--- Page 1 --- A A A 2 A A A à - R a N A --- Page 2 --- a R S A a A A N : i A A 8 S & A 4% A A A si - - A A A A A 1 4 - A0AA - a - - : A AANIANS V N : - A A 3 a A A a 21 6 A A S A & - E A AARS a D : 3ohn Carter Sratun. S SA --- Page 3 --- A A S A a A 6 a - a a 3 A A a a à A A 3 A R A A A N A A A 4 A A A / - 2 - 5 - - a a A A - --- Page 4 --- RTMENEMermBInEISD MENIS a NM MMWLEIELMMEMIMET MPWMMO --- Page 5 --- --- Page 6 --- A MMNNND LETLMEMMUA VINMAMAS --- Page 7 --- T H E H IS T O R Y OF TI HE ISLAND OF DOMINICA, O ONTAI N N A DESCRIPTION OF ITS SITUATION, EXTENT, CLIMATE, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, NATURAL PRODUCTIONS, &c. &c. TOGETHER WITH - AN ACCOUNT OF THE CIVIL, GOVERNMENT, TRADE, LAWS, 2 - CUSTOMS, AND MANNERS OF THE DIFFERENT INHABITANTS OF THAT ISLAND. ITS CONQUEST BY THE FRENCH, AND RESTORATION TO THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. By THOMAS ATWOOD. L O N D N: PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, NO. 72, ST, PAUL's CHURCHYARD. M DCC XCI, --- Page 8 --- u TMMLE D - LMMIA V Mili MUV - --- Page 9 --- INTRODUCTIO N. TT is greatly to be lamented, that although the ifland of Dominica is fo very capable of being rendered one of the chief, if not the beft, the Englifh have in the Weft Indies; yet, from a want of knowledge ofits importance, or inattention, it is at this time almoft as much unfettled, as whenit was ceded to Great Britain, near thirty years ago. This is the more remarkable, from the great confequence the poffeffion ofitis to the Englifh, in cafe of a rupture with France, it being the key of the Britifh dominions in that part of the world, and from its fituation between the two principal fettlements of the French, Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is the only place in the Weft Indies, by which there is a poffibility for Great Britain to maintain the fovereignty of thofe feas. A2 Ir , near thirty years ago. This is the more remarkable, from the great confequence the poffeffion ofitis to the Englifh, in cafe of a rupture with France, it being the key of the Britifh dominions in that part of the world, and from its fituation between the two principal fettlements of the French, Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is the only place in the Weft Indies, by which there is a poffibility for Great Britain to maintain the fovereignty of thofe feas. A2 Ir --- Page 10 --- a MU - IXTRODUCTION. iv conveniences for the It has morcover many which few other fervice of both an army and fleet, be well iflands can boaft; and was it to Weft India would be of material fettled with Britifh fubjects, furnifhing affiftance to our other poffefions, by often articles of which they very them with many are greatlyin need. forth to view thefc For the purpofe of bringing hiftory the following capabilities of Dominica, candid perufal of of that iland is. fubmitted to the chiefinby the author; whofe a gener S public his hope, that it ducement for writing it, was finalimeans of fervice to a country, might be fome of his life, and in which he has fpent feveral years ardent wifh to of which, it is his the profperity fee fpeedily promoted. fettlements belonging to The hiftory of diftant fail of being Great Britain, it is prefunsed, cannot wifhes well who acceptable to every Englifhman this effay of and however deficient to his countrys correftnefs, or his may be, in point of crudition, the circumftances, yet, from its being correfpondent frft I au 1 MIMUN IV --- Page 11 --- INTRODUCTION, V firft on the fubjeet, the author hopes it may meet with a favourable reception. It falls not within the compafs of this work to enter into details of aéts of the legiflature, the conduct of governors, or ofindividuals of that ifand 5 thefe he leaves for a more extenfive work, or for abler pens to record; andifwhat is here fubmitted to public perufal ferve in the leaft to promote the welfare oftheprefent and future e inhabitants of Dominica, and thereby the interefs of the Britifh nation at large, the purpofe ofthe author by this publication will be fully anfwered. London, May 1791! CON. --- Page 12 --- SEREMEMMMLETHMAIALE --- Page 13 --- C O N T E N T S. CHAP. I, DESCRIPTION, of the ifland, its fituation, extent, climaté, and other fubjeéts 5 together with an account of tbe conquef efit, its cefion to Great Britain, and the dif pofaloft tie lands by tbe crown. Page I : HAI P. II. Defcription oftbel Joil, mountains, and avoods ; valuabletimber, and other trees; alfo oftbe birds %f the woods peculiar to the ifland. CHAP. III. Of the rivers and lakes in the ifands river and frefo water fl, alfo offeafi/n, land crabs, and ad defeription gf the native quadrupedy and otber animals. CH A P. IV. Oftbe mgf remarkable reptiles and infets oftbe ifand, their Denomous and other qualities, with remarks. C H A P. V. An account efthe different articles ef Welt India produce raifed in the ifland; the number 9f fugar and coffee plaatations therein, with remarks. CHA P. VI. Names and deferiplions of particular Ief India fruits zubich grow in the ifand; aljo of Europcan and American fruits, berbs, vegetub bles, and Aowers; with obfervations 0n2 their properties, &c. CHAP. ets oftbe ifand, their Denomous and other qualities, with remarks. C H A P. V. An account efthe different articles ef Welt India produce raifed in the ifland; the number 9f fugar and coffee plaatations therein, with remarks. CHA P. VI. Names and deferiplions of particular Ief India fruits zubich grow in the ifand; aljo of Europcan and American fruits, berbs, vegetub bles, and Aowers; with obfervations 0n2 their properties, &c. CHAP. --- Page 14 --- MCAAESEAURUE* CON T E N T S. viii CH A P: VII. the ifandy previous to its reduétion ty the Of the trade ef that circumfance 5 and French lafis war, with a relation of to wubicb it farrondered. the articles capitulatias 00 H A P. VIII. under the French, with a relaOftbeg gyoermmont ef the ifand the Englifh inhabitants, until tion eftbe dipreprd) 1ftuation Britain; of: an account ef that event, its reforatisn to Great endjrveral atber fiubjeôts. C H. A P. IX. divifion of the ifand into paripbes and towns, An account eftbe its capitaly the prinsipal buildings, avith a deeription ef together with alfervations on fortifications, and barbours Savannab in that Prince Rupert's Baj, and tbe grand ipande 1 CHAF P. X. afficeri, courts, and other jabjsBirelatisue Theciuilgeermmett, militia ef: that ipand. 195 tothem; alfo a defcription efthe C H A P. XI. frec epeople eFcobaur, andDefeription eftbe wbite inbabitants, their. manners and cufoms, native Indians ef tbe ipand; zvith olfarvations. CHA P. XII. Aayes ef tbis ifandy their rebellion and redudlions Of the negrof and charadlers ef thefe people the ufages manners, ecufems, ing general in the Wep Indies. C H A P. XIII. trade efthe iflands and the free port ef Refeatty Ofibeprifnt with remarks. Cmnclafion. THE IL --- Page 15 --- T H E H IS.T O V R Y OF TH E ISLAND OF DOMINICA. CHAPTER I. DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND, ITS SITUATION, EXTENT, CLIMATE AND OTHER SUBJECTS; WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE TOGETHER CESSION TO GREAT CONQUEST OF IT, ITS BRITAIN, AND THE OF THE LANDS BY THE CROWN. DISPOSAL THE ifland of Dominica is fituated in 15 degrees, 25 minutes, north latitude ; 61 degrecs, 15 minutes, weft longitude from London; and 43 degrees, 40 minutes, from Ferro. B The --- Page 16 --- ammeme VMC 10 SHA 3 V THE HISTORY OF THE of this Ifland was claimed by The difcovery France, and the three kingdoms, of England, the right of poffeffion remained Spain; but as a and Dominica was confidered undecided, three Crowns; till the year neutral ifland, by it fell under the. when, by conqueft, 1759, Great Britain ; and was afterwards dominion of of peace conby the treaty ceded to England, in February 1763. cluded at Paris, ceffion of the ifland to the Englich, On the under the Great Commiffioners werc appointed to fell and fent out there with authority, Seal, public falc, to of the lands by and difpofe 66 Of not fubjects, in allotments. Englith hundred acres of fuch land 46 more than one three and not exceeding 66 as was cleared; 5 in woods, to any one perfon, se hundred acres for the fame." 66 who fhould be the beft bidder beof for the Thefe allotments were difpofed to the nefit of the Crown, and were confirmed of under the Great Seal purchafer, by grants, England; A of the lands by and difpofe 66 Of not fubjects, in allotments. Englith hundred acres of fuch land 46 more than one three and not exceeding 66 as was cleared; 5 in woods, to any one perfon, se hundred acres for the fame." 66 who fhould be the beft bidder beof for the Thefe allotments were difpofed to the nefit of the Crown, and were confirmed of under the Great Seal purchafer, by grants, England; A --- Page 17 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. England; with conditions in each grant, E6 That every purchafer fhould pay down 66 twenty per cent of the whole purchafe moC6 ney, together with fixpence fterling per E6 acre, for the expence of furveying the land; 66 and that, the remainder of the purchafe <6 money fhould be fecured by bonds; to be 66 paid by equal inftallments, in the fpace of 66 five years, next after the date of the 66 That, each purchafer fhould grant. keep on the 66 lands fo by him purchafed, one white 6E man, or two white women for every hundred acres 66 of land, as it became cleared; for the 66 pofe of purcultivating the fame. Or in de66 fault thereof, or non payment of the reCC mainder of the purchafe money, the lands 66 were to be forfeited to his Majefty, his SEC heirs and fucceffors." The Commifioners were alfo impowered to execute leafès to the French inhabitants, of fich lands as were found in their poffeflion at B 2 the --- Page 18 --- eicmemmmanoue M STy 10 9 ( a THE HISTORY OF THE furrender of the ifland; and the time of the thofe inhabiwhich lands were thus leafed to defirous of keeping them in tants, who were the their taking poffeflion, on confideration-of to his Britannic Majeftyoaths of allegiance for a term, net Thefe leafes were exccuted fome fourteen, and others for lels than feven, at the time liabfolute; renewable forty years of the fame. With mitted for the expiration leafc, 66 That the poffeffor, conditions in every his Mafhould pay to ce his heirs or affigns, the fum of 46 jefty, his heirs or fucceffors, annum, for every <6 two fhillings fterling per fhould which the leafe A a C6 acre of land, of fhould not fell ce confift." ce And, that they without the con- €C or difpofc of their lands, - of the Governor, of 66 fent and approbation for the 66 Commander in chief of that ifland, ce time being." The VR AV --- Page 19 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The( Commiffioners woelikewif-inpowered to make grants, under the Great Seal, of lots to, poor fettlers ; to fuch Englith fubjeêts, as fhould be deemed fit objeéts of his Majefty's bounty; in allotments of not more than thirty acres of land, to any one perfon. With authority alfo to the faid Commiffioners, to referve and keep fuch lands, in the moft convenient parts of the ifland as they fhould think proper for fortifications, and the ufe of his Majefty's army, and navy. Together with a boundary of fifty feet from the fea fhore, round the whole ifland ; and referving all mines, of gold and filver, which might thereafter be difcovered there, for the ufe of his Majefty, his heirs and fucceffors * a This ifland is 29 miles in length, and 16 miles in breadth, but in fome parts it * Itis the opinion of many peop'e, that there are mines of both thofe métals in this ifland; particularly of filver; picces of filver ore having been found in the interior N. E. part, : B 3 is land ; and referving all mines, of gold and filver, which might thereafter be difcovered there, for the ufe of his Majefty, his heirs and fucceffors * a This ifland is 29 miles in length, and 16 miles in breadth, but in fome parts it * Itis the opinion of many peop'e, that there are mines of both thofe métals in this ifland; particularly of filver; picces of filver ore having been found in the interior N. E. part, : B 3 is --- Page 20 --- wenrammennoue* IENG - SO THE HISTORY OF THE being of a very irregular figure. is broader, mountainous in fome It is rugged and plains, and fine extenfive parts; but fpacious throughout the ifland, vallies are interfperfed which are in general very produétive. climate of this country is hot at times, The that are much thelin places on the fea coaft, of mountains; 3 but in the open parts tered by diftance from the fea the ifland, at no great and coolat moft times, fhore, it is moderately in refembles the climate of England, greatly This is occafioned by the almoft fummer. breezes blowing from the mountains; conftant render it more which moderating the heat, than it is, in thofe illands of fupportable Indies that are: more level. In the Weft interior mountainous parts, it is perfectly the owing to the vaft quantity cool in general; which fall of tall woods, and the heavy rains in thofe places, in fome part or other almoft which render it fo cold, in the night every day; cfpecially, T MVA --- Page 21 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA efpecially, that people who refide there are obliged to ufe woollen coverings on their beds, in the fame quantity as in winter time in England *, The climate is, however, reckoned very wholefome, efpecially in thofe placcs where invalids ufually go for the recovery of their health, which is frequently re-eftablifhed by a few weeks refidence there. Befides, a good breeze generally blows from the mountains moft part of the day, which greatly moderates the heat on the fea coaft; and perfons who live there temperately are feldom affliéted with the diforders, incident to moft other Weft India iflands. * In the interior parts of this ifland, it is impoffible to preferve falti in its proper ftate; for as foon as itis brought thither, it diffolves intoa a thick liquid, from' the remarkable dampnels of the air. This dampnefs is alfo prejudicial to articles of furniture that are glued, which frequently, after a long fucceflion of rain, will fall to picces. B 4 The --- Page 22 --- XcRemmarame THE HISTORY OF THE The wet feafon in this country fets in about the end of commonly Auguft, and continues till about the beginning of with January, but frequent intervals of fine weather. The feverity of the rainy feafon, is ufually in the months of September and October, when heavy continual rain falls for very nay, it has been days together ; known to fall there for two or three weeks at a time, with very little intermiflion. The ifland, however, is feldom without rain, in fome part or other; and often during a promifing day, the veller difappointed trameets with fuch fudden, and heavy fhowers, that in an inftant wet him to the fkin, nor is an umbrella or great coat.of much fervice, the rain falling in fuch large drops, and often accompanied with fuch fevere gufts of wind, that the umbrella is rather an inconvenience; but let him be careful to his wet cloaths as foon as change pofible, for inconfidération, in this refpect, has proved fatal to many in this,climate. When V I . with fuch fudden, and heavy fhowers, that in an inftant wet him to the fkin, nor is an umbrella or great coat.of much fervice, the rain falling in fuch large drops, and often accompanied with fuch fevere gufts of wind, that the umbrella is rather an inconvenience; but let him be careful to his wet cloaths as foon as change pofible, for inconfidération, in this refpect, has proved fatal to many in this,climate. When V I . --- Page 23 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. When the rains are violent and oflong continuance, they do great mifchief in the ifland, among the plantations; carrying away large tracts ofland with coffee, plantain trees, fugar canes, and ground provifions ; which are all hurried into the fea. In the towns alfo, they often do much damage, caufing the rivers to overflow their banks, or breaking out in freth places, carry away houfes, or whatever elfe ftands in the way of thefe dreadful torrents, Thunder and lightening is feldom fo fevere in Dominica, or does fo much damage there as in many other parts of the Weft Indies ; although there have been fome inftances oflightening ftriking veffels in the road, damaging houfes and killing peoplo; but fuch inftances are very rare, Nor are earthquakes, thofe alarnting phenomena of nature, fo frequent, or fo deftruétive in this, as in many other Weft India iflands; yet, --- Page 24 --- UNHE MREIELINID - a e THE HISTORY OF THE 1O fomé of the firft inhayet, it is afferted by here forbitants, that carthquakes happened efpecially foon after the merly very frequently; firft took poffefion of the çountry; Englith feveral times when they were felt feverely, for the fpace of fome weeks togeinla day, that ther, which fo terrified the inhabitants, the of quitting the place, they were on point they foon fubfided. Thefe peobut happily material ple fay likewife, that although no happened at that time, yet that the damage in feveral places ; and in partiifland was fplit chafm was made in a mountain cular, a large that there called Demoulins, fo very deep, attempted - with feveral coils though they they were of cordage fpliced together, yet it. There is, however, no unable to fathom left of that remarkable circumappearance contradiéts ftance, which yet by no means N the veracity of their report. Hurri- : a FEMR --- Page 25 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. II Hurricancs, thofe dreadful fcourges of the Weft Indies, are feldom very fevere in Domi. nica; and in comparifon with the milchief they generally do in other iflands, may more properly be termed only heavy gufts of wind, efpecially when compared with the deftruction done by that in the Leward iflands the firft of September, 1772; the moft dreadful one that for fome time has been felt in the WeftIndics. In the hurricane feafon, the damage received in Dominica is principally occafioned by the very heavy rains, or by the fea, which fometimes in thofe feafons tumbles into the bays, elpecially that of Rofeau, ina very frightful manner ; and making Onl the fhore, overwhelms the veffels that unfortunately happen to be there at anchor; and fweeps away the houfes, or whatever elfe is in the way of its deftructive force. A particular circumftance of this kind, which happened there the laft day of September, Dominica is principally occafioned by the very heavy rains, or by the fea, which fometimes in thofe feafons tumbles into the bays, elpecially that of Rofeau, ina very frightful manner ; and making Onl the fhore, overwhelms the veffels that unfortunately happen to be there at anchor; and fweeps away the houfes, or whatever elfe is in the way of its deftructive force. A particular circumftance of this kind, which happened there the laft day of September, --- Page 26 --- a acaMmmmmme I THE HISTORY OF . THE ber, 1780, was the moft remarkable that occurred in this ifland, in the has oldeft memory of the inhabitant, and did the moft mifchief. It did confiderable damage among the plantations, andin Rofeau deftroyed feveral houfès the bay, and feveral veffels in the road, on The effeêts of thefe hurricanes in the Weft Indies are truly aftonifhing 3 for the wind, with a fury hardly credible, blowing from different points at one and the fame inftant, carries before it; the rain is as it were taken all out of the fca, and hurled on the Jand in clouds from 5 which not having time to exhale, is as falt as à the briny clement from which it was and falls in driven; drops as large as hail ftones, affedting the hands and naked face, in the fàme manner as a fevere hail ftorm; the whole of the fcene is trulyalarming and beyond defcription dreadful. The AMIVA WM A N --- Page 27 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The mornings and evenings in Dominica are in general remarkably pleafant and cool; that is to fay, from day break till cight o'clock in the morning, and between five and fix o'clock till bed timein the evening. Early in the morning is the time, when thofe who can afford it, and wilh to preferve their healths, will do well to employ their leifure time till breakfaft, either riding on horfeback, or taking a walk, to enjoy the cool, enlivening breezes. Bathing, previous to thefe exercifes, is alfo the beft prefervative of health, and here people have the opportunity of doing it eitherin the rivers or in the fea. Frequently bathing in cold water is produétive of much benefit to perfons in warm climates 5 as, exclufive of that which arifes from cleanlinefs, fo neceffary in hot countries, it braces the nerves, and keeps the body refrethingly cool the whole day after. By taking a ride there on horfeback, a perfon in the fpace of --- Page 28 --- UMYM V LAMTAELM 5 a IR a THE HISTORY OF THE of half an houri is tranfported from an uncomfortable warm air on the fea coaft, to a pleafantly cool retreat in the interior parts of the country; which, in an evening efpecially, he may leifurcly enjoy, till difpofed to return to town; when the breczes, by that time fet in to blow from the mountains, permit him to ileep the remainder of the nightin cool tranquillity. The taking a morning or evening's walk in this ifand, by the fides of the rivers, whofe glaffy furface glides fwiftly on, or murmuring water-falls foam to the a view, is very pleafing, Does fancy lead him to enjoy the mile fcene, a or two, he ftill finds ample a amufement. Viewing the rapid freams, he fees the filvered A fry, fporting on its furface, in aftonithing numbers. The ferpentine windings of the rivers in fome parts ; in others, the waters wide, deep, and filently flowing along; and in many places, numberlefs falls of water, tumbling IUMV UIVA : view, is very pleafing, Does fancy lead him to enjoy the mile fcene, a or two, he ftill finds ample a amufement. Viewing the rapid freams, he fees the filvered A fry, fporting on its furface, in aftonithing numbers. The ferpentine windings of the rivers in fome parts ; in others, the waters wide, deep, and filently flowing along; and in many places, numberlefs falls of water, tumbling IUMV UIVA : --- Page 29 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. bling down the fides of ftcep precipices, or rufhing over the tops of huge ftones in the beds of the rivers, at once charm both the fight and hearing. Is he fond of the delightful ftudy of botany; here an extenfive field is open for his fpeculation, and numberlefs curious fhrubs, plants, and flowers, that grow fpontancoufly, afford him ample fcope for enquiry? Rifing early in a morning in this country, you have the delightful pleafare of exploring the wonders of the heavens; the morning ftar, with a rapidity that excceds all bounds of conception, running its daily courfe; the fun cmerging from the fea, all glorious to behold; and in the words of the Pfalmift, 66 Com66 ing forth like a bridegroom out ofhis chamcc ber;" and all the leffer planets twinkling into obfcurity. In the evening in Dominica, is the moft amazingly glorious fcenery that can poffibly be imagined; the heavens be4 fpangled --- Page 30 --- 1 4 yI - RNUM AAWATCT THE HISTORY OF fpangled with innumerable ftars, which the denfe climate of Europe hides from mortal fight, or which are but barcly to be diftinguithed, are in this ifland open to full view; and the lovers of aftronomy have there an opportunity to make new difcoveries in that fcience. In the evenings, although the air is cool, yet it is not accompanied by thofe noxious vapours, fo remarkable for their effedts in fome dangerous parts of.the Weft Indies; fo that it is not uncommon for Ifland people in this to fit whole evenings in the without open air, any detriment to their healths. CHAP. a AVIT AELEMMVL IM A FCRELMUM QAI --- Page 31 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA: CHAPTER II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SOIL, MOUNTAINS, AND WOODS OF VALUABLE TIMBER, AND OTHER TREES: ALSO OF THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS, FECULIAR TO THE ISLAND. THE Soil of Dominica, in fome places, is a light, brown-coloured mould, that appears to have becn wafhed down from the mountains, and mixcd with decayed branches, and leaves of trees. In the level country, towards the fea coaft, and in many placcs of the interior parts, it is a fine, deep, black mould, which is pcculiarly adapted to the cultivation of the fugar cane, coffee, cocoa, and all othcr articles of Weft India produce. The under ftratum of the foil is a yellow, or brick clay, in fome parts, in others it is a fiff tarrace; 3 but it is in moft parts very ftoney. The decayed branches, and leaves of trees. In the level country, towards the fea coaft, and in many placcs of the interior parts, it is a fine, deep, black mould, which is pcculiarly adapted to the cultivation of the fugar cane, coffee, cocoa, and all othcr articles of Weft India produce. The under ftratum of the foil is a yellow, or brick clay, in fome parts, in others it is a fiff tarrace; 3 but it is in moft parts very ftoney. The --- Page 32 --- MMWM AERMMIEGE THE HISTORY OF THE The land is in general very produétive, cfpecially in the interior parts, but towards the fea coaft, it requires to be freqtiently manured; becaufe the furface ofit ufually opens into large chafms in dry weather, thereby expofing the foil to the exceffive heat of the fun; fo that its vegetative quality can only be reftored by dunging. This, however, is not very eafily dorte by the greater part ofthe planters ; becaufe they have not in general a fufficient number of cattle on their plantations, in proportion to the land under cultivation, of the fugar cane in particular; from whence, in a great meafure, and to the want of negroes, is to be attributed the fmnall quantity of fagar exported from this fettlement to England. Several of the mountains of this ifland are continually burning with fulphur, of which they emit vait quantities. From thefe mountains iffue numbers of fprings of- mineral A - A MMVA 4 AMAT --- Page 33 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ral water, whofe virtues are extolled for the cure of many diforders; in fome places the water is fo very hot, as to boil an egg, 8cc. in lefs time than boiling water, and this heat is retained at fome diftance from its fource. Thefe fulphureous mountains are certainly among the moft wonderful phanomena of na-- ture, and command our aftonifhment and admiration. To feevaft tracts of land on fire, whofe fmoke, like clouds, ftretches far around; brimftone in flames, like ftreams of water iffuing from the fides of precipices; in the vallies large holes full of bituminous matter, boiling and bubbling like a caldron; the earth trembling under the tread, and burfting out with loud explofions, are objedts truly terrific to the beholders; who, on the fpot, are fruck with awe and admiration, on viewing fuch dreadful works of the AlC 2 mighty --- Page 34 --- ME à 9 - yE W AM THE HISTORY OF THE mighty, who caufes them to exift, for purpofes only known by him *. Othersofthe mountainsare excedinglylarge and high, whofe fammits, fides and feet are covered with vaft tall woods, which together with the under woods, are fo crouded as to be almoft impervious to the cye, and that for feveral miles around. From the tops and fides ofthefe defcend numberlefs fprings and waterfalls, which form the moft delightfully romantic cafcades, of fine, cool, wholefome water, as clear as cryftal, excepting in places wherc it is tinctured with fulphur. A * In places where thefe fulphurcous mountains ated, there is no poilibility of are fitutheir clean bright preferving articles of filverin ufe, unlefs cleared order,as they turn blackand are not fit for This is alfo from a moifture that adheres to them. perceptible to perfons having money in their pockets, buckles or buttons on their cloaths made of that metal; which will immediately on their turn black, from the powerfully coming thither: on them. quick effcét of the fulphur The MMVA CME A V JU ated, there is no poilibility of are fitutheir clean bright preferving articles of filverin ufe, unlefs cleared order,as they turn blackand are not fit for This is alfo from a moifture that adheres to them. perceptible to perfons having money in their pockets, buckles or buttons on their cloaths made of that metal; which will immediately on their turn black, from the powerfully coming thither: on them. quick effcét of the fulphur The MMVA CME A V JU --- Page 35 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The woods of Dominica, which conftitute nearly two thirds of the ifland at prefent, including the parts that are incapable of cultivation, on account of ftecpand rugged. dmountains, afford a vaft fund of excellent timber : confifting ofl locus-wood, bullet-tree, maftic, cinnamon, rofe-wood, yellow-fanders, baftardmahogany, iron-wood, feveral fpecies of cedar, and various other forts of wood, ufeful for building houfes, velels and canoes, for furniture, for dying, and other neceffary purpofès. In the woods, an awful, yet pleafing folitarinefs prevails ; but that which makes them the more agreeably romantic, is the noife of falling waters, the whifling of the wind among the trees, the finging and chirping of an innumerable quantity of birds among the branches, and the uncommon cries of various kinds of harmlefs infeéts, which together with C 3 the --- Page 36 --- NY THE HISTORY OF THE the dark fhadinefs of the trees, form a folémn but delightful fcene for contemplation. The trees in the woods are of uncommon height, and by fare exceed in loftinefs the talleft trees in England. In this ifland their feem to touch the clouds, which tops appear as if fkimming fwiftly over their upper branches and looking up the trees is ; painful to the eye. Many of the trees are Jikewife of enormous girt, and their fpreading boughs extend far around; thofe of the fig-tree cfpecially, under whofe inviting fhade hundreds at a time may repofc themfelves, without fear of being wet by the heavieft fhower of rain, or dread of the influence of the feorching fun-beams. In the woods the trees are, in common, covered with different - foliage, fo that it is ufual to fee one tree dreffed out with the rich liveries of feveral, all growing in beautiful variety a --- Page 37 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. variety: the trunk and branches, covered with ivy and other plants, growing on them like houfe-leeks. That the leaves of different trees fhould be found on one tree, is an objeét worthy of fpeculation ; but yet, in my opinion, is no other way to be accounted for, than by fuppofing that the feeds of different trees, being fcattered by the wind, fall into the heart of the fame plant, like houfe-leeks, and are thus incorporated into the tree on which they are feen growing. The different fpecies of ivy, or rather wild vines, in the woods, grow to a great fize, and. have the appearance of fo many cords, or thick ropes, faftened to the branches, Some of thefe are very tough, ftrong, and ufeful; ; and hoops, baikets, and other wicker utenfils are made of them: : alfo walking-fticks, called fupple- of the fame plant, like houfe-leeks, and are thus incorporated into the tree on which they are feen growing. The different fpecies of ivy, or rather wild vines, in the woods, grow to a great fize, and. have the appearance of fo many cords, or thick ropes, faftened to the branches, Some of thefe are very tough, ftrong, and ufeful; ; and hoops, baikets, and other wicker utenfils are made of them: : alfo walking-fticks, called fupple- --- Page 38 --- VM UMYE THE HISTORY OF THE fupple-jacks, which, if cutin the fon, are very durable, proper fcaboth and fo pliant, that ends may be bent together breaking them. Thefe without being in general larly knotted, and of a good reguadmired for polifh, are much back walking-ficks, or to ufe on horfeinftead of whips S for both which pofes many of them are purEngland, where frequently fent to they are well known. Among other valuable trces in the Dominica is the woods of gum-tree, which yields quantities of thatarticle. great The of the body of this tree is circumference and its timber generally very great, - is, on that account, made into canoes; which is done by out the infide,, and digging or burning The fhaping the log into form. gum falls from the the tree in body and branches of great quantitics, in fibflance white wax, and was like planters of that very ferviceable to the ifland, during the time it was in. 1 a --- Page 39 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. in poffeflion of the French laft war; this.gum being ufed inftead of oil, which could not then be had, to burn in lamps in the boiling houfes when making fugar. The Romith priefts of this ifland ufe it likewiie in their cenfers at funerals, and other ceremonies of their church, it having a very aromatic fmell when burning; and it is fuppofed to contain virtués which might be valuable in medicines, was it better known. The timber alfo of this tree, as well as that of feveral others in the woods, makes good fhingles for covering of houfes, and was very ferviceable for making ftaves for fugar and coffee caiks, at the time the Americans refufed fupplying the Englith COlonies with them. Several fine floops and fchooners have likewife been built of the timber of this ifland; and the veffels that have been built of it are efteemed preferable --- Page 40 --- THE HISTORY OF THE able, both for ftrength and others built of timber durability, to imported from North America. Cabbage trees are in great plenty in Dominica, and are very ferviceable on the plantations, as their trunks make good laths fawed, or fplit, or rails for cattle-pens, very durable : the branches and being for leaves are ufed thatching of houfes; ; and the of them is cabbage part excellent cating. : Thefe trees are of great height, have much the the cocoa-nut appearance of trec, and bear a berry much like a date. The cabbage part is in the whence it is taken after the top, tree is cut and when that part is boiled it is down; good, and taftes much equally as like the bottom of an artichoke, It alfo makes part pickle, fome of which a very good is à often fent to land as prefents, EngThe MO TMM h IA UPIU of great height, have much the the cocoa-nut appearance of trec, and bear a berry much like a date. The cabbage part is in the whence it is taken after the top, tree is cut and when that part is boiled it is down; good, and taftes much equally as like the bottom of an artichoke, It alfo makes part pickle, fome of which a very good is à often fent to land as prefents, EngThe MO TMM h IA UPIU --- Page 41 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The wouds of Dominica abound with wild pigeons, mountain doves, ring-neck doves, ground doves, partridges, mackaws, parrots, hawks, diablotins, and a vàriety of finging and other fmall birds; among which is the mountain whiftler, the thrufh, and wren : from the finging,. whiftling, and chirping of which, the woods refound in a moft delightful manner. The wild pigeon is of the fize of the common houfe pigeon, has a red bill and legs, and its feathers are of a dark blue, tinged with a gold colour. They build on the tops of the highe(t trees, lay only two eggs at a fitting, but hatch feveral times in the feafon, which is from February to Auguft. Their fleth is of a dark colour, and is very fat when they are in feafon, which is after their breeding time is over, when it has a moft delicious flavour, and is greatly relifhed. The --- Page 42 --- y VA a THE HISTORY OF THE The mountain dove is alfo a houfc nearly the fize of pigeon, has the fame bill and legs, but its feathers red-coloured colour. It are of a brown differs but little from the neck dove, ringA being only a fize Jarger, and îts neft ori trees in the builds fides of mouritains, or at the Reep precipices, where it pleafing, loud, makes a plaintive noife. The neck dove builds in ringcoverts in the does alfo the woods, as partridge, which is likewife a fpecies of the dove kind, but from its great refemblance, it is called the French. The pieddrié by the fleth of the three much liked, but has kinds is that of moft a bitter tafte, as has € other birds of the ing to the berrics country, oWthey feed -on; this tafte, though at. firft difagreeable, is foon relithed by moft people, and they. are reckoned wholefome, The very ground dove is not much bigger than a lark when a thers, which fripped of its feaare of a brown colour, It a red bill and legs, makes has a pleafing plaintive noife, a A WVA M a --- Page 43 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. noife, and when killed in feafon its fleth is very fat, and of a delicious flavour; for which rcafon is is generally called the Weft-India ortolon. The mackaw is of the parrot kind, but larger than the common parrot, and makes a more difagreeable, harfh noife. They are in great plenty, as are alfo parrots in this ifland ; have both of them a delighiful grecn and ycllow plumage, with a fcarlet-coloured flefhy fubflance from the cars to the root of the bill, of which colour is likewife the chief feathers of their wings and tails. They brced on the tops of the higheft trecs, whcre they feed on the berries in great numbers together; and are cafily difcovered by their loud chattering noife, which at a diftance refembles human voices. The mackaws cannot bc t.ught to articuiate words; but the parrots of this country may, by taking pains with them when caught young. The flelh of both is eat, but being very root of the bill, of which colour is likewife the chief feathers of their wings and tails. They brced on the tops of the higheft trecs, whcre they feed on the berries in great numbers together; and are cafily difcovered by their loud chattering noife, which at a diftance refembles human voices. The mackaws cannot bc t.ught to articuiate words; but the parrots of this country may, by taking pains with them when caught young. The flelh of both is eat, but being very --- Page 44 --- MYM M UAPOAEICIUEGE - S THE HISTORY OF THE very fat, it wafles in roafing, and and infipid; for which