  camps^ 
he  possessed  the  imposkag  politeness^  the  easy  dignity,  an<| 
condescending  aiSability  of  tiie  polished  gentleman.  But 
beneath  &at  pleasing  exterior  Inrkcd  a  Tonality  of  soul 
vhich  so€)n  obscured  every  virtue,  and  cast  a  balefuL  shade 
over  every  accomplishment* 

f  Hiaejicellency  landed  from  o»  board  UieThundere^^CoQi* 

modose  Walsingbam'^  flag*ship,  oa  Wednesday  the  twelfth 
of  July*.  He  was  received  at  the  ifhaif  by  the  president 
and  council,.*  the  speaker  and  the  members  of  theassem- 


*  Tht  aciBbcitr«r  ooucil  imm>  1  Doii^  A.  Csmlnlttcl^  Hcn^  9mm  I^ 
aetui  Moe,  Bob.  Bradiwaitfl^  W.  SeBhoiue.  W.  Biibq^  John  Bett^  JMcfA  IMinr* 
tnd  John  loce.  There  were  two  tacsiacies  whkh  were  boI  filM  up  dueiog^Cimiuof? 
htmel  iitaiiiuitAtioii. 


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OTBAMAIXJES.  411 

«y,  the  principal  o^ers  of  the  milltU,  and  most  ot  tKe  ^^''^JIJJJ*'^ 
clergy,  whence  they  formed  a  grand  procession,  escorted^  ^'^^^ 
by  the  guards,  tjje  royal Jregiment  oFiniUtia,  and  two  com* 
panies  of  the  king's  troops,  to  Saint  Mic^aeJ's  church,  wtere 
«n  appropriate  sermon  was  preached  on  th^  words, 
^  "When  tfee  righteous  are  in  authority  the  people  rejoice  */' 
His  excdlency  then  proceeded  to  Pilgrim  wliere  th^  W^^^ 
onths  were  administoced^  anci  be  was  iovtstea  wit^  t^  go> 
v^rnment  in  due  fona.  '  '         <        .     . 

The  assembly  having  met  puniiaRt  to  '^  ^ecud  sums^ons,  *  juiy  25. 
Im  excellency  commanded  their  attendance  in  the  council 
chamb^,  and  addressed  both  bouses  in  a,  speech  of  consi*> 
^erable  length.  After  professing  bis  sa»^  of  the  honour  dona  ^ 
him  l^y  his .  Majesty':s  appointment  to .  tb^  gc|veriitnent  of 
the  island,  h^  observed,  **  the  character  wKi^  your  ances* 
tors  have  successively  transnutted  to  you,  4?f  loyalty  to  the 
King,  and  attacj^ment  to  the  constitutioh,  you  have  uni*. 
f^rjnly  mjiintairieiV  T^^®  pres^a^bn  of  tliat  ojder  "and 
tranquillity  whicb  have  reigjiM'  sp  .W$  ainong  ypu,  u^rii^rs- 
turbed  by  violence  and  ^otjpn,  distipgw^hes^'t^  temper 
and  wisdom  of  ybui  councils^   ^tiese  circiunstances,  lie' 


t  Prc^eilp»'  d  XBOL  v.  ft.  if  ia  excenencjr  probably  thoagfat  (he  ifeidutt  a  slfficicot 
commAitar;  M  iha<eiety«iiltth«Ttfem^t«niiineiL1bat1d»aiKhict  tbouM  b(  ad  illui» 
tt«i«n  «r«h«  Utter  pact  «r  the  v«rM5  "  lti«  tnJUn  liW  wMecf  Kmm«I.  f«ler#t«  peopfc 

'*""■*•'!  .  •  •  ,    .       .    .  'v    ..  .., 


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412  THE  HISTORY 

c»AP:Xffl.  reigii,  Whose  goodness  and  attention  to  their  tFants  bad 
1780.  heeh  signally  display0d  in  the  ample  supply  of  provisions 
which  had  been  sent  for  their  irelief,  withgut  any ,  cliarge  of 
"  transport,  the  r65^al'pre6ent  bf  artillery  and  military  stores 
for  their  defence^  and  the  large  sums  granted  for. the  im- 
provement  of  the  mole-head;  To  this  enumeration  of  the 
royal  favours,  his  excellency,  by  way  of  climax,  added  an- 
other instance  of  his  Majesty's  gracious  aitentioD  to  the 
isleind,  at -a  tinie  of  public  danger,  in  so  speedily  sending 
out  a  successor  to  the  late  governor;  and  heishould  be  happy, 
he  said,  if  in  executing  the  Royal  commands  he  might  con- 
tribute to  the  safety  and  prosperity  of  this  respectable  part 
of  the  empire.  Nor  did  he  omit  to  remind  them  of  ihe 
zeal  and  diligence  with  which,  previous  to  his  leaving  Eng- 
land, he  had  urged  every  measure  which  he  thought  condu- 
cive to  the  welfare  of  the  island.  ' 
Having  an  equal  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and  liberality 
of  the  assembly,  he  refrained  from  representing  to  them  the 
necessity  of  preparing  for*  thiir  defence;  or  to  press  for  .such 
supplies  as  the  wttfks'  essential  to  their  safety  required  for 
their  completion^  As  ike  public  money  would  always  be 
applied  to  such  purposes  as  met  their  approbation,  he  trusts 
ed  they  would  not  neglect  to  raise  sums  sufficient  for  that 
important  service.  In  their  consultations  upon  this  sub- 
ject, he  assured  them  of  his  readiness  to  give  them  all  the 
information  and  assistance  which  his  professional  experi^ 
ence  enabled  him  to  do.    To  the  expected  settlement  he 

I 


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OF  BARBADOES.  413 

alluded  in  these  words,  "  Among  many  instructions  which  ^^iJi^U^* 
I  have  received  from  the  King,  framed  for  the  good  ai^d  ^^*^ 
welfare  of  the  island,  there  is  one  which  it  seeois  necessary 
to  communicate  to  you.  without  delay*;  I  have  therefore 
dirfjct^d  a  Qopy  of  it  to  be  laid  before  you.  It  would  be 
indelicate  ip  me  to  enlarge  upon  a  subject  in  which  I  find 
myself  so  personally  interested.  I  shall  therefore  submit  it 
to  your  considerati<m»  with  the  hope,  that  an  appointment 
sufficient, to  support  the  dignity  of  government  and  your 
own  honour,  mjiiy  be  the  result  of  your  deliberations  +/' 

He  had  the  satisfaction),  he^aid,  of  bringing  from  hisMa*^ 
jesty's  ministers,  assurances  that  every  attention  should  b^ 
paid  to  the  safety  and  welfare  of  the  colony  which  its  cha- 
i;acter  and  importance  deserved.  The  powerful  naval. force 
destined  for  the  protection  of  this  part  of  the  empire  pro- 
misied  the  most  perfect  security ;  but  it  behoved  them,  he 
observed,  to  reflect  that  a  state  of  war  is  ever,  in  some  de- 
gree, a  state  of  danger;  and  that  their  confidence  in  their 
sovereign's  attention  to  their  safety  ought  not  to  abate  theip 
exertions  for  their  internal  defence.     Though  he  professed 


*  This  was  the  instruction  usually  giveiTto  crery  governor^  allowiog  him  to  Hcpept 
of  any  salary  which  the  assembly  should  think  proper  to  settle  upon  him,  prbvid^d  the 
settlement  b<  made  for  the  whole  time  of  his  adtniofstering  the  government;  aqd'that 
it  be  done  in  the  6r8t  session  of  assembly  hoiden  after  hit  arrivaL 

t  He  had  been  told  before  he  left  England  that  his  salary  would  be  only  two  tbot^*^ 
sandpQunds.  *    -.  .    .       ..  j 


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414  ^HE:'  HISTDST 

^HM^KUDtft^flMttui  noridwibtdr  tfaek  attention  tb  ^feiti  prntei^iW' 

stDoiigeflli inlUHier»'to firiune  rach b miliUa biU Msliouid gi^ 
tixnnJill-tbeadtaDtajges  denraUe  from  the  extMsiv6  {m^m^ 
l^jikmeof  the  cotmtcy.  Whatever  powers  ftiigfK  fete  Ibdgeii 
in  tho  tJomtiuMidcir  in  chief,  he  pledged  hitni^  shfMld  lM 
«xei»ria>>d>,»itb  ait  the,  nwdenttioti  wbkh  the  nature  <ti  lite 
t^ffie  v<)9ld  J  uattf J.  He  would  not,  he  said,  ItoabietheM 
with^  c— wonf  ftrofeemons^  hb  ootnduct  alone  must  detemuM 
the  character  of  l«s  adoiinistrattoti ;  which  he  fek  would 
fiToye  hppQurable  to  himself  only  in  the  degree  that  he  ' 
•l^u)d  intkeit hap^y  to thent. 

jjQQplbriiK«bIy!to4ihe  fules  of  the  house,  a  committee  was 
appointed.  to.pi<epaie  tm.  answer  to  the  governor's  speech 
a^iinsttbeir  netet^ittiang,  and'the  assembly,  in  the  interim, 
ppDC^dded  ta  take  into  ccmsideratlon  the  settinn^nt  tb  'be 
nUideon  hfs  excdlenoj.  The  house  being  in  k  Committee, 
Mr.  Duke  tappped  a-  resolution  conceived  in  these  ivords, 
^  That  tfaq  dircumstaaces  of  tlie  people  of  this  island  can- 
not.affoed;  a  higher  settlement  upon  his 'ei^ellency,  not- 
withstanding the  high  sense  which  we  entertain  of  liis  merit, 
than  two  thousand  pounds  per  annum,  in  augBoientation  of 
the  home  ^^.hty,"  He  prefaced  his  motion  with  remarking, 
thtit  hia  esc^Uenc/s  gracious  «peech  deserved  eviry  testi- 
mony of  gratitiMk)  which  coutd  be  given'  by  the  ^assembly, 
cottsist^it  with  their  duty  to  their  constitnents.  It  must  be 
the  wish  of  every  member  of  that  house,  he  said,  to  distin- 
5 


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OF  BARBiH^OES.  4]«^ 

gtdab  ih&f,  pwtmkt  coaaaaxider  in  dnef'witb  a  m^Atutat  tft^nmu 
-  so  lew  liWtkt  thl»  that  nhitffa  bad  been-  isaxie  <Ma<  faif  fWl^  i^«°- 
deoeMOr ;  bu6  dctiag  tts  they  tnue^  tons  ddegseteik  cs^mdi^, 
^e^  wete  not  $kt  Itbeity  ta  ooaniA  tiuif  ronvJQ.iBdii]teti<»f».> 
llMy  wein^  liottod  lo,  ooDtkitor  the  stnedgUi  >eif  tEwve  fejr 
trlioQs  tili0  burtheniras  to  be  faorae;  and  fimalhe  depforx 
at^  slate  cf  the  <9oudtry,aflUdtedby:/a  variety  c^'evi)9  nd^ 
tc«al  a»d  potftioai,  the  peopkf  -wece  now  tillable  «« itottlk^  6 
prottiMOft  for  the  sojcfpdrt  of  gomemnwmt  e^uall  Mi  ^at  they 
l^d  dene endetr happier circuiastaoced.  'Id  cnrder, hd^t^ter^  . 
to  eriDte  a  dispositions  to. treat'  h«  e^icellendy  wi^  becotii<>- 
ing  munificence,  iti  the  event  of  a  more'prot^^erouj^  turn  it» 
Iheip  affahrft^  Mr.  Pukie  mored'a  «»tond  ]»e90li|Ho«r^  *^Tb^f 
m  case  hisr  Ms^jesty,  in  comideration:  of  l^mwiy  distretAieii 
and  calamities  that-  had  for  aeTiera)  ye«r»  past  overWbehsited 
his  faithful  and  loy^I  subjectis  of  this  colony,  should  ber 
graciously  pleased  to  relieve  tbein  ffoxn  the  payment  of 
the  f^r  and  a  half  per  cent,  daty  cm.  their  exported  com>^ 
modities,  the  asseinbly  would  make  an  additfonal  provisit^n: 
of  one  thousand  pounds  a  year  for  the  support  of  the  colo- 
nial  government.'*  ,      \  '  •  . 

Both  resolutions  were  strenuously  opposed  by  Mii  Jt.. 
Btimet  Jones,  who  thought  that  tW  aAAual  saving  o£  ona 
thousand  pounds  in  the  governor's  salary  was  not  an  object ;' 
•f  sufficient  yfJue  to  iaduoe  the  houas  to  aicquiesci^  ii|  a, 
measure  which  might  lender  his  excellency  inditfevmlii  if 
not  inimical,  to  the  interests  of  the  country ;.  €sp^ci«Jly  at 


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416  THE  HISTORY 

CHARXIH  t^is  particular  juncture,  when  they  were  critically  circum-* 
nsa  stanced.with  I'egard  to  their  application  for  relief  from  tlie 
i(m6rou&  impost  on  their  staple  products*  Mr.  Jones  fprofe^^^ 
ed  himself  an  advocate  for  economy  ;  but,  as  the  sum  in  dis« 
pute  would  not  exceed  three* pence  on  each  slave,  or  at  most 
twenty  shillings  on  each  plantation,  he  could  not  approve 
of  a  proposal  by  which  so  trifling  a  saving  was  put  in  com- 
petition with  an  object  infinitely  more  valuable.  He  did 
not  deny  that  frugality  was  necessary,  but  recommended 
that  a  reform  should  be  made  in  some  other  department,  in 
which  it  might  be  more  productive  of  advantage,  without 
the  same  risk  of  being  prejudicial.*  The  salary,  he  re- 
marked, was  given  for  the  express  purpose  of  supporting  the 
honour  and  dignity  of  government,  the  house  ought  there* 
fore  to  consider  that,  this  being  a  time  of  war,  the  expenses 
of  the  governor's  establishment  must  unavoidably  be  increas- 
ed, by  the  hospitality  with  which  his  rank  and  character 
jxiade  it  necessary  that  he  should  receive  and  entertain  the 
>  ofBcers  of  the  army  and  navy  on  the  station. 

To  these  solid  arguments  was  opposed  a  presumption, 
which  a  very  slender  knowledge  of  human  nature  would 
have  shewn  to  have  been  entirely  unfounded.     It  was  re* 


^  In  tbe  expenditure  of  stores  in  the  different  forts  a  saving  might  have  been  made 
i^icb>  far  from  being  detrimental  to  the  public  service,  would  have  reflected  credit  on 
the  government.  In  Speight's  divition  alone  the  waste  of  powder  at  this  very  time  ex« 
ceeded  the  sum  in  dispute* 


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OF  BARBADOES,  411 

plied,  that  the  governor  would  always  perform  the  duties  of  chap.Xhr 
h\i  station  uninfluenced  by  pecuniary  considerations.  Nor  ^^^' 
couldvhis  excellency  justly  entertain,  it  >Yas  said,  any  re* 
fient;mefnt  against  the  members  of  that  house  for  a  conduct 
eridently  proceeding  from  a  sense  of  public  duty.  Actuat- 
ed by  that  motive,  their  conduct  could  neither  give  offence 
nor  require  apology.  Were  only  the  opulent  possessors  of 
^laves  affected  by  the  payment  of  taxes,  Mr.  Duke  admitted^ 
that  the  reduction  proposed  would  indeed  be  trifling  and 
insignifiimnt ;  but,  as  the  weight  of  the  burthen  would  fall 
heaviest  on  people  of  middling  circumstances,  and  others 
pf  inferior  rank,  who  found  it  difficult  even  to  maintain  their 
families,  he  thought  that  the  smallest  saving  was  import' 
tant,  as.it  was  essential,  to  their  means  of  subsistence. 

Oh  a  question  so  interesting  to  his  country,;  Sir  John  Al* 
leyne  could  not  content  himself  with*  ^ving  a  silent  vote. 
Were  the  committee  to  be  influenced  by  ^personaV  consider- 
ations, the  amiable  character  of  General  Gunninghame,  he 
acknowledged^  claimed  the  utmost  exertion  of  their  bene- 
volence;  but  when  tlie  circumstances  of  the  pcpple  were 
adverted  to,  he  thought  their  accumulated  distresses  ren*- 
dered  them  unable,  to  indulge  their  native  generosity.  He 
took  a  comprehensive  survey  of  the  impoverished  state  of 
the  island;  and,  widi  his  usual  pathos,  expatiated  on  the 
^lameaitable  scenes  of  misery,  which  every  where  arrested  the 
attention.  The  failure  of  crops,  the  long  drought  at  a  cri- 
tical season,  the  privation  of  accustomed  supplies  from 

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418  Ttni  HISTORT 

CHAP^.  Amerid^  tHe  wreieked  conaitSoii  of  iheslave^  iriili  Ktpeet 
^'**  to  whom  faffiine  might  be  said  to  he  stalkiog  thorougii  itit 
hind ;  the  ssH6  of  p)antati<M)s  bj  decostal  orden  of  the  eourt 
of  ehanceiy  for  less  than  two-thirds  of  their  leftl  ^ne^  the 
idepopulation  of  others  torn  to  {H^ccs  bj  •xectUnoiw  'ftr  «Mrtv 
were  to|>ics  insisted  upon  wHh  great  truth  and  eaMigjv  to 
i^ew  the  positive  disability  of  the  peo{^  to  display,  that 
fiberality  in  supporting  the  dignity  of  their  first  nuq^istrate, 
which  they  had  done  in  more  prosperous  tines. 

He  remarked  that  the  coJcmial  si^ry  was  a  liee  gift  of 
the  p^opte ;  and  that  the  revenue  on  the  pcoduce  of  tiieir 
estates,  having  been  granted  to  the  crown,  among  otheirusea^ 
ior  that  df  paying  the  gov^noi^s  salary^  litey  wexe  under  a» 
obligation  to  raise  one  shilling  for  that  pmrpose.  In  ma 
historical  review  of  ^le  subject^  ^r  Joim.  sfaewod  that,  erea 
in  years  of  comparative  prosperity,  tiie  salary  had  ftoctuated 
a^seording  to  the  temper  of  ^e  assembfy,  from  two:  to  siic 
tiiousand  pounds.  And,  although  fbr  the  #re  pveeednig 
adrnmistnitions^  &e  settiement had  been  statioBavy  atthsee- 
^busand,  the  worthy  Bavmiet  contended  tliat,  upmaCEiir 
•ompoDson  of  tiie  cooditroa  of  the  couatry  «t  the  didfeneol 
periods^  what*  had  heea  fonoieriy  girvefr  migfat  be  Kibeacd,  aa^ 
m  parlr  of  our  abundance  to  the  usk  nnm^^paartvaoy  saadi^  i^ 
icripture,  fo  be  cast  ia4oth«-treiisu^;.  wfaittsi  afi; wehave- 
to  give  ia  this  dbpjK  of  cadaxDity  must:  be  tdinawa.  w.  hice  4^' 
foor  widow's  mite:  .),.:• 

Ihl  t^  oowrsd  of  (dM  diiibat»,.S»  John  Alt^yaeto^  f)epaiK 


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OF  BARBADOES.  419 

wm  to  obMnre,  that  the  proposed  commHtaiioti  of  t)^  four  charxui, 
and  a  half  percent,  duty  would  be  far  more  oppressive  thau     l^:**. 
the  original  imposition.    For,  however  grievous  the  dutj 
might  be^  aa  it  wa«  proportioned  to  the  anuual  produ<^  jpf 
tbeir  plantations,  it  was  |»eferable  to  ,a  certain  fi«:$e4  s^u^i^ 
which jaaust  be  raised  at  all  events,  and  under  everj  disap^ 
pdntment  from  a  failure  of  crops.    Besides,  as  all  sums  dae 
to  the  crown  were  entitled  to  a  priority  overall  private  coin*- 
tracts,  the  consequence  of  a  commutation,  upon  the  terras 
suggested,  would  be  injurious  to  the  credit  of  the  counjtry, 
and  accelerate  its  ruin.     Precluded  from  every  prospect  of 
relief  from  this  burthen,  by  the  interposition  of  superior 
authority,  he  insisted  that  it  was  inciunbent  on  the  a$semr 
bly,  as  faithful  guardians  of  the  public  interest,  to  dimini)»h 
the  load  for  themselves,  in  every  particular  junder  their  im- 
mediate controul. 

On  the  question  being  put,  the  motiofi  for  two  thousand 
pounds  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  by  a  majority  of  six- 
teen to  six ;  and  the  second  resolutipa  ^as  then  agreed  to, 
on  a  division  of  eighteen  to  four.  A  bill  was  immediateif 
{>repared,  agreeable  to  the  first  resolution^  and,  being,  i(ea4 
three  times,  passed  the  house.  Judge  Gittens,  who  h^^  y<?- 
served  his  sentiments  to  the  last  stage  of  the  business,  op- 
posed the  bin,  beca>ise  the  saving  intended  by  it  wfus  pitiful 
and  impolitie^  il£s  excellency,  he  reiqarised,  had  yucceed^ 
to  the  government  under  eircumstances^  which  most  npce;^- 
sarily  ceitiipel  him  to  HVe  at  a  greater  expense, than  ^.pre«^ 


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420  THE  HISTORY 

^^JJ^:^:^'^*  decessor  had  done.  He  had  brought  with  him,  Mr.  Gittens 
*^^^*  said,  a  strong  disposition  to  exert  his  interest  for  the  benefit 
of  the  colony ;  and  his  connexions  were  such  as  to  afford 
the  best  grounded  expectations  that  hisr  efforts  would  be 
successful,  if  they  were  not  obstructed  by  the  ungracious 
treatment  of  that  house;  which,  by  a  mere  parade  of  ecor 
nomy  might  stop  the  genial  current  of  his  good  intentions* 
and  lose  the  critical  moment  of  obtaining  the  Royal  favour 
and  indulgence. 

The  bill  having  been  sent  up  to  the  other  house  for  their 
concurrence,  was  returned  with  the  following  extraordinary 
message  :  "  The  council  have  passed  the  bill  for  the  better 
support  of  his  excellency,  and  the  dignity  of  the  govern- 
ment, as  they  cannot  amend  a  money  bill.  But  they  can?- 
not  help  expressing  their  concern,  at^  the  injudicious  saving 
therein  established,  as  offering  an  indignity  to  government, 
and  doing  discredit  to  the  island/'  The  speaker,  attended 
by  the  assembly,  waited  on  the  governor,  and,  after  an 
elegant  and  respectftil  speech  to  his  excellency^  offered 
the  bill  for  his  assent.  He  had  the  honour,  he  said,  pf 
presenting  his- excellency  with,  a  free  and  voluntary  gift  of 
the  people^  in  addition  to.  the  usual'salary  from  the  CrowB; 
which  also  arose  out  of  the  produce  of  the  lands  of  thi§ 
unfortunate  country :  unfortunate,  indeed,'  when  the  re? 
presentative  body  Vere  obliged  to  appear  before  his  excel- 
lency with  an  offering  so  much  inferior  to  their  inclinatioa 
and  his  merit.  But  such  were  the  melancholy  circumstances 


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OF  BARBm)OES.  421, 

of  tilie  people,  that  were  a  faithfijl  representation  of  their  chap.xiil 
wretched  state  exhibited  to  his  exceUe;ic/s  view,  it  would  ^^*^ 
rather  serve  to  shew,  that. they  had  nothing  to  give  than  to 
excuse  them  for  not  giving  more;  especially  when  the  dis^ 
appointment  which,  they  had  ex^perienced  in  the  expected 
relief  from. the  heaviest  of  their  burthens^  left  them  desti^ 
tutedf  every  resource  but  that  of  a  rigid  and  determined 
frugality  in  the  management  of  tl^e  little  that  renaained*,  Yet^ 
of  that  little,  they  fieely  presented  Jiiift^  with  a  part,  and 
^uch  a  part  too  as,  proportioned  to  their  real  circumstances* 
would  abundantly  testify  their  high. regard  for  his  charac- 
ter, and  the  aflfection  which  his  amiable  deportn^ent  had 
already  kindled  in  theiE  bosoms^ 

These  expressions  of  esteem  were  unable  to  soothe,  the 
vexation  of  disappointment,  or  to  soften  a  heart  indurated 
by   avarice.     His  excellency  replied,  "  I  find,   gentlemen,, 
that  you  have  begun  your  economical  reform  with  me,     I 
hope  you  mean  to  go  on  with  it,  as  I  am  persuaded  thfere 
is  an  ample  field-     I  flatter  myself  you.  will  believe,  that  I     • 
shall  endeavour  to  second  you  in  every  measure  for  tlie  ad- 
vantage of  the  island;  but  I  shall  not  give  my  immediate 
assent  to  this   bill ;  because^  by  your  resolve,  I  am  con- 
vinced, that  your  attempt  to  force  ministers  into,  a  nieasure 
which  they  are  certainly  inclined  to  adopt,  is  more  likely 
to  retard  than  to  forward  their  good  intentions/' 

A  more  indiscreet  answer  could  not  have  been  returned. 
Had  the  governor  concealed  his- ohagrin,  andrepeived  the 
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42|  THEffisrroRy 

^^A^^*  9ei^ipin^t  witk-«-  courtefty  equal  ta  the  pc^iteacss  with 
"^^  jHiichrit  wftfi  offered,  there  it  not  the  shadow  of  a  douht^ 
that  the,  assonbly  would  soon  have  displayed  their  wonted 
liJ^Orality,  by  an  augoientation  of  the  salary.  It  was  a 
jir)di!e-Yapour of  eooDomy«  whieh  tJ^.suashine  of  ^urtfa* 
VQur  would  soon  have  dispdled.  But,  whatever  diffstenct 
0f  opinion  may  exist  concerning  the  propriety  of  reducing 
the  governor's  salary,  it  caniK>t  be  denied,  that  the  motives 
which  influenced  the  majority  were  laudable.  "Hie  condi* 
jtionof  the  country  was  deplorable  and  disastrous  in  the 
*  extreme.  For  a  period  of  seven  years,  the  soil,  exposed  to  fro* 
quest  droughtis  <^  long  contiauaace,  had  lost  its  accus- 
tomed fertility ;  and  its  produce  was  destroyed  by  various 
i^cies  of  vcN-min,  not  less  destructive  than  the  vengeful 
tribes  which  afflicted  the  Egyptian  territory. 

On  tl;ie  back  of  these  physical  iJJs,  a  train  of  moral  and 
political  evils  epuued*  The  commerce  of  the  couatry  wajj 
almost  annihilated  by  swarms  of  hostile  cruisers,  which  in- 
fested the  oceanj  The  ne^^oes  were  4lmpst  starving :  and 
the  business  of  sugar-boiling  was  greatly  impeded,  for  wariit 
of  the  necessary  supplies  of  lumber  and  provisions  from 
America.  Many  of  the  finest  plantation  were  desolate 
by  the  c»pidity  of  rapacious,  relentless  erfcditore ;  the  slaves 
of  the  iodustrious  planter  were  sohi  at  public  auction  fdt 
less  than  half  their  v^lue,  and  transported  1»  the  Dutch 
letttementi;  t;heir  feuiWi^gp  v^r^  destroyed;  ^nd  some  of 
the  £uKfiit  portion^  o^  the  eartk  bwwn©  si  bftrren  waste,  Xf> 
5 


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OF  BARBADOEa  42$^ 


i&e  trtlfer  min  of  tbtiir  cmcfe  otMilent  possetsbff,  btd^  tftrCRWPira 
00  less 'manifesft  iiijurjr  of  their  janior  tredAtcm*  I&  wb  hm; 
lamciitablefttateof  things^  p^deote  inaperatively  ra^tHoed 
Ihe  mort  rigid:  econonly^  4x)<^  public  and  domostic.  Tet| 
4ili  tke  other  lusmd,  when;'  the  insi^ifiofflit'  adt^an^e^hidl. 
tecrued  to  each  indiyidnal  by  the  redvctioti  of  the  goverv 
lior'a  ftaJarj,  ift  contrasted  tritb  the  benefits  resuilrng  from  a^ 
Ibarmonioufr  nnioQ  between  the  respective  branches  of  the 
legialatiifev  it  b  at  least  prbbleuaticai^  whether  mxch  m 
tFiAiog  frugality  was^  worthy  the  a/tteaitioft  of  an  eaUightened 
,  legislature. 

Both  houstes  hariiig  met,  after  the  vnusfl  adjoumMenf^  Aagastfsfti 
Ihey  emboaced  the  opportunity  of  addreaiing  th^  govenloi* 
In  ana^er  to  ti»  s^aehv  The  addrei^  of  the  council  w^  a 
nervous^  well-written  comfositioot  abounding  wilhprdfeis-* 
jiiona  of  attcichment  to  their  countryv  of  loyalty  and  grati* 
lude  t^  the  Kkig^  and  of  the  inost  profound  respect  £Dr  his 
•xceUency.  That  of  the  .£»sembly  was  not  less  res^pectful 
fg^  conciliatory*  It  acknowledged,  in  the  mo»t  grateful 
terms^  the  many  instances  of  his  Marty's  paternal  care 
Ap4  goodness^  psunticularly  in.  the  eavly  ai>d  judicious  ap«^ 
j^ntment  oi"  a  g^njUeman^  of  his*  exc€fllency^s>  character, 
to  the  goveromenrt  of  the  island ;  one,  in  whom,  the  mosl^ 
fespe^table  and  useful  military  falentah  were  happily  united 
with  such  an  amiable  disposition,  as  allowed  them  to  ex- 
pect the  exertion  of  those  peculiar  powers  for  their  safety, 
liiitkaai  any  fear  of  daikget  to  thein  cij^il  lights.     But  whila 


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424  THE  HISTORY 

ci^^^^-  they' avowed  their  obligations  to  their  Sovereign  andlregard 
\7so.  -fo^  \^\^  reptesentative^  the  assembly  lamented  their  unfor<^ 
^tunate  situation,  which  deprived  them  of  the  means  of 
giving  his  .excellency  a  more  substantial  mark  of  their 
esteem,  in  the  provisions  made  for  the  support  of  hisxiig* 
nity.  Yet  they  indulged  the  pleasing  hope,  that  they 
should  be  enabled,  in  some  more  propitious  hour,  to  testify 
the  waitnth  of  their  regard  to  his  entire  satisfaction.  They 
acknowleged  the  propriety  of  attending,  as  far .  as  ihay  be 
efficacious,  to  their  internal  defence,  and  promised,  agree < 
ably  to  his  excellency's  recommendation,  to  adopt  some 
more  practicable  plan  of  rendering  their  military  force  ef- 
fective.- But  they  peremptorily  declared  their  unalte]:able 
determination,  after  the  immense  sums  which  they  had  al- 
ready voted  for  the  use  of  the  fortificatiolis,  to  raiseno  far- 
ther supplies  for  that  service,  however  fatal  the  conse- 
quences might  prove  to  the  very  preservation  of  the  people. 
Upon  the  wonted  goodness  of  his  Majesty,  and  the  courage 
and  prowess  of  the  navy,  they  should  trust,  under  Providence, 
for  protection.  They  concluded  wkh  the  assurance,  that 
whatever  benefits  they  might  derive  from  the  mildness  &nd 
equity  of  his  administration,  they  were  Sensible  they  could 
be  happy  only  as  they^hould  be  just  in  rendering  his  go^ 
vemn^ent,  as  far  as  depended  upon  them,  easy  and  happy 
to  hiiii.  .... 

It  required  not  the  gift  of  divination  to  perceive,  from 
the  whole  tenor  of  this  address,  that  the  germ  of  generosity 


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OFBARBADOES.  425 

■was  beginning  to  expand,  and  that,  by  proper  culture,  it  CHAP.xrir. 
would  soon  have  produced  the  most  grateful  fruits.     But,       i*7«<^- 
unluckily,  General  Cunninghame  possessed  not  the  art  of 
dherishing  and  maturing  the  tender  plant.     His  rough,  un- 
skilful hand,  repressed  its  delicate  growth,  and  Waited  its 
infantine  bloom.. 

With  the  illnatured  design  of  vexing  and  embarvapsingthe 
ats^nibly,  he  interrupted  their  deliberations  with  poeyish 
messages,   proposing  new  schemes  of  expense,    and  con- 
veying a  decided  censure  on  the  mafiagement  of  the  pub- 
lic concerns.     A  large  body  of  prisoners  of  war  .being,  at 
that  tiiiie  confined  in  the  common  gaol,  he  represented  to 
the  assembly  the  necessity  of  providing  a  place  in  the  inte- 
rior of  the  country  to  which  they  might  be  removed,   to  re- 
lieve the  inhabitants  of  the  mdtropolis  froi<i:,the  danger  of 
contagious  distempers.     The  house  repljedi  thfir^  was^  no 
place  of  sufficient  security  in  the  coimtry  to  which  the  pri- 
soners could  be  removed,  nor  were  the  inhabitants  able  to 
take  upon  themselves  the  charge  of  providing  fqr  th.era,. 
They  requested  his  excellency,  therefore,  to  prevail  on  thc; 
admiral  to  send  them  to  Europe  in  the  fleet  then  ready  to 
sail ;  but,  if  they  were  to  remain  on  the  island^  the  assem- 
bly apprehended  it  to  be  the  duty  of  the  commissary  t0 
provide  for  their  accommodation,  as  he  received'  fui,  aiople 
recompense  from  the  Crown  for  his  expense  aud^roiable. 

This  message  was  inmiediately  followed  by  another,  pur- 
porting,  that  his^  excellency  had  hired  a  small  vessel,  to 

3  I 


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^ 


I  4S6  THE  HISTORY 

J  » 

^^JjAp™-  convey  mteHigeiice  to.  ike  naval  comm ftwi^f  at  %i«t  Li^^ 
^'^^^^  cia^  of  the*  surrender  of  Gbaries-t^wii ;.  and  ^Cisiriug*  tl;iat  the 
assembly  woald  provide  for  the  paymeat  of  the  carter ;  iV 
would  be  difficult  to^assigo  any  good  reaao^  £01:  ^bts  beiQg, 
done;  but  as  the  expense  did  BQJt  exoe^  forty  pounds,,  the. 
assembly  complied  with  his  request.  This  produced  a  fresh 
demand  to  pay  the  salaryof  a  proper  o^icer  to  be  ^yppioyed 
by  his  exoeUenoy  to  visit  flags,  of  truce,  and  otbier  foreign 
vessdls^  arriving  in  Garlisle^bay •  A  ^qipt  compUance  wit^. 
this  requisition  evinced  tiie  wish  of  the  assembly  to  gratify/ 
his  excellency  in  all  Im  rpasonabk  defiireA.:  they  imani* 
mousVy  voted  a?salwy^o<f  fifty  pounds  a  year  to.  the  perspa 
employed  on^thisi service,,  who  wa3  dignified  with  the  title, 
of  captain  of  the  port?*i  , 

The  house  had  just  entered,  upon  the  awisij^eflfation  of  a^ 
bill  toprovide  for  thje  expenses  of,  governwent  forthe  cnt- 
rent  year,  when  theywepe  summoBed  to  attend, his  excel- 
lency in  the  council  chamber.  He  informed  thesji  tjiat  he 
sa'w,  with  astonishment  an4  conoem,  tl^ia  respectable  c(^ 
lony^eft  viA  an  empty  treasury,  a  naaga^ine:  witbipuik  stoi^esi 
and;  a  ^umerdus  train  of  distressed.  credi)t(kni.  '^^  ^^^^ 
voidable  consequenees,  be  remarked,  must  be  the  destnw- 
tlon.  of  public  credit^  and  a  stagnation,  of  alii  biMiness^ 

To  guard^  against  the  evila  incident  tx>  sudu  a  states  he 
nrged  the'^assing  of  a  constitutional  levy  bill*    The  housa 

'         "■'    ■■h-i'iii  ■'■       >'      '■■     mill     ■      I  I  ..Jii        HI-      MHiinn  11       >iiiw     WWII  !>■  ■■wiiiii  I  I i»ii^>>^><     M 

*  In  Mtt  times  tbe  talary  of  this  offi^r  bar  beeo  tncttaaM to  ^ifta^  ]p^f»f^* 


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of  BAttMDOES;  Uf 

<H!cortRftgly  gdt  fltt-ottp^  the  bill)  befi>re  they  rose,  and  seat  O^J^i*** 
ft  op  to  the  coaneil  for  their  concuTWooe.  Finding  that  th6  *^^* 
bill  was  Jtejiugnattt  to  the  royal  instructions,  on  the  vetj  point 
i^hich  liad  bden  so  frequently  canvassed,  and  decided  by* 
iiiperiot  aiithiority;  the  cotmcil  rejected  it ;  and  the  goveN 
nori  aiMcious  to  have  it  passed,  consnlted  the  atbotttey 
iand  soiicitbr-genetal,  il^hose  report,  with  a  copy  of  the 
instructions,  'was  sent  to  the  assembly;  but  they  were  ftv- 
flexible;'  they  would  pass  no  other  levy  bill,  though  the 
public  creditors  had  not  been  paid  for  Sixteen  months. 

Having  gone  through  the  whole  of  the  busihess  before 
them,  the  house  were  called  upon  by  Mi*.  Duk^  to  express 
a  proper  resentment  at  the  unparliatneritdry  message  re- 
ceived from  the  council  at  their  former  meeting.  The  hap- 
piness of  every  government,  he  said,  consisted  in  tlie  lindis* 
turbed  enjoyment  of  the  constitutional  powers  Belonging 
to  each  department.  Where  a  legal  pfrivilege  was  exercis- 
ed, if  alDiise  or  defamation  followed,  the  tendency  must  fee 
to  encroach,  to  irritate,  and  to  throw  the  whole  system  into 
disorder  and  confusion.  The  constitution  had  enirtiit^ 
the  popular  branch  of  the  legislature  with  the  right  of  rais- 
ing  and  disposing  of  the  public  money.  The  power  bt  de- 
termining the  sum  to  be  raised,  atrtd  the  serviced  td  wtiJth  it 
should  be  applied,  betotrged  exclusively  to  the  represierita- 
tives  of  the  peopte.  Arguments  were  rendertid  unnece^slity 
by  the  counciFs  admission  that  they  coufd  riot  amend  a 
money  bill.     But  thfcn  £hey  could  have  rejected  it    Ttt 

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Mlt  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP-xnr.  consent  to  a  measure  and  to  vilify  it  too  was  unfrnxjedented 
>78a  m  all  legislative  proceedings.  Mr,  Duke  proved,  from  the 
parliamentary  records,  that  the  House  of  Commons  would 
aevcE  suffer  any  aspersion  from  a  peer,  even  at  a  free  con- 
ference, without  shewing  a  suitable  resentment,  and  bring- 
ing the  offender  to  condign  punishment.  What  then,  he 
asked,  must  be  the  feelings  of  that,  assembly  on  an  attack 
from  the  whole  council,  clearly  calculated  and  deliberately 
cpptrived  to  interrupt  the  good  correspondence  which  ought 
to  exist  between  the  commander  in  chief  ^nd  the  represien- 
tatives  of  the  people  ? 

After  offering  a  variety  of  arguments,  to  convince  the 
house  that  they  could  not,  consistently  with  their  own  dig- 
nity, enter  the  message  on  their  journals,  unaccompanied 
by  a  proper  animadversion  on  its  irregular  and  illiberal 
contents,  Mr.  Duke  moved  a  resolution  to  this  effect,  that 
the  council's  message,  at  their  last  meeting,  respecting  the 
settlement  upon  the  governor,  is  extraordinary,  indecent, 
and  unparliamientary.  Extraordinary,  that  they  should 
give  their  assent  to  a  measure  which  they  considered  to  be 
an  indignity  to  government,  and  discreditable  to  the  island; 
indecent,  because  it  casts  an  illiberal  reflection  upon  the 
judgment  of  the  assembly,  upon  a  point  where  the  consti* 
tution  has  fixed  the  right  of  judging,  in  the  first  instance, 
for  the  credit,  as  well  as  for  the  interest  of  the  pubhc; 
unparliaraentaryi  as  tending  to  interrupt  that  harmony  and 
good  will  between  the  governor  and  the  house  of  assembly, 


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OP  BARBADOES.  429 

so  essential  to  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  the  coboh  chap^hi 
munity.f  ;  upon  motives  beneath  the  dignity  even  of  ap-  ^^^^ 
right  individuals,  and  yet  more  unbecoming  the  second 
branch  of  the  legislature.  Upon  the  question  being  put, 
the  resolution  was  agreed  to,  the  members  for  Ghristchui^h 
alone  dissenting ;  and  a  copy  of  it  was  sent  to  the  council, 
who  sustained;  in  suUea  silence,  the  reproof  of  their  in- 
discretion.  '  /       . 

Op  their,  next  meeting,  the  assembly  received  the  go*  sept.5. 
vemor'ls  reply  to.  their  ;  address,  in  answer  to  the  speech, 
filled  with  the  most  insulting  reproaches  and  illiberal  invec- 
tives. He  afFi?cted  to  consider  their  professions  of  confi- 
dence and  esteem .  among  the: greatest  honours  of  his^  life ; 
and.  wished  that  their  favourable  opinion  of  him  might  in- 
duce.  them  to  render  back,  to  the  proper  bmnch  of  the 
constitution,  the  appointment  of  the  treasurer  and  store- 
keeper, of  which  they  had  usurped  the  disposal;  and 
which,  he  was  persuaded,  was,  in  a  great  measure,  the 
source  of  that  profusion  of  which  they  so  justly. com  plained. 
He  was  sorry  to  observe,  that  the  misfortunes  which  they 
attributed  to  bad  seasons,  were  principally  owing  to  cor^ 
ruption  in  their  present  system  of  government ;  and  the 


♦  The  learned  member  might  have  found  abetter  reason  in  Black.  Comm.  r,  1,  p. 
l83.  It  is  a  rule  of  parli amenta  when  the  house  of  lords  reject  a  bill,  that  no  further 
notice  is  taken  of  it>  bat  it  puses: ^'^en^^  to  prevent  uDbecoqoipgmltercati^ni, 


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430  'I'HE  HISTORY 

cHAP.xm.  continual  encrbachments  which  they  were  making  on  ttcc 
'780.      executive  power,  were,  he  i^id,  partly  the  cause  of  that 
waste  of  the  public  money,  do  notoriotid  to  every  unprieju* 
diced  observer. 

Heregi'etted  that  the  exertions  which  he  had  made,  b^ 
fore  he  left  Engliand,  in  promoting  m^asure^  advantageous 
to  the  inland,  should  have  been  so  illiberally  requited  by 
their  prescribing  terms  respecting  the  settlement,  highly^ 
irtiproper  for  his.  acquiescence.    When  they  made  a  prOt 
vision  for  him,  as  the  King's  representative,  they  ought; 
he  told  them,  to  have  remembered  the  necessary  eip^Mes 
attending  his  situation,  from  the  high  price  of  every  article 
of  domestic  adcommbdation  ;  and  had  their  donative  beeiL 
more  liberal,  he  should  hare  thought  it  incumbent  on'hiiA 
to  support  his  commission  with  greater  dignity.    Their  for- 
tifications, he  affirmed,  were  inadequate  to  their  defence ; 
and,  though  surrounded  with  danger,  they  had  declared 
that  they  would  raise  no  farther  supplies  for  Ihdbr  oHvn  pro^ 
tectioa;  a  declaration  which  could  not  fail  to  inspire  the 
ejoettiy  with  joy.    He  earatttfy  exhorted  them  to  lay  aside 
that  spirit  of  contention^  which,  he  said,  wasbut  too  visible 
in  their  proceedings ;  to  live  with  proper  econonky,  the 
OAly  means  of  retrieving  embarrassed  circumstances;  and 
to  employ  themselves  in  framing  wise  laws,  on  constitu- 
tional priincijpl^SBt  which  wpujd  restore  credit  to  their  finaA^ 
<x^  energy  to  ^eir  governiaetit,  «ki  that  lustee'  to  the 


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OFBARMDOES.  '        4S1 

uOAod  vhkh  formerly  upheld  it,  as  a  model  of  order  and  ciup-Xiil 
lojwdtjf,  to  this  part  of  his  Majesty's  dotninioas.  ^*^ 

NQtfhing  could  have  been  more  inciMisistcnat  and  impru- 
dent^ than  this  illiberal  and  uhparlianMutary  message*  Six 
weeks  had  mot:  elapsedi  since  ^the^yeroor  had  commei^d 
the  assembly  for  ipaintaiping  the  character  of  loyalty  to 
tleue  King;^^i)d  attaobm^t  to  the  ootstitutioQ,.  whieh.bad 
^)eeii  traqamit^d  toi^theia  &om  their  ajicestors ; .  and  fbr  tb0 
preftervakion  of  that  good  older  and  tKanquiUity,  wh?eh 
proved  the  wisdom  of  their  councils,,  undisturbed  by  vio- 
lence and  faction.  Yet  no  sooner  was  their  conduct  seedt 
with  the  jauadiced  eye  of  disappointment,  than  ite  copi- 
plexion  was  changed ;  the.  go]?er»ment  ,appeared  cord-upt 
in  its>aystei»,  and  administered  witii  profusion^  th^  legisla- 
ture seemed  employed  ia  continual  encroacl^eaents.  pa  thf^ 
e«ecufeive  power,  and  ils  proceedings  actuated  by  a, spirit 
of  contention^  Dedawtjtipns  90  oppopite,.  and  irreqoncile- 
aWe^  ijwolved  bis  eweUencji  in  tljtls  , dilemma  ;  either  bis 
panisgyric  iwas  undeserved,  and  originated  in  the  unworthy 
wrotdv^  of  effecting  hij&  stniMer  designs  by  venal  adulation* 
Of  ihia  subsequent  aspersiohs,^  were  the  *ngrj  ebullitions  of 
d^ppoiated  av^urke.  Be  thi3  as  it  may,  this  imprudeat 
stepf  A¥BB  seiriously  condemned  by  Lord  George  Germainte^ 
^*  It  wa^  A  great  poncern  to  me,''  said  his  lordship^  ia'a 
iQttejr  tQr<ii>vernoi^QanninghamC;,  "  to  ^nd  that  your  an- 
.awerto  th&  address  qoataipe4  so  much  matter  for  coaten- 
tioAand'iU}h'WU»uf>  a^d  some  expressions^  which  might  he 


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43J  THE  HISTORY  ' 

^^JJ^;^;^*  expected  to  excite  resentment  in  minds  already  heated, 
^^^^^  and  disposed  for  inflammation.  The  address  of  the  assem- 
bly certainly  did  not  call  for  such  severe  reprehension,  and 
the  introduction  of  new  subjects ;  and  besides  censuring 
past  transactions  in  an  answer  to  an  address,  wa^  irre- 
gular." ' 
This  intemperate  message,  which  was  immediately  pub-^ 
lished,  by  his  :excelleiicy''S  directk>ns^  in  a  common  news* 
paper,  prodijced  an  instantaneous  flQ,me  in  the  house,  and^' 
destroyed  every  hope  of  an  amicable  termination  of  the 
dispute.  Fired  with  resentments  the  assembly  immediately 
appoi;ited  a  committee  to  prepare  a  raehiorial,  vindicating 
themselves  against  the  indecent  aspersions  of  the  governor. 
But  when  the  niemorial  was  presented,  in  th^ijHMwkform, 
his  excellency  declined  receiving  it.                                        * 

Sept.  19.  TIhs-  paper  wap  drawi^Hip  with  great  tamper,  moderation, 
and  firmness.'  ^ 'be  silent,  iander  the  accumulated  charges 
which  his  e^i:<^eHe^lcy  liad:brougbt  $gaif>9t  tl^m^  the  assem- 
bly said,  might  lbe'<:9nst*aed  into  an  acknowjedgm^t  of 
guijt;  and  to  reply,  in  a  manner-^  syited  to  4heir  sen^  of 
the  injurious  treatment  which  they  had  received^,  w^  no 
inconsiderable  difficulty  in  addressing  the  representative 
of  a  Monarch,  for  whose  person  they  entertained  the  most 
inviolable  esteem,  and  U>  whose  ^oviernment  they  were  at- 
tached, by  every  principle  of  duty  ai^  affection.  Con- 
sidering the  govemoVs  remark  on  the  power  whicih  they 
exercised,  respecting  the .  treasurer  and  storekeeper,  as  a' 

I    . 


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0FBARBAD0E5.  433 

formal  demaiid  of  those  appointments,  they  seriously  de-  *^^JJ^^:^^' 
clared  that  they  would  never  be  persuaded  to  surrender  the  *''^^* 
right  of  appointing  those  officers,  which  they  had  holden 
from  time  immemorial,  by  the  peculiar  fkvour  and  indul- 
gence of  the  crown"*.  Nor  could  they  conceive  on  what 
ground  his  excellency  had  formed  the  opihion,  equally  in* 
furious  and  unjust,  that  the  right  of  the  assembly,  to  the 
disposal  of  those  offices,  was  the  source  of  public  profusion. 
By  the  laws  of  the  country,  all  orders  for  the  payment  of 
jnoney,  or  the  disbursraientB  of  stores,  must  originate  with 
.the  commander  in  chief,  in  council,  consequently  the  pro- 
fusion  which  was  the  subject  of  complaint,  could  not,  with 
any  appearance  of  justice,  be  imputed  to  the  assembly. 
Equally  inexplicable  was  the  assertion,  that  the  misfortunes 
which  they  imputed  to  bad  seasons,  were,  in  a  great  njea- 
sure,  owing  to  corruption  in  the  system  of  govermnent. 
But  they  assured  his  excellency  of  their  readiness  to  join 
in  the  most  rigid  inquisition  into  the  crime,  for  the  two-fold 
purpose  of  procuring  reparatioA  Of  the  wrong,  and  of  in- 
flicting the  most  exemplary  punishment  on  the  delinquents; 
With  regard  to  the  charge,  that  their  encroachments  oft 
the  executive  power  were  the  causes  of  the  waste  of  the 


*  Hie  members  of  the  assembly  socceed  to  these  offices  themseWes,  in  a  triennial 
rotation,  as  a  reward  for  their  legislative  senrnres^  and  farm  them  to  the  persons  by 
whom  they  are  executed  at  three  hundred  poimds  a  year,  ' 

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434  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP^it  public  mbnej>  tbey  defied  the  goveniot  to  Q&nie  a'^iagfe 
*^*^*  iostance  in  which  they  had  infringed  the  prenogiEitive  or 
usurped  a  power  not  expressly  warranted  by  law;  oria 
which  they  had  exercised  their  constitutional  rights  wnia- 
iluenced  by  motives  of  the  purest  bepevolence»  directed  to 
the  attainment  of  some  public  good*  They  famented  tliat  tb* 
salary  of  bis  excellency  should  still  be  a  subject  of  altercattoiw 
afler  all  that  they  had  humbly  and  respectfully  offered  ia 
tdnfdioation  of  the  abridgment.  Had  they  gii^en  the  full 
weight  to  the  consideration,  mentioned  by  his  excellency^ 
of  the  advanced  price  of  the  necessaries  of  lifot  ^kaoiviqi; 
JiDw  much  the  people  bad  suffeiedt  for  #  4»eiie8  of  yeai% 
irom  this  very  cause,  they  would  have  beea  dkcouraged 
Imn  making  auy  settlement  at  all,  instead  of  that  wJuch 
they  had  fnade  under  every  disadvantage. 

Respecting  the  fortifications,  they  attempted  to  justify 
tbeif  reseliiilions  on  the  plea  of  necessity,  contendii^  that 
fta  the  impoverished  state  of  the  country,  it  would  be  folly 
.  and  wicjiodness  to  impose  additional  burthens  on  a  people 
Mn^gglittg  under  a  Umd  of  taxes^  which  tliey  were  unable 
io  bear.  Whether  in  their  future  conduct  tliey  should  be 
#0  happy  as  U»  eiliibii  6uch  a  model  of  order  and  loyalty, 
9S  in  his  excellency's  opinion  might  be  deemed  worthy  of 
tmitntiop,  the  memeriali«te  oould  not  determine ;  but  tJiey 
would,  at  least,  furnish  an  example  of  integrity  and  inde- 
pendence becoming  tlie  representatives  of  a  free,  yet  loyal, 
colony.  And  they  concluded  witli  the  assurance,  that  there 
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OF  BAftBADOn.  4S5 

was  no  dvU  right  giwGi  ihem  bj  the  laws  and  constittittQn  ^^JJI^JJJ^ 
of  their  country,  which  they  would  either  cease  to  holdy  or      *^^ 
ceasti  to  exercise,  whenever  the  public  welfare  called  for 
its  exertion. 

'    Whatever  censure  the  message  of  the  governor  might  have 
incurred,  for  it9(  intemperance  and  incionsistency,  it  oiust 
•be  confessed,  that  some  of  the  charges  which  it  contained, 
'were  not  altogether  groundless.    The  proceedings  of  the^ 
asisembly,  for  nearly  a  centuiy,  hitd  been  distinguished  by 
fire^uent  attonpts  to  encroach  on  the  prerogative  of  the 
'Ctowu,*  nob  in  the  appointment  of  public  officef&i  oiily,  but 
by  endeavouring  to  usurp  an  undue  controuL  oyer  the  dis^ 
*  posal  of  the  public^  money.    These  clairais  had  given  rise  tof 
'  frec(uent  disputes  between    the  difierent  branches  of  the* 
legislature,  which  had  been  as  frequently  decided  ftgainst 
the  assembly.     But  with  regard  to  the  ii6niination  of  thef 
treasurer  and  storekeeper,  the  point  had  b^en;  formally  cdn- 
ceded  to  them,  full  seventy  years  before,  by  an  ofder  of      ^ 
Queen  Anne,     Under  this  sanction,  tibey  have  suicoesslively    ^ 
assumed  the  right  of  appointing  the  comptroUer  of  thci  e«J 
cise,  the  harbour-master,  an  inspector  of  weights  and  to^- 
sures,  a  ganger  of  casks  in  each  of  the  fonftpwn9i  asd 
twelve  inspectors  of  cotton*     I  shall /not.  stop  to  inquire, 
whether  the  government  is  better  administered,  iii;  conse- 
quence  of  this  assumptiolL  of  executive)  :autheari]ty  ;  it  is 
sufficient  that  it  is  contrary  to  the  principles  of  the  EngKsh 

■   3  -K  2 


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4S6  THEHISTOEY 

CHAKXiiL,  constittttipp..  .1^  is  a  right ^  unjcno^n  to  the  howfe .  of • 
1780.     commons..  '        i  ,/ 

,  pf  the  profusipa  imputed  to  the  gov^^rftment^  the  proof 
iBi^t  easily  have  been  found  in  every  diviakm :6f  th^ 
island.    The  unbounded.^  ifa&fte;of  store^^i  pskrtftcularly  oft 
glinpoiyder,  was  indeed  a  grievaiice  of  no  small  magnitude^ 
]but  here>  the  remedy  wa^  in  the  governor's  own  hands.    No  t 
stores  could  be  obtained  b^t  by  hjbsi  es^cellencyV  or der  on 
the  store-keeper.    Over  this  departpient. the  assembly  had 
no  control.    An  abuse  of  power  is  too  often  the  only  means^  ^ 
by  which  men  of  weak  and  sordid  minds  display  dieir  autho- 
rity and  consequence.    At  eadi  convivial  meeting  of  the 
militia  officers^  their  loyalty  and  patriotirai  were  celebrated 
at  the  public  expense  by  the  repeated  discharge  of  cannon, 
not  unfrequently  e:|Lceeding  a  hundred  in  number.     Ohr 
these  occasions,  half  the  quantity  of  powder,  allottedfor  the 
charge  of  each  gun,,  was  ^r^served  for  the  benefit  of  the 
chief*gunner. 

Mr.  Estwick,  the  colonial  agent,  was  now  doomed  to 
feel  the  weight  of  the  governor's  ctispleaaure.  His  excd** 
lency  attribute  the  abridgment  of  his  ^lary  to  tlmt  gen^  - 
tlems^n's  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence,  intimat--^ 
ing  that. General  Cunninghame  had  received  instructions 
from  the  crown  to  commute  the  four  and  a  half  duty.  Be- 
$i4es  this^tbe^s^gent)  a^  a  memkMx  of^parliannent^  had  «^-^ 
dered  him^&lf  o^ojt^^^  by  opposing  their 


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OF  BAHBADOES.  437 

measufes.  For  these  reasons  the  governor  Yejected  the  bill,  chjpxul 
which  h»d  been  unanimously  passed  by  both  houses,  re-  ^'^^^^ 
appointing  Mr,  Eetwick  to  the  agency.  Nothing  is  more 
dear  than  that  the  raght  of  electing  their  OMm  agent  should 
be  exercised  by  the  council  and  assembly,  independently 
of  the  commander  in  <:hief.  For  as  it  is  the  duty  of  that 
minister  lOiCmivey  4o  the  royal  ear  the  complaints  of  the 
people,  suffering'  under  the  incapacity,  tyranny  and  injustice 
of  th^r  rulers,  the  governor's  ^  vetoy  in  this  case,  must- 
necessarily  supersede  and !  destroy:  the  very  end  and  object) 
of  the  office;.. 

As  a  constituent  part  of  the  legislature,  the  governor,  i t  is« 
true,  possesses>  a  negative  on  all  acts  of  the  assembly,  but 
this  power  is  given  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  King's* 
prerogative  from  invasion;  and  the  agent's  bill  being  of*  a^ 
particular  nature,  jresulting  from- the  peculiar  circumstances  ^ 
of  the  cok>nial  constitution,  the  right  of  negation  is,  at^ 
leasts  questionable.  The  inference  from  analogy  is  de^- 
oisively  against  it.  In  En^and  no  bill,^  and  especially  ai 
money  biU^  notaffwtiiig  the  rights  of*tlie  crown,  which  had 
been  passed  by  both  houses  of  psfriiam^it,  was  ever  rffjected^ 
by  the  King.  But  what  occasion  ie.  there  f^M^  a  particular 
law  to  ap()oint  aa^  agent  i  -.A  vote  of  the  house  of  assembly, 
would  be  Mtffioient ;  )and  th^  *  payment  of  his  salary  might 
be  provided -ibr  in.  theaomud^ery 4m1U  a»  in  tHe^^case  of  the- 
other  officers  of  the  house.  In  the  passage  of  this  bill,  the 
governor  is  generally  too  much  interested  to  suffer  his  per* 


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43S  THE  HISTOEY    , 

CBJJJjO-  s6nai  resentment  to  obstruct  it. .  To  preserve  tbe  {mvilege 
^^^'     of  electing  an  a^ent,  in  coojuQctioh  with  the  cdmcil,  tho^ 
assembly  resolved  to  nominate  tio  othier'pfersan  to  tfcfat: 
Office,  and  to  allow  Mr.  Estwidk  the  usual  sqilArj^  ai  if  fa»> 
appointment  had  bten  confirmed  bj  the  governor.  ' 

Matters  having  how  ccuiiie  to  aii>extremity  betweeoihlr 
excellency  and  tbe  assembly,  both  sides  pre^iared  for  tfamr 
jUstificatioh  by  aA  appeal  to  the  secbetary  of  statfe,  in  w^hose;^ 
department  the  colonies  lay*     With  this  vidw  the  speake^^ 
by  order  of  the  holise,  transmitted .  to  *Mr.  Estwick  the  ' 
minutes'of  their  proceedings  from  General  CuDmnghame's> 
airival  to  their  latest  meeting,  with  direction^  to  lay  them  ; 
before  Lord  George  Germaine.     At  the  ;same  tinie  the 
governor  wrot^  to  the  noble  secret^ry^  complairiiog  of  the 
little  harmony  which  he  found  surbsistihg  between  tlie  couocil 
and  the  assembly.    This  disagreement,  he  imputed  to  the 
ftCCtioiis  designs  of  Sir  John  G,  AUeyne  and  Mr.  Duk^, 
The  irifloehce  which  the  former  derived  from  bis  talents, 
probity  and  disiete^kstedness,  wa^ .  invidiously  bscribed  Uy 
blLei  causes.    Ilis  power, -t4ie go veroot*  said,  arost  ffom  bit 
being  emplayed.iaa  attorney  to  a  nunrber  of  absentees;  and» 
with  a  "view -ticy  his  lordship's  interfering  to  abridge  th|it 
power>be  p^ticiildrly  jmentiotied  that:8xi!  John  AUeyne  acted 
Vfk  l^l^.i^^Nf^iy;  for  the  Society  £)if  the  propagation  of  the 
Gospely  and%  Gaftoin  Reyndds*,  of  the  imvy,  piitentecl 

.-  ..'  .  ^»  MiintuikhatdlMki,    "  "  -■    '''  '«   •"  "    ■'    -"^ 


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OF  BAR6AD0ES.  ^^ 

of  thi^  warsha^'s  office.     Henoe  Im  loKl«hip  would  perceive,  CHAPXiif. 
tha^  those  peo|de  who  ought  to  fttrengtheo  the  hamjs  of  *     /^?®* 
goveroor  were  eacreasing  the  pow^r  of  a  popular  leader^ 
who  constantly  opposed  the  measures  of  government,  aad 
was  read j^  whea  thwarted  in  hU  pui^posesj  to  throw  everj 
tbmg  lAtp  (difiwder  .and  confudioa. 

Ifi  thi^  ien^eif  l^is  exceileucy  <x>ngratiilated.  himself  oa 
having  the  advice  of  two  such  able  lawyers  as  the  attori^ 
a«iM>liit:itorg|^iieral*5  the  f<Arn\er  of  Wthoo^  h^  particularly^ 
necomnefided  lo  his  Mujestyj^.apd  JUialed  th»t  hi9  salarjr 
iwght  .ift!be  ,earer;eased  and  paid  by  the  crowpir    Ml  i\f0 
pnocipa^  f[>ffit:es  be^u^v^&ted  in  .piaten^ee$>  who  iarmed  thooi 
outito  !lha  highest  biddera,  wasa  cinQUi^istance,  his  excd'^ 
leDcy.rewiarked,  which  extremely.  Umitckl  Uip  ppwer  of  ♦ 
commander  in  chipf,  aiad  disabled  him  froin  conducting  th^; 
business  of  government  with  energy  ana  effect  f-.     Eitifjer 
i^ceived  himseUV  ^^  willhag  to.  impose  upon  the  credulity/ 
ctf  hif,  palJEon,  his  .efcelleucy  proceeded  py  stajte  that  Jthfi 
memprial  which  he  ba,d  Jcefu3ed.  to  r£ceiv45  Jfrom  Jtlip  a.ssem*^ 


■>'i  '     ■*!! »>'!■'  i«Mt     'I' 


*  The  Hon.  Iff.  Moore,  the tWcr  j.  wii  Chtika  Brandfiird,  fisqoivt* 
H  anUmg  ia^ttam  likictk  a«rlbu«i4  tp  lessen. tb«inflMff«ce|Qr<tl^  cwiMi^ia 
AttWric^,Mr.;Sfoh(CV'chief  ijwticep;  pe^r^^a^  mention*  a$  one  of  ibe  ino«t  material 
ihe  fw-,al  practice  of  bestowing  almost  every  lucrative  office  in  the.  pruvnicet,  that . 
could  be  exercised  by  deputy,  on  person^  residing  In  Englafti    'Siiikti^Cimsi.^^^ki- 
Vdonits,  p.  13S:    «Lrtice  U  woiAd  seem  Uiat  Ihii  »iiteibif-Jf  f»kk  «ffiaia  iHJdit 
•4lom^  rfucated  b»;d«Hrtlw»  w^  pnf;>va^ra»kfe  if  A^  iJifl  Wfli^y  ^itia  per* 
nicious  to  the  people.  ,      ^ 


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4¥>  THE  HISTORY 

^^^Pj^^  bly  had  given  .great  offence  *to  people  in  general ;  ^  was 
-  I7B0.  therefore  induced  to  hope,  now  theilr  iU-humour  hiu! 
evaporated,  that  the '  assembly  would  consentto  pass  <a 
proper  levy  bill;  if  not,  it  would T>e  ex(>^i6nt  jto  tUasoIvef 
them ;  and  as,  -from  their  absurd  conduct;  ih^-  )iad  loert 
their  popularity,  he  entertained  the  most  sa^gtilne  e&peo- 
tations  ^f  the  advantages  to  be  derived  froda^  a  «cw 
election. 

^  Nothing  could  have  l>een  more  fallacious  ttmn  this  tcj^is* 
ihentation  of  the  state  of  the  public  niind«  Nor  is  it  difficult 
to  conjecture  by  whom  his  excellency  was  misldtl.  The 
council  of  Barbadoes  had  ever  been  Temarkable  for  a  com^ 
pliance  with  the  wishes  of  government.  The  two  leading 
members  of  this  board  were  Mn  Henry  Frere  and  Mr. 
*  Ireneus  Moe.  Of  these  the  former  was  haughty,  reserved 
and  austere.  With  an  understanding  more  solid  than 
splendid,  he  possessed  an  inordinate  ambition,  which  led  him 
to  support  the  most  arbitrary  measures  of  government.  A 
strenubus  advocate  for  the  authority  of  the  crown,  he  natu* 
rally  became  the  opponent  of  Sir  John  G.  AUeyne,  who 
was  uniformly  the  noble,  erect  and  zealous  ass^tor  of  the 
tights  of  the  people.  •  Between  these  competitors  for  fame 
and  power,  .personal  animosity  had  succeeded  to  political 
ijontroversy  i  and  -Mr.  Frere  was  generally  anxious  to  em* 
brace  any  opportunity  of  piquing  and  mortifying  his  popu-r 
lar  rival,  by  an  inconsiderate  opposition^  too  often  incom« 
patible  with  the  pubhc  welfare.  \    ^ 


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t>P  BARBADOIS.  441 

11»  a  joand  jttjgmeiii,  Mr.  Moe  umted  a  brilliant  imagi-  ^^'SiJi/*' 
^atioQ)  and  a  private  worth  without  a  st^iK  Nor  is  it  easy  ^'^^' 
to  recoboifoi  with  bit  respectable  character^  the  {lart  which 
^  bore  ia  supfK>rting  Go^ertior  Caaniaghanie's  arbitrary 
Mid  iMegM  admmistratioD.  To  the  coansek  of  these  men, 
Qeaeral  Cunoinghame  seems^  ia  a  great  measure^  to  have 
TMtgned  himself;  while  actuated  by  a  perverted  ambitioih 
«iid  aa  absurd  opposition  to  the  patriotic  leaders  of  the 
fiiaembly,  they  scrupled  uot  to  recommend  or  satiictio^  the 
anost  unjust  and  pernicious  measures. 
.  Pindii^  the  door  of  reconciliation  dSectually  closed,  the 
governor  now  turned  his  thoughts  to  devise  some  method  of 
compensating  himself  for  the  insuflSiciency  of  the  salary. 
With  this  view  lie  claimed  of  the  deputy-secretary  certaia . 
feest  which,  he  ass^ted,  had  been  usually  paid  to  fonnei* 
governors;  and  which,  of  late  had  been  absorbed  in  the 
secretary's  office*  Mr.  Workman  replied,  that  he  did  not 
mean  to  dispute  his  excellency's  right  to  the  fees  in  ques- 
tion, but.  having  farmed  his  office  from  the  patentee,  under 
the  impression  of  his  being  entitled  to  lliem,  he  should 
naturally  expect  a  proportionable  abatement  of  the  rent,  if 
the.offite.was  remdered  less  valuable  by  a  diffisrent  approf 
pjii^^QQ  Qf  any  part  of.  the  profits^  The  govwnor  was 'no 
stiiangjer  to  the  ^lagard  pf  attacldng  the  host  of  ptaceinen^ 
t¥hoj  jhy.  yirtuie  of  patent  froip  the  crowiH  drain  the 
coloaiesof  their  wealth;  he  therefore  abandoned  this  pn> 
ject,  a^d  adopted  a  scheme,  in  the  executiont)f  whicbh^ 

Si; 


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443  THE  raSTORY 

CHJJJJJII-  thottj^t  to  enrich  himself,  with  greater  security,  irom  the 
^^^^*  spoils  of  a  half  ruined  people^  Having  obtained  a  table  of 
fees  which  had  be^  taken  by  Lord  Macartney  at  Grenada) 
he  submitted  it  to  the  consideration  of  the  coumtiL  Tbe 
pliant  members  of  that  board  readily  concurred  in  the 
mercenary  ^signs  of  their  despotic  chief,  and  agreed  to 
sanction  the  demand  of  fees,  as  a  compensation  for  the 
inadequacy  of  the  legal  settlement,  but  ventured  to  disap* 
prove  of  those  which  were  then  proposed^  as  being  too 
exorbitant.  ^ 

To  give  these  proceedings  some  appearance  of  legality, 
the  opinion  of  the  attorney-general  was  demanded  on  these 
queries,  Whether  either,   and  which,  of  the  laws  of  this 
.  island,  respecting  the  fees  of  public  officers,    extend  to 
".  any  fees  taken,  or  to  be  taken,  by  and  for  the  governor  ? 

And  whether  the  establishment  of  fees,  by  the  governor,  with 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  council,  is,  in  any  respect, 
a  breach  or  violation  of  any  law  of  thb  islatid  now  in  force? 
A  noble  opportunity  was  here  presented  to  Mr.  Moore,  of 
immortalizing  his  name,  by  asserting  the  indubitable  rights 
of  the  people;  and,  by  checking  the  infant  struggles  of  des- 
potism, by  a  candid  and  upright  performance  of  his  prpfes^ 
sional  duty.  But,  he  reported,  that  the  several  laws  of  this 
island,  relating  to  fees  only,  extend  to  inferior  officers,  and 
not  to  the  governor ;  and  that  his  excellency,  notwithstand- 
ing those  laws,  may  receive  all  such  fees  as  lie  was  legally 
entitled  to^    Nor  did  he  know  of  any  law  th^  expressly- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  443 

prohibits  the  governor  from  establishing  fees  for  himself^  chap.xiih 
with  the-  adtioe  of  his  counciL    To  say  nothing  of  the      ^"^^^ 
igHOfkdce  which  this  opinion   betrays  of  the  constitution, 
it«  disingenuousness  and  sophistry  are  too  obvious  to  r^quiro 
iifustration. 

