--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- Habu (urfrr Srolon Librann Arm Inibersity --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- HISTORY F E WEST INDIES. --- Page 6 --- C Brmen) --- Page 7 --- THE H I S T O R Y, CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL, OFTHE BRITISH COLONIES INTER WEST INDIES. Br BRYAN EDWARDS EsQ. F.R.S. S.A, I N THREE VOLUMES. THIRD EDITION, WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS, ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES. VOL, III. LONDON: PRINTED FOR JOHN STOCKDALE, PICCADITLY, 1801. --- Page 8 --- Dchn Gorcer Grown iorary - IW Printed by Luke Hanfard, Great Turnfile, Lincoin's-Inn Fields. --- Page 9 --- AN HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE FRENCH COLONT IN THE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO: COMPREHENDING AN ACCOUNT OF THE REVOLT OF THE NEGROES IN THE YEAR 1791, AND AI DETAIL OF' THE MILITAR) Y TRANSACTIONS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN THAT ISLAND, IN THE YEARS 1793 & 1794. VoL. III. b --- Page 10 --- --- Page 11 --- PREFACE 0, R-20m TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE HISTORICAL SURFEYOFST DOMINGO, (1796.) QOON after I had publifhed the Hiftory of the Britifh Colonies in the Weft Indies, I conceived the defign of compiling a general account of the fettlements made by all the nations of Europe in that part of the New Hemifphere, but more particularly the French, whofe poffeffions were undoubtedly the moft valuable and produétive of the whole Archipelago. This idea fuggefted itfelf to me on furveying the materials I had colleéted with regard to their principal colony in St. Domingo; not doubting, as the fortune of war had placed under the Britifh dominion all or moft of the other French iflands, that I fhould eafily procure fuch particulars of the condition, population, and culture of each, as would enable me to complete my defign, with credit to myfelf, and fatisfaétion to the Publick. Iam forry to obferve, that in this expeétation I have hitherto found myfelf b 2 difappointed, ted with regard to their principal colony in St. Domingo; not doubting, as the fortune of war had placed under the Britifh dominion all or moft of the other French iflands, that I fhould eafily procure fuch particulars of the condition, population, and culture of each, as would enable me to complete my defign, with credit to myfelf, and fatisfaétion to the Publick. Iam forry to obferve, that in this expeétation I have hitherto found myfelf b 2 difappointed, --- Page 12 --- iv PREFACE TO THE difappointed. The prefent publication, therefore, is confined wholly to St. Domingo; concerning which, having perfonally vifited that unhappy counfoon after the revolt of the negroes in 1791, try and formed connexions there, which have fupplied ever fince, I pofme with regular communications documents. fefs a mafs of evidence, and important little confeMy motives for going thither, are of to the Publick; but the circumftances quence occafioned the voyage, the reception I met which and the fituation in which 1 found the with, Inhabitants, cannot fail of being intereftwretched and I flatter myfelf that a fhort ing to the reader; while it confers fome account of thofe particulars, labours, will not be degree of authenticity on my Book. thought an improper Introduétion to my when I was IN the month of September 1791, Gentleat Spanifh Town in Jamaica, two French arrived were introduced to me, who were juft men with information that the nefrom St. Domingo, to the French part of that gro flaves belonging of 100,000 ifland, to the number, as was believed, and upwards, had revolted, and were fpreading and defolation over the whole of the nordeath They reported that the governorthern province. the fituation of the colony as general, confidering the white inhabitants of all a common caufe among Indies, had difpatched comnations in the Weft iflands, as well as to mifioners to the neighbouring immethe States of North America, to requeft and diate afiftance of troops, arms, ammunition, on provitions; and that themfelves were deputed the --- Page 13 --- FIRST EDITIO N. V the fame errand to the Government at Jamaica : I was accordingly defired to prefent them to the Earl of Effingham, the commander in chief. Although the difpatches with which thefe gentlemen were furnifhed, were certainly a very fufficient introduction to his lordthip, I did not hefitate to comply with their requeft; and it is fcarcely neceffary to obferve, that the liberal and enlarged mind which animated every part of Lord Effingham's conduét, needed no folicitation, in a cafe of beneficence and humanity. Superior to national prejudice, he felt, as a man and a chriftian ought to feel, for the calamitics of felloz men ; and he faw, in its full extent, the danger to which every ifland in the Weft Indies would be expofed from fuch an example, if the triumph of. favage anarchy over all order and government thould be complete. He therefore, without hefitation, affured the commiffioners that they might depend on recciving from the government of Jamaica, every affiftance and fuccour which it was in bis power to give. Troops he could not offer, for he had them not 3 but he faid he would furnifh arms, ammunition, and provifions, and he promifed to confult with the diftinguithed Officer commanding in the naval department, concerning the propriety of fending up one or more of his Majefty's thips; the commiffioners having fuggefted that the appearance in their harbours of a few veffels of war might ferve to intimidate the infurgents, and keep them at a diftance, while the neceffary defences and intrenchments were b3 making, 3 but he faid he would furnifh arms, ammunition, and provifions, and he promifed to confult with the diftinguithed Officer commanding in the naval department, concerning the propriety of fending up one or more of his Majefty's thips; the commiffioners having fuggefted that the appearance in their harbours of a few veffels of war might ferve to intimidate the infurgents, and keep them at a diftance, while the neceffary defences and intrenchments were b3 making, --- Page 14 --- vi PREFACE TO TH E making, to preferve the city of Cape François from an attack. AFFLECK (as from his known worth, ADMIRAL and general charaéter might have been expeéted) chearfully co-operated on this occafion with very and immediately iffued orders to Lord Effingham; of the Blonde and Daphne frigates to the captains of forthproceed, in company with a floop war, The Centurion was foon with to Cape François. The Blonde afterwards ordered to Port au Prince. being commanded by my amiable and lamented William Affleck, who kindly underfriend, Captain back to took to convey the French commiffioners St. Domingo, I was eafily perfuaded to accompany them thither; and fome other gentlemen of Jamaica joined the party. in WE arrived in the harbour of Cape François the evening of the 26th of September, and the firft object which arrefted our attention as we approached, was a dreadful fcene of devaftation by fire. The noble plain adjoining the Cape was COvered with alhes, and the furrounding hills, as far could reach, every where prefented to us as the eye and houfes and plantations at ruins ftill fmoking, in flames. It was a fight more terthat moment unaccuftomed to rible than the mind of any man, inhabitants fuch a fcene, can eafily conccive.-The direcof the town being affembled on the beach, ted all their attention towards. us, and we landed amidft a crowd of fpeétators who, with uplifted hands and ftreaming eyes, gave welcome to their deliverers (for fuch they confidered us) and acclamations --- Page 15 --- FIRST EDITION. vii mations of vivent les Anglois refounded from every quarter. THE governor of St. Domingo, at that time, was the unfortunate General Blanchelande; a marechal de camp in the French fervice, who has fince perifhed on the fcaffold. He did us the honour to receive us on the quay. A committee of the colonial affembly, accompanied by the governor's only fon, an amiable and accomplifhed youth * had before attended us on board the Blonde, and we were immediately conduéted to the place of their meeting. The fcene was ftriking and folemn. The hall was iplendidly illuminated, and all the members appeared in mourning. Chairs were placed for us within the bar, and the Governor having taken his feat on the right hand of the Prefident, the latter addreffed us in an eloquent and affeéting oration, of which the following is as literal a tranflation as the idiom of the two languages will admit : G WE were not miftaken, Gentlemen, when we < placed our confidence in your generofity; but 66 we could hardly entertain the hope, that, befides 66 fending us fuccours, you would come in perfon 46 to give us confolation. You have quitted, withG out reluétance, the peaceful enjoyment of happi6 nefs at home, to come and participate in the 6 misfortunes of ftrangers, and blend your tears 66 with This young gentleman likewife perifhed by the guillotine zinder the tyranny of Robefpierre. He was maffacred at Paris, oa the 2oth July 1794, in the twentieth year of his age. b 4 befides 66 fending us fuccours, you would come in perfon 46 to give us confolation. You have quitted, withG out reluétance, the peaceful enjoyment of happi6 nefs at home, to come and participate in the 6 misfortunes of ftrangers, and blend your tears 66 with This young gentleman likewife perifhed by the guillotine zinder the tyranny of Robefpierre. He was maffacred at Paris, oa the 2oth July 1794, in the twentieth year of his age. b 4 --- Page 16 --- vil PREFACE TO THE 4 with our's. Scenes of mifery (the contemplation 66 of which, to thofe who are unaccuftomed to mis- <6 fortune, is commonly difgufting) have not fup66 preffed your feelings. You have been willing to Cc afcertain the full extent of our diftreffes, and to <6 pour into our wounds the falutary balm of your cc fenfibility and compaffion. < THE piéture which has been drawn of our ca66 lamities, you will find has fallen fhort of the rea46 lity. That verdure with which our fields were Ce lately arrayed, is no longer vifible; difcoloured 66 by the flames, and laid wafte by the devaftations a of war, our coafts exhibit no profpeét but that 66 of defolation. The emblems which we wear on 66 our perfons, are the tokens of our grief for the and 66 lofs of our brethren, who were furprized, 6 cruelly affaffinated, by the revolters. cC Ir is by the glare of the conflagrations that a every way furround us, that we now deliberate: <6 we are compelled to fit armed and watchful C through the night, to keep the enemy from our bofoms 66 fanétuary. For a long time paft our < hàve been depreffed by forrow; they experience < this day, for the firft time, the fweet emotions <6 of pleafure, in beholding you amongft us. < GENEROUS iflanders! hamanity has operated <6 powerfully on your hearts ;-you have yielded to 46 the firft emotion of your generofity, in the hopes C6 of fnatching us from death; for it is already too < late to fave us from mifery. What a contraft beC6 tween your conduét, and that of other nations ! 66 We will avail ourfelves of your benevolence ; 6 but --- Page 17 --- FIRST EDITION. ix < but the days youj preferve to us, will not be fuffi6 cient to manifeft our gratitude : our children < fhall keep itin remembrance. 6 REGENERATED France, unapprized that fuch < calamities might befal us, has taken no meafures 66 to proteét us againft their effects: with what 66 admiration will the learn, that, without your af46 fiftance, we fhould no longer exift as a depen66 dency to any nation. 46 THE Commifioners deputed by us to the ifland 6 of Jamaica, have informed us of your exertions 66 to ferve us.-Receive the affurance of our at66 tachment and fenfibility. 66 THE Governor-general of this ifland, whofe 46 fentiments perfectly accord with our own, parti66 cipates equallyi in the joy we feel at your prefence, 66 and in our gratitude for the affiftance you have 46 brought us.' 93 Ar this junéture, the French colonifts in St. Domingo, howeverthéy might have been divided in political fentiments on former occafions, feemed to be foftened, by the fenfe of common fuffering, into perfect unanimity. All defcriptions of perfons joined in one general outcry: againft the National Affembly, to whofe proceedings were imputed all their difafters. This opinion was indeed fo widely diffeminated, and fo deeply rooted, as to create a very ftrong difpofition in the white inhabitants of Cape François, to renounce their allegiance to the mother country. The black cockade was univerfally fubflituted in place of the tri-coloured onc, and very earneft the fenfe of common fuffering, into perfect unanimity. All defcriptions of perfons joined in one general outcry: againft the National Affembly, to whofe proceedings were imputed all their difafters. This opinion was indeed fo widely diffeminated, and fo deeply rooted, as to create a very ftrong difpofition in the white inhabitants of Cape François, to renounce their allegiance to the mother country. The black cockade was univerfally fubflituted in place of the tri-coloured onc, and very earneft --- Page 18 --- PREFACE TO THE X avowed in all companies, withearneft withes were adminiftraout feruple or reftraint, that the Britifh tion would fend.an armament to conquer the ifland, rather to receive its voluntary furrender from the or inhabitants. What they wilhed might happen, perfuaded themfelves to believe was actually they and this idea foon became fo in contemplations ; the author of this work in an prevalent, as to place obawkward fituation. The fanguine difpolition fervable in the French charaéter, has been noticed all who have vifited them; but in this cafe their by that was extravagant credulity grew to a height kindnefs of the Earl and even ridiculous. By the with a letter of inof Effingham, I was favoured and retroduétion to the Governor-general. 5 my coloboth by M. Blanchelande and the ception, was fuch as not only to excite the nial affembly, but alfo to induce a very general publick attention, motive had brought me belief that no common of individuals to this thither. The fuggeftions troublefome. Afpurpofe, became perplexing and beyond furances on my part, that I had no views effect of curiofity, had no other the gratification than to call forth commendations on my prudence. that I was an agent of the Englifh It was fettled, to found the inclinations miniftry, fent purpofely of Great of the Colonifts towards the Government to an invafion of the country Britain, preparatory and their wifhes and incliby a Britifh armament 5 this idea, gave rife to nations co-operating with to mc; which were made many ftrange applications fome --- Page 19 --- FIRST EDITION. XI fome of'them of fo ludicrous a nature, as no powers of face could cafily withftand. THIS circumftance is not recorded from the vain ambition of fhewing my own importance. The reader of the following pages will difcover its application; and, perhaps, it may induce him to make fome allowance for that confident expeétation of fure and fpeedy fuccefs, which afterwards led to attempts, by the Britifh arms, againft this ill fated country, with means that muft otherwife have been thought at the time,-as in the fequel they have unhappily proved,--altogether inadequate to the objeét in view. THE ravages of the rebellion, during the time that I remained at Cape François, extended in all direétions. The whole of the plain of the Cape, with the exception of one plantation which adjoined the town, was in ruins; ; as were likewife the Parifh of Limonade, and moft of the fettlements in the mountains adjacent. The Parifh of Limbé was every where on fire; and before my departure, the rebels had obtained poffeffion of the bay and forts at l'Acul, as well as the diftriets of Fort Dauphin, Dondon, and La Grande Riviere. DESTRUCTION every where marked their progrefs, and refiftance feemed to be confidered by the whites, not only as unavailing in the prefent conjunéture, but as hopelefs in future. To fill up the meafure of their calamities, their Spanifh neighbours in the fame ifland, with a fpirit of bigotry and hatred which is, I believe, without an example in the world, refufed to lend any affiftance towards of Fort Dauphin, Dondon, and La Grande Riviere. DESTRUCTION every where marked their progrefs, and refiftance feemed to be confidered by the whites, not only as unavailing in the prefent conjunéture, but as hopelefs in future. To fill up the meafure of their calamities, their Spanifh neighbours in the fame ifland, with a fpirit of bigotry and hatred which is, I believe, without an example in the world, refufed to lend any affiftance towards --- Page 20 --- xii PREFACE TO THE a revolt, in the ifue of which towards fupprefling fhould have informed them, that common reafon with their own prefervation was implicated equally accufed not that of the French. They were even the rebels with arms and provionly of fupplying alfo of delivering up to them to be murfions; : but French planters who had dered, many unhappy territories, and refled for refuge to the Spanifh of their money from the rebels as the price ceiving Of thefe latter charges, however, no proof blood. 5 and, for the howas, I believe, ever produced to believe nour of human nature, I am unwilling that they are true. altogether defpeTo mylelf, the cafe appeared of the moft rate from the beginning; and many in Cape relpectable and beft informed perfons affured François (fome of them in high ftations) in this in confidence, that they concurred me, The merchants and importers of Euroopinion. apprehending every hour the pean manufaétures, of the town, as much from incendiadeftruétion the rebels without, offered their ries within, as from at half the ufual prices; goods for ready money Affleck, by and applications were made to Captain to emperfons of all defcriptions, for permiffion bark in the Blonde for Jamaica. The interpofi- him to obliged tion of the colonial government but means were conrejeét their folicitations; of money trived to fend on board confignments know that other conto a great amount 5 and I which effects to a confiveyances were found, by derable --- Page 21 --- FIRST EDITION. xiii derable value were exported both to Jamaica, and the ftates of North America. UNDER thefe circumftances, it very naturally occurred to me to direét my enquiries towards the ftate of the colony previous to the revolt, and collect authentick information on the fpot, concerning the primary caufe, and fubfequent progrefs, of the widely extended ruin before me. Strongly impreffed with the gloomy idea, tbat the only memorial of this once flourifhing coleny would foon be found in the records of hiftory, I was defirous that my own country and fellow-colonifts, in lamenting its cataftrophe, might at the fame time profit by fo terrible an example. My means of information were too valuable to be neglected, and I determined to avail myfelf of them. The governor-general furnifhed me with copies of all the papers and details of office that I folicited, with a politenefs that augmented the favour. The fate of this unhappy gentleman, two years afterwards, gave me infinite concern. Like his royal mafter, he was unfortunately called to a ftation to which his abilities were not competent 5 and in times when perhaps no abilities would have availed him. THE Prefident of the colonial affembly, at the time of my arrival, was M. de Caducfh, who fome time afterwards took up his refidence, and held an important office, in Jamaica. He was a man of very diftinguifhed talents, and withal ftrongly and fincerely attached to the Britith government, of which, if it were proper, I could furnich unqueftionable proof. to a ftation to which his abilities were not competent 5 and in times when perhaps no abilities would have availed him. THE Prefident of the colonial affembly, at the time of my arrival, was M. de Caducfh, who fome time afterwards took up his refidence, and held an important office, in Jamaica. He was a man of very diftinguifhed talents, and withal ftrongly and fincerely attached to the Britith government, of which, if it were proper, I could furnich unqueftionable proof. --- Page 22 --- xiv PREFACE TO THE proof*. This gentleman drew up, at my requeft, a fhort account of the origin and progrefs of the rebellion; and after my return to England, favoured me with his correfpondence. Many important facts, which are given in this work, are given on his authority. confiderable and refpeétToN M. Delaire, a very who has fince ablemerchant in thetownofthe Cape, removed to the ftate of South Carolina, I wasindebted for a fimilar narrative, drawn up by himfelf in the Englith language, of which he is a very commafter.. It is brief, but much to the purpetent knowledge of the conpofe; difplays an intimate cerns of the colony, and traces, with great acutenefs, its difafters to their fource. I BUT the friend from whofe fuperior knowledgel have derived my chief information in all refpeêts, is alluded to in the marginal note to the gentleman fheets; and I fincerely rep. 120 of the following to render thatill- fortune has fo purfued him as gret, in this work to exprefs to him, by name, it improper I owe to his kindnefs. After a narthe obligations of thofe mercilefs row efcape from the vengeance Santhonax and Polverel, he was induced to remen, tolook after his property; and, turn toSt. Domingo, fallen into the hands I grieve to fay, that he is again of his enemies. He found means, however, preconfinement, to convey to me vious to his prefent many valuable papers; ; and, among others, a copy General Williamfon back to St. * He afterwards accompanied Domingo, and was killed (or, as I have heard, bafely murdered) in a duel at Port au Prince, by one of his countrymen. of , he was induced to remen, tolook after his property; and, turn toSt. Domingo, fallen into the hands I grieve to fay, that he is again of his enemies. He found means, however, preconfinement, to convey to me vious to his prefent many valuable papers; ; and, among others, a copy General Williamfon back to St. * He afterwards accompanied Domingo, and was killed (or, as I have heard, bafely murdered) in a duel at Port au Prince, by one of his countrymen. of --- Page 23 --- FIRS T EDITIO N. XV of that moft curious and important document, the dying depofition or teflament of Oge, mentioned in the fourth chapter, and printed at large among the additional notes and illuftrations at the end of my work. Ofthis paper(the communication of which,in proper time, would have prevented the dreadful fcenes that followed) although I had frequently heard, I had long doubted the exiftence. Its fuppreflion by the perfons to whom it was delivered by the wretched fufferer, appeared to be an aét of fuch monftrous and unexamapled wickednefs, that, until I faw the paper itfelf, I could not credit the charge. Whether M. Blanchelande was a party concerned in this atrocious proceeding, as my friend afferts, I know not. Ifhe was guilty, he has juftly paid the forfeit ofhis crime ; and although, believing him innocent, I mournedover) his untimely fate, I fcruple not to avow my opinion, that ifhehad poffeffed a thoufand lives, the lofs of them all had not been a fufficient atonement, in fo enormous a cafc, to violated juftice ! SucHwere the motives that induced me to undertake this Hiftorical Survey oft the French part of St. Domingo, and fuch are the authorities from whence I bave derived my information concerning thofe calamitous events which have brought it toruin. Yet I will frankly confefs, that, if I have any credit with the publick as an author, I am not fure this work will add to my reputation. Every writer muft rife or fink, in fome degree, with the nature of his fubjoct; and on this occafion, the piéture which I Thall exhibit, has nothing in it to delight the fancy, or to gladden the heart. The profpcéts before us are --- Page 24 --- Xvi PREFACE TO THE all dark and difimal. Here is no room for are the beauties of unfullied nature. Thofe tracing of perennial verdure; thofe magnificent and groves romantick land(capes, which, in tropical regions, where invitethe cyc, and oftentimes detain it, every until wonder is exalted to devotion, muft now give to the miferies of war, and the horrors of place to fcenes of anarchy, defolation, and peftilence; We have to contemplate the human carnage. mind in its utmoft deformity : to behold favage cruelties, of man, let loofe from reftraint, exercifing heart recoil, and which the bare recital makes the unheard of commnitting crimes which are hitherto in hiftorys tccming all monftrous, all prodigious things, Abominable, unutterable, and worfe Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd! MILTON. therefore that I can hope and expeét is, that ALL if it cannot delight, may at leaft inmy narrative, On the fober and confiderate, on thofe Aruêt. this affemblage of who are open to conviétion, effect. It will expofe the lahorrors will have its and the monftrous mentable ignorance of fome, of the wickednefs of others, among the reformers of day, who, urging onwards fchemes perprefent of amendment in the confeétion, and projeéts fafter than nature allows, are dition of human life, fire between the different lighting up a confuming but human claffes of mankind, which nothing that great To tell fuch men blood can extinguih. and étion, effect. It will expofe the lahorrors will have its and the monftrous mentable ignorance of fome, of the wickednefs of others, among the reformers of day, who, urging onwards fchemes perprefent of amendment in the confeétion, and projeéts fafter than nature allows, are dition of human life, fire between the different lighting up a confuming but human claffes of mankind, which nothing that great To tell fuch men blood can extinguih. and --- Page 25 --- FIRST EDITION, xvii and beneficial modifications in the eftablifhed orders of fociety, can only be cffcéted by a progreflive improvement in the fituation of the lower ranks of the people, is to preach to the winds. In their hands reformation, with a fcythe more deflructive than that of time, mows down every thing, and plants nothing. Moderation and caution they confider as rank cowardice. Force and violence are the ready, and, in their opinion, the only proper application for the cure of carly and habitual prejudice. Their praétice, like that of other mountebanks, is bold and compendious 3 their motto is, cure or kill. THESE reflcctions naturally arife from the circumftance which is incontrovertibly proved in the following pages, namely, that the rebellion of the negroes in St. Domingo, and the infurrection of the mulattoes, to whom Ogè was fent as ambaffador, had one and the fame origin. It was not the ftrong and irrefiftible impulfe of human nature, groaning under oppreflion, that excited either of thofe claffes to plunge their daggers into the bofoms of unoffending women and helplefs infants. They were driven into thofe exceflesreluétantly driven-by the vile machinations of men calling themfelves philofophers (the profelytes and imitators in France, of the Old Jewry affociates in London) whofe pretences to philanthropy were as grofs a mockery of human reafon, as their conduet was an outrage on all-the feclings of our nature, and the ties which hold fociety together ! Ir is indeed truc, that negro-rebellions have VoL. III. C heretofore --- Page 26 --- xvili PREFACE TO THE heretofore arifen in this and other iflands of the Weft Indies, to which no fuch exciting caufes contributed :-but it is equally certain, that thofe rebellions always originated among the newly-imnegroes only ; many of whom had probably ported ftate of freedom in Africa, and had been lived in a fold into flavery by their fraudulently, or cafes forcibly, of this kind do fometimes OCchiefs. That trade, I dare not difpute, and I cur in the flave are their natural admit that revolt and infurreétion confequences. BUT, in St. Domingo, a very confiderable part were-not Africans, but-Creoles, of the infurgents Some of the leaders were favoured door natives. the white inhabitants, born and mefticks among in their families. A few of them had brought up thofe advantages, the perverfion of even received preceptors, ferved which, under their philofophical in mifchief; for only to render them pre-eminent were led to imhaving been taught to read, they bibe, and enabled to promulgate, thofe principles to the and doétrines which led, and always will lead, fubverfion of all government and order. LET me not be underftood, however, as affirmis to be attributed on this occaing that nothing I fcorn to have recourfe to fion to the flave-trade. the concealment or falfhood. Unqueftionably, Africans into vaft annual importations of enflaved for many years previous to 1791, St. Domingo, in the French part had created a black population all meafure, difof that ifland, which was, beyond relative numbers proportionate to the whites-the of all government and order. LET me not be underftood, however, as affirmis to be attributed on this occaing that nothing I fcorn to have recourfe to fion to the flave-trade. the concealment or falfhood. Unqueftionably, Africans into vaft annual importations of enflaved for many years previous to 1791, St. Domingo, in the French part had created a black population all meafure, difof that ifland, which was, beyond relative numbers proportionate to the whites-the of --- Page 27 --- FIRST EDITION, xix of the two claffes being as fixteen to one. Of this circumftance the leaders of the rebels could not be unobfervant, and they doubtlefs derived encouragement and confidence from it. Here too, I admit, is a warning and an admonition to ourfelves. The inference has not efcaped me it conftitutes my parting words with the reader, and I hope they are not urged in vain. HAVING thus pointed out the motives which induced me to write the following narrative; the fources from whence my materials are derived, and the purpofès which I hope will be anfwered by the publication; ; nothing farther remains but to fubmit the work itfelf to the judgment of my readers, which I do with a refpeétful folicitude. --- Page 28 --- ADYERTISEMENT (1800.) the prefent edition of thie Hiftorical IN prefenting to the Publick, it is incumSurvey of St. Domingo that the many important bent 011 me to acknoreledge, it has received in thofe correftions and improvements and political chapters wehich relate to the confitution ancient are fate of the French colony, ander the and fytems interefing chiefly derived from the seryintelligent The Coffee Planter avork of M. LABORIE, entitled, of St. Domingo. alo I hope I may be allozwed, as On this occafon as a Jenfe of gratitude well in jufice to myjelf, from lamented) friend, and refpes towvards the memory of my that I had the SiR ADAM WILLIANSON, t0 boaf in that part of my honor and advantage ofl his alffance and operations of work auhich details the proceedings countrys mof of the thé Britijfh army in this i1l-fated the having been revifed by himi, as they came from Jeets pref, as On this occafon as a Jenfe of gratitude well in jufice to myjelf, from lamented) friend, and refpes towvards the memory of my that I had the SiR ADAM WILLIANSON, t0 boaf in that part of my honor and advantage ofl his alffance and operations of work auhich details the proceedings countrys mof of the thé Britijfh army in this i1l-fated the having been revifed by himi, as they came from Jeets pref, --- Page 29 --- ADVERTISEMENT. XXI prefs and correEted by Iis otn pen in many places. AdtertfeMotives ef prudence and delicacy (whichno longer ex- (1800.) men:: i8) induced me 10 fiepprefs this arisuuzeledgeent in the lifetime of myfriend. Some errors and oniffons wehich (perhapismacoidably)efaped his notice, havefitce been correÉled and fepplied by a Britifkt officer of noble birth, and confiderable rank in the army, aho ferved 011 the /por; ; and aolefe name, if Iere permittedto dijelofeit, would Ramp indifputable authority 011 the communications he has kindly furnifhied. That many mipakes and overfghts however. fillremain, I am too conftious ef my own infuficiency 1o doubt ; nior in truth couldthe greatefi precaution 012 my part have enabled me, at all tines, 1o guardagainf mijfreprefentation, from) fome ofthe various perfons zhom the necelity of the cafe compelled me 10 confult. Thus, in giving an account of the French colomins:-their difpofition tozvards the Englin, and their conduet towards each other;-t0 whom could I look for authentick information, but 1ofome of themfelves ? Experience however has convinced me, that 10 great dependence can be placed 012 the charges and accufations which men raife againf their fellow-citizens in times %f civil commotion, and amidf the tumult of confitling pafions. A1 remarkable inflance %f the truth of this obfervation occurs in the cafe of a veryn refpestable Gentlemail, formerly an inhabitant of Cape François : I mean M. AuGUSTUS DE GRASSE, (om ofthe late gallant Admiral CoUNT DE GRASSE) 10 whom Inow think myfelf bound in honour 10 make a publick reparation. In a paper formerly tranfmitted to me from St. Doming0, and amexed to the 8th chapter ofmy wwork, entitled, C 3 Notes --- Page 30 --- xxii ADVERTISEMENT. Notes fur TEvenement du Cap, this gentleman was Advertife- ment. charged with having been prefent at the de- (1800.) 3 Aruatiou wjufly of that tozen by the rebel megroes, aidings abetting, and co-operating with their chiefs. I am n0w0. convinced that this atrocions charge is altogether and I cannot fuficiently exprefs the concern growalidfis that Iwas made the infrument of Ifeel 01l refeéting, in this conveying it 10 the pref-I have therefores edition, not only reprinted the /heet, and omitted the calumny, but I infert in this place, with great fatisthefollowing certificate, wehich M. DE GRASSE fatlions has tranfmitted to me, in a very polite letter, from South Carolina, dated the 22d of Oftober 1799habitans delaville du Cap et e NOUS fouflignés, de fes dépendences, préfent au pillage, au maffacre l'incendié de cette ville, les 19, 20, 21 Juin et à fuivants, certifions et atteftons, 1793, et jours rendre à la four la foy du ferment, et pour homage verité, Que M. me, in a very polite letter, from South Carolina, dated the 22d of Oftober 1799habitans delaville du Cap et e NOUS fouflignés, de fes dépendences, préfent au pillage, au maffacre l'incendié de cette ville, les 19, 20, 21 Juin et à fuivants, certifions et atteftons, 1793, et jours rendre à la four la foy du ferment, et pour homage verité, Que M. Alexandre François Augufte De Graffe, habitant de la dépendance du Port de Paix, du Cap, ifle St. Domingue, fils du département feu Comte de Graffe, &c. 8c. etoit dans la ville du Cap avant et pendant le pillage, le maflacre et l'incendiè de cette ville, en qualité d'adjudant généralde l'armée des blancs en aétivitécontrel les noirs infurgés; qu'aprés ce funefte evénément il fut perfécuté par les commiffaires civiles, et mis par leurs ordres aux arrèts, au haut du Cap, fous la garde des negres armés, comme foupçonné d'avoir agi contre éux avecle Général Galbaud, mais, qu'après s'étre --- Page 31 --- ADYERTISEMENT. xxiii s'être juftifie, il fut réintegré dans fes fondlions, et Ajvert'fechargé immédiatement du cominandement des ca- (1800) ment. fernes; cù il a prorégésveckestrvupes blanches,qui y étaient fous fes ordres, les hommes, femmes et enfans, échappés au fer et aux flâmes, qui s'y étaient réfugiés. Et qu'enfin, forcé, comme une partie des fouffignés, a fuir les dangers qui ménaçaient encore les triftes débris de la population blanche, il s'eft embarqué avec fa femme, un enfant et quelques uns des foullignés, le 28 Juillet 1793, fur le brig le Thomas de Bofton, defliné pour Charlefton, Caroline du Sud, où il eft arrivéet réfide depuis le 14Aout 1793, après avoir été, ainfi qu' environ 150 malheureux fugitifs, barbarement pillés par le coriaire Anglais La Sufanna de Naflau, Cap. Tucker, (quin'auroit pas dû les confiderer ni les traiter comme des ennemis, étans d'ailleurs fur un batiment ncutre, qui ne contenoit uniquement que des paflagers ct leurs cffets,) non feulement des negres domeftiques qui les avaient volontairement fuivis, mais encore du peu d'argent, de bijoux et de vefelle d'argent qu'ils avaient fauvés du pillage par le fecours de ces mêmes domeftiques, (ce fecond pillage cut tien à la Grande Inague des Iflcs Caiques, oû le corfaire Anglais retint notre vaiffeau deux jours, pour completter rcet exploit). que des paflagers ct leurs cffets,) non feulement des negres domeftiques qui les avaient volontairement fuivis, mais encore du peu d'argent, de bijoux et de vefelle d'argent qu'ils avaient fauvés du pillage par le fecours de ces mêmes domeftiques, (ce fecond pillage cut tien à la Grande Inague des Iflcs Caiques, oû le corfaire Anglais retint notre vaiffeau deux jours, pour completter rcet exploit). Certifions et atteftons pareillement, que M.De Grafie arrivé à St. Domingue avant la révolution, n'a jamais ceffe, du moment que fes effets fe font manifeftés dans cette infortuncé colonnie jufqu à celui de fon départ, d'étre uni authentiquement avec les habitans C4 blancs --- Page 32 --- XXIV ADVERTISEMENT. Advritife- blancs et en qualité de chef, élû par eux mêmes, ment. foit au Port de Paix foit au Cap, pour repouffer les (1Scc.) ) dangers aux quels leurs vies et leurs propriétés étoient journellement expofés par les noirs infurgés, circonftances, pendant le cours et enfin, qu'aucunes n'ont des funeftes evénémens de St. Demingue, jamais donné lieu à former contre lui la moindre fufpiçion contraire aux interets et à la fureté individuelle de la population blanche de St. Domingue. En foy de quoi nous avons fignés, a Charlefton, Caroline du Sud, Le 25 Oétobre 1799. (Signed by twenty refpeétable perfons.) Having thus made all the reparation in my pozver to I have farther to remark, in tlis injured gentleman, concerning the juflice to myfelf, that my obfervations indifpofition of the planters of St. Domingo towards the Englifh, O1 the arrival of the firf armament, apfrom a converfation I have had with fome of pear, been mijfiunderfood. Surely it them, to have greatly had vepe8ts 110 difhonour on fuch ofthofe gentlemen as the invitation made ta 110 concern int, or knowuledge ef in the General Williamfon, to Jay that they were not, cordially difpofed towards their infirf infance, very invaders came with a wvaders-efpecially 100, as thofe force by no means fufficient to give them certain and proteéion. Whatever might have been the permanent certain individuals among them on this OCfentiments of the inhabitants 9f Cape cafion, and how frongly Joever irriFrançois kad, tzeo years befores in a moment ef tations uledge ef in the General Williamfon, to Jay that they were not, cordially difpofed towards their infirf infance, very invaders came with a wvaders-efpecially 100, as thofe force by no means fufficient to give them certain and proteéion. Whatever might have been the permanent certain individuals among them on this OCfentiments of the inhabitants 9f Cape cafion, and how frongly Joever irriFrançois kad, tzeo years befores in a moment ef tations --- Page 33 --- ADVERTISEMENT. XXV tation, exprefed a avifke for a Britifs irvafon, it Jeems Advertifetome that the chief planters thronghout the colony were (18co.) ment. altogether wacquainted with the Englift, and entertain no veryfavourable opinion of their lazus, government, or mainers. What then was their fituation 0n the frf arrival ofthe Britifh troops P afailed, on the one hand, by a defperate and uprincipled faction of republicans and anarchifs, nuhofe principles they abhorred, and, on the other, called upon 10 co-operate with an infignificant foreign armament, which came, 011 the invitation of a few obfeure Frenchmens-not 10 reftore the country to the loyal inhabitants, but diftin8lly and avowedly to conquer and annex it 10 the Britifk dominion ! In this dilemma, the majority ofthe planters atted as con/cientious men might be expe8ted to att. A great many of them left the country, and zvent into honourable poverty aud exile in a difant land. Others, who were unable to follow their example, remained in filent obfeurity, in diferent parts of the Mand, weaiting patiently (and I grieve to fay, without efe8t) for better times. If all this be duly confidered, I truf I Aall be 10 longer told, that I have calumniated the French planters, merely becaufe, as an impartial hiforian, I have reprefented them to hiave abled, as any other body of men, attached to their country, and faithful to their allegiance, would probably have asted, in fimilar circum/ances. London, 1800. B. E. --- Page 34 --- --- Page 35 --- CONTENTS TO VOLUI ME THE THIRD. CHAP. I. pouricaL State ef St. Damingo precious 1o the Jear 1789. Puge t CHAP. II. From the Revolution f 1789, to tbe Maeting of the Firf General Colonial Alembly. CHAP. III. Proceedings ef the General ColonialAfimbly. until its Fnal Difolution, and Embarkation %f tbe Members for France, Augup 1790. CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defiat efOgi,afire Man efColeur. CHAP V. Proceedings in Frass-Sinfacre ofColenel Mauduit in St Domingo, andfaial Decreceftbe Nationa! sifembly ite istb May 1791. CHAP. tbe Maeting of the Firf General Colonial Alembly. CHAP. III. Proceedings ef the General ColonialAfimbly. until its Fnal Difolution, and Embarkation %f tbe Members for France, Augup 1790. CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defiat efOgi,afire Man efColeur. CHAP V. Proceedings in Frass-Sinfacre ofColenel Mauduit in St Domingo, andfaial Decreceftbe Nationa! sifembly ite istb May 1791. CHAP. --- Page 36 --- xxvii C O N T E N T S. CHAP. VI. Confequences in St. Domingo of the Decree ef the 15tb MayR.bellion oftbe Negroes in the Northern Province, and Enormities committed hy then-Revalt ef the Mulatocs at Min ebalais.- betaveen tbe Inbabitants ef Fort au Prince Concordat or Truce audthe Men 9f Colour gfthe Iub of Spunhir-Pradietine B the National ADembly efsbe zoth fSepenber. - CHAP. VII. nubich induced the Pecple ef Colourto join thereOprbeMoaser oftbe Britifh Aficiation for tbe Abowvolted Negret-Condaat the in Paris called Les lition 9f tbe Slave Trade, and of Socicty Amis des Noirs-Letter, from Abbe Gregoire to tbe People ofColoor-Rigeal ef the Decrec ef tbe istb May 1791.-Efuds ef War avith tbe Mulattoes renewed.-Port tbat Mejore-Ciuil exercifed by botb Parties.- au Prince defroyed ty fre-Cruahic Arrival at Cape Frangois of the Civil Cimmifiuam-lauung the Abbé Gregoire to the CitizenrefCslur in tbe Wef Indies, concerning tbe Decree eft tbe 1gth May 1791. 10O CHAP. VIII. Civil Commifioners, and their ReReception and Proceudings ofibe turn to France.- National Decrereftbe 4tb f April 1792.-49pointment ef a newu Governor (Monf. Defparbes) and tbree other (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailbaud).-Thir EmCommifieners wiobarkation and Arrival, rwitbafeledt Body of Tropr-Tbeir by tbe Exccutirve Council, efM. lent Prendigi-dyjsiwmie ArGalbaud as CbigfGeurruer, in the Room 9f Diparber-His avitbtbe Conmijpentri-Batb) Parties proceed rival, and Di/putes revolted Negroes called in to tbe Alpance ef 10 bofiltitn-Tbe Mafacreef tbe Wbite Inbabitanti, tbe Commifioneri-A general and Conflngration ofthe Towa fCap: Frangois. CHAP. M. lent Prendigi-dyjsiwmie ArGalbaud as CbigfGeurruer, in the Room 9f Diparber-His avitbtbe Conmijpentri-Batb) Parties proceed rival, and Di/putes revolted Negroes called in to tbe Alpance ef 10 bofiltitn-Tbe Mafacreef tbe Wbite Inbabitanti, tbe Commifioneri-A general and Conflngration ofthe Towa fCap: Frangois. CHAP. --- Page 37 --- : O N T E N T S. YAIX CHAP. IX. Situation, Extent, andgeneral Defaription ef St. Deming-Origin efibe French Colony, and Topegraphical Defeription oftbefeveral Provinces into aubich tbe Frondsitefifanrswure divided.-Their Population and Produce. -Sbipping and Exports- Compared avith tbe Returns ef Jamaica. CHAP. X. Emigratant--Octtart to the Britifs Government accepied.-Sitation and Strength of tbe Republican Party in St. Domingo, and Di/pofition ef the Inbabiauti-Nigre Slavery abolijhed by the French Crmmgoeri-Areuwat allettedjor the Invafion efthe caustry-Surroniorsf. Teremie and tbe Mole at Cape at St. Nicbolan-Unfacodhful Attempt on Cape Tiduron.-Furtber Proceedings ofibe Briti/s Army until rbe Arrivalef General WhyteCapture ef Port au Prince. CHAP. XI. Sickmefs among the Troopi, and the Casfertberef-Reinfaremest..- Dreadful Mortality. - General Whyte is fucceeded by Brigadier General Horneck.-Lnogane taken byt tbe Releli-Tenporary Succelfes of Lieutenant-Colonel Brijbane at Artitorite-Reveli oftbe Mulattoes at St. Marc-Aitack gf Fort Biraton-Prjaration by Rigaud fore anotber Attempt on Tiburon-Tbel Pef attacked 072 Chrifmas Day, and carried.-Gallant Defence and efiape of tbe Garrifon, and melancboly Fate of Lieutenant Beferaille.-lictemant-Colonels. Brifbane and Markbam killd-Ofersatiess and Strifures on the Condut ofthe War, CHAP, --- Page 38 --- - O N T E N T S. XXX CHAP. XII. Town ef St. Dominge Aucient State of the Spanijfo Celny-The Drake efablijbedby Bartholomers Columbus in 1493-PillagediyD and Refeltions concerning its prefent Conin 1585-Cogjedtunes dition, and the State of Agricalture in tbe interior Country.- Numbers and Cbaradter of the prefent Isbabitanti-Thir Animofity towards the French Planters, and Tealoul eftbe Englifh.-. concerning the future Situation oftbe avbole Iland; Conjeâures andfame concluding Refeltions. Illefrations and Additional Notes Illefrations to Chap. IV. Do. Chap. VI. Do. Cbap. V. Do. Cbap. X. Do. Chap. XI. CHAP. XIII. Barbadoes, St. Vincent, AnA Tour through the feveral Iands ef Tobago, and Grenada, in the Tears 1791 and 1792; By tigua, a 241 Sir William Yuung, Bart. CHAP. XIV. Hiforical Account ofthe Corfitution eTamaica. APPENDIX Documents annexed to the Hiporical Account. A of Exotic Plants, in the Gar. Hortus Eafenfs : or, Catalogue tbe den of Hinton Eaf, E/gs in the Mountains ef Lingwanta,in Ifandef Yamaica Acount efSt.) Domingo ; containing a brief Poffcript to the Hiforical Condition tbe Britifh Army Review %f the Tranfadions and ef Evacutbe Years 1795,6, 7, and 8, until the fnal there, during ation eftbe Country. HISTORY . A of Exotic Plants, in the Gar. Hortus Eafenfs : or, Catalogue tbe den of Hinton Eaf, E/gs in the Mountains ef Lingwanta,in Ifandef Yamaica Acount efSt.) Domingo ; containing a brief Poffcript to the Hiforical Condition tbe Britifh Army Review %f the Tranfadions and ef Evacutbe Years 1795,6, 7, and 8, until the fnal there, during ation eftbe Country. HISTORY --- Page 39 --- O N T E N T S. xxxi MISTORT of tbe R in the WEST INDIES, From its Commencement in February 1793CHAP. I. Preliminary Offrentioui--Comuescmunt oftbe War-Captaresf Tobage-Fruithsh Auempt againf Martinice.-Drtermination of tbe Britijb Miniry thereon, and confeguent Preparations for a large Armament to be fent to the W'3A Indies Sir Cbarles Gry appointed to the Command of the Land Forces, and Sir, John Tervis to the Command %f the Fleet.-New Arrangement. CHAP. II. Sir Cbarles Grey arrives at Barbadoes, andfailsfor the Attack ef Montinivn-Preading, ef the Army and Nawy, until tbe Surrenderg efibat Hland. CHAP. III. Conquef of St. Lacia-Dgfaription ef Gashalape.-Prauding, againf tbat Hfand.-lis furrender completes tbe Conquef efibe French Wef India Colonie-Caxfe ofibe Jubjeguent Reverhs.- Mortality among the Britp-Arrival ef a Frencb Squadron avith Troops at Guadaloupe.- --Their Succefès: follonved by a Redution of tbe wbole Hfand.-Iabuman Barbarity %f Vi8lor Hugues to the Reyalifs.-Sir C. Grey and Sir 7. Jervis fucceeded by Sir J. Vaughan and Admiral Caldacell. - CHAP. --- Page 40 --- sxxi C J N T E N T S. CHAP. IV. Indignities of Viaor Hagues to tbe Remains 9f Gencral Sauege Dundas-His unprecedented Crueity to bis Brinfh Prifomers.- the otber Ipands. Meditates Hefilities egainf AN HIS- --- Page 41 --- A N HISTORICAL SURVEY F ST. DOMINGO, &c. CHAP. I. Political State of St. DOMINGO previous to the Year 1789. PHE inhabitants of the French part of St. CHAP. I Domingo, as of all the Weft Indian Mlands, I. were compoled of three great claffes: ift,pure whites. Inhabitants. 2d, people of colour, and blacks of free condition. 3d, negroes in a ftate of flavery. The reader is apprifed that the clafs which, by a ftrange abufc of language, is called people of colour, originates from an intermixture of the whites and the blacks. The genuine offspring of a pure white with a negro is called a mulatto; but there are various cafts, produced by fubfequent connections, fome ofwhich draw near to the whites, until all vifible diftinction between them is loft; whilft others fall retrograde to the blacks. All thefe were known in St. Domingo by the term fang-melées, or gens de COuleur (in familiar converlation they are colleétively called mulattoes) and it muft be attributed, I prefume, to the greater difcountenance which the married ftate receives from the national manners, that in all the French iflands thefe people abound Voi.III. B in connections, fome ofwhich draw near to the whites, until all vifible diftinction between them is loft; whilft others fall retrograde to the blacks. All thefe were known in St. Domingo by the term fang-melées, or gens de COuleur (in familiar converlation they are colleétively called mulattoes) and it muft be attributed, I prefume, to the greater difcountenance which the married ftate receives from the national manners, that in all the French iflands thefe people abound Voi.III. B in --- Page 42 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF proportion to the whites than in thofe CHAP. in far greater In Jamaica, the whites outI. of Great Britain. of colour as three to one. In 1 number the people eftimated at 30,000, St. Domingo, the whites were were the mulattoes at 24,000 3 of whom 4,700 as a capable ofbearing arms, and accordingly, men aétuated by an efprit de corps, they diftint people, Of the policy which it was were very formidable. to maintain tothought neceffary in St. Domingo Thall prefently treat; 5 wards this unfortunate race, I to give but it feems proper, in the firft place, before account of the fubordination in which, fome of 1789, the parent ftate thought the revolution fit to hold the colony at large. country, as far as they THE laws of the mother unwritten law, or cufoms (as well the were applicable, laws of the king), were ef Paris, as the general Thefe had been introduced Jaws of St. Domingo. being fuppofed to without formal promulgation, whether abroad attach to all the fubjeéts of France, from time to or at home; and the king iffued, received with time, colonial ediéts, which were letters written entire fubmiffion. Even mandatory were confithe minifter, in the king's name, by as laws in the colony. dered and obeyed by a Governor THE government was exercifed both of Government, General, and an officer called Intendant, on the rewhom were nominated by the crown, and of the minifter of the marine, cammendation eftablifhed in their refpecgenerally confidered as Their powers, in fome tive offices for three years. in others, they cafes, were adminiftered jointly; poffeffed --- Page 43 --- ST. DOMING O. pofteffed feparate and diftinét authority, which CHAP. each of them exercifed without the concurrence I. or participation of the other. In their joint adminiftration they were empowered to enaét fuch regulations as the exifting exigencies of the country required ; and their provifional decrees had the force of laws, until revoked by the king. The grants of unclaimed lands and rivers; the ereétion of publick works and buildings; the opening publick roads and repairing bridges; the regulation and police of the feveral ports of thipping; the provifional appointment of the members of the fuperior councils or courts of juftice in cafes of vacancy, and the abfolute nomination of the fubordinate officers of thofe courts, were concerns of joint authority. With the confent of the king's attorney, the governor and intendant had power to ftay execution in cafes of capital conviétion, until the king's pleafure fhould be known; and they were commiffioned to try and condemn to capital punifhment defrauders of the publick revenuc, calling to their affiftance five judges of the fuperior councils. The government of the clergy, the regulation of church eftablifhments, and the eredtion of parifhes, fell likewife under theirj joint cognizance ; and they were empowered, in times of publick neceffity (of which they were the judges) to fufpend, in certain refpects, the laws of navigation, by admitting importations of flour and bread, and allowing the exportation of colonial produce in foreign veffels. Againft abufes in the exercife of thefe various B2 powers the fuperior councils. The government of the clergy, the regulation of church eftablifhments, and the eredtion of parifhes, fell likewife under theirj joint cognizance ; and they were empowered, in times of publick neceffity (of which they were the judges) to fufpend, in certain refpects, the laws of navigation, by admitting importations of flour and bread, and allowing the exportation of colonial produce in foreign veffels. Againft abufes in the exercife of thefe various B2 powers --- Page 44 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF + Forpowers the people had no certain protedion. CHAP. that the and inI. tunately, it was rare governor of their on the exercife - tendant agreed in opinion authority, which therefore became neceffarily joint and the inhabitants derived fome degree relaxed ; and diffenfions of the of fecurity from the difputes however, contending parties. In all fuch cafes, weight of authority and right of decidthe greateft the He was, in truth, ing devolved on governor. fpeaking, an abfolute prince, whofe will, generally conflituted law. He was authorized to imprifon in the colony, for caufes of which any perfon the ; and having at the fame he alone was judge command of both the naval and time the fupreme of this military force, he had the means exercifing other whenever he thought proper. On'the power other authority, was valid hand, no arreft, by any Thus he had without the governor's approbation. and to hold power to ftop the courfe of juftice, the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction in a flavifh dependance on himfelf. befides THE peculiar province of the intendant, the publick revenues or finances that of regulating of juftice. of the colony, was the adminiftration in his His powers and funétions were expreffed and title, Intendant of juftice, police, finauce, war, duties The colleétors and receivers of all navy. to his infpeétion and conand taxes were fubject their accounts, and troul. He paffed or rejeéted made them fuch allowances as he alone thought The application of all the publick monies proper. of all kinds for the army, the navy, in expenditures fortifications, . of the colony, was the adminiftration in his His powers and funétions were expreffed and title, Intendant of juftice, police, finauce, war, duties The colleétors and receivers of all navy. to his infpeétion and conand taxes were fubject their accounts, and troul. He paffed or rejeéted made them fuch allowances as he alone thought The application of all the publick monies proper. of all kinds for the army, the navy, in expenditures fortifications, --- Page 45 --- ST. DON MINGO S fortifications, and publick hofpitals, refted entirely CHAP. with the intendants-a province which created I. fuch temptation to himfelf as no virtue could re- ) 1 fift, and furnifhed fuch means of corruption, as overcame all oppofition from others. THE taxes and duties were laid and modified, as occafion required, by a court compofed of the governor-general, the intendant, the prefidents of the provincial councils, the attorney-general, the commiffioner of the navy (ordonnateur) and the feveral commandants of the militia. This court was dignified by the title of the Colonial Alembly, although the colonifts had not"a fingle delegate in it. It ought not however to be fuppreffed that the taxes, were on the whole, very moderate. The total expenditure, comprehending all the contingencies of the colonial government, feldom exceeded 6.50,000 fterling per anuin (a). For (a) The colonial taxes were called OEroi, and confifted principally of duties on the exportation of the chief articles of produce. The lateft affefiment previous to the revolution was made in 1776. There was, befidesthofe duties, a direét tax of 2E per cent. on the rents of houfes in the towns, and a poll-tax of three dollars on flave fervants or artificers belonging to eftates or manufaétures, the produéts of which were not exportable, as provifion plantations, lime and brick kilns, &c. This fyf tem of taxing their exported produce is juftified by Monf. Laborie on the following ground: 46 The difference of foil in St. Domingo" (he obferves) c6j is fuch, that a plantation of double 4 the extent of land, and with twice the number of negroes 4 and cattle, and managed with equal fkill, fhall often yield 66 much lefs than another with half the fame advantages: a 46 tax therefore on ghe produce, is more equal and proportio64 nate than either a land-tax or a poll-tax upon the negroes," B 3 Exterior juftified by Monf. Laborie on the following ground: 46 The difference of foil in St. Domingo" (he obferves) c6j is fuch, that a plantation of double 4 the extent of land, and with twice the number of negroes 4 and cattle, and managed with equal fkill, fhall often yield 66 much lefs than another with half the fame advantages: a 46 tax therefore on ghe produce, is more equal and proportio64 nate than either a land-tax or a poll-tax upon the negroes," B 3 Exterior --- Page 46 --- SURVEY OF . HISTORICAL FoR the better adminiftration of juftice, and CHAP. colleétion of the revenues, the colony I. the eafier (which were difwas divided into three provinces from their relative fituation, by the tinguithed, ofthe Northern,the Weftern, and Southern), names In each of and fubdivided into ten diftriéts. thofe provinces refided a deputy governor, or and in each diftrict was eftacommander en fecond, for the trial blifhed a fubordinate court of juftice, of caufes both civiland criminal. Appeals however councils 5 of which were allowed to the fuperior for the there were two ; one at Cape Frauçois ethe other at Port ail Prince for Northern province, the Weftern and Southern. Théy were compofed the intendant, the deputy of the governor-general, the king's lieutenants (b), a prefident, governors, twelve counfeliors, four afepeurs, or affiftant and and judges, together with the attorney general In thefe councils, or courts of fupreme regifter. fuch as the navy, and extraordinaries of all Exterior expences, the crown out of the duties which were kinds, were paid by into the mother levied on the produce of the colony imported country. Thefe king's lieutenants were military officers refiding (b) with the rank of colonel. in the feveral towns, commonly and aides-major. All There were alfo in each town majors ofthe civil power, and thefe officers were wholly independent who could difowned no fuperior byt the governor-general, to obferve toothat the mifs them at pleafure. It may be propert tenure. One of counfellors held their feats by a very uncertain number (the Prince de Rohan) fent the whole the governors to France. They were feized on their feats of ftate prifoners a irons, and in that condition juftice, and put on board fhipin in the Baftile, conveyed to Paris, and fhut up for a long dime without trial or hearing. jurifdiction, governor-general, to obferve toothat the mifs them at pleafure. It may be propert tenure. One of counfellors held their feats by a very uncertain number (the Prince de Rohan) fent the whole the governors to France. They were feized on their feats of ftate prifoners a irons, and in that condition juftice, and put on board fhipin in the Baftile, conveyed to Paris, and fhut up for a long dime without trial or hearing. jurifdiction, --- Page 47 --- ST. DOM M ING O. jurifdiétion, as in the parliaments of France, the CHAP. king's ediéts, and thofe of the governor and inI. tendant, were regiftered. Seven members conftituted a quorum, but an appeal lay to the king in the laft refort. Ix moft of the towns was a municipal eftablilhment called officers of the polices confifting of 8 infpeétors, exempts, brigadiers, and ferjeants. They were authorized to proceed fummarily in quelling of riots; to arreft perfons guilty of affault and battery, and thieves taken with mainour. They were appointed by the courts ofjuftice, and were diftinguithed by a badge. ANOTHER corps of nearly the fame defcription, but of more extenfive ufe, and of a morc military charaéter, was called the maréchaufée. It was partly compofed of cavalry; and its funétions were to watch over the general tranquillity; to proteét travellers on the publick highways; to arreft negroes wandering without pafiports, and malefaétors of all defcriptions ; to enforce the prompt execution of civil and criminal procefs, and laftly, to affift in the colleétion of the publick taxes. THE number of the king's troops on the colonial eftablifhment was commonly from 2 to 3,000 men, compofing two regiments of foot, and a brigade of artillery recruited from France; and each of the 51 pari(hes into which the colony was divided raifed one or more companies of white militia, a company of mulattoes, and a company of free blacks. The whole number was reckoned between feven and eight thoufand, The officers, both of the regular B4 troops --- Page 48 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF provifionCHAP. troops and the militia, were commiffioned the the fubjeét to king's I. ally by governor-general, no pay of - 2 approbation; but the militia received any kind. it is evident that the FROM this recapitulation, and happinefs of the people of Sf. Domingo peace much on the perfonal qualities and depended very who was native difpofition ofthe goveror-general, At commonly feleéted from the navy or army. the fame time it muft be honeftly admitted, that and mildnefs, which of late years have the liberality and foftened the military charaéter among dignified all the nations of Europe, had a powerful influence adminiftration of the government in the in the colonies." It muft be allowed alfo, that French importance to which, as mankind bethe manifeft the commercome divefted of ancient prejudices, the cial part of the community, even among the has imperceptibly rifen, infured to French, a degree of refpeét wealthy and opulent planters which, in former times, atfrom perfons in power, connectached only to noble birth and powerful dewhile the lower orders among the whites tions; from that unconquerable rived the fame advantage herfelf has legibly drawn diftinétion which nature inhabitants; and from between the white and black where, from their vifible importance, in a country the of the whites to the blacks, the difproportion of the former clafs depends altocommon fafety gether on their united exertions. have idly conTo contend, as fome philofophers betended, that no natural fuperiority can jufly long ewhile the lower orders among the whites tions; from that unconquerable rived the fame advantage herfelf has legibly drawn diftinétion which nature inhabitants; and from between the white and black where, from their vifible importance, in a country the of the whites to the blacks, the difproportion of the former clafs depends altocommon fafety gether on their united exertions. have idly conTo contend, as fome philofophers betended, that no natural fuperiority can jufly long --- Page 49 --- ST. DOMINGO. long to any one race of people over another, to CHAP. Europeans over Africans, merely from a difference I. of colour, is to wafte words to no purpofe, and to combat with air. Among the inhabitants of every ifland in the Weft Indies, it is the colour, with fome few exceptions, that diftinguifhes freedom from flavery: fo long therefore as freedom fhall be enjoyed exclufively by one race of people, and flavery be the condition of another, contempt and degradation will attach to the colour by which that condition is generally recognized, and follow it, in fome degree, through its varieties and affinities. We may trace a fimilar prejudice among the moft liberal and enlightened nations of Europe. Although nothing furely ought to refleét greaterluftre on any man than the circumftance of his having rifen by induftry and virtue above the difadvantages of mean birth and indigent parentage, there are, neverthelefs, but few perfons in the world who delight to be reminded of this fpecies of merit, There is a confcioufnefs of fomething difgraceful in the recolleation; and it feems therefore reafonable to conclude, that if nature had made the fame diftinction in this cafe asin the other, and ftamped, by an indelible mark, the condition and parentage on the forehead, the fame, or nearly the fame, effeét would have refulted from it,as refults from thedifferenceof colourip the Weft Indies. I mean however only to account for, in fome degree, not to defend altogether, the conduét ofthe whites of St. Domingo towards the coloured people; whofe condition was in truth much worfe than that of the fame clafs in the fame diftinction in this cafe asin the other, and ftamped, by an indelible mark, the condition and parentage on the forehead, the fame, or nearly the fame, effeét would have refulted from it,as refults from thedifferenceof colourip the Weft Indies. I mean however only to account for, in fome degree, not to defend altogether, the conduét ofthe whites of St. Domingo towards the coloured people; whofe condition was in truth much worfe than that of the fame clafs in the --- Page 50 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF e 1O colonies, and not to bej juftified on any CHAP. the Britifh of example or reafon. 1. principle their fituation was even more IN many refpeéts than that of the enflaved Free Mu- degrading and wretched Indies; all of lattoes. negroes in any part of the interefted Weft in their prewhom have maflers that are find in thofe mafters fervation, and many of whom Although powerful friends and vigilant proteétors. yet the releafed from the dominion of individuals, iflands were free men of colour in all the French and as the property of the publick, ftill confidered were obnoxious to the they as publick property of all thofe whom the accident caprice and tyranny above them. By the colonial of birth had placed treated as flaves in the governments they were on attaining the age ftriéteft fenfe; they are liable, in the military of manhood, to ferve three years and on the eftablifhment called the maréchanfée, to expiration of that term they were compelled militia oftheparith or quarter to which ferve in the or allowance of any they belonged, without pay at the pleafure of kind, and in the horfe or foot, alfo to fupofficer; and obliged the commanding their own expence, with arms, ply themfelves, at The rigour with ammunition, and accoutrements. and aideswhich the king's lieutenants, majors, thefe people, major, enforced their authority over into the bafeft tyranny. had degenerated office, THEY were forbidden to hold any publick however infignificant 5 they truft, or employment, any of thofe prowere not even allowed to exercife education is feflions, to which fome fort of liberal fuppofed ; and obliged the commanding their own expence, with arms, ply themfelves, at The rigour with ammunition, and accoutrements. and aideswhich the king's lieutenants, majors, thefe people, major, enforced their authority over into the bafeft tyranny. had degenerated office, THEY were forbidden to hold any publick however infignificant 5 they truft, or employment, any of thofe prowere not even allowed to exercife education is feflions, to which fome fort of liberal fuppofed --- Page 51 --- ST T. DOMINGO II fuppofed to be neceffary. All the naval and mili- CHAP, tary departments, all degrees in law, phyfick, and I. divinity, were appropriated exclufively by the 1 - whites, A mulatto could not be a prieft, nor a lawyer, nor a phyfician, nor a furgeon, nor an apothecary, nor a fchoolmafter, He could not even affume the firname of the white man to whom he owed his being. Neither did the diftinétion of colour terminate, as in the Britifh Weft Indies, with the third generation. The privileges of a white perfon were not allowed to any defcendant from an African, however remote the origin. The taint in the blood was incurable, and fpread to the lateft pofterity. Hence no white man, who had the fimalleft pretenfions to charaéter, would ever think of marriage with a negro or mulatto woman : fuch a ftep would immediately have terminated in his dilgrace and ruin. UNDER the preffure of thefe accumulated grievances, hope itfelf, too frequently the only folace of the wretched, was denied to thefe unfortunate people; for the courts of criminal jurifdiction adopting the popular prejudices againft them, gave effect and permanency to the fyftem. A man of colour being profecutor (a circumftance in truth which feldom occurred) muft have made out a ftrong cafe indeed, if at any time he obtained the conviction of a white perfon. On the other hand, the whites never failed to procure prompt and fpeedy juftice againft the mulattoes. To mark more ftrongly the diftinétion between the two claffes, the law declared that if a free man of colour prefumed popular prejudices againft them, gave effect and permanency to the fyftem. A man of colour being profecutor (a circumftance in truth which feldom occurred) muft have made out a ftrong cafe indeed, if at any time he obtained the conviction of a white perfon. On the other hand, the whites never failed to procure prompt and fpeedy juftice againft the mulattoes. To mark more ftrongly the diftinétion between the two claffes, the law declared that if a free man of colour prefumed --- Page 52 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF fumed to ftrike a white perfon of whatever condiCHAP. his hand fhould be cut off; while a white t. tion, right affault on a free mulatto, was 1 man, for'a fimilar fine. difmiffed on the payment of an infignificant, e be ofthis horrible detail, it may IN extenuation of the white infaid with truth that the manners of habitants foftened, in fome meafure, the feverity their laws: thus, in the cafe laft mentioned, the abhorrence which would have attended univerfal of the penalty, made the law a an enforcement the fame with the Roman law dead letter. It was was alof the Twelve Tables, by which a father his infliét the of death on lowed to punifhment the exerown child :-manners, not law, prevented tion of a power fo unnatural and odious. contributed moft BuT the circumftance which the coloured people of St. Domingo proto afford they poffeffed of acquir-. teétion, was the privilege amount. Several ing and holding property to any eftates a of them were the owners of confiderable the the means of gratifying and having happily thefe were fecure enough venality of their fuperiors, although the fame circumftance in their perfons; the objeéts of hatred made them more pointedly and envy to the lower orders of the whites, the Enfaved THE next and loweft clafs of people in negroes. iflands were the negroesin: a flate of flavery; French St. Domingo contained of whom, in the year 1789, in favour of this no lefs than 480,000. It was publifhed clafs that Louis XIV. in the year 1685, the celebrated ediét, or code of regulations, which known to the world under the title of the is well Code pointedly and envy to the lower orders of the whites, the Enfaved THE next and loweft clafs of people in negroes. iflands were the negroesin: a flate of flavery; French St. Domingo contained of whom, in the year 1789, in favour of this no lefs than 480,000. It was publifhed clafs that Louis XIV. in the year 1685, the celebrated ediét, or code of regulations, which known to the world under the title of the is well Code --- Page 53 --- ST. DOMINGO. Code Noir; and it muft be allowed, that many of CHAP. its provifions breathe a fpirit of tendernefs and I. philanthropy which refleéts honour on the memory of its authors-but there is this misfortune attending this, and muft attend all other fyftems of the fame nature, that moft of its regulations are inapplicable to the condition and fituatjon of the colonies in America. In countries where flavery is eftablithed, the leading principle on which government is fupported, is fears or a fenfe of that abfolute coercive neceffity, which, leaving no choice of aétion, fuperfedes all queftion of right. It isi in vain to deny that fuch aétually is, and neceflarily muft be, the cafe in all countries where flavery IS allowed. Every ondeavour therefore to extend pofitive rights to men in this ftate, as between one clafs of people and the other, is an attempt to reconcile inherent contradictions, and to blend principles together which admit not of combination. The great and, Iam'afraid, the only certain and permanent fecurity of the enflaved negroes, is the ftrong circumftance that the intereit of the mafter is blended with, and in truth, altogether depends on, the prefervation, and even on the health, ftrength, and activity of the flave. This applies equally to all the European colonies in America; and accordingly the aétual condition of the negroes oj in all thofe colonies, to whatever nation they belong, is I believe nearly the fame. Of that condition I have given an account in another place efc): I have therefore only to obferve in this, that in all (c) Vol. II. Book 4. C.2. the --- Page 54 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF the French iflands the general treatment of the CHAP. is neither much better nor much worfe, as I. flaves than in thofe of Great Bri1 far as I could obferve, there is, I think that they tain. If any difference the French, and allowed are better clothed among The premore animal food among the Englifh. their valent notion that the French planters treat and tendernefs than negroes with greater humanity yet no canthe Britich, I know to be groundlefs; did perfon, who has had an opportunity of feeing the negroes in the French iflands, and of contraft- in their condition with that of the pcafantry ing of Europe, will think them, by any many parts the moft wretched of mankind. means, ON the whole, if human life,in its beft ftate, is combination of happinefs and mifery, and we are a that condition of political fociety as to confider many relatively good, in which, notwithftanding the lower claffes are eafily fupplied difadvantages, of healthy fubfiftence; and a gewith the means contentednels, animates all neral air of cheerful behold opulent towns, ranks of people,-where we and inplentiful markets, extenfive commerce, that creafing cultivation-it muft be pronounced of the French part of St. Domingo the government latent caufes it might be owing) was (to whatever fo bad, as fome of the not altogether pra@tically give room o circumftances that have beenftated might from the With all the abufes arifing to imagine. the of manners, licentioufnefs of power, corruption and the fyftem of flavery, the fcale evidently preon the favourable fide; and, in fpite ponderated of afing cultivation-it muft be pronounced of the French part of St. Domingo the government latent caufes it might be owing) was (to whatever fo bad, as fome of the not altogether pra@tically give room o circumftances that have beenftated might from the With all the abufes arifing to imagine. the of manners, licentioufnefs of power, corruption and the fyftem of flavery, the fcale evidently preon the favourable fide; and, in fpite ponderated of --- Page 55 --- ST. DO MIN N G O. of political evils and private grievances, the figns CHAP. of publick profperity were every where vifible. I. SucH were the condition and fituation of the 1 French colony in St. Domingo in the year 1788an eventful period 3 for the feeds of liberty which, ever fince the war between Great Britain and her tranfatlantick poffeflions, had taken root in the kingdom of France, now began to fpring up with a rank luxuriancy in all parts of her éxtenfive dominions 5 and a thoufand circumftances demonftrated that great and important changes and convulfions were impending. The neceffity of a fober and well-digefted arrangement for correéting inveterate abufes, both in the mother country and the colonies, was indeed apparent ; but, unhappily, a fpirit of fubverfion and innovation, founded on vifionary fyftems inapplicable to real life, had taken poffeffion of the publick mind. Its effeéts in St. Domingo are written in colours too lafting to be obliterated; for the pride of power, the rage of reformation, the contentions of party, and the confliét of oppofing interefts and paffions, produced a tempeft that fwept every thing before it. --- Page 56 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. II. Revolution to the Mecting of the From the of 1789, Firf 'General Colonial. Alembly. of December 1788, the court of CHAP. Os the 27th determination to II. France camie to the memorable of the kingdom 3 and L fummon the States General of the tiers état (or refolved that the reprefentation to the fum of the recommons) fhould be equal prefentation of the other two orders. THIS meafure, as might have been forefeen, the bafis of the great national revolution proved followed; and it operated with immediate and that effeét in all the French colonies. The decifive of the French part of St. Domingo, at governor Monf. Duchilleau, who was was fupthat period, favour the pretenfions. pofed fecretly to continue popular unmolefted He was allowed therefore to fceptre in the feat of government; ; but the king's to from his hand; for when he attempted dropped and provincial meetings, prevent the parochial fummoned,f from affembling, which were everywhere treated with indignity and his proclamations were were held in fpite of the contempt: the meetings declaratory of the governor, and refolutions paffed to the States right of the colonifts to fend deputies eleéted for General. Deputies were accordingly for to the number of eighteen (fix that purpofe, without any authoeach province) who forthwith, rity hand; for when he attempted dropped and provincial meetings, prevent the parochial fummoned,f from affembling, which were everywhere treated with indignity and his proclamations were were held in fpite of the contempt: the meetings declaratory of the governor, and refolutions paffed to the States right of the colonifts to fend deputies eleéted for General. Deputies were accordingly for to the number of eighteen (fix that purpofe, without any authoeach province) who forthwith, rity --- Page 57 --- ST. DOMINGO. rity either from the French miniftry or the colonial CHAP. government, embarked for France, as the legal II. reprefentatives of a great and integral part of the ( French empire. THEY arrived at Verlailles the latter end of June, 1789. about a month after the States General had declared themfelves the national affembly. But neither the minifter nor the national affembly were difpofed to admit the full extent of their claims. The number of eighteen deputies from one colony was thought exceffive; and it was with fome difficulty that fix of them only were admitted to verify their powers, and feat themfelves among the national reprefentatives. THERE prevailed at this time throughout the cities of France, a very ftrong and marked prejudice againft the inhabitants of the Sugar Iflands, on account of the flavery of their negroes. It was not indeed fuppofed, nor even pretended, that the condition of this people was worfe at this junéture than in any former period : the contrary was known to be the truth. But declamations in fupport of perfonal freedom, and invectives againft defpotifmn of all kinds,had been the favourite topicks of many eminent French writers for a feries of years : and the publick indignation Was now artfully raifed againft the planters of the Weft Indies, as one of the means of exciting commotions and infurreétions in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants of the French colonies, was induftrioufly fomented and Vor. III. C aggravated al freedom, and invectives againft defpotifmn of all kinds,had been the favourite topicks of many eminent French writers for a feries of years : and the publick indignation Was now artfully raifed againft the planters of the Weft Indies, as one of the means of exciting commotions and infurreétions in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants of the French colonies, was induftrioufly fomented and Vor. III. C aggravated --- Page 58 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF by the meafures of a fociety, who called CHAP. aggravated Amis des Noirs (Friends of the Blacks); II. themfelves and it muft be acknowledged, that the fplendid ap1789. and thoughtlefs extravagance, of many pearance, French refident in the mother of the planters to divert the country, contributed by no means malice of their adverfaries, or to foften the prejudices of the publick towards them. THE fociety in France called Amis des Noirs, formed on the model of a was I believe originally but the views and fimilar affociation in London, of the two bodies had taken a different purpofes direétion. The fociety in London profeffed to have more in view than to obtain an act of the nothing the further introduétion legiflature for prohibiting colonies. They of African flaves into the Britifh the difclaimed all intention of interfering with goand condition of the negroes already in vernment declaring their opinion to the plantations; publickly of thofe people, in be, that a general emancipation and barbarity, intheir prefent ftate of ignorance would prove to them a fource ftead of a bleffing, On the other hand, the of misfortune and mifery. fecretly in view fociety of Amis des Noirs, having French fubvert the ancient defpotifmn of the goto loudly clamoured for a general and imvernment, abolition, not only of the flave trade, but mediate which it fupported. Proceedalfo of the flavery rather than on the aétual ing on abftract reafoning, they diftinguithed not condition of human nature, uncivilized life, and confibetween civilized and dered --- Page 59 --- S T. DOMINGO. dered that it ill became them to claim freedom for CHAP. themfelves, and withhold it at the fame time from II. the negroes: it is to be lamented that a principle ) Y 1789. fo plaufible in appearance, thould, in its application to this cafe, be vifionary and impracticable. AT this juncture, a confiderable body of the mulattoes from St. Domingo and the other French iflands, were refident in the French capital. Some ofthefe were young people fent thither for education: others were men of confiderable property, and many of them, without doubt, perfons of intelligence and amiable manners. With thefe people the focietyof. Amis des Noirs formed an intimate conneétion; pointed out to them the wretchedneis of their condition ; filled the nation with remonftrances and appeals on their behalf; and poured out fuch inveétives againft the white planters, as bore away reafon and moderation in the torrent. Unhappily, there was too much to offeron the part ofthe mulattoes. Their perfonal appearance too, excited pity, and, co-operating with the temper of the times, and the credulity of the French nation, raifed fuch an indignant fpirit in ali ranks of people againft the white colonifts, as threatened their total annihilation and ruin. IN this difpofition of the people of France towards the inhabitants of their colonies in the Weft Indies, the national affembly, on the 2oth day of Auguit, voted the celebrated declaration efrighiss and thus, by a revolution unparalleled in hiftory, was a mighty fabrick (apparently eftablilhed by C2 every times, and the credulity of the French nation, raifed fuch an indignant fpirit in ali ranks of people againft the white colonifts, as threatened their total annihilation and ruin. IN this difpofition of the people of France towards the inhabitants of their colonies in the Weft Indies, the national affembly, on the 2oth day of Auguit, voted the celebrated declaration efrighiss and thus, by a revolution unparalleled in hiftory, was a mighty fabrick (apparently eftablilhed by C2 every --- Page 60 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF and ovetevery thing that was fecure unaffailable) been for the CHAP. turned in a moment. Happy had it II. the human race, if, when the - general interefts of had no 1789. French had gone thus far, they proceeded had then farther! Happy for themfelves, if they known--what painful experience has fince taught them-that the worft of all governments is preferable to the miferies of anarchy! might have difcoPERHAPS a diligent obferver of this celevered, even in the firft proceedings of that violence, brated affembly, the latent feeds and confufion which have fince produced injuftice, harveft of crimes and calamities. Many of fuch a contained in the declaration of rights the doétrines been introduced for no other purpofe feem to have fpirit of contention than to awaken a mifchievous in the and cavil, and to deftroy all fubordination for inftance, was lower ranks of the people. Such, and continue, the pofition, that € all men are born, according to 6 free and equal as to their rightss" in fociety, which, there ought to be no diftinétions of property is'a right) can any nor (if the poffeffion thing to man have a right to poffefs or acquire any falfe, exclufion of others; a pofition not only the and unfit for every condition of but pernicious, fuch leffons in the civilized life. To promulgate fenfe uf the fupreme gocolonies, as the declared the whole fyftem of their vernment, was to fubvert ferment eftablifhments. Accordingly, a general of St. Doprevailed among the French inhabitants to the other. mingo, from one end of the colony All --- Page 61 --- ST. DOMINGO All that had paffed in the mother country con- CHAP. cerning the colonifts,-the prejudices of the metroII. polis towards them,-the efforts of the fociety of ) 1789. Y Amis des Noirs to emancipate the negroes,-and the conduét of the mulattoes,-had been reprefented to them through the medium of party, and perhaps with a thoufand circumfances of exaggeration and infult, long before the declaration of rights was received in the colony; and this meafure crowned the whole. They maintained that it was calculated to convert their peaceful and contented negroes into implacable enemies, and render the whole country a theatre of commotion and bloodihed. In the meanwhile, the French government, apprehenfive that diforders of a very alarming nature might arife in the colonies from the proceedings in France, had iffued orders to the governor general of St. Domingo, to convoke the inhabitants, for the purpofe of forming a legiflative affembly for interior regulation. Thefe orders, however, being unaccountably delayed, the people had anticipated the meafure. The inhabitants of the Northern diftriét had already conftituted a provincial affembly, which met at Cape François, and their example was followed in November in the Weftern and Southern provinces; the Weftern affembly met at Port au Prince, the Southern at Les Cayes. Parochial committees were, at the fame time, every where eftablithed,for the fake of a more immediate communication between the people and their reprefentatives. C3 A RECITAL unaccountably delayed, the people had anticipated the meafure. The inhabitants of the Northern diftriét had already conftituted a provincial affembly, which met at Cape François, and their example was followed in November in the Weftern and Southern provinces; the Weftern affembly met at Port au Prince, the Southern at Les Cayes. Parochial committees were, at the fame time, every where eftablithed,for the fake of a more immediate communication between the people and their reprefentatives. C3 A RECITAL --- Page 62 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF A RECITAL of the conduét and proceedings of CHAP. affembles, would lead me too much II. thefe provincial into detail. They differed greatly on many impor178g. tant queftions; 3 but all oft them concurred in opinion concerning the neceffity of a full and fpeedy colonial reprefentation; and they unanimoufly voted, that ifinftruétions from the king for calling fuch an affembly fhould not be received within three months thenceforward, the colony fhould take on itfelf to adopt and enforce the meafurey-their immediate fafety and prefervation being, they faid, an obligation paramount to all others. the DURING this period of anxiety and alarm, mulattoes were not inaétive. Inftruéted by their brethren in the metropolis in the nature and extent oft their rights, and apprized of the favourable difpofition ofthe French nation towards them, they became, throughout the colony, aétuated by a fpirit of turbulence and fedition; and difregarding all confiderations of prudence, with regard to time and feafons, determined to claim, without delay, the full benefit of all the privileges enjoyed by the large bodies of them appearwhites. Accordingly in different parts of the country; but edin arms acting without fufficient concert, or due preparaeafily It is faid, that tion, they were overpowered. affemblies at this juncthe temper of the provincial againft the inftiture,-how much foever inflamed in the mother gators and abettors of thefe people not averfe to moderation and concountry,-was towards the mulattoes themfelves. Thus, ceffion when the party which had taken arms at Jacmel was --- Page 63 --- ST. DOMING O. was defeated, and their chiefs imprifoned, the af- CHAP. fembly of the Weft interpofed with effect in favour 11. - of the whole number; and at Artibonite, where the revolt was much more extenfive and alarming, a free and unconditional pardon was alfo chearfully granted on the fubmifion of the infurgents. AGAINST fuch of the whites as had taken any part in thefc difturbances, in favour oft the people of colour, the rage of the populace knew no limits. Monf. Dubois, deputy procureur general, had not only declared himfelf an advocate for the mulattoes, but, withadegree ofimprudence which indicatedinlanity, fought occafions to declaim publickly againft the flavery of the negroes. The Northern affembly arrefted his perfon, and very probably intended to proceed to greater extremities; but the governor interpofed in his behalf, obtained his releafe, and fent him from the country. Mons. Ferrand de Beaudierre, who had formerly been a magiftrate at Petit Goave, was not fo fortunate, This gentleman was unhappily enamoured of a woman of colour, to whom, as the poffeffed a valuable plantation, he had offered marriage, and being a man of a warm imagination, with little judgment, he undertook to combat the prejudices of the whites againft the whole clafs. He drew up, in the name and behalf of the mulatto people, a memorial to the parochial committee, wherein, among other things, they were made to claim, in exprefs words, the full benefit of the national declaration of rights. Nothing could be more illC 4 timed enamoured of a woman of colour, to whom, as the poffeffed a valuable plantation, he had offered marriage, and being a man of a warm imagination, with little judgment, he undertook to combat the prejudices of the whites againft the whole clafs. He drew up, in the name and behalf of the mulatto people, a memorial to the parochial committee, wherein, among other things, they were made to claim, in exprefs words, the full benefit of the national declaration of rights. Nothing could be more illC 4 timed --- Page 64 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF than this procceding: it was CHAP. timed or injudicious of that fuch a claim led to confequences II. evident, themfelves (who certainly at 1 which the mulattoes the flaves) this junêture had no with to enfranchife therefore was were not apprized. This memorial confidered as a fummons to the negroes for a geThe committee feized the neral revolt. parochial him to prifon ; but the poauthor, and committed thence force, and in fpite pulace took him from by who exerted of the magiftrates and municipality, death. themfelves to ftop their fury, put him to coloTHE king's order for convoking a general in was received in St. Domingo carly nial affembly It appointed the J-nuary the month of January 1790. for the 1790. town of Leoganc, in the Weftern province, place of meetings, and inftruétions accompanied the concerning the mode of eleéting the order, Thefe inftruétions, however, being conmembers. affemblies as inapplicable fidered by the provincial were difapto the circumftances of the colony, and another plan, better fuited, as they proved ; to the wealth, territory, and population conceived, They refolved of the inhabitants, was adopted. the town of St. Marc alfo to hold the affembly at of March was inftead of Leogane, and the 2sth afterfixed for the time of its meeting, It was wards prorogued to the 16th of April. in Ix*the meanwhile intelligence was received France of the temper of St. Domingo towards the The inhabitants were very genemother country. either rally reprefented as manifefting a difpofition themtheir dependency, or to throw to renounce felves --- Page 65 --- ST. DOMINGO. felves under the proteâtion of a foreign power; and C HAP. the planters of Martinico were faid to be equally II. difcontented and difaffeéted. The trading and 1790. manufacturing towns took the alarm; and petitions and remonftrances were prefented from various quarters, imploring the national affembly to adopt meafures for compofing the minds of the colonifts, and preferving to the French empire its moft valuable dependencies. ON the 8th of March 1790, the national affembly entered into the confideration of the fubjeét, with a ferioufnefs and folemnity fuited to its importance; and, after full difcuffion, a very large majority voted, 66 That it never was the inten46 tion of the affembly to comprehend the interior 46 government of the colonies in the conftitution 66 which they had framed for the mother coun6 try, or to fubjeét them to laws which were in- <6 compatible with their local eftablifhments; they €6 therefore authorife the inhabitants of each colony 66 to fignify to the national affembly their fenti- <6 ments and wilhes concerning that plan ofinterior 46 legiflation and commercial arrangement, which c wculd be moft conducive to their profperity." It was required, however, that the plan to be offered fhould be conformable to the principles which had connected the colonies with the metropolis, and be calculated for the prefervation of their reciprocal interefts.-To this decree was annexed a declaration, 66 That the national affembly would se not caufe any innovation to be made, direétly or 6e indiredtly, fenti- <6 ments and wilhes concerning that plan ofinterior 46 legiflation and commercial arrangement, which c wculd be moft conducive to their profperity." It was required, however, that the plan to be offered fhould be conformable to the principles which had connected the colonies with the metropolis, and be calculated for the prefervation of their reciprocal interefts.-To this decree was annexed a declaration, 66 That the national affembly would se not caufe any innovation to be made, direétly or 6e indiredtly, --- Page 66 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF fyftem of commerce in which CHAP. < indireêtly, in any concerned," II. 6 the colonies were already which this NOTHING could cqual the clamour refi1790. decree occafioned among the people of colour dent in the mother country, and the philanthropick of Amis des Noirs. The declaration confociety into a tacit fanccerning commerce was interpreted of the flave trade; and it tion for the continuance the national affembly, by that was even contended, conftitutions leaving the adjuftment of the colonial them themfelves, had difcharged to the colonifts It was faid that they were from their allegiance. empire, but memno longer fubject to the French bers of an independent ftate. of the NEVERTHELESS, if the circumftances of the French colonifts at times, and the difpofition candour be taken into the account, this junéture, that it was a decree not only muft acknowledge the motives of prudence and policy, juflifiable on the bafis of moral but was founded alfo on ftrong The arguments that were urged againft necefity. that the benefits of the French it feem to imply only for the people refidrevolution were intended of their fellow fubing in the realm, in exclufion event, to jeêts in the plantations. Afterthat great colonies (with fuppofe that the inhabitants of thofe Amerifuccefsful example too of the Englifh the would have fubcans recent in their memories) in their local mitted to be governed and direêted diftance of 3,000 concerns by a legiflature at the flender acmiles from them, is to manifeft a very little inwith human nature. How quaintance clined realm, in exclufion event, to jeêts in the plantations. Afterthat great colonies (with fuppofe that the inhabitants of thofe Amerifuccefsful example too of the Englifh the would have fubcans recent in their memories) in their local mitted to be governed and direêted diftance of 3,000 concerns by a legiflature at the flender acmiles from them, is to manifeft a very little inwith human nature. How quaintance clined --- Page 67 --- ST. DOMINGO. clined the colonial affembly was to fuch fubmif- CH AP. fion, their proceedings, from the firft day of their II. meeting, to their final diffolution, will demon- 1 1790. ftrate.-Oft thofe proceedings I Thall endeavour to furnifh a brief account in the next Chapter. --- Page 68 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY oP CHAP. HI. of the. General Colonial Afembly uatil its Procecdings and Embarkation of the Members final Diffolutions for France, Angus 1790. General Affembly of St. Domingo met on CHAP. TuE at the town of St. Marc. It III. the 16th of April, members, of whom the city - was compofed of 213 Port au Prince 1790. of Capel François cleéted twenty-four, Moft of the other fixteen, and Les Cayes cight. each ; and it returned two reprefentatives parifhes that, on the whole, the colony was fairly, is allowed reprefented. The profully, and moft refpeétably continued in the exervincial affemblies, however, comcife of their funétions as before, or appointed mittees to act during their intermifion. difcourfe from the THE feffion was opened by a various abufes wherein, after recounting prefident, and adminiftration of the former in the conflitution out fome of the colonial government, he pointed immeobjeêts that feemed to require many great others, he recommended diate attention: among and a melioration of the the cafe of the mulattoes, concurred in fentiment o flave laws. The affembly of their firft meafures with the orator; and one of colour from the hardwas to relieve the people underthe military Thips to which they were fubjeét that in future no jurifdiation. It was decreed, of them in the greater duty hould be required and the harth authomilitia than from the whites; rity, many great others, he recommended diate attention: among and a melioration of the the cafe of the mulattoes, concurred in fentiment o flave laws. The affembly of their firft meafures with the orator; and one of colour from the hardwas to relieve the people underthe military Thips to which they were fubjeét that in future no jurifdiation. It was decreed, of them in the greater duty hould be required and the harth authomilitia than from the whites; rity, --- Page 69 --- ST. DOMINGO. THY, in particular, which the king's lieutenants, CHAP. majors, and aides-major, commanding in the towns, III. exercifed over thofe people, was declared oppreflive - and illegal. Thefe aéts of indulgence were cer- 1790. tainly meant as the earneft of greater favours, and an opening to conciliation and conceffion tewards the whole clafs of the coloured people, THE general affembly proceeded, in the next place, to rectify fome grols abufes which had long prevailed in the courts of judicature, confining themfelves however to fuch only as called for immediate redrefs, their attention being chicfly direéted to the great and interefting object of preparing the plan for a new conftitution, or fyftem of colonial government; a bufinefs which employed their deliberations until the 28th of May. M. PEYNIER was now governor general, from whom the partizans and adherents of the ancient defpotifin fecretly derived encouragement and fupport. The whole body oft tax-gatherers, and officers under the fifcal adminiftration, were of this number. Thefe therefore began to recover from the panick into which fo great and fudden a revolution had thrown them, and to rally their united ftrength. Nothing could be more oppofite to their withes, than the fuccefs of the general affembly in the eftablifhment of order and good government throughout the colony. Nor were thefe the only men who beheld the proccedings ofthis body with an evil eye. All the perfons belonging to the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction (and their numbers were confiderable) who were interefled in the --- Page 70 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF of thofe abufes which the affemCHAP. the maintenance filled with indignation and III. bly had correéted, were added moft of the men who envy. To thefe were 3790. commiffions under the king's authoheld military Habituated to the exercife of command, rity. beheld the fubverfion of all that they indignantly and fubordination which accuftomed obedience to confider as effential to the they had been taught and offered themfelves the fupport of government, in fubwilling inftruments of the governor general verting the new fyftem. themfelves SUcH were the perfons that oppofed when the to the new order of things in the colony, of Port ChevalierMauduit, colonel of the regiment arrived at St. Domingo. He had not au Prince, from France, but circuitoufly by way come direétly had taken leave of the Count of Italy; and at Turin attachd'Artois, to whole fortunes he was ftrongly and ed. He was a man of talents; brave, and aétive, full of enterprizing; zealous for his party, By his dexterity projeêts for a counter-revolution. over and addrefs, he foon acquired an afcendancy and narrow genius of Peynier, and gothe feeble in his name. His penetration verned the colony difcover that, in order effeétually eafily made him to difturb the new fettlement, it was abfolutely neceffary to prevent a coalition ofinterefts between affembly, and the free people of COthe colonial proclaimed himfelf the patron lour. He therefore and courted them and proteétor of the mulattoes, and fuccefs, as with fuch affiduity on all occafions, gained over the whole body. Ir in his name. His penetration verned the colony difcover that, in order effeétually eafily made him to difturb the new fettlement, it was abfolutely neceffary to prevent a coalition ofinterefts between affembly, and the free people of COthe colonial proclaimed himfelf the patron lour. He therefore and courted them and proteétor of the mulattoes, and fuccefs, as with fuch affiduity on all occafions, gained over the whole body. Ir --- Page 71 --- ST. DOMINGO. Ir feems however extremely probable that the CHAP. peace of the country would have been preferved, III. notwithftanding the machinations of Peynier and L Mauduit, if the planters, true to their own caufe, 1790. had remained united among themfelves. But, unfortunately, the provincial affembly of the North was induced, through mifreprefentation or envy, to counteract, by all poffible means, the proceedings sof the general affembly at St. Marc. Thus, difcord and diffention every where prevailed ; and appearances feemed to indicate an approaching civil war, even before the plan for the new conftitution was publifhed. This was contained in the famous decree of the general colonial affembly ofthe 28th of May; a decree, which having been the fuhjeét of much animadverfion, and made the oftenfible motive, on the part of the executive power, for commencing hoftilities, it is proper to flate it at large. Ir confifted of ten fundamental pofitions, which May. are preceded by an introduétory difcourfe or preamble (as ufual in the French decrees) wherein, among other confiderations, it is ftated, as an acknowledged principle in the French conflitution, that the right in the crown to confirm the acts of the legiflature, is a prerogative, inherent and incommunicable: of courfe that it cannot be delegated to a colonial governor, whofe authority is precarious and fubordinate. The articles are then fubjoined, in the order and words following: 66 I. The legiflative authority, in every thing which relates to the internal concerns of the colony (regime interieur), is vefted in the affembly of its reprefentatives, --- Page 72 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF which Thall be called the General CHAP. reprefentatives, French Part of St. Domingo. III. Alembly ofthe body, in what relates 2. Noact of the legiflative be 1790. the internal concerns of the colony, Chall to law unlefs it be made by confidered as a defiuitive, French of St. Doof the part the reprefentatives chofen, and confirmed by mingo, freely and legally the king. neceffity, a legiflative de3. In cafes of urgent in what relates to the cree of the general affembly, (hall be confidered internal concerns of the colony, the decree law In all fuch cafes, as a notified provijfonal. forthwith to the governor general, fhall be after fuch notification, Thall who, within ten days and enforced, or tranfinit caufe it to be publithed thereon. to the general affembly his obfervations the exeThe neceffity of the cafe on which 4. decree is to depend, fhall cution of fuch provifional and be carried in the afbe a feparate queftion, of two-thirds of the genefirmative by a majority and numbers being taken ral affemblys the names down. (Prifes par Pappel nominal.) thall fend down his 5- If the goigmor-general the fame Chall be . obfervations on any fuch decree, who entered in the journals of the general affembly, to revife the decrec, and confifhall then proceed thereon in three feveral fitder the obfervations the tings. The votes for confirming or annuiling and decree Chall be given in the words Yes Or No, of the proceedings fhall be figned by the a minute in which fhall be enumerated members prefent, each fide of the queftion 3 and if the votes, on there the goigmor-general the fame Chall be . obfervations on any fuch decree, who entered in the journals of the general affembly, to revife the decrec, and confifhall then proceed thereon in three feveral fitder the obfervations the tings. The votes for confirming or annuiling and decree Chall be given in the words Yes Or No, of the proceedings fhall be figned by the a minute in which fhall be enumerated members prefent, each fide of the queftion 3 and if the votes, on there --- Page 73 --- S T. DOMI NGO. therc appears a majority of two-thirds for confirm- CHAP. ing the decree,it Thall be immediately enforced by III. the governor-general. 1790. 6. As every law ought to be founded on the confent of thofe who are to be bound by it, the French part of St. Domingo thall be allowed to propofe regulations concerning commercial arrangements, and the fyftem of mutual conneétion (rapports commerciaux, et autres rapports communs), and the decrees which the national affembly fhall make in all fuch cafes Mall not be enforced in the colony, until the general afembly, fhall have confented thereto. 7. In cafes of preffing neceffity, the importation ofarticles for the fupport of the inhabitants fhall not be confidered as any breach in the fyftem of commercial regulations between St. Domingo and France. ; provided that the decrecs to be made in fuch cafes by the general affembly, Thall be fubmitted to the revifion of the governor-general, under the fame conditions and modifications as are prefcribed in articles 3 and 5. 8. Provided alfo, that every legiflative act of the general affembly, executed provifionally, in cafes of urgent neceffity, fhall be tranfinitted forthwith for the royal fanétion. And if the king Chall refufe his confent to any fuch act, its execution fhall be fulpended, as foon as the king's refufal Thall be legally notified to the general affembly. 9. A new general affembly Thall be chofen every two years, and none of the members who have VoL.III. D ferved --- Page 74 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ferved in the former affembly Thall be eligible in C HAP. III. the new one. decree that the preY IO. The general affembly 1790. ceding articles, as forming part of the conftitution of the French colony in St. Domingo, fhall be imtranfmitted to France for the acceptance mediately national affembly, and the king. They thall of the tranfmitted to all the parifhes and likewife be and be notified to the godiftriets of the colony, vernor-general." and THAT a decree of fuch comprehenf@renefs fhould have excited very general difquimagnitude fition in the colony, and have produced mifreprefentation and clamour, even among men of very fentiments and tempers, is no way furoppofite be allowed, that fome of the arprifing, It muft of to every juft principle ticles are irreconcileable The refufing to allow a colonial fubordination. of the king, is negative voice to the reprefentative repugnant to all the notions which an Englithman is taught to entertain of a monarchical government, delimited: and the declaration that no howçver national affembly concerning the colocree of the fhould be in ny, in cafes of exterior regulation, affembly, was force until confirmed by the colonial authoaffumption of imperial fuch an extravagant of the French empire, as rity, in a fubordinate part I believei is without a precedent. feems to ALL that can be urged in extenuation, of the cafe were novel, be that the circumftances unexpeand the members of the colonial affembly rienced government, delimited: and the declaration that no howçver national affembly concerning the colocree of the fhould be in ny, in cafes of exterior regulation, affembly, was force until confirmed by the colonial authoaffumption of imperial fuch an extravagant of the French empire, as rity, in a fubordinate part I believei is without a precedent. feems to ALL that can be urged in extenuation, of the cafe were novel, be that the circumftances unexpeand the members of the colonial affembly rienced --- Page 75 --- ST'DONINGO riencéd in the bufinefs of legiflation. That they CHAP. had any ferious intention of declaring the colony III. an independent ftate, in imitation of the Englifh - 1790. American provinces, it is impoflible to believe. Neverthelefs, the decree was no fooner promulgated, than this notion was induftrioufly propagated by their enemies from one end of the colony to the other ; and when this report failed to gain belief, it was pretended that the colony was fold to the Englith, and that the members of the general affembly had received and divided among themfelves 40 millions of livres as the purchafe money. IF recent events had not demonftrated the extreme credulity and jealous temper of the French charaéter, it would be difficult to believe that charges, thus wild and unfupported, could have made an impreffion on the minds of any confiderable number of the people. So great however was the effeét produced by them, as to occafion fome of the Weftern parifhes to recal their deputiess while the inhabitants of Cape François took meafures ftill more decifive: they rencuaceri obedience to the general affembly, and prefented 2 incmnorial to the governor, requefling him to ditolve it forthwith; declaring that they confidered the colony as loft, unlefs he proceeded with the utmoft vigour and promptitude in depriving that body of all manner of authority. M. PEYNIER received this addrefs with fecret fatisfaétion. It feemed indeed to be the policy of both parties to rejeét all thoughts of compromife by negociation; and there occurred at this juncture D2 a circum- and prefented 2 incmnorial to the governor, requefling him to ditolve it forthwith; declaring that they confidered the colony as loft, unlefs he proceeded with the utmoft vigour and promptitude in depriving that body of all manner of authority. M. PEYNIER received this addrefs with fecret fatisfaétion. It feemed indeed to be the policy of both parties to rejeét all thoughts of compromife by negociation; and there occurred at this juncture D2 a circum- --- Page 76 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF which would probably have renCHAP. a circumftance been attempted. III. dered all negociation abortive,haditt a fhip of the - - - In the harbour of Port au Prince lay M. Gali1790. line, called the Leopard, commanded by the views of foniere. This officer, co-operating in entertainPeynier and Mauduit, made a fumptuous and by ment for the partizans of thofe gentlemen 5 offence this, or fome other parts of his conduét, had gave felt the into his failors. Whether thefe men or fluence of corruption (as afferted by one party) aétuated folely by one oft thofe unaccountable were fubjeét, the freaks to which feamen are particularly their obedience fact certainly is, that they withdrew themfelves from their proper officer, and declared affembly 1 Their tobein the interefts of the colonial and fediconduét became at length fo turbulent M. Galifoniere to quit the thip; tious, as to induce the command to one of whereupon the crew gave perceiving the adthe lieutenants. The affembly, vantages to be derived from this event, immediately for their tranfmitted a vote of thanks to the (eamen 27th] Joly. conduét, and required them, in thename patriotick law and the king, to detain the fhip in the of the await their further orders. The failors, road, and promifed obegratified with this acknowledgment, of thanks on the maindience, and affixed the vote maft of the thip. Some partizans of the affembly, about the fame time, took poffelfion of a powder magazine at Leogane. now to be incvitable. Two A CIVIL war feemed thanks had been tranfmitted days after the vote of of the M. from St, Marc's to the crew Leopard, Peynier of the await their further orders. The failors, road, and promifed obegratified with this acknowledgment, of thanks on the maindience, and affixed the vote maft of the thip. Some partizans of the affembly, about the fame time, took poffelfion of a powder magazine at Leogane. now to be incvitable. Two A CIVIL war feemed thanks had been tranfmitted days after the vote of of the M. from St, Marc's to the crew Leopard, Peynier --- Page 77 --- S T. DOMI I N G O. Peynier iffued a proclamation to diffolve the gene- CHAP, ral affembly. He charged the members with enIII. tertaining projeéts of independency, and afferted I 179C, that they had treacheroufly poffeffed themfelves of one ofthe king's Chips by corrupting the crew. He pronounced the members, and all their adherents, traitors to their country, and enemies to the nation and the king: declaring that it was his intention to employ all the force he could colleét to defeat their projeéts, and bring them to condign punifhment 5 and he called on all officers, civil and military, for their co-operation and fupport. His firft proceedings were direéted againft the committee of the Weftern provincial afiembly.