eats dry reafon, they are ufed to make foup of, which chiefly is accounted very nutritive. The hawks are of two kinds, the the largeft fize of thofe one of (pecies, the other that ofthe finall fortin England. Theyare both very ferocious, commit great depredations the other birds in the woods, and among tations often on the plandeftroy fowls and houfe pigeons. The diablotin, fo called by the from its French, uncommenly ugly appearance, is nearly the fizc of a duck, and is web-footed, It has a big round head, crooked bill a like a hawk, and large full eyes like an owl. a Its head, part of the neck, chief feathers of the wings and tail, are black; the other parts of its body are covered with a milkwhite fine down; and its whole appearance I is - --- Page 45 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. is perfeétly fingular. They feed on fith, Alying in great flocks to the fea fide in the nighttime; and in their flight make a difagreeable loud noife like owls : which bird they alfo refemble, by their dilike of making their appearance in the day-time, when they are hid În holes in the mountains, where they are eafily caught. This is done by ftopping up fome of the holes, which lead to their hiding places, and placing empty bags over the reft, which communicate under-ground with thofe ftopped: the birds at their ufual time of going forth to fcek their food in the nighttime, finding their paffage impeded, make to the holes covered with the bags; ; into which entering, they are immediately caught; and great numbers of them taken in that manner in a fhort time. The flefh of the diablotin is much admired by the French, who ufed formerly to export great quantities of them falted, to Martinique and other their hiding places, and placing empty bags over the reft, which communicate under-ground with thofe ftopped: the birds at their ufual time of going forth to fcek their food in the nighttime, finding their paffage impeded, make to the holes covered with the bags; ; into which entering, they are immediately caught; and great numbers of them taken in that manner in a fhort time. The flefh of the diablotin is much admired by the French, who ufed formerly to export great quantities of them falted, to Martinique and other --- Page 46 --- L Mh MAWAC -S U a THE HISTORY OF THE other French ifands; but the traffic a ftop to by the was put Legiflature of Dominica, who, by an Act made for apprehending runaway negroes, prohibited the taking of thofe birds: as before that time, the runaways numerous in the woods, furnifhed being titics of them, for which great quanthey had in from fome return, ill-di/pofed white people, muikets, powder, and balls'; which they made ufe of in murdering the Englifh inhabitants plantations. on the The mountain whifler is of the fize of Englith Jark, and is remarkable an a 1 loud charming only for its whiftle, which refembles the human voice in the melodious which this bird notes ; but varies in a moft manner. aftonifhing A The thrufh is nearly the fize of that in England, and has much the fame kind of whifle --- Page 47 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. whiftle. The wren is alfo of the fize and figure of thofe in England, and fings delightfully, efpecially early in the morning, and in the evening when other birds are at rooft: for which reafon it is by fome, called the nightingale. What is remarkable of the finging birds of this country is, that they lofe their finging faculties when taken, pine away and die, notwithflanding the greateft attention is paid to them. There are alfo great numbers of owls in the woods of this ifland, and make they a moft hideous, difagrecable noife in the nighttime. Swallows and bats are here likewife in great plenty; the latter breeding in hollow trees and in old houfes; ; but it has not yet been difcovered where the fwallows breed, or retire to 5 yet they are frequently feen flying in great flocks during the wet feafon, and their appearance is reckoned a fure token of approaching rainy weather. D Dominica --- Page 48 --- e - DRMERE EEueL THE HISTORY OF THE Dominica is vifited in the hurricane months by wild ducks, curlews, plovers, and fnipes; but not in fuch numbers at a time, as they are ufually feen in fome Weft India iflands, owing to there being very few fpots of ftagnated water in this ifland, and to the great quantity of land in it ftill covered with woods. Shortly after the reduction of this ifland by the French lait war, the Marquis Duchilleau, then Governor, prohibited the killing of game during the breeding feafon. This prohibition has fince been made into a law, by the Englifh A Degiflature of Dominica, as a circumftance highly neceffary 5 not only to prevent the runaway negroes from trafficking with that commodity for arms and a ammunition, but alfo to preferve the game, which would probably have become extinét, if an unlimitted power of deftroying them had not been reftrained. CHAP. prohibited the killing of game during the breeding feafon. This prohibition has fince been made into a law, by the Englifh A Degiflature of Dominica, as a circumftance highly neceffary 5 not only to prevent the runaway negroes from trafficking with that commodity for arms and a ammunition, but alfo to preferve the game, which would probably have become extinét, if an unlimitted power of deftroying them had not been reftrained. CHAP. --- Page 49 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 35. CHAPTER III. OF THE RIVERS AND LAKES IN THE ISLAND, RIVER AND FRESH WATER FISH, ALSO OF SEA FISH, LAND CRABS, AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIVE QUABRUPED, AND OTHER ANIMALS, DOMINICA is well watered, there being upwards of thirty fine rivers in the ifland, befides great numbers of rivulets of exceilent frefh water, but none of the rivers are navigable; yet, in the rainy feafon, they are fometimes very deep and rapid, coming down often in a frightful manner, carrying away confiderable tracks of land, large trees, huge ftones, and fometimes houfes, into the fea. The rivers and rivulets are plentifully ftocked with excellent fifh; the principal of which are, mullets, crocroes, pike, cels, fuck-fith, and cray-fith, with which the tables of the D2 inha- --- Page 50 --- / THE HISTORY OF THE inhabitants, efpecially thofe on the are well plantations, furnithed; and much amufement afforded to good anglers. is a The mullet is of the of the fame thape of the fea-fifh name, and is often rivers. of half a caught in the pound or more in they are very fat and full of weight; fon, and roe when in feaare a great dainty. The crocroe is an excellent freth much of the of water fifh, fhape a trout, head, which in the excepting the thefe crocroe is more round. are Of caught, at times, fome that will weigh from five to fix, and to two pounds. The ufually from one generally mullet and crocroe are caught with the hook and line, fometimes they and other river but in the fith are taken night-time by negroes, who, with lighted torch made ofa a 66 délle,' )) which woodcalled ce] Boischanburns a long time, and which being held over the water, the fih, attraéted by : e à a 1 --- Page 51 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. by the light, fwim towards it on the furface, when they are chopped with cutlaffes, and great quantities fometimes taken in that manner. The pike is a rare fith, being found in one or two particular rivers only: theyarefometimes caught of eight or ten pounds in weight, but they are not much efteemed, being reckoned unwholefome cating, as are alfo the different kinds of mud-fifh, which are in great plenty in this ifland. The eel is of the filver kind, and is an excellent filh, but are to be had in no great abundance. Of them are often caught fome that will meafure from two to three feet in length, and ofa a confiderable thicknefs; when they are much efteemed, being very fat, and of a delicious fiavour. The fuck-fith'i is fmall, but a very great dainty, and is remarkable for having a flethy D 3 fubftance which are in great plenty in this ifland. The eel is of the filver kind, and is an excellent filh, but are to be had in no great abundance. Of them are often caught fome that will meafure from two to three feet in length, and ofa a confiderable thicknefs; when they are much efteemed, being very fat, and of a delicious fiavour. The fuck-fith'i is fmall, but a very great dainty, and is remarkable for having a flethy D 3 fubftance --- Page 52 --- L THE HISTORY OF THE fubltance Projedting from its navel; like the mouth of a purfe, which has the faculty of fuction, and by which the fith faftens itfelf fo ftrongly to the ftones in the rivers, that it is difficult to take them with the hook and to which they are often deftructive: linc, for this reafon they are moftly caught with the hands groping among the foness in which thefe fifhare taken in manner great plenty by thofe who are dextrous at that way of fithing. The cray-fifh are of two kinds, the one proaching the fize of the common apother that of the lobfter, the prawn. The firft is much admired, but the latter having a rank, tafte, is not in much efteem. muddy But the chief dainty the A among frefh-water fith in Dominica is the which the young frey, with rivers there are filled twice or thrice every year, and which are a called the French 66 Tréz tréz." by Thefe confift of various MVA --- Page 53 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. rious kinds of fea-fifh juft fpawned, and with which, that element fwarms, for fome miles diftance from the fhore, in numbers truly aftonithing. Thefe little creatures come into the rivers like a living ftream, and in a fhort time fwim twa or three miles to an amazing height up the country. This they perform ina won= derful manner, (kipping over fuch rapid ftreams, as repel their weak endeavours, from rock to rock, the furfaces of which are covered with them : or, feeking the fmoothly gliding ftream at the fide of the banks, by degrees afcend the higheft parts of the rivers. The firft day of the appearance of thefe frey in the rivers they are tranfparent and clear as cryftal, fo that every bone in them may be counted, and the movement of their vitals can be plainly difcerned. The fecond day after, they lofe much of that tranfparency; and the third or fourth day, it is wholly loft D 4 by --- Page 54 --- A THE HISTORY OF THE by thenutriment which they feed on. caught in bafkets, in which Theyare cloth Or fheet, is put a tableand finking the bafket with ftones, vaft quantities are taken They are fried in at a time. a batter made of four and milk, or ftewed with herbs and are excellent food cooked fpice, They either, way. Almoft in the centre of the top of a very high illand, on the mountain, others above it, is furrounded by a large natural rather lake of freth pond, Or ftocked water, which is alfo well with fine filh, and it is faid, fome places unfathomable. is in of fome It covers a Ipace acres, fpreads into : three diftinét branches, and has a very wonderful ance in point of. fituation appearmiles diftant : it is about fix from the town of Rofeau, great part of the road and afcent. to it is' a On firft fteep fon becomes, beholding this lake, a peras it were, rivetted for a time to the MVA a and it is faid, fome places unfathomable. is in of fome It covers a Ipace acres, fpreads into : three diftinét branches, and has a very wonderful ance in point of. fituation appearmiles diftant : it is about fix from the town of Rofeau, great part of the road and afcent. to it is' a On firft fteep fon becomes, beholding this lake, a peras it were, rivetted for a time to the MVA a --- Page 55 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the fpot, with filent awe and admiration, at viewing fo vaft a body of water colleéted at fuch a height. Dominica is likewife well fupplied with excellent fea-fifh; and the inhabitants have the advantage of procuring their fith almoftas foon as caught, and often buy them alive in the market. Among the chief of the fea-fifh are, groupers, cavallies, fnappers, filks, baracutas, king-fith, Spanith mackrel, jacks, and fprats; the fhell-fifh are, lebfters, conks, wilks, and crabs; all which are fo well known, as to render any defcription of them needlefs. Some few turtles are alfo caught at the windward part of the ifland; ; but this article is moftly brought hither from the Spanifh iflands. This ifland is alfo remarkable for landcrabs, of which there are three forts, white, black, and red. The frft are diftinguithable only for their poifonous quality, which --- Page 56 --- U THE HISTORY OF THE which they acquire by feeding on the bloffoms and leaves of the mahaut, a tree which gives name to a part of the ifland where it grows efpecially, and of which it is firft neceffary to give a defcription. This tree is of the cork kind, and grows (pontancouflyin watery places, or at the fides of rivers, and renders the and air near them water very unwholefome. are They about the fize in common of the Englith oak-trees, and are almoft continually in blof fom; which is of a fickly yellow colour, and has much the appearance of the bloffom, but is rather poppy larger. The body, branches, leaves, and bloffoms 1 of the mahaut-tree, contain a milky juice, which is a moft fubtle poifon to every creature but the crabs who taftei it; and to them it the fame deadly gives quality if eaten, as has been fatally experienced by feveral perfons. Yet notwithftanding their bad qualities, thefe trees are very ferviceable, as the bark of them ftripped off makes good ropes, nearly as ftrong as thofe made VIV --- Page 57 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. made of hemp; 3 and the body and branches make floats for feins, or fifhing-nets, equal to any made of cork, and as durable. The black crabs are excellent, and fafe eating, if caught in places where the Mahaut tree does not grow; particularly thofe brought from a part of the ifland, called 66 Souffriér;" where they are to be had nearly as large as fea crabs, and in great plenty. They are extremely fat when in feafon; ; and the females are full of a rich glutinous fubftance, called the eggs, which is perfedly delicious. The red crabs areas fmall as the common fort of crabs in England, but are by far preferable to them; the females being full of the fame rich glutinous fubftance as the black fort, when in feafon; at which time, the red crabs make their appearance in aftonifhing numbers : fo that it is common for I a perfon plenty. They are extremely fat when in feafon; ; and the females are full of a rich glutinous fubftance, called the eggs, which is perfedly delicious. The red crabs areas fmall as the common fort of crabs in England, but are by far preferable to them; the females being full of the fame rich glutinous fubftance as the black fort, when in feafon; at which time, the red crabs make their appearance in aftonifhing numbers : fo that it is common for I a perfon --- Page 58 --- THE HISTORY OF THE a perfon on horfeback, to trample them his horfe's feet; and it is under diverting to hear the ruftling they make among the leaves the ground, to get out of the Of on and the black fort, is made way. thefe, a favourite difh, called. there, pepper pot; which is made of crabs picked from the fhells, ftewed with Indian cale, and pods of Guinea pepper, and eat with a pudding made of Indian corn flour, or rice; 5 this dith is efteemed by moft of the inhabitants. Some people have crab pens, or places made like fowl coops, for the purpofe of them alive, for fome time after keeping they are caught; feeding them with potatoc vines, Indian corn, herbage and water. This method is certainly the beft to prevent the danger to be apprehended from eating them; as, notwithflanding the greateft caution in procuring them from particular places only, they have proved fatal --- Page 59 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fatal, by being imprudently eaten as foon as they were caught. The land crabs are particularly deftruétive to fugar plantations, when they are numerous, as they are on fome eftates near the fca; eating off the buds of the newly planted canes, of which they are very fond ; as they are alfo of the Indian corn juft fprouted, of which they devour both blade and root, For this there is no remedy, but immediately replanting and, catching as many of them as you can; for to attempt to ftop up their holes, which are numerous, as thofe of the mole ; or to poifon them, would be vain, There are no quadrupeds, natives of Dominica, except the Indian concy, which is nearly the fize of a rabbit when full grown. This animal is very fingular; its head, ears, eyes, nofe, mouth, and teeth, being exactly like thofe ofa rat; and its body and legs like thofe --- Page 60 --- M - THE HISTORY OF thofe of a hog; the latter in particular, hoofed like that animal. It has being of a tail, which only a flump appears as if it was but it is cut, naturally fo; ; and it is covered with long brown hair like hog's erects in the briftles, which it fame manner when angry. It fprings on its hind legs like a rabbit, runs with great peed when and purfued, a noife. like a Guinea pigmaking Thefe animals do much mifchicf the ground provifions ; which among in they root up great abundance; 5 feeding in herds, in the mornings and evenings, and are difficult be fhot, but are cafily taken to by dogs, or traps. Their fleth is not much admired for cating, it being dry,. and in rank; ; but to get rid of this general tafte, thofe who are fond of eating them, dead animal in the bury the a ground for two or three hours previous to cooking it, which takes it off. They are fometimes alive kept as curiofities, - V NUNUN ds, in the mornings and evenings, and are difficult be fhot, but are cafily taken to by dogs, or traps. Their fleth is not much admired for cating, it being dry,. and in rank; ; but to get rid of this general tafte, thofe who are fond of eating them, dead animal in the bury the a ground for two or three hours previous to cooking it, which takes it off. They are fometimes alive kept as curiofities, - V NUNUN --- Page 61 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, riofities, and are foon tamed ; but their urine is very offenfive. There were formerly wild goats and hogs in the woods of this country 5 but they became fo by being let free on the plantations. There are, however, very few, if any, at prefent, having been moftly, if not entirely, deftroyed by the runaway negroes. The wild hogs were very dangerous when attacked, but their flefl delicious, owing to the vaft quantity and goodnefs of the wild yams, and other provifions, on which they lived, and which grow fpontancoufly in the woods. The feveral ipecies of four-footed animals which breed in Dominica are, horfes, horned cattle, fheep, hogs, goats, rabbits, and Guiriea pigs. The poultry are, geefe, ducks, turkies, dunghill fowls, Guinea fowls, and houfe pigeons, The --- Page 62 --- THE HISTORY OF THE There are but few horfes bred here'; and they are no way remarkable, either for ftrength, beauty, or pirit; but are rather fmall and unfightly. This proceeds entirely from the want of good breeding mares and ftallions, with proper perfons competent in the knowledge ' of breeding and taking care of thofe ufeful animals; as the horfes brought from England, America, and the other iflands, thrive extremely well here, The prefent paftures in this ifland are no means extenfive, although by very good for cattle; confequently, there are but few of them. But thofe that are bred here are as ftrong, breed as well, and are as fine looking creatures, as in any part of the Weft-Indics. Nor are theep or goats in any great numbers in Dominica; but thofe of both fpecies breed aS well here as in any other ifand; and when killed a N J L I --- Page 63 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. killed for market, their fleth is tender, fat, and juicy, equalling in flavour that of venifon. What is remarkable of the fheep in particular, is, that they retain their wool in this ifland much longer than in moft other parts of the Weft Indies, where they fhed their fleecy coats very foon after being brought to that climate, which caufes them to change into fine long hair, as in goats. Hogs are in tolerable plenty in the ifland, and may be raifed in great abundance, the country being very favourable for breeding them, as it: affords plenty of proper provifions: Their fleth is very white, firm, and fat, and of a delicious flavour, efpecially thofe raifed on the plantations ; but in the to vns, where the hogs are fuffered to go at large, and fe d on any filth that falls in their way, their flelh is not fo good, E Rabbits in goats. Hogs are in tolerable plenty in the ifland, and may be raifed in great abundance, the country being very favourable for breeding them, as it: affords plenty of proper provifions: Their fleth is very white, firm, and fat, and of a delicious flavour, efpecially thofe raifed on the plantations ; but in the to vns, where the hogs are fuffered to go at large, and fe d on any filth that falls in their way, their flelh is not fo good, E Rabbits --- Page 64 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Rabbits, Guinea pigs, and the different fpecies of poultry, breed extremely well in Dominica, and are in as great perfection there as in any other part of the world, CHAP. a u --- Page 65 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA 5I CHA P T E R IV. Of THE MOST REMARKABLE REPTILES AND INSECTS OF THE ISLAND, THEIR VENOMOUS AND OTHER QUALITIES, WITH REMARKS. THE principal and moft remarkable of the reptiles and infects in Dominica are, fnakes, lizards, wood-flaves, guanas, frogs, grugru worms, borer worms, centipédes, fcorpions, ipiders, fawyer flies, blackfmith flies, loggerhead flies, Spaniard flies, freemafon flies, the wood-horfe, and vegetable flies. Some of the fnakes are finall, and others very large and thick. Of the laft fort is that called by the French, 66 Tête du chien," Or Dog's-head fnake, from its head, which much refembles that of a dog. Some have been caught in this ifland that meafured upwards of twelve feet in length, and as thick as a man's Jog. They have long, fharp teeth; their fkins E 2 are --- Page 66 --- THE HISTORY OF TIIE fpotted, and they are fcaled and beautifully have at the end of their tails a blunt-pointed, which enables them to climb horny fubftance, the trees. The bite of.thefe fnakes is not venomous, that of any kind of them in this ifland ; nor is does much mifchief but the tête du chien the birds in the woods ; and on the among devour the fowls plantations they frequently fullThey will fwallow a and other poultry. and feveral of fowl with its feathers ; grown killed there with both a large them have been in their fowl and an Indian coney entire bowels. circumftance, which hapA remarkable deferves to pened in this ifland fome timeago, be noticed in this, place. A negro retiring from work one day at noon, inftead of going fell allecp under a home to get his dinner, time the (hady tree ; and being mifing at the affembled together to finifh their cther negroes daily : , 1 VAI ; grown killed there with both a large them have been in their fowl and an Indian coney entire bowels. circumftance, which hapA remarkable deferves to pened in this ifland fome timeago, be noticed in this, place. A negro retiring from work one day at noon, inftead of going fell allecp under a home to get his dinner, time the (hady tree ; and being mifing at the affembled together to finifh their cther negroes daily : , 1 VAI --- Page 67 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. taik, it caufed a fufpicion that fome acdaily cident had befallen him; they accordingly went fearch of him, and found him aileep, with in of his up to the thick part of his one legs, thigh, in thejaws of a large fnake. Awakened by their noife, he was in the greateft terror, and ftruggling to get difengaged, was feverely to this as much as bit by the animal; prevent wedges were placed between its jaws, poflible, which means whilft they cut it to pieces ; by he could be releafed. This operation only with the took up fome time, which together length of time, his leg and thigh had already been in the belly and jaws of the fnake, reduced of and it was them almoft to a ftate digeftion; till a confiderable while after, that he reconot vered the intire ufe of them. The fat of thefe fnakes is efteemed ah excellent remedy for the rheumatifm, or for fprains, by rubbing it mixed with ftrong rum. by the Their fleth is eaten by many, particularly French, fome of whom are very fond of it 3 but E 3 --- Page 68 --- THE HISTORY OF THE but it is reckoned unwholefome, and to occafion the leprofjy. The fkins of the tête da chien finakcs excellent for covering are fword-fheaths, or other inftrument cafes, for which purpofe in general ufed; but they are fome fargeons make ufe of them in medicine. Lizards are very numerous . in this ifland, and are of feveral kinds; fome of others of a' a green, yellow, and fome beautifully fpotted with both colours. harmlefs, They are' very feed on flies, worms, and othcr. fmall infects, which render them able on the very ferviceplantations. The ground lizard, one of the largeft of that fpecies, and of black colour, has a lately been difcovered to be an excellent remedy for the made into broth. leprofy, when The wood-flave is a pecies of the lizard kind, but of a more hideous figure, and is. reckoned' to be venomous. Its head is thaped like IO --- Page 69 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. its body is fcaled and fpotted like a dog's, clawlike a toad's, it has four legs, which are footed, and on each toe a fharp, crooked nail, it lalhes with its tail, which like a bird's; drops from its body on the flighteft touch; and its whole appearance is very difguftingnot more than three They are commonly four inches in length, but fome are rather or that they fix their nails larger. Some fay, fo faft in the fcth of thofe on whom they chance to fall, as not to be removed withthem out: others recommend out cutting which difenthrowing dry fand on the part, their nails, when they are eafily Thaken gages hapoff. However, I never knew any injury from the wood-flave; I have had them drop pen cloaths from the cielings of rooms, on my to be feen in the evenwhere they are ufually in fearch of food. They are great eneing, and they mies to fpiders and cock-roaches; noife which fomewhat refembles the make a cackling of a hen. The E 4 which difenthrowing dry fand on the part, their nails, when they are eafily Thaken gages hapoff. However, I never knew any injury from the wood-flave; I have had them drop pen cloaths from the cielings of rooms, on my to be feen in the evenwhere they are ufually in fearch of food. They are great eneing, and they mies to fpiders and cock-roaches; noife which fomewhat refembles the make a cackling of a hen. The E 4 --- Page 70 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The guana is fhaped like a crocodile, head, body, fcet, and tail, its of that animal. Iti is of refembling thofe a green colour, but can change it at pleafure to a light ath as it always does when colour, alarmed. It has like a cock, but of a pale colour, gills fubftance, like the and a horny comb of that bird, reaching from its nofe to the neck. It has fharp tecth, thaped like a lancet, with ftrong it : bites feverely; its tail is alfo which armed with ftrong, blunt points, with which it the legs of thofe who take wounds careful, it, if they are not as it lafhes ftrongly with its tail, is very fupple, and which other nearly twice as long as the part of its body. This animal is commonly between three fect two and long, from the tip of the nofe to the end of the tail; and when of that about four or five inches length, females, thick, efpecially the about the belly, when which breedings 5 at time they are full of cggs. a The VE --- Page 71 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The fleth of the guana is excellent eating, and is cooked in the fame manner as turtle, to which it is by many preferred ; their eggs are-alfo reckoned a great dainty. They are caught by a very curious method : by whiftling, which lulls them afleep, when with a ftrong vine, or ftring, faftened at the end of a long ftick in a flip knot, which is pulled gently over its héad, and when a fudden jirk is given with the ftick the animal is fecured. They are very harmlefs, ihy, and diflicult to come near ; and a perfon bit by them, or wounded with their tails, is under no apprehenfions of danger from either. The frogs, called by the French ce Cra66 paux," are very numerous in Dominica, and are an article of food to both the French and Englifh, many of whom prefer the crapaux, to chickens. They make fricaflecs, and foup of them, and the latter is recommended to fick people; efpecially in confumptive cafes. The --- Page 72 --- THE HISTORY OF THE P The method of catching the crapaux is fomewhat fingular, it being done by means of lighted torches in the night-time, when they are out in fearch of food. This method is alfo ufed to catch the land-crabs, which, as well as the frogs, from fome deficiency in their eye-fight, are unable to refift the light of a burning flames or it fo fafcinates them, that they have not the power to ftir from the fpot; but flupified by its rays, they become an cafy prey. The grugru-worm is a fpecies of the grub. worm, but is much larger than the common fort, and breeds in the trunks of decayed cabbage and cocoa-nut trees. Thefe worms are eat by many people, who efteem them a great dainty, and eat them roafted, with a ftrong fauce made of lime-juice, falt, and Guinea pepper. They are like marrow, when cooked; but their head gives them an appearance not very inviting, the firft time they are eaten ; yet that dilguft is foon overcome, by a 2 U UIVI common fort, and breeds in the trunks of decayed cabbage and cocoa-nut trees. Thefe worms are eat by many people, who efteem them a great dainty, and eat them roafted, with a ftrong fauce made of lime-juice, falt, and Guinea pepper. They are like marrow, when cooked; but their head gives them an appearance not very inviting, the firft time they are eaten ; yet that dilguft is foon overcome, by a 2 U UIVI --- Page 73 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. by their excecding rich flavour, which thofe who are fond of them fay, exceeds any yet tafted. The borer-worm is alfo a fpecies of the grub-worm, and is a.moft deftruétive reptile, efpecially to the fugar-cane, to which its ravages are principally confined. This worm is commonly about an inch in length, and of the thicknefs of a Jarge caterpillar ; it is produced from the egg of a kind of butterfly, or moth, and was firft difcovered in this ifland about ten years ago. Its mouth has two ftrong, (harp teeth, in fhape like a hog's tuiks, with which it bites feverely, and with fuch fmartnefs, that putting the blade of a knife between them, it will champ the blade, fo as to be diftinatly heard, and will keep it fo faft, as to make it difficult to takeit away. With its teeth it penetrates the buds on the joints of the cane, working its way into the infide, where it deyours --- Page 74 --- THE HISTORY OF THE vours the whole fubftance, rendering the like a tube: : after which, it works joint ther joint, which it into anoconfumes in like manner; ; and continuing its progrefs, at length de ftroys the whole cane. The devaflation which thefe worms make in a field of canes in a fhort time is aftonifhing; and although feveral methods have been tried to deftroy them, yet none have been fuccefsful. If care was taken when the canes were young, on the firft appearance of the borer among them, to rub their ftems and leaves with a preparation of falt brine, mixed with lime-water, or foot and mafhed of Guinea pods pepper, perbaps they might be deftroyed; as by fprinkling fome of this mixture on thofe worms it will inflantly kill them, Ants are great enemies to the borer when they can get at them, but they are much vented by its excrement, which prebeing like flings of wood, and of a gluey confiftence, ufually --- Page 75 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. uftally fills up and fecures their holes from the entrance of the ants. Yet having myfelf removed that impediment, by clearing away the dung, and putting a few ants to the hole, on going to the place fome timea after, Ihave feen them colleéted in great numbers, all bufly employed carrying away in their mouths pieces of the borer, whom they bad ferretted out of its hole and killed. Centipedes, called by the Englith 66 Forty 66 legs," and fcorpions, are numerous in this ifland, efpecially in the woods, and in old houfes. Of the former are often feen fome that will meafure cight or nine inches in length, and thick in proportion ; but the generality of them do not exceed three inches long. They are very harmlefs, except when meddled with; neither then is their bite, or the fting of the fcorpion of this country, fo dangerous, as in many other Weft India iflands. They Englith 66 Forty 66 legs," and fcorpions, are numerous in this ifland, efpecially in the woods, and in old houfes. Of the former are often feen fome that will meafure cight or nine inches in length, and thick in proportion ; but the generality of them do not exceed three inches long. They are very harmlefs, except when meddled with; neither then is their bite, or the fting of the fcorpion of this country, fo dangerous, as in many other Weft India iflands. They --- Page 76 --- THE HISTORY OF THE They are caught and put into and if the part bit ftrong rum $ with or fung be rubbed it, the pain is foon the fting of the allayed, though fcorpion is at firft and hardly to be endured with exquifite, temper, Spiders are alfo here in of various great plenty, and kinds, fome of them being much larger than any in England, their covered with a fine down bodies are like hair, and their mouths are armed with or ftrong, tharp tceth, forceps, with which they wound but their bite is not feverely, very fmall, and venomons. Others are beautifully fpotted with a riety of the moft lively colours vaeyes in different ; and fome have parts of their bodics, but are all harmlefs. they The fawyer fly, fo called from of fawing afunder the its faculty fubftance branches of trees, whole is its food, is about three length when full inches in infeét. grown, and is a very Its head has fomewhat fingular the appearance of a AV u V 0I --- Page 77 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. of that of an clephant, it havinga horny bill, like the probofcis of that animal, bending upwards from the under part, with another, pointing downwards from the upper part of its head, both of a jet black, and of a fine polifh. On theinner furface of the upper bill are raifed points, like the teeth of a faw, which are ufed by the infect in the fame manner. Its body is like that of a bectle, but confiderably larger, with double wings, the inner of which is like coarfe gauze; and its legs are armed at each joint with crooked, fharp nails, with the fame on each toc, like a bird. The procefs of this infect in fawing down branches of trees is really admirable, but it is hardly poffible to form an idea of the manner of doing it without a defcription. This work it performs by encircling the branch with its bills, the points of which it faftens well into the wood, and turning round it brifkly by the ftrength ofits wings,which makealoud buzzing noife, --- Page 78 --- THE HISTORY OF THE noife, it in a fhort time faws the branch der. They are by many called, afunfrom the clephant Alies, great refemblance of their heads to that animal; they are perfectly harmlefs, and are caught only to be kept as curiofities. The blackfinith fly, is fo called from its making a noife refembling in found the ftriking on iron. In the centre of its back is a projecting horny point, and a crevice of the fame nature on the hind part of the head, the fhoulders, which near being ftruck together by a jerk of the head and body, make a tinkling noife, that may be heard at a confiderable diftance; and fo elaftic is the which joins the head and membrane if the infect body together, that, is laid on its back, it will fpring to a tolerable height upwards, and fall diredtly on its legs. It differs the bectle in very little from thape or fize, excepting in its elaftic powers, and making fo L fingular a noife, The jerk of the head and body, make a tinkling noife, that may be heard at a confiderable diftance; and fo elaftic is the which joins the head and membrane if the infect body together, that, is laid on its back, it will fpring to a tolerable height upwards, and fall diredtly on its legs. It differs the bectle in very little from thape or fize, excepting in its elaftic powers, and making fo L fingular a noife, The --- Page 79 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA: The fire flyis a wonderful infect, for it has a luminous quality in its head (above the eyes) under each wing, and in its tail; which, when the infect is flying, has the appearance of fo many lights of candles moving in the air: or, the lights of a coach or poft-chaife in a dark night, travelling towards you at a brifk rate. Some of thefe flies are as big as the topjoint of a man's thumb, others are much finaller; and the latter have that luminous quality only in their tails. They havea charming effect on the eyeat night in the groves of the woods, where they are feen Alying in all dircétions, like fo many thoufand fparkles of fire; forming one of the grandeft fpectacles of the kind that can be conceived, in Dominica's woods 66 that nightly fhine with infect 66 lamps." The larger fort are often caught for the nowelty of the light they give; if two or three F of --- Page 80 --- 66, THE HISTORY OF THE of them are put into a glafs, dark placed in 1 room, you may fee diftinaly any object there; or by holding a book clofe to the glafs in which they are, you may fee to read the finalleft print. plainly There is another quality remarkable in the fire flies, which is, that feveral of them being killedandmafhed together will produce the fame effedt, and be as vifible in letters marked out on the walls of a dark