This  report  was  laid  before  the  council,  at  their  next   Sept.  29. 
fritting,  together  with  a  new  regulation  of  fees,  which,  be- 
ing morh  moderate,  was  approved  of  by  the  members  pre- 
sent ♦,    who  recommended   his  excellency  to    ckum  arid 
enforce  the  payment  of  them,  and  the  secretary  was  accord 
ingly  directed  to  receive  the  fees  thus  settled  for  his  excel- 
lency's use.     This  was  the  most  arbitrary  and  illegal  Viola- 
tion of  the  rights  of  the  sVibject,  that  had  ever  been  com- 
mitted in  any  part  of  the  British  dominions,  since  the  me-\ 
morable  and  fatal  attempt  of  Charles  L  to'  Irivy  ship-money    . 
oh*  the  people  of  England;    It  was  a  palpable  violation  of 
the  charter,  the' colonial  magna  charta,  granted   to  the  ' 

Earl  of  Carlisle ;  by  which  it  is  expressly  stipulated,  that 
the  inhabitants  of  Barbadoes'  should  possess  all  the  liber- 
ties, franchises,  and  privileges  of  British  subjects;  and  that 
no  decrees,  nor  ordinances,  should  be  made  to  the  hurt  or 
discommodity  of  any  person  or  persons,  either  to  the  bind^ 
ing,  constraining,  burthening,  or  taking  away  their  libertyi 


^  Theie  penons  were  Henry  Frere,  Ireneus  Moe,  Robert  BrathWaitej  John  Best, 
Joseph  Keeling  and  Jotm  Ince,  Esquires.  ^         . 

Shi 


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4^  .       mmnmmr 

if  not  tbe  letter^  of  se?«ir44oo«lMftt<^^,  ^0*.i^»»  M  <!«# 
^l^go^iM-jlp,  jO^  |)fm4fto  9^  t)K}  i^l)«|i  ««p»ti<«^oo.. 
Mj^^i^gt  Mys,th«Jeani^.GoiitfR^9toior  cm  Uwlftint'of ' 

-w^ik^  §%fm9%  \fS  ^9|^»ed  b)it  by  9C!b  of)  p«MEluuiWBt  -jr. 

tenncol^agMMf  "tb*  iojoiitifl^^iial  iUegobtj  «f  tbe  «iMfiiro  ; 

«HKletiC]r3«£T]lM/4a^ii<itUf..fi!Mtediq^  by  a  steftdy^ 

tenpciAM.  ifiponliMii^.^jF  w^M  b)»ye  {HvteeM  ^  xigk% 
«f  tibe  pKOf^iBMUftttkiid  itItiB  4ignil(jr  9iC  tiie  )<^l»tuTe». 
and.  sinddid  hu(4«:i^9u^;,«^^Gwi}ly  Aom  i^ytd  ia4i£9M>P» 
«aid  pQp»lfM>>odiii(nu. ;  jOat  iUm  i!<9At?F»i-jr»  U  i^iitt  f^citv  tbir 
cailieBii»k  and «ft1totuilHnMt;j9f'$i^. wind)  9«tccijpitibte  o( 
ipdol  ftdiiigB,  to  idM«.tiwAj»  bdidy.  iof  vm^  ^  tih^  fts> 
ank  aad  fortune  in  ^  oommunity,  AovHd  tbiis  piisiJIanii>^ 


*  Vide  HalPs  Uw»,  Ko.  6^  H  44^  and  55,.       t  Blade,  Opwneii^t  v*).  1.  |V  272. 


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OF  aAKBApOES.  ii45 

*]»»;  ^Uttkdi^bowtft  tii"  4b0s .  hod  tieen  ^al^eilEly  ^tat6d% 
^bifi^f' aiM»/ kiidx^ng  that k  wcit 4o he ^^isnmi^t'hi^'di^; 
%fue^.<ki^^'takhhie  ilAteiidecl  iiid«i^Iitta2'theftks^lv^%  ^ 
^riM  ofif)d6ition  to  &0  m^seofe. '  9a6b  tt'tdadttei  liilgbl 

&iid  dtaty,  tojoih.m'«be'fnt«u»M  <^^{MMti«ft{toit^itEmiiy'iiiid 

t^  fttte^ti  but  th^  %f  ii  of'the  oiiiii^iloirv  ikist  prpbteiiiat|«ak 

vemor^ud  council  €U0u»e<l  agstierp^  ^iseatiiBl^Uoatihrimgh*: 
^t  the  country ;  atid  recoone  tira«>  liaA  Uytmshf'Cia^w^tibf 
i^htpl^  the  {MiLyii»eat  of  %hi6  iiUgeJi  fees  ^oi^d-be  jsvasd^v  Bvea 
^fair4ek^si|ibfed  tfadir  ]^^(jtei«h.  topv^vail  (M^  tbdirualtp^ 
19}.  d^e^icac^  iikpd  «»Jwu||ed  to  <tbo  fodbiicatiai^  of  the;  han^f 
«f  mamag^,  raUiec  t|iaa  tbpr  lovers  should  yield  to  the 
governor's  ej^actioas^  for  a  license.  A  more  ^^irited  ai^ 
msmij  <;on4uci  Wap!  ^ido^ted  Iby  Mr.  t)iikie.    Havib'g'  paid 


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446  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.XIII.  tije  netv  fee  on  tbe  probate  of  a  will,  to  which  he  was  ap4 
i7fio.  pointed  executor,  that  intelligeiit  patriot  determined  to 
strike  at  the  root  of  the -evil.  Though  the  governor  was 
riot  immediJitely  amenable  to  the  law,  Mr,  Workman j  as 
the  minister  of  his  tyranny,  was  liable  to  punishment; 
Duke  therefore  lodged  an  information,  in  writing,  with  Mr. 
•R.  Beckles  and  judge  Weekes,  two  jnstices  of  the  peAce,' 
against  tlie  secretary  for  extortion ;  and  a  day  Vias  appointed 
for  hearing  the  complaint. .  Anxious  to  ingratiate  himself 
at  Pilgrim,  Weeks  informed  the  governor  of  the  affair,  and, 
the  next  day,  positively  refused  to  take  cognizance  of  the 
offence.  Incensed  at  such  servility,  Duke  withdrew  the 
complaint  with  the  design  of  applying  to  another  magis* 
trate.  But  the  dreadful  disaster  which  occurred  a  few  days 
after,  the  important  concerns  which  pressed  for  immediate 
consideration,  and,  above  ^  all,  the  stib^^quent  illness' and 
death  of  that  valuable  man,  put  an  end  to  the  prosecu- 
tion. 

Though  the  Bai^badians  were  sinking  under  the  accumu- 
lated weight  of  a  complication  of  evils  natural,  moral  and 
political,  the  measure  of  their  woes  \Vas  not  yet  full.  They 
were  now  doomed  to  suffer  a  Calamity,  in  comparison  with 
which  all  the  other  ills  that  *  afflicted  them  were  light  and. 
inconsiderable.  A  tremendous  hurricane,  which,  with  in- 
discriminate fury,  continued  to  rage  nearly  eight-and-forty 
hours,  with  a  violence  unparalled  in  the  history  of  the 
world,  threatened  them  with  universal  ruiri.    This  was  one 

5 


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OF  BARBADOES.  447 

pf  those  awful  visitations  of  Providence,  whose  irresistible  chap.xiil 
force  humbles  the  pride  of  man,  and  shews  him  his  absolute      ^^sa 
^pendance  o»  the  mercy  of  that  God,   who   *'  rides  ip, 
the  whh'lwind  and  directs  the  storm,**  ' 

On  the  morning  of  Tuesday,  Uie  fatal  tenth  of  October,  the 
-ittfaabitants  were  early*  alarmed  by  tl^  unttsual  violence  of 
the  wind,  accompanied  with  heavy  falls  of  rain*  iThe  winds, 
iVbich  blew  from  the  north-west,  continued  hourly  to  in- 
crease ;  and,  before  noon,  many  houses  in  different  parts  of 
the  island  were  either  blown  down  or  materially  injured. 
By  the  third  hour  of  tl^  afternoon,  all  the  vessels  in  Cat- 
lisle  bay  were  forced  from  their  moorings  and  wrecked;  oj: 
driven  to  sea  to  encounter  the  horrors  and  perils  of  that 
dangerous  clement,  under  circumstances  of  aggj^vation, 
.that  appalled  the  hearts  of  the  .most  fearless  and  exp^ 
rienced  mariners*  Nor  was  the  situation  of  those  on  shore 
less  hazardous  and  deplorable.  The  fury  of  the  'tempest 
encreased  with  the  approach  of  night ;  and  a  scene  of  ter- 
ror and  distress  awaited  the  ruined  and  dismayed  inhabits 
ants  in  the  dread  hour  of  darkness,  of  which  no  powers  of 
language  can  convey  an  adequate  idea.  About  the  ninth 
hour  of  the  evening  the  storm  had  attained  its  utmost  height, 
and  from  that  time  till  four  the  next  morning  tlie  work  of 
destruction  was  accomplished.  Within  that  dreadful  inter- 
val the  whole  island  was  devastated^  and  its  unsheltered  in- 
habitants w€are  reduced  to  the  last  extremity  of  misery  and 
despair. 


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44i  THE  HISTORY 


CHAP.XIII 

i7sa 


]Barly  in  the  e^^D^ag  the  cMAe  had^  in  tome  pliice%. 
broken  from  their  folds»  txid  with  dismal  bellowinff^  lou^ 
tefuge  among  ttie  habitatiotii  of  men*  But  tbcae^  alasj^^ 
afforded  a  doubtfiil  shelter  to  tbeir  poBsetson;  wfao^  t* 
save  thettiselres  from  being  crushed  to  deatii,  or,  which  iras 
mote  horrible,  fVom  a  prematare  interment  imder  their  £itt«- 
Ing  mansions,  fled  for  safely  to  the  open  fiekb*  Each,  ig- 
norant  of  the  other's  fate,  thought  hb  neighbour  mope  ftx^ 
tunate  than  himself;  and,  fljing  from  certain  death  be* 
i^eath  his  own  crumbling  walb,  sought  an  afl^huu,whl^h^  j|i 
that  universal  scene  of  desolation,  was  no  where  to  be 
found.  The  author  of  this  narrative  was  himself,  vAh  his 
wife  grievously  contused  by  the  -iall  of  his  ho«se,  and  am 
infant  daughter,  only  six  months  olA^  among  the  midnight 
wianderers,  who  traversed  the  drealy  w&ste  in  setflrch  of  an 
uncertain  place  of  shelttf  and  rq)Ose.  The  fairest  female 
fenns,  stripped  of  their  drapery  by  the  nithieK  blast, 
passed  the  dismal  night,  exposed,  almost  in  a  state 
t>f  perfect  tiudity,  to  the  inclemency  of  oxitending  el^ 
ments ;  while  their  weeping  parents  and>  affectionate  hus^ 
bands,  in  all  the  agonies  of  sympathizing  tenderness, 
ineffectually  strove  to  shield  them  from  the  pelting  of  the 
pitiless  storm. 

But  the  towns  exhibited,  if  possible,  greater  scenes  of 
horror  and  distxess*  Here  the  sufferings  of  individuals  were 
augmented  by  a  participation  in  the  genemi  calamity ;  and 
the  cry  which  assailed  the  ear,  and  the  havoc  which  met 


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1780. 


OJF  BAKBADOES.  449 

the  eye,  contributed  to  sudue  the  firmest  mind.  The  howl-  P^^^^;^' 
m^6^hhe  tempest;  the  noise  of  descending  torrents  from 
dotids  -'Surcharged  ^ith  rain ;  the  incessant' ^flashings  of 
lighthing ;  the  roaring  of  thunder ;  the  continual'  crash  of 
faHiiigliteiiies^  the  dishial*'grOahsiDf  the  wounded' and  tlie 
dymg,  the  sfhHek  of  despair,  tlie  l^men Nations  of  woe;  and 
the  screams  of  women  and  childferi  calling  for  Tielp  on 
those  whose  ears  weire  ndw  closed  to  the  voice  of  coniplaint, 
formed  an  accnmalatidn  of  sorrow  and  of  terror,  too  great 
for  human*  fortitude,  too  vast  for  human  conception. 

The  return  of  light  served  but  to  render  visible  to  the* 
wretched  Barbadians  the  extent  of  the  calaniity  in  which 
they  had  been  overwhelmed.  Far  as  the  eye  could  reach, 
one  general  scene  of  devastation  presented  itself  to  the 
sight.  The  face  of  nature  seemed  completely  changed. 
That  beautiful  scenery,  which  had  so  recently  delighted  the 
admiring  traveller  with  the  variegated  bloom  of  perennial 
spring,  had,  in  the  short  space  of  one  night,  vanished  like 
the  illusive  vision  which  mocks  the  imagination  of  the  un-r  , 
conscious  sleeper.  Those  luxuriant  fields,  which  the  day 
before  teemed  with  nature's  most  valuable  productions,  now 
resembled  the  dreary,  inhospitable  regions,  which  had 
never  yielded  to  the  arts  of  cultivation.  Trees  which, 
from  their  bulk  and  strength,  seemed  to  be  little  less  than 
of  antediluvian  growth,  were  torn  up  by  their  roots,  or  strip- 
ped of  their  foliage,  and  their  ponderous  limbs  scattered 

3  m 


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450  THE  fflSTORY 

CHAP.xiiL  to  an  incredible  distance.  But  the  amaain^  force  of  tfa» 
178a  ^nds  and  waves  was  particularly  dempnatrated  at  Bridgii^ 
town»in  the  removal  of  a  cannon  of  twelve  pouml  ball  fronr 
the  pier  head  to  the  wharf  on  the  opposite  side,  a  distaoca 
of  one  hundred  and  forty  yards.*  The  crops  of  canes  and 
corn  were  destroyed;  buildings,  strong  as  human  art  could 
make  them,  were  levelled  with  the  earib,  and  of  the  few 
which  were  left  standing  on  the  plantations  none  were  free 
from  material  injury.  To  encrease  the  calamity,  the  povl^ 
try,  live  stock  and  horned  cattle,  so  essential  U>  aid  th« 
planter's  labour,  had  perished  in  considerable  numbers;  and 
many  respectable  families  were  left  to  smtain  the  unex* 
hausted  fury  of  the  storm  witl>out  raiment,  fbodv  or  shftl'^ 
ter.  Speight Vtown,  though  materially  injured,  fortanatel^ 
suffered  less  thau  any  other  patt  of  the  island.  The  Hole^ 
town  and  Ostin's  parti^sipated  m  tl^  general  havoc ;  and 
1^  eleyen  churches  and  two  clmpek  only  three  were  left 
standing;  these  were  Saint  Andrew's  and  St.  Feter's 
churches,  and  AH  Saints'  ehapeL 

it  was  bi  Bridge^owD^^  however,  tiiat  the  destruction  of 
]Hx>perty,  and  the  distress  of  the  pe<aple,  exhibited,  by  tiieii 
coacentmtionc^  tbc  mos6  lively  and  aiecdng  spealactes  of 


1 1  <'    «  m  I  t 


*  Annual  RegiHer^,  vol.  24.  p.  32,  where  it  is  stated  on  the  autbpritjr  gf  ih^  go- 
fcraorlB  letter  to  the  secretary  of  state. 


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or  BABSADOES.  451 

human  miserf*  That  extentiTe  ca^tsd  which^  for  spko-  ^^liJiS*' 
dour  and  opulence,  was  inferior  to  no  town  in  the  British  '^^* 
West  lodiea,  was  conrdrted  into  a  promiscuous  mass  of 
raiuu  Not  more  than  thirty  housds  and  stores  were  left 
standing,  and  most  of  these  had  suffered  considerable  da- 
mage. The  mole-head,  a  work  of  great  utility,  which  bad 
cost  the  country  more  than  twentty  thousand  pounds,  was 
destroyed;  and  the  bason  entirely  filled  up  with  sand,  stones, 
and  pieces  of  timber.  It  was  owii^  to  the  obstruction  givea 
by  the  pier  to  the  progress  of  the  waves,  which  rushed  witk 
impeluous  violence  against  it,  that  £ridge*town  was  pre*- 
sefved  from  total  annihilation.  The  castle,  forts,  and  bat- 
teries,, the  town*-hall  and  prison,  were  all  demolished.  Thet 
spacious  church  of  Saint  MichaeFs,  with  its  lofty  steeple, 
was  tumbled  to  tl^  foundation  in  one  confused  heap  of 
rains. 

The  elegant  and  stately  mansion  at  Pilgrim,  the  seat  of 
government,  escaped  not  the  general  destruction.  There 
every  procaution  had  been  early  adopted,  which  deemed 
likely  to  afford  secmity  against  the  impending  danger.  But 
no  human  strength  nor  art  could  avail.  The  resistless  vio« 
lenoe  of  the  wind  bore  down  every  obstacle ;  and  soon  forced 
its  way  into  every  apartment.  One  wing,  and  gi^at  part  of 
the  Qther,  having  bee©  blown  down,  the  govemw  and  his 
fomiiy  retired  to  the  centre,  where,  from  its  circular  form^ 
and  the  thickness  of  the  walls,  they  expected  to  find  safety. 

^  M  2 


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452  THE  HISTORY 

€HAP.xm.  But  they  were  disappointed;  the  roof  was  hlowa  oflF,  and 
^^*^-  the  continual  falling  of  the  stones  compelled  them  to  fly  for 
shelter  to  the  cellars;  hence  they  were  soon  dislodged  by 
the  irruption  of  the  water  which  flowed  in  with  an  alarming 
impetuosity.  No  alternative  was  now  left  but  to  seek  a 
precarious  security  in  the  open  fields.  The  governor,  and 
those  who  had  strength  to  resist  the  force  of  the  winds^ 
after  being  frequently  tlirown  down  and  rolled  in  the 
mire,  got  under  the  carriages  of  the  cannon  on  the  plat* 
form  at  Pilgrim.  In  this  situation  they  remained  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  the  storm,  in  continual  apprehen- 
sion that  the.  cannon,  which  were  violently  rocked  by 
the  wind,  would  be  dismounted,  and  crush  them  in  their 
fall. 

The  superb  residence  of  the  commander  in  chief  of  his 
Majesty's  forces  having  been  early  blown  down,  General 
Vaughan  and  his  family  experienced  a  full  share  of  the 
dangers  and  disasters  of  that  long  night  of  horror ;  his  secre- 
tary's thigh  was  broken,  nor  did  the  general  himself  escape 
without  receiving  several  severe  contusions.  Though  the 
barracks  and  hospital  were  destroyed,  such  were  the  happy 
effects  of  order  and  discipline,  that,  the  troops  sustained  no 
considerable,  loss ;  almost  the  whole  of  the  provisions  and 
stores  designed  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy  were  for- 
tunately preserved  from  the  fury  of  the  elements  and  the 
rapine  of  the  negroes. 


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OTBARBADOES.  453 

The  loss  of  human  lives  was  proportioned  to  the  dangers  ^^J^^!^:^^- 
which  surrounded  the  affrighted  inhabitants.  Even  among  ^^^^' 
the  whites  the  number  was  considerable,  and,  hicluding  the 
blacks,  who  were  most  exposed,  the  loss  was  estimated  to 
exceed  three  thousand.  It  was  impossible,  however,  to  be 
accurate  in  the  melancholy  enumeration*  Besides  the 
wretched  victims  who  perished  from  the  violence  of  the 
tempest  and  the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  many  were 
crushed  to  death  and  intombed  in  the  niins  of  their  houses^ 
many  were  swept  away  by  the  resistless  force  of  the  waves, 
and  were  seen  or  heard  of  no  more ;  and  not  a  few  were 
precipitated  into  eternity  by  the  rapid  course  of  the  rivers  . 
and  streams  of  fresh  water  which  poured  into  the  sea.  The 
loss  of  property  sustained  on  this  memorable  occasion  was 
more  correctly  ascertained,  and  amounted,  according  to 
the  returns  made  to  the  governor  by  the  ve&tries-  of  the 
several  parishes  to  the  enormous  sum  of  one  million 
eighteen  thousand  nine  hundred  andtwentyrcight  pounda 
sterling. 

Those  who  had  survived,  the  tragic  catastrophe  were  still 
exposed  to  dangers  scarcely  less  imminent  than  those  which 
they  had  recently  escaped.  The  general  devastation  had 
deprived  them  of  their  internal  resources,,  and  exliibited  to 
their  view  the  terrific  prospect  of  famine.  Availing  them- 
selves of  the  consternation  which  prevailed,  the  slaves,  in- 
stead of  assisting  their  owners^  or  endeavouring  to  save  the 
•eflfects  of  the  unhappy  sufferers,  were  actively  employed  in 


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454  THEHISTOEY 

CHAPJiiiL  plundering  them  of  tbe  poor  remains  of  praptxty  vbich  had 
^^^'  been  spared  by  the  hunicane.  A  body  of  eight  hundred 
prisoners  of  war  had  been  liberated  by  the  demoUtion  of  the 
gaol,  and  the  most  serious  apprehensions  were  oitertained 
that  these  men,  in  Gonjunction  with  the  licentious  alaves» 
would  complete,  what  ^  i»ge  of  the  elements  had  left  un- 
finished. But,  fortunately  for  the  Barbadians,  Geoeral 
Vaughan»  with  a  body  of  troops,  was  at  hand,  ready  to  re- 
press any  disorder,  or  to  check  any  attempt  (M  tbe  public 
safety,  and  probably  prevented  the  consummation  of  tbek 
Tuin.  Erom  this  gaUant  commander  and  his  yeteran  corps, 
the  inhabitants  received  the  most  effectual  protection^  and 
«very  humane  assistance  which  their  forlorn  and  destitute 
•  ^^ndition  required.  And  to  the  immortal  honour  of  Don 
Pedro  de  Saint  Jago^  captain  of  the  regiment  of  Arragoa^ 
and  the  Spanish  prisoners  under  his  direction,  let  it  be  re- 
membered with  gratitude,  that,  laying  aside  all  national 
juaimosity  in  that  season  of  calamity,  they  omitted  no  ser^ 
vice  nor  labour  for  the  relief  of  the  distressed  inhabitants  and 
the  preservation  of  public  order. 

Prom  the  number  of  dead  bodies  lying  in  the  streets,  and 
wnong  the  ruins,  and  tbe  q^uantity  of  putrid  fish  thrown  up 
hy  the  sea^  no  unreasonable  apprehensions  were  entertained 
•that  a  pestilence  wmnld  ensue.  To  avert  this  evH,  among  other 
necessary  purpoaes^  the  merchants  of  Brid^€-4own  formed 
an  association,  aati  appointed  eomanittees  for  the  intena«at 
*Qf  (he  deadv  fi«d  the  d4s^ribu4Mft  of  j^visWo^  jRw  the  m- 
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OF  BARBADOES.  435 

fief  of  their  iedigent  fellofw-snfieren.    Nor  we*e  tbey  un-  CH^xia. 
mindful  of  the  wrTices  rendered  tbem  by  the  troops.    Thej      *'^* 
Yoted  their  thanks  to  General  Vaugfaan  and  the  ofScers  of 
the  a^niy,  and  a  gratuity  of  sixpence  p^  di6ni  to  the  prt« 
tutts^.as  an.aciiiKywledgment  for  protecting:  their  property 
from  rapine  and  plunder. 

The  humanity  of  the  Marquis  de  Bouillfe  should  not  be 
forgotten..  The  Laurel  and  Andromeda  frigates  having 
been  wrecked  on  the  coast  of  Martinico,  that  magnanimous 
eommander  sent  Uiirty-one  English  sailors^  who  were  all 
that  were  saved  out  of  both  crews,  under  a  flag  of  truce  to 
Commodore  Hotham^  at  Saint  Lucia,  with  a  letter  pur- 
porting that  he  could  not  consider  in.  the  light  of  ene* 
mies,  men  who  had  escaped  in  a  contention  with,  the 
elements;  but  that  they,  in  common  with  his  own  peo- 
pie,  having  been  partakisrs  of  the  same  danger,  were,  in^ 
like  manner,  entitled,  to  every  comfort  and  relief  which> 
•  could  be  given  in  a  season  of  such  universal  calamity  and! 
distress. 

What  a  contrast  does  this  act  of  generosity  in  a  noble* 
enemy  afford  to  the  conduct  of  Governor  Cunninghame*. 
Amid  the  generaf  convulsion  of  the  Caribbean  sea,  a  small    Oet  i^». 
Spanish  launch,  having  a. few  mules  on  board,  sought  secu- 
rity from  the  winds,  and  waves  in  Maycock's  bay.     The 
matrosses  detained  her  until  the  governor's  pleasure  was 
known;  and  his  excellency  ordered  her  to  be  seized  as  a. 


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456'  THEHISTOKY 

^^^^^^^^  droit  of  admiralty,  made  the  crew  prisoners  of  war,  and 
^^•^'  converted  the  vessel  and  cargo  to  his  own  use.  Thus 
what  the  wretched  mariners  had  saved  from  the  angry 
elements  was  torn  from  them  by  ihe  rapacity  of  a  hu* 
man  being,  insensible  of  the  tender  emotions  of  pity  and 
compassion! 


I.  .    '      u     ■  ,* 


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OF  BARBADOES,  457 


1    '. 


CHAP.  XIV. 

-'  :.J        *        I    ■        '      ■'  '        .......    ^ 

AbMUUSES  FEOM  THE  LEOISLATl/RE  TO  THE  THBCWE.— XXTRAi* 
.  ORDINAltT  PROPOSAL  TO  SUSPEND  THB  PROCBEDINOS  l)F  JUS* 
^  .  TICE.-^PET1TI0N  TO  THE  KIKO  FO^R  THE  GOVERNORS  Rf> 
;  JifOyAL. — HIS  I;XCELLENCY  PERSEVERES  IN  HIS  ARBITRARY 
*  AND   ILLEGAL    MEASURES. 

J/^HE  bitter  affiictiQu  widi  which  ProvidenCi?  |£id;yisite^ 
the  Barbadians  had  not  softened  the  obdurate  heart  ^ 
the  governor.  Suffering  under  a  disaster  so  general  and  so 
fatal  to  all  ranks  of  people,  it  was  natural  for  the?!  to  ex-r 
pect  that  his  excellency  would  hilve  taken  jthe  earliest  op- 
portunity of  convoking  the  legislature*  that  the  public 
might  enjoy  the  benefit  of  their  collective  wisdom^  in  a  casp 
of  such  uncommon  difficulty  and  di9tres$.  But  tp.sheiiv  h^s 
utter  contempt  oi  the  assembly, .  and,  pferhaps,  with  tjhe 
hope  of  impressing  their  sov^eign  with  an  unfavourable 
opinion  of  them  at  this  awfiil  conjuncture,  hesummoi^ 
the  council  only,  for  the  purpose  of  framing  an  ^ddreiS0..1o 
the  king  on  the  late  ruinous  event  With  the  stcoagest  im- 
sursmces  of  invidate  attachment  to  his  JM^jestyVpeKsonJaud 

3  N 


CHAP.XIV. 
17»0. 


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45*  THfiHISTOHY 

CHA^My.  goT^ment,  they  humbly  besought  his  gracious  attention 

.  *'•*•     lo^eir  wretched  condition.    After  a  series  of  accumulated 

mis^rtunes  had  reduced  this  once  flourishing  island  to 

tiie  lowest   degree  of  poverty,    a  devastatmg  hurricane 

W  noFf  they  feared,  completed  the  destructive  work. 

tiwtitute  of  resources  to  repair  their  fallen  habitations,  or 

even  to  proiiure  the  materials  required  for  reaping  tbeir 

ci>opf,^i^%ere  left  without  any  prospect  of  aUemtioit.  Ad 

their  distress,  biit  in  ^e  benignity  <if  his  Majesty**  cWttpas- 

uionste  disposition,  and' those  endearing  feelings  v^hich -had 

taught  the  world,  that  in  the  same  person  maybe  united 

the  great  and  polverful  monarch  with  the  good  and  amiable 

inan     They  concluded,  with  imploring  such  relief  as  his 

!|tlQJe$ty  in  his' wisdom  andgoodness  should  j>udge  proper 

iloaiToi^  ihctai.  ' 

^E^  petition  ^was  liccoiaplHited  by  a  letter  #om  the  go- 
•v<*BOr«  tb^tiord  Geo^pge^GewnainC,  containing  a  recital  of  the 
-pattictflsnr  bf  thedreadftil  calamity  in  which  the  country 
■'had'i>ecn'i«fOlved.  Many-  yeaw,  be  remarked,  must  elapse 
Hd^ftjre'tt^ -injury ^hich -the  planters  had -sustained  could 
•■be  repaii^d;  andhe  -was  apprehensive  that  the  fM-oprietors 
^^  thc'soil  would  beuB^ble  to  rebuild  theit*  bouses  and 
Miugar*w<»ksi  soideq;>Jyw«»they  indebted  to  the  merchants 
^f  EngUmd.  /He  particularly  suggested  to  his  lohdsbip's 
i4tteiition,  the  neccBsity  i>f  supplying  the.  colony  with  provi- 
•ftonrfima'^nrope^  as,  without  the  bounty  .and  generosity 
tiftfAftAcufcirfkajnaff  41iie( people InQttld  -be in  the jnost unmi> 

6 


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OF  BARBACOES. 

licht  daiigdr  of  starving.    Nor  'wia^  General  Vau^ati  sttwit  ch^«w;. 

mv  this  tuelaiifcholy  occasion.    In  his  dispatches  ;to  the  s^j     -^^ - 

tirelAry  0f  state,  that  distinguished  officer  concWe^   an 

stflfecftkng  representation  of  the  generaV  rum  and  dista^ 

with,  a  pathetic  appeal  to  his  lordship^s  feelings  en  h^dlf 

of  jthe  inhabitants  of  this  ruined  country,  assuring  Ixm  thit 
;:a>£siminie  must  inevitably  ensue,  unless  som^.  effectual  means 
.  I^ere  employed,  on^he  part  of  govemmeot^  to  prfeyeiit  it  ^ 

J.  Tthe  assembly  hayi»g  been,  at  length,  permitted  i^i-rt        October  31. 
i  |)urstrant  to  adjourriment,  the  speaker  suggested  to  the  fcwse 
i  the  propriety  of  einbracing  that  opportunity  of  at^iressing 

the  Kitigy  and  supplicating  his  MajjcWy's  gracious  assistance 

Under  their  present  exigencies*     He  regretted  tha^  thi^y^hatd 

not  been  allowed  to  concur  with  the  cc 

dress  to  the  throne,  but  that  the.  house  n 

attentive  to  their  duty,  on  an  occasioj  t 

subtniitted  to  their  consideration  an  add  ; 

which  he  had  prepared  for  the  purpose.    It  >va^  of  ppurse 

unanimously  agieed  to,  and  ordered  to  be  txansmitted  to  |he 

agent  to  be  presented,     Mr.  Estwick  wa 

directed  to  renew  his  application  to  the 

the  country  from  the  payment  of  tl^e  fi 

cent  duty;  and  for  the  establishment  of 

most  probable  means  of  rescuing  it  from 

it-to  its  former  prosperity. 

Notwithstanding  the  governor's  just  ^nd  afff^ctiflg  ,rppre- 

ientation  of  the  deplorable  effects  of,  tjje.buriipajie,  hif^first 

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4^  THE  HISTORY 

^2*5^*  jvopptttionilo'the  assembly  wa?  the  impositien  of  firetk  bur-^ 
^W\  thfem  on:ftn  afflicied  people,  who,  according  to  his  owb  »o- 
coui^.traasinitted  to  the  secretary  of  state  only  tenjdays 
befove,.w6jre  in  a  great  measure  deprived  of  procuring  food 
or; shelter,.  As  soon  as  the  house  had  sat,  he  sent  down  a 
messa^,  infpnning  them  that  be  had  omitted  to  convene 
them  on  the  late  dreadful  calamity,  knowing  how  much 
eyery  mam  must  be  occupied  by  his  domestic  concerns* 
He  taqpU^gly  recommeuded  unanimity  in  their  proceedings 
aJt;thiB  trying  conjuncture^  to  frame  a  proper  levy  bill,  and 
to  put  their  fortifications  in  a  suitable  posture  of  defence, 
yilgrim  hoijs[e,  he  JtokJ  them,  was  uncovered,  the  armory 
des^xoyed,  and  that,  he  bad  been  at  considerable  expense  foe 
.  labourers  to  preserve  the  arms,,  lumber,  and  materials;  and 
hoped  that  the  assembly  would  give  directions,  for  repairing 
the  buildings  at  Pilgrim.  He  concluded  with  reconmiend* 
ing  their  passing  a  law  to.  restrain  the  high  price ,  of  work- 
men and  labourers,  and  assured  them  of  his  readiness  to 
concur  in  any  measure  for  the  public  welfare* 

To  this  message  the  assembly  replied,  that,. notwithstand- 
ing the  pressure  of  their,  private  concerns,  they  would  wil- 
lingly have  attended  an  earlier  call  of  public  duty,  espe- 
cially at  the  time  his  excellency  summoned  the  couppK 
Such^they  observed,  was  the  melancholy  situation  of  th? 
bulk  of  the  people,  that  the  little  propertjr  which  had  be^ 
spared  by  the  storm  must  necessarily  be  appropriated  to 
their  subsistence,  and  the  rebuilding  of  their  f;allen  habitja- 


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OF  BARBADOES.  46l 

tions*  Pot  this  reason,  the  assembly  declined  passing  *  l^yC^^JCiV. 
bill,  or  inciimng  any  expense  for  the  repairs  of  the  fortifr^  ^^^^^ 
cations.  Th^,  however,  readily  consented  to  put  Pilgrim- 
house  in  as  comfortable  a  state  of  accommodation  asexicitw^' 
iog. circumstances  would  allow,  and  to  provide  for  the-^pebu^^ 
rity  of  the  arms  which  bad  been  exposed  to  injury  by  the: 
demolition  of  the  armory • 

This  message  was  immediately  succeeded  by  another, 
requiring  the  assembly  to  provide  for  guarding  the  prison-- 
ers  of  war,  and  for  preserving  the  peace  of  the  island,  as  the 
troops  would  shortly  be  withdrawn*  'The  house  replied^, 
that  tliey  knew  of  no  place  of  suflScienl  security  to  lodge 
the  prisoners  ;  nor  could  tliey  consent  to  increase  the  piib- 
lie  burthens,  by  raising  a  body  of  men  capable  of  guard- 
ing them,  in  places  so  open  and  insecure  as  all  were  at  that 
moment.  They,  therefore,  requested,  that  the  prisoners 
might  be  sent  away  with  the  troops,  or' that  the  proper 
agent  would  provide  flags  of  truce  for'th^ir  renioval. 

A  bill  of  a  very  extraordinary  nature  was  introduced  at 
this  sitting  by  Judge  Gittehs,  for  the  purpose  ot  suspend- 
^ing  the  proceedings  of  the  courts  of  justice,  and  of  the 
iparsnars  oflSce,  for  a  limited  term  of  years.  Frpin  tfie 
novelty  of  the  measure,  it  is  but  fair  to  hear  ftie  ai*guments 
by  which  it  was,  supported.  The  learned  judgp*  remarlcei 
that  the  comiiion  rUin  in  which  all  ranKs  of  people  were  in- 
volved, and  the  compile  desolation' which' bvcirspread  tfie 
face  of  the  country,  called  for  tlie  interposition  of  the  le^ 


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462.,,,..  .  ..  ,   .  THE  HIStORY 

CJJ^^*  gislature  to  alleviate,  as  much  as  possible,  the  miseties'of 
:ih]e  ifilutbitants,  .and  to  reyiye  t^ie  sinking  spirits  of  those 
-Vho  had  escaped  with  Uttlp  more  than  their  lives.     iSbme- 


1780. 


^'»e  Baiist  spdf  som^  other  friendly  shore,  where  Ke  mignt 
xeap,  in  security,  the  reward  of  his  labour.     With  this  view 

'hechsi^  itttr<jduced  tjie  bill  in  hi^  hand,  calculated,  ,^  he 

♦  «i  -  ^.* .'I .... • .:    '*     ^  *'  ♦■>iy 
said,  io  thifilipUFiof  e^lam^ty,  to  brighten  the  clouded 

prospect,,  and  g|ve  confidence  and  assurance  tp  the  honest 

iiabd  indu9^iQ^,.  to  look  forward  to  days  of  comfort  and 

ctimess:inpre  pr$>pitious,  when  the  bread  of  carefulness  should 

'  HQtdi>0  9iiatf}^ed  from  their  mouths  by  the  rapacious  claims 

.  S^QA  unfeeling  creditor. 

!..;., from  Ibis  g^n^ral  view  of  the  subject,  the  honourable 

Y  jnovjet'prQCQ^Q4..to  an^  examination  of  the  separate  clauses 

vJof  the  billf  W,hJLeh,  he  i^s^erted,  .were  self-evident  proposi- 

twtioQS: deduced  from  facts.    Nor,  coul^  the  timid  creditor, 

r  he  ibsibtibd,  Mvjs  j^st^cause  of  alarm  at  a  measure  which 

...woi|Idi only; deprive  h^n^  of  hi^  power^,,  for  a  while, 'lo  ^be 

•^jnestored,  mth  jedpubled  vigour, a^d  effect:,  at  a  period 

.  :^^heiitheiiwj  ei^eieise  it  with  grei^ter  advantage  to  niinself, 

I  -tbtm  at  ascaadUFhen  nothing. but  a  wild  waste  of  riims 

'   ^]ayJkiifbre.bim..  To  tl^e  elder  crec^itpr,,  he  conciiucled,  it 

^-   wwdd  'tmly.  operate  a^  ,%.  reDC>red  dj^fcMance^   w^th  the 

-^plrespe«t:o£  better  Kcur^tyi  and  to  th,e;jupi9r  c^tSdStor  it 

was  such  an  act  alone  that  could  give  hc^pe^  and  keep  alive 


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DFBARBAPOES.  463 

his  expectations,  which  would  otherwise  sink  into  a  gloomy  charxiV. 
4^ppndency.  ^7^- 

The  secpn^  reading  of  the  bill  was  abl  v  opposed  by  Sir 

.    ^ohn  Gav  Alley ne.     He  commenced  an  eloquent,  argu* 
meni^'  h^  with  observing,  that  the  feelings  of  com- 

paSsioi  other  affections  of  the  human  souL  ought 

to  be  .1  by  the  principles  of  natural  justice;  and 

that  even  tne  love  of  his  country,  however  ardent,  must 
|[^ld  to  those  superior  obligations.  He  could  not  consent 
to  countenance  a  measure  which  tended  to  establish  an  un* 
worthy  and  an  unwarrantable  distinction  between  the  land- 
holder  and  the  other  classes  of  society,  who  were  ail  entitled 
to  the  equal  protection  of  wise  and  equitable  laws.  No 
|»artisil  regard  to  the  embarrassments  of  men  of  landed  pro-> 
perty  should  ever  influence  tiie  deliberations  of  that  house; 
th^Te  were  others  who  ought  to  be  considered  with  an  equs^I 
jdegree  of  tenderness.  The  man  who  had  no  other  property 
than  money  lent  out  at  interest,  and  who,  by  the  late 
.dreadful  visitation  from  heaven,  was  probably  deprived  of 
,a  place  of  rest  and  shelter,  ought  not  to  be  excluded  irom 
.tbe^bepefit  which  the  law  had  given  him  of  procuring  a  ha* 
bitation,  or  food  for  his  family.'  In  thh  Class  there  were, 
^many  young  lafli^s  whose  whole  f6rtuii6  consisted  in  debts 

^    ^n4  legacies,  ai^d  who,  perhaps,  had  beeifteft^by  the  storm, 
with  no  otiier  cloaths  than  those  Ob  their  bBcks^i  j^ll  !the 

;    condition  of  these  helpless  females,  he '  adoep^  i»  tendered 
.moredestitttte  by  a  law,  that  Vould  deprive  >thein  ofrthe 


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4^  THE  HISTORY 

cHAf^V.  liieans  of  procuring  the  decent  habiliments  of  their 'sex  t 
1780.  Neither  could  the  merchants  and  tradesmen  of  the  several 
town,  sharers  in  the  qommon  calamity,  be  (debarred,  with- 
out  injustice,  from  recovering  what  was  due  to  thein',  fot 
their  immediate  subsistence,  or  the  support  ot^  that  ci*^dit 
on  which  their  mercantile  existence  dependeci.  'Still'  lesJ 
should  thQS^,  who,  in  ^ their  sfeveral;  departinents  and  profes- 
sions, earn  their  livelihood  by  their 'man  udl  labour,  *  their 
learning,  or  their  mental  ingenuity,  be  denied  thd  legal 
right  of  enforcing  their  j  list  demands  toienible  them  to  re^ 
build  their  houses,  and  to  furnish  themselves  with' food 'and 
raiment* 

Kor  did  Sir  *  John  Alleyne  think  the  bill  calculated  for 
the' real  and  permanent  advantage  of  those  whom  it  fla- 
voured most,  unless  it  were  those  whose  debts  exceeded 
the  value  of  their  property.  None  others  could  benefit  by 
a  suspension  of  justice.  But  to  pass  an  act  which  should 
afibrd  debtoA^,  of  this  description,  an  opportunity  of  en- 
jbyirig  their  plahtations  a  few  years  longet,  to  the  prejudice 
of  their  creditors,*  would  be  to  establish  iniquity  by  law. 
To  debtors  of  every  other  class,  the  honourable  bfefon^ 
contended,  thel)iil  would  eventually  prove  injurioUs/a^  It 
inust  effectually  destroy  all  confidence  in  those  #ho^e'  uff- 
fortunate  circumstances  more  partictr!ariy  ¥equit«d  credit 
to  enable  them  to  repair  tlieir  works,  and  restore 'their  pilian- 
tatiohs  t<i  a  proper  state  of  eultivation.  -^ir^  John  AlJeyne 
offered  a  vftrifety  of  arguments  to  prove,  t^at  the  operation 


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.  OF  BARBADOES.  4^5 

of  the  bill  would  not  only  be  prejudicial  to  those  for  whose  ^^l^^^^* 
bene^t  it  was  intended,  but  that  it  would  be  inconsistent      ^^^* 
with  the  honour  of  that  house,  and  injurious  to  the  cha* 
racter  of  the  country. 

On  the  resumed  consideration  of  the  bill,  its  principle  N^'^^* 
was  judiciously  combated  by  Mr.  Duke.  A  country,  he 
observed,  in  which  the  course  of  justice  was  obstructed  by 
law,  could  be  no  eligible  place  for  the  residence  of  men. 
From  such  a  society  all  confidence,  credit  and  comtnerce, 
must  be  banished.  It  must  want  support  from  without, 
and  be  destitute  of  cement  within.  The  venerable  speaker 
of  the  assembly  again  exerted  his  patriotic  eloquence  in 
supporting  the  claims  of  justice;  and,  rather  than  suffer 
any  imputation  on  his  good  faith,  moved  an  additionfU 
clause,  excluding  himself,  by  name,  from  any  benefit  to 
be  derived  from  the  operation  of  the  law.  The  integrity  of 
Mr.  Husbands  was  eminently  displayed  in  his  opposition  to 
this  measure.  By  a  train  of  misfortunes,  heiiad  been  al*- 
most  reduced  to  a  state  of  insolvency ;  but  his  liberal  mind 
M^s  incapable  of  entertaining  a  wish  to  oppugn  the  claims 
of  his  creditors  by  an  act,  palpably  inconsisteait  with  every 
idea  of  public  faith.  Being  without  a  horse,  though  he 
had  a  considerable  property  in  possession,  he  walked  with 
great  firmness,  a  distance  of  several  miles,  U>  attend  the  as- 
sembly, and. give  his  negative  to  the  bill.  But  finding  the 
powerful  opposition  which  he  had  toeicounter,  Mr.  Git- 
tens  withdrew  the  bill  without  putting  it  to  the  vote. 

30 


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/f/B6  THE  HISTORY 

iCHARXiv*      With  the  vifew  of  harassing  and  irritating  the  assembly^ 
*?^*     t\yd  governor  now  had  recourse  to  weekly  adjourmfietttsy 
wbich^  as  most  of  the  members  resided  at  a  distance  from 
Bridge-town,  subjected  them  to  much  inconvenience  and 
^ig^e^    The  recent  calamity  had  prevented  the  assembly, 
?^.  their  last  naeeting,  from  taking  any  notice  of  the  gover* 
^or's  unprecedented  and  illegal  demand  of  fees.     Indeed 
it  was 'Supposed,  that  the  universal  devastation  with  which  he 
iv^is  surrounded  would  have  softened  his  heart,  and  r#- 
fStrajUied  his  cupidity  from  grasping  at  wiiat  even  the  fury  of 
th9  e]|emea»ts  had  spared.     But,  finding  that  he  persisted 
ia  his  unc<»scionabl^  exactions,  and  that  many  extrava* 
.  gant  f^es  had  beeqi  paid  for  hi»  use,  Mr.  Duke,  in  ar  speech 
'fifa^ght  with  legal   and   constitutional  knowledge,  called 
upoq  tbe;house  to  lussert  the  rights  of  the  people.    He  la- 
mented thaty  in  a  season  of  no  ordinary  catamity,  he  should 
be  obliged  to  bring  forward  a  subject  of  altercation;  but 
Aey  owed  it  to  their  own  dignity ;  they  owed  it  to  poster 
sityi  a£»id$t  all  their  distres8es»  to  guard  the  constitution 
£aam  inyasion.    The  a$senibly,  be  observed,  were  the  guar- 
^WM  of  the  people,  chosen  not  merely  for  the  purpose  of 
making  lawsk»  but  to  watch  over  and  preserve  inviolate  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  tbe  coamicneia  of  Borbadoes.    The 
^  conduct  of  all  pubUc  olives  was  sol^ct  to  thek  cognizance. 
It  was  their  [nrovjince  to  biing  to  justice  all  off»4»s  who 
oould  not  iitbefwiie  be  made  amenable  to  the  common 
course  oC  law.    Tbe  iKoords  «ff  pailiament  ioriiisfaed,  he 

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OF  BARBADOES.  4«r 

said,  innumerable  instances  of  impeachments  and  prose-  ^^^^^^* 
cations  by  the  house  of  commons,  not  only  against   the      ^'^^* 
highest  ministers  of  state,  but  extending  even  to  the  subor-^ 
dinate  officers  of  the  courts  of  justice. 

The  principal  branch  of  their  jurisdiction,  Mr.  Duke  ad- 
mitted, was  to  guard  the  money  of  the  subject,  and  to  pr6« 
voitits  being  takeu  away  without  the  sanction  or  authority- 
of  the  legislature;  and  this  was  tlie  very  grievance  of  which 
he  was  then  to  complain.  The  governor  and  council  had, 
contrary  to  law  and  usage,  established  a  table  of  fees,  tb 
be  taken  by  the  secretary  of  the  island,  for  his  excellency** 
use,  in  all  cases  throughout  the  whole  circle  of  business  in 
which  his  name  was  employed.  Pro»i  a  review  of  the  bis^ 
tory  of  the  mother  country,  from  the  reigns  of  the  Stuarts 
to  the  time  of  the  Revolution^  Mr.  Duke  proved,  that  the 
levying  of  money,  without  the  consent  of  parliament,,  h^ 
been  repeatedly  and  solemnly  declared  illegah  This  being 
the  case  with  the  King,  it  could  not  he  supposed  dMt  the 
servants,  or  ministers  of  the  Crown,  sboiild  be  left  at  liberfy 
to  oppresis!  the  subject  by  such  arbitrary  and  unwarrantable 
means.  »       ^ 

In  tfiis  idattd  tJife  mbney  of  the  people  bad  Bvei*  been  the 
first  and  favourite  object  of  legistativi^  cAte  ajnl  eoncerti. 
Not  only  ^  taxes  for  the-  suppbrt  of  governii^nt  require  tte 
concurrence  oif  the  three  estate*  before  ^ey  cawa  be^  ieviedt 
but^lihef  fees  of  the  public  officer,  wkieh  are  virtually  a^  tax, 
had  b^€»  fiied  and  prescfibed  ^f  la^r;  anld  the  pei^ties 

So  2 


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468  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.XIV,  annexed  to  the  demand  of  higher  fees  than  'those  esta*^ 
iW.  blishpd  by.that  authority  were  sufficient,  he  asser(;ed,  to 
4eter  tlje  offiqer  from  the  comraission  of  the  offence*  He 
then  proceeded  to  shew  that  the  commander  in  chief  was 
not  entitled,  by  law  or  custom,  to  the  receipt  of  fees ;  and 
that  the  addition  made  by  the  colonial  legislature  to  the 
salary  allowed  by  the  Crown,  was,  granted  upon  that  im* 
plied  condition.  After  vindicating  the  settlement  made  upon 
General  Cunninghame,  by  arguments  drawn  from  the  im* 
poverished  condition  of  the  country,  he  quoted  several 
local  statutes  to  prove,  that;  no  old  fees  could  be  altered, 
nor  new  ones  established,  otherwise  than  by  the  united  iau* 
thority  of  the  governor,  council  and  assembly.  Yet  his 
excellency  and  the  council,  in  direct  contravention  of  the 
most  positive  Ij^ws,  had  presumed,  of  their  own  will  and 
pleasure,  to  arrange  and  settle  a  new  table  of  fees,  which 
J^ad  been  announced  by  a  formal  declaration,  in  writing,  at 
the  secretary's  office.  Embracing  a  wide  extent  of  pub- 
lic business,  these  fees  affected  the  administration  of  jus- 
tice, and  added  weight  to  an  expense  already  too  burthen* 
some  to  admit  of  augmentation. 

Such  illegal  exactions,  Mr.  Duke  observed,  bore  harder 
on  the  subject,  in  proportion  to  the  rank  and  consequence 
of  the  oppressors,  because  the  people  were  discouraged 
from  applying  to  the  law  for  redress,  and  every  fresh  in- 
stance of  extortion,  although  but  d  repetition  of  iniquity, 
served  to  give  it  a  sort  of  sanction*     Hence  it  would  hap- 


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^       .  OFBARBADOES.  469 

pew,  unless  tbe  assembly  would  interpose,  that  a  toleration  ^JJ^^:^^^* 
of  a  most  nefarious  practice  would  soon  assume  the  name  ^^^^* 
of  custom,  and  then  of  law.  When  the  public  welfare  was 
at  fitake^  he  thought  the  assembly  should  not  6nly  be  ready 
to  lay  down  their'  political  existence,  but  even  to  sacrifice 
their  natural  lives  in  opposition  to  fradd  and  violence'.  He 
mentioned  the  case  of  Mr.  Wilkes  and  Lord  Halifax  as  an 
instance' of  a  successful  struggle  against  illegal  power,  sup- 
ported by  a  train  of  precedents  for  eighty  years;  and 
thence  inferred,  that  the  authority  given  Mr.  Workmkn  to 
demand  the  fees  in  dispute,  could  no  more  justify  his  re- 
ceiving them  than  the  authority  of  the  secretary  of  state 
could  protect  the  messengers  who  executed  his  warrant 
against  Mr*  Wilkes.  Indeed  it  was  so  much  the  weaker, 
because  it  was  unsupported  by  a  shadow  of  usage;  nor 
could  it  derive  any  strength  from  the  nature  of  the  govern- 
ment, nor  the  policy  of  the  measure,  as  it  was  simply  a 
scheme  of  public  plunder  and  peculation. 

*^  For  every  wrong,'*  continued  Mr.  Duke,  "  there  is  a 
remedy,  and  the  immediate  instrument  of  that  wrong  acts 
at  his  peril.  Exclusive  of  the  penalties  created  by  the  co- 
lonial statutes,  Mr.  Workman,  as  the  governor's  agent, 
can  be  made  to  refund  every  shilling  which  he  had  received 
over  and  above  his  lawful  fee.  If  he  withhold  papers 
after  a  legal  tender  of  the  established  fee,  an  action  lies 
against  him  at  common  law;  and,  should  any  special 
damage    arise,    a   jury    cannot  fail  to  make    him    an- 


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470  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP-XIV.  swerable,  by  their  verdict.  He  might  not  onlj  be  stripped 
17*6.  ^f  tig  office,  but  rendered  incapable  of  holding  any  other; 
and,  by  prosecution  and  conviction  a<  a  criminal  court,  he 
may  be  stamped  with  the  ignominious  appellation  of  an  ex- 
torlioner,  and  undergo  such  farther  punishment  as  the  court 
may  think  adequate  to  his  crime."  To  be  a  slave  or  tool, 
the  learned  gentleman  remarked,  was  allowed  to  be  no  jus« 
tification.  The  act  of  every  man  was,  in  the  contemplation  of 
the  law,  deemed  to  be  his  own.  The  governor  and  council 
^ould  neither  compel  nor  authorize  the  secretary  to  rob  and 
oppress  the  people.  With  equal  propriety  might  they  di» 
rect  him  to  attack  their  lives  as  their  properties.  Oi>e  was 
as  much  under  the  protection  of  the  law  as  the  other ;  and 
the  restraints  of  the  law  opersite  as  effectually  upon  the 
governor  and  council  as  upon  the  meanest  member  of  the 
community. 

It  was  unnecessary,  he  said,  to  demonstrate  that  the  go- 
vernor and  council  possessed  no  dispensing  power  over  the 
laws ;  such  a  power  was  unknown  to  the  King  himself. 
Neither  was  it  necessary  to  shew  that  the  new  fees  wowWi 
operate  as  a  tax  upon  the  people,  and  therefore  required 
the  united  authority  of  the  three  branches  of  the  legislature 
to  legalise  them  ;  these  poinjts  were  so  obvious  as  to  requice 
no  illustration.  Much,  Mr.  Duke  said,  might,  be  urged 
against  the  establishment  of  new  fees  in  any  case,  Th^ 
great  reason  for  the  repeal  of  the  stamp  act  was  its  ten- 
dency to  obstruct  the  progress  of  businets,  and  to  impose 


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OPBARBADOES.  471 

restraitHs  and  fetters  on  the  comulercd  of  the  colonies.    He  chap.xiv. 

,  would  not  insist  upon  the  pernicious  influence  of  fees  and  ^^w. 
the  multiplication  of  offices.  Nd  policy  could  be  more 
evident  than  that  the  seat  of  gorernment,  the  fountain  of  ' 
justice,  ought  not  to  be  polluted  and  degraded  by  that 
species  of  traffic.  If  th^  governor  and  council  had  a 
right  to  estabhsli  fees,  they  could  occasionally  increase  theip 
till  they  became  a  source  of  vexation  and  oppression.  If 
they  could  raise  and  appropriate  money  in  one  instance, 
their  authority  equally  extended  to  all  others ;  the  func- 
tions of  the  assembly  were  rendered  useless,  and  nothing 
remaiiied  that  the  people  could  justly  call  their  own. 

Mr.  Duke  referred  to  a  variety  of  authorities  to  establish 
his  position,  that  the  Crown  had  not  a  right  to  create  new 
offiices  with  profits  annexed  to  them,  to  be  paid  bjr  the 
people,  and  cited  a  case  of  an  office  having  been  granted 
by  letters  patent,  to  one  Foley,  for  measuring  worstead9, 
with  a  new  fee ;  but  the  house  of  commons. resolved  that  it 
was  void,  for  that  the  King  could  erect  no  offices  with  fee^ 
to  be  taken  of  the  people,  who  could  not  be  legally  charged 
but  by  parliament;  and  judgment  was  afterwards  giveo 
against  the  patent  in  tlie  king's  bench.  The  conclusion  is 
invincible.  A  colonial  governor  and  council  could  not  le- 
gally exercise  a  power,  which  did  not  belong  to  their  Sove- 

^reigiii  In  the  case  of  conquered  countries,  it  was  admit- 
ted, that  a  difference  might  exist.  Over  these  the  King 
possessed  a  plenitude  of  power.    But  in  colonies  settled  bjr 


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y;^p  ..THE,  HISTORY 

9J^^^.  Endi^shmen,  neitterthe,  Sovcrpig^y  uor  hi&  ^repte^ntst^ve, 
Am-      , could  £ixercise  aqy  jurisdiction  incompaj^iblewi^h  th^  cpiij 
stituJtional  birth-risjlitsof^  die  subject.         .  ->  , 

After  a  variety  pf  a^gume^te,  tending        prqve^tli^t  the 

interspersed  with  sonie  strieture^  oh  the  servililiV  of*  the 
cpunciL  as  harsh  as  tbev  wei?e  iust^  Mr.,  Di^fce  (j^oclud^ 
a  lumiuous  display  o-f  legal  erudition,  .with  mpviog  mae^|:^ 
solutions :  1  /  That  anj  otb^r  demai^dof  feesr,.  tb^^  ^p^hj^ 
^haye  been  prescribed  by  law,  is  ill<eg^),  ^nd  §ubjeot^,'tjbe 
^offender  to  punishment.  2.  That  no  public  officer,  on:  the 
^  tender  of  such  fees  as  arc  conformable  to  law,  can  refii^e 
to /perform  the  business,'  or  withhold  the  papers^  fQr- which 

<5J  LS,^ci'.i.[.':a  ^<.oi;  *'a  ^n  ^^.!  Jr-.;.-  ly^  >   .V;-*^^"   '•^'  -^  i"^^..^^ 

j^uch  fees  are  directed  to  be  paid,   wjthoqt  beiQ£[,£LultT 

«£  lli^j^.j  ;.,//:  WO    ;  ^>.>'^   "  ;       ->'*;^  ^'^^     '^  '^    -y^  r  M-^f^^^i^^ 
of  an  offence  and  misdeme3nor  in  the  execution  pf  .hi?  ofc 

fice.    3.  ,Tha,t  a  requisition  to  pay  fees,  on  ^ny  preteiice 

of 


Irary  and   illegal  levying  of  money,  subversiveof  the.cojv*- 

^titutional  rights  of  the  people,  and  a  dangerous  PDiCttiach* 

ment  on  the  peculiar  privileges  ot,  the  jjenerql  -^ssembuL 

'      i.  That  no  new  fees  can  be  cmimed,  nor  allpwedtTwihhfc 

'out  tlie  joint  consent  of  ^th6  governor,    council- Apd., at?- 

TembtyV    5.' That  tlie  governor  and.counclL  in  und^rteki^ 

fo  settle  a  new  table  of , fees,  to  ,be  paid  for  his  r^^xcdlenr 

cy^sT  use,  had  acted  illegally  and,  uni;on^t^rutionalIyu^  ^^a  1?^* 

ijie'fees  thils  established  are  not  obligatory  on  the  inhabitc 


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OF  BARBADOES.  473 

ftnts  of  the  island.    7-  That  the  assembly  will  aid  and  as-  -^£^^^ 

sist  all  pereoosi  who. may  be  aggrieved  by  the  novel  demand 

of  fees,  or  who  shall  be  obstructed  in  a  due  course  of  law, 

to  enforce  the  penalties  on  all  public  officers  who  shall  of«- 

fend  against  the  laws  respecting  fees.    8.  That  an  humble 

petition  be  presented  to  the  King^  beseeching  bis  Majesty 

to  remove  Major  General  James  Cunninghame  from  the 

government  of  the  island,  on  account  of  his  oppressive  con« 

duct  in  extorting  money  from  the  people,  contrary  to  law 

and  the  rights  of  the  legislature,    9.  That  tl^  CQuduct  of    • 

such  members  of  his  Majesty's  council,  as  have  concurred 

in  the  governor  s  arbitrary  and  illegal  exactions,  be  repre- 

sented  to  his  Majesty,  and  that  he  be  Immbly  requested  to 

shew  such  marks  of  his  royal  displeasure  towards  them  at 

the  nature  of  their  crime  may  deserve. 

To  prevent  the  house  from  coming  to  any  decision  on  the 
motion,  Mr.  R.  B.  Jones  moved  the  previous  question,  in 
order  that  they  might  hav^  time  to  search  for  precedents, 
95  to  the  legitimacy  of  the  fees.  But,  his  motion  being 
negatived  by  a  large  majority,  the  question  was  put  on 
each  resolution  separately,  and  can:ied  In  the  afl^rm^tive. 
Mr.  Jones  having  declined  'giving  his  vote,  the;  opposition 
devolved  oh;  Judge  Gittens,  Judge  W*lcott,  Mr.  Burke  and 
lir.  Burton,  who  voted  unifomyy  against  all,  the  resolu^ 
tiofia.  T^  the  eighth  and  ninth,  Mr.  W.  G.  Alleyne  gave 
his  negative;  and  Mr.  J.  C.  Cok.  ?hewed  his  partiality  t^ 
the  council,  by  coofining  hi^  vote  tq  the  M.  ,  A  petition, 

Sir 


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'AfH  .  THE  HISTORY 

^^S^'  franied  on  the  two  latter  resolutions,  was  accordingly  intro^ 

•      dbt^d,  and,  having  beeft  agreed  to,  on  a  division  of  eleven 

tb  six,  the  speaker  was  directed  to  sign  it,  and  transmit  it 

io  the  agent,  to  be  presented  to  the  King^ 

'    The  petition  began  with  stating  that,  with  hearts  devoted 

to  his  Majesty's  interest,  and  with  the  strongest  attachment 

to  h\h  person  and  government,   the  assembly  were  con* 

strained,  with  grief  and  sorrow,  to  supplicate  the  grtfcioin 

intlerposition  of  the  royal  authority,  to  protect  the  rights 

Und  liberties  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  isknd^  iliuch  injured 

^hd  ^fleeted  by  an  order  of  the  governor  and  council^  esta* 

^liahmg  hew  and  oppressive  fees  for  his  excellency's  use ;  td 

%hicK  iM)  former  governor,  however  arbitrary  and  rapaciouS) 

^er  fbihned  pretensions  in  ^e  most  prospoous  tiiiie».    But 

at  this  unhappy  juncture,  when  the  people  were  ill  able  t^ 

%eafr"ifefen  the  necessary  taxes,  to  impose  upon  tfaemnev^ 

^ueT  illegal  burthens  and  Exactions,  was  adding  cniehjf  to 

f%iju«ficfe.    Nbr  could  they  seei  without  the  dteepiist  eoGk 

bbrn,  his  Majesty's  ^cred  n^me  a^  delegate  St^bdl-ity) 

fn^osti'tuted  to  tlie  tiie&ii  ahd  ^otAXA  purpose  of  raisi«r^«,'«^ 

tenue  for  th6  governor,  to  the  great  oppressioitdf  his  Ma* 

jesty's  d^tiAil  and  loyal  subjects,  cofttrary  to  thfe  «&ctent 

k#»  and  st^tutes^of  Oreat  Britain,  wkidi*  fbrbidotfee'  taking 

-any  lee,  gif)^  or  brdkage,  on  the  disposal  of  pli^s  atid  o^ 

ficea;  tontirary  to'thd  ancient  chatter  of  Ittiert^',  vrWfcB 

|H-ovides  that  justicfe^all  not  be  told;  c<on*raif3rll6  fttWie- 

ttOTMll  usiftge;'-diid^ytver*}v« of 'tlie  i»ii*^^^      4!?*^fe^E«ig^ 

1 


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OF  BARBADOES.  47^ 

lii^b  constitution ;  and  in  direct  opposition  to  an.  express  law  ^^*^j^;^' 
ipf  the  l&nd,  confirmed  by  regal  authority,  which  reserves  ^^^^* 
Uies  right  of  creating  fees  to  the  legislative  body  of  th^ 
island.  Thus  circumstanced,  the  assembly  were  diiyep  to 
ftpply  to  their  beloved  Sovereign  for  redress  of  these  unme- 
rited and  u^exampleck  usurpations,  tending  to  take  frpqi 
tjie  legislative  body  the  right  of  raising  taxes  and  appro- 
priating  the  public  money ;  and  to  bestow  on  the  governor' 
And  cojuncil  a  suspending  power  over  the  laws  of  the  islanf],  ' 
and  the  constitutional  rights  of  the  people.  The  pptitioiiT 
frs  therefore  besought  his  Majesty,  in  compi^sion .  to  hif 
loyal  and  oppressed  colony,  to  remove  Geperal  Jam^ 
Cunningbame  fropi  the  goyerpn^ent ;  and  to  ,^hew  such 
ipfirks  of  his  royal  displeasure  towards  t)iose  coun^llors^ 
who  had  concurred  in  thq  gpvemor's.proc^in^,  ^s  l}i^  ]^f^r 
jesty  in  hi,s  great  ivisdom  and  ffitherly  affpp^tk)D,^  to  1^^ 
aggrieved  and  distress^  spbj^c^,  should  deeim  tl^e^  ^ 
(deserve. 

3Notwithftt»nding  the  tpnjpejr  ?ipd  jpodeyatiop  of  thjs  ad- 
4rq5s,  the  ppblp.  s^creta^j 
remarked,  on  receivinjg  it 
tqn  with  greaX  Ipip^t  and  9 
part  ojf  j[ud^e,  jury,  and 
tionable  p^s^gei  ys^  thj^ 
npr  Cu^nii)g|ifiipe«  But  1 
meptary ; .  ^nd  it  had  beei 
ixxaine  hioAself,  not  infreq 

3  p  a 


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J7W.     iwiWalHdii^  Ijis  Majesty^^:-mifltetters*firora  WS  presence  awtl' 
-eettiioite  fb¥  eVet;  •  iWiis  Jot-dbhif^r^^o^reV^r;  In  his  coAvetBtf- 

^b«»t*fiv«  hftridt^^  ia  year,'  he  ought  td  ^ave  atecdpted  it^l^nd 

ittstfettd  bf  lie^j^fng  his  cArriage^v  and)  livings  with  the  spl^ii- 
^a^itr  00*^  ^d»ltitrtandef 'irt  chiefs  lie*  jnight  haVe  rode;r*h« 

iiors^J^nd^  Hvedilike^k  planter.,)  Loud  ^George  ufteriy  «ib- 
vtfkin*ed  the  go^emor^  feating 'uader  his  instructiods  wiWi 
A  tfespe^t  tofees ;  and  adowtted  tbat^*  -if  they  were,  t^ken  con- 

ttafytoHhd  laira  <tf  theariiandi  ihe  ,iiad  done/ wrong  in  dc^ 
*  liiaMing  thetiu  iiHh^/  ^etilioi*fcy  a  having  tbieen  presented  *> 
i'1jfejMajestyi''was,9b(y  hisiirQmmafnds,.refeii'ed  to  the)QO»»i- 
iidemtion  of  thefliorf^GoattittidMonen^^^  planto^. 

i/tiotts, '  by  *  w»bomf  »iCo{)y/of  it  #as<sent  to  the  gotem^i.  with 
-'iSh'ordftrt0ttan^i*^liferraildicationi     .1  .  7    .     .* 

'  ^ ;  Though  the  govtemoiD . wAs  bonvincedy ;  from  the .  effects  oi 
^tlke  lat^  ^llie^truclive  atorm;^  J  that  it^  icouii^rj  was  unable  to 
^l>etrf'^aiiy^'adgmentatioii  of  hisisalarj^^Jm:  detennined  to 

'ttak^ >tti!i6tt«*  MortJ:)  F<»r  thiis'jptvrposb/he  atunnioned.  the 
^  as$€»ttbly  to!meetton.rtbe^^tltenfy^dgblh7day  of  rNovembdr, 
^ifAifeti'M^  laid  before iheito  k Jdtterlvhich  'he  had  received 
'^oi»^tb6-secr€fterfy'x>f  itatevr  wlith  a  Jksiqay  0^  hisi  ^  M&|ei»ty  s 

«lMtihiotk»n/boiK«mlng  the) jsaiacyv  )mS]  betoa^shenvn 

m3  them X](n  his^atriiealvi i  l%d;8eojrefcaDyslkttet) eH{Miessi^d  Wis 
^'^Ma^ty^^A  ij^fB^robfiitiQn  ^df  tbe^aetUfimcint a  oeo^a/^exieet 


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OP  BARBADOES,  :^f 

fyQf^Aho  HO^Kisit  DA  their  eiqwitoblecotomodibes^  Altd  009'^ 

ifck  Qjwi^nQjfiaii  ftddUioual  tlrotisond  pofundj^^tliM  .  ?  i.;ci 

L.:iTiie  ifmiduclioii; lal  iiieB^  papete/^veij-i&e  fla  ft^^vwfifi  a»ifd 
flniMKttteid:  debat^v  in  theiCQuraQ:QC  w;hicb.Mri  HQ^bftnd^i 
Bisted^AhHt  thdir  .^yaUy  0n  various  <K;Qa«)an^Ji9:d:^b€)?p.§o 
afaplj^:  displayed; as t4io  teqitirB.ilq-  fefthfcrbpw>bft:iniKte'f'^^-» 
JInediteiie  loyatty  to  cobfli«tin  a  du6Tobediei}ce,tO  tfeftiaws, 

-and'Si  «eal6ttft  support-fof  tlirt  cotistitatiaivp^baik  a^  flfieera 
compliance/  wi till  every  .linreasonable  lfkemBnidy.tif 'goy^f\^ 

:i^knty  4ie  ps8crt(^d^  ^^W(lnQ(tolllya^jt3;f^  but  arfildTefijfritofs^ 
iror^  kind^  a  slaveityof  the  imindui  vile  ppofetse^i^^imdlf 

-  ata  ejapmy  to^  the  fcwmo*  resotuliott*^  r^spectihgithet  ccmiditrmial 
etJiCT0Me  of-  ti^ie  gbvernoife'sa4aty^CB»d  thawgiit'tlbatcit  jQught 
to  be  rescinded.     But  )m^omtdim<kA^t(^ii0t^^iff»!l)^^^;^ 

>  duCtuiti*  of  tlic  salary  ;  he  had  nkoneiu^i  bocev^it  tfefoirttum- 
^dtahoes :oP>tlte  people ^reqaiDed ttbe^  'giteatwt'>fntga8i^i4i>-i&e 
pubiiofinqiehdittf^^M^Uid  >bte2MDise[(ati9eiotmr)$iiioiv«i9uy^ 
Be^n  iKkwliere^ifritfa  iiioic^pro^  tbfltoTat  ik^i»f^^A,M^ 

bad^  gifvi^ti : thi^  f vdtci  ;:wittoottt  tfeating/  l3ie»r:di4plf^taH^^ jOf* 

i  ministers,^  mbnshduld  she 'jBtiiact  aloBDtf :  JtedkiJeHi  iktiyh  ^ere: 

' di^iea^ck)  :^  A;iiniu8te£,  i iodiose  .|tfvai)e  /^urtstDaiaod^eiaQli^-! 