- This body held its meetings at Port au Prince, and in the exercife of its fubordinate funétions, during the intermiftion of that affembly, had manifefted fuch zealous attachment to the general affembly at St. Marc, as expofed its members to the relentment" of the governor and his party. It was determined therefore, at a council held the fame day, to arreft their perfons the following night, and M. Mauduit undertook to conduet the enterprize. Having been informed that this committee held confultations at midnight, he felcéted about one hundred of his foldiers, and formed a fcheme to feize the members at their place of meeting. On arriving however at the houfe, he found it proteéted by four hundred of the national guards (g). A fkirmif enfued; (g) The troops in St. Domingo, called the National Guards, wcre originally nothing more than the colonial Militia. They D 3 were --- Page 78 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF but the circumftances attending it are fo CHAP. enfued; related, that no precife account can be III. varioufly it afcertained which ) a given of the particulars; nor is 1790. the firft fire. Nothing further is cerparty gave known, than that two men were killed on tainly of the affembly, - that feveral were the part both fides, and that M: Mauduit rewounded on but that of turned without effeâting any purpofe national feizing, and bearing away in triumph, the circumftance which afterwards (as will colours;-a be fcen in the fequel) coft him his life. THE general affembly, on receiving intelligence of this attack, and of the formidable preparations for direêting hoftilities againft that were making fummoned the people, from all parts themfelves, armed, to proteét of the colony, to haften, properly and moft of the inhabitants their reprefentatives; obeyed the fummons. of the neighbouring parithes from Port au *The thip Leopard was brought On Prince to St. Marc's for the fame purpofe. the other hand, the Northern provincial affembly joined the party of the governor, and fent to his affiftance a detachment from the regular troops in that quarter, which was joined by a body of two hundred people of colour. A much greater force at the fame time in the Weftern prowas colleéted and the preparations on both vince by M. Mauduit, fides threatened an obftinate and bloody confliét : when, by one of thofe wonderful eccentricities in in 1789,on the model ofthe national guards were new organized and bore the fame colours, and affumed in the mother-country, the fame name. the ent to his affiftance a detachment from the regular troops in that quarter, which was joined by a body of two hundred people of colour. A much greater force at the fame time in the Weftern prowas colleéted and the preparations on both vince by M. Mauduit, fides threatened an obftinate and bloody confliét : when, by one of thofe wonderful eccentricities in in 1789,on the model ofthe national guards were new organized and bore the fame colours, and affumed in the mother-country, the fame name. the --- Page 79 --- ST. DOMINGO, the human mind which are feldom difplayed ex- CHAP. cept in times of publick commotion, a ftop was III. put to the immediate fhedding of blood, by the - 1790* Y fudden and unexpeéted determination of the general affembly to undertake a voyage to France, and juftify their conduét to the king and the national affembly in perfon. Their motives were thought the more laudable, as great part of the Weftern and Southern provinces gave a decided approbation of their conduét, and armed in a very fhort time two thoufand men in their defence; which were in full march for Port au Prince. Their refolution however was fixed, and accordingly, of about one hundred members, to which the colonial affembly was reduced by ficknefs and defertion, no lefs than eighty-five (of whom fixty-four were fathers of families) aétually embarked on board the Leopard, and on the 8th of Auguft, took their departure for Europe :-a proceeding which created as inuch furprize in the governor and bis party, as admiration and applaufe among the people at large. Perfons of all ranks accompanied tle members to the place of embarkation, pouring forth prayers for their fuccefs, and thedding tears of fenfibility and affection for a conduét which was very generally confidered as noble a proof of folf-denial, and as fignal an inffance of heroick virtue and chriftian forbearance as any age has exhibited. A momentary calm followed this event :-the parties in arms appeared mutually difpofed to fubmit their differences to the wildom and juftice of the king and the national affembly, and M. Peynier refumed, D 4 though --- Page 80 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF with a trembling hand, the reins of governCHAP. though III. ment. the iffue of the firft attempt to eftaY SUCH was of St. 1790. blith a free conftitution in the French part Domingo, on the fyftem of a limited monarchy; and it affords occafion for fome important reflecThat the colonial affembly, in their tions. 28th general of May, exceeded the proper decree of the funétions, has been boundary oftheir conffitutional however, might frankly admitted. This irregularity, been correéted without bloodthed or violence; have there is this misfortune attending every deviabut the rule of right, that, in the conflict of tion from the exceffes of one party are contending factions, for the ever confidered as the fulleft juftification of their of the other. For fome parts outrages be offered. The meafure conduét an apology may interefts the crew of the Leoof fecuring to their at Leogane, pard, and the feizure of the magazine It be vindicated on the plea of felf-defence. inay that M. Peynier had long mecannot be doubted reftore the ancient defpotick ditated how beft to with M. Mauduit and fyftem, and that, jointly for that purpofe. others, he had made preparations the minifter in He had written to M. Luzerne, fuffer the coloFrance, that he never intended to told in this to meet; and let it be nial affembly the French miniftry, that the place, in juftice to contained a tacit difapanfiwer which he received for M. Luzerne recomprobation ofhis meafures; councils. The mended moderate and conciliatory in the fame proceded notwithftanding Eovernor career, purpofe. others, he had made preparations the minifter in He had written to M. Luzerne, fuffer the coloFrance, that he never intended to told in this to meet; and let it be nial affembly the French miniftry, that the place, in juftice to contained a tacit difapanfiwer which he received for M. Luzerne recomprobation ofhis meafures; councils. The mended moderate and conciliatory in the fame proceded notwithftanding Eovernor career, --- Page 81 --- S T. D OMI N G O. career, and diftruftful perhaps of the fidelity of the CHAP. French foldiers, he made application (as appeared III. afterward) to the governor of the Havannah for a 1 1790. reinforcement of Spanith troops from Cuba. It is evident therefore that he concurred entirely in the plans of Mauduit for effectuating a counterrevolution; and hence it is reafonable to conclude, that the difcord and diftruft which prevailed among the inhabitants; and above all, the fatal diffentions that alienated the provincial affembly of the North, from the general affembly at St. Marc's, were induftrioufly fomented and encouraged by M. Peynier and his adherents. Concerning the members of the colonial affembly, their prompt and decifive determination to repair to France, and furrender their perfons to the fupreme government, obviates all impeachment of their loyalty. Their, attachment to the mother-country was indeed fecured by too many ties of intereft and felf-prefervation to be doubted. OF their reception by the national affembly, and the proceedings adopted in confequence of their arrival in Europe, I Thall hereafter have OCcafion to fpeak. A paufe in this place feems requifite;-for I have now to introduce to the reader the mournful hiftory of an unfortunate individual, over whofe fad fate (however we may condemn his rafh and ill-concerted enterprize) 66 One human tear may drop, and be forgiven! --- Page 82 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defeat of James Ogés a free Man of Colour. of the general affembly of CHAP. FxoM the firft meeting diffolution and difperfion, as IV. St. Domingo, to its the coloured peorelated in the preceding chapters, on the 1790. ple refident within the colony remained have and orderly than might whole more peaceable and lenient difpobeen expeéted. The temperate towards them, fition manifefted by the affembly decifive effeêt in- the produced a beneficial and and although 300 Weftern and Southern provinces, had been perfuaded of them from thefe provinces, the force under his comby M. Mauduit to join fenfible of their rerror, mand, they very foon became towards St. Marc, as and, inftead of marching demanded and obtained Mauduit propofed, they returned quietly to their retheir difiniffion, and Such of the mulatto people fpeétive habitations. that in the motherhowever as refided at junêture hoftile difpofitions continued in a far more country, in their animofity toand they were encouraged parties of very different wards the white coloniftsby decree of the 28th of defcriptions. The colonial made known in France, May, 1790, was no fooner clamour. Many perfons than it excited univerfal united their voices who concurred in nothing elfe, inhabitants ofSt. the conduét of the in reprobating The adherents of the ancient governDomingo. ment as refided at junêture hoftile difpofitions continued in a far more country, in their animofity toand they were encouraged parties of very different wards the white coloniftsby decree of the 28th of defcriptions. The colonial made known in France, May, 1790, was no fooner clamour. Many perfons than it excited univerfal united their voices who concurred in nothing elfe, inhabitants ofSt. the conduét of the in reprobating The adherents of the ancient governDomingo. ment --- Page 83 --- ST. DOMING O. ment were joined on this occafion by the partizans CH A P. of democracy and republicanifimn. To the Jatter, IV. the conftitution of 1789 was even more odious than 1 1790. the old tyranny; and thefe men, with the deepeft and darkeft defigns, poffeffed all that union, firmnefs, and perfeverance which were neceffary to their purpofès; and which, as the world has beheld, have fince rendered them irrefiftible. Thefe two factions hoped to obtain very different ends, by the fame means 5 and there was another party who exerted themfelves with equal affiduity in promoting publick confufion: thefe were the difcordant clafs of fpeculative reformers, whom it was impoffible to reconcile to the new government, becaufe every man among them had probably formed a favourite fyftem in his own imagination which he was eager to recommend to others. Ido not confider the philanthropick fociety, called Amis des Noirs, as another diftinét body, becaufe it appears to me that they were pretty equally divided between the democratick party, and'the clafs laft mentioned. Strengthened by fuch auxiliaries, it is not furprizing that the efforts of this fociety fhould have operated powerfully on the minds of thofe who were taught to confider their perfonal wrongs as the caufe of the nation, and have driven fome of them into the wildeft exceffes offan naticifm aud fury. AMONG fuch ofthele unfortunate people refident in Fraice as wele thus inflamed thto madnefs, was a young man unler tbonnty yews of age, named James Ogé: hc VoO bora in Su Doningo, of a mulatto woma: who ABI poltefor rofon Blantation minds of thofe who were taught to confider their perfonal wrongs as the caufe of the nation, and have driven fome of them into the wildeft exceffes offan naticifm aud fury. AMONG fuch ofthele unfortunate people refident in Fraice as wele thus inflamed thto madnefs, was a young man unler tbonnty yews of age, named James Ogé: hc VoO bora in Su Doningo, of a mulatto woma: who ABI poltefor rofon Blantation --- Page 84 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. tion in the Northern province, about thirty miles IV. from Cape François, whereon fhe lived very credit- - 179C. ably, and found means out ofits profits to educate her fon at Paris, and even to fupport him there in fome degree of affluence, after he had obtained the age of manhood. His reputed father, a white planter of fome account, had been dead feveral years. OcÉ had been introduced to the meetings ofthe Amis des Noirs, under the patronage of Gregoire, Briffot (h), La Fayette, and Robefpierre (i), the Jeading members of that fociety; and was by them initiated into the popular doétrine of equality, and the rights of man. Here it was that he firft learnt the miferies ofl his condition; ; the cruel wrongs and contumelies to which he and all his mulatto brethren were expofed in the Weft Indies, and the monftrous injuftice and abfurdity of that prejudice, 6 which, (fid Gregoire) eftimating a man's merit C6 by the colour of his fkin, has placed at an im66 menfe diftance from each other the children.of 66 the fame parent ; a prejudice which ftifles the ce voice of nature, and breaks the bands of frater66 nity alunder." THAT thefe are great evils muft be frankly admitted, and it would have been fortunate iffuch men as Briffot and Gregoire, inftead of bewailing their exiftence and magnifying their extent, had applied their talents in confidering of the beft praéticabie means of redreffing them. (h) Guillotined 31 Oftober, 1793- (i) Guillotined 28 July, 1794. Bur --- Page 85 --- ST. DOMINGO, BUr thefe perfons had other objeéts in view:- CHAP. their aim, as Ihave fhewn, was not to reform, but IV. to deftroy; to excite convulfions in every part of H 1790. the French empire; and the ill-fated Ogé became the tool, and was afterwards the viétim, of their guilty ambition. He had been led to believe, that the wholebody of coloured people in the French iflands were prepared to rife up as one man againft their oppreffors; that nothing but a difcreet leades was wanting, to fet them into aétion 5 and, fondly conceiving that he poffeffed in his own perfon all the qualities of an able general, he determined to proceed to St. Domingo by the firft opportunity. To cherifh the conceit ofhis own importance, and animate his exertions, the fociety procured him the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the army of one of the German eleétors. As it was found difficult to export a fufficient quantity of arms and ammunition from France, without attraéting the notice of the government, and awakening fufpicion among the planters refident in the mother country, thc fociety refolved to procure thofe articles in North America, and it was recommended to Ogé to make a circuitous voyage for that purpofe. Accordingly, being furnifhed with money and letters of credit, he embarked for New England in the month of July 1790. BUT, notwithflanding the caution that was obferved in this inftance, the whole projeét was publickly arms and ammunition from France, without attraéting the notice of the government, and awakening fufpicion among the planters refident in the mother country, thc fociety refolved to procure thofe articles in North America, and it was recommended to Ogé to make a circuitous voyage for that purpofe. Accordingly, being furnifhed with money and letters of credit, he embarked for New England in the month of July 1790. BUT, notwithflanding the caution that was obferved in this inftance, the whole projeét was publickly --- Page 86 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. lickly known at Paris previous to Ogé's embarkaIV. tion ; and notice of the fcheme, and even a portrait Y of Ogé himfelf, were tranfmitted to St. Domingo, 1790. before his arrival in that ifland. He fecretly Igng landed there, from an American floop, on the 12th of Oétober 1790, and found means to convey undifcovered the arms and ammunition which he had purchafed, to the place which his brother had prepared for their reception. THE firft notice which the white inhabitants received of Ogé's arrival, was from himfelf. He difpatched aletter to the gorensr(Poyia)othercin after reproaching the governor and his predeceffors with the non-execution of the Code Noir, he demands, in very imperious terms, that the provifions of that celebrated ftatute fhould be enforced throughout the colony, ; he requires that the privileges enjoyed by one clafs ofi inhabitants (the whites) fhould be extended to all perfons without diftinction : declares himfelf the proteétor of the mulattocs, and announces his intention of taking up arms in their behalf, unlefs their wrongs fhould be redreffed. ABOUT fix weeks had intervened between the landing of Ogé, and the publication of this mandate; in all which time he and his two brothers had exerted themfelves to the utmoft in fpreading difaffection, and exciting revolt among the mulattoes. Affurances were held forth, that all the inhabitants of the mother country were difpofed to affift them in the recovery of their rights, and it was added, that the king himfelf was favourably inclined --- Page 87 --- ST. DOMINGO, inclined to their caufe. Promifes were diftributed CHAP, to fome, and money to others. But, notwithftandIV. ing all thefe efforts, and that the temper of the 1 times was favourable to his views, Ogé was not able 1790. to allure to his ftandard above 200 followers 3 and of thefe, the major part were raw and ignorant youths, unufed to difcipline, and averfe to all manner of fubordination and order. HE eftablifhed his camp at a place called Grande. Riviere, about fifteen miles from Cape François, and appointed his two brothers, together with one Mark Chavane, his lieutenants. Chavane was fierce, intrepid, aétive, and enterprizing; prone to mifchief, and thirfty for vengeance. Ogé himfelf, with all his enthufiafimn, was naturally mild and humane : he cautioned his followers againft the fhedding innocent blood; but little regard was paid to his wifhes in this refpect: the firft white man that fell in their way they murdered on the fpot : a fecond, of the name of Sicard, met the fame fate; and it is related, that their cruelty towards fuch perfons of their own complexion as refufed to join in the revolt was extreme. A mulatto man of Tome property being urged to follow them, pointed to his wife and fix children, affigning the largenefs of his family as a motive for wifhing to remain quiet. This conduct was confidered as contumacious, and it is afferted, that not only the man himfelf, but the whole of his family, were maffacred without mercy. INTELLIGENCE was no fooner received at the town of Capc François of thefe enormities, than the refufed to join in the revolt was extreme. A mulatto man of Tome property being urged to follow them, pointed to his wife and fix children, affigning the largenefs of his family as a motive for wifhing to remain quiet. This conduct was confidered as contumacious, and it is afferted, that not only the man himfelf, but the whole of his family, were maffacred without mercy. INTELLIGENCE was no fooner received at the town of Capc François of thefe enormities, than the --- Page 88 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF the inhabitants proceeded, with the utmoft vigour CHAP. IV. and unanimity, to adopt meafures for fupprefing 7 the revolt. A body of regular troops, and the Cape 1790. regiment of militia, were forthwith difpatched for that purpofe. They foon invefted the camp of the revolters, who made lefs refiftance than might have been expeéted from men in their defperate circumftances. The rout became general ; many of them were killed, and about fixty made prifoners; the reft difperfed themfelves in the mountains. Ogé himfelf, one of his brothers, and Chavane his affociate, took refuge in the Spanifh territories. Of Ogé's other brother no intelligence was ever afterwards obtained. of Ogé, and AFTER this unfuccefsful attempt his efcape from juftice, the difpofition of the white inhabitants in general towards the mulattoes, was fharpened into great animofity. The lower clafTes in particular, (thofe whom the coloured people call les petits blancs) breathed nothing but vengeance againft them ; and very ferious apprehenfions were entertained, in all parts of the colony, of a profcription and maffacre of the whole body. ALARMED by reports of this kind, and the appearances which threatened them from all quarters, the mulattoes flew to arms in many places. They formed camps at Artibonite, Petit Goaves, Jeremie, and Les Cayes. But the largeft and moft formidable body affembled near the little town of colleéted themVerette. : The white inhabitants felves in con@iderable force in the neighbourhood, and Colonel Mauduit, with a corps of two hundred men --- Page 89 --- ST. DOMINGO. men from the regiment of Port au Prince, haftened CHAP. to their affiftance; but neither party procecded to IV. aétual hoftility. M. Mauduit even left his detach- - 1790. ment at the port of St. Marc, thirty-fix miles from Verette, and proceeding fingly and unattended to the camp of the mulattoes, had a conference with their leaders. What paffed on that occafion was never publickly divulged. It is certain, that the mulattoes retired to their habitations in confequence of it; but the filence and fecrecy of M. Mauduit, and his influence over them, gave Occafion to very unfavourable fufpicions, by no means tending to conciliate the different claffes of the inhabitants to each other. He was charged with having traiteroufly perfuaded them not to defift from their purpole, but only to poftpone their vengeance to a more favourable opportunity 5 affuring them, with the utmoft folemnity and apparent fincerity, that the king himfelf, and all the friends of the ancient government, were fecretly attached to their caufe, and would avow and fupport it whenever they could do it with advantage; and that the time was not far diftant, 8cc. He is faid to have purfued the fame line of conduét at Jeremic, Les Cayes, and all the places which he vifited. Every where he held fecret confultations with the chiefs of the mulattoes, and thofe people every where immediately difperfed. At Les Cayes, a fkirmilh had happened before his arrival there, in which about fifty perfons on both fides had loft their lives, and preparations were making to renew hoftilities. The perfuafions of M. Mauduit efVoL.III. E feéted purfued the fame line of conduét at Jeremic, Les Cayes, and all the places which he vifited. Every where he held fecret confultations with the chiefs of the mulattoes, and thofe people every where immediately difperfed. At Les Cayes, a fkirmilh had happened before his arrival there, in which about fifty perfons on both fides had loft their lives, and preparations were making to renew hoftilities. The perfuafions of M. Mauduit efVoL.III. E feéted --- Page 90 --- 5o HISTORICAL SURVEY OF feéted a truce; but Rigaud, the leader of the muCHAP. lattoesinthat quarter, openly declared that it was a IV. 1 tranfient and deceitful calm, and that no peace 1790. would be permanent, until one clafs of people had exterminated the other. In November 1790, M. Peynier refigned the government to the licutenant-general, and embarked for Europe;-a circumftance which proved higbly pleafing to the major part of the planters:-and the firft meafure of M. Blanchelande (k), the new comrhander in chief, was confidered as the earneft of a decifive and vigorous adminiftration. He made a peremptory demand of Ogé and his affociates from the Spaniards; and the manner in which it was enforced, induced an immediate compliance therewith. The wretched Ogé, and his companions in mifery, were delivered over, the latter end of December, to a detachment of French troops, and fafely lodged in the jail of Cape François, with the prifoners formerly taken; and a commiffion was foon afterwards iffued to bring them to trial. THEIR éxaminations were long and frequent1791. and in the beginning of March 1791, fentence was pronounced. Twenty of Ogé's deluded followers, among them his own brother, were condemned to bel hanged. To Ogé himfelf, and his lieutenant Chavane, a more terrible punifhment was allotted:-they were adjudged to be broken alive, and (h) Guillotined at Paris, 1793. left --- Page 91 --- ST. DOMI NGO. left to perich in that dreadful fituation, on the C HAP. wheel. IV. THE bold and hardened Chavane met his fate - with unufual firmnefs, and fuffered not a groan to 1791. efcape him during the extremity of his torture: but the fortitude of Ogé deferted him altogether. When fentence was pronounced, he implored mercy with many tears, and an abjeét fpirit. He promifed to make great difcoveries if his life was fpared, declaring that he had an important fecret to communicate. A relpite of twenty-four hours was accordingly granted; but it was not made known to the publick, at that tire, that he divulged any thing of importance. His fecret, if any he had, was believed to have died with him. Ir ivas difcovered, however, about nine months afterward, that this moft unfortunate young man had not only made a full confeffion of the faéts that I have related, but alfo difclofed the dreadful plot in agitation, and the miferies at that moment impending over the colony. His laft folemn declarations and dying confeflion, fworn to and figned by himfelf the day beforc his execution, were actually produced; wherein he details at large the meafures which the coloured pcople had fallen upon to excite the negro flaves to rife into rebellion. He points out the chiefs by namc, and relates that, notwithfianding his own defeat, a general revolt would actually have taken place in the month of February preceding, if an extraordinary flood of rain, and confequent inundation from the rivers, had not prevented it. He declares that the E: 2 ringleaders to and figned by himfelf the day beforc his execution, were actually produced; wherein he details at large the meafures which the coloured pcople had fallen upon to excite the negro flaves to rife into rebellion. He points out the chiefs by namc, and relates that, notwithfianding his own defeat, a general revolt would actually have taken place in the month of February preceding, if an extraordinary flood of rain, and confequent inundation from the rivers, had not prevented it. He declares that the E: 2 ringleaders --- Page 92 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ringleaders ftill maintained the fame atrocious pro. CHAP. and held their meetings in certain fubterranean IV. ject, of La Grande Ri- - 2 paffages, or caves, in the parifh 1791. viere, to which he offers, if his life might be fpared, to conduét a body of troops, fo that the confpirators might be fecured. and THE perfons before whom this confeffion narrative were made, were the commiffioners appointed for the purpofe of taking Ogé's examination, by the fuperior council of the Northern province, of which body they were alfo members (1). Whether this court (all the members of which were devotedly attached to the ancient fyftem) determined ofitfelf to fupprefs evidence of fuch great concern to the colony, or was direéted on this occafion by the fuperior officers in the adminiftration of the government, has never been clearly made known. Suppreffed it certainly was, and the miferable Ogé hurried toimmediate execution; feemingly to prevent the further communication, and full difclofure of fo weighty a fecret! CHRISTIAN charity might lead us to fuppofe that the commiffioners by whom Ogé's examination was taken, difregarded and neglected (rather than fuppreffed) his information 5 confidering it merely: as the Challow artifice of a miferable man to obtain a mitigation of the dreadful punifhment which awaited him, and utterly unworthy of credit. It does not appear, however, that the commiffioners made this excufe for themfelves; and the caution, (1) Their names were Antoine Etienne Ruotte, and Franfois, Jofeph de Vertierres. circum- --- Page 93 --- ST. DOM I N G-O. circum/pedtion, and fecrecy which marked their CHAP. conduét, leave no room for fuch a fuppofition. IV. The planters at large ferupled not to declare, that 1791. the royalifts in the colony, and the philanthropick and republican party in the mother-country, were equally criminal; and themfelves made viétims to the blind purpofes, and unwarrantable paflions, of two defperate and malignant faétions, Or men who openly and avowedly aimed at the fubverfion of all good order and fubordination, we may eafily credit the worlt; but it will be ditficult to point out any principle of rational policy by which the royalifts could have bcen influenced to concur in the ruin of fo noble and beautiful a part of the French empire. Their conduét therefore remains wholly inexplicable, or we muft admit they were guided by a fpirit of Machiavclian policy-a principle of refined cunning, which always defeats its own purpole. They muft have encouraged the vain and fallacious idea that fcenes of bloodfhed, devaftation, and ruin, in different parts of the French dominions, would inducc the great body of the people to look back with regret to their former government, and lead them by degrees to co-operate in the fcheme of effedting a counter-revolution; regarding the evils of anarchy, as lefs tolerable than the dead repole of defpotifimn. lf fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe them to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife men have obferved, and hiftory evinces) blinds a people devoted to defruélion. E3 parts of the French dominions, would inducc the great body of the people to look back with regret to their former government, and lead them by degrees to co-operate in the fcheme of effedting a counter-revolution; regarding the evils of anarchy, as lefs tolerable than the dead repole of defpotifimn. lf fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe them to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife men have obferved, and hiftory evinces) blinds a people devoted to defruélion. E3 --- Page 94 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. V. Proceedings in France-Mafacre of Colonel Mauduit in St. Domingo-agd fatal Decree efthe National Alembly ofthe 15th May 1791. CHAP. Ix detailing the tragical ftory of the miferable V. Ogé, I have chofen to continue my narrative unbroken: but it is now time to call the reader home1791. wards, and direét his attention to the meafures adopted by the national affembly, in confequence ofadvices received from all parts of St. Domingo, concerning the proceedings of the colonial affembly which met at St. Marc's. THE eighty-five members, whofe embarkation for France has already been noticed, arrived at Breft on the i3th of September 1790. They were received on landing by all ranks of people, and even by men in authority, with cengratulation and fhouts of applaufe. The fame bonours were fhewn to them as would have been paid to the national affembly. Their expences were defrayed, and fums of money raited for their future occafions by a voluntary and very general fubfcription 5 but thefe teftimonies of refpeét and kindnefs ferved only to encreafe the dilappointment which they foon afterwards experienced in the capital; where a very different reception awaited them. They had the mortification to difcover that their enemies had been beforehand with them. Deputies --- Page 95 --- ST. DO MI N G O. ties werealready arrived from the provincial affembly CH AP of the North, who joining with the agents of PeyV. nier and Mauduit, had fo effeétually prevailed with 1791. M. Barnave (a), the prefident of the committee for the colonies, that they found their caufe prejudged, and their conduét condemned, without a hearing. The national affembly had iffued a peremptory order, on the 21ft of September, direéting them to attend at Paris, and wait there for further direétions. Their prompt obedience to this order procured them no favour. They were allowed a fingle audience only, and then indignantly difmiffed from the bar. They folicited a fecond, and ap opportunity of being confronted with their adverfaries: the national aflembly refufed their requeft, and direéted the colonial committee to haften its report concerning their conduct. On the 1th of Oétober, this report was prefented by M. Barnave. It comprehended a detail of all the proceedings of the colonial affembly, from its firft meeting at St. Marc's, and cenfured their general conduét in terms of great afperity; reprefenting it as flowing from motives of difaffection towards the mother-country, and an impatience of fubordination to conftitutional authority and good government. The report concluded by recommending, 6 that all the pretended 66 decrees and acts of the faid colonial affembly, 66 fhould be reverfed, and pronounced utterly null s6 and of no effect; that the faid affembly fhould 66 be declared diffolved, and its members rendered, (a) Guillotined December 1, 1793. E 4 6 incligible ; reprefenting it as flowing from motives of difaffection towards the mother-country, and an impatience of fubordination to conftitutional authority and good government. The report concluded by recommending, 6 that all the pretended 66 decrees and acts of the faid colonial affembly, 66 fhould be reverfed, and pronounced utterly null s6 and of no effect; that the faid affembly fhould 66 be declared diffolved, and its members rendered, (a) Guillotined December 1, 1793. E 4 6 incligible --- Page 96 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. < ineligible and incapable of being delegated in V. ce future to the colonial affembly of St. Domingo; 6 that teftimonies of approbation fhould be tranf1791. 6 mitted to the Northern provincial affembly, to <6 Colonel Mauduit and the regiment of Port au 66 Prince, for refifting the proceedings at St. Marc's; < that the king fhould be requefted to give orders < for the forming a new colonial affembly on the 66 principles of the national decree of the 8th of C March 1790, and inftruétions of the 28th ofthe 6 fame month ; finally, that the ci-devant members, 6 then in France, fhould continuein: a ftate ofarreft, & until the national affembly might find time to 66 figrify its further pleafure concerning them." A decree to this effect was accordingly voted on the 12th of October, by a very large majority ; and the king was requefted, at the fame time, to fend out an augmentation of force, both naval and military, for the better fupporting the regal authority in St. Domingo. IT is not eafy to defcribe the furprife and indignation which the news of this decree excited in St. Domingo, except among the partizans of the former government. By them it was regarded as the firit flep towards thc revival oft the ancient fyftem; by moft other perfons it was confidered as a dereliétion by the national affembly of all principle; and the orders for eleéting a new colonial affembly were fo little regarded, that many of the parifhes pofitively refufed to choofe other deputies until the fate of their former members, at that time in France, fhould be decided; declaring, that they ftill confidered S --- Page 97 --- ST. DOMINGO. dered thofe perfons as the legal reprefentatives of CHAP. the colony. One immediate and apparent effect V. of this decree was, to heighten and inflame the po1791. pular refentment againft Mauduit and his regiment. The reader has already been made acquainted with fome particulars concerning this officer; and to what has been faid of his general charaéter, and his intemperate zeal for the ro-eflablifhment of the regal authority in its fulleft extent, it may be added, that he was the more dangerous, becaufe he was generous in his difpofition, and even profufeinhis bounty, towards his foldiers. In return, the attachment of his regiment towards his perfon appeared to exceed the ufual limits of obedience and duty (b). THE maffacre of this man by thofe very troops, a fhort timé after the notification of the aforefaid decree, affords fo ftriking an inftance of that cruel and ungovernable difpolition, equally impetuous and inconftant, which prevailed, and Iam afraid ftill continues to prevail, amongft the lower claffes of the people throughout all the French dominions, that I conceive a brief recital of the circumftances attending his murder will not be thought an unneceffary digreffion. IHAVE,i in a former place (e), given fomea account ofthe proceedings of M. Peynier, the late governor, againft certain perfons who compofed what Was called the committec of the Weftern provincial (b) After bis example they had rejected the national cockade, and wore a white feather in their hats, the fymbol, or avowed fignal, of the royal party. (c) Chap, ili., Affembly; a brief recital of the circumftances attending his murder will not be thought an unneceffary digreffion. IHAVE,i in a former place (e), given fomea account ofthe proceedings of M. Peynier, the late governor, againft certain perfons who compofed what Was called the committec of the Weftern provincial (b) After bis example they had rejected the national cockade, and wore a white feather in their hats, the fymbol, or avowed fignal, of the royal party. (c) Chap, ili., Affembly; --- Page 98 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. affembly, and of the attempt by M. Mauduit to V. feize by force the individuals who A compofed that 1791. committee. This happened on the 29th of July, 1790 $ and I obferved that the circumftance ofM. Mauduit's carrying off the colours from a detachment of the national guards on that occafion, ultimately terminated in his deftruétion. THE cafe was, that not only the detachment from whom their enfign was taken, but the whole oft the national guards throughout the colony, confidered this act as the moft outrageous and unpardonable infult that could poffibly be offered to a body of men, who had fworn, fidelity to the new conflitution ; and nothing but the dread ofthe fuperior difcipline of the veterans compofing the Port au Prince regiment (which Mauduit commanded) prevented them from exercifing exemplary vengeance on the author of their difgrace. This regiment therefore, being implicated in the crime of their commanding officer, was regarded by the other troops with hatred and deteftation. ON the 3d of March 1791, two mhips of the linc Le Fougueux and Le Borée, arrived from France, with two battalions of the regiments of Artois and Normandy; and when it is known that thefe troops had been vifited by the crew of the Leopard, it will not appear furprifing that, on their landing at Port au Prince, they fhould have manifefted the fame hoftile difpofition towards Mauduit'sregiment, as was thewnby the national guards. Theyrefufedall mamseref.communication or intercourfe with them, and even declined to enter into any of their places of --- Page 99 --- ST. DOMINGO, of refort. They confidered, or affeéted to confider, CHAP. them, as enemies to the colony, and traitors to their V. country. This conduct in the new-comers towards I 1791. the ill-fated reginent, foon made a wonderful impreffion on the minds ofboth officers and privates of the regiment itfelf; and mutual reproach and accufation fpread through the whole corps. The white feather was indignantly torn from their hats, and dark.and fullen looks towards their once-loved commander, indicated not only that he had loft their confidence, but alfo that he was the object of meditated mifchief. Mauduit foon perceived the full extent of his danger, and fearing to involve the governor (M. Blanchelande) and his family, in the ruin which awaited himfelf, he advifed them to make the beft of their way to Cape François, while they could do it with fafety; and Blanchelande, for which he was afterwards much cenfured, followed this advice. Mauduit then harrangued his grenadiers, to whom he had always fhewn great kindnefs, and told them that he was willing, for the fake of peace, to reftore to the national troops the colours which he had formerlytaken from them ; and even to carry them, with his own hands, at the head ofhis regiment, and depofit them in the church in which they had been ufually lodged: but hc added, that he depended on their affection and duty to proteét him from perfonal infult, while making this ample apology. The faithlefs grenadiers declared that they would proteét him with their lives. THE next day the ccremony took place, and Mauduit , for the fake of peace, to reftore to the national troops the colours which he had formerlytaken from them ; and even to carry them, with his own hands, at the head ofhis regiment, and depofit them in the church in which they had been ufually lodged: but hc added, that he depended on their affection and duty to proteét him from perfonal infult, while making this ample apology. The faithlefs grenadiers declared that they would proteét him with their lives. THE next day the ccremony took place, and Mauduit --- Page 100 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF Mauduit reftored the colours, as he had promifed, CHAP. V. before a vaft croud of fpeétators. At that moment, Y one of his own foldiers cried aloud, that he muf ajke 1791. pardonofthe national troops 0n lis kmees;and thewhole regiment applauded the propofal. Mauduit ftarted back with indignation, and offered his bofom to their fwords : --it was pierced with a hundred wounds, all ofthem infliéted by his own men, while not a fingle hand was lifted upin his defence. The fpeétators ftood motionlefs, either through hatred tothe man, or furprife at thetreachery and cowardice of the foldiers. Such indeed was the bafenefs of thefe wretches, that no modern language can defcribe, but in terms which would not be endured, the horrible enormities that were practifed on the dead body of their wretched commander. It was. referved for the prefent day to behold, for the firft time, a civilized nation exceeding in feats of cruelty and revenge the favages of North America. 1 grieve to add, that many other'dreadfuli inftances might be recited in confirmation of this remark(c). WHILE (c) The following anecdote, though fhocking to humanity, I have thought too extraordinary to omit. It was communicated to me by a French gentleman who was at St. Domingo at the time, and knew the fact; but decency has induced me to veil it in a learned language. MAUDUITO wix mortub, unus de militibus, dum cadaver calidum, ct cruore adluc Buente madidum, ine paoimentum ecclefice epifcopalis jacuit, fieam difringens, genitalia coram populo abfeidit, et membra truncata in cifam coniponens ad feminam mubilem, quam amicam Mauduitofatuit, ut legatum de mortuo attulit. It may afford the reader fome confolation to find that the murder of their commanding officer by his own regi. ment, excited in all the other troops no other fentiments than thofe luc Buente madidum, ine paoimentum ecclefice epifcopalis jacuit, fieam difringens, genitalia coram populo abfeidit, et membra truncata in cifam coniponens ad feminam mubilem, quam amicam Mauduitofatuit, ut legatum de mortuo attulit. It may afford the reader fome confolation to find that the murder of their commanding officer by his own regi. ment, excited in all the other troops no other fentiments than thofe --- Page 101 --- ST. DO MING O. WHILE thefe fhameful enormities were paffingin CH. A P. St. Domingo, the fociety of Amis des Noirs in the V. mother-country were but too fuccefsfully employed 1791. in devifing projeéts which gave birth to deeds of ftill greater horror, and produced fcenes that transformed the moft beautiful colony in the world into a field of defolation and carnage. ALTHOUCH it muft have occurred to every unprejudiced mind, from the circumftances that have been related concerning the behaviour of the mulattoes refident in the colony, that the general body ofthofe people were by no means averfe to conciliation with the whites, yet it was found impoflible toperfuade their pretended friends in Europe to leave the affairs of St. Domingo to their natural courfe. Barnave alone (hitherto the moft formidable opponent of the prejudices and pretenfions of the COlonifts) avowed his conviétion that any further*interference of the mother-country in the queftion between the whites and the coloured people,awould be produdive of fatal confequences. Such an opinion was entitled to greater refpeét, as coming from a man who, as prefident of the colonial cômmittee, muftbefuppofed tohave acquired an intimateknowledge of the fubject; but he was heard without conviétion. There are enthufiaftsin politicks as well as in religion, and it commonly happens with fanaticks in each, that thc recantation of a few of their number thofe of indignation againft his murderers. They were compelled to lay down their arms, and were fent prifoners to France; but I fear they efcaped the punifhment due to their crimes. ferves --- Page 102 --- 6z HISTORICAL SURVÉY OF CHAP, ferves only toftrengthen the errors,and V. purpofes of the reft. It was now animatethe refolved by Gre1791. goire, La Fayette, Briffot, and fome other peftilent reformers, to call in the fupreme legiflative authority of the French government to give effeét to their projeéts; and that the reader may clearly underftand the nature and complexion of the mifchief that was meditated, and of thofe meafures to which the ruin of the French part of St. Domingo is immediately to be attributed, it is neceffary, in the firft place, 1 to recal his attention to the national decree of the 8th of March 1790, of which an account was given in the fecond chapter. By that decree, as the reader muft have remembered, the national affembly, among other things. difclaimed all right ofinterference in the local and interior concerns of the colonies; and it cannot be doubted, that ifthis declaration had been faithfully interpreted and aéted upon, it would have contributed, in a very eminent degree, to the reftoration of peace and tranquillity in St. Domingo, To render it therefore of as little effeét as poffible, and to add fuel to the fire which perhaps would otherwife have become extinguifhed, it had been infidioufly propofed in the national affembly, within a few days after the decree of the 8th of March had paffed, to tranfmit with it to the governor of St. Domingo, a code, or chapter, ofinftructions, for its due and punétual obfervance and execution. Accordingly, on the 28th of the fame month, infruétions which were faid to be calculated for that purpofe, were prefented and decreed. They confifted become extinguifhed, it had been infidioufly propofed in the national affembly, within a few days after the decree of the 8th of March had paffed, to tranfmit with it to the governor of St. Domingo, a code, or chapter, ofinftructions, for its due and punétual obfervance and execution. Accordingly, on the 28th of the fame month, infruétions which were faid to be calculated for that purpofe, were prefented and decreed. They confifted --- Page 103 --- ST. DOMINGO ffted of eighteen articles, and contained, among CHAP. other things, a direétion C6 that every perfon of the V. <4 age of twenty-five and upwards, poffeffing proC perty, or having refided two years in the colony, 1791. <6 and paid taxes, fhould be permitted to vote in c the formation of the colonial affembly." THE friends of the colonifts having at that time fcats in the national affembly, oppofed the meafure chiefly on the ground of its repugnancy to the decree of the 8th; it being evidently, they urged, an interference in the local arrangements and interior regulations of the colonial government. It does not appear (notwithflanding what has fince been afferted to the contrary) that they entertained an idea that the mulatto people were direétly or indireétly concerned. The framers and fupporters of the meafure pretended that it went only to the modification of fhe privilege of voting in the parochial meetings, which it was well known, under the old government, had been conftituted of white perfons only. The coloured people had in no inflance attended thofe meetings, nor fet up a claim, or even expreffed a defire, to take any part in the bufinefs tranfaéted thereat. But thefe inflructions were no fooner adopted by the national aflembly, and converted into a decree, than its framers and fupporters threw off the maik, and the mulattoes refident in the mother-country, as well as the fociety of Amis des Noirs, failed not to apprize their friends and agents in St. Domingo, that the pcople of colour, not being excepted, were virtually comprized in it. Thete, however, not thinking themfelves --- Page 104 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. felves fufficiently powerful to enforce the claim, of, V. perhaps, doubting the real - meaning of the decree; 1791. fent deputies to France to demand an explanation ofit from the national affembly. IN the beginning of May 1791, the confideration of this fubjeét was brought forward by Abbé Gregoire, and the claim of the free mulattoes to the full benefit of the inftructions ofthe 28th of March 1790, and to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the white inhabitants, citizens of the French colonies, was fupported with all that warmth and eloquence for which he was diftinguithed. Unfortunately, at this junéture, the news oft the mifer0 able death of Ogé arrived at Paris, and raifed a ftorm of indignation in the minds of all ranks of people, which the planters refident in France were unable to refift. Nothing was heard in all companies but declarnations againft their oppreffion and cruelty. To fupport and animate the popular outcry againft them, a tragedy or pantomime, formed on the ftory of Ogé, was reprefented on the publick theatres. By thefe, and other means, the planters were become fo generally odious, that for a time they dared not to appear in the ftreets of Paris. Thefe were the arts by which Gregoire, Condorcet, La Fayette, Briffot, and Robefpiere difpofed the publick mind to clamour for a new and explanatory decree, in which the rights of the coloured people fhould be placed beyond all future doubts and difputc. The friends and advocates of the planters were overpowered and confounded. In vain did they prediét the utter deftruétion ofthe colonies were become fo generally odious, that for a time they dared not to appear in the ftreets of Paris. Thefe were the arts by which Gregoire, Condorcet, La Fayette, Briffot, and Robefpiere difpofed the publick mind to clamour for a new and explanatory decree, in which the rights of the coloured people fhould be placed beyond all future doubts and difputc. The friends and advocates of the planters were overpowered and confounded. In vain did they prediét the utter deftruétion ofthe colonies --- Page 105 --- ST. DOMINGO 6; colonies if fuch a propofal (hould pafs into a Jaw. CHAP. < Perith the colonies, 1) faid Robefpierre, 66 raV. C6 ther than facrifice one iota of our principles." ? L The majority reiterated the fentiment, and the 1791. famous decree of the I sth of May 1791 was pronounced amidit the acclamation and applaufe of the multitude. By this decree it was declared and enaéted, c that the people of colour refident in the French colonies, born of free parents, were entitled to, as ofright, and fhould be allowed the enjoyment of, all the privileges of French citizens, and, among others, to thofe of having votes in the choice of reprefentatives, and of being eligible lo feats both in the parochial and colonial afemblies." Thus did the national aiembly fweep away in a moment all the laws, ufages, prejudices, and opinions concerning thefe people, which had exifted in the French colonies from their carlieft fettlement, and tear up by the roots the firft principle of a free conftitution:-a principle founded on the cleareft dictates of reafon and juftice, and exprefsly confirmed to the inhabitants of the French Weft Indies by the national decree of the 8th of March 1790; I mean, the Jole and exciue right ef pafing lazes for their local and interior regulation and government. The colonial committee, of which M. Barnave was prefident, failed not to apprize the national affembly of the fatal confequences of this meafure, and immediately fufpended the exercife of its funétions, At the fame time, the deputies from the colonies tignified their purpofe to decline any further atVoL. III, P tendance. decree of the 8th of March 1790; I mean, the Jole and exciue right ef pafing lazes for their local and interior regulation and government. The colonial committee, of which M. Barnave was prefident, failed not to apprize the national affembly of the fatal confequences of this meafure, and immediately fufpended the exercife of its funétions, At the fame time, the deputies from the colonies tignified their purpofe to decline any further atVoL. III, P tendance. --- Page 106 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. tendance. The only effect produced by thefe mcaV. fures however, on the national affembly, was an order that thethree civil conmilfioners, wio had 1791. been appointed in February preceding for regulating the affairs of the colonies onthe fpot, fhould immediately repair thither, and fee the national decrees duly enforced. The confequences in St. Do mingo will be related in the following chapter (d). (d) It has been confidently afferted, that La Fayctte, in order to fecure a majority on this queftion, introduced into the national affembly no lefs than eiglity perfons who We ere not members, but who fat and vored as fuch. This man had formerly bren poffieffed of a plantation at Cayenne, with feventy negro flaves thereon, which he had fold, without any fcruple or ftipulation concerning the fituation of the negroes, the latter end of 1789, and from that time enrolled himfelf among the friends of the blacks. The mere Englifh reader, who may be perfonally unacquainted with the Weft Indies, will probably confider the clamour which was raifed on this occafion by the French planters as equally illiberal and unjuft. The planters in the Britifh Weft Indies will perhaps bring the cafe home to themfelves; and I have no hefitation in faying, that, fuppofing the Englifh parliament fhould pafs a law declaring, for inftance, the free mulattoes of Jamaica to be eligible into the affembly of that ifland, fuch a meafure would prove there, as it proved in St. Domingo, the declaration of civil war. On mere abftract reafoning this may ftrange and unjuftifiable; but we muft take mankind as appear and few inftances occur in which the prejudices we find them, of habit, education, and opinion have been correêted lyforce. --- Page 107 --- ST. DOMINGO CHAP. VI. Confequences in St. Domingo ofthe Decree ofthe 15th ef May-Rebellion of the Negroes in the Northern Province, and Enormities committed by themRevolt of the Mulattoes at Mirdbalai-Concordat or Truce between the Inhabitants of Port att Prince and the Men of Colour of the Iuth of Septaskr-Preclanatial by the National Alembly of the 201h of September. I AM now to enter on the retrofpect of fcenes, the CHAP. horrors of which imagination cannot adequately VI. conceive nor pen defcribe. The difputes and con- - tefts between different claffes of French citizens, 1791. and the violences of malignant factions towards each other, no longer claim attention. Such a piéture of human mifery :-fuch a fcene of woe, prefents itfelf, as no other country, no former age has exhibited. Upwards of one hundred thoufand favage people, habituated to the barbarities of Africa, avail themfelves of the filence and obfcurity of the night, and fall on the peaceful and unfufpicious planters, like fo many famithed tygers thirfting for human blood. Revolt, conflagration, and maffacre, every where mark their progrefs; and death, in all its horrors, or cruelties and outrages, compared to which immediate death is m ercy, await alike the old and the young, the matron, the virgin, and the helplefs infant. No F 2 condition, ities of Africa, avail themfelves of the filence and obfcurity of the night, and fall on the peaceful and unfufpicious planters, like fo many famithed tygers thirfting for human blood. Revolt, conflagration, and maffacre, every where mark their progrefs; and death, in all its horrors, or cruelties and outrages, compared to which immediate death is m ercy, await alike the old and the young, the matron, the virgin, and the helplefs infant. No F 2 condition, --- Page 108 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. condition, age, or fex is fpared. All the thocking v1. and fhameful enormitics, with which the ficrce 1 and unbridled paffions of favage man have ever 1791. conduéted a war, prevail uncontrouled. The rage of fire confumes what the fword is unable to deftroy, and, in a few difimal hours, the moft fertile and beautiful plains in the world are converted into one vaft field of carnages-a wildernets of defolation ! THERE is indeed too much reafon to believe, that thefe miferies would have occurred in St. Domingo, in a great degree, even if the proceedings of the National Affembly, as related in the latter part of the preceding chapter, had been more temperate, and if the decree of the 1sth of May had never paffed into a law. The declarations of the dying Ogé fufficiently point out the mifchief that before that obnoxious dewas meditated, long cree was promulgated. But it may be affirmed, with truth and certainty, that this fatal meafure life and aétivity to the poifon. It was the gave brand by which the flames were lighted, and the combuftibles that were prepared fet into action. Intelligence having been received of it at Cape François on the goth of June, no words can defcribe the rage and indignation which immediately fpread throughout the colony S and in no place did the inhabitants breathe greater refentment than in the' town of the Cape, which had hitherto been foremoft in profeffions of attachment to the mother-country, and in prometing the fpirit of difumion and oppolition in the colonial affembly. They --- Page 109 --- S T. DOMINGO. They now unanimoufly determined to rejeét the CHAP. civick oath, although great preparations bad been VI. made for a general federation on the 14th of July. 1 1791. The news of this decree fcemed to unite the moft difcordant interefts. In the firft tranfports of indignation it was propofed to feize all the thips, and confifcate the effects of the French mercbants then in the harbour. An embargo was actually laid, and a motion was even made in the provincial affembly to pull down the national colours, and hoilt the Britifh ftandard in their room. The national cockade was every where trodden under foot, and the governor-general, who continued a forrowful and filent fpeétator of thele exceffès, found his authority, as reprefentative of the parent country, together with every idea of colonial fubordination in the people, annihilated in a moment. THE fears and apprehenfions which the governor felt on this occafion have been well defcribed by that officer himfelf, ip a memorial which he afterwards publifhed concerning his adminiftration. 66 Acquainted (he obferves) with the genius and 66 temper of the white colonifts, by a refidence of €6 feven years in the Windward Iflands, and well 66 informed of the grounds and motives of their 66 prejudices and opinions concerning the people of 66 colour, I immediately forefaw the difturbances 66 and dangers which the news ofthis ill-advifed mea6 fure would inevitably produce; and not having 66 it in my power to fupprefs the communication 66 ofit, I loft no time in apprizing the king's mini66 fters of the general difcontent and violent fermenF 3 66 tation , by a refidence of €6 feven years in the Windward Iflands, and well 66 informed of the grounds and motives of their 66 prejudices and opinions concerning the people of 66 colour, I immediately forefaw the difturbances 66 and dangers which the news ofthis ill-advifed mea6 fure would inevitably produce; and not having 66 it in my power to fupprefs the communication 66 ofit, I loft no time in apprizing the king's mini66 fters of the general difcontent and violent fermenF 3 66 tation --- Page 110 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CH A P. ce tation which it excited in the colony. To my VI. 46 own obfervations, I added thofe of many re1 - c fpeétable, fober, and difpaffionate men, whom I 1791. c6 thought it my duty to confult in fo critical a € conjunéture; and I concluded my letter by ex- <e preffing my fears that this decree would prove cc the death-warrant ofmany thoufands of the inha66 bitants. The event has mournfully verified my 66 predi@tions!" ON the recommendation of the provincial affembly of the Northern department, the feveral parithes throughout the colony now proceeded, without further hefitation, to the election of deputies for a new general colonial affembly. Thefe deputies, to the number of one hundred and feventy-fix, met at Leogane, and on the gth of Auguft declared themfelves the general affembly of the French part of St. Domingo. They tranfaéted however but little bufinefs, but manifefted great unanimity and temper in their proceedings, and refolved to hold their meetings at Cape François, whither they adjourned for that purpofe, appointing the 25th of the fame month for opening the feffion. IN the mean-while, fo great was the agitation of the publick mind, M. Blanchelande found it neceffary not only to tranfimit to the provincial affembly of the North, a copy of the letter which he mentions to have written to the king's minifters, but alfo to accompany it with a folemn affurance, pledging himfelf t0 ffpend the execution of the obnoxious decree, whenever it fhould come out to him properly --- Page 111 --- ST. DOMINGO properly authenticated; a meafure which too plainly CHA P. demonftrated that his authority in the colony was VI. at an end. 1791. JUSTLY alarmed at all thefe proceedings, fo hoftile towards them, and probably apprehenfive of a general profcription, the mulattues throughout the cosny began to colleét in different places in armed bodies; and the whites, by a mournful fatality, fuffered thei to atiemble without moleftation. In truth, every man's thoughts were direéted towards the meetiig of the new colonial affembly, from whoie deliberations and proceedings the extinétion of party. and the full and immedtate redrefs of all exifting grievances, were confidently expeéted. M. Blanchelanda himIf declarer, that he cherifhed the fame flattering and fallacious hopes. 6f After a long fucceffion of violen: forms, < I fondly expeéted (he writes) the return of 46 a calm and ferene morning. The temperate 6 and conciliating conduét of the new affem66 bly, during their fhort fitting at Loagane, the 66 charaéters of moft of the individual mem66 bers, and the neceffity, fo apparent to all, of 66 mutual conceffion and unanimity on this gie.t 6 occafion, led me to think that the colony would 66 at length fce the termination of its miferics; <6 when, alas, the ftorm wasrearlytoburft, w nch sas 6 fince involved us in onc common deftruét on P Ir was on the morning of the 23d of A: iguft, juft before day, that a general alarm and'confternation fpread throughout the town of the Cape. The inhabitants were cailed from their beis y F 4 perions unanimity on this gie.t 6 occafion, led me to think that the colony would 66 at length fce the termination of its miferics; <6 when, alas, the ftorm wasrearlytoburft, w nch sas 6 fince involved us in onc common deftruét on P Ir was on the morning of the 23d of A: iguft, juft before day, that a general alarm and'confternation fpread throughout the town of the Cape. The inhabitants were cailed from their beis y F 4 perions --- Page 112 --- HISTORICAL SUR VEY OF CHAP P. perfons who reported that all the negro flaves in VI. the feveral neighbouring parilhes had revolted, and 1791. were at that moment carrying death and defolation over the adjoining large and beautiful plain to the North-eaft. The governor, and moft of the military officers on duty, affembled together; but the reports were fo confufed and contradiétory, as to gain but little credit; ; when, as day-light began to bréak, the fudden and fucceflive arrival, with ghaftly countenances, of perfons who had with difficulty efcaped the maffacre, and flown to the town for proteétion, brought a dreadful confirmation of the fatal tidings. THE rebellion firft broke out on a plantation called Noé, in the parifh of Acul, nine miles only from the city, Twelve or fourteen of the ringleaders, about the middle of the night, procceded to the refinery, or fugar-houfe, and feized on a young man, the refiner's apprentice, dragged him to the front of the dwclling-houfe, and there hewed him into picces with their cutlafles: his fereams brought out the overfeer, whom they infantly flot The rebels now found their way to the apartment of the refiner, and maffacred bim in his bed. A young man lying fick in a neighbouring chamber, was left apparently dead of the wounds infliéted by their cutlaffès: he had ftrength enough however to crawl to the next plantation, and relate the horrors he had witnefled. He rcported, that all the whites of the eftate which he had left were murdered, except only the furgeon, whom the rebels had compelled to accompany them, --- Page 113 --- ST. DOMINCO them, on the idea that they might ftand in need CHAP. of his profeffional affiftance. Alarmed by this in- VI. telligence, the perfons to whom it was communi- 1 cated immediately fought their fafety in flight. 1791. What became of the poor youth I have never been informed. THE revolters (confifting now of all the Naves belonging to that plantation) proceeded to the houfe of a Mr. Clement, by whofe negroes alfo they were immediately joined, and both he and his refiner were maffacred. The murderer of Mr. Clement was his own poftillion, a man to whom he had always fhewn great kindnefs. The other white people on this eftate contrived to make their efcape. Arthisjun@ture, the negroes on the plantation of M. Flaville, a few miles diftant, likewife rofe and murdered five white perfons, one of whom (the procureur or attorney for the eftate) had a wife and three daughters. Thefe unfortunate women, while imploring for mercy of the favages on their knees, beheld their hufband and father murdered before their faces. For themfelves, they were devoted to a more horrid fate, and were carried away captives by the affaffins. THE approach ofday-light ferved only to difcover fights of horror. It was now apparent that the negroes on all the eftates in the plain aéted in concert, and a general maffacre of the whites took placé in every quarter. On fome few eftates indeed the lives of the women were fpared, but they were referved their knees, beheld their hufband and father murdered before their faces. For themfelves, they were devoted to a more horrid fate, and were carried away captives by the affaffins. THE approach ofday-light ferved only to difcover fights of horror. It was now apparent that the negroes on all the eftates in the plain aéted in concert, and a general maffacre of the whites took placé in every quarter. On fome few eftates indeed the lives of the women were fpared, but they were referved --- Page 114 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF the brutal appetites oft the CHAP. referved only to gratify that mary of ruffians ; and it is fhocking to relate, VI. on the dead bodies of their - them fuffered violation 1791 hufbands and fathers! belief for fome IN the town itfelf, the general extentime was, that the revolt was by no means an five, but a fudden and partial infurreêtion only. that plantation on the plain was The largeft fugar fituated about cight miles from of Monf. Gallifet, belonging to which had the town, the negroes with fuch kindnefs and libealways been treated advantages, that it rality, and poffeffed fo many the lower became a proverbial expreffion among fortune, white people, in fpeaking ofany man's good (he is il heureux comime un negre de Gallifet to fay eff M. Odeluc, as happy as one of Gallifet's negroes). was a the attorney, or agent, for this plantation, fully member of the general affembly, and being would that the negroes belonging to it perfuaded firm in their obedience, determined to repair remain them in oppoling the infurthither to encourage he defired the affiftance of a gents; to which end, which was granted few foldiers from the town-guard, but on approachhim. He proceeded accordingly, and found all ing the eftate, to his furprife griefhe of the rebels, and the negroes in arms on the fide white their, Raudard was the body ofa (horrid to tell !) on a Rake! infant, zuhich they had recently impaled retreat undifM. Odeluc had advanced too far to that accomcovered, and both he, and a friend were killed panied him, with moft of the foldiers, without --- Page 115 --- ST. DOMING O. without mercy. Two or three only ofthe patrole, CHAP. efcaped by flight; ; and conveyed the dreadful tidings VI. to the inhabitants of the town. 1791. Bx this time, all or moft of the white perfons that had been found on the feveral plantations, being maffacred or forced to feek their fafety in flght, the ruffians exchanged the fword for the torch. The buildings and cane-fields were every,where fet on fire ; and the conflagrations, which were vifible from the town, in a thoufand different quarters, furnifhed a profpeét more thocking, and reflections more difmal, than fancy can paint, or the powers of man defcribe. COxSTERNATION and terror now took poffeffion of every mind : and the fcreams ofthe women and children, running from door to door, heightened the horrors of the fcene. All the citizens took up arms, and the general affembly vefted the governor with the command of the national guards, requefting him to give fuch orders as the urgency of the cafe feemed to demand. ONE of the firft mcafures was to fend the white women and children on board the (hips in the harbour; and very ferious apprehenfions being entertained concerning the domeftick negroes within the town, a great proportion of the ableft men among them were likewife fent on fhipboard and clofely guarded. THERE fill remained in the city a confiderable body of free mulattoes, who had not taken, or affeéted not to take, any part in the difputes between their brethren of colour and the white inhabitants. Their ONE of the firft mcafures was to fend the white women and children on board the (hips in the harbour; and very ferious apprehenfions being entertained concerning the domeftick negroes within the town, a great proportion of the ableft men among them were likewife fent on fhipboard and clofely guarded. THERE fill remained in the city a confiderable body of free mulattoes, who had not taken, or affeéted not to take, any part in the difputes between their brethren of colour and the white inhabitants. Their --- Page 116 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. Their fituation was extremely critical; for the VI. lower clafs of whites, confidering the mulattoes as Y - the immediate authors of the rebellion, marked 1791. them for deftruétion; and the whole number in the town would undoubtedly have been murdered without feruple, if the governor and the colonial affembly had not vigoroufly interpoled, and taken them under their immediate proteétion. Grateful for this interpofition in their favour (perhaps not thinking their Jives otherwife fecure) all the able men among them offered to march immediately againft the rebels, and to leave their wives and children as hoftages for their fid-lity. Their offer was accepted, and they were enrolled in different companies of the militia. THE affembly continued their deliberations throughout the night, amict the glare of the furrounding conflagrations ; and the inhabitants, being ftrengthened by a number of feamen from the Thips, and brought into fome degree of order and military fubordination, were now defirous that a detachment Ahould be fent to attack the ftrongeft body of the revolters. Orders were given accordinglys and M. de Touzard, an officer who had diftinguifhed himfelf in the fervice of the North Americans, took the command of a party of militia and troops ofthe line. With thefe, he marched to the plantation of a M. Latour, and attacked a body of about four thoufand of the rebel negroes. Many were deftroyed, but to little purpofes for Touzard, finding the number of revolters to encreafe in more than a centuple proportion to their loffes, was at length --- Page 117 --- ST. DOMINGO. length obliged to retreat ; andit cannot be doubt- CHAP. ed, that if the rebels had forthwith proceeded to VI. the town, defencelets as it then was towards the - - 1791. plain, they mighit have Sired it without difficulty, and deftroyed all itsinhabitants, or compelled them to fly to the fhipping for refuge. SENSIBLE of this, the governor, by the advice of the affembly, determined to act for fome time folely on the defeafive; and as it was every moment to be apprehended that the revolters would pour down upon the town, the firft meafure reforted to was to fortify the roads and paffes leading into it. At the eaftern extremity, the main road from the plain is interfeéted by a river, which luckily had no bridge over it, and was croffed in ferry boats. For the defence of this paflage, a battery of cannon was raifed on boats lathed together; while two fmall camps were formed at proper diflances on the banks. The other principal entrance into the town, and contiguous to it towards the fouth, was through a mountainous diftriét, called le Haut du Cap. Poffeffion was immediately taken of thefe heights, and confiderable bodies of troops, with fuch artillery as could be fpared, were ftationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought fufficient, it was alfo determined to furround the whole of the town, except the fide next the fea, with a ftrong palifade and chevaux defrize; in the erecting and completing of which, all the inhabitants laboured without diftinétion or intermiffion. At the fame time, an embargo was laid on all the (hipping in the harbour; a meafure ofindifpenfable neceffity, calculated fpared, were ftationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought fufficient, it was alfo determined to furround the whole of the town, except the fide next the fea, with a ftrong palifade and chevaux defrize; in the erecting and completing of which, all the inhabitants laboured without diftinétion or intermiffion. At the fame time, an embargo was laid on all the (hipping in the harbour; a meafure ofindifpenfable neceffity, calculated --- Page 118 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ;8 calculated as well to obtain the affiftance of the CHAP. feamen, as to fecure a retreat for the inhabitants in VI. ) the laft extremity. 1791. To fuch of the diftant parifbes as were open to communication either by land or by fea, notice of the revolt had been tranfmitted within a few hours after advice ofit was received at the Cape; and the white inhabitants of many of thofe parifhes had therefore found time to eftablifh camps, and form a chain of pofts, which for a fhort time feemed to prevent the rebellion fpreading beyond the Northern province (a). Two of thofe camps however, one at Grande Riviere, the otherat Dondon, were attacked by the negroes (who were here openly joined by the mulattoes) and forced with great flaughter. At Dondon, the whites maintained the conteft for feven hours; but were overpowered by the infinite difparity of numbers, and compelled to give way, with the lofs of upwards of one hundred of their body. The furvivors took refuge in the Spanith territory. THESE two diftriéts therefore 5 the whole of the rich and extenfive plain of the Cape, together with the contiguous mountains, were now wholly abandoned to the ravages ofthe enemy, and the cruelties which they exercifed, uncontrouled, on fuch of the miferable whites as fell into their hands, cannot (a) It Îs believed that a general infurreâtion was to have taken place throughout the colony on the 2gth of Auguft (St. Louis's day); but that the impatience and inpetuofity of fome negroes on the plain, induced them to commence their operations two days before the time. be --- Page 119 --- ST. DOMINGO be remembered without horror, nor reported in CHAP. terms frong enough to convey: aproper idea oft thcir VI. atrocity. Y 1791. THEY feized Mr. Blen, an officer of the police, and having nailed him alive to one of the gates of his plantation, chopped off his limbs, one by one with an axe. A POOR man named Robert, a carpenter by trade, endeavouring to conceal himfelf from the notice of the rebels, was dilcovered in his hiding-place 5 and the favages declared that he fould die in the way of his occupation : accordingly they bound him between two boards, and deliberately fawed him afunder. M. CARDINEAU, a planter of Grande Riviere, had two natural fons by a black woman. He had manumitted them in their infancy, and bred them up with great tendernefs. They both joined in the revolt; ; and when their father endeavoured to divert them from their purpofe, by foothing language and pecuniary offers, they took his money, and then ftabbed him to the heart. ALL the white, and even the mulatto children whofe fathers had not joined in the revolt, were murdered without exception, frequently before the eyes, or clinging to the bofoms, of their mothers. Young women of all ranks were firft violated by a whole troop of barbarians, and then generally put to death. Some of them were indeed referved for the further gratification of the luft of the favages, and others had their eyes fcooped out with a knife. In the parifh of Limbe, at a place called the Great heart. ALL the white, and even the mulatto children whofe fathers had not joined in the revolt, were murdered without exception, frequently before the eyes, or clinging to the bofoms, of their mothers. Young women of all ranks were firft violated by a whole troop of barbarians, and then generally put to death. Some of them were indeed referved for the further gratification of the luft of the favages, and others had their eyes fcooped out with a knife. In the parifh of Limbe, at a place called the Great --- Page 120 --- So HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. Great Ravine, a venerable planter, the father of VI. two beautiful young ladies, was tied down by a - favage ringleader of a band, who ravilhed the eldeft 1791. daughter in his prefence, and delivered over the youngeft to one ofhis followers: their paffion being fatisfied, they flaughtered both the father and the daughters. AMIDST thefe fcenes of horror, onei inftance howeyer occurs of fuch fidelity and attachment in a negro, asis equally unexpeéted and affeéting. Monf. and Madame Baillon, their daughter and fon-inlaw, and two white fervants, refiding on a mountain plantation about thirty miles from Cape François, were apprized of the revolt by one of their own flaves, who was himfelfin the confpiracy, but promifed, if poffible, to fave the lives ofhis mafter and his family. Having no immediate means of providing for their efcape, he conduéted them into an adjacent wood; after which he went and joined the revolters. The following night, he found an opportunity of bringing them provifions from the rebel camp. The fecond night he returned again, with a further fupply of provifions; ; but declared that it would be out of his power to give them any further affiftance. After this, they faw nothing of the negro for three days ; but at the end ofthat time he came again 5 and direêted the family how to make their way to a river which led to Port Margot, affuring them they would find a canoe on a part of the river which he defcribed. They followed his direétions, found the canoe, and got fafely into it; but were overfet by the rapidity of the current, and --- Page 121 --- ST. DO M de ING O. Sr ind aftéra narrow efcape, thought it beft to return CHAP. to their retreat in the mountains. The negro, VI, anxious for their tafety, again found them out, and 1 - direéted them to a broader part of the river, where 1791. he aflured them he had provided a boat; but faid it wâs the laft effort he could make to fave them. They wént accordingly, but not finding the boat, gave themfelves up for loft, when the faithful negro again appeared like their guardian angel. He brought with him pigeons, poultry, and bread; and conduéted the family, by flow marches in the night, along the banks of the river, until they were within fight of the wharf at Port Margot 5 when telling them they were entirely out of danger, he took his leave for ever, and went to join the rebels. The family were in the woods nineteen nights * LET us now turn our attention back to the town of the Cape; where, the inhabitants being at length placed, or fuppofed to be placed, in fome fort of fecurity, it was thought neceffary by the governor and affembly, that offenfive operations againft the rebels fhould be renewed, and a fmall army, under the command of M. Rouvray, marched to the eaftern part of the plain, and encamped at a place called Roucron. A very confiderable body of the rebel negroes took poffeffion, about the fame time, of the large buildings on the plantation of This account was communicated by Madame Baillon herfelf to a friend ofthc author, who was with him at St. Domingo, and who fpoke French like a native : from that friend I received it the fame day, and immediately committed the particulars to writing. VoL. III. G M. Gallifet, , marched to the eaftern part of the plain, and encamped at a place called Roucron. A very confiderable body of the rebel negroes took poffeffion, about the fame time, of the large buildings on the plantation of This account was communicated by Madame Baillon herfelf to a friend ofthc author, who was with him at St. Domingo, and who fpoke French like a native : from that friend I received it the fame day, and immediately committed the particulars to writing. VoL. III. G M. Gallifet, --- Page 122 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. M. Gallifet, and mounted (omeheavypieces ofartilVI. lery on the walls. They had procured the cannon 1 at different fhipping places and harbours along the 1791. coaft, where it had been placed in time of war by the government, and imprudently left unproteéted : but it was a matter of great furprize by what means they obtained ammunition (b). From this plantation they fent out foraging parties, with which the whites had frequent fkirmifhes. In thefe engagements, the negroes feldom ftood their ground Jonger than to receive and return a fingle volley, Dut they appeared again the next day; and though they were at length driven out of their entrenchments with infinite flaughter, yet their numbers feemed not to diminifh :-as foon as one body was cut off, another appeared, and thus they fucceeded in the objeét of haraffing and deftroying the whites by perpetual fatigue, and reducing the country to a defert. To detail the various conflidts, fkirmifhes, maffacres, and fcenes of flaughter, which this exterminating war produced, were to offer a dilgufting and frightful piéture 3--a combination of horrors 3 that quantities of (b) It was difcovered afterwards, great powderandball W cre fiolen bythe negroes in the town ofCape François from the king's arfenal, and fecretly conveyed to the rebels. Moft of the fre-arms at firit in their poffeifion were fuppofed to have becn.part of Oge's importation. But it griever me to add, rhat the rebels were afterwards abundantly of fupplied, which by fmall veffels from North America; the mafters feit no feruple to receive in payment fngar and rum, fromeftutes ofwhich the owners had been murdered by the menwitliwhoa they trailicked, wherein arfenal, and fecretly conveyed to the rebels. Moft of the fre-arms at firit in their poffeifion were fuppofed to have becn.part of Oge's importation. But it griever me to add, rhat the rebels were afterwards abundantly of fupplied, which by fmall veffels from North America; the mafters feit no feruple to receive in payment fngar and rum, fromeftutes ofwhich the owners had been murdered by the menwitliwhoa they trailicked, wherein --- Page 123 --- ST. DOMI NGO. whérein we Chould behold cruelties unexampled in theannals of mankind; human blood poured forth CHAP. VI. in torrents $ the earth blackened with afhes, and 1 the air tainted with peftilence. It was computed 1791. that, within two months after the revolt frft began, upwards of two thoufand white perfons, of all conditions and ages, had been maffacred; s-that one hundred and eighty fugar plantations, and about nine hundred coffee, cotton, and indigo fettlements lad been deftroyed (the buildings thereon being confumed by fire), and onc thoufand two hundred chriftian families reduced from opulence, to fuch a flate of mifery as to depend altogether 1or their clothing and faftenance on publick and private charity. Of the infurgents, it was reckoned that upwards of ten thoufand had perifhed by the fword or by famine 5 and fome hundreds by the hands of the executionery-many of them, I am forry to fay, under the torture ofthe wheely-a fyflem of and retaliation, which no enormitics of favage frevenge life could juftify or excufe (c). HITHERTO, f)Two ofthefe anleppyr men fufforedin-this the window of the author'slodgings, and in bis mannerunder Cane François, On thurfay the 28th of September prefence, at They were broken on two pieces of timber placed 1791. Onc of them expired Cl recciving the third froke crofewife. fiomach, each of his legsandarins having been firit broken on his twop places; the firft three blowshe bore without a groan. The in otherhad a harder fate. When the executioner, after bis legs and arms, lifted up the infirument to give i e breaking froke Oil the breaft, and which (by puing the criminal finifhing out his pain) is called le coupdegrace, then mob, with the of of cannibals, called out airelez! (top) and compelled ferocioufnefs him to G2 leave arins having been firit broken on his twop places; the firft three blowshe bore without a groan. The in otherhad a harder fate. When the executioner, after bis legs and arms, lifted up the infirument to give i e breaking froke Oil the breaft, and which (by puing the criminal finifhing out his pain) is called le coupdegrace, then mob, with the of of cannibals, called out airelez! (top) and compelled ferocioufnefs him to G2 leave --- Page 124 --- HISTORICAL SURVÉY OF CHAP. HITHERTO, my narrative has VI. tranfactions in the Northern applied chiefly to relate, that the flames province; I grieve to 1791. of rebellion foon to break forth alfo in the Weftern divifion. began Here, however, the infurgents were chicfly men of of whom upwards of two thoufand colour, in the parifh of Mirebalais. appeared in arms fix hundred of the Being joined by about negro flaves, they began their operations by burning the coffee plantations in the mountains adjacent to the plain of Cul-de-Sac. Some detachments of the military which were fent againft them from Port au Prince were and the infurgents continued repulfed ; the to ravage and burn country through an extent of thirty miles, practifing the fame exceffes and ferocious barbarities towards fuch of the whites as fell into their hands, as were di(played by the rebels in the North. They had the audacity at length to approach Port au Prince, with intention, as it was believed, to fet it on fire; and fo defencelefs the ftate of that devoted town, that its deftruétion was feeined inevitable. Many of the mulatto chiefs, however, finding that their attempts to over the negro flaves on the fugar gain of the plantations in this part country, were not attended with that fuccefs which they expected, expreffed an unwillingnefs to proceed to this extremity; declaring that they leave his work unfinifhed. Inthatcondition,t the with his broken limbs doubled up, was put on miferablewretch, a which was placed horizontally, Olle end of the axle-tree cart-wheel, driven into the carth. He feemed perfeétly being ncta groan. At the end of forty minutes, fome fenfible, but uttered A lo W ere fpeftators of the tragedy, Englifh feamen, firangled him in mercy. tock nefs to proceed to this extremity; declaring that they leave his work unfinifhed. Inthatcondition,t the with his broken limbs doubled up, was put on miferablewretch, a which was placed horizontally, Olle end of the axle-tree cart-wheel, driven into the carth. He feemed perfeétly being ncta groan. At the end of forty minutes, fome fenfible, but uttered A lo W ere fpeftators of the tragedy, Englifh feamen, firangled him in mercy. tock --- Page 125 --- ST. DOMINGO, 8g took up arms not to defolate the colony, but merely CH 4 P. to fupport the national decree of the sth of May, VI. and that they were not averfe to a' reconciliation. 1791. Thefe fentiments coming to the knowledge of M. de Jumecourt, a planter of eminence, he undertook the office of mediator, and through his well-timed and powerful interpofition, a truce or convention, called the concordat, was agreed upon the iith of September, between the free people of colour, and the white inhabitants of Port au Prince, of which the chief provifions were an oblivion of the paft, and an engagement on the part of the whites, to admit in full force the national decree of the Isth of May, fo often mentioned j - certainly the oftenfible, though perhaps not the fole and original caufe of the rebellion *, INSTRUCTED by this example, and foftened, it may be prefumed, by the loyal and temperate conduét of the free mulattoes in the town of Cape François, as before related, the general affembly, by a proclamation of the 2oth of September, declared that they would no longer oppofe the operation of the fame decree. They even went further, and announced an intention to grant confiderable indulgences towards fuch free people of colour as were not comprehended in it, meaning thofe who * It fhould alfo have been obferved, that the condemnation and execution ofOgéi is pronounced, in this concordat, "infanious, se; and to be held in everlafting execration." Thele expreffions were literally copied from a letter of Abbé Gregoire. I am obliged to the author of the hiftory of Europe in the Annual Regifter for 1792 (Rivington's edit.) for reminding me of this circumftance, G 3 were --- Page 126 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY Of C HAP. were born ofenflaved parents. They voted at the VI. fame time the formation of certain - 1 free companies 1791. of mulattoes, wherein the men of colour of all deferiptionspof@elfiedofé fertainqualifications, fhould be allowed to ferve as commifioned officers. THESE concellions, at an earlier period, would have operated with powerful effcét in the falvation of the colony; but they now came too late, and produced only a partial truce, a temporary and fallacious ceffation of miferies, The wounds that e had been infiéted were yet green and bleeding; and the dark and fullen paffions of difappointed pride, anger,. malice, hatred and revenge, were fecretly burning in the gloomy minds of all parties. The flames were fmothered, not extinguifhed ; foon to break out again, with aggravated violence and greater fury than ever. falvation of the colony; but they now came too late, and produced only a partial truce, a temporary and fallacious ceffation of miferies, The wounds that e had been infiéted were yet green and bleeding; and the dark and fullen paffions of difappointed pride, anger,. malice, hatred and revenge, were fecretly burning in the gloomy minds of all parties. The flames were fmothered, not extinguifhed ; foon to break out again, with aggravated violence and greater fury than ever. --- Page 127 --- S T. DOMINGO O CHAP. VII. Of the motives which induced the People of Calour 10 join the revolted Nigrocs.-Condud of the Britifh Alociationfor the Abolition ofthe Slave Trade, and efthe Societyin Paris calledLes Amis des Noirs-- Letter from Abbé Gregoire 10 the People %f Colour Repea! ef the Decree ofthe Igth May 1791Efcas ofthat Meafure-Civil War with the Mulattoes renezved-Port atl Prince defroyed by Fire - Cruelties exercifed by both Parties-Arrical at Cape François ofthe Civil Commifoners. BEFORE I proceed to a renewal of thofe difgufting C H A P. fcenes of devaflation, flaughter, and ruin, which VII. my duty, as a faithful hiftorian, calls upon me to ) - 1791. defcribe (happy if they ferve as an impreffive leffon to other nations 1) it feems ncceffary to remove fome difficulties which may poffibly have arifen in the mind of the reader, concerning the original and primary caufe of thejunétion and co-operation of fo large a number of the negro flaves, in this rebellion, with the men of colour, That the whole body of the latter in St. Domingo had folid ground of complaint and diffatisfaétion, cannot be denied, There is a point at which oppreflion fometimes arrives, when forbearance under it ceafes to be a virtue; and I fhould readily have admitted that the aétual fituation and condition of the mulattoes in the French iflands would have made refiftance a G 4 duty, --- Page 128 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. duty, ifit did not appear, from what O I have already VII. related, that the redrefs oftheir grievances - a occupied 1 the very firft deliberations of the firft affem1791. general bly of reprefentatives that ever met in St. Domingo. Certainly, then, no juftification can be offered for thofe peftilent reformers, who could perfuade thefe unfortunate people to feek that relief by rebellion and maffacre, which was offered to them by the fupreme power of the country, as a ipontaneous and voluntary conceflion s-the homage of enlightened reafon on the altar ofhumanity. Concerning the enflaved negroes, however, it does not appear that the conduét of the whites towards them was in general reprehenfible. I believe, on the whole, it was as lenient and indulgent as was confiftent with their own fafety. It was the muiatto people themfelves who were the hard-hearted tafk-mafters to the negroes. The fame indignities which they received from thewhites, they direéted without feruple towards the blacks; exercifing over the latter every fpeciesof that opprefion which they loudly andjuftly complained of, when exercifed on themfelvess-and this is a true picture of human nature. By what means,then, it willbe afked,werethe negroesinduced to forget their refentments, and join with thofe who were the conftant objccts both of their envy and hatred? IN order to reply to this queftion, with as much accuracy and precifion as the fubjeét will admit, it is neceffary to recur to the proceedings of the two affociations, of which mention was made in the Second when exercifed on themfelvess-and this is a true picture of human nature. By what means,then, it willbe afked,werethe negroesinduced to forget their refentments, and join with thofe who were the conftant objccts both of their envy and hatred? IN order to reply to this queftion, with as much accuracy and precifion as the fubjeét will admit, it is neceffary to recur to the proceedings of the two affociations, of which mention was made in the Second --- Page 129 --- S T. D 9 ) MINGO By Second Chapter of this Hiftory; namely, the Britith CHAP, affociation for the abolition of the flave trade, VII. which held its meetings in the Old Jewry in Lon- 1791. - - V don ; and the fociety called Les Amis des Noirs in Paris. A fhort review of the conduét of thefe focieties will ferve not only to leffen the furprize which may be felt at the revolt of the negroes of St. Domingo, but alfo raife a confiderable degree of aftonifhment that the enflaved negroes in the Britith iflands had not given them the example. IHAVE obferved, that the fociety in London proFefed to have nothing more in view than to obtain an act ofthe legiflature for prohibiting the further introduction of African flaves into the Britifh colonies. I have faid, that < they difclaimed all intenff tion ofinterfering with the government and con- < dition of the negroes already in the plantations; 65 publickly declaring their opinion to be, that a 66 general emancipation of thofe people, in their 6 prefent ftate of ignorance and barbarity, inftead 4 ofa bleffing, would prove to them the fource of K misfortune and mifery." But although fuch were their oftenfible declarations as a publick body, the leading members of the fociety, in the fame moment, beld a very different language; and even the fociety itfelf (aéting as fuch) purfued a line of conduét direétly and immediately repugnant to their own profeffions. Befides ufing every poffible endeavour to inflame the publick of Great Britain againft the planters, they diftributed at a prodigious expence throughout the colonies, tracts and pamphlets without number, the direét tendency of which a publick body, the leading members of the fociety, in the fame moment, beld a very different language; and even the fociety itfelf (aéting as fuch) purfued a line of conduét direétly and immediately repugnant to their own profeffions. Befides ufing every poffible endeavour to inflame the publick of Great Britain againft the planters, they diftributed at a prodigious expence throughout the colonies, tracts and pamphlets without number, the direét tendency of which --- Page 130 --- 9o HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. which was to render the white inhabitants odious VII. and contemptible in the eyes oftheir own 1laves, and ) excite in the latter fuch ideas of their natural rights 1791. and equality of condition, as fhould lead them to a general ftruggle for freedom through rebellion and bloodfhed. In many of thofe writings, arguments are exprefsly adduced, in language which cannot be mifunderftood, to urge the negroes to rife up and murder their mafters without mercy.- Refift66 ance," fay they, C6 is always juftifiable where force se is the fubftitute of right : nor is the commilfion of @ s6 civil crime pofible in a fate effavory" Thefe fentiments are repeated in a thoufand different forms; and in order that they might not lofe their effeét by abftract reafoning, a reverend divine of the church of England, in a pamphlet addrefled to the chairman or prefident ofthe focicty, pours forth the moft earneft prayers, in the moft undifguifed expreflions, that the negroes would deftroy all the white people, men, women, and children, in the Weft Indies : 6 Should we not, (he exclaims) ap6C prove their conduét in their violence P Should 66 we not crown it with eulogium, if they extermiC nate their tyrants with fire and fword ! Should c they even deliberately infiat the maf exquifite torce tures on thofe tyrants, would they not be excufable 6 in the moraljudgment of thofe who properly value 66 thofe ineftimable bleffings, rational and religious 66 liberty (a)?" BESIDES (a) This is a fair extraét from a letter addreffed to Granville Sharp, Efq; cbairman of the fociety in the Old Jewry, by the Reverend Percival Stockdale, A, M. Of fuch writers the planters deliberately infiat the maf exquifite torce tures on thofe tyrants, would they not be excufable 6 in the moraljudgment of thofe who properly value 66 thofe ineftimable bleffings, rational and religious 66 liberty (a)?" BESIDES (a) This is a fair extraét from a letter addreffed to Granville Sharp, Efq; cbairman of the fociety in the Old Jewry, by the Reverend Percival Stockdale, A, M. Of fuch writers the planters --- Page 131 --- ST. DOMIN NGO. BESIDES diftributing pamphlets of this com- CHAP. plexion gratis, at the doors of all the churches and VII. places of worlhip in the kingdom, and throughout 1 1791. the colonies, the fociety, or perfons in their name, caufed a medal to be ftruck, containing the figure ofa naked negro, loaded with chains, and in the attitude of imploring mercy ; thoufands ofwhich alfo were difperfed among the negroes in each of the fugar iflands, for the inftruction, I prefume, of fuch of them as could not read ; but, unhappily, this inftance of provident caution was not requifite; for for many negro domefticks return annually from Europe to the Weft Indies, as conftantly furnifh a a fufficient number of living inftruétors; ; and certain it is (I pronounce it from my own knowledgere/peéting Jamaica) that the labours of the fociety on their behalf, as well as. many of the moft violent fpeeches in the Britith parliament, wherein the whole body of planters were painted as a herd of blood-thirfty and remorlelels tyrants, were explained to the negro flaves,in terms well adapted to their capacities, and fuited, as inight have been fuppofed, to their feelings. It will be difficult to fay what other meafures the Old Jewry affociates could have taken to excite a rebellion, except that of furnifhing the objects oft their folicitude with firearms and ammunition. planters may well exclaim, 44 Forgive them, they know not what shey 6 do P The fame cjaculation I applied to the learned and pious Samuel Johnfon, who poffeffed a negro fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as a toaft, 6 Afpecdy rebellion of the negroes in # Jamaica, andfucceft to them" HITHERTO, Old Jewry affociates could have taken to excite a rebellion, except that of furnifhing the objects oft their folicitude with firearms and ammunition. planters may well exclaim, 44 Forgive them, they know not what shey 6 do P The fame cjaculation I applied to the learned and pious Samuel Johnfon, who poffeffed a negro fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as a toaft, 6 Afpecdy rebellion of the negroes in # Jamaica, andfucceft to them" HITHERTO, --- Page 132 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF HITHERTO, this fociety had ferved as a model CHAP. and exemplar to that of Paris; but a difpofition to VII. half meafures conftitutes no part of the 1 ftop at des Noirs 1791. French charaéter ; and the fociety of Amis reforted, without fcruple, to thofe meafures which their fellow labourers in London ftill hefitated to beginning with the clafs of frec mulattoes, adopt: becaufe they found many of them in France, who became the willing inftruments of their purpofes; and who undertook to interpret to the negroes in the French colonies the withes and good intentions towards them oftheir friends in the mother country. Thus an opening was made towards conciliation and union between the two claffes. The negroes, believing that it was only through the agency of and the conneétions of thole people the mulattoes, could obtain a regular fupply of in France, they their arms and ammunition, forgot or fufpended fenfible ancient animofities; ; and the men of colour, that nothing but the co-operation of the enflaved them to be, from negroes (docile, as they fuppofed and irrefiftible from their numbers) their ignorance, caufe, courted them could give fuccels to their leaft nine-tenths with fuch affiduityas gained overat of St. of all the flaves in the Northern province Domingo, THERE feems however ta have been fome apprehenfions entertained by the leading men among the Amis des Noirs, that the decree of the national confined as the beneaffembly of the I gth of May, exclufively, fits ofit were to the people of colour of free (and of thofe, to fuch only as werc born parents) could give fuccels to their leaft nine-tenths with fuch affiduityas gained overat of St. of all the flaves in the Northern province Domingo, THERE feems however ta have been fome apprehenfions entertained by the leading men among the Amis des Noirs, that the decree of the national confined as the beneaffembly of the I gth of May, exclufively, fits ofit were to the people of colour of free (and of thofe, to fuch only as werc born parents) --- Page 133 --- ST. DOMING O. parents) might give rife to jealoufies and fufpicions, CHAP. deftruétive of that unanimity between the different VII. claffes, the maintenance of which was an objeét of Y 1791. the laftimportance. To obviate any mifapprehenfions on this account, as well as to keep the mulattoes firm to their purpofe, the Abbé Gregoire wrote and publifhed his celebrated circularletter; ;-a performance which, if the intentions of the writer had been as pure as his expreffions are eloquent, would have refleéted luftre on his abilities (b). What effect this diftinguifhed piece of oratory may have had on the rugged and unenlightened minds of fàvage people, I pretend not to afcertain. It is certain, that the Abbé Gregoire was confidered by the negrocs in St. Domingo as their great advocate and patron ; a fort of guardian angel or tutelary deity; of the good effeéts of whole benevolent interpofition and friendly offices their mafters unjuftly deprived them, and on whofe fupport and affiftance they might confidently rely,in the attempt, through rebellion and murder, to obtain juftice for themfelves. BOTH claffes of people being thus inflruéted and prepared, the decree of the Isth of May was the fignal of revolt, the warhoop of maffacre. From the clamour which it excited amongft all orders of the whites in St. Domingo (the lower claffes elpecially) the people of colour, as Ihave fhewn,had reafon to apprehend that mifchiefs of an extenfive and alarming nature were meditated againft them. (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the end of the prefent Chapter. They thus inflruéted and prepared, the decree of the Isth of May was the fignal of revolt, the warhoop of maffacre. From the clamour which it excited amongft all orders of the whites in St. Domingo (the lower claffes elpecially) the people of colour, as Ihave fhewn,had reafon to apprehend that mifchiefs of an extenfive and alarming nature were meditated againft them. (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the end of the prefent Chapter. They --- Page 134 --- HISTORICAL SUR VEY OF CHAP. They were thus furnifhed with a plaufible, and, had VII. they meant to have aéted folely on the defenfive, a 1791. Y juftifiable caufe for reforting to arms 5 but, unhappily, the ftrong tide of popular prejudice which prevailed in the mother country againft the planters, and the great majority which voted for the fatal decree in the national affembly, were circumftances that infpired them with fo dangerous a confidence in their own refources, as overpowered all confiderations of prudence, policy, and humanity. Ir muft be confidered, at the fame time, that the enflaved negroes (ignorant and depreffed as we fuppofe them to be) could not poffibly be unobfervant of thefe combined and concurring circumftances, They beheld the coloured people in open hoftility againft the whites. They were affured, that the former had the fulleft fupport and encouragement from the fupreme legiflature of the mother country. They were taught to believe, that themfelves alfo were become the objeéts of the paternal folicitude ofthe king and the national affembly, who wilhed to refcue them from the dominion of their mafters, and inveft them with their eftates. It appeared from indifputable evidence, that affurances of this nature were held out to the enflaved negrocsy-affurances which could not but excite their attention, awaken their faculties, and roufe them to aétion. Whoever ihall calmly deliberate on thele, and the other facts shat have been ftated, will find no difficulty in accounting for the dreadfulextent ofthisinfurrection ; or in affigning it to its proper caufe, and tracing to the fountain-head thofe rivers of blood which ftill continue eftates. It appeared from indifputable evidence, that affurances of this nature were held out to the enflaved negrocsy-affurances which could not but excite their attention, awaken their faculties, and roufe them to aétion. Whoever ihall calmly deliberate on thele, and the other facts shat have been ftated, will find no difficulty in accounting for the dreadfulextent ofthisinfurrection ; or in affigning it to its proper caufe, and tracing to the fountain-head thofe rivers of blood which ftill continue --- Page 135 --- ST. DOMINGO continue to flow in this unfortunate and devoted CHAP. colony (c)! VII. Buritis now time to advert to the proceedings 1 1791. which occurred in France, where we left Gregoire, La Fayette, Robefpierre, and the reft of the fociety of Amis des Noirs, exulting in the triumph they had obtained on the 15th of May; and perhaps waiting, in the ardent hope and expeétation, that their obnoxious decree of that date, would produce thofe very evils which actually refulted from it. It was not until the beginning of.September that information arrived at Paris concerning the reception which the account of this decree had met with in St. Domingo. The tumults, diforders, and confufions that it produced there, were now reprefented in (c) Tn September 1791, when the author was at Cape François, he dined with a large company on board the frigate la Prudente, commanded by Monf. Toycufe (at prefent a diftinguifhed admirali in the fervice of the new republick, by the name of Villaret) when, in the midft of the entertainment, a loud exclamation from the crew announced that the gunner wuas retuned, This man, who had been miffing fome wecks, was immediately brought forward, and gave the following, account of the caufe of his abfence. He faid that, having gone OIl fhore, to colledt green meat for the pigs, he was furrounded bythe rebel negrces, who were about putting him to death, when Jean François, the chief, finding that he was an officerin the king's fervice, ordered that his life fhould be fparcd, alledging that the kiag avas their friend. They detained him however 2s a prifoner, and compelled him to load and point their artillery in the attack at M. Gallifet's plantation before-i mentioned, On the defcat of the rebels in that engagement, he fortunately made his cfeape from them. Some of the fhocking enormities and cruelties infliéted by the rebels on their white prifoners, as related in the preceding pages. re committed in this man's prefence. the life fhould be fparcd, alledging that the kiag avas their friend. They detained him however 2s a prifoner, and compelled him to load and point their artillery in the attack at M. Gallifet's plantation before-i mentioned, On the defcat of the rebels in that engagement, he fortunately made his cfeape from them. Some of the fhocking enormities and cruelties infliéted by the rebels on their white prifoners, as related in the preceding pages. re committed in this man's prefence. the --- Page 136 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. the ftrongeft colouring, and the lofs of the colony VII. to France was univerfally apprehended. At this time, however; no fulpicion was éntertained con1791. cerning the enflaved negroes; but a civil war, between the whites and the mulattoes, was believed to be inevitable, The commercial and manufaéturing towns, predicting the ruin of their trade and fhipping, and the lois of their capitals from exifting dangers, prefented remonftrances and petitions tô the national affembly, urging the neceffity of an immediate repeal of all the decrees by which the rights of the planters were invaded; that of the 15th of May efpecially. The conftituent national affembly was now on the point of diffolution, and perhaps wifhed to leave every thing in peace. At the fame time the tide of popular prejudice, which had hitherto ran with fuch violence againft the COlonifts, was beginning to turn. Moft of thofe members whofe opinions in colonial concerns, a few months before, had guided the deliberations of the national affembly, were now either filently difregarded, or treated with outrage ;-a ftrong and ftriking proof of'the lightnefs and verfatility of the French charaéter. At length, a motion was made to annul the obnoxious decree, and (ftrange to tell! 1) on the 24th of September its repeal was aétually voted by a large majority!