room, as if done with artificial phofphorus 5 and this for a confiderable time after the flies are dead. The loggerhead fly is a fpecies of the moth, from which it differs only in the uncommon Jargenefs of its head, and a fingular of quality tranfparency in its body; which latter is very remarkable, for placing this the light of fly near to a candle, you may plainly diftinguith every part of its vitals, and diftinaly count every movement of them. The --- Page 81 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The Spaniard fly and free-maion Ayare both of the wafp kind, but they differ from each other in fizc, fhape, and alfo in the fubftance and curious manner of making their nefts. The frit is of the fhape of a fimall bee, and builds its neft of a waxy matter, in the form of a fmall flat button full of holes, which it fufpends by a filky ligament to the cielings of houfes, or to the boughs of trees, where it has the benefit of the wind to vibrate to and fro. The free-mafon fly is exaétly of the fhape, fize, and colour of a wafp, and builds its neft of anud, in the thape of organ barrels. It is curious to fee thefe little creatures at work, they fhew fo much art and induftry, fome of them fetching the mud in their mouths, while others are forming their fmall cones, or filling them up when finifhed with numbers of various-colouredfnallfpiders, whichubgaliobriagiatheir mouths, for food to their young when hatched. F 2 That fhape, fize, and colour of a wafp, and builds its neft of anud, in the thape of organ barrels. It is curious to fee thefe little creatures at work, they fhew fo much art and induftry, fome of them fetching the mud in their mouths, while others are forming their fmall cones, or filling them up when finifhed with numbers of various-colouredfnallfpiders, whichubgaliobriagiatheir mouths, for food to their young when hatched. F 2 That --- Page 82 --- NV TEI THE HISTORY OF THE That which is further remarkable of thefe flies is, that it appears they qualify the fpiders, by fome means, for remaining a long time in as perfeét a ftate as the firft day they were immured in their a cells; I have feen fpiders, fo immured for feveral weeks, as whole and perfect in fize, fhape, and colour, as when alive. There is another fpecies of thefe flies, called galley wafps, which is double the fize and of a bright light-bluc colour. Thefe have very long fings, which are plainly to be feen when they are flying, with which they wound very feverely, caufing the blood to fpout out, as from the prick of a lancet. The fting of thefe flies is very painful, and perfons have been thrown into fevers by being flung feverely by them; ; but they are feldom offenfive, unlefs difturbed. The wood-horfe, called by the negroes the fairy-horfe, is a very fingular infeét. Its head is - MU --- Page 83 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. is like that of a grafshopper, it has two horns, confiderably longer than its own body, which is about three inches, and of one continued thickneis, like a large caterpillar. It has fix legs, which are raifed and doubled above its body, like the fpringing legs of a grafshopper, but they have not the fame power, ferving it only to walk with, which it docs very fait. It has no wings, is of a deep grecn colour, and is perfectly harmlefs. The vegctable fly is a remarkable infect. It is of the appcarance and fize of a fmall cockchafer, and buries itfelf in the ground, where it dies, and from its body (prings up a fmall plant, which refembles a cofree-trce plant, only its leaves are much fmaller. The plant which fprings from this infcet is often overlooked, from the fuppofition peoplc have of its being no other than a coffce plant; but on examining it properly, the difference is eafily difinguifhed, from the head, body, and F 3 feet --- Page 84 --- THE HISTORY OF THE at the root, as feet of the infect appearing perfect as when alive, the woods of Dominica are vaft fwarms In which hive in the trees, and produce of becs, both of quantities of wax and honey; great in goodnefs to any. of thofe which are equal articles to be had in Europe. and fand flies are not fo The mufquitoes or fo troublefome in this countrys numerous, of the Weft Indies, as they are in moft parts of there being but few fpots ftagowing to nated water, which breeds them. is a fpecies of the gnat kind, The mufquito in but rather fmaller than the common gnat The fand fly. is not much larger England. the head of a large pin, but is a very than little infeét in fome iflands, partitormenting arrived from Europe. cularly to perfons newly - Ants I in this countrys numerous, of the Weft Indies, as they are in moft parts of there being but few fpots ftagowing to nated water, which breeds them. is a fpecies of the gnat kind, The mufquito in but rather fmaller than the common gnat The fand fly. is not much larger England. the head of a large pin, but is a very than little infeét in fome iflands, partitormenting arrived from Europe. cularly to perfons newly - Ants I --- Page 85 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Ants are very numerous in Dominica, and are of feveral forts; as the large black ant, the brown ant, the red ant, the flying ant, and the wood ant. The latter is the moft troublefome, as they are very deftruétive to trees, and the timber in houfes; which they will reduce to duft in a fhort time, if fuffered to take up their abode therein. Thebeft method to prevent this is, to rub the timber with tar or turpentine, which hinders their attacking it, or, if already there, to fprinkle arfenic in their nefts, which kills them. The other forts of ants are injurious only to particular articles, as new fown feed, the buds and fruit of trees, cfpecially in dry fcafons, when fometimes they cover the ground in fuch numbers, as is truly aftonifhing. F 4 CHAP- --- Page 86 --- THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPT E R V. AN ACCOUNT OF TIE DIFFERENT ARTICLES WEST INDIA PRODUCE, RAISED IN THE oF THE NUMBER OF SUGAR AND COFFEE ISLAND; TIONS THEREIN, WITH REMARKS, PLANTATHE feveral articles of Weft India produce raifed in Dominica for commerce are, fugar, rum, coffee, cocoa, and indigo, There are not more than fifty fugar plantations at prefent in this ifland, above thirty eftates of that defeription having been abandoned, owing to fevcral caufes; and among others, to the imprudence and mifmnanagement of fome of the firft proprictors of them ; and to the great difadvantages this ifland laboured under, while it was in the poffeffion of the French laft war. It 17 L --- Page 87 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. It was a great misfortune, that on the firft fettlement of this country by the Englith, fo great a rage prevailed in the new fettlers for having extenfive eftates, as many of them were no ways qualificd for the laborious tafk of eftablithing a valuable property, by clearing the woods, and proceeding, not only to fuperintend, but to'get forward by degrces, with induftry and ceconomy. They flattered themfelves, that without all this, in the courfe of a few years, their fortunes would be made, as they had very large eftates ; but they did not confider the confequences of borrowing money at cight per cent. which was allowed in Dominica at that time.-The forming new eftates with new negroes, infteadof feafoned ones, at a time when that climate was, from the quantity of its wood, fo unfettled, thatit rained beft part of the year.-The extra labour of making roads, and carrying materials for building, which took , in the courfe of a few years, their fortunes would be made, as they had very large eftates ; but they did not confider the confequences of borrowing money at cight per cent. which was allowed in Dominica at that time.-The forming new eftates with new negroes, infteadof feafoned ones, at a time when that climate was, from the quantity of its wood, fo unfettled, thatit rained beft part of the year.-The extra labour of making roads, and carrying materials for building, which took --- Page 88 --- THE HISTORY OF THE took up at leaft eightcen months, before produce could be planted.-Whillt any in feveral inftances, fome of them fpent the which was intended to forward money, their plantations, in unneceffary buildings ; or in an pnwarrantable luxury of living, Others, from an unpardonable greedinefs, purchafed, in the names of their acquaintances or families, feveral lots of land, each containing the number of acres limited in the by which grants $ means, pcrfons who would have been more fit fettlers, were deprived of them; and large quantities of land thus ; purchafed, are now in the fame ftate (in woods) as they were, when firft fold at the Commifioners fales nearly thirty years ago. A Another material çaufe, to which the reduétion of fugar plantations in this ifland be attributed, is, that feveralof the firft may Englifh fettlers, from a want of knowledge in the --- Page 89 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the choice of lands, proper for the immediate cultivation of the fugar-canc, had chofen fuch places in the interior parts of the country, as were on the tops of high mountains, or furrounded by vaft woods ; which affording too much (helter from the fun, and being fubject to too frequent great rains, chilled the canes, rendering their juice unfit for making fugar. Not but that, was the whole of the cultivable lands there to be cleared of their woods, there are few fituations, even in the moft interior parts, but would be proper for the growth of that article, By this imprudent conduét of fuch of the new fettlers, after they had fpent confiderable fums of money, which they had borrowed on the credit of their plantations fo fituated, and having loft a number of negroes and cattle by the dampnefs of the climate in thofe places, together with the difficult and laborious roads to them, they were at length driven to the neceflity --- Page 90 --- : € THE HISTORY OF THE ceffity of abandoning their poffeflions to the mortgagees in Europe. Thefe latter, it is prefumed, having taken an unfavourable opinion of the mortgaged mifes, from having been fufferers prethe lofs of confiderable already in fums they had lent on them ; and not knowing, or not the value of fuch confidering property at a future period, are unwilling to advance more 5 at leaft the majority of the mortgagees feem to be difpofed to let their lands remain in the fàme negledted, abandoned fituation they have been in thefe feveral years paft, to the great hindrance of the profperity of that valuable ifland, as well as their own detriment. It is computed, that on an average, one ycar with another, there are not more than three thoufand hogtheads of fugar made anin A nually Dominica, This is certainly a very fimall ft the majority of the mortgagees feem to be difpofed to let their lands remain in the fàme negledted, abandoned fituation they have been in thefe feveral years paft, to the great hindrance of the profperity of that valuable ifland, as well as their own detriment. It is computed, that on an average, one ycar with another, there are not more than three thoufand hogtheads of fugar made anin A nually Dominica, This is certainly a very fimall --- Page 91 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fmall quantity of that article for fuch an eXtenfive ifland, or even for the number of plantations in it, at prefent under cultivation : for, fuppoling thefe fifty eftates contained only two thoufand acres of land in cancs, which is a very fimall calculation, as feveral fingle eftates have upwards of one hundred acres, and few lefs than fixty: this is at the rate only of a hogthead and a half per acre. In the Englifh old fettled iflands, three hogfheads of fugar for every acre in canes, on an average, is confidered as a very moderate produce; for, after good feafonable weather previous to the crop, fome lands have been known to yield from four to five hogiheads per acre. From the great difproportion in point of yielding, between the lands of other iflands and thofe of Dominica, the fuperior fertility of the former may be inferred; which, however, is by no means the cafe : for the lands of --- Page 92 --- E THE HISTORY OF THE of the old iflands, from having been a confiderable number of ycars under cultivation; are fo much worn out, as to require great attenmake them bear the culture of the tion to And the Planters there are obliged fugar-cane. to let the land lie a year of two fallow occafuch vegetables as fionally, or only plant the roots of which open yams and potatoes, muft be well and enrich the foil; befide, it dunged previous to planting. than fome planAgain, no more one-halfin others one-third part of the tations, in only with canes ; the other land is yearly planted for growing rattoons, turn- / part being prepared for cattle, of given to the need into pafture and for gardens, in order to improve groes The rattoons, it render it fit for the canes. the readers, who may Îs neceffary to acquaint know the are fecond probably not fiugar-canc, from the roots of plant canes, which fpring and after they have bcen cut down canes, made I --- Page 93 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. made fugar of; which the rattoons produce in like manner, but generally not in an equal quantity with the other. Of thele, the lands cf the old iflands wilil bear but one crop, in Dominica they will rattoon four or five years running, and the laft ycar's yiciding of futgar will be as great as the firft. The fugar eftates in the, old iflands have generally a number of barren fpots in them, called ce Yellow fpots ;" the fterility of which no art can overcome fo as to make them bear canes to any perfection ; for though they will pring up, yet they foon change from a green to a yeilow colour, and rot in the ground. And, moreover, the old iflands are frequently fubjedt to long and fevere droughts, which never happen in Dominica; and there is every reafon to fuppofe they never will, from the great number and heighth of its mountains, together with the vaft quantity of woods, which it will be next to impoflible ever as to make them bear canes to any perfection ; for though they will pring up, yet they foon change from a green to a yeilow colour, and rot in the ground. And, moreover, the old iflands are frequently fubjedt to long and fevere droughts, which never happen in Dominica; and there is every reafon to fuppofe they never will, from the great number and heighth of its mountains, together with the vaft quantity of woods, which it will be next to impoflible ever --- Page 94 --- - THE HISTORY OF THE ever to clear away in fome parts of the ifland. The land of Dominica is quite little of it new, very having been more than thirty years under cultivation, and a great part of it, it is probable, never fince the creation ; the foil thereof produces vegetation fo quick, that it is truly amazing; and this vigour is particularly confpicuous in the fugar-cane, for it has been feen there of the length of fixteen feet and upwards, and double the thicknefs that it in general attain in other iflands. The lands on the fea-coaft have abundantly the advantage of the interior country, for forming fugar eftates; but then, they are contiguous to, or are overtopped by vaft woods, and have not the benefit of an uninterrupted, warm air, which is neceffary for the growth of canes to any perfection. Befides, the damps from the woods near them, rifing in heavy fogs, --- Page 95 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 8r fogs, has a bad effect on canes ; and though the lands on the fea-coaft all lie on a declivity, yet the under ftratum of the foil being either a Aiff clay, or ftrong terrace, fo much water is retained from the frequent rains, occafioned by the woods, as to chill the foil. Thefe confiderations feem to point out the neceflity, in order to render Dominica a good fugar country, of clearing the extenfive forefts of trecs in the interior parts of it. When this is done, and not till then, will this ifland be diftinguifhed for the number of its fugar plantations, and for the quantity of fugar it is abfolutely capabic of raifing. There are above two hundred coffee plantations in Dominica; but the principal and moft produétive of them belong to French proprietors, who raife great quantities of cuffcc, which they difpofe of to the Englifh merchants, who export it to Europc, There are, however, G feveral --- Page 96 --- THE HISTORY OF THE feveral valuable eftates of that defcription bea longing to the Englith inhabitants of it; and the coffee produced in this ifland is efteemed fuperior to that of moft others in the Weft Indies. It is computed, that, one year with another, there are between four and five millions of pounds weight of that article produced, and exported annually from this ifland to Great Britain, where it fells from 41. I5S. to 51. 55. per hundred weight. The cultivation of cocoa is not much attended to by the Englith planters; and the fimall quantity which is exported, is raifed on the chicfly plantations of the French inhabitants. Indigo is manufaétured on only two or three Englifh eftates in the ifland; but they have lately very much neglected that article, owing to of that article produced, and exported annually from this ifland to Great Britain, where it fells from 41. I5S. to 51. 55. per hundred weight. The cultivation of cocoa is not much attended to by the Englith planters; and the fimall quantity which is exported, is raifed on the chicfly plantations of the French inhabitants. Indigo is manufaétured on only two or three Englifh eftates in the ifland; but they have lately very much neglected that article, owing to --- Page 97 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fo too frequent rains, occafioned by the eXtenfive woods. Cotton trees thrive extremely well in the land on the fea-coafts of Dominica, but the cultivation of them is, at prefent, wholly negledted; as is alfo that of ginger. The latter having been formerly planted in eftates that are nowabandoned,itgrowstherefpontancouly, and in great luxuriance. The cafia-fiftula, and caftor-oil nut trees, are both raifed on fome plantations, but very little of the produce of either is exported. The caffia-fiftula was confidered by the French as fo valuable an article, that foon after they were in poffeflion of Dominica laft war, an ordinance of the French King was proclaimed în Rofeau, for every planter in the country to give in an account of the number of cafliafiftula trees he had growing on his eftate. G 2 Tobacco --- Page 98 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Tobacco grows in great perfection, but it is only cultivated by the negrocs, who raife it in their gardens for their own ufe. Dominica is, beyond difpute; the. moft valuable ifland belonging to Great Britain in that part of the world, for the vaft quantities and excellency of the farinaceous fruits and roots of the Weft Indies ; fuch as plantains, bananas, manioc, or caffada, yams, fweet potatoes, cufhcufhes, tanias, eddoes, &c. &c. fome of which are not to be found in the other iflands, but which grow fpontaneoufly in the woods of this. Among thefe are, the wild yams, which grow there in great abundance, and were the chief food of the runaway negroes for a number of years, till it became neceffary to reduce them. Alfo Guinea corn, Indian corn, and rice, grew extremely well in Dominica; the latter efpecially, which being introduced there by the --- Page 99 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the American refugecs, flourifhcs in the moift, flat lands, and yields in great perfection. The large plantations thcre of plantains and bananas, excecd any thing of the kind in the old iflands; ; the inhabitants of which are often obliged to have recourfe to this country for 2 fupply of thofe fruits. G 3 CHAP --- Page 100 --- THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPT E R VI, NAMES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PARTICULAR WEST INDIA FRUITS WHICH GROW IN THE ISLAND; ALSQ OF EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN FRUITS, HERBS, VEe GETABLES, AND FLOWERS; WITH OBSERYATIONS ON THEIR PROPERTIES, &c. THE ifland of Dominica produces every fpecies of fruit peculiar to the Weft Indies i all which grow there in great perfeétion. The principal are, oranges, lemons, limes, citrons, fhaddocks, water lemons, granadillas, fappadillas, pomegranates, alligator pears, mountain pears, pine apples, rofe apples, ftar apples, fiugarapples, cuftard apples, mamma apples, guavas, fea-fide grapes, cocoa nuts, conk nuts, fourfops, papaws, cafhew apples, and tamcrinds, The oranges in this ifland are of three forts, the China orange, the bergamot, and the Seville , lemons, limes, citrons, fhaddocks, water lemons, granadillas, fappadillas, pomegranates, alligator pears, mountain pears, pine apples, rofe apples, ftar apples, fiugarapples, cuftard apples, mamma apples, guavas, fea-fide grapes, cocoa nuts, conk nuts, fourfops, papaws, cafhew apples, and tamcrinds, The oranges in this ifland are of three forts, the China orange, the bergamot, and the Seville --- Page 101 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. S7 Seville orange. The firft fort is far fuperior, in flavour and fwectnefs, to any fruit of the kind to be had in England; the bergamot orange is fmall, but it is a moft delicious fruit; and the Seville orange is very ferviceable. The blofoms of their trees have a delighting fragrant fimnell, which is to be fcented at a great diftance; and the fruit, when ripe and full on them, has a very pleafing appearance. The Iemon and lime trees bear alfo very aromatic, fcenting bloffoms; and the fruit of both is in great abundance, large, and of an excellent quality. Of thefe, the latter efpecially, great quantities arc often fent in barrels to England and America ; the neighbouring Englith iflands are likewife often fupplied with them from this country, efpecially thofe of Antigua and Barbadoes. G 4 The --- Page 102 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The citrons are large, but are luable for their chiefly varinds, as with them are made the beft kind of fweetmeats. The fhaddocks are of two forts, the white in the infide, the other one red ; they are a large fruit, fome of them being as big as a good fized mufk-mclon; but the red fort of them is moft admired. is - The'juice cortained in feparate divifions of a thin, fkin-like fubflance,as tranfparent as diamonds,and which have much the look of them, fincly fquared and polifhed. It has a fweet tafte, tinétured with a. bitter, and when the fruit is is very agreeable, and reckoned ripe a good addition to a glafs of Madeira wine after dinner, The rinds of them alfo make gcod fweetineats. The water lemon is a fine fruit, of the fhapc and fize of a dunghill fowl's The rind of it is of a bright egg. yellow cplour, the infide --- Page 103 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Sg infide is full of fmall, flat feeds, covered with a juicy pulp, which has a very agreeable, mufky tafte. Itgrows on a vine, which bcars a very beautiful bloffom, very much refembling the paffion flower; and the vine is much admired, becaufe it affords the moft delightful fhade when turned over an arbour, The granadilla is rather larger than the the largeft fized Lifbon lemon, and is an excellent fruit. It alfo grows on a vine, which bcars a delightful - fky-blue and yellow bloffom, very fragrant, and of the fame appearance as that of the water lemon, but much larger: The rind of the fruit is alfo of a yellow COlour, but not fo bright as the other; and the infide is full of feeds covered with a juicy pulp, but not of fo mufky a tafte. The granadilla is much recommended to people in fevers, its juice being very cooling. The rind of it mixed with a little lime-juice, makes an excellent tart, nearly equal to thofe made with Engli(h om, very fragrant, and of the fame appearance as that of the water lemon, but much larger: The rind of the fruit is alfo of a yellow COlour, but not fo bright as the other; and the infide is full of feeds covered with a juicy pulp, but not of fo mufky a tafte. The granadilla is much recommended to people in fevers, its juice being very cooling. The rind of it mixed with a little lime-juice, makes an excellent tart, nearly equal to thofe made with Engli(h --- Page 104 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Englith apples ; and fo very is refrething the fcent of thefe fruits, that them many people fuffer to decay on their fide-boards, for the fake of their agrecable finell. The fappadilla is of the fize and make of bergamot pear, its juice is of a a ture, and of a fweet tafte. gluey naThe tree which bears it refembles a pear-tree, and its timber is very ferviceable for mills, or to make wheels of, cartThe pomegranates in Dominica are not fo Jarge as thofe brought to England from countries ; but other they are fiefhy, fiveet, and good, when thoroughly ripc. They bear delightful fearlet-coloured a fize and bloffom, which, in make, is very like the flowers called blue-bottles ; and the ikin, or Thell of the fruit, being boiled into a decoétion, is to perfons afflicted withi the flux, given The --- Page 105 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The alligator pear is of the fhape of an Englith bell pear, but is much larger. There are two forts of this fruit, the one of a purple-coloured rind, the other of a pale green : the latter is the largeft, and moft efteemed. They are excellent fruit, and are greedily eaten by all kinds of animals; for even horfes, who are in general not fond of fruit, will eagerly eat them. This is the fruit which is called in the Weft Indies <6 Vegetable marrow, 72 from its rich melting tafte, and it is juftly reckoned the beft and moft wholefome fruit of the country. Some people eat them with falt and black others with lime-juice and fyrup, and pepper, fome without either; but the generality of the French eat them with fith or fleth, with which The feed of the allithey are very relifhing. gator pear, which is nearly one-third part of the fruit, and fhakes within it when ripe, has the appearance of the infide part of a horfechefnut, --- Page 106 --- THE HISTORY OF chefnut, and has a very firm which reafon it is colour; for. commonly ufed to mark linen with. This is done, by feed with the cloth, and covering the pricking out the letters with a pin ; the juice filling up the ftains the form of the letters fo punétures, durably, that they are not to be wafhed out, only with the cloth, decaying The mountain pear is found on barren growing only heights, or on the fides of ftecp precipices; it grows on a tall, fluted-like ftalk, that has the appearance of a wellwrought, fluted, flender pillar, full of fharp prickles. The fruit is of the fize ftrong, of pippin, its fkin is of a beautiful a crimfon COJour; when this pear is cut open, it an innumerable prefents quantity of fine black feeds, which are covèred withajuicy pulp of the fàme colour as the fkin, its tafte is much like that of a ftrawberry; by which name the fruit is fometimes called, Pinc wrought, fluted, flender pillar, full of fharp prickles. The fruit is of the fize ftrong, of pippin, its fkin is of a beautiful a crimfon COJour; when this pear is cut open, it an innumerable prefents quantity of fine black feeds, which are covèred withajuicy pulp of the fàme colour as the fkin, its tafte is much like that of a ftrawberry; by which name the fruit is fometimes called, Pinc --- Page 107 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Pinc apples grow in Dominica to a great fize, and are in general very juicy, but they are not fo good as in moft other iflands, owing to the too great moifture of the ground, which makes thei grow too luxuriant and watry. Pine apples fliced, covered with brown fugar, and left fome time to drain out their juice, make an excellent drink, after being ftraincd, and fet by for a time in bottles. The rofe apple is chiefly efteemed for its fine feent, which refembles that of the flower after which it is called. It is, however, eat by many, but is reckoned unwholefome; being put up with linen, it gives it an agreeable fcent, equal to that of lavender. The ftar apple, fo called from the bloffoms of the tree which bears it, refembling a ftar, is a fine fruit, of the fize and Chape of a large plumb, of a purple colour; ; and its juice is of an --- Page 108 --- THE HISTORY OF THE an agrecably fweet tafte, and of a gluey nature, The firgar apple is a fingular fruit, about the fize of a middling-fized Englith apple, but in appearance differs from any fruit of that name, as it does alfo in quality. The rind of it is croffed in. divifions, the thape of diamonds in a card, which are confiderably raifed above the furrows between each, and fand in regular rows. The outfide is of a pale green colour, the infide has a great number of hard, black feeds, which are nearly as big as peas, and are covered with a moift, gritty pulp, which has the tafte of fugar; 3 and it is reckoned very wholefome, The cuftard apple is of much the fàme nature with the former, only the fkin of it is. fmooth, of a ruft colour, and the infide lefs gritty, pulp refembling in tafte a cuftard, after which it is called, The --- Page 109 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The mamma apple is a large fruit, of the fize in general of a middling-fized mufk melon, but fome are much fmaller. The rind of it is thick, ftrong, and has the appearance of leather; the infide has threc large nuts, or kernels, which are covered with a thick fubftance, of the colour of a carrot, very juicy, and in tafte much refembling that of a peach. It is a delicious fruit when ripe, but is reckoned to be unwholefome, from its indigeftive quality, yet they make tarts of it. The timber of the tree which bears the mamma apple is a very beautiful wood, durable, and is ufed for furniture. Guavas are of three forts, the white, the red, and the yellow guaya 3 the firft is the largeft and moft efteemed, but they are all very good. The white fort grows in general as large as a good-fized apple, the red rather fmaller, and the yellow about the fize of a golden pippin, which they alfo much refemble. The they make tarts of it. The timber of the tree which bears the mamma apple is a very beautiful wood, durable, and is ufed for furniture. Guavas are of three forts, the white, the red, and the yellow guaya 3 the firft is the largeft and moft efteemed, but they are all very good. The white fort grows in general as large as a good-fized apple, the red rather fmaller, and the yellow about the fize of a golden pippin, which they alfo much refemble. The --- Page 110 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The outfide of thefe fruits.is much like of an apple, efpecially when half that ripe, when they are ufed to make puddings or tarts of, which they make equal to an Englifh apple, and are by many preferred. The infide of them is full of fimnall, hard, and indigeftible feeds, that are taken out when prepared for paftry, or for jelly; which latter they make in great perfection, and exceeding of the kind. any thing The guava tree is of the fhrub kind, but fome of them grow tolerably large and lofty, efpecially thofe which bear the white Their timber and branches guavas. are very ferviceable; and being durable, and of a fupple nature, are ufed for making bows for cattle yokes, knecs for canoes, or boats, bafkets, &cc. Thefe trees have a fingular property in them, as they are to be feen bearing ripe fruit, fruit juft left by the bloffoms, and bloffoms in full bloom, all growing on the fame branch. The --- Page 111 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, The bloffoms clofe during the night, butbeing touched with the hand, or receiving the heat of the fun in the morning, they expand, diffuling the moft delightful, fragrant feent. The fea-fide grapes are of the fize of other grapes, but are the producc of a large fpreading tree, which bears them in fimall clufters. They have only one fced, which is nearly as large as the fruit, by which it is covered very thinly; have a very agrccable tafte, but are of an aftringent nature. The cocoa nut is fo well known, as to necd no defcription : but they are not in fuch great plenty in Dominica, as in many other iflands, owing to the little pains taken to piant them. The conk nut is rather larger than a walnut, but grows from a vine, the blofioms of which are much like thofe of the water lemon. I: has a thick, flrong fhell, full of feeds, like H the --- Page 112 --- THE HISTORY OF THE the Water lemon, but the juice of it is not fo fweet. The fourfop is a fine fruit, large, and much of the thape of an heart. When unripe, it is of a brown colour, and its fkin is covered with raifed points like prickles, but they are not fharp. When ripe, it is of a fine green COlour, the points fall off, and the fkin is quite fmooth. It is a very wholefome fruit, in tafte refembling fine cotton dipped in fyrup, with a little tincture ofacid, ofa very agreeable mufky flavour, and much recommended in fevers. The fruit and the leaves of the fourfop have a very fingular quality in them, for the fruit will rot on the ground without the leaft vifible appearance of worms, although moft animals and birds are very fond of it; and the leaves being feattered in a room infefted with fleas, foon clears it of thofe troublefome A guefts, by the cotton dipped in fyrup, with a little tincture ofacid, ofa very agreeable mufky flavour, and much recommended in fevers. The fruit and the leaves of the fourfop have a very fingular quality in them, for the fruit will rot on the ground without the leaft vifible appearance of worms, although moft animals and birds are very fond of it; and the leaves being feattered in a room infefted with fleas, foon clears it of thofe troublefome A guefts, by the --- Page 113 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the frength of the finell of the leayes, which, however, is very pleafant. The papaw appies grow in. clufters on ftalks, but each of them, when full-grown, is larger than the largeft-fized Englith apple, fome nearly as iarge as a good-fized mufk melon, and have nearly the fame look, When half-ripe, they are ufed as a vegetable, and boiled, are a good fubftitute for turnips; when full-ripe, they are a great antidote to worms, and are recommended to perfons afflicted with them : the feeds of the apple. elpecially, which have a hot quality, like pepper, are reckoned good in that diforder. The bloffoms of the papaw tree are of a beautiful white and yellow colour, have a very odoriferous fcent, and with the ftalks are made pickles and preferves of. The juice of the apples, which, when they are unripe, is like thick milk, has the peculiar quality of H 2 making --- Page 114 --- THE HISTORY OF THE: IOO tender, by being rubbed making tough meat over with it. cafhew apples grow of different forms, The Chaped like a fizes, and colours, fome being and of the fame colour, fome longer, quince, colour; round, lefs, and of a purple more colours;" but all have and others of both aftringent quality as the quince. the fame which grows Thefe apples have each a nut, of their tops, and is of the out in the middle of which nut fhape of a kidney; the fhell oil of a corrofive quality that will contains an rubbed on the fkin confume iron ; and being it will caufe it to blifter, as if of a perfon, roafted, burnt or fcalded. The apple is ufually out, and put hot into punch, the juice preffed Aavour. The nut to which it gives a very finc and the kernel of it is efteemed is alfo roafted, whatever. preferable to that of any other nut are often fent from Of thefe nuts, quantities this ifland to England as prefents. The --- Page 115 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. IOI; The tamarind trees grow here in great perfeétion, and the fruit of them is excellent, being much ufed in medicine, for which purpofe they are very valuable, and the timber of the trees is very ferviceable. Englith and Americanapple trees grow well in Dominica, and feveral of them are on different plantations in the ifland; particularly on thofe of Alexander Stewart, Efq. William Urban Bueé, merchant, and on fome French eftates, where the trees bear a juicy, wellflavoured apple. Alfo ftrawberries, rafberries, and feveral other European and American fruits grow here in great perfection 5 proving, beyond a doubt, that was a proper attention to be paid to the further fettlement of this ifland, there is hardly any defcription of foreign fruits but what would flourith in this country. H 3 The ifland; particularly on thofe of Alexander Stewart, Efq. William Urban Bueé, merchant, and on fome French eftates, where the trees bear a juicy, wellflavoured apple. Alfo ftrawberries, rafberries, and feveral other European and American fruits grow here in great perfection 5 proving, beyond a doubt, that was a proper attention to be paid to the further fettlement of this ifland, there is hardly any defcription of foreign fruits but what would flourith in this country. H 3 The --- Page 116 --- THE HISTORY of THÉ the black and green The gardens produce mufcadine grapes, figs, muik melons, wa= melons, cucumbers, gourds, pomter and Weft India pions, Englith, American, beans and peas, cabbages, carrots, turnips, lettuces, radifhes, horfe-radith, afparfnips, artichokes, fpinage, celerys onions, paragus, fage, mint, rue, balm,. efchallots, thyme, and all forts of vegetables and herbs, patfley, which in this ifland in great perall grow feétion. tuberofts, pinks, jefThe Alowers are, rofes, and feveral other forts peculiar to the famines, fome ifiand; which latter grow fpontaneoully: curious, and moft of them have a are very very odoriferous fmell. Thefenfitivé plant grows therefpontansouly, alfo the ipecacuanha, ând in great abundance; and the latter is often fatal to horles, cattle, who chance to bite of it in feedand fhecp, ing; --- Page 117 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ing; for which reafon it is neceffary to eradicate it as much as poflible out of the paftures. This plant bears very beautiful, fcarlet and yellow flowers, which, with the leaves, are put înto boiling