;  meiitsin^v^ffiee^  ^aal^4vhiite^o  ip€|»«l:flnocfi>t^ 

^g*ially  Jthan'tbd'WhMe  dDdoant  or  ilx^^^otiialirc»9emw{:r^|di 


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^f$  TH£  HISTORY 

GfUi^^l9.  cciuld  neither  kiunr  nor  fedt  the  distreseei  of  tl>e  inlnbit^ 
1?^  antB  o(  tkie  island;  but  the  members  of  that  house  felt 
them,  ^dkn&w  that  a  tbcudand  pounds  a  year  was  tio^  in^ 
edavderahle  saving  in  the  public  expense.  *  Had  Governor 
Cutiiiinghame  anss^^ered  the  character  i^hioh  partial  friend^* 
^p,  or  servile iktterjr,  had  given  of  kim  ote  his  arrival^ 
Had  bad  not  *  the  late  dreadful  calamity  rbefollea  -  the  coun^ 
try,  they  might  have  been  induced,  they  said,  to  pay  some 
attention  to  the  pretent  demand  for  ^an  increase  of  salary* 
^ut  after  the  treatment  that*  house  had  experienced  fix>Bl 
his  excellency;  aft^*  tbe  unjust  and  injurious  aap^^sibnt 
^hich  he  had  <»fcs4on  them;  after  the  indignity  offered  them, 
in  refusing  to  receivfi  the  memorial  in  their  vindication;  afW 
tet  his  unconstitutional  attempt  to  tax  the  people  by  esta^^ 
|>1ish¥ag  4MW  and  oppressive  fees,  Mr.  Husbands  coniended^- 
^at  they  could  not  consent  to  augment  thfc  salary  without 
A  ferfeiture  of  thdr  honour,  and  a  violation  of  tte  trast  I'c^ 
posej)  in  t^m. 

In  explanatitm^of  their  forifter  resoluttooi  the  hoese  una-* 
Bimou^ly  resoWed,  that  it  never  wae  intended,  asa-eonditioH^ 
witii  the  ininiBl^  for  tlie .  remission  of  t^e  four  attd  a*  half 
per  cent  duty,  but  ^ras  ma-dy  designed  for  the  eonsidem-^ 
tibn  4of  the  counbiK'  A  second  resolutiofa  was  abo  moved  by 
'S/tt.  V*  Jones,  tbat  in  the,  present  sitoatton  of  the  coaii* 
try^  aliieted  by  the  ihand  of  Cod,  and  subject  to.  illegal 
ftes,  tecomtnended  by  thfe  council  and  exacted  by  the 
g6va3i6r>  the  hodse  were  junabte  to  make  Any  liftrt|ieir  set^ 


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OF  BARBADOES.  ^ 

UBfnenf  oh  hiivaiocMeiicy.  Judge  Gittmw  and  Mn  R.  K  ^^^^^^ 
Jones  admitted  the  inabilky  df  the  people  to  bemt  ibj  jen*  >&«'• 
Cveb^e  of  tibeir  burtheni  ^  but  ifubted  thai  the  assemblt 
0Ugl>(  to  yield  to't^Mifed  doosideratioiM  of  policy  aad  pi^ 
d^cei.  whieh  ttfoogiy^  ttrged  their  givaog  h»  excdJiettoy  tki| 
8aibie-«Hla4iy  ism  •haekbeefr.ttHoir^d'.bb  fiMdeiieMars.  T^ 
motion  tras^  ho(rev«ragire«t<  t>»^^y  ai  M^t^orityt  laf  ^teiiKta 

-\  llhft-'as«^bly  returned  a  (iivii  aofwer  to  ifae  govec^^ 
igesiag^^  oMnnuaiGfttin^  to faimitfae  seipllLof  ttiedr delifoera* 
abtn?,^  expixsmvi  of  thsiv  afflictions iiutbc  tk^iiFiSbveiE^i 
dikpleaiSUi^^  and  obteriirirtg' tfasi  Mibl  iuafNMrdrftfaed  s^t^ite itf 
ihe  Country  absolutely  forbad  the^t  passing  a  letry  Inll ; 
whicb  appeared- to  them  ufinetdssaryf-as  a^>  large  p^rtf  <c^ 
th«  4Umi6M«v^  reifia^hM  uoddll^ete^r irorin  thiei  kpiomainm 
bilityp^ the  people  to  p^  it.-  >1?bel»i»U8«.6a«tiB«ed  flitting 
l))^  diftet  sHii-Ket»  in  ejtpectatfea.of  ^ii^vadjoumed  in  ilw 
ti9val  QiMner  by  his  e&dellency's  ptEdek*;  but  rfceiving  >ii* 
)^roctioBS'JK«|f  adjoamed,  iof>  their  otmv.authority^  iavaifiet 
to -the  etad-of  ibuy^\«*oeks^  al^-t'h^  sanab  houi;  of.  thfe  4(v6kiii^ 
Dtsaf^ipted  in.  bis  ^r&dd  O^oots,  /an  AttgnaeototioB  of 
htkisa^tjrSiBdii  tike  .pascEige  of  a  Jiv^;bi2iv  both  of  vn^bdcb  Jae 
4ihp«i^.thd  siBcrefcacy:  df  siatsfsietfdr  ba^-i^deiced!  «0oitrst 
•t^egovierear.npir^Te  his  ateo[it'4jbi  tike^.  a^t  ofsMittl^daafili 
4irbiQhhf||dpp^4.op;hisai:fi«at;iaiildr'inf)i9f9U^npc;j(>^lii$^^  Decern.  7. 
4Hrej^te4..9dht^nf i  diasiolved'thfit  assf^ihlal;^)  t;^>  prbdt^MaiL 


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Jul. «. 


4190  THE  HlSrORT 

<3J^^i  taooa,  he  iamicd  .viits  for  «  geberai  eled^mi*  at  a  difteMe  of 
Jim.  more  tban  two  montfas.  ,Btii,  whatever  were.th^  adva»> 
tages  which  bis  excelleiicyi  nw^t;  hav6  eiipectiefi  from  tUt 
alep,  he  w«>  af^in,  doooied.  >t6  suffer  the.  vexation  of  diaap- 
fmolmnit.  AU  the  memben  ojf  the  ffljnoer  asieinbly  went 
•gain  dected,  with  only  two  «x«eptio9ft,  :a«d  iA*  Ifaoae  hM 
•tancsa  he  behe^ted  jBoihing  bj>  the  c|wog«)v. :,.... 
1781.  One  of  these  changes  was  unfortunately  produced  by  itbt 

death  of  that  tllo«trio<ts<palidot,  Mr.  Henty  DuicB.-'nMugh 
liberally  endowed  ihy.aatureiwjitb  a  vigorous  uader^laiidtafk 
improved  by  thei  atudyrof  a  tcieece  .ibe  «ioft  likeiy  to 
strengthen  and  ecpaod  rthe  poweis  df  the.iAind,.  Mr.  Dukb 
was  less  disttugaished  by  hi^  eminent  talents,  ^an  the  seal 
and  spirit  with  which  they  were  exerted  in  Uie  pnUic  aer- 
^ikse..  firaily  attached  to  the  intereat|.«»f  bia.  iiative.cow* 
py^  he  was  neither  tnfciniidatad  by  the  frowns,  of  pQwen 
aor  allured  by  its  seductive  stoile,  from  diligently  pursuit^ 
die  patlis  wliich  he  thon^t  would  lead  to  colonial  pnoaper 
lity.  The  activity  of  his  .miskd  was  eootinuaily  impdlif^ 
him  io  jattemtit  the  v^inHm  ofahu^ea^or  tojiogg^wiseaod 
aalntaty  laws  for  (he  benefit  of  the  state.  Sopeiier  to  the 
sordid  oonsideratipna  oft.  personal  ease  aad .  private  eniai» 
«ieot»^  his  integrity. and.  public  spirit  rendered  him  <jlbmaB^ 
.AIM  to  those  diottea.io  tbejhive,  wbofsoaglrt  public  employe 
meols  without  any  intention  lof  perfiiDning  the  daties  aA> 
jMSKed  to  them^  ur  who  were:  d^rous  only;  of  battenmgoa 
•the  spoils  of.  the  people.    £vciy  admirer  of  gemnne  pa- 


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OY  BAKBADOESf-  481 

tSfiotisM^uSt  l^efit  the  loss  of  one,  irh'ose  firmness  and  ^^SS^*" 
intrepidity  marked  him  the  champion  of  liberty  and  the  .  ^''•'^• 
kssefter  of  his  countr^s  rights^  '  .:  \ 
'  The  e^cti  of  the  governor^s^  anger  werenot  confined  to 
the  assembly;  he  embraced  every  opportunity  of  harassing^ 
and  distressmg  the  militia^,  by  keepiiifg  them  out  on  alarm's, 
without  the  smallest  necessity;  They  were  fi^^ncntly  kept 
tmder  arms  Ihe  Tvhole  night,  without  any  suflicient  precau* 
tkm  having  been  taken  to  affoid  than  reilt  or  i^elte^. ;  Th» 
ioconvenience,  which  was  more  particularly  felt  by.the< 
eavaby/  having  \}een  refMresented  to  th^  govemoory  fait  ex- 
cellency ordeied  the  Leeward  regimentof  hon»^  cooimanded: 
l^.CoIcmel  Poyer,:  to  rendezvous  at  a  smidl  fort, called 
Dover^  upon  the  bill  above  Speighfs^town.  Leacock,  the{ 
coIoikI  of  thatdivi»ioii^  thought  this  an  infri(ig)ement  ot 
his  authority^  and,  on  the  first  alarm^  detached  Captaia 
Jordan- with  a  company  of  infantry,  from  Orange  fort,  to^ 
Mcupy  the  po9t.  On  the  approach  x>f  evening,.  Poy^r  sent 
to  Mr;  J<u*dan,  saying,  tlmt  he  had  his  ercelleucy's  ocdeiiii 
to  take  po»t  there,  and  requested  that  he  would  evacuate 
the  fort,  that  he  might  put  his  men;  under  cover,  for  tiiq 
iiight  Jordan  replied,  that  he  oould  not  quit  his  stationr 
without  orders  from  his  commanding  officw.*  >  Foyer,  hari^ 
ing  previously  dismounted  his  troops  iinmediately  put  diienb 
in  motion,  with  the  view  of  marching  into  the  Tort;  ^biM 
Jprdanj^  faithful  to  lus  orders,  l^rew  4iimself;  sword  in 
Ba^d,  iDto  the  gake^ivay^  aitd  opposed  their  eaimac^l^  *A 

3  Q 


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4Si  tttK^IJWKJRT 

<«*Ry*  rtncounterei»iied,ift  which  Pojf^ififinaipeteoMij^ihnn^litfii 
*^*'*  dff  his  guard,  iuid  he  Idst  hiv  «vroid  s  Jordaa  took  tf>  vS^ 
vkhtage  of  this  accident,  aad  the  ibtwnfereooe  of  some  of 
the  bffiden  pt^sent  termtoated  the  firacat,  and  Poj«r  iaaae- 
^ktely  dbfofttehed  hi»  adjntttit  fo  Pilgrim  with  an  ftooouat 
of  tfati  extiuordiciarjr  tratuactioD.  Jordan  was  aoon  after 
t^rou^t  tjoi  a  tiourt^inartia],  by  <^  goteraoc'a  vtAtu  and 
^iiiniiued  the  service ;  wlnte  Colonel  Leacoek,  sader  wiaiae 
orders  he  had  acted,  retained  the  oeiwtiiwd  oC  iba  diin- 


]  Tewbvdttke^cioMdf  the  i«rt  Tear  HeiiaiidhftdJOijiadW 

ahilb  to  tiie  CQBshina«iDn,^vinBd  fajlheiOthergielA  maivMl^ 

Tjiih^^  loir  ffidnciag  the-vansL  atawnglh  >aiw]»  «a<iwml,  .^p^ 

Imkce  Mbf -Graat  Bntaloi  <  Ganr^raar  Ciiniii(i^l«|fK»  rc^v^ 

'^1  jr  inteHigfetfiice  ef  this  et«Bt»  acicomfinDiad  witiii  an  aqtOf* 

atic^'tUai  tl«^^|>roper  outfafoaities  should  .teiipo^j  fot" 

^i^aird^d;  isrglilbKitfg'tetleM'oi^  iBsv<]ii0.a«id>  B^rwd  fgsii^t 

tiK  «ati§eeb  cUF  Hui^  S«atai  Ociaerai  t/»i4<  di9>^i«0,  :^» .  ip 

ite'inte^i»»'iil>  jnfoinn  the  i>«'a0fsoCp^y&ti^^^^if«^.,9|f  f^> 

«iiat-they^)kutd:^.eD«i«M.t»^*^ 

pibpcify  ^^y^ieh^^  4li^  siidtild  capture)  ^ ,  T^^liuflft^s  «|f:,^ 

^hitra^i^^e^^ied  odmt^ ti|yafc:liRi^^  y^^g^  ^^int  ^ 

tike  idniiKha^ts  «i<:SafiMdea«,-««wli;^qiiitf(fti|r.<i^i^l^^ 

•  dfatitiisflA  irftiie  lidia>bitairts»  oodniMii^itoi  U^s  |wf ^^^ 

liiferfWe!«!odftu»^>lie»  ll«ba|^.1lu)4)eiM9^cpfyi]ppk^i^^ 

'^iiilfi:  ^  jAdH«ir^v« «»  hto^nii«M)ae^i^««mi^)|i^  ^W^ 

^«d  tl»^of^ln  ht^MidittMKMil^aiikd,  iiyi^»tlwi[ift^j4y<iy^fd 


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thfe  6ihakt%  of  pt^ate^  to  pay  tbe/mo^t:  extm.vciga^lb  fn^     *(*•.•" 

ror '6diAiiiiss.i6n8,  tiliichi  he*w&scon8oipuSy;.wei^  of  ?io  tali- 

31ty;    To  Add  to  the  injiatibe,  and  ;  t 

t/y  fcxtortion,  he  refrfaMJ  to  issue  -t*  r 

.t3Kitch,'tmIe8s'thdfte  ^o  applied  fo 

btirersf,  d^'novo,  against  tlie  Freiich,  Spaniards,  and  Ameii- 

cans  J  ott  which  the  fees  collectively  amounted  to  one  hua- 

i^retf  ahfl  Ihirteen  pounds^ 
Many  valuable  Dutch  prizes,  wTiic 

liricfet  ccAnrnissiohs  thus  prematurely 
"tkkeri  from  thie  captors  by  Ks  Majestj 

%^  the  gbv6rh6i^s  orders^  after  they  Wj 

and:conj^mned  as  droits  of  the  admi 

Crees  of  the  crourt  of  vice-admiralty,  th 

iKfc  justice  of  a  benignant  prince^  and  J 
H'hat  the  priiaes  should  be  sold,,  and  tjje 
'iiis  bands  until  his  Majesty's  ple^iii 
\  tills  been  done,  there  is  little  reason  jtc 
pellants  would  ever  have  bencEted  b^ 
minatioh  in  their  favour;'   But  Mr..-^ 
^he  vilie-admiraUy  court,  acted  with  It 
'  becfoming  -  his  high  respoiMiiUe  bituation^ ,  |f  ^^appp^ t^  .a 
proper  officer,  under  bonds,  for  the  fatithfi^l  ,exe|9)itipn^9^..the 
trust,. to  ^etl  the  priwsg  and'  directed  bim  to  d^t^  j^  mp* 
']  hey  fbt  which  they  were  sdd,  kuililtbe.  app^al^.  yf^  dej{^ed 
bysu^rioir  authority.    Cx^H^eratedlftt  thja^,^ 

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4m> '  w^mmw^i. 

pended  the  judge,  and  appointed  William  Morris  hia^^j^,, 

to^'ii^uries. .   He,  pw^^nted  a.  imemc^al  to  the  ]^jn^,.aiyi  frfi^^ 
re:ip8.|a{ed,bjf  his^M^^  i ...  jUc!  yvd 

Feb.  u.  .Meanwhile -l^e  new  assemhlj  h^ying^n^^et,,t^,^jU^\^  j^f^^ip^. 
course  of"  ciyili^i^s  was  preserved  between,  the  ffpyprnOTr|an^i^ 
th^  hou^e,  nqtwithstondin^  t^  ill-hun^our  i^hichpre^aHed^ 
between  them.  In  the  speech  frooi  the  chair,  the  usiud  topWs.^ 
of  discussion  were  renewed  ana  pressed  v^ith  sreat  ear^»U 
ness  on  the  attention  of  the  legislature.  Upoi^^the  stmiectf 
Qf  their  defence,  his  excellency  wished  to  engage  thei^  nio^, 
serious  reflection.  A  powerful  armament^  he  infoni)^  ; 
them,  was  daily  expected  from  France*  and  the  number  of , 

^  their  enemies  had  been  increased  by  the  rqpture  with  the  , 

States  G enteral.  In  the  strong  reinforcements  sent  out  fox 
their  protection^  they  had  a  fresh  instance  of  his  Majesty's 
paterniatl  ckre;  but  he  c^^utioned  them  against  trusting:  ^n- 
tirely  taa  naval  force  for  security.  A  short  interval  of  it&. 
aosehce,  he  justly  observed,  nughtbe  fataL  if  they  iieglecifc-  j 
ed  to  Improve  their  internal  strength;  and  as  their  iiumoers,, 

constituted  the  principal  means  of  defence,  Jbe  asam  re- 

"  :i•v?'>'^'^.^w  ••       ^:  w  t^  c'^'--'  '  -M-^^  ?*"'  ^'P  '^:r'''''A''' 
commended  a  revisiou  of  their  mihtia  law.    In  their  deli- 

beralions  on  this  subject,  he  trustied  they  would  find  that 

ioe  powers  necessary  to  etuorce  obedience  were  not  mcom^i^ 


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cotiVitryl'^  ;■':''.'-''  ^'^^'"■^•'  t-'-f-r  •'■ '  f'^  ••i'^-"(.  •'"■►  ^"i>"'-q    - 


ca^iiciHi  n^6''tlu^iVl&&ectiate  ^nsidefatibn^    "ttie'repaira  of 


teh,  ttiough  they  were  points  wholly  unconnected,  with  the 
cofcirtiiai  estail^&Iiment.'    tie  was  particular!;^  comriianded^  '^ 
by  tiie^Kiiig,'  he  sai(l',*t6  recommend  harmony  to  tneltwo" 
branches  of  the' legislature;  and  he  wbhed^e  had  nothing 
more  to  suggest  for  reform  and  correction;  but  their  ip-^ 
ternar police 'certainly  required  amendment.    Their  own 
observation^  he  thought,  would  readily  suggest  to  them  the 
mischtefs  and  mcom^eniences  to  which  they  were  exposed.^ ^ 
frorn  the  remissness  of  magistrates  and  inferior  officers:  and 
he  hoped  every  gentleman  would  exert  himself,  in  his  own 
yicihity,  ibr  the  preservation  of  peace,   order,  an^  aeco- 
roifi;  aipong  thfe  different  ranks  of  society.    The.  speech 
concluded  with  common  place  professions  of  zeal  for  the 
welfare  of  the  country  and  the  happiness  of  the  people. 

3. 


^t  J 


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fcHAP^.     The  addre*8-of  the  council  Was  in  the  uauiit  style  o^Pjt&i* 
"«>.      lation.  They  extolled  His  excellency  for  virtues,  vr&ich  hoik^ 
but  themsel^s  had  the  peuetratioa  to  discover  that  he  pm* 
iess^d^  and  dec}^ted  their  tfillifign^ss,  by.  baitttoiiy  knd 
unanimity  in  their  proceedings,  to  give  stability  te  Ms  ^6^ 
Mtrchso.  Vemment.    The .  asaelpijly,  ^vith6ut  transgressing  the  iHiIes 
of  decorum,  replied  to  his  civilities  iti  terras  no  less  respect*- 
ful,  mingled  with  the  most  poignant  sarcasms  and  tleseived 
reproaches.     Sensible  bf  the  deficiencies  of  the  militia  latr, 
-and  desirous,  as  they  siaid,  of  giving  energy  to  a  systenr  t^ 
enlial  to  their  safety,  they  trusted  his  excellency  trotud 
pardon  them,  if,  while  tkey  observed  iti  hini  ^  dispwftitrti 
to  exercise  extraordinary  powers,  not  vearra^tpd  by  \iL'W^mty 
^ere  restrained  froin  investing  hitti  ^it^  sucH  an  increase  of 
authority,  as  by  an  arbitrary  stretch  or  interpretation  toignt 
irretrievably  affect  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  Bubjecl. 
i!hej  disclaimed  all  agency  iA  ttie  in€9nvenience  whifih 
hi? ,  excellency  attributed   to    th^  Ipss   of  the  levy  ibul, 
mhich  had-beea  regularly  passed  |by  tl^at  house,  ^n.d ,  re- 
jected by  tiie  council.  But,  under  tlie  present  circumstaiices 
^  th%cppntry,  they  iponsidered,the, failure  of, the  bill  a,  for- 
.pupate  event  for  the  people;  who  must  haye  sunk  uiider  tlie 
)^^!S*^*  pfilieir, taxes,  added  to  the  misfortune'  inmcte^^pn 
,,them.by  the  late  direful  ealamity.    ,        , 
...   ,i:althful  to  the  true,  mterest?  qf  their  country,  they  pro- 
;j^es^d  their  r^a<lmess  to  concur,  %Uh  unaffi^c^ed  hannoirf.,in 
«veiy  measure  calculated  io  promote  the  geneml  welfare; 
1 


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J 


PJ' BARPAI^OES.  Iff 

ljrljiti>rjr  meswureft,  no  bifinp&y»  libej  were  m>nvlncedy 
could  «ust  betwixt  bodies  of  men  a^teatad  by  such  pppot 
fi^  j^Bciples.  Oq  the  defects  imprnted  U>  ibeir  pdice  tbey 
l^arked^  that  if  the  niagistrateft  were  rem^  or  negh^nt^ 
Jhe  blame  could  only  attach  to  the  power  by  which  ihey 
^weieappointed^  and  whicfa^  notwithstanding  thdr  neglect, 
e(M>tiwied  them  in  office*  But  if  Ihe  roagisfarate^  were  i^ 
ally  iqattentiTe  to  their  duty,  or  the  police  defective,  \t 
wss  a  cwpiinstaiice  highiy  oceditable  to  die  p^&fflfi  at 
taroe,  that  so  few  complaints  weie  made,  and  so  few  ia^ 
dfictments  bought  before  the  cowl  of  cnminal  judicii;turiB.< 
.  They  receivod^  with  pleasure,  the  assurances^  of  hie  excefl* 
i0neys  disposition  ta promote  the  happiness  of  the  people;, 
birt,  anjuous  W  they  were  to.  contribute  to  <!hat  ijltimitte 
.  #feject  W  aM  human  legistatioo,  the  honour  of  ^Ihe  act,  th^y 
declared,  «Mist  i)e entirdy. his  owa;  ^Itlce,  to ^ free  peopled 
i>  wbdutiJl  be  m  vain  to  hold  out  a  proi^ect  of  happioe^, 
wlulst  they  '4:ontiQued  to  4»mart  uhde^  the   rod   of  d^^ 

patiim.;  '   ::  -  •'^  •  ^-  •     '' ;  -  -"    '  ^•^  •  -^-  * 

Sfithert^'the  governor  liadomiited^ 4:6  d^tnadd  atiy  iiii« 
Kteuat  Ifees  in^ancery?  but,  at  a  tneetihg  of  (^iinciVhd 
the  JtiiFenivu.51^' ^ay  (^^^^  ^e  prdposed^  a  new  tabte'of 

fees  t4>.  be  -eetaibttshed  fo^  his  W  as  chancelf6r;.  ^h^thiii 
•Jricfittl!bn,<  i^^  was  ^xttuded^,  aiid  otf 

1^  titt^ci^^lte^^        b^i&g  ^tked^'  h4s14kk  tkkifi"^' 


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* 

cttAP.xiV-  j^j.^  CamherbatcK,  were  the  only  membeis  who  liad  the  hd^ 
57*4-  nest  firmness  to  express  tWr  disapprobation  of  them.  N^ 
c[uestion  was  put  tothes  vote;  but  his  excellency  drew  up  *' 
minute  of  their  proceedings,  conveying  the  sanction  of  the 
board  to  his  proposal,  which,  without  being  shewn  to  tha 
members  present,  was  afterwards  entered  on  their  joumaUi 
by  his  directions. 

/It  cannot  fail  to  excite  the  as4x)nishment  of  every  niaa  oif 
reflection,  that  these  enormities  should  not  have  roused  tho 
spirit  of  the  people  to  vindicate  their  violated  rights,  by. 
an  appeal  to  the  laws  of  their  country.  Unhappily,  thoso 
laws  afforded  but  a  feeble  security.  In  all  cases,  civil  and 
criminal,  an  appeal  lies  from  the  judgment  of  the  courts  of 
inferior  jurisdiction  to  the  court  of  error,  composed  of  the 
governor  and  council.  No  prospect  of  success  could^, 
therefore,  attend  a  prosecution,  which  might  be  ultimately 
defa^mined  b^  judges,  who  were  themselves  the  authors  6i 
the  injustice  which  was  the  subject  of  complaint.  -  Undefc 
every  disadvantage,  Mr.  Duke,  as  we  have  formeriy  seeiiy 
made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  puiiish  the  deputy*MtK>» 
tary,  and  Dr.  Andrew  Wade,  stbout  this  time,  lodged  'mk 
iaforin^ion  against  him  before  Mr.  Babb  and  Mr*  Skeete, 
two  justices  of  the  peace.  But  a  difierence  of  opinio* 
arising  between  them,  from  the  tatter's  doubting  Mr.  WoiIcf! 
man's  responsibility  as  the  fea  were  not  taken  foi  hia  own 
use.  Wade,  knowing  aat  a  want  of  aoanimity  on  thelwndi 
iMtst. prove  fatal  to  the  cosipIunt,.<;oa$c»ted  to  compKh* 


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OFBARBADOES.  489 

mise  the  matter,  on  Mr.  Workman's  engaging  to  be  no  far-  chapjbv, 
ther  concerned  in  the  governor's  illegal  exactions.  His  ex-  ^'^•^' 
cellency,  however,  was  not  long  at  a  loss  for  an  ageqt  to 
execute  his  unlawful  commands.  He  erected  a  new  office, 
and  a  Mr.  Nicholas  Humphrey  Walrond,  who  had  at  once 
the  meanness  to  accept  the  employment,  and  the  boldness 
to  defy  the  popular  resentment^  became  the  instrument  of 
iiis  tyranny  and  injustice. 


»   ^ 


« 


Sii 


4 1        r 


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490  THE  HISTORY 


CHAR  XV. 
wjiiiftcwsir  enAUT  of  parliahekt  for  the  rxlibp  of  the 

!.    iuYFEREES'BTTHfiSTORM — DISTRIBUTION  nZhATZV-^MEUBAQf. 
[      FROM  THE  GOYERHOR — THE  AS8EMBX.T    REFUSE   TO   IUI3E  THE 

'  fUPFlIlS — ^AlARHINO    PROSPECT    OF    AFFAIRS OBSTINACY    OF 

r    /^HR,ASS£MBl«T — PATRIOTISM  OF  THE  PEOPLE — DISSOLUTION  OF 
j'.^HJS  ASSEMBLY — NEW  ELECTION — COIWINUAL    ALTERCATIONS 
^  J    BETWEEN    THE   GOVERNOR   AND    ASSEMBLY — PLANS    FOR    THE 
DISTRIBU'jriON    OF    THE    PARLIAMENTARY    BOUNTY — THE    AS- 
SEMBLY PROROGUED-— ARRANGEMENTS  FOR  THE  DISTRIBUTION. 

CH^P.XV.  iTis  now  time  that  we  should  take  notice  of  the  result 
^nsSP  of  those  applications,  which,  immediately  after  the  late  de- 
structive hurricane,  had  been  made  to  a  beneficent  monarch, 
by  the  ruined  inhabitants  of  a  devastated  country. '  TSfo 
sooner  was  the  direful  disaster  known  in  ^nglandi  tfian  the 
sympathy  of^  generous  nation  was  awakened  by  the  suf- 
ferings of  their  unfortunate  fellow  subjects.  In  the  midst 
of  an  unnatural  and  ruinous  foreign  and  domestic  '  Waj,  in 
which  the  national  treasure  was  lavished  in  a  tnanner  unpia- 
ralleledin  any  former  period,  the  bouse  of  commons  seemed. 


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OF  BARBADQES.  49I 

for  a  moment^  to  have  forgotten  the  dangers  and  difficuU  CHARXV. 
ties  which   surrounded  them,  and  to  have  felt  no  other      ^''•^ 
anxiety  than  to  relieve  the  distresses  of  others.    With  b, 
spirit  truly  characteristic  of  British  liberaUtj  and  grandeur, 
that  august  assembly  unanimously  resolved,  on  the  motion   j^^.  25. 
of  Lord  North,  "That  the  sum  of  eighty  thousand  pounds 
be  granted  to  his  Majesty,  for  affording  immediate  assist- 
ance to  our  unhappy  fellow  subjects  in  the  island  of  Barba* 
4dt)^-a»d  ito  rdie^  and  support  such  ^  them  ju  huw, 
b^ehTtSduced  to  distress  and  necessity  by  the  kite^roadful 
calamity,  which,  in  the  month  of  October  la&t,  ravnged 
and  l^d  waste  the  greatest  part  6f  the  isknd/'    Thin  bdble 
donative,  and  humane  attention  to  the  sufferings  of  their 
fellow  subjects,   in  this  distant  part  of  the  empbrii,  Will 
ever  be  regarded  with   gratitude  and  admiration,  Wlule 
benignity  and  generosity  are  esteemed   as  virtues  anKmg 
mankind. 

^.  ThCsMb^ral  benefactions  of  individuals  ^were  proportiwfd 
^  thc)  ipiibUc  munificence ;  but  tl]M&  hum^nit^  of  the  gene- 
TQUS  citi^eAS  of  Dublin  was  peculiarly  conspicuous.  Thtciy 
^re  cpiivened  .^t  the  Thdsel^  by.  Sjir  Edward  Newenhai|i, 
tordinayof  of  the  jpit^,  tpjQonsider  on  the  iRost  effec^l 
vaiid,,e|3fpediti<>9s  method  of  irejieving  the  wfiats  ai]^  neces- 
.^ties^^hej>eopk;of  ^arbadoes.   T^e9t3r  thousand  pounds 

tipn,  to  vhich  tbejb9fQ69  of  Jiatouche.aiKl  spng  cootdbutod 

th^  |«9Q((e)jr  sma  of  o!b«  t^w^and  pojip^s.,  The  m(ms(  w^s 

3  B  2'    •'■■■'    - "'• 


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4&$  ^  THE  mSTORY 

^5i5S*  jodicioiwly  iov^sted  ia  the  purchase  of  ertioles  of^therfink 
'^^^^  aecessHyy  vod  shipped  ta  Barbadoes,  to  be  distfibuted ,«»« 
der  the  diiectkm  of  the  gprernor,  for  the  relief  ^f.  the  $irf« 
ferers%  4Bd,  it  is  pleasing  to  add)  the  gwerous^  inteolMfis 
of  the  hnxaaBe  doaors  were  liteially  accomplished  by  aa 
impartial  distribution  among  the  sufferers,  in  proportioE  t9 
their  losses.  Such  an  instance  of  exalted  generosity  failed 
not  to  excite  the  strongest  emotions  of  grateful  seusibi^tj.. 
The  house  of  assembly  did  all  that  was  in  their  pf^weiv 
By  an  unanimous  vote  of  thanks,  transmitted  to  Sir  >Ed  ward 
Newenham,  by  their  speaker,  they  expressed  their  grati* 
tude  to  that  patriotic,  civic  officer,  and  bb  worthy  fellow 
eitizeps,  for  their  liberal  donative.  A  sense  of  9a^  re&iiedi 
benevolence  canaot  be  conveyed  by  words ;  it  will  survive 
the  fragile  records  of  political  societies,  and  live  for  eveif  in 
liberal  hearts. 

JJ^he  vote  of  the  house  of  commons  was  iramediaidy  <xm»- 
ij^iQiic^ted  to  Mr.  Estwick,  the  colonial  agent,  by  th^^wds 
.  of  the  tr^qry ;  and  a  conimittee  of  the  principal  iEiieichan^ 
and  plaiitcro  of  Barbadoes,  resideint  11^  liOddon^^ 
¥j  their  lordship's  recomm^a^o^,.  for  takiqgfioto  ^coi^r^ 
deration  the  most  effectual  meaps ;  of  eartyipg  the  geii^)&ii% 
inteqtion  of  parliament  into  executioui .  iTbe  \^ommittee 
laying  nuet,  entered  into  several  resolutions,  for  -exportiqg 
building;  m^teiicdSft  coarse  icjoalhing,  and  jnoviaions  £»*  tbei 
i^I)medi^e  fwtRply  of  those  wh0  ^wanted  them ;  a«d  for  re- 
mittiBg  tlte.Aiiin  jof  twelve  thousand  pounds  in  specie,  to 


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pa^HuieyiM^h  articles  dS>l?diil<t^bA^^ifidk^  ^^^^' 

pwfcdrtd  Oft  tlie  spot.  A  ^&:i*6toi^ibj¥fwks  Wp|>oSitea^1fo?  i^*^^ 
thepntpose  of  iitraishing  the  tequiiife*  ^f^j^Htfij  ft^ye^'ilf 
eommbsion^  or  of  any  eimrfument  what6v^  j-Wd  of  ^6di*i 
re^onding  with  a  board  of  comraissitmers;  ysMtH^ef^L^ 
vifeed  should  be  established  in  Barbadofesi  cori^isllng  (xf'tH^ 
^ti^emor,  the  coancil,  the  speaker,  and  i  certain'  niinib^^ 
of^H\^  assemby,  for  the  distribution  of  the  patKatneriWr^ 
b6Un^,  by  such  acts  or  orders  as  the  legislature  should 
♦liiiik  proper.  '       ' 

Unfortunately,  such  a  diversity  of  opinions  pretailetf  otl 
Ae  subject,  that  many  months  were  permitted  to  elapse 
before  the  legislature  could  agree  on  any  specific  plan  for 
the  distribution;  and  the  people  had  well'  nigh  lost  t3i€( 
greater  i>art  of  the  benefit  intended  for  them,  from  the 
want  of  a  proper  concert  and  agreement  among  thosi^  to 
whom  the  disposal  of  the  bounty  was  intrusted;  Oft  "bfekig 
informed  oi  the-^proceedings  of  the  committee  in'  Eiiglai!id^' 
the  assembly  lost  ho  time  in  appointing  a  comifaitte^  kd  joiii  April  1 8. 
that  G^  the  other  house ;  but  no  corresponding  armtl^cnlni^tit: 
having  bfeeta?  hrndfe  by  th#  council,  the  busihesi^  ireitafailn^ 
neglecfed  fiw  ttiote  tlian  sii  moflths^         '  ^     "  -  '  m >  i;  vu 

In  the* meati  time,  the  ^assenvbly  received  a  mteSsalgfe-fVora  May  i*. 
the  go? emorv  expressing  his  surprise  that^  the^  passing  'of  ai 
levy  bill;  noitwith8tandij|g4he<>b?i<^    utgeiit^y  and  i^t:!^ 
sity  of  ^he^dieasure,  should  hive  beeti  sb>laiig'iid«l&3redV'  T6 
provide  for  the  supportof governmimt,^ was  citi  a^^sa^seb^ 


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494  THE  HISTORY 

<»J;J^-  tiaf  to  the  p^c^,  »rifety,^nd'  prosperity  of  tii^  icb^iftrjr, 
^'^^*      ihut  he  thought  it  his  dwty  to  give  them  an  early  oppbrtui- 
nity  of  accomplishing  a  business  that  so  materiaJly  xiOBi- 
cerned  themselves,  as  well  as  those  whom  they  represented, 
^be  colonial  debt,  he  reminded  them,  had  already  aci?a- 
mulated  to  an  amazing  amount,  and  was  daily  increasing 
to  such  a  degree,  that  unless  its  growth  was  anticipated  by 
a  tax,  proportioned  to  the  public  exigencies,  it  would  soon 
become  enormous.     Many  of  the  persons  employed  in  ihe 
service  of  the  country  had  been  actually  driven*  froin  Ihelr 
Stations  and  employments  by  the  difficulty  of  obtairiibj^  ihfe 
reward  of  their  labour.     Public  credit  was  almost  ^nnihi^ 
lated  J  and,  whilst  the  private  buildings  of  individuals  Vei^ 
rebuilt  or  repaired  with  the  most  active  and  laudable  induk* 
try,  those  of  the  public  still  remained  in  ruin^.    These  cliv 
cumstances  were  not,  he  said,  more  honourable  to  a  re* 
spectable  colony  than  injurious  and  distressing  to'  iildivi- 
<luals;  and  the  consequence  of  longer  delay  in  raising  l^ 
supplies  for  the  pubhc  service,  must  eventually'  be  the  im- 
position of  burthens  which  few  of  the  inhabitants  would  be 
able  to  bear.     He,  therefore,  conjufed  the  hoUse^' by  eviety 
principle  of  regard  for  the  interest  and  welfare  of  their  coin- 
atituents,  not  to  defer  making  an  adequate  provisioiti   to 
meet  the  necessary  expenses  of  government,  since  the  delay 
was  likely  to  be  productive  of  consequences  extremely  dan- 
getous,  irf  not  absolutely  ruinous,  to  the  community, 
^^haterer  were  the  govemor^s  motives  for  thus  eisirae^rty 
1 


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1^4  J^QaNQy  urging  the  pasting  of  a  levy  bill,  the  pro-^  *^2iv^* 
prie^  of  the  measure  cannot  be  disputed*  That  the  con^  ^'^^* 
ditiouof  the  country,  wasted  by  a  series  of  calamities,  was 
leodotd  yet  more  deplorable,  by  tlie  effects  of  the  recent 
disaster,  is  readily^ admitted;  but  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
that  the  bulk  of  the  people  were  still  able  to  pay  the  mo« 
^rate  taxes  which  were  required,  to  defray  the  annual 
otpcittes  of  government.  Besides,  if  it  were  necessary  to 
r<;taiQ  ^be.imcieQt  expensive  establishments  of  the  country^ 
^certainly  behoved  the  legislature  to  afibrd  immediate 
jrenmneration  to  those  who  were  employed  in  the  several 
departments  of  the  state.  And  if  a  system  of  government 
were  to  be  supported  by  taxes,  levied  on  the  people,  it  was 
H  QieasuM  >of  common  prudence,  that  the  ways  and  means 
should  be  gradually  furnished,  in  a  manner  least  oppressive 
to  the  subject,  rather  than  by  a  causeless  protraction  of  the 
evil,  to  crush  them  on  some  future  day,  by  the  accumulated 
weight  of  their  burthens. 

These  considerations  were,  however,  disregarded  by  the 
assembly.  Snutrting  under  the  rod  of  oppression,  they 
were  only  solicitous  of  mortifying  their  tyrannical  ruler; 
and,  in  the  indulgence  of  their  resentment,  they  sometimes 
lost  sight  of  the  welfare  and  safety  of  their  country.-^ 
Having  taken  the  message  of  the  governor  into  consideration, 
the  house  unanimously  resolved,  that  the  distressed  circum- 
stances of  the  people,  labouring  under  the  pressure  of  a 
grwit  natural  calamity,  aggravated  by  his  excelfenc/s  illegal 


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4QS  THEHISTORT 

<JHAP.  XV.  and  unconstitational  exactioos,  would  not  admit  q£ 
vt«2.     rabing  an  j  extraordinary  supplies,  or  even  to  proxide  the 
Qieans  of  their  own  defepce.    Such  an  explicit  aTowal  of 
determined  indifference  to  public  security,  camot  be  jm^ 
tified.    It  was  sufficient  to  have  encouraged  the  enoMyto 
embrace  tl»  opportunity,  presented  by  intestiae  difc^vd; 
of  attempting  the  ^x)nquest  of  the  island.      Heno^  Irt 
governors  leara  this  useful  lesson,  that  the  moat  effertiarl 
means  of  attaching  a  people  to  their  govemmeQt«.aMU#f 
arming  them  in  its  defence^  is  the  unmolested  eiigoyiaeat 
of  their  civil  rights  and  immunities.  .     ; 

•  The  capture  of  Saint  Eustatius,  the  emporium  of  tbs 
West  Indies,  had  thrown  into  the  hands  of  the  Britisti.  Qomr 
manders,  employed  on  that  service,  such  an  invnenee  plmvi 
der,  that  they  were,  for  a  long  time,  incapable  of  attctidiiig 
to  any  thing,  but  the  sales  of  the  valuable  commoditka  of 
which  it  consisted.  IVIany  British  merchants^  both  ia 
England  and  the  West  Indies,  had  property  to.  a  comider« 
able  amount  deposited  there,  for  mercantile  specuiations, 
which  were  greatly  facilitated  by  its  being  a  neutnd  licM 
port,  the  whole  of  which  was  included  in  the  general  con^ 
fiscation.  Whilst  Sir  George  Rodney  was  tilius  employed^ 
enriching  himself  on  the  spoils  of  friends  and  foe«,  the 
Count  de  Grasse  arrived  at  Martinico,  with  twentyi-fivc  sail 
of  the  line,  and  six  thousand  troops,  designed  to  OLttrmi* 
.Bate  ,the  British  power  in  the  Ameri<:an  archipelago*  On 
xeceivmg  intelligence  of  this  event,  Admiral  Rodney. tei&* 


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or  BARBADOES.  497 

efted  to  forri^  a  junction  with*  Sir  Samuel  Hood,    whose  t^JJSJLST' 
squadron,  conftistihg  of  only  seventeen  sail  of  the  line,  had      ^*'^^- 
$OBtained  cx^nsiderable  damage,  in  a  gallant  attempt  to  in«^ 
teioept  the  ;F!rench  fleet  going  into  Maftinico.     Sonae  time 
WM  'iieG€»6arily .  spent  at  Antigua,  in  refitting  those  ships 
which' bad  siifiered  in  the  action ;  but  as  soon  as  this  busi- 
nfM  wafik  accomplished,  the  commander  in  chief  proceeded, 
witb  bis  whole  fleet,  having  an  immense  treasure  on  board, 
toBavbadbes. 

Tbe  indiscriminate  confiscation  of  property  at  Saint 
Eustatius,  involved  Admiral  Rodney  in  some  very  disagree- 
able disputes  and  legal  discussions  with  the  British  mer-/ 
chants^  of  both  hemispheres ;  and,  in  a  fit  of  peevish  regent* 
me&t,'  be  asserted,  in  his  official  dispatches,  that  the  Englisii 
West  Indian  merchants,  regardless  of  their  duty  to  their 
country,  had  contracted  to  supply  the  enemy  of  the  neigh- 
boofing  islands  with  provisions  and  naval  stores;  and  that 
his  utmost  attention  should  be  employed,  to  prevent  their 
treaooo  from  taking  effect  A  charge  so  scandalous  and 
daogerons  was  not  to  be  endured,  by  men  conscipus  of 
tlieir  iniiooence  alid  tenacious  of  their  loyalty.  The  mer^^ 
chanlf  of^  Barbddbes,  from  the  latitude  df  the  expression, 
feeling  themselves  implicated  in  the  false  and  malicious  im* 
putation,  immediately  drew  up  a  spirited  vindication  of  ^  ^ 
their  character,  in  vhich  they  wholly  and  explicitly  denied 
thq  charge  as  a  liasty,  pernicious,  and  infanjous  misrepre-p  , 
seotation  of  their  principles  and  conduct,  and  defied  the 

3  « 


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4m  THE  HISTORY 

*gJ2^vadqiiial  to  support  whit  lie  had  so  sotemiily  Advimoed. 
i7s«.  This  paper  was  transmitted  to  the  colonial  agents  #lifo,  emn 
formably  to  the  request  of  the  mercantile  body^  wvote  ttf 
Sir  George  Rodney^  demanding,  as  an  act  of  justice^  that 
he  would  discriminate  between  the  innocent  and  the  guilty; 
that  those  who  deserved  it  might  be  brought  to  condign 
punbhment  No  answer  having  been  received  to  thit  Ma* 
sonable  request,  Mr.  Estwick  repeated  his  applicd^tkw  irith 
no  better  success.  Disappointed  in  obtaining  tibevm^afa-* 
tion  which  he  expected,  Mr.  Estwick  tlien  iMtd^  w  piiUic 
demand  on  Sir  George,  publishing  his  lett^B,  together  with 
the  defence  of  the  Barbadians ;  but  the  admiral,  pfohably 
regretting  his  having  been  betrayed  int6  swl^  an  imprDpriety, 
Silently  declined  to  maintain  or  to  retract  the  chaige. 

Meanwhile  Saint  Lucia  was  close  invested  by  tiie 
enemy's  whdle  naval  force;  whilst  a  considerable  body  of 
troops,  led  on  by  an  able  and  eiperienced  general,  were 
exerting  every  effort  on  shore  to  reduce  the  island.  IVi  the 
immortal  honour  of  the  gallant  Brigadier  General  S*  Leger, 
and  the  troops  under  his  command;  this  formidable. attack 
was  completely  dieleated.^  Discouraged^  by  tbe  determined 
resistance  which  every  where  opposed  his  -prbgiessi^  the 
Marquis  de  Bouillfe  reiinbarked  his  troops  and  jcctntaed  to 
Martinico.  ^  "  •, 

^o  compensate  for  this  disgrace,  the  French  comfi»oders 
inimediately  turqed  their  arms  agaitast  Tobagoi^  On  the 
very  day  that  Admiral  Rodney  arrived  at  Barbadoes,  a 


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OF  MBaADOES;  499 

gmaHvKi^iifQI^  s^uadxon^  with  a  body  of  land  forces,  under  ^^JL^^* 
file  .jQjtd)er»  Af  M.  de  Blftochlaade  appeared  off  Tobago.      "^^« 
■■  iSeaim^t  on .  the  receipt  of  thit  intelligeDce,  which  was 
iiiBt9Dt%  |COoveyed.  tO)  him  by   governor  ferguson^  coii«    maj  i$. 
ttuited  hiiuelf  with  dispatching  Rear  Admiral  Drake,  with 
«ili  sail '  of  ti»e  Uae,  some  frigates,  one  regimont  and  two 
"MldititMMl  oompaoies,  for  the  relief  of  the  place.    Upon 
Brai4e''»  coming  within  sight  of  Tobago  he  had  themortifi* 
•  ca4^.l9  «tiscover  the  whole  French  fleet,  consisting  of  . 
Iwefit^-terea  line  of  battle  ships,  between  him  aind  the 
land.    Finding  it  impracticable  to  succoor  the  island,  the 
Mafe^admural,  after  ascertaining  the  strength  and. situation 
e£  Ae^dmmy^  ha«de4  his  wind  and  soon  appeared  in  view  of 
Carlisle  Bay.     Though. the  proper  communication    was     Junes, 
directly,  made  to  the  commander  in  diief,  the  fleet  did  not 
get  under  weigh  until  the  next  day,  having  in  the  iatenra 
laadfid  .tlie  plunder,  bron^t  Jfrom  Saint  Eustatius,  .and 
taken  General  Vaiighan,  with  a  considecable  reiafbrcacneat 
«f  troops-  oB  board.     But  .^  opportunity  of  relieving 
Tbbt^  wm  lost.    After  as  j^llaot  and  obstinate  a  resist- 
ance as  is  icgcordfd  i]|;i-his<^OFy,  Governor  Ferguson  had  b^en 
icoiiip«}led'tO{<^pitulat^.     . 

The  hostile  ^eet»  soon  cftme  within  sight  of  each  other  ; 
but,  though,  as  the  enemy  were  to  leeward  and  shewed  no 

disfio8itiQn;to>ayoi4  fin  ^tioi!!^  th^  option  of  engaging  lay  ^ 

>ith'tfae  Brijtish  Adoairwl;^  Ihey  separated  after  variotts  '  i 

mflauBira«t,:without«xdum||mga;8attgle8bot'^  { 

3  s  2  ■    ■"'      '  '''  ,  \ 


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fiOO  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XV.  tion  of  Barbadoes  seems  to  have  been  at  this.tiiijie.tbe.giao^ 
11^- .  object  of  Sir  George  Rodney's  care;  and  liis  dediiirog  *n, 
engagement  with  the  Count  de  Grasse,  whose  fleet  >T9S'dalj, 
four  in  number  superior  to  hi?  owri^  proceeded,  as  he  stated 
in  Jus  pubhc  dispatches,  from  an  apprehension  that  \k  WM' 
the  etaemj  8  design,  by  drawing  him  within  the  influ^enoa; 
of  certain  lee  currents  among  the.Gjenadtiueftj,  to, ^ii)'.JiH; 
opportunity  of  reducing  Barbadoes  before  \\g  opuldrptjuiat 
to  its' succour,  ...  .,,!:     /. 

The  loss  of  Tobago,  and  the  ptcwtimity  of  .a^^^(likr* 
payal   force  of  acknowledged   superiority,   wera^  circum^ 
stances  which  could  not  fail  to  excite  the  moet  liTelyiS^laraik, 
in  minds  not  wholly  insensible  to  the  appneh^Asioo»>of  ,daa- 
ger*    At  this  critical  conjuncture.  Admiral  Rod»ej  wrot© 
to  the  governor,  commenting,  with  some  warmth,  on  tbc^ 
inattention  of  the  legislature  to  the  safely  pf  the  colony ; 
and,  after  menacing  them  with  a  fonnal  co^qplaiat.to  tha. 
K>ng»  recommended  his  exoellency  ^  lay  the.oou»trj5:i»» 
der  mairtiai  htw.  *  This  letter  wa3  supposed. tqhaTe.beeiD 
written  at  Pilgrim,,  by  the  governo/s  desire.;  .bjuit  of  this^ 
feci;  there  is  no  evidenoe  whatever.    Be  tbftt,  iww^v^,  ta. 
it^  may,   neither  threats  nor  entreaties.  coi^W  j$ofji;m.;lbft. 
inflexibility  of  the  assertibly.  -.     ^    ;v.  .;  \  / 

Happily  the  general  spirit  of  the  pe()pte  Wfl?ye(i  .*ft  ateppljri 

the  deficiencies^  qf  thmr  Tepresen^t^tiy^^    vX^Jwjfbnft^ 

then)selves  into  yalunt^i:  assooiatiaqs,.  and, :/wiih;a  zi^kiMA 

^  ala^rij^  higUy  ]tbonoutabk»  undei^^         fepfluttoo  o£ 


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tlidr  dismantlea  fortifications:''  1:'he  example  was  set  by  <^*^*^- 
ttej^tiblic  spirited  irihabitaht^  of  Bri^  who,  with     jj^f^-^ 

tife' gentlemen  of  their  vicinity,  united*  for  their  defence,'  and 
ra&6d'  a  Kberal '  subscription  fbt  carrying  their  patriotic 
d^gn  into  execution.  The  exslmple  of  the  metrbpolis 
^xfcitfed  a  general  emulation.  Similar  associations  were  im^ 
mfediktely  formed  in  Speight's^  Saint  James's,  Oistin's  and 
Re^dV  bay' divisions.  It  happened,  howevfer,  that  in  sortie 
of  these  places  large  sums,  were  subscribed  with  greater 
fetility  tttariHhey  w^re  jiaid  ;  andof  the  money,  which  wa« 
crollfedted  with  difficfulty,^  much' waii  applied  in  constructing 
uhsl^rv^ci^able  "Jbaftteries,'  and  in  4-em6ving  old  rust-eaten 
caririon' fifortV  th6  itiost  assdilable  points  to  positions,  where, 
had  they  been  good>  they  could  have  given  but  little  opposi- 
tiori  to- the  progress  of  an  invading  army*  •      ' 

This  laudable  cbnduct  furnished  the  governor  with  an 
opi^rtiintty  of  arraigning  the  loyalty  "and  patriotism^  of  the 
ass^inljly,  *w!iich  he  did' ijot  .fail  to  embrace.  Impittihg 
their  refusal  to  grant  the  necessary  supplies  to  fUctiouii 
nietJves,  ke  dissolved  th^  assembly  bypmclafnation,  with-  junei«u 
out  evert  cohsiiMng  the  counciU '  His  excellency's  VeSisohs 
fortakiii^g  a  step,  which  \v'as  at  all  tiraes^*extremely  un^ 
popular,  were,  at  least,  plausible;  'The  proclamation  stated 
that;  a*  the  vetJ/mbmfent  whenf  the  neighbouring,  island  of 
SaiBfc  ^Ludav'  was  >  actttaliy  invested  by  the  reoemy*,. t  the 
aa6fiKitdy>  we(te;^90  uftterLy '  regardless  of  %be  safety.  o£.  tbeit ^ 
coBslitiifinte^jn  t^^teMlveaiot;  to  mise^angfisikl^fJ^iiBhatso^- 


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^  THEHISTORV 

twa^.  35V.  ^yer  for  tl)e  defeace  of  the  country.    Tke  ample  «{flbsc'^p- 

1782.      iiooswWcli  had  been  since  laudably  raised  by  itodivlddils, 

for  repairing  the  fortifications,  and  the  facility  wirti  vhi|& 

they  had  been  recently  put  into  a  state  of  defence,'  w*|S| 

convincing  proolsi  it  wa9  asserted,  of  tbb  incliriatioDft  Sa^d 

Abilities  of  the  people  to  secure  their  country  froirf'tlli 

attempts  C^bis  Majesty's  enemies,  and  of  the  readiness 'aikl 

willingness  with  which  they  woald  have  paid;  their  resped- 

tivc  essessments,  if  they  had  not  been  prevented  4)y^i^ 

cepresentatiVet  declining  to  pass  a  levy  bill.-    It  tms  tHere^ 

p9f9  incompatible  with  his  duty,  his  excellency  said,  as  the 

]l^ing's    representative,    to  sufibr  the  public  authority  to 

j^VMin  any  longer  in  the  lu^nds  of  men  who  had  ^oobstinatdy 

l^fusi^d  to  proyicJLe  for  the  public  welfare   and  security; 

"and,  in  order  that  the  people  might  have  an  opportaiiity 

■of '  choosing:  men,   who    had    »  greats  regard  for  their 

lijfcerest  and  safety,   tp  represent  them,   at  this  tinte  of 

public  danger,  be  thought  proper  to  dissolve  thc^p^se^t 

•^e?WenjJa«5eq(ibly.  ->        « 

The  pnoelamatiop  occasioned  a  second  meeting  of  ~th« 

CMociated  inhabitants  of  Bridge^Town,  by  whom  $ev^sml 

^Nrit^  nesohitioM  were  a^eed  to,  and  afterwards  pubftsV 

ed,  u  a  tefutatioD  of  the  goyerno/s  charges  agaih»t-^ 

Bs^aml^y.    These  resolutions  asserted,  timt  the  reasons  stig- 

^te4  fot  the  dissolution  of  the  hduse  were  iPounde^  in 

ddccit  atid  devised  by  extreme  art^  to  pervert  an  drij^iisfiy 

'  giMiid  iitt,  a^  t9  gloss  over  a  most  uttwatTantable  ei^cu* 


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O^  BAftBAD6£$.  $6S 

affseiogaiive  by  a  fiiUaeiousi  colouring.  That  the  repr^*  ^SH^' 
{^lattives  of  the  people  had  act^  uprightly,  and  perifeetly  **** 
i^^moabie  to  tibe  mshm  of  thehr  constituehtsi  iti  i*efuding  to 
pass  a  levy  bill ;  aad  that  they  yielded  oi»1y  to  the  dictated 
of  the  soqndest  judgment  and  the  impulse  of  the  most 
jiatriotio  8«|1,  in  disregarding  Im  eSxcelkne/s  importunity^ 
fpr  «aSiicting  his  ^ourite  object.  That  a  mibscriptionf  was 
op^^d  for  repairing  the  ibrtifiGations,  on  acdduttt  of  the 
ip4|i^iUtf  of  die  people  at  large  td  pay  any  tax  for  that  pur^ 
POK^  'The  apprehensions  of  an  immediate  invasion;  the 
iHfuiBcifnicy  of  the  public  funds ;  and  the  lamentable  po^ 
wtiiy  of  thie  community  in*  general,  operating  at  one  and' 
tiw  same  uMlMit,  impelled  them  to  the  adoption  of  t^at 
vofiivXf  but  now  perverted,  expfdient:  That  tile  ex4»ettl^ 
di^pioportion  between  the  iiarabe*  of  subsciibere  to  th€r 
laudaUe  design  of  repairing  the  fortifications  smd  lAkaCi  o# 
pe^fOns  liable  to  pay  taxe^  raised  by  a*  levy  bill;  and: 
bft^icoen  .tbf);fund  acquired  by  contribution  and  the  mm 
aribing'  ftom  a  v^ular  levy  billy-  cah^ied  in  itself  the  clear^f^ 
.rapiRtatioa  of  ^  opinion  of  i3>e;  general'  opnlenee,  e&w: 
fH^ased  in  the  {nroclamation,  and  completely  ^mmerated 
tbirrepitaentatiMe  body  frOm  the  heayy  chai^er  which;  his 
cjDo^nc^  had  brou^t  figainst  them^  That  the  asscatibly,- 
so  fur  frcqin  b^hg  exposed  to  the  imputatioik- of  feeling' no: 
,r^^  for  the  true  interests  of  tfaeir  constituents^'  of  did^ 
safpty  of  the  island^  had  acted  upoiv  prkidple»  dimiietncillly 
jippOsite,.  and  alto^ther  worUiy  of  tbdr  ymroM^tMt^oba- 


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* 


504  THEJOSIPRY 

<;hap.  XV.  ti^p.    Aqt}iatedhj  the  same  sentitncarijs,  .tte  oth^.  patriotic 
^'^^     associations  adopted  ^milar  resoliitioos,  whicili  were,  so  pGt* 
&cdj  ia  unison  with  those  of  the  metropolis^  «6  totrender 
ajiy  particular  notice  of  them  unnecessary*    , 

Whatever  might  hav^  been  the  governor's  motives  for 
sesoFting  a  second  time  to  an  expedient  so  unpopular,  he 
was  now,  as  on  the  former  occasion,  doomed  to  expecieiice 
a  disappointment,    aggravated  by  several  circumstanDes 
which  must  have  rendered  it  peculiarly  mortifying  and  ven* 
atious.    AU  the  old  meittbers  wece  re*eleicted  with  an.u4- 
Wiual  degree  of  cordiality  and  good-will.    Jn  many  parishes 
patriotic  dinners  were  given  by  the  freeholder  ia  honour  of  r 
their  representatives,  accompanied  by  the  owst.  flaftteriag 
testimonials  of  popular  approbation  and  esteenpi.    TImj 
were  presented  with  addresses  from  the  electors,  contaioif^ . 
t^  most  |)ointed  reflections  on  the  governor's  rapacity  and 
tyranny,  at  the  4ame  time  applauding  the  firmness  with 
.    i^hich  they  had  refused  t^  increase  the  public  burUieiis  b^r . 
tke  imposition   of  fresh,  taxes,  and  encounging.  the^i  Hq  : 
peii^evere,  with  the  ^me  independant  spirit,  in  opposing  tfat^  i 
i^constitutional  strides  of  despotism.    Thus  the  govenKnr's. 
injudicious  appeal  to  the  elective  body  served  ooly  to;  pat)- » 
duce  the  clearest  conviction  of  thecinpopvlarity  ofiiis  mear^ 
sures,  and  the  detestiatipn  in  which  be  was  hdd  by  all  ranks  ' 
of  people^  except  the  few,  who,  from  the  worst  motive#,  ^ 
continued  to  court  his  fa vour» 
.  ^Iluf  state  lOf  irritation,  it  was  natural  to  expect  that  ^ 


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OF  BAEBADOES.  505 

t^e  meeting  between  the  governor  and  the  assembly  could  ^^JJ^J^J^- 
not  be  very  amicable.  The  house  having  met  on  the  tenth  ^^^* 
day  of  July,  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  speaker,  when  Sir 
John  Gay  Alleyne  tf  as  again  called  to  the  chair.  This  gen- 
tleman had  become  so  personally  obnoxious  to  the  gover- 
nor^ ^hat  it  was  apprehended  his  excellency  would  not 
cohfirm  t^eir^  election ;  but,  though  he  did  not,  as  usuaU 
decldte  his  approbation  of  the  appointment,  he  coolly  ex- 
ppfts^dhte  content.  His  excellency's  speech  was  remark- 
abte*  for  its  uncommon*  brevity.  The  organization  of  the 
militia^  tke  repairs  of  the  fortifications,  the  necessity  of 
guarding  the  accessible  parts  of  the  coast,  the  passing  of  a 
le^  bJH*, 'prtmding  barracks  or  quarters  for  the  K^ing'a 
trdbps,^  thef  itriprovement  of  the  mole-head,  and  the  esta^ 
bliMitti^t'of  a  proper  market  in  Bridge-town,  were  to- 
picifVuggcstBd  for  their  consideration,  with  a  cold  formaHty 
anAindifktence.  :  \     . 

€hi  the  last  meeting  of  the  late  assembly,  the  merchants 
of  ^Bridge-town  had  presented  a  memorial  to  the  house, 
which  they  desired  might  be  laid  at  the  feet  of  their  be- 
Joved  Sovereign,  complaining  of  the  governor's  arbitrary 
and  unconstittftidnal  establishment  of  fees,  as^  oppressive 
as  Chey  were  unprecedented.  Tliey  charged  him  with  fraud 
and  dGplicity,  in  issuing  letters  of  marque  arid  reprisal 
agaitost  the  Dut^b,  before  he  was  authorized  to  do  so,  and 
with  having,^  on  weak  and  frivolous  pretences,  deprived  the 
;  '  3  T 


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S06  THE  HISTORY 

c»Af^.  eaptors  of  several  valuable  prizes,  which  he'  had  cdn- 
*'*<*•  trived  to  have  condemned  as  droits  of  the  admiralty.  It 
was  also  ailed ged,  that,  in  order  to  apply  the  ralue  of  tin- 
prizes  to  his  own  use,  he  had,  without  any  just  cause  or 
4'eason,  suspended  the  officer  who  bed  been  l^^y  ap«- 
pointed  by  the  court  of  Tice-admiralty  to  receive  Ae  mo- 
ney arising  from  the  sale  of  the  droits.  Par  tbeae,  and 
many  other  icasons,  the  memorialists  requested,  tl»t  .tj» 
governor's  jabitrary  and  tyrannical  conduct  ikiiild »beTQ^0e> 
•entied  to  tixe  King. 

'    Tim  4Enemc«aal  was  itdlowQd,  on  the  firet  day  of  the  a68> 
p<xa,  by  a  petition  from  theipfmshionen  of  Saint  James's* 
condemning,  ki  the  j(»ost  pointed  «md  HQqntktified  teswst^ 
tibe  tyrwmy  of  the  gov^i^or  imd  counciU  in  eKtortiqg  v^ 
pe^  irom  the  pecgpfloi  under  <^  deac^ninatioa  <9f  -^^^i:. 
tbei^by -establttl^ng  a  systmn^ -taxation  ia4epcM^  ^ 
their  representatives,   impeding  the  progreaa  ^  ]^^nffi9^ 
obstructing  the  channels  of  justicey  ftod  p«b\>Qfting  Jthe 
constiftution.    The  petitioners  concluded  with  pia^ymg,  that 
ifytit  complaints  may  be  carried  to  the  loot  of  thi$  thr-oae, 
wi,th  an  humble  supplicaHon  to  bis  M^esty^  to-  I'/^eis^the 
j^evafices  of  his  farthful  subjects,  and  to  8igai^y!h«s4ils^P* 
jprobation  pf  the  conduct  of  those  menatbfm  <^  council, 
who  h^d  voted  for  the  establishment  of  &es»  40  as  to  deter 
lUl  future  n^embeis  of.  that  board  from  prOs^uting  the  ho» 
nourof  their  high  station^  by  obsequjkms.cQmpliaiioes  with 
the  arbitrary  and  avaricipw  inclinations  of  the  goveraor. 


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/• 


The  ferowiof  the  house  vojul^  ttot,  allow  the  taking  of  ^^^:^ 
ihe  governor's  speech  into  coo8i4emtioii  until  the  next  ^JL'*^. 
niiaetidgt  when  an  address  Was  moved  for  by  Mr.  Jaji^es 
Straker,  and  agreed  to  by  the  liouse,  with  the  exception  of 
^-udge/Qitteos^  who  objected;  to  it,  as  precluding  every  idea 
g£  aisev.isi^  of  ^e /yi^ilit^t  law*  and  the  pas^ng  of  a  levy- 
biU;  object,  which,  he  said,  it  had  ever  been  his  wish  to 
see  effected.  The  assembly  embraced  this  opportunity  of 
atldtessing  tfaa  govefser,  to  remoiv^trate  with  great  spirit 
imd  keeoness  of  leproach  on  the  stigiaa  att^itpted  tp  b^ 
titrown  on  the  diameter  of  ihsaft  ^jkouse,  by  i^  proc^toma^ 
.  tion  for  itsdindtttion :  whidi  ihey  tcane»ed  a  wau^a.  a^ 
fliBianifettit'4d>ifM3«f  Ae  pmr^^atire,.  with  an  af^  desiga 
e(f  AiisleAditig  hi^iMi^etty's  miuinl^  in  r^giird  to.tl^  j^^per 
-  tad' temper  <^  tiie  people,  and  to^  gratify- aiainocdiaaterfe- 
'  «e»titie»t  ^ifainst  ^  membcffs  of  that  ansembly^  I^.^lli^ 
udequtvooal  aipprabation  of  tlie  inhftbitaolt&jdf  every  jde- 
•scnption,  and  kfas  united  voaee  cf.  the  whele  body.of ;%e- 
feolders,  by  whom  tk^  had  been  reelected,  ihefis4e«9J»ly 
eonided  for  «  complete  and  uDquestieneible  raSvk^Bi^eg^  o£ 
the  feasons  assigned  by  his  excellency  lor  their  dissolj^ttfm^ 
The  geneoroi^  and  voluntory  contributions  -  ^f  iadiyi^iials 
were,  they  maintained,  no  proofs  of  general  x>pulcBdey  nor 
^  the  soppoeed  ability  o£  the  bulk  of  the  people  toivtua- 
tain  the  heavy  expM»eo£repai]!iBgtiie:£art^cataansir  iHaTw 
ing  taken  particular  notice  -of  eack  swbject  vefencd  to  ihek 
e(«sideration,  43iey  conehided  with  deciafiQg»  in  ,o«ik£»f' 

3  T  2 


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508  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.  XV.  mijtjr  to  the  wishes  of  their  constituents,  openly  and  freely 
1782,      expressed,  that  they  never  would  raise  any  supplies  what* 
ever,  while  they  continued  liable  to  be  aggrieved  by  the- 
demand  of  illegal  and  unconstitutional  fees. 

Public  bodies,  as  well  as  the  individuals  who  compoae 
them,  are  always  ready-  to  discern  and  censure  in  othei^ 
the  fa]ilts  which,  from  the  partiality  of  human  nature,  tk^y 
are  incapable  of  perceiving  in  themselves.  Whilst  the 
assembly  were  commendably  employed  in  it^isting  the -aft*: 
b^trary  encroachments  of  the  other  orders  of  the  legiedaturev 
they  scrupled  not  to  overstep  their  constitutional  liifiits,  and 
tQ  assume  a  dispensik>g  power  over  a  positive  ktw.  Thej 
directed  the  treasurer  to  suspend,  for  two  months,'  tlttB 
collection  of  the  taxes  remaining  due  on  the  lefvy  bill,  whi^ 
was  passed  on  the  twenty^ixth  day  of  July,  one  thouAaiid  . 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-nine.  The  couhciJ^  who  had 
without  hei^tation  consented  to  violate  the  fundanoiental^ 
rights  of  the  commons,  now  suddenly  became  the  vindica- 
tor&  of  that  constitution  which  they  so  recently  endeavoured 

Sept  w.  to  subvert  They  resolved  that  the  directions  given  by  the 
assembly  for  stopping  the -payment  of  the  taxes  was, ^xerr 
cising  an  illegal,  unccmstitutional  power  of  di^pensjmig  with 
the  operation  of  a  positive  law,  on  the  authority  of  one 
branch  of  the  legislature ;  and  that  an  order,  so  partial, 
-could  be  no  justification  of  the  treasurer  for  ne^leetipg  his 
duty;  But  as:  the  intention  of  the  asij^mbly  was  founded 
oa  humanity,  for  the  indulgence  of  the,  peop^le  under  their 


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OtBARBADOES.  509 

present  disastrous  circumstances,   their  honours  professed  chap,  xv, 
their  readiness  to  concur  in  passing  an  act  to  protract  the      i^^a. 
payment  of  the  taxes  to  the  time  proposed  by  the  aAs^m^-^ 
bly ;  the  only  constitutional  method,   they  observed,   of > 
checking  or  suspending  the  operation  of  the  lalw. 