-At this remarkable change of fentiment in the fupreme legiflature, it is neceffary to paufe, and remind the reader of what was doing at the fame timein St. Domingo; where as we have feen, on the Iith of that very month, the concordat, or truce, took place between the peaple a motion was made to annul the obnoxious decree, and (ftrange to tell! 1) on the 24th of September its repeal was aétually voted by a large majority!-At this remarkable change of fentiment in the fupreme legiflature, it is neceffary to paufe, and remind the reader of what was doing at the fame timein St. Domingo; where as we have feen, on the Iith of that very month, the concordat, or truce, took place between the peaple --- Page 137 --- ST. DOMING O. ple of colour and the white inhabilants of Port au CHAP. Prince; ; and on the 2oth, the colonial affembly at VII. Cape François publifhed.the proclamation men1 tioned in the latter part of the preceding Chapter. Thus, almoft in the very moment when the juftice and neceffity of the decree were acknowledged, and its faithful obfervance promifed, by the colonial affembly, ies repeal was pronounced by the national legiflature in the mother country! To fuch repugnancy and abfurdity muft every government be driven that attempts to regulate and direét the local concerns of a country three thoufand miles diftant. Ofthe two meafures that have been mentioned, it is difficult to fay which produced the greateft calamities ; the decree of the I sth of May in the firftinftance ; orits unexpeéted repeal, at the time and in the manner related! Doubts had already arifen in the minds of the mulattoes concerning the fincerity and good faith of the white pcople, with refpect to the concordat. Their fufpicions and apprehenfions had indeed grown to fuch a height, as to induce them toinfift on a renewal and confirmation of its provifions; 5 which were accordingly granted them, by a new inftrument, or treaty, oft the Iith of Oétober, and a fupplementary agreement of the 20th of the fame month: but no fooner was authentick information received of the proceedings in France, in the repeal of the decree, than all truft and confidence, and every hope of reconciliation and amity between the two claffes, vanifhed for ever. It was not poffible to perfuade the mulattoes that the planters in the colony were innocent, and VoL.II. H ignorant by a new inftrument, or treaty, oft the Iith of Oétober, and a fupplementary agreement of the 20th of the fame month: but no fooner was authentick information received of the proceedings in France, in the repeal of the decree, than all truft and confidence, and every hope of reconciliation and amity between the two claffes, vanifhed for ever. It was not poffible to perfuade the mulattoes that the planters in the colony were innocent, and VoL.II. H ignorant --- Page 138 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. ignorant of the tranfaétion. They accufed the VII. whitese ef the moft horrid duplicity, faithlefsnefs and L treachery; and publickly declared that one party or the other, themfelves or the whites, muft be utterly deftroyed and exterminated 1:-There was no longer, they faid, an alternative. IN this difpofition, exafperated to frenzy, the coloured people throughout the Weftern and Southern provinces flew to arms. In the Southern province, a body of them became mafters of Port St. Louis; ; but the inhabitants of Port au Prince having been reinforced, a fhort time before, by the arrival of fome troops from Europe, were better prepared, and drove the revolters from the eity with great flaughter. They took poft in the parith of Croix des Bouquetss but found means, however, before their retreat, to fet fire to the city, and a dreadful conflagration enfued, in which more than one-third of the buildings were confumed. OPEN war, and war in all its horrors, was now renewed. All the foft workings of humanity-what our greatdramaticky poet callsthe compu.iausoifiting efmature-were now abforbed in the raging and infainblerhrdtoheengnetichiptuamadeske clafsalike. It was no longer a conteft for mere viétory, but a diabolical emulation which party could infliét the moft abominable cruelties on the other. The énflaved negroes in the diftriét called Cul-de-Sac having joined the mulattoes, a bloody engagement took place, in which the negroes, being ranged in front, and adting without any kind of difcipline, left two thoufand of their number dead on the field. Of --- Page 139 --- ST. DOMINGO. Of the mnulattoes about fifty were killed, and fe- CHAP, veral taken prifoners. The whites claimed the VII. viétory; but for want of cavalry were unable to im- - proveit by a purfuit, and contented themfelves with fatiating their revenge on their captives. Every refinement in cruelty that the moft depraved imagination could fuggeft, was praétifed on the perfons of thofe wretched men. Oneofthe mulatto leaders was unhappily among the number: : him the viétors placed on an elevated feat in a cart, and fecured him in it by driving large fpiked nails through his feet into the boards. In this condition he was led a miferable fpeétacle through the city. His bones were afterwards broken, and he was then thrown alive into the flames! 0. THE mulattoes fcorned to be outdone in deeds of vengeance, and atrocitics fhameful to humanity. In the neighbourhood of Teremie a body of them attacked the houfe of M. Sejourné, and fecured the perfons both of him and his wife. This unfortunate woman (my hand trembles while I write!) was far advanced in her pregnancy. The monfters, whofe prifoner fhe was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.--They then (how Thall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in 11! --Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy! WITH thefe enormities terminated the difaftrous year 1791. Juft before Chriftmas the three civil commiffioners nominated by the national affembly for St. Domingo, arrived at Cape Frangois. Much H 2 was was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.--They then (how Thall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in 11! --Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy! WITH thefe enormities terminated the difaftrous year 1791. Juft before Chriftmas the three civil commiffioners nominated by the national affembly for St. Domingo, arrived at Cape Frangois. Much H 2 was --- Page 140 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, was expeéted from their appointment by the friends VII. of peace and good order; but the fequel will fhew 1 that they effeétdd very little towards reftoring the peace of the country. Tranflation of the Letter OfABnE GREGOIRE, Bifhop ef the Department of Loire and Cher, Deputy ofthe National Alembly, to the Citizens of Colour in the French Wef Indies, concerning the Decree efthe 15th fMay 1791. FRIENDS! 'Youwere MEN:-you are now CITIZENS. Reinftated'in the fulnefs of your rights, you will, in future, participate of the fovercignty of the people. The decree which the national affembly has juft publifhed refpectingyou, is not a favour ; for a favour is a privilg ge: : and a privilegeto one clafs of peopleis: an injury to all the reft. They are words which will no longer difgrace the laws of the French. IN fecuring to you the exercife of your political rights, we have acquitted ourfelves of a debt:-not to have paid it, would have been a crime on our part, and a difgrace to the conftitution. The legillators of a free nation certainly could not do lefs for you than our ancient defpots have done. Iris now above a century ago that Louis XIV folemnly acknowledged and proclaimed your rights; but of this facred inheritance you have been defrauded by pride and avarice, which have gradually increafed your burthens, and embittered your exiftence. THE regeneration of the French empire opened your hearts to hope, whofe cheering influence has alleviated the weight of your miferies: miferics of which the people of Europe illators of a free nation certainly could not do lefs for you than our ancient defpots have done. Iris now above a century ago that Louis XIV folemnly acknowledged and proclaimed your rights; but of this facred inheritance you have been defrauded by pride and avarice, which have gradually increafed your burthens, and embittered your exiftence. THE regeneration of the French empire opened your hearts to hope, whofe cheering influence has alleviated the weight of your miferies: miferics of which the people of Europe --- Page 141 --- S T. DOMINGO IOI Europe had no idea. While the white planters refident CHAP. among us were loud in their complaints againft miniferial VII. tyranny, they took efpecial care to be filent as to their mwn. Not a hint was fuggefted concerning the complaints of the unhappy people of mixed blood; who, notwithfanding, are theie dwn children. It is we, who, at the diftance of two thoufand leagues from you, have been conftrained to proteét thofe children againft the negleét, the contempt, the unnatural cruelty of their fathers ! BUr it is in vain that they have endeavoured to fupprefs the juftice of your claims. Your groans, notwithftanding the extent of the ocean which fepafates us, have reached a the hearts of the European Frenchmen:-for they have bearts. Gop Almighty comprehends all men in the circle of his mercy. His love makes no diftinétion between them, but what arifes from the different degrees of their virtues, Can laws then, which ought to be an emanation of eternal juftice, encourage foculpable: a partiality? Can that government, whofe duty it is to proteét alike all the members of the fame great family, be the mother of one branch, and the flepmother only ofthe others ? No, gentlemen: :-you could not efcape the folicitude of the national affembly. In unfolding to the eyes of the univerfe the great charter of nature, your titles were traced. An attempthad indeed been made to expunge them 3 but happily they are written in charaéters as indelible as the facred image of the Deity, which is graven on your countenances, ALREADY had the national affembly, in the inftruétions which it prepared for the government of the colonies, on the 28th of March 1790, comprized both the whites and people of colour under one common denomination. Your encmies, in allerting the contrary, have publifhed a falfhood. It is inconteftibly true, that when I demanded you fhould be exprefsly named, a great number of members, among whom were feveral planters, eagerly exclaimed, that you were already comprehended under the general words containcd in thofe inftrudtions. M, Barnave Mimfcls, upon o 0 my H 3 repeated 1790, comprized both the whites and people of colour under one common denomination. Your encmies, in allerting the contrary, have publifhed a falfhood. It is inconteftibly true, that when I demanded you fhould be exprefsly named, a great number of members, among whom were feveral planters, eagerly exclaimed, that you were already comprehended under the general words containcd in thofe inftrudtions. M, Barnave Mimfcls, upon o 0 my H 3 repeated --- Page 142 --- SURVEY OF HISTORICAL repeated appeals to him on that head, has at length acknow. CHAP. ledged, before the whole affembly, that this was the fact. VII. It now how much reafon 1 had to apprehend that a appears falfe conftruétion would be put upon our decree! NEW oppreffions on the part of your mafters, and new miferies on yours, until at length the cup of affliction 8 filed even tot the brim, have but too wellj jutifielmyagpebenions. The letters which I have received from you upon this head, have forced tears from my eyes. Pofterity will learn, with aftonifhment and'indignation, that a caufe like yours, the juftice of which is fo evident, was made the fubjeét of debate for no lefs than five days fucceffively. Alas ! when humanity is obliged to fruggle fo long againft vanity and prejudice, its triumph is dearly obtained ! Ir is a long time that the fociety of Amis des Noirs have employed themfelves in finding out the means to foften your lot, as well as that of the flaves. It is dificult-perhaps impoflible-to do good with entireimpunity, The meritorious zcal of this fociety has drawn upon them much obloquy. Defpicable writers have lanced their poifonous fhafts at them, and impudent libels have never ceafed to repeat objections and calumnies, which have been a hundred times anfwered and refuted. How often have we been accufed of being fold to the Englilh, and ofbeing paid by them for fending you inflammatory writings and arms ? You know, my friends, the weaknefs and wickednefs of thefe charges. We have inceflantly recommended to you attachment to your country, refignation and patience, while waiting the return ofj juftice! Nothing has been able to cool our zeal, or that of your brethren of mixed blood who are at Paris. M. Raimond, in particular, has devoted himfelft moft heroically to your defence, With what tranfport would you have feen this diftinguifhed the national affembly, of which he citizen, at the bar of ought to be a member, laying before it the affeéting picture miferies, and ftrenuoully claiming your rights ! If of your had facrificed them, it would have tarnifhedits thataiiembly It was its duty to decree with juftice, to explainitfelf glory. o clearly, O felft moft heroically to your defence, With what tranfport would you have feen this diftinguifhed the national affembly, of which he citizen, at the bar of ought to be a member, laying before it the affeéting picture miferies, and ftrenuoully claiming your rights ! If of your had facrificed them, it would have tarnifhedits thataiiembly It was its duty to decree with juftice, to explainitfelf glory. o clearly, O --- Page 143 --- ST. DOMIN G O. 1O3 clearly, and caufe its laws to be cxeguted with firmaefs : ite C HAP. has done fo; and if (which God forbid !) fome event, hidden VII. in the womb of futurity, fhould tear our colonies from us, Y would it not be better to have a lofs to deplore, than an injuftice to reproach ourfelves with ? CITIZENS! raife once morc your humiliated countenances, and to the dignity of men, affociate the courage and noblenefs of a free people. The 15th of May, the day in which you recovered your rights, ought to be for ever memorable to you and to your children. This epoch will periodically awaken in you fentiments of gratitude towards the Supreme Being; and may your accents afcend to the vault ofl heaven, towards which your grateful hands will be extended! At length you have a country. Hereafter you will fee nothing above you but the law; while the opportunity of concurring in the framing it, will affure to you that indefeafible right of all mankind, the right of obeying yourfelves only. You have a country: and it will no longer be a land of exile, where you meet none but tyrants on the one hand, and companions in misfortune on the other ; thei former diftributing, and the latter receiving, contempt and outrage. The groans of your affictions were punifhed as the clamours of rebellion; and fituated between the uplifted poinard, and certain death, thofe unhappy countries were often moiftened with your tears, and fometimes ftained with your blood. You have a country: and happinefs will fhine on the feat of your nativity. You will now enjoy in peace the fruits of the fields which you have cultivated without compulfion. Then will be filled up that interval, which, placing at an immenfe diftance from each other, the children of the fame father, has fuppreffed the voice of nature, and broke the bands offraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of conjugal union take place of thofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which the majefty of moral fentiment has been infulted. By what ftrange perverfion of reafon can it be deemed difgraceful in a white man to marry a black or H 4 mulatto at an immenfe diftance from each other, the children of the fame father, has fuppreffed the voice of nature, and broke the bands offraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of conjugal union take place of thofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which the majefty of moral fentiment has been infulted. By what ftrange perverfion of reafon can it be deemed difgraceful in a white man to marry a black or H 4 mulatto --- Page 144 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. "mulatto woman, wheg it is not thought difhonourable in VII. him to be conneéted with her in the moft licentious fami1 liarity! THE lefs real worth a man pollefles, the more he feeks to avail himfelf of the appearances of virtue. What can be more abfurd than to make the merit of a perfon to confift in different fhades of the fkin, or in a complexion more or lefs fallow ? The man who thinks at all muft fometimes blufh at being a man, when he fees his fellow-creatures blinded by fuch ridiculous prejudices; but as unfortunately pride is one of thofe failings we moft unwillingly part with, the empire of prejudice is the moft difficult to fubvert: man appears to be unable to arrive at truth, until he has exhaufted bis ftrength in travelling through the different paths of error. THIS prejudice againft the mulattocs and negroes has however no exiftence in our Eaftern colonies. Nothing can be more affeéting than the culogium made on the people of colour by the inhabitants of that part of the world, in the inftructions given byt them, to thofe they) have appointed their deputies to the national affembly. The members of the academy of fciences pride themfelvès in reckoning a mulatto of the Ifle of France in the number of their correfpondents. Among ourfelves, a worthy negro is a fuperior officer of the diftriét of St. Hypolite, in the department of Gard, We do not conceive that a difference of colour can be the foundation of different rights among members of the fame political foeicty. It is therefore we find no fuch defpicable pride among our brave national guards, who offer themfelves to embark for the Weft Indies to infure the execution of our decrees. Perfedtly concurring in the laudable fentiments manifefted by the inhabitants of Bourdeaux, they acknowledge with them, that the decree refpedting the people of colour, framed under the aufpices of prudence and wifdom, Is an homage rendered to réafon and juftice. While the deputies from the colonies have endeavoured to calumniate your intentions, and thofe of the mercantile part ofthe nation, the conduet of thole deputies is perfectly contradictory. Ardently to infure the execution of our decrees. Perfedtly concurring in the laudable fentiments manifefted by the inhabitants of Bourdeaux, they acknowledge with them, that the decree refpedting the people of colour, framed under the aufpices of prudence and wifdom, Is an homage rendered to réafon and juftice. While the deputies from the colonies have endeavoured to calumniate your intentions, and thofe of the mercantile part ofthe nation, the conduet of thole deputies is perfectly contradictory. Ardently --- Page 145 --- ST. DOMI N G O. IOS dently foliciting their own admiffion among us at Verfailles; CH A P, fwearing with us in the Tennis Court not to feparate from VIt. us, until the conftitution fhould be eftablifhed, and then 1 declaring, when the decree of the rSth of May was paffed, that they could no longer continue to fit with us' ! This defertion is a defertion of their principles, and a breach of their folemn oaths. ALL thofe white inhabitants of the colonies who are worthy the name of Frenchmen, have haftened to abjure fuch ridiculous prejudices, and have promifed to regard you in future as brothers and friends. With what delightful fenfations do we cite the words of the citizens of Jacmel. <6 We c fwear to obey, without referve, the decrees of the national < aflembly refpedting our prefent and future conftitution, K and even fuch of them as may fubftantially change it! The citizens of Port au Prince tell the national affembly the fame thing, in different words. <6 Condefcend, gentlemen,' 33 fay they, <to receive the oath which the municipality has C taken to yous in thc name ofthe commons ofPortau Prince, 66 punétually to obey and execute all your decrees, and never < to fwerve from them in any refpeét whatfoever." THUS has philofophy enlarged its horizon in the new world, and foon will abfurd prejudices have no other fupporters than a few inferior tyrants, who with to perpetuate in America, the reign oft that delpotifin which has been abolifhed in France. WHAT would thefe men have faid, if the pçople of colour had endeavoured to deprive the whites of their political advantages? With what energy would they not have exclaimed at fuch an oppreffion ! Inflamed into madnefs at finding that your rights have been pointed out to you, their irritated pride may perhaps lead them to make every effort to render our decrees ineffeétual. They will probably endeavour to raife fuch difturbances, as, by wrefting the colonies from the mother country, will enable them to defraud their creditors of their juft debts. They have inceffantly alarmed us with threats that St. Domingo will be loft, if juftice be rondered not have exclaimed at fuch an oppreffion ! Inflamed into madnefs at finding that your rights have been pointed out to you, their irritated pride may perhaps lead them to make every effort to render our decrees ineffeétual. They will probably endeavour to raife fuch difturbances, as, by wrefting the colonies from the mother country, will enable them to defraud their creditors of their juft debts. They have inceffantly alarmed us with threats that St. Domingo will be loft, if juftice be rondered --- Page 146 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF rendered to you. In this affertion we have found nothing CHAP. but falfchood: we pleafe ourfelves in the belief, that our 1 VII. decree will draw the bands ftill clofer which unite you to the mother country. Your patriotifm, your intereft, and your affections, will concur in inducing you to confine your commercial connections to France only; and the reciprocal tributes ofinduftry will eftablith between her and her colonies a conftant interchange ofriches and good offices. Ifyou act unfaithfully towards France, you will be the bafeft and moft abandoned of the human race. But no! generous citizens,you will not become traitors to your country: : you fhudder at the idea. Rallied, with all other good Frencharound the ftandard of liberty, you will defend our men, conftitution. The day Ahall arrive, when the reglorious prefentatives of the people of colour will crofs the ocean to take their feats with us, and fwear to live and die under our laws. The day Thall arrive among you when the fun will fhine on none but freemen; when the rays of light fhall no longer fall on the fetters of flavery. It is true, the national affembly has not yet raifed the condition of the enflaved negroes to a level with your fituation; becaufe fuddenly granting the rights,to thofe who are ignorant of the duties of citizens, might perhaps have been a fatal prefent to them: but forget not, that they, like yourfelves, are born to freedom and perfect equality. It is in the irrefiftible courfe of things that all nations, whofe liberty has been invaded, Chall recover that precious portion of their indefeafible inheritance! You are accufed of treating your flaves much worfe than the whites: but, alas ! fo various have been the detraétions with which you have been afperfed, that it would be weaknefs in us to credit the charge. If, however, there be any foundation for what has been advanced on this head, fo conduêt yourfelves in future as to prove it will be a fhameful calumny hereafter. havel heretofore endeavoured to hide from Your.oppreffors thair Alaves the light of chriftianity, becaufe the religion of mildne(s, d the whites: but, alas ! fo various have been the detraétions with which you have been afperfed, that it would be weaknefs in us to credit the charge. If, however, there be any foundation for what has been advanced on this head, fo conduêt yourfelves in future as to prove it will be a fhameful calumny hereafter. havel heretofore endeavoured to hide from Your.oppreffors thair Alaves the light of chriftianity, becaufe the religion of mildne(s, d --- Page 147 --- ST. DOMINGO IOS mildnefs, equality, and liberty, fuits not with fuch blood- CHAP. chirfty men. May your conduet be the reverfe of theirs. VII. Univerfal love is the language of the golpel; your paftors - will make it heard among you. Open your hearts to receive this divine fyftem of morality. We have mitigated your misfortunes, alleviate, on your part, thofe of the unhappy viétims of avarice, who moiften your ficldswith their fweat, and often with their tears.- Let the exiftence of your flaves be no longer their torment; but by your kind treatment of them, expiate the crimes of Europe! Byl leading them on progrefively to liberty,you will fulfil 2 duty: you will prepare for yourfelves the moit comfortable refledlions : you will do honour to humanity, and infure the profperity of the colonies. Such will be your conduct towards your brethren, the negroes; but what ought it to be towards your fathers, the whites? Doubtlefs you will be permitted to fhed tears over the afhes of Ferrand de Baudiere, and the unfortunate agis afalinated under the forms oflaw, and dying on the wheel for having wifhed to be free ! But may he among you peri@h, who fhall dare to entertain an idea of revenge againft your perfecutors! They are already delivered over to the ftings of their own confciences, and covered with eternal infamy. The abhorrence in which they are held by the prefent race of mankind, only precedes the execration of pofterity. Bury then in eternal oblivion every fentiment of hatred, and tafte the delicious pleafure of conferring benefits on your oppreflors. Reprefs even too marked expreilions of your joy, which, in cauting them to reflect on their own injuftice towards you, will make their remorfe ftill more pungent. STRICTLY obedient to the laws, teach your children to refpect them. By a careful education, inftruct them in all the duties of morality; 3 fo Chall you prepare for the fucceedinggencration, virtuous citizens, honourablemen, enlightened patriots, and defenders of their country! How will their hearts be affeéted when, conduéting them to your fhores, you direct their looks towards France, telling them, --- Page 148 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF them, <] beyond thofe feas is your parent country; it is from CHAP. VII. G thence we have received juftice, protection, happinefs, 1 G and liberty. There dwell our fellow citizens, our bre6 thren, and our friends : to them we have fworn an eternal 6 friendfhip. Heirs of our fentiments, and of our affections, 6 may your hearts and your lips repeat our oaths ! Live to G love them; ; and, if neceffary, die to defend them P" Signed, GREGOIRE, Paris, 8th June, 1791. ; it is from CHAP. VII. G thence we have received juftice, protection, happinefs, 1 G and liberty. There dwell our fellow citizens, our bre6 thren, and our friends : to them we have fworn an eternal 6 friendfhip. Heirs of our fentiments, and of our affections, 6 may your hearts and your lips repeat our oaths ! Live to G love them; ; and, if neceffary, die to defend them P" Signed, GREGOIRE, Paris, 8th June, 1791. --- Page 149 --- ST. DOMI N GO. rog CHAP VIII. Reception and Proceedings of the Civil Commifioners, and their Return to Frauce-National Decree of the 4th of April 1792-Appoinment of a new Governor (Monf. Defparbes) and three other Commilfioners (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailhtawd)- Their Embarkation and Arrival, wvith a feleét Body fTyoops-Their violent Proeodiagi-Aipilseih by the Executive Council, of M. Galbaud as Chief Governor, in the Room of Defparbes-His Arrival, and Difputes with the. Commiffioners- Both Parties proceed to heftilities-The revolted Negroes called in to the AlfRance of the Commifioners- general Mafacre of the White Inhabitants, and Conflagration ofthe Town of Cape Frangois, TrE civil commiffioners who were to reftore peace CHAP. and fubordination in St. Domingo, and whofe arrival VIII. there was noticed in the laft Chapter, were named 1 January Mirbeck, Roome, and St. Leger, Mirbeck and 1792. Roome had formerly been known as advocates in the parliaments of Paris; and St. Leger, who was a native ofIreland, had practifed many years in France as a furgeon. Althougb the confufion of the times had elevated thefe men to power, not one of them was diftinguifhed for extraordinary abilities, and their rank in life was not fuch as to command any great degree of confideration from the planters. They were received however, from refpect to their appointment, --- Page 150 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. appointment, with politenefs and fubmiffion, bothi e VIII. by the governor and the inhabitants. Military honours were fhewn them, and they were led in 1792. publick procefion to the cathedral, where the bleffing of the Almighty was devoutly implored for fuccefs to their miffion. THEIR firft proceeding, after announcing the new conftitution and form of government for the omother country, as confirmed by the king, was to publith the decree of the 24th of September 1791, by which the fatal decree of the 1 sth of May was annulled. So far all was well: but a few days afterwards they took upon them to proclaim a general amnefty and pardon to fuch people, of all defcriptions, as fhould lay down their arms, and come in, within a certain prefcribed time, and take the oaths required by the new conftitution. This meafure loft them the confidence of all the white inhabitants : a general amnefty to the men of colour and revolted flaves, was confidered as a juftification of the moft horrible enormities, and as holding out a dangerous example to fuch of the negroes as preferved their fidelitys and it loft its effect on the mulattoes, by being accompanied with a repeal of their favourite decree. With what contempt and indignity it was received by the latter, the following circumftance will demonftrage. At Petit Goave, the mulattoes were mafters, and held in clofe confinement thirty-fourwhite perfons, whom they referved for vengeance. On the publication of this amnefty, they led them to execution: : but inftead of putting them to immediate death, they caufed each. of them to their fidelitys and it loft its effect on the mulattoes, by being accompanied with a repeal of their favourite decree. With what contempt and indignity it was received by the latter, the following circumftance will demonftrage. At Petit Goave, the mulattoes were mafters, and held in clofe confinement thirty-fourwhite perfons, whom they referved for vengeance. On the publication of this amnefty, they led them to execution: : but inftead of putting them to immediate death, they caufed each. of them to --- Page 151 --- ST. DOMINGO IIE to be broken alive; and in the midft of their tor- CHAP. tures, read to them, in a ftrain of diabolical mock- VIII. ery, the proclamation aloud ; affeéting to confider ) it as a pardon for the cruelties they had juft com- 1792. mitted. THE unlimited and indefinite authority which the commiffioners feemed to claim, alarmed the COlonial affembly, who defired to be informed of the nature and extent of their powes. To this requeft no fatisfaétory anfwer being given, the commiffioners loft ground in the publick opinion daily ; and their perfonal conduét, as individuals, contributed by no means to acquire them refpeét. Mirbeck fpent the greateft part ofhis time int the praétice of low debauchery, giving indulgence to his vicious propenfities without reftraint or decency. St Leger confidered his appointment as an authority to exact money, in which he was little fcrupulous, and laid the few mulatto people who remained faithful, under a moft unmerciful contribution. Roome alone conduéted himfelf without reproach : he was a wellmeaning inoffenfive man, and attempted, though without effeét,toactt the part of a mediator between the different factions wbich defolated the country. This praife at leaft was given him -that if he didno good, he did no harm. AFTER a fhort ftay at Cape François, the commiffioners vifited other parts of the colony; but finding themfelves everywhere very lightly regarded, and having no troops to fupport their authority, they returned feparately to France in the monthsof March and April. TRooUs --- Page 152 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. TROOPS however, as I have obferved, had arVIII. rived from France to the number in the whole of ( / about four thoufand ; but, in the fpirit of the times, 1792. they manifefted very little obedience either to the civil commiflioners, or the governor of the colony ; yet they ferved as a check to the revolters, who would otherwife, in all probability, before this time, have become mafters both of Cape François and Port au Prince. In the Northern province, the rebelnegroes) indeeel were fuppofed tob beconfiderably reduced by difeafe and famine. Having deftroyed all the provifion grounds, and devoured the cattle of all kinds on the plain of the Cape, they had now taken poffefion of the furrounding mountainous diftriéts, and were compelled by their chief leader, Tean François, a negro of great fagacity, to plant provifions for their future fubfiftence; a meafure which has kept the flames of rebellion alive to the prefent hour. IN the mcantime, the ftate of publick affairs in the mother country was tending to a great and ominous change. Everi fince thef fightandicizureoftheir unhappy king, in the mouth of June 1791, the factionv washourlyincrenfing in numbers which was foon to lay the kingdom in ruins, and bring the monarch e himfelfto the fcaffold. The Jacobin party, headed by a blood-thirfty triumvirate (a), were becoming all-powerful ; and the fociety of Amis des Noirs had once more acquired a fatal afcendancy in the legiflative body. On the 29th of February, one of them, named Garan de Cotlon, after a long and in- (a) Danton, Robelpierre and Marar. flammatory washourlyincrenfing in numbers which was foon to lay the kingdom in ruins, and bring the monarch e himfelfto the fcaffold. The Jacobin party, headed by a blood-thirfty triumvirate (a), were becoming all-powerful ; and the fociety of Amis des Noirs had once more acquired a fatal afcendancy in the legiflative body. On the 29th of February, one of them, named Garan de Cotlon, after a long and in- (a) Danton, Robelpierre and Marar. flammatory --- Page 153 --- S T. DOMINGO flammatory harangue againft the plantersin; general, CHAP. propoled the form of a decree for abrogating that of VIII. the 24th of September, declaring a general amnefty 1792. throughout all the French colonies; and enaéting, that new colonial affemblies Ahould be formed, which fhould tranfmit their fentiments not only on the fubject of the internal government of the COlonies, but alfo 01l the bef method of effetting the abolition of magrofavery IN TOTO. FRANTICK as the new legiflature (b) had fhewn itfelf on many occafions fnce its firft meeting, a majority could not at this time be found to vote for fo fenlelefs and extravagant a propofition, ; but in about two months afterwards, this affembly paffed the famous decree of the 4th of April 1792, of which it is neccilary the reader thould be furnithed with a copy at larges and it is conceived in the words following: C6 THE national affembly acknowledges and declares, that the people of colour and free negroes in the colonies ought to enjoy an equality of political rights with the whites; in confequence of which it decrees as follows: ARTICLE rft. Immediatelyafter the publication of the prefent decree, the inhabitants of each of the French colonies in the Windward and Leeward Iflands, fhall proceed to the re-eledtion of colonial and parochial ailemblies, after the mode preicribed by the decree of the 8th of March 1790, and the (8) The former affembly is generally known by the name of the Coyfituent Alfembly. Thenew one met the ift of Cétober 1791, and called itfelfthe Firft Legidarier-Af@mbly,. YoL. IJI. 1 J in- colonies in the Windward and Leeward Iflands, fhall proceed to the re-eledtion of colonial and parochial ailemblies, after the mode preicribed by the decree of the 8th of March 1790, and the (8) The former affembly is generally known by the name of the Coyfituent Alfembly. Thenew one met the ift of Cétober 1791, and called itfelfthe Firft Legidarier-Af@mbly,. YoL. IJI. 1 J in- --- Page 154 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF of the 28th of inftruétions of the national affembly CHAP. VITI. the fame month. of colour and free negroes Thall 1 2d. THE people and eleétoral 1792- be admitted to vote in all the primary affemblies, and Chall be eligible to the legiflature of truft, provided they poffefs the and all places by the 4th article of the qualifications preferibed aforefaid inftruétions. commiffioners Chall be named 3d. THREE civil and four for the for the colony of St. Domingo, St. Lucia, and iflands of Martinico, Guadaloupe, Tobago, to fee this decree enforced. THE faid commiffioners thail be authorized 4th. colonial aflemblies; : to take to diffolve the prefent the conmeafure neceffary for accelerating every eleétoral affemblies, and vocation of the primaryand order, and peace: : as well therein to eftablith union, (referving the power of as to determine provifionally every queftion appeal to the national affembly) upon of convowhich may arife concerning the regularity the form of eleccations, the holding of affemblies, tions, and the eligibility of citizens. sth. THEY are alfo authorized to procure every pofible,in order to difcover the authors information in St. Domingo, and the continuance of the troubles continue; to fecure the perfons thereof, ifthey ftill there of the guilty, and to fend them over to France, to be put in a ftate of accufation, &cc, Thall be di6th. THE faid civil commiflioners national reêted for this purpofe to tranfmit to the of the affembly minutes of their proceedings, and evidence --- Page 155 --- ST. D O M I N G O. evidence they may bave colleéted concerning the CHAP. perfons accufed asaforcfaid. VIII. 7th. THE national affembly authorizes the civil commiffioners to call forth the publick force when1792. everthey may think it necefary, either for their own protection, or for the execution of fuch orders as they may iffue by virtue of the preceding articles. 8th. THE executive power is direéted to fend a fufficient force to the colonies, to be compofed chiefly of national guards. 9th. THE colonial affemblies, immediately after their formation, Thall fignify, in the name of each colony refpeétively, their fentiments refpedting that conftitution, thofe laws, and the adminiftration of them, which will beft promote the profperity and happinefs of the people 5 conforming themfelves neverthelefs to thofe general principles by which the colonies and mother country are conneéted together, and by which their refpective interefts are beft fecured, agreeably to the decree of the 8th of March 1790, and inflrudtions of the 28th of the fame month. 1oth. THE colonial affemblies are authorized to fend home delegates for the purpofès mentioned in the preceding article, in numbers proportionate to the population of each colony ; which proportion Thall be forthwith determined by the national affembly, according to thé report which its colonial committee is direéted to make. Iith. FORMER decrees refpedting the colonies Thall be in force in every thing not contrary to the prefent decree." Iz Ir 1790, and inflrudtions of the 28th of the fame month. 1oth. THE colonial affemblies are authorized to fend home delegates for the purpofès mentioned in the preceding article, in numbers proportionate to the population of each colony ; which proportion Thall be forthwith determined by the national affembly, according to thé report which its colonial committee is direéted to make. Iith. FORMER decrees refpedting the colonies Thall be in force in every thing not contrary to the prefent decree." Iz Ir --- Page 156 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF that the men who (rejedting CRAP. Ir may be Tuppofed defpifing theleffons VIII. all pretenfions to confiftency,andd this decree, and finally = of experience) firft propofed the af3792. in carrying it through legiflative prevailed confidered of the means for enfembly, had duly in the colonies, and were profuring its execution inftruments for that purpofe. The vided with fit nominated for St. Domingo new commiffioners Polverel, and Ailhaud, were Meffrs. Santhonax, the moft violent of the Jacobin all of them among to furnith them with faétion 3 and it was refolved would, it was fuch a force as (if properly employed) but put a allecged, not only eftablifh their authority, which had fo long fpeedy end to all the difturbances Six thoufand afliéted and defolated the colony. from the men, feleéted with great circumfpection, were national guards, with officers whole principles well known to tbeir employers, were accordingly ordered to embark forthwith for St. Domingo. the governor-general, was recallM. Blanchelande, commifion of commander in chief ed, and a new given to a Monf. Defparbes. the civil commifTHUs appointed and provided, bya fleet fioners and the new governor, accompanied from France ofthirty tranfports, took their departure much the fame in the month ofJuly, probably in as was madifpofition of mind towards the colonifts, and nifefted by the Duke D'Alva and his Spanith ofthe Italian troopsin 1568,towards the inhabitants Countries. Inflamed like them with a fpirit Low fanaticifm, and revenge, they meditated 'of avaricc, from feizure on nothing but on the benefits toarife and ioners and the new governor, accompanied from France ofthirty tranfports, took their departure much the fame in the month ofJuly, probably in as was madifpofition of mind towards the colonifts, and nifefted by the Duke D'Alva and his Spanith ofthe Italian troopsin 1568,towards the inhabitants Countries. Inflamed like them with a fpirit Low fanaticifm, and revenge, they meditated 'of avaricc, from feizure on nothing but on the benefits toarife and --- Page 157 --- ST. DOMINGO and confifcation; on fchemes of mifchicfand pro- CH A P. jcêts of vengeance. VIII. THEY landed at Cape François on the 13th of 1 September, and finding M. Blanchelande at great 1792. variance with the colonial affembly, the commiffioners took the fhorteft courfe poffible to terminate the difpute, by forthwith diffolving the affembly and fending the unfortunate Blanchelande a ftate prifoner to France, where, as to be accufedl was to be condemned, he foon afterwards perifhed by the guillotine (s). DISMAY and terror now prevailed throughout the colony. Delegates were fent to the civil commiffioners from all quarters, to demand an expofure and explanation of their views and intentions. Sufpicions were already gonc forth concerning the projeét, which the commiffioners afterwards: avowed, of declaring a general emancipation of the negro flaves; and all parties, as well amongtherepublicans as the royalifts, concurred on this accafion in reprobating the folly and iniquity of the meafure. So general was the clamour on this acconnt, that if a firm and extenfive coalition ofinterefts among the planters could at this time have been cfeéted,itis probable the commiifioners might have found that all the force they had brought with them would have proved infufficient for the purpofes whichthey meditated. Diffimulation therefore was thoughe neceffary for the prefent. They declared (and confirmed the declaration with the folemnity of an oath) that they had no wifh nor intention to make (c)7:h April 1793. I3 any firm and extenfive coalition ofinterefts among the planters could at this time have been cfeéted,itis probable the commiifioners might have found that all the force they had brought with them would have proved infufficient for the purpofes whichthey meditated. Diffimulation therefore was thoughe neceffary for the prefent. They declared (and confirmed the declaration with the folemnity of an oath) that they had no wifh nor intention to make (c)7:h April 1793. I3 any --- Page 158 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. anychangein the (yflemofcolonial government conVIII. cerning the flaves 5 avowing the fulleft conviétion - that the emancipation of thofe people, under the 1792. then exifting circumfances, was impraéticable. . Their views, they faid, extended no farther than to fee the decree of the 4th of April, in favour of the free people of colour, properly enforced ; to reduce the flaves in rebellion to obedience, and to fettle the future government and tranquility of the colony on a folid and permanent foundation. THESE,and fimilar, declarations filenced, though they did not fatisfy, the white inhabitants; 5 who foon perceived, with unavailing indignation, that the commiffioners held fecret communications with the chiefs of the mulattoes in all parts of the colony. By the co-operation of thofe people, the commiffioners foon found their ftrength fufficient to avow themfelves openly the patrons and protectors of the whole body of the free negroes and mulattoes: and they now made no fcruple offeizing the perfons and effeéts of all fuch of the whites as oppofed their projeéts; fending great numbers of them in a ftate of arreft to Europe, to anfwer before the national affembly to the accufations which they pretended to tranfimit againft them. Among the perfons thus imprifoned and tranfported to France, were'o cemprehended the colonel, lieutenantcolonel, and many other officers of the Cape regiment. THE white inhabitants now called aloud for the election of a new colonial affembly, and hoped that the --- Page 159 --- S T. DOMINGO, the neceffity of levying taxes would induce the CHAP. commiffioners to iffue orders for that purpofe; but VIII. inftead of complying with the publick requeft, they - fubftituted what was called une commiffion interme- 1792. diaire, by nominating twelve perfons, fix of wbom had been members of the laft affembly, to act as a fort of legiflative council: the other fix were mulattoes. To this motley board, the commiffioners delegated authority to raife money from the inhabitants i referving to themlelves, however, the right of appropriating and expending it, as they alone fhould think proper, Ix the meanwhile, the new governor (Defparbes) began to manifeft fome figns of diffatisfaétion and impatience. He complained that he was confidered as a mere cypher in the government, or rather as an inftrument in the commiffioners' hands. His complaints were anfwered by ai refolution to arreft bis perfon; : and he avoided the fate of his predeceffor, Monf. Blanchelande, only by a fpeedy flight from the colony. Two members out of the fix whites that compofed a moiety of the commilfion intermediaire, met with fimilar treatment. They ventured to offer their opinion on a meafure of finance, in oppofition to that of M. Santhonax. The commiffioners commended their franknefs, and M. Santhonax invited them to a fupper. The invitation was accepted; but at the hour appointed, they found themfelves furrounded by a detachment of the military, which conveyed them to very forry entertainment in the I 4 hold of the fix whites that compofed a moiety of the commilfion intermediaire, met with fimilar treatment. They ventured to offer their opinion on a meafure of finance, in oppofition to that of M. Santhonax. The commiffioners commended their franknefs, and M. Santhonax invited them to a fupper. The invitation was accepted; but at the hour appointed, they found themfelves furrounded by a detachment of the military, which conveyed them to very forry entertainment in the I 4 hold --- Page 160 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. hold of a mhip, and there left them as ftate priVIII. foners (d). Y THE commiffioners, in the next place, fell out among themfelves; and Santhonax and Polverel determined to get quit of their affociate Ailhaud. Prudentlyjudging, however, that the publick degradation of one of their own body would refleét fome degree ofi ignominy on them all, they perfuaded him to be content with a proportion of the cominon plunder, and filently quit the country. Ailhaud fubmitted with a good grace to what he could not avoid. By thefe, and other means, above all by the practice of beftowing largeffes on the troops, and the acquifition of a defperate band of auxiliaries, compofed of fome of the revolted flaves, and vagabonds of all colours and defcriptions, moftly colleéted from the jails, Santhonax and Polverel, in the beginning of the year 1793, found themfelves abfolute mafters of the colony. The lives and properties of all the whiteinhabitants lay at theirmercy, and the dreadful fcenes which were at that time paffing in the mother country, enabled thefe men to profecute their purpofes, and gratify their vindiétive and avaricious paffions, without notice or controul from any fuperior. (d) To one of thefe gentlemen I am indebted for more valuable and extenfive information than I have been able to colleét through any other channel. In his voyage to Europe, the fhip in which he was confined was (fortunately for him) captured by: an Englifh frigate, which brought him to England, where I had the happinefs to render him fome acceptable fervice. BUr --- Page 161 --- ST. DOMINGO Bur the tragedy which was acting in France, CHAP. was no fooner brought to its cataftrope, by thefoul VIII. murder of their amiable and unoffending fovereign, ) V and war declared againft Great Britain and Holland, 2793than the perfons who compofed what was called the executive council, thought it neccffàry to pay fome little attention to the fafety ofSt. Domingo. Not having however leifure or inclination to enter into a full inveftigation of the complaints received from thence, they declined to revoke the powers exercifed by the civil commifioners, and contented themfelves with appointing a new governor, in the room of M. Defparbes. Their choice fell on Monf. Galbaud, an officer of artillery, and a man of fair charaéter, whom they direéted to embark for his new government without delay, in one of the national frigates, and put the colony into the beft ftate of defence againft a foreign enemy. GALBAUD, with his fuite of attendants, landed at Cape François on the 7th of May, 1793, to the great joyofthe white inhabitants. At that period, the civil commifioners, withi moftoft theirtroops, were employedin the Weftern province, endeavouring to quellan infurreétion there which their tyranny had created; fo that Galbaud was received with acclamations and fubmiflion by the municipality of the town of the Cape ; to whofe place of meeting he repaired with his attendants, took the néceffary oaths, and entered on his government without oppofition. He declared, at the fame time, that he was not dependent on the civil commifioners, nor bound to execute, At all events, their proclamations, A VERY in the Weftern province, endeavouring to quellan infurreétion there which their tyranny had created; fo that Galbaud was received with acclamations and fubmiflion by the municipality of the town of the Cape ; to whofe place of meeting he repaired with his attendants, took the néceffary oaths, and entered on his government without oppofition. He declared, at the fame time, that he was not dependent on the civil commifioners, nor bound to execute, At all events, their proclamations, A VERY --- Page 162 --- SURVEY OF HISTORICAL AVERY quick interchange of letters took place CHAP. VIII. between the new governor and the commiffioners, 2 He defired them to repair immediately to the Cape, 1793- that he might communicate the inftructions he had received from the executive council. They anfwered that he was an entire ftranger to them; that they had feen no decree of the national convention by which they themfelves were fuperfeded, and that being vefted with authority to fufpend or appoint a governor, as they alone might think proper, he could only be confidered as an agent fubordinate to themfelves -They added, that they were then affembling an army to fupprefs a rebellion in the town and neighbourhood of Port au Prince; but as foon as that bufinefs was at an end, they would repair to the Capes and examine into the validity of his pretenfions, Ox the Ioth of June the civil commiffioners, having reduced Port au Prince and Jacmel, arrived at the Cape. The ftreets were lined with troops, and they were received by Galbaud with attention and refpect. A very ferious alterçation however immediately took place between them, higbly difadvantageous to the governor, There exifted, it feems,a decree oft the ancient government, unrepealed by the national affembly, enaéting that no proprietor of an eftate in the Weft Indies fhould hold the government of a colony wherein his eftate was fituated, and M. Galbaud was poffeffed of a coffeeplantation in St. Domingo. When therefore he was afked why he had not acquainted the executive council --- Page 163 --- ST. DOM IN GO. council with this circumftance, he was utterly dif- CIAP. concerted and had no reply to make. VIIT. ON theigth, the commiffioners ordered M. Gal- - 1793* baud to embark forthwith on board the floop of war La Normande, and return to France. At the fame time they fent inftructions to Monf. de la Salle, whom they had left commandant at Port au Prince, to repair to the Cape and receive from them, in the name of the French republick, the command of the colony. THE feven following days were fpent on both fides in intrigues, and preparations for hoftilities. Galbaud's brother, a man of fpirit and enterprize, had colleéted from among the inhabitants, the Cape militia, and the feamen in the harbour, a ftrong party to fupport the governor's authority. On the 2oth, the two brothers! landed at the head of one thoufand two hundred failors, and beingjoined by a confiderable body of volunteers, immediately marched in array towards the government houfe, in which the commiffioners were ftationed. The Jatter were defended by the people of colour, a body of regulars, and one piece of cannon. The confliet was fierce and bloody. The volunteers manifefted great firmnefs, but the feamen getting poffeffion of a wine cellar, foon became intoxicated and ungovernable; and the column was obliged to retire to the royal arfenal, where they remained the enfuing night unmolefted. THE next morning many fkirmithes took place in the ftreets, with various fuccefs, in one of which Galbaud's brother was taken prifoner by the commiffioners' one piece of cannon. The confliet was fierce and bloody. The volunteers manifefted great firmnefs, but the feamen getting poffeffion of a wine cellar, foon became intoxicated and ungovernable; and the column was obliged to retire to the royal arfenal, where they remained the enfuing night unmolefted. THE next morning many fkirmithes took place in the ftreets, with various fuccefs, in one of which Galbaud's brother was taken prifoner by the commiffioners' --- Page 164 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP: miffioners' troops $ and in another, the feamen that VIII. were fighting on the part of Galbaud made captive Polverel's fon 3 and now an extraordinary circum1793- ftance occurred. The governor fent a flag propofing that his brother might be exchanged for the commiffioner's fon; but Polverel rejeéted the propolal withindignation ; declaring in aniwer, that his fon knew his duty, and was prepared to die in the fervice of the republick. Bur a fcene now opens, which,,if it does not obliterate, exceeds at leaft, all that has hitherto been related of faétious anarchy, and favage cruelty, in this unfortunate colony. On the firft approach of Galbaud with fo large a body of feamen, the commiffioncrs difpatched agents to call in to their affiftance the revolted negrocs; 3 offering them an unconditional pardon for paft offences, perfeét freedom in future, and the plunder of the city. The rebel generals, Jean Fraugois and Biaffou, rejeéted their offers; but on the zift, about noon (juft after that Galbaud and moft of his adherents, finding their caufe hopelefs, had retired to the thips) a negro chief called Macaya, with upwards of three thoufand of the revolted flaves, entered the town, and began an univerfal and indifcriminate flaughter of men, women, and children. The white inhabitants fled from all quarters to the fea-fide, in hopes of finding fhelter with the governor on board the fhips in the harbour; but a body of the mulattoes cut off their retreat, and a horrid butchery enfued, which continued with unremitting fury from the zift, to the evening of the 23d; when the favages, having --- Page 165 --- ST. DOMINGO having murdered all the white inhabitants that fell CHAP. in their way, fet fire to the buildings; and more VIII. than half the city was contumed by the flames. - The commiffioners themfelves, either terrified at 1793. beholding the Jamentable and extenfive mifchief which they had occafioned, or afraid to truft their perfons with their rebel allies, fought proteétion under cover of a mhip of the line. The proclamations which they publifhed from time to time in palliation of their conduét, manifeft a confcioufnefs of guilt which could not be fuppreffed, and form a record of their villanies, for which the day of retribution awaits, but ftill lingers to overtake them ()! SccH was the fate of the once flourithing and beautiful capital of St. Domingo !-a city which, for trade, opulence, and magnificence, was undoubtedly among the firft in the Weft Indies,-perhaps in the new world: and here I fhall clofe for the prefent, the difgufting detail of confpiracies, rebellions, crimes, cruelties, and conflagrations (a uniformity of horrors !) through which the nature of my work has compelled me to travel;-rejoicing that I have at laft Efcap'd the Stygian pool, tho' long detain'd In that obfcure fojourn; > MILTON. (f) When this was written, the author did not know that Santhonax alone furvives. Polverel died in 1794. Santhonax has lately appeared before the national affembly, and been pronounced guilileji! And , cruelties, and conflagrations (a uniformity of horrors !) through which the nature of my work has compelled me to travel;-rejoicing that I have at laft Efcap'd the Stygian pool, tho' long detain'd In that obfcure fojourn; > MILTON. (f) When this was written, the author did not know that Santhonax alone furvives. Polverel died in 1794. Santhonax has lately appeared before the national affembly, and been pronounced guilileji! And --- Page 166 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, And have the pleafing tafk to perform of VIII. due homage to the and rendering - Y of gallant enterprizing fpirit 1793my countrymen in their noble-but alas ! hitherto unaviling-endesrours to reftore peace, fubordination, and good government on this theatre of anarchy and bloodihed. Previous to which, however, it will be a relief and fatisfaction to the reader to be prefented with a piéture or ftateofthe colony, as it exifted in the days of its profperity; jits culture, population, and produce;-its growing importance and commercial valuc. Hitherto, we have contemplated nothing but fcenes of defolation. We Chall now behold a pleafing contraft in the bleffings of regular government : due fubordination, focial order, extenfive commerce, peaceful induftry, increafing cultivation, fmiling plenty, and general happinefs! The conclufions to be drawn from the contemplation of fcenes fo different in their nature, are ofi importance to all mankind. The Account given above of the Defiruclion ef the City of Cape François, was drazn up wvith as much Caution as the Cafe Jeemed to require,fram Information tranfmitted to the Author by Perfons in Jamaica and St. Domingo.fome ofzuhom difered in many efential Circumfances from others. He had afterwards an Opportunity of converfing perJonally on the Subjeet with a Gentleman ef. St. Domingo, on wwhofe Veracity and Honour he could place importance to all mankind. The Account given above of the Defiruclion ef the City of Cape François, was drazn up wvith as much Caution as the Cafe Jeemed to require,fram Information tranfmitted to the Author by Perfons in Jamaica and St. Domingo.fome ofzuhom difered in many efential Circumfances from others. He had afterwards an Opportunity of converfing perJonally on the Subjeet with a Gentleman ef. St. Domingo, on wwhofe Veracity and Honour he could place --- Page 167 --- ST. DO MINGO. place the fullef Dependance, by zohom he woas CHAP. favoured woith the following Notes or Memoranda VIII. in Writing, zehich he thinks beft 1o lay before lis Readers verbatim. NOTES SUR I'EVÈNEMENT DU CAP. LE General Galbaud avoit mandé au Cap les commiffaires Santhonax et Polverel, de la maniere la plus imperieufe; ; les commiffaires fe font déterminés a s'y rendre par terre de S. Marc, d'où ils font partis le 8 Juin, accompagnés de 400 mulâtres et 200 blancs, et compris leurs coupe têtel les dragons d'Orleans. Ils ont fait leur entrée au Cap d'une maniere afféz audacieufe pour enimpofer. GALBAUD avait deja indifpofé les habitans du Cap par une addreffe, ou proclamation, qui ordonnait une contribution de 450 mille livres, dont Ja perception a été faite de la façon la plus violente, et qui tenait plus du pillage que d'une contribution. LE General Galbaud n'avait faita aucune difpofitions pour fe preferver desfrefolutions et des entreprifes des commiflaires, qui entrerent cependant d'une maniere menaçante, A LA premiere entrevue des General Galbaud et des commiffaires, en la maifon de la commiffion (le gouvernement) apres les premiers compliments, il y eut explication fur les pouvoirs du general; 3 les commiflaires lui opoferent un decrct qui deffendait qu'aucun proprietaire dans la colonie pity commander ni y avoir d'autorité; et accuferent M. Galbaud d'avoir diffimulé au confeil executif qu'il avait des proprietés. PENDANT ce demélé, qui dura près de deux jours, les agents des commiffaires préparaient les elprits a les laiffer faire, et a ne point fe mêler de la difcution, dans laquclle Santhonax prenait cependant une grande preponderance. GALBAUD, voyant que perfonne ne s'empreffait a le foutenir, et prevoyant fans doute une chute humiliante, demanda 'avoir diffimulé au confeil executif qu'il avait des proprietés. PENDANT ce demélé, qui dura près de deux jours, les agents des commiffaires préparaient les elprits a les laiffer faire, et a ne point fe mêler de la difcution, dans laquclle Santhonax prenait cependant une grande preponderance. GALBAUD, voyant que perfonne ne s'empreffait a le foutenir, et prevoyant fans doute une chute humiliante, demanda --- Page 168 --- 128. HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. manda aux commifiaires de s'en retourner en France,préVIII. férant la retraite, a des pouvoirs conteftés; ce qui lui fut 1 accordé fur le champ, et il s'embarqua le 14. LE 17 Galbaud. réûnit tous les matelots de la rade et ceux des vaiffeaux de guerrc, et projette de defcendre a la ville du Cap; il fait fon debarquement le 18,et marche au gouvernement, ou logeaient les commiflaires, quii inftruits des mouvemens de Galbaud, réunirent les troupes qui leurs etaient devouées, et particulierement les mulâtres, etles embulquerent derriere les murs du gouvernement, dans toutes les ifsies, fur les terrafles, &c. Auflitôt que les matelots furent a portée de piftolet, on fit des décharges, qui en tuerent et blefferent un grand nombre, néanmoins les mulâtres furent ebranlés deux fois ; mnais le défordre dans les matelots determina le General Galbaud a faire fa retraite a l'arfenal ; là, il fit une proclamation pour inviter les bons citoyens a fe réiinir a Jui, pour chaffer les commiflaires, qui voulaient ufurper le gouvernement. Dès-lors les commiffaires réunirent aux mulâtres tous les négres de la ville, qui avaient deja pris parti dans l'action en affaffinant dans la ville; toutes les troupes qui leurs avaient fervis a leur expedition, ct les placerent par pelotons a chaque coin des ries, et dès qu'un blanc voulait fortir de chéz lui, ou paraiflait aux fenetres, il etait fufillé, o PENDANT ce tems, et dès que les commiflaires eurent appris les mouvemens de Galbaud, ils avaient depeché des exprès aux chefs des brigands, pour les engager a venir a leur fecours, et leurs offraient le pillage de la ville. LE 19 Galbaud capitule à l'arfenal, et fe rend abord: il y en mis en etat d'arreftation, ainfi que l'Amiral Cambis, et le Contre-Amiral Sercey, qui font dépouillés de leur commandement, UNE proclamation des commifaires avait precedamment a cet' évenement, mis a contribution 37 negociants, ou riches particuliers, pour une fomme de 675 mille livres, qui parrait avoir été exigée et payée fur l'heure. Le 19, au foir, le 20, le 21, les brigands entrent de toutes parts dans la ville du Caps ftation, ainfi que l'Amiral Cambis, et le Contre-Amiral Sercey, qui font dépouillés de leur commandement, UNE proclamation des commifaires avait precedamment a cet' évenement, mis a contribution 37 negociants, ou riches particuliers, pour une fomme de 675 mille livres, qui parrait avoir été exigée et payée fur l'heure. Le 19, au foir, le 20, le 21, les brigands entrent de toutes parts dans la ville du Caps --- Page 169 --- ros AMAP OF TIIE ISLAND OF SI DOMINGO: Qum 7e: Laongide Meat fumn "wseswen. 7ls: --- Page 170 --- --- Page 171 --- ST. DOMINGO Cap,ayant a leur tête leurs chefs, et op affure que M. de C H A P. Graffe s'y eft trouvé auffi. Le pillage, les maflacrès, les VIII. flammes deviennent effroyables; les hommes, les femmes, Y les enfans font affaffinés, maflacrés, et éprouvent toutes les horreurs imaginables. Ils ont eu la barbarie de renfermer ct de brûler dans une maifon plus de 300 perionnes toutes vives. LES malheureux de tout fexe, de tout âge, qui cherchaient a fe fauver en gagnant des embarçations, oû a la nage, ctaient fufillés même dans l'eau. IL parrait que dans le maffacre les négres ont frapés indiftinSement tous les partis, blancs, mulâtres, et que les blancs fe font deffendus contre tous avec un grand acharnement; néanmoins il parrait certain, que la population blanche a été entierement détruite, et qu'il n'a pas refté un feul blanc au Cap; on eftime, que, s'il s'eft fauvé 12 a 1500 perfonnes abord, c'eft plus qu'on n'ofel l'elperer. LE convoi eft fortie du Cap le 23 pour l'Amerique, la majeure partie ayant très peu de vivres, très peu d'eau, et plufieurs fans être préparés a ce voyage, fans mats ni voilles, & ceux qui ont reçu les malheureux qui fe font fauvés abord, n'y auront trouvé aucune fubliftance. LA ville incendiée, détruite, fes habitans maffacrés, on affure qu'il ne refte que le gouvernement, une partie des cafernes, l'arfenal, et les maifons du Petit Carenage;- l'églife et les fontaines detruites. LES commiflaires ont refté fpedtateurs tranquilles pendant Je carnage etle maflacre; dans leur maifon on a vu Santhonax ferrer et preffer dans fes bras les chefs des brigands, les appeller fes fauveurs, et leur témoigner leur reconnaiffancs. LE 23 proclamation des commiffaires, qui invite et appelle tous les bons citoyens à fe réunir autour d'eux, et de laiffer partir les fcélerats, qui vont aller fubir le jufte chatiment de leurs crimes; le convoi en parti le jour mémc, & la ville fumait encore. Vor. III. K ifon on a vu Santhonax ferrer et preffer dans fes bras les chefs des brigands, les appeller fes fauveurs, et leur témoigner leur reconnaiffancs. LE 23 proclamation des commiffaires, qui invite et appelle tous les bons citoyens à fe réunir autour d'eux, et de laiffer partir les fcélerats, qui vont aller fubir le jufte chatiment de leurs crimes; le convoi en parti le jour mémc, & la ville fumait encore. Vor. III. K --- Page 172 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP IX Situation, Extent, and general Defcription ef St. Domingo- Origin ofthe French Colony, and Topographical Defcription of the feveral Provinces intozchich the French Polfeltions were divided-Their Populatioit, and Produce-Slipping and Exports-Compared with the Returns of Jamaica. CHAP. THE ifland of St. Domingo is fituated in the AtIX. lantick Ocean, about three thoufand five hundred ) miles from the land's end of England; the eaftern point lying in north latitude 18° 20, and in longitude 68° 40W. from Greenwich. The ifland extends about one hundred and forty miles in the broadeft part, from north to fouth, and three hundred and ninety from eaft to weft. In a country of fuch magnitude, diverfified with plains of vaft extent, and mountains of prodigious height, is probably to be found every fpecics of foil which nature has affigned to all the tropical parts of the earth. In general, it is fertile in the bigheft degree; every where well watered, and producing almoft every variety of vegetable nature, for ufe and beauty, for food and luxury, which the lavifh hand of a bountiful Providence has beftowed on the richeft portion of the globe; and the liberality of nature was laudably feconded by the induftry of the inhabitants. Until thofe ravages and devaftations which I have had the painful tafk of recording, deformed and deftroyed, with undiftinguifhing barbarity, both the --- Page 173 --- ST. DOMING O. the bounties of nature, and the labours of art; the CHAP. poffeffions of France in this noble ifland were con1X. fidered as the garden of the Weft Indies; and for - beautiful fcenery, richnefs of foil, falubrity and variety of climate, might juftly be deemed the Paradife of the New World. OF the territories which remained exclufivelyin poffeffion of the original conquerors, the Spaniards, my information is very imperfeét. I fhall hereafter give the beft account I have been ablc to coilect concerning them. On the fouthern coaft, more elpecially in the neiglbourhood of the ancient city from which the ifland derives its prelent name, the lands are faid to be among the beft, and without doubt a very large proportion of the remainder requires only the hand of the cultivator to become very produétive. The interior country contains eXtenfive favannahs, or plains, many of them occupied only by wild fwine, horfes, and horned cattle; forthe Spaniards having exterminated the fimple and unoffending natives, fupplied their place with herds of domeftick animals, which running wild, foon multiplied beyond computation. Thus does the tyranny of man convert the fruitful habitations of his fellow-creatures into a wildernefs for beafts ! Ini the prefent cafe, however, the crime brought down its own punithment j- a punithiment which almoft revenged the wrongs of the helplefs Americans;-and who does not wifh that avarice, ambition, and cruelty may be thus always entangled in their own projeéts? THE reader is doubtlefs apprized that I here alK 2 lude multiplied beyond computation. Thus does the tyranny of man convert the fruitful habitations of his fellow-creatures into a wildernefs for beafts ! Ini the prefent cafe, however, the crime brought down its own punithment j- a punithiment which almoft revenged the wrongs of the helplefs Americans;-and who does not wifh that avarice, ambition, and cruelty may be thus always entangled in their own projeéts? THE reader is doubtlefs apprized that I here alK 2 lude --- Page 174 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. lude to the cftablifhment in St. Domingo, of that IX. daring and defperate band of adventurers, the Bu1 canierss-an affociation conftituted of men of all countries and defcriptions, but of whom it may truly be faid, that if felf-prefervation be a law of nature, the hoftilities which they maintained for upwards of fifty years againft their oppreffors, were more juftifiable and legitimate in their origin, than all the wars which the pride and ambition of kings and. nations have occafioned, from the beginning of the world to the prefent hour. As the cruelty of the Spaniards firft compelled. thefe men, from a fente of common danger, to unite their ftrength, fo the blind policy of ftocking with cattle a country of fuch extent, became their fupport ; for the fleth of thofe animals fupplied them with food, and they purchaled arins, ammunition, and clothing with the fkins. OF the rife of thefe people, and the primary caute of their combining together to make reprifals on the Spanith fettlements, a fhort account may be neceffary : I have elfewhere treated the fubjeét more at large (4).-They confifted originally of a body of French and Englith planters, whom, in the year 1629, a Spanifh armament had expelled from the ifland of St. Chriftopher, with circumftances of outrageous barbarity. Driven from thence, by a force which they could not refift, as the only alternative of efcaping from flaughter or flavery, they fled in open boats with their families, and poffeffed themfelves (a) Vol I. Book ii. C.2. --- Page 175 --- ST. DOMINGO themfelves of the fmall unoccupied ifland of Tortu- CHAP. ga, fituated within a few milcs of the northern coaft IX. of St. Domingo. Here they were joined by a confiderable number of Dutch emigrants from Santa Cruz, whom theavarice and cruelty of theSpaniards had compelled, in like manner, to roam over the ocean for Chelter, after having witnefled the maffacre of many of their number, even to the women and children. Companions in adverfity, thefe poor exiles learnt mutual forbearance from their common fufferings ; for, although they were compofed of three different nations, they appear to have lived for fome years in perfect harmony with each other. Their mode of life contributed to produce the fame beneficial effect: finding a country of immealurable extent in their neighbourhood abounding in cattle, their time was chiefly occupied in hunting; an employment which left no leifure for diffenfion, and afforded them both exercife and food. The plains of St. Domingo were confidered, however, merely as their hunting grounds : Tortuga continued their home, and place of retreat. Here their women and young people cultivated fimnall plantations of tobacco (an herb, of which, in hot and moift climates, the praétice of inhaling the fmoke, feems tol be pointed out by nature); and as the coafl was rugged, and of difficult approach, they fondly hoped that their obfeurity would proteét them from further perfecution. IF the government of Spain had bcen aétuated at this time by motives of wifdom, it would indeed have left thefe poor people to range over the wildetK 3 nefs and young people cultivated fimnall plantations of tobacco (an herb, of which, in hot and moift climates, the praétice of inhaling the fmoke, feems tol be pointed out by nature); and as the coafl was rugged, and of difficult approach, they fondly hoped that their obfeurity would proteét them from further perfecution. IF the government of Spain had bcen aétuated at this time by motives of wifdom, it would indeed have left thefe poor people to range over the wildetK 3 nefs --- Page 176 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CRAP. nefs unmolefted. It ought to have known, that IX. the occupation of hunting diverted them from Y jects of vengeance, and deeds of greater enterprize; probut tyranny is without forefight, and the reftlefs and remorfelefs bigotry of the Spanith nation allowed the fugitives no refpite. An armament was colleéted, and preparations made to effect their utter extermination; ; the commanders of which, taking occafion when the ableft of the 'men had reforted to the larger ifland in their ufual purfuit, landed a body of foldiers at Tortuga, and making captives of the women and children, the old and infirm, caufed them all to be maffacred without mercy. Ir does not appear that the miferable people wha were thus purfued to deftruétion, like beafts of prey, had been guilty of any outrages or depredations on the fhips or fubjects of Spain, which called for fuch exemplary vengeance. Neither was it imputed to them as a crime that they had poffefled themfelves of Tortuga, or that they roamed about the defarts of St. Domingo in purfuit of cattle which had no owners. Their guilt confifted in the circumftance of being born out of the Spanith territories, and prefuming neverthelefs to venture into any part of the New World; for the arrogant prefumption and extravagant felfithnefs of this bigotted nation, led them to appropriate all the countries of Ameriça to themfelves. They claimed even the fole and exclufive right of failing on any fuch part of the main ocean as, in gheir judgment, conftituted a portion of the newly4 difcovered --- Page 177 --- ST. DOMINGO difcovered hemifphere ; and ftriet orders were iffucd CHAP. to all their commanders, by fea and land, to feize IX. the Chips and fubjects of all other people that 1 fhould be found within the boundaries which they had preferibed, and to punith the intruders with flavery or death.-We have feen in what manner thofe orders were executed. Ir is evident, therefore, that no alternative remained to the occupiers of Tortuga, but to turn on their purfuers, and wage offenfive war on thote who would allow of no peace with thém. If the juftice of their caufe be ftill a queftion, let the records of time be confulted ; let an appeal be made to that rule of conduét, which (to ufe an eloquent expreffion of Lord Coke) is written by the Ainger of God on the heart of man : and let hiftory and rcafon determine, whether any inftance of hoftility, in the annalsof mankind, can be defended on better grounds. To fuch men, in fuch a caufe, no dangers were too formidable, no obftacles too great. Inured bytheir mode of life, to the viciflitudes of the climate, united among themfelves, and animated by all the motives and paflions which can inflame the human mind to great exertion, they became the moft formidable antagonifts which the Spaniards bad ever encountered, and difplayed fuch deeds of valour and fucceisful enterprize, as (all circumflances confidered) have never been equalled before or fince. FROM a party of thefe adventurers (chiefly natives of Normandy) the French colony in St. Domingo derived its origin. By what means they were induced to feparate from their affociates in K4 danger, ives and paflions which can inflame the human mind to great exertion, they became the moft formidable antagonifts which the Spaniards bad ever encountered, and difplayed fuch deeds of valour and fucceisful enterprize, as (all circumflances confidered) have never been equalled before or fince. FROM a party of thefe adventurers (chiefly natives of Normandy) the French colony in St. Domingo derived its origin. By what means they were induced to feparate from their affociates in K4 danger, --- Page 178 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. danger, to relinquifh the gratification of revenge IX. and avarice, and exchange the tumults of war for the temperate occupations of hufbandry, it is neither within my province nor ability to explain. Many of them, without doubt, were men who had been driven from Europe by indigent circumftances and defperate fortunes ; fome, by the cruelty of creditors; and others, perhaps, by the confcioufnefs of their crimes. Captivated by the renown, and allured by the wealth of the Bucaniers, they joined in their expeditions againft the Spaniards from no better motives than thofe of plunder and rapine ; and to fuch men muft be imputed thofe outrages and exceffes which have flamped the proceedings of the whole affociation with infamy (b). But there is (b) I conceive, however, that thefe have been wonderfully magnified and exaggerated. The narrative called The Hiporyof the Bucaniers, publifhed towards the latter end of the laft century, which has been quoted by writers of all defcriptions ever fince as of unqueftionable authority, was originally written in who confeffes that he had Dutch, by one John Efqueaeling, been one ofthe Bucaniers, and was expelled from their fociety. The reports of fuch a writer ought to have been received with great caution; but there is a ftill ftronger circumftanceto excite fufpicion; and it is this: The Englith work is not taken from the Dutch original, but from a Spanif tranflation; and to fuppofe that a Spaniard would fpeak favourably of the Bucaniers, is the very excefs of human credulity. Not having the original book to refer to, I cannot pronounce with certainty; but I am of opinion, that many of the tragical ftories concerning the torture of the Spanifh prifoners, and the violation of the women, of the Spanifh tranflator. I form this conare interpolations the difplayed towards the charaéter of clufion from malignity If we mayl believe the account the famous Sir Henry Morgan. given a Spaniard would fpeak favourably of the Bucaniers, is the very excefs of human credulity. Not having the original book to refer to, I cannot pronounce with certainty; but I am of opinion, that many of the tragical ftories concerning the torture of the Spanifh prifoners, and the violation of the women, of the Spanifh tranflator. I form this conare interpolations the difplayed towards the charaéter of clufion from malignity If we mayl believe the account the famous Sir Henry Morgan. given --- Page 179 --- ST. DOMINGO is a time for all things 5 and the change of life in CHAP. thefe men confirms the obfervation of an elegant IX. ) writer, that 6 as there is no foil which will not < fhew itfelf grateful to culture, fo there is no dif66 pofition, no charaéter in mankind, which may ce not, by dexterous management, be turned to the 6c publick advantage (c):" It was a happy circumftance in the infancy of their eftablifhment, that while they were too obfcure for the notice of the government, they had no check given to their induftry by the chill influence of poverty. To a fortunate exemption from the hand of power, and the facility with which they were fupplied with the common neceffaries of life, they were indebted for their prefervation and profperity. A mediocrity of condition, and equal freedom, excited the fpirit of emulation among them ; but oppreflion would have produced given of this gallant commander, he was the moft inhuman monfter that ever exifted. Yet this very man (who by the way afted under a regular commiflion and letters of reprizal from government) after he had quitted the fea, was recommended by the earl of Carlifle to be his fucceffor in the government of Jamaica, and was accordingly appointed lieutenant-g governor in the earl's abfence. He afterwards received the honour of knighthood from King Charles II. and paffed the remainder of his life in Jamaica. the kindnefs of a friend in on his plantation By of fome of Sir that ifland, I have had an opportunity perufing Henry Morgan's original private letters ; and this I will fay, that they manifelt fuch a fpirit of humanity, juftice, liberality, and piety, as prove that he has either been grofsly traduced, or that charaéter ill-fuited to he was the greateft hypocrite living ;-a she frank and fearlefs temper of the man. (c) European Settlements, Vol. II. p. 109. his plantation By of fome of Sir that ifland, I have had an opportunity perufing Henry Morgan's original private letters ; and this I will fay, that they manifelt fuch a fpirit of humanity, juftice, liberality, and piety, as prove that he has either been grofsly traduced, or that charaéter ill-fuited to he was the greateft hypocrite living ;-a she frank and fearlefs temper of the man. (c) European Settlements, Vol. II. p. 109. --- Page 180 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. produced difcouragement; and floth, not induftry, IX. is the offspring of wretchednefs. - ) OF the progreffive purfuits of thefe people in extending the footing which they had obtained, until the French government accepted their fubmiffion, acknowledged them as faithful fubjects, and availed itfelf of their labours,--and the final ceffion to France of the weftern part of St. Domingo, by the peace of Ryfwick, the reader will find an ample account in the hiftory of this ifland by Pere Charlevoix. It is therefore unneceflary for me to detail what an author fo well informed in the ancient tranfactions of the colony, has written. All that my Englith reader will expeét, is an account of the political and topographical ftate of the colony; its population, produce, and exports at the time my Hiftory commences; and thefe particulars will be found in what remains of the prefent Chapter. FHE poffeffions of the French in St. Domingo, as I have elfewhere obferved, were divided into, three great departments, called the Northern, the Weftern, and the Southern Provinces. The Northern Province comprehended a line offea-coaft extending about forty leagues, from the river Maffacre, to Cape St. Nicholas, and contained (including Tortuga) twenty-fix parifbes. Its population, in the beginning of 1790, confifted of 11,996 white inhabitants of all ages, and 164,656 negro flaves. The number of fugar plantations was 288, of which 258 made what is called clayed, or foft white fugar, and 30 mufcovadlo, or raw fugar. It reckoned --- Page 181 --- ST. D O MIN a G O. reckoned 2,009 plantations of coffee, 66 of cotton, CHAP. 443 of indigo, and 215 imaller eftablilhments, fuch IX. as provifion-grounds, cacao-groves, tan-pits, pot- 1 teries, brick-kilns, &c. OF the towns and harbours in the Northern Province, the chief were thofe of Cape François, Fort Dauphin, Port De Paix, and Cape St. Nicholas. I fhall treat only of the firft and the laft. THE town of Cape François (which in time of war was the feat of the French government) would have ranked, for beauty and regularity, among the cities of the fecond clafs in any part of Europe. It confifted of between eight and nine hundred houfes of ftone and brick, many of them handfome and commodious, befides fhops and warehoufes; and it contained two magnificent fquares, ornamented each with a publick fountain. The chief publick buildings were the church; the government-houfe (formerly a convent belonging to the Jefuits); a fuperb barrack for troops; a royal arlenal; a prifon; a play-houfe; and two hofpitals. The number of free inhabitants of all colours, was eftimated at cight thoufand, exclufive of the king's troops and fea-faring people. The domeftick flaves were faid to be about twelve thoufand. The fituation of the town, however, was not to be commended, It was built at the foot of a very high mountain, called Le Morne du Cap, which abounds indeed with fprings of excellent water, and furnifhed a great fupply of garden vegetables, but it intercepted the land-wind, and reverberated the rays of the fun. The town arofe to opulence chiefly from of the king's troops and fea-faring people. The domeftick flaves were faid to be about twelve thoufand. The fituation of the town, however, was not to be commended, It was built at the foot of a very high mountain, called Le Morne du Cap, which abounds indeed with fprings of excellent water, and furnifhed a great fupply of garden vegetables, but it intercepted the land-wind, and reverberated the rays of the fun. The town arofe to opulence chiefly from --- Page 182 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. from the commodioufnefs of its harbour, and the IX. extreme fertility of theplain adjoining it tothe caft, a diftriét fifty miles in length, and twelvein breadth, appropriated folely to the cultivation of fugar (the plantations of which were divided from each other only by hedges of citrons and limes) and yielding greater returns than perhaps any other fpot of the fame extent inthe habitable globe. THE town of Cape St. Nicholas confifts of about 250 houfes, which are chiefly built of American wood. It is fheltered by a high bluff, called the Mole; and having been a free-port, was a place of confiderable trade, and particularly reforted to by the thips of America. It is chiefly known, however, for the fafety and extent ofits harbour, which is juftly called the key of the Windward paflage 5 and the fortifications towards the fea are reckoned among the ftrongeft in the Weft Indies. On the fide of the land they are overlooked by the furrounding heights, and hence it is concluded, that although it might be difficult to take the place by an invading armament, it would be ftill more difficult to retain itafterwards, unlefs poffeffion was oba tained alfo of the interior country. THE Weftern Province began at Cape St. Nicholas, and extending along the line of coaft which forms the bight of Leoganc, for upwards of one hundred leagues, terminated at Cape Tiburon. It contained fixteen parifhes, and four chief towns, namely, Port au Prince, St. Marc, Leogane, and Petit Goave; befides villages, of which thofe of Gonaives, Arcahaye, and Croix des Bouquets, are --- Page 183 --- ST. DOMIN GO. are not inconfiderable. The only good harbours CHAP. in this great extent of coaft are thofe of Port au IX. Prince and Gonaives. All the other thippingplaces are open roads, fometimes much expofed. PorT AU PRINCE (except in time of war, when the Governor-General was direéted to remove to Cape François) was confidered as the metropolis of the colony. In 1790 it confifted of about 600 houfes, and contained 2,754 white inhabitants (d). The fituation is low and marthy, and the climate, in confequence, very unhealthy. It is furrounded moreover by hills, which command both the town and the harbour; but both the hills and the vallies are abundantly fertile. To the eaft is fituated the noble plain of Cul de Sac, extending from thirty to forty miles in length by nine in breadth, and it contained one hundred and fifty fugar-plantations, moft of which were capable of being watered in times of drought, by canals admirably contrived and difpofed for that purpofe. The circumjacent mountains were at the fame time clothed dwith plantations of coffee, which extended quiteto the Spanifh fettlements. THE population and ftate of agriculture in the Weftern Province were as follow : whitei inhabitants of all ages 12,798; negroes in a ftate of flavery 192,961; plantations of clayed fugar 135, of mufcovado 222. Plantations of coffee 894, of cotton 489, of (d) The free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negroes at about 8,000: but being comprehended in the general return for the whole diftriat, they are no where afcertained with precifion. Weftern Province were as follow : whitei inhabitants of all ages 12,798; negroes in a ftate of flavery 192,961; plantations of clayed fugar 135, of mufcovado 222. Plantations of coffee 894, of cotton 489, of (d) The free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negroes at about 8,000: but being comprehended in the general return for the whole diftriat, they are no where afcertained with precifion. --- Page 184 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ÇHAP. 489, of indigo 1,952, befides 343 fmaller fettleIX. ments. Y THÉ Southern Province, extending upwards of fixty leagues from Cape Tiburon, along the fouthern coaft of the ifland to L'Ance a Pitre, contained twelve parithes, and three chief towns, Les Cayes, Jeremie, and Jacmel; places of which I Thall hereafter have occafion to fpeak. It poffeffes no fafe harbours, and its roads are dangerous. The fhipping that load at Les Cayes take refuge, during the hurricane feafon, at La Baye des Flamands. THE population in this department was compofed of 6,037 whites, and 76,812 negro flaves. Its eftablifhments confifted of 38 plantations of white fugar, and IIO of mufcovado; 214 coffeeplantations, 234 of cotton, 765 of indigo, and 119 fmaller fettlements. THE quantity of land in cultivation throughout all the parifhes was 763.923 carreaux (e), equal to 2,289,480 Englith acres, of which about two-thirds were fituated in the mountains; and that the reader have a ftate of the agriculture at one view, I may Thall (e)The carreau of land in St. Doningo is 1OO paces fquare, of 31 French feet each; the fuperfices 122,500 feet. The Paris foot is divided into twelve inches, and each into twelve lines; wherefore, if we fuppofe each line to be divided into 310 parts, the Paris foot will be 1440 parts, the London 1350. Theie proportions were fettled by the Royal Academy of Sciences. The Jamaica acre contains 43.560 Englifh feet fuperficial mea-, fure; which being multiplied by 1,350, and the total divided by 1.440, gives 40,8372, or about one-third part of the carreau of St. Domingo. --- Page 185 --- S T. DOMINGO, Thall fubjoin a fummary of the preceding accounts, CHAP. from whence it will appear that the French colony IX. contained, the beginning of 1790, Y 431 plantations of clayed fugar, - of mufcovado. Total - 793 plantations of fugar, 3,117 of coffee, of cotton, S,160 - of indigo, - of cacao, or chocolate, 623 fmaller fettlements, chicfly for raifing grain, yams, and other vegetable food. Making 8,536 eftablifhments of all kinds throughout the colony. THE population in 1790, on a like fummary, appears to have been 30,831 whites of both fexes and all ages (exclufive of European troops and fea-faring peopie), and 434.429 negro flaves. In this account, however, the domeftick flaves, and negro mechanicks employed in the feveral towns, are not comprehended. They amounted to about 46,000, which made the number of negro flaves throughout the colony 480,000, OF the free people of colour, no very accurate account was obtained. Monf, Marbois, the intendant, reported them in 1787 at about 20,000. In 1790, the general opinion fixed them at 24,000. THE exterior appearance of the colony, as I have obferved In this account, however, the domeftick flaves, and negro mechanicks employed in the feveral towns, are not comprehended. They amounted to about 46,000, which made the number of negro flaves throughout the colony 480,000, OF the free people of colour, no very accurate account was obtained. Monf, Marbois, the intendant, reported them in 1787 at about 20,000. In 1790, the general opinion fixed them at 24,000. THE exterior appearance of the colony, as I have obferved --- Page 186 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. obfervedin another place, every where demonftrated IX. great and increafing profperity. Cultivation was V making rapid advances over the country. The towns abounded in warehoufes, which were filled with the richeft commodities and produétions of Europe, and the harbours were crouded with thipping. There were freighted in 1787, for Europe alone, 47% thips, containing 112,253 tons, and navigated by I1,220 feamen. Many of them were veffels of very large burthen; and the following is an accurate account, from the intendant's return, of the general exports, on an average of the years 1787, 1788, and 17895 viz, AVERAGE EXPORTS FROM THE FRENCH PART OF ST. DOMINGO, BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. Livres. Clayed fugar" - : lbs. 58,642,214- 41,049,549 Mufcovado fugar lbs. 86,549,829 : 34,619.931 Coffee lbs. 71,663,187 - 71,663.187 Cotton - lbs. 6,698,858 - 12,397-716 Indigo Hhds. - 951,607 - 8,564:463 Molaffes - - Hhds. - 23,061 - 2,767,320 An inferior fort of2 Hhds. - 2,600 - - 312,000 rum, called taffia Raw hides No 6,500 - - 52,000 Tan'd ditto No 7,900 - 118,500 The total value at the ports of thip-7 ping, in livres ofSt Domingo, was 3171544,666 fterling money of Great being equal t0f.4.956,780 articles were added, Britain; and if all the fmuggled together ,767,320 An inferior fort of2 Hhds. - 2,600 - - 312,000 rum, called taffia Raw hides No 6,500 - - 52,000 Tan'd ditto No 7,900 - 118,500 The total value at the ports of thip-7 ping, in livres ofSt Domingo, was 3171544,666 fterling money of Great being equal t0f.4.956,780 articles were added, Britain; and if all the fmuggled together --- Page 187 --- ST. DOMINGO. together with the value of mahogany and other CHAP. woods, the whole amount would probably exceed IX. five millions of pounds fterling * IF this fatement be compared by the rule of proportion with the exports from Jamaica, the re* fult will be confiderably in favour of St. Domingo, i. e. it will be found that the planters of Jamaica receive fmaller returns from the labours of their negroes, in proportion to their numbers, than the planters of St. Domingo have recéived from theirs. For thisdifference various caufes have been affigned, and advantages allowed, and qualities afcribed to the French planters, which I venture to pronounce, on full enquiry, had no exiftence. The true caufe arofe, undoubtedly, from the fuperior fertility of the foil, and the prodigious benefit which refulted to the French planters from the fyftem of watering their fugar-lands in extreme dry weather. This is an advantage which nature has denied to thelands in Jamaica, except in a very few places; but has freely beftowed on many parts of St. Domingo; and the planters there availed themfelves of it with the happieft fuccefs (). AND * Vide. Appendix, Table No. 2. from whence it will appear that the exports for 1791 greatly exceeded the average above given, both in quantitiesand valuc. () Having made diligent enquiry into the average produce of the French fugar-lands in St. Domingo while on the fpot, I venture to give the following eftimate, as nearly founded in truth as the fubject will admit. In the Nortn, the diftriets of Ouanaminthe, Maribaroux, and Qi artier Dauphin, generally yiclded from fixto feven thoufand Vor. III. L pounds that the exports for 1791 greatly exceeded the average above given, both in quantitiesand valuc. () Having made diligent enquiry into the average produce of the French fugar-lands in St. Domingo while on the fpot, I venture to give the following eftimate, as nearly founded in truth as the fubject will admit. In the Nortn, the diftriets of Ouanaminthe, Maribaroux, and Qi artier Dauphin, generally yiclded from fixto feven thoufand Vor. III. L pounds --- Page 188 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. AxD fuch, in the days ofits profperity, wasthe IX. French colony in the ifland of St. Doiningo. I have ) now prefented to my readers both fides of the medal. To GREAT BRITAIN, above all other nations of the earth,the facts which I haverelated mayfurnith an important kcffons and it 15 fuch a one as requires no comment ! pounds weight of mufcovado fngar for each carreau in canes 3 the average 1S 6,500 Jaquizi 7,000 Lin monade 9,000 Quartier Morin 6,000 Plaine du Nord, Limbé, Petite Anfe 5,000 33-500 Theaverage ofthe wholei is 6,7001 Ibs. each carreau.- This part of St. Domingo was not watered. In the Weft-St.Marc, L'Artibonite, and Gonaives, each carreau yielded 8,500 Vazes, Arcabayc, Boucaflin 10,CO0 Cul de Sac 9,0co Leogane 6,500 34,000 The average is 8,500 Ibs. the carreau.-All thefe difriéts were watered. Inthe South-the diftriats of Grand Goave, Le:- Cayes, Plaine du Fond, L'iflet, &c. which likewife were watered,yiclded 7i500 The generalaverage, on the whole, is 7,500 Ibs. from each carreau in canes; to which add 81 per cent. for the difference betwcen the Englit and French t eighes,thetetalis 8,137 Ibs. for every three acres Englif, or 2,712 lbs. peracre; being neariy two-thirds more than the gencral yielding of all the land in canes toroughout Jamaica. --- Page 189 --- ST. DOMINGO CHAP. X. Esijritiou-Oomtara to the Britifh Government GCcepled-Situation and Strength of the Republican Party in St. Domingo, and Difpefition ofthe Inhabhitmuts--Negro Stsueryabelpleddy theFrench Commifioveri-drmaust allolted for the Invafion of the coutry- -Surrenderof Teremie and the Mole at Cape St. Nidala-Uhgacedffad Attempt 012 Cape Tiburo-Farther Proceedings of the Britifh Army aniil the Arrival of General Whyte- - Capture of Portau Prince. Tas deftrudlion of the beautiful city of Cape CHAP. François, and the maflacre of moft of the white X. inhabitants, were the fad events which terminated ourhiflorical detail at theclofeof the cighth Chapter. It was obferved, however, that M. Galbaud and his partizans, among whom were comprehenden many refpeétable families, had fortunately embarked on the fhips in the harbour, juft before the revolted negroes entered the town. Happy to fly o from a country devoted to ruin, they direéted their courfe to the United States of NorthAmerica; ; and to the honour of the human charaéter (debafed as we have bebeld it in other fituations) they found there, what great numbers of their unhappy fellowcitizens had found before them, a refuge from the L2 reach and his partizans, among whom were comprehenden many refpeétable families, had fortunately embarked on the fhips in the harbour, juft before the revolted negroes entered the town. Happy to fly o from a country devoted to ruin, they direéted their courfe to the United States of NorthAmerica; ; and to the honour of the human charaéter (debafed as we have bebeld it in other fituations) they found there, what great numbers of their unhappy fellowcitizens had found before them, a refuge from the L2 reach --- Page 190 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. reach of perfecution, and an afylum from the prefa X. fure cf poverty. ENIGRATIONS from all parts of St. Domingo had indeed prevailed to a very great extent, ever fince the revolt of the negroesin the Northern province. Many of the planters had removed with their families to the neighbouring iflands: fome of them had taken refuge in Jamaica; and it was fuppofed that not lefs than ten thoufand had tranfported themfelves, at various times, to different parts of the continent of America. Moft of thefe were perfons of peaccable tempers, who fought only to procure the mere neceffaries of life in fafety and quiet. The principal among the planters, having other objects in view, had repaired to Great Britain. It is a circumftance within my own knowledge, that fo early as the latter end of 1791 (long before the commencement of hoftilities between France and England) many of them had made application to the King's minifters, requefling that an arniament might be fent to take poffefion ofthe country for the King of Great Britain, and reccive the allegianceof the inhabitants. ThgafBintolt-tamatisd with much greater confidence thantruth-) that all claffes of the whites withed to place themfelves under the Englifh dominion, and that, on the firft appearance of a Britifh fquadron, the colony would furrender without a fruggle. To thefe reprefentations no attention was at that time given; but at length, after the national affembly had thought proper to declare war againft Great Britain, the Englifh --- Page 191 --- ST. D O MINGO Englith miniftry began to liften, with fome degree CHAP. of complacency, to the overtures which were again X. made to them, to the fame effect, by the planters - Y ofSt. Domingo. In thefummer of 1793, aM.Charmilly (one of thofe planters) was furnifhed with difpatches from the fecretary of ftate to General Williamfon, the lieutenant-governor and commander in chiefofJamaica, fignifying the king's pleafure (with allowance ofgreat latitude however to the governor's difcretion) that he fhould accept terms of capitulation from the inhabitants of fuch parts of St. Domingo as folicited the protedtion of the Britifh government 5 and for that purpole the governor was authorized to detach, from the troops under his command in Jamaica, Guch a force as fhould be thought fufficient to take and retain poffeffion of all the places that might bc furrendered, until reinforcements hould arrive from England. M. Charmilly, having thus delivered the orders and inftructions with which he was entrufted, fent an agent without delay to feremie (a), a fmall port and town in the diftrict of Graid Ance, to which he belonged, to prepare the loyal inhabitants for a vifit from their new allies and proteétors the Englith. BUT, before we proceed to detail the operations which followed this determination ofthe Britifh Cabinct, it feems neceffary, as well for the fatisfaction of the reader, as in juftice tothe gallantryand good conduet of the officers and men who were afterwards (a) It is fituated juft within the Bight of Lengane. L3 fent in the diftrict of Graid Ance, to which he belonged, to prepare the loyal inhabitants for a vifit from their new allies and proteétors the Englith. BUT, before we proceed to detail the operations which followed this determination ofthe Britifh Cabinct, it feems neceffary, as well for the fatisfaction of the reader, as in juftice tothe gallantryand good conduet of the officers and men who were afterwards (a) It is fituated juft within the Bight of Lengane. L3 fent --- Page 192 --- 15o HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP: fent to St. Domingo, that fome account fhould be X. given of the difficulties which were - 1 J force that toarife, and the was to be encountered in this attempt to annex fogreat and valuable. a colony to the Britifh dominion. Iam well apprized that Iamhere treading on tenderground; ; but ifit (hall appear, asunhappily it will, that the perfons at whofe inftance and entreaty theprojeét was adopted, either meant to deceive, or werethemfelves groflydeceived,in the repreientations which they had made to the Englith government on this occafion, itis my province and my duty to place the failure which enfued to its proper account. The hiftorian who, in fuch cafes, from fear, favour, or affeétion, fupprefles the communication of fRts, is hardly leis culpable than the faétious or venal writer, who facrifices the interefts of truth and the dignity of hiflory, to the prejudices of party. THE republican commiffioners, as the readerhas becn informed, had brought with them from France fixthouland chofen troops; 5 which, added to the national force already in the colony, and the militiaofthe country, conflituted a body of fourteen or filteen thoufand efeétive men; to whom were joined a motley but delperate band of all complexiors and delcriptions, chiefly flaves which had deferted from their owners,and. negroes colleéted from the jails. All thefe, amounting in the whole to about twenty-two thoufand effcétives, werel brought into fome degree of order and difcipline; were weil armed, and, what is of infinite importance, were, i0 --- Page 193 --- ST. DOMINGO in a confiderable degree, inured to the climate *. CHAP. Being neceffarily difperfed, however, in detachments X. throughout the different provinces, they were be- ) come on that account lefs formidable to an invading enemy. Aware of this circumftance, the commiffioners, on the firft intimation of an attack from the Englith, reforted to the moft delperate expedient to ftrengthen their party, that imagination can conceive. They declared by proclamation all manner of flavery abolifhed, and pronounced the negro flaves to be from thenceforward a free people, on condition of reforting to their ftandard. From this moment it might have been forefeen that the colony was loft to Europe; for though but few of the negroes, in proportion to the whole, joined the commiflioners, many thoufands' choofing to continue flaves as they were, and participate in the fortunes of their mafters, yet vaft numbers in all parts of the colony (apprehenfive probably * The following detail was given me by a member of the COlonial affembly. 6 Troops in St. Domingo onthe arrival of Santhonax and Peluerel, viz." Troopsof thel line which arrived with the commiffioners 6,000 Thei regiment of Cage François - The regiments of Artois and Normandy - 1,000 Stipendary troops enlifted and paid for by the colony - 1,200 The colonial militia, including free people of colour 7,000 15:900 Black companies raifed by the authority of the commiflioners 6,000 Total - - - 21,900 L4 Domingo onthe arrival of Santhonax and Peluerel, viz." Troopsof thel line which arrived with the commiffioners 6,000 Thei regiment of Cage François - The regiments of Artois and Normandy - 1,000 Stipendary troops enlifted and paid for by the colony - 1,200 The colonial militia, including free people of colour 7,000 15:900 Black companies raifed by the authority of the commiflioners 6,000 Total - - - 21,900 L4 --- Page 194 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. probably that this offer of liberty was too great a X. favour to be permanent) availed themfelves ofit to fecure a retreat to the mountains, and poffefs themfelves of the natural faftneffes which the interior country affords. Succeffive bodics have fince joined them, and have eftablifhed themfelves, in thofe receffes, into a fort of favage republick, like that of the black Charaibes of St. Vincent, where they fubfift on the Ipontaneous fruits of the earth, and the wild cattle which they procure by hunting; prudently declining offenfive war, and trufting their fafetyto the rocky fortreffes which nature has raifed around them, and from which, in my opinion,it will be no eafy undertaking to diflodge them (b). OF the revolted negroes in the Northern province, many (b) The proclamation: alluded to, was ifued at Port au Prince the latter end of Auguft, and was figned by Polverelalone, Santhonax bcing at that time in the Northern province. It begins by declaring, that neither himfelf nor Santhonax are recalled or difgraced. That, in order to encourage the negro flaves to affift in oppoling the meditated invafon of the Englifh, all manner of flavery is abolifhed; and the negroes are thenceforward to confider themfeives as free citizens. It then expatiates upon the neceffity oflabour, and tells the negroes that they muft engage to work as ufual, from year to year; but that they are at liberty to make choice of their refpective mafters. That one-third of the crop thall be appropriated annuallyto the purchafe of clothing and provifions fortheir maintenance; and thatin the month of September in each year they are at liberty to make a new choice, or to confirm that of the preceding year. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chtef provilions of tbis ceiebrated proclamation, wbich I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered to make what other regulations he night refpective mafters. That one-third of the crop thall be appropriated annuallyto the purchafe of clothing and provifions fortheir maintenance; and thatin the month of September in each year they are at liberty to make a new choice, or to confirm that of the preceding year. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chtef provilions of tbis ceiebrated proclamation, wbich I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered to make what other regulations he night --- Page 195 --- ST. D OMINGO. many had perithed of difcafe and faminc; but a CHAP. delperate band, amounting as it was fuppofed to X. upwards of 40,000, inured to war, and praétifed in L devaftation and murder, ftill continued in arms. o Thefe were ready to pour down, as occafion might offer, on all nations alike; and inftead of joining the Englith on their landing, would rejoice to facrifice both the viétors and the vanquifhed, the invaders and the invaded, in one common deftruction. CONCERNING the white proprietors, on whom alone our dependance was placed, a large proportion, as we have feen, perhaps more than nine-tenths oftbe whole, bad quitted the country. Of thofe that remained, fome there were, undoubtedly, who fincerely wifhed for the reftoration of order, and the bleffings of regular government; but the greater part were perfons of a different charaéter: they were delperate adventurers who had nothing to lofe, and every thing to gain, by confufion and anarchy : not a few of them had obtained poffeffion of the effeéts and eftates of abfent proprietors. From people of this ftamp, the moft determined oppofition was neceffarily to be expeéled ; and unfortunately, among thofe of better principle, I am afraid but a very fimnall numnber were cordially attached to the Englith. The majority feem to have had nothing in view but to obtain by any means the mnight think proper for the Northern province. The whole appears to have been a matchlefs piece of abfurdity; betraying a lamentable degree of ignorance concerning the manners and difpofitions of the negroes, and totaily impracticable in itfelf. ition was neceffarily to be expeéled ; and unfortunately, among thofe of better principle, I am afraid but a very fimnall numnber were cordially attached to the Englith. The majority feem to have had nothing in view but to obtain by any means the mnight think proper for the Northern province. The whole appears to have been a matchlefs piece of abfurdity; betraying a lamentable degree of ignorance concerning the manners and difpofitions of the negroes, and totaily impracticable in itfelf. --- Page 196 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY or CHAP. the reftoration oftheir eftates and poffeffions. Many X. of them, under their ancient government, had be1 longed to the lower order of moblefè, and being tenacious oftitles and honours, in proportion as their pretenfions to real diftinétion were difputable; they dreaded the introduétion of a fyftem of laws and government, which would reduce them to the general level of the community. Thus, as their motives were felfith, and their attachment fecble, their exertionsin the common caufe were not likelytot be very ftrenuous or efficacious. Ido not find that the number ofFrench in arms, whojoined us at any one period (I mean of white inhabitants) ever exceeded two thoufand. Itwere unjuft, however, not to obferve, that among them were fome difinguifhed individuals, whofe fidelity was above fufpicion, and whofe fervices were highly important (c). FROM this recapitulation it is evident, that the invafion (c) Afw men of colour alfo difinguifhed themfelves in the comn on caufe; wix. Monfieur Le Point, Lieutenant-colonel of the St. Marc'slegion, who, with about 300 Mulatjoes under his command.kept the parifh of L'Archaye in complete fubjection fora ceniderable tinie. 2. Beueqrct, Major of the Milice Reyal: of Verettes, a perfon much attached to the Englith. 3. Charles Sacory, who commanded a very important poft in the plain of Arribonite, upon the river D'Efterre. Great confidence was placedinthicman by Colonel Brifbane, and it was never abufed. All thefe men were well educated, and nourifhed deep refentment againft the French planters, on account of the indignities wlich the clafs of coloured people had received from then. At Cape Tiburon, three or four hundred blacks were embodied vey-aab.maderal black general named fean Kina, who ferved wlland.fncifailly, commanded a very important poft in the plain of Arribonite, upon the river D'Efterre. Great confidence was placedinthicman by Colonel Brifbane, and it was never abufed. All thefe men were well educated, and nourifhed deep refentment againft the French planters, on account of the indignities wlich the clafs of coloured people had received from then. At Cape Tiburon, three or four hundred blacks were embodied vey-aab.maderal black general named fean Kina, who ferved wlland.fncifailly, --- Page 197 --- S T. DOMINGO invafion of St. Domingo was an enterprize of greater GIAP. magnitude and difhculty than the Britifh governX. ment feem tohave imagined. Confidering the ex- 1 tent and natural ftrength of the country, it may well be doubted, whether all the force which Great Britain could have fpared, would have been fufficient to reduce it to fubjection, and reftore it at the fame time to fuch a degree of order and fubordination, as to make it a colony worth holding. The truth feems to have been, that General Williamfon, to whom, as hath been obferved, the direétion and dittribution of the armament was entrufted, and whofe active zeal in the fervice of his country was eminently conipicuous, was deceived, equaliy with the King's minifters, by the favourable accounts and exaggerated reprelentations of fanguine and interefted individuals, concerning the difpofition of their countrymen, the white planters remaining in St. Domingo. Inftcad of the few hundreds of them which afterwards reforted to the Britifh ftandard, the Governor bad reafon to expeét the fupport and co-operation of at leait as many thoufands. In this fatal confidence, the armament allotted for this important expedition was compofed of only the 13th regiment of foot, feven companies of the 49th, and a detachment of artillery, altogether amounting to about eight hundred and feventy, rank and file, fit for duty. Such was the force that was to annex to the crown of Great Britain, a country nearly equalin extent, and in natural frength infinitely fuperior, to Great Britain itfelf! Speedy --- Page 198 --- :56 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. Speedy and effeétual reinforcements from X. were, however, promifed, as well England to replace the troops which were removed from Jamaica, as to aid the operations inSt. Domingo. IN the meantime, the firft divifion, confifting of fix hundred and feventy-feven rank and filc, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Whitelocke, failed from Port-Royal the 9th of September, and arrived at Jeremie on the 19th of the fame month. They were efcorted by Commodore Ford, in the Europa, accompanied by four or five frigates. As, the propofitions, or terms . had been previoufly adjufted of capitulation, between the people of Jeremie, by their agent Mr. Charmilly, and General Williamfon, it only remained for the Briti(h forces to take poffeffion of the town and harbour. Accordingly, the troops difembarked early the next morning; the Britith colours were hoifted at both the forts, with royal falutes from each, which were aniwered by the Commodore and his fquadron, and the oaths of fidelityand: allegiance were taken by the refident inhabitants, with an appearance of great zeal and alacrity. Ar the fame time information was received, that the garrifon at the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, were inclined to furrender that important fortrefs in like manner. As thiswasa circumftance not to be neglected, the Commodore immediately direéted his courfe thither, and, on the 22d, took poffefiion of the fortrefs and harbour, and received the allegiance of the officers and privates. The grenadier comranyofthe 13th regiment, was forthwith difpatched from alacrity. Ar the fame time information was received, that the garrifon at the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, were inclined to furrender that important fortrefs in like manner. As thiswasa circumftance not to be neglected, the Commodore immediately direéted his courfe thither, and, on the 22d, took poffefiion of the fortrefs and harbour, and received the allegiance of the officers and privates. The grenadier comranyofthe 13th regiment, was forthwith difpatched from --- Page 199 --- S T. DOMING 0. tromJeremie to take the command of the garrifon; CHAP. which was foon afterwards ftrengthened by thearriX. val of the fecond divifion of the armament ordercl Y from Jamaica, confilting of five companies of forty men each. THE voluntary furrender of thefe places raifed expeétations in the people of England, that thewhole of the French colony in St. Domingo would fubmit without oppofition; but the advantages hitherto obtained, feem to have been greatly overvalued. The town ofJeremieis a place of no importance.- It contains about one hundred very mean houles, and the country in the vicinage is not remarkably fertile; producing nothing of any account but coffee. At the Mole of Cape St. Nichoias, the country is even lefs produétive than in the neighbourhood of Jeremie; but the harbour is one of the fineft in the new world, and the fortifications vie with the frongeft in the Welt Indies. Unfortunately, from the clevation of the furrounding heights, the place is npt tenable againft a powerful attack by Jand. Thegarrifon confifled only ofthcregiment of Dillon, which was reduced by ficknefs or defertion to about one hundred and fifty men. The town itfelf, was in the higheft degreehoftile: moft oftheinhabitants, capable of bearing arms, left the place on the arrival of the Englifh, and joined the republican army. ZEALOUS, however, to promote the glory of the Britith name, Colonel Whitelocke determined that his little army fhould not continue inactive at Jeremie. Itwas reprefented to him, that the acquifition of the neighbouring po.t of Tiburon would prove of --- Page 200 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. of the utmoft importance towards the fecurity of X. Grand-Ance, and a M. Duvai pledging bimfelf to ) raife ivehundred men to co-operate in its reduction, an expedition was undertaken for that purpofe, and Colonel Whitelocke, with moft of the Britifn force from Jeremie, arrived in Tiburon Bay on the 1793- 4th of Oétober. BUr, On this occafion, as on almoft every other, the Englith had a melancholy proof how little dependance can be placed on Frecch declarations and affurances. Duval never made his appearance, for he was not able to colleét more than fifty whites; the enemy's force was found to be far more formidable than had been reprefented, and the gallantry of our troops proved unavailing againft fuperiority of numbers. They were compelled to retreat, with the lofs of about twenty men kiiled and wounded*, THE defeat and difcouragement fuftained in this attack were the more grievoufly felt, as ficknefs foon afterwards began to prevail to a great extent in the army. The feafon of the year was unfayourable in the higheft degree for military operations in a tropical climate. The rains were inceflant ; and the conflant and unufua! fatigue, and extraordinary duty to which the foidiers, from the fmallncts of their number, were neceffarily fubject, CO+ eperating with the ftate of the weatber, produced the moft fatal confequences. That never-failing attendant on military expeditions in the Wefl Indies, *This Duval being afterwards fufpeBed of cerrefponding with the enemy, was ordered to quit the: iand, nd he went to America, tropical climate. The rains were inceflant ; and the conflant and unufua! fatigue, and extraordinary duty to which the foidiers, from the fmallncts of their number, were neceffarily fubject, CO+ eperating with the ftate of the weatber, produced the moft fatal confequences. That never-failing attendant on military expeditions in the Wefl Indies, *This Duval being afterwards fufpeBed of cerrefponding with the enemy, was ordered to quit the: iand, nd he went to America, --- Page 201 --- ST. DOMINGO tlies, the yellow or pefilential fever, raged with CEAP. dreadful virulence, and fo many, both of the feaX. menand foldiers, perithed daily, that the furvivors 1 were ftricken with aftoni(hment and horror at beholding the havock made among their comrades! GENERAL WILLIAMSON, with his ufual humanity, exerted himfelf to give them all the relief in bis power. Unhappilyhe had no alternative but either to withdraw the troops altogether from St. Domingo, leaving our allies and new fubjedts, the French planters who had fivorn allegiance to our government, to the mercy of their enemies, or to fend, from an already exhaufted army, a fmall reinforcement of men, to perifh probably in the fame manner as thofe had done whofe numbers they were fcarcely fufficient to replace. THE latter meafure was adopted: in truth, the circumfances of the cafe admitted of no other. The remainder of the 49th regiment, the 2oth, and the royals, amounting altogether to feven or cight hundred men, were therefore difpatched with all poffible expedition; and the fafety of Jamaica was at length entrufted to lefs than four hundred regulnr troops. THE fudden appearance in St. Domingo of a reinforcement, though fimall in itfelf, produccd however a confiderable effect among the French planters, byinducing a belief that the Britifh government was now ferioufly refolved to follow up the blow. In the beginning of December, the parifhes of Jean Rabel, St. Marc, Arcahaye, and Boucallin, furrenderedon the fame conditions as had been --- Page 202 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. been granted to Jeremic; and their example was X. foon afterwards followed bythe inhabitants of Leogane. All the former parifhes are fituated on the north fide of the Bight: Leogane on, the fouth. THE Britifh commandersnow direéted their views once more towards the capture of Tiburon. The defeat which our troops had fuftained in the late attack of that important poft, ferved only to animate them to greater exertions; but a confiderable time unavoidably elapfed before the expedition took place; the interval being employed in' "fecuring the places which had furrendered. On the 2ift of Ja1794 nuary, however, the Commodore touched at Jeremie with the fquadron, and received the troops on board ; and the whole arrived off Cape Tiburon on the evening of the firft of February. THE enemy appeared in confiderable force, and feemed to wait the arrival of the Britifh with great refolution; but a few broadfides from the Thips foon cleared the beach. They came forward however again, as the flank companies approached the fhore, and direéted a general difcharge of mufquetry at the boats; but our troops landed and formed in an inftant, routed their line with great flaughter, and immediatelytook poffeflion of the poft. The gallantry of Major Spencer who commanded, and of the officers and men who compofed, the flank companies, was particularly conipicuous. It feems, indecd, to have been a fpirited and well conduéted enterprize throughout; and it was happily effeéted with the lofs of only three of the Englith killed, and feven wounded. Of the enemy, one hundred and fifty our troops landed and formed in an inftant, routed their line with great flaughter, and immediatelytook poffeflion of the poft. The gallantry of Major Spencer who commanded, and of the officers and men who compofed, the flank companies, was particularly conipicuous. It feems, indecd, to have been a fpirited and well conduéted enterprize throughout; and it was happily effeéted with the lofs of only three of the Englith killed, and feven wounded. Of the enemy, one hundred and fifty --- Page 203 --- ST. DOMINGO fifty furrendered prifoners of war; and their maga- CHAP, zines were found replete with ammunition *, X. By the poffeftion of this polt on the fouth, and 1 that ofthe Mole at Cape St. Nicholas on the northweftern part of the ifland, the Britifh fquadron commanded the navigation of the windward paffage, and the whole of that extenfive bay which forms the Bight of Leogane, and the capture of the forts, fhipping, and town of Port au Prince (the metropolis * I have fince been informed by an officer of rank, who took a diftinguified part in this enterprize, that the real number of Britifh killed and wounded was twenty-five. This gentleman was himfelf among the wounded, The generous gallantry of a common fajlor, named Allen, belonging to the Penelope, deferves to be recorded f this place. Inftead of returning to his fhip with the boats, according to orders, after the troops were landed, the failorjumped on fhore, and feizing the firelock of a wounded foldier, fvore that he too would have a dat at the Brigands. But it was neceilary the troops fhould follow up their fuccefs, and it being found impoffible to take all the wounded men along with them, many of thofe would have been left on the beach, in a dark night, liable to be maflacred by a favage enemy; which honeft Jack perceiving, he declared it was a more pleafing tail to fave the lives of thefe poor fuffering men, than to kill half a fcore rebels. He therefore plunged into the water, the boats having pulhed off, and by hard fwimming reached the Hound Sloor, laying near a mile from the fhore, and from her was fent to his own thip. Captain Rowley being byt this means informed of the fituation of the wounded men, manned his barge, and brought them all off bimfelf; and with a very commendable attention towards fuch ofthem as died in the removal, ordered the lieutenant to read the funeral fervice over them, bythe light of a lanthorn, before their bodies were committed to the deep. Allen, the failor, was reprimanded for bis breach of difcipline, but rewarded with fve pounds for his humanity. Vor. III. M his own thip. Captain Rowley being byt this means informed of the fituation of the wounded men, manned his barge, and brought them all off bimfelf; and with a very commendable attention towards fuch ofthem as died in the removal, ordered the lieutenant to read the funeral fervice over them, bythe light of a lanthorn, before their bodies were committed to the deep. Allen, the failor, was reprimanded for bis breach of difcipline, but rewarded with fve pounds for his humanity. Vor. III. M --- Page 204 --- WISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. metropolis oft the French colony) feemed more thar X. probabic, on the arrival of a large armament now 1 daily expeéted, with much anxiety, from England. 1794IN the meanwhile, it was determined (nosv that the feafon was favourable) in order that the troops might not continue inactive, as well as to facilitate the meditated reduétion of Port au Prince, to attack L'Acul, an important fortrefs in the vicinity of Leogane. Accordingly, on the Igth of February, the flank companies, a detachment of the royal artillery, and of the i3th regiment, with fome colonial troops, having two five half-inch howitzers and two four-pounders, marched from thence under the command of Colonel Whitelocke, at four in the morning. Baron de Montalembert, with about two hundred colonial troops, and a few of the Britilh artillery, were previonfly embarked on tranfports, and ordered to land and attack the fort at an hour appointed. Captain Vincent, with the light infantry of the 49th, and about cighty of the colonial troops, took a mountain road, while Cclonel Whitelocke moved forward on the great road, and took poft juft out of cannon fhot, waiting the united attacks of the Baron and Captain Vincentis detachments. The enemyb began to cannonade about feven o'clock, and continued it with intervals till eleven, when Colonel Whitelocke ordered Captain Smith, with the howitzers and cannon, to advance and fire upon the fort, fapported by the light infantry of the royals and I3th regiments, under the command of Major Spencer, in order to give time for tle Baron's people to land. Unfortunately, from --- Page 205 --- ST. DOMINGO from the mifimanagement of onc of the tranfports, CHAP. the troops under the orders of the Baron de MonX. talembert could not be landed. Colonel WhiteL locke, therefore, finding he had nothing to expeét from them, the day being confiderably advanced, now came to the determination of attacking the fort by ftorm; and detached Major Spencer, with the grenadiers of the 49th regiment, and the light infantry of the 13th, to join Captain Vincent, and approach the fort by the mountain road, while he himfelf marched by the great road for the fame purpofe. At five o'clock, the two columns moved forward, and the moment the enemy difcovered the march of Colonel Whitelocke's divifion, they commenced a very heavy fire of cannon and mufquetry. Orders were immediatcly given for the column to advance and gain the fort, which orders were gallantly and rapidly executed. At this inftant, Liutenant M Kerras of the enginecrs, and Captain Hutchinfon n'of the royals, were both wounded;: but they continued their exertions, notwithflanding, till the fort was in quict poffefion of the viétors. Our lofs was not great; but Captain Morfhead (who had before reccived a fhot in the body, when gallantly mounting the hill) with Licutenant Tinlin oft the 2oth grenadiers, Licutenant Caulfield of the 62d regiment, and fome privates, were unfortunately blown up by an explofion after the fort was taken; for the officer who commanded, finding he could no longer defend it, placed a quentity of powder and other combuftibles in one of the buildings, which M 2 was viétors. Our lofs was not great; but Captain Morfhead (who had before reccived a fhot in the body, when gallantly mounting the hill) with Licutenant Tinlin oft the 2oth grenadiers, Licutenant Caulfield of the 62d regiment, and fome privates, were unfortunately blown up by an explofion after the fort was taken; for the officer who commanded, finding he could no longer defend it, placed a quentity of powder and other combuftibles in one of the buildings, which M 2 was --- Page 206 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. was fired by an unfortunate brigand, who perifhed X. in the explofion. Captain Morfhead died the next ( day, and was interred with military honours, attended by the Britith garrifon; Lieutenant Caulfield lingered fome time longer, and then followed him to the grave; but Lieutenant Finlin recovered*. THE next enterprize of our gallant little army had a lels favourable termination. It was direétedt againft a ftrong poft and fettlement at a place called Bomparil, about eight miles from Cape St. Nicholas, where a hardy racc of people, chiefly a COlony of Germans, had eftablithed themfelves, and lived in unambitious poverty. A detachment of two hundred men, from the different corps, were ordered, on this fervice, in two divifions, one of which was commanded by Major Spencer, the brave and aétive officer already mentioned, the other by Lientenant-Colonel, Markham. Of their proceedings during the attack, and their retreat afterwards, Ehave not been furnithed with the particulars. All that is known to the pablick with certainty is, that our troops were repulled by fuperior numbers, with the lois of forty men, but without any diminution of the national charaéter. It was allowed, even # Iami indebted to the gentieman who favoured me with tic information conveyedin the note to P. 161. for the following corredtions.and. obfervations on the account, which I have given above, of the attack of Acxl. 4 Our lofs, that day (the rgth s February) was thirty-four killedand wounded, amongft whom 44 were fix Englith ofticers, and ten Frenchmen. Lieutenant 66 Lord. Aylmer was wounded in the thigh, while advancing in 4, Major Spencer's divifion to the attack," --- Page 207 --- ST. DOMINGO even by the enemy, that they fought bravely. CIAP. They were defeated, not difmayed, by circumX. ftances which probably they did not forefee, and LY againft which human prudence could not pro- 1794vide. TRIS afiliding lofs was but ill compenfated, by the very diftinguifhed honour which was foon afterwards acquired by the few Britifh troops that had been left in poffeffion of Cape Tiburon, under the command of Captain Harlyman, of the 13th regiment, who werc-attacked on the 16th of April, by an army of brigands, amounting to upwards of two thoufand. The enemy's force was led on by Andrew Rigaud, a man of colour, who commanded at Les Cayes, and was compofed of revolted negroes, and defperadoes of all defcriptions, rapacious after plunder, and thirfting for blood. This favage horde farroundedthe fort about three o'clock in the morning, It was defended with much fpirit until a quarter before nine, when the befieged, quitting the fort, affailed the affailants, and routed the befiegers with great flaughter, one hundred and feventy of their numberbeing left dead on thc field; but when it was difcovered that no lefs than twenty-cight of our gallant foldiers had loft their lives, and that one hundred and nine others were feverely wounded in this bloody conteft, the fhouts of triumph were fuppreffed by gloomy reflections on the forlorn condition of the army, it being mournfully evident that a few more fuch victories would annibilate the viétors! THE defence of Fort L'Acul, carly in the fame M3 month, feventy of their numberbeing left dead on thc field; but when it was difcovered that no lefs than twenty-cight of our gallant foldiers had loft their lives, and that one hundred and nine others were feverely wounded in this bloody conteft, the fhouts of triumph were fuppreffed by gloomy reflections on the forlorn condition of the army, it being mournfully evident that a few more fuch victories would annibilate the viétors! THE defence of Fort L'Acul, carly in the fame M3 month, --- Page 208 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF month, is alfo deferving particular notice. CapCHAP. tain Napier had the command; ; and he was ably - X. fupported by Lieutenant Bambridge, of the artillery, and Lieutenant M'Kellan, of the royals. The Jatter was ftationed in the adjoining block-houfe. THE enemy, on this occafion, conduéted their operations with fuch fecrecy and concert, that it e was fuppofed they muft have lain concealed, a confiderable part of the night, in the ditch; as the firft notice the garrifon had of their approach, was from a loud yell which they uttered in endeavour-* ing to enter the embrafures. THE firing of our morning gun was their fignal of attack; but they feem not to have been apprized that previous thereto, by a full hour, it was the conftant praétice of the Briti(h officers tohave their men at the out-pofts under arms. BEING twice repulfed from the fort and blockhoufe, the enemy rallied, and made a third attempt ; an inftance of perfevering bravery unobferved until that time in their warfare. They were, however, finally driven off; and were afterwards purfued with great flaughter by a party of French royalifts, underthe command of the Baron de Montalembert, who had juft arrived from Leogane. THE whole of the Britifh force at this time in all parts of St. Domingo, did not, I believe, amount to nine hundred effeétive men, a number by no means fufficient to garrifon the placesin ourpoffeffion; and the rapid diminution which prevailed among them, could not fail to attraét obfervation among all claffes of the French inhabitants; 5 to difpirit --- Page 209 --- ST. DOMINGO difpirit our allies, and encourage our encmics. CHAP. Such of the planters as had hitherto ftood aloof, X. now began to declare themfelves hoftile; and de- 1 fertions were frequent from moft of the parifhes that had furrendered. At Jean Rabell, a place which, a few months before, had voluntarily declared for the Britith government, the garrifon, confifting of two hundred and fiftyof our fuppefed allies, rofe on their officers, and compelled them to deliverup the poft to Lavaux, the French general, and it was greatly apprehended that, unlefs a very powerful reinforcement fhould fpeedily arrive to ftrengthen the Britifh army, many othcr places would follow their éxample. EIGHT months had now elapfed fince the furrender of Jeremic, and in all that interval, not a foldier had arrived from Great Britain; and the want of camp cquipage, provifions, and neceffarie, was grievoufly felt. The army feemed devotcd ) inevitable deftruétion, and dilappointment and difmay were ftrongly marked in the countenance of every man. At length, however, on the I9th of May1794 May, when expectation was nearly loft in defpair, it was announced that his Majefty's Mhips the Belliqueux and the Irrefiftible, with the Fly floop, had caft anchor in the harbour of Cape St. Nicholas, having a fleet of tranfports under their convoy, with the battalion companies on board of the 22d, 23d, and 41ft regiments of infantry, under the command of Brigadier General Whyte. This event, as may well be imagined, afforded infinite reitef and fatisfaction to the harafled and worn-out troops M. 4 on loft in defpair, it was announced that his Majefty's Mhips the Belliqueux and the Irrefiftible, with the Fly floop, had caft anchor in the harbour of Cape St. Nicholas, having a fleet of tranfports under their convoy, with the battalion companies on board of the 22d, 23d, and 41ft regiments of infantry, under the command of Brigadier General Whyte. This event, as may well be imagined, afforded infinite reitef and fatisfaction to the harafled and worn-out troops M. 4 on --- Page 210 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. on Chore; and their animation on this occafion wag X. heightened by the confident - hope and expeétation that Port au Prince would be the objeét of an immediate attack. It was known that its harbour was crowded with fhips, moft of which were fuppofed to be laden with the richeft produétions of the colony; and although the regiments newly arrived did not exceed fixteen hundred men in the whole (of whom two hundred and fifty were fick and convalefcent) the deficiency of numbers was no longer the fubjeét of complaint. Every one anticipated to himfelf the poffeffion of great wealth from the capture; 3 and juftly concluded that his fhare of the prize money would augment or diminith inan inverfe proportion to the number of captors. THE belief that Port au Prince would be the firft object of attack, w2s well founded; and the road of Arcahaye was fixed on as a place of rendezvous for the men of war and tranfports. Accordingly, General Whyte, having landed his fick at Cape St. Nicholas, and taken one hundred and fifty ofthegarrifon in theirroom, proceeded on thezgdto the place appointed, to concert meafures with Commodore Ford, and receive on board fuch of the COlonial troops as were to co-operate with the Britifh in this enterprize. On the 3oth the fquadron failed from Arcahaye, and caft anchor off Port au Prince on the evening of the fame day. It was compoled of four thips of the line, the Europa, the Belliqucux, the Irrefiftible, and the Sceptre, three frigates, and four or five fmaller veffels; the whole under the immediate command of Commedore * Ford; --- Page 211 --- ST. DOMINGO 16g Ford; and the land forces, under the orders of Ge- CHAP. neral Whyte, confifted of 1,465 rank and file fit X. for duty. THE whole force being thus colleéted, and the neceffary preparations made, a flag was fent, early the next morning, to demand the furrender of the place; but the officer charged with the difpatch, was informed that no flag would be admitted, and the letter was returned unopened. It was now determined to commence operations by the cannonade of Fort Bizotton, a fortrefs fituated on a commanding eminence, well adapted to guard the approach to the harbour, and defended by five hundred men, eight pieces of heavy cannon, and two mortars. Two line of battle thips were ordered to attack the fea-front, and a frigate was ftationed clofe to the fhore, to flank a ravine to the eaftward. From thefe veffels a brifk and well-direéted fire was maintained for feveral hours; but no great impreffion appearing to be made, Major Spencer, with threehundred Britifh, and about fivehundred ofthe çolonial troops, was put on fhore in the evening, within: a mile of the fort, with orders to commence an attack on the fide towards the land. On their arrival at a fmall diftance from the fcene of action, about eight o'clock at night, a moft tremendous thunder-ftorm arofe, accompanied with a deluge of rain, of which, as it overpowered the found of their approach, the advanced guard, commanded by Captain Daniel, oft the 41ft, determined to take advantage. Thefe brave men, fixty only in number, accordingly rufhed forward, and finding a breach a mile of the fort, with orders to commence an attack on the fide towards the land. On their arrival at a fmall diftance from the fcene of action, about eight o'clock at night, a moft tremendous thunder-ftorm arofe, accompanied with a deluge of rain, of which, as it overpowered the found of their approach, the advanced guard, commanded by Captain Daniel, oft the 41ft, determined to take advantage. Thefe brave men, fixty only in number, accordingly rufhed forward, and finding a breach --- Page 212 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, breach in the walls, entered with fixed bayonets, X. and became inftantly mafters of the fortrefs; the - befieged every where throwing down their arms, and calling for mercy. So rapid were the movements of this gallant band, and fo unexpeéted was their fuccefs, that Major Spencer, the commander, had his fears for the fafety of the whole party, of whofe fituation he was unapprized for fome hours. I grieve to add, that Captain Daniel, who fo gallantly led the advanced guard on this occafion, received a fevere wound in the attack, while his brave affociate, Captain Wallace, the fecond in command, was moft unfortunately killed on the glacis. THE poffeffion of Fort Bizotton determined the fate of the capital, which was evacuated by the enemy on the 4th of June; and the Britifh commanders were fo fortunate as to preferve, not only the town itfelf, but alfo the thipping in the harbour, from conflagration, although the republican commiffioners had given orders and made preparations for fetting fire to both. The commiffioners themielves, with many of their adherents, among whom was the Mulatto Montbrun, commandant of their troops, made their efcape over the mountains to Jacmel, carrying with them, it is faid, money and effects to a great amount. THUS was achieved the conqueft of Port au Prince; ân event which has proved not lefs profitable than honourable to fuch of the officers and foldiers by whom it was effected, as have lived to enjoy the fruits of their viétory; for there were captured both. The commiffioners themielves, with many of their adherents, among whom was the Mulatto Montbrun, commandant of their troops, made their efcape over the mountains to Jacmel, carrying with them, it is faid, money and effects to a great amount. THUS was achieved the conqueft of Port au Prince; ân event which has proved not lefs profitable than honourable to fuch of the officers and foldiers by whom it was effected, as have lived to enjoy the fruits of their viétory; for there were captured --- Page 213 --- S T. DO M INGO. tured in'the harbour, two-and-twenty top-fail vef- CHAP. fels, fully laden with fugar, indigo, and coffee, of X. which thirteen were from three to five hundred - 1 tons burthen, and the remaining nine, from one hundred and fifty to three hundred tons; befides feven thoufand tons of fhipping in ballaft; the value of all which, at a moderate computation, could not be far Ahort of 6.400,080 fterling *, * Three days after the furrender of Port au Prince, the enemy made a fecond attempt on the Britifh poft at Tiburon; at that time under the command of Captain (now Lieutenant Colonel) Bradfhaw. This attack took place on the 7th of June; but the affailants were prevented bringing their artillery to bear on the fort, bya heavy and well-direéted fire from the Succefs Frigate, (Captain Roberts,) ftationed off the point, clofe to which the cannon muft have been conveyed; about midnight, therefore the enemy, from the covert of an adjoining wood, began a general difcharge of fmall arms, and continued to fire very vigoroufly for feveral hours, but with little execution; the fort having been made proof againft mufquetry. During this attack, as the great guns of the fort could not be pointed towards the enemy with any certainty of effeét, Captain Bradfhaw direéted his men to remain quiet. Bythis judicious conduét the enemy were conpletely deceived; for interpreting the filence and inaétivity of the garrifon to proceed from the effeêts ofterror and the lofs of men, they were encouraged, about fix in the morning, to attempt, in full force, to ftorm. The confequences were fatal to them : Captain Bradfhaw allowed them to approach within a fmall diftance of the walls, when he opened fo tremendous a fire, both from artillery and fmall arms, as inftantly Iaid nearly one half of their number breathlefs, and compelled the remainder to retreat in the utmoit confufion. A fortie being, at the fame time, made from the garrifon, a great many were killed in the purfuit, and their difcomfiture was decifive. G The circumflances here related were unfortunately omitted in the firft edition of the Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, tance of the walls, when he opened fo tremendous a fire, both from artillery and fmall arms, as inftantly Iaid nearly one half of their number breathlefs, and compelled the remainder to retreat in the utmoit confufion. A fortie being, at the fame time, made from the garrifon, a great many were killed in the purfuit, and their difcomfiture was decifive. G The circumflances here related were unfortunately omitted in the firft edition of the Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, --- Page 214 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP XI. Sicknefs among the Troops, and the caufes thereof.- Reinforcement. - Dreadful Mortality. General Whyte is Jucceeded hy Brigadier General Horneck.- Leogane taken by thewRebels. - Temporary Succefes of Lieutenant - Colone! Brifbane at Artibonite-Revolt ofthe Mulattoes at St. Marc-Attack of Fort Bieaita-Prepuratiou by Rigaud for another Attempt On Tiburon.-The Pofa attacked on Chrifmas Day, andcarried.- Gallant Defenceand efape ofthe Garrifon, and melancholy Fateof Lieutenant Bafkerville. - Lieuteuau-Calonchs Brijbane and Markham Lilled-Olferuatinu and Strifures 0n the Conduel of the War, CHAP. FrOM the fuccefs which attended the Britifh arms XI. in the conqueft of Port au Prince, it Y been hoped that we were now to enter on might the furvey have ofbrighter profpeéts than thofe which have hitherto prefented themfelves to our contemplation; but a melancholy reverfe offortune was foon to await the conquerors ; for, immediately after poffeffion was taken of the town, the fame dreadful fcourge-dif cafe, exafperated to contagion, which had been fo fatally prevalent among our troops, in the preceding autumn, renewed its deftruétive progrefs; and, on this occafion, it is not difficult to trace the proximate caufes of fo terrible a calamity. The fituation of the town of Port au Prince has already been noticed, ation; but a melancholy reverfe offortune was foon to await the conquerors ; for, immediately after poffeffion was taken of the town, the fame dreadful fcourge-dif cafe, exafperated to contagion, which had been fo fatally prevalent among our troops, in the preceding autumn, renewed its deftruétive progrefs; and, on this occafion, it is not difficult to trace the proximate caufes of fo terrible a calamity. The fituation of the town of Port au Prince has already been noticed, --- Page 215 --- ST. DOMINGO, hoticed. Unhealthy in itfelf, it is furrounded by CHAI P. fortified heights, which command both the lines XI. and the harbour; and thefe heights are again com- 1 manded by others. Here, the enemy, on their retreat from the town, made their ftand, in the wellfounded confidence of receiving regular fupplies of men, ammunition, and neceffaries from Les Cayes, a fea-port on the fouthern coait, diftant only from Port au Prince, by a very ealy road, about forty miles (a). Nopart of St. Domingo pofteffes a more ready communication with the French Mlands to windward orwith the ftates of America, than the port laft mentioned ; andfrom both thofe fources, reinforcements were aétually received, and conftantly poured into the enemy'scamp. On this account the Britifh commanders found it indifpenfably neceffary to ftrengthen the lines, and raife additional intrenchments and works on that fide of the town which fronts the mountains. Thusamoft fevere and unufual burthen was impofed on the foldiers. They were compelled, with but little intermiffion, to dig the ground in the day, and to perform military duty in the night ; expofed, in the one cafe, to the burning rays (a) The habour of Les Cayes was guarded by two fmall forts, each of which was furnifhed with only fix pieces of cannon, and a fmaller battery, which mounted only five pieces. The number of white inlabitants belonging to the town were computed at eight hundred; but the people of colour had taken poffeffion of it in the latter end of 1792, aud Andrew Rigaud, a Mulatto, was made commander in chief and governor-general of the fouth fide of the French part of St. Domingo. His power was abfolute, and his brother, of the fame caft, was appointed nextin command. Thefe men were: invefted with this authority by the two commiflioners, Polvercl and Santhonax, of white inlabitants belonging to the town were computed at eight hundred; but the people of colour had taken poffeffion of it in the latter end of 1792, aud Andrew Rigaud, a Mulatto, was made commander in chief and governor-general of the fouth fide of the French part of St. Domingo. His power was abfolute, and his brother, of the fame caft, was appointed nextin command. Thefe men were: invefted with this authority by the two commiflioners, Polvercl and Santhonax, --- Page 216 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. rays of the fun; in tbe other, to the noxious dews XI. and heavy rains of the climate. Such extraordinary 1 and exceffivelabour impofed on men, moft ofwhom had been aétually confined fix months on Thipboard, without frefh provifions or exercife, COoperating with the malignancy of the air, produced its natural confequences, They dropt like the leaves in autumn, until at length the garrifon became fo diminifhed and enfeebled, that deficiencies of the guards were oftentimes made up from convalefcents, who were fcarcely able to ftand under their arms (b). Ir is truc, that a reinforcement came from the Windward Mlands, foon after the furrender ofthe town;-but, by a mournful fatality, this apparent augmentation of the ftrength of the garrifon, contributed in an eminent degree to the rapid encreafe and aggravation ofits miferies. On the 8th of June, eight flank companies belonging to the 22d, 23d, 3sth, and 41ft regiments, arrived at Port au Prince, under the command of Licutenant-Colonel Lenox. They confifted, on their embarkation, of about feventy men each, but the aggregaté number, when landed, was not quite three hundred. The four grenadier companies, in particular, were nearly annihilated. Thef frigatein which they were conveyed, became a houfe of peflilence. Upwards of one hundred of their number were buried in the deep, in the fhort paffage between Guadaloupe and Jamaica, and (8) It was fortunate for the Britifh army, that the French troops fuffered by ficknefs almoft as much as our own: Port au Prince would otherwife have been but a fhorttime in ourpoffeflion. --- Page 217 --- s T. DOMIN N G O. and one hundred and fifty more were left ina dying CH. A P. ftate at Port Royal. The wretched remains of the XI. whole detachment difcovered, on their landing at - Port au Prince, that they came-not to participate in the glories of conqueft, but--to perifh themfelves within the walls of an hofpital! So rapid was the mortality in the Briti(h army, aftertheir arrival, that no lefs than forty officers and upwards of fix hundred rank and file met an untimely death, without a conteft with any other enemy than ficknefs, in the fhort fpace of two months after the furrender of the town! GENERAL WHYTE, his health much impared, and hopelefs, it may be prefumed, of further triumphs with an army thus reduced and debilitated, now folicited and obtained permiffion to return to Europe. He was fuccéeded in the chief command by Brigadier-General Horneck, who arrived from Jamaica about the middle of September and ifthe 1794requifite qualifications for fuch a ftation-firmnefs without arrogance, and conciliating manners without weaknefs, could always enfure fuccefs to the pofieffor, General Horneck would have brought good fortune with him. But the difficulties which the former commander would have had to encounter, had he remained in his flation, devolved with aggravated weight on his fucceffor. The only reinforcement which followed General Horneck, confifted of fity men from Jamaica. Whatever troops were promifed or expeéted from Great Britain, none arrived, until the expiration of feven months after General Horneck had taken the command. Inftead, O always enfure fuccefs to the pofieffor, General Horneck would have brought good fortune with him. But the difficulties which the former commander would have had to encounter, had he remained in his flation, devolved with aggravated weight on his fucceffor. The only reinforcement which followed General Horneck, confifted of fity men from Jamaica. Whatever troops were promifed or expeéted from Great Britain, none arrived, until the expiration of feven months after General Horneck had taken the command. Inftead, O --- Page 218 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. ftead, therdforc.ofattempting new achievements, he XI. was compelled, byirrefiftible L - neceffity, to act chiefly oa, 1794. on the defenfive. The rebel Mulattoes, under Rigaud, even became mafters of Leogane, and fatiated their vengeance by putting to death all fuch of the French planters, our allies, as unfortunately fell into their power. ON the other hand, thejudicious exertions and rapid fucceffès of Lieutenant-Colonel Brifbane on the plain of Artibonite, had been for fome time the fubject of much applaufe, and had given birth to great.expechation. The French inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of St. Marc, had been all along more heartily difpofed to co-operate with the Englith, than any of their countrymen. Colonel Brifbane had not above fourfcore Britith under his command. The reft of his little army was compofed ofthe remainsof Dillon's regiment, theSt.Marc'slegion, the militia ofthe neighbouring parifhes, and a body of about three hundred reluétant Spaniards from Verette; the whole not exceeding twelve hundred men-in arms. With this force, properly diftributed, he had routed the republican troops and rebel negroesin every quarter; and even brought the negro chiefs to folicit permiflion to capitulate. Eight or ten thoufand of thefe deluded wretches, had aétually fubmitted unconditionally, and many returned, of their own accord, tothe plantations of their mafters. But thefe promifing appearances were of fhort continuance. While Colonel Brifbane was following up his fuccefles in a diftant part of Artibonite, the men of colour in the town of St. Marc, the republican troops and rebel negroesin every quarter; and even brought the negro chiefs to folicit permiflion to capitulate. Eight or ten thoufand of thefe deluded wretches, had aétually fubmitted unconditionally, and many returned, of their own accord, tothe plantations of their mafters. But thefe promifing appearances were of fhort continuance. While Colonel Brifbane was following up his fuccefles in a diftant part of Artibonite, the men of colour in the town of St. Marc, --- Page 219 --- ST. DOMINGO. Marc, finding the town itfelf without troops, had CHAP. violated their promifes of neutrality, and on the XI. 6th of September, taken up arms on the part of U the republick; putting to death every man that 1794fell in their way, whom they confidered as an enemy to the French commifioners-The garrifon, confifting ofabout forty Britifh convalefcents, threw themfelves into a fimall fort on the fea-fhore, which they gallantly defended fortwo days, when a frigate came to their relief from the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, and took them off-The triumph of the Mulattoes, however, was tranfient. Colonel Brifbane returning in force, attacked them on the fide of the land, and recovered the town 3 making upwards of three hundred of the infurgents prifoners, and driving the reft over the Artibonite river; but the advantages which he had obtained on the plain, were loft in the interim. The negro chiefs no longer offered to capitulate, but appeared in greater force than ever. Beingjoined by the fugitive Mulattoes, they foon repaffed the river 3 and having procured in the mean time, plenty of arms and ammunition, they threatened fo formidable an attack on the town of St.Marc, earlyin Oétober, as to excite the moft ferious apprehenfions forits fafety. SUcH was the fituation of affairs, in the weftern parts of St. Domingo, about the period of General Horneck's arrival. The northern province (the Mole St. Nicholas and the town of Fort Dauphin excepted) was entirelyin poffeffion of the rebel negroes; and unhappily, in all other parts of the COlony, the weaknels of the Britifh was fo apparent, Vor. III. N as tober, as to excite the moft ferious apprehenfions forits fafety. SUcH was the fituation of affairs, in the weftern parts of St. Domingo, about the period of General Horneck's arrival. The northern province (the Mole St. Nicholas and the town of Fort Dauphin excepted) was entirelyin poffeffion of the rebel negroes; and unhappily, in all other parts of the COlony, the weaknels of the Britifh was fo apparent, Vor. III. N as --- Page 220 --- HISTORICL SURVEY OF CHAP. as not only to invite attacks from the enemy, but XI. alfo to encourage revolt and = - confpiracy in the pofts 1794. in our poffeffion (c). Rigaud, who commanded in the fouth, now determined to make a bold effort for the recovery of Fort Bizotton. The fort was attacked carly in the morning of the sth of December, by three columns of the enemy, amounting in the whole to about two thoufand men 5 but they were defeated with great flaughter on their part, and with little lofs on ours. Captain Grant, however, and both his lieutenants, Clunes and Hamilton, were feverely wounded carly in the attack; yet they continued their efforts, and nobly fucceeded;and Geacral Williamfon bore teftimony to their good conduét and valour. BAFFLEDin this. attack, Rigaud refolved to make another, and a more formidable attempt, for the recovery ofTiburon. His intentions were known and his projeét might have been defeated, if any one Englith thip of war could have been fpared to watch his motions off the harbour of Les Cayes where Rigaud (c) Colonel Brifbane iad fcarccly driven the Mulattoes from St. Marc, and reflored order and tranquillity in the town, before a dark confpiracy was agitated among fome of the French inhabitants, under the Britifh proteétion, to cut him off; but it washappily dicnvemedandofsted beforei it broke outintoadtion. Thislappened: the beginning of January 1795 and a ftill more daring and dangerous plot was carried Onl, a monthafierwards, in Port au Prince, to feize on the garrifon, and put all the Englith ta death. This confpiracy allo was fortunately difcovered, and twentyofthe confpirators being brought to trial before a council of war, compofed of the principal commanders by fea and land (among whom were five French field oficers) they were all adjudged to fuffer denth, and fifteen of themn were accordingly Arot on the 1Sth of February, ftill more daring and dangerous plot was carried Onl, a monthafierwards, in Port au Prince, to feize on the garrifon, and put all the Englith ta death. This confpiracy allo was fortunately difcovered, and twentyofthe confpirators being brought to trial before a council of war, compofed of the principal commanders by fea and land (among whom were five French field oficers) they were all adjudged to fuffer denth, and fifteen of themn were accordingly Arot on the 1Sth of February, --- Page 221 --- ST. DOMINGO gaud commanded, and from whence he conveyed CHAI P. his artillery, ammunition, and provifions. Hej pro- XI. ceeded, however, without interruption, in his pre- - Y parations for the attack; 3 and his armament failed 1794. from Les Cayes on the 23d of December. His nàval force confifted of one brig of fixteen guns, and three fchooners of fourteen guns each, and he had collected a body of three thoufand men, of all colours and defcriptions, cight hundred of which were troops of the line. The attack commenced on Chriftmas-day. The harbour was defended with infinite fpirit, by the floop King Gray, until a red hot fhot from the enemy took her magazine, and caufed her to blow up. The garrifon, confifting of only four hundred and fifty men, made a vigorous defence for four days, when, having loft upwards of three hundred of their number, and finding the poft no longer tenable, the furvivors, with unexampled bravery, fought their way for five miles through the enemy, and got fafe to Irois. On this occafion, the Britith acknowledged themfelves much indebted to the gallantry and good conduét of Monfieur de Sevré, commandant of the French troops. M. du Pleffis, the Lieutenant Colonel, and two other officers of the fouth legion were killed in the fort. The lofs of du Pleffis was greatly felt and Jamented. Lieutenant Bafkerville was the only Britifh officer who, by fome unfortunate circumftance, was unable to join his companions in their retreat; and tbis high-fpirited young man, with a refolution which, though a Chriftian muft condemn it, a Roman would laveapproved,todefeat thetriumph N2 of of the French troops. M. du Pleffis, the Lieutenant Colonel, and two other officers of the fouth legion were killed in the fort. The lofs of du Pleffis was greatly felt and Jamented. Lieutenant Bafkerville was the only Britifh officer who, by fome unfortunate circumftance, was unable to join his companions in their retreat; and tbis high-fpirited young man, with a refolution which, though a Chriftian muft condemn it, a Roman would laveapproved,todefeat thetriumph N2 of --- Page 222 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. of his favage enemy, who would probably have XI. made him fuffer a fhameful death, put a period to VY his own exiftence, as Rigaud entered the fort. WITH this difaftrous occurrence terminated the year 1794, (a) and here I fhall clofe my account of the military tranfaétions of the Britifh army in St. Domingo; for,although hoftilities are ftill continued in this ill-fated country, itis, I think, fufficientlyapparent, that all hopes and expectations of ultimate fuccels are vanifhed for ever! ! The hiftorian who ihall recount the events of 1793, will have to lament the mournful and untimely deaths of many brave and excellent young men who perifhed in this fruitlefs conteft. Among the foremoft of thefe was Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Brifbane, of whom honourable notice is taken in the foregoing pages, and whofe gallantry and good conduét were not more the fubjeét of univerfal admiration, than his untimely fate of univerfal regret. He was killed on a reconnoitring party in February. By his death, his country was deprived, at a moft critical junéture, of an able, indefatigable, and intelligent officer, who had gained the affections of moft of the various deferiptions of people underhis command by hiskindnefs, and the confidence of all by his courage (e). The fame fate, a month afterwards, awaited Lieu36 March, in 3795. semant-ColonediMlaihanh, who perithed attacking an (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter' end of the year, was appointed Governor General of St. Domingo. He arzived at Port au Prince in May 1795: (e) He was a captain in the 4gth regiment, and lieutenant Colosel of the colonial corps called the St, Marc's Legion. underhis command by hiskindnefs, and the confidence of all by his courage (e). The fame fate, a month afterwards, awaited Lieu36 March, in 3795. semant-ColonediMlaihanh, who perithed attacking an (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter' end of the year, was appointed Governor General of St. Domingo. He arzived at Port au Prince in May 1795: (e) He was a captain in the 4gth regiment, and lieutenant Colosel of the colonial corps called the St, Marc's Legion. --- Page 223 --- S T. D O M I N GO. an out-poft of the enemy's forces which were, at that CHAP, time, laying fiege to Fort Bizotton. He fell as the - XI. detachment was rapidly advancing to the charge. His furvivor in command (the hon. Captain Colville) proceeded however with equal animation : the out-poft was carried; the colours of the enemy, and five pieces of their cannon, were taken, and fome hundreds of their number flain on the fpot; but the victory was dearly obtained by the lofs of fo enterprizing and accomplifhed a leader. Yet it affords fome confolation to refleét, that thefe brave young men, though cut offin the bloom of life, fell in the field of glory, nobly exerting themfelves in the caufe of their country, and dying amidft the blefsingsa andapplaufes of their compatriots, Alas, how many of their youthful affociates, in this unhappy war, might have envied them fo glorious an exit ! What numbers have perifhed-not in the field of honour-but on the bed of ficknefs !--not amidft the fhouts of vi@tory-but the groans of defpair! -condemned to linger in the horrors of peftilence i to fall without a conflia, and to die without renown! () THESE () The difeafe of which fo many gallant men have perithed, Is commonly known by the name of the yelleno fever. Twa writers of great ability (Dr. Rufh of Philadelphia, and Dr. Benjamin Mofeley of Pall Mall, London) have treated fully of this dreadful calamity. The picture which the latter has given of an unhappy patient of his in the Weft Indies, a young officerof great merit, in the laft ftage of this difeafe, after four days.illnefs, is drawn by the hand of a mafter. I arrived at the lodgings. of this much efteemed young man (fays the dostor) about four N 3 bours writers of great ability (Dr. Rufh of Philadelphia, and Dr. Benjamin Mofeley of Pall Mall, London) have treated fully of this dreadful calamity. The picture which the latter has given of an unhappy patient of his in the Weft Indies, a young officerof great merit, in the laft ftage of this difeafe, after four days.illnefs, is drawn by the hand of a mafter. I arrived at the lodgings. of this much efteemed young man (fays the dostor) about four N 3 bours --- Page 224 --- 18z HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. THESE reflections, and the obfervations which XI. Ihave made in the preceding pages, on the infuffiY ciency of the means to the objeets in view, are not written in the fpirit of accufation againft men in authority ; nor (if I know myfelf) is there any bias of party zeal on my judgment. I am far from afferting, that the fituation and refources of Great Britain were fuch as to afford a greater body of troops for fervice in St. Domingo, at the proper moment, than the number that was aétually fent thither. I prefume not to intrude into the national councilg, and am well apprized that exifting alliances and pre-engagements of the ftate, were objeéts of important confideration to his Majefty's minifters. Neither can I affirm, that the delays and obftruétions, which prevented the arrival at the icene of aétion of fome of the detachments, until the return of the fickly feafon, were avoidable. A thoufand accidents and cafualties continually fubvert and overthrow the beft laid fchemes of human contrivance. We have feen confiderable fleets detained by adverfe winds, in the ports of Great Britain for many fucceflive months, and powerful armaments have been driven back by ftorms and tempefls, hours before his death. When I entcred the room, he was vomiting a black muddy crior, and was bleeding at the nofe. A bioody ichor was oozing from the corners of his eyes, and from his mouth and gums. His face was befmeared with bloor, and, with the dulnefs of his eyes, it prefented a moft difreling çontraft to his natural vifage. His abdomen was, fwelled, and inflated prodigioufly. His body was all over of a deepycllow, interfperfed with livid fpots. His hands and feet were of a livid hue. Every part of him was cold excepting abour the nofe. A bioody ichor was oozing from the corners of his eyes, and from his mouth and gums. His face was befmeared with bloor, and, with the dulnefs of his eyes, it prefented a moft difreling çontraft to his natural vifage. His abdomen was, fwelled, and inflated prodigioufly. His body was all over of a deepycllow, interfperfed with livid fpots. His hands and feet were of a livid hue. Every part of him was cold excepting abour --- Page 225 --- ST. DOMINGO 1S3 tempefts, after many anavailing attempts to reach CHAP. the place of their deftination. Thus much I owe XI. to candour; but, at the famne time, I owe it alfo 1 to truth, toavow my opinion, that in cafe no greater force could have been fpared for the enterprize againft St. Domingo, the enterprize itfelf ought not to have been undertaken. The objeét of the Britith minifters was avowedly to obtain poffeffion of the whole of the French part of the country. That they placed great dependance on the co-operation of the French inhabitants, and were grofsly deceived in this expectation, I believe and admit; but they ought furely to have forefeen, that a very formidable oppofition was to be expeéted from the partizans and troops of the republican government; ; and they ought alfo to have known, that no confiderable body of the French planters could be expeéted to rifk their lives and fortunes in the common caufe, but in full confidence of protection and fupport. In my own judgment, all the force which Great Britain could have fent thither, would not have been fufficient for the complete fubjugation of the colony. It is afferted by competent judges, that no lels than fx about his heart. He had a deep frong hiccup, but neither delirium nor coma; ; and was, at my firft feeing him, as Ithought, in his perfeét fenfes. He looked at the changed appearance of his fkin, and expreifed, though he could not fpeak, by his fad countenance, that he knew life was foon toy yield up her, citadel, now abandoning the reft of his body. Exhaufted with vomiting, he at laft was fuffocated with the blood. he was endeavouring to bring up, and expired. 1 Mofeley on Tropical Difeafes, 3d.edlit. P- 459, N 4 --- Page 226 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. fix thoufand men were neceffary for the fecure XI. maintenance of Port au Prince alone; yet I do not Y believe that the number of Britifh, in all parts of St. Domingo, at any one period previous to the month of April 1795, exceeded two thoufand twa hundred, of whom, except at the capture of Port au Prince, not one half were fit for aétive fervice; and during the hot and fickly months of Auguft, September, and Oétober, not one third (g). PERHAPS the moft fatal overfight in the conduét of the whole expedition, was the ftrange and unaccountable negleét of not fecuring the little port of Jacmel on the fouth fide of the Ifland, previous to the attack of Port au Prince, With that poft on the one fide of the peninfula, and the poft of Acul in our poffeffion on the other, all communication between (g)' The following returns are authentick: Return of the provincial troops in the fervice of the Britifh government at St. Domingo, 31f December 1794. Rank and file fit for duty. Sick. Total. At Port au Prince 496 - 48 - 544 Mole St. Nicholas outh fide of the Ifland, previous to the attack of Port au Prince, With that poft on the one fide of the peninfula, and the poft of Acul in our poffeffion on the other, all communication between (g)' The following returns are authentick: Return of the provincial troops in the fervice of the Britifh government at St. Domingo, 31f December 1794. Rank and file fit for duty. Sick. Total. At Port au Prince 496 - 48 - 544 Mole St. Nicholas St. Marc - 813 Return of the Britifh forces in the ifand of St. Domingo, 31ft December 1794. Rank and file effeétive. Sick. Total. Port au Prince 462 - 828 Mole St. Nicholas 209 - 166 - 375 Jeremie e 59 - 154 Tiburon - St. Marc a 738 a 1490 --- Page 227 --- ST. DOMINGO between the fouthern and the two other provinces CHAP, would have been cut off; the navigation from the XI. Windward Iflands to Jamaica would have been made - fecure, while the poffeffion of the two Capes which form the entrance into the Bight of Leogane (St. Nicholas and Tiburon) would have proteéted the homeward trade in its courfe through the Windward Paffage. All this might have been accomplifhed; and I think it is all that, in found policy, ought to have been attempted. As to Port au Prince, it would have been fortunate if the works had been deftroyed, and the town evacuated immediately after its furrender. THE retention by the enemy of Jacmel and Les Cayes, not only enabled them to procure reinforcements and fupplies, but alfo moft amply to revenge our attempts on their coafts, by reprifals on our trade. It is known, that upwards of thirty privateers, fome of them of confiderable force, have been fitted out from thofe ports, whofe rapacity and vigilance fcarce a veffel bound from the Windward Iflands to Jamaica could cfcape, The prizes which they made, in a few fhort months, abundantly compenfated for the lofs of their thips at Port au Prince (h). AFTER (h) The following is a lift of veffels bound to Jamaica, which were taken and carried into Les Cayes, between June 1794, and June 1795, moft of them laden with dry goods, provifions, and plantation ftores, and many of them of great value. From The Edward, Wm Marfhall, I3th June 1794, Briftol. Fame, Robt Hall, July L. and Cork. The , abundantly compenfated for the lofs of their thips at Port au Prince (h). AFTER (h) The following is a lift of veffels bound to Jamaica, which were taken and carried into Les Cayes, between June 1794, and June 1795, moft of them laden with dry goods, provifions, and plantation ftores, and many of them of great value. From The Edward, Wm Marfhall, I3th June 1794, Briftol. Fame, Robt Hall, July L. and Cork. The --- Page 228 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CI HAP. AFTER all, though I have afferted nothing which XI. I do not believe to be true, I will honeftly admit, that many important facts and circumftances, unknown to me, very probably exifted, an acquaintance with which is indifpenfably neceffary to enable any man to forma correét judgment of the meafures which were purfued on this occafion. Toa writer, fitting with compofure in his clofet, with a partial difplay of faéts before him, it is no difficult tafk to point out faults and miftakes in the conduét of publick affairs ; and even where miftakes are difcovered, the wifdom of after-knowledge is very cheaply acquired. It is the lot of our nature, that the beft concerted The Bellona, Tho* White, Liverpool. Hope, Wm Swan, Molly, Peter Mawdfley, sth Mar. 1795, Africa, soonegroes. Hodge, Geo. Brown, rgth Ditto, Liverpool, William, Thos Calloine, zoth Ditto. Bell, Archd Weir, Ditto, Greenock. Bufler, Seweil, a tranfport. Druid, Wilfon, t4th March, Leith. Martha, Wm Reid, 31f March, London. Alexander, Benjn Moor, 17th April, Glalgow. Lovely Peggy, Peter Murphy. Swallow, Lachlan Vafs, 1oth May. Dunmore, Stephen Conmick, 26th May, London. Maria, Wilkinfon Ditto. Minerva, Robertfon, 4th June, Africa, 450 negroes. General Mathew, Tho? Douglas, Sth Ditto, - London. A fchooner, name forgot, Adam Walker, 22d Do Glafgow. Hope, Hambleton, 22d Ditto, Ditto. Caledonia, Hunter,asthDito, Leith, lafti fromLondon. Molly, Simpfon, 27th Ditto, - Glafgow. Refclution, Taunton, 29th Ditto, - - a Hull And feveral veffels belonging to Kingfton, names forgot. negroes. General Mathew, Tho? Douglas, Sth Ditto, - London. A fchooner, name forgot, Adam Walker, 22d Do Glafgow. Hope, Hambleton, 22d Ditto, Ditto. Caledonia, Hunter,asthDito, Leith, lafti fromLondon. Molly, Simpfon, 27th Ditto, - Glafgow. Refclution, Taunton, 29th Ditto, - - a Hull And feveral veffels belonging to Kingfton, names forgot. --- Page 229 --- S T. DOMIN GO concerted plans of human policy are tubjeét to errors CHAP, which the meaneft obferver will fometimes deteét. XI. 66 The hand (fays an eminent writer) that cannot - fe build a hovel, may demoli(h a palace." BUr a new fcene now opens for contemplation and refleétion, arifing from intelligence received fince I began my work, that the Spanifh government has formally ceded tothe Republick of France thewhole ofthis greatand nobleiflandin perpetualfovereigntyl So extraordinary a circuiftance will doubtlels give birth to much fpeculation and enquiry, as well concerning the value and extent of the territory ceded, as the prefent difpofition and general charaéter of the Spanith inhabitants. Will they relifh this transfer of their allegiance from a monarchical to arepublican government, made, as it confeffedly is, without their previous confent or knowledge; or may reafonable expeétations be encouraged, that they will now cordially co-operate' with the Englith, in reducing the country to the Britifh dominion ? Will fuch affiftance effect the re-eftablifhment of fubordination and good goveranient among the vaft body of revolted negroes? Thefe are deep queftions, the invefligation of which will lead to enquiries of fill greater magnitude; for, whether we confider the poffeffion, by an aétive and induftrious people, offo vaft a field for enterprize and improvement on the one hand, or the triumph of fuccefsful revolt and favage anarchy on the other, it appears to me that the future fate and profitable exiftence of the Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the ifluc. On all thefe, and various , the invefligation of which will lead to enquiries of fill greater magnitude; for, whether we confider the poffeffion, by an aétive and induftrious people, offo vaft a field for enterprize and improvement on the one hand, or the triumph of fuccefsful revolt and favage anarchy on the other, it appears to me that the future fate and profitable exiftence of the Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the ifluc. On all thefe, and various --- Page 230 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. various collateral fubjeêts, I regret that I do not XI. poffels the means of giving much fatisfaétion to the 1 reader. Such information, however as I have colleéted on fome of the preceding enquiries, and fuch reflections as occur to me on others, will be found in the enfuing chapter, which conçludes my work. --- Page 231 --- ST. DOMINGO, CHA P. XII. Ancient Stateofthe Spanif Colony.-The Town of St. Domingo efablifhed by Bartholomew Columbus in 1498.-Pillaged by Drake in 1586.-Comjasturer and Reflettions concerning its prefent Condition, and the State %f Agriculture in the interior Country.- Numbers and Charatter of the prefent Inhabitants. --Their Animofity towards the French Planters, and Sealoufy ef the Engli/h. - Conjeétures concerning the future Situation of the whole Mand; and fome concluding Reflettions. TxE Spanith colony in Hifpaniola (the name St. CHAP. Domingo being properly applicable to the chief XII. city only) was the earlieft eflablifhment made by 1 the nations of Europe in the New World; and unhappily, it is too notorious to be denied, that it was an eftablifhment founded in rapacity and cemented with human blood! The fole objedt of the firft Spanifh adventurers was to ranfack the bowels of the earth for filver and gold; in which frantick purfuit, they murdered at leaft a million of the peaceful and inoffenfive natives! As the mines became exhaufted, a few of the moreinduftrious ofthe Spaniardsentered on the cultivation of cacao,9 ginger, and fugar; but the poverty of the greater part of the inhabitants, and the difcoveryof new mines in Mexico, occafioned a prodigiousemigration--theeexperiencc of paft dilappointments not proving fufficiently powerful earth for filver and gold; in which frantick purfuit, they murdered at leaft a million of the peaceful and inoffenfive natives! As the mines became exhaufted, a few of the moreinduftrious ofthe Spaniardsentered on the cultivation of cacao,9 ginger, and fugar; but the poverty of the greater part of the inhabitants, and the difcoveryof new mines in Mexico, occafioned a prodigiousemigration--theeexperiencc of paft dilappointments not proving fufficiently powerful --- Page 232 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF 19b CHAP. powerful to cure the rage for acquiring wealth by XII. a fhorter courfe than that of patient induftry. In 1 lefs than a century, therefore, Hifpaniola was nearly deferted, and nothing preferved it as a colony, but the eftablithment of archiepifcopal government in its chief city, St. Domingo; and its being for many years the feat of civil and criminal jurifdiétions in cafes of appeal, from all the territories of Spain in this part of the world (a). THE fettlement of the French in the weftern part of the ifland, of the origin of which I have already given an account, though the primary caufe ofhereditary and irreconcilable enmity between the two colonies, washowever, produétive ofgood even to the Spaniards themfelves. As the French fettlers increafed in number, and their plantations became enlarged, they wanted oxen for their markets, and horfes for theirmills. Thefe, their neighbours were able to fupply without much exertion of labour; and thus an intercourfe was created, which has continued to the prefent day ; the Spaniards receiving, through the French, the manufaétures of Europe, in exchange for cattle. The example too, before their eyes, of fuccefsful induftry and growing profperity, was not wholly without its effeét. The cultivation of fugar, which had diminifhed nearly to nothing, was revived in different parts of the Spanith territory, and plantations were eftablifhed of cacao, indigo, ginger, and tobacco. The quantity of fugar exported (a) The adminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of audience, one only of which is at St. Domingo. , before their eyes, of fuccefsful induftry and growing profperity, was not wholly without its effeét. The cultivation of fugar, which had diminifhed nearly to nothing, was revived in different parts of the Spanith territory, and plantations were eftablifhed of cacao, indigo, ginger, and tobacco. The quantity of fugar exported (a) The adminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of audience, one only of which is at St. Domingo. --- Page 233 --- S T. DOMIN N G O. exported in the beginning of the prefent century, is CHAP. faid to have amounted yearly to 15,000 chefts, cach XII. of 7 cwt. C THE country itfelf being evidently more mountainous in the central and eaftern than in the weftern parts, it is probable, that the Spanith territory is, on the whole, naturally lels fertile than that of the French; but much the greater portion of the ifland remained, until the late treaty, under the Spanifh dominion; and of that, by far the major part continues at this hour an unproduétive wildernefs. On the northern coaft, the line of divifion began at the river Maffacre, and,croffingt thecountry fomewhat irregularly, terminated on the fouthern fide, at a fmall bay called Les Ances à Pitre; leaving nearly two-thirds of the whole ifland in the poffeffion of Spain. Procceding eaftward along the fhore from the boundary on the north, the firft place of note is Monte Chrifti, a town which formerly grew to importance by contraband traffick with North America, but is now reduced to a miferable village, the abode of a few fifhermen ; and the furrounding country exhibits a melancholy profpeét of neglect and fterility. The river St. Jago runs into the fea at this place; on the banks of which, at fome diftance inland, are grazing farms of confiderable extent. From the mouth of this river, for the fpace of fifteen leagues, to Punta Ifabella (the fcite of the firftf fettlementefablithed by Chri@topherColambus) the foil, though capable of improvement, exhibits no fign of cultivation. From Ifabella to old Capé François (with the exception of Puerto de Plata) the ility. The river St. Jago runs into the fea at this place; on the banks of which, at fome diftance inland, are grazing farms of confiderable extent. From the mouth of this river, for the fpace of fifteen leagues, to Punta Ifabella (the fcite of the firftf fettlementefablithed by Chri@topherColambus) the foil, though capable of improvement, exhibits no fign of cultivation. From Ifabella to old Capé François (with the exception of Puerto de Plata) the --- Page 234 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. the coaft feems entirely deferted; nor, after pafling XII. the bay of Samana, does a much better profpeét Y offer, until coafting: round the eaftern extremity, we reach a vaft extent of level country called Llos Llanos, or the Plains; at the weft end of which, on the banks of the river Ozama, ftands the metropolis. THIS city, which was long the moft confiderable in the new world, was founded by Bartholomew Columbus, in the year 1498, and named, after a faint of great renown in thofe days, St. Dominick. There is preferved in Oviedo, a Spanifh hiflorian, who refided here about thirty years after its firft eftablifhment, an account of its ftate and population at that period, which being equally authentick and curious, I fhall prefent to the reader at length. < BUr nowe (fays the hiftorian) to fpeake fumce what of the principall and chiefe place of the 66 iflande, whiche is the citie of San Domenico: I 6c faye, that as touchynge the buildynges, there is 6 no citie in Spaine, fo much for fo-muche (no <6 not Barfalona, whiche I have oftentymes feene) 6 that is to bee preferred before this generallye. €6 For the houfes of San Domenico are for the mofte 66 parte of ftone, as are they of Barfalona. The 66 fituation is muche better tha that of Barfalona, ce by reafon that the ftreates are much larger and < playner, and without comparyfon more direéte 66 and ftrayght furth. For beinge buylded nowe in 66 our tyme, befyde the commoditie of the placeof Cc the foundation, the ftreates were, alfo direéted 4 with corde, compafe and meafure; werein it ex66 celleth al the cities that I have fene. It hath the 66 fca uation is muche better tha that of Barfalona, ce by reafon that the ftreates are much larger and < playner, and without comparyfon more direéte 66 and ftrayght furth. For beinge buylded nowe in 66 our tyme, befyde the commoditie of the placeof Cc the foundation, the ftreates were, alfo direéted 4 with corde, compafe and meafure; werein it ex66 celleth al the cities that I have fene. It hath the 66 fca --- Page 235 --- ST. DOMINGO. * fea fo nere, that of one fyde there is no more CHAP. C6 fpace betwen the fea and the citie, then the XII. 6 waules. On the other parte, hard by the fyde 66 and at the foote of. the houfes, paffeth the ryver Cc Ozama, whiche is a marveylous porte; wherein c laden thyppes ryfe very nere to the lande, and in 6c manner under the houfe wyndowes. In the 6 myddeft of the citie is the fortreffe-and caflle; < the port or haven alfo, is fo fayre and commodi- < ous to defraight or unlade (hyppes, as the lyke is < founde but in fewe places of the worlde. The <6 chymineis that are in this citie are about fyxe <c hundreth in number, and fuch houfes as I have <c fpoken of before; of the which fum are fo fayre < and large that they maye well receave and lodge <6 any lorde or noble manne of Spayne, with his < trayne and familie; and efpecially that which c Don Diego Colon, viceroy under your majeftie, 4 hath in this citie, is fuche that I knowe no man <6 in Spayne that hath the lyke, by a quarter, in <E goodneffe, confyderynge all the commodities of c the fame. Lykewyfe the fituation thereof as 66 beinge above the fayde porte, and altogyther of se ftone, and havynge many faire and large roomes, < with as goodly a profpeét of the lande and fea as 6 may be devyfed, feemeth unto me fo magnifical < and princelyke, that your majeftie may bee as <6 well lodged therein as in any of the mofte exqui66 fite builded houfes of Spayne. There is alfo a 66 cathedrall churche buylded of late, where, as 6 well the byfhop accordyng to his dygnitie, as e 6 alfo the canones, are wel indued, This church VoL. III. 66 is as 6 may be devyfed, feemeth unto me fo magnifical < and princelyke, that your majeftie may bee as <6 well lodged therein as in any of the mofte exqui66 fite builded houfes of Spayne. There is alfo a 66 cathedrall churche buylded of late, where, as 6 well the byfhop accordyng to his dygnitie, as e 6 alfo the canones, are wel indued, This church VoL. III. 66 is --- Page 236 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAE P. < is well buylded of ftone and lyme, and of good XII. c workemanthyppe. * Therearet further-more three L c monafteries bearyng the names of Saynt Domi66 nike, Saynt Frances, and Saynt Maryo of Mercedes; C the whiche are well buylded, although not fo 6 curiouflye as they of Spayne. There is alfo a €c very good hofpitall for the ayde and fuccour of Ce pore people, whiche was founded by Michaell C6 Paffamont, threafurer to your majeftie. To € conclude, this citie fro day to day increafeth in < welth and good order, as wel for that the fayde < admyrall and viceroy, with the lorde chaun6e celoure and counfayle appoynted there by your Ce majeftie, have theyr continuall abydynage here, as Cc alfo that the rycheft men of the ilande refort s hyther, for thyre mofte commodious habitation 6e and trade of fuch merchaundics as are eyther 6 brought owt of Spayne, or fent thyther from this c6 iland, which nowe fo abundeth in many thynges, 6e that it ferveth Spayne with many commodities, 66 as it were with ufury requityng fuch benefites as 6 it fyrft receaved from thenfe (b). It is probable that St. Domingo had now attained the fummit of its profperity. About fixty years afterwards (rft January 1586) it was attacked by Sir Francis Drake; a narrative of whofe expedition, To this cathedral were conveyed, from the Carthufian Monaftery in Seville,the remains of Chriftopher Columbus, who expired at Valladolid on the 2oth of May 1506. It was his that his body fhould be interred in St. Domingo. a dying requelt, (8) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555: in black letter. mit of its profperity. About fixty years afterwards (rft January 1586) it was attacked by Sir Francis Drake; a narrative of whofe expedition, To this cathedral were conveyed, from the Carthufian Monaftery in Seville,the remains of Chriftopher Columbus, who expired at Valladolid on the 2oth of May 1506. It was his that his body fhould be interred in St. Domingo. a dying requelt, (8) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555: in black letter. --- Page 237 --- ST. DOMINGO. tion, by an eye-witnefs, is preferved in Hakluyt's C H AP. Colleétion ; from which it appears, that it was, even XII. then, a city of great extent and magnificence; ; and 1 it is (hocking to relate, that, after a month's poffeffion, Drake thought himfelf authorized, by the laws of war, to deftroy it by fire. 6 We fpent the early part of the mornings (fays the hiftorian ofthe voyage) in fireing the outmoft houfes; but theybeing built very magnificently of ftone, with high loftes, gave us no fmall travell to ruin them. And albeit, for divers dayes together, we ordeined ech morning by day-break, until the heat began at nine ofthe clocke, thattwohundred mariners did nought els but labour to fire and burn the faid houfes, whilft the fouldiers in a like proportion, ftood forth for their guard; yet did we not, or could not, in this time, confume fo much as one third part of the towne 3 and fo in the end, wearied with firing, we were contented to accept of five and twenty thoufand ducats, of five (hillings and, fixpence the peece, for the ranfome of the reft of the towne (c)." OF (c) The following anecdote, related by the fame author, is too ftriking to be overlooked. I thall quote his own words: During the ftay of tbe Englith army in the city, sit chanced that the general fent on a meffage to the Spanifh governor, a negro boy with a Bag of white, fignifying truce, as is the Spanyards ordinarie manner to do there, when they approach to fpeak to us; which boy unhappily was firft met withall by fome of thofe who had been belonging as officers for the king in the Spanifh galley, which, with the towne, was lately fallen into our hands, who, without all order or reafon, and contrary to that good ufage wherewith wee had intertained their meffengers, furioufly ftrooke the poor boy thorow the body, with which wound the boy returned to tbc general, and, after he had declared the O 2 manner to us; which boy unhappily was firft met withall by fome of thofe who had been belonging as officers for the king in the Spanifh galley, which, with the towne, was lately fallen into our hands, who, without all order or reafon, and contrary to that good ufage wherewith wee had intertained their meffengers, furioufly ftrooke the poor boy thorow the body, with which wound the boy returned to tbc general, and, after he had declared the O 2 manner --- Page 238 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. OF the prefent condition ofthis ancient city, the XII. number ofi its inhabitants, and the commerce which 1 they fupport, I can obtain no account on which I can depend. That it hath been long in its decline,. I have no doubt; but that it is wholly depopulated and in ruins, as Raynal afferts, I do not believe. The cathedral and other publick buildings are ftill in being, and were lately the refidence of a confiderable body of clergy and lawyers. The city continued alfo, while under the Spanifh government, the diocefe ofan archbilbop, towhom, it is faid, the bifhops of St. Jago in Cuba, Venezuela in New Spain, and St. John's in Porto Rico, were fuffragans. Thefe circumftances, have hitherto faved St. Domingo from entire decay, and may poffibly continue to fave it. With this very defeétive information the reader muft be content. As little feemstobel known. concerning the ftate of agriculture in the Spanifh poffeffions in this ifland, as of their capital and commerce. manner of this wrongfull crueltie, died forthwith in his prefence; wherewith the generall being greatly paflion'd, commandedthe proveft martiall to caufe a couple of friers, then prifoners, to be carried to the fame place where the boy was ftroken, and there prefently to be hanged ; difpatching, at the fame inftant, another poor prifoner, with the reafon wherefore this execution was done, and with this further melfage, that untill the party who had thus murdered the general's meffenger, were delivered into our hands to receive condigne punifhment, there fhould no day paffe w herein there fhould not two prifoners be hanged,untilthey were all confumed which were in our hands. Whereupon the day following, hee that had been captaine of the king's galley, brought the offender to the towne's end, offering to deliver hint into our hands ; but it was thought to be a more honourable revenge to makethem there, in our fight, to performe the execution themfeives, which was done accordingly." were delivered into our hands to receive condigne punifhment, there fhould no day paffe w herein there fhould not two prifoners be hanged,untilthey were all confumed which were in our hands. Whereupon the day following, hee that had been captaine of the king's galley, brought the offender to the towne's end, offering to deliver hint into our hands ; but it was thought to be a more honourable revenge to makethem there, in our fight, to performe the execution themfeives, which was done accordingly." --- Page 239 --- ST. DOM I N G O. commerce. A few planters are faid to cultivate ca- GHAI P. cao, tobacco, and fugar, for their own expenditure; XII. and, perhaps fome fmall quantities of each are ftill - exported for confumption in Spain. The chief article of exportation, however, continues to be, what it always has been fince the mines were abandoned, the hides of horned cattle; which have multiplied to fuch a degree, that the proprietors are faid to reckon them by thoufands; and vaft numbers (as I believe I have elfewhere obferved) are annually flaughtered folely for the fkins * Ir feems therefore extremely probable, that the cultivation of the earth is almoft entirely negleéted throughoutthewhole oftheSpanifh dominionin this ifland ; and that fome of the fineft traéts of land in, the world, once the paradife of a fimple and innocent people, are now abandoned to the beafts of the field, and the vultures which hover round them (d). OF this defcription, probably, is the country already mentioned, called Los Llanos, which ftretches eaftward from the capital upwards of fourfcore Britith miles in length, by twenty or twenty-five in width; and which, abounding in rivers throughout, may be fuppofed adapted for the growth of every * Iti is faid that a Company was formed at Barcelona in 1757, with exclufive privileges, for the re-eftablifhment of agriculture and commerce in the Spanifh part of St. Domingo : I know not with what fuccefs. (d) The Gallinazo, or American vulture, a very ravenous and filthy bird that feeds on carrion. Thefe birds abound in St. Domingo, and devour the carcaffes of the cattle as foon as the (kins are ftripped off by the hunters. O3 --- Page 240 --- 19S HISTORICAL SURVEY OF produétion: It feems capable alfa of CHAP. every tropical XII, being artificially flooded in dry weather. NEXT to Los Llanos in magnitude, but fuperior, it is believed, in native fertility, is the noble valley to the north, called Vega Real; through the middle of which flows the river Yuna, for the fpace of fifty miles, and difembogues in Samana bay to the caft. Perhaps it were no exaggeration to fay, that this and the former diftriéts are alone capable of producing more fugar, and other valuable commodities, than all the Briti(h Weft Indies put together. THESE plains, however, though in contiguity the largenl, are not the only parts of the country on which nature has beftowed extraordinary fertiliGlades abundantly rich, eafy of accefs, and yy- obvious to cultivation, are every where found even in the bofom of the mountains; while the mountains themfelves contribute to fertilize the vallies which they encircle. PROCEEDING wefward along the fouthern coaft, from the capital to the river Nieva, the country is faid to be fubjeét to exceflive droughts; but here too, the beneficence of nature bas provided a remedy for this inconvenience, in a thoufand beautiful rivulets, which, defcending from the diftant mountains, interfeét the low lands in various directions. Oft this never-failing refource, even the aboriginal natives, ignorant as we fuppofe them to have been, knew how to avail themfelves by flooding their lands therefrom in the dry feafon * ;--and it is probable that fome of the earlieft of the Spanifh fettlers * Videvol.i.p. 102. icence of nature bas provided a remedy for this inconvenience, in a thoufand beautiful rivulets, which, defcending from the diftant mountains, interfeét the low lands in various directions. Oft this never-failing refource, even the aboriginal natives, ignorant as we fuppofe them to have been, knew how to avail themfelves by flooding their lands therefrom in the dry feafon * ;--and it is probable that fome of the earlieft of the Spanifh fettlers * Videvol.i.p. 102. --- Page 241 --- ST. DOMIN G O. fettlers followed their example 5 for it is evident that many fpots in this great tract were formerly covered CHAP. with plantations both of fugar and indigo; their ) XII. fcites being marked out by the ruins of ancient buildings, which could have been ereéted only for the manufaéture of thofe articles. Amidft the wildernefs of thickets and weeds, which now deform and encumber the ground, are difcovered many valuable growths in a ftate of wild luxuriance, fuch as the catlus of feveral varieties, the indigo plant,- a fpecies of cotton of which the wool is reddifh, and fome others; pointing out to the prefent flothful poffeffors, that line of cultivation which would turn to profitable account, even in fpots to which water could not eafily be conducted. With this auxiliary there is no reafon to doubt that every produétion of the tropicks might be raifed throughout this dif triét, in the utmoft plenty and perfeétion. By much the greateft part of this extenfive range, however, remains as Nature originally created it; covered with woods of immenfe growth and luxuriant foliage, with very little underwood. The mahogany, the cedar, the guaiacum, the bitter-alh, the fuftick, and a thoufand others, here flourifh, and die unmolefted. In fome places are vaft groves of the latanier or thatch-palm, the fight of which always gives pleafure to the beholder, not more from the fingular conformation and beauty of the tree itfelf, than from the circumftance that it indicates, with unerring certainty, a rich and deep foil underneath. THE great obftacle to the re-eftablifhment of towns um, the bitter-alh, the fuftick, and a thoufand others, here flourifh, and die unmolefted. In fome places are vaft groves of the latanier or thatch-palm, the fight of which always gives pleafure to the beholder, not more from the fingular conformation and beauty of the tree itfelf, than from the circumftance that it indicates, with unerring certainty, a rich and deep foil underneath. THE great obftacle to the re-eftablifhment of towns --- Page 242 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. towns and fettlements on the fouthern coaft, arifes XII. from the infufficiency of its ports and harbours 1 Y many of the thipping places being nothing more than open bays, which, in the autumnal months, lie expofed to the furyof ftorms and hurricanes. The harbour of St. Domingo, which was formerly fuppofed to be commodious and fecure, has become, in the courfe of years, too Challow to adinit fhips of large burthen ;-but its lofs might be happily fupplied, at the diftance of fourteen leagues to the weftward, in the bay of Ocoa; a capacious inlet, comprehending two moft fafe and commodious ports, named Caldera and Puerto Riejo. The very advantageous pofition of this great bay, in the centre of the fouthern part of the ifland s-in the track, and almoft in fight, of (hips bound to Jamaica, and the Mexican Gulph ;-the fafety and fecurity which it offers at all feafons of the year, in the two fubordinate ports before mentioned ;-all thefe are circumftances of importance; and they will, without doubt, attraét the notice of the French Government, wheneverit Thall hereafter attempt to form any confiderable eftablithment in the late Spanifh part of this great country*. THUS * Moft of what is given in the above and the preceding page, is added fincethe former edition. The author derived his information from a letter to the French Direétory, written in 1798, by certain commiffioners employed to examine the eaftern part of St. Dotningo, and report to the Diredtory concerning its agriculture and production. This letter, whichis one only of a large feries, having been fent by a veffel that was captured bya Britifh cruifer, was put into the hands of the author, and, as far as it goes, is veryiatelligent and fatisfaétory. It is to be hoped the remainder The author derived his information from a letter to the French Direétory, written in 1798, by certain commiffioners employed to examine the eaftern part of St. Dotningo, and report to the Diredtory concerning its agriculture and production. This letter, whichis one only of a large feries, having been fent by a veffel that was captured bya Britifh cruifer, was put into the hands of the author, and, as far as it goes, is veryiatelligent and fatisfaétory. It is to be hoped the remainder --- Page 243 --- ST. D OM I NG O. THUS fcanty and uninterefting is the beft ac- CHAP. count I have to give of the territory itfelf; nor is XII. information much more perfeét concerning the 1 my number and condition of the people by whom it is at prefent inhabited. The earlieft detachments from Old Spain were undoubtedly numerous. Herrera, an accurate and well-informed hiftorian, reckons that there were, at one period, no leis than 14,000 Caftillians in Hifpaniola. Such was the renown of its riches, that men of all ranks and conditions reforted thither, in the fond expeétation of fharing in the golden harveft. Its mines, indeed, were very produétive. Robertfon relates, that they continued for many years to yield a revenue of 460,000 pefos (e). In contrafting this fact, with an anecdote which I have elfewhere * recorded, that the inhabitants, at the time of Drake's invafion, were fo wretchedly poor, as to be compelled to ufe, in barter among themfelves, pieces of leather as a fubftitute for money, we are furnifhed with a ftriking proof, that the true way to acquire riches, is not by digging into the bowels, but byi improving the furface, of the earth. Not having any manufactures, nor the .produétions of agriculture, to offer in exchange for the neceffaries and conveniencies of life, all their gold had foon found its way to Europe; and when the mines became exhaufted, their penury was extreme; and floth, depopulation, remainder of the correfpondence will fome time or other be made publick, as the writers appear to be men of fcience and obfervation. (e) Upwards of K 100,000 fterling- * Vol.i. Book 2d. Not having any manufactures, nor the .produétions of agriculture, to offer in exchange for the neceffaries and conveniencies of life, all their gold had foon found its way to Europe; and when the mines became exhaufted, their penury was extreme; and floth, depopulation, remainder of the correfpondence will fome time or other be made publick, as the writers appear to be men of fcience and obfervation. (e) Upwards of K 100,000 fterling- * Vol.i. Book 2d. --- Page 244 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. population, and degeneracy, were its neceffary conX1I. fequences (f). Y Tuzintroduction into this ifland of negroes from Africa, of which I have elfewhere traced the origin and caufe (g), took place at an early period. This refource did not, however, greatly contribute to augment the population of the colony; for fuch of the whites as removed to the continent, in fearch of richer mines and better fortune, commonly took their negroes with them; and the fmall pox, a few years afterwards, deftroyed prodigious numbers of others. In 1717, the whole number of inhabitants under the Spanifh dominion, of all ages and conditions, enflaved and free, were no more than 18,410, and fince that time, I conceive, theyhave rather diminifhed than increafed. Of pure whites (in contradiftinétion to the people of mixed blood) the number is undoubtedly very inconfiderable; perhaps not 3,000 in the whole. THE () The grofs ignorance of confidering gold and filver as reali inftead of artificial wealth, and the folly of negleating agriculture for the fake of exploring mines, have been well expofed by Abbé Raynal; who compares the conduét of the Spaniards in this refpedt, to that of the dég in the fable, dropping the piece of meat which he had in his mouth, to catch at the fhadow of it in the water. (g) Bookiv.c.2. A curious circumfance was, however, omitted. When the Portuguefe firft began the traflick in negroes, application was made to the Pope to fanétify the trade by a bull, which his Holinefs iffued accordingly. In confequence of this permiflion and authority, a very confiderable flave-market was eftablifhed at Lifbon, infomuch, that about the year 1539, from IO to 12,000 negroes were fold there annually. fhadow of it in the water. (g) Bookiv.c.2. A curious circumfance was, however, omitted. When the Portuguefe firft began the traflick in negroes, application was made to the Pope to fanétify the trade by a bull, which his Holinefs iffued accordingly. In confequence of this permiflion and authority, a very confiderable flave-market was eftablifhed at Lifbon, infomuch, that about the year 1539, from IO to 12,000 negroes were fold there annually. --- Page 245 --- S" T. DOMING O. Tashereditary and lusnisgihaliasinodyle C H. A P. tween the Spanith and French planters on this ifland, XII. has already been noticed. Itis probable, however, Y that the knowledge of this circumftance created greater reliance on the co-operation of the Spaniards with the Britifharmy,thant wasj sjuftifiedby fubfequent events. At the earneft and repeated folicitations of Lieutenant Colonel Brifbane, in 1794, orders were indeed tranfmitted from the city of St. Domingo to the Commandant at Verettes, Don Franeifco de Villa Neuva, to join the Englith with the militia of,that part of the country 3 the Britifh garrifon at St. Marc undertaking to fupply them with provifions and ammunition : but thefe orders were ill obeyed. Not more than three hundred men were brought into the field, and even thofe in the common caufe. were far from being hearty The French loyalifts appeared in greater numbers in the neighbourhood of St. Marc than in any other diftriét; and the Spaniards detefted the French colonifts of all defcriptions. It was evident, at the fame time, that they were almoft equally jealous of the Englith; betraying manifeft fymptoms of difcontent and envy, at beholding them in poffeffion of St. Marc, and the fertile plains in its vicinage. They proceeded, however, and took the town and harbour of Gonaive; but their fubfequent conduét manifefted the bafeft treachery, or the rankeft cowardice. The town was no fooner attacked by a fimall detachment from the revolted negroes, than the Spaniards fuffered themfelves to be driven out of it, in the moft unaccountable manner; leaving the envy, at beholding them in poffeffion of St. Marc, and the fertile plains in its vicinage. They proceeded, however, and took the town and harbour of Gonaive; but their fubfequent conduét manifefted the bafeft treachery, or the rankeft cowardice. The town was no fooner attacked by a fimall detachment from the revolted negroes, than the Spaniards fuffered themfelves to be driven out of it, in the moft unaccountable manner; leaving the --- Page 246 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF EHAP. the French inhabitants to the fury of the favages, XII. who maffacred the whole number (as their com1 rades had done at Fort Dauphin) and then reduced the townitfelf to athes (h). ON the whole, there is reafon to fuppofe that a great proportion of the prefent Spanith proprietors in St. Domingo are a debafed and degenerate race; 3 a motly (b) In the northern province of the French colony, the inhabitants of Fort Dauphin, a town fituated on the Spanifh borders, having no affiftance from the Englifh, and being apprehenfive of an attack from the rebel negroes, applied for protection, and delivered up the town, to the Spanifh government. The Spanifh commandant, on accepting the conditions required, which were chiefly for perfonal iafety, iffued a proclamation, importing, that fuch of the French planters as would feek refuge there, fhould find fecurity. Seduced by this proclamation, a confiderable number repaired thither; when, on Monday the ;th of July 1794, Jean Frangois, the negro general, and leader ofthe revolt in 1791, entered the town with fome thoufands of armed negroes. He met not the fmalleft refiftance, either at the advanced pofts, or at the barriers occupied by the Spanifh troops ; the inhabitants keeping their houfes, in the hope of being proteéted by the commandant. In an inftant, every part of the city refounded with the cry of 44 Long live the King of Spain! Kill all the French; but offer no violence to the Spaniards;" and a general maffacre of the French commenced, in which no lefs than 771 of them, without diftinétion of fex or age, were murdered on the fpot: the Spanith foldiers ftanding by, fpeétators of the tragedy. Itis thought, however, that if the Spaniards had openly interpofed, they would have fhared the fate of the French. Itis faid that Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, moved by compaflion towards fome French gentlemen of his acquaintance, admitted them into the ranks, drefling them in the Spanifh uniform for their fecurity; others were fecretly conveyed to the fort, and fent off in the night te Monte Chrifti, where they got on board an American veflel belonging to Salem. . Itis thought, however, that if the Spaniards had openly interpofed, they would have fhared the fate of the French. Itis faid that Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, moved by compaflion towards fome French gentlemen of his acquaintance, admitted them into the ranks, drefling them in the Spanifh uniform for their fecurity; others were fecretly conveyed to the fort, and fent off in the night te Monte Chrifti, where they got on board an American veflel belonging to Salem. --- Page 247 --- ST. DOMIN G O. a motly mixture from European, Indian, and African anceftry; and the obfervation which has been CHAP. XII. made in another place (i), concerning the Spanifh - 1 inhabitants of Jamaica, at the conqueft of that ifland in 1655, will equally apply to thefe. They are neither polithed by focial intercourfe, nor improved by education ; but pals their days in gloomy languor, enfeebled by floth, and depreffed by poverty. From fuch men, therefore, great as their antipathy is to the French nation, and however averfe they may be to a change of laws and government, I am afraid that no cordial co-operation with the Britith can ever be expected. The beft families among them, rather than fubmit to the French dominion, will probably remove to Cuba, or feek out new habitations among their countrymen on the neighbouring continent ; while thofe which remain will neceffarily fink into the general mals of coloured people, French and Spanifh; a clafs that, I think, in procefs of time, will become mafters of the towns and cultivated parts of the ifland on the fea-coaft; leaving the interior country to the revolted negroes. Such, probably, will be the fate of this once beautiful and princelycolony; and it grieves me to fay, that the prefent exertions of Great Britain on this blood-ftained theatre, can anfwer no other end than to haften the cataftrophe ! IMIGHT here expatiate on the wonderful difpenfations of Divine Providence, in raifing up the enflaved Africans to avenge the wrongs of the injured aborigines : I might alfo indulge the fond but fallacious (i) Vol. i. Book 2d. --- Page 248 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. cious idea, that as the negroes of St. Domingo XII. have been eye-witneffes to the benefits of civilized 7 life among the whites;-have feen in what manner, and to what extent, focial order, peaceful induftry, and fubmiffion to laws, contribute to individual and general profperity (advantages which were denied to them in their native country 3) fome fuperior fpirits may hereafter rife up among them, by whofe encouragement and example they may be taught, in due time, to difcard the ferocious and fordid manners and purfuits of favage life; to correét their vices, and be led progreffively on to civilization and gentlenefs, to the knowledge of truth, and the praétice of virtue. This piéture is fo pleafing to the imagination, that every humane and reflecting mind muft with it may be realized ; but I am afraid it is the mere creation of the fancy- < the fabrick of a vifion I" Experience has demonftrated, that a wild and lawlels freedom affords no means of improvement, either mental or moral. The Charaibes of St. Vincent, and the Maroon negroes of Jamaica, were originally enflaved Africans; and what they now arè, the freed negroes of St. Domingo woill hereafter be-lavages in the midft of fociety; without peace, fecurity, agriculture, of the duties of life, and unor property; ignorant acquainted with all the foft and endearing relations which render it defirable; averfe to labour, though frequently perifhing of want; fulpicious of each other, and towards the reft of mankind revengeful and faithlefs, remorfelels and bloody minded; pretending to be free, while groaning beneath the capricious the freed negroes of St. Domingo woill hereafter be-lavages in the midft of fociety; without peace, fecurity, agriculture, of the duties of life, and unor property; ignorant acquainted with all the foft and endearing relations which render it defirable; averfe to labour, though frequently perifhing of want; fulpicious of each other, and towards the reft of mankind revengeful and faithlefs, remorfelels and bloody minded; pretending to be free, while groaning beneath the capricious --- Page 249 --- ST. DOMINGO pricious defpotifm of their, chiefs, and feeling all CI II A P. the miferies of fervitude, without the benefits of XII. fubordination ! Y IF what I have thus-not haftily, but-deliberately prediéted, concerning the fate of this unfortunate country, fhall be verified by the event, all other reflections muftyield to the preffing confideration how beft to obviate and defeat the influence which fo dreadful an example of fuccefsful revolt and triumphant anarchy may have in our own iflands. This is a fubjeét which will foon force itfelf on the moft ferious attention of Government; and I am of opinion, that nothing lefs than the co-operation of the Britith parliament with the COlonial legiflatures can meet its emergency. On the other hand, if it be admitted that the objeét is infinitely too important, and the means and refources of France much too powerful and abundant, to fuffer a doubt to remain concerning the ultimate accomplifhment of her views, in feizing on the whole of this extenfive country : if we can fuppofe that (convinced at length, by painful experience, of the monftrous folly of fuddenly emancipating barbarous men, and placing them at once in all the complicated relations of civil fociety) fhe will finally fucceed in reducing the vaft body of fugitive negroes to obedience ; and in eftablifhing fecurity, fubordination, and order, under a confitution of government fuited to the actual condition of the various claffes of the inhabitants:-if fuch fhall be her good fortune, it will not require the endowment of prophecy to foretel the refult. The middling, ftrous folly of fuddenly emancipating barbarous men, and placing them at once in all the complicated relations of civil fociety) fhe will finally fucceed in reducing the vaft body of fugitive negroes to obedience ; and in eftablifhing fecurity, fubordination, and order, under a confitution of government fuited to the actual condition of the various claffes of the inhabitants:-if fuch fhall be her good fortune, it will not require the endowment of prophecy to foretel the refult. The middling, --- Page 250 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY, &c. dling, and who are commonly the moft induftrious, C HAP. clafs of Planters, throughout every ifland in the - XII. Weft Indies, allured by the cheapnels of the land and the fuperior fertility of the foil, will affuredly feek our fettlements in St. Domingo; and a Weft Indian empire will fix itfelf in this noble ifland, to which, in a few fhort years, all the tropical poffeffions of Europe will be found fubordinate and tributary. Placed in the centre of Britifh and Spanifh America, and fituated to windward of thofe territories of either nation which are moft valuable, while the commerce of both muft exift only by its pleafure, all the riches of Mexico will be good Then will the vaffal Spawholly at its difpofal. niard lament, when it is too late, the thoughtlefs furrender he has made, and Great and improvident how the is herBritain find leifure to refleét deeply felf concerned in the confequences of it. The dilemma is awful, and the final iffue known only to omnifcient Power, in whofe hand is the fate of that But whatever the iffue may bey-in all empires! of fortune,-in all events and circumthe varieties infiniteftances, whether profperous or adverfe,-it Jy concerns both the people of Great Britain, and the inhabitants of the Britith colonies,--I cannot it too often,-to derive admonition from the repeat before us. To great Britain I would intimate, ftory the prefent example, encouthat if, difregarding ragement Thall continue to be given to the peftilent doétrines ofthofe hot-brained fanaticks, and deteftable incendiaries, who, under the vile pretence of philanthropy and zeal for the interefts of fuffering humanity, I Jy concerns both the people of Great Britain, and the inhabitants of the Britith colonies,--I cannot it too often,-to derive admonition from the repeat before us. To great Britain I would intimate, ftory the prefent example, encouthat if, difregarding ragement Thall continue to be given to the peftilent doétrines ofthofe hot-brained fanaticks, and deteftable incendiaries, who, under the vile pretence of philanthropy and zeal for the interefts of fuffering humanity, I --- Page 251 --- ST. DOMINGO humanity, preach up rebeilion and murder to the CHAP. contented and orderly negroes in our own territoXII. ries, what elle can be expected, but that the fame 1 dreadful fcenes of carnage and delolation, which we have contemplated in St. Domingo, will be renewed among our countrymen and relations in the Britith Weit Indies? May God Almighty, of his infinite mercy, avert the evil! To the refident Planters I addreis myfelf with ftill greater folicitude; and, ifit were in my power, would exhort them, 46 with more than mortal voice," to rife above the foggy atmolphere of local prejudices, and, by a generous furrender of temporary advantages, do that, which the Parliament of Great Britain, in the pride and plenitude of imperial dominion, cannot ciiect, and cught not to attempt. I call on them, with the fincerity and the affection of a brother, of themfelves to reftrain, limit and finally abolilh the further introduétion of enflaved men from Africas--not indeed by meafures of fudden violence and injuftice, difiegarding the many weighty and complicated interefts which are involved in the iffue; but by means which, though flowand gradual in their operation, will be fure and certain in their effest. The Colonial Legiflatures, by their fituation and local knowledge, are alone competent to this great and glorious tafk: and this example of St. Domingo, and the dictates of felfprefervation, like the hand-writing againft the wall, warn them no longer to delay itl Towards the poor negroes over whom the ftatutes of Great Britain, the accidents of fortune, and the laws of inVoL. III. P heritance, --- Page 252 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY,SC CHAP. heritance, have invefted them with power, their XII. general conduét for the laft twenty years (notwithftanding the foul calumnies with which they have been loaded) may court enquiry, and bid defiance to cenfure. A perfeverance in the fame benevolent fyftem, progreflively leading the objeéts of it to civilization and mental improvement, preparatory to greater indulgence, is all that humanity can require; for it is all that prudence can diétate. Thus will the Planters prepare a Thield of defence againft their enemies, and fecure to themfelves that ferenity and elevation of mind, which arife from an approving confcience ; producing affurance in hope, and confolation in adverfity. Their perfecutors and flanderers in the mean time will be difregarded or forgotten; for calumny, though a great, is a temporary evil, but truth and juftice will prove triumphant and eternal! ILLUSTRATIONS, require; for it is all that prudence can diétate. Thus will the Planters prepare a Thield of defence againft their enemies, and fecure to themfelves that ferenity and elevation of mind, which arife from an approving confcience ; producing affurance in hope, and confolation in adverfity. Their perfecutors and flanderers in the mean time will be difregarded or forgotten; for calumny, though a great, is a temporary evil, but truth and juftice will prove triumphant and eternal! ILLUSTRATIONS, --- Page 253 --- - 21I ] ILLUSTRATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL NOTES, TO THE HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ST DOMINGO. The following TABLES were drawn up by order of the Legilative Affembly of FRANCE, which met the ift of Oétober 1791, and feem to have been framed in the view of afcertaining the aétual ftate of the Colony, and its Commerce, immediately before the breaking out of the rebellion of the Negroes in the month of Auguft of'that year. Thetotals will be found to differ, in fome of the particulars, from the ftatement which has been given in the preceding pages. The difference arifes partly from the aélual change of circumitances, in the courfe of two years which intervened between the periods when each ftatement was made up, aud partly, I am afraid, from errors and omiflions of my owno P2 --- Page 254 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &:c. S219, N ap aIqWoN tsapaie d - N e % an % E e nrt a I N 1 1 5 6 o el 5 S sapoios:puI a LE E 5 d 3.aye) e anq U7 o S 9 U3 --- Page 255 --- D E S T. D O M I N G U E. - el oo - - s Eh à N - n s K I I I 1 - I 2 X E à E n S à € N S A iE s 2 3 a 0 a Sh a - S 4 0 S - DS N o - e N - - S lo U E le P 3 anq U7 o S 9 U3 --- Page 255 --- D E S T. D O M I N G U E. - el oo - - s Eh à N - n s K I I I 1 - I 2 X E à E n S à € N S A iE s 2 3 a 0 a Sh a - S 4 0 S - DS N o - e N - - S lo U E le P 3 --- Page 256 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &c. a o 4 % a E --- Page 257 --- D E S' T. D O M I N G U E. de de --- Page 258 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &cc. - O % E E e - S --- Page 259 --- 217 ] ADDITIONAL TABLES, Containing Information not comprehended in the preceding; Collctedby the Author when at Cape Frangois. --- Page 260 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &c. No.IV. TRADE ofthe French Partof ST. DOMINGO with old France. INPORTS for the Year 1788. Amount in Quantity. Nature of Goods. Hifpaniola Currency. Liv. 186,759 Barrels of Flour 12,271,247 1,366 Quintals of Bilcuit - 38,684 3,309 Ditto - - Cheefe 217,450 2,044 Ditto - - Wax Candles 602,010 27,154 Ditto : - Soap - 1,589,985 16,596 Ditto - - Tallow Candles 1,479,510 20,762 Ditto - - Oil 1,973:750 1,359 Ditto - - Tallow 55,770 121,587 Calks of Wine 13,610,960 7,020 Caies of Do - 534,770 5,732 Caiksof Beer - 328,175 6,174 Hampers of Beer - 157,380 10,375 Caies of Cordials - 340,070 6,937 Ankers of Brandy - 140,238 2,284 Ditto of Vinegar 23,784 19457 Bafkets of Anifeed Liquor 254:398 5,999 Quintals of Vesetables 322,130 34,613 Ciles of preferved Fruit - 320,477 2,486 Quntats of CodF.h - 85,607 1,308 Ditto - - Salt Fith 26,700 17,219 Ditto - - Butter - 1,650,150 24,261 Ditto - - Salt Beef 998,300 14,732 Ditto : - Salt Pork 1,101,395 4,351 Ditto - - Ditto - 376,560 3,627 Ditto - - Hams Dry Goods, qiz. Linens, Woollens, Silks, Cottons, andl Manufaétures of all kinds 39,008,600 Sundry other Articles, valued at - 8,685,600 Amount of all the Goodsimported $6,414,040 Thfe Importations were made in 580 Veffels, meafuring together 189,679 Tous, or by Average 325 Tons each Veffel; wviz. 224 fiom Bourienux jto from Bayonne. [T fiom Dieppe. 