water, and given as an emetic; but, without great experience, this method of ufing them is dangerous, and has proved fatal to many, who imprudently took too great a quantity of the infufion; for which reafon great care fhould bc taken in ufing it. H 4 CHAP- --- Page 118 --- THE HISTORY OF THE . CHAPTER VII, CONTAINS AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRADE OF ISLAND, PREVIOUS TO THE REDUCTION THE BY THE FRENCH LAST WAR, WITH A THEREOF OF THAT CIRCUNSTANCE; RELATION ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION TOGETHER WITH THE RENDERED. BY WHICH IT SURDURING the fpacc of the laft five prior to the years, breaking out of the difturbances in North America, the ifland of Dominica in a very flourifhing fituation. was The port of Rofeau, which was then a free forted port, was reto.by traders from moft of the foreign Weft India iflands, as well as from England and North Amcrica. The French and Spaniards this iland purchafed in great numbers of negrocs for the fupply of their fettlements, together with great quantities of merchandize of the manufacture --- Page 119 --- a ISLAND OF DOMINICA, faétures of Great Britain. Thefe they paid for in gold and filver, or gave in exchange Mufcovada and clayed fugar, coffec, cotton, gums, fpices, ivory, mahogany, and dyingwoods, the produce of their iflands; all of which articles were exported to Great Britain in Englith bottoms 5 and thereby were pro-: duétive of great advantages to the trade and navigation of the mother country. The Americans imported thither lumber, boards, hingles, wood-hoops, ftaves, tobacco, flour, rice, falt-fifh, horfes, cattle, fheep, hogs, and feathered ftock, the produce ofNorth America. Thefe were neceflary articles for the new fettlers, who paid for them in rum and molaffes ; or fuch other produce of the ifland as was at that time permitted to be exported in American veffels from the Britifh Weft Indies. The navigation of the mother country. The Americans imported thither lumber, boards, hingles, wood-hoops, ftaves, tobacco, flour, rice, falt-fifh, horfes, cattle, fheep, hogs, and feathered ftock, the produce ofNorth America. Thefe were neceflary articles for the new fettlers, who paid for them in rum and molaffes ; or fuch other produce of the ifland as was at that time permitted to be exported in American veffels from the Britifh Weft Indies. The --- Page 120 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The merchants of Dominica were then numerous, and were enabled to make regular yearly remittances, of confiderable value, to their correfpondents in England; and the planters of the country were furnifhed with the means of carrying on the fettlement of their plantations with vigour. Soon after the commencement of hoftilities in America, and directly on the adoption of meafures by the Americans by way of reprifal, the trade of Dominica to and. with America was finally ended, and drew with it the lofs of that, with the forcign Weft India iflands. This total ruin of trade was attended with ferious confequences, fatal to the welfare of this ifland in particular, as being then only in a ftate of infancy with refpeét to its fettlement; and it has never fince been able to Fecover its former flourifhing fituation : for the merchants, tradefinen, and others, having no fale --- Page 121 --- IVA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fale for their commodities, or work in their line of bufinefs, withdrew themfelves to places where trade and commerce were more brifk; and the planters, from being deprived of the of themfelves with fuch artimeans furnifhing for their cles as were immediately neceffary new' eftates, were driven to abandon, or to poftpone the further improvement of them. In this deplorable ftate was the ifland of Dominica when it fell into the hands of the French on the 7th day of September, 1778. Seme months previous to this calamitous event his Excellency, Thomas Shirley, Efq. then Commanderin chief of the ifland, knowing the defencelefs ftate it was in, and being apprehenfive it would be attacked, in cafe of a rupture with France, which was then threatened, employed a number of men for the defence of fort Cafhacrou ; diftributed the few foldiers then in garrifon into fuch places as were --- Page 122 --- 108' THE HISTORY OF THE were thought neceflry, and took every tion in his power to prevent a fudden precauattack. Fort Cafhacrou, at that time the chief of defence in thei ifland, is fituated place about on a rock of three hundred feet perpendicular, and is furrounded on three fides by the fea, being joined to the main land by only a narrow neck of land, which renders it fo very if well defenfible, that provided, a few men might keep it againft as many thoufands. This meafure, therefore, of Governor Shirley, who guarded this fort, refleêts great credit upon him; and the confequences which happened foon after he quitted that from not purfuing his is government, plan, a lafting proof of-his abilitics. About three weeks before the attack, a report prevailing that hoftilities between land and France Engwere actually commenced in I Europe, if well defenfible, that provided, a few men might keep it againft as many thoufands. This meafure, therefore, of Governor Shirley, who guarded this fort, refleêts great credit upon him; and the confequences which happened foon after he quitted that from not purfuing his is government, plan, a lafting proof of-his abilitics. About three weeks before the attack, a report prevailing that hoftilities between land and France Engwere actually commenced in I Europe, --- Page 123 --- TYLE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. IOG Europe, fome attempts were made to put the ifland into a pofture of defence. The foldiers, of whom there were only ninety-four, inclufive of officers, were Aationed at the forts in and above Rofeau, and a few of them at Cafhacrou ; the militia mounted guard in that town, and patrolled the ftreets every night till daylight, and every ftep, that fcemed neceffary, was taken to prevent a furprize, Saturday, the fifth day of September, that year, was the day of meeting for the militia to perform their exercife in the field; and it was remarked, that they went through their evolutions with a degree of celerity, nearly equal to regular troops. Among the fpeétators in the field, on this occafion, were feveral French frangers from the ifland of Martinique, and among them was an officer of that nation of the name of Ga- : broufe, who was afterwards harbour-mafker of --- Page 124 --- SIO THE HISTORY OF THE of the port of Rofeau. Thefe in ftrangers were quality of vifitants to fome of their acquaintances in the ifland; but their bufinefs was, in fact, to fee what ftate the in, and to engage the place was French. non-refiftance of the inhabitants againft the then meditated attack, as it appeared afterwards boaft of the faid by the public Gabroufe. However, in confequence of fome intimation to the Lieutenant-governor, that officer was taken a (py; but after a flight up as fuffered examination he was to depart; and the report of his in that being capacity was treated with unmerited contempt. It is worth while remarking in this that there feems to have been place, a degree of fatality attending this iflandat that period, as, exclufive of the particular Governor men placed by Shirley at fort Cafhacrou, being dif charged from that fervice foon after his ture for England, fome deparmonths before the invafion, --- Page 125 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. III vafion, every method was taken that could' be thought of to guard againft that event: and it was the determination of the Englifh inhabitants, that thould the ifland fall into the hands of the enemy, it thould not be owing to their want of attention, or endcavours to prevent it. But it fo happened, and probably for wile purpofes of Providence, as there is hardly a doubt but that the lives Gf many by that means were preferved, which would otherwife have been loft in the defence they certainly would have made, had they had timely notice to prepare for oppofing the invading enemy. This neglect of theirs was never fo very confpicuous as on the laft two days before the attack ; for on the preceding Saturday, moft of them were that evening at a public comedy aéted in Rofeau; and on Sunday evening, when the militia guard were compofed of es of Providence, as there is hardly a doubt but that the lives Gf many by that means were preferved, which would otherwife have been loft in the defence they certainly would have made, had they had timely notice to prepare for oppofing the invading enemy. This neglect of theirs was never fo very confpicuous as on the laft two days before the attack ; for on the preceding Saturday, moft of them were that evening at a public comedy aéted in Rofeau; and on Sunday evening, when the militia guard were compofed of --- Page 126 --- II2 THE HISTORY OF THE of the chief civil officers and principal inhe bitants, who turned out volunteers in fervice ; being unufed to the that tending hardfhips atpatrolling the ftreets all night, and watching to give notice of approaching danger, they preferred the more inviting ments of diverfions and enjoygood cheer in the guard-room; wherc, overcome by thefe amufements, betwéen two and three o'clock in the morning they all retired to their own wholly unapprehenfive of further homes, that time. danger for This fame evening, fome ill-difpofed French inhabitants found means to infinuate themfelvcs into Cafhacrou fort, where they contrived make the few foldiers there to on duty intoxicated with liquor, and afterwards fiiled up the touch-. holcs of the cannon with fand; fo thatwhen was ftormed by the French the it next morning it .was cafily taken, and two of the Englith foldiers paid --- Page 127 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the confequence of their great paid dearly, by the lofs of their lives; being imprudence, with fixed bayonets, over the ramparts driven, the rocks of the fort, and dafhed to picces by at the foot of it. began the attack between three The enemy four o'clock in the morning of Monday, and of September that year; but they the feventh intended to have made their invafion much had from earlier, having fet out on the expedition between the fame hours the preMartinique evening, but were detained by calm ceding the channel between the two weather in iflands. event for the This was a very providential inhabitants of Dominica, as there is Englith that had the attack every reafon to believe, been made an hour fooner than it was, many of them would have been maffacred in their beds; if not by the French foldiers, there I was --- Page 128 --- II4 THE HISTORY OF THE was every probability to apprehend it would have been done by a lawlefs banditti, compofed of renegado white men, negros, mulattos, and the outcafts of fociety from feveral French and other foreign ilands; who, with large knives and piftols fluck in their belts, were prepared for the perpetration of every fpecies of rapine, barbarity, and der. Thefe wretches, murupwards of one thoufand in number, were obliged to be fatisfied for their failure of plunder on this occafion, by a contribution laid on the inhabitants the Marquis de Bouillé, of four by thoufand four hundred pounds current money, which was diftributed among them a few days after the furrender of the ifland. After the enemy were in poffeflion of Cafhacrou fort, in the manner before the major part of their forces noticed, being fill at fca, thofe that were landed citherj judging it dent to advance to impruRofeau, or being fatisfied with this occafion, by a contribution laid on the inhabitants the Marquis de Bouillé, of four by thoufand four hundred pounds current money, which was diftributed among them a few days after the furrender of the ifland. After the enemy were in poffeflion of Cafhacrou fort, in the manner before the major part of their forces noticed, being fill at fca, thofe that were landed citherj judging it dent to advance to impruRofeau, or being fatisfied with --- Page 129 --- ME - A MUA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. II5 with their then fuccels, they fired off two guns from that fort, and let off feveral fkyrockets, as fignals to their friends. This was likewife the firft notice the inhabitants had of the attack, which was immediately announced, by firing an alarm gun, and beating to arms in the town. Then was to be feen, vifibly, the moft poignant diftrefs: the helplefs women and children running, thricking and crying through the ftreets; ; fome of the women with their infants in their arms, others with fuch things of value as they could carry. 3 the negroes terrificd, running here and there,-all was, fora time, confufion, hurry, dread, and difimay, none knowing where to fly for fafety from the invading enemy. The fituation of the white women and their children was, at that time particularly, pitiable; for, deprived of the proteétion of their I 2 hufbands --- Page 130 --- THE HISTORY OF THE and fathers, who were obliged to hufbands the forts in defence of leave them to go into they were left to the mercy and the country, of their flaves, to wade through rapid care of the wearivers, expofed to the inclemency then to be rainy 5 and ther, which happened. in their way to a place of fafety, encounfuch difficulties as were hard to be entering the fex. Their diftreffes were truly dured by time feveral of them died a fhort affecting, they that day went after, from the fatigues through. The militia in. the town and fuburbs of Rofeau were foon in the field, to the number of not more than a hundred in the whole 3 few of the French inhabitants affembling at the firit, and thofe that made their appearance after withdrew themfelves, and were no foon tillafter the ifland was furrendered. more feen, The militia were diftributed among the different forts in and above the towns where, with tui --- Page 131 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. with the affiftance of the few foldiers, fome of whom were of the artillery, they greatly incommoded the enemy while landing at point by firing from all the batteries which Michael, they occupied. Thefe were, however, in a very bad ftate; were all rotten, fo that after the gun-carriages three difcharges the wheels were broken two or The cannon in Melville's battery to pieces. where the moft execution was done, efpecially, being in that fituation, were afterwards obliged the there loaded, and to be laid on parapets, off. Befides, in this fort they were fired to load the cannon with loofe powder, obliged there being none of it made up into cartridges ; that were ufed there were and the cartridges the militia from fort Young, which fetched by of half a mile diftant from the is upwards Neverthelefs, what with the firing other. from this fort, and from two field-pieces on a underit, the French troops point of land juft I 3 were E to be laid on parapets, off. Befides, in this fort they were fired to load the cannon with loofe powder, obliged there being none of it made up into cartridges ; that were ufed there were and the cartridges the militia from fort Young, which fetched by of half a mile diftant from the is upwards Neverthelefs, what with the firing other. from this fort, and from two field-pieces on a underit, the French troops point of land juft I 3 were E --- Page 132 --- THE HISTORY OF THE were greatly retarded when they endeavoured to attack Rofeau, and upwards of forty of them were killed. About noon the fame a of the morning, the whole enemy were landed, and pufhed on their march for the town; when, having taken poffeflion of the fort at Loubicre, which is adjoining thereto, they made feveral to enter Rofeau, but attempts were as often driven back, by the very heavy firing then kept from all the batteries. up Three times they were driven out of the fort at Loubiere, and twice when their colours were hoifted therein, the flag-flaves were thattered to pieces by the balls from Melville's battery: their Commifiry-general was killed there, and the Marquis de Bouillé rowly, efcaped very narfharing the fame fate, by the pieces of the flag-flaves, which tore away the coutcau from his fide, This e --- Page 133 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA: This fevere cannonading fo greatly intimidated the French, that they evacuated the fort they had taken with much precipitation, and retreated to the fide of a hill juft oppofite to it, out of the line of fire. There they remained a confiderabie time, as if to meditate on fome other mode of attack ; but fhortly after, about two thoufand of them gained poffeffion of the heights above Rofeau, where they feemed to wait the coming on of night, to make their further approaches. This laft circumftance determined the fate of the ifland; as the Lieutenant-governof, feeing the danger to which the fmall force he had would inevitably be expofed by a further refiftance, he, with the advice of his Privycouncil, then affembled at the Governmenthoufe, fent out a Flag of Truce to the Marquis de Bouillé, with offers to furrender the ifland by capitulation. I 4 This --- Page 134 --- THE HISTORY OF THE This offer was readily accepted, and the under proteétion of the Truce, came Marquis, in order to with it to the Government-houls, his terms, and to fign his part of the grant While- this was Articles of Capitulation. doing, the firing from the batteries ceafed, which gave two French frigates an opporof coming abreaft of Rofeau ; when tunity the Commanders of them, it is probable, not knowing that the ifland had furrendered, feeing colours fill flying, with thofe of the Englith the French under them on the fame ftaff, they fred fome broadfides into the town. falute exafperating the miThis unexpected returned it with a litia, they immediately cannon-ball, which, howforty-two pound fell wide of its mark, the gun, in the ever, were in to fhew their refentment hurry they at fo fiagrant a breach, as they fuppofed, of being ill-pointed. This the mithe Truce, litia wére ibon ready to rectify, by pointing another French under them on the fame ftaff, they fred fome broadfides into the town. falute exafperating the miThis unexpected returned it with a litia, they immediately cannon-ball, which, howforty-two pound fell wide of its mark, the gun, in the ever, were in to fhew their refentment hurry they at fo fiagrant a breach, as they fuppofed, of being ill-pointed. This the mithe Truce, litia wére ibon ready to rectify, by pointing another --- Page 135 --- ETNIYLE ISTA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 12I another gun of the fame metal point blank on one of the frigates, to which it would, doubtlefs, have done confiderable damage; but juft as the match was going to be put to the touch-hole, the Marquis, with the Lieutenant-governor, came running into the fort, and begged them to defift; at the fame time, hailing the frigates from the ramparts, acquainted their Commanders with the furrendèr of the place. Matters being thus accommodated, the two Commanders in Chief returned to the Government-houfe, wherc the Articles of Capitulation being ready, were, by both of them, duly figned and concluded. This being done, the Marquis returned to his troops 5 and foon after marched them into Rofeau, thereby taking poffeftion of the country for his moft Chriftian Majefty. It --- Page 136 --- THE HISTORY OF THE It is worth while noticing here, the monies ufed on this ccreoccafion, as it is to be hoped they may never again happen in Dominica. The French troops marched into the town in moft regular and folemn order, the drums beating a flow march, and the French foldiers, with fmall boughs and flowers in their hats by way of laurels, with affumed fierce countenances as they came by our finall force, feemed to threaten it with inftant folution. The dif Englith foldiers and inhabitants, with two field pieces in their front, and lighted matches, their mufkets grounded, and ftanding in two divifions, the regulars on the right, the militia on the left. The latter were permitted to take up their arms, and to retire with them to their houfes, amidft almoft lawlefs troop of ruflians, an by whom they had to pafs; and who, with curfes and reproaches for being difappointed of plundering and murdering the inhabitants, ftill threatened them, if they were not fatisfied. The Englifh --- Page 137 --- V D J ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Englifh foldiers left their arms grounded, and retired to a place appointed for them by the Lieutenant-govemor, ; and the next day were fent off the ifland, agrecably to the Articles of Capitulation, which are as follows: ARTIGLES OF CAPITULATION, Betrveen the Marguis de Bouillé, General of tbe Windward Wef India Mands, belonging to bis moft Cbrifian Maje/y, and Governor Stuart, Commander in Cbief, and the Inbabitants oftbe Iland of Dominica, belonging to bis Britannic Maje/ty. ARTICLE I. THAT we the Governor, chief officers, oflicers of the troops, and foldiers, fhall go out with one mortar, two brafs field pieces, and ten charges for each piece, with arms, baggage, and all the honours of war. I Granted, , General of tbe Windward Wef India Mands, belonging to bis moft Cbrifian Maje/y, and Governor Stuart, Commander in Cbief, and the Inbabitants oftbe Iland of Dominica, belonging to bis Britannic Maje/ty. ARTICLE I. THAT we the Governor, chief officers, oflicers of the troops, and foldiers, fhall go out with one mortar, two brafs field pieces, and ten charges for each piece, with arms, baggage, and all the honours of war. I Granted, --- Page 138 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Granted, that the garrifon go out with all the honours of war; but afterwards their to ground arms, except the officers. ARTICLE II. That the regular troops, officers and confifting of fix ninety-four men, including noncommiffioned officers, foldiers, and cannoniers, be tranfported to England, by the fhorteft route, in a good veffel, with victuals for the voyage, or remain here on their parole, Granted, on condition that they ferve not againft the King of France till they are exchanged; the officers to remain bere on their parole, but not the foldiers. ARTICLE IHI. That the officers and others thall have liberty to take with them their wives and children to the Englith iflands by the fhorteft route $ --- Page 139 --- MILE c "IVA E ISLAND OF DOMINICA. route; and that they fhall be provided with a good veffel, and viétuals for the voyage. Granted. ARTICL E IV. The inhabitants of the ifand fhall retire from their pofts with all the honours of war, that is to fay, with two brais field pieces, their arms and baggage, colours flying, drums beating, and lighted mâtch. Granted. ARTICLE V. The inhabitants of the ifland thall retain their civil government, laws, cuftoms, and ordinances ; juftice fhall be adminiftered by the fame perfons who are now in actual charge thereof: and as to what regards the interior policy of the ifland, it is to be arranged between his moft Chriftian Majefty's Governor and the --- Page 140 --- THE HISTORY OF THE the inhabitants : and in cafe the ifland Thall be ceded to the King of France at the peace, the inhabitants fhall have their choice, to keep their own political government, or to that eftablifhed in accept Martinique and the other French iflands. Granted, till the peace, ARTICLE VI. The inhabitants and their religious minifters fhall be maintained in the poffeflion of their eftates, cnjoy their poffeflions, moveable and immoveable, of what nature foever they bes they Thall be maintained and may in their conferved privileges, rights, honours, and exemptions ; and the free negroes and mulattos in their liberties. Granted, ARTICLE --- Page 141 --- AILA ra TVA e ASLAND OF DOMINICA. ARTICLE VII. They Ghall pay no other duties to his moft Chriftian Majefty, than what they paid to his Britannic Majefty, nor other duties or impofts. The expences for adminiftration of juftice, the falaries of minifters, and other ordinary expences, to be paid out of the revenues of his moft Chriftian Majefty, as during the government of his Britannic Majefty. Granted; but the inhabitants of Dominica, for the liberty of exporting their produce, muft pay the office of the Domains the fame duties that the inhabitants pay in the French iflands, or in Europe; but the expences for adminiftration of juftice are to be paid by the colony. ARTICLE expences for adminiftration of juftice, the falaries of minifters, and other ordinary expences, to be paid out of the revenues of his moft Chriftian Majefty, as during the government of his Britannic Majefty. Granted; but the inhabitants of Dominica, for the liberty of exporting their produce, muft pay the office of the Domains the fame duties that the inhabitants pay in the French iflands, or in Europe; but the expences for adminiftration of juftice are to be paid by the colony. ARTICLE --- Page 142 --- THE HISTORY oF THE ARTICLE E VIII. merchandize, and all The flaves, baggage, made prizes of during the attack other things of the ifland, fhall be reftored. Granted; they fhall be faithfully reftored. ARTICLE IX. The inhabitants who are abfent, and thofe in the fervice of his Britannic Majefty, Thall in their pofifefifions, and enjoy be maintained their goods, by virtue of their proper attornies. Granted. ARTICLE X. The inhabitants Thall not be obliged to furnith lodgings, or any other matters, for the troops, nor flaves to work on the fortifications, There --- Page 143 --- o MN ISLAND OF DOMINICA. There are cafes of neceffity that will"admit of no exceptions 5 but in common cafes the troops Thall be lodged at the expence of the King, in the houfes which belong to bim. ARTICLE XI. The thips, brigs, fchooners, and other veffels, belonging to the inhabitants of the ifland, hall remain the property of their owners. Granted; but Englith veffels from Europe Thall be delivered up with fidelity to the King's navy. ARTICLE XII. The widows and other inhabitants, who, by ficknefs, abfence, or other obftacles, are prevented from figning the Capitulation at prcfent, Thall have a limited time allowed them for doing the fame, Granted, K ARTICLE --- Page 144 --- THE HISTORY OF THE ARTICLE XIII. The inhabitants and merchants of the ifland, who are comprized in this prefent Capitulation, fhall enjoy all the privileges of commerce, on the fame conditions as are allowed to. the fubjects of his moft Chriftian Majefty in all his dominions. Granted. ARTICLE XIV. The inhabitants fhall enjoy their religion, and their minifters fhall enjoy their cures. Granted. A RTICLE XV. The inhabitants fhall obferve a ftriét neutrality, and Thall not be forced to take up arms againft his Britannic Majefly, nor againft any other power. Granted; --- Page 145 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. I3I Granted; but the French-born fubjects fhall be at. liberty to ferve the King of. France; and in cafe Dominica fhould return to the power of Englard, thofe who do not chufe to ferve, hail not be punifhed by the French government. ARTICLE XVI: All the prifoners taken during the attack of the ifland Thall be reftored. Granted, ARTICLI E XVII. The merchants of the ifland may receive any veffels, that Ahall be addreffed to them, from any part of the world, without being liable to confifcauion,-difpof of thcir merchandize, and carry on their commerce; ; and the port (hall bc free for that purpofe, they paying the ordinary duties paid in the French iflands. K 2 Granted, XVI: All the prifoners taken during the attack of the ifland Thall be reftored. Granted, ARTICLI E XVII. The merchants of the ifland may receive any veffels, that Ahall be addreffed to them, from any part of the world, without being liable to confifcauion,-difpof of thcir merchandize, and carry on their commerce; ; and the port (hall bc free for that purpofe, they paying the ordinary duties paid in the French iflands. K 2 Granted, --- Page 146 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Granted, till the peace, Englith veffels only excepted. ARTICL E XVIII. The inhabitants (hall keep their arms. Granted, on condition that they ferve not againft the King of France. ARTICLE XIX. the aétual refiThat none other, except dents of the ifland, thall be poffeffed of houfes or otherwife, till the or lands, by purchafe, but after the peace, in cafe the ifland peacc; fhall be ceded to the King of France, fuch inhabitants as do not chufe to live under the French (hall be at liberty to difpofe of government, their poffeflions and goods, moveable andimmoveable, to whom they pleafe, and to retire where they think proper'; for which purpofe they Ohall have a reafonable time allowed them. Granted. ARTICLE --- Page 147 --- TY e ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ARTICLE XX, The inhabitants of thei ifland may fend their children to England to receive their education, to return hither, and to be fupplied with neceffaries during their ftay in England. Granted. ARTICLI E XX1. The inhabitants may difpofe of their goods and pofleflions to whom they think proper. Granted. ARTICLE XXII, That the Court of Chancery Thall be held by, the Members of the Council, in the fame form it is at prefent $ and that appeals from the faid Court thall bc made of courfe in England, in the fame manner as heretofore. Granted. K 3 ARTICLE --- Page 148 --- THE HISTORY OF THE ARTICLE XXIII. That the wives of the officers and others, the ifland, may retire with their on leaving effects, and a number of domeftics fuitable to their rank. Granted. ARTICL E XXIV. The perfons belonging to privateers, and thofe who have no property in the ifland, wha do not chufe to remain in it, fhall have a veffel to carry them to the Englifh iflands, and be furnifhed with prôvifions for the voyage. Granted, during the fpace of fix wceks. ARTICLE XXV. DEMANDED BY THE FRENCH GENERAL. There thall be delivered up to the General of the French troops, all the artillery and other --- Page 149 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. other effects in the colony, belonging to the King of England; all the batteries on the coafts Aall be reftored to the fame ftate they were in beforcthe attack of the ifland; all the fmall arms, which belong to the King of England, fhall be reftored, except thofe of the officers and militia; no powder Thall be taken from the magazines ; they Thall be delivered into the hands of fuch perfons as fhall be appointed by the Marquis de Bouillé. Granted, by Governor Stuart; the preceding Articles. being granted by the Marquis de Bouillé. ARTICLE XXVI. DEMANDED BY THE FRENCH GENERAL. The magazines of provifions, and othcr effects, belonging to the King of England, Thall be delivered up to the Commitiary employed in the colony. Granted by Governor Stuart. K 2 4. ARTICLE militia; no powder Thall be taken from the magazines ; they Thall be delivered into the hands of fuch perfons as fhall be appointed by the Marquis de Bouillé. Granted, by Governor Stuart; the preceding Articles. being granted by the Marquis de Bouillé. ARTICLE XXVI. DEMANDED BY THE FRENCH GENERAL. The magazines of provifions, and othcr effects, belonging to the King of England, Thall be delivered up to the Commitiary employed in the colony. Granted by Governor Stuart. K 2 4. ARTICLE --- Page 150 --- THE HISTORY OF THE ARTICLE XXVII. ARTICLE DEMANDED BY THE OTHER FRENCH GENERAL. Governor Stuart fhall deliver up to-morrow, the pofts at the 8th of September, 1778, Bay, after the Capitulation is Prince Rupert's Fort Young (hall be delivered direatly figned. hands of the firft company of greinto the batteries of the town nadiers; the forts and be delivered up at the fame time, and all fhall fortreffes of the colony, as foon as it other pofmibly çan bc done. Granted by Governor Stuart. of the French We the Governor-general iflands in America, for his moft Windward and Chriftian Majefty the King of France; and Commander in tlie Lieutenant-governor Chief of Dominica, for his Britannic Majefty, of do ratify thefe Articles the King England, of --- Page 151 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. of Capitulation in twenty-feven Articles as above, and oblige ourfelves reciprocally to sbide by the fame, Done in two parts at Rofeau, Dominica, Signed and fealed with our feals at arms; and counterfigned by our Secretaries, this 7th day of September, 1778, (Signed) De Bouillé and William Stuarto And underneath by the General Doublé, And by the Lieut. Governor Hawkes, CHAP- --- Page 152 --- THE HISTORY.OF THE CHAI P T E R VIII. OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAND, UNDER THE FRENCH, WITH A RE ELATION OF THE DISTRESSED SITUATION OF THE ENGLISH INHABITANTS, UNTIL ITS RESTORATION TO GREAT BRITAIN; TOGETHER WITH THE ACCOUNT OF THAT EVENT, AND SEVERALOTHER SUBJECTS. THUS fell the important ifland of Dominica into the hands of the French; and with it were loft all thofe advantages, that it was afterwards difcovcred would have, accrued to the Englifh, had it been in their poffeffion daring the laft war. This ifland, from its local fituation, being exadly betwecn the two principal iflands of the French, Martinique and Guadeloupc, is the beft calculated of all the poflefions of Great Britain in that part of the world, to fecure her the dominion of thofe feas. Had a fewv fhips --- Page 153 --- a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fhips of war been fationed at Prince Rupert's bay, they, would have effeétually ftopped all intercourfe of the French fettlements with cach other; as not a veffel could have paffed but would have been liable to or repaffed, capture by the Eritifh cruizers off that bay, and to windwvard of the ifland. The ifland of Saint Lucia, that buryingplace of thoufands of brave Englifhmen, would then, it is probable, have remained in the defolate ftate it was in before its furrender, as of no importance to the French. And it is moft certain, that had Dominica been retained, at half the expence of men and money which it coft Great Britain to reduce the other, the lofs of moft of the Englifh fettlements in the Weft Indies would have been prevented, and the French would then have had fufficient employment in fecuring their own, he place of thoufands of brave Englifhmen, would then, it is probable, have remained in the defolate ftate it was in before its furrender, as of no importance to the French. And it is moft certain, that had Dominica been retained, at half the expence of men and money which it coft Great Britain to reduce the other, the lofs of moft of the Englifh fettlements in the Weft Indies would have been prevented, and the French would then have had fufficient employment in fecuring their own, he --- Page 154 --- : ( THE HISTORY OF THE Theimportance of this ifland to the was fo well known, and dreaded Englid: by the French at that time, that the it taking out of our poffeffion was the firft object in their attack on the Britifh fettlements : and the de Bouillé aétually fecured Marquis Dominica for his nation, beforehoftilitics' between thetwo Crowns were known in the Englith Weft Indies. The forces under the command of the Marquis, on this expedition, confifted of near threc thoufand regular troops, and near half that number of volunteers, compofed of white men, mulattos, and negros, The naval mament confifted of three arfrigates, one a forty-gun fhip, and upwards of thirty fail of armed floops and fchooners. For feveral days after the furrender, the inhabitants from all parts of the ifland the came ta Government-houf, in order to fign the Articles --- Page 155 --- ISLAND oF DOMINICA. Articles of Capitulation. During the timc, fome of the Englith inhabitants were accufed by fome of the French, with to the Marquis, the Amehaving fitted out privateers againft ricans. 