The  treasx!rer,baving  received  acopy  of  this  resolution  from'  October  2. 
tbeelerk  of  ^e  council,  laid  it  before  the  assembly  at  their 
next  meeting.  The  readiog  of  a  paper  of  this  tendency  natu^* 
ralfy  called  up  the:  speaker.     He  observed  that  the  mode  of 
proceeding  now  objected  to,  had  been  practised  by  that 
house, menely  for  the  sake  of  dispatch,  for  nearly  twenty' 
years,  without  a  single  objection  haying  been  i^tart^  by 
either  of  the  other  legislative  branches.    But  now,  the  ob«- 
jection  was  made,  he  recommended  the  house  to  pass  a  bill, 
as  the  more  tegular- way  of  obtaining  the  required  indulge- 
ence;     A  bill  for  tliat  purpose  was.  accordingly  passed,  and 
«ent  up  to  the  council  for  their  concurrence ;  with  a  mes- 
sage,'a{!Krfogising  for  their  unintentional  infringement  on.  the 
privileges  of  that  boards    Plea!sed  with  the  councir»  reso^ 
Jution  of  adhering  to  the  principles  of  the  constitution,  the 
assembly  cheerfully  renounced  the  slightest  deviation  from 
-the  same  line  of  duty  in  their  own  proceedings.     But  they 
reflected^  they  added,  with  no  small  degree  of  consolation, 
under  the  sense  of  having  erred,  that  the  error  had  ariseni 
solely  from  a  zeal  to  lighten  the  burthens  on  the  shoulders  ' 
of  their  fellow  subjects,  and  not  from  a  presumptuous  de- 
iign  of  increasing  their  weight.    The  bill,  however^  was  re- ' 


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ffiAf^XV.  jecte5  by  the  gorternor.  No  ^titostantial  Teason,  he  sat^^ 
n«0.  Iiaving  been  given  to  induce  him;  to*  believe,  that  the  pl^ 
ftosftd  indulgtoce  to  the  inhd^itanfe  coukJ  matei;iaUy  alter 
their  situatiicm  at  the  ^expiration  of  two  months.  And  ft« 
the  levy,  to  be  raised  by  the  bill  i^hose  operation  was  tlitts 
theattt  to  be  suspended,  ivm  the  only  fund  appUcable  to 
the  defence  of  the  idami,  and  to  dajry  cm  the  vc«k$  wbicji^ 
iirom  the  state  of  the  war,  it  was  absolutely  neoe»any  to 
complete  with  the  utmost  expedition,  he  oould  aat  opoivat 
*6  the  ddlay^ 

Matters  were  thus  vwging  to  a  <aiai8  between  tbe  gtmr*- 
T)or  and  the  assembly.  TSiear  complaints  agants  bis  osiMllr 
lency  were  pressed  forward  with  great  «ea}  and  fideli^  by 
tbe  agent,  and  a  day  vm%  actually  appointed  for  m  &mi 
hearing  of  the  chai^ffl  before  the  board  of  trade,  in  'the 
mean  time,  his  patron.  Lord  <5eorge  Gcrmaine,  had  ejc^ 
pressed  such  an  explicit  disapprobation  of  bis  conduet,  ti»t 
tsoancely  a  hope  remained  of  bis  being  iible  to  retain  im 
government,  unless  he  could  cotnpronii«e  the  dispute  with 
the  assembly •  Hence,  in  his. communications  with  them, 
he  began  to  assume  a  milder  tone.  Before  the  house  ad* 
journed,  they  received  a  message  from  his  excellency,  cott- 
tainirig  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  secretary  of  state,  it 
these  words:  ^  The  temper  and  good  disposition  which  ym 
have  shewn  in  yonr  spieeeh  at  the  op^iing  of  the  aseemWy** 


*  On  the  14th  February,  1781,  previous  to  their  last  dissolution* 


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(fir  BAltBADOES.  Slf 

pv»  me  JQst  gnmnds  to  hope  that  all  animosities  will  <^nAP.  x¥^ 
^ease ;  and  that  the  caanoil  and  assembljr  viil  be  reaidy  t#  i782. 
act  with  jTou  in  punraing  the  true  interests  of  Barbadoee ; 
hy  providing  for  its  security  by  the  passing  of  a  proper  levy 
bill)  and  by  repairing  the  forts  and  batteries  necessary  for 
its  defence ;  his^  Majesty  having  na  oSier  wish  than  thai  of 
.  iHfomoting  the  happiness  of  aH  his  strbjects,'* 

The  message  contained  a  profession  of  his  exceJlency^s 
^ancern,  at  finding  that  the  assembly's  last  address  was 
written  in  snch  an  intemperate  style,  that  he  cotrld  not, 
eoasistently  with  his  character,  and  the  station  which  he 
'filled,  return  an  answer  to  it.     But  he  took  that  opportu- 
nity of  declaring  to  tiiem  that,  upon  their  passing  a  proper^ 
tevy  bill,;  he  was  ready,  as  he  had  always  been,  to  join  with> 
them  in  every  just  and  reasonable  proposition,  for  the  ease 
and  interest,  as  well  as  forlhe  security  of  the  people.  On 
iabe  si:U>ject  of  fees,  his  excellency  thus  expressed  Wmself:: 
^  Although  I  consider  them  as  part  of  my  ju^  and  lawftrl 
lights,  I  can  assure  you,  that,  if  the  assembly  had  granted 
me  the  salary  long  enjoyed  by  many  of  niy  predecessors, 
and  which,  it  is  well  known,  their  constituents  in  general, 
were  not  only  willing,  but  desirous  they  should  grant,  it 
never  would  have  entered  into  my  mind  to  propose  the 
establishment  of  fees  to  the  members  of  his  Majesty's  conn- 
eil.     Nor  can  I  suppose  that  board  would  have  concurred: 
in  the  measure,  if  they  had  not  been  fuHy  convinced  that  the 
abridge<i  salary  granted  by  the  awembly  was  by  no  nteaos. 


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51«  THE  HISTGKY: 

<^J^^^l^*  sufficient  to  support  the  dignity  of  govonnient.  ^nd  if 
'^  ,  any  subsequent  assembly  had  shewn  an  inclination  tp  Qqmr 
mute  the  fees  established  in  council,  for  the  usual  salary,  I 
should  long  since  have  cheerfully  made  them  the  proposal. 
But  as,  in  6onsequence  of  the  assembly's  petition,  they 
have  been  lately  referred  by  his  Majesty  to  the  lords  com- 
missioners  for  trade  and  plantations^  for  their  consideration 
and  report  thereon,  that  event  must  now  take  place,  imless 
by  a  proppsition  from  the  assembly,  the  matter  is  compro- 
mised and  settled  before  it  comes  to  a  hearing/'  Here  tbe  ^ 
door  of  reconciliation  was  thrown  open ;  but  unfortuna^tely 
the  assembly  could  not  enter,  either  with  honour  to  thenij- 
selves  or  security  to  their  constituents.  A  commutation  of 
the  fees  would  have  amounted  to  an  acknowledgment  of 
the  governor's  right  to  them;  and  have  laid  them  at  the 
mercy  of  every  future  commander  in  chief. 

The  message  then  proceeded  to  inform  the  assembly,  that 
General  Christie  had  arrived  with  a  battalion  of  the  sixtieth 
regimetft,  which  had  been  lodged,  by  his  excellency  s  or- 
ders, in  the  forts ;  and  recommended  that  the  house  should 
m^e  soime  provision  for  the  bjetter  accommodation  of  the 
troops.  The  reparation  of  the  forts  was  ur^ed  with  great 
'  eamfesthess,  as  being  indispehsibly  necessary  for  the  secu- 
rity' bf  the  country.  And,  as  a  proof  of  his  excellency's 
attentibii  to  minor  objects  of  local  convenience,  he  men- 
tioned ihe  decayed  state  of  the  two  bridges  in  Bridge-town^ 
with  ft  view  to  their  being  immediately  repifa-ed,  and  W  the 


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OTBARBADOES.  31^ 

aame  time  suggested  the  expediea^cy  of  an  act  to  prevent  en af.  sy. 

the  removal  of  those  banks  of  stones  which  had  been  for-      ^^^^ 

tunately  thrown  lap  by  the  hurricane,  and  which  contri-» 

bated  in  no  small  degree  to  the  safety  of  the  towns. 

-    The  assembly's  answer  breathed  nothing  of  an  amicable     Oct  9. 

or  conciliatory  spirit.     The  duty  and  affection,  which  they 

fceld  inviolable  to  his  Majesty's  pCTSon  and  government, 

kad  induced  them,  they  said,  to  take  hia  excellency's  met^ 

sage  into  their  most  serious  cotisideration^ ;  and  after  a  calm 

and  dispassionate  review  of  the  real  circumstances  of  the 

people,  they  found  themselves  confirmed  in  their.forroer  re« 

solution,  not  to  ipcreaae  the  public  burthens  on  any  pr^ 

tence  whatever.    The  interest  and  pro^sperity  of  the  com- 

mnnity  were  blessings  that  depended  lesss  on  their  qecuritjp 

from  external  violence,  than  on  the  peaceable  enjoy otent  of 

liberty  and  pwqpwtyr  secured  frpi|i  Uie  eocroachi»^t»  of 

arbittary  power  ^ithin^    CopcerniAg  .thf^  ^^^  to  which  hhf 

excellency  had  asserted  ^  just  and  logal  right,  the^  chal^ 

leafed  him  to^  produce  a^  si^gl^  law  local  or  ge;>ei*al^  written 

f>r  unwritten,;  w^ich  coujld  fiis^nction  his  claim*    On  this  suh^ 

ject  they  ran  into  a  tedious  ^discussion,  which  we  willingly 

9.void.    T^dr  d^}ectK>ns  ^,t^§  ^eg^Uty  of  t\\e  fees,  and 

the  reasoni^  qu  w^idi^h^;fa}^fy  wa$  yote.d,  \>eitkg  substan^ 

ti^ly  tji^  isaro^  #»:  ttK«e  pf  y^lfifik  w^  have  already  t^kea 

Itraple  notice},  .;,,... 

,   T^Q  overture  for  a  cpmm«^tioft  of;  the  fees^  as  a  basts  of 

rfiG95iqiUa*ion,  vas.r^^^  tl^pru4«M*  aad..s^it 

3u 


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5U  THE  HISrOIlY 

CflAF.xv.  becoming  the  representatives  of  a  free  people.  "ThorotigH^ 
J7t52.  convinced  of  the  illegality  of  the  claiin^  and  rioft  leJas  setost* 
ble  of  the  unconstitutional  authority  by  which  it  had  been 
sanctioned,  they  should  consider  it,  they  said>  a  derelfctlOa 
of  their  country's  cause,  were  they  to  make  any  proptisi- 
tion  that  might  be  construed  into  an  acknowkd^meiit'of 
his  right,  or  that  he  had  any  thing  to  yield  on  the  g^ouhd 
of  ii  commutation.  On  the  contrary,  they  declaped  tlieii 
fixed  determination  that,  so  long  as  such  a  dangferodS  tistir- 
|>ation  of  power,  as  tlie  levying  of  money  witiiout  tfte'con- 
sent  of  tlie  general  assembly, '  was  e)xfercis6d,  they,  tvho 
were  the  only  proper  persons  to  raise  supplies  fbi*.  thfe  ser*. 
vice  of  government,  would  not,  by  incr^iisiiig  the  btfrtiiehs 
of  their  constituents,  become  the  instruments  bf  :^dihg  to 
tlieir grievances.  ;      '  '      ):  / -iv  I.   ,•-■•';•  ; 

x\eT.i27.  •  Notwithstanding  the  failure  €«f;thi9''.itt«irftfJ|t,'hfe 'eJetJ^I- 
tency  determined  on  making  another' ^BiOJt 'i*)  ^kW^ciii  >ihe 
assembly  to  a'due  sense  of  the  daiiget'io  "^hiJjH  ithfe  «(**ittttfy 
#as  exposed, ,  by  tlie''pr<>^i^ity'<>'f  ^^''fo^^^blfe  eh^Sfiyi 
flashed' witli  success.  -  Td  this  end 'h6  80iltddwiifa"iitt»6ttge, 
icf^mating  that,  from  intelligeftce  lately  te?ceiV«d,'-tB*rt  #&s 

,  every  reason  to  believe  ihat  th'fe  cinetalirSffeHs  ^tfej^tflttif  It© 
attack  Batrbadoes.   lAG\\iereSm€te(i\ks^iM^i7hvS^'e&n.^ 

.^  bl^  General  Christie  to removtf'  the-'h*(ivy^areiW^,'  afrifno^ 
nitionand  provisions,  to  Fort  George ;' atid  S^'oiririifeWied 
that  the  militia  should  be  more  frequeiitly' asWtdbiM;  and 
better  diMiplined.    JFfis  exceHency,  it  the  same  time,  cQm- 

2 


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OF.  BABRAPPES.  515 

.ii^i:ji4p;^t^  to  the:house,  on  the  authority  of  a  letter  from  cm^^. 

j^.§epr^tw7  of  state,  that  the  appUcation  of  a  part  of '^e     .J?|*^- 

,p^mpfsntaFy  bounty,  to  the  defence  of  the  island,  woiird 

,^;|ft,.^ Impropriation  perfectly  agreeable  to  his  Majesty; 

ga4,p;:?nqlud^d  with  hoping,  that  the  loyalty  of  the  ass^ih^ 

%,^)ly.,wouid  induce;  them  to  take  the  al^raing  and  critical 

:«tate  of  theisiand  into  their  most  sei^ous  consideration,  and 

.  tO!  a4ppt  isu^h  measures  -  as  were  most  essential  to  its  Safety 

_^,yT)M,2^V(\h\y  readily  voted  an  aid  of  negro  labouf.tbB 
,3bbiB  r^movaJ^  of  the  cannon  and  stores;  biit  they  woiild  nei- 
ther con?«Qt  to  1;he  more  frequent  assembling  of  the  miU-« 
.  .ti^  nqr  to  thjB  proposjcd  appropriation"  of  any  part  of  the 
naopey  gmnt^d  by  p»tliaibent  to  the  repairs  of  the  fortifi- 
cations.   While  they  acknowledged  the  danger  of  their  siv 
;\uat4Qjj,:  they  calmly  protested,  that  they  would  not  suffer 
. .  ^)i^r,  apprehensions  tp  betray  them  into  f ny  means  of  'pn>4 
,  yiidmi  for  the  publiti  defence,  not  warrattted  by  the'  pria^ 
ciples  of  justice  and  humanity.     Upon  their  loyalty,  indi- 
vidually aud  collectively,  they  affirmed,  bis  excellency  might 
!  ,j«?ly  with  the  Tjtmoet  certainty;   but  they  could  notlielp' 
..  lameiitittg,  tht^t  they  should  be  called  t^-a  dontest  witl^anc 
.  inveterate  ;e<»ehiy,.  tindet  ^  chief>  who,  ■  hfc^ng  despoUed 
,  them  of  ti^^u:  j^roperty,  had  destroyed  that'  necessary  coii^ 
i  ^I4ew^  ?^i^h;Jr^iclvthe^  J>appy  to.  have: 

! .  foticrtred  a-fa^l^^l  rep  <£M.ip^. 

3  u  2  . 


':■'.)'•  ;   ;   ■';  ....      J-.. 


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516    •  33HJPrHI&TQR>^ 

^2^^:^^  P?^^  JS^ndingey^rj  endeavour  fwi^esgyJ^ 

'^^'^^^  rogued  th^  as^erably  to  the  twenty-sixth  <iay  of  •Fefcffwwy^/ 
Meanwhile  the  council  having  appointed  a^cottu^uttee  tfi 
jpin  that  of  the  awemblj,  to  arrange  a  plan  fw^  dittfibe^ 
tion  of  the  parUanifintary  bounty,  a.  bill,  the  prodi^^ftioQ  9l^ 
the  joint  conunittee,  had  been  laid  before  the  hqum  aw  |)^ 
gecond  day  of  October,  Various  amendments  were  jyo- 
posed  by  the  speaker,  and,  being  adopted  bythe  lii8»fQ» 
the  bill  passed  the  assembly  unanimQusJy  on  .the,t]t^irl^^ 
of  that  month.  The  whole  of  the  dooation  was,  hy^  '^li*. 
bill,  vested  in  a  board  of  commissioners^  composed  9fM^* 
exceltency  and  a  certain  number  of  the  m^mber^'Of  botU 
houses,  to  be  distributed  amoi^  such  pers<9iaa^l^^]b^3^^ 
reduced  to  distress  and  necessity  by  the  hifrric^n^.;  j^^  <^^ri 
words,  to  the  poor  and  indigent  suflferers.  '^ji^e jgoyer^r^ 
was  anxious  that  the  money  should  be  applied  to  the  c^e^^ 
fence  of  the  island,  imd  bad  actually,  writt^  to  th<Q.Sj^^f|pT^^ 
t^y  of  state,  representing  the  wotnt  of .  uqaniipi^  J^t^^k^n 
council  and  assembly,  and  soliciting,  an  order  tq  tl^ow  tj^ft, 
whole  of  the  humane  benefaction  into  the  public  coffers^ 
by  which  he  would  have  secured  the  payment  o^  his  P^alar^  ^ 

and  beea  enabled  to  complete  J^  P^Rf  ^fMf^^'^^^^l!^^!!??* 
With  views  no  kiBS  sinister,  thecouncil,  wjM)»wCTe«tll  inen 
^    ef  eomndemble  landed  estates,  were  d^i^ousx>f  a|>prp^^-^  ^ 
ating  thfemmey  te  the  payment  of  tE^^^Ji^jj^^b^^jpfl;, 
of  diptabutiog  tiw  pfovisioM  «?n&^ly:&i¥iVtl!^fi^  J^^ 


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OPBAtftADOES:  517 

of  eiwty  description.   Hie  bill  sent  up  by  the  assembly,  ^^^AP^v. 
beitifg  of  an  <^p6site  tendency,  was  unanimously  rejected      *^^^ 
by  die  council ;  and  Ibe  prorogation  of  the  assembly  pre- 
▼ented  tfieir  concerting  any  Measures  for  the  disposal  of  the 
"mhlable  cargoes  sent  out  by  the  sub-committee,  arid  which 
afrivted  otlly  the  day  before  that  everit. 

"Wie  value  of  the'  provisions,  many  of  which  were  of  a 
pifrisfiabte  iiature,  was  of  course'  materially  depreciated  by  ^ 
Uife^tlefeyi  'V^hich  w^as  productive  of  an  expense  of  two  Kun- 
iffed  {kninds  a  taiorith  for  storage.    Meanwhile  the  council^ 
paiSsed  a  bill,  ^hich  was  delivered  to  the  clerk  of  the  asseiri* 
bljr,  *to  be  laid  before  thef  house  after  the  recessl     llie. 
^Fgn  of  this  bill  was  to  distribute  the  four  cargoes  which 
had  been  received,  while  the  cash  was  to  remain  locked  up 
ffom  those  for  whose  benefit  it  was  intended  till  tHe  result 
of  the  govemor^s  application  was  known.     It  proposed  this 
apjpointfherit'  of  commissioners,  by  whom  the  stores  and' 
gtobds  Werie  to  be  (divided'  intd  eleven'  eq^ual  parts,'  one  of 
whifch  was  assigned  to  the  vestry  of  each  parish,  who  were  ^ 
reijuire^  to '  idiktribute  tbem  generally  in  projportiori  to  the 
loss  sustaihea'by  each  fndiviclual.  *  y  -   >>     ^        \, 

l^otwilnstanding  tbe  obvious   partiality  arid  injustice  ot      1785. 
this* 'arrangement,  if  was  plausibly  and  ingeniously  sup-;-     Feb. 27. 
ported  ori  the  ineetirig  of  the  assehibly  by  Mr.  Straker  and 
^i^.  ttusbafids. '"  ^6  fbrfater  of'  Ihese  gentlemen,  in  a  Icing " 
and  afaimaife^d  Sp^e6h/tt^ti^ MU^ )^^^ 
madvcrsion  on  the  conduct  of  the  governor  and  councils 


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518,  IHE  HKTORY') 

CBAF,  xVr*  professed- Wttteelf^attJ^^dt^Ato^^  d»ti»b|itiQa. 

17^3.      BJfr.*  Husbands  thoftght  tfeht»>tl«  beetrtiw  »o»fc.efeeiMifcl; 
t'He  tnost  -  generaratid  impartiftl  naode  o£  -di$po6tQg  oSAhe 
parliarrientary  boilintyi  would  have  been  toluve;tforcmfi  Ijbe 
%yholeiBto  die -treasury,  applkaJsde  to  the  pvipiAC  ^fiig^ia^^^ 
By  such  an  appropriatiou  of  the  donative,  they^ght^as^ 
paid  off  Uie  colonial  debt,  have  •  done  jiiis^ice  tqjd^  pMblic 
creditors,  and  sbevrn  a  due  regard  to  IheiriidistrQ^ff^  ft^jo- 
stituents,  by  relieving  them  from  a  .  Ij9pt4  rOf  i  *^^^  v,  tl)fty 
might  have  repaired  the  malerheftd  and.  fi^bujijtf  ^g|f^/a^j^ 
sauctuaries.     It  was  iK>t  within  th^  fff]^GTp  flf:  hip  .pqmppf- 
b^^^on  to  discover  how  a  state  oovlld  be  benefited  ,n^Q^e 
effectually  than  by  the  payment  c^fjtg  dpbtpb  4l^  FSfi^^iO'^ 
of  useful  and  necessary  worksi  and  th^.e^^Wi^hjno^^ 
Jiiad  to  meet  the  expenses,  of  goyerpnae^t  Jqt.^  s^vcce^ji^n 
of  yeai-s*     Besides  the  gift  of  parljaiqep^tf  he  sai4  wa^  a 
public  boon,  conferred  by  the  pubUp  of  JJpgland  9^.thfit 
©f  Barbadoes ;  the  public  were^  to  be  under  t^neoblig^t^on^ 
and  consequeddtljr  ought  to  rep^vje  t^f  bepefit,    JB^t^^^he 
was  now  precluded  from  all  Jiopes  of  such  an  apprc^i^atjon 
of  the  bounty,  as  he  thought  rop?]t  ^igi^le,  and^^  a,  dist;rir 
bution  at,  all  j events,  was  to  takp  glac^,  ^he  yo^d  for  ^Jhe 
bill,  because  of  the  two  be  preferrecj  a  g^p^l^l  to ^, partial 
^-distribution..,.    .    ..   .  .,    ,,    * 

On  the  other  hand,  the  bill  experienped  9|i, animated  qp* 
position  :frQm  the .  Mmaqe, ,  disinterested, )  J^d^  j^a^tic 
speaker  <tf  the  .assembiy^  yfhof^  ;gpfta:o)jp  jjf^ul  i^^q^ed 


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'OP  BARimDOfia  519 

^vidf^ypeTMfnii  <HttmdeT2Aim^  put  in  competition  wit  li  ^^^^^:^' 

the^y^fave<^  h'wco\3tut\j^oTl}^  and  Im"      ^'^^^\ 

mamtj.  1  l{e^  couimenoed  an  eloquent  and  argunaentative 
speech  i^ith  sayiogf  that  he  could  npt  rise  to  delivicr  liis 
sentindents  upon  that  occasion,,  without  yielding  to  the 
']}[H>btpiimfulYefle^Q89  on  the  melancholy  &tate  of  bis  iii- 
fated  courttrj,  which  could  neithec  relietve  itself  from  its 
^fficu?ties' and  '  tfffiictiona^   nor. avail;  itself  of  theadvan- 
tfa^es'  ivhrch  ^eilB  held  out  to  its f acceptance.     He  warmly 
TCjirobalted -the  rtio^le  of  distrihution  proposed  by  the  dpun-* 
iBT,'^nd  highly  disapproved  4>f  the  seeming  surrender  of  the 
riidney ^*  teaplied  hy  their  silewce-  on  that  point.  He  contend- 
*  erf  Hv^ith  ^lifettt  ^torce  of  argument,  that  the  whole  of  the  iti  u^ 
^  niflctofc  dbtiAtire  ought  to  be  applied,  in  conformity  to  the 
kin^gtaagei  6f  ttie  ^otfe  of  the  bouse  of  commons,  to  the  relief 
'  c?f  slich  aS  htfd  been  red t^ded  io  distress  and  necessity  by  the 
iiurriilane;  ^  Mfe  cbndenitted;  in  the  ^mort  pointed  itermss  tho 
'schenie  df  &  generatl  distribution  among  those,  of  every  de- 
^criplioh,  who  had  suslJiinkl* any  injury  by  the  storm ;  many 
of  wh^oni;  -notwirtisfandirigtheii^'losfes,  fco»tinued  to  enjoy, 
if  hot  the  Trfxuries- of  afihience,  the  blessings  .of  cbmpe- 
tencel  ^  Jiuch  k'pldnV  he  said,   was-  not  less^  inconsistent 
With  thei  hiitnitie'  intention  of  the  beoevolent  donors,  than 
injurious  to  those  distressed^  necessitous  persons^*  for  iwhose 
benefit  the  gift  was  designed.  t » 

'With  a  peculiki*  felicity  of  expressions  and  strength  of 
reasoniiig^  the  yenerable  patriot  e)£po$ed  the  injustice  of    . 


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520  THE  HISTORY  • 

^J^J^J:^-  liquidating  the  colonial  debt,  and  eiLoneratkig^  the  opukiit 
1783.  planter  from  the  payment  of  taxes/ at  the  expense  of  the 
houseless  objects  of  charity,  whose  small '  properties  hgA 
been  ravaged  by  the  storm.  By  such  a  disposal  of  the. 
bounty,  those  who  had  suffered  the  least  would  probably 
benefit  the  moist ;  while  others,  who  had  been  totally  ruined^ 
by  thp  destruction  of  their  propwty,  noight,  in  feet,  derive^ 
no  advantage  from  the  benevolent  intention  of  parltaiaent 
For  as  the  taxes  for  the  support  of  government  were  chiefly 
laid  QQ  slaves,  it  was  demonstrable,  that  he  who  had  the 
greater  number  would  benefit  by  tlie  pfopoted  mode  of 
distribution,  not  in  proportion  to  his  loss,  but  in  an  exact 
ratio  to  the  taxable  property  which  he  had  saved  from  the 
conflict  of  elements.  As  an  illustration  of  tliis  part  of  his. 
argument,  Sir  John.  All^ne -mentioned  an  instance  of  ai 
planter  who  had  a  hundosdaod  <fifty  sUy^^  but  whose  loss, 
was  so  trifling,  that,  in  the  ev^U  of  the  money  being 
thrown  into  the  teeasury,  hq  would  he  a  considerable  gainer 
by  that  calamity,  which  had  involved  othefs  in  irretrievable 
ruin.  The  honourable  baronet  concluded  an  elaborate  and 
brilliant  display  of  oratory,  with  moving  several  aniend-. 
ments  to  the  bill ;  which  being  adopted  by  the  house,  it 
passed  without  a  dissenting  voice.  But  its  progress  in  the 
council  chamber  was,  obstructed^  by  an  occuAenca  whidfa 
rendered  it  unnecessary. 

The  governor's  apj^icnticm  io  the  secretary  of  stat^  for 
an^of^  to  jippoo^riate  the  moBe^  to  the  rf pair^  of  the  for- 
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OF  BAilBAI>OES.  52I 

tificatf€&w/iiad  been  f^«6rred  to  the  lords  df  the  treasury,  chap.xv. 
who  ittiniedialiely  called  for  the  opinioD  of  the  London  com-      ^'®^' 
mittee  on:  thcf  expediency  of  the  measure.     Perceiving  that 
the  dfJBKOilties  which  impeded  the  disposal  of  the  bounty, 
had  bbfeftf -ptfrpOsely  corntrived  by  his  excellency,  the  com* 
mittee,  whose  patience  sems  to  have  been  exhausted  by  the 
unreasonable  protraction  of  the  business,  determined  to 
alter  the  pktn^  and  exclude  the  governor  from  any  concern   » 
in  ther  dtatributioftr    They  reserved,  that  the  constituting 
a  boitfd  bf. commissioners  in  Barbadoes,  consisting  of  alF 
the  fwidfinti  members  of  council,  and  an  equal  number  of 
the  ^seeibly,  of;  which  the  speaker  should  be  one,  having 
powerf{lio<i^pobe  of' the  parliamentary  grant  by  a  majority 
of  vQjcpS^,  is  ti^Cr  most  expedient  metliod  of  carrying  -the 
beneYolent  intentioiis  of  parliament  into  execution.    This 
resolution  having  been  approved  of  by  the  lords  of  the' 
treasuxy*Mthc>  secretary  of  state,  by  bis  M^jest/s  orders,^ 
wrote  tp  the  governor,  directing  hhn  to  recommehd  to  the 
council  .and  assembly  the  passing  of  a  bilH  in  conformity 
to  the  mode  suggested  by  the  committee*    /  ' 

A  board  of  iCommissionCTs  was^  accotdmgly  constituted 
by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  with  full  power  to  make  a 
final  distribution  of  tbe  bomity  in  aoy  manner  th^  should 
think  proper.  On  the  first  meeting  of  the  commissioners;  May  i. 
Mr.  Bishop,  of  the  council^  moved  that  the  sum  of  forty 
thousand  pounds  steeling i^ould  be  thrown'  into  the  public  ^ 

S  X 


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521  'the  HISTEORY 

JDHi^p.-XV.  cofkn,  to  Mqnidate  Ae  cdoiial  d^ebt.  IWiriDtieiii ' 
n%$.  ^rted.  with  great  earnesteess  hy  Mir,  Hminiada^  Te»  hit 
oothiDg  was  more,  clear^  frcmt  the  wot d^  oi  the  resolmjpi^ 
of  tlie  b6u3€  <»£  conimon^y  tlian  that  k  wu  theinten^OQ  <ii 
picrliament  to  aM)cd  assas&iace  to  a4^  relief  W  Ihe  iUa(M$sMl^ 
and  9N(if>port  to  fcbe  necessitous. 

Ob  ^  dtikec  bisrDdi,  Sit  Joim  Gr  AOe^e  cantendedv  tiui^ 
tire  ppopofial  was  etquaHjr  mconsbteiit  with  the  \«Qte  €f  tha 
faoiue  of  commons^  and  tbe  mtHoftes  o£  the  lotda  of  tte 
tMSR9orj^9  ^rami;  bodt  o£  which  it  wa»  efideot,  that  the^  dona--^ 
tk^e  W9» denied  for  the  relief  of  liutiuUigent  wjfei^tps  iyt 
Urn  90mm;  thon  wbov  Irp  thaA  diioer ealbmit^y  hctd  hetn  mh 
duۤdta  distress^  mmt  nmaBMukf.    Att  angjiiMQla  wfStt  wmvailp' 
ng\  there^  wa*  ro  MxmiAnig. tl»  sm»^  doqjaei^e  of  iMimhen^ 
Hm  boon  Aat  was  itttendei^  £0^  Ihe  relkf  ef  the  poor  dis^ 
tmtscd,  W3M  afipiiedf  to  >€««»  the  taxes-oa  the  opulent  po^ 
^msosft  of  slwretk    Otat  #f  thu^  fvady^  the  boardr  agreed  ta 
fnovide  fet'  the  repaim^  of  the  town^haU;,  one  thouaaod 
jfoxmim  waft  alloitod  for  tke  sabuilding  th«  new  bcidge^  and 
nineteen  hundred  p64ifid6r  wer6  graated  ta  8i&  pariahes  foB 
irinutduif^  rb^  eiwwcb^s^    FifteeA^himdiFed.  poupds^  sterKng 
had  been  paid  bj|  the  London  €en»n)ttee  t«»  Mr.  EsUdck, 
«•  agpni  for  the  i^land^  tacoadufit  fche  prosecution  a^aipat 
Govemoc  Cuanuif  haroe*    Of  th^  balance^  eightee^n  huo* 
ditdi  pauada  mne  alfotted  ta^  tha  su&rem  ro.  eacb  ffftiidb^ 
t»ltadktBh<i^rtd,jiift|itptttMdi^  amaoi^  Ihoaa  jieacm  ^«hiGM 

6 


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OF  VAISAJMeES.  5j^ 

loMMT  MBifiMidl  «ot  fifteen  immSM  mmmxAB.    <koaA  dth  oup.wv. 
iftjB  were,  kowoirer,  wifieeed   ^  dbsteoct   4lie  cURtoAii»-      '^'W' 
^n,  aiMl  fi^«  ^/^ws  liad  ^a,pted  4m£(iw  it  was  aoerart- 
ffli^bed.     ft  was  sHfely  a  cunoHS  arraogemeirt,  "to  aJbir 
^e  least  populous  papislies  a  firai  ^eq«al  4e  ^faMie  orhaeh 
had  the  greater  iwmfeer  ^  families,  e^ad  ^rea  4o  t^i«t 
allotted  for  the  metropolis,  whose  loss  of  property  -as  f« 
exceeded  i^at  of  any  ^ttier  distrift,   as   its   population 
surpassed  the  iiAiabitaDts  of  Ifee  ^^t  parishes*    There 
t^nuot  he  a  stronger  proof  of  the  absurdity  and  t9JM^ 
tice  of  the  plaa  which  was  adopted,  tbaa  the  followwg 
Ifect.     A  gentleman  t)f  .Bridge-town;  ^o  had  very  fe^ 
daves,   sustained   a  loss  of  more   than  fif^keen   hundred 
pounds,  in  houses  and  other  personal  effects.    But  &ose 
Very  circumstances,  which  were  in  realrty  aggravations  -ef . 
Tiis  misfortune,  precluded  him   from  relief:    his  loss  ex^ 
ceeded  the  limits  prescribed  by  the  con^missioners ;   and^ 
Tiaving  but  few  slaves  on  whom  he  ceuld  ^save  the  tax, 
i}e  was  left  to  bear  the  undiminished  weight  of  bis  cala/^ 
mity. 

For  the  sake  of  perspicuity,  we  have  pursued  fliis  isuto* 
^ct  as  far  as  our  means  of  information  extended,  wifih*- 
tjirt  tnudi  regard  to  the  order  of  time.  And,  while  it 
flffords  the  most  incODftestible  evidence  of  the  -national 
%eneiicence,  opulence,  and  generosity,  at  the  toooUoc* 
'iwn  ^  which,  every  hearty  susceptible  ctf  a  4ue  seiwe^ 

3  X  a 


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,524  THE  mSTORY 

cHAR^v,.i)enefit8>.pi!qflfe  throb  witb  grateful  ifieanibiBtyf  wej  tatonal 
y^^',  cedect  without  humiliatiou  and  concern,  od  the  .4uiBei>- 
sions  which  it  produced ;  on  the  obata«le$  thftt  ret^r^led  the 
distrihulion  *of  the  bounty,  s^nd  lessened;,  its  v^lue  to 
the  unfortunate  sufferer ;  and  on  the  application ,  ^  so 
large  a  portion  of  the  munificent  donative  to  ptibUc  pup- 
poses. 

Whatever  traces  of  genuine  loyalty  and  patriotism  may  be 
discovered  in  the  refusal  of  tlie  assembly  to  raise  the  necessary 
supplies  for  the  support  of  government,  there  seems  to  have 
been  no  inconsiderable  degree  of  impolicy  in  suffering  the 
public  debt  to  accumulate  to  such  an  amount,  and  of  in- 
justice in  neglecting  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  pub- 
lic creditors,  many  of  whom,  though  placed  in  the  most  in- 
digent circumstances  of  human  life,  had  been  unpaid  for 
three  years.  At  length,  driven  to  despair,  the  gunners  and 
matrosses  of  Raid's  Bay,  Speight's,  and  Saint  Jameses  divi- 
sions could  no  longer  suppress  their  complaints.  Hieir  pe- 
titions to  the  assembly,  stated,  that,  many  of  them,  with 
large  families  to  support,  were  reduced  to  the  lowest  ebb  of 
fortune ;  and  were  frequently  indebted  to  the  benevolence 
of  their  more  fortunate  neighbours  for  their  daily  subsist- 
ence; their  wants,  however,  were  unheeded.  The  voice  of 
justice  and  humanity  was  heard,  no  more,  or  was  list^- 
ed  to  only  when  it  forbade  the  imposition  of  taxes.  The 
petitions  were  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  and  in  all  proba- 
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OP  fitAB^AbOES.  ^iu 

Ix^tjvrovMwxm  faate  been  fo)rgotten»  l^ad  not  th^  totd^  ^^^;^' 
niisskmers  for  the  distribution  of  the  {Parliamentary  bounty      ^^^^ 
agreed,  as  we  have  already  seen,  to  appropriate  a  consider- 
able part  of  that  donative  to  the  payment  of  ihe  colonial 
debt 


1 


'i  -t     y  *  J    * 


i :  J     .    *  / . 


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ttllfi  ttltt^OStt' 


CHAP.  XVi. 


mtE  OO^SRNOE  HECALLSD. — H%.  I>OTIK  AUVUWB  THS  6(MrCftK^ 
MENT. — EXTBAORDINARY  CONDUCT  OF  THE  COCNCII. — Hfti 
£STWICK*3  CONDUCT  CENSUREP. — BIR.  DATID  PARRT  SUCCEEDS 

TO    THE     GOVERNMENT. LEGISLATIVE      PROCEEDINaS.— — Al^l 

ATROCIOUS  JfURDER  C02fKITT£I2. 

/ 

CHAPJCVt  The  day  was  now  approaching,  when  the  Barbadians 
17SS.  were  to  be  relieved  from  the  tyraniiy  of  a  rapacious  ruler, 
and  restored  to  the  enjoyment  of  internal  tranquillity. 
Their  complaints  had  been  thus  far  urged,  with  indeiatiga* 
ble  zeal  and  perseverance,  by  their  agent;  and  the  thir- 
teenth day  of  April  had  been  appointed,  by  the  lords  of 
trade,  for  a  final  hearing  of  the  charges  against  Govemoar 
Cunningbame.  But,  in  consequence  of  the  memorable 
change  of  ministry,  which  had  taken  place  within  the  last 
week  in  March,  Mr.  Estwick  suddenly  adopted  the  resolu- 
tion, not  less  culpable  than  strange,  of  declining  the  invef- 
tigatioD,  which  he  had  so  ardently  and  impatiently  soii- 
cited«  When  all  difficulties  were  surmounted,  .and  be  had 
aetfly  arrived  at  tbe  end  of  his  journey,  be  discovered  that 


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thetw^vfkk^h»\ud  been  ditigeady  pwmmgfoftw^^m^^^^^^^^ 
n»entlis^was  tootdfcokousr  ton  lead  to  thedirecfi  aittainraent:  ^^^ 
o^  hisrob^t.  The  board  of  trade,,  be  fb^ndv  eodd/  fonm 
no  ultiiMbtedQekkiiv  em  th&  poiii4  at  imue.  The^  were  ool^ 
at  board  of  wqjuirj^  om  whose  pepoiA  the  King^  in  eOiUacil^^ 
vn»  fiiia%^  tor  determioe.  Hence^lur  ^tended'  ta  tdimlb  ilt 
bette9:toiidty^^'(HiitbewiHdQm.^aflnA  LordSheiburne^ 

t^  imw  Wisw^tsiXff  of  atate^  fan  an  immBdiaAev  bnt  pwtiad^ 
ndresa^of  tike  grffiTaofCAa^  whidii  w€te  tihc  safaject  of  cof^ 
pkuat^ibaA  to  bring:  the  master  1^      bearing  be&re  tbe 
board  ol*^  tpade^  which  beki^^eainpodedi^  aa  be  $aid^«  of  pea^^ 
8pi^  devoted  to  the  will  of:  Lord  XJcorgg^  Germsttue^.  the  g»»- 
venaoFspatrony.,  their'  i;eport  might   have  been   eventna^j^v 
untfkaoiiirable  to  tbekcolonjfw    Tbit>  ia^  the  iMibrtaace'  c^  (dte^* 
]'east>H»whicti,. upon  being  pressed  ,oa  the  aubjectby  tiifr  , 
sf^cretajiy  of.  the  boaikl  of  trade»  Mn  }isbmcW,  aasigned  fbr  > 
decliatug.:the.heariyn^:beli^e  tlie  only  tiihiuiiJ^.  whifsbrffionob. 
iteearliesit e»tabU&hniCMit^  bad  iavaiiablji  takei^  oo^nisaiMii 
of  all  colonial  coinplainti^.pFepafrs^arjp.  to^  s^  Baal  ad^^Mti^^ 
calioK.     Tlieir.  lordsbbips^.  hA»»wwr%»   io«  nbediancs  tab  tim- 
Majesty's  commaadai  loet  at  the  tjoie^^aail  placMta^ipaNrt^^ 
and  akhoii^  Mr,  Diumiag:  andt  Itfo.  F^ggdtt  bnb  bMit  jie^ 
taincd  oftt  the^ffmtuifi  tber  im]«iiy^.^hr  ageislitbovgbt  p^^ 
to  i^AiBer  the  aasi^fesinae .  oi^ooiuu^ ianibalatcd  bts^iibjeetioar  ^ 
to  any  farther  proceedjng^^oivtfae  proposed  iaqiiiryj.^  A^fsr:^ 
heaitibg  Wiiat?  the  gbmtaarm  advMJartttiibalA}'  t^^^bfi^dh^llie 
Mli^aiaiH  tbtt1>^aA  hiwtBtirii  ^ntbetbwi-  ijiey;  diig!lfe1»:»y<>rt* 


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528  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP^i.  generally  on  the  case  as  it  then  stood  before  them,  or  spe- 
"^*-      cially,  that  the  agent  for  the  colony  had  declined  the  hear- 
iagi     Mr.  £stwick'8  politeness  retaoved  all  difficulty,  by 
declaring  his  perfect  acquiescence  in  the  latter  mode. 

HappSly-for  Barbadoes,  the  agent's  c(Jnfidence  in  Lord 
Sbelbume  was  not  misplaced.    By  the  first  packet  which- 
left  UngiaiJd,  after  the  arrangement'of  the  new  admihistra- 1 
tiori  was  completed,  General  Cunninghamc  received  his' 
juM  u.    Majesf/s  orders  io  resign  the  government.    Thus  the  re- ' 
lDota^of  the  odious  «ind  tyrannical  chief  was  entirely  an 
act  of" rii^yal  clemency,  or  rather  of  'taihisterial   patron-' 
age»  :larid'tiot  the  result  of  any  legal  nor  formal  determina-  '■ 
ticttiiof  his   guilt.     The  question  of  m'al-administration' 
w^.  «tiU  .tiniecided,  adid  the  oppressor  escaped  the  punish- 
-  meot'dueto  his  crimes.  - 

Thegoyeraor  spent  but  little  time  in  .preparing  for  his' 
departswj.     Unable  to  bear  the  pnblic  eye,  or  apprehen-' 
sive   of  piirsoiiftl  imults,  he  privately  embarked,   under 
June  18. .  covff  <?f  the  ^eVeoting,  on  board  the  padket,  where  he  re- 
raainpd,  uanoticed  and  Mnmolested,  from  Tuesday  tHl  the 
Thursday  foUowin^;  when,  to  the  inexpressifelfe  joyof  al 
ranks  of  mqp*  he  bad  adieu  to  a  country  whose  govern-- 
raent  he  had  administered,  without  honour  or  satirfaction- 
to  himself,,  to  the  manifest  injury  of  a  laithful,  and  loyal' 
people..  .,    ..  ,.    .,       .. 

JuM  19.       In4?J?edi^nQe  tp  his  M»jpsty's  commaad.s,  sigsifi^  ^o.  him- 
by  the.  s^fetpy  QfjBt«te,  ihe  Honourable.  John. Dptin,  as-, 


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OP  BARBADOES.  5359 

fumed  the  reins  of  government  on  the  day  after  (he  govern  chap^w, 

nor  left  Pilgrim,  and  immediately  issued  a.  special  summons      •'^•** 

to  convoke  the  legislature  on  the  second  daj  of  July. 

Both  houses  having  accordingly  met»  the.  president  addres* 

sed  them  in  a  speech  less  remarkable  for  its  elegance  .than 

tor  the  patriotic  sentiments. Which  it  contaiae4> . .  In  «mple^ 

artless  language,  be  told  them,  that  hfiving.l^n  dii9cte4 

by  Lord  Shdbum«  to  take  charge  i^  the  govenuneot,  bi» 

first  care  had  been  the  renaoval  of  tho^  )}l^l  tfible?  of 

lees  which  the  late  governor,  wit^ut.  any  o«}onr  of  rigjhtt 

bad  set  up  and  extorted  irom  his  Mi^ty's  loya)  and  dis^ 

tressed  subjects.    After  an  unqualified;  reptobatioa  of  the 

governor's  conduct,  he  added,  that,  he  had  beea  oanm&nded 

by  hia  Majesty  to  use  his  best  endeavcran'to  secure  and  for* 

tify  tlie  island,  and  to  rouse  tiie  spirit  of  the  people:  to  a 

vigorous  exertion  in  dieir  own  defence.    To  the  repairs  of  . 

the  fortifications  be  requested  their  particalar^  attention,' 

and.  earnestly  exhortedthem  to  unainittiity  %nd  hanncHiy  in^ 

their  proceedings,  as  the  sureist  means  of  obtaining  the  fk-' 

vour  and  approbation  of  their  Sover^ign^  of  ptomcl^Bg 

the  {nt>sperity  of  the  country,   and  of  doing  honour  to 

ttemselves.   .    . 

This  honest,  unstudied  hdi^ngue  drei^  from  tii^  cfomieit' 
l^e  fbUowing  indecent  and'  unprecedented  reply :  "^Thof 
manner  in  whieh  you  were  call^fty  the  command  of  the; 
island,  your  honour  has  "1)eete  pleased  to  -sigmfy^^  tO'  us  With 
sentiments  that  do  yott  credit.    The  tni^  d^egtttei*  io  yott 

3  Y 


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530  THE  HISTORY) 

Cfftp.xvi.  cannot  i>e  abused,  while  jou  thus  honourably  bear » witness 
''^**  to  its  importance^  We  look  up  to  your  honour  Without  a 
shadow  of  doubt,  for  that  moderation  and  propriety  which 
will  ensure  equal  applause  to  this  as  to  your  former  mikl 
and  impartial  administration.  But,  while  we  thus  express 
liur^lveS  towards  you,  with  that  justice  which  is  due  for 
ihfe  opening  if  your  speech,  we  inu^t,  at  the  satne  time^ 
wiih  indignant  ffeedom,  condemn  the  censure  implied  on 
that  branch  Qf  the  legislatut^  of  which  your*  honour  surely 
did  not,  at  that  time,-  consider  yourself  to' head.  The  Ji- 
betalrty  of  y^ttr  setf-^ehiali  respecting  (fee  tables  of  fees, 
may  be  applauded  by  sofne^  yet  iiow  to  reconcile  your  pre- 
sent declarations  to  your'foniler  condufctwe  are^at  a  loss  ; 
«nd  confess  them  to  be  no  less  strange  than  contradictdry; 
Governor  Ctmiiinjghaine's  m^asui*es,  so  decisively,  if  not 
indelicately,  pronounced  illegal  and  oppressive,  met  the 
concurrence  and  confirmatioa  of  that  board,  at  which  your 
.  honour  was  the©  sittiilg  as  head.  Nor  can.  we  now  acqxiir 
esce  in  these  new  ideas  of  extortion  and  illegality ;  but  ra- 
ther p^ac§  them  to  that  wavering  of  sentinaent  which  sacri- 
fipes  the  steady  principles  of  government  and  virtuous  con- 
sistency, to  the  giddy  pleasure  of  fickle  popularity  and 
ductiji^  coippliancc.  The  opposition  and  e^jtortiqn  thus 
wantonly  thrown  upon  us,  it  >  behoves  us  to  oppose  in  this 
publip  address;  an4,  wetpusj^.th^t^yojir  language,  on  tliis 
Qcc^^ion,  is^  rather  JncQnsifJp^tely,  tljan  tit;|fberately,  in- 
i^nde^  to  s^gma4;ise,^at.;tyoar4>  df  .^hjch  jyow  hoaour  ha* 


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been  so  taany  years^a  meirib^.  l^t  this  U  4  i&bject  too  ^JJJJJJ^jJ' 
delib^Wie  iJbrthfc' times,  aiid  too  pointed  to  .be  discussed  in  ^^^^* 
such  a  iriofaerit.'  Yet,  s^H^lji  -it  taay  he  ^rmitted  us  to 
rec&ark,  that,  howfet^f-  espedient  a-  co'ihpliance  witti  the 
wi&hes  of  the  people  may  have  beconM,  -your  honour  might 
baTe  declined  the  work  of  rffcriminAtion  in  this  your  first 
puWi6  decTaration.        -•         "^  '    . 

^  ^*  We  have  liithert6  d6nc  our'iitmost  for'the  safety  of  the 
isl^d;  so  often  recomincnded  by  the  late  governor,  whose 
attention  and  unwearied  perseverance  in  the  discharge  of  this 
pattvoir  his , duty,  every  tneraber  of  this  board  can  vouch  for- 
Whate veir  drflference  of  6pinion  may  have  existed,  this  tribiite 
surely  he  claims ;  nor  shall  the  rage  of  opposition  deter  iis- 
from  giving  credit  where  credit  is  due.  A  retrospect  of  the 
p^a^  Will  lead  us-  to  iadopt  the  .happiest  unanimity  in  all 
IPOeiEksures  that  sliall  conduce  to  bur  internal  tranquillity  and 
defeace;  and  we  look,  with  pleasure,  to  the  concluding 
sentiment  in,  your  honour's  speech-  May  harmony  and 
peace  reside  among  us ;  itiiay  true  freedom  for  ever  flourish 
over  every  tyrannic  delusion,  .^Vhether  among  the  rulers  or 
the  ruled  ;•  niay  there  be  'one  lidntierition  only  in  the  differ-* 
ent  parts  of  our  constitution ;  the  contention  of  promotijig* 
the  public  good.**-  .-' 

This  addt^  ekj>ericticed  ^^nsiderable  opposition  froni' 
some,  gentlemen  of  tlie  i^OUnclL  Far  from  doncurying-  iir 
tlie  rosentment  expres^d  in  tlie  address  agaiiist-  the  presir 
dent  for  his  free  and  candid  declaration  concerning  the 

3  Y  2  •  '  ' 


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i7«9.  j^^  BwWp  adopted  the  seatim^^ts  of  the  spoofih,  «pd  m* 
Mrtod,  ^is^  tb«^ f«|i»  y^W  |V«>t  ,09)j  iU^  aod^  .iMiQOQfilttu. 
iiopsilj.  W  tha*  tboy  ipe^ft  <3!^^Ctt|W»d  a,4wijpr. 

oos  prQ€>9d^t«.  to  th«.€^ooai;f^jBUQea;it  i^  f otuner  ora^ickmg^ 
cocBiiw»dei«  ia  :du«f^.tP  tn^pl^  up^a  the  d^lilff  .fu)d  p6»« 
perties  of  t]»e  people.  The  addcesa  was^  hi^iv^^;  agmwl 
loj  aad,  lji^g,»uh?piibe^|ly^^  Mr. 

iJ^lest^^MF^  Kfietipgt^aadiMr.  }m^u:ym-  ^^eesmlo^  in  dn^ 
lonn,  ■•.-.,.   .•..!-  ,  :    ..  '   '.  .. 

\if,  h^wever^  produced  askgiabtf  pirojt^sl^.Mgii^  )^  tbr 

9iuch  of  the  address  as  co^red  the  pc^sidfiAt^i  {t^oM^lisoik 
the  governor's  oppressive  exactions,  he  eoterod  is^o^  a  fiMv 
wal  j^ecantatioa  Qf  his  o,wj^  poU^ioed  hi9re»jr.  ;  **  }i  dq  h^tvtiUjt 
CPAde^m  ]nyj5elf,"said,  the  r^y^ceod  divine,.."  for  r^  toii^ 
protected  against. the.  tabl&  pf  %es  which  Gofrarpi?]?  i^n- 
wp^hame  laid  before  the  couficH»  and  stnceieljr  \r«^  tb^ 
Qpuld  be;  eicpuDged  out  of  the  CQuncU-boqk,  ^d>  ao&lb^ 
kted.  His  excdlep^j  haying  dj^daced  Idiat  he  aboold  not 
iL&qeive  more  than  fifteen  handi:e4;arj^ax  of  die  iE^liah  sa^ 
larj,  and  would  not  accept  of  the  two  thousand  pounds, 
per  annum  settled  on  him  b  j  the  house  of  nswootbly^  X,  am- 
bitious that  tlie  Kiogfii  reyoieseottitiyie  ^oul4  h^^ve^the  noteabs 
of  s^pportiQg  the  honour  and  digmty  of  h4»  staution*  ac*^ 
^ttiesced,  with  him  in  the  measure*  tiot  having  the  least  8iis«- 

.     .     2.    ' 


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OF  iBARBADOEg'  33^ 

dupHctior'  and ' Wctirati^  #9#n '  6u^  l^ig^ty^'iiiAi''by  ^6' 

daet;  Stt-%)«di  nducb  iHui  said  teoA  'meie-lib^dJ'  t^ii  a' 
ri^fieifrof  in^at^hiid  piissed'iti  C(Min<ii]/iw9ye4  ih^  qii^stiod» 
c<»ksertrtB^  the  fees  iiras'kgitafted»  Ke -ftBy  ei^culpratei  ¥liA- 
self^^  a»  iat-^  his  otrh  ttBicoatni<lk^^rai,^<jrtibn'caff  t^e 
admitted  as  exculpatory,  fcoxn  any  participation,  iailije 
goall 'o#  tiitoae  by  whoin  l^y  i«ete  satercfi^^ 
fkots^  tiDi  T«ttln<;^  ke  appealed^  have  beeii  already  takeii 
notice  4ikk  It  femuEKr  oh^jiter  of  this  tolutoei  it  is  umieces^ 
sftryt<»  i!t!p)te(>'tiieii9fk  in  this' place.  . 

-Agie^ble  ta  die  forms- bf  the  assembly,  ao  ansitier  dsuldf 
be  returned^  to  ttie  president's  speech:  until  l^r  n^xt  meet- 
itfg;  iwd^^th^holise^ason  the  eve  of  its  dis8t)IutioiS»  it 
was  propei^  tha*  tfte  sdarj  should  be  taken '  ih to  ittfltie(iiat€r 
€(Hisidemtkmi.  "The  -boute  havings  f<ta  ifcs^porpoae,  te^ 
sdved  iteelf  iftto  a  cdttmittee^  Mr.  W.  O.  :&Hfeyrie  hnwed^ 
that  th6'9ttlti  of  ^^Ti  handted /poonds  a  yjeie^^  be 

settled  on  the  pi^ideftt  diiBing  hi*  administration*  An 
aiiiehdiaent  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Strakcr^  tlie  object  of 
\frhich  was  to  reduce  the  settlement  txx  one  thtnisandpounds^; 
but  on  the  qiiie&tion  being  ptit^  the  amendment'  was  lost  on' 
a  divisioa  of  eleven  to  eighty  and  the  oifiginal  motion  was 
carried  in  thft  aifinnative  by  the  same  maJOTxty. 


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634  THE  HISTORY 

^^11^^^$/^*  The  housc^  being' resumed^  runanimoosry  resolved,  that 
1783.  *jj^  humble  address  be  presented  to  the  King,  to  return  his 
M?ye3ty  tUpirnio^t  grateful  tbaaks  for  having  been  gracious!  j 
pleased  to  jemove  Major-Genecal  James.Cuoningjbaa^e  from 
the  adiflipistr^jktion  of  this  government :  Thpt  the  thanks  of 
this JiouBe  b^  transmitted  to  the  Rigiit  Honourably  the  £arl 
of .  Shelburne,^  for  bis/ active  %al  and  ready  exec.utioaQf 
his  Majesty's  opders  for  thtf  rwal, of  .Govqrnor  Qunning* 
l)ame;  by  wliich  the  country  had  .been  happily  .released 
from  ap  arbitrary  and  oppressive  systeni. of  taxation,  and 
the  assembly  joyfully  restored  to  tlie  accusjtdn^ed  eserciae 
of  their  constitutional  powers:. That  the  thanks  of  this 
house  be  transmitted  to  r  Samuel  £stwicjk>  Esquice,  for  the 
zeal  and  activity  which  he  ha4  manifested  fair  the  public 
sbtvice,  by  his  patridtlo  exertions, in  prpmoting  his  excellen- 
cy s^renioval  from  tlue.  government  of  this  island* 

The  assembly  liaviag  sat  the  ordinary  tenrt  of  poejyeiir, 
ite  existence  iwas  terminated  by  a  political  euthanasia* 
Perfectly  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  their,  repi:^sQptati;ves, 
the  ftselioldera  of.  the  dififcrent  parishes  h^itated  potto  ea- 
trust  their  rights  in  the  hands  of  the  fiame  faithful  guardians*, 

'"■ill      '   It — t     ■         ■  ■  ■!     '    "  .  ■      ,';>''/' —  "  ■ 

.*Tfc€  membefiwere  fot  Si,  .Mkhatrs,  J.^  M^jrers,  fl|id  J.  Beetles*;  Chriftctwxh, 
Ja  BuAc  and  T.  Burton;  Si.  Philip's,  J.  Giitens  and  ,L  MjHiogton;  Si.  George's, 
II.  B.  Jones  and  A.  Frere;  Si^  Jokn*s,  S.  Walcott  and.R.  Ilaynet;  Si^  James's,  T. 
Alleyne  and  B.  Bo8tock;S^  Thomas  s,  W.  6.  Alley ne  and  J.  Straker;  St.  Reter\ 
S.  Minds  and  H.  Walke^  St:  Imc^s,  B.  Babb  and  S.  Husbimik ;  Si^Ahdrtto'^,  Sw  5. 
C  Alleyne  and  A«  Cambeibatcb ;  Sf.  Joseph's,  .J.  Stewart  gnd  T.  XTaXerinarL    . 


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OF  BARBAD0E3.  535 

Oft  the  meeting  of  the  new  assembly,  the  session  was  CHAP.xvr. 
'^opened  with  the  usual  formalities,  and  with  a  speech  gj^f^l 
from  the  chair,  containing  a  few  trite  observations  on  com- 
mon topic*.  The  state  of  Fort  George  was  recommended 
to  their  serious  consideration  ;  and  to  their  wisdom  it  was 
left  to  determine,  whether  they  would  be  at  the  expense  of 
the  works  -  which  had  been  begun  there ;  or  rest  sa-r 
tisficd  with  the  loss  of  the  large  sum  which  had  been 
already  expended  on  them.  His  honour  congratulated  the 
assembly  on  the  uiianimity.of  the  late  elections,  and  urged 
the  council  to  a  punctual  attendance  oh  their  duty  in  the 
court  of  chancery.  The  economy  of  his  former  adminis- 
tratiott)  in  saving  the  expense  of  oil  for  t^ie  lamps  at  Pil- 
grim, was  not  forgotten ;  and  he  pledged  himself  to  a 
strict  observance  of  the  same  frugality,  now  that  the  reins 
of  governmeht  were  again  placed  in  his  hands.  And,  while 
in  the  farmer  j)art  of  his  speech  he  regretted  the  insuflS-  - 
ciency  of  tlie  guard  at  Fort  George,  were  there  was  a  con-* 
siderable  depdt  of  gunpowder,  with  a  strange  inconsistency, 
he  concluded  with  recommending  a  reduction  of  the  ma- 
trosses^  at  Pilgrim.  This  seems  to  have  been  an  awkward 
attempt  to  acquire  popularity,  by  a  scheme  of  frugality  not 
less  injudicious  than  trifling.  The  matrosses  were  entirely 
at  his  disposal;  and  he  ought  to  have  made  such  an  ar- 
rangement as  might  have  strengthened  the  guard  at  J'ort 
George,  by  a  detaclunent  from  Pilgrim; 


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$S6r  THEHIStdRY 

ciji/if^Sft  The  cotjncirs  address  was  a  sensible,  nervous  replj,  to 
i^s3.  the  topics  adverted  to  in  the  speech,  and  conclnded  with 
these  just  and  apposite  observations:  "  Econon^y  could 
never  be  practised  at  a  season  that  calls  more  loudly  for 
thCj^eatest  exertion  of  it,  than  at  {M-esent.  But  even  in' 
economy,  there  may  be  a  point  to  stop  at;  nor  should  the 
xnind  be  bUsied  in  little  savings  that  are  hardly  distipguish-i 
able  in  the  greater  and  more  necessary  exp»iditui«  of 
government.  The  true  medium,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  attain- 
ed, equally  avoiding  an  improper  parsimony,  and  an  iffidcss 
profusion.  Yet,  in  a  war  so  implicated  as  the  present,  it 
surely  cannot  be  deemed  an  economy,  either  requisite  or 
prudent,  to  relinquish  any  part  of  the  number  of  matroasea, 
whose  use  is  obvious,  where  cannon  are  intended  as  a 
means  of  defence," 

The  assembly  availed  themselves  of  this  opportunity,  to 
congratulate  the  president  on  his  re-accession  to  the  chair;,, 
wjnch,  according  to  their  polite  declaration,  he  had,  by 
l)ia  first  generous  act  of  power,   elevated,  to  an  vnioent 
pitch  of  splendour,  and  jendei^d  it,  what  it  always  ought 
to  be,  the  seat  of  dignity  and  honour.     His  unresewed*: 
condemnation  of  the  tables  of  fees,  set  up  by  Garomor 
Cnnnmghaime,  however  uo|)>easant  to   the  few  who  had  J 
conspired  widi  that  venal  chief  ia  hia  oppressive  measares; 
could  not  foil,  they  said,  to  endear  his  honour  to  that 
house,  and  insure  to  lwa\  th^  fnffwUfm  and  confidepee  of 
the  people  over  whom  he  presided.    As  they  could  neither 


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OF  BA^BADO^.  5J^ 

discover  the  utility  of  Fort  Geoj-^e^  nor  the  propriety  ftf  *^§^^i^' 
expending  a  larger  sum  on  a  place^  incapable  ofa  permanent     ..^^?' 
defence,  they  were  content  rather  to  loj^  what  it  .hs^d ^al- 
ready cost,  than  to  impose  fresli  burjhens  on  their.  coc^« 
tuents,  for  the  purpose  of  perpetuating  tl^  ^eusel^am- 
.  bition  of.  the  oppressor,  under  whose  .inauspicious  ^^dmi* 
nistration  it  was  planned  and  carried  pn*   Th^y  Jtliaijkpd  his 
.honour  for  continuing  the  system  of  economy  30  happily 
.  begun  iluring  his  former  presideiicy^  and  assur^jhim  pf 
,  their  cheerful  co-operation  .in  following,  the  great  example 
^set  by  their  beloved  Sovereign,  and  adopted  by  hispariia* 
.ment,   to/restore^the  neglected  virtue  of  frugality  to  \ts 
proper  rank  and  influence.    This  was  an  allusipn  to  ,li;l^r. 
Burke*s  economical  reform  in  th^  jexpenditure  of  the  civil 
list.     Buk  while  that  great  and  enlightened  statesman  re« 
jected  evefy  idea  of  a  mean  and  pitiful  savirig,^our  colonial 
patriots  amused  themselves  with  extinguishing  a  few  lamps, 
and  de|HriviBg  half  a  dozen  matrosses  of  their  salaries. 

The  address  was  most  graciously  received  by  the  presi* 

dent^    He  returned-  his  warmest  thanks,    for  the  honour 

whichj  the  assehfibly  had  done  him,  and  hop^d  that  ev(^y 

'  opt  a£hr&  ad  ministration  would  give  them  pleasure  ;  adding 

.thia  DemarhfA|le  declaration:   "Let  the  few,    or  let  the 

many,  oppose  me^  as  much  as,  they  can,  no  power  jn  this 

.  worl^  shall  prevent  me  fr<mi  being  a  patriot.**      \]  ' 

Whilei  the  president  tms  thus  display ing  his  patriotism, 
,by^  retrep^|)ing,  the  ppblic  expenses,   a,  gcqtleman  of  an 

,      3  z 


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'^  THEKISTORr 

6'Ai¥.icvi.  tooJei!it^femily>  and  amiable  character,  was  tnanifi^^ 
^^*^^  his  loyalty  and  attachmeat  to  has  native  country^  by  meaus 
tto  teas  %onotxtab\e.  Emulous:  of  the  heroic  vjrtues  of  his 
grfeiat  anciestor^  who^e  name  he  bore,  Mr.  Timothy  Thorn- 
hill,  witliout  the  smallest  legisVattve  assistance,  raised  a^ 
ifespectable  company  of  infantry,  cotisisting- pf  serentyt- 
iburrank  and  file,  under  the  patronage  of  General  Vaugban^ 
for  the  service  of  his  Sovereign,  This  corps  was  of  esc^d» 
tial  service  dm-ing  the  remainder  of  the  war,  in  strengthen* 
ing  the  garrison,  not  only  in  Barbadoes,  but  at  Saint  Liicia 
and  Antigua.  But  Mr.  Thornhill  was  not  ireated  i^  ga^ 
wmment  with  the  Hberality  which  he  deserved.  On  tbe 
restoration  of  peace,  his  company  was  disbanded;  and> 
though  he  was  reduced  to  half  pay,  he  was  not  allowed  tO 
retain  his  rank  in  the  army* 

Notwithstanding  the  unanimity  with  which  the  thanks 
of  the  assembly  had  been  voted  to  Mr.  Estwick,  thfe.fii*^ 
transports  of  joy,  at  the  governor's  removal,  had  no  sooner 
subsided,'  than  the  error  which  he  had  committed  became 
visible,  and  his  conduct  was  censured  with  equal  severity 
in  England  and  Barbadoes.  His  declining  the  hearing, 
before  the  board  of  trade,  was  imputed,  without  reserve^ 
to  his  wish  of  affording  impunity  to  the  members  of  coun* 
cil^  who  were  participators  in  General  Cunninghame's  guilts. 
Nor  did  Mr.  Estwick  altogether  deny  the  charge,  but  at^ 
tempted  to  justify  his  partiahty,  by  affecting  to  consider 
the  members  of  council  equally  his  constituents  with  those 


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OF  BAOffi^DOES.  ^ 

»#'ltidfOt*icr  house^  He  knew,  tbemi  he  sudy  lojbQi  jp  ^'g^JS? 
jgeneFttl/ natives  of  the  islafidv  mea  of  prop&Ftff  v^hfiif^ 
course  were^  or  ought  to  be,  as  much  intensalod  r.M  ^ 
assembly,  in  the  happiness  and  :prosperity  9f  th^cpuii^j^ 
Hence  he  inferred^  that  to  take  an  active  part  ip  ft  r^mpaf- 
fitrance  against  the  council,  was  to  discpver  such  an.  aJ^ 
j9iirditj  of  conduct,  as  to  disqualify  him  from  a^y  pifejtex^ 
sions  of  ever  being  again  the  agent  for  the  island.  >  ] 

The  fallacy  of  this  reasoning,  however,  is  evident.  The 
bill  for  his  ^  appointment  having  been  rejected  by  the  go* 
vernor,  he  was  continued  in  the  agency,  by  a  vote  of  the 
assembly  alone;  andCunninghame,  in  a  letter  to  Lord  George 
Gerraaine,  expressed  his  surprise  that  he  should  be  received 
by  his  Majesty's  ministers,  as  the  accredited  agent  of  tha 
island.  However  favourably  he  might  have  been  inclined 
to  judge  of  the  council's  attachment  to  tlieir  native  soil, 
they  had  given  him  such  unequivocal  proofs,  as  could  not 
be  mistaken,  of  their  readiness,  to  support  tlie  strong.arq[i, 
of  despotism,  in  burying  the  liberties  of  the  people  ui^dei> 
the  ruins  oi  tlicir  constitution.  But,  although  Mr^,  Estwick 
was  doubtless  very  loth  to  adopt  any  measures  which  might 
have  interfered  >vith  his  pretensions  to  the  agency,  thert 
was  another  reason,  which,  though  keptout  of  ,view^  hftd 
its  full  weight.  The  agent  had  married  the  sister  oi  M?. 
Frere.  'J  he  public  welfare  is  too  often,  sacrificed  to  JLlie 
petty  intciests  of  lamily  ccmnexions,  and  the  sordidcpfj* 
sidcrations.of  retaining  an  oiBce.      .    .    ;  ?  :  i      ,  j  ..  ^^^  j  jj 

3  2  2 


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n 


ciiXfexvii      Tlfe'ifrtfo^ufctibn  of  a  bilK  rie-ajifpointitig'Mif.  Estwcl^^^^ 

i78sr     agfetft  ibr  tbo  i's!tocl,  fuini^hed  the  assenfibiiy  "witli  a'n  oppor-^. 
tbrtlty  or  arraigning  his  conduct,  and  shewing  their  re^eh la- 
ment, by  discai'ding  hini  from  their  service,   :  But,  .strabge' 
aK  it  may  appear,  no  direct  opposition  was  given  to  the 
jT^poinfttfient  of  one  whbrA  they  soon'  afterwards,  without 
any  ckfaret  evidence  of  his  guilt,  declared  unworthy  of  thdf  i 
confidence;     A  s\ib-agent  was  proposed   by  Mr.  Straker,  i 
atid  rejected  by  a  large  majority.  And  he  then  gave  notice,  ^ 
that  hd  should,  at  the  next  meeting,  submit  to  the  con- 
sideration  of  tbe  house,    sonie'  resolntion?  respecting  the 
agent's  conduct  in  declining  the  hearing  of  the  a^embl/s' 
complaints  against  Governor  Cunninghame,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  council  who  supported  his  illegal  measures. 

1784.  The  Barbadians  were  not  permitted   to  continue  long 

under  the  patriotic  administration  of  Mr.  Dotin.  The  Ml 
of  one  ministerial  favourite  only  made  room  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  another.    On  the  recommendation  of  the . 