129 fiom Nantes. 5 fromLal Rochelle. 1 from Rouen. 90 trom Marfeilles. 3 from Harfleur. from Granville. 20 from Havre.de Grace. from Cherbourg. from Cette. 19 from Dunkirk. irom Croific, from Rhedon. II from St.Malo. Add to the 580 Veffels from France, 98 from the Coaft of Africa, and the French Part of Hifpaniola will be found to have employed 678 Veffuls belenging to France in the year 1788. fiom Dieppe. 129 fiom Nantes. 5 fromLal Rochelle. 1 from Rouen. 90 trom Marfeilles. 3 from Harfleur. from Granville. 20 from Havre.de Grace. from Cherbourg. from Cette. 19 from Dunkirk. irom Croific, from Rhedon. II from St.Malo. Add to the 580 Veffels from France, 98 from the Coaft of Africa, and the French Part of Hifpaniola will be found to have employed 678 Veffuls belenging to France in the year 1788. --- Page 261 --- DE ST. DON MIN G U E. No. V. Foreign TRADE in 1788 (exclufive of the Spanidh.) Imported by Foreigners (Spaniards excepted) to the Amount of - 6,821,707 Livres. Exported by the fame 4,409,922 Difference 2,411,785 N. B. This Trade employed 763 fimall Veffels, meafuring 55,745 Tons. The. Average is 73 Tons each. Veffels from North America (American built) are comprehended in it; but there were alfo employed in the North American Trade 45 French Veffels, meafuring 3,475 Tons (the Average 77 Tons each), which exported to North America Colonial Produêts, Value 525,571 Livres. And importedin return Goods to the Amount of - 465,081 Difference 60,490 Spanifh TRADE in 1788. 259 Spanifh Veffels, meafuring 15,417 Tons, or 59 Tons cach, imported to the Amount of (chiefly Bullion) - 9,717,113 And exported Negro Slaves, and Goods, chiefly European Manufadtuies, to the Amount of 5:587,515 Difference 4,129,598 N. B. This is exclufive of the Inland Trade with the Spaniards, of which thereis no Account. --- Page 262 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &c. No. VI. AFRICAN TRADE. NEGROESimpnd into the French Part of HISPANIOLA, in 1788. Purtaul Prince 4,732 2,256 764 541 8,293 24 St.Maic 1,665 645 230 60 2,500 8 Léogane 1,652 798 469 327 3,246 9 Jérémie 18 204 Cayes 1,624 872 1,245 849 4,590 19 Cape Frasçois 5,913 2,394 1,514 752 10,573 37 15,674 7,040 4,245 2,547 29,505 98 In 1787, 30,839 Negroes werc imported into the French Part of St Doiningo. The29,506 Negroes imported in 1788, were fold for 61,936,190 Livres (Hifpaniola Currency) which on an average is 2,099 liv. 2S. each, being about 6.60. Rerling, çois 5,913 2,394 1,514 752 10,573 37 15,674 7,040 4,245 2,547 29,505 98 In 1787, 30,839 Negroes werc imported into the French Part of St Doiningo. The29,506 Negroes imported in 1788, were fold for 61,936,190 Livres (Hifpaniola Currency) which on an average is 2,099 liv. 2S. each, being about 6.60. Rerling, --- Page 263 --- 221 ] ILLUSTRATIONS, &rc. CHA P. IV. p. 5I. It was difevered, bowever, about nine montbs afterwards, CH A r. that this maf unfortunate young man (Oge) bad made a full IV. confalfien. His laf falemn declarations fuorn to and figned 1 by bimfelf the day before bis execution, was allually produced, &c. The following is a copy of this important document. TESTAMENT DE MORT D'OGE. EXTRAIT des minutes du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze ct le neuf mars, nous Antoine-Etienne Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Marie-François Pourchereffe de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par la cour, à l'effet de faire exécuter P'arrêt de la dite cour, du 5 du préfint mois, portant condamnation de mort contre le nommé Jacques Ogé dit Jacquot, quarteron libre; lequel, étant en la chambre criminelle, et après leéture faite du dit arrêt, en ce quile concerne, a dit et déclaré, pour la décharge de fa confcience, ferment préalablement par lui prêté, la main levée devant nous, de dire vérité. QUE dans le commencement du mois de février dernier, fi les rivières n'avoient pas été débordées, il devoit fe faire un attroupement de gens de couleur, qui devoient entraîner avec eux les atéliers, et devoient venir fondre fur la ville du Cap --- Page 264 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. Capen nombre très confidérable ; qu'ils étoient même déjà IV. réunis au nombre de onze mille hommes; que le débordeP. 51. ment des rivières eft le feul obftacle qui Jes a empêchés de fer réunir; cette quantité d'hommes de couleur étant compofée de ceux du Mirebalais, de l'Artibonite, du Limbe, d'Ouanaminthe, de la Grande Rivière, et généralement de toute la Colonie. Qu'à cette époque, il étoit forti du Cap cent hommes de couleur pour fe joindre à cette troupe. Que l'accufé eft afluré que les auteurs de cette révolte font les Declains, négres libres de la Grande-Riviére, accufés au procès; Dumas, n. 1.; Yvon, n. 1.; Bitozin, m. 1. cfpagnol; Pierre Godard et Jean-Baptifte, fon frère, n. 1. de la Grande-Rivière; Legrand Mazeau et Touffaint Mazeau, n. de couleur pour fe joindre à cette troupe. Que l'accufé eft afluré que les auteurs de cette révolte font les Declains, négres libres de la Grande-Riviére, accufés au procès; Dumas, n. 1.; Yvon, n. 1.; Bitozin, m. 1. cfpagnol; Pierre Godard et Jean-Baptifte, fon frère, n. 1. de la Grande-Rivière; Legrand Mazeau et Touffaint Mazeau, n. 1; Pierre Mauzi, m. 1.; Ginga Lapaire, Charles Lamadieu, les Sabourins, Jean Pierre Goudy, Jofeph Lucas, mulâtres libres; Maurice, n. 1; tous accufés au procès. Quel lesg grands moteurs, au bas de la côte, font les nommés Daguin, accufé au procès; Rebel, demeurant au Mirebalais ; Pinchinat, accufé au procès; Labaftille, également accufé au procès; et quc l'accufé, ici préfent, croit devoir nous déclarer être un des plus ardens partifans de la révolte, quia mu en grande partic celle qui a éclaté dans les environs de Saint-Marc, et qui cherche à en éxciter une nouvelle; qu'il y a dans ce moment plufieurs gens de couleur, dans différens quartiers, bien réfolus a tenir à leurs projets, malgré que ceux qui trempéroient dans la révolte perdroient la vie; que l'accufé, ici préfent, ne peut pas fe reffouvenir du nom de tous; S mais qu'il fe rappelle que le fils de Laplace, g.l; dont lui accufé a vu la foeur dans les prifons, a quitté le Limbé pour aller faire des récrues dans le quartier d' Ouanaminthe; et que ces récrues et ces foulévemens de gens de couleur font foutenus ici par la préfence des nommés Fleury et PHirondelle Viard, députés des gens de couleur auprès de l'affemblée nationale; que Jui acculé, ici préfents ignore fi les députés fe tiennent chez eux 5 qu'il croit que le nommé Fleury fe tient au Mirebalais, etle nommé P'Hirondelle Viard dansle quartier de la Grande-Rivière. Que --- Page 265 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS Que lui accufe, ici préfent, déclure que l'infurredtion des CH AP. revolcés exitte dans les fouterrains qui fe trouvent entre la IV. Crèce à Marcan et le Canton du Giromon, paroiffe de la P. S1. Grande-Rivière; qu'en conféquence, fi lui accufé pouvoit être conduit fur les licux, il fe feroit fort de prendre les chefs des révoltés; que l'agitation dans laquelle il fe trouve, rélativement à fa pofition actuclle, ne lui permet pas dc nous donner des détails plus circonftanciés; 3 qu'il nous les donnera par la fuite, lorfqu'il fera un peu plus tranquil; qu'il lui vient en ce moment à l'elprit que le nommé Caltaing, mulâtre libre de cette dépendance : ne fe trouve compris en aucune manière dans l'affaire aétuelle ; mais que lui accufé, nous affure que fi fon frère Ogé eût fuivi l'impulfion du dit Caftaing, il fe feroit porté à de bien plus grandes extrémités; qui eft tout ce qu'il nous a dit pouvoir nous déclarer dans ce moment, dont lui avons donné acte, qu'ila figné avec nous et le gréfier. Caltaing, mulâtre libre de cette dépendance : ne fe trouve compris en aucune manière dans l'affaire aétuelle ; mais que lui accufé, nous affure que fi fon frère Ogé eût fuivi l'impulfion du dit Caftaing, il fe feroit porté à de bien plus grandes extrémités; qui eft tout ce qu'il nous a dit pouvoir nous déclarer dans ce moment, dont lui avons donné acte, qu'ila figné avec nous et le gréfier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTE, POURCHERESSE DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréffier. EXTRAIT des minutes du greffe du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, le dix mars, trois heures de rélévée, en la chambre criminelle, nous AntoineEtienne Ructte, confeiller du roi, doyen du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Marie-Frmogein-Juteph de Vertieres, aufli confeiller du roi au dit Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commniffaires nommés par la cour, fuivant l'arrêt de ce jour, rendu furles conclufions du procureur général du roi de la dite cour, àl'éffet de procéder au recolement de la déclaration faite le nommé Jacques Ogé, q-1.; lequel, aprés ferment par lui fait, la mainlevée devant nous de dire la vérité, et après par lui avoir fait lecture, par le gréffier, de la déclaration du jour d'hier, l'avons interpellé de nous déclarer fi la dite déclaration contient vérité, s'il veut n'y rien ajouter, n'y diminuer, ct s'ily y perfifte. l'éffet de procéder au recolement de la déclaration faite le nommé Jacques Ogé, q-1.; lequel, aprés ferment par lui fait, la mainlevée devant nous de dire la vérité, et après par lui avoir fait lecture, par le gréffier, de la déclaration du jour d'hier, l'avons interpellé de nous déclarer fi la dite déclaration contient vérité, s'il veut n'y rien ajouter, n'y diminuer, ct s'ily y perfifte. A répondu que la dite déclaration du jour d'hier contient vérité, qu'il y perfifte, et qu'il y ajoute que les deux Didiers freres, --- Page 266 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. frères, dont T'un plus grand que l'autre, mulâtres ou quarIV. terons libres, ne les ayant vu que cette fois; Jcan-Pierre p. 51. Gerard, m.l. du Cap, ct Caton, m.1.: auffi du Cap, font em- - A ployés à gagner les atéliers dela Granle-Rivière, qu'ils font enfemble dejour, ct que de nuit ils font difperfés. Ajoute encore que lors de fa confrontation avec Jacques Lucas, il a été dit par ce dernier, que lui accufé, ici prèfent, l'avoit menacé de le faire pendre; à quoi, lui accufé, a répondu au dit Jacques Lucas, qu'il devoit fàvoir pourquoi quc le dit Jacques Lucas, n'ayant pas infifté, lui accufé n'a pas déclaré le motif de cette menace, pour ne pas perdre le dit Jacques Lucas; qu'il nous déclare les chofes comme elles fe font pafées; que le dit Lucas lui ayant dit qu'il avoit foulevé les atéliers de M. Bonamy et de divers autres habitans de la Grande-Rivière, pour aller egorger l'armée chez M. Cardineau; qu'au prémier coup de cornc, il étoit fur que ces atéliers s'attrouperoient et fe joindroient à la troupe des gens de couleur; alors lui accufé, tenant aux blancs, fut révolté de cette barbaric, et dit au nommé Jacques Lucas, que Pauteur d'un parcil projet méritoit d'être pendu; qu'ileût à l'inftant à faire rentrer les négres qu'il avoit appoité dans différens coins avec dcs cornes; que lui accufé, ici préfent, nous déclare qu'ila donné au dit Lucas trois pomponelles de tafia, trois bouteilles de vin et du pain; qu'il ignoroit Pufage que le dit Lucas enfaifoit; que la troifiéme fois que le dit Lucas en vint chercher; lui accufé, ici préfent, lui ayant demandé ce qu'il faifoit de ces boiffons et vivres ; le dit Lucas répondit que c'étoit pour les négres qu'il avoit difperfé de côté et d'autre; que ce qui prouve que le dit Lucas avoit le projèt de fouléver les nègres efclaves contre les blancs, et de faire égorger ces derniers par les prémiers; c'elt la propolition qu'il ftà Vincent Ogé, frère de luiaccufe, de veniriur Thabitation delui Jacques Lucas, pour être plus a portée de fe joindre aux nègres qu'il avoit débauché 5 que fi lui accufé n'a pas révélé ces faits à fa confrontation avec le dit, Jacques Lucas, c'eit qu'ils'eit apperçu qu'ils n'étoient pas connus, ct qu'iln'a pas voulu le perdre; iers par les prémiers; c'elt la propolition qu'il ftà Vincent Ogé, frère de luiaccufe, de veniriur Thabitation delui Jacques Lucas, pour être plus a portée de fe joindre aux nègres qu'il avoit débauché 5 que fi lui accufé n'a pas révélé ces faits à fa confrontation avec le dit, Jacques Lucas, c'eit qu'ils'eit apperçu qu'ils n'étoient pas connus, ct qu'iln'a pas voulu le perdre; --- Page 267 --- AND ILLOSTRATIONS. perdre; qu'il a du moins la fatisfaction d'avoir détourné ce CHAI P. crime horrible et cannibale ; qu'il s'étoit réfervé de révéler IV. enjuftice, lors de fon élargillement; que ce même Lucas eft p.5I. - celui qui a voulu couper la tête a deux blancs prifonniers, et notàmment au fieur Belife, pour lui avoir enievé une femme; que Pierre Roubert ôta le fabre des mains de Jacques Lucas, et appella Vincent Ogé, frère de lui accufé, ici préfent; qui fit des rémontrances audit Lucas; que cependant ces prifonniers ont déclarés en juflice que c'étoit lui accufé qui avoit eu ce deffein; que même à la confrontation ils le lui ont foutenu ; mais que le fait s'étant paffé de nuit, les dits prifonniers sont pris, lui accufé, pour ledit Lucas, tandis que lui accufé n'a ceflé de les combler d'honnètetés; qu'a la confrontation, lui acculé a cru qu'il étoit fuffifant de dire que ce n'étoit pas lui, et d'affirmer qu'ili n'avoitjamais connu cette femme ; mais qu'aujourd'hui ilfe croyoit obligé, pour la décharge de fa confcience, de nous rendre les faits tels qu'ils font, et d'infifter à jurer qu'il ne l'a jamais connue. Ajoute l'accufé que le nommé Fleury et Periffe, le premier, lun des députés des gens de couleur près de l'affemblée nationale, font arrivés en cette Colonie par un bàtiment Bordelais avec le nommé PHirondelle Viard; quele capitaine a mis les deux prémiers à Acquin, chez un nommé Dupont, homme de couleur; et le nommé P'Hirondelle Viard, également député des gens de couleur, au Cap. Ajoute encore l'acculé, qu'il nous avoit déclaré, lejour d'hier, que le nommé Laplace, dont le père eft ici dans les prifons, faifant des récrues à Ouanaminthe, eft du nombre de ceux qui ont marché du Limbé contre le Cap; que pour éloigner les foupçons, il eft allé au Port-Margot, oû ils s'eft tenu caché plufieurs jours, feignant d'avoir une Auxion; $ que le dit Laplace père a dit, àlui acculé, qu'ilétoit fûr que fon voifin, qui eft un blanc, ne dépofera pas contre lui, malgré qu'il fache toutes fes démarches 3 qu'il étoit affuré que le nommé Girardeau, détenu en prifon, ne déclareroit rien, parce qu'il étoit trop fon ami pour le découvrir;qu'enVor. III. Q fuite, ignant d'avoir une Auxion; $ que le dit Laplace père a dit, àlui acculé, qu'ilétoit fûr que fon voifin, qui eft un blanc, ne dépofera pas contre lui, malgré qu'il fache toutes fes démarches 3 qu'il étoit affuré que le nommé Girardeau, détenu en prifon, ne déclareroit rien, parce qu'il étoit trop fon ami pour le découvrir;qu'enVor. III. Q fuite, --- Page 268 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CIAP. fuitc, s'ille dénonçoit, il feroit forcé d'en dénoncer beau* IV. coup d'autres, tant du Limbé que des autres quartiers. P.51. Obferve l'accufé que lorfqu'il nous a parlé des moyens employés par Jacques Lucas pour fouleverlesn nègres efclavess il a omis de nous dire que Pierre Maury avoit envoyé une trentaine d'efclaves chez Lucas; quelui accule, avecl'agré ment d'Ogéle jeune, fon frère, les renvoya, ce qui occafionna une plainte générale,les gens de couleur difant que c'étoit du renfort; que lui accufé cut même à cette occafion une rixe avec le plus grand des Didiers, avec lequel il manqua de fe battre au piltolet, pour vouloir lui foutenir qu'étant libre et cherchant à être aflimilé aux blancs, il n'étoit pas fait pour être affimilé aux negres efclaves; que d'ailleurs foulevant les efclaves, c'étoit détruire les propriétés des blancs, ct qu'en les détruifant, ils détruifoient les leurs propres; que dépuis que lui accufé étoit dans les prifons, il a vu un perit billet écrit par ledit Pierre Maury à Jean-François Teffier, par lequel 1 lui marque qu'il continue à ramaffer, et quel le nègre nommé Coquin, alla à la dame veuve Caftaing ainée, armé d'une paire de piftolets garnis en argent et d'une manchette que le dit Maurylui a donnée, veille à tout CC qui fe paffe, et rend compte tous les foirs audit Maury; qui eft tout ce que Paccufé, ici prefent, nous déclarc, en nous coujurant d'être perfuadés que, s'il lui étoit poffible d'obtenir miléricorde, il s'expoferoit volontièrs à tous les dangers pour faire arrêter les chets de cesrévoltés; et que dans toutes les circonftances, il prouvera fon zèle et fon refpeét pour. les blancs. LECTURE à lui faite de fa déclaration, dans laquelle'il perfifte pour contenir vérité, lui en donnons acte, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréflier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTF, POUCHERESSES DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréffier. Pour expedition collationée, figné, LANDAIS, gréffier. A CopY of the preceding document, the exiftence of which I had often heard of; but very much doubted, was tranf- de fa déclaration, dans laquelle'il perfifte pour contenir vérité, lui en donnons acte, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréflier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTF, POUCHERESSES DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréffier. Pour expedition collationée, figné, LANDAIS, gréffier. A CopY of the preceding document, the exiftence of which I had often heard of; but very much doubted, was tranf- --- Page 269 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS tranfinitted to me from St. Domingo in the month ofJuly CHA P. 1795, inclofed in a letter from a gentleman of that ifland, IV. whofe attachment to the Britifh cannot be fufpeéted, and whofe means for information were EE, equal to any: This Letter is too remarkable to be omitted, and I hope, as Iconceal his name, that the writer will pardon its publication: It here follows. Je vous envoye ci joint, le teftament de Jaques Ogé executéau Caple 9 Mars 1791. Voici mes réflexions fur les dates et les faits : rJaquesOgédepofeisprejet connu dépuislong tems par les Briffotins dont il étoit un des Agents. Il nomme les chefs des Mulâtres, qui dans toutes les parties de la Colonie devoient éxécuter un plan digne des Suppôts del'enfer. 2°. Il depofe que l'abondance des pluies et les crués des rivicres avoient empèché l'éxécution du projet au mnois de Fevrier. 3°. Il déclare que fi on veut lui accorder miféricorde, ils'expofera aux dangers de faire arrêter les chefs. Ogé eft éxécuté, avec vingt de fes complices, leMars 1791. Son teftament eft gardé fecret jufqu'à la fin de 1791 (après l'incendie générale de la partie du Nord) qu'un arrêté de l'Affemblée Coloniale oblige impèrieufement le Gréffier du Confeil du Cap à en délivrer des copies. Que conclure? Hélas, que les coupables font auffi nombreux qu'atroces et cruels ! StR, Coupables: Les hommes de couleur nommés par la dépofition d' Ogé, 2. (et au moins autant s'ils ne font plus.) Le Confeil du Cap, qui a olé faire éxécuter Ogé, et qui a gardé le fecret fur fes dépofitions fi interreflàntes. Q2 3- Le --- Page 270 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. 3. Le Général, Blanchelande et tous les chefs militaires IV. qui n'ont pas fait arréter fur le champtoutes les perfonnes de p.51. Couleur nommées par Ogé et neles ont pas confrontées avec Jeuraccufateur. Mais non: on a precipité l'éxécution du malheureux Ogé; on a gardé un fecret dont la publicité fauveroit la Colonie. On a laiffé libres tous les chefs des révoltés; onles a laiffé pour fuivreleurs projets deftructifs. Si les Chefs militaires, le confeil, les magiftrats civils, avoient fait arrêter au mois de Mars 1791, les Mulatres Pinchinat, Caltaing, Viard, et tous lesa autres, ilsn'auroient pas pu confommer leur crime le 25 Août fuivant. Les Régimens de Normandie et d'Artois qui venoient d'arriver de France, etoient afléz, forts pour arrêter tous les gens de couleur coupables, et s'ils ne l'avoient pas été, et que ce fut le motif, qui eut empèché Blanchelande d'agir, pourquoi Blanchelande envoyat il, au mois de Mai 1791, des troupes de ligne que lui envoyoit de la Martinique, M. ommer leur crime le 25 Août fuivant. Les Régimens de Normandie et d'Artois qui venoient d'arriver de France, etoient afléz, forts pour arrêter tous les gens de couleur coupables, et s'ils ne l'avoient pas été, et que ce fut le motif, qui eut empèché Blanchelande d'agir, pourquoi Blanchelande envoyat il, au mois de Mai 1791, des troupes de ligne que lui envoyoit de la Martinique, M. de Bchague ? La férie de tous ces faits prouve évidemment la coalition des contre révolutionaires avec les Mulâtres, dont ils ont été la dupc, etla viétime après l'arrivée des Commiflaires Polverel et Santhonax. CHA P. CHA P. VI, p. 85. VI. P. 85. A truce or convention called the CONCORDAT tas agreed upon the I1th ofSeptember betzveen thefreeprople ofcolourand the wbite inhabitants ef Part-au-Prince, iSc. The folJowing is a true copy of this curious and important document : CONCORDAT de MM. les citoyens blancs du Port-auPrince avec MM. les citoyens de couleur. L'AN mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, & le onze du mois de Septembre, Les commiffaires de la garde nationale des citoyens blancs du Port-au-Prince, d'unc part; Et --- Page 271 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Etles commiffaires de la garde nationale des citoyens de C H A P. couleur, d'autre part: et ceux fondés de pouvoir par arrêté de VI. 85. mois. P. cej jour, & du neuf Septembre préfent Affemblés fur la place d'armes du bourg de la Croix-desBouquets, à l'effet de délibérer fur) les moyens les plus capables d'opérer la réunion des: citoyens de toutes les claffes, & d'arrêter les progrès & les fuites d'une infurrection qui menace également toutes les parties de la colonie. L'affemblée ainfi compolée s'étant tranfportée dans l'églife paroiffale du dit bourg de la Cos.des-àBosgustypear éviter l'ardeur du foleil, il a été procédé de fuite, des deux côtés,, àl la nomination d'un préfident & d'un fecrétaire. Les commiflaires de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince ont nommé pour leur préfident M. Gamot, & pourleur fecrétaireM. Hacquet;Scles commiffaires de la garde nationale des citoyens de couleur ont nommé pour leur préfident M. Pinchinat, & fecrétaire M. Daguin fils. Lefquels préfidens & fecrétaires ont refpe@tivement accepté les dites charges, & ont promis de bien & fidellement s'en acquitter. Après quoi il a été dit de la part des citoyens de couleur, que la loi faite en leur faveur en 1685, avoit été méprilée & violée par les progrès d'un préjugé ridicule, & par P'ufage abufif ct le defpotifme miniftériel de l'ancien régime, ils n'ont jamais joui que très-imparfitement du bénéfice de cette loi. accepté les dites charges, & ont promis de bien & fidellement s'en acquitter. Après quoi il a été dit de la part des citoyens de couleur, que la loi faite en leur faveur en 1685, avoit été méprilée & violée par les progrès d'un préjugé ridicule, & par P'ufage abufif ct le defpotifme miniftériel de l'ancien régime, ils n'ont jamais joui que très-imparfitement du bénéfice de cette loi. Qu'au moment où ils ont vu l'affemblée des repréfentans de la nation fe former, ils ont preffenti que les principes qui ont diété la loi conftitutionnelle de l'état, entraîneroit néceffairement la réconnoiffance de leurs droits qui, pour avoir été long-temps méconnus, n'en étoient pas moins facrés. Que cette réconnoiflance a été confacrée par les décrets & inftructions des 8 & 28 Mars 1790, & par plufieurs autres rendus depuis ; mais qu'ils ont vu avec la plus vive douleur que les citoyens blancs des colonies leur refufoient avec obftination l'exécution de ces décrets, pour ce Q3 qui --- Page 272 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP, quiles y concerne, par l'interprétation injufte eu'ils en ont VI. faiie. p. 85. Qu'outre la privation du bénéficc des dits décrets, lorfqu'ils ont voulu les réclamer, on les a facrifiés à Pidele du préjugé, en exerçant contre eux un abus incroyable des lois & de l'autorité du gouvernement, au point de les furcer d'abandonner leurs foyers. Qu'enfin, ne pouvant plus fupporter leur exiftence malheureufe, & étant réfolus de l'expofer à tous les événemens, pour fe procurer l'exercice des droits qu'ils tiennent de la nature & qui font confacrés par les lois civiles & politiques, ils fe font réunis fur la montagne de la Charbonnière, où ils ont pris les armes, le 31 Août dernier, pour fe mettre dans le casd'unej juile défenfe. Que l'envie d'opérer la réunion des tous les citoyens indiftinctement leur fait accueillir favorablementla députation de MM. les commiflaires blancs de la garde nationale du Port-au-l'rince; qu'ils voyent avec une fatisfaction difficile à exprimer le retour des citoyens blancs aux vrais principes de la raifon, de la juftice, de l'humanité & de la faine politique, qu'ayant tont lieu de çroire â la fincérité de ce retour ils fe réuniront de cceur, d'efprit & d'intention aux citoyens blancs, pourvu que la précieufe & fainte égalité foit la bafe & le réfultat de toutes opérations, qu'l 1 n'y ait entre-eux & les citoyens blancs, d'autre difference que celle qu'entrainent nécellairement le mérite & la vertu, & que la fraternité, la fincérité, l'harinonie & la concorde, cimentent ajamais les liens qui doivent les attacher réciproquement: en conféquence, ils ont demandé l'exécution des articles fuivans, auxquels les fus dits commiflaires blancs ont répondu, ainfi qu'il eft mentionné en la colonne parrallele à celle des demandes. Demandes des cimmfaires de la garde nationale des citayens de couleur. Article Premier. Les citoyens blancs feront caufe commune avec les citoyens de coulcur, & contribueront de toutes les liens qui doivent les attacher réciproquement: en conféquence, ils ont demandé l'exécution des articles fuivans, auxquels les fus dits commiflaires blancs ont répondu, ainfi qu'il eft mentionné en la colonne parrallele à celle des demandes. Demandes des cimmfaires de la garde nationale des citayens de couleur. Article Premier. Les citoyens blancs feront caufe commune avec les citoyens de coulcur, & contribueront de toutes --- Page 273 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. toutcs leurs forces & de tous leurs moyens à l'exécution lit- CHAP. téraie de tous les points & articles des décrets & inftructions VI. del'aflemblée nationale, fanétionnés par le roi, Sc CC, fans p. 85. reftriction & fans fe permettre aucune interprétation, conformément à ce qui eft preferit par Paffemblée nationale qui défend d'interpréter fes décrets.- -Accepté. II. Les citoyens blancs promettent & s'obligent de ne jamais s'oppofer dircétement ni indirectement à l'exécution du décret du 15 Mai dernier, qui dit-on n'eft pas encore parvenu officiellement dans cette colonie; de proteRer même contre toutes proteftations & réclamations contraires aux difpolitions du fus dit décret, ainfi que contre tou.esaddeflsà P'afemblée nationale, au roi, aux quatre-vingt-trois departemens & aux difrerentes chambres de commerce de France, pour obtenir larévocation de ce décret bieniaifant.- - -Accepté. III. Ont demandé les fus dits citoyens de couleur, la convocation prochaine & l'ouverture des affemblées primaires & coloniales, part tousles citoyens actifs, aux termes de l'article 1V des inftructions de Paffemblée nationale, du 28 Mars 1790. Accepté. IV. De députer direétement à l'affemblée coloniale, & de nommer des députés choifis parmiles citoyens de couleur, qui auront, comme ceux des citoyens blancs, voix confultative & délibérative. -Accepté. V. Déclarent les fus dits citoyens blancs & de couleur protelter contre toute municipalité provifoire ou non, de même contre toutes affemblées provinciales & coloniales ; les dites municipalités affemblées provinciales &c coloniales n'étant point formées furle mode preferit par les décrets & initructions des 8 & 28 Mars 1790. Accepté. VI. Demandent les citoyens de couleur qu'il foit reconnu par les citoyens blancs, que leur organifation préfente, leurs opérations récentes & leur prife d'armes, n'ont eu pour but & pour motif, que leur fureté individuelle, l'exécution des décrets de P'affemblée nationale, la réclamation de leurs droits méconnus & violés & le defir de parvenir par ce moyen 2 LA àla & 28 Mars 1790. Accepté. VI. Demandent les citoyens de couleur qu'il foit reconnu par les citoyens blancs, que leur organifation préfente, leurs opérations récentes & leur prife d'armes, n'ont eu pour but & pour motif, que leur fureté individuelle, l'exécution des décrets de P'affemblée nationale, la réclamation de leurs droits méconnus & violés & le defir de parvenir par ce moyen 2 LA àla --- Page 274 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES C HAP. àla tranquillité publique, qu'en conféquence ils foient dé VI. clarés inculpables pour les événemens qui ont réfulté de p. 85. cette prife d'armes & qu'on ne puiffe dans aucun cas exercer contre-eux collcétivement ou individucllement, aucune action direête ou indiredte pour raifon de CcS mêmes événcmens, qu'il foit en-outre reconnu que leur prife d'armes tiendrajufqu'au moment ou les décrets de l'afiemblée nationale feront pon@tuellement & formellement exécutés 5 qu'en conféquence, les armes, canons & munitions de guerre enlevés pendant les combats qui ont eu lieu, refteront en la pofleftion de ceux qui ont eu le bonheur d'ètre vainqueurs; que cependant les prifonniers [ toute-fois il en eft] foient remis en liberté de part & d'autre. Accepté. VII. Demandent lcs dits citoyens de couleur, que conformément à la loi du II Féviier dernier & pour ne laiffer aucun doute fur la fincérité de la réunion prête à s'opérer, toutes profcriptions ceflent & foient révoquées dès ce moment, que toutes les perfonnes profcrites, décrétées, & contre lefquelles il feroit intervenu des jugemens ou condamnations quelconques pour raifon des troubles furvenus dans la colonie depuis le commencement de la révolution, foient de fuite rapclés & mis fous la proteétion facrée &i immédiate de tous les citoyens, que réparation folemnelle & authentique foit faiteà à leur honneur, qu'il foit pourvu par des moyens convenables, aux indemnités que néceflitent leur exil, leurs profcriptions &les décrets décernés contre-eux 5 que toutes confifcations de leurs biens foient levées & que reititution leur foit faite de tous les obiets qui leur ont été enlevés, foit en exécution des jugemens prononcés contre-eux, foit à main armée. Demandant que le préfent article foit fridtement & relgieufement obfervé par tous les citoyens du reffort du confeil fupérieur de Saint-Domingue, & fur-tout à l'égard des fieurs Poiffon, Defmares, les frères Regnauld & autres compris au même jugement que ceux-ci, tous les babitansde la parcifle de la Croix-des-Bouquet, de même qu'à l'égard du fieur Jean-I Baptifte la Pointe habitant de l'Arcahaye, contre lequel il n'eft intervenu un jugement levère que ervé par tous les citoyens du reffort du confeil fupérieur de Saint-Domingue, & fur-tout à l'égard des fieurs Poiffon, Defmares, les frères Regnauld & autres compris au même jugement que ceux-ci, tous les babitansde la parcifle de la Croix-des-Bouquet, de même qu'à l'égard du fieur Jean-I Baptifte la Pointe habitant de l'Arcahaye, contre lequel il n'eft intervenu un jugement levère que --- Page 275 --- A ND ILLUSTRATIONS fuite de exercées contre les cito- CH A P. que par une perfécutions les citoyens de Saint- VI. yens de couleur, & qui profcrit par p.85. Marc & de l'Arcahaye n'a pu fe difpenfer d'employer une jufte défenfe contre quelqu'un qui vouloit l'affaffiner & qui l'affaffinoit en effet; fe réfervant les citoyens de couleur de faire dans un autre moment & envers quiil appartiendra, toutes proteftations & réclamations relatives aux jugemens prononcés contre les fieurs Oger, Chavannes & autres compris dans les ditsjugemens, regardant dès à préfent les arrêts prononcés contre les fus dits fieurs, par le confeil fupérieur du Cap, comme infâmes, dignes d'être voués à l'exécration contemporaine & future, & comme la caufe fatale de tous les malheurs qui affigent la province du nord.--Accepté, en ce qui nous concerne. VIII. Que le fecret des lettres & correfpondance foit facré &inviolable, conformément aux décrets nationaux.- -Accepté. IX. Liberté de la preffe, faufla refponfabilité dans les cas déterminés par la loi.- -Accepté. X. Demandent en-outre les citoyens de couleur, qu'en attendant l'exécution ponétuelle & littérale des décrets de l'af- (emblée nationale, & jufqu'au moment où ils pourront fe retirer dans leurs foyers, Meffieurs les citoyens blancs de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince s'obligent de contribuer à T'approvifionnement de l'armée des citoyens de couleur pendant tout le tems que durera fon activité contre les ennemis communs & du bien public, & de faciliter la libre circulation des vivres dans les différens quartiers de la partie de Touefl.--Accepté. XI. Obfervent en-outre les fus dits citoyens de couleur, que la fincérité dont les citoyens blancs viennent de Jeur donner une preuve authentique, ne leur permet pas de garder le filence fur les craintes dont ils font agités; en conféquenca ils dèclarent qu'ils ne perdront jamais de vue la reconnoiffance de tous droits & de ceux de leurs frères des autres quartiers; qu'ils verroient avec beaucoup de peine & de douleur la réunion prête à s'opérer au Port au-Prince & autres couleur, que la fincérité dont les citoyens blancs viennent de Jeur donner une preuve authentique, ne leur permet pas de garder le filence fur les craintes dont ils font agités; en conféquenca ils dèclarent qu'ils ne perdront jamais de vue la reconnoiffance de tous droits & de ceux de leurs frères des autres quartiers; qu'ils verroient avec beaucoup de peine & de douleur la réunion prête à s'opérer au Port au-Prince & autres --- Page 276 --- A DDITIONAL NOTES CH A P. tres lieux de la dépendancef fouffrir des difficultés dans lesauVI. tres endroits de la colonie, auquel cas ils déclarent que rien p 85. au monde ne fauroit les empêcher de fe réunir à ceux des leurs quip par une fuite des anciens abus du régime colonial, éprouveroient des obitacles à la reconnoiflance del leurs droits & par confèquent à leur félicité. - -Accepté. Après quoi l'affemblée revenuc à la place d'armes, la matière mife en délibération, mûrement examinée & difcutée, l'afemblée confidérant qu'il eft d'une néceffité indifpenfable de mettre en ufage tous les moyens qui peuvent contribuer au bonhcur de tous les citoyens qui font égaux endroits. Que la réunion des citoyens de toutes les claffes peut feule ramener le calme & la tranquillité Gi néceffaires à la profpérité de cette colonie qui fe trouve aujourd'hui mcnacée des plus grands malheurs. Que Pexécution ponétuclic & littérale de tous les articles des décrets & inftruétions de l'affemblée nationale fanétionnés par le,roi, peut feule opérer cette réunion défirable fous quelque point de vue qu'on l'envifage. Il a été arrêté, favoir : de la part des citoyens blancs, qu'ils acceptent tous les articles inférés au préfent concordat. Et de la part des citoyens de couleur, que, vu l'acceptation de tous les articles fans reftriétion inférés au préfent concordat, ils fe réuniront & fe réuniffent en effet de coeur, d'efprit & d'intention aux citoyens blancs, pour ramener le calme & la tranquillité, pour travailler de concert à l'exécution ponctuelle des décrets de l'affemblée nationale fanctionnés par le roi, & pour employer toutes leurs forces & tous leuis moyens contre l'ennemi commun. Ae eté arrêté par Meflieursles citoyens blancs & Meffieurs les citoyens de couleur, que Cc jour devoit éteindre toute elpèce de haine &c de divifion entre les citoyens de la colonie en général, les citoyens de couleur du Port-au-Prince qui, par une fauffe pufillanimité, ne fe font pas réunisà leurs frères de armes, feront compris dans l'amniftie générale; que jamais aucun reproche ne leur fera fait de ieur conduite; Meflieursles citoyens blancs & Meffieurs les citoyens de couleur, que Cc jour devoit éteindre toute elpèce de haine &c de divifion entre les citoyens de la colonie en général, les citoyens de couleur du Port-au-Prince qui, par une fauffe pufillanimité, ne fe font pas réunisà leurs frères de armes, feront compris dans l'amniftie générale; que jamais aucun reproche ne leur fera fait de ieur conduite; --- Page 277 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS duite; entendant qu'ils participent également aux avan- CHAP. promet notre heureufe réunion entre toutes les VI. tages que indiftinétement. p.85. perfonnes & tous les citoyens De plus, que proteétion égale devoit être accordée au fexe en général, les femmes & filles de couleur en jouiront de même que les femmes & filles blanches, & que mêmes précautions & foins feront pris pour leur fureté refpective. Arrêté quel le préfent concordat fera figné par l'état major de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince. Il a été arrêté que le préfent concordat fera rendu public par la voie de l'imprefion, que copies collationées d'y celui feront envoyées à l'affemblée nationale, au roi, aux quatrevingt-trois départemens, à toutes les chambres de commerce de France, à Monfieur le lieutenant-général au gouvernement, & à tous autres qu'il appartiendra. Arrêté que mercredi prochain quatorze du préfent mois M. M. les citoyens blancs du Port-au-Prince fe réuniront à l'armée de MM. les citoyens de couleur en la paroiffe de la Croix- des-Bouquets, qu'il fera chanté dans l'églife de cette paroifle à dix heures du matin un Te Deum en aétion de grace de notre heureufe réunion; ; que MM. des bataillonsde Normandie & d'Artois, & des corps d'Artillerie, de la marine royale & marchande, feront invités à s'y faire repréfenter par des députations particulières, que de même les citoyens en général de la Croix-des-Bouqucts, du Mirebalais & autres endroits circonvoifins feront invités à s'y rendre, afin d'unir leurs voeux aux nôtres pour le bonheur commun. Arrêté en outre que le préfent concordat fera paffé en triple minute dont la premiére fera dépofée aux archives de la municipalité future, la feconde entre les mains des chefs de l'armée des citoyens de couleur, & la troifième dans les archives de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince. Faite triple entre nous & de bonne foi, le jour, mois & an que deffus, Signi,tst Dijfcours aux nôtres pour le bonheur commun. Arrêté en outre que le préfent concordat fera paffé en triple minute dont la premiére fera dépofée aux archives de la municipalité future, la feconde entre les mains des chefs de l'armée des citoyens de couleur, & la troifième dans les archives de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince. Faite triple entre nous & de bonne foi, le jour, mois & an que deffus, Signi,tst Dijfcours --- Page 278 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP, Difeours de M. Gamot, préfident VI. descomifaires reprfentans a les citoyens blancs du Port-au- Prince, à MM. les commifaires repréfentans Parmée des citoyens de couleur. MESSIEURS, Nous vous apportons enfin des paroles de paix. Nous ne venons plus traiter avec vous 5 nous ne venons plus vous accorder des demandes, nous venons, animés de l'efprit de juftice, comeiscosheniguement Vos droits, vous engager a1 ne plus voir dans les citoyens blancs que des amis, des fréres, auxquels la patrie en danger vous invite, vous follicite de vous réunir pour lui porter un prompt fecours, Nous acccptons entièrement & fans aucune réferve,le concordat que vous nous propofez. Des circonftances malheureufes que vous connoiflez fans doute, nous ont fait héfiter un inftant; mais notre courage a franchi tous les obftacles; nous avons impofé filence aux petits préjugés, au petit efprit de domination. Que le jour oû le Alambeau de la raifon nous éclaire tous, foit à jamais mémorable! qu'il foit un jour d'oubli pour toutes les erreurs, de pardon pour toutes les injures, & ne difputons déformais que d'amour & de zèle pour le bien de la chofe publique. CHAP. CHAP. V. p. 60. V. P. 60, Mauduit Rarted back, c-while not a fingle band was lifted lup in bis defence. IN this laft particular I was mifinformed, and rejoice that I have an opportunity.of corredting my miftake. The following detail of that bloody tranfaction has been tranfmitted to me from St.. Domingo fince the firft fheets were printed : 6 Les grenadiers du regiment de Mauduit, et d'autres voix parties de la foule, demandent que le Coloncl fafle reparation à la garde nationale. On éxige qu'il falle des excutes pour fingle band was lifted lup in bis defence. IN this laft particular I was mifinformed, and rejoice that I have an opportunity.of corredting my miftake. The following detail of that bloody tranfaction has been tranfmitted to me from St.. Domingo fince the firft fheets were printed : 6 Les grenadiers du regiment de Mauduit, et d'autres voix parties de la foule, demandent que le Coloncl fafle reparation à la garde nationale. On éxige qu'il falle des excutes pour --- Page 279 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS pour l'infulte qu'il lui a faite. Il prononce les excufes qu'on CHAP. lui demande; fes grénadiers ne font points fatisfaits, ils veuv. Jent faile à genoux. Une rumeur terrible fe fait P. 60. qu'illes alors plufieurs citoyens, méme de ceux U - entendre : ce fut que Mauduit avoit leplus wexi, fendent la foule, et cherchent que fe On a vu à le fouftraire au mouvement qui préparoit. dans ce moment le bràve Beaufoleil, après avoir été atteint d'un coup de feu â l'affaire du 29 au 30 Juillet, et défendant le comité (fee Page 34-) recèvoir un coup de sâbre en protégeant les jours de Mauduit. On peut rendre juftice aufli à deux officiers de Mauduit : Galefeau et Germain n'ayant pas abandonné leur Coloncl jufqu'au dernier moment; mais l'indignation des foldats étoit à fon comble, ct il n'etoit plus temps. MAUDUIT preffé par fes grénadiers, de s'agénouiller pour demander pardon à la garde nationale, et refufant conftamment de s'y foumettre, reçut un ccup de sàbre à la figure, qui le terrafla; un autre grénadier lui coupa à Pinftant la tête, quifut portée au bout d'une bayonette. Alors le reffentiment des foldats et'des matelots livrés à eux mêmes, n'eut plus de bornes: ils fe tranfporterent chez Mauduit, où ils trainairent fon corps, tout y fut brifé, rompu, meubles &c. on décarela même la, maifon, 8cc. &c. C H A P. X. p. 151. CHAP. X. They declared by proclamation all manner ffavery abo- P. 151. lifbed, &tc.--This proceeding was ratified in February, fol- - 1 lowed by the National Convention in a Decree, of which follows a Copy. DECRET de la Convention Nationale, du 16 Jour de 5Feb. Pluviôfe ; an fecond de la Republique Françoife, 1794une et indivifible. LA Convention Nationale déclare que l'efclavage des Nègres dans toutes les Colonies eft aboli; en conféquence cile manner ffavery abo- P. 151. lifbed, &tc.--This proceeding was ratified in February, fol- - 1 lowed by the National Convention in a Decree, of which follows a Copy. DECRET de la Convention Nationale, du 16 Jour de 5Feb. Pluviôfe ; an fecond de la Republique Françoife, 1794une et indivifible. LA Convention Nationale déclare que l'efclavage des Nègres dans toutes les Colonies eft aboli; en conféquence cile --- Page 280 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAI P. eile decrète que tous les hommes, fans diftinétion de couleur, X. domiciliés dans les Colonies, font citoyens François, et jouiBIt ront de tous les droits afiurés par la conftitution. ELLE renvoie au comité de falut public, pour lui faire inceffàment un rapport fur les mefures à prendre pour allurer l'éxécution du préfent décret, Vife parl les infpecteurs. Signé Auger, Cordier, S. E,I Mennel. Collationné à l'original, par nous préfident ct fécrétaires de la Convention Nationale, à Paris le 22 Germinal, an fecond de la République Françoife une etindivifible. Signé, Amar, Prifident. A.M. Baudot. Monnot. Ch. Pottier, et Peyffard, Sicritaires, As moft of the French iflands fell into poffeffion of the Englith foon after this extraordinary decree was promulgated, the only place where it was attempted to be enforced was in the fouthern province of St. Domingo, and the mode of enforcing it, as Ihaveheard, was as fingular as the decree itfelf, The negroes of the feveral plantations were called together, and informed that they were all a free peoples and at liberty to quit the fervice of their mafters whenever they thought proper. They were told however, at the fame time, that as the Republic wanted foldiers,and the flate allowed no man to bei idle, fuch of them as left their mafters would be compelled toenlift in one or other of the black regiments then forming. At firft many of the negroes accepted the alternative, and enlifted accordingly; but the reports they foon gave of the rigid difcipline and hard fare to which they were iubjedt, operated in a (urprifing manner on the reft, in keeping them more than ufually quict and induftrious, and they requefied that no change might be made in their condition. CHAP. man to bei idle, fuch of them as left their mafters would be compelled toenlift in one or other of the black regiments then forming. At firft many of the negroes accepted the alternative, and enlifted accordingly; but the reports they foon gave of the rigid difcipline and hard fare to which they were iubjedt, operated in a (urprifing manner on the reft, in keeping them more than ufually quict and induftrious, and they requefied that no change might be made in their condition. CHAP. --- Page 281 --- AND TLLUSTRATIONS, CHAP. X. p. 153CHA P. X. Ofthe revolted negroes in the Northern province, many bad P. 153perifed ofdifeafe andfamine, ESc. FROM the vaft number of negroes that had fallen in battle, and the Atill greater number that perifhed from the caufes above mentioned, it was computed in the year 1793 that this clafs ofpeople at that period had fuftained a diminution of more than one hundred thoufand. (Refexions fur la Colonie, ESc. tom. 2. p. 217-) Since that time the mortalityhas becn ftill more rapid, and, including thelofs of whites, by ficknefs and emigration, I do not believe that St. Domingo at this junêture (June 1796) contains more than two fifths of the whole number of inhabitants (white and black) which it poffeffed in the beginning of 1791.- According to this calculation upwards of 300,000 human beings have miferably perifhed in this devoted country within the laft fix years ! H A P. XI. p. 180. CHAP, XI. Thefame fate awaited Lieutenant Colonel Markbam, ESc. p.18c. ICANNOT denymyflft fthe melancholy fatisfadtion ofpreferving in this work the following honourable tribute to the memory of this amiable officer, which was given out in general orders after his death bythe Commander in Chief. Head Quarters, 28March 1795. Brigadier General Horneck begs the officers, non-commiffioned officers, and privates of the detachment, which on the 26th inft. proceeded under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Markham on a party of obfervation, to receive his very fincere thanks for their gallant behaviour at the attack of the enemy's advanced poft, taking their colours and cannon, and deftroying their ftores. At --- Page 282 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES, &c: C HA P. At the fame time he cannot fufficiently exprefs his feclings XI. on the late afficting lofs that has been fuftained in Lieutep. 180. nant Colonel Markham, who, equally excellent and meritorious as an officer and a man, lived univerfally refpeéted and beloved, and died leaving a bright example of military, focial, and private virtue. The Brigadier General likewife requefts Captains Martin and Wilkinfon, of the Royal Navy, to receive his acknowledgments and thanks for the important affiftance they have afforded ; not only on this occafion alone, but on o every other, wherein his Majefty's fervice has required their COoperation. He alfo begs Captain Martin to do him the favour to impart the like acknowledgments to the officers of the Royal Navy, and to the refpeétive fhips companies under his command, for the zeal and good conduét they have fhewn whenever employed. Brigadier General likewife requefts Captains Martin and Wilkinfon, of the Royal Navy, to receive his acknowledgments and thanks for the important affiftance they have afforded ; not only on this occafion alone, but on o every other, wherein his Majefty's fervice has required their COoperation. He alfo begs Captain Martin to do him the favour to impart the like acknowledgments to the officers of the Royal Navy, and to the refpeétive fhips companies under his command, for the zeal and good conduét they have fhewn whenever employed. --- Page 283 --- HISTORY OF THE WEST INDIES, ESc. A T - U R THROUGH THE SEVERAL ISLANDS OF BARBADUES, St. FINCENT, ANTIGUA, TOBAGO, and GRENAD.4, IN THE YEARS 1791, AND 1792: Br SIR WILLIAM YOUNG, BART. M. P.F.R.S.&c.&c. VoL. III. R --- Page 284 --- --- Page 285 --- I 243 J A TOUR; ESc. ESc. CH A P. XIII. Ox Sunday Oétober 30, 1791, Sir William Young CHAP, .embarked in the fhip Delaford at Spithead, which XIII. failed the fame evening, and, after a pleafant voyage 1 of thirty-cight days, came in fight of the ifland of Barbadoes. Here then the Tour may be faid to commence; and the following extracts are, by favour of Sir William Young, tranfcribed literally from a rough journal, in which he entered fuch obfervations as occurred to him from the impreffions of the moment. They may be confidered therefore as a picture drawn from thelife; and the reader inuft be a bad judge of human nature, and have a very indifferent tafte, who does not perceive that it is faithfully drawn, and by the hand of a mafter.- For the few notes at foot I am accountable. B. E, TUESDAY, December 6.--Early in the morning Barbadoes appeared in fight, bearing on the ftar- Barbadoes, 1791. board bow W. N. W. At two o'clock P. M. the paffengers landed in the fix-oared pinnace. We went to a noted tavern, formerly Rachel's, now kept by Nancy Clark, a mulatto woman, where I R 2 firlt faithfully drawn, and by the hand of a mafter.- For the few notes at foot I am accountable. B. E, TUESDAY, December 6.--Early in the morning Barbadoes appeared in fight, bearing on the ftar- Barbadoes, 1791. board bow W. N. W. At two o'clock P. M. the paffengers landed in the fix-oared pinnace. We went to a noted tavern, formerly Rachel's, now kept by Nancy Clark, a mulatto woman, where I R 2 firlt --- Page 286 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. firft tafted avocado-pear, a mawkilh fruit *. WalkXIII. ing about the ftreets of Bridge-Town, my imprefU Barbadoes. 1 fions gave me far from a difagrecable fenfation as to the negrocs. The town is extenfive, and feems crowded with people, moftly negroes; 3 but the negroes, with few exceptions, feemed dreffed in a ftile much above even our common artizans, the women efpecially, and there was fuch a fwagger of importance in the gait ofthofe (and many there were) who had gold car-rings and necklaces, that I told my friend Mr. O, on his prefling me for my opinion of what ftruck me on firft landing in the Weft Indies, That the negro zoomen feemed 10 me the proudef mortals I had ever feen. A Guinea thip was then in the harbour, and had lain there fome time; but none of the difgufting fights of ulcerated and deferted feamen. appeared in the ftreets. Nor did I fee any thing relative to the conduét of the flaves that implied the fituation of abject acquiefcence, and dread of cruel fuperiority, attributed to them in Great Britain. Many preffed their fervices on our firft landing; and fome firft begged, and then joked with us, in the ftile of a Davus of Terence, with great freedom of fpeech, and fome humour. I had a higher opinion of their minds, and a better opinion of their mafters and government, than before I fet my * There is no difputing about taftes. In Jamaica this fruit is very bighly efteemed by all claffes of people: Itis ufually eaten with pepper and falt, and has fomething of the Aavour of the Jerfalema artichoke, but is richerand more delicate: Itis fometines called negetable mairow, and it is remarkable that animals both granivorous and carnivorous, eat it with relifh. their minds, and a better opinion of their mafters and government, than before I fet my * There is no difputing about taftes. In Jamaica this fruit is very bighly efteemed by all claffes of people: Itis ufually eaten with pepper and falt, and has fomething of the Aavour of the Jerfalema artichoke, but is richerand more delicate: Itis fometines called negetable mairow, and it is remarkable that animals both granivorous and carnivorous, eat it with relifh. --- Page 287 --- WIND' WARD ISLANDS. my foot on (hore.-Such are my firft impreffions, CHAP. written this evening On returning aboard: further- XIII. more, the fquares or broader ftreets are crowded with Barbadoes, V negroes ; their wrangles and convertation forcibly Aruck me, as analogous to what might have been Jooked for from the flaves in the Forum of Rome. Said a negro boyabout twelveyears of agetoay young mulatto: You damn my foul 2 I avife you woere older and bigger, I wwould make yott change fome blows with me-Upon mLy honour ! faid an old negro.-I/ bet yote ajoe, (johannes) anfwered another, who had nothing but canvafs trowfers on. I gave him no credit for poffefing a fix-and-thirty Gilling piece, but I gave him full credit for a language which characterizes a prefumption of felf-importance. Perhaps, however, liberty of fpeech is more freely allowed, where licence can moft promptly be fuppreffed. The liberti of the Roman Emperors, as we find lin Tacitus, and the domeftick flaves of the Roman people, as we deduce from fcenes of Plautus and Terence, fometimes talked a language, and took liberties, with their lords and mafters, wbich in free fervants and citizens would not have been allowed. Liberty of the prefs is a proof of political freedom, but liberty of tongue is rather a proof ofindividual flavery. The fealt of the Saturnalia allowed to flaves freedom of fpeech for the day, without cohtroul. In my eftimate of human nature, I hould fay that fuch freedom could not be ufed. but moderately indeed; for the flave knew, that if he abufed his power on the Thurfday, the mafter might abufe his power on the Friday. His beft fecurity was R 3 on allowed. Liberty of the prefs is a proof of political freedom, but liberty of tongue is rather a proof ofindividual flavery. The fealt of the Saturnalia allowed to flaves freedom of fpeech for the day, without cohtroul. In my eftimate of human nature, I hould fay that fuch freedom could not be ufed. but moderately indeed; for the flave knew, that if he abufed his power on the Thurfday, the mafter might abufe his power on the Friday. His beft fecurity was R 3 on --- Page 288 --- TOUR THROUGH T HE CHAP. on thofedays, when every word might be forbidden, XIII. and therefore every word might be forgotten or Barbadues. forgiven. In qualification of all inference from my firft view of negroes I fhould obferve, that they were tozn negrocs, many of them probably/ree negroes, and many, or moft of them, if not all, domefick or houfe negrocs. One fmall country cart drawn by twelve oxen, and with three carters, gave me no favourable idea of the owner's feeding, of either beafts or men. But accounts of diftrefs, and objeêts of diftrefs in the ftreets, are exaggerations. I faw as little of either, as in any market town im England. AT fix in the evening we returned on board; Captain and Mrs. W. of the 6oth regiment, and their little girl, joining us on the paffage to St. Vincent's, for which ifland we immediately bore away. BARBADOES is an ifland rifing with gentle afcent to the interior parts, called the Highlands of Scotland. As we failed along the coaft from Eaft to Weft,it appeared wonderfully inhabited; dotted with houfes as thick as on the declivities in the neighbourhood of London or Briftol, but with no woods, and with very few trees, even on the fummits of the hillss--two or three ftraggling cocoas near each dwelling-houfe were all the trees to be feen. St, Vincent. WEDNESDAY, December 7, at day-break, St. 1791. Vincent's in fight. At 3 P. M. the fhip came to an anchor in Nanton's Harbour, off Calliaqua. Mr. H. came immediately on board, andin half an hour we went on fhore in the pinnace; ; horles were ready to --- Page 289 --- WIN D W. ARD ISLANDS. to carry us up to the villa, or manfion-houfe of my CHAP. eftate, diftant about half a mile: A number of XIII. my negrocs met me on the road, and ftopped my St. Vincent. horfe, and I had to (hake hands with every individual of them. Their joy was expreffed in the moft lively manner, and there was an eafe and familiarity in their addrefs, which implied no habits of apprehenfion or reftraint : the circumitance does the higheft honour to my brother-in-law, Mr. H.who has the management of them. On arriving at my houfe, I had a fucceffion of vifitors. The old negro nurfe brought the grafs gang, of twenty or thirty children, from five to ten ycars old, looking as well and lively as poffible. The old people came one by one to have fome chat with Mafa (Mafter,) and among the reft 66 Granny * Sarah," who is a curiofity. She was born in Africa, and had a child before the was carried from thence to Antigua. Whilft in Antigua the remembers perfeétly well the rejoicing on the Bacra's (white men's) being let out of gaol, who had killed Governor Park. Now this happened on the death of Queen Anne,in 1713-4; which gives, to Chriftmas 1791-2, - Years 78 Add two years in Antigua, for? palfage, &cc. - - J Suposbertolamtadectig at fourteen, and to have been fold the year after - J The leaft probable age Granny Sarah is - - and The is the heartieft old woman I ever faw. She danced Grandmother. R 4 gaol, who had killed Governor Park. Now this happened on the death of Queen Anne,in 1713-4; which gives, to Chriftmas 1791-2, - Years 78 Add two years in Antigua, for? palfage, &cc. - - J Suposbertolamtadectig at fourteen, and to have been fold the year after - J The leaft probable age Granny Sarah is - - and The is the heartieft old woman I ever faw. She danced Grandmother. R 4 --- Page 290 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. danced at al Negro-ball laft Chriftmas ; and I am to XIII. be her partner, and dance with next Chriftmas. - her, St. Vincent, --She has a garden, or provifion-ground, to herfelf, in which, with a great-grand child, about fix years old, Che works fome hours every day, and is thereby rich. She hath been exempted from all labour, except on her own account, for many years. THE villa at Calliaqua is an excellent houfe for the climate: it hath ten large bed-chambers, and it accommodated all our party from the fhip, with great eafe. THURSDAY, December 8. This morning Irode over the eftate, which feems in the moft flourifhing condition : the negroes feem under a moft mild difcipline, and are a very cheerful people. This day again I had repeated vifits from my black friends: Granny Sarah was with me at leaft half a dozen times, telling me, < Me fee yol, Mala; ; now me go die *$" (I behold you, my Mafter; now let me die!) 6s FRIDAY, December 9. We mounted our horfes at one o'clock to ride to Kingfton, where a negro boy had carried our cloaths to drefs: the diftance This is a ftroke of nature. The fight of her mafter was a blefing to old Sarab, beyond all expectation ; and not havingany thing further to hope for in life, fhie defires to be releafed from the burthen of exiftence. A fimilar circumftance occurred to myfelfi in Jamaica 3 but human nature is the fame in all countries and ages. - And Jofeph made ready his chariot, and went up 6 to meet Ifrael his father, to Gofhen; and prefented himfelf un4to him: and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a 4 good while.-And Ifrael faid unto Jofeph, Now let me die,fince 6 Thase fecn tlyfaced" &c. Genefis, chap. 46. v. 29. 30. to myfelfi in Jamaica 3 but human nature is the fame in all countries and ages. - And Jofeph made ready his chariot, and went up 6 to meet Ifrael his father, to Gofhen; and prefented himfelf un4to him: and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a 4 good while.-And Ifrael faid unto Jofeph, Now let me die,fince 6 Thase fecn tlyfaced" &c. Genefis, chap. 46. v. 29. 30. --- Page 291 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS tance is about three miles of very hilly road. Ipar- CHAP. ticularly noticed every negro whom I met or over- XIII. took on the road: of thefe I counted eleven, who St.Vincent. Y were dreffed as field negroes, with only trowfers on; and adverting to the evidence on the Slave Trade, I particularly remarked that not one of the eleven had a fingle mark or fcar of the whip. We met or overtook a great many other negroes, but they were dreffed. Paflfing through Mr. Greatheed's large eftate, I obfervedin the gang one well-looking negro woman, who had two or three wheals on her fhoulders, which feemed the effeét of an old punifhmentt. AFREE mulattowoman, named Burton, came this day to complain before Mr. H. of her negro flave, a lad of about feventeen. The boy was confronted, and feemed in truth a bad fubjeét, having abfented himfelf the three laft days. The only threat the woman ufed to her flave, was that fhe would fell him. Mr. H. advifed ber'to doit; and it ended in ordering the boy to look out himfelffor G mafer, zho would purchafe him. KINGSTON is a fmalland fcattered, but very neat and well-built town. We dreffed ourfelves there, and proceeded at three to the government houfe, about a mile up the country. Itisag good houfe, hired +In the Weft Indies the puni(hment of whipping is commonly infliated, not on the backs of the negroes, (as praétifed in the difcipline of the Britifh foldiers) but more humanely,and with much lefs danger, on partes pofteriores. Itis therefore no proofthat the negroes whon Sir William Young infpeéted had efcapedi flagellation, becaufe their fhoulders bore no impreffion of the whip. This acknowledgement I oweto trathandcandour. hired +In the Weft Indies the puni(hment of whipping is commonly infliated, not on the backs of the negroes, (as praétifed in the difcipline of the Britifh foldiers) but more humanely,and with much lefs danger, on partes pofteriores. Itis therefore no proofthat the negroes whon Sir William Young infpeéted had efcapedi flagellation, becaufe their fhoulders bore no impreffion of the whip. This acknowledgement I oweto trathandcandour. --- Page 292 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. hired from the Alexander eftate. The governor XIII. gave me a moft polite reception. Riding home, I VY had the company and converfation ofMr. L. fpeaker St. Vincent- of the affembly, who told me that a new flave act was prepared, and under confideration of the legiflature, which he himfelf had drawn up; and, above all, had fudied to frame fuch claufes and provifions as might enfure the execution and full effect of the law in favour of the negroes.-Nous verrons. -We had likewife fome talk on the fubjeét of building a church at Kingfton : he faid, ifmovedi lin the affembly he had not a doubt of unanimity. I promifed, in addition to my quota of tax for fuch purpofe, to fubfcribe f.200 towards ornamental architeéture or additional expence, which the confervators of the public purfe might not think themfelves warranted to admit in their plan and eftimate; he promifed to fet the bufinefs on foot. SATURDAY, December 10.-This day (as ufual) a half-holiday from twêlve o'clock, for the negrocs. FRIDAY, December 16.--Three Guinea fhips being in the harbour, full of flaves from Africa, I teflified a wilh to vifit the fhips previous to the fale. I would have vifited them privately and unexpectedly, but it was hot pradticable. Every thing was prepared for our vifit, as the leaft oblerving eye might have difeovered: In particular I was difgufted with a general jumping or dancing df the negroes on the deck, which fome, and perhaps many of them, did voluntarily, but fome under force or controul; for I faw a failor, more than once, catch thofe rudely by the arm who had ceafed dancing, and the fale. I would have vifited them privately and unexpectedly, but it was hot pradticable. Every thing was prepared for our vifit, as the leaft oblerving eye might have difeovered: In particular I was difgufted with a general jumping or dancing df the negroes on the deck, which fome, and perhaps many of them, did voluntarily, but fome under force or controul; for I faw a failor, more than once, catch thofe rudely by the arm who had ceafed dancing, and --- Page 293 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. and by geflure menace themto repeat theiri motion, CHAP. to clap their hands, and thout their fong of Yah! XIII. Yah! which I underftood to mean 66 Friends."- St.Vincens. L Independent of this,andwhen Iinfifted on the dance being ftopped, I muft fay that the people, with exception to one fingle woman (perhaps ill) feemed under no apprehenfions, and were even cheerful for the moft part, and all anxious to go afhore, being fully apprifed of what would be their fituation and employment, when landed, by fomeof their countrymen, who were permitted to vifit them from the plantations for that purpole. NEVER were there thips Or cargoes better fuited for the ground of general obfervation; for the fhips came from diftant diftriéts, and with people of different nations on board: The Pilgrim of Briftol, with 370 Eboes from Bonny. The Eolus of Liverpool, with 300 Windward negroes from Baffa. The Anne of Liverpool, with 210 Gold Coaft negroes from Whydah. THE Pilgrim (Taylor, commander) was in the beft poffible order; fhe was fix feet in height between decks, without fhelves or double tier in the men's apartments, and as clean as a Dutch cabinet. We. vifited every part of the fhip; in the hofpital there was not one fick, and the flaves muftered on the deck, were to all appearance, and uniformly, not only with clean fkins, but with theireyes bright, and every mark of health. This Captain Taylor muft be among the beft fort of men in fuch an employment 3 havingin three voyages, and with full cargoes, loft on thewhole but eight flaves, and not one the men's apartments, and as clean as a Dutch cabinet. We. vifited every part of the fhip; in the hofpital there was not one fick, and the flaves muftered on the deck, were to all appearance, and uniformly, not only with clean fkins, but with theireyes bright, and every mark of health. This Captain Taylor muft be among the beft fort of men in fuch an employment 3 havingin three voyages, and with full cargoes, loft on thewhole but eight flaves, and not one --- Page 294 --- TOUR TIROUGH THE CHAP. one feaman. In general, I fhould give a favourable XIII. account too of the Eolus, but the Pilgrim had not ) a fcent that would offend, and was indeed fweeter St.Vincent. than I thould have fuppofed poffible, in a crowd of any people of the fame number, in any climate. One circumftance in all the three was particularly ftriking, in relation to the evidence on the Slave Trade: A full half of cither cargo confifted of children (and generally as fine children as I ever faw) from fix to fourteen years of age; and, on enquiry, Ifound but very few indeed of thefe were connected with the grown people on board. I could not but fuppofe, then, that thefe little folks were ftolen from their parents, and perhaps (in fome inftances) fold by their parents * I again remark, that thefe flaves were from Bonny and from Bafla. THE Anne was from the Gold Coaft, a fmall veffel, fcarcely clean, difagreeably offenfive in finell, with only three feet fix inches between the main decks, yet apparentlywith no fick on board. Thefe Gold Coaft negroes were in themfelves a worfe looking # Nothing is more common in all parts of Africa, than the circumftance of parents of free condition felling their children in times of fcarcity, which frequently happen, for a fupply of food. Mr. Park has recorded many inftances of it among the Mandingoes, (vide his Travels, p. 248, and again, p.295-) 6 Perhaps by a philofophick and refleéting mind (obferves Mr. Park) death itfelf would fearcely be confidered as a greater calamity than flavery: but the poor negro, when fainting with hunger, exclaims, like Efau of oid, Beheld I am atthe poixt to die, and what profit/kail this birthright do to me? Thefe are dreadful evils; ordained, without doubt, for wife and good purpofes, but, concerning thc caufes of them, human wifdom is doomed to filence." ofophick and refleéting mind (obferves Mr. Park) death itfelf would fearcely be confidered as a greater calamity than flavery: but the poor negro, when fainting with hunger, exclaims, like Efau of oid, Beheld I am atthe poixt to die, and what profit/kail this birthright do to me? Thefe are dreadful evils; ordained, without doubt, for wife and good purpofes, but, concerning thc caufes of them, human wifdom is doomed to filence." --- Page 295 --- WIND W A R D ISLA N D S. ing people, but theyboretooa ficklycomplexionand CHAP. heavinefs of mien and mind which the others did XIII. not; and it was remarkable in the contraft of the St.Vincent. cargoes, that among the laft there was not even a common proportion of children or young people : I fhould fuppofe not above 20in the 210. Mr. B. of the Cuftom Houfe, told me that at St. Vincent's more certificates for bounties were giventhan at all the otheriflands,and that the reafon was, becaufe it was fituated next to Barbadoes, the moft windward ofthe iflands, and the Guinea Ships arriving thus far in health, the mafters, to avail themfelves of the parliamentary bounty, took up their certificates before proceeding on to, Jamaica or elfewhere, inafmuch as every day, at the clofe of a long voyage, might be marked by difeafe or death, and thus eventually preclude them from the benefit of the law. This Thould be reétified. MR. B. allowed, in converfation with me, that theregulations of tonnage proportioned to numbers, onwhich fuch outcry had been raifed, had ultimately proved advantageous to the trader, as well as to the poor flave. The prefervation of the flaves had well and fully repaid for the diminution in freight. SATURDAY, December 17. At ten this morning all my negroes were muftered at the works, and had ten barrels of herrings diftributed among them: afterwards, fuch of the women as had reared children, came to the villa, and cach received, as a prefent, five yards of finc cotton, at 25. 6d. per yard, pf the gayeft pattern, to make a petticoat. SUNDAY, poor flave. The prefervation of the flaves had well and fully repaid for the diminution in freight. SATURDAY, December 17. At ten this morning all my negroes were muftered at the works, and had ten barrels of herrings diftributed among them: afterwards, fuch of the women as had reared children, came to the villa, and cach received, as a prefent, five yards of finc cotton, at 25. 6d. per yard, pf the gayeft pattern, to make a petticoat. SUNDAY, --- Page 296 --- TOUR THROUGH T HE CHAP. SUNDAY, 18. Mr. H. read prayers to a congreXIII, gation of my negroes. - TUESDAY, 20. Went to Kingfton to attend the St. Vincent, fale of the Eboe, Windward, and GoldCoaft flaves, in all 880. The flaves were feated on the floor in two large galleries, divided into lots of ten each. Thofe purchafers who, by previous application, had gained a title of pre-emption, (for there was a demand for three times the number imported) drew for the lots in fucceffion, until each had his number agreed for. In lotting the flaves, fome broken numbers occurred, and a little lot of four (two girls and two boys) of about twelve years old, were purchafed for me. The flaves did not feem under any apprehenfion, nor did they exprefs any uneafinefs, with exception to the Gold Coaft negroes, who gave many a look of fullen difpleafure. Returning home in the evening, I found my four little folks in old Mrs. H 's room, where they eat a hearty fupper, had fome of their country folks got round them, and went to fleep as much at their eafe as if born in the country. Thefe children were unconneéted with any on board the thip. The girls were remarkably ftrait, and with finer features than negroes ordinarily have. They had each a bead necklace, and fmall cotton petticoat of their country make, and muft I think have been kidnapped or ftolen from their parents. Icannot think that any parents would have fold fuch children. FRIDAY, 23- This morning I paffed an bouror more, obferving the procefs of fugar making in the boiling houfe. Oft the beft cane, juice, a gallon on board the thip. The girls were remarkably ftrait, and with finer features than negroes ordinarily have. They had each a bead necklace, and fmall cotton petticoat of their country make, and muft I think have been kidnapped or ftolen from their parents. Icannot think that any parents would have fold fuch children. FRIDAY, 23- This morning I paffed an bouror more, obferving the procefs of fugar making in the boiling houfe. Oft the beft cane, juice, a gallon --- Page 297 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. lon of liquor gives one lb. of fugar; of the mid- CHAP. dling-rich, 20 gallons give 16 Jbs.; of the watery XIII. canes, 24 gallons give 16 lbs. - THIS afternoon ANSELM, chiefof the Charaibes Sc.Vincent. in the quarter of Morne-Young, and BRUNAU, chief of Grand Sable, at the head of about twenty, came into the parlour after dinner, and laid a don d'amitié at my feet of Charaibe bafkets, and of fowls and pine apples. We treated them with rvine, and afterwards about a dozen of their ladies were introduced, who preferred rum. I had much courteous converfation with Anfelm, accepted a bafket, and a couple of pines, and bought fome bafkets of the other Charaibes. They were all invited to fleep on the eftate, and a keg of ruin was ordered in return for Anfelm's prefent, and for Brunau's, &c. : LA LIME, one of the chiefs who had figned the treaty in 1773, and a dozen others, had before vifited me at different times, but this was a formal addrefs of ceremony, and all in their beft attire, that is, the men, and perhaps the women too, for though they had no cloaths, faving a petticoat refembling two children's pocket handkerchiefs fewed at the corners, and hanging one before and onc behind, yet they had their faces painted red, pins through their under lips, and bracelets; and about their ancles frings of leather and beads. DECEMBER 25. About ten in the forenoon the negroes of my eftate, both men and women, exceedingly well dreffed, came to wifh us a merry Chriflmas : foon after came two negro fidlers and a tamborine, when we had an hour's dancing, and carpenter 's pocket handkerchiefs fewed at the corners, and hanging one before and onc behind, yet they had their faces painted red, pins through their under lips, and bracelets; and about their ancles frings of leather and beads. DECEMBER 25. About ten in the forenoon the negroes of my eftate, both men and women, exceedingly well dreffed, came to wifh us a merry Chriflmas : foon after came two negro fidlers and a tamborine, when we had an hour's dancing, and carpenter --- Page 298 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. carpenter Jack, with Phillis, danced an excellent XIII. minuct, and then four of them began a dance not - unlike a Scotch reel. After diftributing among St,Viucent, them different Chriftmas boxes, to the number of about fifty, we attended prayers in a large room ; myfelf read feleét parts of the fervice, and Mr. Hclofed our church attendance with a chapter from our Saviour's fermon on the mount, and a dialogue of praétical chriftianity on the heads of refignation towards God, and peace towards men, This day, and almoft every day, I had many charaibe vifitors tendering prefents. I laid down a rule to receive no prefents but from the chiefs, for the perfon prefenting expects double the value in return, and the charaibes are toa numerous for a general dealing on fuch terms, either with views to. privacy or ceconomy. I fhould not omit that yefterday morning the chiefs, Anfelm and Brunau, who had vifited me the evening before, came to fee me, and politely having obferved that they would not intermingle, in their firft vifit of congratulation, on my coming to St. Vincent's, any matterofanother: nature, proceeded to demand quelles nouvelles de la France, and then quelles nouvelles de lAngleterre ; and thus proceeded gradually to open the tendency of the queftion, as relating to the defigns of government touching themfelves. It feems that fome perfons of this colony, travelling into their country, and looking over the delightful plains of Grand Sable from Morne Young, had exclaimed, c what a pity this country yet belongs 10 the Javage Charaibes !"" and this kind of language repeated among them, had awakened another: nature, proceeded to demand quelles nouvelles de la France, and then quelles nouvelles de lAngleterre ; and thus proceeded gradually to open the tendency of the queftion, as relating to the defigns of government touching themfelves. It feems that fome perfons of this colony, travelling into their country, and looking over the delightful plains of Grand Sable from Morne Young, had exclaimed, c what a pity this country yet belongs 10 the Javage Charaibes !"" and this kind of language repeated among them, had awakened --- Page 299 --- WIND WAI RD ISLANDS. ened jealoufies and apprehenfions, and fome French CHAP. difcontented fugitives from Martinico and elfewhere XIII. Y ) had (as had been heard from the Charaibes at St. Vincent, Kingfton) given a rumour that I was come out with fome projeét for difpoffefing them by the Englith government. To remove thefe jealoufies, I told them, That private a man as I was, and come merely to look at my eftate, and fettle my private affairs, I would venture, on perfonal knowledge of the minifter, and charaéter of our common king, and unalterable principles of our government, to aflure them, that whilft they continued their allegiance, and adhered to the terms of the treaty of 1773, no one dare touch their lands, and that Grand Sable was as fafe to them as was Calliaqua to me: it was treafon to fuppole that the king would not keep his word, according to the conditions of that treaty; and if any fubjeéts ventured to trefpats on them, they would, on proper reprefentations, be punifhed. For myfelf, Iaffumed a mien of anger, that they fhould forget their national principle in exception of me. If friendihips and enmities defcended from father to fon, they muft know me for their fteadieft friend, and incapable of any injuftice towards them.' They feemed very much pleafed with this fort of language, and affured me of their ftrongeft regard and confidence, and would hear no more lies or. tales to the prejudice of myfelf, or of the defigns of government. They invited me to come and tafte their hofpitality, and I promifed to do fo, and we parted as I could wilh-the beft friends in the world. VoL. III: S DECEMBER me for their fteadieft friend, and incapable of any injuftice towards them.' They feemed very much pleafed with this fort of language, and affured me of their ftrongeft regard and confidence, and would hear no more lies or. tales to the prejudice of myfelf, or of the defigns of government. They invited me to come and tafte their hofpitality, and I promifed to do fo, and we parted as I could wilh-the beft friends in the world. VoL. III: S DECEMBER --- Page 300 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. DECEMBER 26. This was a day of Chriftmas XIII. gambols. In the morning we rode out, and in the St. ) Vincent. town of Calliaqua faw many negroes attending high mafs at the popifh chapel. The town was like a very gay fair, with booths, furnithed with every thing good to eat and fine to wear. The negroes (with a very fewexceptions)were all dreffedin pattern cottons and muflins, and the young girls with petticoat on petticbat ; and all had handkerchiefs, put on with fancy and tafte, about their heads. Returning tothe villa, we were greeted by a party which frightened the boys. It was the Moco Jumbo and his fuite*. The Fumbo was on ftilts, with a head, mounted on the aétor's head, which was concealed: the mufic was from two bafkets, like ftrawberry bafkets, with little bells within, fhook in time. The fwordfman danced with an air of menace, the mufician was comical, and Jumbo affumed the c antic terrible," and was very aétive on his ftilts. Wel had a large company to dinner; and in theevening I opened the ball in the great court, with a minuet, with black Phillis, Granny Sarah being indifpofed: our mufic confifted of two CXcellent fiddles, ohnny and Fifher, from my Pembroke eftate, and Grandifon, tamborin of the villa: there ftood up about eighteen couple; the men negroes were dreffed in the higheft beauifimn, with muflin frills, high capes, and white hats; and one beau had a large fan. The negro girls were all dreffed gay and fine, with handkerchiefs folded taftefully * Without doubt the Mumbo Jumbi of the Mandengoes. Vide Park's Traveis, C. 3, P.39- eftate, and Grandifon, tamborin of the villa: there ftood up about eighteen couple; the men negroes were dreffed in the higheft beauifimn, with muflin frills, high capes, and white hats; and one beau had a large fan. The negro girls were all dreffed gay and fine, with handkerchiefs folded taftefully * Without doubt the Mumbo Jumbi of the Mandengoes. Vide Park's Traveis, C. 3, P.39- --- Page 301 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. taftefully about their heads, and gold ear-rings and CHAP. necklaces: the girls were nearly all field negroes 3 XIII. V there are but four female flaves as domefticks in St.Vincent. the villa. In England, no idea of < jolly Chrift4 mas" can be imagined, in comparifon with the three days of Chriftmas in St. Vincent's. In every place is feen a gaiety of colours and drefs, and a correfponding gaiety of mind and fpirits; fun and finery are general. This moment a rew party of muficians are arrived with an African Balafo, an inftrument compofed of pieces of hard wood of different diameters, laid on a row over a fort of box: they beat on one or the other fo as to ftrike out a good mufical tune. They played two or three African tunes; and about a dozen giris, hearing the found, came from thohuts to the great court, and began a curious and moft lafcivious dance, with much grace as well as action; of the laft plenty in truth. SUNDAY, January I, 1792. Pode over to my 1792. Pembroke eftate in the valley of Buccament, about fix miles diftant, to the leeward of Kingfton. The road is over the moft rugged and towering hills, with occafional precipices of rock of a reddith dark hue, and for the reft covered with buthes and fome fine trees. In the vales, between the ridges, and on every practicable afcent, are cultivated grounds, and tbe whole is a mixture of the rich and the romantick. The road winds much, to avoid the deep ravines and gullies. The flight of a bird cannot be more than three miles from Kingfton to Buccament. We entered the valley of Buccament S 2 by ft rugged and towering hills, with occafional precipices of rock of a reddith dark hue, and for the reft covered with buthes and fome fine trees. In the vales, between the ridges, and on every practicable afcent, are cultivated grounds, and tbe whole is a mixture of the rich and the romantick. The road winds much, to avoid the deep ravines and gullies. The flight of a bird cannot be more than three miles from Kingfton to Buccament. We entered the valley of Buccament S 2 by --- Page 302 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. by a ravine, called Keillan's Jand, belonging to XIII. me. St, 1 Viacent, - ) The vale of Buccament brings to mind the happy and fecluded valley of Raffelas, prince of Abyffinia. The valley, containing about 3,000 acres, is hemmed on each fide by towering bills, whofe fteep afcents have in parts peeled off or fplit in the ftorm, and now are left precipices of bare rock, appearing between ftreaks of the higheft verdure, from which occafionally fhoots the mountain cabbage-tree*. In the center of the valley ftands an infulated mountain, whofe height, through an interftice in the rugged boundary of the vale, looks down on the garrifon of Berkfhire hill, and Berkfhire hill is 627 fect above the fea. The hills or rocks that fhut in the valley, again command the hill in the center. Down the vale runs a fine and rapid river, abounding with the fineft mullet and other fith; its bed is obftruéted with fragments of rocks from the fkirting mountains. Its murmurs fill tbe vale. It winds round the center hill, and then pours ftraight into the fea. The valley, as it coafts the fea, is about one mile over. It ftretches inland about five miles; its greateft breadth, halfway from the fea, is two miles. From the mount, in the center, it forms a moft luxuriant piéture of cultivation, contrafted with romantic views, and feems wholly fecluded from all the world. My Pembroke eftate takes in the hill in the center, and thence runs along the river-fide, comprehending * Called alfo the Palmeto-Royal. See it defcribed at large, vol. i p. 20. mile over. It ftretches inland about five miles; its greateft breadth, halfway from the fea, is two miles. From the mount, in the center, it forms a moft luxuriant piéture of cultivation, contrafted with romantic views, and feems wholly fecluded from all the world. My Pembroke eftate takes in the hill in the center, and thence runs along the river-fide, comprehending * Called alfo the Palmeto-Royal. See it defcribed at large, vol. i p. 20. --- Page 303 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. ing all the valley on one fide, to within a quarter of C H A P. a mile of the fea. XIII. - Y ANEGRO gave fignal of my approach to the houfe, St. Vincent. and all the negroes came forth to greet me, and with a welcome as warm as that at Calliaqua. They caught hold of my bridle, my feet, and my coat 5 every one anxious for a thare in leading me up to the houfe; and indeed they attempted to take me off my horfe and carry me, but I begged them to defift. FRIDAY, January 6. I vifited Berkfhire hill, and went over the fortifications. The hill itfelfis a rock, and,from its precipices, is fcarcelyaffailable; where it is fo, parts have been cut away, and, take art and nature together, the place may be deemed impregnable. The point above hath been flatted off, fo as to admit room on its furface for moft commodious barracks for a complete regiment, ftores, refervoirs, &c. all bomb-proof. In my different excurfions, I continued to infpect the perfons of the negroes, and I can affert, that not one in fifty of thofe I have feen has been marked with the whip, with exception to the gang employed at the public works on Berkfhire hill. This gang may be fuppofed to confift for the moft part of reprobate and bad negroes, who have been fold from eftates for riddance of their practices and examples. They chiefly belong, as an entire gang, to the overfeer of the works, who may be fuppofed to pick them up cheap, being bad characters, though cor.npetent to their bufinels, under the controul of the military. Theinhabitants, not willing to fe ad theit S 3 able the public works on Berkfhire hill. This gang may be fuppofed to confift for the moft part of reprobate and bad negroes, who have been fold from eftates for riddance of their practices and examples. They chiefly belong, as an entire gang, to the overfeer of the works, who may be fuppofed to pick them up cheap, being bad characters, though cor.npetent to their bufinels, under the controul of the military. Theinhabitants, not willing to fe ad theit S 3 able --- Page 304 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHA P. able men to the publick works, for fear of evil XIII. communication, commute their quota L oflabourers, St. Vincent. by paying the overfeer a certain fum to find others in their room. FRIDAY, January 13, 1792. The Charaibe chief of all, Chatoyer, with his brother du Vallee, and fix of their fons, came to pay me a vifit, and brought their prefents 3 a ftool of Charaibe workmanfhip, and a very large cock turkey ofthe wild breed, which with a hen I mean for England. Chatoyer and du Vallee were well dreffed ; asa mark of refpect, they came without arms. * We had much converfation with them, and I gave in return. a filver mounted hanger to Chatoyer, and a powder horn to du Vallee. The latter is poffeffed of nine negro flaves, and has a cotton plantation. He is the mollenlightened of the Charaibes, and may be termed the founder of civilization among them. Chatoyer and his fons dined at the villa, and drank each a bottle of claret. In the evening they departed in high glec, with many exprcflions of friendfhip. JANUARY 17. I vifited the king's botanic garden, Dr. Anderfon went round the garden with me. It confifts of about thirty acres, of which fixteen are in high garden cultivation. The variety, beauty, growth, and health of the plants, from all quarters of the globe, is moft ftriking. It is a fcene for a painter as well as a botanift. The quicknefs of vegetation is aftonifhing fome Englith oak of three years growth are above feven feet high. The Indian teak wood,full eighteen feet high, and fix inches diameter, of only four years growth. This nderfon went round the garden with me. It confifts of about thirty acres, of which fixteen are in high garden cultivation. The variety, beauty, growth, and health of the plants, from all quarters of the globe, is moft ftriking. It is a fcene for a painter as well as a botanift. The quicknefs of vegetation is aftonifhing fome Englith oak of three years growth are above feven feet high. The Indian teak wood,full eighteen feet high, and fix inches diameter, of only four years growth. This --- Page 305 --- : Re - 6 % - TPA --- Page 306 --- RPJCP --- Page 307 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. This being a remarkable hard and durable wood, CHAP. leads me to note the general remark of Dr. Anderfon, 1 XIII. <6 that in this country, where vegetation never ftops St. Vincent. 6 or is checked, the hardeft woods are of growth as &6 quick as the moft pulpous or foft texture." Dr. Anderfon is multiplying to a great extent all the ufeful trees; ; the Chinefe tallow tree, the gum arabic, the Peruvian bark, the balfam of Capiri, the cinnamon, &c. &c. N.B. I name them from their produce. JANUARY 23. Never paffing a flave without obferving his back, either in the field or on 'the road, or wenches wafhing in the rivers, I have feen not one back marked, befides that of the woman obferved before on Mr. Greathead's eftate (in whom I may be miftaken as to the caufe) and one new negro unfold at Kingfton, who found means to explain to me that he was fumfumm'd (flogged) by the furgeon of the thip; and he feemed to have had two or three ftrokes with a cat. I note it in the language of one accuftomed to attend military punithments-t my eftate, and I believe on moft others, confinement is the ufual punithment. Three have been punifhed at Calliaqua, fince my arrival; Sampfon has received ten lathes, and two men were put into the ftocks, of whom Indian Will was one, for getting drunk and cutting a negro lad's head open in his paffion ; he was releafed the next morning. The other was a watchman at the mill, from which the fails had been ftolen 5 he was confined for two nights in terrorem, and then, no difçavery being made of the theft, he was releafed. S 4 JANUARY hed at Calliaqua, fince my arrival; Sampfon has received ten lathes, and two men were put into the ftocks, of whom Indian Will was one, for getting drunk and cutting a negro lad's head open in his paffion ; he was releafed the next morning. The other was a watchman at the mill, from which the fails had been ftolen 5 he was confined for two nights in terrorem, and then, no difçavery being made of the theft, he was releafed. S 4 JANUARY --- Page 308 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. JANUARY 26. Sailed from Nanton's harbour XIII. in the Maria fchooner of 28 tons, took our deU St. Vincent. parture at ten in the forenoon, coafted to leeward, and came off St. Lucia in the evening, FRIDAY, 27. Off Dominica in the morning, becalmed. In the evening a breeze fprung up; and, SATURDAY, 28. Came at day-break off Baffeterre, in Guadaloupe; hailed a fithing boat and bought fome fith; the people faid all was quiet; tout va bien a la Guadaloupe. SAw a very large fpermaceti whale fpouting and playing clofe a-head in the channel between Guadaloupe and Antigua. Came to an anchor at Antigua, 5 P. M. in Old Road bay, Antigua. Walked up an 1792. excellent level coach road halfar mile, to the old-road plantation houfe. A mulatto boy getting before, gave notice of Malla being on the way. Every hoe was now thrown down, and a general huzza followed ; and my good creoles, man, woman, and child, ran to meet me with fuch ecftacy of welcome, embracing my knees, catching my hands, cloaths, 8zc. &c. that I thought I fhould neverhave reached the houfe. At length, in joyous proceffion, with handkerchiefs for flags, I was conveyed to the old manfion of my anceftors, and gave my good people a treat of rum, and all was dance and fong, SUNDAY, 29. Enquiring into the condition of the eftate and fituation of the negroes, I found the latter generally diffatisfied with their manager, Mr. R Their complaints were direéted chicfly to his curtailing the allowance of the old X peoplc, --- Page 309 --- W IN D W A R D ISLANDS. people, and fuch others as were incapable oflabour; CHAP, and his frequency and feverity of punifhments. XIII. The firft complaint I removed inftantly, by order- Antigua, ing the full allowance of induftrious youth to meritorious age. For the fecond (on examining into the grounds of allegation, and finding them juft) I immediately difcharged Mr. R. and appointed Mr. H-- who had been two years on the eftate, and much liked by the negroes to be their manager. Their fatisfaction on both accounts feemed complete and general. MONDAY, 30. Went to St. John's, a large, and in many parts a well built town, and the church an excellent building, as is likewife the town or court houfe ; but the town itfelf has the appearance of ruined trade and deferted habitancy. The country for twelve miles, from the old road plantation to St. John's, is open, with very few trees or even fhrubs, but beautiful in its fwells of ground, fcarcely to be called hills, fpotted with buildings, and varied with inlets of the fea opening in different points of view; high but infructuous cultivation cover every acre. The roads excellent, and every thing fpeaking the civilization, art, and toil of man ; but nature anfwers not. Under the drought all fails: heat, with little or no moifture, generates nothing. Partial rains have this year, as often before, given hopes to the planter for his canes, and to the negro for his provifions; but the feafon has again failed, and their hopes are blafted. The whole is a piéture of difappointment, in land, beaft, and man. The negro houfes are excellent, and every thing fpeaking the civilization, art, and toil of man ; but nature anfwers not. Under the drought all fails: heat, with little or no moifture, generates nothing. Partial rains have this year, as often before, given hopes to the planter for his canes, and to the negro for his provifions; but the feafon has again failed, and their hopes are blafted. The whole is a piéture of difappointment, in land, beaft, and man. The negro houfes are excellent, and --- Page 310 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. and many of them of ftone; but no in-doors can XIII. give the face of comfort and contentment, if all Antigua. - IS wanting beyond the threfhold. The negroes having little or no provifions from their grounds, are fed by allowance from theplanters, many themfelves in diftrefs, which fcants that allowance. On eftates in good condition, it is twelve quarts of corn, with two or three pounds of falt provifion per week. THURSDAY, February 2. Being a day which I had allotted for a holiday to the negrocs, we went carly to the valley of the old road. In the morning Idiftributed ten barrels ofherrings amongft the negroes, and in the evening we had a very fmart well-dreffed Negro ball in the hall of my old manfion. Mr. Land myfelf both impartially allowed the negroes, young men and girls, to dance better in ftep, in grace, and correétnefs of figure, than our fathionable, or indeed any couples at any ball in England; taking that ball generally, there is no one negro dances ill. I danced a country dance with old Hannab, and a minuet with long Nanny. Not a complaint remains at the old road. FRIDAY, February 3. Returning from old road to Dr. Fairbairn's, I there faw Mr. Hoffman the Moravian miflionary, zehoje blamelels lifefillanfavers 10 lis Jong. The Moravian miffionaries are of the higheft charaéterf for moral example, as well as gentle manners 5 and they preach the doétrines of peace and good will to all men, and to all governments. They affimilate in fimplicity beft with the minds of the negrocs, and in their affiduity and goodnet, have, Dr. Fairbairn's, I there faw Mr. Hoffman the Moravian miflionary, zehoje blamelels lifefillanfavers 10 lis Jong. The Moravian miffionaries are of the higheft charaéterf for moral example, as well as gentle manners 5 and they preach the doétrines of peace and good will to all men, and to all governments. They affimilate in fimplicity beft with the minds of the negrocs, and in their affiduity and goodnet, have, --- Page 311 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. have, I fear, but few equals amongft the regular C H. AP. clergy in the Weft Indies. It was with difficulty XIII. 1 prevailed on the good, mild, and dilinterefted Mr. - Y Hoffiman, to receive annually for his domeftick ufe Antigua, a fmall barrel of fugar, and a quarter cafk of rum, as a token of my regard for his attention to my negroes on the old road eftate. SUNDAY, February 5. In the evening embarked for Martinique. MoNDAY,6. Becalmed off Guadaloupe. TUESDAY, 7. At feven in the evening came Martinique, into St. Pierre's bay, and paffing under the ftern 1792. of an 18 gun floop of war, the hailed us to come on board. I went on board with the captain of our fchooner. The French officer commanding the floop, on my ftating that our veffel was not commercial, but merely having on board Englithmen, paffengers, told me that the fchooner mult immediately come to an anchor under his ftern, but that myfelf and other gentlemen might go on fhore. Returning to the fchooner, a ferjeant of the national guards followed us in a thallop, and faid he was come by orders to conduét us on (hore; we went with him. On landing, he told us we muft proceed to the hotel de l'intendant, Monfieur le Chevalier de Menerad. He marched us above a mile to the hotel, and paffing within the centinel at entrance of the court, afked for the governor, who was out, and only a black boy in the houfe, who knew not where the governor was to be found. The national ferjeant talked in a bigh tone of brutal command, and faid we muft ftay all night in the open --- Page 312 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. open air, or until the governor was found. Iufed XIII. every kind of language, but all in vain. I was Martinique. afterwards told that I had omitted the cffential argument with thefe liberty-corps,towit, € ajohannes." About ten o'clock a Monfieur De la Cou", lieutenant of police, arrived, apparently on other bufinefs. I told him my name and fituation. He behaved moft politely, and told the ferjeant he Thould take us to the hotel des Americains, the beft tavern in St. Pierre, giving himfelf fecurity for our forthcoming next morning. Whilft the receipt for our bodies was writing, the governor, Chevalier de Menerad, arrived: on my name being mentioned, he behaved moft politely, afked my whole party to fupper, and offered me a bed. Having complained of the ferjeant's conduét, he immediately told him to leave the room, and made a general apology, giving me plainly to underftand that there was fcarcely the appearance of law, government, or any authority at Martinique. THE national regiments had arrived a year before. The inhabitants were of a different party. The old corps on duty there of an uncertain or undecided charaéter, and the conftitution of the mother country being unfettled, and no perfons in Martinique knowing who were finally to be uppermoft, all werc afraid to affume a refponfibility. ITHANKED the governor for his polite invitation, but declined accepting what the ftate of his houfe, and having no domefticks, proved to be a mere invitation of compliment. His wife and family were at Guadaloupe. MONSIEUR . The inhabitants were of a different party. The old corps on duty there of an uncertain or undecided charaéter, and the conftitution of the mother country being unfettled, and no perfons in Martinique knowing who were finally to be uppermoft, all werc afraid to affume a refponfibility. ITHANKED the governor for his polite invitation, but declined accepting what the ftate of his houfe, and having no domefticks, proved to be a mere invitation of compliment. His wife and family were at Guadaloupe. MONSIEUR --- Page 313 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. MoNSIEUR DE LA CoUR conduéted us, at near CHAP. to the American hotel, where, XIII. V eleven at night, Parifian an excelient houfe and a truly Martinique. finding over our difficulties. cook, we laughed and Monfieur Penan, MONSIEUR DE LA CoUR the ftate of our banker, next morning confirmed in Martinique, as before mentioned: government but it was fuch a calm as generally all was a calm, With refpect to the flaves, precedes a hurricane. For the free mulattoes they are perfeétly quiet. and de couleur (who are twice as numerous gens white inhabitants) they too are waiting as the in old France. the refult of afcendant parties can they are generally, as far as I For the whites, and they find, friends to the old government, themfelves moft openlys hence the new declare of the national affembly are. yet unexecuted. aéts remains on its ancient footing, and The church the convents are filled with the fame people, Capuchins and Urfulines, but the Capuchins appear not in the open ftreets. diffidence, commerce has IN this ftate of political feems loft its aétivity, and credit is gone;) yet money but there is little or no trade in this to be plenty; town. Inftead of fifty great and once commercial which fhould at this or more large fugar fhips, nine; and feafon be feen in the bay, there are only even thele feem in general to be fmall. American veffels (fchooners and floops) are numerous; perhaps there may be forty. ourWEDNESDAY, February 8. We amufed felves in walking about the town and purchafing prefents --- Page 314 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. prefents for our friends; bijouterie of Madame XIII. Gentier, embroiderie of Madame Nodau, and liqueurs Martinigue, - - of Grandmaifon. THE town ofSt. Pierre extendsalongonthe beacha It is above two miles in length, and in breadth about half a mile. The buildings are of ftone, and handfome. The fhops are many of them well decorated. The jeweller and filverfmith's fhop (Goutier's) is as brilliant as any in London or Paris. Trade being nearly extinguifhed in the harbour, the embers of what it has been glimmer in the fhops. THURSDAY, February 9- In the evening we embarked for St. Vincent's. St. Vincent, FRIDAY, February IO, Early this morning werc 1792. in fight of St. Vincent's, off the Sugar Loaves of St. Lucie, and there clofe in with the land. A fine breeze fpringing up, we run over the channel of feven leagues in three hours, and then coafted down to windward of St. Vincent's, a beautiful and rich country, moftly in poffeffion of the Charaibes. At four in the afternoon we anchored in Young's Bay, landed, and once more found ourfelves in the comfortable manfion of Calliaqua. My voyage to Antigua has put me in full poffeffion of the queftion concerning the beft mode of feeding the negroes. I am fpeaking of the difference in their fituation in regard to plenty and comfort, when fed by allowance from the mafter, as in Antigua; or when fupported by provifion grounds of their own, as in St. Vincent's. In the firft cafe, oppreftion may, and certainly in fome inftances and in different degrees doth, manfion of Calliaqua. My voyage to Antigua has put me in full poffeffion of the queftion concerning the beft mode of feeding the negroes. I am fpeaking of the difference in their fituation in regard to plenty and comfort, when fed by allowance from the mafter, as in Antigua; or when fupported by provifion grounds of their own, as in St. Vincent's. In the firft cafe, oppreftion may, and certainly in fome inftances and in different degrees doth, --- Page 315 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS doth, actually exift, either as to quantity or quality CH A P. of food; befides the circumfance of food for him- XIII, felf, the negro fuffers too in his poultry and little St.Vincent. 