1 Thefe perfons were treated with great indignity by the Marquis, who obliged them down confiderable fums of money for to pay veffels faid to have been French property, which had been captured as Americans by the privateers. The principal accufers of the Englith inhabitants, on this and feveral other occafions, were certain French pcople, who had, heretofore, been treated with every indulgence and kindnefs by thofe they accufed; as they were alfo the chief promoters of all the difturbances, heart-burnings, and animofities of the French to the Britifh inhabitants of the government, ifland, during the whole of the time it was in their poffeflion; and were, moreover, the means --- Page 156 --- TIE HISTORY OF THE means of obliging feveral to quit it, leaving behind them their property. Thefe were Thomas C-d A-t, Wm R-d, and a M-r CThe latter had formerly dealt largely with fome Englith merchants of the ifland, whom he had defrauded of their dues by running away 5 but returning on this expedition, as chief guide to the troops, he was promoted by the Marquis de Bouillé to the office of chief baker to the forces in the place, as a reward of his treachery. R-d had quitted that country in the fame clandeftine manner ; but returning with the Marquis, as a volunteer in the caufe, was by him appointed his moft Chriftian Majefty's Receiver-general of Dominica. C--d A--t had been a number of years a truftee for the French churchlands in Rofeau, to which oflice he was appointed by the Englith government, at the time of the cefiion of the country to Great Britain, the place, as a reward of his treachery. R-d had quitted that country in the fame clandeftine manner ; but returning with the Marquis, as a volunteer in the caufe, was by him appointed his moft Chriftian Majefty's Receiver-general of Dominica. C--d A--t had been a number of years a truftee for the French churchlands in Rofeau, to which oflice he was appointed by the Englith government, at the time of the cefiion of the country to Great Britain, --- Page 157 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, Britain. He had, moreover, been treated with a degrce of indulgence in his oflice, more than his bchaviour entitled him to, and which he repaid, by taking every ftep in his power to do injury to the Englith inhabitants of the ifland after its furrender to the French. The fate of thefe three men Îs worth remarking, as the recital may ferve to deter others from being guiity of the like treacherous and mifchievous doings. The Baker, whofe infamous charaéter foon came to the knowledge of the French government, was difcharged from that office for fraud in his weights, and again obliged to fly the country. The Receiver-general, after having exercifed his new office with every fpecies of impofition and infolence in a degree peculiar to himfelf, very prudently took a filent departure from the ifland, a few days before its evacuation by the French, as being confcious of --- Page 158 --- THE HISTORY OF THE of his meriting a juft punifhment had mainced. And C-d he res the ifland At, as foon as was reftored, retired on his tion in the plantacountry $ where, univerfally de4 tefted by both French and Englith, he died of defpair but a fhort time after. As foon as the new form of fettled by the government was Marquis de Bouillé, he for Martinique, departed leaving the Marquis Duchils leau Commander in Chief of his This Governor had an univerfal conqueft, the antipathy to Englith, the very name of an Englithman being hateful to his ears 5 nor could he bear them in his fight with any degree of temper 5 and contrary to the character of in general of his nation, men he-extended his brutal behaviour even to the female fex, if they came in his way, to petition or addrefs him in behalf of their propcrty. Withal, --- Page 159 --- IVA - E a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Withal, he was fo very pufillanimous, that the moft vague report of the approach of the Englith from Saint Lucia terrified him; when, galloping up and down likea madman,hewoald threaten every Englithman he met, to put them to death, and to fet fire to the town, thould their countrymen dare to attempt an invafion. And morcover, not confiding in the great number of troops that were under his command, but thinking them not fufficient to quell an infurredlion of the Englith inhabitants, whom he weakly fuppofed might make an attempt to retake the ifland, he thought proper tol break through the eighteenth Article of the Capitulation, by difarming them, and diftributing their arms among the runaway negros, with whom he actually entered into a treaty for affiftance. This was the Governor whom the Marquis de Bouillé, from motives of policy, thought fit to appoint over his firft conqueft 5 and L there not fufficient to quell an infurredlion of the Englith inhabitants, whom he weakly fuppofed might make an attempt to retake the ifland, he thought proper tol break through the eighteenth Article of the Capitulation, by difarming them, and diftributing their arms among the runaway negros, with whom he actually entered into a treaty for affiftance. This was the Governor whom the Marquis de Bouillé, from motives of policy, thought fit to appoint over his firft conqueft 5 and L there --- Page 160 --- - THE HISTORY OF THE there could not havc beeni a more proper perfon for carrying the intentions of the Marquis into execution, by lefening the value of Dominica, in order to have it ceded to the French at the conclufion of the war. In this, however, happily for the Britifh nation, he was difappointed; and although the greatelt part of the Englifh inhabitants, from the harfh and cruci treatment they underwent, not only from the Marquis Duchilleau, but alio from every French perfon in oflice under his government, was driven to the necefity of quitting the ifland; yet the few that remained, patiently enduring all their fufferings from the French, waited only the commencement of pencc, to determine whether the country would be reftored to the Engiifh, Or be. continued under the dominion of France. The former happening to be the cale, was a matter of great concern to the French, who, well knowing its importance, quitted tbeir pofeiiens with the greateft reluétancy, from a conviction --- Page 161 --- M IIE MORTA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. tion that it was an ifland capable of being rendered both formidable and dangerous to their own fettlements at a future period. To return to the Marquis Duchilleau; he, like another tyrannic governor, iflfued a proclamation, forbidding the affembling together of the Englith inhabitants more than two in a place. That no lights were to be feen in their houfes after nine o'clock at night; that no Englith perfon was to be out after that hour, in the ftreets, without a candle and lanthorn, or a lighted pipe in his mouth; and that no fervant of theirs was to be feen at night; without a ticket from his mafter; under no lefs a penalty to white people, than being fhot by the centinel at the poft they paffed by, of being imprifoned, or fent out of the ifland; and the fervants were to be whipped in the public market, befides a fine on their mafters. L 2 Many. --- Page 162 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Many of the Englith inhabitants were imprifoned by him on the flighteft pretence 5 and one cf them, Robert Thou, was actually fhot by a centinel, for attempting to go on board his own veffel after nine o'clock at night. This unfortunate young man died a few days after, in the utmoft torture from his wound, the ball going through his body at the breaft; and the perpetrator of this horrid murder was raifed by the Marquis Duchilleau to a higher ftation in his regiment, for having thus wantonly killed him. So very apprehenfive was this Governor, that the Englith inhabitants were forming de-. figns to retake the ifland, or that they held a correfpondence with the enemy at Saint Lucia, that every letter of theirs was opened for his infpedtion before it was delivered. And deeming this infuflicient to come at the knowledge of their private tranfactions, he adopted the practicc of going himfelf in difguife, or employing Marquis Duchilleau to a higher ftation in his regiment, for having thus wantonly killed him. So very apprehenfive was this Governor, that the Englith inhabitants were forming de-. figns to retake the ifland, or that they held a correfpondence with the enemy at Saint Lucia, that every letter of theirs was opened for his infpedtion before it was delivered. And deeming this infuflicient to come at the knowledge of their private tranfactions, he adopted the practicc of going himfelf in difguife, or employing --- Page 163 --- a y A V AA 2 ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ploying others, who better knew the Englifh language, to liften at their doors and windows in the night-time; but luckily hc neyer found out any fecrets. He repeatedly threatened to fet fire to the town of Rofeau, in cafe the ifland was attacked ; and though the latter was never attempted by the Englith forces, yet that town was fet fire to by the French foldiers, who, there is every reafon to fappofe, did it by his private orders. This fuppofition was ftrongly corroborated, by his behaviour on the night of that melancholy event, at which himfelf was prefent beft part of the timc; but he would not fuffer his foldiers to affift in extinguithing the fiames, fave only in houfes that belonged to the French inhabitants; efpecially in that of Thomas Chabaud Arnault, which, though feveral times on fire, was yet faved by the troops, in preference to far more valuable L 3 buildings --- Page 164 --- THE HISTORY OF TIE that were confumed, while they ftood buildings diverted with the fcene. looking on, the chief time of The foldiers were bufy, the fire, in fecuring for themfelves the prothe inhabitants; breaking open boxes, perty of in the heads of trunks, and chefts, driving cafks of liquor, and taking out what quantity could in their hats, bottles, and other they letting the reft run out into the ftreets. veflels, inhabitants were alfo Some of the French employed in the fame manner; ; one of bufily of the name of ce P- n," them in particular, deteéted with feveral articles of was actually to Englilh people 3 and in value belonging particular a cafk of Madeira wine, the. proof a Mr. John Tileftone, a reputable perty who afterwards tavern-keeper in that town; recovered the value of it by a fuit at law againft the faid P---n. This --- Page 165 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. This fire in Rofeau happened the cvening of Eafter Sunday, 1781, by which upwards of five hundred houfes were confumed in a few hours; and among them the principal buildings, ftores, a vaft quantity of rich merchandize, and valuable articles of houfhold goods were deftroyed, to the amount of upwards of two hundred thoufand. pounds fterling. The inferior French officers, and feveral of m the French inhabitants of Dominica, encouraged thereto by the tyrannic behaviour of the Marquis Duchilleau, were not backward in their bad treatment of the Englith inhabitants: the officers ufually infulting them as they walked the ftreets; throwing fhowers of ftones on their houfes in the night-time; fas luting the Englith white women with indecent expreflions as they paffed by 3 taking the upper hand of the men in taverns, and other places of noceflary refort, where they hapL 4 pened Dominica, encouraged thereto by the tyrannic behaviour of the Marquis Duchilleau, were not backward in their bad treatment of the Englith inhabitants: the officers ufually infulting them as they walked the ftreets; throwing fhowers of ftones on their houfes in the night-time; fas luting the Englith white women with indecent expreflions as they paffed by 3 taking the upper hand of the men in taverns, and other places of noceflary refort, where they hapL 4 pened --- Page 166 --- THE HISTORY OF THE pened to be prefent, or indignantly driving circumftances of fuch mean cruelthem out; people, that one fhould ty to a conquered think, none but the dregs of mapkind would ever be guilty of, the behaviour of fome of the This too was inhabitants; from whom it was, in a French manner, diftrefling to the Englith, particular who had heretofore treated them with every of kindnefs, as being a fet of people, degree though not of the fame nation by birth, who, fubwere members of the fame community, ject to the fame government, and as fuch, entitled to the fàme privileges and refpeét with themfelves. Of thefe in particular, a Frenchman of colour, of the name of Blanchdelablong, and a white man, named Etienne Vring, deferve to be mentioned. The firft had the audacity to ftrike the Englifh Chief Juftice, and the other infolently drew his fword on a rea --- Page 167 --- TVL ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Englith merchant in a public a refpedtable tavern. It is, however, necefary here to do juftice to the merits of fome of the principal French officers at that time ; as of the Count de Bourgoinne, Monfieur du Beaupé, and the generality of the officers of Irifh Brigades in that ifland. The Count de Bourgoinne was Chief Governor of Dominica for fome time after the Marquis Duchilleau had quitted it, to affift in the expedition formed by the French and Spaniards againft Jamaica; and during the time of his government, the Englith inhabitants were much better treated, than while under Duchilleau. But this not anfwering the politic views of the Marquis de Bouillé, he recalled the Count from his government, under pretence of his mal-adminifiration; but in --- Page 168 --- THE HISTORY OF THE in reality, only for his lenity to the Englif inhabitants of Dominica. Monfieur du Beaupé fucceeded this latter; and although he was no great admirer of the Englith, yet, during his government, which Jafted till the ifland was reftored, the inhabitants of that' defeription enjoyed fome little repofe from their fufferings, as he made it a point to prevent their being mal-treated by thole under his command. The Irith officers of the Brigades being acquainted with the cuftoms, and fpeaking the language of the Englith, treated them with every civility in their power, during the time they were in the ifland; frequentiy vifiting them, joining them on parties of amufement, and rendering them feveral lictle fervices. And to their pnife be it mentioned, that on two or three occafions fome of them oppofed the a French he made it a point to prevent their being mal-treated by thole under his command. The Irith officers of the Brigades being acquainted with the cuftoms, and fpeaking the language of the Englith, treated them with every civility in their power, during the time they were in the ifland; frequentiy vifiting them, joining them on parties of amufement, and rendering them feveral lictle fervices. And to their pnife be it mentioned, that on two or three occafions fome of them oppofed the a French --- Page 169 --- VU LR a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. French officers, for their bad treatment of the Englifh, at the rifk of lofing their own lives, During five years and a quarter, the time that the ifland of Dominica was in poffeflion of the French, it was reforted to by no veffels from Old France; nor was any of the produce of the Englith plantations exported to that Kingdom during this period; but part ofit was lentin neutral bottoms to the Dutch ifland of Saint Euftatius, before its capture by Admiral Rodney; 3 and from thence it was exported to England, under the moft extravagant expences and lofs to the proprietors. Other parts of the produce were fent in Dutch veffels, which were engaged for the purpofe in England, to Rotterdam, where, on their arrival, the fugar in particular fold from fixteen toeighteen poundsfterling per hogthead. After --- Page 170 --- THE HISTORY OF THE After the breaking out of the war with the Dutch, the produce. of Dominica was fent, under Imperial colours, to Oftend, where the fugar fold only from fix to eight pounds fterling per hogthead. This was a great falling offin the price of that commodity, and greatly diftreffed the futgar planters in particular; but to complete their misfortunes, one of thofe very veffcis, laden with returns to the ifland, was captured by the Americans, who fold both the fhip and cargo. The prices of the different articles in Dominica, the greateft part of the time of the French government of it, were as follow: Sugar, from 1l. 4S. to Il. IOS. per Cwt, Rum, 2S. per galion, Coffee, from 21. to 21. IOS. per Cwt, Of the current money of the ifland, which was at cighty-five per cent, and was --- Page 171 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. was not more than one-half the value of the fame produce at prefent. The freight of fhipping it off from the out-bays to Rofeau, was then nearly double to what it is now; and the duties paid to the French Cuftom-houfe, for exporting the fugar alone; was upwards of twenty per cent. on their eftimation of its value. The different articles of provilions, and other neceffaries, brought to the ifland, were at a moft extravagant price. Beef, from 91. 18s. to I1l. 5s. per barrel. Pork, from 111. 5S. to1gl. 4S. per ditto. Flour, from 91. 18s. to 121. per ditto. Butter, from Iol. to 131. 4S. per firkin. This was the wholefile price; but when difpofed of again at retail, the price was extravagant; ; for butter was not to be had there under fix thillings a pound, candles from 91. 18s. to I1l. 5s. per barrel. Pork, from 111. 5S. to1gl. 4S. per ditto. Flour, from 91. 18s. to 121. per ditto. Butter, from Iol. to 131. 4S. per firkin. This was the wholefile price; but when difpofed of again at retail, the price was extravagant; ; for butter was not to be had there under fix thillings a pound, candles --- Page 172 --- J58 THE HISTORY OF THE dles at three thillings, foap at the fame pricc, and every other article in that advanced proportion. The Englith inhabitants then of Dominica were, in confequence, greatly diftreffed; as few of them could afford to purchafe thofe neceffary articles, the planters, and lower Order of people clpecially 3 the latter having no trade, and but little to do, were unable to be at fo great an expence; and the planters having a number of negros on their eftates, were diftreffed to furnifh a neceffary fupply of provifions for their flaves, or for themfelves. Many were under the neceflity of purchafing from the French foldiers their allowance from the King, of falt meat, bread, and other matters 3 which, though not the beft provifions of the kind, were a great afliftance to a num2 ber --- Page 173 --- A ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ber of the inhabitants, as well in the towns as on the plantations. On the other hand, the ifland of Saint Lucia, foon after its capture by the Englifh, was rendered a place far more defirable, in point of trade, than it had ever been, while under its former mafters; and the French inhabitants of it were better treated by the Englifh government, oflicers and foldiers, than they aétually treated their own countrymen, who retired thither after its furrender. That ifland was the chief mart of trade for provifions and merchandize of every, defcription, during the war, being reforted to by veffels, not only from olr own fettlements, but alfo from moft of the foreign iflands, by the means of flags of truce. Provifions in particular, were to be had there ât the following moderate prices, viz. Beef, --- Page 174 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Beef, from 51. IOS. to 61. per barrel. Pork, from 61. IOS. to 71. per ditto. Flour, from 31. 6s. to 41. per ditto. Butter, from 41. IOS. to 51. per firkin. Although the French government of Dominica had every opportunity of furnithing their troops with frefh provifions, by means - then in alliance with of the Americans, France, yet not a fingle veffel arrived there during the whole time they were with cattle, of theifland. But the cattle that in poffeffion killed for the ufe of the troops were, at were fhot on the Englifh firft, indiferiminately at the pleafure of Duchilleau, plantations, wanted for the ufe of his whenever they were foldiers. that Heafterwards eftablilhed an ordinance, fhould fend a beaft in every Englith planter for the ufe of the military hofpital, his turn force; the of having it taken by under penalty and cattle that in poffeffion killed for the ufe of the troops were, at were fhot on the Englifh firft, indiferiminately at the pleafure of Duchilleau, plantations, wanted for the ufe of his whenever they were foldiers. that Heafterwards eftablilhed an ordinance, fhould fend a beaft in every Englith planter for the ufe of the military hofpital, his turn force; the of having it taken by under penalty and --- Page 175 --- A IYL a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 16I and the perfon who did not comply, was imprifoned, or fent off the ifland. By this means, upwards of fixty in every hundred head of cattle in the country were deftroyed during his Government; and this ordinance was carried into execution with fuch rigour by him, that if either by detention, by bad weather, or delay, by reafon of the diftance of the eftate from Rofeau, the cattle were not there in time, a party of foldiers, with their mufkets loaded, were immediately fent out, to kill any horned beaft that fell in their way. By this arbitrary proceeding, many fine milch cows of the inhabitants in the town fell viétims to his wrath on thefe occalions; and what was particularly hard upon the owners of them, they were obliged to bear the lofs without repining, and to put up with being paid as for ordinary beafts, and waiting for that payment a long time. M Another --- Page 176 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Another very great hard(hip on the owners of cattle, killed for the ufe of the military hofpital, was, that they were feldom to have a piece for themfelves, permitted ta though they paid for it, but were obliged to be fatisfied with the offals of the carcafe. And, as for others of the Englifh, a piece of bullock's liver was the moft they in general could get; and they were ufually told by the French officers in the markets, 66 That that 66 was too good for an Englifhman." This great deftruction of the cattle in Dominica, at that time, was a fource of great difadvantages to the proprietors of the fugar plantations, thereby preventing the poffibility of carrying on the culture of the fugarcané, from the want of thofe neceffary animals. And by this procedure of the French, feveral of the Englith planters were driven to the neceflity of ftopping the further fettlement of their eftates, to the great detriment of themfelves --- Page 177 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. felves and familics, as well as injury to the mortgagees in Europc; and at the fame time, leffening the value of property in the ifland in the opinion of peoplc in general. The French were fatisfied with being able to kecp the country from Great Britain during the war, firmly believing, that it would be ceded to them at the peace. ; they did, therefore, every thing in their power to render the ftay of the Englifh inhabitants uncomfortable and diftrefling. Their difappointment, therefore, on finding the ifland was to be reftored, was matter of great concern to them ; and they actually put off the delivering it up to the Englith, a confiderable time after the ratification of the definitive treaty of peace was concluded in Europe. Some weeks before the actual reftoration of Dominica, an Englith regiment from Saint Lucia arrived at Rofeau, for the purpofe of M 2 taking in their power to render the ftay of the Englifh inhabitants uncomfortable and diftrefling. Their difappointment, therefore, on finding the ifland was to be reftored, was matter of great concern to them ; and they actually put off the delivering it up to the Englith, a confiderable time after the ratification of the definitive treaty of peace was concluded in Europe. Some weeks before the actual reftoration of Dominica, an Englith regiment from Saint Lucia arrived at Rofeau, for the purpofe of M 2 taking --- Page 178 --- THE HISTORY OF THE poffeflion of the ifland for his Britannic taking Majefty. This was, however, peremptorily refufed by the French Governor, who ftrongly denied his having received any inftructions for the delivering up the illand from his fuperiors at the or even from Europe; at Martinique, fame time, ordering the Britifh Commander, to depart, and threatening to with his troops, them toi it. But this order being concompel of the latter, he detrary to the commiffion clared he was determined to aét as became of which, he was at laft him 3 in confequence to land with his troops at point permitted till the French GoMichael, there to wait vernor had further inftructions. Matters being thus accommodated, owing, to the fuperior force of the it Îs probable, who came with two thips of war to Englifh, demand the ifland, which was then but thinly garrifoned ; the Englifh troops were accordingly landed at the before-mentioned place, where --- Page 179 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. where they continued till the day of the furrender of the country to Great Britain. It is worth while to remark herc, the jealous behaviour of the French Commander on this occafion; for though there was every reafon to believe, that he well knew the ifland was to be reftored; yet he took every mcthod that was in his power of thewing a difpofition to prevent it; and he actually threatened to ufe force if the Englith dared to land, as if upon an hoftilc occafion : nor would he permit any of the Englith oflicers fo much as to fet their feet on fhore in Rofeau; ; but lined the bay of that road with armed foldiers, who even then treated fome of the Englith inhabitants excecdingly ill, for no other reafon, than the joy that was vilible in their faces at the fight of their own countrymen. This affumed face of refiftance, was a plain indication of the great unwillingnefs of the M 3 French --- Page 180 --- THE HISTORY OF THÉ French to quit poffeffion of the country ; but which would have little availed them, had the Englith Commander been difpofed to force his landing. This, however, would have been produétive of fatal confequences to the defencelefs Englith inhabitants, who would, therc is no doubt, have fallen victims to the fury of the French in the firftinftance, and it would have anfwcred no other end, than to facilitate the return of the ifland to its former government a few weeks fooner.. The Englih inhabitants foon after made theifelves amends, for having been prevented from faluting their countrymen on their al'- rivals for on the fame evening there was.fcarcely a man, woman, or child, in the town and fuburbs of Rofeau, that did not either ride or walk to the quarters of the Englith troops at point Michael, for the purpofe of rejoicing at the profpect of a fpeedy return of their own government. One 1 former government a few weeks fooner.. The Englih inhabitants foon after made theifelves amends, for having been prevented from faluting their countrymen on their al'- rivals for on the fame evening there was.fcarcely a man, woman, or child, in the town and fuburbs of Rofeau, that did not either ride or walk to the quarters of the Englith troops at point Michael, for the purpofe of rejoicing at the profpect of a fpeedy return of their own government. One 1 --- Page 181 --- S J ISLAND OF DOMINICA. One obfervation is due to the fpirited behaviour of the Britifh Commander while at point Michael; he caufed it to be well fortified and guarded, for fear of the worft, and every day hoifted the Englith flag. This being a moft hateful fight to the French, their Commander repeatedly fent orders to have the Englith colours taken down, which the other as peremptorily refufed; alledging, that this country was his mafter's, whofe flag he would defend to the laft moment of his life; and that if the French Governor would have it down, he muft enforce his commands with the muzzles of his guns. From this time, till the evacuation of Dominica, the French were bufily employed in demolifhing the fortifications they had built, and doing all the damage they could to thofe that were there before their invafion, feveral of which they blew up with gunpowder. M 4 This --- Page 182 --- THE HISTORY OF THE This ifland was reftored to England in the month of January, 1783. The day of its reftoration was a joyful day for the Englith inhabitants, efpecially for thofe who had undergone a long and painful captivity, and had been treated with a degree of cruclty hardly. to be paralleled. In the morning of the day of the evacua - tion the Englifh troops marched from point Michael; and between eleven and twelve o'clock they came near the town of Rofeau, where, waiting till the French began to embark, it was near two o'clock before they finally evacuated the ifland; and then the Englith troops came.into the town, with COlours flying, drums beating, and a band of I mufic playing as they marched, efcorted - by moft of the Englith inhabitants, who, with multitudes of negros, lined both fides of the way as they entered the town. Between --- Page 183 --- U ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Between one and two o'clock, a company the Train of Artillery took poffeffion of of marching in, the principal fort in Rofeau, while the French troops marched out; and where their proceeded to the water-fide, boats being ready, they immediately embarked, the hiffes and curfes of the Englith inamidft habitants, whom they had heretofore fo cruelly treated. As foon as the Britifh troops were in poffeffion of the fort, they hoifted the ftandard on the flag-ftaff, which being a of England few of the inhabitants had feen before, fight elated with joy on the occafion, they and being fo to lend their affiftance to hoift it, were eager the halliards, that they were nearly pulling by which it was raifed, to pieces, and breakdown the flag-ftaff by the force of their ing The fight of the Britifh ftandard numbers. was alfo a matter of great admiration to the French, who, it is probable, had never fcen one on the flag-ftaff, which being a of England few of the inhabitants had feen before, fight elated with joy on the occafion, they and being fo to lend their affiftance to hoift it, were eager the halliards, that they were nearly pulling by which it was raifed, to pieces, and breakdown the flag-ftaff by the force of their ing The fight of the Britifh ftandard numbers. was alfo a matter of great admiration to the French, who, it is probable, had never fcen one --- Page 184 --- THE HISTORY OF THE one before; and they feemed to view it with no fatisfaction, as they paffed by it in boats, their probably, on compating the beautics of it with the fading pale colour of their own. Soon after the French were embarked, the new Englifh Governor, John Orde, landed from a frigate in the bay, under Efq. a difcharge of cannon from that veffel; falute was returned by the fort which On his When efcorted by the whole of the landing. inhabitants, amidft the Englith fhouts of 66 ce King >> Long live George," he was conduéted to the Court-houfe in Rofeau ; and after having had his commiffion proclaimed, and ufual oaths taking the on the occafion, he retired to partake of the general joy, and'of a tcel entertainment very genprepared for him by the colony, CHAP. --- Page 185 --- a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. CHAPTER IX. CONTAINS AN ACCOUNT.OF THE DIVISION OF THE ISLAND INTO PARISHES AND TOWNS, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF ITS CAPITAL, THE PRINCIPAL BUILDFORTIFICATIONS, AND HARBOUR; TOGEINGS, ON PRINCE' RUPERT'3 THER WITH OBSERVATIONS SAVANNAH IN THAT BAY, AND THE GRAND ISLAND. DOMINICA is divided into ten parithes, viz. Saint Mark's, Saint Luke's, Saint Paul's, Saint Peter's, Saint John's, Saint George's, Saint Andrew's, Saint David's, Saint Patrick's, and Saint Jofeph's. In each of thefe parifhes a fpot of land is marked out for building a town on, to that purpofe by the which was appropriated Commifioners on the firft ceffion of the counbut few of them have more try to England ; than two or three fmail mean houfes on them, and therefore do not deferve further notice. The --- Page 186 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The town of Rofeau is at prefent the C2pital of the ifland, and is fituated in the parifh. of Saint George, being about feven leagues from Prince Rupert's Bay. It is on a point of land on the S. W. fide of the ifland, which point-of land forms two bays, viz. Woodbridge's Bay to the north, and Charlotte-ville .Bay to the fouthward. Rofeau is about half a mile in length, from Charlotte-ville to Rofeau river, and two furlongs in breadth, but lefs in fome parts, being of a very irregular figure. It contains not more than five hundred houfes, exclufive of a number of fimall wooden buildings, occupied by negros, which give it rather an unpleafing appearance from the fea. The ftreets of this town are alfo very irregular, not one of them being in a ftraight line; but the whole of them form very acute angles, which face nearly the entrance of I each -ville to Rofeau river, and two furlongs in breadth, but lefs in fome parts, being of a very irregular figure. It contains not more than five hundred houfes, exclufive of a number of fimall wooden buildings, occupied by negros, which give it rather an unpleafing appearance from the fea. The ftreets of this town are alfo very irregular, not one of them being in a ftraight line; but the whole of them form very acute angles, which face nearly the entrance of I each --- Page 187 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. each other, and appear very, incommodious and unfightly. They are, however, moftly well paved, are in gencral from forty to fifty feet wide, and the town is very pleafantly fituated. Previous to the capture of the ifland by the French, this town contained upwards of one houfes; but the fire which thoufand good happened there, as before-mentioned, confumed the major part of them ; and the ruins ftill remain, as a memorial of that unfortunate event. The public buildings in Rofeau are, the Government-houfs, Court-houfe, Secretary's, Regifter's, and Provoft Marthal's offices, the church, market-houfe, and gaol. is fituatedin CharThe Government-houfe lotte-ville, which joins to Rofeau, or is rather the --- Page 188 --- THE HISTORY OF THE the upper part ofit, being included in the of that town. Itis a large map a built after the building of wood, French manner in the Weft Indies, two ftories high, with round, and joiced. It galleries all fands in the middle of a large lot of ground, furrounded low ftone wall, has with a a very fine garden at the back of it, and in front a long gravelly walk, very prettily ornamented on each fide with cocoa-nut and other trees, which gives it very rural appearance from the fea-fide. a The Court-houfe is a neat wooden building, on the next lot of land to the Governmenthoufe to the fouthward. This building is two ftories high, has a neat in portico on pillars front, and large open gallery backwards, the windows of it joiced. In the ments are a-large upper apartcouncil-chamber, rooms for the juries, and a gailery for the others fpeétators, or having bulincfs at the courts. In the lower apartments are raifed feats for the judges, a place --- Page 189 --- a a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. enclofed for the lawyers and officers a place boxes, and a bar for the of the courts, jury In this building. all caufes, civil prifoners. and criminal, are tried ; and all public bufinefs of the colony is there tranfacted by the Council, and Affembly of the Governor, ifland. The public Secretary's, Regifter's, and Provoft Marfhal's offices, are twolow ftone build-. ings in the yard of the Court-houfe, and are covered with tiles. Thefe buildings are in no other refpect remarkable, than being very badly contrived, and no ways adapted to the purpofes for which they were intended; the tiles being frequently blown off in the hurricane feafons, renders them damp, and an improper place for keeping public records. The church is a Jarge lofty building of wood, but it is at prefent much cut of repair. It has a neat pulpit, reading defk, and a few ow ftone build-. ings in the yard of the Court-houfe, and are covered with tiles. Thefe buildings are in no other refpect remarkable, than being very badly contrived, and no ways adapted to the purpofes for which they were intended; the tiles being frequently blown off in the hurricane feafons, renders them damp, and an improper place for keeping public records. The church is a Jarge lofty building of wood, but it is at prefent much cut of repair. It has a neat pulpit, reading defk, and a few --- Page 190 --- THE HISTORY OF THE a few pews; but neither altar-picce, baptifimal font, hangings; belfry, nor bell. This, the only Proteftant church in the ifland; is built on a large lot of ground, has a good churchyard of very decp and excellent black but the yard is not enclofed. mould ; is a fine lot of land, Adjoining to it the which was laid out in plan of the town, and referved by the Commiflioners, for the puirpofe of thereon a public fchool; but it is building at prefent appropriated to a quite different ufe. The market-houfe has been creéted the reftoration of the ifland fince to the and is of wood, built Englifh; on pillars of ftone, between which are apartments for the butchers and fifhermen, and thc public ftocks for confinement of diforderly white pcople and negros; 5 and the middle paflage is for the loaded fifh canoes, that they may be drawn up out of the heat of the A fun while the A is felling. The fith, upper part of this building is --- Page 191 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. is divided into two apartments, one for the Clerk of the market, and the other for the ufe of the Town Wardens of Rofeau, who hold their meetings there when they tranfaét the public bufinefs. Itis alfo ufed as a guardroom for the militia; during the three days ufelefs and nights of Chriftmas holidays (a piece of ceremony, only putting people to untrouble and expence) and in times of neceffàry aétual need, as fire, or any danger which threatens that town: It may not be improper here to take fome notice of the market-place, and market of Rofeau. The former is a large open fquare, nearly in the centre of the town, on the bay 5 it is paved, and well adapted to the purpofe for which it was defigned; but the market is poorly fupplied in general with butchers very meat. This is partly owing to the fcarcity of horned cattle, few being killed, unlefs they from North America, which, are brought N however, --- Page 192 --- THE HISTORY OF TIE however, has, oflateyears,been feldom the on account of the difficulties to which cafe, American veffels are fubjedt in their trading with this ifland, feveral of them having been refufed admittance into the repeatedly port with that loading. only' This has often greatly diftrefled the inhabitants of Dominica, who having few cattle of their own, and thefe few being fervice of their neceffary for the plantations, it would have been highly imprudent to have ufed them for the purpofe of fupplying the market; as it would have impoverifhed their eftates of thofe ufeful animals, without the leaft probability of them replaced by getting purchaling others: : for the Americans, from having been fo often refufed admittance to difpole of their cargos of cattle, took fo great a difguft againft the inhabitants of the country, that even when had they have permiffion to trade thither, they have actually refufed. Nor ufed them for the purpofe of fupplying the market; as it would have impoverifhed their eftates of thofe ufeful animals, without the leaft probability of them replaced by getting purchaling others: : for the Americans, from having been fo often refufed admittance to difpole of their cargos of cattle, took fo great a difguft againft the inhabitants of the country, that even when had they have permiffion to trade thither, they have actually refufed. Nor --- Page 193 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Nor is the market of Rofeau, in general, with poultry, owing to the well fupplied blameable negleét of the generality of very the planters, in not raifing a fufficient quanof feathered ftock on their cftates, of tity It is, howwhich they are fo very capable. with excellent fith of moft ever, well fupplied to the Weft Indies ; vegetables kinds peculiar are to be and