^^  Eari  of  Shelbume,  his  Majesty  was  pleased  to  bestow  the 

vacant  government  on  Major  PaVidParry,  a  native  of  the. 
principality  of  Wales,, who  arrived  in  Carlisle-bay  on  the 
eighth  day  of  tW  new  year.*     His  excellency  landed  in 

Jan.  10*    state  on  the  Friday  following;  and,  after  attending  divine 
service,  proceeded  to  Pilgrim;   where,  having  takea  t^e 


*  HU  ezcelleDcy  came  alone,  but  was  boob  followed  by  his  lady  and  thoir  two  aoD% 
vbo'arriTtd  on  (he  fifteenth  day  of  Aprift 


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iKlitfl'Oa^Ehs,  1^*^^^  fdftHKlfy  iiit^tted*  yiiiH  his*  toi#i  cnl-  CHjift^ 


p!dyment.    At  tbe^satthe  tfeftef  the  t\^o  tatianeie&  at  the  couti^     ^^^*' 
cil*  bbai-cJ  Wfere  filled  by  Mt  R.  J.  Estwick  and  Mh  T.' 
G41!endcr';  afrid  his  excellehcy  soon  afterwaf^s  reinstated' 
Mfl  AVeekes,  solte  judgfe  of' the  court  of  vice-adrairalty  *. 

On  the  meeting  of  the  cblonial  jiatliament,  governor  Partfy  Un.Bu 
addressed  both  houses  in  a  ntervous,  animated,  public  spi* 
rit^d  fepeech.  fJe  began,  however,  with  a  panegyric,  which^ 
itiiS  dpprfehehded,  a  mind  loss  disposed  to  indulgence  ma;y 
probably  tliink  undeserved.  Siiice  his  appointment  to  the 
government,  he  said,  he  had  studiously  examined  and  in- 
vestigated  the  laws  and  statutes  of  the  island,  and  found 
them  so  excellent  in  their  nature,  and  so  analogous  to'  his 
own  ideas  of  civil  and  political  liberty;  that  he  congratu- 
lated himself  upon  the  pleasure  he  should  receive  in  ruling 
over  a  free  and  geiierous  people,  under  so  happy  A  constitu- 
tion, tie  assured  theni  that  he  should  never  forget  that 
evefy  subject  of  the  ^itisli  empire,  however  remote  frorii 
the  seat  of  gbvemment,  is  equally  entitled  to  all  the  con- 
Stitiltional  rights  jand  privileges  that  are  enjoyed  by  his  fet- 
low  citizens  of  London  and  Westminster,  Nor  dould  frea- 
doni^  he  remarked,  ever  forsake  an  Englishman^  while  he 
has  wisdom  arid  virtue  to  cherish  and  support  it»  Hfe  then 
recommended  to  them  a  perseverance  in  that  loyalty  and' 


*  Mr.  Dotin  did  not  survive  his  retirement  l^ng.    He  died  on  the  te]}t)i  dav  of  0^ 
lober  of  the  same  year*. . 


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Ht  "ttit  historV 

CHAP  aun.  jrttdclimefat  to  their  King  and  parent  state,  wiiich  had  cvfefc^ 
ngi.  most '  honourably  marked  the  annals  of  Barbadoes^  to  pro . 
mote  the  general  welfare  of  the  empire  by  every  public  spi- 
rited exertion, .  and  by  harmony  and  unanimity  at  honae  td 
establish,  and  make  permanent,  the  particular  happiness 
and  prosperity  of  their  native  country.  And  he  requested 
them  to  rest  satisfied  that  no  effort  on  his  part  should  be 
wanting  to  bring  the  bud  of  reconciliation,  that  he  found 
growing. among  them,  to  maturity,  by  a  strict  adherence  to 
the  laws,  with  every  possible  attention  to  presc  rve  the  three 
branches  of  the  legislature  in  perfect  equilibrio. 

The  interesting  and  critical  situation  of  public  affairs,  he 
told  them,  demanded  their  utmost  attention;  for,  although 
from  the  advanced  stage  of  the. negotiation  with  America, 
a  general  pacification  would  probably  ensue,  the  period  of 
suspence  between  peace  and  war  was  of  all  others  the  most 
dangerous;  diligence  and  activity  being  ever  on  the  watch, 
whilst  sloth  and  indolence  lay  sleeping.  The  respectable 
military  force  which  they  possessed,  was,  he  said,  undct 
proper  regulations,  fully  equal  to  their  internal  defence. 
To  this  subject  he  wished  to  direct  their  imnudiate  atteiiT 
-tion,  bqqause  they  had  close,  at  their  door  a  bold  and  enter- 
prising enemy;  and,  however  much  the  apparent  lenity  and 
insidious  policy  of  his  conduct  towards  the  captured  islands 
may  dazzle  at  a  distauce,  the  lettres  de  catchct  and  the 
niapd;*tps  of  a  French  minister  were  very  bad  exchangesi 
for  ro«goa  charta  and  the  bill  of  rights.    To  make  freemen 


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OF  BAKBADOES,  .545 

l^ppy^  li^ :o!)$€rve(J,  sH  the,kppv^e<Jge  aud  gopd  parts  tha^  ^SH^* 
Cftp  be  possessed  by  a  legislator  must  be  enlivened  and     "^-** 
directed  by  true  patriotism,  or  they  will  become.  pernicjx)us 
\o  the  state  and  productive  of  discord • 

Turning  to  the  asseinbly,  he  proceeded  in  these  words^; 
^  It  haying  been  represented  to  his  Miyesty,  that  you  hav^ 
been  much  hurt  and  aggrieved  by  certain  tables  of  fees 
t^hat  were  lately  erected  in  this  island^  I  am  commanded  by 
his  Majesty  to  signify  his.  will  and  pleasure,  that  you  forth- 
with prepare  a  bill  that  will  effectually  prevent  the  possi« 
bility  of  such  an  evil  arising  in  future,  I  shall,  therefore, 
leave  this  and  another  instruction,^  which  £  hold  in  my 
hand  inqder  your  consideration,  earnestly  recommending  to 
you  a  ppticular  attention  to  the  great  objects  of  public 
receipts  and  /expenditure;  by  which  you  will  be  enabled  to 
establish  such  a  system  of  economy  as  will  for  the  present 


♦  This  was  the  36ih  Instruction.'    *»  Whereas  laws  have  heretofore  teen  passed  in 
our  said  island,  establishing  feea  for-  the  services  perfoimed  by  the  several  officera 
therein -mentioned,  which  laws  are  now  in  force;  and  wbereaa  doubis  have  arisen  a« 
to  the  legality  of  any  fees  established  by  order  of  our  governor  and  council^  to  prevent 
which  in  future,  It  is  our  will  and  pleasure  that  on  your  first  meeting  the  general  aa-* 
sembly  of  the  said  island,  you  do  propose  to  them  to  prepare  a  biU  for  the  future  and? 
permanent  regulation  and  establishment  of  sueh  fees  as  may  be  deemed  jiiat  and. 
equitable  in  respect  to  the  public  officers,  and  as  little  burthensome  as  poaaible  to  our 
good  subjects  on  the  said  island;  a  draught  of  which  bill,  when  prepared,  you  are  to» 
transmit  to  us  through  one  of  our  principal  fecretarics  of  state,  that  our  pleasure  may. 
V  signified  to  you  thereon/*    The  other  was  the  usual  instruction  respecting. the. 
salary. 


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6U  ^HE  HISTORY 

C'JAi^L  alleviate,  aod,  liiope^ia  the  course  of  time,  effectu^aUy.  r0< 

i'«*-     SQQxe  all  traces. of  the  great  calaipity  that  has  iatelj^  tfee- 

:&tlten  jau.    J  therefore  most  ardently  request,  that,  as  J 

was  not  fortunate  enough  to  come  among  you  in  the  days 

of  your  opulence,  J  may  not  add  to  your  distresses  in  tlie 

hour,  of  your  mislbrtuue.    Satisfied  that  whenever .  Prqvi- 

denoe  shall  .again  extend  her  bounteous  hand   over  this 

happy  island,  the  fruits  of  her  beneficence  iKiil  speedily 

-reach  'Pilgrim/'     Notliipg  could  have  been  more  hberal  and 

-noble  than  these  sentiments;  they  failed,  however,  to  pro* 

.^uce  their  proper ^effect  on  the  assembly. 

The  addresses  in  answer  to  the  speech  reverberated  his 
-excellency's  patriotic  sentiments.  Each  house  seemed  emu- 
lous to  surpass  the  other  in  the  warmest  professions  of  re- 
spect and  esteem  for  the  pen  on  and  character  of  the  gover- 
Dor,  of  profound  loyalty  and  fidelity  to  the  king,  inviolable 
attachment  to  the  constitution,  and  the  most  zealous  regard 
for  the  welfare  of  their  country.  From  his  excellency's 
constitutional  declarations  the  assembly  anticipated,  with 
^rapturous  exultation,  the  felicity  and  prosperity  which  they 
should  enjoy  under  the  administration  of  a  gentleman  who 
had  studiously  exatnined  the  volume  of  their  laws,  in  order 
ito  make  tliem  the  rule  and  principles  of  his  government. 
-Both  bouses  professed  equal  anxiety  for  the  preservation  of 
harmony  and  unanimity  in  their  proceedings,  and  concluded 
with  the  most  fervent  assurances  of  their  cheerful  co-operar 


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OF  BAKBADOES.  545 

tion  in  every  measure  essential  to  the  public  welfare  and  ^^^^^^^^ 
safety.     *  ^'^*- 

Having  returned  to  their  own  hall,  the  assembly  iresolve^ 
themselves  into  a  committeei  of  the  whole  house,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  the  governoi^s  salary  into  their  immedijatp 
consideration •  The  debate  was  opened  by  Sir  John  G. 
Alleyne's  proposing  two  resolutions,  the  object  of,  <vhich  wajs 
to  restrain  the  assembly  from  raising  6r  granting  any  mo- 
ney, for  any  purpose  whatever,  until  their  rights  and  privi- 
leges were  secured  from  invasion,  by  a  law  declaring  that  the 
ppwer  of  establishing  fees  existed  only  in  the  three  branches 
of  the  legislature  collectively ;  but  that  as  soon  as  an  act  of 
that  kind  should  pass,  the  assembly  would  then  proceed  to 
make  such  a  provision  for  the  better  support  of  his  excel- 
lency's dignity  as  the  state  of  the  public  finances!  would 
pemiit. 

On  these  principles  he  liad  prepared  two  separate  bills, 
the  first,  declaratory  of  the  rights  of  the  assembly ;  which 
in.  the  event  of  its  receiving  the  concurrence  of  the  othier 
orders  of  the  legislature,  was  to  be  followed  by  a  second,  for 
the  support  of  government  This  mode  of  proceeding  was 
certainly  liable  to  material  objections.  It  wds  treating  his 
excellency  with  a  degree  of  illiberality  and  distrust,  which 
nothing  could  justify,  after  the  patriotic  sentiments  whicK 
were  yet  vibrating  in  their  ears,  and'  the  gracious  instruc- 
tion which  had  been  just  read.  The  measure  of  framing  a 
bill  to  reraow  all  doubts*  on  the  subject  of  feee,  came  fc^ 

4  A 


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546  THE  HISTORY 

'JiJJf*  commended  to  tbem  itdta  the  thrane ;  to  isiake  the  pttaniig 
37»4.  Qf  g^^^J  Q^  jj^^^  therefore,  the  condition  on  which  the  govee* 
noi^s  salary  depended,  was  neither  respectfiil  ncr  decorous. 
The  stipniatk>n  was  as  ofFensive  aa  the  caution  in  which  it 
originated  was  unnecesMry.  After  a  long  and  aikUQated 
debate,  in  which  tSie  resoitttions  wepe  ▼ehemeatlj  o^ipiMied 
i>j  Mt.  a.  Ttete  and  Mr.  Majers»  the  speaker  said  ha  had 
«ot  180  great  a  predilection  for  his  plan  as  to  feel  my  4i^ 
x^vitj  in  withdrawing  his  motion,  if  the  end  w  view  was 
likely  to  be  attained  more  effecUially,  and  with  greater  uar 
suiimity,  by  other  means. 

The  fesditttions  having  been  accordingly  withdrawn^  Mn 
Frere  mof^d,  that  the  two.  bills  which  had  been  prepared 
by  Sir  J.  G.  All^ne  should  be  blended  together,  and  their 
titles  thus  united,  ^^  An  act  declaring  the  right  of  establishf 
ing  fees  to  be  only  in  the  three  branches  of  the  legidature 
in  their  collective  cajmcity;  and  for  the  better  support  of 
his  excellency  and  the  dignity  of  the  government  of  this 
island/'  This  arrangement  comprehended  all  the  indeli- 
€acy,  absurdity,  and  insularity  of  the  plan  which  had  been 
lejected  but  the  instant  before^  without  embracing  any  of 
\j»  advantages.  Probably  the  gentleman  by  whom  the  mo^ 
lion  was  made,  thou^t  with  a  popular  parliamentary  leaderi^ 
in  Klines  less  fav<mrable  to  civil  liberty,  that  the  most  efec« 
tual  means  of  obtaining  redress  was  by  making  grievances 
mid  suppiks  go  hand  in  hmd  together;  but  an  acquaintance 
yiith  th€  more  modem  usage  of  tlie  British  Parli^Axeot 


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O7:IunBAI>0f9.  4i7 

wotti^rbtt^  shewn-  htm  the  irnegulAiity  ;Of  hkt^  p1an»  auad  chapxvl 

htfe  taught  haka  that  it  is  a  standing  jqr^^v  pf  the  H^i^  pf      ^7>4. 

liords  to  rgsot  any  bill  sent  «p  by  thie  ComiDoiis.^ciinii^c^i;^ 

with  a  MOT^ bin.*  .  .      ■: 

^   CatDposed  of  thest  hftterp^ous  taatsa^Uili^ ,  ihei  yiU  vfv^ 

ftgs«9d  to  by  the  oooMaittee;  but  ia  $llii^,.i)p,  ;^liejb%ak>.(^ 

fimhsufajeot'of  altctcaJtion  irm  s^arte^a  whether  tl^CiSi^ 

to  be  S0ttied  on  his  eiLcelleocy  should  i)e  two  or  three 

thousand  p6tt»cb  amraaUy.    This  questiop,  wBSi,(^va«»ed 

with  an  xinnsual  ^tegree  of  warmth  and.  xe^eroen^e^.and 

was  finally  detehnined  in  favour  of  the  snMikr  mvp^hs^ 

n»a|ority  of  thirteen  voices  to  nine.     -Jlie  declaii^t9ry  part 

of- the  act,   relating  to  the  right   of  ^establishing -.feesi, 

formed  no  mipediment  to  its  progress  through  ihe  connpil 

'dKunfaer;  and  his  excellency»  on  its  being  pii^seated  for 

ids  assent,  generously  eiipressed  himself  in  thpse  words; 

**  I  am  truly  sonry  for  the  causes'  that  o^ge  yqu  to  lessei^ 

your  donation,  bitt  am  as  well  pl^ase^  W^^  il;  as  if  it  was 

ten  tima  as  much.".  „ 

Punuant  to  the  notice  given  at  a  former  me^tiag,^  Miv    Feb.  is. 
Straker  now  brought  forward  hift  promisieid  investigation  of 
the  agenfs  conduct.    In  an  Ahie,  likigfifit,  ^Dd  pexapicKir 
«us  speedi  he  proved^  from  ti  ctair  and  candid  review,  o^  . 
the  whole  ttansacticwj  th^b  Mn  JSstwiok  \bad  gr^dy  abus^ 

•        ■  '    •■ '    •'  ^•■■:    ■    :'  "1  1'.  •  '  -^^     .:  .J 

■  ■    /•■•■•■•    •    .•    ...  -,       '•   ,-1 

4a  2 


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^48  THE  HISrrORT 

CHAP^;  tJie  trust  rtpMed  in  him  by  the  hoiwe,  and  conclude*  iwth 
tJM.  moving  two  resolutions.  First,  thftt  tlie  agent  by  d^lining  to 
bring  the  complaints  of  the  (Mppembly  to  a  bearing  before  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  without  having  obtained  aBcdemn  declaiatiQ» 
of  our  rights  as  a  security  against  any  future  in^^tsioo^  acted 
contrary  to  his  duty.  Secondly,  that  so  great  a  ii6gledt»  in  a 
point  which  so  materially  co^eemed  the  immukiities  of  the 
conraions  of  Barbadoes,  as  it^'^ust  be  imputed  either  to  ar 
defect  in  judgment,  ox  to  a  wilful  deserting  of  the  causet 
from  partial  mdti^es^  renders  him  unworthy  of  the  future 
confidence  bf^  the  assembly.  The  mdtiod  was  productive  of 
a  long  and  interesting  debate,  in  which  the  conduct  of  the 
agent  was  canvassed  with  great  acuteness  and  ingenuity^  and 
commented  upon  with  equal  freedom  and  asperity*  His 
defence  was  undeitaken  with  great  zeal  and  spirit  by  hjs 
two  kiiismen,  Mr.  Applewhaite  Frere  and  Mr.  Jones,  who 
displayed  an  uncomnion  share  of  talents  upon  the  occasion; 
The  debate  was  rendered  more  reinarkabie  by.  the^^jj^i&tin^ 
guished  part  taken  by  Mr.  John  Beckles,  a  young  &em«- 
ber,  who,  in  support  of  the  motion,  gave  an  early  specimen 
of  those  commanding  powers  df  eloquence  which  have  since 
secured  him  a  deserved  preeminence  in  the  senate  and  at 
^he  bar.  'l^ifotwit^tariding  the  notoriety; of  the  fects  on 
whid^  the  tes^lutibn^  were  grounded,  and  the  grcftf  abilitks 
exerted  in  their  support,  they  were  rejected  by  a  majority 
<)f  ten  to  seven. 
The  freedom  with  whiebthe  ageat^s  cenduct  was  ex- 


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OF  BARBADOEJ.  54S^ 

smined,  and  the  severity  -with  which  it  was  condeoviedy  ^^JJ^JJ'* 
wefe  sufficient  to  provoke  tjae  resentment  xjf  a  man  less  irrit*  ^'^^^ 
able,  nnd  less  firmly  persuaded '  of  his  own  iiiq>ortance, 
than  Mr.  !Estwick.  It  is  not  to  be  wondered  at^  theref6r^ 
that  the  censure  which  be.  sustained  upon  this  occasion, 
should  have  produced  the  most  violent  explosion  of  anger 
and  indignation.  In  a  printed  letter,  addressed  to  tte 
speaker  of  the  assembly,  he  poured  forth  a  torrent  of  illi- 
beral invective  on  those  public-spirited  members,  who^ie 
stricftiM^s  on  his  misconduct  had  rendered  them  obno&ious^ 
to  his  resentment.  The  intemperate  warmth  of  this  letter 
considerably  lessened  the  number  of  Mr.  Estwick's  friends 
in  the  assembfy.  Sensible  of  the  indignity  with  which  he 
had  presumed  to  treat  them,  the  house  agreed^  to  several 
resolutions,'  purporting  that  the  agent's  indecenf  and  illi* 
beral  letter,  reflecting  -on  two  of  their  members  for  exer* 
cising  the  freedom  of  debate,  was,  an  insult  on,  their  body  i 
that  Jhe  reasons  which  he  had  assigned  for  declining  the 
hearing  before  the  board  of  trade,  were  no  justification  of. 
his  conduct :  and,  finally,  that  lie  was  no  longer  worthy  of 
their  confidence.  These  resolutions,  which  were  trans- 
mitted to  Mr.  Estwick,  by  the  speaker,  produced  another 
acrimonious  letter,  in  which,  he  affiijned  that  the  loss  of 
the  agency  could  occasion  no  regret  to  him*  who  had  re*- 
fused  ta  be  their  ruler.  The  candid  and  upright  conduct  of 
the  venerable  speaker  of  the  assembly,  in  expressing  a  just 
resentment  against  Mr.  JEstwick^  forhisjibel  on  thehause. 


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5fla  THE  HISTORY 

crtAP^Vtt  ^^g  maltciousfy.  imputed  to  the  ratgo  ef  disappointed tvitt* 
^'^^^^  bitioAy  oecflaioi^dv  by  t^e.  feulune.of  \m  applicatioii  for  the 
government  of  the  bland^  Mr.  Estwick  satdi^  that  Ixml 
Radnor  called  xipott^  hinivsoon  after  General  Ckmninghaine's 
removal^  and  ioqimed  if  he  did  not  thiok  that  Sir  Johik 
6.  Altejrne'i  succeeding  to  tbegovemikieQt,  would  recondle 
all  dilQferenceSy  and  put  an  end  to  disturbances;  to  irhicb 
he  repUed^'that  be  did  not  think  it  would ;  for  there  being 
tiro  interests  in  the  country,  either  taking  die  lead  of  the 
other. would,  perhaps,  rather  increase  their  animosity  than 
reconcile  them.  His  lordship,  afterwardsi  applied  to  Lor4 
Shelburne^  in  behalf  of  Sir  Johp  AHeyne,  and  was  refused^. 
Against  this  ch^rge^  Sij!:  John  AU^yjoe  yindicated  himself^ 
with  his  usual  ability.  He  did; not  entirely  disavow  the 
application  made  by  his  noble  relative,  but,  with  a  mind 
coQflcious  of  its  purity^  appealed  to  the  iiltegrity  of  his 
Ufe  for  the  proof  of  his  faithful  and  disinterested  ei^ertioni^ 
in  the  public  service,  ^ 

Meanwhile  the  tWjO-fold  act,  respecting  the  right  of  esta- 
blishing fees,  anci  the  settlement  on  the  governor,  haying 
been  tmnsmitted  to  England^  for  his  Majesty's  iqforniation, 
was  referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  committee  of  the 
lords  of  the  privy  councjL  Upon  which  their  lordships 
reported,  ^^  lliat  the  act  contained  clauses  relative  to  mat- 
ters which  had  na  connexion  with  each  other,  one  of  which 
was  foreiga  to  the  import  of  the  title  of  the  act ;  and  that, 
although  no  clauses  of  an.  incongruous  nature  should  be 


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OF  BAftBADOES.  5^1 

iiuerted  ia  the  sftine  act*  ond  part  of  jt  \ma  h^tcnded  to  ^^[J^JJ^^* 
Ojperate  as  &  perpetual  declaratorjr  law,  vbile  the  other  part      ^'**^ 
Htm  in  it*  nature  temporary*.     Another,  and  stiil  more  • 
&fcible  objection  againrt  the  operaiti^  of  the  act,  was 
ide'daced  from  the  > circumstance  of  the  assembly  having 
pte&Tod  the  most  serious  icharges  a^ns4  the  lole  Ooveracf 
Cunninghamej   for  establishing,    by  an  Ordter  cif  <M>Uinci)y 
certain  fees,  which  they  asserted  to  be  illegal;  his  Majesty 
wa^  pleased  to  refer  the  same  to  the  iconsideratiou  aa4 
opinion  of  the  late  board  of  trade;  and,  in  the  very  mo- 
ment when  the  propriety  of  General  Cunnin^ame  s  con*        i 
duct  was  at  issue  before  that  board,  upon  whoee  repre- 
sentation his  Majesty  would  have  proceeded  to  a  conclusive 
determination,    the  agent  of  t^   aasembly  declined  th^ 
pursuit.** 

The  assembly  were  deeply  affected  at  Ae  bojbI  diwppFo- 
bationof  ttie  declaratory  law ;  and  even  the  looat  scepticaji 
could  no  longer  doubt  the  impropriety  of  Mr.  Estwick's 
conduct.  Unwilling,  however,  to  admit  the  irregularity  of 
their  own  proceedings,  they  consoled  themselves  under  the 
disappointment,  by  imputing  the  disallawattc^  of  the  act 


^  WiidoHft  ift  not  abrtyt  acquired  by  eqperienoe.  NotwitbstaodiDg  this  reproof^ 
4be  assembly  have  fiillen  mto  a  similar  error.  The  act>  increasing  the  fines  pn  jurors 
required  to  attend  the  court  of  grand  sessions^  refers  for  admitoable  excuses  for  non* 
attendance  to  the  exemptions  allowed  by  th^  pre$ent  militia  lav,  tbw  near  expiring, 
4nd  idncb  does  not  nawjexiitr-*l807. 


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m  THE  HlSTORf  ^ 

ciap.xvi-  tcy-the  inauspicious  cihange  in  his  Majesty's  councils;  the 
'T'**-  coalition  ministry  of  Lord  North  and  Mr.  Fox  having  sue* 
ceeded  to  the  short-lived  administration  of  Lord  Shelburne. 
That  iiis  excellency  might  sustain  no  injury,  by  the  rejec- 
tion of  the  bill,  the  assembly  unanimously  voted  him  a 
salary  of  two  thousand  pounds  a  year,  to  commeoce  from 
the  day  on  which  he  assumed  the  government 

Meanwhile,  a  general  election  having  taken  place,  the 
new  assembly  met  on  the  eleventh  day  of  September.  In 
the  governor's  speech,  at  the  commencement  of  the  sessioo, 
the  public  apiriti  so  conspicuous  at  this  season,  could  not 
fail,  it  was  said,  to  produce  the  most  happy  effects ;  for 
public  virtue  is  ever  productive  of  public  benefits ;  aiid  the 
linammity  with  which  the  late  elections  were  conducted, 
would,  his  excellency  trusted,  inspire  every  honeist  breast 
with  such  a  share  of  benevolence,  as  should  divert  mens' 
views  from  the  little  disgraceful  objects  of  private  intei'e^t 
to  the -more  noble  and  liberal  prospect  of  the  public  good. 
Encouraged  by  such  favourable  appearances,  and  impelled 
by  a  particular  anxiety  for  the  prosperity  of  the  island^ 
his  excellency  was  induced  to  suggest  a  few  legislative  atad 
ecouomical  reforms. 

"  The  spirit  of  laws,''  he  observed,  ^*  is  equity,  and  it 
might  be  better  for  all  communities,  if  they  adhelisd  more 
to  the  spirit  than  the  bare  letter  of  the  law.  Laws  should 
be  adapted  to  the  circumstances  of  the  times.  What  might 
have  been  very  proper,  at  one  period  of  a  state's  existence, 


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OPBARBADOES,  553. 

might  be  very  improper  at  ftocrther^  which  may,  perhaps,  chap.xvi. 
lead  you  to  think  that  what  was  well  calculated  for  this  ^^•♦• 
island,  in  the  zenith  of  prosperity,  may  beilhsmted  to  the 
present  hour  of  distress.  Distress,  which  I  feel  most 
poignantly,  when  I  behold  the  devastation  that  is  made  by 
the  toohftsty,  or  injurious,  execution  of  the  laws,  by  which 
the  junior  creditors  are  much  hurtj  the  lands  laid  waste,  or 
converted  into,  provision  fields,  your  staple  products  les- 
sened, your  trade  irreparably  injured,  and  the  royal  revenue 
excessively  diminished.  To  these  growing  evils  emigratioa 
will  succeed,  ajcvJ  the  strength  and  safety  of  the  island  be 
affected-  Your  negroes  too,  the  pillars  of  the  colony,  for 
witliout  them  the  land  will  be  of  little  use,  are,  I  see  with 
regret,  daily  sent  off  in  crowds,  under  the  sanction  of  a 
V-ery  defective  law.  I  shall,  therefore,  leave  your  wisdom 
and  experience  to  determine  whether  it  will  not  be  prudent 
and  necessary  to  check  the  present  unlimited  power  of  ex- 
porting so  valuable  a  part  of  your  property/' 

A  revisal  of  the  militia  law,  and  the  state  of  the  fortifi- 
cations, tho^e  topics  of  perpetual,  unavailing  declan^tion, 
were  next  adverted  to  with  great  propriety.  Nor  was  the 
culpable  neglect  of  the  commissioners  of  publici  accounts 
passed  over  without  a  gentle  reprehension.  Addressing 
himself  to  the  assembly,  his  excellency  observed,  "  As  the 
levying  of  all  public  money  is  the  undoubted  right  of  the 
representatives  of  the  people,  so  it  is  their  business  to  look 
into  the  expenditure  of  it  when  raised.    Pphlic  accounts 

4  B 


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J54  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP.XVI.  (^unot  be  |ettled  too  often^  or  inspected  too  narrowly ; 

"•^^      those  of  this  island  have  been  strangely  neglected;   the 

laws  of  the  country  give  you  the  power  of  control,  and 

the  interest  of  your  constituents  should  furni^  inclinatioa 

to  exercise  it.** 

The  addresses  of  both  houses  ^ete  written  in  the  usual 
polite  and  respectful  style.  The  honour  reflected  oft  the 
pufcfic,  by  the  unanimity  which  marfced  the  late  elections, 

'  traS  courteously  imputed  to  the  mild  and  disinterested  tenor 
*f  his  e^eellenfcy^s  administration,  which  left  them  without 
tt  subject  of  contention.  Ever  c}uerulous  and  discontented^ 
the  assembly  lamented,  that  after  all  the  evils  and  disasters 
under  which  they  had  been  long  suffering,  the  blessings  of 
peace  should  at  last  come  to  them,  clogged  with  the  disad- 
vantages of  war ;  a  heavy  load  of  duty  upoii  their  chief 
staple,  with  an  uncertain  commerce  for  the  supply  of  their 
plantations,  and  the  sale  of  their  produce.     While   they 

.  acknowledged  and  deplored  the  devastation  occasioned  by 
the  too  rigorous  execution  of  the  laws  upon  the  estates  of 
unfortunate  debtors,  as  tending  to  the  removal  of  slaves  to 
ether  more  flourishing  settlements^,  such  was  the  force  of 
their  attachment  to  an  absurd  and  pernicious  system  of 
jurisprudence,  that  they  professed  themselves  unable  to 
Iruggest  any  remedy  for  the  evil,  consistent  with  the  Jong 
established  rights  of  the  fair  creditor,  and  the  faithful  ad- 
ministration of  justice.  With  regard  to  the  other  topics 
submitted  to  their  consideration,  warm  professions  of  zeal 


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OP  BARBADOES-  555 

for  the  public  good^  and  of  attention  to  the  means  by  CHAP.xvi. 
which  it  may  be  best  promoted,  were  substituted  for  those      ^?^** 
«xertioB9  by  which  the  object  which    they  .pii<8>fes$ed  to 
ifaa¥e  in  view  might  have  been  easily  aQOompH^l^ed- 

.A  spirit  of  hcentiousness  and  insubordination  *inoag  thp 
negroes,  about  this  time,  hurried  them  into  the  cooimi^ioii 
4of  many  atrocities.  Among  these,  the  murder  of  Doctof 
Jdbin  Horsham,  is  perhaps  unparalleled  for  sanguinsH'y  crur 
«lty  and  wanton  inhumanity.  This  gentleman  yvas  a  prac* 
titioner  of  physic,  of  considerable  reputation,  of  maimer? 
mild  and  inoffensive,  and  had  been  absent  from  the  i^l^nd 
juntil  within  seventeen  days  of  his  assassination.  In  the  Nov.  2$. 
exercise  of  his  profession,  Doctor  Horsham  had,  on  the 
day  of  his  death,  visited  a  plantation,  called  TunckftH> 
whence  he  was  proceediijg  on  his  diurnal  rounds»  wh^n  h^ 
was  unfortunately  driven  by  a  shower  of  rain  to  sedk  sheU 
tor  in  a  thatched  shed,  or  watch-house,  fipar  the  rQftd,  an4  ^ 
within  half  a  mile  of  *the  buildings  which  be  h^d  ju»t  \^% 
Under  this  cover,  the  doctor  found  seyeraJ  n^TQ*mw^  o»p 
of  whom,  called  Nick,  belonging  to  Tuncks's,  h?  emplayi^ 
to  hold  his  horse.  The  rain  being  over,  Mr^  Hor^hain  prot 
posed  to  pursue  his  journey,  but,  on  attempting  to  q^iit 
the  shed,  he  was  seized  by  two  of  th«  men,  wbik  a  tljir4 
stabbed  him  on  the  right  side  of  the  »eok,  divicJUng  th« 
jugular  vein,  and  gave  him  a  wound  under  the  Jeft  bre^asti 
which  pierced  his  heart.  The  horse  was  afterwards  given 
to  the  ranger  of  the  plantation,  with  an  infojmajtion  that  it 

4  B  2 


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556  TOE  msToky 

CHA^xjl.  wa»  found  gfBeing,  and  carried  to  the  manager,  Mn  P.  Sf. 
*'^**'  Baylej,  bj  whom  it  was  ordered  to  be  put  into  the  stable 
and  taken  care  of,  until  the  next  day,  when  it  was  sent  to 
the  hoube  of  the  deceased.  This  occasioned  an  alarm  in 
the  doctor's  family,  and  produced  a  diligent  inquiry  into 
the  cause  of  his  absence.  At  length  some  information  wto 
received  from  a  negro  girl,  who,  at  a  distance^  was  an  eye 
witness  of  the  tragic  scene  ;  and  the  corpse,  by  hCT  direc« 
tion,  was  found  buried  in  a  field  of  canes^  about  thirty  . 
feet  from  the  road. 

Afler  a  full  and  patient  investigation  of  the  affair,  whicb 
lasted  the  greater  part  of  three  days,  the  coroner's  inque^: 
pronounced  a  verdict  of  wilfiiJ  muiider  against  four  megro  v 
men;  Nick,  already  mentioned,  and  Jeffery,  Prince,  and: 
Sambo,  belonging  to  the  Belle  plantation.    But^  on  their  j 
subsequent  atrial  for  the  nnirder,  NicJii  and  Sambo  only  i 
were  found  guilty;    The  jury  not  thinking  ithfi.^videbde:;' 
sufficient  for  the   conviction  of  Prince  or  Jeflery,    they 
were  of  course  acquitted ;  though,  on  the  sentence  being 
passed.  Sambo  exclaimed,  "  We  were  all  together  /^  insinu- 
ating that  they  were  all  equally  guilty.     The  murderers 
were  afterwards  executed,  pursuant  to  their  sentence,  with- 
out discovering   the  smallest  signs  of  contrition.     At  the 
place  of  execution,    N  ick  confessed   his  having  formerly 
murdered  a  youth,  in  a  neighbouring  plantation,  and  ac- 
cused three  others  of  being  accomplices  in  the  crime  for 
which  he  was  going  to  suffer.    One  of  these,  called  Borgia, 


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OF  BARBADOES. 


W 


oa  fibariiig  the  charge,  eluded  the  panishm^t  of  the  law,  ^*}^[i^2?* 
by  taking  a  dose  of  poison,  which  he  carried  about  him  ibr      *^*** 
the  purpose.    The  second  was  retained  as  a  witness  against 
the  third,  who,  after  a  trial  of  nine  hours,  was  fully  con-^ 
victed,  and  condemned  to  suffer  death. 

Of  the  motives  which  led  to  the  perp>etration  of  this  hor* 
rid  murder,  it  is  impossible  to  speak  with  certainty,  or  eren 
probability.    From  the  evidence  adduced  on  the  trial,. it 
does  not  appear  that  the  unfortunate  man  had  given  the 
assassins  the  smallest  provocation ;  neither  could  they  have 
been  instigated  to  the  fatal  act,  by  a  wish  to  rob  him ;  for 
not  even  the  most  trifling  article  which  he  had  about  him 
was  removed  from  his  person,  all  was  found  deposited  with  : 
hiin  in  the  place  of  his  interment.    To  a  principle  of  cru^  ) 
elty,  inherent  in  the  nature  of  these  ruffians,  we  must  then 
refer  for  the  proxiniate  cause  of  aa  act  of  such  waatoa  ^ 
and  delibmite  barbarity*  - 


>        > 


;      •    / 


.  .      '   '  ) 


:  .V 


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555  THE  HISTORT 


CHAP-  XVIL 

ALTERCATION  BETWEEN  THE  TVO  HOUSE?  CONCERNING  THE  EXr 

CISE-BILL — APPOINTMENT  OF  A  NEW  AGENT AUGMENTATION 

OF    THE    OOVERNO^'S     SALARY — ^^INGULAR    PHiENOMENQN A 

X-OTTERY ARRIVAL    OF    PRINCE    WILLIAM    HENRY COMMER* 

CIAL    REGULATIONS LEGISLATIVE     PROCEEDINGS — MILITARY 

OUTRAGE THE    GOVERNOR      RETURNS      TO     ENGLAND^PRESI- 

DENCY  OF  MR.  FRERE — THE  GOVERNOR'S  RETURN — HE  REOU- 
rATES  THE  CURRENCY  OP  THE  GOLD  COIN — HI3  EXCELLENCE 
RESIGNS  THE  GOVERNMENT  TO  MR.  BISHOP— SUSPENSION  OP 
JUDGE  WEEKES — MILITARY  OPERA TION««-.^HK  PBRSIDEBRffft 
EXTRAORDINARY    ZEAL  FOR  THE  SERVICE. 

CHAP.  xviL  1  HE  harmony  which  at  this  time  happily  subsisted  be- 
17S5.  tween  the  different  orders  of  the  legislature,  and  which  each 
professed  an  anxiety  to  cultivate  and  render  permanent, 
without  feeling  a  disposition  to  make. any  ccfncessions  for  its 
preservation,  soon  suffered  a  temporary  interruption,  by  a 
dispute  between  the  council  and  assembly  concerning  the 
excise-bill.  For  the  perfect  comprehension  of  the  nature 
i0f  this  dispute  it  is  necessary  to  premise,  that  the  act,  lay* 

1 


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OF  BARBADOES.  66^ 

ing  a  duty  on  wines  and  other  strong  liquors,  6A  importtt**  ^^^^^^Jt^ 
lion,  commonly  called  the  excise-bill,  had  been,  from  iti  ^-^^^^ 
origin,  considered  of  a  temporary  nature.  Its  continuance 
iras  expressly  limited  to  one  ytar^  and  from  thimce  till  th6 
expiration  of  forty  daySy  and  from  thence  forward^  until  the 
island  is  fully  represented  by  a  new  assembly y  according  to 
the  laws  in  force. 

The  obvious  intention  of  this  limitation  Was  to  secure  to 
the  assembly  the  certainty  of  an  annual  meeting,  if  for  no 
other  purpose  than  to  exercis6  their  constitutional  right  of 
troting  the  supplies  for  the  service  of  government.  But  in 
the  excise  act,  which  passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  se- 
ven hundred  and  seventy-four,  the  council,  fever  anxious  to 
encroach  on  the  privileges  of  the*  house  of  representatives, 
or,  p^haps,  from  a  motive  equally  unjustifiable,  a  petulant 
wish  to  mortify  the  patriotic  speaker,  whose  peculiar  pride 
and  boast  it  was  to  guard  the  privileges  of  the  assembly, 
added  these  Words  to  the  clause  of  limitation,  and  until  a 
new  ewcise^iU  shall  pass^  and  become  of  full  forct  in  this 
island.  This  interpolation,  introduced  in  a  manner  linwor-^ 
thy  the  dignity  of  a  legislative  body,  escaped  the  vigilant 
eye  of  the  speaker,  and  the  act,  thus  akeredj  received  the 
governo/s  assent  Thus,  instead  of  an  annual  supply,  re^ 
newablaat  the  discretion  oi  the  assembly,  a  revenue  was  ' 
established^  which,  if  not  absolutely  perpetual,  possessed 
all  the  disadvantages  of  perpetuity. 

When  it  was  too  late  to  apply  a  remedy,  the  assembly 


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560  THE  HISTORY 


O' 


*'y 


^^^r.  dUcov«red  the  unfair  advantage  which  bad  been  taken  ^ 
*  l^\      thek  want  of  circumspection.     During  the  progress  af  the 
war,  and  the  contest  in  which  they  were  involved  with  the 
council  concerning   Governor  Cunninghame s 'illegal  ftes, 
they  silently  submitted  to  the  injury  ;  but,  when  the  esta- 
blishment of  peace  abroad  and  concord  at  home  seemed  to 
furnish  a  prospect  of  success,  they  attempted  to  recover  the 
right  of  which  they  had  been  surrieptitiously  deprived* 
With  this  view,   th^y  pasaed.an  exciserbiJl  in  the.wtt^ 
Feb.  17.    form,  which  was  sent  back  by  the  council,  witli  a  message^ 
contrary  to  parliamentary  usage,  assigning  their  reosoas.f^^r- 
rejecting  it ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  expresiing  their  -read^ 
ness  to  concur  in  any  bill  of  the  same  tenor,  pmvided  ito' 
existence  should  be  protracted  until  the  passing  of.  aaotb^: 
excise-law.    Had  the  assembly  complied  with.tbi^  pic^s^^t* 
it.  is  evident  that  they  :would  have  relinquish^,  .as  :far'  ,sp 
respected  that  branch  of  the  f  evenue,  the  power  of  .g*Wt^ 
ing,  or  withholding  the  supplies;  the  only   constitutioiJ^: 
check  on  the  executive  authority,  poausessed  by  the  repren* 
sent^tives  of  the  people,,  *    .      .  m  \. 

The  answer  of  the  assembly  was  remarkable  for  itsTimiMn 
ness  and  moderation.  In  ,a  calm^  dispasskwat^^  l3U(_4t^ 
dious  review  of  the  subject,  from  the  origin  f^  1^  4tfty 
*  tothe.date  of  the  last  excise  act,  including  a  ^^ei^q^^o^ 
one  hundred  and  twenty  years^  they  .shewed^  tba^  4t;lM4<3 
b^en  invariably  an  annual  measufe  of  finaiK^.  ^Nor  ceukl , 
they^  conais^tly  w,ith  t^eir  diity  to  tbdrc^Mi^ll.t^en^.  or  a  > 


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OF  BARBADOES.  5^ 

jttit  ti!gard  to  tlfeir  own  inherent  privileges,  they  said,  yield  ^^^J!^;*^ 
tba  proposition,  w*hich  must  delibettitely  iand  clearly  tend      *'**• 
lo  establish  a  perpetual  revenue.    ' 

To  tins  the  council  replied,  with  an  unbecoming  degree 
of  warmth  and  asperity,  ^  It  seems  iiseless  to  agitate  any 
question  where  the  parties  hav^  taken  decided  resolutions. 
Predilection  ;supersedes  the  necessity  of  argument.  Fore- 
seeing the  mischiefs  attending  iJie  want  of  a  revenue,  when 
caprice  *o#  mistricen  resentment  may  think  proper  to  with- 
hold it,  tfifc  council  are  resolved  n6t  to  lose  the  power  which 
the  disputed  clause  in  the  excise-bill  gites  thena  of  pre* 
venting  the  anarchy  and  confusion  that  may  arise  from  a 
ttttbl  steppage  of  public  expenditure.  To  argue  upon  a 
supposition  that  any  constitutional  rights  are  invaded,  or 
that  any  proposition  is  made' to  curtail  the  privileges  of  the 
assembly,  is  to  raise  up  an  hydra-headed  monster,  which 
could  netei"  have  existence,  but  in  the  heated  imagina- 
tions of  mistaken  minds,  ^fhe  council  disdain  the  idea ; 
they  consider  the  fund  raised  by  the  excise  act  as  coming 
not  immediately  under  the  cognizance  of  the  representa-^ 
tives  of  the  people,  it  being  an  impost  laid,  not  upon  thd 
tnanufkctutes  or  produce  df  the  country,  but  upon  articles 
of  foreign  growth,  mefant  to  answer  the  contingencies  of 
government,  and  which  has  been  wisely  piermitted  by  the 
Clrawn  for  such  salutary  purposes.  Bearing  this  in  their 
imlttds,  the  councif  thiiik  it  a  doty  which  they  owe  to  the 
Crown,  to  adhere  to  the  rejection  of  any  excise-bfll  that 

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jQS  1PH»  HISTORY 

^^  i^HMin  tfi^ *x«ise*4*w  iiowphi  foicev  This  diHiipiipilii.t 
ei^rieiice  jastiies  tbem  i»  ad^pthig*  They  tee  cfearif 
€H^t^«ti^  ft  «Kattfle  as  4bey  require  n  the  eixiso-bil^  tkMgh 
aft^fM^ttonfr  d>'gives.«ii«i;ilrbaace  t«  the  aMeinl»l y,  mxy  pm^ 
^KMt  a  fNttter  xlittaf baace^  by  Undonag  aa  oppcessive  mt»^ 
jUiiiBOf^ttC^atittkitiAgoa'tlift  people -•.ucMt  fadiMuppoiV 
l^tttK  ikC>e»e  ^i^  hj  the  delwuve  «p]ranuKe  «f  ret 
iilfaiUi  ^t^ii  ai Air  pfedediag  yean.  9]iMk  the  Mlih^  IhU 
)A%ilketo  ctabsd  i»«fa^  peffpetual '»  soelj^ik  :mitti|kfi^>Blui 
a4BeA»  play  vptffi  w«rdt  t^  the.  pnrpetait^  iice  miihltbfi  «>f 
Bi^ibij^  'A»'atMM|alMllttay  beMot  up»  "with^sacb.  oUwMt 
li»^  I^Mfkl^ne-^thne)  May  bcoome  aeeessai^,  «aiL^iAhi 
i64s4Kqp€id)  theceiifidil,  B^les»«ealoi&  thaaitfae  boUaie.  of 
irtpAbLy^  in  the  aetviee  o#  tfaiiir  country^  wall  adofit;  when 
il-flppeantQ theto ijiat  svok  ^nUkms  are  condxichi^  to 
the  public  benefit.  The  pc^entam  of  aaevik  m  xdl  tiwt  is 
alUneiflkalu^MdwifuEb,  however  iUibemi  the  cbonhts-ariMiig 
tbottoKgny  appear  to  the  aMonblyv  the  CQttoci)>  liy  ^  rof 
iooBpeotaaf  the  post,  an  too  well  justified  io  their  attestptf 


»» 


Ifaaiifeblaavto  ol*  <liiGoid»  4iotirithitoo4iiig  the  apyiearnw^ 
•DtmityiiidBtdi:  fteedaaaoil  had  latefytQijbibitedy^iwt  4tiU£%r 
«Mi|tiBg  m1ti8iK»ia<8 ;  and  th»t  tiigy  ]»ei;e.dely.>?iHpfidi  P9 
main  tat  ^ek  .iteii»(»»ii,r  i^  iJisposfhiefi^^iHjiK,  Io.  m^ 
ftitltTe<G4iMlMiidert«itihie^  ittVQOMfneasiiK^  iadi^peiuieirt 


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OFBARBADOES.  M» 

wlthlttld  th«  iagalar  <|ipptie(s  <£kici^  ftfee  n^toitniatratloql 

ituit)v«sr!tlw  e0ectewere  iiio«t.4it^«l9ci>iH>4ii.tiie  aoewwdbr 
tkMi'of  a<kM  far  exceedini;' the  cdoaial  reaewew;  ^m4 
A^qhj  in  a)h  probability,  iie?er  would  have  been  |Mdd>  livt 
a^r  Ib^^  bipVBtj  of  psriiameot.  The  xetiMMiii  atsi^Qed  |}/ 
the)  cobbcfl  t^imuptaem'f  but  At  tfat  <perigd  "to  wbitili^^ 
^Uadfldfttbpjkaigiwo  siicb  a  specisMP  of  IJidir  mtA  46^ 
Urn  rpflMlcvemce,  as  to  pfedvde  aB  ooaidcace  kt  tlMtir  ta^ 
tigritf  vimerer  they  simild .  be  isllpd  upon  to  ^^fiM«  )»lf 
tnf:edii  tt^-'wifhaa  otf  -the  govtiraor  and.  the  nrteictto  «f  ^ 
]^»0pl6^ '  Tbe  haiiaBCtaiiidariiigAiijr  £u*her'iAto«pMtob  ^ 
oeatih  tkfit  dlgwiy,  fffudjeDtl/  dfdinad  inakiag  mtfrnj^ 
<tttliB«att(Oge.  'Biit.iheaffiQtelBieatiif  aa-ageaiUoMiAiv^ 
ftidt0d  4 ffwb  topic  ftr dimgiMliiBat    .  <  ..    .> 

B''4i'f^  tii0  f}nmiiia)tci7'Ottobili0m  of  -ihf>  aBtrgibty  f  cjipae^f 
iHg  Ui.  JSaHivrjtfk,  it  wo(Uld  have  baap  liigldf  iaqu«gi»wui  C» 
lif&yi^  ^lidtsfeinu^  iiiA  in  an  amplojniMat,  «»  Aife  itmltrnt'Oi 
vhieh  he  had  added  insolence  to  treaotierf ;  iliMt  4»fim' 
^n^.  '  fOiey;  tbeitfove,  pawedia  bSi,  <rtflfaMiiay .'Mr^ #itai 
BMtiliii^«iK«,  4'  ^gitttiAcittMi  of  •tiiemovt  ««kble  cfcAikctrft  « 

alMl  iiiibimiiAfdd^Wpis^ttOfi,  to^ieioikca  oF^t^btwil  agcMt) : 
bu(>  iil#fddiikiii^l^^Miftu«6d'4o  «ih^iiria  wnr^appoiwtnien^iio  f^^ ' 
jvificSal  io  *We hilei^  W'^»&'  '^Jm^d  fartlidik^r  to < 'tttfk* 


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^J^^*'     ]^t(^,?ia  .'th«^  /ohiQipe  V  rtheyc Appointed  a  commiUiw  .^c^^ 
l^PffP^j ^ith  Jth^ir, newly^^leeted £^g«Qt ;  aod,  to ii^immor-*' 

di4«^I^Ffi*be4br  i^??Wttte^l-  tl^  o^ce^  tvith  vequ^l  4UigWC^ 
^  fi4^i(;y,tf(jr  »*eir^¥aA  jjeers,  without  eBJoyiogrits,  ewo- 

T  As  Ml-  Estwiokt  ia refuaijig  tq  bring  the*  ctjargro  againsfe 
G.ciKipCT;li^'initirtjthtinif  i  onHth^  six  membsva  ofrc<wncii  ^hi> 
1)90  a^t^d  J^s  illog^  proceedjqgs,  .to.a.,lieanngfbefqi3Q:|;b(> 
bpftrd.of  ^ade,:h9ld«acted  without  the  co«seiit or  preiriousj^ 
]^f)pwle4g«  of  the  assembly,  the  new  agent  :vaa  directed,  to 
pjOSsQA  sMph  measures  as  im  should  de^m  piTQper  to^ 
tb^lr.i^mplaiQts^  ^aod  pbtain.  a  ledress^  o£  their  injuries^ 
agKflf^^le  to  their  former  petition  to.the  King.  ^  But,  a;^  the 
p^tifn  iiiiul  been  imprudeotly,  Bot  to  say  periidiously  abaiv- 
doned,  before  the  complaijata  agEunst  Jthe.  governor  had  been* 
siibstantiatctd,  Mr.  .JSrathwaite  thought  that  it  could  i)ot 
1)^  rwun^  nor  acted  upoa  with  any.  prospect  of  success. 
■',iyAt  tli«L'Sfim«  .tiaM3  the .  assemUy  .unanimously  resolved.'^to 
iailtru((^  thear  agent  la  call  upon  Mr.  .Estwick  to  account 
fpor^ibhe  fi|l^^ibHndred  pounds  wlrieh  had  lD(ee?%.  lodged  in 
IviSi  jbjwds  by  the  aub^  m  Xiond^n^  for  the  puiH 

powTof  jcairyiog: oa  therproteculion  agwnst  G^^vernor  Cu^?* 
QM^^rae.  ^3k>  4his  dcpiand;  Mr-  £stwiQk  replied,  that Ji(^ 
^M  ije^dy  to  accouut^jfer  thermoiBey  whenever  he  was  legally. 


',r  :  : 


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« 

he  ihbulcl '  Vfegard  thw  rasoliition'bf  theirs  no  kiibre  tkiifa'  iKe^ 
#ouWthat  of  -^<  a  stet  ofi  ih-unkeu  porfcers."  By'  Hi  -^itirfia^ 
Aatibftof  tWiaffaiTf'howeT^ir,  it  appeJafed,  Uiiit  6n*^  tlimi'-- 
sai^  pounds  weredueto  hhn  for'ftve  y«ar9  siUii-f,  ahd  tliat! 
he  had  advanced  two  hundred  and  seventy  pounds  of  hitf 
owri'mbn^y  <br  the  public  «ehjice,-b6&ide9  ©ther  fcfeaarges 
Hic?a^h't  to-the  office,'  to  a  cottfeidiJrtible'  &.t»outtt.  Nri  part' 
df  ihi&'debti' he  ftjserted,  trbuld^Vev  have  been  j>aid,-  hn^ 
fbrthe  drearffol  hurrieane,  which,  according  to^his^ own  ob. 
^Vatto^,  ?iird  thus  verified  the  old  adage  ;  ^  that  it  ii  «ff 
ilf  ifViid  ftiat  1il6#8' no  onc^any  good.*'  The  assembly  5iav*i 
nig  Mcon^derafely  «t»bjiected  tlieiftselTes  to  •  these  insultSi- 
discovered,  when  it  was  too  late,  that  they  had'  no*  autha^ 
fhy  to  thake'the  demand  ;  for  as  the  money  placed  in  his^.. 
hands  i^ask  part  bf  ttie-pariidmentary  bounty,  it- was-cwi'^' 
terided'b'y  Mr. '  Becfele*,  that  he  wa«  only<acoo«iitaJbl*f^  itt^- 
t!i6  dortimissioners;*  t*'  -Whose  ^dispoftal  ifc feadlJ  be»ft  eatvtMed^ 
'  M^nwhlfe, •  the'  gOveWfor^^fected  a  lijfwin-  inc  the  ^» 
bursem^its  of  the  plowd^  office  of  for  •gneal«r^o©l^«fc<i^le«to»^ 
to  the  66mmbrttty'*h?knlte<pe*ty 'retrenchments*  .*w  wlt^^ 
prestden€  DotinThiid  betfri.  go.  highlyi  commended, 'OrJ/«V«ii 
the  kving  itf  O^nbfsai  (3»«fttii»g»wmeis  salary,. .wliici.>«iq 
b'een=iHe  ^rcfe  df  «> 'ilKKSif'Sltilfe^aad^aiiqnietaiki: 
Wasti'of^  lores' Vfl  trie  ^iflfeitent  g«ftirt)iw '  bBd.^lb|^g-*aBli- 
complained  of  as  a '^serious  grievance^  without  any  tffec* 

a 


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llWfc 


iHt/J^i^tol^ter's  Uiftt  the  «ibttfe  {ini»  oifriedoto. thct  ifQp«|4^ifti 
hm  eaeievk,  Ttiere  ibe  ^oera  tholi^  iJbe j  ^tid  -fklp^ffinp^ 
tive  riglit  ia^  waintimr  ^th>  ibefstoveseraimitfa^d  :fto')4beffi 
ckmvfg&*<^mtf^4sXs9iAtyi-.tQ.y^^  :or .  iwntyjflMMM 

MU  WJt^,«b03ltwitr.<tefiii.af  tWBe  monthf  mS^  Uii 
W;  BiiiMif»4Mi4^3«c»(«ip!p(}iiil»ri  4xithe  cbminaiMl  of (jtliii^'di^ 

an^ta|MmiAitq«)ei<!ntbtoh^..k«d  it  been  cfmtimttedi>mold^tisfm 
4i9mn  two  thwimmd.  pouixip  »  ^hmt  out  .<<€.  Abe;,  nipl^ 
Iwmd  fuod,  fc^  t;)se  aa^uMnMBt  of  tfa^  «ftcf|r»  9f  U«C 
4i9tEipt  fdose.  MigmMit  a%  w  AngnMit.  an!  mhttm  9f 
jRitar,  the  tiutbor  oCiAds  vcAioDe  avaiied  bionelfof  tiio 
>fiwd<m  -of  <3ie  press,  to  oowey  to  the  beewiedge  of  4be  x:aio» 
JM«iider.-Wi0iiiff^.a}6£ti9o  JrBJvriout  to  the  put^xerfioue. 
Shir  was  todreMjleiaycdL  i^pom  that  time,  the  duhwB»* 
fieo4a.^'eaob<HtwifNi»  except  fiatiife-Michael'd,  haKebeea 
^MM>i»  iQikll«rtielB  ^  pewdet.  anaiiaaj.  nuksK  it  Jbe 
nnAer  ^«7r  partieidar  mraamttaasmt  whkb  Make  a.  teq^ 
ViW^t^ AfoieliUMQ!  'BfloesBBfyu 

e,:fM  p^iceadinyoC  Ae  iwifiiiilf  ^wie  oowanvke^bgr 
aj|||epiBagfii<e>!'Wjhiahyhpafirjw3J^  laig^ULi^ 

gpai,^i|ji*p^ta^  <miwiilnwid»  ■wafc  imdbiaea  didMwnisaUi 
%i^li»il9«f»j««!l|ipb^jw»jac^  OntbatuDUi 


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tib&al  «a1*fr  of  <?nd  thousand  ]M>ttttd»myeaf.  Tfie  propel'  *'*'* 
sd  WHS  warmly  rdtisied  l»3r  thd  djieaktBr.  TlM>ugh  b^ncU 
iHtied'  (hfi  govcmoc's  cHtitiDrdiliarf  ttetit»  lie  did  Dot  thfibfc: 
tfkfl  <Aie  Ibms  iif  the  koase  should  ht-^wpeumd  'wi^jok* 
tli^  ^kcemiati  <and  liiat  a  moti6a<«^  sooh  Museqtiettoei 
dJtfduM  be  niade  witihout  tbe  MliaUeat{>cemas  adtkre.  To 
jbtvjr.^ueh  a  queBtum  by  sittpme,  and  in  so  ASMtt  a  iityuM',' 
ka' «iid,'  weradd aeitlm: be hotMNirabk tohis cntc^^cy* nor 
aodltubb  to'tiie  aMemUy.  Sdvefal  mettben  cbncaititig 
m  these  aentimeots,  the  previous'  qaeftlio»-.tiras  moved  ;r. 
Ikrt,  durii^  the  debate,  Mr..  Mayors,  being  called  (totsk 
Ihe  «ocrrt  of  chanceff,  gave  the  advocates  for  the  addi— 
tiohfd  salary  the  advanta^  of  mnAbers;  and  the  motioiii' 
waa  negatived  by-  a  Maj<>rity  ef  one. 

»Tbe  ofigtaal  motion  was  then  put,  and  canned  in  tUea^' 
fimati^  on' a  elose  division  of  seven  to  sis.  'Kot  to.k«6 
t^  fa)<>c»irab1e  6pp6rtiiinty  of  aecetnpiisfainig  hi»  dMigi^^. 
lAr.  ifooM)  unme^ifltely  iotfodoced  a  cbifti  whidk  had  beeai. 
fwtvi^oaly^pfepdMd,  aad  which  having  h6wittii  iHtrn 
times,  was  passed  by  a  majority:  o#«me-v(9Seis;*"0etef(a4i«^ 
tof^a<ll1lle^V]«aMt«  Q:t^^  Q^podti<M  in  bit'p^ 
sBeafctyraD^t  ueawted^  to't^  only  «iq^e^ent"!thi<dir'%a^  left 
H^adtac^dbtb'HJb  tentb'rtd^  of  tbe  house^^by  y^Moh  W; 
litedadbin^  ^btliat^tytott/^M^ei^,  or'oi«def»d9tlifeliebii^ 
fiib  pi^hMMt^af 'men^,  vsiM^  pass,  >or Ita  dattvalH^aWer)^ 


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c^ity  retivire  morje  ^pe^dy  di»p«.t0li,:and,;in  ^uclv  <t«#e„iS 
tv^lv^e  ,me;jjl^er?i  Qoneent,,  or  jfi,,l^)Q  jbiU,  or  ^^dc^s^pH^^ 
i)eiiuBQ>c£)at^\ce»it^  jt«j)a}l  j?je(gp(^  .ai^d  >:a^i4,  •^''PUiJv 
m^  buU^ne.sittmg. ,,,    ^.,a  ..   .,...      ; .;    :  '  .  f»  ,     -,  ;., 
(  Agreej^t))^  to. ijUis . ?iil?,.  ^jr.  J[a^n:.  AU^yiiej ,  obsef^c<ii,ftbtfc 
bill  coj4ld  Dot  n^Sj.as  it  ,wa?  supportifd  by  only/5et^  *«f«lit 
b^r?,  but,i;^ust.  be  read  for  passing  at;tHft  pi^ift.niee^^g^; 
But.  t.he  frienda  of.  the  measure^  imp^tignt  qf,  deja/,  i^ere 
not  to  be  restrained  by  a  rule  Avhicli  could-  be  broken,  Tfijtli 
impunity,   especially  when  it^  infraction  would  facilitate 
their,  views.    Tliey  insisted  that  the  house  had  a  rijziit  to 
dispense  with  their  rules  whenever  taey  thought  proper,  to^ 
disregard  them;  and  that  the  ^anie  power  by  .which  tb^y 
were  established,  qould  unquestionably  alter  or  annul  (iiem. 
As  au  abstract;proposition,  it  will  not  be.denied,  that  ^very 
society,  whiclt  has  authority  tp  prescribe  Jaws  for  its  own 
govpfnpi^t,  is  equally  competent  to  annul  or  r^p^I  th^m; 
but  the  cliange  should  be  made  on  a  general  principle,  apd 
not  merely  to  answer  a  sinister  or  tenjporary,  purpose.    The 
society   which  occasioqally  deviates  from  llie  rules  esta- 
blished to  regulate  its  proceedings,  is  in  £iict  in  a  state,  of 
vacillation,  without  any  certain  guide  or  principle  of  ac- 
tipn.  ,  AM  th^  speaker's  eloquence  was  exierted,  without  ef- 
fect. , ,  In^Ytin  ht  tn^iisted  on  the  necessity  of  jsl  strict  ob- 
s^IYAAC^  of  tbfMr.ittks,  aod  uiged  tbe  dishonofir  which  mutt 


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OP  BAHBADdK^.  SfiJ) 

be^^flected  on  their  proceedings,  by  snoh  \raveting  and  ^^^^^HJ^ 
inconsistency-    Th6  measure  was  predetermined ;  the  rute      *^^ 
vms  rescinded,  the  bill  passed  both  houses,  and  received 
the  governor^  assent  the  same  day.     At  a  subsequent  meet^ 
ihg  of  the  assembly,  the  violated  rule  was  restored  to  its^ 
rank ;  and  to  prevent  any  similar  attempt  in  future,  it  was* 
resolved,  that  if  any  member  nK>ve  to  repeal  a»y  rule^f 
the^hbu'se,  except  on  the  first  meeting  of  the  assembly,  or 
at^sttme  other  sitting,  when  every  member  shall  be  present, 
he'  shain  be  expelled,    and   the  speaker  be  at  liberty  tp 
quit' the  chair. 

Among  the  various  operations  of  nature,  which  excite 
oiir  admiration,  alarm  our  fears,  or  amuse  our  imagination,^ 
the  folmwhig  feingiilar  and  extraordinary  phenomenon  wiJl 
not  *  prbfcatly,  be  deemed  the  least  curious  and  interest- 
ing. On  the  eleventh  day  of  October,  the  inhabitants  of 
a' part  of  Saint  Joseph's  parish,  called  Crab-hole^  were 
alarmed'  at  the  appearance  of  several  ^eep  fissures  in  the 
oiirth,  and  their  apprehensions  were  soon  augmented,  at 
finding  that  some  small  tenements  had  sunk  to  a  consider- 
able depth.  These  alarming  appearances  continuing  to 
increase,  many  persons  were  induced  to  remove  their  Effects 
to  places  of  greater  safety.  The  plantation,  known  by  the 
name  of  Walcott's,  was  destined  to  be  the  melancholy' 
Bcene  of  this  extraordinary  occurrence.  Here  the  manager, 
perceiving  that  the  mansion  house  was  in  danger  of  being 
buried  under  the  sorf,   which  "was    de'sc^n'dliig'in 'largti 

4p 


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5ro  TSfittfSTORX 

<^»^^^^^^  CoiKiected  Biasses^  fram^a^gi^bauriiig^U»  .flied^n^ 
*^®^  iferaily  to  one  of  the  negco  hute  for  #ljeJter.  .  In  the^pifrse 
of  th^t  distressful  night,  mo$t  of  ,th«l3^wldwgs  on  (bfi  p^a* 
tatioTi  ie]\y  or  siank  mto  a  deep  ch^sm^  which  was  pr^^dentl^ 
filled  up  with  the  mold  from  the  the  adjacent  heights*,  Thp 
alarm  bow  became  general,  asid  the  people  assembling  neac 
tiiestpotwere  wiinesees  of^^cene  truly  awful  and  aff^cliqg. 
The  Wpect  of  the  whole  regioa  frosi  Walcptt's  to  Cr^ 
Bole,  extending  upwards  of  sl  mile  in  leogtbiaad  in  bn^ajc^i 
about  three  hundred  yards,  exhibitefi  a  lamentable  pro- 
spect. The  earth,  violently  torn  asunder,  was  intersected 
with  numerous  chasms,  whose  widely  extended  j^.w»^emed 
^■eady  to  ingulph  whatever  might  be  pre^pijutated.  ipto-tb^; 
K^hil^y  in.  other  places  it  was-  s\^elled  ajtid  jtfifla^^  wil^  enoj* 
mo€»  tumours^  whose  convulsive  n:K>dons  xnenaqed  the  few 
Ipemaining  buildings  witlkdestruction.  Nor  was^  it  Icmg^befoi^ 
they  weise  involwd  in  the  general  wreck,  and^  sinking  into 
the  yawning  g»l^  left  no  traces  of  their  former  existence 
behind  tbeiOk.  The  fece  o(  nature  was  sa  completely 
changed  in  that  district,  that  few  of  the  inhabitants  could 
aiscertaki  the  spot  on  which  many  objects^  ^Eunihar  to  their 
remembrance,  had  been  recently  placed.  Afield,  planted? 
in  Eddoee^  occupied  the  site  on  which  the  mansion  house 
stood,  and  brought  with  it  a  long  slip  of  the  bre^d  road,  as 
perfect  and  entire  as  if  it  had  not  been  renkwed**    The 

^  ThM  k  an  <MCiiriieiioe  Hut  bi|^n^  i^t  tafteqneAtly,  ia  the  pamhes  of  Saint 


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aV  MASBASOES.  Sfl 


«ocQi^flnt  treest  wbick  gum  aibaiit  the  InoBd,  Mid  MM'^he  ^^^^J^ 
Witid-mtll,  were  ^aduall y  cttrriedl  ame  htuuhnBd  yqrds;  firani      ^^^* 
thdr  origmiil  situmtioii^  wbece  the  ktter  Tr»  mii^iltttdj 
^^Itawed  «ip,  no  part  of  it  fooaiiiiiig  viaMe  but  the  e»- 
iremity  of  the  upper  arm. !  1,        :-   i      ,i 

It  is  not  ea^^  perhapty  to^exfdam  ai^kfiustonlyUie  e«M» 
^f  thhr  extraordiQiirj  phenomeiioii.  Prolaabkr  «pi\|(iM)t«re 
^sciifo^  it  to  the  actioa  of  a  aiw»bier  iPf  »t49^kfr»tHiiHKi 
spridgs^  ia  a  loamy  ilandy  soil,  iurtoiindod  with  t^(WBt^fl» 
ce^iVe  iaffii  o^  raki:  them  springs^  rtroggliog  for  vqM^ 
Alight  pos»iMy  have  esoavated  the  incmimfoeBt  eatth  whemi- 
^ver  they  endeavoured  to  force  a  pawagp.  As  these  iayi^ 
fiible  waten  glided  oiwardsi  the  surfaoe  bdund  seemi  t9 
have  fklten  in,  or,  meeting  with  a  subatratum  of  s  jaa^pjr 
tmtare,  continoed  sliding  down  the  adjacent  dediTitien  at 
l6ng  as  it  retained,  or  acquired,  sufficient  .moistiirB  to  £|cpH 
litdte  its  motion. 


I    I.    ji>    iti     »nl  »« 


Andrew^and  Saini  Joseph,  during  the  rfthiy  fleasOA.  hi  tbiit  part -of  thi  fititoy, 
irhn^  fronriU  retemUaBOc  to  the  baghltiuls  of  North  |Htf)9#  )•  cdkd  8pp^liiil> 
the  fcarth  if  conpoaed  pf  vwV)U8  straU  obliquely  dispoi^.  llie  s«per-8tratum  it 
generally  a  rich  loamy  soil  of  a  saponaceous  nature,  which/  heing  c^  no  omsider* 
able  depth,  easily  separates,  when  saturated  with  rain,  from  the  substratutn,  n^iclr 
it  commonly  of  a  dippery  chalk,  flat  stotoes,  or  toote^  »ed  griitd,  aod  iti^  i«  itrge 
master,  with  its  growing  produce,  tnto^the  valliei  below.  Tt^t  wbcde  £elda  of  sugar 
ctuies,  com>  «n4  potatoes  have  sometimes  changed  masters^  and  even  lo(\y  trees 
have  been  removed  to  a  considerable  distance  without  injury.  Of  this  the  curious 
reader  may  find  instances  rdated  in  Hughes^s  Nat.  Hist.  Barb.  p.  21. 