3 ftock, which are his wealth. The maintenance of his pigs, turkies, or chickens, muft often fubtract from his own dinner, and that perhaps a fcanty one, or he cannot keep ftock at all; and a negro without ftock, and means to purchafe tobacco and other little conveniences, and fome finery too for his wife, is miferable. Ix the fecond cafe, of the negro feeding himfelf with his own provifions, affifted only with falt provifions from his mafter (three pounds of falt fith, or an adequate quantity of herrings, per week, as in St. Vincent's) the fituation of the negro is in proportion to his induftry; but generally (peaking it affords him a plenty that amounts. to comparative wealth, viewing any peafantry in Europe, On my eftate at Calliaqua, forty-fix acres of the richeft ground are fet apart for the negro gardens, where they work voluntarilyi in the two hours they have every. noon to them'elves, on the halfholiday in the week, and Sundays; andtheir returns are fuch that in my negro village,containing cighty-five huts, therei is fcarcely one but has a goat and kids, two or three pigs, and fome poultry running about it. All this ftock is plentifully fed from the negroe's garden, and how plentifully the garden fupplies him will appear from the followingfact. From the late Guinea files,Thavepurchaf ed altogethsrrwentyl C boys and girls, from ten tothirteen years old. Iti is the praétice, on bringing them to the cftate, to diftribute them in the huts of Creole , therei is fcarcely one but has a goat and kids, two or three pigs, and fome poultry running about it. All this ftock is plentifully fed from the negroe's garden, and how plentifully the garden fupplies him will appear from the followingfact. From the late Guinea files,Thavepurchaf ed altogethsrrwentyl C boys and girls, from ten tothirteen years old. Iti is the praétice, on bringing them to the cftate, to diftribute them in the huts of Creole --- Page 316 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. Creole negroes, under their direétion and care, who XIII. are to feed them, train them to work, and teach L them their new language. For this care of feeding St.Vincent. and bringing up the young African, the Creole negroe receives no allowance of provifions whatever. He receives only a knife, a calabafh to eat from, and an iron boiling pot for each. On firft view of this it looks like oppreffion, and putting the burthen of fupporting another on the negro who receives him; but the reverfe is the fact. When the new negroes arrived on the eftate, I thought the manager would have been torn to pieces by the number and earneftnels of the applicants to have an inmate from among them. The competition was violent, and troublefome in the extreme. The fact is, that every negro in his garden, and at his leifure hours, earning much more than what is neceffary to feed him, thefe young inmates are the wealth of the negro who entertains them, and for whom they work; their work finding plenty for the little houfhold, and a furplus for fale at market, and for feeding his ftock. This fact was in proof to me from the folicitations of the Creole negroes in general (and who had large families of their own) to take another inmate, on conditions of feeding him, and with a right to the benefit of his work *. As foon as the young negro has paffed his apprenticethip, and is fit for work in the field, he has a hut of * Compare this with what is faid on the fame fubjeét, vol.i ii. P. 154- It was impofible that two perfons, writing in different iflands, could agree fo very precifely, unlefs their obfervations were founded in truth, --- Page 317 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. ofhis owh, and works a garden on his own accouit. CHAP. Ofthe falt provifions given out to the negrocs, the ) XJII. fineft fort are the mackarel falted from America, St.Vince.t and the negroes are remarkably fond of them. My brother H-- (who is a manager at once properly ftriét, and moft kind, and who is both feared and beloved by all the negroes) indulges them by ftudying to give a variety in their provifions; pork, beef, and fifh of different forts. A negro prefers pork to beef; one pound of pork will go as far as two pounds of beef in his mefs-pot. This little attention of Mr. H- to the negroes' withes, thews how much of their comfort mult even depend on the mafter's regard to them. WEDNESDAY, February 22. The 66th regiment reviewed Dy general Cuyler. The men well-looking, the manual in proper time and exaét, the firing clofe, and the level good. The review in a word fhewed this regiment to be well difciplined, and nothing hurt by refidence of near feven years in the Weft Indies. MONDAY, March 5. Embarked in the Fairy floop of war for Tobago. Got under way at twelve. TUESDAY, March 6. At four P.M. Tobago in fight, our courfe clofe to the wind, making for the body of the ifland. WEDNESDAY, March 7. Clofe in with the land, and moft of the day beating to windward with a ftrong lee current. In the afternoon were off Man o'war bay. VoL.1II. T THURSDAY, . MONDAY, March 5. Embarked in the Fairy floop of war for Tobago. Got under way at twelve. TUESDAY, March 6. At four P.M. Tobago in fight, our courfe clofe to the wind, making for the body of the ifland. WEDNESDAY, March 7. Clofe in with the land, and moft of the day beating to windward with a ftrong lee current. In the afternoon were off Man o'war bay. VoL.1II. T THURSDAY, --- Page 318 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C HAP. THURSDAY, March 8. The wind E.S. E. XIII. and a ftrong lee current againft us the whole night. St. Vincent. At-day-break, we found our thip nearly where the was the preceding fun-fet. In the evening we weathered St. Giles's rocks and little Tobago on the N. E. end of the ifland. Lay too during the night. FRIDAY, March 9. At fun-rife, were off Queen's bay, on the Jeeward coaft, whence we ran down, with both wind and current in our favour, and anchored in Rockly-bay about twelve o'clock. Tobago, SATURDAY, March IO. Went to Rife-land, or 3792. Sandy Point,intheS. W.partoftheidland,a country almoft flat, but beautifully fpotted with mountain cabbages, and various trees. Trinidada, at eighteen miles diftance, appearing plain to the eye. SUNDAY, March II. This morning early, I rode five miles acrofs the ifland from Rife-land to Adventure eftate, in Courland bay-divifion. In traverfing the country, and on my return, Iwas much ftruck with its beauty, from the Flat at Sandy Point gently breaking into hills, till ultimately at the N.E. end it becomes a fcene of mountains and woods. I particularly noticed the great extent of provifion grounds, and the fine healthy looks of the negroes in general, arifing from the pienty around them. I faw no marks ofthe whip on their backs, at leaft not here nor at St. Vineent's. The punifhments are either fo unfrequent or fo little fevere, as to leave no traces for any length of time. SUNDAY, March 15. Earlyin the morning fet out, and in the afternoon reached the Louis d'or eftate. --- Page 319 --- 60j4 Je oncm HE ne mut w fRock ath lann I. elville thesuul s m Nur hi the ISLAND 01 TOB.IGO MA el Ne nsToRYete HEST INDIES J r r loy Bryan Edwards Efig I hate Dar Momeheae Canar ala a S/ E a anang - A olton I Phn % a à X Auas I, i My tuel eurland t' /t. IRD uDors - Masay : e : i nd Ba : tte 11 ts. a Hoohy C - % a a Re SANDY : lit csfomnbr e INDIES J r r loy Bryan Edwards Efig I hate Dar Momeheae Canar ala a S/ E a anang - A olton I Phn % a à X Auas I, i My tuel eurland t' /t. IRD uDors - Masay : e : i nd Ba : tte 11 ts. a Hoohy C - % a a Re SANDY : lit csfomnbr e --- Page 320 --- 1093) 3- Von RPJOP --- Page 321 --- WINI D WA R D ISLANDS, eftate. Twenty-two miles from Port Louis, from the CHAP. very point of theTown of Port Louis, thecountry be- XIIT. comeshilly; and as you further advance, the hills rife - - 1 into mountains not broken and rugged, as the con- Tobago. vulfed country of St. Vincent's, but regular though fleep,andonalarge fcale ofregular rafcent anddefcent. The fcene of nature is on an extenfive fcale, and gives the idea of a continent rather than an ifland. Itis not alone its vicinity to the Spanifh main that fuggefts this idea. The appearance of the ifland fully warrants the affumption, and the contiguity of South America, only more fully marks its being torn therefrom, and of its being, in old times, the fouthern point or bold promontory of the vaft bay of Mexico. FRIDAY, March 16. This day I rode over my eftate, but previous to any remarks thereon, I muft notice the radical words and language of the Indian red Charaibe (Louis). There are three families of red Charaibes, fettled in a corner of my Louis d'or eftate, and their hiftory is briefly this.-Louis was five years old when his father and family fled (about fifty years paft) from the perfecutions of the Africans or black Charaibes of St. Vincent's. The family has fince divided into three diftinét ones, byincreafe of numbers. Louis the chief, is a very fenfible man, and in his traffick for filh and other articles, has obtained fome knowledge of the French language. THE following words I took from found, and with accuracy; for on reading over the Charaibe T2 words is briefly this.-Louis was five years old when his father and family fled (about fifty years paft) from the perfecutions of the Africans or black Charaibes of St. Vincent's. The family has fince divided into three diftinét ones, byincreafe of numbers. Louis the chief, is a very fenfible man, and in his traffick for filh and other articles, has obtained fome knowledge of the French language. THE following words I took from found, and with accuracy; for on reading over the Charaibe T2 words --- Page 322 --- 2;6 TOUR THROUGH THZ CHAP. words to Louis, he repeated them back in French XIII. to me. 1 - God-naketi,i.e. Grandmere Wind-cazabal - Father-baba, Tobago, The Sun-vèhu - Rain-conob Mother-behee, Moon-moneThander-warawiarow Son-wica. Earth-heang Mountain-weib Daughter-hania. Sea-balané Trec-wewee Life-nee. Fire-wat-ho Bird-fufs Death-hela 'hal. Water-tona Fith-oto' Devil-qualeva. IINTERFOGATED Louis as to religion : he is now a catholic, but fays the Charaibe belief was alwaysin a future ftate.-Formerly, they ufed to bury the defunét fitting + with his bow, arrows, &c. cc But now, 19 fays Louis, < webury atl long et droit," Gs which is better; for when fitting, the body got 6 retreci (this was his expreffion) and could not 66 ealily ftart upand fly to heaven, but being buried c6 long and Arait, it can fly up direétly when calle6 ed." This argument was poffibly fuggefted by the catholic miffionarics, to make thepoor Charaibes leave the old praétice. Louis's beliefin a future ftate is however afcertained. BUT now to remarks on the eftate. On the beach at Queen's-bay, are brick and ftone pillars, not unlike the great gateof an Englith park, whence the eyeis direéted up an avenue of cocoa-nut trees, and from thence, in the fame ftrait line, through a broad and regular ftreet of negro houfes, at a mile from the gate, to the works, which terminates the avenue, and have the appearance of a church built * I queftioned particularly on the fignification of the word naketi. + This is a curious and remarkable illuftration of what is related in thc appendixto book i. voi, i. p. 147. of an Englith park, whence the eyeis direéted up an avenue of cocoa-nut trees, and from thence, in the fame ftrait line, through a broad and regular ftreet of negro houfes, at a mile from the gate, to the works, which terminates the avenue, and have the appearance of a church built * I queftioned particularly on the fignification of the word naketi. + This is a curious and remarkable illuftration of what is related in thc appendixto book i. voi, i. p. 147. --- Page 323 --- W I N D W ARD ISLANDS. built in form of the letter T, with a tower raifed on CHAP. the center. Over the works rifes a precipice, on XIII. which ftands the manfion-houfe, nobly commanding Tobago. the whole vale. A fine river winds from the back mountains, under the point of the great ridge on which the houfe ftands, and then pours in a direét line, nearly by the eaft of the negro village, into the fea. In its courfe it fupplies a canal for turning the water-mill. THE negroes on this eftate are a moft quiet and contented people; fome afked me for little trifles of money for different purpofes, which I gave them, but there was not one complaint, for old Caftalio came to me as a kind of deputation from the reft, to téll me that 6 maffa Hamilton was good 66 manager, and good maffa." Indeed the negroes are generally treated as favourite children, by their mafters in Tobago. THE neceflities of the ifland have demanded the refidence of the planter, and the critical ftate of French government, and the wild notions and conduét of the French people in the colonies, have brought the old Englifh fettlers in Tobago, and their negroes, to a fyftem of reciprocal regard and mutual determination to refift particular wrongs or a general attack. The planters here talk of the negroes as their refort, to be depended on againft either a licentious garrifon, an arbitrary governor, or the mad democracy of French huckfters. THE negro houfes throughout Tobago are much operior to thofe in St. Vincent's, or even in AnT3 tigua, --- Page 324 --- 27S TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. tigua. Mr. Franklyn, junior, informs me that each XIII. of his negro's houfes has coft him 23 johannes, Touago. 1 or above forty pounds fterling, including the negro's labour. Thefe houfes are built of boards, uniform throughout the eftate, are about 26 feet long by 14 wide, confifting each of two apartments, befides a portico or covered walk with a feat in front, of which a clofet at the end is taken from the portico to form a fmall kitchen or ftoreroom. The roof is of fhingles. In St. Vincent's the negro houfcs are of no fixed dimenfions ; fome are very large and fome very fmall, according to the fancy or ability of the negroes, who are however generally affifted by their mafters with pofts and main timbers, and occafionally fupplied with boards. Thus the village is irregular, fome houfes boarded, fome of them ftone and part boards, and moft of them wattled or thatched. Within, the houfes are as comfortable as thofe at Tobago, but not fo durable; and the portico of the Tobago houfe is a fuperior comfort. SATURDAY, March 17: Ipaffed the morning in feeing various of my negroes, particularly the women and their Creole children. This laft year I have had anincreafe of thirteen children, of whom only one has died. I ordered, as at St.Vincent's, five yards of fine printed cotton to every woman who had reared a child, and gave ten barrels of pork among the negroes in general. Riding out, I paid a vifit of fome length to the red Charaibe families, ofwhom Louis IS the head; two of the young women were really handfome. The old InI dian , particularly the women and their Creole children. This laft year I have had anincreafe of thirteen children, of whom only one has died. I ordered, as at St.Vincent's, five yards of fine printed cotton to every woman who had reared a child, and gave ten barrels of pork among the negroes in general. Riding out, I paid a vifit of fome length to the red Charaibe families, ofwhom Louis IS the head; two of the young women were really handfome. The old InI dian --- Page 325 --- WIND W. A RJ D ISLANDS dian drefs is loft, and they wore handkerchiefs, cot- CHAP. ton petticoats, and jackets like the negroes. The XIII. huts were fcarcely weather tight, being wattled and Tobago. thatched, crowded with all their filth and all their wealth. The latter confifting of great variety of nets for filhing, hammocks for fleeping in, and different forts of provifion, ftores, &c. &c. Beafts, ftores, and people all in one room. AT two o'clock we fet out for Mr. Clarke's, five miles from Louis d'or, on the road to Port Louis. Mr. Clarke's houfe is an excellent building, framed in England, and placed on the very pinnacle of the higheft mountainin' Tobago, withgarden and fhrubberies, abounding with birds of moft fplendid plumage. The variety, beauty, and number of the feathered tribes in Tobago, are indeed at once delightful and aftonilhing. I muft obferve further, on the country of Tobago, that although it is not a twentieth part cultivated, yet it is all, or for the moft part, improveable. Mr. Hamilton, who has paffed many fucceflive nights in the woods, and in traverfing the country, affures me there is no where a rock, or fcarcely a large ftone, to be found, except upon the coafts and beach. Though the feafon is now dry, I obferved in' many parts large fpots or fields. of Guinea grafs, which would fatten cattle of the largeft breed. As a timber and a viétualling country, it feemsvaluablein an imperial, as well as commercial point of view; a refource to armies and fleets, as well as to the merchant and planter. T 4 WEDNESDAY, a rock, or fcarcely a large ftone, to be found, except upon the coafts and beach. Though the feafon is now dry, I obferved in' many parts large fpots or fields. of Guinea grafs, which would fatten cattle of the largeft breed. As a timber and a viétualling country, it feemsvaluablein an imperial, as well as commercial point of view; a refource to armies and fleets, as well as to the merchant and planter. T 4 WEDNESDAY, --- Page 326 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. WEDNESDAY, March 21. At 6 in the evening XIII. Iembarked in the Lively Ichooner for Grenada. ( Grenada, THURSDAY, 22d. At 6in the evening we an1792. chored in the careenage of St. George's town, Grenada, and immediately landed. SUNDAY, 25. In the forenoon we went to church, the governor, fpeaker of the affembly, officers, 8cc. attending, with a refpeétable congregation of people of all colours. In the gallery was an affemblage of girls and boys under a mulatto fchool-mafter, who fung pfalms very well to the accompaniment of an excellent organ. The clergyman, Mr. Dent, read prayers, and preached with great devotion. The fervice was in every refpeét moft creditable to the ifland. The church is plain, with a handfome ficeple, and a clock given by the prefent governor Matthews. Sr. George's isa handfome town, built chiefls ofbrick, and confifts of many good houfes. Itis dhaledbyaradgewlich, running into the fea, forms on one fide the carcenage, and on the other the bay. Thus there is the bay town, where there is a handfome fquare and market place, and the careenage town, where thec chief mercantile houfes are fituated, the fhips lying land-locked, and in deep water clofe to the wharf. On the ridge, juft above the road of communication between the towns, ftands the church; and on the promontory or bluff head of the ridge, flands a large old fort, built by the Spaniards when in poilefion of Grenada. It is built of free-ftone, is very fubftantially, if not icientifically conftructed, and contains the entire 45th thec chief mercantile houfes are fituated, the fhips lying land-locked, and in deep water clofe to the wharf. On the ridge, juft above the road of communication between the towns, ftands the church; and on the promontory or bluff head of the ridge, flands a large old fort, built by the Spaniards when in poilefion of Grenada. It is built of free-ftone, is very fubftantially, if not icientifically conftructed, and contains the entire 45th --- Page 327 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. 45th regiment. The 67th regiment is quartered CHAP, in the new barracks, and does duty on the new for- X1II. tifications of Richmond-hill; ; a very ftrong fituation Wy Grenada, to the eaft or north-eaft of the town. TUESDAY, March 27. Louis la Granade, chief of the Gens de couleur, and captain of a militia company, came to the government houfe. He feems a fine (pirited,athletic fellow,and wears alarge gold medal about his neck, being a gift from the colony, in reward for his various fervices and experienced fidelity on all occafions. The mulattoes have prefented a moft loyal addrefs to the governor, ftating their ftrong attachment to the King and the Britifh conftitution, and their abhorrence of all innovation. FRIDAY, 29. At ten in the morning we failed from Grenada in the Fanfan fchooner, coafted the leeward fide of the ifland from fouth to north; it feems well peopled, and in general it appears to be a rich fugar country; with lefs variety of ground indeedtbanSt. Vincmnt'vandlefverdure. Irsmountains are but hills in comparifoa with thofe ofSt. Vincent. A waving furface, hills geatly rifing and falling, charaéterize Grenada. Deep vallies thaded with abrupt precipices charaéterize St. Vincent's. SATURDAY, March 30. At three in the morn- St. Vincente ing anchored in King(ton-bay, St. Vincent's, and 1792. thence rode to the villa. From Grenada to St. Vincent's, ourfchooner hugg'd the land of the Gre. nadines under their leeward fide, with very fmall intervals of channel. The Grenadine ifles and detached rocks, are fuppofed to be about 120 in number. Twelve with abrupt precipices charaéterize St. Vincent's. SATURDAY, March 30. At three in the morn- St. Vincente ing anchored in King(ton-bay, St. Vincent's, and 1792. thence rode to the villa. From Grenada to St. Vincent's, ourfchooner hugg'd the land of the Gre. nadines under their leeward fide, with very fmall intervals of channel. The Grenadine ifles and detached rocks, are fuppofed to be about 120 in number. Twelve --- Page 328 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. Twelve of thefe little ifles are faid to produce XIII. cotton. St.Vincent. 1 - APRIL 19. Had much converfation this day about the Charaibes. THE windward eftates, quite to the Charaibe boundary of Bayaraw, are of the richeft land in the ifland, but the furf on the thore is at all times fo heavy, that no European veffel can continue on any part twenty-fourhours with fafety, and no Europcan boat can come on fhore without the danger of being fwamped. Hence, until lately, the fuppoled impraéticability of landing ftores and taking off fugars, prevented the cultivation of the lands; but fince the Charaibes in their canoes, have been found to accomplifh what Europeans cannot effeét with their boats, thefe lands have rifen to 6.60 fterling an acre, and every fettler is growing rich. A floop lays off and on as near as fhe may to the fhore, and in one morning, from day-break to noon, a canoe manned by ten Charaibes, will make forty trips to the floop, carrying each time a hog(head of fugar, &zc. &c. and the expence for the morning amounts to ten dollars, being a dollar for each Charaibe.-Tne Charaibes thus begin to tafte of money, and are already become very, induftrious at this work, Moreover, they plant tobacco, and want nothing but a market to encourage them to plant more, Chatoyer's brother (Du Vallee) has nine negroes, and plants cotton. Money civilizes in the firft inftance, as it corrupts in the laft; the favage labouring for himfelf, foon ceafes to be a favages the flave to money becomes Charaibe.-Tne Charaibes thus begin to tafte of money, and are already become very, induftrious at this work, Moreover, they plant tobacco, and want nothing but a market to encourage them to plant more, Chatoyer's brother (Du Vallee) has nine negroes, and plants cotton. Money civilizes in the firft inftance, as it corrupts in the laft; the favage labouring for himfelf, foon ceafes to be a favages the flave to money becomes --- Page 329 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. 28; becomes a fubjeét to government, and he becomes CHAP, a ufeful fubjeét * X11I. MR. B. adting colleétor of the cuftoms, informed St. F5 Vincent me, that the value of Britifh manufaéures exported from St. Vincent to the Spanith and French fettlements, was upwards of 6.200,000 annually. From the fuperior advantages of Grenada, with refpeét to fituation, &c. the export trade of that ifland to the Spanith main, muft be much more confiderable. That of Jamaica out of comparifon greater. Thefe circumftances are to be taken into the general account, of the importance of the Weft India Iflands to Great Britain. APRIL 24. Went on board a Guinea (hip, the Aétive, from Sierra Leone, On board this thip is a black * This muft be admitted with fome limitation. Before a negro places fuch a value on money as is here fuppofed, he muft have acquired many of the refinements and artificial neceflities of civilized life. He muft have found ufes for money, which, in his favage flate, he had no conception of. Itis not therefore the pofeffion of money alone; ; itis the new defres fpringing up in his mind, from the profpeêts and examples before him, that have awakened his powers, and called the energies of his mind into action. I have thought it neceffary to obferve thus much, becaufe the doétrine of my amiable friend, without fome qualification, feems to fandtify an affertion which has been maintained by (peculative writers, with fome plaufibility; namely, 4 that if the negro flaves were allowed wages for their labour, 6 coercion would become unnecelfary." What effeét a fyftem of gradual encouragenent, by means of wages, operating flowly and progreflively, might produce in a long courfe of time, I will not prefume to fay; but Iam perfuaded that an attempt to introduce fuch a fyftem among the labouring negroes in general, without great caution and due preparation, would be produétive of thc greateft of evils. plaufibility; namely, 4 that if the negro flaves were allowed wages for their labour, 6 coercion would become unnecelfary." What effeét a fyftem of gradual encouragenent, by means of wages, operating flowly and progreflively, might produce in a long courfe of time, I will not prefume to fay; but Iam perfuaded that an attempt to introduce fuch a fyftem among the labouring negroes in general, without great caution and due preparation, would be produétive of thc greateft of evils. --- Page 330 --- TOUR, &c. CHAI P. a black boy, called Bunc, about ten years old, the XIII. fon of an African chicf; he is going to England for St. Vincent, his education, and bas two flaves fent with him by his father, to pay his paffage by their fale. Captain Williams has another boy on board, who was fent to England two years ago for the fame purpofe. This voyagel hewas to take him backtoAnnamabor; but the boy abfolutely refufed landing again in Africa, and he waits on Captain Williams as a free fervant, and is going back to England with him. The flaves were in high health; captain Williams isa fuperior man in this trade; as a fundamental trait of his charaéter, I notice, that laft year (1791) on receiving the parliamentary bounty for the good condition in which his people arrived, he gave out 9 of his own pocket 6.50 as a gratuity to the furgeon of his fhip. MONDAY, April 30. This day Dufond, Chatoyer's brother, and next to him in authority, particularly on the Grand Sable fide of the country, made me a vifit : he had been twice before when I was abfent in the other iflands, and on his firft vifit had left his own bow and arrows for me. I gave him in return a pair of handfome brals barrelled piftols. He feems a very polite and fenfible man, and fpeaks good French. May 8. Embarked on board the Delaford, and at 5 P. M, failed fur England. --- Page 331 --- HISTORY OF THE WEST INDIES, ESc. HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OFTHE CONSTITUTION OF JAMAICA. --- Page 332 --- a a --- Page 333 --- I 287 ] J AMAICA" C H A P. XIV. Ir does not appear that there was any form of CHAP, civil government eftablifhed in the ifland of Ja- XIV. maica before the Reftoration; when Colonel D'Oy- 1 ley, who had then the chief command under a commiffion from the lord Proteétor, was confirmed in that command by a commifion from King Charles, dated the 13th of February, 1661. His commiffion, which recites the king's defire to give all proteftion and encouragement to the people of Jamaica, and to provide for its fecurity and good government, empowers him to execute his truft according to fuch powers and authorities as are contained in his commiflion and the inftructions annexed to it, and fuch as fhould from time to time begiven to him by his majefty, . and according - In the former editions, this account of the conftitution of Jamaica was afcribed to Governor (now Lord) Lyttelton, who was Captain General of that ifland in 1764, but I have fince had reafon to believe it was an official paper drawn up by, fome perfon in the plantation office in Great Britain, and tranfmitted to the Governor for his information. That it came laft from the Governor's office, is a faét within my own knowledge; but Lord Lyttelton having affured me that he has no recolleétion of its contents, I feel myfelf bonnd to apprife my readers of the circumftance. As there can be no poffible doubt concerning the authenticity ofthe documents annexed to it, the queftion by whom the introduétory part was prepared is of little importançe in itfelf, but juflice towards Lord Lyttelton, and regard to truth, require me to give this explanation. office, is a faét within my own knowledge; but Lord Lyttelton having affured me that he has no recolleétion of its contents, I feel myfelf bonnd to apprife my readers of the circumftance. As there can be no poffible doubt concerning the authenticity ofthe documents annexed to it, the queftion by whom the introduétory part was prepared is of little importançe in itfelf, but juflice towards Lord Lyttelton, and regard to truth, require me to give this explanation. --- Page 334 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. ing to fuch good,juft, and reafonable cuftoms and XIV. conflitutions as were exercifed and fettled in other colonies; or fuch other as fhould, upon mature advice and confideration, be held neceffary and proper for the good government and fecurity of the ifland, provided they were not repugnant to the laws of England. IT further empowers him to take unto him a council of twelve perfons, to be eletted by the people according to the manner prefcribed in the inftructions ; and, by the advice of any five or more of them, to conftitute civil judicatories, with power to adminifter oaths; to command all the military forces in the ifland, and put in force and execute martial law; to grant commifions, with the advice of his council, for the finding out new trades $ and to do and perform all other orders which might conduce to the good of the ifland. The inftructions confift of fifteen articles: THE firftdireéts the commiffion to be publifhed, and the king proclaimed. THE third regulates the manner of eleéting the council, eleven of which to be chofen indifferently, by as many oft the officers of the army, planters, and inhabitants, as could be conveniently admitted to fuch election, either at one or more places; which faid perfons, with the fecretary of the ifland, who was thereby appointed always to be one, were eftablifhed a council, to advife and affift the governor in the execution of his truft, and five wero to be a quorum. THE fourth and fifth articles direét the taking the oaths, --- Page 335 --- OF JAMAICA oaths, and fettling judicatories for the civil affairs CHAP. and affairs of the admiralty, for the peace of the XIV. ifland, and determining controverly. THE fixth direêts the governor to difcountenance vice and debauchery, and to encourage mjnifters, that Chriftianity and the proteftant religion, according to the church of England, might have due reverence and exercife amongft them. THE feventh direéts the fortifications at Cagway to be completed, and empowers him to compel, not only foldiers, but planters, to work by turns. THE eighth direéts him to encourage the planters, and to affure them ofhis majefty's protedtion : and, by the ninth, he is to caufe an accurate furvey to be made of the ifland. By the tenth it is direéted, that the fecretary Thall keepa regifter ofall plantations, and the bounds thercof; and that all perfons Chall be obliged to plant a proportionable part thereof within a limited time. THE eleventh and twelfth direét all encouragements to be given to fuch negroes and others as Thall fubmit to the government, and to merchants and fuch as (hall bring any trade there, and forbid monopolizing. THE thirteenth direéts, that any veffel which can be fpared from tbe defence of the ifland, Thall be employed in fetching fettlers from any other colonies, and that no foldiers be allowed to depart without licence. THE fourteenth relates to the keeping of the ftores and provifions fent to the ifland: and the VoL. III. U fifteenth negroes and others as Thall fubmit to the government, and to merchants and fuch as (hall bring any trade there, and forbid monopolizing. THE thirteenth direéts, that any veffel which can be fpared from tbe defence of the ifland, Thall be employed in fetching fettlers from any other colonies, and that no foldiers be allowed to depart without licence. THE fourteenth relates to the keeping of the ftores and provifions fent to the ifland: and the VoL. III. U fifteenth --- Page 336 --- 2go HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. fifteenth direêts the governor to tranfmit, from XIV. time to time, a flate of the ifland, and all his pro1 ceedings. IN 1662, Lord Windfor was appointed governor of Jamaica, by commiflion under the great feal; which, befides containing the fame powers as thofe contained in Col. D'Oyley's commiffion, direéts, that, in cafe of Lord Windfor's dying or leaving the ifland, the government fhall devolve on the council, or any feven of them, and appoints a falary of two thoufand pounds per ann. payable out of the exchequer. His inftructions confift of twenty-two articles. The firft direéts the publication of his commiffion : and the fecond, the appointment of the council, according to his commiffion and the inftruétions. But it muft be obferved upon this article, that no directions whatever are given, either in the commiffion, which refers to the inftruétions, or the inftructions themfelves, as to the mode in which the. council fhall be appointed; BUTIT APPEARSTHAT THE GOVERNOR NAMED THEM HIMSELF. THE third, fourth, fifth, fixth, and feventh articles relate to the adminiftering oaths, eftablifhing judicatures, and providing for the fecurity of the adjacent ifles. THE eighth direéts encouragement to be given to planters to remove to Jamaica from the other colonies. THE ninth direôts 100,000 acres of land tobe fet apart --- Page 337 --- OF JAMAICA. apart in each of the four quarters of the ifland as * C HAP. a royal demefne, a furvey to be made, and a regif- XIV. ter kept of all grants, and a militia formed. THE tenth direéts the plantersto be encouraged, their lands confirmed unto them by grants under the great feal, and appoints 50,000 acres of land to the governor, for his own ufe. THE eleventh relates to the encouragement of an orthodox miniftry: : and the twelfth eftablithes a duty of five per cent. upon all exports after the expiration ofi feven years. THE thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and fixteenth articles contain general direétions as to the liberty and freedom of trade (except with the Spaniards) affiftance to the neighbouring plantations, and the fecurity of the ifland, by obliging planters to refide in bodies together, and in contiguous buildings. THE feventeenth diredts, that, as an encourage. ment to men of ability to go to the ifland, no offices thall be held by deputy; and gives a power to the governor of fufpenfion or removal, in cafe of bad behaviour. THE nineteenth empowers the governor to grant royalties and manors, or lordfhips, to contain lefs than five hundred acres. THE twentieth empowers the governor, with advice of the council, to call affemblies, to make laws, and, upon imminent neceffity, to levy money; 5 fuch laws to be in force two years, and no longer, unlefs approved ofby the crown. U2 See all be held by deputy; and gives a power to the governor of fufpenfion or removal, in cafe of bad behaviour. THE nineteenth empowers the governor to grant royalties and manors, or lordfhips, to contain lefs than five hundred acres. THE twentieth empowers the governor, with advice of the council, to call affemblies, to make laws, and, upon imminent neceffity, to levy money; 5 fuch laws to be in force two years, and no longer, unlefs approved ofby the crown. U2 See --- Page 338 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. See the proclamation of the 14th of December, XIV. 1661, upon which the people of Yamaica have Y upon any occafion laid Jo much Arefs. Tuisproclamation was publifhed by Lord Windfor upon his arrival; but nothing elfe material arifes out of his fhort adminiftration worth notice, for he ftaid but two months, and left the ifland, and the execution of his commiflion, to Sir Charles Lyttleton, who had been appointed licutenant-governor; and who governed with the advice of a council of twelve, appointed by himfelf, and called an aflembly that made a body of laws, amongft which was one for raiing a revenue. NOTHING, bowever, which appears to be material, as to the form of the conftitution, occurred during his adminiftration, which continued about twenty months ; when he was fuperfeded by the arrival of Sir Thomas Modyford, who was appointed governor in chief by a commiffion under the great feal, which empowered him either to conftitute, by his own authority, a privy-council of twelve perfons, or to continue the old onc, and to alter, change, or augment it as he thought proper : to create judicatories; and make laws, orders, and conflitetions, provided they did not extend to take away any right or freehoid, or the intereft of any perion in their rights or freeholds, goods or chattels, and that they were tranfmitted to his majefty for allowance or ditapprobation. He was furtherempowered to command and difcipline all military forces, to ufe martial law upon perfons --- Page 339 --- OF JAMAICA. perfons in military fervice, and eftablifh articles of CHAP. war; ; to create courts of admiralty, according to - X1V. V fuch authority as he fhould receive from the lord high admiral ; to ereét forts and fortifications: 5 to eftablith ports, cities, towns, boroughs, and villages; to create manors and lordfhips ; to grant charters to hold fairs; to take furveys, and keep records of all grants of lands, under fuch moderate quit-rents, fervices, and acknowledgments, as he fhould think fit; and to prefcribe terms of cultivation; and grants fo made under the feal, and enrolled, were to be good and valid againft the crown; to grant commiflions for finding out new trades; to pardon all offences, except murder and treafon, andin thofe cafes to reprieve for twelve months. with the advice of the HE was alfo empowered, majority of council, to frame a method for eftablithing general affemblies, and from time to time to call fuch affemblies together, and with their confent to pafs all manner of laws, referving to him a negative voice; as alfo, upon imminent occafions, to levy money. Thefe laws not to extend to taking any one's frechold, or to the lols of a member, away and to be in force only two years, unlefs approved and confirmed by the crown. THIS commiffion appoints a falary to the governor of one thoufand pounds per annum, payable out of the exchequer. THE inftruétions, which confift of twenty articles, relate to the encouragement to be given to planters to come from the other colonies; 3 to the allowance fettied upon himfelf and the other ofU3 ficers; laws not to extend to taking any one's frechold, or to the lols of a member, away and to be in force only two years, unlefs approved and confirmed by the crown. THIS commiffion appoints a falary to the governor of one thoufand pounds per annum, payable out of the exchequer. THE inftruétions, which confift of twenty articles, relate to the encouragement to be given to planters to come from the other colonies; 3 to the allowance fettied upon himfelf and the other ofU3 ficers; --- Page 340 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. ficers ; and extend to moft of the points contained XIV. in Lord Windfor's inftructions; but direêt, that 1 the meafure of fetting out the 400,000 acres, as a royal demefne, fhall be fufpended; that no duties fhall be laid in the ifland upon the import or export of any goods for twenty-one years, nor fhall any duty be laid here upon the produce of Jamaica for five years. Br thefe inftruétions it appears, that the crown allowed two thoufand five hundred pounds per anum for the fupport of government; and what was wanted, over and above, was to be made good by a duty on ftrong liquors, either made or imported, to be lévied by the authority of the governor and council. IN July, 1664, Sir Thomas Modyford iffued writs for cleéting two affembly-men for each parith; ; which affembly met in Oétober foilowing. Ir does not appear that this affembly fat above a month or two before they were diffolved ; but, during their fcffions, they paffed a body of laws, which was tranfiitted to the lord chancellor, to be laid before the crown; but, not being confirmed, they would have expired at the end of two years; but (as I find it afferted by Lord Vaughan) the governor continued them in force to the end of his adminiftration, by an order of council. Ic cannot, however, find this order upon record, but, after that time a great many ordinances of the governor and council, in the nature and form of laws; in fome of which it was declared, --- Page 341 --- OF JAMAICA. elared, that they Thall continue in force until another CHAP. affembly was called, and then to be confirmed, al- XIV. tered, or repealed, as that affembly fhould fee con- - 1 venient : but no other affembly was called during Sir Thomas Modyford's adminiftration. IN 1670, Sir Thomas Modyford was recalled, and Sir Thomas Lynch appointed lieutenant-governor and commander in chief, with the fame powers as Sir Thomas Modyford had. ON the ift of December, 1671, he iffued writs for calling an affembly, to confift of two perfons for each parich; which met on the 8th of January, and fat till June following, when the governor diffolved them, after having paffed a body of laws, which were tranfimitted to England, but were not confirmed. In May, 1673, SirThomas Lynch called another affemblys but upon their refufing to grant money for the fortifications, he diffolved it after fitting only a few days; and, in January following, upon confideration that two years were almoft expired fince making the body of laws, and that his majefty had not been pleafed to fignify his royal confent to them, a new affembly was called, which met the 18th ofFebruary,and, on the 14th of March, a new body of laws was paffed, which were tranfmitted to England; but, not being confirmed by the crown, expired at the end of two years. Os the 3d of December, 1674, Lord Vaughan was appointed governor of Jamaica. A council, U. 4 confifting fince making the body of laws, and that his majefty had not been pleafed to fignify his royal confent to them, a new affembly was called, which met the 18th ofFebruary,and, on the 14th of March, a new body of laws was paffed, which were tranfmitted to England; but, not being confirmed by the crown, expired at the end of two years. Os the 3d of December, 1674, Lord Vaughan was appointed governor of Jamaica. A council, U. 4 confifting --- Page 342 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. confifting of twelve perfons, was named in the comXIV. miffion, with power to him to expel or fufpend any 1 of them, and, in cafe of vacancies, to fill up the council to nine. He was alfo empowered to call affemblies, according to the ufage of the ifland ; and, with the council and affembly, to pafs laws, which laws were to be in force for two years, unlefs the crown's pleafure was in the mean time fignified to the contrary, and no longer, except they were approved and confirmed within that time. In the paffing of thefe laws, the governor was to have a negative voice, and to diffolve any affembly, as he fhould think proper. UPON Lord Vaughan's arrival in his government, he called an affembly, which met on the 26th of April, 1675, and paffed a new body of laws. IT does not appear when this affembly was dif folved; but in March, 1676-7, writs were iffued for a new affembly, which met on the 26th of that month 3 and, having paffed feveral other Jaws, they were diffolved on the 26th of July: and the laws paffed by both affemblies having been tranfmitted to England, the council took them into their confideration, and, after frequent deliberations upon them, and many alterations propofed, they were referred, with the council's obfervations upon them, to the attorney-general to confider thereof, and to form a new body of laws for the good government of this ifland. WITH thefe laws, the council took into confideration --- Page 343 --- OF JAMAICA the ftate and conftitution of Jamaica, and CHAP. ation it hereunto annexed, vide XIV. made the reports upon Documents, No. I, 2. been confirmed, a comTHESE reports having Lord miffion paffed the great feal, conftituting which, and by the Carlifle governor of Jamaica, by vide No. 3, 4. the inftruétions annexed thereto, in the council's reform of government propofed port was adopted and eftablifhed. UPON Lord Carlifle's arrival in his government, he found the people very much diffatisfied with and averfe to this new form of government, as will better appear by his letters, vide No. 5.6,7.8,9,10. THESE letters and papers being taken into confideration by the council, as alfo a report thereon the council, on the 4th of by the committee, made the order No. II; and, on the April, 1679, following, the annexed report, No. 28th of May his and, being ap12, was prefented to majefty, to the Earl of Carlifle, proved, was tranfmitted with the annexed letter, No. 13Carlifle UPON receipt of thefe papers, the Lord communicated them to the affembly, who prefented addrefs in anfwer to the report of the 28th of an which addrefs was tranfmitted to the council May; Lord Carlifle. Vide No. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, by 19, 20. the of March, 1679-80, the council ON sth the letters received from took into confideration and the annexed extraéts (No. the Earl of- Carlifle; will fhew 21 10 38, inclifive) of their proccedings, in confetheir feveral refolutions and diredtions quence thereof. Ir an which addrefs was tranfmitted to the council May; Lord Carlifle. Vide No. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, by 19, 20. the of March, 1679-80, the council ON sth the letters received from took into confideration and the annexed extraéts (No. the Earl of- Carlifle; will fhew 21 10 38, inclifive) of their proccedings, in confetheir feveral refolutions and diredtions quence thereof. Ir --- Page 344 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CH A P. Ir is impoffible, at this diftance of time, tojudge XIV. what motives could have induced the council, after they had fhewn fo much firmnefs and refolution to fupport the rights of the crown, by cftablifhing in Jamaica the Irith conftitution, to give the point up, as it appears they did by the annexed explanatory commifion to Lord Carlifle, No. 39, which contains the fame power of making laws in affembly as is now given to the governor of Jamaica, and which, from that time, has been minutely the fame; excepting only, that, in 1716, the governor was direéted, by inftruétions, not to. pafs any laws that thould repeal a law confirmed by the crown, without a claufe of fulpenfion, or firfl tranfmitting the draft of a bill; and, in 1734, this limitation was extended to all laws for repealing others, though fuch repealed law fhould not have been confirmed by the crown (b). (b) Neither of thefe orders are enforced, except in the cafe of private bills. theaffembly having conftantly refufed to admic fufpending claufesin any publick act, and the crown has long fince given up the point. E. --- Page 345 --- OF JAMAICA. DOC U M E N T S ANNEXED TO THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. NUMBER I. The Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations having this day prefented to the Board the enfuing Report; viz. MAYIT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, W, E having, according to the truft repofed in us in refe- APPENrence to your majefty's plantations, taken in confideration DIX. the prefent ftate and government of the ifland of Jamaica, ) particularly fuch matters as, from the nature of affairs as they now ftand there, we have judged neceffary to be recommended to the Right honourable the Earl of Carlifle, whom your majefty has been pleafed to nominate and conftitute governor of the faid ifland; and having, after feveral meetings, agreed upon the following particulars, we moft humbly crave leave to lay them before your majefty, for your royal determination. The firft point that did occur moft worthy to be confidered by us was, the power and manner of enaéting laws for the civil, military, and ecclefiaftical government : and, upon taking a view of what has been practifed fince your majelty's happy reftoration in the legiflative, we find, that the methods and authorities for the framing and ordaining the faid laws have been only fuch as were direêted by your royal commifion unto your majefty's feveral governors, or prefcribed by the inftructions given them from time to time 3 and that as the conftitution and exigency of affairs have often changed, for the civil, military, and ecclefiaftical government : and, upon taking a view of what has been practifed fince your majelty's happy reftoration in the legiflative, we find, that the methods and authorities for the framing and ordaining the faid laws have been only fuch as were direêted by your royal commifion unto your majefty's feveral governors, or prefcribed by the inftructions given them from time to time 3 and that as the conftitution and exigency of affairs have often changed, --- Page 346 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. changed, fo your majefty has thought fit varioufly to adapt XIV. your royal orders thereunto; and, by the laft commiflion, Y given unto the Lord Vaughan, your majefly was pleafed to empower histordfhip, with the advice ofyour majefty's council, from time to time to fummon general affemblies of freeholders, who have authority, with the advice and confent of the governor and council, to make and ordain laws for the government of the ifland; ; which laws are to be in force for the fpace of two years, except in the mean time your majefty's pleafure be fignified to the contrary, and no longer, unlefs they be confirmed by your majefty within that time, Having, therefore, direéted our thoughts towards the confequences and effects which have been produced, ormayarife, from this authority derived unto the faid freeholders and planters, which we obferve to have received a daily increafe by the refolutions they have taken, lefs agreeable to your majelty's intention, we do moft humbly offer our opinions, that the laws tranfmitted by the Lord Vaughan, which are now under confideration in order to be enaéted by your majefty, may be intrufted in the hands of the Earl of Carlifle, who, upon his arrival in the ifland, may offer them unto the next aflembly, that they may be confented unto as laws originally coming from your majeftys and that, for the future, no legiflative aflembly be called without your majefty's fpecial diredtjons; but that, upon emergencies, the governor do acquaint your majefty by letters with the neceflity of calling fuch an affembly, and pray your majefty's confent and directions for their meeting 5 and, at the fame time, do prefent unto your majefty a fcheme of fuch 26hs as he Thall think fit, and neceffary, that your majefty may ake the fame into conlfideration, and return them in the form wherein your majefly (hall think fit that they be enacted; that the governor, upon receipt of your mjely'scommands, fhall then fummon an affembly, and propofe the faid laws for their confent, fa that the fame method in legiflative matters be made ufe ofin Jamaica as in Ireland, according to the form preferibed by Poyning's law; and that, thercfore, the prefent ityle of cnacting majefty may ake the fame into conlfideration, and return them in the form wherein your majefly (hall think fit that they be enacted; that the governor, upon receipt of your mjely'scommands, fhall then fummon an affembly, and propofe the faid laws for their confent, fa that the fame method in legiflative matters be made ufe ofin Jamaica as in Ireland, according to the form preferibed by Poyning's law; and that, thercfore, the prefent ityle of cnacting --- Page 347 --- OF JAMAICA. ing laws, By tbe gevernor, council, and reprefentatives of the APPENbe convertedi into the ftyle of, Be it enaêled DIX. commons efombledy mof excellent majefy, ly and with the confent ef 1 by tbe king's the general affembly. forWe are further of opinion, that no efcheats, fines, feitures, or penalties, be mentioned in the faid laws to be applied to the publick ufe of the ifland; 3 and chat your majefty do inftruét your governor to difpofe thereof for the fupport of the government. It is alfo our opinion, that in all laws for levying of money, and raifing a publick revenue, the claufes whereby the faid levies are appropriated unto the publick uic of the ifland, without any mention made of your majefly, or unto your majefty for the faid publick ufe, are fo far derogatory to your majefty's right of fovercignty,that they ought to be, for the future, altered and made agreeable to the ftyle of England. We do likewife offer it unto your majefty as neceffary, that no minifter be received in Jamaica without licence from the Right reverend the lord bifhop of London; and that none having his lordfhip's licence be rejedted; without fufficient caufe alledged; ; as alfo, that in the direêtion of all church affairs, the minifter be admitted into the refpective veftries. And whereas it has upon fome occafions proved inconvenient, that the members of the council have been conftituted by your majeity's commiffion; we are of opinion, that, for the future, they be onlynamedi in the inftruétions of the governor; for the ftrengthening of whofe authority under your majefty we do offer, that he may have power to fufpend any of the faid members, if he fee jult caufe, without recciving the advice and confent ofthe council 5 and alfo, that none of the faid fo fulpended, or by your majefty's order difplaced, from that truft, may be permitted to be received into thc general affembly. And whereas nothing can contribute more to the welfare of your majefty's ifland, than that all means be found out for the increafe of trade; we do offer, for the encouragement thereof, have power to fufpend any of the faid members, if he fee jult caufe, without recciving the advice and confent ofthe council 5 and alfo, that none of the faid fo fulpended, or by your majefty's order difplaced, from that truft, may be permitted to be received into thc general affembly. And whereas nothing can contribute more to the welfare of your majefty's ifland, than that all means be found out for the increafe of trade; we do offer, for the encouragement thereof, --- Page 348 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. thereof, that a mint be allowed in Jamaica, in fuch manner XIV. that no prejudice do arife unto your majefty's other dominions, or that what bullion is brought from thence may be coined here in England; provided that all fuch coins may bear your majefty's royal fuperfcription, and not be impofedin payment elfewhere. All which, i5c. FINCH, DANBY, WORCESTER, EsSEX, FAUCONBERRY, CRAVEN, H. COVENTRY. Tho. Dolmax. His majefty, taking the fame in confideration, was pleafed to approve thereof; and did order, that the Right honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry do prepare: a commiflion and inftructions for his majefty's royal fignature, for the Earl of Carlifle, according to the tenor of the faid report. N U M B ER II. At the Court at Wbitehall, the 1Sth ef February, 1677-8. PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council: Upon reading this at the board, a report from the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations, in the words following : May it pleafe your Majefty, HAVING received, on the 12th of January laft paft, from the Right honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry, a draft of a commiflion and inflructions for the Earl of Carlifle, whom your majefty has appointed to be your governor of Jamaica; ef February, 1677-8. PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council: Upon reading this at the board, a report from the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations, in the words following : May it pleafe your Majefty, HAVING received, on the 12th of January laft paft, from the Right honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry, a draft of a commiflion and inflructions for the Earl of Carlifle, whom your majefty has appointed to be your governor of Jamaica; --- Page 349 --- OF JAMAICA. after feveral additions and alterations, APPENJamaica; and having, Coventry, on the 2d DIX. remitted the fame unto Mr. Secretary the moft ma- 7 1 inft. we crave leave to offer to your majefty of the faid terial points which did occur unto us upon perufal draft; which are as followeth: : of council in ift. As we are of opinion that all members for the more eafy paffing of laws, be admitted Jamaica may, eleéted by the frecholders ; fo we into the aflembly, if duly well the members of cannot but advife your majefty, that 2s as the the faid council fufpended by your majefty's governor, incamembers difplaced by your majefty, may be rendered into the during which fufpenfion of being admitted pable affembly. majefty has, by an order of the 2d. That although your fit that no affembly be 16th of November laft paft, thought leave and direétions; called without your majefty's efpecial fervice and we think it very important, for your majefty's rebellion, or fome fafety of the ifland, thati in cafe ofinvafion, may other very urgent neceflity, your majefty's governor acts with the confent of the aflembly, to pais have power, to anfwer the occafions arifing by fuch for raifing of money, urgent neceffities. whereas hitherto, within your majefty'sifand of 3d. That and not been Jamaica, the oaths of allegiance fupremacyhave impofed on perfons that bear any part of the government, exand officers of the council, and all judges cept the members and juftices 5 fo, for the prevention of futureinconvenicnies, we and greater affurance of loyalty towards your majefty, the afof that all perfons eleéted into are humbly before opinion, their fitting, take the oaths of allegiance fembly fhall, Thall comand fupremacy, which your majefty's governor mifionate fit perfons, under the feal of the ifland, to: adminifter and that, without taking the faid oaths, none fhall unto them, be capable of fitting, although eleéted. We have likewife, purfuant to your majefty's orders, preoflaws, fuch as the Right honourable the Earl pared a body to with him, and to offer of Carlifle may be empowered carry unto of allegiance fembly fhall, Thall comand fupremacy, which your majefty's governor mifionate fit perfons, under the feal of the ifland, to: adminifter and that, without taking the faid oaths, none fhall unto them, be capable of fitting, although eleéted. We have likewife, purfuant to your majefty's orders, preoflaws, fuch as the Right honourable the Earl pared a body to with him, and to offer of Carlifle may be empowered carry unto --- Page 350 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAI P. unto the affembly of Jamaica for their confent. Whereas we XIV. do not find, fince your majefty's happy reftoration, that any laws tranfimitted from your majefty's plantations have been confirmed by your majefty, either under the great fedl of England, or any other fignification of your majefty's pleafure (the aét of four and a half per cent. in the Caribbee iflands only excepted, which was confirmed by the order of council) and the intended method of enadting laws in Jamaica hath not as yetbeen putin practice; we humbly crave your majefty's royal determination, whether the faid laws fhall pafs only by order of your majeftyin council, or under the great feal of England, that we may accordingly be enabled fitly to prefent them unto your royal view. All which, E5c. His majefty was pleafed to order, that Mr. Secretary Coventry do prepare Lord Carife'scommifion and inftruétions concerning thefe matters accordingly: and as for the laws of the faid ifland, his majefty by an order of the board, hath been pleafed this day to declare his pleafure, that they Thall pafs under the great feal of England, N U M B E R III. Extradt %f King Charles the Second's Commiffion to the Earl of Carlife. AND we dahercby give and grant unto you, with the advice: and confent of the faid council, full power and authority, from time to time, as need Thall require, to fummon or call general affemblies of the freeholders and planters within the faid ifland, and other the territories under your government, in fuch mannerand form as hath been formerly praétifed and ufed in the faid ifland of Jamaica. And our will and pleafure is, that the perfons thereupon duly cléted, and having before their fitting taken the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy,( (which you fhall commifionate fit full power and authority, from time to time, as need Thall require, to fummon or call general affemblies of the freeholders and planters within the faid ifland, and other the territories under your government, in fuch mannerand form as hath been formerly praétifed and ufed in the faid ifland of Jamaica. And our will and pleafure is, that the perfons thereupon duly cléted, and having before their fitting taken the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy,( (which you fhall commifionate fit --- Page 351 --- OF JAMAICA ft perfons, under the feal of our ifland, to adminifter, and APPENwithout taking which none fhall be capable of fitting, though DIX. eleêted) Thall be called and held the general affembly of the (Y faid ifland of Jamaica, and other the territories thereon depending; ; and fhall have: full power and authority to agreeand confent unto all fuch ftatutes and ordinances for the publick peace, welfare, and good government of the faid ifland, and other the territories thereon depending, and the people and inhabitants thereof, and fuch others as fhall refort thereunto, and for the benefit ofour heirs and fucceffors, as having been by you, with advice and confent ofthe faidcouncil, framed and tranfmitted unto us, in order to be here enaéted, by our giving our confent thereunto, fhall be by us approved and remitted unto you under our great feal of England; which faid ftatutes, laws, and ordinances, are to be by you framed às near a5 conveniently may be to the laws and fatutes of our kingdom of England. And we do hereby, neverthelefs, authorize and empower you,incale of invafion, rebellion, or fome verygreat neceffity, to pafs an act or acts, by and with the confent of the general affembly, without tranfmitting the fame firft to us, to raife money within the faid illand, and the territories within your government, to anfwer the occalions arifing by fuch urgent neceffities. And we give you likewife full 'power, from time to time, 2S you Chall judge it necellary, to dillolve all general affemblies, as aforefaid. N U M B E R IV. Extrad ef King Charles the Second's Infrudlions to the Earl ef Carlife. AND whereas by our commiffion we have dire@ted that, for the future, no general afferably be called without our fpecial diredtions; but that, upon occafion, you do acquaint us by letter with the neceffity of calling fuch an 2ffembly, and VoL. III. X pray Chall judge it necellary, to dillolve all general affemblies, as aforefaid. N U M B E R IV. Extrad ef King Charles the Second's Infrudlions to the Earl ef Carlife. AND whereas by our commiffion we have dire@ted that, for the future, no general afferably be called without our fpecial diredtions; but that, upon occafion, you do acquaint us by letter with the neceffity of calling fuch an 2ffembly, and VoL. III. X pray --- Page 352 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. pray our confent and direétions for their meeting; you fhall, XIV. at the fame time, tranfmit unto us, with the advice and conY fent of the council, a draft of fuch aêts as you fhall think fit and neceffary to be paffed, that we may take the fame into our confideration, and return them in the form we thall think fit to be enacted: in and upon the receipt of our commands, you fhall then fummon an affembly, and propofe the faid laws for their confent. And accordingly we have ordered to be delivered unto you herewith, a certain body of laws, for the ufe of our faidifland, framed in purfuance of other laws tranfmitted unto us by former governors, with fuch alterations and amendments as we have thought fit, with the advice of our privy-council here 3 which, upon your arrival in our faid ifland, you fhall offer untothe next affembly, that they mayl be confented to and enaéted as laws originally coming from us. We are willing, neverthelefs, that in cafe of invafion, rebellion, or fome very urgent neceffity, you pafs an act or aéts, with the confent of the general affembly, without tranfmitting the fame firft unto us, to raife money within the faid ifland, and the territories depending thereon, to anfwer the occafions arifing by fuch urgent neceffities. And you fhall take care that the prefent ftyle of enacting laws, By tbe governor, council, and reprefentatives ef the commons affembled, be converted into the ftyle of, Be it enatied by the king's maft excellent majefy, by and with the confent ef the general afembly. N UI M B E R V. Extradt of a Letter from the Earl of Carlifle to Mr. Secretary Coventry. IHAVE fpoken with feveral of the council, and find fome of them much diffatished at the alterations in the laws and manner of paffing them, particularly at the latter part of the claufe in the militia bill: 6 but that in all things he may, 66 upon yle of, Be it enatied by the king's maft excellent majefy, by and with the confent ef the general afembly. N UI M B E R V. Extradt of a Letter from the Earl of Carlifle to Mr. Secretary Coventry. IHAVE fpoken with feveral of the council, and find fome of them much diffatished at the alterations in the laws and manner of paffing them, particularly at the latter part of the claufe in the militia bill: 6 but that in all things he may, 66 upon --- Page 353 --- OF JAMAICA. act as captain-general APPENtt upon all occafions or emergencics, and in of all DIX. k and governor in chief, according to purfuance his - 1 c the powers and authorities given untol him by majefty's in this cafe, or any other, to the < commiffion; any thing which they are E contrary in anywite notwithftandings" Thall make itlegal to execute jealous of, left that thereby they Thall be fent to me, or any all inftructions that either are or might cafily be other fuccceding governor; 5 which feruple affixed to the laws, I avoided, but that the great feal being which I might have done have no power to make alteration, of the king's both to their fatisfaétion and the prefervation without The act for the revenue, too, I fear will not rights. but 1 fhall endeavour all I can to bring them difficulty for pafs; which I have greater inducements than my being to pafs, from the prefent flate of the treafury, here, without anyl hopes fortifications. which is exhaufted and in debt for their new NUM BE R VI. efe a Letter to Mr. Secretary Coventry from the Earl Copy of Carlife. St. Yagos IItb September, 1678. Sir, met on the 2d inftant, and, I find, are f THE affembly of the that Iquefdiffatisfied with the alteration government, tion whethert they will pafs any of thefe laws : they have objecfeveral of them; as the aét for the revenue that tions againft be diverted; they are nettled at the exis perpetual, and may that the revenue was raifed by the preffion in the preamble, and though they cannot deny it to be governor and council; and, truth, yet they fay that council was eleéted by the people, continued under the name of a council, yet was in though of the people. effeét an aflembly or reprefentatives of that aêt and fourteen Ihaveg given into their hands a copy and gave them liberty to compare them with the orimore, The act of militia and fome others I kecp by me, till ginal. X2 Ifee ed by the preffion in the preamble, and though they cannot deny it to be governor and council; and, truth, yet they fay that council was eleéted by the people, continued under the name of a council, yet was in though of the people. effeét an aflembly or reprefentatives of that aêt and fourteen Ihaveg given into their hands a copy and gave them liberty to compare them with the orimore, The act of militia and fome others I kecp by me, till ginal. X2 Ifee --- Page 354 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAI P. I fce what they will do with thofe they have. All the ads XIV. are not yet tranferibed; for but one man can write at a time, and theyare bulky; butIhaveenough to keep them employed. The fpeaker came to me on Saturday, to defire liberty to adjourn for a few days, which I confented to, and theyadjourned till Thurfday morning. Lieut. Col. Beefton is fpeaker, who 1 recommended to them upon Sir H. Morgan's affurancesthat he would behave himfelf well. He hath the general repute of an honeft and difcreet gentleman, though he figned the order about the privatcer, at which fo much offence was taken; butI am fatisfied he was no further faulty, than in complying with the directions ofthe affembly: and I the rather propofed him (whom they had a mind to choofe) to gain the point quietly of recommending, which my Lord Vaughan, Iam told, negleéted to do. The affembly appointed a committee to compare thefe Iaws with their former : it is' faid they differ in many things, efpecially from thefe laws laft fent from Lord Vaughan, which are moft ufefully framed for their prefent benefit. Popular difcourfes here as well as in England; : and Ifind: a few men's notions have taken fuch place with the leading men of the affembly, that they rather fet themfelves to frame arguments againft the prefent conftitution, than to accommodate things under it. I cannot yet tell you what courfe I fhall take to remove this difficulty; but I will do the beft I can. Ifind one of the council more faulty in this than any man in the ifand, but am unwilling to name him till I have tried the utmoft to reclaim him. Whilft we are here bufy about fmall matters,I doubt your hands are full of greater, and may therefore furget us. We hear the French and Dutch are agreed. I am, Sir, Your moft humble fervant, CARLISLE. things under it. I cannot yet tell you what courfe I fhall take to remove this difficulty; but I will do the beft I can. Ifind one of the council more faulty in this than any man in the ifand, but am unwilling to name him till I have tried the utmoft to reclaim him. Whilft we are here bufy about fmall matters,I doubt your hands are full of greater, and may therefore furget us. We hear the French and Dutch are agreed. I am, Sir, Your moft humble fervant, CARLISLE. --- Page 355 --- OF JAMAICA APPENNUM B E R VII. DIX. Extragef a Letter, from the Earlof Carlifle to tbe Committeé, 1 24th OElober, 1678. My Lords, I HAVE met with the difficulties here I forefaw, but could neither avoid nor prevent, in England. The general affembly mecting on the 2d of September laft, Irecommended and fent to themt the feveral bills I brought over under the great feal of England, for their confent to be enaéted; but being much diffacisfied at the new frame of government, and their lofing their deliberative part of power in altering and, amending laws, they would not pafs any one of them, but threw them all out; but preparedan: addrefs, with a bill of impoft upon wines and other ftrong liquors for one year, without giving me notice thereof, in fuch terms and form as was not fit for me to pafs it: but afterwards changing the ftyle of enacting, as direéted in my inftructions, with fome other amendments to this bill, the publick neceflities of the ifland, baving contraéted many debts from new fortifcations and falaries already dye, requiring it, I gave the royal affent 3 and then, on the 12th this inftant O@ober,Idifllved them. My earneft fuit to all your lordihips is, that you'll pleafe to have mei in your thoughts, and the prefent ftate of this colony under yourl lord(hip's confideration, for fome expedient which may be clucidatory to the power given mel by my commiffion and inftrudtions, which may quiet the minds of perfons generally diffatisfied in this ifland, which is moft certainly under the greateft hopes ofimprovement of all the ilands in the Welt Indies, and therefore moft fit for to be encouraged, with the king's countenance and fupport, with good and acceptable laws. What bills I fhall fend to Mr. Secretary Coventry, I pray may be difpatched fpeedily when brought before your lords fhips and received ; an order to be paffed through all offices without delay, being in part of what is fo very much wanting towards the fupport of the good governmen; ofthis ifland, X 3 greateft hopes ofimprovement of all the ilands in the Welt Indies, and therefore moft fit for to be encouraged, with the king's countenance and fupport, with good and acceptable laws. What bills I fhall fend to Mr. Secretary Coventry, I pray may be difpatched fpeedily when brought before your lords fhips and received ; an order to be paffed through all offices without delay, being in part of what is fo very much wanting towards the fupport of the good governmen; ofthis ifland, X 3 --- Page 356 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT H. AP. XIV. NUM B E R VIII. Y Cofy of a Letter from the Earl of Carlife to the Committee. My Lords, A FORTNIGHT ago I gave you an account upon what terms I had parted with the affembly. I have fince thoroughly confidered of what might in this place moit conducetohis majefty's fervice, and could not think of any better expedient than to fend the bearer, Mr. Atkinfon, to wait upon your lordfhips. He was Secretaryt to Sir Thomas Lynch and my Lord Vaughan, and has been enough acquainted with all iy proceedings fince myarrival, fo as perfeêtly able to fatisfy your lordfbips in anything you may defire to know concerning the place, and to laybefore you all the feveral interefts of his majefty relating to it, My lords, I find that the prefent form appointed for the making and palling of laws, confidering the diftance of the place, is very impraéticable, befides very diftafteful to the fenfe of the peopie here, as you may obferve by the affembly's addrefs to me; and if your lordihips will pleafe to moye his majefty to fend me a general inftruétion to call another affembly, and to re-enact and make what laws are fit for this place, I could then order the matter to conclude effcétuaily to his majefty's fervice. I have, by Mr. Atkinfon, fent you the drafts of fuch bills as are the moft fundamental, and chiefly concern his majefty's intereft; ; and I do affure you, that I will not in any material point vary from them. He will, when your lordfhips order him to attend you, lay them all before you, and, I believe, givc your lordihips fuch thorough fatisfaction, that you willreft afiured that what I defire is for his majeity's fervice, and that I fhall be enough enabled by it to fettle every thing upon fo good a foundation, that neitherhis majefty nor your lordfhips will ever repent ofhaving made any deferencc to my opinion in it, mylords, much fuccefs depends uponthe difpatch, and ofthe circumflancesMr. Atkinfon you, lay them all before you, and, I believe, givc your lordihips fuch thorough fatisfaction, that you willreft afiured that what I defire is for his majeity's fervice, and that I fhall be enough enabled by it to fettle every thing upon fo good a foundation, that neitherhis majefty nor your lordfhips will ever repent ofhaving made any deferencc to my opinion in it, mylords, much fuccefs depends uponthe difpatch, and ofthe circumflancesMr. Atkinfon --- Page 357 --- OF JAMAICA A. Atkinfon will give) you an account. His bufinefs is wholly to APPENattend your lordfhips, and, I believe, he will always bein the DIX. way. He has prayed me to intercede with your lord(hips, to 3 excufe what errors he may commit, as having been a WeftIndian for thefe eight years paft, and do on his bebalf beg that favour of your lordlhips; but hope that he will prove fo difcreet, as to give your lordfhips no manner of offence. I thought it the readieft and beft way to have all things rightly underftood, and do hope that iffue will be produced fromit. Iam, your Lordihips' moft humble, and obedient fervant, CARLISLE, St. Jago de la Vegas Nov. 15, 16;8. NUM B E R IX. Extrad gf a Letter from the Earl of Carlife to Mr. Stcretary Coventry. ON the 2d of September laft, the general affembly met; ; but under fo much diffatisfaction from the new frame of government, and their lofing their deliberative part of power, in framing, altering, and amending laws, that they fpent near a fortnight very uneafily about fome of the laws, and would have begun with the bill of revenue to have thrown that out firft, as ai mark of their difallowing the new method of government, being fo highly incenfed that they were near queftioning the king's power and authority to do it: infomuch, that I, taking ther maintenance thereof tol be in my charge, and finding fome of the council equally difgufted at the change of government, and forefecing that it was like to encourage difcontent in the affembly, to take them off, and leave the affembly upon their humour by themfelves, I thought it abfolutely necellary to put this queftion to each of the counfellors, in thefe words: 6 Do you fubmit and confent to this prefent 4 form of government which his majefty hath been pleafed ta X 4 6 order and finding fome of the council equally difgufted at the change of government, and forefecing that it was like to encourage difcontent in the affembly, to take them off, and leave the affembly upon their humour by themfelves, I thought it abfolutely necellary to put this queftion to each of the counfellors, in thefe words: 6 Do you fubmit and confent to this prefent 4 form of government which his majefty hath been pleafed ta X 4 6 order --- Page 358 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAF P. c order for this ifland of Jamaica?" To which the chiefXIV. juftice, Col. Long, refufed to anfwer, with two morc, Col. Y Charles Whitfield and Col. Thomas Freeman. The chiefjuftice, being a man of very great influence upon the affemblys I prefently fufpended, and gave the other two (lefs dangerous) till morning to confider on it: and then the chiefjuftice fent to me his fubmiffion under his hand, and Col. Freeman fubmitted; but Col. Charles Whitfield, otherwife a very good man, went awayinto the country. The affembly reccived and examined all the laws I brought over, and drew up their reafons againft pafling them; of each, many were very frivolous, and the belt was, becaufe they were not compared with and amended by the laft laws of my Lard Vaughan's, now with you, and received fome two days before my coming away, the fleet then ftaying in thedowns, and my departure much preffed upon the expedtation of war. Thefe reafons againft the revenue bill I anfwered individually; but no means or endeavours either 1 myfelf, the council, or both could ufc, would prevail with them to pafs any one of them : and Ilook upon this to be their chief reafon, that by not paffing them they might the better fhew their diflike of that new way of government ; though they urge this for their enjoying a powerof altering and amending laws, the neceflity of changing them as often as occafions do require, and the diftance from this placeis fo great, that before the king's approbation can be obtained to a law,and returnedlither, it may be fit for the publick good either to laythatlawafide, or much to change and alter its and, indeed, in this part of the objection I think they are in ther right, for that they will want temporary laws till the colony be better grown: and, upon thorough confideration of the whole matteri in this part, Iam of opinion iti is very advifable and requifite that there fhould be leave and power from the king to make laws (not relating to his majefty's power or prerogative) to endure for fome term till his royalapprobation may! be hadi thercin; and ofthis I do earneftly entreat your care. Having ufed all methods poffible with the feveral members spat,andjoinly with the body of the affembly, for the palling the ation of the whole matteri in this part, Iam of opinion iti is very advifable and requifite that there fhould be leave and power from the king to make laws (not relating to his majefty's power or prerogative) to endure for fome term till his royalapprobation may! be hadi thercin; and ofthis I do earneftly entreat your care. Having ufed all methods poffible with the feveral members spat,andjoinly with the body of the affembly, for the palling the --- Page 359 --- OF JAMAICA. the laws, I was, after many conferences and debates,and fe- APPENveral adjournments, fruftrated, and they threw them all out. DIX. Afterwards, in a full body, by the fpeaker they gave me the 1 inclofed addrefs, and prefented to me a bill for a publick impoft, prepared, without giving me notice thereof, in fuch terms and forms as was not fit for me to pafs it in; but at laft in fome part confented to fuch amendments as I and the council thought fit, changing the ftyle of enaéting as direéted in my inftructions, but reftraining it to one year, from a fear that if they fhould have made it perpetual; they fhould be affembled no more, but be gorernedbygovernor: and council as they were in Col. D'Oyley's time, when they enaêted laws, not only for the revenue but other occafions, by governor and council, and fome part of Sir Charles Lyttleton's time, as appears by our council-book upon the place; and Sir Thomas Modyford had an inftruétion to continue this revenue by order of governor and council, the affembly in his life-time paffing it perpetual; and in Sir Thomas Lynch's time the affembly madeit perpetual, but, for want of thel king's confent they both are fallen; but now, the affembly fay, theyare ofa better' underftanding than to give the reins out of their own hands. To this bill, the ifland's affairs being under great preffures from publick debts contraéted for the new fortifications and falaries already due, I gave the royal affent 5 and then, being the 12th inftant, I diffolved them. Which having done, and not being fatisfied with the behaviour of the affemblyin their procecdings in relation to the government I ftood charged with, moft of them being in military trufts, I put this queftion to each of them : C Do you e fubmit to this form of government which his majefty hath 6 been pleafed to order for this ifland ofJamaica P" to which feveral of them neither gave me a dutiful nor cheerful anfwer 3 fome did, and at this fome are much diffatisfied, done, and not being fatisfied with the behaviour of the affemblyin their procecdings in relation to the government I ftood charged with, moft of them being in military trufts, I put this queftion to each of them : C Do you e fubmit to this form of government which his majefty hath 6 been pleafed to order for this ifland ofJamaica P" to which feveral of them neither gave me a dutiful nor cheerful anfwer 3 fome did, and at this fome are much diffatisfied, --- Page 360 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. XIV. N UMB E R X. May it pleafe your Excellency, WE, the members chofen by his majefty's writ to be the general affembly for this his ifland of Jamaica, do, with a great deal of thankfulnefs, acknowledge the princely care which his majefty hath been ever pleafed to have of this his colony, and of which your excellency hath likewife given to us very Iate and frefh alfurances : and, in obedience to his majefty's commands, we have perufed the feveral bills which your excellency fent us ; and, having duly examined the matters contained in them, we could not give our confent to any of them, there being divers fundamental errors, which we particularly obferved, and did caufe them to be enteredi in our journal; and from the confideration of them we cannot but refledt, and do humbly beg your excellency to reprefent unto his moft facred majefty, the great inconveniencies which are like to redound unto this his ifland by this method and manner of paffing of Iaws, which is ablolutely impraéticable, and will not only tend to the great difcouragement of the prefent planters, but likewife put a very fatal ftop to any further profecution of the improvement of this place, there being nothing that invites people more to fettle and remove their family and ftocks into this remote part of the world, than the aflurance they have always had of being governed in fuch manner as that none of their rights fhould be loft, fo long as they were within the dominions of the kingdom of England : nor can we believe that his majefty would have made this alteration, hadhe heen truly informed of his own interefts, and of that which is proper and. natural for the conftitution of this ifand. My lord, you that are now our governor, and here upon the place, cannot but diftinguith both, and plainly fee that which, at great diftance, is impoffible to be known, being always diftinguithed with the falfe colours of intereft and defign. It is to you, therefore, we addrefs ourfelves ; and do humbly beg you to affure his majefty, which we do from the bottom his own interefts, and of that which is proper and. natural for the conftitution of this ifand. My lord, you that are now our governor, and here upon the place, cannot but diftinguith both, and plainly fee that which, at great diftance, is impoffible to be known, being always diftinguithed with the falfe colours of intereft and defign. It is to you, therefore, we addrefs ourfelves ; and do humbly beg you to affure his majefty, which we do from the bottom --- Page 361 --- OF JAMAICA bottom of our hearts unfeignedly declare, that we are his APPENtrue, faithful, and loyal fubjects. In the next place, fir, we DIX. humbly beg you to lay before his majefty the true condition of this ifland, and the feveral circumftances whereinit ftands: the fituation and natural advantages of the place will very probably, by God's bleffing, in a very fhort time, make it very confiderable. It were pity, therefore, that any. ftop in its infancy fhould be put to it, which may hinder its future growth, and difappoint thofe hopes which his majefty hath ever had, and which will no doubt of it come to pa(s, that, if this ifland be encouraged by good government and wholefome laws, it will effeétually ferve very many interefts, both of his majefty's crown and the nation's trade. Sir, the prefent form of the government, as itis now appointed, has thefe plain: and manifeft inconveniencies in it: Ift, That the diftance of this place renders it impoffible to be put in practice, and does not in any manner fall under the fame confideration as Ireland does, from which, we conçlude, the example is taken. 2d. The nature of all colonies is changeable, and confequently the laws muft be adapted to the intereft of the place, and muft alter with it. 3d. It is no fmall fatisfaction that the people, by their reprefentatives, have: a deliberative powerin the making oflaws; the negative and barely refolving power being not according to the rights of Englifhmen, and praétifed no where but in thofe commonwealths where ariftocracy prevails. 4th. This manner of form of the government brings all things abfolute, and puts it into the pawer of a governor to do what he pleafes, which is not his majefty's intereft, and may be a temptation for even good men to commit great partialities and errors. Sth. The method which has been always ufed, both in this ifland and all other colonies, in the making of laws, was a greater fecurity to his majeity's prerogative than the prefent form; for a governor durft not confent to any thing againft his intereft; and if he did, the fignification of the king's pleafure er of a governor to do what he pleafes, which is not his majefty's intereft, and may be a temptation for even good men to commit great partialities and errors. Sth. The method which has been always ufed, both in this ifland and all other colonies, in the making of laws, was a greater fecurity to his majeity's prerogative than the prefent form; for a governor durft not confent to any thing againft his intereft; and if he did, the fignification of the king's pleafure --- Page 362 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CIAP. pleafure determined the laws, fo that his majefty had thercby XIV. a doublc negative. Thus, fir, we have truly laid before your excellency our rcal fenfe; and dol hope that your excellency, being thoroughly fatisfied of the mifchiefs which will certainly arife to this place from the reafons We have given, will in that manner reprefent our condition to his majefty, that he maybe therebyinduced to give an inftruétion to your excellency, to pafs fuch laws as are municipal and fit for us, and in the fame manner which has ever been prastifed in this ifland and other his majefty's colonies; we having no other claim in it than to exprefs our duty to the king, and our unfeigned fervice and gratitude to your exccllency, for mediating that which is fo much for his majefty's and the ifland's intereft. And we do here likewife prefent unto your excellencya a bill for the raifing a publick impoft unto his majefty, his heirs ànd fucceffors, for the fupport of this his government; ; and do herebybeg your excellency to accept of it as a real demonffration of our loyalty to our prince and fervice to your excellency, with affurance that. we Thall, upon all occafions, be ready to exprefs fuch further teftimonies ofthe fame as may be fuitable to our duty and allegiance. NU UMBER XI. Atthe Court at Wbiteball, 4th of Aprils 1679. PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council, Whereas the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations did this day make Report unto his Majefty in Council, THAT having, in purfiance of his majefty's order, confidered the prefent ftate and conftitution of Jamaica, and the government thereof, as it is fettled by his majefty's command, their lordihips fee no reafons why any. alterations fhould the Court at Wbiteball, 4th of Aprils 1679. PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council, Whereas the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations did this day make Report unto his Majefty in Council, THAT having, in purfiance of his majefty's order, confidered the prefent ftate and conftitution of Jamaica, and the government thereof, as it is fettled by his majefty's command, their lordihips fee no reafons why any. alterations fhould --- Page 363 --- OF JAMAICA fhould be made in the method of making laws according to APPENthe ufage of Ireland, for which their lordfhips are preparing DIX. reafons to evince the neceffity and legality of the fame. And ) that whereas a fhip is now lying in the Downs, bound for that ifland, their lordihips advife, that the Right honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry do, by this conveyance, inform the Earl of Carlifle of his majefty's pleafure herein, with directions that all things be difpofed to this end; and that, in the mean time, the prefent laws enaéted by Lord Vaughan be continued by proclamation, or otherwife, until his majefty's pleafure be further known; as alfo that his lordfhip do, by the firft conveyance, fend over an authentick copy of the aét for a publick impoft, lately enaéted there, according to his lordfhip's inftruétions for matters of that nature. His majefty, having thought fit to approve thereof, was pleafed to order, as it is hereby ordered, that theRight honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry do fignify his majefty's pleafure unto the Earl of Carlifle, according to the faid report. NUM B E. R XII. At the Court at Whitehall, the 281bof Mays 1679. PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council. Whereas there was this day read at the Board a Report from the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations, in the words following; viz. May it pleafe your Majefly, WE have, in obcdience to your majefty's commands, entered into the prefent ftate of your majcfty's ifland of Jamaica, in order to propofe fuch means as may put an end to the great difcouragement your majefty's good fubjects there PRESENT, the King's Moft Excellent Majefty in Council. Whereas there was this day read at the Board a Report from the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations, in the words following; viz. May it pleafe your Majefly, WE have, in obcdience to your majefty's commands, entered into the prefent ftate of your majcfty's ifland of Jamaica, in order to propofe fuch means as may put an end to the great difcouragement your majefty's good fubjects there --- Page 364 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. there lie under by the unfettled condition thereof, occafionted XIV. by the refufal of the laws lately offered by the Earl of Carlifle to the affembly for their confent; at which proceedings diflatisfadtion appears to have rifen in the manner following: By the commiffion granted by your majefty unto the Lord Vaughan and feveral preceding governors, it was your royal pleafure to entruft the affembly of Jamaica with a power to frame and enaét laws, by the advice and confent of the governor and council; which laws were to continue in force for the fpace of two years, and no longer: but fo it hath happened, that your majefty, finding the inconveniencies which did attend that power and manner of making laws, by the irregular, violent, and unwarrantable proceedings of the affembly, was pleafed, with the advice of your privy council, to provide, byt the Earl of Carlifle's commiffion, that no laws fhould be enaÉted in Jamaica, but fuch as, being framed by the governor and council, and tranfmitted unto your majefty for your royal approbation, were afterwards remitted to Jamaica, and confented unto by the affembly there; and, in purfuance thereof, the Earl of Carlifle carried over a body of laws under the great feal of England; which laws, upon his lordihip's arrival there, have been rejeéted by the general affembly, upon grounds and reafons contained in an addrefs to your majefty's governor, and in divers letters received from his lordfhipin that behalf, ift. In the firft place, we find, they are unfatisfied with the claufe in the militia bill, whereby it is provided, that the governor may, upon all occalions or emergencies, act as governor in chief, according to and in purfuance ofall the powers and authorities given unto him by your majefty's commiffion; fearing that thereby they fhall make it legal to execute all inftructions that either are or fhall be fent your majefty's governor. 2dly. They have likewife rejeéted the bill for raifing a publick revenue, as being perpetual,andl liable (as theyfay) to be diverted, 3dly. overnor may, upon all occalions or emergencies, act as governor in chief, according to and in purfuance ofall the powers and authorities given unto him by your majefty's commiffion; fearing that thereby they fhall make it legal to execute all inftructions that either are or fhall be fent your majefty's governor. 2dly. They have likewife rejeéted the bill for raifing a publick revenue, as being perpetual,andl liable (as theyfay) to be diverted, 3dly. --- Page 365 --- OF JAMAICA. 3dly. It is objedted, that the faid laws contain damental errors. divers fun- APPEN4thly. That they were not compared with, DIX. by, the laft laws fent over by Lord and amended 1 Sthly. That the diftance of the Vaughan, place renders method of pafling laws wholly the prefent 6thly. That the nature of all impracticable, colonies is confequently the laws muft be changeable, and place, and alter with it. adapted to the intereft ofthe 7thly. That thereby they lofe the fatisfaétion tive power in making laws. of a delibcra8thly. That this form of government nor abfolute. renders your, govergthly. That by the former method of majefty's enadling laws prerogative was better fecured, your Thefe being the objedtions and aflembly has, with fo much pretences upon which the bills tranfimitted by animofity, proceeded to rejeét thofe your majefty, we cannot but your majefty's information: and offer, for thereunto as fatisfaction, fuch a fhortanfwer ablenefs of may not only give a teftimony of the unreafontheir proceedings, but alfo furnifh nor, when occafion fhall ferve, with fuch your gover: be fit to be ufed in juftification arguments as may and powers ofyour majefty's commifion granted unto him. Ift. It is not without the greateft go about to queftion prefamption that they in that ifland, fince it your has been majefty's power over the militia by the laws of this allowed and declared, even your kingdom, that the fole government, command, and difpofition of the fupreme all forces by fea and land, and of all forts militia, and of ftrength, is refiding in your majefty, within all and places of realms and dominions. your majefty's 2d. The objeation made againft the bill for the revenue hath as little ground, fince its being public more than what was perpetual is no formerly offered by them unto your" majefty, allowed and declared, even your kingdom, that the fole government, command, and difpofition of the fupreme all forces by fea and land, and of all forts militia, and of ftrength, is refiding in your majefty, within all and places of realms and dominions. your majefty's 2d. The objeation made againft the bill for the revenue hath as little ground, fince its being public more than what was perpetual is no formerly offered by them unto your" majefty, --- Page 366 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT C HA P. majefty, during the government of Sir Thomas Lynch, in XIV. the fame meafure and proportion as is now propofed; nor can it be diverted, fince provifion is thereby exprefsly made, that the famc fhall be for the better fupport of that government; ; befides, that it is not fuitable tothe duty and modefty of fubjects, to fulpeet your majefty's jufice or care for the government of that colony, whofe fettlement and prefervation have been moft particularly carried on by your majefty's tender regard, and by the great expence of your own treafure. 3d. It cannot with any truth be faid, that thefe laws contain many and great errors, nothing having been done therein but in purfitance of former laws, at divers times enaéted by. the affembly, and with the advice of your majefty's privycouncil, as well as the opinion and approbation of your attorney-general, upon perufal of the fame. 4th. To the fourth objection it may be anfwered, that, if any thing had been found of moment or importance in the, laft parcel of laws tranfmitted by the Lord Vaughan, your majefty's tender care of your fubjedts welfare would have been fuch as not to have fent thofe bills imperfeat, or defeétive in any neceffary matter. Sth. As to the diftance of the place, which renders (as they fay) the prefent method of making laws altogether impradticable, your majefty having been pleafed to regulate the fàme, by the advice of your privy-council, according to the ufage of Ireland, fuch éare was taken as that no law might be wanting which might conduce to the well-being of the plantation, and that nothing might be omitted which in all former governments had been thought neceffary; nor is it likely that this colony is fubject to greater accidents than your kingdom of Ircland, fo as to require a more frequent and fudden change of laws in other cafes than fuch as are already provided for upon emergencies, or in other manner than is direéted by your majefty's commiffion 3 whereby the inhabitants have free acccls to make complaints to that no law might be wanting which might conduce to the well-being of the plantation, and that nothing might be omitted which in all former governments had been thought neceffary; nor is it likely that this colony is fubject to greater accidents than your kingdom of Ircland, fo as to require a more frequent and fudden change of laws in other cafes than fuch as are already provided for upon emergencies, or in other manner than is direéted by your majefty's commiffion 3 whereby the inhabitants have free acccls to make complaints to --- Page 367 --- OF JAMAICA. to your governor and council, of any defeét in any old law, APPENor to give reafons for any new one, which, being modelled DIX. by the governor and council into form of law, and tranfimnitted 1 unto your majefty, ifby your majefty and council found reafonable, may be tranfmitted back thither tol be enaéted accordingly. 6th. It was fufficiently apparent unto your majefty, that laws muft alter with the intereft of the place, when you were gracioully pleafed to lodge fuch a power in that government, as might not only, from time to time, with your majefty's approbation, and by the advice both of your privycouncil here and of the governor and council there, enable the affembly to enaÉt new laws anfwerable to their growing neceffities, but even, upon urgent occafions, to provide, by railing money, for the fecurity of the ifland, without attending your majefty's orders or confent. 