fruit of almoft every defcription had there, in great abundance, much cheaper and better than in moft of the other iflands. Sunday is the chief market day therc, as it is in all the Weft Indies ; on this day the market is like a large fair, the negros within eight miles of from the plantations, Rofeau, come thither in great numbers, each or other to difpofe one bringing fomething ef for himfelf, often to the amount of three or four dollars; and many of them, who bring kids, pigs, or fowls, feldom return home N 2 --- Page 194 --- THE HISTORY OF THE home without fifty or fixty fhillings, the produce of their articles. The price of butchers meat is there very high, being as follows, viz. 5. d. Beef I IE per pound. Mutton I 6 per ditto. Veal 2 3 per ditto. Goats flefh I 11 per ditto. Pork O IOE per ditto. There is no eftablifhed price there for poultry, which, though fometimes tolerably plenty, cipecially on the plantations of the French inhabitants, who chiefly fend that article to market, is Aill exceffive dear. A full-grown turky will coft from 16s. 6d. to 24S. 9d. and often 30S. a goofe at the fame rate; a duck from 6s. to 9s. and a dunghill fowl at the fame extravagant pricc, The --- Page 195 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The wild game of the woods, as pigeons, which, though at times, doves, and partridges, in the feafons for killing them, are very plentiful, yet bear a moft extravagant price; wild will coft 3S. a dove or para pigeon other fmall birds of the tridge IS. 6d. and rate. This is entirely country are at a very high to the want of laws for regulating the owing articles in the ifland; prices of thofe neceffary thofe who make a trade of them have the as thereliberty of fixing what price they pleafe; of great extortion, to the fenby being guilty fible inconvenience of the inhabitants. reafonable, and Eggs and milk are tolerably the latter is in general very good ; but thofe the market with it, adulwho chiefy fupply terate it. Notwithftanding fith of all forts are caught in all the bays of the ifland, in great plenty N 3 yet of thofe neceffary thofe who make a trade of them have the as thereliberty of fixing what price they pleafe; of great extortion, to the fenby being guilty fible inconvenience of the inhabitants. reafonable, and Eggs and milk are tolerably the latter is in general very good ; but thofe the market with it, adulwho chiefy fupply terate it. Notwithftanding fith of all forts are caught in all the bays of the ifland, in great plenty N 3 yet --- Page 196 --- THE HISTORY OF THE that article bears a much higher price in yet than in moft other Englih fettleDominica, to the want of ments. This is alfo owing regulations in the fth market; for proper fifherthough thereis an aét for obliging every who catches fith within a certain diftance man, to bring it there for fale, yet the from Rofeau, of the inhabitants, who are Roman major part Catholics,faft the greateft part ofthe week upon and the fifhermen, being all of the fame refifh; contrive to evade this act, by fendligion, they the beft part of their fith to their friends, ing what they cannot otherways and bring only difpole of to the market. By this means that article is often fcarce, as well as dear; and on faft days, in Lent efpecially, the particular Englifh inhabitants are frequently obliged to faft without fith. It has often been wondered at, that in Dofifbermen i and minica there are no Englifh which is known to be fo very that a bufinefs, advan- --- Page 197 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, advantageous, fhould bc entirely carried on only by the French inhabitants. This negledt of the Englith is the more remarkable, from the great inconveniences they labour under, from not having a fifhery of their own ; but though a thing of the kind was attempted by Mr. Beves, a refpectable Englifhinhabitant, in the time of the French governmént of the ifland, it failed, through the malice of fome of the French inhabitants; and that no other Englifhman, fince the return of the country to its - former government, has thought it worth while to repeat the trial, is a matter of much farprize. The prefent price of fith in the market of Rofeau is as follows, viz. 5. d. River fith I 6 per pound. Sea ditto, caught withl O per ditto. - hhokl, and line Scine and pot fith - O 43 per ditto. Turtle I 6 per ditto. N 4 This U --- Page 198 --- THE HISTORY OF THE This is certainly a very high price for that commodity ; a pound of river fifh, at IS. 6d. current money, is Iod. ferling per pound, at cighty per cent. the prefent rate of exchange of money in that idand; and hook and line fich, at IS.is 6d. fterling and a fraction per pound, at the fame rate of exchange,a price which greatly exceeds that of the fàme commodity in England, where it is not to be had in fuch great plenty as in Dominiça, and by no means in fo great perfection, clpecially in the city of London. The public goal in Rofeau has been erected fince the reftoration of the ifland to Great Britain, but it is not yet quite finithed. It is of fine ftone, eredted in a very healthy fituation, on a large lot of land, and the building on a large fcale, is commodious, and well adapted to the defign. The England, where it is not to be had in fuch great plenty as in Dominiça, and by no means in fo great perfection, clpecially in the city of London. The public goal in Rofeau has been erected fince the reftoration of the ifland to Great Britain, but it is not yet quite finithed. It is of fine ftone, eredted in a very healthy fituation, on a large lot of land, and the building on a large fcale, is commodious, and well adapted to the defign. The --- Page 199 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. of purchafing the land, and The expences. of this gaol, were defrayed out building a part feveral humanely contributed by of the money reliefoft the perfons in England, for the worthy the fire in Rofeau, in unfortunate fufferers by before noticed; but which the year 1781, after it was fent out to Dominica, money, to the perfons for could not be diftributed owing to the deaths whom it was intended, and the removal of others from the of fome, the ifand foon after that heavy calamity; : confented with the Governor, Council, reft in and Affembly, to its being appropriated that manner. This building will be a lafting monument endeaof the generous and praife-wortby to alleviate the diftreffes vours of Englithmen, in a country fo far of their fellow-flubjeats, diftant from themfelves. The M --- Page 200 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The road of Rofeau, for it cannot properly be called an barbour, it being rather an open bay, is very capacious 5 and from Woodridge's bay, which joins it to the northward, to the bay of Charlotte-ville, contained the French and Spanith fleets, confifting of upwards of four hundred fail of men of war and tranfport thips, which lay at anchor for feveral days previous to their failing on their intended attack of Jamaica laft war, in 1782. This road is often dangerous in the hurricane months, and has frequently proved fatal to veffels, whofe Commanders were fo imprudent as to keep them there at anchor, from the end of Auguft to Oétober 5 during which time, almoft every year, the fea very often tumbles into this road from the fouthward in a very frightful manner. A very dreadful circunftance of this kind happened the laft day of September, 1780; 2t which time the fea arofe to the amazing height --- Page 201 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. height of twenty-onc feet perpendicular above its ufual fitrface, and its billows broke upfrom the common wards sof one hundred yards It feveral houfes in front of fhore. deftroyed the beach, drove feveral fmall veflels from their anchors, and carried them up into the town ; other veffels foundered, or were dafhed to pieces the dead bodies of the in the night-time; crews, with the pieces of the veffels, were driven on fhore, and the morning of next day exhibited the moft thocking fpeétacle of its unbounded fury. The fortifications of Rofeau are, Young's Fort, Melville's Battery, Bruce's Hill Batteries, and Fort Demoullin. Young's Fort is juft oppolite the Government-houfe, from the front wall of which it is feparated only by the highway. It is well mounted with cannon, has a powder magazine, an arfenal for fimall arms, and commodious of the veffels, were driven on fhore, and the morning of next day exhibited the moft thocking fpeétacle of its unbounded fury. The fortifications of Rofeau are, Young's Fort, Melville's Battery, Bruce's Hill Batteries, and Fort Demoullin. Young's Fort is juft oppolite the Government-houfe, from the front wall of which it is feparated only by the highway. It is well mounted with cannon, has a powder magazine, an arfenal for fimall arms, and commodious --- Page 202 --- THE HISTORY OF THE dious barracks for the officers and foldiers * but owing to its bad conftruétion, only two, or three of the cannon in it will bear on any particular object; and it is, befides, entirely under command of all the other batteries of the town on the hills above it. Melville's Battery, as before obferved, was. the principal placc from whence the moft material fervice was done, in preventing the French from entering Rofeau on the 7th of September, 1778. This battery has fome very heavy cannon on it, but the works of it are all gone to decay, and it is at prefent wholly neglected. Bruce's Hill, which is juft above Rofeau, has feveral fine batteries, with one for mortars, commodious barracks, and feveral blockhoufes. It had a fine ftone ciftern in the time of the French, but which, being built by them, they thought proper to deftroy and I blew. --- Page 203 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. blew it up, a few days before they evathe ifland, thereby rendering it ufecuated However, the aqueduét, by which it lefs. with water, has been fince difwas fupplied that forticovered, and is of great ufe to which is, upon the whole, well calfication, culated for the defence of the town, when atfrom the fea; $ but being under the tacked only command of other heights above it, it would rendered untenable, was it to be atfoon be the land-fide, as was the cafe the tacked on laft war. Demoullen's Hill fort is alfo well mounted with cannon, and is otherways well provided for the defence of the town. 5 but it is fubject the other fortifito the fame inconveniencesas under the command of the cations, being heights above it. the chief fortifications in DomiThefe are nica at prefent, except that at Calbacrou, which a --- Page 204 --- igo THE HIISTORY OF THE which is rather a fignal poft; the other batteries on the fea-coafts, at a diftance from Rofeau, being of fmall importance for the defence of the ifland, fave only the works now raifing at Prince Rupert's Bay. This laft is in the parifh of Saint John, on the north-weft part of the ifland, diftant about feven leagues from the town of Rofeau. The bay is three miles acrofs, and one and a half deep, that is to fay, from the extremity of each point, to the fhore of the land laid out for a town. In this bay the whole of the Britilh navy may fafely ride at anchor all feafons € of the year, and be well fupplied with neceffàries not be found at Englifh harbours in Antigua, or any other part of the Englifh Weft Indies, the rendezvous of the Britifh fleet. It is fuurrounded by two high mountains, called the Cabrittes; ; the inner of which is about five hundred, and the outer fix hundred feet perpendicular; both of them are out of the reach of other heights. At the whole of the Britilh navy may fafely ride at anchor all feafons € of the year, and be well fupplied with neceffàries not be found at Englifh harbours in Antigua, or any other part of the Englifh Weft Indies, the rendezvous of the Britifh fleet. It is fuurrounded by two high mountains, called the Cabrittes; ; the inner of which is about five hundred, and the outer fix hundred feet perpendicular; both of them are out of the reach of other heights. At --- Page 205 --- - A ISLAND OF DOMINICA. I9X At the botton of thefe mountains, between the inner one and the main land, is a large picce of fwampy ground, upwards of hundred one acres in extent; which, if well drained, would pafture many cattle, and other ftock, for the ufe of the (neep, and the ftock, fecding under garrifon 5 the muzzles of. the guns, would be fecure from being or deftroyed by the pillaged, enemy. Soon after the arrival of Colonel Andrew Frafer, his Majefty's chief Engincer for that ifland, the Legiflature of Dominica, to teftify their readinefs wifhing to co-operate with government, in the important work of fortifying Prince Rupert's Bay, well it would be the knowing that only effectual means of ferving the fovereignty of the precountry to Great Britain, they paffed an act, granting to his Majefty the labour of one hundred for three years, to be paid for by the negros, colony. The work was accordingly began, by cutting down the trees on the Cabrittes, tracing roads ENDa L H VI --- Page 206 --- ig2 THE HISTORY OF THE roads to the tops of them, and draining thé fwamps; from which; in a few months, fifteen inches of water was carried off, and it was found that they could be cffectually drained; wherebytheheslihineé of FfortShirlcy; which lays between the two Cabrittes, was eftablifhed. But on the rumour of a frefh war, expected between England and France in 1787, the negros fo granted by the colony were withdrawn from Prince Rupert's Bay by Governor Orde, who employed them on the fortifications of Rofeau; particularly on Demoullen's Hill, the works of which were then firft began. However, the fortifying the Cabrittes has fince been re-commenced; and when completed, there is no doubt but that théy will be neariy as formidable as the rock of Gibraltar. At the diftance of about twelve miles from Rofeau, and nine miles from Prince Rupert's Bay, is the grand Savanna, which alfo might be --- Page 207 --- - VAI a 2 I0 7 ISLAND OF DOMINICA. well and rendered of great fervice, be fortified, for the defence of the ifand. The Savanna fine extenfive plain, upwards of a mile in is a tolerable height above the feaextent; is on a fhore, and at a great diftance from the mountains above it. The occupying this placc by the Englich, recommended to the then Engwas ftrongly General Robert Melville, on lith Miniftry by of the laft war with France; the commencement when, had it been adopted, there is every that Dominica would never reafon to believe, by the French; and it have been attempted the redudtion of all our other is probable, fettlements, in that part of the world, would, by this means, have been prevented. of excelIn the Savanna are large quarries fit for every purpofe of buildlent free-ftone, quantities were fent by ing. Of thefe, great the lith Miniftry by of the laft war with France; the commencement when, had it been adopted, there is every that Dominica would never reafon to believe, by the French; and it have been attempted the redudtion of all our other is probable, fettlements, in that part of the world, would, by this means, have been prevented. of excelIn the Savanna are large quarries fit for every purpofe of buildlent free-ftone, quantities were fent by ing. Of thefe, great the --- Page 208 --- THE HISTORY OF THE the French, while the ifland was in their poffeflion, to their other fettlements; to that of Guadeloup in particular, wherc fome of thcir churches, and other capital ftruétures, are wholly built of thofe ftones, CHAP- --- Page 209 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. CHAPTE R X. THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT, OFFICERS, COURTS, AND OTHER SUBJECTS RELATIVE TO THEM; ALSO A DESCRIPTION OF THE MILITIA OF THAT ISLAND. ON the ceffion of Dominica to Great Britain in 1763, the government of the ifland included in that of Grenada and the Grewas nadines, Saint Vincents, and Tobago, under General Robert Melville, but afterwards it under Sir was made a feparate government William Young, in which independent ftate it remained till 1778, when the ifland was reduced by the French. Whilft they poffeffed the of it was the the country, government fame as that of the other French windward iflands; but after it was reftored to England, it returned to its former independent government, and in that ftate it is at prefent, O 2 The TA AVI a --- Page 210 --- THE HISTORY OF THÉ eftablifhment confifts of a GoThe prefent and Commander in Chief, Licutenantvernor Affembly, Magiftrates, governor, Council, and Civil Officers. Chief Governor is the reprefentative of The Vice AdGeneral of the forces, the King, of the ifland. Chancellor, and Ordinary miral, the militia commifions, and He grants all for fitting out privateers ; gives commiffions the leafes of the French grants of land, renews other leafcholders of the King; inhabitants, or fettlers lots. and alfo gives grants of poor licences of marriage, licences to He grants fchool-mafters, and licences to tavern-keepers, fell liquors, to keep gamor to fpirituous of the other ing tables, &c. 8cc. independent His falary is two thouparts of Legiflature. current money, which is paid fand pounds of what he rehim by the colony, exclufive ceives from the Crown ; and alfo exclufive of his fees of office, which are very confiderable. The --- Page 211 --- VA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. is allowed no faThe Lieutenant-govemnor the colony, but during the abfence of lary by in Chief, when he takes the the Commander command, but receives only a moiety fupreme allowed by the colony to the of the falary former. In cafe of his death, or abfence during the chief command devolves to that period, fenior Member of the Council, who then the and becomes Governor in Chief pro tempore, enjoys the like falary as the Lieutenant-goduring the time he acts in that vernor, capacity. The Council confifts of twelve Members, his Majefty's Writ of who are appointed by Seal. Of thefe the Commander in Privy to chufe feven, to be Chief has the privilege but the office of the of his Privy-council; whole is to affift him in the government, and with the Houfe of Affembly, in to concur and pafling the laws, ftatutes, and Ormaking dinances of the colony. The 0 3 a VDA L that vernor, capacity. The Council confifts of twelve Members, his Majefty's Writ of who are appointed by Seal. Of thefe the Commander in Privy to chufe feven, to be Chief has the privilege but the office of the of his Privy-council; whole is to affift him in the government, and with the Houfe of Affembly, in to concur and pafling the laws, ftatutes, and Ormaking dinances of the colony. The 0 3 a VDA L --- Page 212 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The Houfe of Affembly of Dominica confifts of nineteen Members, who are the reprefentatives of the people of the ifland, and are votes of the frecholders in each chofen by of a writ iffued for parilh, in confequence the Commander in Chief, to that purpofe by Marfhal of the placc. Their office the Provoft all public aéts of the colony, is, to prepare which aéts cannot be paffed without their conto maintain the rightsand privileges currence ; the hapof their conftituents, and to promote of the people of the country, as well pinefs as the interefts of the Crown. of the Affembly's place is of The Speaker Nine of the great truft and refpectability. where they are atMembers form a Houfe, at Arms with the mace, tended by a Serjeant Meffenger, and who, with the Clerk whoaétsas falary by the of the Afembly, is paid a yearly colony. The A a a --- Page 213 --- ISLAND CF DOMINICA. civil officers are, the Chief The principal the Judge of the Court of Admiralty, Juftice, King's Solicitor-geKing's Attorney-general, and Provoft neral, public Secretary, Regifter, Marfhal, The Chief Juftice of Dominica is appointed and is a poft of great honour by the Crown, Common Pleas, and truft. His courts are, Bench, or Grand Seflions of the Peace; King's which he as Chief Judge. at both of prefides Member of the Council, and an He is alfo a is of other Courts; ; his falary Affiftant Juftice and fix hundred pounds fterling per annum, his fees of office are very confiderable. of the Court of Admiralty for The Judge Dominica is alfoappointed by the Crown, but allowed him, his emoluments has no falary of veffels arifing only from the condemnation from the enemy, or fuch as are feized captured Cuftom-houfe for carrying on a clanby. the deftine 0 4 TNAI L --- Page 214 --- THE HISTORY OF THE deftine trade. He is alfo a Member of Council, and Afliftant the Juftice of the other Courts. The King's Attorney-general, and the Solicitor-general, are both appointed by the and have each a falary allowed Crown, them. The public Secretary and Regifter, and the Provoft Marfhal enjoy their offices by acts patent; ; the latter as Uther of the Black Rod, and of the Council, the Meflanger public Secretary as Clerk to that Board; they have a yearly lowed them by the falary alcolony. There are, befides, Juftices of the Quorum, who are all Members of the Council, of the Peace, Coroner, Juftices Way-wardens, Townwardens, and Conftables in ifland. every parifh of the The firft ' three officers defeription of civil are appointed by commiffions, under the Seal at Arms of the Governor in Chief; the , the Meflanger public Secretary as Clerk to that Board; they have a yearly lowed them by the falary alcolony. There are, befides, Juftices of the Quorum, who are all Members of the Council, of the Peace, Coroner, Juftices Way-wardens, Townwardens, and Conftables in ifland. every parifh of the The firft ' three officers defeription of civil are appointed by commiffions, under the Seal at Arms of the Governor in Chief; the --- Page 215 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the others are chofen in turn, every year, at of Grand Seflions of the Peace. thc Court Courts of Dominica are, Court of The Ordinary, Vice Admiralty, King's Chancery, Common Pleas, and Courts of Special Bench, The firft five are the fame as thofe Seffions. only that there may be courts are in England, from them to thofe of the motherappeals and the Courts of Special Scfions country 5 are chiefly to try diforderly whites, or negros of capital crimes ; and for fixing the guilty filh, and other artiftandard of bread, meat, cles of the markets. At thefe courts two or of the Peace prefide, but one of more Juftices them muft be of the Quorum. The fees of office in Dominica, as well as in all the Englith Weft India iflands, are very éfpecially high and.burdenfome on individuals, where there are alfo in fome departments, other juft caufes of complaints 3 but which it UADA E --- Page 216 --- THE HISTORY OF THE it is not my intention to take notice of parti-' cularly at prefent. Thefe exceffive fees are peculiar to the Britifh government in the Weft Indies, as it muft, in juftice to the French, be acknowledged, that there is no fuch thing among them; and that during the time they were in poffeffion of Dominica laft war, neither the French chief Governor, nor the other civil officers, received any fees from individuals for public bufinefs in their departments. Every thing was done gratis; and when they heard of a contrary practice under the Englith government, they expreffed their difapprobation, as a practice not- allowed by their government. The militia of Dominica is at prefent only compofed of foot, and includes all defcriptions of white men, and free people of colour, from the age of eighteen to fifty years old, who are able to bear arms, and have refided thirty days at one time in the ifland. A penalty --- Page 217 --- IVI ISLAND OF DOMINICA, of fix pounds twelve thillings is A penalty impofed on every one, who negleéts or refufes enlift himfelf within the time limited; to fine is doubled every field day after, which alfo of until aétual" appearance. A penalty and fix-pence is laid for nonfixteen thillings after beattendance in the field on field days, inrolled; and which is doubled every field ing until the defaulter makes his apday after, pcarance. The field days were formerly the laft Samonth, but have been lately turday in every altered to the firft Monday in each month; in cafes of threatening danger, and fometimes, at the the militia meet every weck, or oftener, The uniform of difcretion of the Legillature. the militia infantry is, fcarlet coats, with facings and cuffs of black velvet; that of the artillery, blue turned up with fcarlet. Thefe every perto furnifh himfelf with; but fon is obliged the WYAL arance. The field days were formerly the laft Samonth, but have been lately turday in every altered to the firft Monday in each month; in cafes of threatening danger, and fometimes, at the the militia meet every weck, or oftener, The uniform of difcretion of the Legillature. the militia infantry is, fcarlet coats, with facings and cuffs of black velvet; that of the artillery, blue turned up with fcarlet. Thefe every perto furnifh himfelf with; but fon is obliged the WYAL --- Page 218 --- THE HISTORY OF THE powder, flint, &c. the arms, accoutrements, Government. are fupplied by from ferving in the miNone are exempt the Members of the Council, and litia, except Oflicers ; but thofe who havé borne the public commiflions in the army, or in the militia, in are not liable to ferve under the other iflands, unlefs it can be rank they were in before, they have been broke for mifbehaviour proved or cowardice. The militia of Dominica, previous to the reduétion of the ifland by the French, laft war, little inferior in difcipline to regular were efpecially that part of them which was troops, The defence compoled of Englith fubjeéts. they made on the 7th day of September, 1778, convinced the Marquis de Bouillé fufficiently merited that character, which he acthat they them in a very handfome complitually gave that but he at the fame time exment days preffed I --- Page 219 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. on fecing the finallpreffed his aftonifhment, nefs of their numbers, that they fhould have behaved fo well, as to prevent him from the ifland, as he had intended, fubduing it the benefit of a Capiwithout permitting tulation. The militia is, at prefent, in a very refpedtfate; but it would be much more fo, able only of Englith fubwas it to be compofed for the French and other foreigners, jeêts; 5 therein, from not unwho are incorporated the words of command in Englith, derftanding diflike to the fervice, pay no or from a natural attention to it; and in confequence very great often throw the whole into diforder. Here it may not be thoughtimproper to obthis fervice Îs to ferve, how very difagreeable ofthe foreigners, who are inhabithe generality tants of this ifland; many of whom have repeatedly offered to pay à certain fum annually to EAU LE --- Page 220 --- THE HISTORY OF THE to be wholly exempt from a duty which they cannot be induced to relifh, unlefs under their own proper government. Befides, the impropriety of obliging fuch perfons to bear arms for the defence of a country, where they look upon themfelves as only temporary refidents, and liable to be feverely punifhed, fhould it fall into the hands of their nation, and they were. to be found bearing the arms of oppofition. And morcover, to force them to learn. the ufe of arms, might be attended with dangerous confequences if they joined with the enemy in time of invafion, or withdrew themfelves, as they did before; at any rate they can be of no ufe whatever in defence of the place, The fubjedting them, therefore, to the payment of a certain yearly fum, inftead of obliging them to appear in the field, to which they are fo greatly averfe, would be the means of a confiderable --- Page 221 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. confiderable faving to Government for arms, powder, and other articles; and fome part ofit might be applied for furnithing fuch perfons in the militia with regimentals, who can ill afford it themfelves. This would be the means of having a complete militia in Dominica, wholly compofed of Englifh fubjects, on whom alone any dependance can be placed for its defence, fhould it be invaded, and be fo deftitute of regular troops, as when it was taken thelaft war. CHAPNEMDAS KE iderable faving to Government for arms, powder, and other articles; and fome part ofit might be applied for furnithing fuch perfons in the militia with regimentals, who can ill afford it themfelves. This would be the means of having a complete militia in Dominica, wholly compofed of Englifh fubjects, on whom alone any dependance can be placed for its defence, fhould it be invaded, and be fo deftitute of regular troops, as when it was taken thelaft war. CHAPNEMDAS KE --- Page 222 --- THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPTE 1e R XI. DESCRIPTION OF THE WHITE INHABITANTS, FREE PEOPLE OF COLOUR, AND NATIVE INDIANS OF THE ISLAND; THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, TOGETHER WITH OBSERVATIONS THEREON. THE white inhabitants of Dominica are compofed of Englifh, French, Spaniards, Itaand Genoefe, who are natives of thofe lians, countries in Europe, or their iffue, born in the Weft Indies ; which latter are called Creoles, them from Europeans. There to diftinguifh alfo fome few Americans, white peoplc, are and who who are called American refugees, thither after the eftablifhment of retired and independence of North the laft peace, America. of - The Britifh inhabitants confift Englifh, Scotch, Irith, and the faid American refugees, who --- Page 223 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. who altogether, including men, women, and children, do not exceed the number of fix hundred, exclufive of the regular tioned there. troops ftaThis is indeed a very fmall number of Englith fubjects for fo and fine an very large ifland, the valuc of its poffeffion by Great Britain being thereby confiderably lcfened; for fo few inhabitants are totally infifficient to render it ofthat it is importance, which capable of being, to' the mother-country. The cuftoms and manners of the are much the Englifh fame, as diftinguifh the dif. ferent deferiptions of the fame feveral people in the parts of Great Britain, from whénce they came; ; and their religious alfo the fame. perfuafions are It.is much to be lamented, that in the Englifh Weft India iflands in general, there prevails a great averfion to forming nial matrimoconnections, as colonization is thercby P much READIU MMWI --- Page 224 --- THE HISTORY OF THE much impeded, and many evils, to the difadvantage of the Britifh empire in that part of This the world, are thereby greatly promoted. - averfion is, in a great meafure, to be attributed to the views of the generality of Europeans, who having fubmitted to a voluntary exile, which they fuppofe is to be only for a few flatter themfelves they fhail foon return years, wealthy to their own countries. Buoyed up with thefe notions, they look upon matrimony as a bar to their expeétations; and in the mean time, content themfelves with the company of ai mulatto or negro miftreis, who brings them a fpurious race of children, the. maintenance of whom, together with the extravagance of their fable mothers, foon diffipates the firft favings of their keeper's hardearned wealth. When, as often is the cafe, worn out by the climate, or other difafters, they at laft fee their folly, but generally toa late to prevent its confequences. But as a bar to their expeétations; and in the mean time, content themfelves with the company of ai mulatto or negro miftreis, who brings them a fpurious race of children, the. maintenance of whom, together with the extravagance of their fable mothers, foon diffipates the firft favings of their keeper's hardearned wealth. When, as often is the cafe, worn out by the climate, or other difafters, they at laft fee their folly, but generally toa late to prevent its confequences. But --- Page 225 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 21I But were fuch adventurers how few who only to confider, go to the Weft Indies live to acquire affluence, or ever return to their countrics ; together with the own faperior advantage to be derived from the and children fociety of a wife of their own colcur, it is bable, that fo promany would not decline an cligible fituation for profpects that uncertain, arc fo That which rendèrs this averfion mony the more remarkable to matriis, that the generality of the Englifh white Indies women in the Weft are as lovely as in any part of the world befides, make as goods wives, tender and as agreeable mothers, companions. It is true, are not fo remarkable for that they pleafing florid complexion, which is peculiar to the fex in England; but they have in common white as clear fkins, are as delicatelyand well featured women as in any part of the crcation; and they are remarkable for domeftic qualifications, P 2 efpecially REDI LA MAMUIMIA --- Page 226 --- THE HISTORY OF THE efpecially for being fine, neat workers at the needle, and making the beft nurfes, as well as ceconomifts. In proof of their conjugal fidelity, fuch is to be heard of as a Creole a thing hardly that ignominious trial for woman undergoing crim. con. fo frequent in the more polite countries, of Europe, where alfo it is too common for the women to form connedtions with negro men. This laft is a thing fo very odious in the opinion of Creole white women in general, that the moft profligate of them would fhudder at the bare idea of fubmitting to its and there is hardly to be produced an inflance of the kind in the Weft Indies. Withal, fo very remarkableare the Englifh that Creole women for fobricty and chaftity, in the firft inflance very few of then drink any thing but water, or beverage of limejuice, water, and fyrup; and in the latter, that there --- Page 227 --- VA ISLAND OF DOMINICA: there are few of them to be fcen among the of the fex in the Weft Indies 5 loofe wantons of the white women of that the generality of advendefcription being actually compofed or of fuch as have folturers from Europe, lowed the army and navy to the iflands. This laft circumftance is, in my opinion, a clear refutation of that too generally received notion, that women in particular, in warm climates, are given to inordinate defires-; and that fuch paffions proves to a demonftration, to the climate, but rather to a are not owing which, aided by luxury, too warm conflitution, too often gives itfelf up to fatisfying its own appetites, againft every fenfe of dedepraved cency, and confideration of duty. Thefe cbfervations lead me to the difcuffion of another fubjeét, of equal importnamely, that of education peculiar to ance 5 iflands. This, the Englith Weft India P 3 although EADArU MUMVMMIWA , to the climate, but rather to a are not owing which, aided by luxury, too warm conflitution, too often gives itfelf up to fatisfying its own appetites, againft every fenfe of dedepraved cency, and confideration of duty. Thefe cbfervations lead me to the difcuffion of another fubjeét, of equal importnamely, that of education peculiar to ance 5 iflands. This, the Englith Weft India P 3 although EADArU MUMVMMIWA --- Page 228 --- THE HISTORY OF THE although it is a tafk which I am by no means competent to, yet I Chall be happy, if the few obfervations here offered are of the leaft ufe to the rifing generation in that part of the Britifh dominions. It muft be confeffed, that in the Englith Weft Indies education is, in general, too little attended to, owing, in a great meafure, to the prejudices of the generality of parents, who, coming themfelves from Europe, fancy there is no poflibility of getting a good education in any other part of the world. Prepofeffed with this notion, their whole endeavours are to accomplith it for the benefit of their children 5 who, in the mean time, are ufually put under the care of fome old woman, or perfon of the other fex, equally as unqualified to teach them, mercly for the purpofe of keeping the children out of the way. But it is often the cafe, that after feveral years have been fpent by a child under fuch tutors, fome --- Page 229 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. misfortune happens to the fome unexpeéted who is rendered as unable to afford the parent, and of fending his children to Europe, expence the neceffary contingencies of fchooling paying when they firft came into the there, as he was world; or too much time is required to enable him to accomplifh his purpofe. arc obvious, for the child The confequences outgrown the proper feafon for receivhaving material benefit from education, it aning any if at that time the fivers very little purpofe, his defire. And parent is able to accomplith remark in the Weft Indies, that it is a gereral for eduof fach as have been fent to Europe cation after a certain period, few have returned as many, who have thither as accomplifhed moderate fchooling in the iflands ; had only a without having his morals and fcarcely any, corrupted. in parents, of To this fo prevaient praétice their children to Europe for educaticn, fending it P 4 eCrD MUWYMm LCA --- Page 230 --- THE HISTORY OF THE it is owing, that there are fo very few good fchool-mafters, OF other proper perfons, to form the minds of youth in the Englith iflands ; as the encouragement for fuch is fo very trifling, that it is feldom worth a man's while to attempt it. Whereas, was the contrary praétice more in ufe, there is no doubt but that education would be as attainable in the Weft Indies, as in any part. of Europe, and at a much lefs expence. The French inhabitants of Dominica are more numerous than the Englifh; and as before oblerved, have the moft valuable coffee plantations in that ifland. Their manners and cuftoms differ but Jittle from the people in the other French iflands ; and their religion is the famc, for they are all Roman Catholics. They have feveral chapels in the ifland, but the principal one is in the town ofRofeau. This. is built of wood, and is neatly ornamented in the infide with an altar-piece, hangings, paintings, The French inhabitants of Dominica are more numerous than the Englifh; and as before oblerved, have the moft valuable coffee plantations in that ifland. Their manners and