4  D  2 •  V  • 


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"*^*     aasemblj  proposed  niawiog  ...th©»  »}m.  ^  .^%:  j^e#wli 

'  hwB^aftevi  In .the< wigwi^l  bilUfHMcKikftdtbewjlpWMsd 
4fwo  yeM8.)t>€(fp?t>  t^. whotei  ptofit  to  h*.'  proldttced  %>ibf 
scliemQ  WM  made  applioaUe  to  tito  rdfouUdki^  o£  Sti.'Mit 
c^biueFft  churchy  widioul  ip^ng  anjr  pco>a9ionifo£  tfastothocit 
ilr.hich  hafd  imflfefed- bj  the;4anie<  caiamitjvo:  rfiu|  ab'i^e j(^» 
^  of  )iDoa&y^  in  IliQ  ^way  proposed^  waf  ji^iUrastf  ta 
ipontjtreiiiftruictioiis  of ithe.govenaoi;  the  biU;)\T>idlt^ttsiiatted 
toi  the:  secretary  of  state^i.toibei  i&id  b«f;uret  vtiKi!  King.  "XlBtQ 
ff^ality  of  thfi>arraogBnieilt  did  notjescdpeJtli^  sbsovFateob 
0{  Mkc  priry 'Gouacil,  and  the  bdU  #aa  fbnseqnsotfydisal^ 
lowfid  by  the  King.    Bat,  as  the  object  of  ,the'.m««9ur(^ 

'  a^eaxfidto  be  luseful,  his  Majesty  -iras  pleaaedi  to  ^authch 
rise  the  governor  to  give  his  assent  to=  any  i)ill;of. »  sisiilair 
tfffldwcyi  provided  ooe  half  of  the moaiBy  .raised  jshouW  .hfe 
Itf»ftlj6d  l(0<thej«biuMing  the.  church  of  Sahit  Michael,. tmd 
tlie  o^tm  h»\f  to  the .  use  of  those  parishes  ivhosc'  ehurches; 
hiiid  boeo  destroyed. :  An  act  was  accordingly  psosed;  agreor- 
ably  to  hip  Majesty's  gracious  directions;  but  it  ymhmit 
prpduc^iveof  those  advantages^  whiefa  were  .expcctttd.£Boaii 
it,  The  drawing  of  onlyonetettei-y-was  e^cted;  nor  yiras 
this  d<^ne  without  difficulty  and  dishonour j  One  of  tHe- 
nisjiagci-s,  to  whom  the  sale  of  the  tickets  was  entrusted* 
eupbezzled  the  money  which  M  received,  and,  though  he 


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ifttt  trusti  the  bonds  were  nteVer ^ft^ntedl'      ] ^  -1    V (^ ' '^  >  ^^'      W*7. 

llift  s<skfe'  of  the^fibliiS  ^oiids  had  fottg  liefeft  ^^B(«#t^tif 
gfMieftil  compfaint,  and  *bou^nhe  ibetife^fefiij^  of  tF^ 
faltftg  law^  for  Aeir  fcfpaih  Aott  ii^pjoMhtfivt  vf^iftiASk)^ 
f>6roervdd  and  acfchowtedged,  no  Att^iipfclittd  l^eten  Watlt 
to  altw  or  amend  a  system:  confessedly  inefficiacioiisi '  bbr- 
^braLSome^andtejipemaiTO.     AtkngtbL^a  huinber/iof:tbe:iiKist 
ra^ieotable  pl&btem  of  St.'  GECorge's^  and  seynial ^ :th6>ad»- 
jabent  parUhes^  fH^sscnted  a  petition  to  die.  assembly^  if^ 
pr^seirtiiig  the  evils  and  iaconveniences  resulting  from  thajt 
eaiise ;  and  praying  that  the  house  would  pass  an  act  fo^ 
tfaefsnorai<efi«i5toa)  repair  of  the  great  road  leading  ^m 
Bridge^Town  to. Sarnt  Philip's  churchy    Agreeably  to  the 
prayeif  of  the  petition,  Mr.  A.  Frere  introduced  i  bill  fo** 
the  «8tabliihmen1|  of  turnpikes,   which,  after  passing  the 
hoh«,  waS'Tiftjected  by  the  council.     Encouraged  by  the       - 
<:^i6us^  titi^t^  of  the. measure^  Mr.  Frere  btonght  it  foi^ 
lizard  aafccondf  time,,  with  a  few   alterations,  to  itender  it 
li^s»  6bjfectiottable  .aiKire  skairs.    Having  gbnethrou^h  tlie 
usoai -sfegrat  ibelbw,!  it  was  :again  soht  up:  to  the  couriciU 
Obani^nr  ;  :ivhepe,.  although^,  agreeabjy  to  evefiy  parhdmeh^ 
tary^ajceeptntion  of  tbe  term5  it  was  clearly  ii  irtdriey  bill, 
BO  less  tlian  eigbt  amendmeats  were  made  in  \%.     Bft^dless 
oiF'thisin'^asioni  of  their  pritileges,  the  assembly  qtiietly    . 
acquiesced  in  most  of  tiie  amendments;    Bnt  this  was*  not 
enough  to  satisfy  the  council;  n6t  content  with  a  partial 


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174  ^  "fflfi  RISTORV 

*J^i^"-  ttdo^ttoA  of  their  emeiid'atlwiSi  they  agaitt  rejected  tb* 
^'*^'  bill.  Disappointed^  btft  not  dfecouraged,  Mr;  IVere  ihad* 
ii  ^ird  attempt  to  eflfect  his  purpoAC,  in  whiMi  be  was 
eventually  successful.  Turnpikes  were  establisbed;  and  ^e 
toads  were  effectually  repaited.  Biit  the  splirit'  irhidk 
animated  the  measure,  soon  evaporated ;  it  was  negl^ted 
and  forgotten.  -       *    '      * 

During  the  progress  of  this  bill  an  act  was  piisisedfdr  esta^ 
blishing  regular  courts  of  quarter  sessions,  and  ehipo weeing 
the  justices  to  appoint  constables  withih  their  ^teHitctd^ 
By  this  law  it  is  enacted,  thai  courts  of  quarter  sessions 
shall  be  occflwiona%  held  every  year  in  each  parish;  and 
that  no  constable  shall  be  compelled  to  serve  longer  thaii 
one  whole  year,  commencing  from  the  day  of  his^  Ijeing 
sworn,  and  until  tkejirst  meeting  of  a  court  of  quarter  sessiom 
after  the  expiration  of  the  $aid  year.  ITiese  latter  words 
.  condemn  the  constables  to  little  less  than  perpetual  servi- 
tude. Far  from  that  regularity  which  is  promised  by  the 
title  of  the  act,  courts  of  quarter  sessions  are  not  hdldeu 
oflener  than  once  in  four  or  five  years  j  and  in  one  instanee 
the  period  has  been  extended  to  eighteen  or  twenty.  This 
irregularity  in  holding  the  courts,  and  the  consequent  utt* 
certainty  of  obtaining  a  release  from  the  irkisome  duties  of 
this  office,  is  a  real  and  substantial  grievance. 

Notwithstanding  tlie  public  debt  had  beeti  so  reeeiltfy 
and  completely  liquidated  by  the  appropriation  of  a  lai*ge 
part  of  the  parliamentary  bounty^  and  a  considerable  sair 
6 


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OF  $i^BB4DO|i».  ^^ 


Widls^  mw  l&e  itiiwilli^aig»ej»(  of  ihe  «88<$a)b}y  t;a  dr^w  the 
puEB^iatrii:^  of  i}^  coBaiiti^Qts,  t^gt  ik>  qne  bdongiog  t)o 
the  coloirial  wtablishment,  except  the  governor,  tad  bee» 
paid  for  niore  than  two  y«irs.     Frequently  had  his  excel- 
Icnicj^  warned  the  assembly  of  the  ixMy  and  dagger  pf  suf- 
fering: the  public  debt  to  accumulate  to  any  considerable 
amount*    The  oixly  notice  taken  of  his  judicious  admom^ 
tions  was  to  <  assure  his  excellency  that  they  wt 
ed  from  doing,  jiistice  to  the  public  creditors  c 
desire  of  coJlecting  the  money  due  to  the  treasi 
dividuaK     During  the  short  time  that  Mr.  T.  Rowe  admi- 
nisteced  the  ip venue  of  the  country,  there  wa»  a  deficiency> 
of  two  thcftisand  pounds-  in  his  accounts;,  and,  though  the 
public  cceditofs^  for  the  gr^iter  part  of  that  time  were  pe- 
culiarly distressed,  seven  years  had  already  elapsed  without 
any  effectual  attempt  having  been  made  to  obtain  i^eetitutioa . 
from  his  representative..    But^  however,  the  assembly  might 
have. felt  the  oollection  of  this  money  as  a  necessary, though. 
l^fiDful  duty  imposed  on.  them,  there  seems  to  have  beeH' 
g(9at  iajust^in  suspending  the  claims  of  a  numerous  traia 
0f  distressed  public  creditors  on  that  account.    At  length 
Ihe  guimeiB.aml  matrosses  of  several  divisions  were  com--- 
pelled  by  neces^ty,  to  appeal  to  the  equity  and  huma.nitynpf 
liie  assembly;,  ^\m  application  produced  the  desjped  efiecfc, 
aad:  a. trifling xmprtationtadc  of  fifteen  pence  on. slaves  was 
feood'  JttffideQt  if},  lestoiie  .the  oiedit  of  the  country. 


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576  THE  HISTORY 

Notwithfttandiog  their  iiiattentioii.to  the  stale  of  the  patK 
He  finances,  the  assembly  ocoasionally  gave  prooii  of  a 
liberality  as  conunendable  as  it  was  inconsistent  with  the 
N«v.  24.  parsimony  which  generally  marked  their  proceedings*  The 
arrival  of  his  Royal  Highness  Prince  William  Hcpry,  after-* 
wards  Duke  of  Clarence,  commander  of  the  Pegasus  fri- 
gate,  was  one  of  those  occasions  which  called  forth  the 
most  ardent  demonstrations  of  loyalty  and  affection.  At 
Pilgrim  his  royal  highness  was  received  with  every  possible 
mark  of  respect,  and  all  ranks  of  people  sfsehied  emul$ras  of 
manifesting  their  veneration  and  esteem  for  the  person  and* 
family  of  their  illustrious  visitor.  The  presence  of  the  scm 
of  a  Monarch  revered  for  his  virtues,  and  justly  regarded  as 
the  father  of  his  people,  inspired  every  breast  with  joy  .and 
gladness.  His  arival  was  greeted  with  themoBt  affectionate 
addresses  of  congratulation  from  the  members  of  hb  Ma^ 
jesty's  council,  the  general  assembly,  the  clergy^  and  the 
merchants  of  Bridge-town,  and  even  tlic  Jews,  as  a  distinct 
body  of  people,  joined  in  the  general  acclamation,  and  ex- 
pressed their  gratitude  for  the  happiness  and  protection 
which  £hey  enjoyed  under  the  ciemency  of  his  royal  father. 
The  short  time  which  the  prince  remained  in  Barbadoes 
was  the  season  of  mirth  and  festivity.  Besides  the  balls  aiKl 
entertainments  given  by  Governor  Parry  in  honour  of  his 
illustrious  guest,  his  royal  highness  was  sumptuously  enter- 
tained by  the  legislature,  at  the  public  expense;  and. in  the 
plenitude  of  their  zeal  the  council  overstef^ped  tfaetc  coaifci^. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  577 

tutiooal  bounds,  and  sent  a  message  to  the  assembly,  pro*  ^^^^^;^"* 
posing  that  ia  sward  should  be  procured,  a&  soon  as  possible,       *  ^'' 
and  presented  to  his  royal  highness  as  an  humble  but  siri-     - 
cere  testunony  of  their  veneration,  afiection,  and  respect  for 
a  prince  who  had  graciously  condescended  to  visit  tlieir 
island;  aiid  who  had  voluntarily  relinquished  the  elegant 
enjoyments  of  a  polished  court  to  encounter  the-  dangers 
and.  inconveniences  of  a  naval  life  in  the  service  of  his     , 
country.  The  assembly  replied,  that  as  it  was  the  establish- 
ed privilege  of  their  house,  that  all  grants  of  the  public 
money  should  origittate  with  them,^  they  could  not  consists 
ently  with  their  ancieat  rights  accede  to  any  proposition 
fijr  Mk  expesditure  of  the  public  money  coming  from  that 
boards    Having  tiius  maintained,  their  privileges,  the  assem-^ 
Wy  immediately  vQted  the  prince  a  present  of  a  sword  of 
three  hundred  guineas  value* 

After  some  princely  frolics,  the  ren^mbrance  of  which 
often  contributes,  to  promote  tlie  hilarity  of  the  festive 
board,  his  royal  highness  proceeded  on  a  tour  through  the 
other  iidanda  o£  the  Cajribbean  archipelago;  the  inhabitants 
of  which  must  ever  acknowledge  with  gtatitude,.  that  the' 
royal  duke  has  uniformly  manifested  a  thorough  acquaint- 
ance  with  the  true  interests  of  the  colonies  and  steadily  sup- 
ported their  rights^  And,,  while  labouring  under  a  load  of 
unmerited  opprobrium,  exposed  to: the  scorn  and  riditule  of 
witty  malice,  and  the  calumnious  misrepresentations  of 
jBiniilbrmed  philitiithrapists,  it  is  highly  consolatory  to  them. 

4  B 


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578  THE  HISTORY 

^^^:^^  to  reflect,  that  an  intelligeot  prince  of  tfce  blood  J8i 
^^-      Ae  liberal  few  wbo  have  spirit  and  candour  to  viodieftte 
the  wijustly  aspersed  West  Indians. 

The  parfiament  of  Great  IMtain  baring  patqed  wb  asrt 
ibr  the  increase  of  skipping,  and  the  encxMiragmaeat  of  na» 
ligation,  by  which  the  trade  between  the  English  cokuBfis 
and  the  United  States  of  America,  was<x>ofiiied  to  BritislH 
built  vessels,  narigated  by  British  seamen,  it  became  Ji^ 
cessary  to  ascertain  the  tona^  of  ^11  Tiesttls  entitted  4o 
i:egisters,  according  to  the  new  regalations.  For  11m  put^ 
pese  Governor  Parry  appointed  a  Mn  Paul  to^araHoe^uid 
aaoertaiin,  by  ^measufemeat,  the  balk  and^^timensioupsf 
every  vessel  im  which  a  certificate  of  regi^rtiy  waa  roqawcd ; 
and  -as  a  •compensation  4er  his  treifble,  Mr.  Pani  was  din 
fectsed,  %y  his  oic^ilency,  to  demand  certain  lees,  pfopop* 
tioned  to  the  burthen  of  each  vessel.  1^  was  eertainljf 
an  attempt  to  establish  a  new  office,  ;ivith  new  fees  an- 
nexed to  it.  An  exercise  of  the  prerogative,  -so  evidently 
nnconstitiitionaJ,  was  not  suffered  to  pass  wiaJhodt  due  te- 
prdiension.  Though  it  produced  no  legislative  inqmry, 
the  measure  was  freely  and  judiciously  canvassed^  hy  aa 
ingenious  mionymous  writer,  who  so  ^Hy  e^pMned  the 
iltegality  of  the  proceeding,  fhat  Paul  not  only  'desisted 
ffom  any  inrtfher  exactions,  Init  voluntanly  iietnmed  Hit 
Ibes  ^idh  lie  Imd  air^idy  tdken. 

The  ^^^triotiknis  imposed  on  (tfie  ^ommerciai  Mtorcoiapie 
betflpwen  the  ccAoaieB  4hUI  the  C^i^^ 


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OP  BASJBADOf  S.  |^7|| 

obserfed,  (Mid  rigidl j  enforcod  by  thft  gov«n^  ol  Barba*  ^^^^:j!^ 
docs.    An  armed  brig  waa  eqiupiped,  at  the  expense  oC      ^^^^' 
govenunent)  to  crui«e  round  the  bland,  lor  the  purpoae  ef 
preycBting  all  illicit  or  contraband  trade ;  and  many  British 
ships .  were  s^aed,  under  various  preteaoesi  of  havii^  sur* 
r^vtitiously  obtained  certificates  of  fegifttry^  or  of  being 
navigated  contrary  to  law,  and  were  condemned  by  Mr. 
Weeks,  the  sole  judge  of  the  court  of  vice*admiralty.    The 
commerce  of  the  country  suffered  materially  by  these  harsh, 
and  10  many  instances,    illegal  proceedings,    which  wwe 
openly  encouraged  by  the  governor,  with  a  view  to  his  pri^^^ 
vate  emolument;  and  drew  on  him,  as  well  ais  on  Judge* 
Weekes,  no  inconsiderable  share  of  obloquy  and  reproach^ 
Indeed,  his  excellency  appears  to  have  acted  so  oppres<» 
sively  and  unjustly,  as  to  have  incurred  the  censure  of  a^ 
very  high  authority.     Upon  an  i^peal,  in  the  case  of  the 
ship  Columbus,  fh>m  the  de^nee  of  the  colonial  court,  his 
conduct  was  animadv^ed  upon  by  Sir  James  Marriot, 
judge  of  the  hi^  cowrt  of  admiralty,  with  such  poinitedi 
severity,  that  his  CT^cellency,  who  was  then  returning  to 
England,  some  tisM  afi^wardp  demanded^  satisfhction  of/ 
the  learned  civilian,  in  the  character  of  a  gentleman*    The 
jtidge,  however,  not  thinking  himself  personally  respoosifole 
for  any  thijig  said  or  done  in  Ihe  execcise  4»f  hi;r  ofice^ 
declined  4he  combat,  and  connnenced  e  pfosecvtion  against 
him  in  the  Kitig^Bendi,  bnt^  nyofi  his. exoeUeaay^, waking 
a  suitable  ajpcAo^,  theaffairwas^ 

4  B  t> 


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©90  THE  HISTORY 

^^^I;^'*  Meanwhiie,  on  the  prospect  of  a  rupture  with  Spaiu, 
*^^*-  Goncerning  the  right  claimed  by  Great  Britaia,  ofparticu 
pating  in  the  trade  to  Nootka  Sound,  the  govemor  con- 
Kov.  2.  Tened  the  legislature,  and,  by  his  Majesty's  commancU^ 
recommended  that  they  would  concert  proper  measures  for 
securing  the  island  against  the  hostile  attempts  of  the  na- 
tional foe.  The  state,  of  the  militia,  and  the  fortifications, 
was  naturally  brought  into  revi^ew  upon  this  occasion ;  arid 
his  excellency  strongly  ui^ed  the  enacting  of  such  tem- 
porary laws  as  miglit  give  energy  to  their  military  ^ttm^ 
He  further  requested  that  they  wpuld  provide  sufficient 
funds  for  carrying  into  execution  a  plan  formed  by  Lieii* 
tenant  D'Arcy  of  the  rryal  eng neers,  for  fortifying  the 
island.  Though  the  danger  was  remote,  the  assembly 
jeadily  voted  the  sum  of  two  thousand  pounds  to  defray 
the  expense  of  guarding  the  country  from  invasion  ;  and  a 
bill  for, that  purpose  immediately  received  the  concurrence 
of  the  other  branches  of  the  legislature.  Fprtunately  the 
dispute  was  adjusted  without  an  appeal  to  the  sword;  but 
not  before  some  money  and  much  negro  labour  had  been 
literally  wasted  in  collecting  the  perishable  materials .  for 
coqstrucling  fascine  batteries,  which  were  never  erected^ 
Though  peace  was  happily  preserved,  the  governor  insisted 
in  strong  termts. on  theptopriety  of  completing  the  works 
which  had  been  begun;  But  his  advice  Was  disxjegarded  ; 
the  sMrpIus  of  the  money  which  had  been  raii^ed  ^r  this 
particular  servicie  was  applied  to  other  uses^  and  the  fortifi- 
cations were  left  to  crumble  in  decay. 


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OF  BARBA0OES.  mi 

.  A  most  infamous  pmctice  had  long,  prevailed  among  the  ^(^^^§5* 
unprincipled  part  of  the  commuaity,  to  the  manifest  injwy  ^  ^' 
of  the  cotton  planters,  of  buying  the  produce  of  their  fields 
from  the  slaves  by  whom  it  had  been  stolen*  No  endeavour 
to  check  this  nefarious  commerce  bad  hitherto  proved 
successful  The  laws  g^ierally  respecting  larceny  and  the 
receiving  of  stolen  goods  were  easily  elud^^  and  the  muni* 
cipal  law,  which  l^d  been  passed  for  the  ex jm^s. purpose, 
,was  found  ii>sufficieot  to  prevent  the  illicit  intercourse  be- 
tween oegFo  felons  and  the  dishonest  receivers  of  their 
pli^nder.     It  was  feserved  for  the  comprehpnsive  geninf 

^and  intellectual  acumen  of  Mr*  Beckles  to^  devise  an  effiec« 
t^^l  remedy  for  an  evil  which  menaced  the  industrious 
planter  with  ruin;  and,  if  he  had  given  no  other  proofe  of 
his  talents  for  legislation,  his  bill  to  encourage  the  planting 
pf  cotton  is  sufficient  to  establish  his  fame  on  the  firmest 
basis.     But  it  cannot  be  dissembled,  that  the  bill  in  itf 

■<>riginal state,  was  Jiable  to  many  serious  objections;  yet^  ^ 
thougji  referred  to  a  comxnittee  of  the  whole  hou^e,  it  un- 
derwent very  little  discussicm  within  doors.  This  deficiency, 
however,  was  amply  coi^peivfated  by  the  fbeedom  with 
which  it  was  canvassed  Uirough  the  medium  of  the  press; 
and  the  learned  framer  of  the  bill,  with  a.  candour  as  com^ 
mendable  as  it  was  uncominon,  readily  availed  himself  o£ 
these  anonymous  criticisms  to  imprpye  his  plan  aod  corr^^ 
its  errors,  ... 


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^M  THE  HI^ORT 

^^Ai^tm      Bjrthis sahiisrf  law,  the  atsenblj  »  inrcsted  with  tiio 

^''''     powor  of  appointing  twehe  iaspactois»  vbo  are  to  kcepao 

«til€«  iu^etuth  town,  not  for  the  pturpoie  of  iupectiog  ^ 

^ftttiliy.  of  the  cettofi,  btitto  guard  agunst  firattd,  by  asoem 

iaifiifig  the  pmpeitjr,  groirtb,  and  pnoduce  of  it,  upon  the 

oath  of  the  person  hf  whem  it  is  fctougfat  for  examination 

prerious  to  it#  being  offered  f<tf  sale.    On  being  satisfied  in 

these  partidtiliafs,  the  inspector*  who  k  entitled  to  one  rial* 

Ikig  fet  eaeb  hundvsd  weight  of  cotton  which  he  inspects* 

-    k  feiqtnii«d  to  issue  a  certidcate,  which  entitles  tbe  owner 

to  dlipMe  of  fait  pft>dttCe«    Any  person  swearing  to  a 

gieatitf  quan^y  of  cotton  than  his  land  {MPodVK^^  or,  upon 

tk  rnvmyt  is  thought  i»  be  capable  of  pfodudng,  is,  be^ 

hides  a  fof*ftltum  of  the  surplus^  indictaUe  for  peijupf. 

The  \A\\i  conOiritting  a  variety  of  oUier  provisions  for  the  sei- 

tttrity  of  this  species  of  pfopeity,  and  tbe  ptmishment  of 

those"  by  whom  it  may  be  invaded,  having  passed  the  assem* 

biy,  was  sent  up  fer  the  conctffrrace  of  the  odier  house. 

SqiNkUy  inattentive  to  the  privileges  of  the  assembly  and 

tiM  pveittgfttivte  of  the  Oown,  the  council  took  no  notice  of 

the  right  aesufiied  by  tbe  assembly  of  appointing  twelve 

Ipttblic  ofkcett  tat  oiioe»  bat  sent  bat^  the  bill  with  an 

amendmettt,  Uniting  its  contfaiMa&ce  to  tw^te  months  inv 

Mead  of  thMie  years.    Considering  this  as  a  moneybilH  Mr. 

9tmker  ^opposed  ttie  laneftKittieirt,  as  a  yi<^tion  of  the  ftmda- 

mental  rights  of  that  honse;  but  the  objection  Wte  ove»> 


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tiic|>eople»n  imppitftnt  lwK9cfo  gl*!!^  p»«qif t^ie ^ojK^Qijir 

jnrjr  were  ca«d«m9ed  4q ^ fiijllior/.  .4^(|i^  |i^|«^  v»»^ 
Hj  t»BikrH»iaied  4f>  oMll^e  ^  ^  4XnN^  fltatf  fof  .(lQSSif94ati<m- 
JQflUFb»<li»a0»  the  BOAgittr^jbos  4tE9«l^  t^  Pqw^ftfoWiV  7<t»$> 
use  ^ir  «ii4«|MrjO¥(ff|,  ^ifim$  ^  ibpur  ^  t«K]lMkUjVtfy  i» 

fDvtjrHittntti  r^^ea^  vk9k»9fiS»^49  ^  W¥&^  ^^^ 

ectB  >af  Tioicokoe,  irhiidi  fvnAHSid  Jt  ^lypq^  PS(pqM3lkMii$)^ 
irom  the  police-officers.  The  military  |^|l^qmpi  ^9f99^ 
^istdy'^diMT  ^  8iK(wd  avA  Hiade«a.thicB8t(fit«m^  ^il^tppn- 
tIabkB,  wIm,  oo  kss  ^tenaokiiiiB  lOf  ihiPAiid^bwty*  insj^w^ 
Gripped  cap  kk  beds,  Jind  idefxixfid  lii«i  ^jpf  ^  (P^^ipqiV 
<iiPiii<$h  was  diieally  «aaiqd  4UMl  jant  Jofc)  ibe  <9m99mm  fif 

^llie  teader  i^bais  aesirous  ^  ikteilDmm^^ 


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584  THfc  ftfl^bRY 

^^^^^^:^!^  Mr.  Enington,  a  respectable  justice  of  the  peace.  A  di«* 
^^^'*  graceful  scene  ensued.  The  grenadier  company  of  the  re^ 
^ment,  led  on  by  their  serjeant,  marched,  with  Tjayboets 
fixed,  from  their  quarters  at  Constitution-hill,  to  the  l^ouse 
of  the  magistrate,  at  the  western  extremity  of  the  town. 
They  rushed  up  stairs,  where  Mr.  Errington  was  sitting  with 
his  family  at  dinner,  and  with  the  most  horrid  imprecaitioiif 
presented  their  bayonets  to  his  breast,  threatening  him  wiA 
instant  death  if  the  sword  was  not  delivered.  Incapable 
of  resistance,  Mr.  Errington  was  compelled  to  give  up  the 
sword,  with  which  they  returned,  after  committing  several 
enormities  in  the  neighbourhood,  breaking  tlie  windows, 
knocking  down  and  wounding  several  of  the  inhabitants^* 
and  throwing  the  whole  towB  into  terror  and  confusiwi.  I 
have  no  authority  to  add,  that  any  steps  were  taken  by  tl^ 
governor  to  obtain  satisfaction  fbrthe  insuk  offered  the  law9^ 
in  the  person  of  a  respectable  magistrate,  or  that  any. pu- 
nishment was  inflicted  on  any  part  of  the  corps  who  had 
betrayed  such  a  want  of  discipline  in  the  conmiission  of  so 
flagrant  an  outrage..  • 

In  pursuance  of  the  Duke  of  Richmond's  scheme  of  for* 
tifying  the  British  islands  in  the  West  Indies^  the  governor 
of  Barbadoes  was  directed  to  require  of  the  assembly  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  land,  to  be  purchased  at  the  expense 
of  the  country,  for  the  fortifications  intended  to  be  wected 
agreeably  to  a  plan  formed  by  Colonel  Eraser.  This  de* 
mand,  with  a  requisition  of  negro  labour,  having  beea  sttl> 

S 


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©f  the  people  would  not  admit  of  any  coiteid^able  ibfcreai*e  *''*^* 
ofttaeit*  bfttth&D»t  fop  4he  «^cu^ity  4(f  ihe  islsiMi  and  the 
tt^pfKat  of  gcfvemftiefit ;  thisy  cdilld  not,  theiteftire,  comi^ 
fiy  witb  tke  d^aad  faitk^f  thaift  to  a^^ropriattb  to  ^& 
tetvice,  tbe  lafeoar  Which  th*  inhabitants  were  itiiilired  to 
^titributei  by  the  existing  hiwsj  for  the  use  of  the  fortifica* 
tioBS,  for  the  term  of  two  years. 

'  The  gtief  and  ctjitetamation  that  perVaded  the  kingdom  1790. 
00  the  sfeVere  indisposition  with  -rrhich  it  pleasdd  God  to 
aiBkt  ^e  King,  naturally  extended  to  this  distant  part  of 
i^  efl^pire ;  and  wh^  his  Majesty  was  happily  restored  to 
beaith  awJ  the  exercise  of  regal  power,  the  most  lively 
Jemotiohs  of  joy  animated  the  public  minid.  A  day  of  ge- 
neral thaiikegiving  having  been  appointed  by  tlie  governor, 
tWrnormng  yfoA  ushercAd  in  with  the  ringing  bf  bells,  to 
wliioh -succeeded  an  approprislte  service  iti  all  the  churches 
throughout  the  isknd ;  and  tbe  grateful  thanks  of  a  loyal 
people  were  oflfered  up  to  the'  throiie  of  grace,  for  the  di- 
vine favour,  vouchsafed  to  the  best  of  Kings.  After  the 
pei-feirmance  of  this  dct  of  devotion,  an  ox,  roasted  whote, 
with  plenty  of  Hie  and  ptfnch,  Was  served  out  to  the  popu- 
lace;'and,  in  the  evietiiiig,  !^dge-town  Was  brilliantly  il- 
lummted.  Upon  the  whole,  all  ranks  of  people  seemed 
to  vie  with  each  other  in  the  most  sptendid  demoristri'tions 
of  joy.  The  legislature  could  tidt  be  silent  on  siicH  iii  oc- 
%idsion :'  aA  address  of  congtatiil'aitiou  "Wks  voted  by  *botli 

.  4  r 


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586  THE  HISTORY 

CHAP^^L  housesf,  and  transmitted  to  the  agent  to  he  presented  to  thj^ 
^'^^^;      beloved  Sovereign, 

Mr.  Parry  now  began  to  turn  an  anxious  eye  tosirards 

his  native  country,  and  in  a  very  kind  and  complimentary 

May  12.    speech,  signified  to  the  legislature  his  intention  of  availing; 

himself  of  his  Majesty's  permission  to  be  absent  from,  his 

government  for  twelve  months.    Agreeable  to  this  inttmar^ 

July  6.     tion,  his  excellency  embarked  onboard  tlie  Philippa  Har- 

.bin,  and  returned  to  England.     His  excellehc/s  departure 

had  been  preceded  by  that  of  his  lady  about  fifteen  nnonths^ 

who  had  died  shortly  after  her  return  home. 

On  the*  governor's  leaving  the  island,  the  supreme  autho- 
rity devolved  on  the  Honourable  Henry  Frere,  president  of 
the  council.  Mr.  Frere  had  now  attained  the  object  of  his 
ambition,  pursued  for  thirty  years,  during  which  he  had^ 
sat  at  the  council-board,  in  anxious  expectation  of  obtain** 
ing  the  government  of  his  native  country  as  the  reward  of 
his  services.  In  the  usual  parliamentary  communications 
between  him  and  the  assembly,  all  former  political  and  perp 
sonal  animosities  seem  to  have  been  forgotten..  He  took 
luly  21.  the  first  opportunity  of  addressing  the  legislature  from  the 
chair,  to  express  the  satisfaction  with  Which  he  saw  the  ha*- 
niony  and  good  disposition  of  the  people  in  general.  Hav- 
ing the  fullest  confidence  in  the  good  sense,  experience  and 
discernment  of  both  houses,  he  hoped  that  unanimity, 
which  had  been  always  found  necessary  to  giv^e  stability  to' 
^public  happiness,  would  mark  their  proceedings.    And  he 


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OF  BARBADOES.  587 

ifeWfecfed  with.particular  pleasure,  that  linked  together  as!  ^^^v^"* 
they  were  in  one  cause,  the  prosperity,  of  their  country,.     ^^V 
one  cbmmon  interest  ought* to  unite  them,  nor  should  any^ 
thing,  he  said,  divide  a  legislature  formed  upon  one  just 
principle  and  pointing  to  one  salutary  end. 
•  The  addresses  were,  as  usual,  little  more  than  echoes  of 
the  speech.     The  council  would  not  suffer  themselves  to 
doubt  that  his  honour's  sound  judgment  and  competent 
tnowledge  of  the  constitution,  the  result  of  a  liberal  edu- 
cation, and  a  long  and  faithful  attendance  on  public  busi- 
nessj  together  with  his  distinguished  principles  of  loyalty 
and  patriotism,  \Vouid  leave  his  administration  to  reflect 
the  greatest  lustre  on  his  character,  whilst  it  diffused  hap-  "^ 

piness  among  the  people.  Nor  was  the  address  of  the  as- 
sembly deficient  in  expressions  of  respect  and  congratula- 
tion suitable  to  the  occasion.  ' 

The  business  of  the  settlement  was  brought  forward  by 
Judge  Gittens,  who  moved,  that  the  sum  of  two  thousand 
pounds  per  annum  be  settled  on  the  president  during  his 
administering  the  government.  The  motion  was  seconded 
by  Mr.  Mayers,  and  opposed  by  Mr.  John  bishop,  by 
whom  an  amendment  was  moved,  to  omit  the  words  "  two 
thousand, '*  and  insert ^ifeen  hundred.  The  amendment  was 
supported,  with  his  accustomed  ingenuity^  by  Mr.  Beckles* , 
Disclaiming  all  personal  enmity  to  the  gentleman  who  then, 
filled  the  seat  of  government,  he  declared,  that  if  thp  d/ear-. 
est  friend  he  had  upon  earth  were  president,  he  would  not 

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THE  HKITORY  \ 

^,K22^  vote  for  >n  increase  of  stalary.  It  had  beea  sai4i  npoa  *r 
^7*^*  fonnei:  occasion,  that  the  King's  example,  in  allowiiig  the. 
pjfejsideat  half  the  salary  allotted  by  the  Crowa  foe  it^  re«r 
presentative,  would  be  a  proper  rule  for  the  observanpe  of 
that  house ;  and  that,  asit  ha^  been  customary  to  give  tl» 
governoir  three  thousand  pounds,  it  would  be  right  to  al- 
Ipw  the  president  fifteen  hundred.  Mr.  Beckles  approved; 
of  this  rule,  and  lamented  that  it  had  been  departed  ffow 
in  the  case  of  .General  Cunninghame ;  but,  as  it  had  beeu 
adopted  in  favour  of  Mr.  Parry,  he  thought  it  would  be 
pnjulent  to  make  it  the  standard  by  which  the  salary  of 
both  the  governor  and  president  should,  in  future,  be  re-» 
gulated.  After  a  long  debate,  the  amendmeat  was  nega^ 
tived,  and  the  original  motioi>  carried  by  a  majority  of 
fourteen  to  five.  , 

The  depreciation  of  the  gold  coin  by  tlie  nefarious  prac« 
tices  of  clippers  and  importers,  of  light  gold,  was  an  evil 
which,  did  not  long  escape  the  presidait's  penetrating 
eye ;  nor  did  he  omit  any  thing  within  the  sphere  of  a 
vigilant  magistrate  to  suppress,  a  crime,  so  pregnant 
with  the  most  fatal  consequences  to  the  interests  of  a  com* 
mercial  country.  He  issued  a  proclamation,  prohibiting 
the  iniquitous  practice  of  clipping,  under  the  se¥erest  pe- 
nalties of  the  law,  and  commanding  all  justices  of  the  peace 
to  use  every  legal^method  of  detecting  the  dishonest  perpc^^ 
tratpts  of  the  act,  and  of  bringing  them  to  condign  punish^ 
ment*    On  the  meeting  of  the  legislature,  the/ president  re-^ 

5     *        ■ 


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OF  BARBADOIS.  58^ 

wmmitndeA  this  imliject  to  their  most  serioiis  eoaudertitSoli ;  ^^^^^I^'^ 
and  a  committee  of  the  aseemUj  was  appointed  to  inquire      ^"^^^ 
what  vould  be  proper  to  be  done  on  the  occasion ;  but» 
thouf;h  they  made  a  report^  to  the  house,  no  efltsctual  mea* 
suree  were  taken  to  re^xrew  the  evil  vmtil  the  fbUowing    . 

year. 

Meanwhile,  the  council  made  an  attempt  to  .introduce  as 
inaovation  in  the  colonial  penal:,  code,  and  to  punish  the 
white  teiirdcEep  of  a  slave  with  death.  To  tins  end,  they 
passed  an.  act  for  the  better  security  of  sbves  in  life  and , . 
member ;  which,  in  coosequtoce  of  the  imposition  of.  a  pe^ 
oumary  penalty  of  one  hundred  pounds  on  any  pevson  con* 
victed  of  maiming  a  slave,  was.  rejiected  by  the  assembly, 
under  the  impression  of  its  being  a  money-bill. 

After  an  absence  of  little  more  than  eleven  months,  Mr.    ,  i7&i. 

June  24. 

Parry  netumied  to  Barbadocs,  and  resumed  the  goviemtnent; 
Mr.  Frete'*  short  administrationi  fast  from  giving  rise  to 
tfcosfe  party  dissensions  which,  from  a  pa-evious  acquaintance 
witli' his.  political  principles  and  conduet,  were  expected  to 
result  from  itj.was  happily  a  season  of  the  most  perfect  • 
amity  and  concord.  Undistinguished  by  the  exercise 'o# 
any  particukr  acts  of  executive  or  legislative  power,  the 
even  tenor  of  his  govrtmment  was  influenced  by  no  oonsi*- 
demtion  distinct  from  the  pubKc  t^fare.  And,  wh^tteveir 
might  have  been  hi*  errors  in  a^  subordinate-  character,  it- 
was  his  peculiar:  felicity  to  administer,  the  .suprcane  autho- 
rity of  his  native' country,  without  increasiAg^the-aftimosi^ 


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^  THEHBTOltY 

<!}|JJt^5[^   of  h»»  political -oppohesats,  with  honfopr  td  •Iilin^Tf,'>a&d'<t6 
W't.      the  entiije  .-satisfaction  both  of  wings  and  tories*^  -^  <  1 

\..^  Pis  excellency's  arrival  was  acoooapanied  with  fresh  de- 
mands on  the  assembly  to  furnish  negro  labour  for  tli^com'-^ 
j^letiau  |0f  the  works  cairying  on  at  the  bastJe,  and  to  fjiro- 
yide  funds  for  the  purchasing  of  such  lands  as  were  stiH  re- 
c^uired  for  ei^tending  the  fortifications.  These  requtsidooi 
vere  attempted  to  be  eoforoed  ^y  a  threat,  that  tte  teifesat 
Qf  such  moderatie  aids  must  suspend  the  exedutioh' df  a 
design,  obviously  essential  to  the  safety  of  the  inland:-  Bat 
the  assembly  steadily  adhered  to  their  former' resolutioo/ 
jiot  to  increase  the  burthens  of  their  constitueots  by  any, 
pecuniary  grante  towards  the  works  carrying  on  by  govern, 
ment. 

The  peace  of  Bridge-town  was  frequently  disturbed, 
about  tiiis  time,  by  the  disorderly  and  offeasiive  manuen 
of  the  officers  of  the  army.  Indeed  it  ia  much  to  be  la- 
mented, that  a  more  amicable  intercourse  <does  not  subsist 
between  the  natives  and  those  gentlemen,  among  whom 
there  are  many  respectable  and  valuable-characters*  With 
habits  ©f  Hi fe  so  widely  different  from  those  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, no  principle  of  assimilation  seems  to  exist  between 
J792.  them.  This  contumelious  treatment,,  at  that  timcj  occa- 
sioned many  quarrels  between  ^e.  officeis  and  the  natifes  ' 


*  Mr.  Frere,  bniag  tfineittti  mow  injury  in  g«ttiii|r  «iit  of  bit  curiage,  died  «» 
4kt  »Ui  jaj  «f  Mayj  1752. 


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OPBARBADOES  8^1 

/M>meof  which  having  terminated  fatally,  an  appeal  to  the  chaPjXv«. 
lajvs  of  the  country  became  nw^essary.     Of  the  result  of      *'^*** 
one  of   these  appeals,  it  may   be  proper  to  take  some 
notide. 

It  seems^that  Mr.  Gabriel  Weekes,  son  of  the  judge  of 
the  admiralty,  was  involved  in  -a  dispute  with  Mr^  Slaterj 
Qf  the  forty-ninth  regiment.  Each  had,. at  different  times^ 
committQd  an  assault  and:  battery  on:  the  other,  for  which 
they  wei:e  both  indicted  at  the  court  of  grand  sessions^  In 
tl^eev-eot,,  Weekes  was  sentenced*  tOsix  months  imprison-* 
ment,  and  fined  only  ten  pounds,  in  consideration  of  his 
.pecuniary  embarrassments^  Slater,  on  the  other  hand,  was 
sentenced  to  only. throe  months  imprisonment,  and  to  pay 
a  fine  of  fifty  pounds;  The  chief  justice,  Mr.  W. -Bishop^ 
immediately  applied  to  the  governor,  and  obtained  the 
eptire^  remission  of  Slater's-  punishment,  while  Weeks  was 
permitted/to  endure  the  unmitigated  rigour  of  his  sentence, 
l^either  the  ftither  nor  the  son  were  of  a  temper  to  Submit 
patiently  to  treatment^  which  appeared  to  them  so  partial 
and  unjust.  The  chief  justice  was  attacked 'with  all  the 
i^perityof  wit^  and. the  venom  of  abuse. 

'The .  debased  -  and  mntilaled  state  *  of  the  gold  coin  had 
now.  b^conie  a  thetxM  of*  general  compiainti  The  iihport^« 
ti9n.  0^  light;  fiureign  cdkisii^ni  Greiat  Britain  ^nd  America 
w§8  carried  to  An  alarming  extent  by  strangers,  who,  hav- 
ing nq  inteirest  i^i  itbe/polony.^  ]^t  no  scruples  of  conscience' 
at  a  ^practice  so  repugnant  to  religion  and  iikoraUty,^  while' 


^i: 


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192  THE  mSTOHY 

flf^JJi^J^**  *^  f^^'^PP***  were.iiKjustriousjy  catiployed  in  dtmlDisfanig 
*^,  thos^  whict  were  of  ststndai;4  weight.  Urged  by  the  mag* 
nituae^of  the  evil,  the  governor  pre99cd  the  matter  on  <lie 
attjsntion  of  the  assembly,  and  earnestly  called  for  thpir  ^^ 
listance  m  su^^sting  son^  l^sktive  mta^ures,  propor- 
tioned to  the. exigency  of  the  ctoe.    The  house  readily 

^  June  8.  took  the  sAibject  into  consideration,  and  a  lavr  was  enacted, 
tp  punish  .all  persons  convicted  of  clipping,  conKterfeiting, 
or  iiliog  the  current  gold  coin  iwith  death ;  a^nd-the  importers 
o£  ^U  diminished  or  debased  coin,  besides  forfeiture  ^f  t^ 
coin  importe4;i  were  naade  liable  to  a  penalty  of  fir^  hun* 
dred  j^iuids.  This  law  was  soon  found  to  be  inefficacious. 
Offences,  privately  committcfl,  pould  Aot  be  pnnisbed  for 
tjie  want  <rf  legal  evidence  to  convict  th^  qSendnvn.  Pre- 
vention 15  better  than  remedy.  The  inost  certain  aod  in* 
fallible  way  of  keeping  m^  honest,  is  to  n^e  it  their  in* 
terest  to  be  so.  Had  the  gold  coin  be?n  made  current  by 
weight,  the  most  incorrigibJe  mutilator,  and  iitopwrter  woukl 
have  been  more  efifectuaUy  restrained  fro«i  tbeir  iiflamous 
praiCtices,  than  by  their  most  sanguinary  laws; 

The  subject  was  most  ably  and  perspicuously  treated  by 
Ae  roasteiiy  pen  of  Mn  Gibbes,  W.  Jordim,  the  present 
valuable  agf nt  for  th^  colony,  whose  siikperior  itttelligeQce 
pepe^ra^tes^  with  facility  into  the  fiwst  difficult  atnd  abstrdsci 
beanth/es  of  human  knowledge.  From  the  soundest  prinei* 
ples^  Mr.  Jocdao;  dedticed  this  jfUst  coAclusian,  that  the  only 
iE^fectual  resdediy  &w  the  existing  evil»  was  theestabiishineiit 
of  a  legal  currency  of  the  gold  coins  by  weight,  at  a  rate 


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OF  DAItfiAtK^ftlS.  §§^ 

proportioned  %d  tlie  real  v^^  of  tti*  bdllioii,  e«cluA«g^  ^^•JJI!^^!^ 
the  expense  of  coinage.    H^l^^bis^iiGiple  partly  in  vieir,      *^*^ 
Judge  Gitteas,  one  of  the  ctomtnittie  sippointed  to  teke  <Jie    junc  22. 
subject  into  consicfetatibn,  ihtfoduoeA  tt  bill  fo  temedy  the 
inconvenience;  but  by  a  strange  inconsistency,  itwaspfo^ 
posed  to  reduce  f  lie  standard  of  all  foreign  gold  coins  in 
circulation  al^out  ten  per  cent,  below  their  real  v&Ane. 

The  pernicious  tendency  of  the  bill  was  clearly  developed 
and  ably  combated  by  Mr.  Husbands  and  Doctor  HindB. 
They  demonstrated  by  an  irresistible  chain  of  feasoning,  that 
Vhe  vahie  of  the  thtotilated.  coin  wbiild  be  increased  in  pra^ 
portion  to  its  mutilation;  hence  the  Tillain,  it  was  said^ 
would  be  encouraged'  in  his  fraudnlent  practices,  and  re- 
warded for  his  nefarious  industry :  that  aa  tk&  regulation 
nor  change  was  made  in  the  value  of  silver,  all  coins  .of  the 
latter  metal  would  be  sent  out -of  the  country^  m  change 
for  debased  or  depreciated  gold,  to  the  great  injury  of  the 
inferior  classes  of  society,  who,  deprived  of  a  convenient 
circulaling^edium  would  starve,  like  Midas,  in  the  midst 
of  gold.  The  obvious  tendency  of  the  measure  to  enhance 
the  price  of  every  species  of  merchandise  was  elucidated 
with  great  force  and  perspicuity ;  and  the  proposed  i^nevai- 
tion  in  the  value  of  the  coin,  it  w^' insisted,  would 
operate,  like  a  two  edged  sword,  to  the  injury  of  ^both 
debtor  and  creditor.  In  all  insular  contracts,  the  fair  hoAlest 
creditor  would  be  the  party  injured  i  as  he  ^otoTtf  be  cont- 
pelled  to  receive  money  at  a  greater  Value  than  it  was 

4  G 


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i^94  IME«18T0RY- 

^'S^^  known  to  possess.    Oh  the -other  hand;  to  t\te  d^hfiot  wlio 

^'^*-     Iiad  remUtances  to  make,  either  to  Europe  or  to  Ameri^,'  it 

would  prove  no  less  detrimental  by  enlmnciog  fine  pi?c^s 

prodjucjts,  and  encreaaing  the  'rate- Qf,  eX" 

sil  arguments  urged  in  support  of  j^;  boll 
ould  be.  the  means  of  retaining  ^tt^j^.-^Qk^ 

'  within  the  island,  and'  ©f  guarding  froao  injurjro(hi|^r  l^f>|i^t 
iii6ney461d€rj  who  Imd  feir*j  received  the  mwiilaijbfrfig^d 

'\ti  the  course  bf  regular  circulation.  The  9Jl^§h§fiPtRfh!oi 
a  scarcity  of  mopey  is.a  cbimeca^  which  hsti^i^  pji^fj^p^in 

'nature.  AgricultUFe  &nd  commeice  wiUiieiK^j^^j^j^ 
means  of  procufipg  a  sofficieDt  qnaf^tfrnid^  pimif^* 
metals  for  the  purpose  of  internal  circulation.    4.^  to>,t|ie 

^ifnonery-faolder)  whatever  might  have  h^n  l^,j^i]^iate 

'^oss,  the  injury  mttSt  have  been'  small  c(^p{^re4::  ^|)^  ||^t 
isustamed  by  the  whole  commulii  tj9»  tn  pei^quttiqg,the4n^^mis 
tilaffie  ih  debased  and  dim»i^ished  com*  ,  ,£^J^.all  tb^  9^- 
m&M  add  fhetdiieeftiite  t^tpoaittonixK^re  e^i^iilp^ci^  Uvy^; 
flie^iiH-  pasied^e  bowse  by  a:MoaJQrit^  fi^^m^,  tp  5fyeo, 

'  TSid  ^fa«  sefnfe  iip  to  the  .coybsij/  .by,/w^f^„>t,j7e^^- 

July  5.  /W^  goverflOf  having  iaeomm©»d<e«;l-ll^jf^^f(^^o_,to 
i^Hkofiih^ consideration  of  thisiir^r^t  j^^JR^M^tftfl^^r 
filadd^"tfhb8«  condpct  thTooigh  <^yyih(i\^,gl{it}^  J^Rf^s 

trodu'ced;  a  iHll'for  regtiladflg^eburr^ncj?  of  thejgoW!  cpin. 


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The  Wtt'Ws  framed  .'Biif,lfcei»ftJbitftfy  j^  cg^iw^IpJle^piinfeipI^  ?iIIS^f 
of  jJHPeserviag  the  '»tafa«ter^,ftti4  ;^yWg  j  ^""^^i^^^^^J^  \}hf    ^^^ 
depteciated  coin  M  twqpefaaer^^4^rti)ipgf,fQr^cl^  grain 
tf  its'  treight.    To  ccuay  .rairidifi-e^iropv  Ppl!?ife^  ^^.  wf>- 
biased  by  sinister  motives,  it  must  be  matterof  astoni^hmeot^ 
that  a'ny  objectioD  could  estst  to.-9^plgQ<^o  l^ir  ajid  eligibte; . 
Kitfibrded  the  only  effectual  icin^y  for  t^^e.^v^  ^iVPJch  had 
beeii  s6 ' long  the  cause  of  comp^iqt  ^n4  4»*?'^f) j*  S9,  -,  1*® 
coQfilry^'  4ttd'  vru»  the  inost  pertnaf)^  secuiit^T.  -^^^^t  the 
fra\i<(lUIeiit|4^tittt^  of  dimiaisbtDgtbe  coioy  otof  impoirting 
depreciated  «^ie.  •  The  bill,  howeve*,  expeiioiLC^  a  vigqr- 
tbus'^D^^^peditioti  fv^m  ihe  famdB  of  iho:  f«iqD^,  maasjiH-Q,  in 
trhiehi  iMmbei!t' 'Again-  jMoraiJbd  9^^  »«9Hq4]  i^^s^n  aqd 
•^oOdiehse.  •""■'  ■■■•'.•'    v    •      ,n-,;,  ,  ....•  _:.:,-,. 

Mt^Ma5*ers,  Wris  now  enoooraged  %o  'mtro^»ce  ^  thtrd  ^^ 
bill,  tti^  pi*ih*;ijjte  andiendencgr  oS^M^^W^^^p^Q^ueijtke 
same'ay  thttt  %hk?h  had  ibemralriM^.  f^^^,.W  ^^ 
icouBcif,  consequeatly  it  experifiniod:  ^ jiiiK^r  (fjEit€;^-|,Six 
Week^  hadeliiipsed  sineetiieaMefnlbl^,ba4i^ffi,i^|^j$ ij^nii(Oj)[t« 
anfsuti^i^^^ntx)  their  eonsideratiQAo d  Wi^{|i,J^t  tf^ ^^y 
hid  'freqn^^l^  a^youmady  de  dje  ift)  d^f^j^nWi^^M  \<'^S 
&\ke  to  come  to  any  decision  oh  the  proper  mg|jj)^^  of 
cerR^(^tt^-tHe'«v$k  «ndi abases  <»iiiq|^aipf4jf^^^^  ^^,  as  . 
ftbti*  the  '^Afisfirias^  of  tfaei.'tn^ntyithetciojfras  Mifefij^ft** 
biliiy'  df'Hfefeif  Bgfeefai^  :t|paB :4ny>.pJi»yo|t;(j3|^jtorj^ji^e 
jam^ilked  cJ(4n'«o^l»feal7kilttei  Im  9tlS9iiymifikfi^^!^^fa((ie 
to  Ills  pM^(%ative,'and,-li(y^^,proc}tkiiHtt^^;j^  Aug.  4. 

4  o  2 


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grain  defi^i^tpf  t)])el,R  or|gifl4  jye^ght,  The .^^^jFj^qy  pf 
^^h*s€t<?oio^  has^pwtva*iecl  (eye^  s^«ce,  s^reeable  t^c?,  thip  e^fiit- 
able  rCjgiilatiQiu  .Ibough  it  must  be  evident  to,  eyeiry-maa^ 
1»ho  19  evw  httt  fisligbtly  -^qquaintec)  with  the  coBiti^tioa  pf 
Englaind,  that  the  proclamation  waRte^  tfee  coBi|(tti^qti><^ 
an  act  oCth^  legUlatiwe-fa^  laalw  il  biading.  Th»<ri>)ral 
procloquitiott  m^  ^fi^soof  t»||e  ob^rvaaeo  or  %  f)]^«0Utw« 

©fex^lii^  l^vs;  but  p^itherthci, King,  aprbiip  r<fpresenta- 
tiy^,«^»,.by  p«oclafla^t»oo»  ^lafeeJha^  *-  Jaw  which,  wa^ 


net,  so.  before 


.I-lOl' 


.      TJbe  bill  fcarmer^y  $eat  dpwn  by  the  council!  for  i^akfi^  a 
/:x"   ,fc#t^r  pw>vifioq#)rthp,pjewoB^l  sfH?upty  .pf  «law8  h^oaiig 

^^^¥^'^mr  ^*hft)POB#ff  filfti90|Wifi,»  ^e  other jife 
of  the  ^ateii^  90ttt|w#iig  ^f^s|t  t^eBanMM«s,ifoi  ^ 

Auf,2i.    ^aew«^  w?^.r^giv«4*  and.^  bil^P»kiflft  ftfewAft}A*WirjkF 
^  ^  l^ajf4^.  ^QBjr>,  ji4^oat;b^D^t  of 

>y  I)Q9tQr  i^; .  whft,.ei»||^      .^; '«(iiol«;,|Q^  p£.^ 

.     genius .an4.rh^toiic.i^>.»m^rfc,  .;i»e,;,»fitrtw.>M^  A 


->  ;^  *>*A 


^  See  thii  «^^  €leadr  iUi4»t^i»,B^^       Cowii,c»t  tol,  J.  y.  27a 


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akid^  energy  ia  h^tmt  t)f  Ue^  'mfe^  ^^i^&?' 

mefmb^r^   who    iatrddiiced    tt*  bi  ^^^^ 

ol>posed  ottljbjr  prgudioei  bt  thfi'  t 
and  humanitj  pleaded  in  sapport  c 
served!  J  high  in  the  estimation  of  t' 
the  nervous  eloquence  of  Husbanc 
genuity  of  Ifeckles.  After  a  long  a 
.  JmU<  was  lost  in  the  corami  ttee. 

•  f  QRhe  atrocious  conduct  of  the  regiciHes  of  France,  having      1793. 
rendered  a  war  between  Great  Britain  and  the  French  ro- 
pubiic  inevitable,  tb6  governor,  with  that  prudence  which 
distinguished  his  admiBistration,  convened  the  tegi^ture^ 
and  recoQiB^nded  the  putting  of  their  militia  into  such  a 
s^te  a$  to  bfe  capable  of  co-opearating  with  the  King^g 
laroops.    Sensilble .  of  the  dan^r  to  wluch  tlire  islap^  wat 
^fos/^^  from  the  critical  posrture  of  afl&uvs  in  Europe,  the 
dbsetabty  appoiated  a  conunittee  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a 
nt\¥  mUitia  bill:    The  principal,  features  of  this  bill  were   April  3a 
the  diamduntibg  of  the  cavalry,  and  tlie  establi^bjiiient  of 
j^nHikoiai  regiHieQls.     After  an  ample    discussion  of  its 
prifQoiple  and  tendency,  and  various  ai0endmeat»  had  ^eein 
iitad^  by '  the  'hou3e,  the  bill  parsed;  but  its  prepress  w^s 
obntufccted  bty^^be  tmseasouable  eKplration  of  the  awpseoiibly, 
whici  prevented  Us  bebg  sent  up  t4^  th^cpttacil^fof  their 
caocun^nce.     .  '  *        . 

Hostilities  having   actually  coB»m«oc0d  bot^v^eii  Qireat 
Britain  landt  Fraia«e»  ab  eKpeditwtn  against  Mttrtittioei  :was 


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^98   ..X-   .  THE  history' 

«^HtLi!."-  '<todertateiWiby;Aihnira4;)Gar<lner  amd  General  Bruce. .  Tbc 

^'^^     ihba*ift(nt&:!6f.!tiiat  catiritrjr,  participating  in  the,  misfor- 

tiiries'WhJ!^  iffli«ted  tbe  parent, kiogdonD»  were miseroWjr 

divided, 'ahd<I^i«i<^ted>by  faction  and  ?ebelli<m.    In  ^I^j» 

ideptdr^e  slvtMftiod^  tfaej^oraiista  sent,  a  deputation  to  tbe 

^  ^omfrtlfcfjdfitefr  w- chief  ,of '  the  BHl^h  forces  at  Barba4Qe», 

,  requesting  his  assistance,  and  stating  that  they  were  alrejady 

m  pbaMsd'ion  df  isomeistitMig  po9ts>    I;i<  cop3^qp^^o|  thi» 

'nnrltati^f]^^Adtt)inil  Gafdnei,  with  seven  ,8lypg^,Q|'Jae  line, 

-haVhig<G^aerid 'Brace  atid«  body  of  |aQd,,focp^  on  board, 

'  jprdcteded'  to  Martinico,  where  -.the  jtrpqps^  were  iipioediat^ly 

'^ibdedi''^'©«t,^  finding  -they-  were  likely,  tg  ^^counter  a  vi- 

■^o*oiis  1««feiancej  ^without  jrsK^iv^  ^^^x^  ^ivd  effective 

titiFf)|A>it>^fK>m  the  ro;fttli»ttf,  wliich  they  .1^  .b^n^ught  to 

ib&^e^i  the  British  comniaBders  reimbi^l^ed  their  troc^» 

June  27.    tfnd4«|urfted!tb  Bstrht4!9e». .  >Swne,  hundreds  of  the  wVetch- 

'tsd  liaihaMtantls  of  Martiiiico>  too)^  t^e  9pp<^r^unit^  pr  flyinf 

bti> 'iMJafd  the  fleeti-  froqir  .the ;  hqrrp/^ ,  o^  deinoi9ratic  ipge. 

Th^-  ;«ttwbiKfey f  of-  l^aBpf ba^iai^s.  was.  deeoly .  aflGecteid*  at 

thelfetlbm"  sithatidn  of  dJfese;  ^qluyppjy;  /ijgit^yps,  who  Vere 

'tKtey  ^thtdiBfll  "««' their  hami«i^».|ej(|»p»^.,^^j^ei7  and 

wte;  'A'libewil'  sutooripftioii  y^w^.i^i^^^i(^i^  ^eir  relief*. 

iiiiaisr'tte  f)At»iittge  of  -Preaidenfc  ?l»ft|»SR#  ^^^  f^.  ,f  «fficient 

'stitt'  M4^  sddh  irtteed  ;td'  supply^  th«ii^#e|^^^^  ^P^  i<«- 

vej^'iflSeiii  diaofr^,  the  f»«ighiH)Ufii?ft  J|^^|^j^^^^^ 

niost'of  thetn  bad*c(Hioexi9iM,.j       ,  • ,.  i      »     r 

The  ill  state  of  Mr.  Parry's  health  inaking  a  change  of 


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OF  BARBADOES.  599 

climate  necessary,  he  resigAed  the  government  into  the     ,^- 
li^nds  oT  the  HoticJwV«bl«>  WiHiam  Bishop,  pfesijl^^,^    -;  ;*i 
M  council,  and  emt^Tktd!  for  Nwis,  vith  ,aM?..4e§iffH<.<»f    ^^^T^ 
'jirbc<ieding  to  Halifax ;  and,  ii?  the  ev&it,  M  W)g?«)i^,^js 
'•health,  of  rettirriihg  to  Barbadoefc  *  Pif^ppoiilted  i|i,  thJ3 
''hope,  he  contmned  his  v&yage  to  Rng^m^i,  wiiere,  on 
"the  twenty-sixth  day  oif  December,  he  pai4  f^We'»  last 

''debt      ■'■  •■■■''•  •••:'.■-"••'. ^■■■ 

"    '  A  general  electiott  having  t^cea  place*  r&fm  4^J^J)f  ^   ._ 
*  the  govemd/s  departure,  his  honour;  the.pr?fid^i>ti;Mdian 

'  early  ^opportttnity  of  receiving  the  coKgr<«*^fttiian6  .^f  the 
legislature.    The  assembly  bavmg  gone  Ihrough  th§:Wa«l  Joij  «• 
cercftiotty  of  appbiti^ng  a  speaker,  and  prcitf^ting  Ifim  t» 
''  the  'p^siite^t;  VhWe  appft>batk>ii  of  their..cfe»^  W^:^^- 
■ '  pr^i  'ill  't^s '  the  Wwt  flatteriBg  and  .^loltt^  ^ted     > 

'upon  the  consideiation  of  the  piovisioti:to  be  mftdft*  for 

■  supporting  thk  cigh'ity  M  'govert«ii«it.<I  Th*  «i^ificL  Tf  as 
-''i JrodVi^e^  bflvrrril  A'/^oxv.  w^^  ^  »y^^ 

•of  two  thousknd  pound^^aii^iiaHy  ^bduWr  be settted'on  the 
^  Ir«ident,  tor  ieftaying/tli^  eiq^enses^dtf  M«  .adi«totra*,on 

'In  ameiidnieSt  w^ittbv«a  by  Bb<JtorHiadi».  andn^poq^ed 

'  '^t^nient  td'fiheehfeufldfed  pb>lll4l^^The^^6efidlT«fit^^^^^ 
^iea  kiitttK6«^ttal»otion;whi<dte-ffaBSU5»oi|t«^jyith 


reiec 


re^ 


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600  THE  rHBTORY 

op's  adminbtration,  were 
^sal  of  the  civil  and  mili^ 
acant  by  his  oim^promo- 
toted  to  the  commaiid  of 

the  Leeward  regiroeiiff  of  . 
nent  attorney  at  law»  ^vrag 

of  chief  judge  vS J^vo^:, 

tkly  followed  kfy  %be  iuA-* 
oiel  Weekes^  sole  jiid^«>f  \ 
revious;  to,  %-«  BlftlMi^  . 
dr,   the  ship  lMlSh(MA^  : 
capturedi  and  bso»^  toi 
Y   the  FjApimr::ktimuai. 
nense.valu^  vf .  tkft;  slsp^ ) J 
--  .   ^       ^  ^    got^fihe$4sM9tL]tfjmhofi'^ 

immediately  had  it  intimated  tp  Mr.  Baitoo,  a^iUMslMrotiDf  :/ 

•I     ■-  *  ^      .     • 

much  respectabilitjp'^  at  Bridge^^Town^  wIki  y|i&^m>ill  i^    ' 

'*  .  ^  ^  •      * 
the  pn2;Q,   that  h^  should  ef:pect .  a ;  fei^ ;  of  ^Hfeyitbacilgd ;  .'.-^ 

pouncis  for  expediting  tb^   coiideiit|»tiqnj<hf'^Ttbefr«e*Rdv    \ 

Anxious  to  obviat«i  the  delays  of  i»ffici?^  aiKi:tbe:^fffifeiii4ie& ..  • 


■H'  *^'^'-^  < 


:  i  . 


,.t    1. 


•V* 


^  iMbr.  <IbM  dfitg  sdon  tftmraidb,  tlie  tomma'nj  of  tktt  divitiop  wm  entnvted.^ 
t#  "SaamDt  JESddi;  - Aifiilei  <  toan  of  tbef  o^ost  tidiWdleitit'  aftd  ^im^^  * 
clitncter*  it    i- 


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,wln«)i  -mm'  tliKWi  Itt  Ijii*  i*i^,;^:  i3«Btwi  «^iiwtte4  to  ^fjygj^ 

igiakiiiAtokii' '■'■■• .  ■•'■■:■  v.    '  ■■  ,.•  ..  /  ■  •.         '•■■  •' 

^Ehe'^qMnwettsemtot  «f  the  ye«^  wiis '  stoon  ^eeeiiliGi4  liy    J".  «• 
the  ««teoBB«  aniVaA  of  a.s()nM£ron, ;  mideif  1^  cejiinui«4  fd 
9a 


he 
ak 

om 
pnn 
he* 

troo 

fltrei 


4  u 


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^^J;*^?-  plexidn.  .  He  proposed" ioi^W6vt'a Mr  fcite^r^Sat*  (hb^, 
^^^'      that  should  be  sent,  and  to  ^ay  the  foil  value  of  such  iis 
should  be  killed,  maicned  or  mislsirtg  wheto  their  jtime  of 
service  had  expired.     A  proposal  so  fair  and  liberal  if^ 
^^  reJEidily  agreed  to  by  a  large  majority  of  the  assembly ;  and 

fi  bill  was  ac(X)rdingly  passed  to  compel  the  oti^a^^  of 
slaves  to  furnish  a  contingent  proportioned  to  thdr  whole 
fiumber,  which  soon  received  the  concurrent  sanction  of  the 
Wber  branches  of  the  legisTature.  Bat,  after '  all^  mhea^  the 
ii6gik>es  were  ready  to  be  sent  in^  Sir  ChaHes(  Gney  abruptly 
Infused  to  receive  them$  upGaLtbeireiy/o(MditidD&  which. Jbe 
kad  proposed  '  :l    ;    :   i     *  '  : 

r  ^o  h>se  no  opportunity  of  nranifesting^  the  Ibn^^^  tifJim 
eeal,  while  the  antiament  lay  at  BarbadoGs^.  the  pretnctent 
generously  opened  a  subscriprtidn  for  ith6<  stippprt  of  the 
^9we»  4^d  children  of^th4  nbiMtomii^iisiaiCTfewl  officers  and 
privates*  of'  both  deparimeqte;  *  Fbarhupeked  (pounds«stei> 
ling  w^re  thus  i^ised  foi:  the  use-  of  :^^ese  people^^cwho^ 
thbugti  they  wer6  ndt  suffered.'  :to'  pnoceed  with.  Ahd 
troopB  t^  Mariinico,  wei^  ailipflf  ^pnviAed^  fbt  by.  govecm^ 
ment.^     •       '  '  -'    '•'     ■'^'  *'■  '  ">^^  *  •'%."■'  [t  ' '  ''*.!  -':  V  .      '-^ 

On  the  tJiiixl  day  of  Ifel^u%Wy,ihe(e»pedltMW 
Bay^  and  ipade  a^  descent  oti  Ih^'  t^iut  Of  Maruhiccu/  Fr^ 
the  good  under6tto^n^/1^db'hapt)i1|y  )^ 
the  president^  the  adniifal'  attd^^geifteralj  their  (fexeelteociei 
condescended  to  cbnimtinic&l^  to  him  tiife  ulterior  io^a* 


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.♦teiisv'of  H^\lGla£i£ed.t^tcei,  ^wjiich  were  Tetnllarly  puli-!  <«^5,i^^ 
jJsK^I  by'hiskiitiiority^,  ifai  <<bo<BaTfeadoes  McrcuEjj;  a  con*^      ;^^^''*' 
d^'6t!'»ftt-^wlii^h'  tJie'  adttri*a*''aT^'  .jgeiieral   were    not  weH 
^a»ed^  •  ■  BtiV  flSs'^hef^p&tticdlkifs'  o^  the  campaign  are  iiri4 
G^nfaectfeA  ^ifilh^thfe  designxofitiiiK:^^^        we  shall  decline} 
§frt*rifl^  ^  A'8(^jefet^\^JbicfeIciat^  ftLUk^Msitliin  the  province 

'  of  the  general  historian.     It  may  notyJiow^ter^Ue  iiriproperi 
fi'-ofiser^efy  thdtTa^^V«llinte^  .!'*     ?    • 

isfe'|!)pf54hg- ih©  <>rave  baidiew:  dnd.  i^^h^  employed  in  thq 

.  fetludtroh^' oiF  Martihido*  with-iliveJ  sjtock   aad  ,  fr^h  proyij^ 

^  isioHss-'  aiid'^tl^  /1fcfa»  q«antl4y    .fora&he'di/.  wds    in    tfa» 
highest  degree  eifeditkfele  to«tl 

^  ilie*  dohflfors;*  ^^^     ^^  •   - 
'"'  Th^^ president's^  itidfectietioi 

and'  \vhi'dh;  'hid  his.  iafluenc 
'society  rfend^rfed  unattainable 

tTbhn  Jervis,  ill  \H1ich.hi5  lioiii- ^ ^ 

Vefe '  treated  '^rth  equal  indelicacy  and  ^disrespect.  Tbo 
adhiiral*  begati  iti*h  remarking,  Hthat  he!  Imd  waited  with 
some  degree  of  impatience  Tor- the  powerful  aid  which  Sir 
Charlfes  Orfey  and  Jainiself  had  been  taught  to  expect.  But 
far  frbrW  tecciVrtigany  assistance,  the  crews  of  his  Majesty'l 


\  .. 


i  ^^  '1  '^'The  talUc  «ff  this  oArHrg' wan  six  kun£|redand  fifty,  pounds.. 