7th. It is not to be doubted but the affembly have endeavoured to grafp all power, as well as that of a deliberative voice, in making laws: but how far they have thereby intrenched upon your majefty's prerogative, and exceeded the bounds of their duty and loyalty, upon this pretence, may appear by their late exorbitant and unwarrantable proceedings during the government ofthe Lord Vaughan, in ordering and figning a warrant under the marlhal of the ifand, your majefty's officer of juftice, for the ftopping and preventing the execution of a fentence palled, according to the ordinary forms oflaw, upon a notorious pirate and difturber of your majefty's peace: and they have further taken upon them, by virtue oft this deliberative power, to make laws contrary to thofe of England, and to imprifon your majefty's fubjedts; nor have they forborne to raife money by public acts, and to difpofe of the fame according to their will and pleafure, without any mention made of your majefty, which has never in like cafe been praétifed in any of your majefty's kingdoms. How far, therefore, it is fit to intruf them with a power which they have thus abufed, and to which they VoL. III. Y have thofe of England, and to imprifon your majefty's fubjedts; nor have they forborne to raife money by public acts, and to difpofe of the fame according to their will and pleafure, without any mention made of your majefty, which has never in like cafe been praétifed in any of your majefty's kingdoms. How far, therefore, it is fit to intruf them with a power which they have thus abufed, and to which they VoL. III. Y have --- Page 368 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHA P. have no pretenfion of right, was the fubject of your majefly's XIV. royal commifion, when you were pleafed to put a reftraint Y upon thofe enormities, and to take the reins of government into your own hands, which they, in exprefs words, againft their duty and allegiance, have challenged and refufed to part with. 8th. It cannot with any truth be fuppofed, that, by the prefent form of government, the governor is rendered abfolute, fince he is now; more than ever, become accountable unto your majefly of all his moft important deliberations and actions, andis not warranted to doany thing but according to law and your majefty's commiffion and inftructions, given by advice of your privy council. gth. And whether your majefty's prerogative is prejudiced by the prefent conftrudlions, is more the concernment of your majefty, and fubjeét of your own care, than of their confiderations. Laftly, and in general; ; We humbly conceive, that it would be a great fatisfaction to your fubjeéts there inbabiting, and an invitation to flrangers, when they fhail know what laws they are to be governed by, and a great eafe to the planters, not to be continually obliged to attend the affemblies to reenaét old laws, which your majefty has now thought fit, in a proper form, to afcertain and eftablifh; whereas the late power of making temporary laws could be underftood to be of no longer continuance than until fuch wholefome laws, founded upon fo many years experience, fhould be agreed on by the people, and finally enaéted by your majefty, in fuch manner as hath been practifed in either of your majefty's dominions to which your Englifh fubjeéts have tranfplanted themfelves. For as théy eannot pretend to further privileges than have been granted to them, either by charter or fome folemn act under your great feal, fo, having from the firft beginning of that plantation been governed by fuch inftruétions as were given by your majefty unto your governorS, according to the power your majelly had originally over your majefty, in fuch manner as hath been practifed in either of your majefty's dominions to which your Englifh fubjeéts have tranfplanted themfelves. For as théy eannot pretend to further privileges than have been granted to them, either by charter or fome folemn act under your great feal, fo, having from the firft beginning of that plantation been governed by fuch inftruétions as were given by your majefty unto your governorS, according to the power your majelly had originally over --- Page 369 --- OF JAMAICA. Over them, and which you have by no one authentic act yet parted with, and having never had any other ever APPENaffemblies than from the permifion of the right to DIX. that only temporary and for governors, and ) how they fhould probation, it is to be wondered prefume to provoke your tending a right to that which hath béen allowed majefty, by preout of favour, and difcourage them merely favours of that kind, when what your majefty from future temporary your majefty ordered for a fafety and experiment, to fee what form would beft fuit the intereft of the ifland, Thall be total refignation of the conftrued to be a a devolution of it to power inherent in your majefty, and which neither law themfelves and their wills, without of their fubfiftence nor government, the effential ingredients them, and well-being, may take place among Since, thercfore, it is evident, that the affembly of have, without any juft grounds, and with fo much Jamaica and undutifulnefs, proceeded to rejeét the marks animofity of majefty's favour towards them, and that your refolutions in this cafe are like to be the meafure your majefty's and obedience to your royal commands in other ofrelpest we can only offer, as a cure for coloniess 5 remedy againft all further inconveniencies, irregularities paft and a would pleafe to authorize and that ycur majefty call another and empower your governor to affembly, to reprefent unto them the convenience and expediency of accepting and great unto fuch laws as your majelly has under confening tranfmitted unto them; and that, in cafe your great feal fhip be furnifhed with fuch ofrefufil, his lordunto Col. powers as were formerly given fince D'Oyley, your firft governor of unto other governors, Jamaica, and enabled to govern whereby his lordfhip may be the different according to the laws of England, where nature. and conftitution of that colony venientiy permit the fame; and, in other cafes may conthe advice of the council, in fuch to act, with manner as Sbal: be Y2 2 held fhip be furnifhed with fuch ofrefufil, his lordunto Col. powers as were formerly given fince D'Oyley, your firft governor of unto other governors, Jamaica, and enabled to govern whereby his lordfhip may be the different according to the laws of England, where nature. and conftitution of that colony venientiy permit the fame; and, in other cafes may conthe advice of the council, in fuch to act, with manner as Sbal: be Y2 2 held --- Page 370 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. held neceflary and proper for the good government of that XIV. plantation, until your majefty's further orders; and that, by all opportunities of conveyance, the governor do give your majefty a conftant and particular account of all his proceedings, in purfuance of your inftructions herein. All which is molt humbly fubmitted, isc. Upon reading of which report, and full debate thereupon, his majefty was pleafed to approve the fame ; and the Right honourable Mr. Secretary Coventry is hereby dircéted to prepare fuch fuitable orders and inftructions as may anfwer the feveral parts and advices contained in the faid report. Robert Soutbwell. NUMBER XIII. Extradl of a letterfrom: the Committee to the Earlef Carlife. AFTER our very hearty commendation unto your lordfhip, we have received two letters from you, the one of the 24th of Oétober, the other of the 15th ofN November, 1678; both of which gave us an account of the diftafte the affembly had expreffed at the new frame of government, and of their throwing out all the bills tranfmitted under the great feal; and your lordfhip having therein recommended unto us the fpeedy difpatch of the bills fent to Mr. Secretary Coventry, for pafling them through the offices here, we did thereupon take the fame into our confideration: but finding that they contained fuch claufes as we had formerly (your lordihip being prefent) difallowed in the laws enaéted by the Lord Vaugban, as moft prejudicial to his majefty's rights and prerogative, one of them appropriating and difpofing of the quitrents in the fame terms as was formerly done, fo much to his majefty's diffatisfaction; another, declaring the laws of England to be in force, which claufe (your lordfhip cannot but the fame into our confideration: but finding that they contained fuch claufes as we had formerly (your lordihip being prefent) difallowed in the laws enaéted by the Lord Vaugban, as moft prejudicial to his majefty's rights and prerogative, one of them appropriating and difpofing of the quitrents in the fame terms as was formerly done, fo much to his majefty's diffatisfaction; another, declaring the laws of England to be in force, which claufe (your lordfhip cannot but --- Page 371 --- OF JAMAIC A. but remember) was poftponed here, upon very ferious deli- APPENberation ; befides divers other particulars, altogether unfit to DIX. be paffed by his majefty: we have, withal, perufed the feveral 1 letters which your lordihip had written to Mr. Secrerary Coventry, in relation to your government: : and as for the laws, we could not advife his majefty to proceed in any other manner, than by giving power to call another affembly, and to offer unto them the fame laws your lordfhip carried over, as being the moft ufefully framed and fettled for the good of the ifland and his majefty's fervice: and that, in cafe pf refufal, you might be enabled to govern according to commiffions and inftructions given unto former governors, as your lordfhip will more fully underftand by our report unto his majefty, and the order of council thereupon, to which we refer your lordfhip, as fetting forth at large the grounds and reafons inducing the refolutions his majefty has now taken. N UMBER XIV. Extrag of a Letter from the Earlef Carlife to Mr. Secretary Coventry. St. Tago de la Vegas 30th Aug. 1679. YOUR packet by Captain Buckingham, having inclofed his majefty's letter of the 31ft of May laft, and an order in council of the 28th of May, 1679, together with the animadverfions of the council upon feveral points of the 22d of May laft, and two letters from yourfelf, I received the 26th inft. at night. The next morning I read them in council. The aflembly then having fat fome feven days, to renew the bill for a revenuc, the laft being juft expiring, I fent for the general affembly, and read the order of council and the king's letter thereupon to them, which I hope will have fome good effect; but they came in as good time fo much contrary to their expectation. Iherewith fend you a Y3 copy letters from yourfelf, I received the 26th inft. at night. The next morning I read them in council. The aflembly then having fat fome feven days, to renew the bill for a revenuc, the laft being juft expiring, I fent for the general affembly, and read the order of council and the king's letter thereupon to them, which I hope will have fome good effect; but they came in as good time fo much contrary to their expectation. Iherewith fend you a Y3 copy --- Page 372 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. copy of their addrefs thereupon, which they prefented to me XIV. the 28th; and finding them nettled and wari, I thought it difcretion to let them taketime to digeft their thoughts; and, having continued the revenue bill for fix months longer from the ift of September next, I paffed it, and then prorogued them till the 28th of Oétober following. N U M B E R XV. Cpy efa wote efthe Aembly, Aug. 22, 1679. DIE VENERIS. The committee appointed to examine Mr. Martyn's açcounts reported, that Mr. Martyn, appearing before them, faid, that my lord had ordered him to come and tell them, that, both from the king and from my lord, he was not obliged to thew his accounts to the affembly; but that he had given them unto my lord, and his excellency had told him, that, ifany of the affembly had a mind to fee them, they might fee them there. The houfc, confidering the return of the committee ordered to infpest Mr. Martyn's accounts, re-affumed that debate, and thereupon did vote, that, notwithftanding my lord's anfwer by Mr. Martyn to that committee, it was and is their undoubted and inherent right, that as all bills for money ought and do arife in their houfe, fo they ought to appoint the difpofal of it, and to receive and examine all the accounts concerning the fame. Vera Copia. ROWLAND PoWELL. --- Page 373 --- OF JAMAICA, APPENNUMBER XVI. DIX. Y - Extraa of a letter from the Earlef Carline to the Committet, St. Tago de la Vega, ISth Sept, 1679. My Lords, YOUR lordfhips letters ofthe 2sth ofMarch, and 31ft of May laft, I received on the 26th of 4th ofApril, alfo your lordfhips orders and Auguft, as ing the laws and reports to his majefty, touchnicated to the council government of Jamaica; which I commuthe revenue bill, (the affembly then fitting to continue expiring the 2d of of Auguft; and September) on the 27th the council afterwards, the fame day, I communicated, being prefent, his Majefty's letter of the May laft, and your lordlhips order and 31ft of date, to the affembly; which report of the fame they received them came to me as feafonably as the inclofed furprifedly, making me the next morning impoft for fix addrefs; upon which, having paffed a bill of months, I prorogued them, by advice of the council, till the 28th of Oétober next, in that they would fall of their heat, and, hoping time bethink themfelves of their duties and upon recolleétion, better my ofering them again the laws, which allegiance, I and upon their firft meeting, better propofe to do upon readily giving their confent that demonftrate their obedience by But, from what I they might be enaéted. can learn from the chief leaders them, I find the fame averfenefs among they will fubmit to wear, but. as formerly, averring that as they term this frame of never confent to make, chains, fo that I fcarce expect better government, for their pofterities; 3 at large to Mr. Secretary fuccefs; of which I have writ Coventry, Y4 propofe to do upon readily giving their confent that demonftrate their obedience by But, from what I they might be enaéted. can learn from the chief leaders them, I find the fame averfenefs among they will fubmit to wear, but. as formerly, averring that as they term this frame of never confent to make, chains, fo that I fcarce expect better government, for their pofterities; 3 at large to Mr. Secretary fuccefs; of which I have writ Coventry, Y4 --- Page 374 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. XIV. NUMBER XVII. Y Extraël ef a letter from tbe Earlo of Carlife to Mr. Secretary Coventry. St. Yago de la Vigo,a3dNouunber, 1679. Sir, THE affembly meeting on the 28th of Oatober, I, with the council, went to them; commanded the council's report of the 28th of May, and his majefty's letter of the 31ft of May laft, to be read again to then : preffed them very much to confider how much it imported at this juncture for the intereft of the ifland, that they fhould pafs thefe laws I brought to them under the great feal of England, or at leaft part of them ; defiring that any one or more of the affembly would there and then argue the reafonablenefs of their objection, which none of them would undertake; and fo I left the body of laws with them. They having the laft feflion paffed a vote, that the raifing money and difpofing of it, was thei inherent right of the affembly (of which I had no account either from the members or their fpeaker, in fourteen days afterwards, they prefuming it to be their privilege that their proceedings fhould be kept fecret from me) I then appointed and fwore them a clerk, which before ufed to be of their own choice; and this they are very unealy under. They proceeded to read over the body of laws: : notwithftanding the great care, pains, and trouble I had taken with them, both apart individually as well as affembled together, they threw out and rejeéied all the laws, again adhering to their former reafons, rather than admitting or honouring thofe from their lordihips for rules of obedience. I thereupon prefently, with the council, framed a bill of revenue indefinite, and fent that to them : but that had no better fuccefs; and they then attended me with the addrefs, to be prefented to his majefty, which I herewith fend you; as alio the humble defire of juftification of his majefty's council , they threw out and rejeéied all the laws, again adhering to their former reafons, rather than admitting or honouring thofe from their lordihips for rules of obedience. I thereupon prefently, with the council, framed a bill of revenue indefinite, and fent that to them : but that had no better fuccefs; and they then attended me with the addrefs, to be prefented to his majefty, which I herewith fend you; as alio the humble defire of juftification of his majefty's council --- Page 375 --- OF JAMAICA. council thereupon, which I and they earneftly defire your APPENfavour in humbly prefenting to his majefty, being unani- DIX. moufly agreed to by all the council: but Col. Samuel Long ) (chief-jultice of the ifland, whomIhave found all along fince arrival here to be a moft pertinacious abettor and chemy rifher of the affembly's ftubbornnefs in oppofing this new frame of government, having had a hand, being their fpeaker, in the leaving the king's name out of the revenue bill) refufes to join with the council in this their genuine adt, and has fufficiently poffeffed himfelf of the opinion of the affembly, by advifing and affifting them in the framing of their addrefs: : thinking their refolutions to be unalterable as his own, he is withdrawn to his plantation, fome thirty miles off from this town, where at this junéture we have moft need of council. Upon ferious and deliberate confideration of all which, I have fent him his quietus; and appointed Col. Robert Byndlofs chief-juftice in his place, of whofe fidelity to the king's intereft I have many proofs, having formerly executed. the place, and was now one of the judges of the fupreme court. I have alfo fufpended Col. Long from being one of the council, purpofing, by the advice of the council, to bring or fend him, with fix more of the affembly, to attend the king and council in England to fupport their own opinions, reafons, and addrefs, wherein they are not ordinarily pofitive; and this I do from the council here unanimoully agreeing, that there is no other nor better expedient for the fettlement of this government to a general confent. N UM B E R XVIII. Extradl ef a letter.from the Earlef Carlifle to the Committze. St. Jugode la Vegas 234Now. 1679. My Lords, MINE of the tenth of September laft to your lordfhips I hope you have received; and what I therein fent your lordfhips, , and addrefs, wherein they are not ordinarily pofitive; and this I do from the council here unanimoully agreeing, that there is no other nor better expedient for the fettlement of this government to a general confent. N UM B E R XVIII. Extradl ef a letter.from the Earlef Carlifle to the Committze. St. Jugode la Vegas 234Now. 1679. My Lords, MINE of the tenth of September laft to your lordfhips I hope you have received; and what I therein fent your lordfhips, --- Page 376 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. fhips, as my conjecture in profpeét, fince the general affemXIV. bly's mecting, on the 28th of Oétober laft, have found to be 1 no vain prophecy. Upon the affembly's meeting on- that day, I, with the council, went to the place where they were met, and again, in the prefence of the council and the aflembly, commanded to be read yourlordfhip's report of the 28th of May laft paft made to his majefty, as alfo his majefty's commands to myfelf of the 31ft of the fame; and thereupon offered to the affembly the body of laws brought over under the great feal of England for their confent; at the fame time declaring to them the great expediency it would be to all the officers of the ifland, and reafon to perfuade his majefty they were another people than reprefented at home; that it would induce the king to gratify them in what was neceflary; and that, otherwife, they could not appear but in great contempt, tot the) lellening of the ifland's intereft in his royal favour: and what I urged in general to them at their meeting, I had not been wanting to prefs to them apart individually before it: then fwore them a clerk of my appointing, which they took not well, alledging it was their right to choofe their own clerk. I told them no; for that the king did grant by patent the clerk of the parliament, fo that they were uneafily overruled. The reafon of my doing this was from their having an opinion that the votes of the houfe fhould be kept a fecret from me, and their paffing a vote the former feffions, that to raife money, and difpofe of the fame, was a right inherent in the affembly, of which I had no notice, in fome fourteen days after, from any of them or their fpeaker. I much urged the whole affembly frecly to argue, in the prefence of the council and their own members, for the reafonablenefs of the matter commanded by the king, that, upon their difcourfing it openly andi freely, they might be the better convinced of the neceflity of their being dutiful therein: : but none of them, in my prefence and the council's, would undertake it; fo we left them, and the body of laws with them. Some after, from any of them or their fpeaker. I much urged the whole affembly frecly to argue, in the prefence of the council and their own members, for the reafonablenefs of the matter commanded by the king, that, upon their difcourfing it openly andi freely, they might be the better convinced of the neceflity of their being dutiful therein: : but none of them, in my prefence and the council's, would undertake it; fo we left them, and the body of laws with them. Some --- Page 377 --- OF JAM AICA. Some days they fpent in reading over again the body of APPENlaws under the great feal left with them; but rejected the DIX. arguments I had laboured them with, and threwallthe 1 many appointed a committee to laws out again: whereupon they draw up an addrefs, to be prefented by me to his majefty on their behalfs: and in that time, with the council, I drew a bill of revenucindefraitlyand, gaveit myfelftot their fpeakers but that bill had no better fuccefs, but was rejeêted alfo. Upon this, on the 14th inftant, the fpeaker and affembly being fent for to attend mein council, to fhew caufe why they did rejeét the bill of revenue fo framed by us in purfuance of his majefty's pleafure therein, they gave me no anfwer; but, by their (peaker, defired to prefent to me their addrefs, the fpeaker contending to give it its due accent by reading it himfelf; a copy whercof is here fent inclofed. This addrefs is founded greatly upon the advice of Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Long, chief-juflice of the ifland, and who principally contends for the one of the king's council, old frame of government, of whom the aflemblyis highly opiniated, and efteem him the patron of their rights and privileges as Englifhmen, who had a hand in leaving the king's name out of the revenue bill, being then fpeaker, and denies not his having a hand in framing and advifing fome parts of the addrefs, which in whole is not truth; for, ift. Whereas they alledge, that the civil government commenced in my Lord Windfor's time; it is generally known and recorded in our council-book, fifteen months before, in Colonel D'Oyley's time, and will be proved by Sir Thowho then himfelf had an occafion of a trial by mas Lynch, jury, the foreman of which was Colonel Byndlofs. 2dly. They alledge the readinefs of governors to ufe marin Sir Thomas Lynch's time. 3 which is tial law, particularly an order in council for here contradiéted, for there was only the putting it in force upon condition of any aétual defcent or invafion, and not otherwife; neither was it on foot really all this time here, as I am credibly informed upon good enquiry. 3dly. As occafion of a trial by mas Lynch, jury, the foreman of which was Colonel Byndlofs. 2dly. They alledge the readinefs of governors to ufe marin Sir Thomas Lynch's time. 3 which is tial law, particularly an order in council for here contradiéted, for there was only the putting it in force upon condition of any aétual defcent or invafion, and not otherwife; neither was it on foot really all this time here, as I am credibly informed upon good enquiry. 3dly. As --- Page 378 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. sdly. As forits being in force in my time, it was not from XIV. my affedting, but the council advifing and their defiring it; as alfo the putting off the Courts till February, in favour generally of the planters. Then, for their alledging fo much to be done during the martial law, wholly at the charge of the country; that it is done is true, but the charge thereof they would clog the revenue bill with, amounting to twelve hundred and twenty-cight pounds, when, communibus annis, the bill of impoft is but fifteen hundred pounds; of which twelve hundred and twenty-eight pounds there is not yet made payment of one farthing, nor any profpect how it may, fince the revenue is fo much anticipated from the want of money in the treafury, occafioned by my Lord Vaughan's letting fall the bill of revenue before his departure. N U M B E R XIX. To bis Excellency Charles Earlof Carlife, captain-general, governor, and commander in chief gf bis majgy's ifand of Tamaica, i5c. The bumble addre/s ofthe alfembly ofthis bis majefly's inand, in anfwer to the report ef the right bonourable the lords ef the committee of trade and plantations, made to bis majely's council; wbich we entreat bis excellency may be bumbly prefented to bis moft facred majefy and bis council. WE, his Majefty's moft loyal and obedient fubjedts, the affembly of this his ifland ofJamaica, cannot without infinite grief of mind read the report made to his majefty by the right honourable the lords of the committee for trade and plantations; wherein, by the relations made by their lordfhips unto his majefty, they have reprefented us as a people full of animofity, unreafonable, irregular, violent, undutiful, and trantgreffing both thel bounds of duty and loyalty; the bitternefs of which characters were we in the leaft part confcious to embly of this his ifland ofJamaica, cannot without infinite grief of mind read the report made to his majefty by the right honourable the lords of the committee for trade and plantations; wherein, by the relations made by their lordfhips unto his majefty, they have reprefented us as a people full of animofity, unreafonable, irregular, violent, undutiful, and trantgreffing both thel bounds of duty and loyalty; the bitternefs of which characters were we in the leaft part confcious to --- Page 379 --- OF JAMAIC C A. to have deferved, we fhould, like Job, have faid, < Bebold, we APPENK are vile: what Ihall we anfwer? we will lay our bands DIX. < upon our mouths.," all But, left our filence fhould argue our guilt, we fhall,in humility, endeavour to make appear we have always demeaned ourfelves as becometh good and obedient fubjects, and thofe who acknowledge and are truly fenfible of the favours réceived from his majeftys the truth of which many refting only on matter of fact being related, and the falle colours which hitherto have been thrown on us being wafhed off, we fhall not doubt but his majefty will foon entertain a better opinion of his fubjeéts of this ifland. We muft, therefore, humbly beg that his majefty will with patience be pleafed to hear the account of our proceedings; which truly to manifeft we muft be forced to look back fo far as Sir Charles Lyttleton's and Sir Thomas Modyford's entrance upon their government : At which time, we humbly conceive, the ifland began really to take up the form of a civil government, and wholly to lay afide that- of an army, which, until that time, was deemed the fupreme authority; when after, upon their feveral arrivals, by order from his majefty, and according to the method of his majefty's moft ancient plantations, they called aflemblies, and fettled the government of the ifland in fuch good form, that, until his excellency the Earl of Carlifle's firit arrival, his majefty thought not fit to alter it, though feveral governors in that time were, changed, which muft neceffarily infer the goodnefs and reafon ofit, as well as the fatisfaétion of the people (fince, from that time, they betook themfelves to fettle plantations) efpecially the merchants, by which means the eftates here are wonderfully increafed, as is evident by the great number of fhips loaden here by the induftry of the planter; and the fatisfaétion they received by thofe wholefome laws then began, and until that time continued, the change of which laws we had no reafon to expect, being done on fuch mature deliberation from home. But atisfaétion of the people (fince, from that time, they betook themfelves to fettle plantations) efpecially the merchants, by which means the eftates here are wonderfully increafed, as is evident by the great number of fhips loaden here by the induftry of the planter; and the fatisfaétion they received by thofe wholefome laws then began, and until that time continued, the change of which laws we had no reafon to expect, being done on fuch mature deliberation from home. But --- Page 380 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. But to return to anfwer: the firft thing their lordthips are XIV. pleafed to accufe us of is, prefuming to queftion his majefty's power over the militia; which, how much they are mifinformedin it, will hereunder appear : but we muft firft repeat the claufe againft which, we humbly conceive, we had juft reafons to take exceptions, which claufe is as followeth: C Provided always, and it is hereby further enaéted and c declared by the authority aforefaid, that nothing in this act c contained be expounded, conftrued, or underftood, to K diminifh, alter, or abridge, the power of the governor or c commander in chief for the time being 5 but that in all K things he may, upon all occafions or exigencies, act as < captain-general and governorin chief, according to and in c purfuance of all the powers and authorities given to him by 6 his majefty's commifion: 5 any thing in this act or any e other to the contrary in anywife notwithftanding. 23 In their lordihips obfervations, in which they take no notice that the power given by that claufe extends as well to the governor as captain-general, nor of the words G any 6 thing in this act or any other to the contrary notwith6 ftanding,' 33 which words, being plain, need no references to expound them, being confented to, there is no occafion of making any other law, becaufe that makes all the powers and authorities given by his majefty's commiffion, and, by that commiflion, the inftructions which Thall be after given to him, Thall be law, though it be to the nulling of any beneficial law, made either here or in England, by which we are fecured both in life and in eftate; the like of which was never done in any of his majefty's dominions whatfoever, and is in effeét to enaét will to be law, and will be conftrued (we fear) to bind us by the old rule oflaw, that every man may renounce his own right: and if their lordihips had been pleafed to have as well remembered the other claufes of the act of the militia, we cannot think they would have faid we had queftioned his majefty's power over it, for no act of England gives bis majefty the like power over the militia as ours doth; dominions whatfoever, and is in effeét to enaét will to be law, and will be conftrued (we fear) to bind us by the old rule oflaw, that every man may renounce his own right: and if their lordihips had been pleafed to have as well remembered the other claufes of the act of the militia, we cannot think they would have faid we had queftioned his majefty's power over it, for no act of England gives bis majefty the like power over the militia as ours doth; --- Page 381 --- OF JAMAICA. doth; for, on any apprehenfion of danger, the his council of officers have general with APPENfoot for what time power to put the law martial on DIX. they pleafe, and to command own perfons, our fervants, us in our ) have, to his negroes, horfes, even all that we in praétice majefty's will need fervice; which having been fo often put the lefs proof: bur how willingly we have obeyed, andi in that faith is beft readily and works, it will not be amifs to inflance fome juftified by hath been done in thofe times, times, and what his majefty's fubjeêts here, by,the charge and labour of under the feveral none of which have left governors; S majefty's commiffion, and unexperimented the the ftrength of his upon the leaft feeming virtue or force of that act, occafion, In the government of Sir Thomas 1665 and 1666, the whole ifland Modyford, in the years for many months was put under law martial and their blacks, together; in which time, by the inhabitants time wanted a whole Fort-Charles was made clofe, which to that line, and alfo the at Royal was built, with a very fuuall breaft-work PortIn the time of Sir Thomas charge to his majefty. law martial was fet Lynch, in the year 1673, the contributions of again the on foot; Fort-James built by the gentlemen of his council affemblys and feveral other of his majefty's and this ifland, which amounted majefty's good fubjeêts in money ; a breaft-work thrown to a very confiderable fum of ral other places; and up at Old-Harbour and fevePort-Morant, guns mounted on a platform placed at In Lord Vaughan's time, though there of war, yet he wanted not the trial of bis was no probability militia, and our obedience to it; for he power alfo in the a company of the inhabitants in fearch of a commanded out longa, who was faid to have robbed a Spanifh barqua ifland upon the coaft of Cuba: : he, floop belonging to this royal company, commanded likewife, in favour of the company of the militia out to fea two veffels, with a to feizeani and their captain, from Port-Royal, and there interloper tiding in one of his majefty's 's by force feized her, harbours, In in the a company of the inhabitants in fearch of a commanded out longa, who was faid to have robbed a Spanifh barqua ifland upon the coaft of Cuba: : he, floop belonging to this royal company, commanded likewife, in favour of the company of the militia out to fea two veffels, with a to feizeani and their captain, from Port-Royal, and there interloper tiding in one of his majefty's 's by force feized her, harbours, In --- Page 382 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. In the time of Sir Henry Morgan being commander in XIV. chicf, we were again put under martial law; in which time 1 Fort-Rupert, Fort-Carlife, and a new line at Fort-James, were built. Laftly, in his excellency the Earl of Carlifle's time (the prefent governor) the law martial was again put in force for about three months; in which time Fort-Morgan with its platform, and anotherl line at Fort-James, and thebreaft-work reinforced very confiderably in thicknels and height, and new carriages were made for the guns, thofe that came out of England not being fit for land fervice; all which fortifications are: fubltantiallybuilt with ftone and brick, at the charge and labour of the country. Neither have we ever been wanting in due refpect to his majefty's governors; the militia having always waited on them to church, in their progreffes, and on all publick occafions : and we may fafely affirm with truth, that no militia in his majefty's dominions undergo the like military duty as his fubjeéts in Jamaica; as is evident to all men that ever fet foot in Port Royal, which cannot be diftinguifhed from a garrifon, either in time of peace or war, but by their not being paid for their fervice. Toanfwer their lordfhips objedtions to the bill ofr revenue, wherein his majefty's name was left out, there are feveral members of this affembly now fitting who were members when that bill paffed three times in form in the affembly; and, upon the beft recolleétion of their memories, they are fully perfuaded and do believe the bill was again fent down with that amendment from the governor and council, according as it paffed at the laft: but, fhould it have rifen in the affembly, they are very unfortunate if they muft bear the cenfure of all miftakes that mayl happen in prefenting laws to be paffed, when both the governor and his council have their negative voices, which, had either of them made ufe of in this point, would have been readily confented to by the affembly, as they had formerly done, both under the government was again fent down with that amendment from the governor and council, according as it paffed at the laft: but, fhould it have rifen in the affembly, they are very unfortunate if they muft bear the cenfure of all miftakes that mayl happen in prefenting laws to be paffed, when both the governor and his council have their negative voices, which, had either of them made ufe of in this point, would have been readily confented to by the affembly, as they had formerly done, both under the government --- Page 383 --- OF JAMAICA. government of Sir Thomas Modyford and Sir Thomas APPENLynch, before whofe time it had been raifed without men- 1 DIX. tioning his majefty's name, and that without check; and we always concluded the governor's name in the enadting part to be of the fame effect as his majefty's is in England, whom, in this particular, he feems rather to perfonate than reprefent : for which reafons we hope, it ought not to have been imputed to the affembly as their crime altogether, without being confented unto by his majefty's governor, any debate, and all applied by theact whereby it was raifed, to the very fame public ufe his majefty direéts; and we are eertain no inftance can be given of any money difpofed ofto any private ufe, but was always iffued by the governor's warrant, for the payment of his own and other his general oflicers falaties in this ifland, with fome fmall contingent charges of the government. offered this Their lordfhips alfo affirm, that the affembly bill, in the fame meafure and proportion as itis now propofed, to Sir Thomas Lynch: in which their lordiiips are mifinformed; for his majefty's infruations werc, that the laws fhould be in force for two years and no longer, which their lordfhips alfo acknowledge in the prior part of the report; 3 fo that the affembly needed not to have expreff.d any timc, and the particular ufes therein appointed. But had their lordihips knowa how great fums of money have been raifed here, and how fmall a part hath been applied to his majefty's fervice for the defenceand frengthening the ifland, we humbly conceive their lordihips would have been of opinion, that wehave noreafon to bar ourfelves to perpetuity, and pafs the Caid ast withour limitation of ules or time; nor can we be fo prefumptuous as to imagine the king can be hindered from making fuch ufe of his own as be Chall think fit, and apply it where he finds money moft necellary. and errors, as Iti is very true the laws contain many great their lordfhips may fec by the affembly's journal; fo that Vor.Il. Z were been of opinion, that wehave noreafon to bar ourfelves to perpetuity, and pafs the Caid ast withour limitation of ules or time; nor can we be fo prefumptuous as to imagine the king can be hindered from making fuch ufe of his own as be Chall think fit, and apply it where he finds money moft necellary. and errors, as Iti is very true the laws contain many great their lordfhips may fec by the affembly's journal; fo that Vor.Il. Z were --- Page 384 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. werc the affembly as much petitioners to his majefty for this XIV. new form as they are to be relored to their old, above half the body of thefe laws, without amendment, would never be reafonable to paf, As, to inftance fome few amongf many: in the ad for preventing damagesby fire, a lingle juftice of the peace hath power oflifeand death; and thea aêt of the militia empowers the governor and council to levy a tax on the whole ifland; and in the aét dircéling the marfhal's proceedings, there is a claufe that makes it felony for any perfon to concealhisown goods, left inl his own poflefion, after executionlevied by that Faw, fo that a man may be hanged for being poor, which, though inconvenient, was never till then accounted capital; with others too long to be repeated. And whereas their lordlhips are pleafed to fay, that there is nothing imperfect or defective in thefe bills tranfinitted hither; yet we humbly conceive, that no notice being taken in this body of laws how or in what nature we are to make nf of the laws of England, either as they have reference to the prefervation of his majefty's prerogative or the fubjects rights, we ought not in reafon to confent to thefe bills; for, nothing appearing to the contrary, the governor is left, ad libitum, to ufe or refule as few or as many as he pleafes, and fuch as fuit with his occafions; there being no direélions in them how to proceed according to the laws of England, either in cacies criminal or teltamentary, and in many other cafes which concern the quiet of the fubjeat, both in life and eftate. Weconceive alfo, that, whatfoever is faid to the contrary by their lordibips in anfwer to the dilance of places, this very latt experiment is fufficientiy convincing of the truth of that allegation; fincc it is a year fince this model came overand was debated, and befere their lordihips report came Beck.noowvahftandieg onc of the advices went home by an exprefs, And, Wiereast their lordfhips fay, we cannot be fubjeétto more accidents ate. Weconceive alfo, that, whatfoever is faid to the contrary by their lordibips in anfwer to the dilance of places, this very latt experiment is fufficientiy convincing of the truth of that allegation; fincc it is a year fince this model came overand was debated, and befere their lordihips report came Beck.noowvahftandieg onc of the advices went home by an exprefs, And, Wiereast their lordfhips fay, we cannot be fubjeétto more accidents --- Page 385 --- A. OF JAMAIC of Ireland; ; to that we APPENaccidents than his majefty's kingdom be had in ten or DIX. objeat, that advice and anfwers thence may days, and that kingdom is already fettled, our planfourteen But further, we cannot imagine that tation but beginning. in principio, everi intended theIrifh model of government was, cannot but know. for Englilhmen: befides, their lordfhips them by a law made that that model was introducedamongit bound them, by themfelves in Ireland, and fo confequently all thofe who remove which, being now generally known to that being their thither, they have no caufe to repine at, made forthe choice tol live under it of ftay from it, and was fastion. As prefervation- of the Englith againft the Irifh fame reafon, there is not the fame caufe, fo there is not the who the fame on us, unlefs we did it ourfelves, for impoling snatural-born fubjedls of bis kingdom of are ali his majefty's in all their England; which is the reafon the parliament give, them to the plantations, for obliging us by aêts concerning and in what manner, we may tradey what, and with whom; here in cafe of trade from one colony and impofe a tax on us then, that the fame law to another; znd it is but cquity fhould have the fame power of loofing as binding. to raife His majefty giving a power, on urgent occalions; officers their monies the old way, onty fecures the king's which elfe they had been difappointelofs the actof falaries, confentodnn.erer; providings the militia which was heretofure in chief fhould that, on alarm or invafion, the commeader- eftares, aad things, have unlimited power over ail perfons, heceflary on fuch urgencies. fay, they never defired 2ny Astotie 7th, the affembly aflured them was power buc v.hat his majefty's governers icft and what they fupp oled his majefty's their birth-rights, sclamation allowed them: alfo his majefly was gracious p pelde to write a letter to his governor Sir Thograciouty after tut Jouble trial of one Peter Johnfon, a mnas Lynch, bis diflike that any thing Chould be done pirate, fignitying doubt in his fubjects, in not enjoying that fhouldcsufe any all Z2 flured them was power buc v.hat his majefty's governers icft and what they fupp oled his majefty's their birth-rights, sclamation allowed them: alfo his majefly was gracious p pelde to write a letter to his governor Sir Thograciouty after tut Jouble trial of one Peter Johnfon, a mnas Lynch, bis diflike that any thing Chould be done pirate, fignitying doubt in his fubjects, in not enjoying that fhouldcsufe any all Z2 --- Page 386 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. all the privileges of fubjeats of the kingdom of England, cr XIV. to that effeét. But as to the obftruéting of juftice againit Brown, the pirate, what they did, though not juftifiable in the mannery was out of an affurance, that we had no law in force then to declare my lord chancellor of England's power, and our ehancellor's here equal, in granting commiffiors in purfuance of the ftatute of Henry the cighth; whieh alfo his majefty and council perceiving, have, in the new body of laws, fent one to fupply that want: and if they, not meddling with the merits of the caufe, endcavoured to preferve the form of juftice, and juftice itfelf,and, after denial of feveral petitions, joined with the council, were led beyond their duty (for which they were fharply reprimanded by the then governor) they do hope for and humbly beg his majefty's pardon. And as for the act upon which he came in, it arofe not in the allembly, but was fent from the couneil, to be confented to by them, which was accordingly ( done. And as to the imprifonment of Mr. Thomas Martyn, one of their members, for taking out procefs in chancery in his own private concern againft feveral other members, and of the council, the affembly then litting, and for other mifdemeanors and breach of the rules of the houfe; : they hope it is juftifable, the king's governor having affured them, that they had the fanie power over their members which the houfe of commons have,and allipeakers here praying,and the governors granting, the ufual petitions of fpeakersin England. Sccing the governor hath power to turn out a counfellor, and turning out incapacitates bim from being an affemblyman, no counfellor dares give his epinien againft the governor, under danger of lefs penalty than lofing that which he thinks his birth-right: allo, a governor being chancellor, erdinary, and admiral, joined with his military authority, lodges fo great a power in him, that being united and executed in one perfon to turn it totum in qualibet parte, fo that he may invalidate any thing done under his own commiffior. There governor hath power to turn out a counfellor, and turning out incapacitates bim from being an affemblyman, no counfellor dares give his epinien againft the governor, under danger of lefs penalty than lofing that which he thinks his birth-right: allo, a governor being chancellor, erdinary, and admiral, joined with his military authority, lodges fo great a power in him, that being united and executed in one perfon to turn it totum in qualibet parte, fo that he may invalidate any thing done under his own commiffior. There --- Page 387 --- A. 34" OF JAMAICA allem- APPENdoubt but, by this new waysit is in the "There is no fuch laws as are DIX. bly's power to confent to and perpetuate all that may be 1 wholly of benefit to them, and leave unpaffed which advantage chought moft neceflary for his majefly ; evidence they are hold on, hope it will be an they not laying asit is the duty cf every careful of his majefty's prerogative, good fubjeet to be. that the old form of government, It is without controverfy kingdom of England, which was ordered fo like his majefty's! to all his muft of confequence be of greater encouragement themfelves mnajefty's fubjedts, as well as ftrangers, to remove Lord Windhis majefty's proclanation in myl hither. Upon inftruétions given to Sir for's time, and by thofe gracious of the fugar plantations Thomas Modyford, all or moft part of the faid planters have been fettled; 3 and the major part fettled upon the general being fuch who arrived here and and in belief that they liking of the model firft conftituted, of the of the privileges of bis msjedy'sfuljeas loft not any by their removal hither, and having kingdom of England his majefty or forby no ast, as we believe, either provokod to leffen or feited our rights, or ever defiring or attempsing whereof his majefty's prerogative, the prefervation queftion our own priviwe ever deemed the beft means ofpreferving for the continuleges and eftates, we fhall prefume to hope for us ever of his majefty's favour, which is impollible ance to farget. are pleafed to offer their adAnd whercas their lordfhips with fuch powers to furnifh his governor vice to his majeftys Colonel D'Oyley and others, in as were formerly given to was not difbanded, but whofe time the then accounted army arrival, who brought over fo continued till Lord Windfor's order to fettle the civil governthe king's royal donative, and intend not that we are to be ment: : we hope their lordhips that the be emgoverned by or as an army, or and governor council; fince his powered to levy any tax by himfelf himfelf and council, by an act of majefty having difcharged parliament, Z 3 and others, in as were formerly given to was not difbanded, but whofe time the then accounted army arrival, who brought over fo continued till Lord Windfor's order to fettle the civil governthe king's royal donative, and intend not that we are to be ment: : we hope their lordhips that the be emgoverned by or as an army, or and governor council; fince his powered to levy any tax by himfelf himfelf and council, by an act of majefty having difcharged parliament, Z 3 --- Page 388 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. parliament, of any fuch power over anyofhis majefty's fubXIV. jeôts of his kingdom cf England, as we undoubtedly arc, it 1 will be very hard to have any impofition laid on us but by our own confents; for their lerdihips well know, that no derived power is greater than the primitive. However, if his moit gracious majefty Thall not think fit to alter this model, but we are to be governed by the governor and council, according to their) lordfhip's advice, yet we humbly befeech his majellyt to da us the grace to believe, that we are fo fenfible of our duty: and allegiance, that our fubmiffion toand comportment underl his majefly's authority fhall be fuch as that, we hope, he, in his due time, will be gracioufly pleafed to reftore unto us our ancient form of government, under which it hath hitherto pleafed God to profper us : ending with our hearty prayers for his majefty's long and happy reign over us, and moft humbly begging his majefty's pardon of all our errors and miftakes,and a gracious interpretation of this our anfwer; proteling, from the bottom of our hearts, that we are and refolve to dic his majeity's truc, loyal, and obedient fubjects. A true copy. ROWLAND POWELL, Cl. Conc. NUMBER XX. The bunbiedefire andjsfip:ation ofthemembers of bis mejefly's council, to his Escelleney the Governor in Tamaica. THE alterations of the frame of government in this his majefty's ifand of Jamaica unto that of! bis kingdom of Ireland, which his majefly, the beft and greatelt of kings, hath gracioufly commanded us to fubmit unto and own, we his majefly's truly loyal and dutiful fubjects, hitherto have and yet do, by a willing readinefs, and ready willingnefs, declare our entire obedience and hearty conformity thereunto, becaulelis majeftyc commands, S And Governor in Tamaica. THE alterations of the frame of government in this his majefty's ifand of Jamaica unto that of! bis kingdom of Ireland, which his majefly, the beft and greatelt of kings, hath gracioufly commanded us to fubmit unto and own, we his majefly's truly loyal and dutiful fubjects, hitherto have and yet do, by a willing readinefs, and ready willingnefs, declare our entire obedience and hearty conformity thereunto, becaulelis majeftyc commands, S And --- Page 389 --- OF JAMAICA. and truly APPENAnd although his majefty's great perpicuity DIX. royal prudence is beft abla to determine what government ) is the fitteft for his fubjects in this ifand, yet with all due fubmiffion, in all humility, we beg leave to reprefent to his majefty the great inconvenience attending the profent frame, in tranfmitting our laws ho.ne. The vaft diftance of place will of neceffity require a great expence of time, between the firft framing our laws hereand the tranfmitting and return of then hither again: fo that, before they can be paffed into laws by the atiembly herc, there will probably as great caufe arife to aiter as there were at firft to make them. And, with all due fubmition, wc judgeit even impofmible to adapt laws to the prefent conftitution, fo as not to tdinit of often and great alterations; fur, according to our exparicnce hitherto, we have found urgent occalions to alter and amend the laws, that have more immediately concerned us here, at the.leaft every two ycars; and we camnot forefee but we Ahall lie under the fame necellity fbll; fo that if his majefly gracioully pleafe to takeitinto his princely confideration, and either reftore to us our former power and way or method of pafling Jaws, or at leaft remit that part of the prefent method of making laws which only concerns us here, as they may pafs without tranfmitting the fame, we hope, by fubmifion and entire obedience to all his laws our here, prefent his majefly will bc a glorious prince and his fubjedts here anhappy people. ofthe affembly, in their addrefs And whereas the gentlemen to his majefty read here in council the 15th of November, 16;9, do declare, that as to the bill of revenue wherein his majefty's name was left out, that there are feveral of the members of their affembly now fitting wbo were members when the bill paffed three timesin form in the allembly, and, upon the beft recolléétion of their memories, they are fully perfuaded and do believe the bill was again fent down with shat amendment from the governor and council, according Z4 as to his majefty read here in council the 15th of November, 16;9, do declare, that as to the bill of revenue wherein his majefty's name was left out, that there are feveral of the members of their affembly now fitting wbo were members when the bill paffed three timesin form in the allembly, and, upon the beft recolléétion of their memories, they are fully perfuaded and do believe the bill was again fent down with shat amendment from the governor and council, according Z4 as --- Page 390 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. as it pafled at the laft: wc, the gentlemen ofhis majeily's XIV. council herc prefent at thep palingof the bill, do moft humbly 1 and with all ferioufnefs ayer and declare, that we were fo far from confenting the faid bill fhould pais without his majefty's namc in it, that we do not remember it was ever debated or mentioned in council; and further, that, to the beft of our refpeétive knowledge, it was read threetimes, and paffed the council-board, with his majefy'snamein it: and we are the rather induced to this our confidence, becaufe we find the original aét was razed, and, by the then ipeaker's own hand, interlined ; and morcover, the feveral amendments of the faid bill, that were made in council, were all taken notice of in the minutes in our council-books, and no mention made of this; "and the gentlemen of the affembly do produce nothing out of their journal to juftify the refleétions upon us; thereforeitisto be prefumed they cannot. And we do further humbly and unanimoufly declare, we neyer did at apy time, either jointly or feverally, make any complaint to the affembly, Qr any of them, of the power given byl his majefty to his excellency our prefent governor to fufpend any of his majefty's council here: for as we have hitherto yielded all due obedience and fubmifion to his majefty's royal will and pleafure çoncerning us, fo we hope we Chall approve ourfelves fiuch, and, as in duty bound, ever pray for his majefty's long life, and that he may profperouliy and triumphantly reign over us. This was unnimoully agreed to in council by the refpeétive me mbers thercof who were prefent at the pafling the bill of revenue: Colonel Thomas BalJard, Colonel John Cop", Coloncl Robert Byndiofs, Colonel Thomas Freeman, Colonel William Joy, Colonel Thomas Fuller, John White, Elquires And confented to hy the whole council, excepting Licutenant-Colonel Samucl Long. Received from the Earl cf Carlifle, 26th February, 1679-80. profperouliy and triumphantly reign over us. This was unnimoully agreed to in council by the refpeétive me mbers thercof who were prefent at the pafling the bill of revenue: Colonel Thomas BalJard, Colonel John Cop", Coloncl Robert Byndiofs, Colonel Thomas Freeman, Colonel William Joy, Colonel Thomas Fuller, John White, Elquires And confented to hy the whole council, excepting Licutenant-Colonel Samucl Long. Received from the Earl cf Carlifle, 26th February, 1679-80. --- Page 391 --- OF JAMAICA APPENXXI. DIX. NUMBER Extrast of an order in council. JAMAICA. in the the committee of trade and plantations, At Whitehall, the sth of March, council-chamber at 1679-80, PRESENT, Marquis of Worcefter, Mr. Hyde, Prince Rupert, Mr. Sec. Coventry, Lord Prefident, Earl of Bridgewater, Sir Leolin Jenkins. Lord Privy Seal, Earl of Effex, from the Earl of Carlifle to the comA LETTER laft, is read, wherein his mittee, dated 23d of November that, having called the lordfhip acquaints the committee, he had caufed their lordfhips council and affembly together, read; which their report of the 28th of May to be publickly the direétions of the lordfhips think to be difagreeable to his for his into majefty report, which was only prefented the Earl of Garlifle, when formation, and in order to furnifh as might be fit occafion fhould ferve, with fuch arguments commiffion and to be ufed in juftification of his majefty's take notice, inftruétions; and their lordibips particularly for him to exthat it was neither neceffary nor convenient and as to the clerk of pofe his inftructions to the affembly: had appointed, the comthe affemblys which his lordfhip proceedings mittee does very much approve his lordihip's the fame method and will defire him to continue therein, for the future. Long is reprefented to have a hand And whereas Colonel name in the late bill of revenuc, in leaving out the king's the addrefs of the affembly and in framing and advifing their lord(hips will report, now tranfmitted to his majeftys be ordered to fend him to that the Earl of Carlifle may England, to anfwer what is laid to his charge. The lordfhip proceedings mittee does very much approve his lordihip's the fame method and will defire him to continue therein, for the future. Long is reprefented to have a hand And whereas Colonel name in the late bill of revenuc, in leaving out the king's the addrefs of the affembly and in framing and advifing their lord(hips will report, now tranfmitted to his majeftys be ordered to fend him to that the Earl of Carlifle may England, to anfwer what is laid to his charge. The --- Page 392 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. The addrefs of the affembly of Jamaica to his majelly, XIV. in anfwer to a report of the committee approved on the 28th of May laft, being read, their lord(hips obferve, that there are many falfities and miftakes contained therein. Firft, it is alledged by the affembly, that the ifland took up the civil form of government in the time of Sir Thomas Modyford and Sir Charles Lyttelton; whereas it is certain, that Colonel D'Oyley had a commifion, foon after his majefty's reftoration, to govern by the civil power. As to their denial of having left out his majefty's name in the revenue bill, it is evident, by the juftification of the council, and affurance of the Lord Vaughan, that the bill paffed the governor and council with his majefty's name, which was afterwards left out, or erazed, as may be fuppoled by the interlineation that yet appears upon the original bill. And whereas itis faid, that their lord(hips are mifinformed, in afirming that the aflembly had before offered the bill of revenue in the fame meafure and proportion as is now propoled, fince the laws were to bc in force for two years,and no longer: the aflembly have quite forgotten, or pretended to be ignorant of, the powers fettled by his majefty's commillion to Sir Thomas Lynch, whereby the laws were to be in force for two year, and no longer, unlefs confirmed by hismajefty within that times fo that the bill tranfmitted by Sir Thomas Lynch wanted only his majefty's approbation to render ic perpetual. The affembly further mentions the great fums raifedin Jamaica, which had not been employed to his majefly's fervice; but does not inltance the mifapplication of any part of the revenue by any ofthe governors. It is alfo to be obferved, that the law for preventing damages by fire, of which they complain, was firft made by them; as zifot the act diredting the marthal's proceedings cannot be but very reafomable, and for the advantage of the planters, fince, it gives them the ufe of their goods after exccution, and enables them the better to pay thoirdebts. And to his majefly's fervice; but does not inltance the mifapplication of any part of the revenue by any ofthe governors. It is alfo to be obferved, that the law for preventing damages by fire, of which they complain, was firft made by them; as zifot the act diredting the marthal's proceedings cannot be but very reafomable, and for the advantage of the planters, fince, it gives them the ufe of their goods after exccution, and enables them the better to pay thoirdebts. And --- Page 393 --- OF JAM TAICA. complains, that there is no law APPENAnd whereas the affembly the laws of England; it DIX. tranfmitted to them for afcertaining fhould retain within 1 is thought reafonable, that his majefty to be himfelf the power of appointing the laws of England in full force in that ifland, as he fhall find neceffary. them in reThe delays and length of time, alledged by the model by his majefty, were wholly ference to preferibed of the alffembly, and not by occafioned by the refra@torinefs the diflance of places, or other reafons. in reference to What they objest concerning Ireland, there have right Jamaica, is frivolous; fince the Englith bound up to the fame privileges as thofe of Jamaica, and are inhabitants aéts of parliament in England, as well as the by of Jamaica. it is replied, that nothing has been To the 7th objeaion of all the privileges of done to take away their enjoyment the laws and Englilh fubjects, fince they are governed by fatutes of this realm. ofjufin obfruding Their unwarrantable proceedings and his majefty's tice againft Brown the pirate is confelled, pardon prayed by them. of Martyn, and Their lordfhips think the imprifonment the articles preferred againft him, altogether unjuftifiable, his collector, but as the aflemnot only as he was majefty's of privilege, to fhelter biy ought not, by the pretenfions fuch in Barthemfeives from juftice, there being no ufage badoes and other plantations. erroneous in the affembly In the gth place, itis altogether to to think it is, by the prefent model, in their own power, and accept fuch laws as are wholly ofbenefit to themfelves, fince to reject fuch as are moft neceflary for his majeftys confent the governor yet retains a negative voice, after the of the allembly. much infift upon bis majefty's And whereas they very has in Lord Windfor's time: : his majefty proclamation my withdrawn the effeéts ofhis promife to pot in any inftance them, to think it is, by the prefent model, in their own power, and accept fuch laws as are wholly ofbenefit to themfelves, fince to reject fuch as are moft neceflary for his majeftys confent the governor yet retains a negative voice, after the of the allembly. much infift upon bis majefty's And whereas they very has in Lord Windfor's time: : his majefty proclamation my withdrawn the effeéts ofhis promife to pot in any inftance them, --- Page 394 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT C HAP. them, nor impofed feveral rules and inftructions that were XIV. preferibed in Sir Thomas Modyford's commiffion and inY ftructions, whereby he had power, with the advice of the council, to raife money on ftrong liquors: and the affembly can as little believe they have not provoked his majefty to keep a ftriet eye upon them, after their feveral unwarrantable proceedings during the government of the Lord Vaughan, and fince ofthe Earl of Carlifle, by their votes and otherwife. In the laft place, it is falfely infinuated by the affembly, that the government remained under an army in Colonel D'Oyley's time; fince it appears plainly by his commiffion, that it was otherwife provided, and that the martial law was then Jaid afide: : fo that, upon the whole matter, they have reafon to beg his majefty's pardon for all their errors and miftakes. The juftification of the council of Jamaica, in anfwer to the imputation of the affembly, of their leaving out the king's name in the revenue bill, is alto read; and to be made ufe of by the governor, to difprove the allegations of the affembly in their own beholf. NUI M B E) R XXIII. Extradt ef an order in council. JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the councilchamber at Whitehall, Monday the 8th of March, 1679 80, PRESENT, Lord Privy Scai, Earl of Bridgewater, Sir Leolin Jenkins. TIIE Loid Vaughan attends, concerning the charge againft Colonci Longs of Jamaica, for razing out the king's namein the aét of revenuc; and declares, that he IS very cenfident that the bill came up from the aflembly to the council III. Extradt ef an order in council. JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the councilchamber at Whitehall, Monday the 8th of March, 1679 80, PRESENT, Lord Privy Scai, Earl of Bridgewater, Sir Leolin Jenkins. TIIE Loid Vaughan attends, concerning the charge againft Colonci Longs of Jamaica, for razing out the king's namein the aét of revenuc; and declares, that he IS very cenfident that the bill came up from the aflembly to the council --- Page 395 --- OF JAMAICA. name in it, and that it was not put APPENcouncil with the king's and that when Mr. DIX. out by the council, nor by his privitys patent to be col- 1 Martyn came to Jamaica with the king's and perceived the leétor, his lordfhip then fent for the act, hand; and that his interlineation to be in Colonel Long's the council of Jamaica, lordfhip does abfolutely agree with in the matter of their juftification. N UMB ER XXIV. Extrad ef an order in council. JAMAICA. of trade and plantations, in the councilAtt the committee Thurfday the IIth of March, chamber at Whitehall, 1679-80, PRESENT, Sir Leolin Jenkins. Lord Prefident, Marq. of Worcefter, Earl of Bridgewater. Lord Privy-Seal, confideration the flate of THEIR lordhips take into the in Jamaica, and agree to refer queries for the government and Mr. Solicitor General, following to Mr. Attorney their opinions therein; wiz. and prefent ftate of Jamaica, ift. Whether, from the paft and trading there have a his majefty's fubjects, inhabiting or by virtue right to the laws of England, as Englifhmen, or otherwife? of the king's proclamation, fubjeéts of Jamaica, claiming 2d. Whether his majelty's laws of England, are not bound as to be governed by the beneficial to the kings by appointing well by fuch laws as are of the government, as by taxes and fubfidies forthe fupport. the benefit and eafe of the other Jaws, which tend only to fubjeat? the fubfidies of tonnage and poundage upon 3d. Whether be direêtly carried to Jagoods that may bylaw, or Thall to law, by his majefty's maica, be not payable, according fubjects laws of England, are not bound as to be governed by the beneficial to the kings by appointing well by fuch laws as are of the government, as by taxes and fubfidies forthe fupport. the benefit and eafe of the other Jaws, which tend only to fubjeat? the fubfidies of tonnage and poundage upon 3d. Whether be direêtly carried to Jagoods that may bylaw, or Thall to law, by his majefty's maica, be not payable, according fubjects --- Page 396 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP P. fubjodts inhabiting that illand, or trading there, by virtue of XIV. the acts of tonnage and poundage, or other acts made in 1 England? 4th. Whether wine or other goods, once brought into England and tranfported from thence, upon which the refpeétive abatements are allowed upon exportation, according to law, the fame being afterwards carried to Jamaica and landed there, fhall not be liable to the payment of the full duty of tonnage and poundage which it fhould have paid if confumed in England, deduéling only fuch part of the faid duty as fhall not be repaid in England upon exportation of the faid goods from thence? Which queries were accordingly tranfmitted to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General, with a paper containing the paft and prefent ftate of Jamaica, in relation to the government, NUMBE R XXV. Letter to Mr. Aitorney and Mr. Solicitor General. Counecil-cbamber, 11tb March, 1679-80. Gentlemen, THE right honourable the lords of the committee for trade and plantations, upon contideration. of the affairs of Jamaica, have ftated the queftions followings viz. [Here were recited tbe queries Rated in thet preceding number.] To which queftions their lordhips defire your anfwer in writing, witha all convenient ipeed: and, for your information, Ihaveinclofed a paper, containing a fhort account f the paft and prefent fate efthe govcre nt in Tamaica; and in cafe you fhould require any further fatisfaétion therein, or touching the queries referred unto you, I am ordered by the lords of the commitice to attend you at any time or place you Thall think fittoappoint. Ian, with ail refpedt, gentlemen, Ec. --- Page 397 --- OF JAMAICA APPENNUMBER XXVI. DIX. Extrad ef an order in council, JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the councilchamber at Whitehall, the 27th of April, 1680, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Earl of Effex, Mr. Hyde, LorlPrefident, Vifc, Fauconberg, Mr. Sec. Earl of Sunderland, Jenkins, MI R. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General wife acquainted the committee, that, having likethe four queftions concerning upon confideration of the Irth of March, they did find Jamaica, them of referred unto them fuch moment as to deferve the opinion of the difficulty and that they be judges : it is agreed accordingly referred unto the whom Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General judges; upon to attend with them; Mr. are defired his opinion, < that the Attorney having firft delivered 46. be governed by the laws people of of Jamaica have no right to ca are made there, and eftablifhed England, but by fuch laws as But whereas Mr. Solicitor by his majefty's authority." that General doth deliver his the word < dominion," in the att of opinion, tonnage and parliament for poundage, may feein rather to minion of Wales and Berwick imply the doextend to the upon Tweed only, than to Attorney plantations ; and more efpecially, as Mr. alledges, fince the iflands of are not concerned in that act; their Guernfey and Jerfey firft queftions lordihips order the two only to be fent unto the judges, without mention to be made of the two laft, which any act of tonnage and poundage, particularize the liament for poundage, may feein rather to minion of Wales and Berwick imply the doextend to the upon Tweed only, than to Attorney plantations ; and more efpecially, as Mr. alledges, fince the iflands of are not concerned in that act; their Guernfey and Jerfey firft queftions lordihips order the two only to be fent unto the judges, without mention to be made of the two laft, which any act of tonnage and poundage, particularize the --- Page 398 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHA P. XIV. NUMBER XXVIL. References to the judges about Yamaica. Cauncil-chambery 27th April, 1680, Gentlemen, I AM commanded by the right honourable the Iords of the privy-council appointed a committee of trade and foreign plantations, to fignify their defires that you attend his majefty'sj judges with the queftions following: ift. Whether from the paft and prefent ftate of Jamaica, his majefty's fubjects inhabiting and trading there have a right to the laws of England, as Englifhmen, or by virtue of the king's proclamation, or otherwife? 2d. Whether his majefty's fubjects of Jamaica, claiming to be governed by the Jaws of England, are not bound as well by fuch laws as arc beneficial to the king, by appointing taxes and fubfidics for the fupport of the government, as by other laws, which tend only to the benefit and eafe of the fubjedt? Which queftions their lordfhips defire his majefty's judges to confider and anfwer in writing, and to return the opinions to the committee with convenient fpeed. Iam, with refpect, E5c. N U M B E R XXVIII. Order to the judges about the quefion of Yamaica. At the court at Whitehall, the 23d of June, 1680, PRESENT, His Majefty, Prince Rupert, Lord Chamberlain, Mr. Coventry, Abp. of Canterbury, Earl of Sunderland, Mr. Sec, JenLord Chancellor, Earl of Clarendon, kins, Lord --- Page 399 --- OF JAMAICA Mr. Chancellor of APPENLord Prefident, Earl of Bath, the Exchequer, DIX. Lord Privy-Seal, Ld. Bp. of London, Mr. Godolphin. - D. of Albemarle, Mr. Hyde, Marq. ofWorcelter, Mr. Finch, North, Earl of Offory, Lord Chief Juftice and IT is this day ordered in council, that Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General do attend his majefty's judges, Mr. with all convenient fpeed, and, being defire them to aflemble this queftion; affembled, to confer with them concerning wiz. letter, proclamation, or Whether, by his majefty's hath excluded himfelf commiffions, annexed, his majefty in Jamaica, it being a from the power of eftablifhing laws fettled authority there conquered country, and all laws by being now expired? the opinions of his majefly's And that, upon receiving they do report the judges, under their bands in awritings a committee fame to the lords of the privy-council appointed for trade and foreign plantations. N U M B E R XXIX. Extrafl of an order in council. JAMAICA. of trade and plantations, in the At the committee the 7th of Sepcouncil-chamber: at Whitehall, tember, 1680, PRESENT, Marquis of Worcefter, Mr. Sec. Jenkins. Lord Prefident, Jenkins acquaints the committee, that MR. Secretary had fome days before furrenColonel Long, of Jamaica, bond of ten thoufand pounds dered himfelf to him, upon a that ; and that he given to the Earl of Carlifle to purpofe that he would attend had taken his fecurity for the like fum, Ioth inftant. the firft council, on Friday next, being the VoL. III, A a 1680, PRESENT, Marquis of Worcefter, Mr. Sec. Jenkins. Lord Prefident, Jenkins acquaints the committee, that MR. Secretary had fome days before furrenColonel Long, of Jamaica, bond of ten thoufand pounds dered himfelf to him, upon a that ; and that he given to the Earl of Carlifle to purpofe that he would attend had taken his fecurity for the like fum, Ioth inftant. the firft council, on Friday next, being the VoL. III, A a --- Page 400 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. XIV. N UM B. ER XXX. Copy ef an order in council. JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Marquis of Worcefter, Earl of Bath, Lord Prefident, Earl of Clarendon, Mr. Sec. Jenkins. THE Earl of Carlifle is called in, and delivers a paper containing a charge againft Colonel Long, which is read, confitting chietly in three points; viz. That he had razed the king's name out of the act for raifing a publick revenue; that he had granted an babeas corpus, being judge, for a perfon condemned by law; and had oppofed the fettlement of the country purfuant to the king's orders. And his lordfhip declaring, that he had nothing more to fay againft Colonel Long than was contained in that paper, only referving to himfelf the liberty of explaining what he had thercin mentioned, Colonel Long is called in, and the paper read to him; whereupon he pofitively denies that he had done any thing to the bill without the directions of the affembly; and that he believes the razure happened, inafmuch as the clerk of the affembly had tranfcribed the bill paffed in Sir Thomas Lynch's time, which was now blotted out bythe agreement of the governor, council, and affembly, and the words written in his hand were only added to make up the fenfe, which otherwife would have been wanting, which he did as fpeaker of that affembly from whom he had directions; which is confirmed by the letters of Major Molefworth, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Afhurf, Mr. Burton, and of the clerk of the affembly. As to the granting an babeas carpus, he declares he did not know the perfon was condemned; and that it is ufual for the agreement of the governor, council, and affembly, and the words written in his hand were only added to make up the fenfe, which otherwife would have been wanting, which he did as fpeaker of that affembly from whom he had directions; which is confirmed by the letters of Major Molefworth, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Afhurf, Mr. Burton, and of the clerk of the affembly. As to the granting an babeas carpus, he declares he did not know the perfon was condemned; and that it is ufual for --- Page 401 --- OF JAMAICA. which the clerk APPENfor the judges to fign blank babeas corpus's, DIX. gives out in courfe. orders, otherwife 1 And that he never oppofed the king's were not for his his opinion, that they than by exprelling the of the country. majefty's fervice, nor good NUM) B E R XXXI. Extrast of an order in council. JAMAICA. of trade and plantations, in the At thie committee Tuefday the 12th couneil-chamber: at Whitehall, of Oftober, 1680, PRESENT, EarlofSunderland,) Mr. Hyde. Prince Rupert, Earlof Clarendon, Mr. Godolphin, Lord Prefident, Earl of Halifax, Mr. Sec., Jenkins, Lord Privy-Seal, Mr. Seymour. Marquis of Worcefter, Vifc. Fauconberg, Earl of Carlifle attendings acquaints the comTHE act for raifing a publick revenue will expire mittee, that the will be left under in March next, and that the governuhent do not give Sir Henry necefities, in cafe the king full fettlevery great bill, until the Morgan leave to pafs a temporary which js like to take ment of affairs fhall be agreed on, propofes, that the confiderable time; and therefore up a dated the 14th of Januarylaft (which is order in council, by any other forbidding the governor to raite money his read) whatfoever than by the bill tranfmitted by act or order will not be willing to pafs majefty, which the allembly fettled in fuch manner as until the government be entirely than the Irifh model, be may be more agrecable to them an account of his fufpended. His lord(hip proceeds to give them to pafs the tranfactions with the affembly, to, perfuade and and reads the objections of the affembly, revenue bill, his Aa2 his read) whatfoever than by the bill tranfmitted by act or order will not be willing to pafs majefty, which the allembly fettled in fuch manner as until the government be entirely than the Irifh model, be may be more agrecable to them an account of his fufpended. His lord(hip proceeds to give them to pafs the tranfactions with the affembly, to, perfuade and and reads the objections of the affembly, revenue bill, his Aa2 --- Page 402 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. his anfwer to them; whereof, and of the council-books, his XIV. lordfhip is defired to give at tranfeript to the committee. There having been two laws read which were entered therein, the one made by Colonel D'Oyley and the council, for raifing impofts on liquors, the other by Sir Charles Lyttelton and his council, being a fuppiemental act to the former: : And his lordfhip acquainting the committee, that, as for licences of taverns, he had fet them on foot before he paffed any bill of revenue: : It is thereupon thought fit, by fome of their lordfhips, that the affembly of Jamaica be induced to pafs a perpetual bill, by having leave to appropriate the revenue to the fupport of the government. And the committee is appointed to meet again on this bufinefs on Thurfday, at nine o'clock in the morning; when Coloncl Long, and the other affembly men lately come over, are to attend. NUMB) E R XXXII. JAMAICA, At the committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, Thurfday the 14th of Oetober, 1680, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, E. of Clarendon, Vifc. Fauconberg, Lord Prefident, E. of Effex, Ld.Ch. Juft. North, Lord Privy-Seal, E. of Halifax, Mr. Sec. Jenkins. Marq. of Worcefter, THE Earl of Carlifle attends, and produces an entry in the council-book of Jamaica, of a law paffed by Colonel D'Oyley and the council, for raifing a publick revenue, and of another paffed by Sir Charles Lyttelton and the council, being a fupplemental act to the former, both which are indefinite, and not determined by the commiflions of Colonel D'Oyley Ld.Ch. Juft. North, Lord Privy-Seal, E. of Halifax, Mr. Sec. Jenkins. Marq. of Worcefter, THE Earl of Carlifle attends, and produces an entry in the council-book of Jamaica, of a law paffed by Colonel D'Oyley and the council, for raifing a publick revenue, and of another paffed by Sir Charles Lyttelton and the council, being a fupplemental act to the former, both which are indefinite, and not determined by the commiflions of Colonel D'Oyley --- Page 403 --- OF JAMAIC A. Sir Charles APPENLord Windfor, whofe deputy D'Oyley or my DIX. Lyttelton was. and Mr. Athurft are calledin ) After which, Colonel Long being in the country) and (the other gentlemen of Jamaica that a perpetual bill being afked, Wby they were not willing ? they made anfwer, that of revenue fhould pafs in Jamaica their aggrievances known to they have no other way to make than by the dependance of the king, to have them redreffed, which is preferved by paffing the governor upon the affembly, and that, a perpetual bill being temporary' bills of revenue ; would be anfwered, paffed, all the ends of government further need of calling affemblies. and there would be no Carlille replies, that, notwithTo which my Lord of on liquors fhould ftanding any aét for raifing an impoft neceflities and cantinbe paffed in that manner, yet the fuch as to require the gencies of the government are for raifing money by other frequent calling of affemblies, works, the prefent revenue commeans, and doing publick of the government. ing far fhort of the expence that in cafe they be Their lordfhips tell Colonel Long, the king may willing and pais the act of revenue indefinitely, which they Chall be induced to fettle other perpetual laws, propofe as beneficial to them. withdrawn, their lordThe gentlemen of Jamaica being of the a debate concerning a continuance fhips enter upon and Sir Charles Lytteltwo laws made by Colonel D'Oyley tbe Englifh laws and meton before mentioned, and bow far in Tamaica; 5 and it ought to take place be in thods of gavernment laws England cannot is there alledged, 6 that tbe the ef ef the plase 6 force in another country, wbere conftitution 6 is diforentfron tbat of England," delire my Lord Upon the whole matter, the committee in writing, on Chief Juftice North to report his opinion viz. Monday next, upon the queftions following 3 publifhed ift. Whether the king, by his proclamation bis majefy's letter during my Lord Windior's government, dated Aa3 thods of gavernment laws England cannot is there alledged, 6 that tbe the ef ef the plase 6 force in another country, wbere conftitution 6 is diforentfron tbat of England," delire my Lord Upon the whole matter, the committee in writing, on Chief Juftice North to report his opinion viz. Monday next, upon the queftions following 3 publifhed ift. Whether the king, by his proclamation bis majefy's letter during my Lord Windior's government, dated Aa3 --- Page 404 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. dated 15th efYanary 1672-3, or any other act, appearing XIV. by the laws of England or any laws of Jamaica, or by 1 his majefty's commiffions or inftructions to his governors, has divefted himfelf of the power he formerly bad to alter the forms of government in Jamaica? 2d. Whether any adt of the affembly of Jamaica, or any other act of his majefty or his governors, have totally repealed the aéts made by Colonel D'Oyley, and Sir Charles Lyttclton, for raifing a publick revenue, or. whether they are now in force? Memorandum, His majefty being prefent, my Lord Chief Juftice North was added to the committee. Memorandum, Colonel Long having mentioned fome tranfactions of my Lord Vaughan's during his government, his lordfhip is to be fummoned for the next mecting. N U M B E R XXXIII. JAMAICA. Atthe committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, on Monday the 18th ofOctober, 1680, PRESENT, Lord Prefident, Earl of Halifax, Lor Privy Scal, Lord Vife. Fauconberg, Lord Chamnberlain, Lord Chief Juftice North, Earl of Eflex, Mr. Secretary Jenkins, Earl of (larendon, Mr. Seymour. M Y Lord Chief Juftice North having acquainted the committee, that he had confidered of the two queftions propofed by their lordihips; and that, although fome further time --- Page 405 --- OF JAMAIC A. time would be requifite for him to give in his anfwer, yet, APPENin refpeét of the hafte that was neceflary for fettling the DIX. his lordfhip undertakes to return his anfwer at the 1 revenue, the fecond queftion; wherein his lordnext mecting upon fome other of his fhip is defired to take to his affiftance majefty's judges; vizi of Whetherany act of the affembly of Jamaica, or any: ast his majefty or his governors, have totally repealed the aêts made by Colonel D'Oyley and Sir Charles Lyttelton, for raifing a publick revenue, or whether they are now in forcc? NUMBER XXXIV. JAMAICA. At the committec of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, on Wednelday the 2oth of Oétober, 1680, PRESENT, Lord Prefident, Lord ChiefJuftice North, Earl of Sunderland, Lord Bifhop of London, Earl of Bridgewater, Mr. Secretary Jenkins, Earl of Effex, Mr. Seymour. Earl of Halifax, MY Lord Chief Juftice North, having delivered bis opinion in writing upon the queftion recommended to him at the laft meeting, Colonel Long, Mr. Beefton,Mr. Afhurit, and other planters and merchants of Jamaica, together with the Earl of Carlille, are called ins and his lord(hip's opinion is read to them 5 whereby his lordthip concludes, that the act of revenue made in 1663 by Sir Charles Lyttelton, is yetin force, as being not repealed by any fubfequent acts, which were limited to the term of two years byhis maAa4 jetty's the queftion recommended to him at the laft meeting, Colonel Long, Mr. Beefton,Mr. Afhurit, and other planters and merchants of Jamaica, together with the Earl of Carlille, are called ins and his lord(hip's opinion is read to them 5 whereby his lordthip concludes, that the act of revenue made in 1663 by Sir Charles Lyttelton, is yetin force, as being not repealed by any fubfequent acts, which were limited to the term of two years byhis maAa4 jetty's --- Page 406 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. jefty's commands. But Colonel Long objeôts, that there XIV. was a law made by Sir Thomas Modyford, which declares Y all laws paffed at Sir Charles Lyttelton's affemblies void, for want of due form in the writs, and other particulars : whereupon they are bid to withdraw; and whereas my Lord Chief Juflice North was not prefent when this, objection was made, theirlordlhips think fit that he be acquainted therewith, and defired to renew his opinion; and the gentlemen of Jamaica are alfo defired to be ready with the objeétions they have to make to his lordihip's report, at the next meeting, which is appointed for to-morrow at three in the afternoon. NUMBH E R XXXV. JAMAICA. At the committee oft trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, Thurfday 21ft of Oétober, 168c, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Vifcount Fauconberg, Lord P'refident, Mr. Hyde, Marquis ofWercefter, Lord Chief Juftice North, Earl of Bridgewater, Mr. Secretary Jenkins. Earl of Clarendon, THE lords, being met to confider the bufinefs of Jamaica, orderthe proclamation publifhedi inmyLord Windfor's tie to be read: and thereupon their lozdfhips exprefs their opinion, that his majefty did thereby affure and fettle the property of the inhabitants, but not the government andform: thence thefe queftions did arife; viz. rit. Whether, upon the confideration of the commiffion and inftruétions to Colonel D'Oyley, and Sir Charles Lytteltor, and the conflitution 9 tbe ifand thereupons the aéts of councii made by Colonel D'Oyley and Sir Charles Lyttelton were : and thereupon their lozdfhips exprefs their opinion, that his majefty did thereby affure and fettle the property of the inhabitants, but not the government andform: thence thefe queftions did arife; viz. rit. Whether, upon the confideration of the commiffion and inftruétions to Colonel D'Oyley, and Sir Charles Lytteltor, and the conflitution 9 tbe ifand thereupons the aéts of councii made by Colonel D'Oyley and Sir Charles Lyttelton were --- Page 407 --- OF JAMAICA. were perpetual laws, binding to the inhabitants of the 361, ifland ? APPEN2d. Whether, fuppofing thofe laws good and perpetual, DIX. any ofthe fubfequent laws, or the proclamation in my Lord 1 Windfor's time, have taken away the force of thefe And becaufe the gentlemen of Jamaica made divers laws? tions againft the validity of thofe laws, as being made objec- the governors and council without an aflerbly, and againft by the perpetuity of them, as being repealed by fubfequent their lord(hips do therefore think it molt laws; majefty's fervice, that Colonel conducing to his Mr. Athurft, do attend Lord Long, Major Beefton, and der to explain to his my. Chief Juftice North, in orlordfhip what is chiefly expeéted them, whereby they may be induced to fettle the by the fupport of the revenue for government, to the end matters be brought to an accommodation. may N U M B E R XXXVI. JAMAICA, At the committee oftrade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, the 27th of October, 1680, Wedneflay PRESENT, Lord Privy-Seal, Earl of Bath, Earl of Bridgewater, Earl of Halifax, Lord Chamberlain, Mr. Chan. of the Exchequer, MY Lord Chief Juftice North reports, that he has attended by the gentlemen of Jamaica, who have been themfelves willing to grant the perpetualbill for. declared of the governors, and another bill for the the; payment tingencies to continue for feven payment of conreftored to their ancient form of years, provided they may be affured of fuch of the laws of paling laws, and may be liberty and England as may concern their property, Their --- Page 408 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. Their lordfhips taking notice, that therevenue of Jamaica XIV. will expire in March next, direét a letter to be prepared, for the approbation of the council, empowering Sir Henry Morgan to call an affembly, and to endeavour the paffing a temporary bill, with their confent, for the revenue ; and, in cafe of their refufal, to raife the fame in fuch manner as hath bcen done by former governors. Memorandum, Ata council on the inftant, a draught of the aforementioned letter was read. And upon reading the petition of the planters, merchants and inhabitants of Jamaica, praying to be reftored to their ancient method of making laws, the lords of the committee are ordered to meet de die in diem, until they fhall have agreed on fuch a method for the making of laws, and the fettlement ofthe government, as they fhall find moft convenient for his majefty's fervice. NUMB E R XXXVII. JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, on Thurfday the 28th of Oétober, 1680, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Earl of Halifax, Lord Privy-Seal, Vifcount Fauconberg, Lord Chamberlain, Bifhop of London, Earl of Bridgewater, Mr. Hyde, Earl of Sunderland, Lord Chief Juftice North, Earl of Clarendon, Mr. Secretary Jenkins. Earl of Effex, THEIR ervice. NUMB E R XXXVII. JAMAICA. At the committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, on Thurfday the 28th of Oétober, 1680, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Earl of Halifax, Lord Privy-Seal, Vifcount Fauconberg, Lord Chamberlain, Bifhop of London, Earl of Bridgewater, Mr. Hyde, Earl of Sunderland, Lord Chief Juftice North, Earl of Clarendon, Mr. Secretary Jenkins. Earl of Effex, THEIR --- Page 409 --- OF J AMAICA. THEIR lord(hips having confidered that of letter from the council of Jamaica, dated 20th part the APPENconcerns the laws, and having read the May laft, that DIX, chants and planters of Jamaica, petition of the mer- 1 prefented in council on the as alfo a paper prepared by Mr. Blackwayt, concerning the manner of making Jaws in Jamaica, their lordfhips, upon full confideration and debate of what conduce to his majefty's fervice, agree, that tbe may beft of making laws in Barbadses, as fattled by the prefemt method Ricbard Dutton, be propofed unto bis majefy commiffon in council: efSir that powers be drawn up for the Earl of Carlife, with and inftruétions fuitable to that fcheme, and with refpect to the prefent circumftances ofJamaica, and that the be the more ealilyi induced to grant a revenue for aflembly the may of the government, their lordfhips are of opinion, that fupport his majefty's quit-rents, and the tax on the as well as all other levies which now are or wine-licences, fhall be made, be appropriated to the fupport of the government, and to no other ufe whatfoever. N UN M B E R XXXVIIL. JAMAICA, At the committee of trade and plantations, in the council-chamber at Whitehall, on Saturday the 3oth of October, 1680, PRESENT, Prince Rupert, Earl of Clarendon, Duke of Albermarle, Earl of Effex, Lord Chamberlain, Vifcount Fauconberg, Earl of Bridgewater, Earl of Halifax, Earl of Sunderland, Mr. Secretary, Jenkins, COLONEL Long and the other gentlemen of Jamaica attend, and are acquainted with the refolutions of the committee --- Page 410 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT CHAP. committee to report to his majefty, that they may enjoy the XIV. fame method of making laws as is now appointed for Barba1 does; with which the gentlemen exprefs themfelves very well fatisfied. N UM B E R XXXIX. Cnpy efpowers to the Earlof Carlifle for making laws. Charles the Second, by the grace of God, king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender ofthe Faith, &c. To our right trufty and right well-beloved coufin Charles Earl of Carlifle, our captaingeneral and governor in chief in and over our ifland of Jamaica, and other the territories depending thereon; and to our deputygovernor and commander in chief of our faid Ifland; and, in cafe oftheir death or abfence, to our council of Jamaica. WHEREAS, by our royal commiflion bearing date the firit of March, in the thirtieth year of our reign, we having thought fitto conftitute and appoint you, Charles Earl of Carlifle, captain-general and governor in chiefinand over our ifland of Jamaica, and the territories depending thereon, thereby commanding and requiring you, or in your abfence our deputy-governor, or our council, to do and execute all things belonging to the faid command, and the truft repofed in you, according to the feveral powers or direétions granted or appointed you by the faid commiffion and the inftructions therewith given you, or by further powers and inftruétions to be granted or appointed you under our fignet and fign manual, as by our faid commiflion (reference being thereunto had) doth more at large appear : and whereas it is ncceffary that ence our deputy-governor, or our council, to do and execute all things belonging to the faid command, and the truft repofed in you, according to the feveral powers or direétions granted or appointed you by the faid commiffion and the inftructions therewith given you, or by further powers and inftruétions to be granted or appointed you under our fignet and fign manual, as by our faid commiflion (reference being thereunto had) doth more at large appear : and whereas it is ncceffary that --- Page 411 --- OF JAMAICA. that good and wholefome laws and ordinances be fettled eftablifhed for the government and of and APPENfupport our ifand of Jamaica: we do hereby give and grant unto full DIX. and authority, with the advice and confent of you power ) cil, from time to time, as need (hall the faid counor call general affemblies of the require, to fummon within the faid ifland, in manner and frecholders form and planters tifed in Jamaica. And our will and as is now pracfons thereupon duly eleéted pleafure is; that the perby the major part of the ers of the relpective parifhes and placcs, and fo freehold- (having, before their fitting, taken the oaths of returned and fupremacy, which you fhall commifionate fit allegiance under the public feal of that ifland, to adminifter, perfons, out taking which none Thall be capable of and witheledted) fhall be called and held the general fitting, though iflandiof Jamaica; and that affembly of our fhall have full they, or the major part of them, power and authority, with the advice and fent of yourfelf and of the council, to make, conordain laws, ftatutes, and conftitute, and ordinances, for the public welfare, and good government of the faid ifland, and of peace, the people and inhabitants thereof, and fuch other as Thall refort thereto, and for the benefit of our heirs and fucceffors faid] laws, ftatutes, and ; which niently ordinances, are to be (as near as convemay be)a agreeableto the laws and ftatutes of dom of England: : provided, that all fuch our) kingordinances, of what nature or duration laws, fatutes, and three months, or by the firft whatfoever, be, within the fàme, tranfmitted conveyance after the making allowance unto us under the public feal, for our and approbation of them, as alfo of by the next conveyance : and in cafe all duplicates there, (being not before confirmed or any of them allowed by us) (hall at any time be difand not approved, and fo or fucceffors, under fignified by us, our heirs our or their fign manual or order of our or their privy. council, unto fignet, or by of Carlifle, or to the commanderi in chief of you, the faid Earl the time being, then fuch our faid ifland for difallowe and or fo many of them as Thall be fo not approved Thall from thenceforth ceafe, determine, allowed by us) (hall at any time be difand not approved, and fo or fucceffors, under fignified by us, our heirs our or their fign manual or order of our or their privy. council, unto fignet, or by of Carlifle, or to the commanderi in chief of you, the faid Earl the time being, then fuch our faid ifland for difallowe and or fo many of them as Thall be fo not approved Thall from thenceforth ceafe, determine, --- Page 412 --- HISTORICAL ACCOUNT, &c. CHAP. determine, and be utterly void and of none effedt, any thing XIV. to the contrary thereof notwithftanding. And, to the end nothing may be paffed or done in our faid ifland bythe faid council or affembly to the prejudice of us, our heirs or fucceffors, we will and ordain thatyou, the faid Charles Earl of Carlifle, fhall have and enjoy a negative voice in the making or pafling of all laws, ftatutes, and ordinances, as aforefaid; and that you fhall and may likewife, from tine to time, as you fhalljudge it neceflary, diffolve all general affemblies, as aforefaid; any thing in our commiffion bearing date as aforefaid to the contrary hereof notwithftanding. And our will and pleafure is, that, in cafe of your death or abfence from our faid ifland, our deputy-governor for the time being exercife and enjoy all and fingular the powers and authorities hereby granted unto you, or intended to be granted you, the faid Charles Earl ofCarlifle; and in cafe he likewife happen to dic, or be abfent from our faid ifland, we do hereby authorize and empower our council of Jamaica to execute the powers hereby given you; until we fhall declare our further pleafure therein. Given at our court at Ibitehall, this 3d day of November, in the thirty-fecond year ef our reign. --- Page 413 --- HISTORY OF THE WEST INDIES, &cc. HORTUS EASTENSIS: OR A CATALOGUE OF EXOTIC in the Garden of HINTON PLANTS, EAST, Efq; in the Mountains of Liguanea, in the Ifland of By ARTHUR JAMAICA, at the Time of his deceafe, BROUGHTON, M.D. N. B. This Garden is now the Property of the Public. --- Page 414 --- HORT U S a - A a --- Page 415 --- EASTE: NSIS. - Vor. III. RosM AI RINUS --- Page 416 --- H O R T U S --- Page 417 --- EASTEI NSIS, - cfit --- Page 418 --- H O R T U S E --- Page 419 --- E A S T E N S - Riass --- Page 420 --- H O R T U S --- Page 421 --- E AS S T E NSIS. B b 4 NARCISSUS --- Page 422 --- H O R T U S --- Page 423 --- E A S T E NSI S. Clafrs --- Page 424 --- H OR T U S --- Page 425 --- E A S T E N :, VLA. --- Page 426 --- H O R T U S --- Page 427 --- E A S T E N S S. y - RUTA --- Page 428 --- 38z HORTUS --- Page 429 --- E A S T E N S S. TRIGYNIA, --- Page 430 --- HORTUS --- Page 431 --- E A S T E N S S. Yoz. III. Myi TUS --- Page 432 --- HORTUS --- Page 433 --- EASTE N S I S. C Ciafis --- Page 434 --- HOR TUS --- Page 435 --- E. ASTE NSIS. LAVANDULA --- Page 427 --- E A S T E N S S. y - RUTA --- Page 428 --- 38z HORTUS --- Page 429 --- E A S T E N S S. TRIGYNIA, --- Page 430 --- HORTUS --- Page 431 --- E A S T E N S S. Yoz. III. Myi TUS --- Page 432 --- HORTUS --- Page 433 --- EASTE N S I S. C Ciafis --- Page 434 --- HOR TUS --- Page 435 --- E. ASTE NSIS. LAVANDULA --- Page 436 --- H ORT U S --- Page 437 --- EASTENSIS - C 4 QUOSa --- Page 438 --- H ORTUS --- Page 439 --- E A S T E N S T S. HiBiscus --- Page 440 --- HORTUS --- Page 441 --- E ASTENSIS RoaiNia --- Page 442 --- H 0 R T U 2, S --- Page 443 --- E ASTENSIS --- Page 444 --- H OR T U S --- Page 445 --- E A S T E NSIS. Clals --- Page 446 --- H OR T U S - < R --- Page 447 --- EAST E NSIS. - & a - a Vor. III. PENTANDRIA, --- Page 448 --- H 0 R T U S --- Page 449 --- EASTEN NSIS. Clafs --- Page 450 --- H 0 R T U S A R --- Page 451 --- EASTENSIS U - - D d 1 RMINALIA --- Page 452 --- H R T U S --- Page 453 --- E A S T E N S 5. POST. --- Page 454 --- 408 ] POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO: Containing a brief Review efthe Tranfadtion and Condition of the Britifh Army there, during the Years 1795, 6, 7, and 8, until thefinal Evacuation of the Country. years have clapfed fince Iclofed the de. of the military operations of the Britith Four army in St.. Domingo, and I grieveto fay, that what was then prophetic apprebenfion, is now become hiftorical faét. This once opulent and beautiful colony, the boaft of France, and the glory of the new hemifphere, is expunged from the chart ofthe civilized world : The profpeét of fuch lamentable ruin might give occafion for many obfervations and refleétions, and I thall prefent to my readers, in the following very imperfeét fketch (for fuch it is in every fenfe) a few that occur to me: more than this I dare not attempt. Were it in my power (as in truth it is not) to continue, in a regular feries, the hiftory of thofe fad events which have led ta this miferable cataftrephe, I fhould indeed decline a tafk lamentable ruin might give occafion for many obfervations and refleétions, and I thall prefent to my readers, in the following very imperfeét fketch (for fuch it is in every fenfe) a few that occur to me: more than this I dare not attempt. Were it in my power (as in truth it is not) to continue, in a regular feries, the hiftory of thofe fad events which have led ta this miferable cataftrephe, I fhould indeed decline a tafk --- Page 455 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. a tafk which would be equally readers, and painful to myfelf. In dilgufting a climate to my where every gale was fraught with poifon, and in a conteft with uncounted hofts of barbarians, what could the beft efforts of ourgallant countrymen effeét? Their enemies indeed fled before them, but the arrows of peftilence purfued and arrefted the victors, in their career of conqueft Scenes likethefe, while afford but finall caufe of they themfelves, gratulation to the aétors furnith no topicks to animate the of the hiftorian; who would have little elfe to page difplay but a repetition of the fame dififters-delufive promifes, unrealized hopes, unavailing exertions; producing a complication of miferies, difeafe, dif traction, contagion, and death! Ar the fame time (althoughIknow not that the reader will derive any great degree of confolation from the circumflance) it is incumbent on obferve, that, during the difaftrous me to I treat, I have not heard that period of which neglect was ever fairly any mifconduét or had the direétion imputed to thofe perfons who of the enterprize, either in the public departments of Great Britain, or in the fcene of action itfelf. The names of Williamfon, Forbes, Simcoe, Whyte, and Maitland, with them a deimonftration that neither carry energy, nor military courage, nor ing in the principal talents, was at any time wantof troops too, were fent department. by the Britich Reinforcements with a more liberal hand than in former government Towards the latter end of April 1795, the Sift years. and g6th regiments (confifling together of 1,700 men) arrived or in the fcene of action itfelf. The names of Williamfon, Forbes, Simcoe, Whyte, and Maitland, with them a deimonftration that neither carry energy, nor military courage, nor ing in the principal talents, was at any time wantof troops too, were fent department. by the Britich Reinforcements with a more liberal hand than in former government Towards the latter end of April 1795, the Sift years. and g6th regiments (confifling together of 1,700 men) arrived --- Page 456 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL arrived from Ireland; the 82d, from Gibraltar, landed 980 men in Auguft ; and in April 1796, the 66th and 6gth regiments, confifting of 1,000 men each, with 150 artillery, arrived from the fame place, under the command of General Bowyer; fo that the whole number of effective men which had landed in St. Domingo, down to this period (including fome fmall detachments fent upat different times from Jamaica) amounted to 9,800. In June following, four regiments ofinfantry, and a part of two others*, arrived from Cork, under the command ofGeneral Whyte. Thefe were foon afterwards followed by feven regiments of Britifh-t, together with three regiments of foreign cavalryts befides two companies of Britifh, and a detachment of Dutch artillery; making in the whole a further reinforcement of about 7.9005. BuT what avail the beft concerted fchemes ofhuman policy againft the difpenfations of Divine Providence? A great part ofthefe gallant troops, moft of them in the bloom of youth, were conveyed, with little intermiffion, from the thips to the hofpital; from the hofpital to the grave! Of the 82d regiment, no lefs than 630 became victims to the climate, within the fhort fpace of ten weeks after their * The 17th, 32d, Sotl, and 67th, with part of the 93d and gyth. t The r3th, 14th, i7th, 18th, 21ft, 26th, and 29th. $ The York, Hompefch and Rouen Huffars. $ Out of this number are however to be deduéted the 32d infantry and the 26th dragoons; the fornier of which were fent from St. Domingo to Bahama, and the latter to the Windward Hlands. , 32d, Sotl, and 67th, with part of the 93d and gyth. t The r3th, 14th, i7th, 18th, 21ft, 26th, and 29th. $ The York, Hompefch and Rouen Huffars. $ Out of this number are however to be deduéted the 32d infantry and the 26th dragoons; the fornier of which were fent from St. Domingo to Bahama, and the latter to the Windward Hlands. --- Page 457 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. their landing. In one of its than three rank and file companies, no inore were fit for duty. Hompefch's regiment of huflars were reduced, in little more than two months, from 1,000 to 96th regiment perifhed to a man ! By 300, the andthe September, 1796, the regifters of 3oth of played a mournful diminution of mortality dif. of the Britifh forces no lefs than 7530 end of only; 5 and towards the Jatter 1797, out of the whole number of Britith and forcign, which had landed and troops, detained in this devoted were the two country, during that and preceding years, (certainly not far thort of 15,000 men) Iam affured that not more than were left alive and in a condition for fervice*. 3,000 DURING thisdreadful facrifice of human life, the neceflary operations in the colony were produétive of fuch an expenditure of treafure to the Britith government, as excited the utmoft aftonifhment in the minds of the king's minifters; who ought however to have forefeen, that the coft of railing, feeding, arming, clothing, and paying colonial both black and white, in a country where regiments, cle was three times as dear as in every artipence of Europe, and the exfitting out armed veflels totranfport and ftores from one part of the colony to another troops part, (both of them meafures of abfolute muft unavoidably be neceflity) very great-f. The charges attending The lofs of feamen in the fhips employed on the coaft are not included. lt may be ftated very at men. moderately 5,000 t The colonial troaps, black and white, embodied by General Williamfon, amounted at the end of 1795 to 8,170. armed veflels totranfport and ftores from one part of the colony to another troops part, (both of them meafures of abfolute muft unavoidably be neceflity) very great-f. The charges attending The lofs of feamen in the fhips employed on the coaft are not included. lt may be ftated very at men. moderately 5,000 t The colonial troaps, black and white, embodied by General Williamfon, amounted at the end of 1795 to 8,170. --- Page 458 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL tending the hofpital fervice, were alone found ta amount to IOS. a day for each invalid. For the payment ofthefe, and other fervices, the Governor was authorized to draw bills of exchange on the Britifh treafury; and the bills thus drawn, to the firft of May, amounted to/-4:383.596. 8s. 2d. fterling, Bur, notwithflanding this enormous expence, both of blood and treafure, the profpeét of fubduing the whole of this great ifland, and annexing it, in a profitable condition, to the Briti(h dominion, was more diftant than ever. The weaknefs and diminution of our troops, infpired the enemy with renewed confidence. They were not unobfervant of our fituation, and took advantage of it. Thofe among the white inhabitants who were fecretly difaffeéted, became encouraged and confirmed in their hoftile purpofes, and were eafily prevailed upon to declare openly againft a caufe, which they plainly forefaw muft, in a fhort time, work its own deftruétion. Irisnot however to be underftood that the Britith army was fuffered to remain, during this time, in defponding inaétivity. The cafe was far otherwife. Every man who was in a condition for fervice, had full employment affigned to him, and undoubtedly very vigorous efforts weremade to diftrefs the enemy, and extend our footing in the country, until, unhappily, every fucceeding exertion, like the labours of Syfiphus, terminated in new difappointment. AT one period very fanguine expectations prevailed from the co-operation and fervices of the colonial --- Page 459 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO, colonial corps, which General Williamfon had caufed to be organized. Their knowledge of the and their habitude to the climate, were fuppofed country, to render them a ufeful and formidable body. They had been formed in a great degree under the Baron de Montalembert, (an officer of whofe military merit it is not eafy to fpeak in terms too favourable) and, immediately after the arrival of the 82d ment from Gibraltar, fuch oft them as were brought regitoa a fufficient ftate of difcipline, commenced tions, under that officer's command, in the weftern operaprovince : being reinforced by the Baron's own ment, and a detachment from the Britifh 82d, regiproceeded for a time very fuccefsfully, driving they the enemy out of many fortified. pofts, and taking poffeffion ofa great extent of country, even as far as the Spanifh frontiers. Nothing could exceed the noble fpirit of emulation which animated their conduét. Unhappily, the want ofa fufficient number of men to garrifon the pofts which the enemy had abandoned, rendered all their fucceffes ultimately abortive. Their progrefs, therefore, was productive of no lafting imprefifion: it was like that of a veffel traverfing the ocean ;-the waves yielded indeed for the moment, but united again as the veffel paffed. IN the meanwhile a very confiderable body of the revolted negroes (the whole of whom had now feparated themfelves altogether from the people of colour) continued to maintain their pofition in a ftrong poft, on the heights which overlook Port au Prince towards the fouth. This party of brigands were commanded by a negro named Dudonait, fting imprefifion: it was like that of a veffel traverfing the ocean ;-the waves yielded indeed for the moment, but united again as the veffel paffed. IN the meanwhile a very confiderable body of the revolted negroes (the whole of whom had now feparated themfelves altogether from the people of colour) continued to maintain their pofition in a ftrong poft, on the heights which overlook Port au Prince towards the fouth. This party of brigands were commanded by a negro named Dudonait, --- Page 460 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL nait, who had contrived to cut off the ftreams by which the town was ufually fupplied with frefh water. The diftrefs to which the garrifon was reduced by this meafure, and the difgrace of fuffering the infults of fuch an enemy to remain unpunifhed, induced the General, in the month of December, to make formidable preparations for attacking Dudonait in his camp; when an extraordinary circumftance occurred, which, as it difplays the ftate of parties among the revolters, deferves recital. On the firft ofJanuary 1796, this negro chief fent a flag to the General, fignifying that it was his intention to prefent the Britifh with a fupply of water, by way of a new-year'sgift; and accordingly the fprings were cleared, and the ftreams fuffered to run in their ufual channel, to the great relief of the town and the garrifon. This meafure, on the part of the enemy, was followed by overtures for a negociation, 5 and Dudonait foon afterwards tranfmitted the heads of a treaty in writing, offering therein to bring the chief part of his army over to the Englith, on certain conditions; one of which was, that the Englith troops fhould co-operate with their new negro allies, utterly to cut off and extirpate the people of colour thronghout St. Domingo. As it was impoffible that General Williamfon could liften to propofitions ofthis nature, although he had no reafon to doubt the fincerity of Dudonait, the preparations for driving the enemy from his pofition were continued. Light artillery was provided to be carried up the mountains on mules. The enterprize however was attended with fo many difficulties, --- Page 461 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO, difficulties, that it was not until the 28th of Febru4'S ary therattack was made; when the Briti(h had the fatisfaétion, in the courfe of a few hours, to fee the brigands, who had fo long hemmed in andinfulted them, fly from their chain of formidable pofts in all direétions. General head of the Bowyer was at the column, at the place where the chief attack was made, and he carried the lines by ftorm*. HAD I the means of refounding in detail the many other enterprizes, in the profecution of which the honour of the Britith flag was ably maintained and fupported, notwithftanding the cruel which the difeafes of the climate hourly made ravages the troops, the recital of them Chould not be among omitted.