cuftoms differ but Jittle from the people in the other French iflands ; and their religion is the famc, for they are all Roman Catholics. They have feveral chapels in the ifland, but the principal one is in the town ofRofeau. This. is built of wood, and is neatly ornamented in the infide with an altar-piece, hangings, paintings, --- Page 231 --- a u M - M - I M a ISLAND OF DOMINICA. of the Virgin Mary and ings, and images baptifinai font, and pews. Here other faints, tinkling for prayers, their bells are continually and holidays, which laft cfpecially on Sundays numerous, that they generally occur are fo very four times every week; when great three or of the French, both white and COnumbers regularly attend their priefts. loured people, of this chapel, and of the The revenues arife from the minifters thereof, principally of lot of land on which it is rents a large built; and which was granted by the Englith in 1763, to the French inCommifioners, habitants for that purpofe, on leafe for ninetyGreat part of this land is let out nine years. for the remainder of the term yet to exand thereon are built feveral good houfes, pire; the owners of which pay a yearly affeffed part of the rent of the fame, exclufive of the firft coft of the leafc of cach lot on which the houfes are built. The RE MUNVMUMAE A --- Page 232 --- 218, THE HISTORY OF THE The French priefts in Dominica are appointed by fupcriors in the ifland of Martinique; to the government of which ifland, and to the laws of their own nation, they confider themfelves to be relponfible. The Spanifh inhabitants of this ifland are not very numerous, being only compofed of renegados from their own fettlements, and are no great credit to this; but are fuffered to remain there, by frequently taking the oaths of allegiance to his Britannic Majefty, on their paying a certain fum each time. This they fadly complain of; but they do not mind the oath, as was evident on the day of attack by the French; for on that day feveral - of them joined their countrymen arrived from Martinique, and with large knives and piftols ftuck in their belts, were ready to affift to plunder and murder the Englith inhabitants, had the invafion been made in the night. The --- Page 233 --- B ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Italians and Genocfe are alfo but few, The in cutting down the and are chiefly employed in woods : the that are trees on plantations articles fome of them carry about the country tobacco, and other matters, which of grocery, of principally to negros on eftates; they difpofe liveliwhich means they make a good by hood. free inhabitants of this ifland The other free mulattos, free negros, are free meftiffs, and native Indians. of colour are chiefly of The free people extraction, and moft of them came French from whence from the iflands of that nation; of the feverity of they have retired on account French laws, which prohibit them from the fhoes, ftockings, ornaments, or any wearing drefs after the fafhion of white people. They MUNUMEAIVEE La sn a REoWrD inhabitants of this ifland The other free mulattos, free negros, are free meftiffs, and native Indians. of colour are chiefly of The free people extraction, and moft of them came French from whence from the iflands of that nation; of the feverity of they have retired on account French laws, which prohibit them from the fhoes, ftockings, ornaments, or any wearing drefs after the fafhion of white people. They MUNUMEAIVEE La sn a REoWrD --- Page 234 --- THE HISTORY OF THE They are, in general, very idle and infolent; the females ufually follow the occupations of paftry-cooks and huckfters, to the great detriment of more induftrious poor white people, and will often get credit for articles in their way,of bufinefs when the Jatter cannot; but being in general young perfons of the fex, they contrive to pay their debts: Kur fatisfactorily to fome merchants. There are, however, fome few of them who are natives of the ifland, who have gcod coffee plantations, and are very civil and courteous. The frec people of colour are remarkably fond of dreis and dancing; for the enjoyment of both which they will facrifice every thing that is valuable in their poffeffion. Dancing is the chief part of their amufements, their preparations for which are commonly very eXpenfive; their ladies being ufnally dreffed in filks, Slk ftockings and fhocs; buckles, bracelets, and rings --- Page 235 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. and Glver, to a confiderable rings of gold on thefe occavalue. Their entertaiments, beare alfo very expenfive, their guefts fions, thing of the beft. Thefe ing treated with every three fometimes laft for two or meetings which they dance the days together, during almoft; but it feldom hapwhole time without broken that their balls conclude pens nofes, or fome piece of perfoG heads, bloody gallantry. natives of Dominica, are deThe Indians, who fcended from the ancient inhabitants, there when this ifland was firft were found Europeans, and are the people difcovered by Of thefe there properly called c6 Caribbes." not more than twenty or thirty familics,. are on the eaft part who have their dwellings diftance from Rofeau, of the ifland, at a great where they are feldom feen. They IADA L MNVPIVEE us TCA --- Page 236 --- THE HISTORY OF THE They are of a clear copper colour, have long, flcek, black hair on their heads; their perfons are fhort, ftout, and well made; but they disfigure their faces by preffing flat their nofes, which is done in their infancy. They are a very quiet, inoffenfive people, fpeak a language of their own, and French, but none of them fpeak Englith. They live chiefly by fifhing in the rivers and the fea, or by fowling in the woods, at both of which they are very expert with their bows and arrows. They will kill the fmalleft bird with an arrow, Or transfix a fith at a great depth in the fea; ; and are very ferviceable to the planters near their fettlement, whom they chiefly fupply with fith and game. They arc alfo very ingenious, making curious wrought panniers, or baikets of filk grafs, or the bark of trees. It ing in the rivers and the fea, or by fowling in the woods, at both of which they are very expert with their bows and arrows. They will kill the fmalleft bird with an arrow, Or transfix a fith at a great depth in the fea; ; and are very ferviceable to the planters near their fettlement, whom they chiefly fupply with fith and game. They arc alfo very ingenious, making curious wrought panniers, or baikets of filk grafs, or the bark of trees. It --- Page 237 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. be that fince this Iti is much to regretted, ifland has bcen in the poffeflion of the Englifh, have been taken to cultivate an fo little pains be caunion with thefe people, as they might of effential fervice to its internal fecurity, pable of runaway efpecially againft the accumulation in tlie time of peace; and in war they negros fhould might be induced to join in its defence, it be invaded. Yet they aie. permitted to roam wherever their fancics lead them, as much un-: were in exiftence. noticed as if no fuch pcople are men as well as we, are born with They fame of fenfibility ; and by proper the degrcc might be of material benefit encouragement, their own, which was originally to a country CHAPNEADA D MUNUIMAMP voMe TA Y --- Page 238 --- THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER XII, OF THE NEGRO SLAVES OF THIS ISLAND, THEIR RÉBELLION AND REDUCTION THERE; TOGETHER WITH THE USAGE, MANNERS, CUSTOMS; AND CHARACTERS OF THOSE PEOPLE IN GENERAL IN THE WEST INDIES. THE negros in Dominica, under the defcription of flaves, are between fifteen and fixteen thoufand; but not more than one half of that number belongs to the Englith inhabitants, whofe plantations in particular are but thinly furnifhed with them. This is owing to. a varicty of caufes ; and among others, to the rather imprudent conduét of fome of the firft Englith fettlers, after the country was ceded to Grcat Britain. Many of them brought negros who had only been in the capacity of domeftics; fome, thofe that were banifhed from other iflands for their --- Page 239 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. their crimes, and others purchafed negros juft brought from Africa, for the purpofed of fettling their new eftates. Thefe were immediately fet to work, to cut down mally, hard wood trees, to lop and burn the branches, clear the ground of the roots, and to labour at difficult, though neceflary bufinefs, for which they were by no means qualified. The confequences of thefe great miftakes foon after appeared, for the domeftic and new labouring in fuch work as they were negros not ufed to, in a climate, which, from the abundance of its woods, was fo unfettled, that it rained greateft part of the year; 3 whilft they had only temporary huts covered with the branches and leaves of trees to Thelter them in at night, and were fubjeét to many inconveniences in the day-time ; this very uncomfortable fituation occafioned the death of numbers, and caufed others to run away into the woods,, where many of them perifhed. Q The NeDI 1 MUNVMLVME - Ly a climate, which, from the abundance of its woods, was fo unfettled, that it rained greateft part of the year; 3 whilft they had only temporary huts covered with the branches and leaves of trees to Thelter them in at night, and were fubjeét to many inconveniences in the day-time ; this very uncomfortable fituation occafioned the death of numbers, and caufed others to run away into the woods,, where many of them perifhed. Q The NeDI 1 MUNVMLVME - Ly --- Page 240 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The increafc of runaway negros alfo owes meafure, to the imits origin, in a great conduét of fome of the firft Englith politic the neutral ftate of this fettlers: for, during of French and Spaniards had ifland, a number moft fertile parts of I fettled themfelves on the and had raifed to themfelves the fea-coafts, and coffee eftates. Among very fine fugar fome who having fugar thele were Jefuits, on the fouth-caft part of theifland, plantations with the they difpofed of the fame, together to fome of the Englifh new negros on them, fettlers. of the negros fo purchafed from Many from their attachment to the Jefuits, either foon after them, Or diflike to their new mafters, themfelves to the woods with their betook and where they were joined, wives children, others from different from time to time, by fecreted themfelves for a eftates. There they number --- Page 241 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA: formed companies under difnumber of years, and planted ferent chiefs, built good houfes, where they raifed poulgardens in the woods, with and other finall ftock, which, try, hogs, and woods afforded, and what the fea, rivers, had interwhat they got from the negros they they lived very courfe with on the plantations, difturbed in comfortably, and were feldom their haunts. however, often guilty of any They were not, committed material mifchief, and had never the reduction of the ifland by the murder till the but foon after that happened, French ; began to be of a depredations of the runaways and deferious nature ; for they robbed, more killed fome ftroyed the property, and at length of the Englith inhabitants. of thefe daring outrages, To the commiffion encouraged by the Marquis they were greatly had Duchilleau, who, as before mentioned, actually Q2 REDIr D MUNMYEIMEE --- Page 242 --- THE HISTORY OF THE aéually engaged with them for defending the ifland; for which purpofe he gave them the muikets and bayonets which he took from the Englith inhabitants, with powder and balls; and alfo farnifhed them with the fame provifions as was allowed to the French foldiers. The runaways, at firft, only robbed the Englith plantations of ground provifions, plantains, bananas, and fmall ftock ; but at laft they had the audacity to kill and carry away the cattle, and to plunder and fet fire to the buildings on the eftates. The firft inftance of their committing murder happened on a plantation, where a Mr. Hugh Gould was the manager; and who, on their coming there to rob, as they had done feveral times before, thought proper to oppofe them, and adtuaily drove them away. Exafperated at this oppofition, they a few days after returned in great numbers, with a determination mall ftock ; but at laft they had the audacity to kill and carry away the cattle, and to plunder and fet fire to the buildings on the eftates. The firft inftance of their committing murder happened on a plantation, where a Mr. Hugh Gould was the manager; and who, on their coming there to rob, as they had done feveral times before, thought proper to oppofe them, and adtuaily drove them away. Exafperated at this oppofition, they a few days after returned in great numbers, with a determination --- Page 243 --- IMEATA L ISLAND OF DOMINICA, mination to kill him; but he, fortunately for from the eftate on bufihim, being gone efcaped their vengeance. However, nels, intentions were not to be difaptheir bloody and though miffing their object, they pointed, were refolved to give a fimple of their formidable power, and they adtually murdered a Mr. Grahame, who refided with the manager as a Him they Thot on his knees, as companion. for uling him in the he was begging mercys barbarous manner while he moft thocking, and after ftripping the houfe of was dyings thing of value, they fet it on fire. every Alarmed at this- daring wickednefs of the the Englifh inhabitants on runaway negros, eftates, of their the neighbouring apprchenfive to the Marquis Duchilown danger, applied leau for protection, to grant them arms, with liberty to defend themfelves, and to apprehend the runaways who had murdered a white man. however, refuled by that Thefe requefts werc, Q_3 Governor, REar MUNUYNIVA SEA --- Page 244 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Governor, and he actually threatened, that if they dared to attempt any thing againft he would imprifon them, or thofe pcople fend them off the ifland; at the fame timc, that the runaways were his he acknowledged friends. encouraged by this uncommon conThey, duét of this French Governor, were afterwards fearle(s of any mifchief they did, coming in bodies, all armed with mufkets, bayolarge what they nets, and cutlaffes, on plantations thought proper to rob, in the open day. Nay, often came in the fame manner, with they conk Thells blowing' r'and French colours Aying, clofe to the town of Rofeau in the day-time, and in fight of the French foldiers. Driven to the greateft diftrefs, and in dread of being deftroyed by thofe cruel wretches, on the interior plantathe Englith planters, tions, were conftrained to abandon their eftates, and --- Page 245 --- M YA U ATA ISLAND OF DOMINICA. retire with their familics to Rofeau, as and to means of faving their lives, leaving the only to the mercy of the runtheir property aways. After they had done confiderable mifchief, ftill their deftruétive opebut were purfuing the Englith inhabitants, unnorations againft ticed by the Marquis Duchilleau, it was found the Marquis de Bouillé at neceffary to petition fetting forth the diftreffed fituation Martinico, in this ifland; praying of the Englith planters with permifion to defend themfelves for arms, and to endeavour againft the runaway negros, fuch of them as had been guilty to apprehend of murder. of this petition, the MarIn confequence de Bouillé gave directions to the Governor quis arms to fuch of the of Dominica, to give Englith as were on the plantations, to endeayour to put a ftop to the fanguinary and Q_4 fhocking ReEU PLNVMLAME ifland; praying of the Englith planters with permifion to defend themfelves for arms, and to endeavour againft the runaway negros, fuch of them as had been guilty to apprehend of murder. of this petition, the MarIn confequence de Bouillé gave directions to the Governor quis arms to fuch of the of Dominica, to give Englith as were on the plantations, to endeayour to put a ftop to the fanguinary and Q_4 fhocking ReEU PLNVMLAME --- Page 246 --- THE HISTORY OF THE fhocking ravages committed againft them, and to fend out parties in the woods to apprehend the runaways, in order to their being punifhed for fuch daring crimes. Thefe orders of the Marquis were accordingly put into execution; and though attended with no material fervice,in point of reducing the runaways, yet were the means of preventing, in a great meafure, their further depredations, till after the ifland was reftored to the Englith. However, at times, they ftill robbed the eftates of provifions; efpecially plantations that were nigh their camps in the woods, yet not in fo daring a manner as they had done heretofore, doing it generally in the moft fecret manner, in the night-time, when they were under no dread of being apprehended. This dread was, however, not occafioned by any apprehenfions of being oppoled by the Englih inhabitants, as afterwards S- appcared ; but --- Page 247 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. that of the parties, who ufed at but from after them in the woods. times to be fent out thefe latter being compofed only of people But induftrious in that of colour, were no ways never apprehended one of fervice, and actually them. In this rcfpect, however, an Englifh of a plantation, Mr. John Tombs, manager fucccfs; for on the runaways had much greater which he lived, he coming to rob the eftate on and actually took fome of them oppofed them, prifoners. that thofe who But being apprehenfive, take being taken might, with others, efcaped the lofs of their an opportunity to revenge and booty, he contrived to learn companions their intentions, by means of.a trufty negro whom he fent into belonging to the eftate, himfelf, the wouds, as if he were a runaway on account of bad ufage. Tombs having procured feveral blunMr. muikets for the occafion, inderbuffes and ftruéted eAr D MLMYENMM N AT A --- Page 248 --- THE HISTORY OF THE ftruéed the other negro men of the in their ufe ; exercifing them for plantation feveral days previous to the intended attack, which was informed, by his faithful he made fpy, Was to be on fuch a day, in the night-time, the runaways when thought to take him in bed, and intended putting bim to death in a moft cruel manner. They accordingly made very day he was advifed theirattempt on the of, coming in great numbers, about midnight, to the eftate, with expeétations of glutting their ful of giving the vengeance. Fearalarm, or making theira approach known, as foon as the they came out of woods, near the borders of the eftate, extinguifhed their lighted they flambeaux, marching filently alang in the road that lead to the manager's houfe, wholly five of danger. unapprehen6 As he was advifed theirattempt on the of, coming in great numbers, about midnight, to the eftate, with expeétations of glutting their ful of giving the vengeance. Fearalarm, or making theira approach known, as foon as the they came out of woods, near the borders of the eftate, extinguifhed their lighted they flambeaux, marching filently alang in the road that lead to the manager's houfe, wholly five of danger. unapprehen6 As --- Page 249 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, had put out their lights, As foon as they and the faithful fpy, left them, their guide, him of their joined his mafter, acquainting and, with thofe that were with approach, the trampling of him, immediately on hearing the feet of the runaways, fired a fmart volley their blunderbuffes and muikets among from them. difcharge, fo feafonably This unexpeéted the afailants into great confumade, put however recovering, they fion; from which the fire for fome time, but fo uncerreturned that it did no execution. tain and irregular, cafe from the fire This was, however, not the of Mr. Tombs and his party, as was evident from the cries and groans heard among the who were at laft obliged to betake runaways, they took their killed themfelves to flight; yet and wounded into the woods with them. that on this occafion neiIt is remarkable, ther Mr. Tombs, nor any of his people were hurt RURCOU MUMMOIE --- Page 250 --- THE HISTORY OF THE hurt by the fire from the runaways, although this confliet with. them lafted near half an hour. Whill, on the other fide, there could be no doubt but that they fuffered confiderably, both in killed and wounded, from the great quantity of blood feen on the fpot, and traced to the woods, the next morning; but the number of either was never afterwards known, the runaways having adopted the policy of the French in that refpect. This action was greatly to the credit of Mr. Tombs, and was of eminent fervice at that time to the Englith planters of the ifland; as the runaways finding how much it was in the power of a fingle white man of refolution to oppofe them, afterwards kept themfelves pretty peaceable, till the French quitted poffeflion of the country. But fhortly after that happened they re-commenced thcir depre- : dations, notwithflanding feveral proclamations were iffued by the Legillature of the ifland, I offering --- Page 251 --- M V ISLAND OF DOMINICA. to all that would furrender offering a pardon of except fuch as had been guilty themfelves, murder. the runaways paid To thele proclamations of attention; but on the contrary, no manner meafare, and had they bid defance to every they would repel any the audacity to threaten, to be. made to reduce them. In attempts of theirs, and confequence of this obftinacy continued aêts of mifchief on the. their Atill an act of the colony was paffed plantations, to be to the purfor raifing a fund, applied of forcing them into fubjection. This pofe made to be in force for three years, act was in 1755, and was made by way commencing in the following manner, that is to fay, of tax L. S. d. value of IO O O Per cent. on the affeffed rent 1 on all houfes in the towns. cent. on the affeffed value of 5 O O Per rent on all vacant lots. 16 IO O Per MEACIE U MUMUAVEM fund, applied of forcing them into fubjection. This pofe made to be in force for three years, act was in 1755, and was made by way commencing in the following manner, that is to fay, of tax L. S. d. value of IO O O Per cent. on the affeffed rent 1 on all houfes in the towns. cent. on the affeffed value of 5 O O Per rent on all vacant lots. 16 IO O Per MEACIE U MUMUAVEM --- Page 252 --- THE HISTORY OF THE k. S. d. 16 IO Per annum to be paid by all practitioners of phyfic in the ifland. 16 IO O Per annum to be paid by all practitioners of the law. 13 4 O Per annum to be paid by each merchant. 13 4 O Per annum to be paid by eacl vendue mafter, tavern-keeper, 8cc. 13 4 O Per annum to bepaid by each merchant or fhop-keeper (alicns.) 3 6 o Per annum to be paid by each manager and overfeer of plantations in the ifland, whofe falary was 2ool. per annum. I 13 o Per annum to be paid by each manager and overfeer, whofe falary was Iool. per annum. I 13 O Per annum to be paid by every other white man in the ifland. I 13 o Per annum to be paid by each male perfon of colour. 2 IO O Per - --- Page 253 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA, f. S. d. 2 IO O Per cent. on all merchandize. at vendue. O Per.cent. onallgoodsfuld 2 IO annum for every negro flave, I O O Per tradefiman or porter. annum for every houfe negro ) IO o Per and flave on the plantations. Per annum for every hog(head of O IO O fugar made in the ifland. for every tierce of fugar. O 6 O Perannum for every barrel of fugar. O 3 O Perannum: for every hogthead of 8 3 Per annum coffee. annum fore coffee. O Per: reverytiereeof O 5 barrelof coffee. O 3 O Per annumforevery annum for every 1oolb of D I O Per coffee in bags, 9 6 O Per NEADU U MUWMYIMm --- Page 254 --- THE HISTORY OF THE k. J. d. O 6 O Per annum for every hog/head of rum. O 4 6 Per annum for every tierce of rum. O 3 O Per annum for every barrel of rum. The next ftep taken by the Legillature for reducing the runaways to obedience was, to raife a body of-colony legions, compofed of white men, free pcople of colour, and able negro men belonging to the different plantations, for the purpofe of fending them after the runaways into the woods. Three feparate encampments, formed by thefe legions, were eftablifhed near the haunts of the runaways, againft whom" opcrations were immediately commenced; but it was a long time before any material fervice could be effeéted againft them; they, in the mean while, committing the --- Page 255 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the moft daring outrages on the plantations.- number of perfons, of which the legion The was about five hundred, unwas compofed, of officers of the 3oth regider the command of foot, at that time ftationed in the ment with feveral foldiers of ifland; thefe officers, became volunteers in that the fame regiment, and had extra pay from the colony; fervice, on the OCthe pay of each perfon employed cafion being as follows : f.s. d. Captain I 13 o Lieutenant I 4- 9 Serjeant O 12 O Corporal O 9 O per day. Private O 8 3 Surgeon O 16 6 Carriers O 3 O The runaways fully acquainted with the meafures taken againft them, yet confiding in R the RECI MUMMMLNME and had extra pay from the colony; fervice, on the OCthe pay of each perfon employed cafion being as follows : f.s. d. Captain I 13 o Lieutenant I 4- 9 Serjeant O 12 O Corporal O 9 O per day. Private O 8 3 Surgeon O 16 6 Carriers O 3 O The runaways fully acquainted with the meafures taken againft them, yet confiding in R the RECI MUMMMLNME --- Page 256 --- 3.42 THE HISTORY OF THE the ftrength of their numbers, and the difficult accefs to their camps in the woods, made no offer to furrender themfelves; but rather feemed determined to abide by the confequences, and deriding the attempt of reducing them by force, threatened to do ftill greater / mifchiefs. They accordingly did as they had threatened, beginning their attack on the plantation of Thomas Ofborn, Efg. coming there in the night, and doing confiderable damage; in drawing off fome rum by the light of their torches, it caught fire, which being communicated to the buildings on the eftate, burnt them down to the ground. Their next attack was foon after on a fugar plantation at Rofalie, belonging to the Lieutenant-governor and other perfons in England. There they came alfo in the night-time, murdered Mr. Gamble, the manager, Mr. Armftrong, carpenter, Mr. Hatton, and Mr. Lile, the overfeers, together with the chief negro driver --- Page 257 --- U - V 1 - ISLAND OF DOMINICA. driver belonging to the eftate. Having glutted themfelves with murdering thefe perfons, after them of their cloaths, they fet fire ftripping round the bodies 5 doing the fame to the fugar principal buildings, and canes ; and works, other confiderable damages, to the committing amount of feveral thoufand pounds. Elated with their fuccefs, and having fatiated themfelves for that time with murder, plunder, and devaftation, they retired to the dwelling-houfe on the eftatc, where they regaled on the ftock, provifions, and liquors they found in plenty, their chiefs being ferved in the filver veffels of the Licutenant-gorernory which, together with other valuablearticles, to a great amount, they afterwards carried away with them. On this plantation they continued two days, riotting and revelling, blowing conk Thells and huzzaing, as for a great viétory, having taken the precaution to ftop the roads to the eftate by felling large trees, up and R 2 ReCE MUMMMLNMM --- Page 258 --- THE HISTORY OF THE and placing centinels to give them notice, in cafe of the approach of the legions. The latter werc, at the fame time, in their encampments in the woods, while the runaways were committing thefe horrid tranfactions, thek knowledgeofwhich was firftb brought to Rofeau, where it produced the greateft confternation, as it did alfo throughout the ifland. This matter occafioned the legions to be greatly blained for their want of attention to their duty; as there was every reafon to fuppofe, that had they been more diligent in their fearch after the runaways, they would never have dared to commit fuch wanton mifchiefs, or might have been apprehended in the act. It was not, however, fo much the fault of the legions, as it was of the chief managers of the bufinefs ; who being but little acquainted with the fituation of the woods, had to difpofed the ftations of the three encampments, that they were unable to do any effectual ; as there was every reafon to fuppofe, that had they been more diligent in their fearch after the runaways, they would never have dared to commit fuch wanton mifchiefs, or might have been apprehended in the act. It was not, however, fo much the fault of the legions, as it was of the chief managers of the bufinefs ; who being but little acquainted with the fituation of the woods, had to difpofed the ftations of the three encampments, that they were unable to do any effectual --- Page 259 --- a AK aY VEI ISLAND OF DOMINICA. tual fervice ; and it is probable, that the runwould never have been reduced, in the aways foon after, had it not been manner they were for the exertions of fome private perfons, who materially promoted it. Of thefe, a Mr. John Richardfon deferves feveral times offered to be noticed, as having his fervices for the purpofe, which had been grieving to fce the bufinefs fo rejeéted; yet, ill managed, he formed a plan, to fhew very it was to reduce the runaways, by how eafy boldly attacking them in their camps. he was employed to As he was a carpenter, rebuild the works lately deftroyed by the runon the Rofalie eftate; and being at aways it that a party of the lework there, happened called there in the way to their camp, giens in order to refrefh themfelves. Mr. Richardfon prevailed on them to accompany him, for the purpofe of attacking a principal runR 3 away RT MUWMUNM U --- Page 260 --- THE HISTORY OF' THE away chief, whofe name was ce Balla," who. was the commander of their late expedition againft that eftate; and whofe haunt Mr. Richardfon very well knew, having a long while before attacked him there. Mr. Richardfon having Arengthened this party, with the addition of fome trufty negro men of the eftate, they fet out one evening on their expedition, and having travelled all night through the woods, wading through rapid rivers, croffing over fteep mountains, and encountering many difficulties in their way, by noon the next day they came to the mountain whereon was the encampment of Balla. This they afcended with great dificulty, it being cut into fteps of a great height above each other, which had been done by the runaways for their own convenience, as being the only poffble way to afcend the mountain. Thefe fleps the party were obliged to go up, one after the other, and to have, their mufkets handed --- Page 261 --- I u MYRUUIY 1 ISLAND OF/1 DOMINICA. the one on the upper, by handed to them, all the ftep below, till they were him on Richardfon was the firft on afcended. Mr. on the top of the mountain, the landing-place he himfelf among fome bufhes, where hiding in and out of perceived the runaways going their dinners, little' cXtheir houfes, preparing troublefome guefts. As foon as peating fuch the whole of the party had joined him; they and towards the houfes, thouting rufhed on from their muikets keeping up a brifk firing difthe runaways ; who, in the greateft on betook themfelves to flight, may and confulion, fides of themfelves down the fleep throwing in their hurry to get out of the the mountain, that feveral of way, by which it is probable them were killed, having thus taken poffeffion of The party immediately began to dethe runaways cainp, but fetting fire to the houfes; ; froy it, by found in fearching taem previous thereto, they fome R 4 NeE MUWMUNIM betook themfelves to flight, may and confulion, fides of themfelves down the fleep throwing in their hurry to get out of the the mountain, that feveral of way, by which it is probable them were killed, having thus taken poffeffion of The party immediately began to dethe runaways cainp, but fetting fire to the houfes; ; froy it, by found in fearching taem previous thereto, they fome R 4 NeE MUWMUNIM --- Page 262 --- THE HISTORY OF THE fome women and children, among whom was a fon of Balla's, who, with the reft, they took prifoners. Whilf fearching the houfes, the runaways on the oppolite mountain, on which they had retired, having recovered a little from their fright, and probably difcerning the fmall number of the party, made feveral attempts to return and recover their camp, keeping up a fimnart firing for fome time, from the place they were on. But they were difcouraged by a welltimed thought of Mr. Richardfon's, who, as often as they feemed determined to return, called out the names of the different commanding officers of the legions to attack the runaways, 66 To the right or left," according to the fide on which they kept firing from the oppofite mountain. This had the defired effect, making them believe they were furrounded by the legions; the apprehenfions of which caufed the runaways to abandon the place with the fame precipitation they had quitted their camp, leav6 e it in A ing peaccable poffeflion of the party. The --- Page 263 --- M VYUVYA EN ISLAND OF DOMINICA, latter then had leifure to do their buThe the reft of the houfes, finefs, and to examine found well furnifhed with proviwhich they of cloaths, valuable arfions, a vaft quantities ticles of furniture, and feveral other things, which they had ftolen from the different plantations. Such articles of value as they could carry the party took with them, after deftroying fuch as the fire could not injurc, and burning the hcufes, they defcended with their prifoners, and returned home in fafety, none of the party being hurt Onl the occafion. This was a capital check to the runaways, and reflects great honour on Mr. Richardfon $ as by his means it was, in a grcat meafure, that the runaways were at that time reduced. For after thisaction theydifperfed,and were fo much difheartened, that they nevera afterwards dared to affemble in any great numbers together ; but flying from piace to placc in the woods, werc cither killed, taken, or furrendered themfelves; and this noted chief, Balla, foon after fell into the MeATEI PUMMUN EM aways, and reflects great honour on Mr. Richardfon $ as by his means it was, in a grcat meafure, that the runaways were at that time reduced. For after thisaction theydifperfed,and were fo much difheartened, that they nevera afterwards dared to affemble in any great numbers together ; but flying from piace to placc in the woods, werc cither killed, taken, or furrendered themfelves; and this noted chief, Balla, foon after fell into the MeATEI PUMMUN EM --- Page 264 --- THE HISTORY OF THE the hands of a party of the legions, by whom he was killed. The runaway negros have fince then, been feldom héard of in Dominica; for thofe that were there under another chief, named Farcel * 3 it is imagined have quitted the ifland, and have retired among the French fettlements, or among the Carribbees at Saint Vincent's. It is computed, that the number of them that were killed, taken, or that furrendered, during this conteft, was about one hundred and fifty. The expences of the COlony, on this occafion, was upwards of fifty * Since this work has been fent to the prefs, advice has been reccived from Dominica, that the runaways, under the command of this chief, having been joined by a number of other negro flaves, from different plantations of the French inhabitants, have again commenced depredations of a molt fcrious nature in that ifand. To this the rcr port further mentions, theyhave been encouraged by the difturbances which at prefent prevail in the ifland of Martinique, occafioned by the late revolution in France. But the particulars of tbis new rebellion of the negros in Dominica have not yet come to the knowledge of the Author, withfuficiont authenticity for infortion. thoufand --- Page 265 --- ISLAND CF DOMINIÇA. thoufand pounds current money of the ifland; fam f confiderable, that it appears hardly a what manner it was credible how, or in The firft I have endearaifed and applied. fome idea of in the former part voured to give and for the fatisfaétion of the of this chapter; fhall here give a ftatement of the reader, amount of the taxes, which were firft year's that is to raifed for this particular purpofe; to the ift of fay, from the ift of May, 1785, May, 1786, as follows : L- S. d. Amount of tax on 4702 hogfheads of fugar, at IOS. each 2351 o, G Ditto on 571 tierces of ditto, at 6s. each 171 6 o Ditto on 745 barrels of ditto, each III 15 @ at 35. Ditto on 1861 hogiheads of coffec, at 8s. 3d. each 767 13 3 Ditto on 122 tierces of ditto, each 30 IO @ at 5S. Amount MPTNCITBOANMMUMR --- Page 266 --- THE HISTORY OF THE k. 5. d, Amount of tax on 593 barrels of coffee, at 3S. each 75 9 9 Ditto on 843401b. in bags of ditto, at IS. per cwt. - 42 3 4 Ditto on 682 hogfheads of rum at 6s. each 204 12 O Ditto on 73 tierces of ditto, at 4S. 6d. each 16 8 6 Ditto on 109 caiks of ditto, at 35. each 16 7 O Ditto on merchants and traders 676 IO O Ditto on managers and overfeers . 122 2 O Ditto on Aliens 726 O O Ditto on inhabitants (poll tax) 1206 6 O Ditto on 597 negro flaves (tradefmen) 597 O O Ditto on 12429 ditto, domeftics and field negros 6214 IO Q Ditto on rents of houfes and lots in the towns 1397 IO Q Ditto on taverns, &cc. 1256 IO O Amount Ditto on merchants and traders 676 IO O Ditto on managers and overfeers . 