4    H    2  '  '    ' 


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tm,  ^fgfQ  infimted  with  'artarou  pf  «n»tes*  ^tmder.lbe  <ttMM^i<m  iif 
comnmsjoQs  isfued  b^  t|je,gi»^ekrQM»  of  U^  dfflTereptAfliwcU. 
£car  these  rea^oas-he  deaited  :tus  banaur  'wtMJildvQimveRie  tkff- 
lBgja)ature»ad^|>ce8ent  to  t^iem  t^  ^^fiwmH^v^  itokii^j^ 

boturd  'hn  Ma}est^'«  (fle^,       , 
Mtfch  21.       Alarmed  at ^he  f  pprebawioQ  i^ .b^viqg  ;gt«ea  offeoQEt  At 
pey8on8«rho6e£rieiKl«hipand  es|«)em4ieMI  «2duloiisy«»- 
deavqunNJ  ito JOikivolB^  the  ipn9«Mletiit.,t»9l(ieiied  to  jOMnp^ 
ndth  the  admiral's  .doBioQ.    'It^e  MseiAbly  i^nog  met»  .pur- 
taabt  (to  ta  ispecid  tttimaiiOi]^  rree^t^ed  iii<«v;s«u|e<frp«n  tW 
fNresidenty  with  a  copy  of  Sifr  John  Jeirvis's  letler> -earoest1|p|£ 
coit|«inBg:theiil,  **  fagr  enrerjr  jwt  ^Mad.  tfiwlec>coosideia.tiob, 
iorJiierhonQitcand  iCr^dit  o£\t\^  aaci!e^t.4ad  lojtal  colonjr^ 
'to  pay  {the  rfnU^at-aitenftioa  to>the  ftmge$lion»Kif  rhis  .excel- 
lency, the  commaodtsr  ID  iCfaief  o£hi3  M^^jr's-  naval  forces ;: 
And«s!the  s^prcsteatattlvfis  of  .tbejpeqple,,  toma^^  use  of  the 
fNower  vfimifid  w  ithi^n  to  mark  out  thai!  loyalty  Tqf  which> 
liiex;oiiotry  hod  fetflea  «t  all  periods  coospkuc^Si^"    Thp 
message. coofoJuded  «;ith  woonEunandioig  the, passing  of  ao: 
act  to>treQgU^n  th(&  hands  of  Ute  civil  power,  bjjtvenabliog 
the  fnagisSi4t«)&  Jto  .^preb^  Acameii  of  idi  descriptions  j. 
and  that  a  bounty  should  be  graiited  to  a  numbec  of  able- 
bodied  seamen,  to  assist  in  niattmng-tiie-fieet. 
T!hfi  ittaassi^  i  baoQag  b^&  ,cea4»  3lr..  Solicitoi-Geneiai 


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Avse  4nstrtuat9Qiu  ttirova '  o^  by  4be  tftdmir^  expr^MKl  ^i^i      ^'^ 
Aaii W  ikMM)e«ain|j;  ithe  ^pirbpirietx  jpf  ttW  fiveaiti^entis  fiuit  ^re* ,  ^ 
quiftition.    If  flting  as  rtdurt  lionBe  more^  Ht  a|k  ^ti^ie^^  ,t9^  , 
ftilSrd^  .^Tecijr  Jiebessaigr  aid  m  'ii:is  M'^eat/'p  fofoep^  it)i^ 
•ho^^  Uke  care^  *^rl  l^ckles  /sadd^  not  4a  leac  f$^ht  ql  -X\^   , 
constitiiitioAad  tights  of  iW  silfa^t.     AJItbovgh  t^ft  iW;^ 
pi^ihg  ^f  •eam^iL  vbad  beea  saoctioneo  b^  cuHoni,  ha 
wa«  «6t^au«t^e  of  any  act  of  parliameat  bjr  which  it  was    ' 
expressly  aiithcH^ized.    Tb  take  ap  .yagraQt  «eamQiU  Mddt  if 
they  iPere  if^baia  ta  be  de^eiteca^omfthe  fleet,  to*  return  theni^ 
might  be  very  proper;  but  ta  take  up  all  seamen,  iodis«- 
crihiinatdiy,  andito  aebdl  them. on  aboard  his  Majesty's  ^hips^ 
would  be,  he  saK^,  n  most  glaring  ioTiingement  ba  tb^ 
fibeHy  oJP   the  ^Bubject*     iWith  jrespect   U>  a  bouaty  t# 
those -^seamen  who  should  voluntarily  enlUt,  JM(r.  ^Peckl^;    ,  ' 
bad   no  objection,   a6  k  could  not  burthen  : their  CQQsti«- .. 
tuents  miu)h,  and  .might  be /of  essential  «er.vioe  to  the  ex^ 
peditipn,,  .        ^^t 

Justly  indignant  at  the  unniented  i^^daohos  which  the 
adinimi  had  cast  upon  Hhe  colony,  and  yet  more  at  tl^e  le« 
¥ity*with  whiqh  the  assembly  wicfle  treated  in  ^.being.. called  . 
lirora.  their  distant  homes  on  so  frivolous,  atte^ocosioo^  Sit 
JohnG.  Alley nepioved  three  resolutions.  The  puisport  pf 
^e  first  and  fleeoadwas  the  tejettion  of  l^th  the  presi*^ 
deats  fec|iiisitioiis;  while  4iie  4hivd  wasanteod^d  io  joaio^ 


& 


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em  THE' HISTORY  0 

f 

^^^'-  taitififce  digoitjr  of  the  housei  by  dfeclarinrg  thafthe  a&fenfl 
^^^*^  bly  wottld  ^not^  in  fature,  ;obeywany  summons  for  tlieij?/ 
riitetiiig  out  of  t^  ordinary  course  of  adjournment,  uiiles^ 
ihe-d^tii^  df  tfee  ppeciaKeall  should  be  recoMamended  to 
them,  through'  the  speaker,  at  the  time  of  their^being  ;sum* 
fnoned.  These  resolutions  were  opposed  by  Mr.  Mhyeifk 
and  M^.  B^^kies,  who  particularly  objected  to  the  last,  as 
being  unparliamentary  ;  they  wei-e,'  nevertheless,  agreed  tO| 
those^  two  gentlemen  alone  dissenting^  It  must  be.confesf 
sfed,  that  the  last  resolution  was  extremely  unconstitutional 
ftnd  utterly  indefensible  upon  any  principle  of  pariiamentarji 
usage,  ,  ;  .    :  •  i 

.  The  president's  extraordinary  attention,  tp  Sir  Charley 
Grey,  and  Sir  John  Jervis,  and  the  uncommon  earliest* 
taess.with  which  he  endeavoured  to  promote  their  designs; 
drew  from  them  such  favourable  representations  of  hi? 
conduct  and  zeal  for  the  service,  as  produced  the  most  flatr 
tering  expressions  of  his  Sovereign's  approbation.  Andt 
in  consequence  of  a  communication  between  Mr,  Secretary 
Dundas  and  Mr.  Brathwaite,  the  colonial  agent,  to  whom 
the  president  was  nearly  allied  by  marriage,  his  honour  ex- 
pected to  have  been  confirmed  in  the  government  of  the 
island*  But  the  policy  of  the  British  cqurt  not  allowing  the 
appointment  of  a.  native  to  that  situation,  Mn  Dundas,  it 
was  said^  proposed  the  .government  of  Tobago,  as  a  reward 
for  bis  fifervices.    Withqut  consulting/  tl\e  jwjesi^eftt^  Mr. 


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Brathwaite,  to  whom  the  offer  was  made,  replied,  that  the  ^^^^^^^^ 
government  of  Tobago  would  neither  be  agreeablfe  nor  pro*     ^^^^  : 
fitable ;,  and  these  prospects  at  length  terminated  in  an  pr^ 
der  from  the  Crown,,  to  the  next  governor,  to  reinstate  Mr. 
Bishop  in  the  office  of  chief  Judge  of  Saint  Michaers 
precincts 


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66s  tiffi  HUfomr 


I  i 


1'    • 

i 


CHAP.  XVIII. 

<»e0moe  points  rickett8,  kso.  appointed  oovernor-— aoi' 
pici0u8  cohhenceheyt  07  his  admin istration^jupae 
weekes  convicted  of  extolltion — militia  established— 
a  eeform  of  the  courts  of  law  attempted— the  store* 
keeper's  demand  revived— Alarming  statr  of  affairs 

Ilr  THE  west  INDfXS — ^A  MORDER  COMMITTED  BT  ^0£  I^Eillhr 
— SXTmAORDINAY  IKTBRPOSITIOK  IN  HIS  rAVOVR-^^lOLEirT 
COMMOTION  IN  BRIDOS*T0irV-^DENNr  TRAySMRTBD-**MR. 
«IBBES  SUSPENIftSlH-HMVBltNKXNT  AlWFtS  TUB  DANOBAOOS 
SCHEME  Of  EMFLDTINO  BI^CK  TBOOM^-HIIS  JOHV  OBrT .  Ali- 
.  XBTNB  BBTIBBS  FROM  PUBLIC  LIFE— MB.  BICKBTTS  BBSfOIS 
THE  GOVERNMENT — IS  SUCCEBDED  BT  Plt£S|D£|iT  BISftOP'-'^A 
COMP£NJ>|UM  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION. 

^.>r%^  X  fiE  government  of  Barbadoes  was  now  destined  to  ex* 
Patience  an  important  change.  On  the  recommendation 
of  fiord  Hawkesburjy  his  Alajestj  was  pleased  to  appdint 
^^^rge  PbyniB  Ricketts,  Esq.  to  represent  his  rojal  per- 
•ott  ita  this  colony.  This  gentleman/'wHo  was  then  em- 
>lojre(t  in  a  similu  character  at  Tobago,  was  a  native  of 


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OF  JBAUfeAD^ES.  60g^ 

Jamaica;  aad^  though  hom  within  the  tropicsp  possessed  cha^xvuij 
the  elegant  manners  of  a  courtly  education.  Faroe  pre^  uoh 
ceded  his  arrival,  and  prepared  for  Mr.  Ricketts  the  most 
cordial  and  flattering  reception  in  Badrbadoes»  representiog 
him  as  possessing  all  t^ose  valuable  endowments  of  the 
mind,  which  peculiarly.qusdifiedliim  for  the  arduous  and 
delicate  task  of  governing  a  people  whose  fidelity  to  their 
Sovereign  was  inseparably  connected  with  an  ardent  ^al 
tor  the  nii^ntenance  of  their  civil  rights^ 

"Havmg  arrived  and  assumed  the  governmeipt,  his  emcelr 
lency  immediatefy  is9ned  tbe  ntee8ter3r.]diractipjQ;s  /tpf  font 
y|[^tiiftgthe  j^skture.  Oa  their  i^eeting  1^  addf^nqi  both 
^l)Q¥»^ti!(^/WPlc8(^^''->'^'i'^i'<^^^^  Am&fig  the    Junei. 

-he^Mti  ^iihatiki>a«Hiiifigi  Uimei£«f-liie'««riki^ 
^*  nract  aBrle^8ifkt0wbf)d  j^Hdf .  i)^  r<M<iic6%  «9Mny;  -  kn  difl- 
^dMigBdtktt  inoM  ««]e<nn^  4ild^^  «9MJ|  iB^^ 
tfae^4be>redect6d'mi  ^d  titiavailivg  Mortis  iof  di^titot  iiM^ 
tioos  and  remote  agesi  to  tiuunt^ih  a^6vernm<9nt1ihBtisbawl4 


A  I 


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610  THEHISrtmY 

^^^^^  vened  to  expi«f»  tiMtr  «iire9tiai0fe4«ntiaiiettt8<^M  msf>- 
*''^-  cise  t^ir  acknowledged  rightt.  '  Hiis  digmded  iysteoar  «f 
fifoeity^  whilst  it  teugfatliiem  to  ddr^^d  their  own  pritile^68^ 
nt^duld,  4ie  W49  ^ntiMled)  lead  th«A  to  paiticipate  in  -tM 
geaebil  ftpii«t^f}gmleAU  k»^ty<  which  4Bmima)M  the  Bt^^ 
empire.  friKy  would  fieel  plcamiue,  Iw  said,  in  iMsiDtaaaaf^ 
the  moit  afibctioMtte  hanaony  wiA  the  mother cooBtiT")  aod 
ki  soggeMiBg  and  i^totnOtiog  such  meaMitB  as  >wotld'4ttoat 
efiectually  contribute  to  produce  individual  lu^i|MMfif»  ^stld 
general  proHfierity.  Hiese  tentiiaeBts,  he  wem9rhed,^'iaitti* 
rally  arose  in  tktt  miads  of-  mra  wlio  w«e'bles6ed  with  « 
^OD6tit«f|ieii  baf^fuly  attd  equally  re*iote  froA  turhvtoBee  and 
d^pbtisn*.  They -were  mtk  a»  he  was  happy  to  reeogmM^ 
whoi/e  ibdeed  he  had  lieea  taught  to>  espoct  tfattn,  in  «  co- 
lony which  he  hoped  long  to  consider  as  hiB.hoaaO; 

In  aSusioii  to  Ihe  aetflement^h«ieq«eBled4hat  theassemr 
bly  ^cdd  inMtv  no  jienonal  conBidefartiqn  towavds  faitt  W 
Wm  ih^  sttfallest  inflaence  in  the  discusaioit  ^  a  poUie 
ffacotiOn^  He  ass<»ed  them  that  m  Uttendiag  to  ther  in^ 
t^«St84)f  (SM-edlohy,  and  the  wishes  of  their  ^nstitaents^-^ 
their  pi4mitey  obfe^,  they  would  render  wfytribttttfdfich^ 
eMeem'doiibly'wefeoaie  to^hini.  -He  urged  bo^  boueea*  1M^ 
a'Wntitraaiyee  'of  evtty-  p(MBtUe  pfquasation-  fta  'their  de-^ 
'^Od;  aad-a  co-operation  in  any  pkm  loir  general 's^co'rityr^ 
attif  itind^Voiii«d  t6  impiiess  on  Ihen  nAinds  t)Mf'propri«i^%f 
an  tinr^itted  attention  'to  the-Vttrieus'and  iMpbltatttv^i>: 
cial  duties  of  their  situations- iiidirJduaUy.    In  the  courts  of 


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mm  m^  tmrnty  ik^yM^^mtf^^  viUH  ixy  tspacti h)»iw»>  ^^^^^ 
9»mktttiA  tmp9g^i  ^iplduity^!  '^b«  ih<iv\d  they  !<M;|])edt?,it     *^'*** 
an:^9jiii. "  >  He  miticipii^  )|h§.t  bnpi^mas ,  which  iwfwld  T^4it 

«Nxnls;.:"i.Bomv^til  aib^haipfr^ltplfiQldcJIW'iwitl^uii  the  tropica^ 
md  ^vi|^  <>f)ciisimiall7itfi^^dcW(ibta^  cto»^»  in  »  pubr 

tim/lo,tfa9itKt^ire.><if ;nj'3Counte9rw«ii;   A^»  )^«3«^br)3is«h* 
4ibte  X  ibt^y<i^\^)my6G^  Jbo  >  fsimilt^r  lift  >  .other  xnpsp^flte^  tto 

tWaiK^pflPifttiJq  pqttioft.cKp^ft  Ms^j^sJy'a^^i^bjRpts  ,i^pfi^f^ 
my  nobleatrtl©ttafid[-".i  ijor^i.j)  c'  ;;  Jol  i-.>:.).i  )J  »lji  'r,  \.::). 

iomf^M  fey  ^.fM4mtofi^^fi?al,iMr.iBf»iiyi<^ii^hoiim«!wi4) 

«>P^«»jo|}ifftoiai9|?tr.>heenrf»ft<ift  wMi^^^  .^lfti$<§9#^ 


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17\*.* 


aary*'-*  ^    ;  ''.-*-       .*.•..'..■.  ..;, .,., 

'*  f*cV  men  m  atiy  age  t^r  ciouatrjr  ©fct'  snocaoded  rfo  /the* 
«d]ii^nie  authority  under  circifiiMtaAees  wore  jonfiicuiiit 
lliwii  tb<>se  wiiich  exited  at  the  time  of  Sif  n  iiwk^teB  ac* 
ccftsidn  to  the  gdv^^rtiinent  of  SUrtbado^.  ^  flitroDg  fWfdi*; 
ledaon  in  his  favour  pen^adcd  the  ^pwifclic  nimt  'X5b6  tpo* 
ikeness  of  ^  manners,  the  affabilitT-  «f  ^d^povloft^iit  9m£ 
^lefniavity  of  bis  tetiipcar,  condliated  alliieiifrt^Jdafatj'piikfE^ 
all  parties  m  one  commoo  sentimeot  of  ttf>f(Pobdbieh  .ariJI 
esteeni.  An  understanding  at  least  speeio^,  jffiatd  to  « 
%eait  ^^ingiritti  the  gei^ine  idlings  of  piattMti«ii,'a& 
^ordeli  Ihe  most  rational  presages  (^  ih^.  imp^w»&  trhick 
•'^  prudence,  1^  mildness,  and  tqvttty  of^iis  admiaistrai^ 
tion  would  diffuse  among  the  people  -plaoed  tttidier  his  go> 
temib6nt.  Tte  censtit^oDfd  maxidi,  ^at  t^e  Joiagina  )do 
DO  wreeg,  w{»  witlingly  etctended  to  his  >^pitm3atatin4 
aiid,  as  if  ctn  axiom,  obviouslj  light  and  aaopediemtifa  paji« 
%ics;  lirere  e^alfy  ti^e  and  jUst  in  «tiye«,  his  au>at  vmbd 
faults  were,  without  he6i(dtktt,  ittpimtod  to^  vthttra.  (Ehe 
^earIy  ^er6ise  of'^his  iEunotion*  toa&naeA'i^  public,  oospeet- 
lation.  A  generous  di'siateiiestedAeallbrjlhe  vr^agmsaiiit^ 
romraunity  seemed  to  "be  tSie  Dnlyaf^iig  4lMtt«etaMried  thii 

conduct.  '  • 

¥i^m  ^obagb^-the  govtnmor  %TC^^'#4th>him,>m  j^^ 
TOCtei  df  his  private- secr^^acryj  Mr.  ib^bait  ^^KinlM9p»>i» 


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«4|^8d  byUie  £ftVAWi(e  of  £<iF«r4  IJ.  At  thfi  '^nt>khSQ^H^,. 
Saom 'after  hb  expeUon^y's  arriyAMybr.  Wiin}>«r]jf  w^  |^- 
p«iat^  tothe^onunaA^.of'Cfaori^fiJ'ortoT^^  W»8  f^lWYr 
Qil4>y  tke  apipointcaffnt  ^  Jepyty-^ftcJ3etyy»  in  U^  FpAnti  f^ 
V4d>  JiH»tff»  Esquire,  who  had  resigned  tfaeofii/c^  on  boing; 
^ipQiRte($l  43o«AaQisary-^eoerai  .of  bis  MaiesAy;',$.fQrce^  mibfi 
West  I«^^4  About  Ihe^aqie  time  Mf.  Pi^r,  jcjiief  jus- 
tice wf  fiaint  Mieb««l>  ^fecioot,  re%ign€^  hj^  digoifi^' «, 
t'oatiop,  ai^d  the  president  was  satisfied  toiieiiceod  firojocii  ud->' 
i6HU9tenBgth«  sopceBse  authority  to  >ti)e  sufc|pn)lin»te  «^e 
of -adroiflistering  jwtice  404  court  yof  coauynoa  ptea«,     . 

^SeosiWe  of  the  iaoportaoce  <»f  a  jsteafly  and  f^tbful  dis- 
ti*«itioa  of  justice,  Jhisexoellency  early  ro«iif<5sted  (tie 
deepest  »<dickude  00  •  this  subject.  In  his  anxie^  tp  re- 
store the  judicature  of  Uje  counjfy  to  its  proper  ra»k  ^. 
value,  he  wrote  circidar  letters  to  the  judges^  insisting  on  fi 
more  sedulous^attentipa  thauljad  been  given,^©, their  duty  5 
to-wbich  they  were  encourskged  by  the  lavidable  example  of 
diligenoe  A»d  disip^tch  exhibited  to  their  view  in  the  courts 

«The  colonial  eonstitution  -unwi^y  i-equiiiog  an  ADOiuijl 
election  jof  Tep^esenta^ves,  we  aje  frequently  reduced  to  tte 
.^ec^A!ty,7Qf.rejpe^tijpg,,Ln;tl^e^ce,pf  a  fe^'page?,  th^'re- 
curreope^f  til^e.sftffle  py.eftts  .^o4  ^QOTQiUQaJ^^s.    ^4-  ^9^ 


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t|,f^  4;qV>i|i^  f^Iianuait,  to  lay.  ^fpre  them  several  import^u 
ai^t^p^^tif)ulafS|  ^wbich  he  felt  it.hi$  dutjr,  he  sanl»  io.si^' 
gestrfw  their  poMideratioo.    The  principle  cto  which  the- 
i^jUitia  WW  ft|»od^^^  hpwever  coogenial  witk  t^^ 
cpmmoa  law  of  £B,^laii<i»  ^periehce  h«4  »bew^  to  fcjeia-; 
^ectual  and  opprp3$ive.     It  was  their  provinpe^  be, le- 
ii^arked^  to  majce  such  alterations  both  iu  tbe  th<^r^  ,^^^^ 
practice,  a*  may  appear  most  conducive  to  the  pU(blicJn-7. 
t^KfStjj  ^yoiding  eq^uajly  established  prejudices  and  unni^-: 
oei^^ry  ianovations.  /  ^     , 

-  It  was  an  unpleasant,  but,  he  feared,  aQ,  a^Hi^qwled^d; 
t^}^  |hat,the  ^^>iDi»tration  of  justice  in  most  of  the  coyi^ 
oj  law  WfiSj^a^  b^st,  irregular  and  UDcertairj.  .TMs^he  ins- 
cribed ito  fome  rafli^al  df^fect  in  the  systep,  as. he  Was  too 
"^"j^ffiiP^^ftf  7fth  the  (jharacters^of  the^eigo'9s  ^t^^^re-^ 
sided  in  those  courts  to  imputq  any  blame  to  them.  The 
inefiectiye  state  of  the  police  was,  he  said,  a.  subject  of 
shame  and  regret     ihe  eiiects  of  this  negligence  were  too 

Sullivan,  CAriM  CUrcl;  J.  GHtens  «nd  J.  A.  OW  5/.  FhUlip's;  B,  A.  Cox  and  H. 
T&iiia,i;^i^:'&-^;;-  sVVir.llc<kt  ind  L  Hiy';[is,'';^7^&;'*a?  Ji^?l%d  Si*^ 
lftldi;)iiU.  W/^fll^i^r?  S>iorte  and  It  WHJhWsi^tfe  I^oWWJ?t«f4llSdt<ii#liata 
riMiWiabpfirv'JMtr'j;  Stt.B«bb  and-l^  Hu.bpp|,jr*f/  I^  •)</.»!#«  ^ 

'  "5 


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or  BARfiAiK^fe.  elip 

obvtolistd' require'  his  ehferg^Elg'^brf  S6  pitmfbl  a"  fS^I^^P^J^^'^ 
"Pheft-  isifttiiifioris^  as  tnagistratl^;  He  feiiiatked,  opened  W  wWJb'^     ^^^^^  a 
field  tb  their  exertions  in  the'  sdppVession  of  imiiorahty  aftdl" 
the  protection  of  the  friendless  and  oppressed^    Tllii  kki' 
siirely,  he  added,  the  most  enviable  pfrivilege  of  wealth  andi 
p6wer,and  rendfered  the  possessors  o€  them  bfessmgs  asr* 
well  as  ornaments  to  society  .^    By  the  noble  reward  of  an 
approving  qonscience  he  encouraged  their  elxertions  in  the 
rei^brdtion  and  pronation  of  a  constitutional  defence,  bf^ 
th^ir  judicial  arrangements,  and  of  a  firm  and  effective  po*  • 
licel  *  Unless  these  were  secured  and  maintained,  property 
must  be  precarious,  credit  must  be  endangered^,  a&d  ftee^ 
dbm*  itself  but  an  empty  name» 

Meanwhile  Judge  Weekes  having  been  restored  by  aa 
order  of  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,^  alleging  that  he  ought 
not  to  have  been  deprived  of  his  office  before  he  had  been 
convicted  of  the  crime  imputed  to  him,  by  the  verdict  c^ 
the  jury,  the  attorney-general  was  ordered  by  the  governor ' 
and  council  to  prosecute  him  for  extortion*    Mr.  Weekes  DcctuJber. 
was  accordingly  iiidicteJat  the  court  of  (irtuid  ^^essions, 
auAfullycimTicted-Qllhaoflfeoce, with  which  he ya? chaig? 
ed.     In  commisseration  of  his  age  and  family,  and  consi- 
dering that  he  would  b^  sufficietttly  punished  by  fheldsJ  of 
his  office,  the  sowrce  whence  he  principally  derived  the 
means  of  sobsiileoce,  tb«>cpw?*  hupaaji^j  ^entj^i^^  tjo^btifti 
pliy  w fine  of  five  shilUiig«.    Mr.  Wwke*  wa^^iiaw^ttdiciaUy^ 
dteclared  vinworUiy  of  cdnfldeto^?  aftd  J«fflitl*aii»tlttitiAi^ 


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1 


I 

t 

\ 
1 


m  tHE  HBTORY 

^^^SS'  Bscjtfii^,  a  gentlbnifln  ef  utiblemished  character,  was  ap^ 
''*^**-    *j^Bted  tt^  succeed  hhft  aj  sote  judge  of  the  court  of  vke- 
*  ^   Wi?ek*s  GoASoled  hiiiisdf  in  meditatifig  revenge  xm.  the 
'p6i»Bdh  \<^hom  h^  suspected  as  thb  authoir  of  his  ruin.    Ife 
lodged  an  information  with  Mr.  Philip  Gibbes,  one  of  im 
Majest/s  justices  of  the  peace,  against  Judge  Bishop,  for 
eHtortidd,  in  having  demanded  and  received  a  fee  of  teh 
t$otflids  on  issuing  a  process^  for  which  he  w«s  l«^fly  ^« 
^fedtotvomotre  than  twenty  shillings.    Mr.  Gibbes,  who, 
among  all  his  eccentricities^  was  always  willing  to  do  eq;Hal 
juitic^  between  tmui  and  man,  regardleas  of  mk  Bt  oH*- 
ditioni  readily  issued  a  summons,  ootnmanding  Mr.  Bishop 
to  appear  b^rolnln  at  a  <?ertain  time  and  ^plaoe  to  aiiii^er 
the  €4i«rga  ' 


i  '•  ITie' president  immediately  coltected  a  large  puttf  is€^ 

I  frtends,   cTiiefly  lawyers,  and  repaiVed  to  fee  «9Wli4iaB, 

i  wfwtice  they  dispatcheSi  Mr.  Wimberley's  earria^  m^lbivh 
thejdsticef.  Mr.Giblies'iiicoiisklet^tely  Werft^,  arfidiwsot>6 
.  *rt  fce  arrived,  Mr.  Bishdp  oflfered  «o  giii«e  fcailtbt- bis %ippetef- 
tHwe  At  the  court  of  Grand  Sesgions,-  wbieh  Ibeoibttr  v«py 
TWopirljr^fleclihed  iteiceivi*^  befo#e'«he  ^  tupipcAwtbd  tor 
liearing^he  coinplaint.  This  {tntSkfticed-'b  "rioleiit  tiAliefiaU 
^o,  in  «iie  coufFse  of  which  Mr,<]iWMB,  for *tbft  .flIitMii 

'tvarrMitayyinsdhod'lyjrtlMttrihok^fil^    «iHlboiit%«eliliig 
4lmtredieM«M  i&dcMwitytfrwiuch^dB  a  «iigiMx»M^1»v^ 


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OF  BABaADOES.  6lf 

particularly  entitled,  in  the  executioa  of  his  office,  he  se- 
lected the  so1icitor*geaeral  as  the  object  of  his  raiseatcDeDt^i 
and  sent  a  friend  to  him  the  next  day ;  but  as  it  appeared 
that  he  had  misapprehended  the  particular  expression  at 
which  he  had  taken  ofience,  the  af&ir  was  settled  without 
producing  any  ill  consequences.  In  the. event,  the  charge 
against  tb^  president  not  being  supported  by  evidence^  Mr. 
.Gibfoes  'dismissed  the  complaint;  and  issued  a  writ  of  coo>- 
t^npt  against  one  Busby,  an  attorney,  who  beingamat^ 
rial  witness  in  the  cause,  had  neglected  to  appear,  and  com- 
^ned  him  several  day«  in  the  coouBoa  gaol.  Busby,  hav- 
ing, at  l^ngtln  procured  his  discharge,  brought  an  action  of 
false  impdsonmeat  against  the  justice,  and  obtained  a  .ver- 
dict for  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  damages^ 

The  militia  bill,  which  had  passed  the  assembly  eighteen 
.months:  before,  dnd  had  been  di^t^d  from  the  expiratioA 
of  the  bouse  before  it  was  forwarded  to  the  council,  was 
thought  of  no  more;  till,  urged  by  the  govCTnor's  repeated 
callsy  the  assembly  resumed  the  coii^ideration  of  a  siibjeet 

1795. 

wbich^had  been  too  long  neglected.  Hie  bill  was  revived,  jan.  7. 
aad,  having  undergone  an  ample  discussion,  successively 
receive^  the  sanction  of  the  three  orders  of-  the  legislature. 
By  this  law  ^  imlitary  system  was  entirely  changed;-  th^ 
two  regiments  x>(  bcxrSe  were  disbtoded ;  the  militia-  was  di- 
l^ld^  inlo^flelteB  ^arojpkinl  regimeats;'  and  every  man  from 
^bfit  age  of  ^  se^^Mrteen  4d  sixty  was  required  to  enrol  himself 
iatbe  piuish  wfaevebefeMdedi  wilfar  tlie  exception  of  the 

4k 


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618  THE  HI&TORV 

't^J^^il/'  ift^itt^^i^  ^f  ^th  houses  of  the  colonial  parliament,  tiic 
^^^'  icJlergy,  and  all  officers  in  the  civil  department.%  together 
With  aU  chief  otereeers  of  plantations  on*wUich  there  should 
te  a  specified  number  of  slaves.  These  exemptions,  parti^ 
cularly  the  last,  created  a  general  dissatisfaction;  but^  as 
thifc  act  was  temporary  and  experimental,  the  people  sub- 
mitted to  the  measure,  in  the  expectation  that  upon  the  re^ 
vivElof  the  law*  the  subject  of  their  complaints  WQuld  be 
removed.  An  enthuAiaatic  spirit  of  loyalty  attd  pfttriotism, 
which  peoniiariy  disttidguished  the  prasent  period^  siknced 
the  ramniufs  of  disoontaot;  and,  m  a  very  ihort  time,  aT&- 
apeettlble*  military  :fi)rce  was  created,  as  it  were  out  of  cliaos 
and  fc6»fusioni  and  asmnied  ^an  appeasance  of  order  ^d 
discipline  hitherto  unknown  in  this  country. 

The  goVeroor's  active  wind  wia»  perpettiaJly^omployiQ^  in 
wgg^tmg  new  sc!hfia»e»>elf  politieaiMform^.fttMi  plawsfor 
promoting  the  prosperi^  of  the  country.  I*  the  eKacution 
;of  the  designs,  his  exceltedoy  submitted  to.  *he  ftsseaaJbly 
two  pla«s  which  hi  had  artrat^,  far  f^Smtmg  aradhwil 
reform  in<  the  courts  of  law*  Of  tbeise  plan*^  tlieUrincit*! 
object  was  the  fioal  consolidation  of  the  judi^atune  of  the 
island^  into  one  ^u^rsfiie  co«rt.  19  £f^ge-Tawn.  To  anti- 
cipate the  oppoMtioa  whn^h  might,  il^tive  beea  eliciteiql  by  a 
collision  of  inter«st|^  it  wiis  proposed  that  the  ^jr^  ^J^ief 
^udgea  dwil4,  ia  rota^oa,  m^m  ^  fm^^iqws  pf  <^^ 
justice, ,  until    t^y  should    <^  succ^saiv^^y  renj^ved  by 


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OP  BARBAPOES,  ^Ij^ 

tKe  hands  6f  one  supreme  magistrate,  with  an  establipji-  ^^^^^2F 
mentof  fi?es,  or  a  salary,,  at  t\m  option  of  tlj^  ^tspemWy,      ^^^^'^ 
sufficiently  lucrative  to  render  the  situatioa  de»kat>)e.  bc>. 
some  professional  man  of  character  ajid  abilities. ; 

These  pl&ns  experienced  jk)  inconaiderable  oppfofntion. 
without  d€K)rs.  Though  the  propositio^L  a^^jiiimed  tl^espe* 
cious  aspei^t  of  facilitating  the  coursj^  pf  jvftstice,  it  wai^ 
rspfiesented  to  be  obviously  calculated  for  the  indulgence 
df  the  kwyers,  who  were  unwiUijog  to  submit  to  the  iiJ^^ofi^ 
veniience  of  going  ^le  circuita;  and  therefoiesuttoqs,  wit^ 
nesses,  and  jurors,  were  all  to  he  draped  from  the  most 
remote  corners  of  the  island,  and  detuned  from  their  &.- 
milies  and  domestic  avocations,  at  a  considerable  expense, 
that  the  offica^-of  the  court  might  enjoy  their  ewe*  This 
was  alledged  to  be  contrary  to  every  principle  of  l^ii^atioa. 
It  is  a  maxim  in  politics,  that  the  interests  and  inclination 
of  individuals  should  yield  to.consideratians  ^f  genial  wel- 
fare; butbew)  it  %vas  said,  is  a  ptoposal  to :  sacrifice  ^ 
ease  and  convenience  of  the  wh<^  community,  to  the  gra^ 
tificatibii  and  indulgence  of  ^  favlonrod  few.  Tbe.neceasity 
of  a  reforin  was  admitted^  but  the  objectiona  to  theoon^^  , 
solidation  were  ilJu^i^atdd,  and  urged  with  great  force,  ^bf 
an  anonymous  writer,  who  proposed,* OiS  a iikodtficalaoBi of 
the  plan,  to  redxrce  t*ie -judicial  efi^blishment  to  thcee  |ire« 
cincts,' by  which  justice  might  have  been  brought  home, 
as  it  were,  t»  fevery  man's  own  door. 

A  bill,  fraited  im  tli4  pnttcipfas^^  laid  down  ia  the  go- 

4k  2 


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620  :         T«E  mSTOEY  , 

CBMJ^^^i  YeMiar'9  plan,  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Hinds,  and  supported 
n^.  with  bis  usual  spirit  ^ad  ability.  The  learned  gentleman- 
found  a  aealoos  auxiliary  in  the  solicitor-general,  who,  with 
a  specious  eloquence,  and  subtil  ty  of  argument^  strictly 
professional,  exerted  all  his  ingenuity  in  support  of  the 
measure*.  The  opposition  was  chiefly  maintained  by  the 
venerable  speaker  of  the  assembly,  who  was  himself  an 
host,  seconded  by  Mr.  Husbands,  the  patriotic  member 
for  St.  Lucy's.  With  talents  so  equally  balanceid^  the 
question  could  only  be  decided  by  numbers,  aQfluenced  hy 
the  prejudices  of  habit  and  education  ;  and  the  bill,  oa 
the  first  reading,  was  rejected,  by  a  majority  of  Hfteea 
to  four.  :         .      : 

Meanwhile,  the  storek^epei^s  demand  for  powder,  ille* 
gaily  and  unnecessarily  delivered  to  the  commanding  o^^ 
cers  of  the  forts,  which  bad  been  lying  dormant  fo£  mor? 
than  twenty  years,  was  again  brought  lorwwd.  Early  the 
last  year,  Mr.  Cox  had  presented  a  petition  to  the  assembly^- 
in  which,  after  recapitulating  the  particulars  of  his  debt» 
which  have  been  already  taken  notice  of  in  their  pr^pec 
plac^  he  stated,,  that  during  the  adminis|j;atioD  of  Mr« 
Spry,  his  deb$,  ii^im  theecctfioaiic^l  a^angements  made  by 
that  gentleman,  had.  been. reduced  from  ti^r^  hundred  apd 
forty.four  barrels,,  tp  ninetyrfour  and  a  half;  th^t,  from  tfeft^ 

^  I  regret  that  I  am  prevented  from  giving  ^n-riwtract  of  the  tlfcliit^^  on  thisinlc*' 
Ttstjogr  oocaiion ;  Afe  mimitai  cWbMi  wew  pu^li^Kd.  k«Wg.fhidf ll4|r  mdst  diBeeot 
inquiry. 


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OP  BARBADOES.  631 

demise  of  Mr.  Spry,  to  the  date  of  his  application,  there  cHAMmii, 
had  been  no  saving  made  to  liquidate  that  balance,  which,  ^^^^* 
calculated  at  t\ro  shillings  for  each  pound  of  powder,  ex* 
C^ded  the  sum  of  nine  hundred  and  fortj-foiir  pounds 
current  money,  exclusive  of  interest.  The  petition  forther 
stated,  that  there  were  then  in  his  hands  upwards  of  two 
thousand  pounds  belonging  to  the  Mole-hiead  funds,  which 
he  prayed  might  be  appropriated  to  the  payment  of  his 
demand,  with  interest  from  the  time  that  it  became  due. 
Wt  have  already  seen  how  this  debt  was  contracted,  and 
how  the  powder  was  wasted.  It  is  admitted,  that  Mr.  Cox 
was  unconcerned  in  the  abuses  which  existed  in  the  forts; 
but  then  his  duty  was  clearly  defined  by  a  positive  law,  and 
the  advances  which  he  had  presumed  to  niake  on  the  sole 
authority  of  the  commander  in  chief,  were  as  illegal  and 
unconstitutional  as  Sir  Thomas  Robinson's  building  an 
armory,  without  the  consent  of  the  assembly,  or  as  General 
Cunninghame's  arbitrary  establishment  of  fees. 

Mr.  Cox's  petition  had  lain  on  the  taMe  more  than  twelve, 
months,,  when  Judge  Gittens  introduced  a  bill  fo!r  applying     Feb.  3. 
a  sum  of  money  arising,  from   the  funds  established   for 
cleansing  the  Mole-head,  to  the  payment  of  his  demand,;. 
With  the  integrity  of  a  Roman  ^nator.    Doctor  Hinds 
steadily  opposed  the  proposition.     But,    on  the  question 
being  called   for,  it  was.  carried-  in  favour  of  the  store- 
keeper')^ demand,  by  a  majority  of  eleven  to  three. .  Up-     " 
wards'Of  fourteen  years  had  elapsed,  since  the  deinoHtioni 


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623  THE  HISTORY 

ciiApjcviii.  Qf  the  pier,  by  the  memorable  hurricane,  and,  notwith-^ 
*^^^*  standing  the  obvious  utility  of  the  work,  to  which  tlie  {>ar- 
liament  of  Great  •  Britain  hati  contributed  ten  thousand 
pounds  sterling,  not  a  single  stone  had  been  replaced.  And 
now,  when  the  funds  established  for  that  particular  service 
were  sufficient  to  comrafcnce  the  needful  repairs  of  a 
fabric  of  acknowledged  comoiercial  convenience,  they 
were  diverted  into  channels  the  most  foreign  to  their  ori- 
ginal design.  '  . 

Nor  was  this  the  only  drain  on  that  establishment.  The 
celebrated  infuriate  democrat,  Victor  Hughes,  having,  in 
the  course  of  the  preceding  year,  with  a  force  compara- 
tively inconsiderable,  recovered  the  possestiion  of  Guada- 
loupe,  applied  himself,  with  a  diligence  and  perseverance 
'Worthy  of  a  better  cause,  to  injure  and  annoy  tibe  British 
islands  in  his  neighbourhood.  Innumerable  swarms  of 
anned  boats  and  privateers,  issuing  from  Guadaloupe,  Com- 
mitted  the  most  unparalleled  depredations  on  the  commerce' 
of  Great  Britain.  From  the  singular  construction  of  these 
small,  light  vessels,  they  easily  eluded  the  vigilance  of  out 
cruizers,  in  the  opeh  sea,  and  pursued  their  predatory  ex^ 
CUrsions  with  impunity.  Tlie  only  effectual  remedy  for  the' 
evil  was  to  blockade  the  ports  whence  they  issued,  and 
prevent  their  putting  to  sea.  Biit  as  a  sufilcient  number  of 
vessels  for  this  service  could  Hoi  be  spared'  from  the  naval 
force  on  the  station.  General  Vaughan  artd  Admiral  Cald-^ 
well  applied   to  the  governors  of  the  different  islands,  re- 


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Of  MRflADp^.  (^ 

fUfiating  that  m  *rm«4  vessel  »i^  be  ftinwsla^d,  *t  the  ^?>:$^ 
e3cpeiift&  of  eacH  cotoay,  for  the  proteGtipa  9f  their  tr*d^^  ^^*^' 
The  reqnmum  uras.  complied  with,  hj  the  assembly  of 
Barbajdoes,  m  s^hw  ft9  it  wai9  comihuaici^ed  to  then) ;  ^d 
the  sum  of  t\vio  tbousaod  pounds  of  the  money  belopging 
to  the  Mole4ieAd  was  unaniiBously  voted,  for  the  purpose 
of  hiring  the  Lord  Hawkesbury  armed  brig,  for  the  service 
requkedy.fc^  the  spaice  of  four  months. 

Callous  to  evjery  aeutttnent  of  religioft  or  morality,  th^p 

saiagumiEtry  republican  commissioner,  to  whom  tlie  command 

x)f  Guadaloupe  was  entrusted,  sought  by  every  practicftbjp. 

means,  however  inhuman  or  unjust,  to  gratify  his  sav^gp 

enmity  agiskinst  the! English.     With  to  viiSw  hecontrked    ' 

^  introduce  his  emiwaries  into  Gi^eilada.  and  S^init  Yin- 

Qcnfe,  in  each  of  whtck  tjie.  negroes,  asfl^ted  by  the  Fcench 

]nha)!nt&nts,'  were*  ^Kcited  to  insurfectijon.     Hie  imui^genks 

wer^  supplied  with  axnis  aiid  ajoioninition  horn  Guadia- 

loupe;  and,  wittiQuf:  compunctiaa^ comrnittad  reaoribitiefi,  at 

tJhe  bare  recital  of  which  humanity  ahuddiers,  slaHjgbtrring . 

#hek  prisoners  with  an  indiserimioate  ikiff^  xKhieh  respected 

neitlier  age,  ^x,  oor.  condition:     Wliilgt  this  horrid  'doami^ 

was  perfoi^ming  m  our  neigh bourlipdd,  the  happy  Bairba- 

dians  enjoyed  aJl  the  blessings  of  peace  and  tranquillity. 

'Btitsehsi&le  of'^he  diwigers  wbieh  siji^ounded  them,  they 

pri3ved  4Jhe«i9elV©s  worthy  of  the  iid¥antsig<?s  they  poasewed, 

tiy  fhedieer^loess-and^laefifty  with  which  tbe^  'ptepamd 

to  d^4end  ^thenu    One^  gQueral  aefitiment jsepioad  to  p^iraiie 


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1624.  jm^Mi^rpRV 

c^^jm^  al\rMks.of,|>eo|)lf,  an4.  firmlor  ppi^ed  t^iemiii  si-de^ibecat^ 
\^;5t"    ,<^!^^^^npi?^\j^?r  j^^  ^^^^*?  to  the \last:extremitj,  attvattcoipti 
of  the  s^vjt^  ePjemy  of  3oeial  order.    Animated  by  k>y^ 
^Ity  ,^9  t^rppjpcei,  love  far  their  coutttiy,  and  i^^aer^tfon 
fqx  it»j  coostitutio^,    the-  miktist    roUintarily   turned  ,.ai^ 
weekly,  for  the  sake  of  acquiring  a  proficiency  in  loar^ifJ 
€X(^ci^e§.  .  To  encpurage  and  give  energy  to  the  po|>p]ar 
spirit  and  ardour,  the  assembly,  in  the  course,  of  jthepr%- 
^ent  session,  passed  t^ro  supplemental  acts,  to/ei^fpnDe^^^or^ 
^uU  and  fronueht,  meetings  of  the  militia^   a^d  tp  nflfkif 
a  sufficient  provision  of  arms  and  military  stor^  fqr  thw 
nse,  I    ......     '  .•  .      ^  ^  .  . 

The  extraordinary  mortality  among  tbej  Bjeitijh  troops  ta 
the  West  Indie^y^  iilduc^ed  the  ministry  to  adopt  the  sche^ 
of  raisiog  black  reppaents,  who,,  being  inured  ta  th^  c;}^ 
matey  were  thought  to.be  better  adj»pted.tO)the;S9.r^^ 
tnah,  Europeans^  Sir  John  Vau^han  was  accordin|^ly  au- 
thorized to  rais^  an^  embody  two  corps>  of  one  thpifsaqd 
negroi^,  each^  by.  contribution  amonir  the  colonies  j,,  iyj4 
Governor  Ricketts  was  directed,  by, the  Du](e.  of  PortlaQik 
to  recommend  the  measure  to  the  legislature  of  Barbadpepi^ 
and  to  request  that  they  would  grant  a  proportionate  num- 
ber ot  able-bodied  negro  men  for  the  purposQ.  But  whcp 
June  25.  the  matter  was  brought  before  the  assembly,  Qp  a  mess^ 
from  his  excellency,  the  htwise  resolved,  ow,  the  motion  of 
Sir  tJofan  Gay  Allejne,  that  the  requisition  couVI  i>Ot  be 
complied  with»  at  that  juncture,   without  distressing  the 

5 


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Of  BAHBADOES.  S%5 

filaatera  in  ihe^mtmn^mibnt^  tbeir  estates^  deprivwg  tbe^^^^^^;^ 
colony  of  a  part  of  the  means  intended  for  its  defences ;     ^^^^ 
and)  in  its  coase^iienoes,  cttdangeriog  theTsalfut&Qa  of  the 
^eotamuiiity,  on  tbe  return  ol*  Ike  slaves^  after  4^e  iscrrioe 
ft>r  wfaiefc  thej  were  ^  be  ernftisted  tras  at  an  ead.    But  the 
vcherae  was  not  abandoned. 

The  disastrous  situation  of  affairs'  in  Ae  West  Indies^ 
demanded  the  most  vigorous  exertions  for  the  preserrattoa 
of  the  Ifeitish  dependencies  in  this  hemisphere.  For  tiih 
ptfrpose,  And,  at  the  same  time,  to  deprive  the  eaemy  of 
^ttieir  coloriial  resources,  a  more  powerful  armament  was 
sent  irom  England,  under  the  t:ommand  of  Sh"  Ralph  Aber- 
c^ombie  and  A^lmjmK^hristian,  than  had  ever  crossed  the 
AHantije  before.  On  the  expected  artival  of  this  armament, 
the  governor  laid  before  ihe  assembly  an  extract  from  the  Morass. 
Oukjd  6f  Portland's  dispatcbes,  demanding,  ihni  a  body 
ctf  negroes  should  be  provided  to  act  on  duties  of  labour 
and  fktigue  with  the  troops  destined  for  the  attack  of  the 
Fnencb  islands.  This  requisition  was  enforced  by<Jenerai 
Knox,  in  a  letter  to  the  governor,  by  an  invincible  chain 
of  argunieJits.  As  the  exteht  and  objects  of  this  arma- 
ment were  of  the  most  important  nature^  and  clearly 
eyinced  his  Majesty's  paternal  regard  for  his  colonies  ia 
these  seas,  the' governor  was  persuaded)  lie  said,  that  every 
assistance,  on  tlieir  side,  would  readily  be  granted,  and 
particularly,  l^t  the  island  of  Baibadoes  would  maintain 

4  £ 


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^6  THE  HISTORY 

>»*MEVHi.iier  ancient  character  of  being  foremost  in  -the*  jpnkijc 

^'^^'      service; 

T?he house  having  resolved.itself  intoa  comwittee  forlSie 
pi^rpose  pf  takinjg  the  governor's  message  into  conffl^ersb- 
tion, 'Sir  John  G;  AHeyne,  in  a 'speech  ot'  <consideisibte 

hg  the  reqnisition  on  the  hoQse^  as  a 
to  the  Crown  fo?  its  attention  to  -the 
3f  the  people  in  the  ho«rt>finatytal 
,  insisted  that  the  true  intefeate  of  the 
eir  granting  the  required  assistaoce ; 
id,  that  a  number  of  negroes,  no*  ex- 
,  should  be  raised,  to  ftccompatiy  the 
1  labourers.     Op  a  point  of  thJs^kind 
Q  vai^to  expect  unanimity^  espep^ly 
as  yre  fiud,   that  ^  even   the  worthy  baronet  himself  had 
changed  hJis^  own  opinkwij  on  the  same  subject,  in^e  short 
^pajCe^of  five  mon^s.  ^  ,The  motion  experienced  afwmida^ 
ble  opposition  fromvDactor  Hinds,  and  was  warmly  sup- 
ported by  the  solicitor-rgeneral,  who  was  not  present  on  the 
former  occ^ision.   jHe|  commenced  a  loyal,  patriotic  speech 
with  declaring,  the,  concern  y»  chagrin,  and  did24>pointn)ent 
which  he  felt  at  the  probable  result  of  the  question  befere 
the  house.     Upon  all  former  occasions,  the  ass^n^ly,  he 
said,  had  properly  distinguished  between  demands  made  to 
gratify  the  vanity  or  ambition  of  a  minijter^  or  compiapder 
in  chief,  and  such  as  had  been  made  for  the  r^eal  service  of 


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OF  BARBADdtS.  627 

-tliepublic.    Witli  a  laudable  spirit,  tbey  ha(J  reeled  the  chapel 
one;   with  becomiBg  loyalty  the^ -had  granted  the  otlier.      '";'**• 
Sitnilar  requisitions  Ixad  been  made  before,  under  circum- 
stances which  weakened  the  claim. for  colonial  assistance, 
and  yet  had  never  bee 
markedt  was  expressly  i 
•colMiies,  to  preserve  th( 
horrid  massacres  comm 
'We  wtece  loow  contendii 
•rages.    Should  the  isla 
be  f»it  to  the  most  crue 
tO'  sttfter  what,  to  a  feel 
•fmtertrisB  with  our  ^lave 
tCTS  polluted  by  their  f< 
ted  the  inconvenience  v 
■ing-with  any  of  their  i 
'but  ought  they  not,  he 
niencc,  to  some  CKpens 
own  preservation  ?  Fori 
to  sit  in  quiet  and  com 
'  prbduce  of  their  estatt 
spreading  not  only  ovei 
This  splendid  display  o 
reflect  additional  "hisG 
member  by  wbCrtn  It  wa 
enforced  "by  rin  act  of  1  ^ 


4  L  2 


.•'.•lo 


o-J 


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c^JJ^f^  iiifTh)^^)&/eiit  of  the  civil  rigbte  pf  the  people;  M^H^  m*- 
*'**•     tion  was  nc^tived  bj  a  BwOorKy  o^  *1»*^  ^<>W*- 

It  appears  that  th«  sentiments  o£  the  niajoritjr  wen  not , 
io  unisoi)  with  ^hose  Qf  their  constituents  ;^  theccmting^t  oT 
negroes,  denied  by  the  assembly,  was.  eagerly  furaisb^  bj 
the  voluntary  contr^bv^^s  of  indiyidualsr  .  Th^  n«|gro€lB> : 
as  they  were  sent  in,,  were  put  under  the  care  of  Captain 
T.  Thomhill,  assistant  quarter-maste^eneral;   a  libi^.a 
hire  was  albifed  for  tbemt,  and  security  ^veaby  Qeni^^) 
Knox,  for  the  value  of  tboee  who  should  b«  killed^  disabled,.)^, 
or  not  returned  to  their  owners.  >.  f    ■ 

Meanwhile  the  negroes  of  the  dijSTerent  islandsi  iolend^:. 
tot  pioneen,  were  collected  and  brought  to  Barl^adoes^.wit^ij 
a  number  of  emigrants,  chiefly  peojple  of  CQlour,  froQi^.r, 
Gtiadaloupe,  who  had  volunteered  their  services^  and  weff& .: 
retained  as  guides.  An  mflux  of  people  of  dubious  prinr. : 
ciples  and  uncertain  attachment^  at  a  moment,  when  thef^;!;^ 
w^  no  regular  troops  at  hand  to  keep  them  in  subjectify 
jiaturally  awakened  the  attention  of  a  v^lsmt  adminisii^-*^- 
tion  to  the  means  of  preserving  the  internal  tranquillity,  pf  j 
the.  country.  In  such  an  emergency,  his  exceJlencyj^^-j 
compelled  to  call  for  the  services  of  the  militia;  aod^  ^h^  i 
'  It  spirit  and  promptitude  highly  honourable^  the  rojral  ife-:  .^ 
giment,  without  the  smallest  legal  compi^sipo^  obey Gj^^iJ^^  ^ 
summons,  and  performed  the  duties  of  thejgarrison,  at  the_ 
Castle«^  «nd  Constitution<*hilL  in  the  absence  of  the  Eap^^^ 


'^il' 


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^  thieve  ^the  mififta  irdrti  ^thi^  ^riew '  aiic  ^^^J^SP^ 

io  which  the  more  remote  re^iirtietits'  fliust  h  ^7^^^- 

oCCasioballjr,  the  assembly,  on  the  motion 
gefl^al,  unanimously  resolved  to  etribody 
mfeii,  fof  the  service,  for  one  month^  'with 

to  be  paid  at  the  public  expense.    Conform  Dec.  sa, 

liition,;  a  bill  was  introduced  the  next  d^y,  ana  navmg  pas-^ 
seid  the  house,  Mr.  R.J.  Hay  ties  alone  dissenting, 'imme«\ 

diaX^ly  received  the  concurrence  of  the  council  and  the  as- 

'       •      ,  -^       •  '^  1  >^    '"  '^ ''' 

tentot  the  governor.    Of  this  corps  Mr.  Beckles  was  ap* 

pointed  to  the  command^  with  the  pay  of  six  dollars  a  day  ; 

.  ■     .         '  •  i-    .. .'   ^v.^1f''i!vl 

and  until  the  number  6f  men  could  be  raised  and  embodied^ 

the  governor  was  authorized  to  call  put  such  companies  'of 

militia  as  he  should  think  proper,  who  were  entitled!  to  pay ^^^ 

as  follows :  each  captain  four  dollars,  the  lieutenants  fifteen 

■  *  • '       ' ,   L  ■   •  '^  •  ' '' 
shillings,  the  ensigns  two  dollars,  the  Serjeants  one  doU^^ 

and  the  privates  five  shillings  each  a  day*. 

The  aot  being  neat  expiring,  the  governor  convoked  the       ngai 

.       ^  /.:";,"  \  •?.  'J :.  *Ji-i  Jan.  19» 

assembly,  to  give  them,  as  he  said,  an  opportunity  of  ex-. 

tending  the  term  of  its  existence;  anc^    ^ ^ 

ragement,  informed  them,  that  the  ex| 
red  for  thii  service,  had  fallen  short  < 
at  which  it  had  been  estimated.  Mr.  ] 
short  speech,  in  \diich  he  took  diie  no 


*At  this  meetinsr  the  assembly  passed  an  act  for  appropriating  one  thouaand    . 
poondt  of  the  Mole-bead  fluids  to  the  rebuUdiog  of  the  oU  and  new  bridges.  ^ 


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;e^  THE  HISTORY 

•QB^McvuL  the  act,  with  moving  that  it  sliould  be  continuecl  *  in  *^^e 
^^^^*      ttiree  weejks  longer;  but  the  arrival  of  a  small  body  bf 
troops  ^having  rendered  the  aid  of  the  militia  unnecessary, 
the  motion  was  rejected,  on  a  division  of  eleven  to  four. 

Th^  discontents  excited   by  the  numerous  exemptions 
from  miUtary  duty  had  been  silenced  by  the  hope,  that,  on 
the  renewal  of  the  militia-bill,  the  cause  of  complaint  would 
May  11.    be  removed.     But  on  the  passing  of  a  new  act,  to  conti- 
nue in  force  for  three  years,  the  clamours  of  the  people 
were  disregarded,  arid  the  same  partial' indulgences,  wer6 
again  extended  to  those  by  whom  they  had  been  formerly 
enjoyed.     Incensed  at  this  proceeding,  the  inhatbitants  of 
,  many  parts  of  the  island,  discovered  an  uncommon  spirit' of 
,     insubordination,  particularly  in  the  parish  of  Saint  Liicy; 
where,  almost  with  ode  accord,  they  peremptorily  refused 
to  appear  under  arms,  and  conform  to  a  law,  which,  it  was 
contended,    established  an  invidious    distinction  between 
the  diifepent  classes  of  society.     Besides  denying  the  policy 
of  relinquishing  so  considerable  a  portion  of  the   physical 
strength  of  the  country,  the  enemies  of  the  bill  insisted  that 
the  public  safety  was  a  common  cause,  to  which  every  man 
in  the  community  was  bound  to   contribute   his    personal 
,     and  pecuniary  aid;  and  that,  as  freemen  and  loyal*  subi 
jects,  they  could  not  but  {eel,  most  sensibly,  the  '^Ipable 
injustice  of  being  obnoxious  to  a  laborious  personal  service, 
Avhen  particular  bodies  of  men,  and  those  too  wbose  rank 
and  fortune  were  additional  claims  to  the  most  spirited  ex- 


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OFPARBADOES.  631 

eti^ns  ia  its  defence,  were  privileged  from  senring  in  the  ^JJ^:^f!^^ 

mlp^r  .  .  .    - 

;  To  appease  the  popular  clamour,  Mr.  Hinds,  the  amiable 
and  respectable  member  for  Saint  Peter*s^,  introduced  a  bill  ^"8?*  ^ 
to  amend  the  objectionable  clauses  of  the  militia  law.  The 
second  reading  of  the  bill  was  opposed  by  Mr.  Mayers, 
not  from  any  objection  to  its  principle,  but,  on  the  ground 
pf  its  being  irregular  and  unparliamentary,  to  alter  or 
.amend  ap  ^ct  during };he  session  in  which  it  had  been  passed. 
The  objection,  however,  was  overruled,  and  the  bill  was 
^reed  to  by  a  majority  of  eleven  to  five  j  but  it  was  re- 
jected by  the  council.  Early  the  next  year,  a  bill  of  a  si- 
milar principle  and  tendency  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Na^ 
,bot|i  Greaves,  one  of  the  new  representatives  of  Saint 
ZiUcy's.  ,  ]\lr^  Greaves  explained  the  object  of  his  bill  ih  a 
very  concise  and  judiciaus  manner.  As  all  were  equally 
interested  in  the  preservation  of  the  country,  he  thought 
all,  who  were  able,  ought  equally  to  participate  in  the  fa- 
tigue and  danger  of  defending  it.  Among  the  exemptions 
claimed,  that  of  the  house  of  representatives,  he  said,  was 
too  evidently  partial  to  escape  the  most  superficial  observa- 
tion, and  too  well  calculated  to  diffuse  distrust  among  their 
constituents.  A  second,  than  which  nothing  could  be  more 
repugnant  to  t^ie  dictates  of  reason  and  justice,  was  that  of 
gentlemen  of  extensive  landed  properly,  who  sheltered 
themsejves  under  the  act  as  overseei-s.  That  those  who  had 
most  to  be  protected  .should  be  exempted,  whilst  others, 

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^^^^I^^^vIk)  bad  Kttle  ot  nothiiig  to  k»e,  irere  made  liaMe  totenre, 
^^^  was,  Mn  Greaves  said,  totally  unfounded  in  reasoft,  and 
kttewly  incorapatible  with  every  principle  of  just  siod  ecfual 
governnient.  The  bill  was  warmly  opposed  by  Doctor 
Hinds,  who  defended  the  exemption  with  great  ingenuity  J 
and,  on  the  question  bding  put,  it  was  rejected  by  a  majority 
of  eleven  to  two.  ' 

Thus  far  the  adminiiftration  of  Mr.  Rickette  may  jostty 

be  considered  as  the  happiest  and  most  bnUiant  era  in  tiie 

annals  of  Barbadoes,  surpassing  even  the  traditional  felicity 

of  the  golden  days  of  Lord  Howe.    Whilst  the  dogs  of 

war  were  ravaging  the  most  fertile  territories,  almost  withift 

sight  of    their  shores,    and  the  demon    of  democney, 

endeavouring  to  reduce  the  most  polished  societies  totir^ 

rudest  state  of  savage  nature,  was  extending  the  miseriai 

of  suffering  humanity^    the  inhabitants  of  this  &voured 

island  were  enjoying  all  the  blessings  of  peace.    Under  the 

auspices  of  a  chief,  who  governed  by  their  affections,  all 

party  feuds  had  subsided,  every  murmur  was  silenced,  and 

.  the  most  perfept  concord  presided  over  the  public  councils. 

But  the  day  had  now  arrived  when  the  clouds  of  distrust 

and  discontent  were  to  obscure  the  gilded  scene,  and  de* 

stroy  that  confidence  between  the  people  and  their  rulers, 

which  has  ever  been  found  essential  to  public  happiness. 

Joseph  Denny,  a  free  mulatto  man>  of  a  bold,  turbu- 
lent and  daring  temper,  whose  life  had  i>een  more  than 
<>nce  forfeited  to  the  violated  laws  of  his  country,  was  in- 

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OF  BARBADOES.  635 

diWtidi  ftti  the  court'of  grafidsessionss  for  tlie Vilftil  mtirder  ^^^^!^^SJ2^ 
of*  John  Stroud,    a  poor  white  man,   of  Speight Vtbwn.     Dec.  is. 
Itie  deceased  had  lived  with  his  mother,  Tfhoso  house  and 
ynrA  t^*re*^  divided  irora  that  of  the  prisoner  by  &  fence    ' 
sdt^i  smd  thick  as  not' to  admit  the  passing  of  any  person 
frodi'^nie  ta  the  other.     Having  occasion  to  go  into  his 
mother's  yard  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  thir- 
te«bth[of(Stf)tember,  Stroud  obseiTcd  Denny,  wrapped  in 
hivUlcttk,  «fa«ding  under  an  apple-tree  ifa  his  own  land  ; 
aqd'Mithd  mstant  that  he  wtis  returnmg  into  Hie  house, 
Dmity^  At  the  distance  of  lwenty*eight  feet,  fired  a  gun 
atthhtt/fStnd*  mortally  wounded  him.     He  immediately  felP,' 
ei^qhttttuiig,  tthat  Denny  had  killed  him  ;  and  the  assassin;^ 
afttfc*  fAitting  away  the  gun>  ran  round  the  front  tif  tlfe^  ' 
ho«|»«  t»  lu»  anistanoe,  expressing  great  concern  at  the  ac- 
ci^awty  ^lanng  that  he  did  not  know  it  was  John'Stroud,  ;* 
and  that  he  did  not  mean  it  for  him.    No,  replied   tlie 
brother  of ;  the  wounded  man,  with  whom  Denny  had  pre- 
vi^Kiisly  had  a  quarrel^  you  intended  it  for  me;  to  which 
the  other  ipade  no  aasimr.    After  lingering  ^ix-and-thirty 
hours  Stroud  died,  and  Denny  wa&  indicted  at  the  ensuing 
coQct  of  grand  sessions  for  the  murder,  of  which  the  jury^ 
after  mature  deliberation^  fauAd  him  guilty ;  and  sentenee* 
of  death  was  pronounced  against  him  by  the  Honourable 
Philip  Gibbes,  who  presided  i»  chief  justice  on  the  trial. 

The  pnsoiier    had  every  advantage .  of  counsel  which 
coul4  bave  been  desired  upon  such  an  occasion.    His  ad- 

4  m 


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6S4  THE  HQTORT 

cjAP^xvm  Tocates  irere  Mr.  Cotilthurst,  the  piesent  adkoeate^enenl  • 
1796.  anij  j^Iy.^  Gibbes  W.  Joi^dan^  to  who«  management  the  co- 
loaial  coQcetDS  at  the  court  of  London  are  now  eotrasted ; 
two  men,  whose  learning  and  talenjbs  would  adorn  any  bar. 
I>uring  the  sessions,  np  idea  of  a  reprieve  was  snggeste^; 
but  the  morning  after  the  court  was  finally  adjaumed,  tfaeae 
gentlemen,  actuated,  no  doubt^  by  the  purest  metiresef 
humanity,  called  upon  the  chief  ju^ttce^  aad  requeated 
Ijum  to  sanction  a  petition  from  the  prisomx  to  the  goRrer'^ 
nor,  to  suspend  the  execution  of  thQ  semteoce,  and  recmti- 
mend  hon  to  the  clemency  of  the  Crown.  Mr«  Gibbes 
-  .  readily  complied  ^ith  their  reqneat    But,  without  discenif* 

ment  to  discover  the  point  where  discretion  should  at^p, 
be  proceeded  to  lengths  which  drew  on  hm^  the  odtun  of 
the  whole  couHiMmity.  Not  contest  with  joining  the  piv 
QOaer's  advocates  in  an  applioatioD  for  mercy,  he  fgeauaUtA 
a  long  maoioiial  to  the  governor,  recapitulating  the  eri* 
demre  on  the  trial,  and,  besides  stating,  ^  as  a  lawj^r/'  that 
tl^re  was  no  legal  proof  of  malice  afcurothou^t  ta  coovkt 
the  prisoner  of  murder,  he  asserted^  that  ^^  Denmy^^  being 
a  man  of  eoloui:,  and,  s»  such,  having  kill^  9.  white  nia% 
had  rais^^such  a  prejudice  againat  him  in  the  mwda  of 
the  jury,  as  w^  shewqr  in  a  manujer  too.  shamefiil  nort  to  fat 
.  obaerved  by  every  impartial  person  piesent  at  the  trial/' 
Yet  the  chief  juatice  Imd  taken  no  notice  of  tbia  flagiani 
partiality  at  the  proper  time  and  place ;  but,,  without  even 
hinting  the  rao^est  disappmfaatiaiL  of  tk&  vondidt,  had. 
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OPBAMADOES  ^5 

profl<Mi&eed  sentence  of  death  cm  a  ^fellow-creatare,  who  <»^^^^^ 
appeared,  to  him,  to  have  been  unjustly  convicted  by  a 
prejudiced  jury. 

In  consequence  of  tiiis  application,  and,  perhaps,  not 
perfectly  satisfied  with  the  chief  justices  representation^ 
his  excellency  demanded  the  opinion  of  Denny's  council 
in  writing.  They  aflSrmed  that  there  was  no  express  matioe 
proved,  on  the  p3t  of  the  prisoner,  against  the  unfbrtii- 
nate  man,  or  against  any  other  person,  and  that  although 
there  had  been  a  dispute  between  Denny  and  the  brother 
of  the  deceased,  they  had  been  reconciled,  and  were  upon 
good  terms  at  the  time  of  the  accident.  They  alledged  in 
their  client's  defence,  without  any  evidence  at  the  fdxits^ 
that  his  land  had  been  frequently  robbed,  that  he  had  lost 
Ms  com  and  other  articles,  without  his  being  able  td  detect 
the  thief;  that  being  disturbed  by  the  barking  of  his  dogi 
on  the  fatal  night  when  the  murder  was  perpetrated,  he  had 
taken  up  his  gun,  and  placed  himself  under  a  tree  in  ei-  ' 
pcctation  of  discovering  the  person  who  had  occasioned 
the  disturbance ;  when,  perceiving  a  mail  in  the  adjoining 
tenement,  whom  be  mistook  for  the  thief,  he  fired  and 
shot  him.  Without  arraigiiing  flie  verdict  of  the  jury,  Mr. 
Coulthurst  and  Mr.  Jordan  were  both  of  opinion  that  the 
evidence  was  insufficient  for  the  contiction  of  the  prisoner ; 
and  that  he  was,  therefore,  a  proper  object  of  mercy.  But 
the  mercy  for  which  Mr.  Jordan  interceded  was  condi- 
tional, and  limited  to  the  removal  of  the  murderer  from 

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636  THE  HISTORY 

cHAP^xvui^  the  country  in  which  he  had  committed  so  great  an  ol^ 
'''^^      fence. 