--I fhould dwell with infinite the meritsof the Generals fatisfaction on Churchill, Bowyer, Montalembert; the Colonels Spencer, Stuart, and other officers in high command." It Deffource, is fally acknowledged, that the fervices of all univer- thefe gentlemen that 1 have mentioned were eminently confpicuous; ; and I regret that my information Is not fufficiently minute and particular, to enable to beftow that diftinét and me appropriate tribute of applaufe on the conduét of each, which juftice and gratitude would otherwife demand. This acknowledgment therefore is all that I can general but my regret is heightened by the offer; mournfully refledting, * The negro commander, prized by the Mulatto Geueral Dudonait, was foon afterwards furnegociation with the Rigaud, who had heard of bis execution. Englifh, and ordered him to immediate ly minute and particular, to enable to beftow that diftinét and me appropriate tribute of applaufe on the conduét of each, which juftice and gratitude would otherwife demand. This acknowledgment therefore is all that I can general but my regret is heightened by the offer; mournfully refledting, * The negro commander, prized by the Mulatto Geueral Dudonait, was foon afterwards furnegociation with the Rigaud, who had heard of bis execution. Englifh, and ordered him to immediate --- Page 462 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL fleéting, that fuch exertions and talents were employed in fo unprofitable a fervice; a warfare in which all human efforts were unavailing, and fuccefs itfelf unattended with lafting advantage or renown. In the month of March 1796, Sir Adam Williamfon embarked for Great Britain, having refigned the command ofthe troops to General Forbes, who was himfelf fuperfeded by the arrival of General Simcoe, as chief governor, in March 1797- One great object the king's minifters had in view, by the appointment laft mentioned, was, as I have heard, to obtain a full and accurate reprefentation of the flate of the colony, the aétual fituation of the Britifh army there, and the profpects which remained of the ultimate fuccels to the enterprize. No man was better qualified to form a correét, comprebenfive, and unbiaffed opinion on thofe points, than General Simcoe. He was inftruéted, withal, to carry into effect a plan of reform and retrenchment in the difpofal and application of the public money. Abufes under this head were loudly, and I believe very juftly, complained of, the correétion ofwhich, it was faid, could be effeéted only by a proper exertion of firmnefs, energy, and decifion in the commanderin chief; qualities which eminently diftinguifh that officer's charaéter. It is unpleafant to relate, butit is too notorious to be denied, that among the French colonifts, our allies, many ofthe principal men, in return for the tender of their fervices, had ftipulated for, and obtained very extraordinary falaries and appointments. Some of thefe gentlemen, which, it was faid, could be effeéted only by a proper exertion of firmnefs, energy, and decifion in the commanderin chief; qualities which eminently diftinguifh that officer's charaéter. It is unpleafant to relate, butit is too notorious to be denied, that among the French colonifts, our allies, many ofthe principal men, in return for the tender of their fervices, had ftipulated for, and obtained very extraordinary falaries and appointments. Some of thefe gentlemen, --- Page 463 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO gentlemen, without doubt, had acquired a to liberal juft claim remuneration; but there were others among them, who fet, I am afraid, a gerated value on their own merits. In the very cxagforlorn and fad condition of the army,h prefent meafure of retrenching however, the what nature foever, expences and allowances, of proved a painful and perilous undertaking. The whole body of our allies alarmed and difcontented in were efforis became confequence ofit. Their ledged, that fomei every where palfied; and it is alto the important pofts were furrendered them, enemy, without an effort being made to fave Itis certain that officers of high rank refigned their commiflions and quitted the Thus, whilft difeafe was rapidly country. diguft and difaffeétion thinning thei ranks, fpread with equal among the furvivors. The rapidity fide, was gloomy; ; and the mournful profpect, on every tout eff perdid, refounded equally from exclamation, felfithnefs, and defponding difappointed GENERAL SIMCOE, by the loyalty, moderation nefs of his conduét, fucceeded and firmand in reftoring order fubordination; and, in fome degrce, in confidence; but the ftate of affairs was reviving defperate, and the General irretrievably the greateft fervicehe could probably thought, that to return to Great Britain, render his country, was reprefent in perion tothe fully and faithfully to of his ex perience and king'sminilters, the refult pofe (as it is oblervations. Fur this purin July. fuppofed) he embarked for Europe WHAT report the General Vot. III. made, on his arrival Ee in --- Page 464 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL in London, to the Britifh adminiftration, is not known to me but by conjeéture. It is certain that government foon afterwards came to the determination of reducing the number of Britith pofts in St. Domingo, (by ordering the moft diftant and lefs important ones to be abandoned) and of concentratingand direéting all our force to the maintenance of certain places only, the permanent poffeffion of which might afford fecurity to our navigation and commerce, and deter the enemy from attempting predatory excurfions againft the Britith fettlements in the neighbourhood. THIS determination appears to me to have been fuggefted by wifdom, or rather it was founded on neceffity 5 and in order to carry it into full effect, fuitable inftructions were prepared for General Nefbit, who was appointed fucceffor to General Simcoe in December 1797THE command of the troops in the meanwhile had devolved on General Whyte, an officer of great experience, local knowledge, and approved bravery; but neither experience nor courage in the commander, could enable the army to do more thanto maintain itfelf within the garrifon. The war was no longer a war of conqueft, but of felf-prefervation. The rebel negroes were at the gates, and no alternative remained but to ftand on the detenfive, until General Nefbit's arrival. RESPECTING the forces of the enemy, and the interior ftate of the colony, at the period of General Simcoe's departure, it was known that the men in arms were become divided into two principal factions, / commander, could enable the army to do more thanto maintain itfelf within the garrifon. The war was no longer a war of conqueft, but of felf-prefervation. The rebel negroes were at the gates, and no alternative remained but to ftand on the detenfive, until General Nefbit's arrival. RESPECTING the forces of the enemy, and the interior ftate of the colony, at the period of General Simcoe's departure, it was known that the men in arms were become divided into two principal factions, / --- Page 465 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO factions, under different leaders. The troops which had been fent at different times republican from France, having been reduced by ficknefsand famine to about 700, bad made a fort of junétion with the revolted negroes of the northern ferving to themfelves only the province; rea diftinét regiment, and of privilege of forming white officers ; but the General being commanded by Chiefofthe whole of this northern or Commander in army, white and black, was a negro named Touffaint This man, at the commencement of L'Ouverture, the revolt 1791, was a flave to Monfieur Noé, a confiderable in planter in the neighbourhood of Cape now refiding in London. Having taken François, part in the rebellion, Touffaint had an active fort time, great weight acquired, in a length obtained fuch amongthe negroes, and at an afcendancy among his adherents, as invefted him with abfolute and undif puted authority over them. Hisattachment to the French however government was thought extremely doubtful; and in truth he feemed to have no other immediate objeét in view, than that of his own power, and fecuring the freedom confolidating of his fellow negroes. His black army in was ettimated at 18,000 infantry, and a troop 1797 of horfe of about 1,000, THE other principal body was compofed of Mulattoes, colleéted from different chiefly colony, and negro flaves whom parts of the to join them, The they had compelled of Mulattoes, fpurning the idea ferving under a negro General, had reforted the fouthern province, and enrolled to themfelves, Eez with --- Page 466 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL with their brethren of colour in that part of the country, under Andrew Rigaud, a General of their own caft, of whom mention has already been made. His army, (comprchending alfo fuch of the lower clafs of white inhabitants of the fouthern and weftern provinces, as found it neceffary, either for their daily fupport, or perfonal protcétion, to enlift under his banner) was faid to amount to about 12,000;and they declared themfelves in the intereft of the republican government eftablifhed under the French Direétory. BETWEEN thefe two bodies, however, as the reader muft have perccived, there exifted the moft inveterate and rancorous animofity, which had alrcady manifefted itfelfin many confliéts; and nothing but the prefence of an invading enemy in the country reftrained it, in any degree, from proceeding to that extremity of civil conteft-a war of utter extermination-in which mercy is neither to be given nor accepted. On the departure of the Englith, Touffaint made a public declaration, fignifying that it was his intention not to leave a Mulatto man alive in the country; ; and, with refpeét 1O fuch of thefe unhappy people as have fince fallen into his hands, I am affured that he has kept his word; not an individual of them has been fpared. Burakthough thefe great factions were the two moft contiderable, they were not the only bodies of a:med men that affociated in this unfortunate country, andacted without any co-operation with cach other. Separateh hordes, compofed of revolted flaves, andruffians ufeserydelerijsion,apearedin different parts , with refpeét 1O fuch of thefe unhappy people as have fince fallen into his hands, I am affured that he has kept his word; not an individual of them has been fpared. Burakthough thefe great factions were the two moft contiderable, they were not the only bodies of a:med men that affociated in this unfortunate country, andacted without any co-operation with cach other. Separateh hordes, compofed of revolted flaves, andruffians ufeserydelerijsion,apearedin different parts --- Page 467 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. parts (chiefly in the northern and weftern provinces) fupporting themfelves by depredation and plunder. Againft the cruelties and enormities committed thefe parties, the few remaining whites had by means of fafety, but by purchafing the no of' Touffaint : and thus an extraordinary revolution proteétion bad taken place;-the very chief whofe original intent was the total extirpation of the whites, had checked his career of maffacre, and was now become their defender and proteétor. In the fouthern vince were parties of brigands ofa fimilard profome of which made piratical excurfions defcription, canoes, and at fea in captured many fmall veffels, both American and Englith, which were found near the coaft. On thefe occafions, the favages put all white feamen to inftant death; but where the women were unhappily found on board, thefe any carried away with them in a ftate of captivity, they for purpofes which perhaps made them envy the more immediate fate of the murdered feamen. It muft not be omitted, however, that Rigaud indignant proclamation againft thefe publifhed an hanged up all fuch of them as were. pirates, and under it. apprehended SucH was the ftate of affairs in St. during the latter part of 1795, and the Domingo, whole of theyears 1796 and 1797, until the the Britilh forces was fo mortality among no alternative great, as in truth to leave to the fad furvivors, but to retire from a conteft, in which viétory itfelf was ment and defeat ! difappointON the 22d of April 1798, therefore, Maitland, (whoin confequence of General Brigadier Whyte's Ec3 return --- Page 468 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL return to Europe, and the death of General Nefbit in his voyage outwards, had fucceeded to the chief command) came to the refolution of evacuating the towns ofPort au Prince and St. Marc, with their refpective dependencies, together with the parith of Arcahaye; a meafure which, by ajudicious negociation with Touffaint, he happily effected without lofs, and withdrew with the troops to Mole St. Nicholas. THE whole number of white troops, Englith and forcign, at this period in the Briti(h fervice, under General Maitland'scommand, did not exceed2,500, including even the fick and convalefcent. Of the Britith, not more than I,100 were left alive. Part of thefe held poffeflion of Grand Ance under Brigadier General Spencer, the remainder embarked with General Maitland forthe Mole. THE great importance of the poft at Mole St. Nicholas, to which our troops now retreated, has been pointed out on a former occafion *; but it was alfo remarked that the fortifications there, however defenfive they might provein the cafc of a maritime attack, (for which alone they were conftruéted) could not eafily be maintained againft an attempt on the fide of the land, being completely commanded by the hills adjacent. This circumftance could not poffibly have efcaped General Maitland's notice; for the fame obfervation occurred to myfelf, and muft have occurred to every other man who has vifited the place. Very ferious apprehenfions muft therefore have been felt, that the Britifh forces Hiffor'cal Survey of St. Domingo, p. 140. which alone they were conftruéted) could not eafily be maintained againft an attempt on the fide of the land, being completely commanded by the hills adjacent. This circumftance could not poffibly have efcaped General Maitland's notice; for the fame obfervation occurred to myfelf, and muft have occurred to every other man who has vifited the place. Very ferious apprehenfions muft therefore have been felt, that the Britifh forces Hiffor'cal Survey of St. Domingo, p. 140. --- Page 469 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO, forces would, at no diftant period, be compelled to abandon this poft, as they had abandoned the others. Ir is probable, that confiderations of this nature induced General Maitland to form the defign of repoffefling the no lefs important poft of Cape Tiburon ; which, as the reader has already been told, was taken from the Britith by a force under Rigaud, on the 2sth of December 1794. It was thought that, with the neighbouring port of Jeremic, and the bay ofirois, already in our poffeffion, the capture of Tiburon would not only command the diftriet of Grand Ance, and fecure the navigation ofthe windward paffage, equally with the Mole St. Nicholas, but afford alfo, in a very confiderable degree, tection to Jamaica, in cafe the enemy fhould medi- protate attempts on the coafts of that ifland. At the fame time, it was not intended, I prefume, to evacuate the Mole, but under circumftances of imperious neceffity, Ix the beginning of June 1798, fuch of the troops as could be fpared for the intended expedition againft Tiburon, affembled in the bay of Irois. The firft brigade was commanded by Colonels Spencer and Grant, and the fecond by Colonel a third brigade, under the command of Stuart; Colonel Deffource, confifting of colonial troops, moved forwards by land on the Iith; ; the other brigades embarked, at the fame time, in the Iquadron appointed to co-operate with them, confifting of the York, Adventure, Tourterelle, Rafter, and Drake, under the command of Captain Ferrier. Ee4 So --- Page 470 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL So far the whole bufinefs feems to have been judicioufly conduéted, and to have promifed a fuccefsful termination; but the iffues of war are in the hands of the Almighty. Owing to the prevalence of firong fouth-cafterly winds, it was found impoffible, after many unavailing attempts for that purpofe, to effeét a landing of the troops; and the General, not from the refiftance of the enemy, but from the rage of the elements, was ultimately obliged to relinquith the attack, and return with the troops to Mole St. Nicholas. THE failure of this attempt on Tiburon, was foon afterwards followed by a defign of the enemy on the Mole itfelf. Towards the fummit of one of the hills commanding the fort, the Britifh had eftablithed a poft of 60 men, chiefly colonial troops. On the 21ft of July this poft was attacked by a horde of brigands, and (to the great aftonilhment of the garrifon below) was carried, without much refiflance, the major part of the detachment ftationed there having deferted to the enemy. The few Britith among them, however, by keeping up a well-direéted retreating fire, reached the garrifon in fafety. BUT the triumph of the brigands on this occafion was of Chort duration; for the mortars of the garrifon having been brought to play againft the ipot, the enemy was foon driven from the poft, and a detachment of Britith, under Colonel Stewart, again took poffeflion ofit. A MORE daring attempt however was made, about the fame tirc, at another poft called the Gorges where , however, by keeping up a well-direéted retreating fire, reached the garrifon in fafety. BUT the triumph of the brigands on this occafion was of Chort duration; for the mortars of the garrifon having been brought to play againft the ipot, the enemy was foon driven from the poft, and a detachment of Britith, under Colonel Stewart, again took poffeflion ofit. A MORE daring attempt however was made, about the fame tirc, at another poft called the Gorges where --- Page 471 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. where the brigands appeared in great force ; and although by the gallantry and good conduét of the troops fent againft them, they were finally repulfed, their defeat was not effeéted without an obftinate refiftance on their part, and confiderable lofs on ours. Ir was now evident to every man, that, unlefs pofleffion could be obtained of the furrounding hills, and a chain of ftrong pofts, with lines ofgreat extent, eftablifhed on their fummits, it was not within the reach ofhuman fkill, or human to preferve the garrifon itfelf from courage, the event of a ftill more formidable attack deftruétion, in from the enemy, of which theg garrifon was in hourly tion. expectaFor the ereétion of fuch works and defences, General Maitland, whatever might have been his wilhes, certainly did not poffefs the neceffary neither had he troops enough to man means; if the means had been within his reach. them, even Ir is plain, therefore, that no fort ofalternative remained to General Maitland on this occafion, but to confider of a ipeedy and fecure retreat for the wreck of his worn-out veterans, and to abandon for ever a country which, after five bloody of hopelefs warfare within its borders, has years its invaders with juft furnifhed for the fpace enough, and no more, graves of about 20,000 brave foldiers and feamen 5 facrificed to the vain projeét of a territory, which, after feizing on obtaining it, we muft have, newly peopled, to render it produétive ! SUCH a retreat Gencral Maitland, in the month of , and to abandon for ever a country which, after five bloody of hopelefs warfare within its borders, has years its invaders with juft furnifhed for the fpace enough, and no more, graves of about 20,000 brave foldiers and feamen 5 facrificed to the vain projeét of a territory, which, after feizing on obtaining it, we muft have, newly peopled, to render it produétive ! SUCH a retreat Gencral Maitland, in the month of --- Page 472 --- FOSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL of Oétober 1798,happily effected*. Ofthemeans by which it was accomplithed, and the arrangements which it is believed were made, about the fane time, with the negro chief Touffaint, for the future fafety of the Britith trade, and the fecurity of the Britifh poffeffions in this part of the world, I can give no certain information to my readers. On thofe points the king's minifters have hitherto withheld all manner of communication. Enough is known however, (and more than enough) to demonftrate to every unprejudiced mind, that the final evacuation of moft parts of St. Domingo, was not a matter of inere, prudence and difcretion, but of abfolute and uncontroulable neceffity. To have attempted the further profecution of offenfive war in this devoted country, (after fuch experience as five years had already furnifhed) would have argued, not * The troops at the Mole and thofe at the Grand Ance under Colonel Spencer, were removed to Jamaica. They did not amount altogetherto one thoufand. The negro regiments einbodicd by General Williamfon were difbanded, and the men left to difpofe of themfelves as they thought proper. This meafure was, I believe, unavoidable;neverthelefs, it was a mortifying circumftance to behold this fine body of men turned adrift, and compelled by neceffity to join the enemy. They were purchafed originally at a prodigious expence ; had been trained up to arms with furprifing fuccefs; were proud of their charaôter as foldiers;and, without doubt, H hen keptin conflant employment, were troops the beft fuited of any in the world for the country and climate. Whether any great dependance might be placed on the proper fubordination and loyalty of fuch a body of men in time of peacc, or on their fidelity in time of war, with peoplec of their own caft, (and in cafes where n10 white troops could be brought to co-operate with them) I will not ventifre to decide. ; were proud of their charaôter as foldiers;and, without doubt, H hen keptin conflant employment, were troops the beft fuited of any in the world for the country and climate. Whether any great dependance might be placed on the proper fubordination and loyalty of fuch a body of men in time of peacc, or on their fidelity in time of war, with peoplec of their own caft, (and in cafes where n10 white troops could be brought to co-operate with them) I will not ventifre to decide. --- Page 473 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO, not merely an unwarrantable excefs of miftaken zeal in the minds of its conduétors, but the and impotent rage ofincurable infanity! pitiable AND thus terminated this moft terprize againft St. Domingo. difaftrous enful as the confequences of it Neverthelefs, have dreadperfuaded that no human proved, I am being was ever actuated, on any occafion, by motives more pure and patriotic, than was General Williamfon on this. Certainlyit was on his recommendation and advice that the projeét was originally adopted by ment; and if, in this cafe, he erred in his governconcerning perfons and judgment, errors proceeded from his circumftances, virtues. even bis in his nature, and incapable of deception Unfufpicious he miftrufted not the fraudulent views and himfelf, pretenfions of otlers. Here indeed he failed. arrogant was his misfortune to place too great reliance on the It venal and unfounded affurances ofa few adventurers from St. Domingo; men who bad neither nor confideration in that ifland, nor any property fort of authority from the refident planters, to invite a Britifh invafion. It was this ill-placed confidence that induced General Williamfon to recommend the meafure tothe king's minifters; and receiving their afterwards, on of it fanction, to undertake the conduét himfelf, with means fo infinitely tioned to the end, that difproporcomfiture difappointment and dif were its neceffary and natural confequences'! Let me add, at the fame time, that inftead of procuring any pecuniary felf, General Williamfon advantage to himinjured his Private fortune, in --- Page 474 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL in the profecution of this very fervice. His hcalth was the facrifice, and poverty his reward! THE hiftory of this unfortunate experiment will hereafter, it is hoped, furnifh a profitable leffon to men in power. They may learn from it the extreme danger of giving a willing ear, in time of war, to the reprefentations of defigning foreigners, concerning the difpofition and principles of the great body of their countrymen 5 and the ftate of the country from which (whether unjuftly or not is nothing to the purpofe) they have probably been driven. To expeét a fair and impartial report from fuch men, in fuch a cafe, were to fuppofe that the human mind has changed its charaéter. This unhappy credulity has been a diftinguithed feature in the conduét of the prefent war, and the cafe of St. Domingo affords a melancholy proof ofits effects. THE account which I have given will likewife furnifh additional confirmation to the cafes already recorded in hiftory, demonftrating the fatal folly af profecuting aggreffive war, for the acquifition of territory, in the climate of the Weft Indies. The dreadful expence ofl human life in fuch enterprizes, is beyond all the compenfation that the moft fplendid viétory can afford: : The hand of Omnipotence is uplifted againft the meafure, and no one nation on earth has ever made the attempt, without having had occafion afterwards to lament its commencement, and to deplore its conlequences *! SUCH KJN thefe adventures, obferves Mr. Burke, it is not an enemy we have to vanquith, but a cemetery to acquire. In carrying expence ofl human life in fuch enterprizes, is beyond all the compenfation that the moft fplendid viétory can afford: : The hand of Omnipotence is uplifted againft the meafure, and no one nation on earth has ever made the attempt, without having had occafion afterwards to lament its commencement, and to deplore its conlequences *! SUCH KJN thefe adventures, obferves Mr. Burke, it is not an enemy we have to vanquith, but a cemetery to acquire. In carrying --- Page 475 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO, SucH are the refleétions and obfervations have occurred to me on this painful which a few remarks of a lefs topick. With lefs general, but, perhaps, of no interefling a nature, I Thall quit the fabject. So long as the two great parties which in St. Domingo, Chall continue now exift civil warfare the profecution of againft each other, there is not, I pofe, much danger to be fup. them will have leifure apprehended that either of to make many on the Briti(h thipping trading in that depredations world, or any very ferious part of the of the attempts on the coafts neighbouring iflands. This flate of cannot, however, be of extenfive duration. things The war carrying on war in the Weft Indies, the hoftile fvord ful: the country itfelfi is the dreadful is mercipean conqueror finds a cruel defeat in enemy:-there the the Eurocefs. Every advantage is a very fruits of his fucWelt Indian grave." Let but new demand for recruits to the of the Seafons : us hear alfo on this fubjedtthe poet 46 Then soahefulforth Wralks the dire pozuer of pehilent difafe; Sick nature Blafing ; and to heartlefs acoe Andfeble defslatisn, cafing down The tenoering hopes, and all thie pride efmae d Such as eflate at CartLagena guenched The Bririf freThe miferable fene, Gallant Femorfez Heard mghily plang'4 amid the fullen Ruaves Thefiequent corfe!" This miferable fcene, however, has been THossos. fince the fiege of Carthagena. It was exhibited frequently repeased rah in 1762 ; at the river St. Juan ; and lately at in the Havanward Ifands; bur no wherelbelierewnith, the Wirdrhan in St. Duuingn, greaterf forceandetfact The Bririf freThe miferable fene, Gallant Femorfez Heard mghily plang'4 amid the fullen Ruaves Thefiequent corfe!" This miferable fcene, however, has been THossos. fince the fiege of Carthagena. It was exhibited frequently repeased rah in 1762 ; at the river St. Juan ; and lately at in the Havanward Ifands; bur no wherelbelierewnith, the Wirdrhan in St. Duuingn, greaterf forceandetfact --- Page 476 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL war is of too violent a nature to laft many years; and it is probable the firft general confliét will decide the fate of one ofthe two contending factions. Bx the laft accounts, Touffaint appcars to have at prefent the fuperiority. Hisarmy is undoubtedly more numerous than that of Rigaud; but I fulpcét it is worfe appointed and provided. The Mulattoes too have infinitely the advantage of the blacks in point of general knowledge and military difcipline. Rigaud himfelf is a man of fagacity and experience ; but above all, there is this circumftance attending the Mulattoes, (which I think mufl ultimately turn the fcale in their favour) that theyhave no poffibility ofrctreat,and are wellaffured they muft either fubdue their enemies, or perifk them/elves 10 a man. My opinion therefore is, that the Mulattoes will finally become mafersofall the fea coaft,and the cultivatable parts of the country; and the fugitive negroes feek a refuge in the mountainous and interior diftriéts. If fuch thall be the termination of the prefent civil conteft in St. Domingo, the ifland of Jamaica muft have a vigilant cye to its own fafety. Its trade, both outwardsand homewards, will be expofed to capture; and fuch devaftation may be fpread over the windward parifhes by hordes ofbanditti, coming thither in open canoes from the fouthern parts of St. Domingo, as may deftroy the labour of years, beforethe fquadron at Port Royal can give the fmalleft affiftance to the inhabitants. Ofthisimpending danger to Jamaica, the Britith government is without doubt futhciently appiized, and Ibelieve that meafures arein contemplation --- Page 477 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO plation how beft to avert the threatened evil, venture however to pronounce, from Iwill within my own knowledge, that circumftances folid and nothing can afford permanent fecurity to Jamaica, but tranquillity at home, Let peace be re-cfablifhed tween England and France, and all befrom St. Domingo will vanith. The apprchenfions having, after a long and bloody ftruggle, Mulattoes their claim to all the rights of French eftablithed now nothing to defire but to be confidered citizens, have knowledged as faithful fubjects of and acthe French France: : and if hereafter government, whatever form it may affume, entertains the moft diftant of reftoring, in any degree, order and hope in the country, and of deriving fubordination it as a colony, it will receive any advantage from avail itfelf of their fervices thein as fuch, and mains ofrevolt and rebellion in fuppreffing the rePeace, therefore, between throughout the ifland. England and convert the Mulattoes of St, France, will midable enemies, intoharmlefandi Domingo from forbours to the Britith Weft Indies; inoffenfiven neighthen be any longer the bufinefs for it will not armies to of our flcets and heiglten and extend the miferies on this theatre of bloodfhed, and of war liation on our own thus invite retalBritainjudges poffeflions. If indeed Great rightly, ,the will confiderther of order in St. reftoration offuture Domingo, as the only certain fecurity to her Weft Indian colonies. pledge HISTORY Britith Weft Indies; inoffenfiven neighthen be any longer the bufinefs for it will not armies to of our flcets and heiglten and extend the miferies on this theatre of bloodfhed, and of war liation on our own thus invite retalBritainjudges poffeflions. If indeed Great rightly, ,the will confiderther of order in St. reftoration offuture Domingo, as the only certain fecurity to her Weft Indian colonies. pledge HISTORY --- Page 478 --- --- Page 479 --- 433 1 H I S T ) R Y OF THE WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, FROM ITS CONMENCEMENT IN FEBRUARY 1793CHAPTER I. Preliminary Olfervations. - -Capture of Tobago.- --Commencenent oftbe War. Mwrinin--Deehaian -Fruitles Aitempt againf tbereon, and of tbe Briti/ Minifry mament to be Jent confequent to tbe Preparations Wef for a large ArGREY appointed to tbe Command Indies.-Sir CHARLES and Sir JoaN gf tbe Land Forces, JERVIS to tbe Command --New Arrangement. oftbe Fleet. WnozvER has made himfelf acquninted with hiftory ofthe Weft Indian INands, the CHAP. obferved that, whenever the cannot failtohave I. engaged, from whatever nations of Europe are - other, thofe caufe, in war with each Pyeliminaty Obfervathe theatre of unhappy its countries are conftantly made tions. ants operations, Thither the repair, as to the arena, to decide combatand the miferable planters, who theirdiftrencess ; are always the viétims ofthe are.. never the caufe, conteft! When, at the pacification of 1763, the Grear Britain and France to the neutral claims of Lucia, Tobago, St, Iflands ofSt. Vor. III. Vincent, and Dominica, were Ff adjulted --- Page 480 --- HISTORY OF THÉ CHAP. adjufted by a divifion of the fpoil, many circumI. ftances concurredto induce a hope, that the contend3 Preliminary ing parties would remain fatisfied with their Obiervabooty, tions. and not haftily involve theworld again in devaftation and bloodfhed. One of the caufes of former contefts between France and England (the claim to thofe iflands) having been removed, there was certainly reafon to fuppofe that the remembrance of recent calamities, the preflure of poverty, and the various other diftreffes which the war had brought on all the belligerent powers, were circumftances highly favourable to a continuance of the peace. The fhort CXperience of ten years proved the fallacy of this expeétation. The martial fpirit of Great Britain fickened for employment; and pretences being wanting for diredting it towards her ancient enemies, it was turned, in an evil hour, againft her own fubjeéts in North America. Wife men forelaw and predicted, that ther reftlefs and intriguing genius of France would not allow that kingdom to continue an indifferent fpectator of fuch a conteft. Accordingly, in the year 1778, fhe rufhed into another war with England, without even affecting to have fuftained the fhadow ofprovocation ; and the confequence of her injuftice, and our infanity, was the lofs not only of thofe of the fugariflands, which had been affigned to us in 1763, but of almoft all thereft; the difmemberment of the empire, and a combination of dangers from which, at one moment, death feemed our only refuge, Ofthe capture of the fugar iflands in that war, and their reftoration to Great Britain at the peace of1783, I have fufficiently treated elfewhere. Ameriça provocation ; and the confequence of her injuftice, and our infanity, was the lofs not only of thofe of the fugariflands, which had been affigned to us in 1763, but of almoft all thereft; the difmemberment of the empire, and a combination of dangers from which, at one moment, death feemed our only refuge, Ofthe capture of the fugar iflands in that war, and their reftoration to Great Britain at the peace of1783, I have fufficiently treated elfewhere. Ameriça --- Page 481 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. rica alone derived advantage from the conteft. As the French had engaged in the war CHAP, without provoT. cation, fo they retired from the firid, not only with- mne out benefit, but with manifeft lofs. They contraéted Prelininary ferv an enormous debt, to the payment of which their cio.s. ordinary revenues were inadequate; and perhaps to this circumftance, more than to any other, the ruia of their ancient government muft immediately be attributed. So true is the obfervation of our great dramatic poet (and ic is equally applicable to nations and to individuals) that Even handed juflice Commends th' ingredients of our poifon'd chalice, To our own lips. SHAKESPEARE. To a philofopher, fpeculating in his clofet, it might feem that fuch an event could not fail to operate both as a terrible example, and a profitable leffon, to the nations of the carth; but above all, to thofe few envied ftares who have every thingto lofe, and nothing to gain, by a change in their fituation. Pofterity will either mourn over that page of our hiftory, or doubc its fidelity, whtch fhall record the melancholy truth, that, in the year 1792, the government of Great Britain (too proud to learn wifdom from the misfortunes of others) adopted towards France the fame infatuated line of conduét, which, a few years before, the French government, nearly under the fame circumfances, had purfued towards Great Britain. Our conduct was fimilar; may the mercy of Divine Providence avert from us a fimilar ifue! Ff2 WAR --- Page 482 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. WAR being thus renewed (firft proclaimed, I I. admit, on the part of France, but provoked unFebruary - doubtedly by the rafh councils and imperious lan1793- guage of the Britifh adminiftration,) the Weft Indies became, as ufual, the fcene of military enterprize; and Great Britain had the advantage (ifan advantage it might be called) of making the firft onfet. On the 1oth of February 1793, a few days only after notice had been received of the French declaration of war, direétions were tranfinitted to Major General Cuyler, the commander in chief of the Britifh troops in the Windward Iilands, and to Sir Iohn Laforey, who commanded in the naval department, to attempt the reduétion ofTobago. As moft of the proprietors in that ifland were Englich, it was fuppofed that an Englith armament would be favourably received by the inhabitants; and the event juftified this expectation. The ifand furrendered, without any great ftruggle, on the 17th of April. Of the territory thus re-annexed to the Britifh dominion, I fhall give the beft account I am able to colleét in a fubfequent chapter. At prefent, I am unwilling to interrupt the narrative of military tranfactions, by difquifitions either on its paft hiftory, OF its prefent importance ; and fhall, therefore, proceed to the next attempt of the Britifh forces in this part cf the world, which I am forry to obferve had a lefs favourable termination. It was an attack on Martinico : an enterprize of great magnitude; for the labours and ingenuity of man had co-operated with the hand of nature, in rendering . At prefent, I am unwilling to interrupt the narrative of military tranfactions, by difquifitions either on its paft hiftory, OF its prefent importance ; and fhall, therefore, proceed to the next attempt of the Britifh forces in this part cf the world, which I am forry to obferve had a lefs favourable termination. It was an attack on Martinico : an enterprize of great magnitude; for the labours and ingenuity of man had co-operated with the hand of nature, in rendering --- Page 483 --- W AR IN THE WEST INDIES. rendering that inand one of the ftrongeft countries in the world. In 1759, it had relited CHAP. formidabie Britifh fuccefstiully a I. armament of ten fhips of the - line, belides frigares and bomb ketches, 1793board 5,800 regular having on troops; andalhough the ifland furrendered, three years afterwards, to a much fuperior force, yet the gallant and vigorous refiftance which the garrifon was enabled to make on that occafion, for upwards of three weeks, ought to have induced furcly great caution and with regard to future expeditions confideration, fo amply provided, both againft a country by nature and art, with the means of defence. In the prefent conjunéture, the whole ofthe Britifh force in the Windward Ifands, was known and allowed to be, ofitfelf, vaftly inadequate to the in view ; bur fuch reprefentations had been object throughout the army, concerning the difaffeétion fpread of the greater part of the inhabicants of all the Freneh ilands towards the republican government, eftablifhed on the ruins of their recently create a very general belief, that the monarchy, as to Britifh armament before the appcarance df a would alone capital of Martinico, produce an immediate furrender. General Bruce, on whom the chief comiand of our troops had devolved in the interim, was indeed affured, by a deputation from the priacipal the ifland, that ca body af 8ca planters of would be more than fufficient to regular troops, fible refiftance." overcome all pof Thefe reprefentations (as the General himfelfinforgied the king's minifters) induced him, in conFf3 junstion would alone capital of Martinico, produce an immediate furrender. General Bruce, on whom the chief comiand of our troops had devolved in the interim, was indeed affured, by a deputation from the priacipal the ifland, that ca body af 8ca planters of would be more than fufficient to regular troops, fible refiftance." overcome all pof Thefe reprefentations (as the General himfelfinforgied the king's minifters) induced him, in conFf3 junstion --- Page 484 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. junétion with admiral Gardner, to undertake the I. espedition ; and the land forces having been em1793- barked in the fhips of war, the armament arrived off Cape Navire on the uth of June 1793- On the 16th the Britifh troops, in number eleven hundred, made good their landing; and havirg been joined by a body of about cight hundred French royalifls, took poff-flion of a very frong poft within five miles of St. Pierre, it being the General's intention to attack the two forts which defended that town. The plan however did not fucceed, and I regret that I am unable to furnifh a fatisfactory account of the caufes of its failure. Whatever information might have been contained in the dif patches from the commander in chief to government, all that has been communicated to the public Jies in a narrow compafs, and I fhall repeatthe fubftantial part in the General's own words: Cc The et morning of the 18th (he obferves) was the time ce fixed for the attack, and we were to move for- €C ward in two columns, the one confifting of the < Britifh troops, the other of the French Royalifts ce and for this purpofe, the troops were put in €c motion before day break; but unfortunately, ce fome alarm having taken place amongft the cE royalifts, they began, in a miftake, firing on one cc another, and their commander being feverely cc wounded on the occafion, his troops were difCe concerted, and inftantly retired to the poft from Ce which they had marched." CC This conduet €c (continues the General) ftrongly proved that na Cc dependance could be placed on the royalifts and C that pofe, the troops were put in €c motion before day break; but unfortunately, ce fome alarm having taken place amongft the cE royalifts, they began, in a miftake, firing on one cc another, and their commander being feverely cc wounded on the occafion, his troops were difCe concerted, and inftantly retired to the poft from Ce which they had marched." CC This conduet €c (continues the General) ftrongly proved that na Cc dependance could be placed on the royalifts and C that --- Page 485 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. R that the attack againft St. Pierre, muft have been se carried on folely by the Britith troops, to which CHAP. se their numbers were not equal. They were thereI. C fore ordered to return to their former pofts, from 1793Sc whence they re-embarked," &c. This is the whole, or nearly the whole, of what the Britifh adminiftration for the thought proper to furnifh gratification of the public curiofity, concerning the conduet and failure of this unfortunate expedition; and indeed it is fufficient to demonftrate, that the ftrong affurances which had been given, and the fanguine expeétations which had been formed, of fupport and afliftance from the greater part of the French inhabitants, confifting in the whole ofupwards of 1O,000 whites, were not juftified by the event. It refleets therefore great honour on the liberal and humane difpofition of the Britifh commanders, that they did not fuffer the difappointment, which they muft have felt on this occafion, to operate to the difadvantage of thofe of the French planters, by whom fuch affurances were held forth, and who, though miftaken as to their countrymen, manifefted the fincerity of their own profeftions by their fubfequent conduét. < As they would ce tainly have fallen viétims," obferves General cerBruce, to the implacable malignity of the re- <6 publican party,s foon as we quitted the < became in a manner incumbent ifland, ic ce oft the on us, in fupport national character, to ufe our utmoft exsc ertions to bring thefe unhappy people from the 4 fhore; and although the neceffity of 6$ fuch veffels as could be found, and the purchaling impreffing Ff4 ce provifions ly have fallen viétims," obferves General cerBruce, to the implacable malignity of the re- <6 publican party,s foon as we quitted the < became in a manner incumbent ifland, ic ce oft the on us, in fupport national character, to ufe our utmoft exsc ertions to bring thefe unhappy people from the 4 fhore; and although the neceffity of 6$ fuch veffels as could be found, and the purchaling impreffing Ff4 ce provifions --- Page 486 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. ce provifions from the merchant veffels, will incur I. ce a great expence, I have reverthelefs ventured upon 1793- 6 it, trufting for my juftification to the generous ce and humane dilpofition exhibited by the Britifh €c nation on fimilar occafions. We were therefore ce employed in embarking thefe people, from the ce 1gth to the 2:ft;" 8zc. 8cc, Notwithftanding this difcouraging account, the Britifh minifters, on receiving intelligence ofGeneral Bruce's mifcarriage, confidered themfelves imperioufly called upon to vindicate the honour of the Englifh arms, by enterprizes of greater magnitude in the fame quarter. They refolved to fend thither, forthwith, fuch an armament, as, in addition to the Britifh force already in the Welt Indies, fhould be fufficient not only for the conqueft of Martinico, but even < to diflodge the enemy from every one of their poffeffions in that part of the world:" Such was their declaration. The neceffity of difpatching to that part of the king's dominions a confiderable reinforcement, could not indeed admit of doubt or delay. The prefervation of many of our fugar ifands, rendered fuch a meafure indifpenfable ; but the queftion whether it was confiftent with prudence and good policy to profecute offenfive war in that quarter, rather than confine our attention folely to the defence of the Britifh territories there, involves in it many great and weighty confiderations. A few reflections which have occurred to me on this head will be found towards the conclufion of my narrative. Sucha reinforcement, could not indeed admit of doubt or delay. The prefervation of many of our fugar ifands, rendered fuch a meafure indifpenfable ; but the queftion whether it was confiftent with prudence and good policy to profecute offenfive war in that quarter, rather than confine our attention folely to the defence of the Britifh territories there, involves in it many great and weighty confiderations. A few reflections which have occurred to me on this head will be found towards the conclufion of my narrative. Sucha --- Page 487 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. Such, however, whether fyftem approved by the wifely or not, was the CHAP, muft I think be admitted Britith minifters; and it I. in the Weft Indies that, if a war of conqueft 1 jultifiable was, at all hazards, a proper and 1793meafure, the comprehenfive embraced the whole plan, which Windward poffeffions of the French in the Ilands, originated in found tainly it was wife, either to attempt the policy: cerall of them, or to leave all of them conqueft of Every man who is acquainted with the unmolefted, fituation of the French and Britifh colonies relative iflands, the condition of in thofe each other, will allow each, and their affinity to medium. that, in this cafe, there was no It muft likewife be admitted, that the which the minifters preparations of caufed to be made, in confequence this determination, correfponded magnitude and extent of their views. to the iflued for the immediate Orders were regiments of embarkation of fourteen thoufand infantry, confifting of near eleven men; a fleet compofed of four firft-rate fhips of war and nine frigates, befides ketches, and tranfports, floops, bomb them to the fcene of was appointed to convey with them. action, and act in conjunétion And that no poffible doubt in the public mind, might arife cation of this concerning the judicious applithe whole grear armament to its proper object, was placed under the direction of the moft difinguithed officers which two of tion has produced; the chief any age or nacommand figned to Sir CHARLES GREY, General being afforces; and the naval of the land department to vice admiral Sir the fcene of was appointed to convey with them. action, and act in conjunétion And that no poffible doubt in the public mind, might arife cation of this concerning the judicious applithe whole grear armament to its proper object, was placed under the direction of the moft difinguithed officers which two of tion has produced; the chief any age or nacommand figned to Sir CHARLES GREY, General being afforces; and the naval of the land department to vice admiral Sir --- Page 488 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. Sir JonN JERVIS: Neither muft it pafs unobferved, I. in juftice to the different public offices of this 1 Y king1793- dom, that the whole was ready for its departure in lefs than three months after the receipt of General Bruce's difpatches. How much it is to be lamented that this gren- d decifive plan was not perfifted iin to the lalhy tho ar cumftances which I Thall hereafter rotoud, wiil mournflly demonftrate. It is with pain I relate, that a few days only before Sir Charles Grey expeéted to fail, a new arrangement was made, by which no lefs than 4,600 ofthe troops that had been placed under his orders, were detached from the reft, and employed on another fervice. ; the minifters apologizing to the General, by intimating that it was not expeéted of him to accomplifh all the objects for which the more extenfive armament had been judged neceffary. Although it cannot eafily be fuppofed that this unexpeéted diminution of his army, any more than the apology which was made for it (by which it was evident that the original plan was abandoned by government) could be matter of fatisfaétion to the commander in chief, yet he filently acquiefced in the meafure; and, as the fecretary of ftate afterwards very honourably and handfomely obferved in the Houfe of Commons, c did neverthelefs complete EE all the conquefts which were in contemplation 66 before any reduction of his force had taken 6E place." The reader's firft impreffion therefore will naturally be, that, although a lefs force was aétually employed --- Page 489 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES employed than was allotted for this expedition, the deficiency was abundantly fupplied by the CHAP. energy of the army and fpirit and I. navy, and the wifdom and - 1 decifion of the commanders; that the 1793objeétsin view being fully obtained, though with lefs means than were at firft fuggefted, the original truth carried into full effect; and of fyltem courfe was in reduétion of the army, juftified by the events. fubfequent How far this reafoning can be fupported, the fequel will fhew. Ihall proceed in the next chapter with a detail of military tranfactions in the order they occurred. dom and - 1 decifion of the commanders; that the 1793objeétsin view being fully obtained, though with lefs means than were at firft fuggefted, the original truth carried into full effect; and of fyltem courfe was in reduétion of the army, juftified by the events. fubfequent How far this reafoning can be fupported, the fequel will fhew. Ihall proceed in the next chapter with a detail of military tranfactions in the order they occurred. --- Page 490 --- ked HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER Il.* Sir Cbarles Grey arrives at Barbadoes, and Jails for tbe Attack of Marinia-Prodnge of tbe drmy and Navy, until the Surrender of tbat Mland. CHAP. ON the 26th of November 1793, the armament, II. reduced as was ftated in the latter part of the pre1 January - ceding chapter, failed from St. Helen's, and on the 1794- 6th of January, 1794, the fquadron caft anchor in Carlifle Bay, in the ifland of Barbadoes : It was afterwards reinforced by the Afia, of 64 guns, and fome additional frigates. After a month's ftay at Barbadoes (an interval which was ufefully employed in preparing gunboats, in training the feamen for land fervice, and in attendance on the fick) the fquadron failed for the attack of Martinico; having on board, of land forces * Itis proper to obferve, that maft of what is related in this chapter, concerning the proceedings of the army and navy, in the attack and conqueft of Martinico, is copied from the public difpatches of the refpeative commanders. The few particulars which I have interwoven in fome places, and added in others, are derived partly from the comprehenfive and circumftantial account which was publifhed by the Rev. Cooper Willyams; and partly from private communications from officers who were in aétual fervice in this campaign. I have arranged the whole after my own manner, in the view (as I hoped) of giving the detail greater clearnefs and perfpicuity, than can be expeéted from difpatches written commonly in great haite on the fpur of the moment. --- Page 491 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. forces (including a detachment of negro dragoons) CH AP. 6,085 effeétive men. On Wednefay, the sth of February, the fleet 1 II. approached the fouth-eaftern coaft of that ifland, February 1794and the General (having previoufly made the neceflary arrangements with Sir John Jervis) divided the army into three detachments, with a view to land them at three feparate and diftinét Thefe were Gallion Bay on the northern coaft, quarters. Cafe de Navires nearly oppofite, on the fouth, and Trois Rivieres towards the fouth-eaft. The firft detachment was commanded by Major General Dundas, the fecond by Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, and the third by the General himfelf, affifted by Lieutenant General Prefcott. The meafure was well concerted; for by inducing the enemy to divide his force, it enabled the Britith to effeét their each place, with very little lofs. landing at On the evening of the fame day, Major General Dundas, with his detachment, efcorted by Commodore Thompfon and his divifion, arrived off the bay of Gallion: Capt, Faulkner in the Zebra led, and immediately drove the enemy from a battery on Point a'Chaux, The troops then difembarked without further oppofition, about three miles from the town of Trinité, and halted for the night. Early the next morning they began their march, but were fomewhat annoyed in their progrefs by a fire of mufketry from the cane-fields, where a body of the enemy lay concealed. The aim of the Major Gen. was to take Morne Le Brun, a ftrong poft, fituated on an eminence immediately over the town. This he drove the enemy from a battery on Point a'Chaux, The troops then difembarked without further oppofition, about three miles from the town of Trinité, and halted for the night. Early the next morning they began their march, but were fomewhat annoyed in their progrefs by a fire of mufketry from the cane-fields, where a body of the enemy lay concealed. The aim of the Major Gen. was to take Morne Le Brun, a ftrong poft, fituated on an eminence immediately over the town. This he --- Page 492 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP, he happily effeéted, and inftantly detaching Lieut. II. Col. Craddock with the fecond battalion of grena1794- V diers, and Major Evatt with three companies of light-infantry, to attack Trinité Fort; the enemy fled, and our troops took poffeflion of it, with the cannon and ftores. Commodore Thompfon poffeffed himfelf at the fame time of the veffels in the harbour, but the town itfelf was deftroyed by the enemy; for Bellegarde, the popular leader of the Mulattoes, being obliged to evacuate a fort bearing his own name, malicioufly fet fire to Trinité as he retired, and the beft part of the houfes, with a quantity of ftores of all kinds, were confumed by the flames. On the evening of the 7th, Major Gen. Dundas, leaving Major Skirrett and a party of marines to command at Trinité Fort, proceeded with his brigade to Gros Morne, a fituation of great importance, commanding the principal pafs between the northern and fouthern parts of the ifland; but alchough the fortifications were ftrong and extenfive, the Major Gen. found the place entirely evacuated, the enemy having retired at his approach. Pufhing forward again, the Major Gen. on the gth, took poffeflion of a ftrong fituation called Bruneau, about two leagues north of Fort Bourbon, the. enemy retreating as before. From thence, Major Gen. Dundas detached Lieut. Col. Craddock with three companies of grenadiers to feize Fort Matilde, which covered a good landing within two miles of his left, and where the enemy appeared in confiderable force ; but --- Page 493 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, but on Lieut. Col. Craddock's cuated the place. Oft this approach, they eva- CHAP, being reinforced with poft the Britifh troops, II. held quiet a company of grenadiers, the poffeffion that night, and the whole of 1794. enfuing day ; but in the night between the and 1Ith, they were attacked by 800 of the roth under the command of Bellegarde, the enemy, General. Our Mulatto prize; but troops were rather taken by furtotally recovering themfelves, the enemy was Fort repulfed, and compelled to take fhelter in Bourbon. In this aétion Capt. the 38th, and feven M'Ewen of teen wounded. privates were killed, and nineCol. Sir Charles Gordon, with the his command, brigade under was not able to make good his landing at Cafe de Navires; but on the the 8th he landed at Cafe Pilotte; morning of that the when, finding the enemy were mafters ofthe great road and heights above it, he made a circuitous ment through the mountains, and afcended moveby day break of the gth, he had gained, until, by the enemy, the moft unmolefted part of the commanding poft in that the country: Col. Myers, defcending from heights, took poffeffion of La Chapelle, and poft eftablifhed by the enemy above it. a return the column proceeded, On his ground, to the heights of through very difficult Haye; the Berne, above Ance La meantime enemy keeping a conftant fire in the from the batteries ofSt. Catharine. Charles Gordon had now a pofition Sir him an eafy communication which gave when on the 12th, with the traniports; obferving that the battery and works from heights, took poffeffion of La Chapelle, and poft eftablifhed by the enemy above it. a return the column proceeded, On his ground, to the heights of through very difficult Haye; the Berne, above Ance La meantime enemy keeping a conftant fire in the from the batteries ofSt. Catharine. Charles Gordon had now a pofition Sir him an eafy communication which gave when on the 12th, with the traniports; obferving that the battery and works --- Page 494 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP, works at St. Catharine, and the pofts which guarded II. the firft ravine, were abandoned by the enemy, he took poffeilion of them, while Col. Myers, with 1794five companies of grenadiers, and the forty-third regiment, croffed four ravines higher up, and feized all the batteries by which they were defended. The enemy now fled on every fide, and our troops were foon in poffeflion of the five batteries between Cas de Navires and Fort Royal. They then proceeded and occupied the pofts of Gentilly, La Cofte, and La Archet, within a league of Fort Bourbon. In the meanwhile, the commander in chief, with Lieut. Gen. Prefcott, and that part of the army which had landed at Trois Riviers, had marched from thence acrofs a very difficult country, to the river Saleé, and entered the town of the fame name, fituated on the banks of the river. On the march, Brigadier Gen. Whyte was detached with the fecond battalion of light-infantry, to force the batteries of Cape Solomon and Point a Burgos, in order to obtain poffeffion of Ifet aux Ramieres, or Pigeon I0and, an important object, the attainment of which was neceffary to enable our (hips to get into the harbour of Fort Royal. Thofe batteries were accordingly ftormed, and the Brigadier Gen. being reinforced with a detachment of Royal and Irifh artillery, and 200 feamen, fent Col. Symes with the feamen, and two companies of the Isth regiment, to afcend the heights, and take poffeffion of Mount Matharine, which commanded Pigeon Ifland at the diftance of 400 yards. This was happily accomplifhed of which was neceffary to enable our (hips to get into the harbour of Fort Royal. Thofe batteries were accordingly ftormed, and the Brigadier Gen. being reinforced with a detachment of Royal and Irifh artillery, and 200 feamen, fent Col. Symes with the feamen, and two companies of the Isth regiment, to afcend the heights, and take poffeffion of Mount Matharine, which commanded Pigeon Ifland at the diftance of 400 yards. This was happily accomplifhed --- Page 495 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. complifhed on the gth, and batteries ereéted Thele were completed on it. CHAP, 1oth, and on during the night of the II. Tuefday morning, theL were opened, and fo well IIth, they 1794. fire was kept under pointed, and inceffant a Pratt of the Irifh up, the direétion of Capt. garrifon fruck artillery, that in two hours the their colours, aud furrendered at diferetion, with the lois of 15 men killed and wounded. The Iflet aux fituated Ramieres, or Pigeon on the fouth fide of the bay of Fort Inland, is about two hundred yards from the Royal, in itfelf a fteep and barren fhore. It is in one place only, where rock, inacceffible except fixed the afcent is by a ladder, is againft a perpendicular wall; and the 90 fect above the level of the fea. There fummit found on it, II forty-two were pounders, pounders, 6 thirty-two 14 thirteen-inch mortars, and one howitzer, with an immenfe quantity of ftores and ammunition of all kinds, and a ftove for fhot. heating On the capture of this fortrefs, the mediately took pofieffion of the fquadron imof Fort Royal; and moft of bay and harbour ftore- fhips got up to the tranfports and eall end of the Cohee, a harbour at the northcommunication bay, fiom whence they had a at by a chain of pofts, with the Bruneau; and the next object of troops St. Pierre, the capiral of the ifand, in attention the was of which, the co-operation of the forces, both attack and land, was inditpenfably by fea In neceffary. confequence of an arrangement for this enterVor, II1. G g prizc, the tranfports and eall end of the Cohee, a harbour at the northcommunication bay, fiom whence they had a at by a chain of pofts, with the Bruneau; and the next object of troops St. Pierre, the capiral of the ifand, in attention the was of which, the co-operation of the forces, both attack and land, was inditpenfably by fea In neceffary. confequence of an arrangement for this enterVor, II1. G g prizc, --- Page 496 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. prize, Col. Symes, with three light companies, and II. Major Maitland, with the soth regiment, embarked 1794- on board a detachment ofthe fquadron, which were ordered for the bay of St. Pierre. On the 14th the commander in chief moved forward with his army to Bruneau, where he left Major Gen. Dundas, and on the evening of the fame day the Major Gen. marched from thence to Gros Morne with the 2d battalion of grenadiers, the 33d and 4oth light companies, and the 6sth regiment. From Gros Morne he detached Col. Campbell through the woods by Bois le Bue, with the two light companies and the 6sth regiment, to the attack of Montigne, proceeding himfelftowards the heights of Capot and Callebafle, from both which the enemy retired: From the latter the Major Gen. had a diftant view of Col. Campbell's detachment, and the mortification to fee them attacked by a great body of the enemy, ftrongly pofted about half a mile fhort of Montigne. The Major Gen. immediately pufhed forward his advanced guard under the command of the Hon. Capt. Ramfay, who, by extraordinary exertions, came up with the enemy while engaged with Col. Campbeil's detachment, and filenced their fire, but the Colonel himfelf had unfortunately fallen early in the engagement. Capt. Ramfay being joined by the fecond battalion of grenadiers, now took poffeffion of Montigne, and the Major Gen. took poft on Morne Rouge. The fame evening, the Major Gen. obferving feveral bodies of the enemy moving towards his front, and forming under a fmall --- Page 497 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, finall redoubt, ordered four companies of 45r to advance, and a fmart grenadiers CHAP, enemy was covered engagement enfued; the II. by a brifk fire, from two field - pieces on Morne Bellevieur. The aétion 1794nued for about half an hour, when the contitreated, and during the night abandoned enemy reMorne Bellevieur, ofwhich the forton took pofeflion. our troops immediately Our army had now arrived within of St. Pierre, fiom whence two leagues 16th, the enemy fent a Alag, at day-break, on the to confider of a capiculation. requiring three clays returned for anfwer, that The Major General would allow rhem inftead of three days he company of only three hours ; and leaving a he grenadiers in poffefion of Bellevieur, immediacely moved on towards St. Pierre. this juncture, the detachment of the At rived in the bay, and began their fquadron arlonel Symes, with the troops and feamen operations. Coto land with him, had, who were the bay, embarked previous to their entering on board the Zebra and Nautilus without Nloops, which drawing little water could land them thefe difficuiry. In the evening of the veflels approached the north of 16th, the other men of war part the bay, from the fire ofthe ttanding in to cover them Santa Margarita, enemy. Capt. Hervey, in the perceiving the to be much troops were likely fhot, fteercd annoyed by two batteries with heated fid-rable clofe under the guns of the moft of them, and cffeétually filenced confour in the morning of the it. About good their 17th, the troops made landing, and immediately advanced toGg 2 wards of 16th, the other men of war part the bay, from the fire ofthe ttanding in to cover them Santa Margarita, enemy. Capt. Hervey, in the perceiving the to be much troops were likely fhot, fteercd annoyed by two batteries with heated fid-rable clofe under the guns of the moft of them, and cffeétually filenced confour in the morning of the it. About good their 17th, the troops made landing, and immediately advanced toGg 2 wards --- Page 498 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. wards St. Pierre; but the conflift was at an end, II. for the enemy fecing the Britifh approach both by ( fea and by land, evacuated the town, leaving their 1794. colours Alying, which werei immediatelyhauled down, and the Britifh colours placed in their room. By ten o'clock the whole of Colonel Symes's detachment had marched into the town, and werc foon afterwards joined by General Dundas and his army. No injury was done, nor outrage offered, to the inhabitants; the women and children fat at their doors to fee the foldiers march in, as peaceably and cheerfully as the inhabitants ofa an Englifh village behold a regiment pafs through their ftreets. One inflance only occurred, an attempt to pillage 5 for which the offender was immediately hung up by the Provoft Marfhal, at the gate of the Jefuits College. The town of St. Pierre being thus captured * > and many important pofts in different parts of the country already in poffeffion of the Britifh troops, it might have been fiurppofed that the furrender of the ifland was fpeedily to have followed; but fo great was the natural and artificial ftrength of the country, and fo obftinately was it defended on this occafion by the inhabitants, that much remained to be done before this event took place. The two great forts of Bourbon and Fort Royal (the former commanded * Lieut, Malcolm of the 41f grenadiers, was appointed Town Major, in confideration of his difinguilhed conduét and aétive fervices at the head of a body of riflemen, which was compofed of two men feleéted from each company of the firft battalion of grenadiers. We fhall have occafon to mention this ollicer hereaiter. cafion by the inhabitants, that much remained to be done before this event took place. The two great forts of Bourbon and Fort Royal (the former commanded * Lieut, Malcolm of the 41f grenadiers, was appointed Town Major, in confideration of his difinguilhed conduét and aétive fervices at the head of a body of riflemen, which was compofed of two men feleéted from each company of the firft battalion of grenadiers. We fhall have occafon to mention this ollicer hereaiter. --- Page 499 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. commanded by Rochambeau the Governor ofthe Ifland) were ftill to be conquered; and it was im- CHAP. II. poffible clofely to inveft Fort Bourbon, without Y firft pollefing the heights of Surié or 1794fituation eminently frong and Sourier, a by a difficult, and defended large body ofthe enemy, under the command of the mulatto General Bellegarde. The mander in chief therefore compoft from his propofed to attack this camp at Bruneau, on the night of the 18th, and to depend for fuccels rous ufe of the bayonet; folely on a vigobut, a few hours to the time he had fixed for the previous garde himfelf, with part of his enterprize, Bellethe heights, and attacked the troops, defcended intention General's left. His was, if poflible, to cut off the communication between the Britifh army and navy. The attempt was bold, but it was ruinous. The General immediately perceived the derived' from it, and feized it in the advantage to be direéting Lieut, Gen. Prefcott moment; for, in check, he ordered to keep the cnemy from his right Lieut. Col. Buckeridge, with the third battalion of and Lieut. Colonels Coote and grenadiers, ift and 2d battalions of Blundell, with the light infantry, to attack Bellegarde's camp on the left. In tbis fervice this detachment difplayed fuch fpirit and proved irrefiftible, and impetuofity as pofleffion being taken of Bellegarde's camp, his own cannon were turned againit him. This unfortunate man and his fecond in command, with about 300 of.t their followers, furrendered themfelves to the General a few afterwards, the two leaders days deliring to be fent to Gg3 North the light infantry, to attack Bellegarde's camp on the left. In tbis fervice this detachment difplayed fuch fpirit and proved irrefiftible, and impetuofity as pofleffion being taken of Bellegarde's camp, his own cannon were turned againit him. This unfortunate man and his fecond in command, with about 300 of.t their followers, furrendered themfelves to the General a few afterwards, the two leaders days deliring to be fent to Gg3 North --- Page 500 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. North America, on condition of never ferving II. againft his majefty; and in this requeft they were 1794- gratified. Their followers were fent on board the king's thips as prifoners of war. From the 2oth of February, Forts Bourbon and Louis, with the town of Fort Royal, were completely invelted, and the General was bufily employed in eredling batteries on his firft parallel. On the north eaft fide, the army under General Prefcott broke ground on the 2sth of February, and on the weft fide towards La Cafte, fafcine batteries for mortars and cannon were ereéting with all pomible expedition. In this bufinefs the feamen eminently diltinguifhed themfelves; and the fiege was carried on with unremitted exertion by night and day, the molt perfeét co-operation prevailing between the army and navy; the exertions of both being animated by the prelence and approbation of his Royal Highnefs Prince Edward, who arrived from Quebec the 4th of March, and taking the command ofSir Charles Gordon's brigade, fet an admirable example of difcipline and good conduét to the whole army, by his behaviour, during the remainder of the campaign. The advanced batteries were at length brought within five hundred yards of Fort Bourbon, and not more than two hundred from the redoubt; when on the 17th of March, the General concerted meafures with the Admiral for a combined affault, by the naval and land forces, upon the fort and town of Fort Royal.. Scaling ladders being provided, and the necefary arrangements fettled, the fhips deftined for the fervice cipline and good conduét to the whole army, by his behaviour, during the remainder of the campaign. The advanced batteries were at length brought within five hundred yards of Fort Bourbon, and not more than two hundred from the redoubt; when on the 17th of March, the General concerted meafures with the Admiral for a combined affault, by the naval and land forces, upon the fort and town of Fort Royal.. Scaling ladders being provided, and the necefary arrangements fettled, the fhips deftined for the fervice --- Page 501 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. vice took their ftations on the morning ofthe 2cth of March. The Afia, and the Zebra with CHAP, floop, II. Captain Rogers, and a body of feamen in flac boats (the whole under the command of Commodore 1794Thompfon) compofed the naval force; the land force confifted of the firlt battalion of grenadiers, the firft and third light infantry, with the chird grenadiers. About IO o'clock the Afia and Zebra got under way. The Zebra led in, towards the mouth ofthe harbour, recciving the enemy's fire, without returning a fhot. The Afa had gor within the of range grape fhot, when, to the furprize ofthe whole fleet, the wore and made fail from the fort. She ftood in a fecond time, and again put about *, Now then ic was that Captain Faulkner of the Zebra acquired immortal hdnour; 3 for perceiving that he could not expect any afliftance from the Alia fhip of the line) he determined (a fervice alone in his fmall to undertake the floop of 16 guns, and he executed this delign with matchlefs intrepidity and good conduct; for running the Zebra clofe to the walls, and leaping overboard at the head of his Roop's company, he fcaled the ramparts, and drove the enemy from the fort. ce cE (fays Admiral Nolanguage of mine Jervis) can the Cc exprefs meric of Capt. Faulkner on this occafion; but c man in the army and as every fquadron bcars teflimony CC to * Itis faid that a French loyalint, named formerly been lientenant of Fort Toureller, who had Brown as pilot on this occafion, Louis, and was employed by Capt. tence of floals, refufed to carry the that this man, under, .prethip any farther. Gg 4 Jervis) can the Cc exprefs meric of Capt. Faulkner on this occafion; but c man in the army and as every fquadron bcars teflimony CC to * Itis faid that a French loyalint, named formerly been lientenant of Fort Toureller, who had Brown as pilot on this occafion, Louis, and was employed by Capt. tence of floals, refufed to carry the that this man, under, .prethip any farther. Gg 4 --- Page 502 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. c to it, this incomparable aétion cannot fail of II. C being recorded in the of - 1 page hiftory." Col. 1794- Symes, in the fame triumphant moment, entered and took poffeffion of the town. This fignal fuccefs determined the fate of the Inand; for General Rochambeau, perceiving that all was loft, immediately fent a flag from Fort Bourbon, offering to furrender on capitulation. The terms were accordingly adjufted on the 23d, and on the 2sth, the garrifon, reduced to 900 men, marched out prifoners of war. To the gallantry with which this fortrefs was defended, General Grey bore an honourable teftimony, by obferving, that 6 the Britifh troops, on entering the place, could Cc fcarcely find an inch of ground which had not CC been touched by their fhot or their fhells." Thus was achieved the Conqueft of Martinico, with the lols on the part of the Britifh of71 men killed, 193 wounded, and ofthree that were mifling. The limits I have prefcribed to myfelf, will not allow me to enumerate the particular merits of all thofe gallant men, whofe fervices, both by fea and land, were confpicuous on this occafion. Hiftory will not fail to record them, and above all to give due honour to that zealous co:operation, to that admirable fpirit of unanimity and concord between the fea and land fervice, which were particularly obfervable during the whole fiege; and for want of which, in other cafes, both numbers and courage have oftentimes proved unavailing. Immediately --- Page 503 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. 457. - . Immediately on the furrender of the Ifland, the follow- CHAP, ing proclamation was iffued in General Orders : II. Head Quarters, Fort Royal, 17942sth March 1794. Parole, FORT GEORGE. C.S. FORT EDWARD, Field Officer, COLONEL COOTE, THE Commander in Chief orders Fort bear the name of Fort Bourbon now to of Fort Edward : and George, and Fort Louis to bear the mander in chicf, to be called fo in future. The name with heartfelt fatisfadlion, comArmy on the complete conqueft of the congratulates the moft important Ifland of Martinico, a acquifition to his Majefty's permiffion to return the Army in crown, He begs their zcal, perfeverance, general his warmeft thanks for tinguilhed, and never before gallantry, and fpirit, fo eminently dif general to the foldier, exceeded, by every rank, from the he cannot fail to do them throughout in this fervice; and this jullice jefty, the ftrongeft language to his Ma- congratulates the moft important Ifland of Martinico, a acquifition to his Majefty's permiffion to return the Army in crown, He begs their zcal, perfeverance, general his warmeft thanks for tinguilhed, and never before gallantry, and fpirit, fo eminently dif general to the foldier, exceeded, by every rank, from the he cannot fail to do them throughout in this fervice; and this jullice jefty, the ftrongeft language to his Ma- --- Page 504 --- HISTORY OF THE CHA P T E R 1II. Conquef of St. Lacia-Dftriptioan of Guadaloupe.- Proceedings againf tbat Mand.-Its Surrender completes tbe Conquef ef the Frencb Welk India Colories.-Caufe ofthefubfequent Reverfes.-1 Mortality among the Britifs.-arrizal fa Frencb Squadron wiib Troops al Guedulbaute-Tbcir Succefes : folloaed by the Reduttion ef the wbcle Mand.-Inbuman Barbarity of Viclor Hugaes to tbe Royalifs. 1 Sir C. Grey and Sir y. Hervis,Jucceeded ty Sir y. Veugban and Admiral Caldwell. CHAP. VreTORY having thus far crowned the Britifh III. arms, General Grey determined, without lofs of - March time, to perfevere in his career of glory; where1794- fore, leaving five regiments under the command of General Prefcott, for the proteation of Martinico, he and the brave Admiral proceeded, on the morning of the 3iftof March, 00 deattack ofSt. Lucia. This iland had not the means of a formidable defence; and on the 4th of April, his Royal Highnefs Prince Edward, after a fatiguing march of fourteen hours from the landing place, hoifted the Britith colours on its chief fortreis Morne Fortuné; the garrilon, confifting of 300 men, having furrendered on the fame terms of capitulation as thofe that bad been granted to General Rochambeau. Ricard, the officer commanding in St. Lucia, defired and obtained permifion, as Rochambeau had done the means of a formidable defence; and on the 4th of April, his Royal Highnefs Prince Edward, after a fatiguing march of fourteen hours from the landing place, hoifted the Britith colours on its chief fortreis Morne Fortuné; the garrilon, confifting of 300 men, having furrendered on the fame terms of capitulation as thofe that bad been granted to General Rochambeau. Ricard, the officer commanding in St. Lucia, defired and obtained permifion, as Rochambeau had done --- Page 505 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, done before him, to embark for North but the garrifons ofboth, of St. Lucia America; CHAP, nico, were and MartiIt1. fent to France immediately on their - furrender *, 1794. After the completion of this fervice, General Grey, having left the fixth and ninth with detachments of regiments, artillery and engineers, as a garrifon for St. Lucia, and appointed Sir Charles Gordon governor ofthat ifland, returned to Martinico; and the fpirit of enterprize diers being thus among the folkept alive and the General turned his attention in the encouraged, the large and fertile next place to colony of Guadaloupe. lt is neceffary the reader fhould be this place, that apprized in iflands, Guadaloupe confifts in fact of two divided from each other by a narrow of the fea, called La Riviere arm which is navigable for Salec, (Salt River) tein veffels of 50 tons; the eafifland, or divifion, being called Grande and the weftern, BaffeTerre. Terre, is a fmall ifland called Adjoining the former, Defirade, and near to the latter * So rapid were the movements of the Britifh Royal Highnefs Frinçe Edward reimbarked in armny, that his the end of 58 hours after he had landed the Boyne at impoffible to mention this ifland without at St. Lucia. It is proved in every war a grave to thoufands lamenting of brave that it has the prefentoccation: a circumftance occurred men! On in a very firiking manner, the extreme whichdemonfirates, climate, The night after the troops had unwholefomenefs. landed, ofthe lioa of grenadiers took the firft battafecond battalion bad poffeflion of fome negro huts: the to remain in the open no air. fuch The accommodatian, or rather chofe the former continued healthy, confequence of was, that while were returned the next 40 the beft men of the latter morning on the fick lift, ftance occurred men! On in a very firiking manner, the extreme whichdemonfirates, climate, The night after the troops had unwholefomenefs. landed, ofthe lioa of grenadiers took the firft battafecond battalion bad poffeflion of fome negro huts: the to remain in the open no air. fuch The accommodatian, or rather chofe the former continued healthy, confequence of was, that while were returned the next 40 the beft men of the latter morning on the fick lift, --- Page 506 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. latter a clufter of little iflands called Les Saintes. III. At fome diftance from thefe, towards the eaft, is 1 - another ifland called Marie Gallante; all thefe were 1794dependencies on Guadaloupe, and comprized in its government. On Tuefday the 8th of April, fuch ofthe troops as remained after the neceffary garrifons for the conquered iflands were formed, embarked in tranfports, and the fleet failed from the Bay of Fort Royal. A detachment of the fquadron having been fent in the firft place to atrack the littie iflands above mentioned, called Les Saintes, that fervice was executed with much fpirit and gallantry by a party of feamen and marines; and about noon on the toth, the Boyne and Veteran caft anchor in the Bay of Point a Petre, in the divifion of Grande Terre 5 a frefh wind and lee current preventing many of the tranfports from getting in until the day following. Without waiting however for the arrival of all the troops, the General effeéted the landing of a confiderable detachment, with the addition of 5oo marines at Grofier Bay, at one o'clock in the morning ofthe 1ith, under cover ofthe Winchelfea man of war, the Captain of which, Lord Vifcount Garlies, being the only perfon that was wounded on the occafion. C He received abad contufion (obferves 4 Admiral Jervis) from the fire ofa battery againft ec which he had placed his fhip, in tbe good old way, <C within half mufket fhot." The battery however was foon filenced, and early on the morning of the 1eth, the Fort ofLa Pleur d'Fpée was carried by allault, Winchelfea man of war, the Captain of which, Lord Vifcount Garlies, being the only perfon that was wounded on the occafion. C He received abad contufion (obferves 4 Admiral Jervis) from the fire ofa battery againft ec which he had placed his fhip, in tbe good old way, <C within half mufket fhot." The battery however was foon filenced, and early on the morning of the 1eth, the Fort ofLa Pleur d'Fpée was carried by allault, --- Page 507 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, affault, and the greateft part ofthe the fword. Fort St. garrifon put to CHAP. Louis, the town of Point a III. Petre, and the new battery upon Iflet a Cochon, being afterwards abandoned, and the inhabitants 1749. Aying in all diredtions, the poffefion of Grande Terre was complete. The reduétion of Balle Terre was effeéted the 21ft of the fame month ; for the Palmifte being carried by the ftrong poft of Edward and Coi, gallantry of Prince Symes, and that of Houelmont by Major Gen. Dundas, the French lor) immediately governor (Colwhole of capitulated; furrendering the Guadalopue and all its dependencies to the king of Great Britain, on the fame terms that allowed to Rochambeau at were Martinique, and at Lucia. Itis Ricard pleafing to add, that this was happily effeéted with the lofs on the conqueft of the Britilh of only feventeen men killed, part and fifty wounded *, about This gallant and fuccefsful enterprize the entire conqueft ofthe French completed Weft Indian Ilands poffeffions in the ; and the primary views and declarations of the Britith minifters were thus derfully, and I believe unexpeétedly, wonBritifh energy and valour. realized by Happy, if the fcene had fhut at this period, and no envious cloud the clofe of a campaign, the overcaft of which had fhone with fo opening and progrefs eyes of all Europe ! bright a luftre in the * From a return found among General Collot's appeared that the number of French troops in papers, it 5577. Guadaloupe was But of the Britith minifters were thus derfully, and I believe unexpeétedly, wonBritifh energy and valour. realized by Happy, if the fcene had fhut at this period, and no envious cloud the clofe of a campaign, the overcaft of which had fhone with fo opening and progrefs eyes of all Europe ! bright a luftre in the * From a return found among General Collot's appeared that the number of French troops in papers, it 5577. Guadaloupe was But --- Page 508 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. But now it was that the meafure of reducing the TIT. army at the outfet of the expedition, began to ma- - - - nifeft thofe unhappy confequences, which it was then 1749. prediéted would enfue from it. In allotting garrifons for the fecurity ofthe feveral iflands which had furrendered, the deficiency oftroops for thatp purpofe, was at once obvious and alarming. It was difcovered that the mortality had been fo great (more from ficknefs, the never failing effeét ofextraordinary exertion in tropical climates, than the fword of the enemy) as to have reduced the ranks to nearly one half their original numbers; and oft the troops which remained alive, a very large proportion were fo worn down by unremitting fatigue, as to be rendered abfolutely incapable of efficient fervice. Unfertunately, the numerous enterprizes in which the Britifh forces were engaged, and efpecially the fatal, and never-enough to be lamented, attenipt on St. Domingo, left it not in the power of the king's minifters to fend fuch a reinforcement to the Windward Ilands as the occafion required. So early, however, as the 22d of March, four regiments, confifting of2,377 men, had failed from Cork for Barbadoes. They were intended indeed for St. Domingo, but authority was given to General Sir Charles Grey,to detain two ofthem, ifcircumftances fhould render it necefiary, to ferve under his own command in the Windward Iflands. Thefe regiments arrived at Barbadoes on the gth of May, and the General detained the eight battalion companies of the 35th, one of the four regiments, but obferving the extreme anxiety which the Britifh , confifting of2,377 men, had failed from Cork for Barbadoes. They were intended indeed for St. Domingo, but authority was given to General Sir Charles Grey,to detain two ofthem, ifcircumftances fhould render it necefiary, to ferve under his own command in the Windward Iflands. Thefe regiments arrived at Barbadoes on the gth of May, and the General detained the eight battalion companies of the 35th, one of the four regiments, but obferving the extreme anxiety which the Britifh --- Page 509 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, Britifh minifter expreffed in his fecuting the enterprize difpatches for pro- CHAP, trufting againft St. Domingo, and III. (as he writes) c that effeétual care - be taken at home to would prevent the enemy in the 1749. quered iflands receiving affiftance confrom replaced thofe battalion Europe," he companies from his companies with cight flank rather diminifhed own army, which was thus than augmented by the change * exFrom this period, the tide which had flowed with fo rapid and hitherto profperous a current, began Thefe flank companies proceeded firf to thence to Port au Prince; and Jamaica, and from ing demonfiration of the fad nothing can afford a more frikthan the account which has been confequenice of tropical warfare, its arrival at the place ofi its given oftbis reinforcement on 66 eight flank companies deftination. 66 On the 8th of June, 66 41ft belonging to the 22d, 24th, G regiments, arrived at Port au 3sth, and mand of Lieutenant Colonel Prince, under the com6c their embarkation, of about Lenox. They confifled, on 66 gregate number, when landed, feventy men each, but the ag- &: The four grenadier was not quite three hundred. at nihilated. The frigate companies, in which in particular, were nearly an66 a houfe of peftilence. they were conveyed, became 6 number were buried in the Upwards of one hundred of their deep, in the fhort Guadaloupe and and paffage between 46 were left in a Jamaica, one hundred and fifty 6 mains of dying flate at Port Royal. The more the whole detachment wretched re. 6 at Port au Prince, that difcovered, on their landing €c glories of conqueft, but they to came not to participate in the 46 of an hofpital! So perifh themfelves within the walls e army, after their arrival, rapid that was the mortality in the Britifh 46 upwards of fix hundred rank no lefs than forty oficers, and 4 without a conteft with and file, met an untimely death, 46 fhort fpace of two months any after other enemy than ficknels, in the Hliftorical the furrender of the town." Survey of St. Domingo, Chap. xi. p. 174 , but they to came not to participate in the 46 of an hofpital! So perifh themfelves within the walls e army, after their arrival, rapid that was the mortality in the Britifh 46 upwards of fix hundred rank no lefs than forty oficers, and 4 without a conteft with and file, met an untimely death, 46 fhort fpace of two months any after other enemy than ficknels, in the Hliftorical the furrender of the town." Survey of St. Domingo, Chap. xi. p. 174 --- Page 510 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. gan to run in a contrary direétion. The ficknefo III. which had for fome time prevailed in the army, was 1 1749. become exafperated to peftilence. The troops funk under it in great numbers, and among its moft diftinguithed viétims, was major general Dundas, the governor of Guadaloupe. On the 4th of June the commander in chief (being at that time with the admiral, infpedting the ftate of St. Chriftopher's) received the melancholy account ofthis galJant officer's death, and early on the morning of the sth further intelligence arrived, which rendered his lofs at that junéture doubly affliéting. This was nothing lefs than the very unexpeéted information, that a French armament of confiderable force was, at that momnent, off Point a Petre! On receipt of this intelligence, the admiral made immediate fail for Guadaloupe, and arrived there on the afternoon of the 7th, and having put the commander in chief afhore at Baffe Terre, he procecded with the fhips to Point a Petre 5 but found that the enemy had not only made good their landing; but had alfo forced Fort Fleur d'Epée on the preceding day, and were actually in poffeffion oft the town, and the forts by which it was defended. They had likewife fecured their fhipping at fafe anchorage in the harbour. It was now difcovered that this armament confifted oftwo frigates, a corvette, two large fhips armed en Aute, and two other veffels; having brought with them 1500 regular troops * . This armament failed from Rochfort on the 23th of April. The alfo forced Fort Fleur d'Epée on the preceding day, and were actually in poffeffion oft the town, and the forts by which it was defended. They had likewife fecured their fhipping at fafe anchorage in the harbour. It was now difcovered that this armament confifted oftwo frigates, a corvette, two large fhips armed en Aute, and two other veffels; having brought with them 1500 regular troops * . This armament failed from Rochfort on the 23th of April. The --- Page 511 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. The fuccefs of the French on this the more occafion was CHAP, furprifing, as there was at this time in III. Guadaloupe a larger proportion of Britifh than in either of the other troops 1794. afferted conquered iflands: it 1S by a refpectable author * who colleéled hisobfervations onthe fcene of action, that the grefs of the enemy was greatly accelerated promifconduét of feveral of the French by the in the fort, a party of whom (mifinformed royalifts then as to the real number ofthe perhaps fervices to invaders) offered their tally on the beliegers, and marched for that purpofe, under the command of out M'Dowall of the 43d, but on Captain enemy they were panic ftruck, and approaching the town. Thirty of them deferted to the Fleur only out of 140 returned to d'Epée with Captain M'Dowall. The Britifh merchants and failors from the town of Petre, had thrown themfelves into this fort Point a operate with the garrifon. This little to COthe command ofLieutenant band, under the forty-third Colonel Drummond of could do; regiment, did all that gallant men twice they repulfed the the French royalifts who remained in affailants; but ceiving the vain hope of the fort, con-, felves by a furrender, infifted obtaining mercy for themfhould be thrown at length that the gates than the open. This was no fooner done, enemy poured in from all few furviving Britifh foldiers fides, and the number) were (not more than 40in could obliged to make the beft retreat they to Fort Louis. This place not * Rev. Cooper Willyams, being chaplain to the Boyne. Vor. III. H h tenable the fort, con-, felves by a furrender, infifted obtaining mercy for themfhould be thrown at length that the gates than the open. This was no fooner done, enemy poured in from all few furviving Britifh foldiers fides, and the number) were (not more than 40in could obliged to make the beft retreat they to Fort Louis. This place not * Rev. Cooper Willyams, being chaplain to the Boyne. Vor. III. H h tenable --- Page 512 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. tenable after the lofs of Fleur d'Epée, was foon III. abandoned by them, and they croffed over to Baffe 1 Terre *, 1794The commander in chief, the moment the ftrength of the enemy was afcertained, had tranfmitted orders to the commanders in the different iflands to fend from thence whatever force could be fpared; and the legiflature of St. Chriftopher, immediately on receiving notice of the enemy's appearance, raifed a confiderable body of volunteers at the expence of the colony, and difpatched them, with great expedition, to co-operate in this important fervice, * The celebrated Brigadier General Arnold, being on bufinefs of a mercantile nature at Point a Petre, was captured at the time the place fell into the hands of the republicans, and, being. apprehenfive of ill treatment, changed his name to Anderfon. He was put on board a prifon- fhip in the harbour, and had confiderable property in cafh with him, of which, itis fuppofed, Fremont and Viétor Hugues were informed, as he received an intimation from one of the French fentries, that he was known, and would foon be guillotined. On this alarming intelligence, he determined to attempted an efcape, which he effeéted in the following manner : At night he lowered into the [fea a cafk centaining clothes and valuables, with a direétion on it, that ifit floated to the fhore of our camp at Berville, it might be known, and reftored to him; he then lowered down his cloak bag to a fmall raft which he had prepared, on which alfo he got himfelf, and proceeded to a fmall canoe, in which he pufhed for the Britifn fleet, direéted by the admiral's lights. On his making towards the mouth of the harhour, he was challenged by the French row-guard, but by the darknefs of the night efcaped from them, and arrived on board the Boyne by four o'clock on Monday morning, the 3oth of June. See the Rev, Cooper Willyams's Account of the Campaign in the Weft Indies. All which he had prepared, on which alfo he got himfelf, and proceeded to a fmall canoe, in which he pufhed for the Britifn fleet, direéted by the admiral's lights. On his making towards the mouth of the harhour, he was challenged by the French row-guard, but by the darknefs of the night efcaped from them, and arrived on board the Boyne by four o'clock on Monday morning, the 3oth of June. See the Rev, Cooper Willyams's Account of the Campaign in the Weft Indies. All --- Page 513 --- W A R IN THE WEST INDIES. All the force that could be thus obtained, at length colleéted at Bafle Terre, being CHAP. were landed on the fide of Fort Fleur detachments III. many fkirmifhes took place with the d'Epée, and 1794. tween the Igth ofJune and the enemy, bethe particulars of which it is beginning of July, The weather not neceflary to relate, was now become and the tropical rains infupportably hot, neral being already fet in, the Gedetermined to make an effort to finifh the campaign at a blow. It was that body of troops, under planned a large fhould march Brigadier General Symes, during the night, and make mafters of Morne themfelves government, and the other commanding heights round the town of Point a the General himfelf, at the head of the reft Petre; of his army remaining in readinefs on the heights of Mafcot, to ftorm Fort Fleur fignal from the d'Epée, on receiving a brigadier: the failure ofthis enterprize was a fatal circumflance; and verfions having been made many animadfhall recite the on the conduétof it; I particulars in General words : C6 On the evening of the ift Grey's own cc dier General inftant BrigaSymes marched from 6 cot with the ift battalion of Morne Mafec and 2d battalions of grenadiers, the Ift <C battalion of feamen light infantry, and the ift ce commanded by Captain Robertfon, to attack the town of <c fore Point a Petre beday-break on the 2d inftant; but E led by their guides, the being mit CC at the part where troops entered the town Ec they were moft expofed to the enemy's cannon and fmall CE was not arms, and where it poflibie to fcale the walls ofthe fort; in H h 2 C6 confequence ft <C battalion of feamen light infantry, and the ift ce commanded by Captain Robertfon, to attack the town of <c fore Point a Petre beday-break on the 2d inftant; but E led by their guides, the being mit CC at the part where troops entered the town Ec they were moft expofed to the enemy's cannon and fmall CE was not arms, and where it poflibie to fcale the walls ofthe fort; in H h 2 C6 confequence --- Page 514 --- HISTORY OF THE HAI P. €c confequence of which, they fuffered confiderably III. CC from round and grape fhot, together with fmall 1794. Ce arms fired from the houles, 8cc. and a retreat be4 came unavoidable." It gives me great concern, obferves the General, to add, that Brigadier General Symes was wounded; and that Lieutenant Colonel Gomm, and fome other meritorious officers, were killed on this attack, as was alfo Captain Robertfon of the navy, a valuable officer, and whofe death was a great lofs to the fervice. *. The meditated attack on Fort Fleur d'Epée, being thus rendered abortive, and the Britifh troops fo reduced or debilitated as to be abfolutely unfit for further exertion, (expofed as they were to the fun and the rains) it was refolved, at a confultation held on the 3d, between the commander in chief and the admiral, to relinquith all further attempts for the prefent on Grande Terre; and to remove the artillery and ftores, and to reinforce, with the troops, the pofts in Baffe Terre. This determination, diétated by a neceffity which left no alternative Brigadier Gencral Symcs died of his wounds a fhort time sfterwards; exclufive of whom, the total lofs of the Britifh in this unfortunate affair, and fome preccding attacks, is ftated as follows: I lieutenant colonel, 4 captains, 7 lieutenants, 7 ferjeants, 2 drummers, 91 rank and file, klld; 1 major, 3 captains, 7 lieutenants, 13 ferjcants, S drummers, 298 rank and file, auounded'; I ferjeant, 3 drummers,sa: rank and file, mifiug. One ofthe French frigates in the harbour did great execution, killing 3 ofhicers and 36 privates of the light infantry, by a fingle difcharge of grape flot. They were unforrunately drawn up in a fircet, which was cifedtually commanded by her guns. and file, klld; 1 major, 3 captains, 7 lieutenants, 13 ferjcants, S drummers, 298 rank and file, auounded'; I ferjeant, 3 drummers,sa: rank and file, mifiug. One ofthe French frigates in the harbour did great execution, killing 3 ofhicers and 36 privates of the light infantry, by a fingle difcharge of grape flot. They were unforrunately drawn up in a fircet, which was cifedtually commanded by her guns. --- Page 515 --- WAR IN TIE WEST INDIES. native, was carried into effeét without lofs, 4f9 night of the sth. <Ir faid on the CHAP. letter now," the general in his III. oft the 8th, ce occupy with ( the ground between my whole force, 1794ce St.John's Point and Bay Mahault, and having ereéted batteries C pounders, and mortar with 24 c and batteries, at Point Saron Point St. John, oppofite to ec the town of Point a Petre, my fituation €c to Bafe Terre." gives perfeét fecurity made Many arrangements, however, were yet to be for the maintenance of this polition the approaching hurricane months, and until a during reinforcement fhould arrive from Great Britain. Thefe being at length completed, the general embarked on board the Boyne, and failed for St. Pierre in the ifland ofMartinique, where he eftablifhed his headquarters, leaving Brigadier Graham to command in his abfence at Balle Terre. The liead-quarters of the Britith army in Guadaloupe were at camp Berville, which was conmanding placed on ground; flanked by the fea on one fide, and on the other by an impaffable morafs, About a mile on the rear, was a narrow pafs, by which alone the camp could be approached, and in front was the river Sallée, on the furthermoft banks of which ftands the town of Point a Petre; but the fituation of this encampment, fo favourable in other refpects, proved to be, in the higheft degree, unhealthful. The baneful effeêts of the climate at this fealon of the year were aggravated by putrid exhalations from the neighbouring fwamps, and a dreadful mortality enfued among the troops. Hh3 By --- Page 516 --- HISTORY or THE CHAP. By the middle of Auguft, the numbers on the fick III. litt conftituted the majority of the - ( 1 camp. During the month of September, the army was inadequate to the fpply of guards for the different batteries. Several companies could not produce a fingie man fit for duty; and the 43d regiment could not even afford a corporal and three men, for the proteétion of their own camp in the night. In order, therefore, to keep up the appearance of force in front of the enemy, the different iflands were completely drained oftroops, and a body of French loyalifts were felcéted to perform military duty at the poft of Gabarre; where they conduéted themfelves with much fpirit and fidelity. The commiffioner from the French convention, and now commander in chief ofthe French troops in Guadaloupe, was Victor Hugues, a man ofwhom I Ahall hereafter have fiequent occafion to fpeak. Itis fuflicient in this place to obferve, that though his namehas fince become proverbial for every fpecies of outrage and cruclty, he was not deficient cither in courage or capacity. Obferving how feverely his cwn troops, as well as ours, fuffered trom the climate, he conceived the project of arming in his iervice, as many blacks and mulattoes as he could colleét, T'hele men, inured to the climate, and having nothing to lofe, flocked to his ftandard in great numbers, and were foon brought into fome degree of order and difcipline. With the co-operation of thefe auxiliaries, apprized at the fame time ofthe debilitated ftate of the Britifh ariy, the French conmiflioner determined to attack fuffered trom the climate, he conceived the project of arming in his iervice, as many blacks and mulattoes as he could colleét, T'hele men, inured to the climate, and having nothing to lofe, flocked to his ftandard in great numbers, and were foon brought into fome degree of order and difcipline. With the co-operation of thefe auxiliaries, apprized at the fame time ofthe debilitated ftate of the Britifh ariy, the French conmiflioner determined to attack --- Page 517 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, tack the Britith camp at Berville, For this 47t pofe, on Saturday the 26th ofSeptember, pur- CHAP. barked a large body of he emIII. which troops in finall veffels, - Y paffing our fhips of war unperceived, under 1794. cover ofa dark night, made good their in two detachments ; the one at Goyave, the landing other Bay Mahault. The detachment which took at feflion of the place laft mentioned, pofmarched to Gabarre, in the view of immediately the French royalifts ftationed furrounding there, and it was with great difficulty that they efcaped to Berville. The other detachment which had landed at Goyave, began its march to Petit Bourg. Lieut. Col. Drummond, of the 43d regiment, with fome convalef. cents from the hofpital, and a party of ad. vanced to meet them, but royalifts, fuperiority, found it advifable perceiving their great took poft at a battery to retreat; and they upon the fhore, called Point Bacchus, wheré however they were foon and the whole party made prifoners. furrounded, felfion of this poft, the By the pofcommunication enemy entirely cut off all between the Britith camp and thipping. They then proceeded to poffefs themfelves ofthe neighbouring heights, and formed a with the other detachment which had landed junétion Mahaulc: by this means the at Bay camp at Berville was completely invefted by land; its whole including the fick and convalefeent, ttrength, no more than two hundred and confifted of troops, and three hundred fifty regular royalifts. All that courage, perfeverance, and defpair couldl effedt, was performed by the united exertions of this gailant Hh4 bani. the neighbouring heights, and formed a with the other detachment which had landed junétion Mahaulc: by this means the at Bay camp at Berville was completely invefted by land; its whole including the fick and convalefeent, ttrength, no more than two hundred and confifted of troops, and three hundred fifty regular royalifts. All that courage, perfeverance, and defpair couldl effedt, was performed by the united exertions of this gailant Hh4 bani. --- Page 518 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP, band. In the firft attack on the morning of the III. 2gth, after a confliet of three hours, the ( ) ( republi1794- cans were defeated with great lofs. They were again repulfed in two fubfequent attacks, on the 3oth of the fame month and the 4th ofOctober. But their numbers continually increafing, and the manifeft impoffibility of opening a communication with the Britifh fect, depriving the garrifon of all proper fuccour, General Graham, on the reprefentation ofhis officers, confented on the 6th of October to fend a Bag to the French commiftioner, offering to capitulate. Towards the Britifh, the terms granted by the enemy were fufliciently liberal, but the condition demanded for the French reyalifts, that they fhould be treated as Britith fubjects, was declared inadmiffible; all the favour that could be obtained for them, was the fanétion ofa covered boat, in which twenty-five of their officers eleaped to the Boyne. The reft of the miferable royalitts, upwards of 300 in number, were left a Kacrifice to the vengeance of their republican enemies. Finding themfelves excluded from the capitulation, they folicited permiflion to endeavour to cut their way through the enemy, an attempt which muft have ended only in the deftruétion both of themfelves and the Britifh. There was a faint hope entertained, however, that Victor Hugues (whofe charaéter was not at thattime fufficiently developed) would relent on their furrender. In this expectation, however, thefe unfortunate people were cruelly difappointed, and their fad fate cannot be recorded without indignation and horror. The republicans ereéted ulation, they folicited permiflion to endeavour to cut their way through the enemy, an attempt which muft have ended only in the deftruétion both of themfelves and the Britifh. There was a faint hope entertained, however, that Victor Hugues (whofe charaéter was not at thattime fufficiently developed) would relent on their furrender. In this expectation, however, thefe unfortunate people were cruelly difappointed, and their fad fate cannot be recorded without indignation and horror. The republicans ereéted --- Page 519 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. ereéted a guillotine, with which they ftruck heads of fifty of them in the off the CHAP, This mode of procceding, fhort/pace ofan hour. III. tedious for their impatient however, proving too of thele revenge; the remainder 1794. and unhappy men were fettered to each placed on the brink of one ofthe trenches other, they had fo gallantly defended: the which drew up fome of their undifeiplined republicans then who recruits in firing an irregular volley at their miferable front, viétims, killed fome and wounded others; many, in all probability, untouched: leaving however of the former, the weight ditch, where the dragged the reft into the fhared living, the wounded, and the the fame grave; the foil dead, thrown in upon them*, being inftantly Thus was the whole of this fertile fingle fortrefs of Matilda country (the power of France, and excepted) reftored to the ofa placed under the domination revengeful and remorfelefs democracy. General Prefcott, who commanded the Matilda tained a long and moft haraffing Fort, fuf 14th of Oétober to the Ioth of fiege, from the conduét December. His and throughout, as well as that of the officers He men under his command, was above all maintained his pofition until the fort praife. longer tenable, and was no his reduced and having no other means of faving he was exhaufted garrifon from the fword, obliged at length to abandon it evacuation. Three line of battle by filent arrived in the interim from fhips had indeed Great Britain, but they came * Rev. Cooper Willyams's account of the campaign, &:c. --- Page 520 --- +74 HISTORY OF THE CHAP, came only to behold the triumph of the enemys III. With this adverfe ftroke of fortune, clofed the cam- - 1794- paign of 1794: its career for a while was glorious beyond example; and if the very unhappy meafure ofi reducing the number of the troops at the outfet, had not taken effeét, or if, as foon as the news of the capture of Martinico had reached England, a ftrong reinforcement had been fent to the fcene of action, it cannot be doubted that Guadaloupe would have fill continued in poffefion of the Englifh, and the page of hiftory remained undefiled with thofe dreadful recitals ofrevolt, devaftation, and maffacre, which I thall foon have the painful tafk ofrecording, to the thame and everlafling difhonourofthe French charaéter, and the difgrace of human nature. Our gallant commanders were fortunate,in being allowed to withdraw in time from an atmofphere polluted by fuch enormities. Worn down by conftant exertion both ofbodya and mind, affailed by an unprincipled faction with the bafeft calumnies, and oppreffed by the melancholy and daily profpeét of a gallant army perifbing of difeafe, they were happily relieved from infinite anxiety by the appearance of the reinforcement before mentioned, in which arrived Gen. Sir John Vaughan and Vice-Admiral Caldwell; to the former of whom Sir Charles Grey, and to the latter Sir John Jervis, furrendered their refpective commands, and on the 27th ofNovember failed for Great Britain. , affailed by an unprincipled faction with the bafeft calumnies, and oppreffed by the melancholy and daily profpeét of a gallant army perifbing of difeafe, they were happily relieved from infinite anxiety by the appearance of the reinforcement before mentioned, in which arrived Gen. Sir John Vaughan and Vice-Admiral Caldwell; to the former of whom Sir Charles Grey, and to the latter Sir John Jervis, furrendered their refpective commands, and on the 27th ofNovember failed for Great Britain. --- Page 521 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. CHAPTER IV. Savage Indignities fViler Hugues to tbe remains General Dmdas.-Hs of Britifs uprecedented Cruelty to bis Prjesri-Madiatur HeRilities otber Mhands. againf tbe Tre firft meafure oft the French taking poffeffion of Fort Matilda, commifioner, on CHAP, frongeft manner the bafenefs difplayed in the IV. charaéter. The and ferocity of his ( had been buried body of Major General Dundas 1794 within the walls of that a ftone placed over it with a fuitable fortrefs, and This humble memorial, which a infeription. every civilized part of the earth, generous enemy, in facred, was immediately would have held favage defpor, and the deftroyed by orders of this dug up and thrown into remains ofthe deceafed hero the river Gallion. mean and cowardly difplay This was made the fubjeÉt of ofineffeétual vengeance, public proclamation, boafing and triumph in a worthy only of its author *, * So much has been heard of Viftor The agrecable to the reader to be informed of Hugues, his that it may be purfuits. He was born of mean parents in origin and early France, and was placed out W hen a boy, as fome part of old hair. drefler. In that occupation he went an apprentice to a loupe, where be was afterwards known originally to GuadaBaffe Terre. Failing in that purfuit, he as a petty innkeeper at finall trading veifel, and at length was became mafter of a in the French navy, Being promotcdto 3 lieutenaney French Revolution, he was dilinguifhed afterwards for bis aéivity inthe deputed, through the influeuce was placed out W hen a boy, as fome part of old hair. drefler. In that occupation he went an apprentice to a loupe, where be was afterwards known originally to GuadaBaffe Terre. Failing in that purfuit, he as a petty innkeeper at finall trading veifel, and at length was became mafter of a in the French navy, Being promotcdto 3 lieutenaney French Revolution, he was dilinguifhed afterwards for bis aéivity inthe deputed, through the influeuce --- Page 522 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP, The miferies of war feem, indeed, to have beeri IV. wantonly aggravatedby this man, to an extent never ) 1794. known among the rudeft and moft barbarous nations. In the village of Petit Bourg lay many fick and wounded Britifh foldiers, who had been taken prifoners with ColonelDrummond at Point Bacchus. Thefe unhappy men made an humble application to Viétor Hugues for medical affiftance and frefh provifions. Their petition was anfwered by a death warrant. The vindiétive conqueror, inftead of confidering them as objeêts of mercy and relief, caufed the whole number in the hofpital, and among them it is faid < many women and fome children," to be indifcriminately murdered by the bayonet; a proceeding fo enormoufly wicked, is, I believe, without a precedent in the annals ofhuman depravity *. After fuch conduét towards men who were incapable of making either refiftance or efcape, it may well be fuppofed that revenge was not tardy in the purfuit ofits viétims among the inhabitants of the country. influence of Robefpierre, to whofe party he was ftrongly attached, to the National Affembly. In 1794 he obtained the appointment of Commiffioner at Guadaloupe, with controuling powers over the commanders of the army and navy; and proved hinnfelf in everyr refpedl worthy of his great patron and exemplar, being nearly as favage, remorfelefs, and bloody, as Roberipierre himfelf. e I am unwilling to give this anecdote to the public, without quoting my authority. Irelate it on the teftimony of the Rev. Cooper Willyams, chaplain of the Boyne, who quotes Col. Drummond himfelf, and it is confirmed by a declaration drawn up by General Vaughan and Vice-Admiral Caldwell. Col. Drummond himfelf was confined to a prifon fhip, and by particular orders from Viétor Hugues, to fwab the decks like the meaneft feamen. --- Page 523 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. country. To be accufed of of principles, hoftile actions, or fulpeéted CHAP, was to be conviéted of towards the new government, IV. fons of ail conditions, without treafon. Accordingly, per- - 1 1794. were fent daily to the refpeét to fex or age, tyrant, and their exccution guillotine by this inexorable in fight of the Britifh was commonly performed Viétor prifoners. meafures for Hugues, having taken thefe and other loupe, determined fecuring the quiet poffeffion of Guadain the next place (his force inadequate to a regular attempt being other iflands) to againft any of the fome of them, adopt a fyftem of hoftility againft charaéter and which, though well fuited to his and fanguinary difpofition, was not lefs than unprecedented outrageous flates. To this end he direéted among civilized towards Grenada and St. his firft attention find in each of thofe. iflands, Vincent's, expedting to project which he meditated. adherents * fit for the * t abruptly IN.E B.-At this interefing period the hiftory terminates the author's labours, clofes-Death ft charaéter and which, though well fuited to his and fanguinary difpofition, was not lefs than unprecedented outrageous flates. To this end he direéted among civilized towards Grenada and St. his firft attention find in each of thofe. iflands, Vincent's, expedting to project which he meditated. adherents * fit for the * t abruptly IN.E B.-At this interefing period the hiftory terminates the author's labours, clofes-Death --- Page 524 --- -0731-3 Sroum Luke Hanfard, Printer, Great Turnitile, --- Page 525 --- --- Page 526 --- --- Page 527 --- Dgol E26R --- Page 528 ---