122 2 O Ditto on Aliens 726 O O Ditto on inhabitants (poll tax) 1206 6 O Ditto on 597 negro flaves (tradefmen) 597 O O Ditto on 12429 ditto, domeftics and field negros 6214 IO Q Ditto on rents of houfes and lots in the towns 1397 IO Q Ditto on taverns, &cc. 1256 IO O Amount --- Page 267 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. Amount of tax on manumit- K. 5. d, ting flaves 198 O O Fincs of the militia 29 14 O Arrears of taxes 803 I 95 Total 17014 7 IOE This tax, as before obferved, be in force for three Was made to years 5 and although it has, in fome meafure, anfivered the which it was impofed, has been end for burden a very heavy on the colony, and might, had the bufinefs it was intended for been naged, have been leffèned properly mato within little more than the firft year's amount, The megro flaves in Dominica neral, comfortably are, in gcfituated, and well treated, efpecially on the plantations; ; where, if are induftrious, they have the they in a manner means of living very different from that deplorable ftate, NT MMMUNM yE --- Page 268 --- THE HISTORY OF THE ftate, which fome people in England have been at the pains to reprefent, as the cafe in general of flaves in the Briti(h iflands. They have there as much land as they chufe to cultivate for their own ufe, are capable of raifing quantities of all manner of ground progreat ftuff, and other things, with vifions, garden which they actually fupply the markets every Sunday, and fome of them to a confiderable amount. likewife breed hogs, rabbits, fowls, They and other fmall ftock for themfelves; and of them, who are careful in raifing fuch many provifions, acquire a very comfortable living, exclufive of what is allowed them by their moreover, many opporowners. Theyhave, the to procute other tunities on plantations things to fell, or make ufe ofthemfelves, which are not to be had in many other iflands, as plenty of fith in the rivers, crapaux, wild yams, and other articles in the woods ; by which, thofe --- Page 269 --- Le ISLAND OF DOMINICA. induftrious in their leifure hours thofe who are often make tolerable fums of money. However, not intending to confine myfelf on the treatment of negro to obfervations flaves of this ifland in particular, in order to fingular in that refpedt, I Thall avoid being remarks on that fubject to the extend my and cuftoms relative to them ufage, manners, in the Englith Weft Indies in general. The flaves then, in all the Britifh Weft India fettlements, are by no means treated in that harfh, cruel, and barbarous manner, which fome have defcribed, to imprefs the minds, and to impofe on the judgment of this nation. For, on the contrary, the treatment they receive from their owners, is, as can be, that of a parent to his as nearly children. Every MeT i MUNMUIIME NUM relative to them ufage, manners, in the Englith Weft Indies in general. The flaves then, in all the Britifh Weft India fettlements, are by no means treated in that harfh, cruel, and barbarous manner, which fome have defcribed, to imprefs the minds, and to impofe on the judgment of this nation. For, on the contrary, the treatment they receive from their owners, is, as can be, that of a parent to his as nearly children. Every MeT i MUNMUIIME NUM --- Page 270 --- THE HIS TORY OF THÉ Every family has a good comfortable houfe to refide in, which is built at the expence Of their mafters; who alfo furnifh them with fuch cloaths as is neceffary for them, with a doétor, medicines, and all things needful when fick ; and have nothing to expect from them in return but good behaviour, and a neceffary degree of labour for the fervice of his plantation. He moreover gives them a weekly allowance of provifions, confifting of bifcuit, Indian corn, beans, falt fifh, mackrel, or herrings 5 which, together with what they are able, ifinduftrious, to fupply themfelves with from their own gardens, and the produce of their own ftock, they are enabled to live in a manner which is by no means unenviable, and preferable to the fituation of thoufands of people in Great Britain, with all the accompaniments of their fancied liberties. The --- Page 271 --- YYUUMY DERM ISLAND OF DOMINICA. The labour of the negros on the plantations is by no means burdenfomc, or dificult; the digging cane holes, and cutting down cancs, being the chief part of their bufineis, at either of which a labouring white man, there, will do nearly double the work of even Exclufive of thefe, the laa negro in a day. bour of the flaves is moftly confined to carrydung in fmall baikcts, planting, and weeding and ing thc canes. The making fugar, rum, other articles, is the employment of fuch neonly, as have becn taught thofe bufineffes; gros and for which they have good encouragement to be induftrious, by extra provifions, cloaths, them while emand other things, given ployed. The field negros, when digging cane holes, have ufually, in the afternoon, half a pint of rum and water, fweetened with molaffes, given to each of them, which is a great refrefhment in that labour, and caufes them to work with S chearPeI MUMMLIN E M --- Page 272 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. chearfulnels. It is pleafing to fee them at this work, they being all together in one row, like a regiment of foldiers, and all their hoes moving together; the women finging fome ludicrous fongs of their own compofing, which are anfwered in the fame manner by the men, and each ftriving to outdo the other. This has a good effect in foftening their labour, and is' much promoted by giving them their rum and water, which they have alfo fometimes in their other work, efpecially after having been in the rain. The proportion of the working field negros on each plantation is, commonly, from one third to two fifths of the whole number belonging to each eflate; the remainder include tradefmen, watchmen, ftock-keepers, invalids, houfe-fervants,. nurfes, and young children. They have generally one day in every weck, out of crop time, or the Saturday afternoon allowed labour, and is' much promoted by giving them their rum and water, which they have alfo fometimes in their other work, efpecially after having been in the rain. The proportion of the working field negros on each plantation is, commonly, from one third to two fifths of the whole number belonging to each eflate; the remainder include tradefmen, watchmen, ftock-keepers, invalids, houfe-fervants,. nurfes, and young children. They have generally one day in every weck, out of crop time, or the Saturday afternoon allowed --- Page 273 --- WVEVMY MECITA E e ISLAND OF DOMINICA. ailowed them, for the purpofe of their own gardens, exclufive working of their leifure hours, which are from twelve till two in the afternoon of o'clock every day, and But was the cuftom to be Sundays, general, of them one day in every week out of allowing the neceffity for their crop time, working their Sundays might be gardens on prevented, and that day wholly appropriated by them to ties, which religious dumight probably be the means of promoting good order amongf thofe and fecuring their future welfare, people, The French planters in all the fettlements belonging to that nation have their tized, and negros baptaught fome prayers, which repeat on their knecs they every morning before they go to work, and every evening after it. This has a good effeét finifhing on their conduét, attaches them to the interefts of their cements their union with each mafters, other, and is produdtive of many advantages to the French S 2 planters, NUTI MUMVMUIPMER MUMV --- Page 274 --- THE HISTORY OF THE planters, who, notwithflanding their being adtually more rigid to their negros than the Englith, yet have better and more faithful flaves. Once a year, the following articles of cloathing are diftributed among the flaves on every Englith plantation, viz. a good warm jacket, frock, trowfers, and hat for each man and boy; a jacket, wrapper, petticoat, and hat for each woman and girl. Thefe are furnifhed them at the expence of their mafters, and are generally given to them at Chriftmas ; at which time they are allowed three days holidays, viz. Chriftmas day and two days after; during which time they do no work, but fpend it in dancing, finging, and making inerry. This they are enabled to do, by having alfo given them at this time four or five pounds of meat, the fame quantity of flour or --- Page 275 --- U MVMMV D UYY D A ISLAND OF DOMINICA. or rice, with fome rum and figar to each negro, belides taking from their own ftock, kids, pigs, or fowls; with which they feaft one another during the holidays. At this time clpecially, they drefs themfelves their beft out in cloaths; many of them in good linen, filk handkerchiefs, bracelets rings of gold and and earfilver, to DO inconfiderable amount, in which they vifit their or receive acquaintances from the eftates. neighbouring At this time too, they. perform their offerings of victuals on the graves of their deceafed relations and friends; a piece of fuperftition which all and negros are addicted to, which, were they to negleét doing, they firmly believe they would be punifhed by the fpirits of the deceafed perfons. This confifts of meat, whole kids, offering with broth, pigs, or fowls, is liquors, and other matters; 5 and performed in the following manner. : a man S 3 or MTIT MUWMUVAN the graves of their deceafed relations and friends; a piece of fuperftition which all and negros are addicted to, which, were they to negleét doing, they firmly believe they would be punifhed by the fpirits of the deceafed perfons. This confifts of meat, whole kids, offering with broth, pigs, or fowls, is liquors, and other matters; 5 and performed in the following manner. : a man S 3 or MTIT MUWMUVAN --- Page 276 --- THE HISTORY OF THE or woman accuftomed to the ceremony, takes of each meat laid in difhes round the grave, and pulling fome of it in pieces, throws the fame on the grave, calling out the name of the dead perfon as if alive, faying, 66 Here is a 66 piece of fuch a thing for you to eat; why Ce did you leave your father, mother, wife, €s children and friends? Did you go away cc angry with us P When Ohall we fee you 66 again ? Make our provifions to grow, and 66 Aock to breed; don't let any body do us 66 harm, and we will give you the fame next cc year :" with the like expreflions to every thing they throw on the grave. After which, taking a little of the rum or other liquors, they fprinkle it thereon, crying out in the fame manner, 6e Here is a little rum to 66 comfort your heart, good bye to you, 6c God bleis you;" and drinking fome of it themfelves to the welfare of the deceafed, they fet up a difmal cry and howling, but immediately after begin to dance and fing round --- Page 277 --- M AV - NUYY EN THEMM N ISLAND OF DOMINICA. the The ceremony is then round grave. concluded, by every one ferambling for the remainder of the offering left in the difhes, that on the grave ; and the dogs devouring bidding their dead friends adieu the company for that timc, they all depart to their houfes, their merriment the whole and continue day after. This practice is truly laughable white who fee it; butit is a plain to people indication, that negros have fome notion of the immortality of the foul. The flaves belonging to people in the towns of the Englith iflands, are compofed of houfe tradefmen and porters. The firft fervants, live much in the fame manner 2s the common fervants in England, but do not half as much work, and are fubject only to a moderate manual correétion, inftead of being difcharged for their faults, and lefta burden on the public; themfelves, driven to the necefor to fupport fity of ufing fuch means, as to forfeit their S 4. lives RCu MUMMUNIM --- Page 278 --- THE HISTORY OF THE lives to the laws 5 the cafe too often of fervants in England. The domeftic negros are fed, cloathed, and provided with every neceflary by their owners, have generally a good apartment in the yard of their mafters, to retire and to fleep in 5 and they are in general well treated. They make tolerable good cooks, wafhers, and attendants; but it is beft not to truft them without check, as ftewards, butlers, or in the like offices. They will feldom do the duty, or affift-one another in their feveral departments, without being obliged to it by their mafters, whom, however, they feldom feruple to difobey. The negro flaves, tradefmen, are chiefly carpenters, coopers, blackfmiths, or mafons 5 fome of whom make tolerably good workmen, if under proper direétions; but they are not very fkilful in laying out work themfelves, or contriving. They in general live very comnfortable, will feldom do the duty, or affift-one another in their feveral departments, without being obliged to it by their mafters, whom, however, they feldom feruple to difobey. The negro flaves, tradefmen, are chiefly carpenters, coopers, blackfmiths, or mafons 5 fome of whom make tolerably good workmen, if under proper direétions; but they are not very fkilful in laying out work themfelves, or contriving. They in general live very comnfortable, --- Page 279 --- DEMMEN 3 M APETETESERTE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. well treated, and many of them fortable, are tolerable fums of money by jobs they do make for othersin their own lcifure hours. are in general a very idle, The negro porters infolent and thievith fet of people, and are often guilty of much impolition, efpecially to ftrangers on their arrival in theiflands. They the ftouteft and worft difpofed are commonly belonging to white people, or to free negros of colour in the towns, and pay their people certain fum daily; ; but many of owners a the whole of their them will game away earnings, or fpend it in liquor, to the great injury of their mafters. The charaéters of negros are not fo various as one would imagine they would be, from the difference ofthe country theya yarebrought from, to the Weft Indies; as very few of them oi their arrival in the iflands have the leaft appearof been civilized, or poffeffed of ance having endowments but fuch as are mercly natural. any For PeAr 11 MMMMUNIM --- Page 280 --- THE HISTORY OF THE For the generality of them, on their firft introduétion, appear as wild as the brute beafts ; are indolent and ftupid to a degree, fo that they hardly know the ufe of the moft common utenfil ofhufbandry, much lefs the methods. of cultivating the ground. Every thing appears to them as entirely new, as to the infant juft come to a moderate degree of vifion; but, at the fame time, they feem to be fo very unconcerned at the fight of themoft novel objects, that the barerecolledtion is not a moment in their minds. They appear infenfible to every thing but hunger and thirft, which however, to fatisfy, they have no more nicety than a hog 3 as any thing, either raw or drefed, is egaallyacceptable when given, to them. This fupidity of theirs continues a length of time after their arrival in the iflands, before moft of them can be brought to any degree of proper --- Page 281 --- 1 MATMTLSAITE BA NEBEMEN ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 'comprehenfion ; and with many of proper them, it is entirely unconquerable. that is to fay, thofe The Creole negros, born in the Weft Indics, having bcen who are fome among white pcople, and paid brought up lofe much of attention to from their infancy, fupidity fo confpicuous in that uncommon ; and are in general their new negro parents fenfible, fharp, and fagacious. tolerably But there is actually fomething fo very unaccountablc in the genius of all negros, fo different from that of white people in very that there is not to be produced an general, the Weft Indies, of any of them inftance in of perfedtion 'in the ever arriving to any degree notwithflanding the liberal arts or fciences, taken with them ; and the only greateft pains they are remarkable for attaining to any thing degree of perfeftion, is Mufick. Negros MUWMUNME V * à rerri unaccountablc in the genius of all negros, fo different from that of white people in very that there is not to be produced an general, the Weft Indies, of any of them inftance in of perfedtion 'in the ever arriving to any degree notwithflanding the liberal arts or fciences, taken with them ; and the only greateft pains they are remarkable for attaining to any thing degree of perfeftion, is Mufick. Negros MUWMUNME V * à rerri --- Page 282 --- THE HISTORY OF THE Negros are in general much addiéted to witchcraft and idolatry, both of which feem to be inherent in them, fo that though many of them profels the Chriftian Religion, elpecially that of the Roman Catholicks, and fome of them pay great attention thereto, yet, in all matters which concern themfelves, they have recourfe to their fuperftitious confidence in the power of the dead, of the fun and moon 5 nay, even of fticks, ftones, and earth from graves hung in bottles in their gardens. Their fuperftitious notions with refpect to their dead are truly ridiculous, for they fuppofc that the deceafed both eat and drink in their coffins; and for that purpofe, they put therein articles for both, together with a pipe and tobacco, and fuch things as they know the deceafed was fond of in his life time. Moreover, at their funerals they believe the dead body has the power of coinI pelling --- Page 283 --- MUITA a EU M ISLAND or DOMINICA. them to carryit to the grave, in which pelling few its refentment. to thofe road it likes, to bythe coffin's tumbling who have offendedit; the fhoulders of the bearer, making them off therewith with fand ftock Aill, or running then another, and fpeed, now one way, fometimes throwing down and trampling on the peopie who ftand in the way. They have their necromancers and.conof both fexes, whom they call 66 Obeah jurors and women, >> to whom they apply for men and charms againft ficknefs, to prevent fpells robbed, or to find out the thief, their being thofe who do them any injury. and to punith artful in their Thefe Obeah people are very and have a great afcendancy over the way, that they other negros, whom they perfuade able to do many miracles by means of their are often good fums of money art; and very get for their imaginary charms. The KC 1 MUNMYMMIE --- Page 284 --- THE HISTORY OF THE The method of treating fuch as apply to thefe conjurors for curing any imaginary diforder, excited by' lownefs of fpirits or. fearful dreams, is very laughable; they perfuade them that they are poffefied by the devil, as a punifhment for fome hidden crime; but if not well paid forit, befides promifing to fubmit to every direétion of the Obeah mafter, he will not undertake the cure. Every preliminary being fettled between the patient and the operator, the latter begins his work with mumbling over a few ftrange words, and having every thingready, the patient fo placed in a dark room, that he cannot difcover the cheat, hc pinches and puils him till the other cries out with the pain; after which, the conjuror produces fticks, knives, picces of glafs, and even whole bottles, which he perfiades the other that he aétually took out of the place he complained of; and then, rubbing it over with greafe and foot, or fome fuch begins his work with mumbling over a few ftrange words, and having every thingready, the patient fo placed in a dark room, that he cannot difcover the cheat, hc pinches and puils him till the other cries out with the pain; after which, the conjuror produces fticks, knives, picces of glafs, and even whole bottles, which he perfiades the other that he aétually took out of the place he complained of; and then, rubbing it over with greafe and foot, or fome fuch --- Page 285 --- M HVEF N a PETETURATE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fach thing, the fimple patient believes himfelf to be perfectly cured. Strange as this circumflance muft appear, it is actually no lefs true; and many inftances been known in the Weft Indies, of have thefe Obeal negros who have been perfuadedby people, that they were poffefledi in this manner, till they have killed themfelves in defpair. Thefe people are very dangerous on any for although there is no credit plantations, to be given to the power of their pretended charms, yet, they are in general well acquainted with the quality of many poifonous herbs that in the Weft Indies, and which grow they often give to others who apply to thei for charms to be.adminiftered to the perfons whom they are to operate. By this upon white have been killed by means many people poifon under the perfuafion of thefc Obeah men, SUM T 1 MLMMLNIME --- Page 286 --- THE HISTORY OF THE. men, that it was to make them love their flaves by whomit was obtained. Negros are in general much addiéted to drunkennefs, thievery, incontinency, and idlenefs. The firft vice very few of them will refrain from when they can get liquor, and in their fits of this kind, many of them are very mifchievous. Thieving from their owners they look upon as no crime, nor have they any dread of being punifhed for it, if they do it without detection; and fo general is this crime, that there goes a proverb current in all the iflands, 66 Shew me a negro, and I will fhew 66 you a thief," but were their offences of this nature to be as often and as feverely punifhed there as in England, there would feldom pafs a day, without fome example or other. So --- Page 287 --- - DUYeY 79 n WHSTAATE MWE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. So little are the fexes attache.d to each other, or conftant in connubial it is conneftions, that common for the men to have feveral wives at a time, belides tranfeient treffes ; and the women to mif. leave their hufbands for others, and to fubmit embraces of white to the men for money or fine clothes. Mothers will difpofe of their daughters to white men for a moderate virgin nor do they look upon it as fim, honour to the any crime, but an damfel, who is thereby better qualified forbeing afterwards taken one of her own colour, to wife byIdlenefs is fo very elpeciallythofe predominant in negros, brought from Africa, and tiodeidundinmstisty their diflike of Jabour is fo great, thatitisverydiffculte to it is fometimes makethemwork: ablolutely recourfe to meafures necefliry to have that appear order to oblige them to cruel, in the fame labour. Nay, very often means muft be ufed to make them T work IEU II MUMMUMMM 5 M L ofe predominant in negros, brought from Africa, and tiodeidundinmstisty their diflike of Jabour is fo great, thatitisverydiffculte to it is fometimes makethemwork: ablolutely recourfe to meafures necefliry to have that appear order to oblige them to cruel, in the fame labour. Nay, very often means muft be ufed to make them T work IEU II MUMMUMMM 5 M L --- Page 288 --- THE HISTORY OF THE work for themfelves, to drefs their owfi viétuals, or to keep themfelves free from vermine. This vice is fo very remarkable in many negros, that they will actually very often, under fome tree, fleep out the hours allowed them to get their viétuals in, rather than beatthepainsof goinghome to drefs them. They are obliged to be attended by the overfeers and drivers to make them work their own gardens, at times allowed them for that purpofe, which many of them would otherwife fpend in fleeping, or doing lefs neceffary things for themfelves. Many inftances have been known of negros who have unfeclingly endured the pains of the jiggers, by fuffering them to breed in their fléth, their feet fwelled and perforated like an honey-comb, rather than be at the trouble of taking them out*. d There * The jigger is an infeêt much like a flea, which penetrates into the fleth of people, efpecially in the feets there lays its eggs, hatches them, and if permitted by not taking them out in time, will confume the whole foot. Théy --- Page 289 --- TOTLETETLEE H -UAAOEAEBURIEE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. There are however many negros, efpecially among the Creoles, who are very induftrious, make good hufbands and wives, tender parents, faithful and diligent fervants, are obliging and kind to their fellow fervants, and rcfpeétful to all defcriptions of white people. Thefe in return receive every advantage arifing from fo proper a conduét; are well treated, encouraged, and proteéted; and though flaves, their fituation is far more defirable than that of many white pcople, in the Weft Indies, or in Europe. Theygive great pain, and have been known to caufe the amputation of the legs of feveral, who have been fo imprudent as to negleéttaking them out; 5 and fome have loft their lives by the fame neglect. T2 CHAP. I1 MUNMMLIMIME A SM - IUTR --- Page 290 --- TIE HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER XIII. OF THE PRESENT TRADE OF THE ISLAND, THE FRFE PORT OF ROSEAU, WITH REMARKS ON THE SAMEY AND THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE. THE trade of Dominica 1S at prefent very much circumferibed, as except that carried a few Guinea Faétors, and five Or fix on by fhips annualy to take away the produce, there is very little commerce in the ifand. Rofeau is however a free port, but its being fo at prefent is rather a difadvantage to the inhabitants, as it is confined to within little more thanone halfits former boundaries, andis befides under and fubjeét to fo fevere regulations and reftrictions, that foreigners are deterred, rather than encouraged to trade thither; and they abfolutely look upon this free port, in Guinea Faétors, and five Or fix on by fhips annualy to take away the produce, there is very little commerce in the ifand. Rofeau is however a free port, but its being fo at prefent is rather a difadvantage to the inhabitants, as it is confined to within little more thanone halfits former boundaries, andis befides under and fubjeét to fo fevere regulations and reftrictions, that foreigners are deterred, rather than encouraged to trade thither; and they abfolutely look upon this free port, in --- Page 291 --- MEanE TTM aH ASACAGERTIMUSEE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fituation, as only a fnare laid to in its prefent allure them to certain ruin, e No foreign veffel is allowed to enter this if it appear to be any thing above the port, by the free-port act, which burthen preferibed conftrued. For, as the is there too rigidly veffels are built for failing faft, in Weft-India make fhort voyages, they will not order to equal to their meafurement, ftow away goods like the veffels built in England. This has, been often made a pretence for even however, them to quit the feizing veffels, or obliging their having on board port; 3 notwithftanding only money to a great amount to purchafe newith; by which means the Guinea Facgrocs tors loft thofe opportunities of difpofingoftheir flaves, and were thercby difabled from making remittances to their correffo early or fo great pondents in England, as they would otherwife have done, to the great injury of them both. The T.3 IAMO II MUNUMUIMIME y D a --- Page 292 --- THE HISTORY OF THE feizures that have been made The frequent and condemning a number of foreign there, of their veffels, under the fmalleft appearancé clandeftine trade, have effectually put ufing a to the refort of foreigners thither; nor a ftop the Americans, from having been repeatcan be induced to have edly refufed admittance, manner of dealings with this ifland. any of the feizures made in this port Many illegal 3 as in the cafe of a have been perfedly French veffel named the Pearl, which having touched at an out bay in diftrefs for water, only brought to Rofeau, and therc conwas feized, demned and fold, with a valuable cargo of fuThis proceeding was however, by an gar. Courtin appeal of the owners to the Admiralty greatly reprehended; ; and that Court England, adjudged the veffel and cargo to be reftored, with full cofts and damages, to be paid by thofe who had been guilty of making fo very illegal a feizure. Moreover, --- Page 293 --- ETMONET ut - ACEMeSIBie ISLAND OF DOMINICA. boat from a foreign veffel is Moreover, no occafion in this port, permitted to land on any fpot appointed for the but only in a particular attempt be made to land at any purpofe, for ifan fired at by a other place, they are immediately This is a moft extraordicentinel on the fpot. and has as well as a dangerous regulation, nary, fatal to feveral times been very nigh proving and the inhabitants of the both foreigners As the former, not apprehending any town. in a different place, have danger from landing and the balls dropt into the boat been fired at, wherc the latter have been at work. In fhort, fo many very extraordinary meathe free port of fures are ufed for regulating Rofeau, that it is of no manner of advantage ofthe place; and in confeto the inhabitants for which by no means anfwers the ends quence by the Crown. WIS 1 ppointed This is a matter worthy of ferious confideras from the ation by the Britith Government, ftil) T 4 MM 1 ait VMVI RVTR I MUWMLNIM at, wherc the latter have been at work. In fhort, fo many very extraordinary meathe free port of fures are ufed for regulating Rofeau, that it is of no manner of advantage ofthe place; and in confeto the inhabitants for which by no means anfwers the ends quence by the Crown. WIS 1 ppointed This is a matter worthy of ferious confideras from the ation by the Britith Government, ftil) T 4 MM 1 ait VMVI RVTR I MUWMLNIM --- Page 294 --- THE HISTORY OF THE fill unfettled ftate of this valuable ifland the only way to render it of that importance to the mother country, of which it is fo eminently capable, will be by a proper encouragement to trade; without which, no fettlement in the Weft-Indies, be its internal refources ever fo extenfive, can poflibly be of any material advantage to whatever nation it belongs. Therefeems, however, to bea a want ofknowledge fomewhere of the capabilitics of this illand ; otherwife, there is every reafon to be- - lieve that it would not have been fo greatly negleéted as it has been fince its reftoration to the Britifh dominions, when at the fàme time, the other powers of Europe were ufing every means to eftablifh their Weft-India fettlements 5 the Spaniards, efpecially in their ifland of Trinidad, inviting foreigners, particularly Englith fubjects, to refide there, by offering them free grants of land and other great privileges; by which means thoufands have quitted the Britith fettlements and gone theres --- Page 295 --- BHMNEL AOEU veyet CATRTULSNTI ISLAND OF DOMINICA. a there, and many from Dominica; whereby the fiubjeêts of this ifand are reduced to Englifh half the number that were in it, fhortly near and the generality of them after the reftoration, feem difpofed to quit it, by there at prefent ruin of their trade, and other difreafon ofthe circumftances which they labour advantageous under. of Englith fubjeéts from our Emigrations other fettlements, or even from Great Britain, to thei ifland mightbe turned to great advantage of Dominica ; as the lands there, if cleared of exceflive forefts ofwoods, are capable of far tbe than the lands of Trinigreater improvements in other Atill unfettled country dad, or of any the Weft-Indies. And if ample encouragement was to be given by Great Britain, there doubt, but that in a few years this ifland is no would be in a very fourifhing fituation. This might bc done, by giving frcc grants lands in the interior of the unappropriated Northern yU a AV INAMT II MUMMUIMINE --- Page 296 --- THE HISTORY OF THE of the ifland, which are all in Northern parts woods, in allotments ofa certain numftanding them ber of acres to every family, to furnifh with that were not able to doit themfelves, proand utenfils for eighteen months by vifions in order to induce them to refide Government, the lands, to clear and cultivate the fame; on might enable after which, their.own induftry them to proceed. to grant the leafehold lands which Secondly, from the French inhahave been purchafed Englith fubjects, in the fame manbitants by their other lands; a confiderable part ner as under cultiof them fo purchafed being now vation, as fugar eftates. inftalments due on Thirdly, the remaining in this ifland, not under cultivation, tobe lands given up by Government. that fome mode be adopted for Fourthly, theabandoned eftates re-cultivated. getting And the leafehold lands which Secondly, from the French inhahave been purchafed Englith fubjects, in the fame manbitants by their other lands; a confiderable part ner as under cultiof them fo purchafed being now vation, as fugar eftates. inftalments due on Thirdly, the remaining in this ifland, not under cultivation, tobe lands given up by Government. that fome mode be adopted for Fourthly, theabandoned eftates re-cultivated. getting And --- Page 297 --- YMEVEL AETE ve me akN AMEATURATI ISLAND.OF DOMINICA. the eftablithing a fociety for proAnd laftly, agriculture in this ifland, with premoting the miums to be given to fuch as raife greateft ofWeft-India produce, for the mainquantitics and flaves at firft, aftertenance of themfelves wards for commerce. eftates were to be eftablithed there, Ifpafture it would be a material point as in Jamaica, Dominica breed gained. And as the cattle in well, there is no doubt, but that in extremely this ifland a few years, by good management, ufeful aniwould be well furnifhed with thofe mals. bad ftate of the public roads is a 1 The very as fome of difadvantage to the ifland, great dangerous to travel ; and the them are perfedtly whole of them are difficult and badly fituated. in dug on the fides of They arc general the mountains of ftupendous heights above the billows of which are conrivers or fea, dafhing at the feet of them, in a frighttinually ful MUUM D LMMM AV i KUT I MUMMYLIMIN --- Page 298 --- THE HISTORT or THE ful manner. They are aifo fo very narrow in fome places, that it is very difficult, as well as dangerous, for two perfons meeting on horfeback to pafs each other; as the leaft flip the would both the horfe on edge precipitate and rider to inevitable deftruétion. 1 Of this defcription, are feveral parts of the road from Rofeau to Prince Rupert's Bay ; where, together with the frightful profpect of hanging rocks and large ftones at a great height above one's head, that threaten every moment to fall and crufh the fearful traveller; the tedious fteepnefs, flony, and difficult paf. fages, render them perfectly uncomfortable to traveliers. The public roads in the interior parts of the country are no leis inconvenient, they being in general very fteep of afcent; narrow, and fubjeét to breaking in. One walks or rides there at a height far exceeding that of the monument in London; fo thata perfon's head turns --- Page 299 --- TETLTTETLT mntcnuesiNmme ISLAND OF DOMINICA. a view to the bottom, turns giddy on cafting as he paflesalong. advocates for the abolition Thofe who are in this ifland have the opof flavery, may of cool of trying the fettlement portunity only. Why not fituations by white people foldiers there, and allow them employ the bridle roads in the extra pay for making good of this country? this would ma interior parts fettlement of the terially promote the further road to be made ifland; and was a good open from Rofeau to Prince Rupert's Bay, the combetween thofe two places would be munication of the greateft utility, as other produétive made to branch from it to the roads might be windward and leward coafts, in a much more manner than can be done by the convenient prefent fimnall number'ofits inhabitants. F I N I S. REATU L MUMMMUNMIME yU MAA M MML the further road to be made ifland; and was a good open from Rofeau to Prince Rupert's Bay, the combetween thofe two places would be munication of the greateft utility, as other produétive made to branch from it to the roads might be windward and leward coafts, in a much more manner than can be done by the convenient prefent fimnall number'ofits inhabitants. F I N I S. REATU L MUMMMUNMIME yU MAA M MML --- Page 300 --- --- Page 301 --- UYU tSnMETrAmEe S A L S P R P FOR PRINTING By SURSGRIPTION OF AN EXPEDITION NARRATIVE AGAINST THE REVOLTED NEGROS IN THE' IN SOUTH AMERICA; COLONY OF SURINAM, FRON M THE YEAR 1772, to 17775 ELUCIDATIONS ON THE NATURAL HISTORY WITH SOME THAT COUNTRY, AND A DESCRIPTION OF OFITS PRODUCTIONS. ALSO, OF THE INDIANS OF GUIANA, AND AN ACCOUNT NEGROS OF CUINEA. THE By LIEUT. CoL. STEDMAN, IN THAT COLONY. TIIEN ON AÉTUALSERVICE: C O N D I T I O N S. Work will be handfomely printed in Two Volumes I. THE ornamented with nearly 80 Prints, confiting of large Quarto, Views, Figures of the Natives, Subjects of-Natoral Mapsand &c. all from Drawings made on the Spot Hiitory and Curiofity, and executed by the beft Engravers. by the Author, Pricc to be Two Guineas in BoardsII. The Subfeription the Time of fubferibing, and the other Half One Half paid at on Delivery of the Book. firft iffued it has been found, III, Since thefe Propofals were willfarexceed the Calculation that the Expenccofihe Engravings muft therefore neceffarily be raifed when then made; the Price the Subfcribtion, is clofed. that the Work will be ready for Delivery IV. Itis prefumed, abour thcl latter End of1791. SUBSCRIFTIONS ARE RECEIVED BY in St. Paul's Church-Yard; J. EDWARDS, Army No. J.JoNxson Pall-Mall; JOHN and HECTOR MACKAY, and the 102, No. 6, Crown-Court, Weftminfler; by Agents, AUTHOR, at Tiverton, in Devonfhire, MUNUMMIVIME yM MVA VMM ML RUCEU --- Page 302 --- .06037This Dag are publifbedy I. TOUR up the STRAITS from GIBRALTAR to A CONSTANTINOPLE, With the leading Events in the prefent War between the Auftrians, Ruffians, and Turks. By Capt. SUTHERLAND, of the 2gth Regiment, Second Edition, price 6s. in boards. 2. TRAVELS in KAMSTCHATKA, in 1787, and 17S8. By M. Dp LESSEP, Confu! of France, and Interpreter to the Count De Peroufe, now engaged in a Voyage round the World by Command of his Moft Chriftian Majefty. 2 Vols. 8vo. IOS. in boards. . 3. A HISTORY of the late SIEGE of GIBRALTAR, By Capt. DRINKWATER, With a great Number of Plates. Fourth Edition, price 1l. 7S. in boards. I 4. MEMOIRS of HENRY MASERES DE LA TUDE, containing an Account of his Confinement thirty-five Yearsinthe State Prifons of France; and of the Stratagems he adopted to efcape, once from the Baftile, and twice from the Caftle of Vincennes. Written by Himfelf, price 2S. Printed for J. JOHNSON, in St. Paul's Church-Yard. ATER, With a great Number of Plates. Fourth Edition, price 1l. 7S. in boards. I 4. MEMOIRS of HENRY MASERES DE LA TUDE, containing an Account of his Confinement thirty-five Yearsinthe State Prifons of France; and of the Stratagems he adopted to efcape, once from the Baftile, and twice from the Caftle of Vincennes. Written by Himfelf, price 2S. Printed for J. JOHNSON, in St. Paul's Church-Yard. --- Page 303 --- RT u MU : VMVI --- Page 304 --- --- Page 305 --- ORIETTARMCSETAEINIUIEIEE D791 A887h oopil NMTI I MUNMUNME UV --- Page 306 --- UNMYWYYYM - WAMVYYVWWVY - ervenny - - VUWNWWNNWN WV V --- Page 307 --- M V - J - - a V - - 9 - J - - - J - a --- Page 308 --- A à A a - A