Wavering  and  irresolute,  as  if  conscious  of  being  about 
to  do  wrong,  the  governor  was.  anxious  to  shelter  his  fault 
under  the  authority  of  others-  Hence  he  applied  to  the  soli- 
citor-general, who  had  conducted  the  prosecution  oa  the 
part  of  the  Crown..  With  characteristic  candour  and  per- 
spicuity, Mr.  Beckles  submitted  to  his  excellency  a  report 
of  the  principal  facts  which  had  appeared  in  evidence^  and 
which  have  been  already  detailed.  He  vindicated  the  jury 
from  the  malign  aspersions  of  the  chief  justice,  and  declared^ 
that  so  far  .from  manifesting  a  shameful  prejudice  against 
the  prisoner,  he  had  never  seen  a  more  respectable  and 
impartial  petty  jury.  In  short,,  he  was  of  opinion,  that 
the  prisoner  had  a  fair  trial.  No  questioii  of  law  had 
arisen,  but  the  whole  rested  upon  evidence,  on,  which  the 
jury  were  competent  to  determine;  they  had  examined 
the  witnesses  with  a  minuteness  and.attention  which  shewed 
an  anxiety  to  discover  the  truth;  and^  after  an  hour  and 
a  half  spent  in  mature  deliberation^  they  had  found  hira 
guilty.  Though  the  verdict  was  not  against  evidence,,  Mr^ 
Beckles  concluded  with  saying,  had  he  been  upon  the  jury 
he  should  have  had  some  doubt  of  the  malice,^  and^  hav^- 
ing  the  smallest  doubt,  he  shauld  have  acquitted  the  pri- 
soner. Without  involving  ourselves  in  an  abstruse  inquiry 
concerning  the  degree  of  evidence  sufficient  to.  remove 
the  scepticism  of  every  temper  and  understanding,    we 


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OFBARBADOES.  6S7 

must  confess  onr  surprise,  that  these  doubts  were  not  sug-  ^^^^^^ 
gested  to  the  jury  by  the  learned  Crown  lawyer,  who,  as  " 

he  himself  avers,  had  sunimed  up  the  evidence^  in  his  re- 
ply, with  the  impartiality  of  a  judge  rather  than  the  zeal 
of  a.prosecutor^ 

As  this  is  an  affair  in  which,  from  the  ev^its  that  sue*      ^797. 
ceeded,  the  character  of  the  country  is  deeply  involved^  I 
must  be  indulged  in  a  few  observations  on  the  point  at 
issue*     "  It  is  a  general  rule/'  says  a  great  law  writer,  **  that 
wherever  a  man,  intending  one  felony  happens  to  commit 
another,  he  is  as  guilty  as  if  he  had  intended  the  felony 
which  hp  actually  commits.'*     Now  there  was  the  strongest 
presumption  that  Denny  intended  to  murder  die  brother  of 
the  unfortunate  man  who  fell  a  victim  to  his  mistaken  re- 
venge:    But  if  any  doubt  could  have  been  entertained  on 
.this  point,  there  is  another  maxim  of  law  which  applied 
exactly  to  his  case,     *^  Whenever  it  appears,''  says  Haw* 
kins,  ^  that  a  man  killed  another,  it  ^hall  be  intended, 
prima  facicy  that  he  did  it  maliciously,  unless  he  can  make 
out  the  contrary.    No  proof  was  produced  by  the  prisoner 
to  shew,  that  the  homicide  with  which  he  was  charged,  was 
not  the  result  of  deliberate  malice :  none  but  bis  own  de» 
claration,  that  he  had  gone  in  pufsuit  of  a  thief.     But  the 
criminal's  ipse  dixit^  unsupported  by  any  evidence  whatever, 
was   insufficient  to  invalidate  the   testimony  of  unexcep- 
tionable witnesses,  strengthened  by  a  train  of  corroborat- 
ing circumstances.    The  malicious  design  waa  fairly  pre-^ 

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ess  THE  HISTORY 

^^^^^^^'  tunable,  fr«n  <fee  drcnmstance  of  Deiin/s  lying  «  wmt, 
'"^^^  to  watch,  as  he  said,  for  a  thief.'  But  it  #as  proved,  that 
iie  had  nothing  growing  on  his  land  to  be  stolen.  Admit- 
^ng,  howerer,  the  trutfi  of  this  plea,~  di4  his  apprehensioti 
of  thieves  justify  his  shooting  the  first  person  he  saw  ?  Tlie 
iitifortfmate  man  who  was  separated  from  his  tenement  by  an 
impassable  bedge,  consequently  oould  have  excited  no  sus- 
picion of  his  intending  to  rob  him ;  and  was,  besides,  near 
enough  to  have  been  known,  as  is  evident,  by  his  recogni- 
tion of  Denny.  There  is  another  maxim  laid  down  by 
LfOrd  Hale,  the  great  oracle  of  English  jurisprudence,  ex- 
actly in  point.  ^  Malice  implied  is  in  several  cases,  as 
when  one  kills  another  voluntarily,  without  any  provoca- 
tion, for  in  this  case  the  law  presumes  it  to  be  malicious, 
and  that  he  is  a  common  enemy  to  mankind."  Hence  it 
would  seem,  that  it  is  not  necessary  to  prove  malice  pre* 
pense  in  cases  of  wanton,  unprovoked  murder.  Among  a 
▼atiety  of  adjudged  cases,  that  of  Captain  Porteous  can- 
not be  forgotten.  No  previous  malice  was  imputed  to 
Irim  when  he  ordered  his  guard  to  fire  among  the  mob  at 
Edinburgh,  by  which  many  were  killed.  The  illegaJity 
tjf  tiie  act  was  sufficient  for  his  Condemnation.  * 

Regardless  of  the  popular  clamour,  his  excellency,  re- 
prieved thci  prisoner,  and  transmitted  his  petition,  with  the 
representations  which  had  been  made  in  his  favour,  to  the 
Duke  of  Portland,  to  be  laid  before  his  Majesty.  Such 
«i  unprecedented  interposition  in  behalf  of  a  convicted 


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OF  BAJtBADOfiS.  ^ 

£D)o»t  flxcitod  a  eoii9id^»ble  ksm^ut  ^  Hk^  coMiatry;  nor  ^^^^;^!S^ 
WM  tbi»  discoot^t  confined  to  the  lower  cla9U»  of  people^  ^^^ 
it  pervade  every  rfiuk  in  socie^ty;  neit^r  was  it  owiog  Uf 
an  J  prejudice  »iismg  fK>ra  local  distiQetk)!!^^  bajL  the  result 
€£  a  strict  regard  to  impartial  justice*.  The  reseutineut  enr 
tert»ned  on  tbis  Occasion  wm-  aggravated  by  a  swspiciiH^ 
that  the  ifitercessMift  employed  in  behalf  of  Denny  was  pro* 
VKNted  by  the  infiaence  of  certain  coloured  CDiiFtezans^  who 
iFere  kvowa  to  be  favourites  with  some  mejii  in  power, 
Whether  this  suspicion  were  lirell  or  ill  grounded^  the  author 
of  this  work  pKsumes  not  to  determine :  it  is  his  proTince 
to  state  that  it  existed,  and  that  it  made  a  sensible  imprear 
W»  oo  the  public  mind* 

Unfortunately  for  the  governor,  unfortunately  iov  Baiv 
badoea>  hia  excellency  had  brought  with  him  fcon  Tobago^  ^ 
a  mulatto  woman,  who  resided  at  Pilgrim,  and  enjoyed  aUi 
the  priyikges  of  a  wife,  except  the  honour  of  publidyr 
presiding  at  his  table*.  His  excellency's  extracordinary  at« 
tachn^at  to  this  sly  insidious  female  was  the  greatest 
blemish  in  his  character,  and  cast  a  baleful  shade  ovor  tho 
lustre  <if  his  administration.  The  influence  which  she  wa/i 
known  to  possess,  produced  a  viaiblQ  change  in  the.nManera 
af  the  &ee  coloured  people,  who  assumed  a  rank  in  the 
graduated  scale  of  colonial  society,  to  which  they  had  beon^ 
hit)[)eftD  strangers;  and  which  the  impdicy  of  subsequent 
measures  and  the  immorality  of  the  times  have  contributed 
to  ratend  and  confirm  in  a  d^ree  that  cannot  be  contem* 


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646  THE  HISTORY 

tnoxp. tvrtL  p]|[te3  without  fearful  apprehension.  A  woman,  of  tibk  de- 
^'^^^  sdripiibni  who  had  been  convicted  of  receiring  stolen  gdodsf 
and  condemned  to  imprisonment,  had  be6n  lately  liberated 
by  the  govemof^s  order;  and  some  other  offiendefs,  iii  the 
Tefy  cdtnmissfort  of  their  crimes,  had  boasted  of  the  im»» 
punity  which  they  could  obtain  through  the  influ«bo&  ^f 
Betsey  Good^vin.  A  report  had  circulated,  at  kast,  a  fort-^ 
night  before  Denny's  condemnatidn,  of  has  Glaring,  rtdcmeiit 
assurances  from  her,  that,  let  the  event  of  hi*  tlMl  bis  #teK 
it  might,  she  would  protect  him. 

At  length  the  governor  received  a  letter  from  the  Duk6 
of  Portland,  in  these  words;  ^  I  anr  comtnaMied  to  signify 
to  you  his  Majesty's  approbation  of  the  motives  whidi' you^ 
have  assigned  for  the  dcteniiination  you  took  to  respite 
Dermy;  and  to  acquaint  you,  that  upon  the  most  serious 
consideration  of  all  the  circumstances  which  appeared  on 
the  trial,  and  in  conformity  with  the  sentiments  of  the'  hwr 
advisers  of  the  crown,  his  Majesty  is  of  opinion  that  Dmn^ 
is  SO' far  an  ebfcct  of  Royal  mercy  as  not  to  suffhfjke  law  to 
take  its  conn'se  upon  him  in  its  fuU  extent.  But  such  B^'tfae 
nature  of  the  act  for  which  this  man  was  brought  to  trkt^ 
and  thfe  crime  of  which  he  was  coavioted,  that,  iildepeiid- 
ant  oT  his  character  and  conduct,  which,  from  the  papets 
before  me,  do  not  seem  to  entitle  him  to  aiiy  greater  degrees 
of  eknetiGy  than  is  warranted  by  the  state  of  the  evidesce, 
it  is  his  Majesty's  pleasure  tbat  the  pavdon  which  Dourf  is 
to  lecttve^^haU  lie  granted'  upon  the  express  coiutitiML  of 


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OFBASBADOES.  #4]^ 

liM  b^ag  HsnovBd  firom^tlie  island;  aoid  that  it  shall  become  <^^iviwai^ 
void  and  be  of  do  cfiect.ahottld  he  «vec  jfljeaome:  to  retuim     ^^ 
tlmn  ufwnany.fHreteacaB  wfaateTer,' 

On  the  reorapt'  of  Ubia,  letteftiati;  tb^  govan^or's:  finxmes* 
fenookrbkni.  ^Aqsptdi^bsuraiof  sooi&dcHi^eiauA  QPiPB^^ 
be  cdoptedithasffoaeaiiis.whiditif  etw  iposli  Ukie^ftQ  produced. 
OHtfoUjconceatiiigi^tbe jraipevtr of  bis diap^tob^^  be  j^ 
TttteljT  arranged  ai  plai^  ■  vtitbL General.  Mivnragt^  for  tbe  oe^ 
ifecrvei  ef }  tiK>  prisoneiu  .I|k  the  aifteiiiOoo  olf  ^e.  Iireiatifr* 
fi^  divy  o£  Ma;y«.srheR  tiie  iidmbitwiAs  of  the  lOwn  bsd  i«h 
lired  to  cHtraffl**  tbe^geneI^»  ^.  tbQ.beafl  etf  s^  ed^poral'^ 
^ardi».Traa  distovered  by  Mr<v  Woo^r^flfe,  Wi  Bnglish'  usee* 
€b«iit  rfwdept  at  .£ktdfi^-tQwn^e9Q$)gti^g.DeoiA3l.&<a«».^a9Qi^ 
to  ijbct  irharf.  Mr.  Woodv^  jstetppedf  tb^  g^mtfil*^  9»d>.  m 
e.  vcTf  spiiited  niMDer«  e^ipostolated.  vfitib  bim  .Qn>  bis 
adopting  a  conduct  ao  iocoDSf^boot  mth  tbe  Q)i£Hni«ter  o£  9 
Britisk  officer  of  his)  rank;:  to*  1»hich  be  repU^di  (bajt  Desojt 
was  to  be  traosported  itont  the  islfmd,  ia  ootiseqiMm^ft  df 
tbe»  King's,  pardon.  Mr.  M^oodi:^>£fe  y^fis^  iaeapabla  a£  x^ 
atstance^  aud  tbe  pnaoner  was^  dmrejitd  on  boat d  a  g/mtVB9 
ment  brig^  whicit  iniiiiediateljr  got  und^  weighs 

Ad  akum  was  ioetantlj  spread,  that  Denajy  ander  ti» 
protectiba  of  aa  anned  iiorce,  bad  escaped  famt  poton* 
The  effect  of  this  iotdligiaiee  coold  not  hate  beaa  garaatec  if 
the  capital  had  been  inuaded»  The  wholrtow  waa  a  sccine 
of  uproar  and  confusionv;  aihA  men,,  the  most  respectable 
forthdr  iwtune^  vixtucy  and  ftaientiy  jmned  t)MUC  isSinot 

4  N  ,       . 


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6i2  THE  msrr&KT 

o^^:^'^  felioww^bjectd  in  resisting  Uus  flagrant  ^utnig^  on  thft  jm-- 
*^^^  t'ice  of  their  cftnntrj.  Knowing  of  no  attfehocil^  for  fceaos- 
porting  the  cause  of  this  distorbcnoe,  several  of  the  i»ost 
eminent  merchants  ran  to  Ricketts-'t  battery  and  fired  upon 
the  brig;  another  party  tuniudtuoosly  aMembled  nmnd  tiie- 
house  of  a  respectable  gentienum  with  i«bom  tite  governor 
had  dined» and  insisted  upon  tlieprnoiitv's  being  relanded. 
In  the  hope  of  appealing  the  tunnik,  th*  Duke  of  Portland's 
letter  was  now  read  to  the  nob-; '  boi:  thsjr-  were-  to»  mmh 
inritated  to  Ifsteh  bo  any  tlfing  that  wsd  mfktedi  m  eKt^amn^ 
tion  o^'the  governor's'  conduct;  an*  araitfd- party' ipawied 
scverat  boats»  and  ha\4og  bOatded<<tbe.bsig»JeMiBUgb^  tile, 
culprit  bn  shofe«  M'eanwhUethe'go^^moiv  akwmed-  at  this 
violent  commotion^  hastened  oue  ndi  ton^ti.  and  applied  to- 
the  oonunaiider  ih  chi^f  of  til6  forces  to  fcqeptiie, troops  in 

readiness  to  iriarch  mto  town  in^case  of,f)e(;es8ity«    This» 

,  ,    •      •  _  >  «... 

howevei',  was  unnecessary  $  the  people  Md  tifi>  inteutipa  to. 
resist  the-  legitJtaiate^xercMe^of  aut^tsity  > -thf^^  .only  qaeani? 
to  maintain. their civifl  rights ;'a«id.baiirii)9.. obtained  Ixis.^c* 
cellency'-s  order^  remanding  tMn^ptiaoti^.  tftri^<^  .delivered 
him,  without  ibjury,  to  the  pR»D8t4aini;«iJi^!a^.t^^^  re* 
tired- to  their  peacftf^^  bomes.;  '<Ai  ieidi^^ff.  ;^ldiers^  was 

ho>vever  sent  to  remain<u^Jguani.at).!tb6{;a9V!^,^t<^prc~ 
tecve  Uie  peace  of  th^'toWn\divingitiM»,ivtght,  .... ;  ,,.  ^. 

The  inhabitants- hsii^g-a88eaiiMed^>]^i>,.j;^;^^^ 
appointed  a  commit'tee^'itd  cof■^ttde^|Ofi:^9llab&,ef€^ 
£>r  restoring  the  p^bfii^  ijmafu^tjf^rapdf  ffv  ,previss^UDg  a 


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OF  BAikBADCWS.  6« 

beinon*  offindtt  fiwa  elading  the  punishment  due  to  l)i»l»^~2' 
.crimft-  ThecommitJee.eDteiJed.oo  tte  busineis  with  tern-     ""• 
pw,  aitamest,,  aad  modfsniioa.    After  mature  deKberation 
■:«|i.ill  the  cirajm»ta6«»8.re!at^'g  to  tlys  extiaordinary  tra^ 

lirition,  the,  o«i«B,t»-#e!<P»l  Wl^UPpH,"*  "h'-^^.  "'^  W«>- 
.<  «ip.lwe«j  That  the  «o»en»(«at(d,  bft.M^es^y,  had  been 

^  Wo»ly  Auxidbythe  nwepresent^on  qf  fa<!tii,»ta^  » 

:,^ap>ncatiodf»r;the  p.«»on  of  DenPX;  Tliat,  as  it  wa. 

,.  .ftapwaHe,  nndsf  tl»;e«»tins  circun,»tfnce».^to,  ^x^cute 

^.Mn«erioe,»tK«bim,..«nda..the,  w^  im<m.,<^:^ 

•to. dueobedlenoe t«lu»  JW^« "fders.  tho»jh, obtained 

:  Jn.isrep.Wedta»ion..¥..  exceUen<yr  .houM  b«  »eq»erted 

.,:  Jtraa»oA^  bmr«..H«dily  *»  JX-^ble  tp^the  Bla^d  qf 

.'  HiiatafirTHatto  ^celtency.AouWJjpM^oP?!*- *".•"- 

nfoyt  -PhlHti  Gibte.,  e^iui*,  fi«»  bia^s^ii  at .  the  ^cooeod 

itoarf,'  imdfiom  dl  odier.puWio  envl<»»>e»te  wh^teyer, 

DLn,badb.e.triri.««d  convicted,  and/or  lu,  n,»j^ 
pfeJtaUon  and  m-tat*.^*  <>£  ti,  fepte  .whish  agpea^d 
in  CTidence  niton  tte  »i»A    -  ^  ;,  :     , 

KAenHW  coneai.to.y*««.hi.-e|ccellenqx  ^^Plf->»»> 
L,.do«.  of  h«i«8»««^y  h»tfM«!«.^d«ri«6M^^^^^^^^ 

"od,he  wa,  wUltog  te.p«  *«»  *«>'ii«^'  "^f '^^  ■*!: 

4^2 


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1^  T;HEMmgBY 


iisnovoviy.  itad  ^04^^  fattincair  .which  itiniia.thie  vatense^  'oii^ 

-se^t  to  Grenada,  to  be  txsmsported  with^liiifr;  tfaiterowstho^; 
>gand»<!>f  tbAt  place  to  Kuatao. 

Another  victim  was  yet  suxeampj  to  ai^peiuieitfa^.  p^nJwR : 
TeseatDaent.    A  petition,  subscaribed .  hjrg^  ,gre»t.i^<wwfaprt  ^1; 
ti)e  mbahiUuits^if  all  pajrts  of  the  isisatd,  was.  pre^mnMljtQ»-lW)5 
7mpaHed<to  <^  hoi»5ev.o£aasemU/«;a}n  ipM^J^he^'^^fiRt^ 
that  the  house  iivouldita&e.pin^erjmQastiv^  tP-.«h(8iil  ^u 
.'Gibbes'fiir  remov«l>  fiK)Bi  the  oenncajt  board, .  B^^^^oeW: 
4eBf:ff,  wbo'had  flow  b^<;<n|e,.anxaiw».t<^;C«tn9^ly;pri^|l»: 
•^shes  of  thepeqpie,  anticipated  aayjg^p^iqaJiiftniQBi  ithftwifc*  ■  i 
jjetit.  He  proposed  to  «he  coanjoi tq4«$]ieB|tl'MT«)^ibbes #ODi < 
<the exercise  of  hi$  fuoctionsjasia-naombeT  Qf  .^^j^^pan^v  jQtJl  i 
.  'mx  membere  who-  were .  pteteAt  non,  the  :Qefif^y^t'\  tMO  .^>  > 
cHn^d  voting;  tiie  otW  four  eaitoune^Jm'ifi^iS^'fik^Mi^' 
'propoa^l.    Tfans^Hr.  Gibbes,  ^wfao  w&suiQMQu^ilpit^ai^kdjI. 
as  he  was  less  cautions  and  lesspofdentit^nq.  IhAfj^^J^'*' 
irhcRn  he  Acted,-  was  *  itiflde  ^  (the  o^ape^gQatoto/  ^gy^iv^tbiK 
-tranfl^e^ions  of' tdl  '^ho  ^wem '«aaoen)ediMlP^>a^r«-. ;; )j^. 
imniedifitely  went  to  -Snglaad  .atod  (fiiitMnfi|l>^  ituNifKli^ri . 
fot  his  restoraittoQ,  gwmMfid'pnnciptiiljofktiafhHm^^^^ 
ofih^jxTmbexf^.  mmbieiBi>who  bad.)r<Med./c^rhiik4lllB|lf^ 
sion;;  biit  fae^pme  tiine  «f^'itJBigped.i^;iniiQ4«;B»)tf. i.^;^ .,  < 


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^  tS^xOf^qgk^y  iWider,  Wp»j(gbt  Iqg^tber  all  ibe  partkxu^K  ^^^^^^' 
fif:^3fl!^T,  >Tybich„ Bl.oue.3ft(meat,  seeanedKkely  to  Rave;     '^^* 
:ffA4»ced.the,XQO&t^Ltal  epnsequfnces;  but  which  w'as  hap- 
^pjijr  terniuiated  bj  the  pj-udence  and  good  sense  of  th.6' 
oammiU^:  to.ivlu>p  its  ^fipal  ,airrangement'Tvas  entrusted. '. 
^ And  ;wre  ha»e  be^n  the  more  ciFcum»taDtml  in  this  detail,- 
irom. m  ^io4ie|t.^i9h  to  yindicate  the  character  oif  the  couq-  • 
i  ity  ir^in  oBtj  imj^^tion  on  its  loyaHj  and  attachment  ta  < 

•^ea|i:v!b^let-oa:the' 'meetings  of  the  assembly,  his  excel- -  jao.  m  ■ 
lim^y.  :9f»%  a  .pefptstge  tO;  the  h^use,  infonning  th^  that  Sir ' 
tSblph'Ah^rcroBibiehad  been  commanded  jby  his.Maj^s^, 
'. top  raise  ^ve  jregimetiti  of  bljick  ti'^pps,  consisting  of  fiv.e 
.Ji^ii4r«4^V'en  eaich,  to;be  procured  by,  purchase  sunong  the 
,'ialandts«  and  that ihese.  corps-\^ere  to  become  a  peiTnanent 
•  l^i^Gbrof.lliejBilftaryyes.tBlblishmeiit.fpr  ^e  defence  of  the  - 
.f;Qt(wies.    HhegeiKral  requep^ad  his,  exceUepcy  would  re-  ■ 
.etnuQiend  ^s  measure  tot  thei  ^se^ous  consideratiofn  of  the  ' 
..)€^lojtivre,  apd'^xpressed.his  hop^  of  receiviog  their  couo-  ' 
.  teuadfcer  and  assistance  in  cfHTying  it  into  efiiectf     , 

/A^p^opQsii&oin'Sd  dangerous  to  the  fVl,^ttre  sectpriijr  pf ,  jthei  • 
coumry,  Boturdily  called  up.  the  speaJcer,  of  ;the  as^iembly.  ■' 
f  Hb:):nio«n  floyalty  lot'  l^he '  crown  , would  ^  he.  itni^ted)  jsex;ure 
.'hi9i)<iPiMii\'anyimpiitidttioa4)n  the,inotiv«s»4>y  wiluk^his  wfis  ^ 
.lictttttlsd. in^j^^Muiga  measure .wJnch end^togieitid ^the  Irves  ' 
-and  fbittHiM  oft  <h^  .i^bitants .  iof  .the.  c6)0toie;s, '. ai^d  ^sm' 
thenijihlB  pf ithe.  eioArb  4oi  ,the  $oyj^reigatyiaf  these  i^tMUJ^.  •     • 


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^46  THE  HISTORY 

cH^j^jiviii.  Highly  9s  he  appreciated  the  wisdom  and  rectitude  or  Bis 

1797.     TVI^jesty's  ministers,  he  lamented  that  their  conipr^hensidh 

of  points  that  most  essentially  affected  these  distant  paris 

of  tl^Ci^nmire,  was  inadequate  to  the  forming  of  a  correct 

judgment  on  subjects  connected  with  colonial ^larery.  '"On 

these  points  he  said,  the  inhabitants  were  themselvefc  tfie 

•    *  - '  '  1  '     " '    '  '  '  •  "t 

best  judges  of  what  belonged  to  their  own  safety  and  ad- 

yantage.    Sir  John  AUeyne  concluded  these  observatibils 

wjtli  moving  several  resolutions  to  this  effect :  That  th*  rius^ 

ing  of  black  troops  for  Ihe  defence  of  the  colonies,  as  far  is 

the  design  is  likely  to  aflect  this  island,  will  prove  rathek^  the 

means  of  its -destruction  than  its  preservation :  That  .die 

only  slaves  likely  to  be  sold  for  such  a  purpose  were  those 

of  the  wOTst  characters,  villains,  habituated  to  plunder,  who, 

when  formed  into  regular  corps,  and  disciplined  with  Arms 

in  their  hands,  would  be  enabled  the  more  effectually  to 

perpetarate  every  species  of  mischief  to  which  they  were  lia- 

tursllly  prone:  That,  should  an  enemy  invade  our  shores, 

the  arms  of  these  black  troops  would  be  employed  in  mur- 

dering  their  fomier  owners,  destroying  their  plantations,  and 

wresting  the  dominion  of  the  colony  out  ^of  ihe  hands  of  the 

British  government :  .That,  should  it  be  their  good  fdrttine 

to  escape  these  evils,  such  an  establishmeiit  would  loosen 

,  ihe  ^aiids  of  that  subordination  which  so  happily  subsisted. 

Dot  lew  to  the^eate  and  comfort  of  the  negroes  than  to  ^e 

^atisfactioh  of 'their^masters,  would  spread  univieisal  diacoa- 

^ent  among  those  who  wexe  retained  in  slavery;  and  dread 


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OV  BARBADOESL  6i7 

and  distrust  among  the^whrte  inhabitants  of  the  country.  ^^([^S;^^^ 
These  resolutions  were  un^nimouslj  agreed  to  by  the  house,    .. '  — *I 
9tid  a  copy  of  them  sent  to  the  governor  as  an  answer  to 
^))is  message. 

,,;. Notwithstanding  this  just  representation  of  the  evils 
with,  which  this  scheme  is  evidently  pregnant,,  in  which  all 
t;he  other  colonies  concurred,  government  persisted  in  the  ^ 
fiaqg^rous  design,  aod  has  raised  ten  regiments  of  Africans 
Jpy^  p^^cjhajs^.  It  requires  but;  little  political  sagacity  to 
|>9J;^ii^e  the  danger  and  impolicy  of  employing  troops  of 
^hif  description  in  countries*  where  the  population  of  whites 
b^ars.sp  small  a  proportion  to  that  of  slaves.  And  without 
jprpjtending  to  the^ift  of  prophecy,,  it  may  be  hazarded,  as 
9P  improbable  coajectune,.  that,,  at  na  distant  period  of 
,  tifpe,  these  faithless  blacks,  in  conjunction  with  the  national 
ibe,  or  colonial  traitors,  will  employ  the  arms^  \inwisely  put 
into  their  hands,  in  murdering  their  officers;  subverting  the 
power  of  Britain  in  this  hemisphere;  and  erecting  the.^r 
yage  despotism  of  Africa  on  the  ruins. of  English  liberty.! 

The  house  was  now  doomed  to  sustain  the  privation  of  june6». 
those  talents  by  which  it  had  long  been  iilumined,  aiid  of 
that  wisdom"  which  had  often  guided  its  delftxeriatldns* 
Womp.  down  by.  Uie  heavy  hand  of  time  and  the  increase 
(oi  tn^nnities^  Sir.  Jc|hn  Gay  Alleyne  was  now  cbmpejfle^  to 
.ou^t  the  service  of  his  country,  whose  rights  he  hiad  vindicat*^ 
^d  wi^  .^9^\^1  /^Pl^!^  ^1^^  ability,  and  whose  prosperity  he  had 
firomoted  for  nearly  forty  years  with  the  mok '&ntclr^ted 


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.648  THE  HISTORY 

*^^J!:^^*^'  Zealand  integrity;  Led  by  that  hope  which  nerer  forsakes  u* 
'^^''      tHF  we  die,  Sir  J6hn  Afleyne  rainly  sought  in  an  Euro* 
pean  cHmate,  a  renovation -of  that  health  and  vigofir  which 
-age  alone  had  exhausted.    Sir  John  Alleyne  was  not  per- 
jnitted  to  cah-y  into  retifenient  with  him  any  testimoines^  of 
public  favotir  o^  gratitude.    Ereo  the  poor  unsubstantial 
tribute  of  a  Votfe  oftbanfcs  was  withhofden  froiii^  &e  teijc- 
;rabl'e  ptrtriot;  whose  life  had  been  spent  in  a  series  of  liiert- 
tdrious  exertions  fbr  the  benefrt  of  the  happy  spot  which 
ga\'e  him  birth.    In  other  meii  Various  passiofnsr  alterofttel^ 
rule  the  soul  and  direct  their  actions;  but  one  uni/brm  prin- 
ciple got^nied  tha  whole  of  Sir  John  Alley ne's  political 
xonduct.    The  welfare  of  his  country  was  the  primary  wish 
ofhis  heart;  and,  howeye'r  mistaken  he  might  iotat^fsui 
have  been  sts  to  the  means  of  attaining  hi^  object,  he  cfiJr 
itdadily  kept  the  end  in  view.    The  snn,  which  decorated 
.      i!he  horizon,  was  no  sooner  withdrawri,  than  the  light  and 
warmth  which  it  afforded. were  forgotten.    No  othei'  ndtic* 
was  taken  of  the  speaker's  letter  of  resignation  thaii  to  ap^. 
point  a  snccessor.    On  this  occasion  Mr.  Joshua  Gittens 
vrai  mianimously  called  to  the  chair,  which  he  contimicd  to 
fill  upwards  of  six  years. 
2m.         Althougb  the  assembly  ft*K  thte  hetiessity  of  rejebtiiig  tJie  ' 
overture  made  by  govefiimettt  for  raising  bfeck  fttottpiv  they 
Soon  gav^  more  convrndhg  pi^odft  of  tlheir  foyalt^  t&  tfiefr 
King  and  tfieff  readiness  to  eontrfbate  fey  ^cry  m^to$  hi 
iheir  pbiTer  to  t!hc  defehce  dt  flifrenipke.    The  obs&iaey 


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terttfs'of ^ccomine^atioD,  =fc6Bvm(*a«he  people  tt*Kt  they^tvero       ^'^' 
<Sbv^ett^g^'^a!akali^sctii^G  then:  c?ivil  tfH5 

religious  rights,  *)ut  "foi-^he  pi^eVv«roA  vf  thfeft-  iriael)cWi8i 
«jotc  &5  a  'nation,  Uinfltfr  tlie  expedtatkm  o^iovasioft  Ae'i#[-i 
ttoira!  spirit  had  been  roifteii  to  ttm  mb^  Vigcitcms  ^xWtlofi  j 
and  the  volutttary  contributions  taiiied  in  -eN'ety  ^irtt  'df  ^h6  .  . 
Icin'g'dorti  evinced  the  ieal  'Trit!i  '♦I'hich  the  pfcople  Wrt  Ani- 
mated in  d*feric6  ttf  then*  King  and  cottslAution.  iTie  '|fei 
iittd**ftame  spita'd  ^erofes  tttfe  AtTantic,  and  wawned  ^hl9 
failthfb)  troisotas  t^  tte  BaVbadians.  As  a  sm^,  thou^ 
isiftCcWstestihTony  ttf  their  ^attachment  to  fee  prihtiples  Ifti* 
which  thi^y  Were  cttriteftding,  the  ateembly  voted  th6  i\M  M«y  is. 
oTiMp  -HiousAtid  founds  toWatds  enabling  bis  Majesty  ** 
ptosectite  the  jtrst  and  ncccssal^  war  m  which  be  Was  feii- 
gagedl  The  vttlnntaty  contributions  tf  individaate  fair  ex- 
cfeedted  Ttbe  pubRcmunifitente.  SubscHptions  wtere.openfed  . 
in  fcvei-y  parish,  and  upwards  of  thirteen  tliousand  ponnds 
sterling  were  cdllected  and  remitted  to' the  Bank  of  England 
for  the  service  dfgoVelriltiient. 

Hating  been  tefortied  by  the  governor  oF  tlie  deficieftty  jqiyj. 
of  gunpowder  in  the  magazine,  the  assembly  passed  a  bill 
for  appropriatiflg  One  thousand  pounds  of  the  much-abused  ' 
Mole-head  funds  to  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  sufficient 
iupply  of  that  necessary  article.  Hie  facility  with  wbich 
several  sums  were  voted  during  thitf  administration  .cannot 
fail  to  excit6  astonisbttieiit,  wheh  the  decayed  and  ruinous 

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650  THE  HISTORY 

^HAP^xvni.  state  of  the  fortifications  at  that  time,  b  taken  into  con  sidcr- 
^''^•'      ation.     Few  of  the  forts  contained  a  gun  which  cou  Id  be 
fired  without  endangering  the  lives  of  the  men  upon  duty; 
and,  while  an  expensive  establishment  was  maintained   to 
its  full  extent,  the  assembly,  with  a  strange  inconsis  tencj, 
refused  to  repair  a  few  forts  of  acknowledged  utility,  and  to 
supply  them  with  cannon  and  ordnance  stores, 
itoa         The  happiness  of  the  Barbadians  now  suffered  a  tempo- 
rary interruption,  from  the  afflicting  hand  of  providence; 
in  the  removal  of  a  governor,  under  whose  mild,  benignant 
administration,  their  colonial  character  had  shone  with  pe- 
culiar lustre ;  and,  they  had  attained  an  unexamined  degree 
of  prosperity  amidst  the  ravages  of  war.    On  the  twelfth 
day  of  February  his  excellency  convoked  the  legislature,  for 
the  purpose  of  signifying  to  them  his  intention  of  leaving 
the  island  for  the  benefit  of  his  health.    To  this  necessity, 
he  said,  l)e  was  reduced  by  a  long  and  obstinate  illness, 
which  rendered  him  unable  to  fulfil  the  duties  of  his  station 
with  that  punctuality  and  attention  which  were  due  to  the 
best  of  sovereigns,  for  intrusting  him  with  a  command  that 
would  gratify  proud  ambition,  and  he  esteemed  a  reward 
for  merit  and  talents  far  superior  to  those  which  he  possess- 
ed.   This  intelligence  produced  a  deep  sensation  in  the  asr 
sembly ;  and,,  as  a  mark  of  their  gratitude  and  esteem,  they 
unanimously  voted  him  a  donative  of  one  thousand  pounds 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  voyage.     But>  from  the  nature 
of  the  Royal  instructions,  prohibiting  the  representative  of 


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;    '  OF  BARBADOES.  651 

the  crown  from  receiving  any  gift  or  present  from  any  per-  cHAP^^mi. 
son  or  persons  whatever,  their  intention  could  not  take  effect      **^' 
until  his  Majesty's  pleasure  was  known.* 

Two  days  after  this  intimation  had  been  given,  his  excel-  Feb.  i4. 
lency,  declining  all  military  parade,  privately  embarked  on 
board  the  Venerable,  merchant  ship,  for  Liverpool.  The 
anguish  of  separation  was  soothed  by  every  mark  of  respect- 
ful attention  to  which  he  was  entitled.  The  most  affec- 
tionate and  consolatory  addresses  were  presented  to  him  by 
both  branches  of  the  legislature,  the  clergy,  and  all  the  inha- 
bitants who  could  collectively  express  their  sympathy  and 
concern  at  the  melancholy  event.  But  of  all  the  marks  of 
distinction  with  which  he  was  honoured  on  this  occasion, 
none  was  more  singular  and  unprecedented,  than  that  sug- 
gested by  the  piety  of  his  successor.  For  six  weeks  -succes- 
sively public  prayers  were  offered  up  in  every  church  and 
chapel  throughout  the  island,  for  his  excellency's  speedy  and 
perfect  recovery.  But  the  decrees  of  fate  were  not  to  be 
reversed  by  an  act  of  devotion,  probably  more  ostentatious 
than  sincere.  His  excellency  barely  lived  to  reach  Liver- 
pool, where  he  died,  on  the  eighth  of  April,  fifteen  days 
after  his  arrival. 

On  the  governor's   departure,  ^he  administration  once    Feb.  «i. 
more  devolved  on  the  Honourable  William  Bishop,  presi- 


*  The  King  readUy  confirmed  the  grant;  and,  bit  excellency  dying  in  the  inierini, 
the  assembly,  by  virtue  of  a  new  act,  paid  the  money  to  the  goremor's  executors. 

4  0  2 


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^^^!^^'  dent  o^  the  qouppil.  The  ^rl^qaeetiflg^  of  Ihe  1^gi8Ut^}|9 
^^'  ^niished  his  h<^a<MK  wijt^i^  d|^oFti|o|tjr  of  ad4l»sa)ng:  boi^ 
houses  in  a  speech-  vev^fii^ifikih  o^y  fpr  tlie  occaeioiii  oi| 
which  it,  wa&  ddlivered..  ?ww4>,  be  st>id,  of  meeting  Uiem 
ii^the  digni^i  situat^pn.  whiph  he  tjhen  filled^  he  tru^tect 
tb^y  wouJd^  iajust^^e  to  his.  feelings,  believi^,  thatt  he  bf4 
i^«^s$uiae4>  it  witbregpet  oa  the  departure  of  t^i^ir  exceUjBot 
gffvAmor^  Thp  objects,  mateijial' f'^K' l|ieiir<  consideration,  be 
js^arHed,  h^:  be^^i^  st^  i)»ceotl^  poin^d  out  t^  tl^eqa  bj,  b)9 
exffell^ncy,  t}f^(:  it  wsML  upqece^sary,  for  hinp.  to.  enJarge  on 
ti^em ;  apd.it  wQuJd.  sipari^  thQ  deb'cacy  wbicb>ba4  ev;^  go* 
Temod,  his.  conduct,  co>i|Id  he  nt  that  moment  omit  the  sn^ 
ge&tion,  which  b^di  been,  ^l^^ys  made  to  the  nepesentft' 
ture9  of,  the  people  by  pei;jso.ns.  in  his  situation,  on.  their 
fil^t,  meeting^,  respecting, the  provision, for  the  support  c^ 
-  gpv£Tnmeqt>  In  their  resolution  to. assist  him  in  maintain* 
"  in^  the  splendour  of,  his  seat, ,  he.  entreated  they  would  have 
ipiTJew.  the  interest  of,  their,  country  rather  than,  his  own. 
IJe  r(^pe£^ted  tb^  assurance,  which  be  had  giveixtbem  on  bis 
tpxmw  a(:;ce3sipntto  the  chair,,  that>  he  h^d  brought  with  him 
^Y.&ty  seutiofient  of  affeqtioa  tow^ds  hi»  native  island ;  and,, 
aided  by  their  couiisels,  it  should  be  his  earnest  endeavour 
to  carrj,  with  him,  from  bis .  command,  whenever  he  should 
l^aye  it,  thq  same  apjirobation.  qf  his  King,  and  country 
which  it  had  been  his  happiness  ta  obtain  in  his  former 
administration. 
The  settlement,  to  which  the  president  had  so  modes% 


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aHoJed iftbiaspoeebi,  "wm  ihqtM  for  hfi Df.  Hiai^   H^ 
£»It;eiH7Quwi9idi  he  said,  tothenuticMi^wlMehrhe^waaKaboufe 
to  submit  to  their  con^ideratioo^  bf(  the  zeal,  v^nich  hacft 
0V€[V  bfle«  evidfteeil  bjr  th»t  hokis^  loi^  tbe^  hoootis  aod  pros-^ 
perky  ef  the  e^ni&try^  tmd  altlloug^  the-  cstaMiahmeiriit 
irhich  he  kiteaded^  t&  propora  wm  goeator^  thaa  that:  c& 
fyemet  tun«S9  he  flbttemd  hjoi&db^  that  it  would^  mfiet^tfaoi 
mshes.  of  the  houaei    The  considerable  de&xsam^?  iat  tbcr 
*v»Iiie  of  money  I'ratS'  »  ciicnunffltanc^  Mthieb  alcmo  oould 
juistify  an  altesatbioiv  in  the.  cnstomafry ^  estaiblishineiit#.    TboB 
were  oldiec  mdtiyes,   hwveirer,  w^hichi  he  was  persuMbib 
W'Ould;  iafluence  their  determinartiom     The  psesideixi  -wa& 
no  new*  maa»    He  ^95  not  kaown  to  that  kouse-mereiy  asr » 
member  of  couaclL    They  had  alceady  been^  hafipy  undsB* 
his^  go^eniment*.    Having,  been  appointed  eaiiy  m  lifii  toi 
a  seat  ^t  the  council  board^.  he  had  ardently,  ppomotod  the? 
public  welfare.    United  with  the  assembly^he  had  opfKnnfc;; 
the  tyranmcali  measures*  of  Governor  CunaiDghafne,'  aoid^ 
iQ   each  succeedipg  administration^  he  badt  beea   distin# 
gui^hed  by  affirm  attachment  to  his  native  lan^.    Dbriog 
the  whole  progress  of  the  war  he.had^  endeavoured-  to  tom 
lieve  the  pressing  wants  of  the  peopJe,.  and  to.pr«wnt  im^ 
pending  famine^  by  urging;  tie  occasional^  suspension  o£ 
those  commercial  r^ulations  which,  though  founded  in  the 
highest  wisdom  during  peace,  would  starve  the  colony,  anch 
materially  iujure  the  empire,  il*  rigidly  enforced  ini  the  time 
of  war.    Doctor  Hinds  concluded  with  moving,  as  a  grate^ 


^B'w^ 


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654  THE  HISTORY 

<^2J:J5^  M  tribute  to  approved  merit,  that  the  sum  of  three  thou- 
^^*^     sand  pounds  per  annum  be  granted  to  the  Honourabl  Wil- 
liam Bishop,  •during  his  presidency. 

Themiotion  was  supported  by  Mr.  Cadogan,  in  a  Ibng 
encomiastic  speech,  in  which  he  took  a  wider  range,  and 
employed  a  variety  of  arguments  to  shew,  that  a  president, 
r  a  native,  possessing  an  essential  and  united  interest  in  the 
public  welfare  ^nd  prosperity,  is  entitled  to  a  provision 
for  the  support  of  his  dignity,  no  less  liberal  than  is  usually 
made  for  a  governor,  a  stranger,  of  whom  they  know  little 
more  than  can  be  collected  from  the  voice  of  flattery. 
This  called  up  the  new  attorney-general,  not  with  a  view  of 
opposing  the  motion,  for  that  met  his  hearty  approbation, 
and,  indeed,  were  the  salary  to  be  proportioned  to  the 
president's  merits,  he  thought,  it  ought  to  have  been  greater. 
He  rose  merely  to  oppose  the  doctrine  advanced  by  the 
gentleman  who  had  spoken  last.  Mr.  Beckles  then  ex- 
plained, with  his  usual  clearness  and  ingenuity,  the  differ- 
ent claims  of  a  governor  and  a  president,  arising  chiefly 
from  local  <^ircumstances.  He  expressed,  in  the  strongest 
terms,  his  dissent  from  the  position  attempted  to  be  esta- 
blished, that  a  president  was  entitled  to  the  same  settlement 
as  a  governor;  but  concluded  with  voting  for  the  applica- 
tion of  the  principle  in  the  present  instance.  The  motion 
kaving  been  agreed  to  without  a  single  dissentient,  a  bill* 
to  give  efiect  to  the  resolution,  was  immediately  passed. 


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OF  BARBADOES.  6i$ 

with  equal  unanimitj,  by  the  council,  and  assented  to  by  <«Jj;;J2J'' 
bis  honour  on  the  same  day. 

The  uncommon  liberality  of  the  legislature  seemed  to 
render  the  president  superior  to  all  vulgar  considerations  of 
political  economy.  Disdaining  the  parsimony  of  Mr.  Do- 
tin  s  frugal  administration,  he  encreased  the  expenses  of  bis 
establishment  in  an  exact  ratio  to  the  augmentation  of  bis 
salary,  particularly  in  the  article  of  oil  for  the  lamps  at 
Pilgrim,  which  were  now  replenished  with  a  double  quan- 
tity. The  office  of  chief  judge  of  St.  Michael's  court  hav- 
ing become  vacant  by  his  exaltation  ta  the  chief  magis- 
tracy, the  president  bestowed  the  appointment  on  his  son, 
Henry  Bishop,  Esq.  than  whom  no  one  had  fairer  preteiw 
sions  to  it.    . 

Such  was  the  declini{>g  state  of  the  colonial  commerce 
and  navigation  at  this  period,  that  the  tonnage  duty  was. 
found  insufficient  to  supply  the  demand  for  gunpowder,  far 
the  use  of  the  fortifications.  This  deficiency  having  been 
intimated  to  the  assembly  in  a  message  from  the  president,  June  4w 
they  took  the  subject  into  consideration,  and^  without  in- 
quiring into  the  application  of  the  former  grant,,  or  ascep^ 
taining  the  necessity  of  a  further  supply,  voted  the  sum  of 
one  thousand  pounds,  to  be  -  paid  out  of  the  Mole-bead 
funds,  for  the  purchas^^of  powder  to  answer  theputdic  exr 
igencies:  this  continuing  to  exhaust  the .  resources  of  an 
establishment  of  the  most  manifest  public  utility,  wbosa 


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\646  THE  m&Kmr 

***^      vhich  was  diverted  to  purposes  ftir  less  tiseftr!* 

WWtediepiwi^eirtwsrs  anxkmsfljiCBdeav^^ 

ylwfly  iomoog  tbte  people,  fcy  the  admissiofti  t^f.  foreign  sup- 

^ies,  in  neuftrafl  vessels,  be  was  ndt  inattentive  to  the  ttie^ts 

^  ^ordin^  4;hem  from  the  impo^ion  whidb>  he  imagined, 

-mete  ptactised  by  flie  ^k«s  of  iBridge4:otrti.    The  te- 

4^iftQed  si^e  i^f  llie  loaf 'of  bread  appeared,  to  hh  watchfol 

-eye,  t^JbeoA  e^^/sYMti  magtiitttde,  not  xmiy  to  the  in- 

liaibitanls  aof  iht  m€ftir€>potis,    but  to  the  leotnfntinity  at 

ckrtAeras.  larger  As  indttced  iiim  to  make  it  the  subject  of  a  ttesdage 

.to  the  assembly^  who v«ry  gravely  Tf|)Hed,  that  tfeey  wouM 

-embtace  an  eariy  oppoitimrty  of  taking  it  ififto  considera* 

lion. 

t99u         They  tuned  tlieir  attention^  bcnrev«er,  to  a  subgect  «mcfa 

more  worthy  lof  it    Being  Mf«mied  *^  Che  tlettth  t)f  their 

.  late  vaiuabie  agents  Mr.  John  Oratikw^te,  they  «ppot0ted 

a  committee  to  etect  «t  monument  to  the  memory  lef  that 

exalted  man  and  faitliitil  yepreseataiive  of  l^e  coiony,  and 

moon  alber  pa»ed  an  act  to  pay  the  expense  fjf  this  tribute 

4t{  thek  esteem  Mit  of  the  public  cotilerB^    11ii»  MonameBt 

may  be  regarded  ak  a  reproach  oa  the  a«MmMy  fyt  the 

neglect  with  which  they  bate  tKated  Sir  John  <j!ay  AUey«e, 

4rlM>  4]ed  net  kxig  idtei^^  and  to  whose  meritorious  a«tviMs 


40m 


f  01  tlie  5tk  ef  Dsccmbcfi  1801. 


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or  BARBADOES.  65| 

Barbadocs  was  more  indebted  tbab  to  those  of  any  other  ^^^5?* 
i6an.     But,  though  no  sculptured  marble  speaks  Ma^  cou»      ^^^' . 
tr/s  gratitude,  his  virtues  have  embalmed  liis  mempry, 
abd  will  transmit  it  to  the  admiration. of  ^ucceediog  gene^ 
rations. 

A  new  assembly  having  been  summoned,  the  president  FA.  i«i 
opened  the  session  with  a  most  gracious  speech,  in  which 
he  congratulated  both  houses  on  the  favourable  chaqge  of 
the  weather  which  had  recently  taken  place.  And,  although 
he  was  not  able,  he  said,  to  announce  to  them  any  im« 
mediate  prospect  of  peace»  he  trusted  in^  the  goodness  of 
the  great  all«wise  disposer  of  events,  that,  this  most  desir- 
able of  all  obj^^cts  was  not  ao  far  distant,  as  the  distracted 
state  of  affairs  in  Europe  might  lead  them  to  imagine. 
Having  frequently  witness^d^  how  ikr  the  wisdom  of  the 
assembly  had  anticipated  the  suggestions  which  were  usuaUy 
made  from  the  chair,  it  was  unnecessary  for  him  to  propose 
^  any  particular  subjects  to  their  attention.  He  was,  there*^ 
fore,  content  to  rely  on  their  accustomed  liberality  to  pn> 
vide  for  the  expenses  of  the  current  yetjr.  It  was  hi?  mis^ 
fortune,  he  said,  to  be^.  without  aqy  official  information 
with  regard  to  the  appointment  of  a  governor ;  but,  appre- 
hending, froni  pnvate  covdmunicatipn,  that  a  nomination 
had  been  made,  it  was,  his  duty, to  request  that  they  would 
be  prepared  for  his  reception.  In  retiring  from  His  high 
sitaati<m,  he  hoped  they  would  believe  that  the  welfare  of 
Barbadoes  would  be  as  much  uppermost  in  his  hea;rt  as 

4  p 


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in  THfi  HISTORY 

'■[JS^J^vlMBiQ  Ibceitrciseof  lut  Ailkat  commtad;  ami  be  «i» 

^'^^     9"^  eaftbiMcd  that  oppoftfoifey  to  xotum  Uwm  hb  v«nn* 

dt  aekBowledgmrats  ior  tiie  assirtuice  and  suppeit  wkich 

lie  1^  i«ce9T«(i  from  tbem  iKtiTiduadly  and  ooUectivdj, 

m  conducting  his  Majesty's  government 

Die  addressee  vexe»  in  the  usttal  conplineatary  s^I^ 
•di«es  of  the  speeds,  abouadbg  with  pfofessioos  of  wr- 
MaKh  29.  gaud,  llie  da5  had  naw  arrired  wbea  the  president  wm 
to  kjr  dovn  the  gofernoieaat  vhich  h«k  had  twice  lyipMniiK 
tered*  The  Right  Hom.  Fnmcts  Hunberstooe  Mackenaif^ 
]%utMl  Seaferth^  having  been  hoiKwmd  vith  fai»  MajcitjrV 
comautBdft  to  take  upon  hkiMelf  the  gposnnaMit  c£  Barhai*^ 
^tees,.  airiirMl  ia  Oetfii^bajr  ea  ^  twMtjr-^uUik  4i8oi  of 
MaKh.  Withift  a  mwirth  alter  Loud  Seafeirthra  aaocaiiai^. 
Iff.  Bid^  went  to  J^gland,  whcaabe  died  ilMttljr  adec 
JUS  asctTal* 

We  than  aeir  taox^tdt  ik»  worit  wttl^  a  coiapwidiaii 
or  the  goTsmnent*- 

The  censtthitktt  e^  Bevbadae*  ii  an  haaiMe  laiiiaiiua  oi 
^t  gieatr  faSadc  of  humaa  wisdom,,  tlie  consttloflMA  e^ 
Bngland".  Hen^  as  iit  the  aieth^  eotratjrfv  the  pMftr  «£ 
estabKshin^  laacrstesidey  ior  three  dist&a«t evdars^  aaho  c«k^ 
lectJSrd^  compose  the  sopKdie  kgislataie  ^  tiM  naanii/.. 
The  coastitaest  parts  of  thiS'  legsslalilve  bod^  aia  Hw  g»> 
vcmon  Mrha  eepresents  the-  €SR9fm>^  a^  aanaei^  or  vfpa^- 
hoase,  whose  rank  m  the  cetemal  ^fstem  cewcspg«d»  a^- 
that  of  the  peers  itr  Great  Brrtaia ;  andf  a  gjMiefal  aisMih^ , 


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OFBARBADOSS.  0^ 

whose  Aitkotiom  aro  aoalogotif  to  thoie  of  the  Bngliih  ^^^*^^ 
bouse  of  ocmiHiond. 

Ilie  govtfaofn  legisiatite  authority  is  waiirely  negatite. 
He  may  reccHnnieikl  proper  subjects  to  the  oottridenrtkm 
of  the  assembly ;  and  Kithout  bis  c&^emvmot  fio  bi)l  ctm 
pass  into  a  law;  nor  call  bis  assedt  ianetioii  the  etifteoca  ^ 
of  any  law  beyond  three  yeaf9,  without  Hi  bavteg  teonved 
the  royal  confirmadon.  As  ^  depo^tary  of  the  execv*  ' 
tire  power,  the  gofvemofs  power  Is  taortpoMfttatd  exteo* 
sive.  He  is  styled  excellency,  aild  his  title  is  captaiBngis 
Mial,  governor  and  comma&der  in  ehief,  chanccAlor,  ordi« 
■aiy,  and  Tiee4Klmira)<  The  ptmi^em  for  hif  inahtfenatiee 
ia  a  aaboy  of  two  ihovsotui  pouiida  iteitiag,  paid  by  tfai 
Crown  out  of  the  fiMU  aad  »  bsif  per  eenti^  Be«idei 
a^iicht  he  is  emitted  to  otM4hifd  tf  aS  jwiatiwai  made  by 
tiM  cnstom-hoose  withht  his  gofemmeiit,  for  aa^  vfohitiOA 
9t  Hit  kws  Of  tradie ;  and  oft  the  coIoiBisI  esfteblfshftteat  he 
19  generalPy  allowed  three  tbotrsaad  ponnds  a  year  to  Sffp> 
port  the  dignity  of  Ms  goireranteBt.  'Raf  settlement,  ifil^h 
$9  entirely  optional  widi  ^  assentbljr,  ontst  be  made  hi  the 
irait  sesiMiw  o#  the  hotne  after  his^arrita!;  and,  nade^£drd 
Seaforth's  administration,  has  been  encreased  to  fcfOt  dnxt* 
•and  pMidds. 

JkB  captaiR^geBeiiM  Be  i^  esuCKci  to  appovst  flie  omeem 
pf  the  militia,  and  to.  remove  them  if  he  find  occasion. 
He  seldom  exercises  the  right  of  appointment  beyond  the 
choice  of  the  colonels,  who  generally  claim  the  privilege 

4  P  2 


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660  .  THE  HISTORY 

c«AP.xvxii.  ^f  nominating  the  lieutenantrcoloqels,  majors  and  captains 
of  their  regimeots  ;  and  these  again  insist  upon  being  ai« 
lowed  the  choice  of  their  subalterns.  Lord  Seaforth  as- 
serted his  right  to  these  appointments,  allowing  the  officers, 
commatiding  regimeats  only  to  recommend ;  but  th^  re- 
commendation was  invariably  adopted.  The  appointment 
of  the  gunners  and*  matrosses  also  is  legally  vested  in  the 
captain-genbraJy  but  it  is  usually  exercised  by  the  cokh 
nels  of  divisions,  the  governor  only  reserving  to  himself  the 
patroiiage  of  GbdyW-fort. 

Thq -governor,  with  the  corisent  of  the:coanci],  has  power 
to  dissolve  the  general  assembly,  ajad  to  issue  writs  for  a 
new  election ;  and,  with  the  concurrence  of  iive  members^ 
to  suspend  any  member  of.  council;  unless  it  be  on  some 
v&y  ^traordinary  occasion,  requiring  secrecy;  and  then 
bis  power  is  absolute.  He  is,  however,  bound,  m  either 
case,  tx)  transmit  his  reasons  to  the  I^ing,  before  whom  the 
suspended  member  is  permitted  to  make  his  defence. 
Should  there  be  at  jEoiy  time  less  thai^  seven  members  c^ 
council  resident  on  the  island,  the  governor  is  allowed  to 
appoint  a  sufficient  number,  pro  tempore^  for  the  dispatch  of 
business.* 

As  chancellor,  the  governor  has  the  custody  of  the  great 
seal,  and  presides  in  the  courts  of  errcnr  and  equity.    But^ 

*  The  president  potsesMs  the  stme  authority. 


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OF'BARBADOES,  ^i 

as  the  council  tite  judges  in  both  these  courts,  his  excel*  ^,^:^^' 
ency  onlj  sits  primus  inter  pares^  his  vote,  or  oi>inioii,  being 
of  no  greatter  consequence  than  that  of  any  other  member.  In 
the  capacity  of  ordinary  he  collated  to  all  church  livings,  of 
which  there  are  eleven  within  the  island.  He  takes  probate' 
of  alt  testamentary  writings;  and,  in  case  pf  litigation,  esta- 
blishes'oi*  annuls  the  will;  ahd,  in  default  of  executors  ap- 
pointed by  the  testator,  issues  letters  of  administration,  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  of  law.  * 

TTie  judges  of  the  courts  of  civil  and  criminal  judicature^ 
and  thejtistice  of  the  peace  can  neither  be  appoiated  nor 
removed  \frithout  the  concurrence  of  the  coUriciL  A  new 
commission  of  the  peace  is  issued  by  eacb  governor,  as  soon 
as  possible  after  his  arri  val,  composed  of  ;persons  reccmnnend- 
cd  by  the  coundl.  The  governor  appoints  the  t^vo  masters 
in  chancery,  the  escheator  and  solicitor^eneral^  the  coro* 
ners  of  the  several  parishes,  and  a  captain  of  the  ^orts. 
The  attomey-general,  the  judge  of  th^  Court  of  vi^e-ad- 
miralty,  the  register  in  chancery,  the.  clerk  of  the  CrOwn, 
the  secretary  and  clerk  of  the  council^. the  p^othonotary, 
provost-marshal,  and  navaJ  officer, .  are  appointed  by  pa- 
tent; and,  with  the  exception  of  the  two,  first,  are  all  ex- 
ecuted by  deputy,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  colony.  The 
casual  receiver  and  auditor-general  receive  their  commis- 
sions from  the  Crown ;  and  the  officers  of  the  customs 
have  their  appointments  from  the  lords  of  the  treasury. 
Over  each  of  these  departments  the  governor  possesses  a 

2 


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,10,  THBHHfrORY 

4jiiAP.5tvitt.  pamnount  cookioul ;  he  gutpends,  at  will,  all  those  oft- 

^^^^^   cera  vho  have  incurred  his  dbpleMOW,  and  •uppKea,  |>w 

tempore,  all  Taoaocies  ooc;a»ioHed  hj  death  or   sa5|»eii- 


tlOB. 


The  governor  as  vice-admiral,  is  entitled  to  the  fightt  of 

jeham,  pti»m,   and  ligcml*:  and,  ia  tijne  of  war,  being 

hiiBself  previously  atilhoriaed  by  the  King,  he  issues  his 

wftrrant  to  ttie  judge  of  the  cowrt  of  vice-adiMfalty  to  grant 

commissions  to  privateers. 

In  case  o^  the  death  or  absence  of  the  govenior,  the  pre- 
sident of  the  council  is  directed  by  his  Majesty^  hwtnic- 
iioMB  to  administer  the  gonrernnent.  1V>  maintain  Hie  dig- 
mty  of  his  station  ha  is  entitel  tooae4ifatf  the  salary,  and 
ether  iMohiminti  of  ofioe,  allotitod  by  die  Oown  9m  the 
sMppavl  of)  ita  feprasentativa.  But  the  inadequacy  of  thiis 
piorisioo  i»  avply  eoaipensated  hf  11»  Kberati^  of  ths 
legisljfttttse.  It  waa  foimeily  vsval  to  alttew  the  president 
half  the  governor^  eoloaiat  salary;  but  in  later  limes  the 
cstabhshBMnt  has  beea  inuwaiod  to  l^rae  ttwmsand  pefmd!^. 
Kiis  power  d$fef»  i»  very  Itw  partieulars  ftem.  titot  of  fte 
gevereer.  He  cannot  diaseire  the  assetably  existmg  at  tfte 
^ae  he  aseuwea  Ae  gereiuMent:    lather  can  he  remove, 


«.^lMa»  u.i»Ni«V«l»<m  «^  i«^  tut  i^>  ii>imw»  «ri^r  ^ 
it  wheie  tbej  centipo^  swiioinipf ;  Hf/i^  is  wbtre  tbej;  aj»  onlu  bnt  ticdki  *.  orit, 
or  buoy.  If  d6  owner  appear,  theie  articles  belong  to  the  goremor,  as  vice-admir 
irt}  bnttte  )ft«M«wa<r  it  «tilM  to  recorer  tbe  possessim^  oo  prvvSig  Bis  ligKt. 


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OF  BARBAPOES  $63 

ersoipeiid,  aaycfril  or  military  officer,  without  the  coa*  o^J^^j^"* 
seat  of  at  least  seven  ni^ttben  of  council ;  nor  can  l» 
issue  a  nevir  commisssion  of  the  peace.    In  all  other  re- 
spects his  authority  is  co-equal,  and  co-extensive  trith  thd 
govemcw's. 

The  council  consists  of  twelve  n^mben,  whose  app^i^ 
stent  is  an  act  of  the  Crown,  exercised  00  the  recotnnieti*^ 
dation  of  the  commander  in  chief.    By  the  courtesy  of  thft 
cdonies  they  are  styled  honourable.    But  holding  theit 
seats  by  the  piecarious  tenure  of  the  royal  will  aad  ple«'>' 
sme,^  and,  in  some  meaMir^,  at  (lie  caprice  of  the  govemor, 
they  are  supposed  not  to  possess  that  independence  which' 
k  eMeatiai  to-  an-  onder  ef  men  whose  zank,  on  the  politic 
coil  scale  c^  the  colonies  is  equival^it  to  die  peenge  of. 
Eoglasd.    Hence  they  do^not,  collectively,  enjoy  tliat  de*- 
gvte  of  popular,  finrour  and  eonidence  wlncb  is'  Hie  esdv*- 
aive  privilege  <^  the  ocprescatativet  of  the  people.    M  a* 
^tifnct  biMi^b  c^  the  legis^nie,^  ikieiv  ooncttrr^M^  ki  ne-^ 
eessary.  in  the  passing  of  aH  hii9».    All- biits' ttncMmected: 
with  the  raising  of  supplies,  of  the  disposal  of  the  pubha* 
i»oat%  may  originate  with-  ihemt    Ia  their  legislative  ea<*- 
pAdty,  idM  StmdfM^  ci-  discussion:  is  txpressl;y  ^nted  fa* 
Hien  by  1^6  ntyya)  instttictiamr  but  it  is  ettnemely  eircom" 
scfUied  by  the  pussenee  of  the  coimntinder  in  chief;  ai» 
ilNMttd  tfttstiQtti,  whicb  seems  t&  hav^e  originated  ia  the  in^ 
flMcy  of  thtt  c^lMj*,  >eliM6  tb«  n^x9»stit»xwe  body  waiT: 


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664  THE  HISTORT 

^?^!^^  called  into  existence  ;  and  which  is,  indisputably,  a  radical 
defect  in  the  colonial  constitutionr. 

As  a  council  of  state  they  stand  in  the  ,same  relation  to 
the  governor  as  the  privy  council  of  Great  Britain  does  to 
the  king;  and  are  bound  by  the  solemn  obligation  of  an 
oath  not  to  divulge  any  secret  of  government  communi- 
cated to  them  in  that  character.  As  privy  counsellors  they 
assist  the  governor  with  their  advice,  and  are  intended  to 
be  a  check  upon  him,  if  he  should  attempt  to  exceed  his 
commbsion  abd  instructions ;  a  feeble  check  indeed,  since 
it  is.  easy  for  him,  by  virtue  of  bis  prerogative,  to  throw- 
off  the  rein,  and  pursue  tlie  bent  of  liis  own  inclinations. 
For,  although,  as  has  been  well  remarked  by  the  elegant 
historian  of  the  West  Indies,  every  governor  is  directed, 
by  his  instructions,  to  advise  with  his  council  on  niost  oc- 
casions, he  is  competent  to  act  in  all  cases,  not  only  with- 
out, but  even  against  their  concurrence.  Answerable  only 
to  his  Sovereign,  his  proceedings  are  legal  and  efficient  to 
all  intents  and  purposes  within  the  colony. 

The  house  of  assembly  is  composed  of  twenty-two  dde- 
gates,  or  deputies,  annually  elected,  two  for  each  f>arish, 
by  the  body  6f  the  people.  Of  the  qualifications  of  the 
candidates  and  the  electors  due  notice  has  been  taken  in  a 
former  chapter  of  this  work.  On  the  expiration,  or  disso- 
lution of  the  assembly,  the  governor  immediately  issues 
writs,  directed  to  the  senior  CQunsellor  in  each  parish,  or, 
in  the  absence  of  a  member  of  council,  to  any  substantial 


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OF  BARBAD0£5.  66B 

l^eefaolckr,   requiring  him  to  summoa  the  freeholders  to  cj^J^^^vn^v 
meet,  withia  fifteen  day»  after  notice  being  given  at  their 
parish  church,   and  to  make  choice   of   two    able  and 
discreet  persons  of  their  own  body  to  represent  them  in  the 
general  assembly.    The  person  thus  authorised  to  convene 
the  freeholders,  is  the  sheriff  for  the  occasion,  and  makes  a 
setum  of  the  writ,  with,  a  certificate  of  the  election,  to  the 
governor^  on  his  next  sitting  in  council,  when  the  represent 
tatives  also  meet,,  and  take  the  state  oaths  in  his  excellency V 
presence.     Having  performed  this  ceremony^  which  is  alsa 
vepeated  on  the  accession  of  every  new  commander  in  chiefs 
the  assembly  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  speaker,  whom 
they  present  for  his  excellency'^  approbation.   If  the  choice 
la  confirmed,,  the  speaker,  in  due  parliamentary  form,  de- 
mands  from  the  representative  of  the  Crown,  the  usual 
privileges  of  the  house.     This  done,  they  possess,  withia 
the  colony,  the  same  legislative  authority  which  belongs  to 
the  house   of  commons.     All.  money  bills  must  originate 
with  them ;  though,  as  we  have  had  frequent  occasion  to 
lemark,  they  have  often  suffered  this  invaluable  privilege 
to  be  encroached  upon,  by  admitting  the  council  to  amend  .    - 

their  bills  of  that  description.  They  exercise  the  right 
of  expelling  any  of  their  members  who  have  been  guilty  of 
any  heinous  crime,,  and  may  gpant  leave  of  absence  to  any 
of  them,  not  exceeding  four  at  a  time,  for  the  term  of  six 
jpaonths.  In  case  of  the  death,  or  expulsion  of  a  member 
the  house  addresses  the  gqvernor  to  issue  a  writ  for  the  ©lec- 

4  o 


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096  Ttffi  fiOmSKT 

cmsftfQV^rted  eleettofisy  aod  «ma  adjourn  theawciras  inm 
431AJ  to  <ifiy ;  but  na  kinger  adjidurameaiB  are  Tcdid  Im^ 
^aeh  a«  are  nsade  by  die  commander  ia  clii«€;  vbo  iMi 
!p0mer  i6  e^arette  tben  ^fbenevcr  be  thinks  proper* 

Besides  tiie  cfaoiee  of  ih^  chapkiti,  cterk  9mA  ttMnhalf 
&e  Assembly  have  saooeasivaly  ajtumed  the  appointmiMrt 
c£  an  agents  treasurer,  .sftMe-keeper  6f  tke  maganac^ 
eomptroner  of  the  osK^ise^  a  guager  of  wioeia  eacb^tbs 
four  towns,  a  barfootn^master,  ah  iospedor  of  weighls  and 
measures,  and  twelve  inspectors  o(  cotton.  To  the  offifcos 
of  treasurer,  store  keeper  and  comptroHer  of  the  ^eKci»e> 
the  members  of  tise  assembly  succeed  in  trieunal  rotat»Mi 
and  farm  them  at  an  annual  rent,  to  the  person  by  whom 
they  are  executed ;  who  enters  into  recognijsances  before  the 
conmiander  in  chief  £6r  the  faithful  performance  qf  dbftir 
duty.  No  money  can  be  issued  from  the  treaswy,  nor  stent 
from  the  magazine,  but  in  consequence  of  orders  under 
the  govemoi's  sign  manual.  Nor  cim  the  treasurer 
appropriate  the  pubKc  money  to  any  uae  wkatevar  ndt 
expressly  warranted  by  law. 

Four  members  of  council,  ttomiiHrted  by  the  c^Mmnaoder 
in  chief,  and  six  .  of.  the  assembly,  chosen  by  the  speaker 
constitute  a  conmiittee  for  the  examination  and  settlement 
of  the  treasurei's  accounts  and  of  all  others  relating  to  the 
public  expenditure.  A  committee  of  conespondence  con- 
sfoting  of  three  counsellors  and  four  assemblymen,   axe 


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QrBiABAmnei.  mt 

commissioners  of  fortifications  are  coinpoiad  of  4he  amr^bem 
<of  oognpi,  the  meodien  of  the  ameeii^Iy  aoiil  tlie  6^  offi«- 
cen  of  iii6  militia  reeidimt  m  each  <iUvifeM«.  They  pobsans 
cxtecuiire  powoB,  in  ordering  wiiatorer  fepait^  they  SMy 
nieem  necessary  to  tlie  fiMis*  Nine  fiwmbecs  of  coandl 
«id  twelve  of  the  assombly  complete  the  mole^iead  ^cmet^ 
ffffittee.  IVom  the  ruined  «ta(e  in  which  the  pier  has  bom 
iiuflfered  to  remain  for  more  than  twenty  six  years,  with 
:a»ij^e  funds '  to  commence  its  reparation,  it  would  fteem 
-tiiat  the  members  of  this  t^ard  hare  ^rgotten  Chat  th^y 
Itavoa  duty  to  perform. 

The  judicature  of  the  isknd  consists  of  fire  courts  of 
common  pleas,  each  composed  of  a  chief  judge  and  four 
assistants,  appointed  by  the  governor's  commission  undiir 
the  great  seal.  Tiiey  commence  their  sittings  on  the  last 
'Monday  in  January  and  conftinue  them,  by  adjournments, 
^etery  four  weeks,  until  September.  Appeals  in  all  causes 
laboi^e  ten  pounds  ^alue  may  be  had  to  the  courts  of  error 
and  equity;  and  thence,  in  erery*  case  of  litigation 
-exceeding  frre  hundred  pounds,  an  ulterior  appeal  lies  tb 
the  king  in  council.  The  court  of  exchequer  is  held  byia 
chief  baron  and  four  puisne  barons,  of  whom,  as  in  the 
other  courts,  three  are  competent  to  hear  and  determine 
all  matters  at  issue.  Tlie  court  of  chancery,  composed, 
as  has  been  already  observed,  of  the  government  and 
council,  of  -^hom  five  make  a  quorum,  sits  monthly,  except 

4q  2 


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7568  THE  HISTORY  OF  BARBADOES. 

cn^^^xvuu  ^jj  particular,  occasions  which  require  greater  dispatdi^  or 
will  admit  of  longer  delay. 

A  court  of  grand  sessions  of  oyer  and  terminer,  general 
•gaol  delivery,  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  is  held 
twice  a  year.     It  is  formed  by  a  chief  justice,  appointed 
by  the  governor  and  council,  assisted  by  at  least  five  ju»- 
-  tides  of  the  peace*    The  chief  justice  is  generally  a  mem^ 
ber  of  the  council,  or  a  judge  of  one  of  the  courts  of  com^ 
,mon   pleas.    Six  freeholders  from  each  parish  are  sunv* 
.  mooed  to  attend  .  the  court   by   virtue  of  the  governaifs 
'wiit,  directed  to  the  senior  member  of  council  in  each  p^H 
rish ;  or,   in  his  absence,  to  any  justice  of  the  peace;  or 
should  there  be  no  such  magistrate  in  the  parish,  to  any 
,  substantial  freeholder.     From  among  the  persons  thus  ia- 
dijOferently  chosen,  the  grand  inquest  and  petty  juries  are 
selected.    This  court  may  continue  its  session  for  four  days^ 
and  possesses  a  plenitude  of  power,  in  all  criminal  cases, 
,  affecting  even  the  life  of  the  offender.      In  all  inferior 
ofiences  the  governor  may  remit  the  punishment  imposed 
by  the  court ;  and,  even  in  capital  cases,  such  as  murder 
.  and  treason,  he  may ^  reprieve  the  convict  until  the  king's 
.plearare  is  known. 

FINIS. 


J.  O.  Binaiii  YUMir,  iMy-^na. 


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