ANTIGUA
AND THE ANTIGUANS:

A FULL ACCOUNT OF
THE COLONY AND ITS INHABITANTS
FROM THE TIME OF THE CARIBS
TO THE PRESENT DAY,
Interspersed with Anecdotes and Legends.
ALSO,
AN IMPARTIAL VIEW OF SLAVERY AND THE
FREE LABOUR SYSTEMS;
THE STATISTICS OF THE ISLAND,
AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL FAMILIES.
“Sworn to no party, of no sect am I.”​—​Pope.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON
SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, CONDUIT STREET.
1844.

TO THE
HON^BLE ROWLAND EDWARD WILLIAMS,
LATE CAPTAIN IN THE 10th REGIMENT OF HUSSARS,
ONE OF HER MAJESTY’S PRIVY COUNCIL IN ANTIGUA,
THE LINEAL DESCENDANT OF
THE FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN THAT ISLAND,
AND THE FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR OF ITS INHABITANTS
OF EVERY HUE AND COLOUR,
This Work,
DESCRIPTIVE OF ANTIGUA AND THE ANTIGUANS,
IS, BY HIS KIND PERMISSION,
INSCRIBED
BY HIS FAITHFUL AND OBLIGED SERVANT,

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

Although in the present day the writing of a preface may be considered almost a work of supererogation on the part of an author, since it is that portion of a work seldom or ever looked into, still, as custom demands the form, and there may be some among my readers who may desire to learn what first led me to undertake this work, I am induced to follow the fashion, more especially as on one or two points I am desirous of offering a few words of comment and explanation.

Not being a native of the West Indies, and visiting that part of the world for the first time at an age when all looks bright around us, the novelty of the scenes which passed before my eyes struck me forcibly, and induced me to make notes of the impressions I then received. Pursuing the same practice at subsequent visits, and during prolonged residences, in process of time my memoranda expanded to a considerable bulk. The increasing interest I took in everything relating to Antigua, led me to inquire into its early history, and to search out the origin of the numerous ancient families whose descendants have resided in the island from the period of its colonization.

Some of my friends in the island who had become acquainted with my pursuits, were gratified by the specimens of my labours, which were exhibited to them, and urged me to throw my scattered notes into form. I yielded to their solicitations, and the result has been the following pages, which, while they afford a condensed history of the colony from its earliest days, present also a record of the impressions produced on one, at first, fresh from English society, but now, by long continued residence, become almost an Antiguan; having, it is hoped, lost all relics of English prejudice, but not become so biassed by her new connexions, or blinded by the many charms of Antigua or Antiguan society, as to hold the scales of justice unevenly.

Having been resident in Antigua both before and after the passing of the Emancipation Act, and having had ample opportunity of judging of the practical effects of that memorable event, the observations I have made with relation to it may not be considered altogether unimportant.

In perusing the early history of the colony, the English reader may be surprised to find how many men of family became early settlers in the West Indies; but when the eager spirit of adventure which immediately followed the enterprises of the Spaniards, and was so eminently conspicuous in the days of Elizabeth, is called to mind​—​when the causes which drove the “pilgrim fathers” forth are recollected, together with the numerous emigrations which took place from England, when the Royalists, in their turn forced to become fugitives, mostly sought a refuge in the West Indies, at first a safe and sanctioned asylum, till the very amount of the fresh influx of Royalist opinions made the West Indies a thorn in Cromwell’s side, and compelled him to have recourse to strong measures to secure their obedience to his will,​—​when all these causes are considered, it becomes no longer a matter of wonder that much of the best blood of England runs in the veins of the people, not only of Antigua, but of the West India islands generally.

In justice to the character of the country which I have learned to love, I must, although unwillingly, notice another and a most painful subject. I refer to the exceedingly harsh laws passed respecting the slaves, and the shocking executions of those concerned in the insurrection in 1736. In relation to the former point, it is sufficient to observe that such laws are almost inseparable from the institution of slavery itself, and that the stigma affected the mother country equally with her colonies, while it redounds to the honour of Antigua that she was the first to announce unbounded freedom to her slave population. With respect to the barbarous executions, they would not be tolerated in Antigua at the present day, even had she continued to be a slave-dealing colony; and they can only in justice be referred to a state of society when the practice of torture had hardly fallen into desuetude in the civil courts of Europe, when the Inquisition was in full glory, when, only a few years before, the politest capital in the world had looked unmoved on

“Luke’s iron crown, and Damien’s bed of steel,”

and criminals continued to be strung up by dozens in England (and for many long years after) for offences which, in the present advanced state of society, no civilized state would visit with the punishment of death. What wonder, then, that at such a period, and under such alarming circumstances, the Antiguans should have shewn themselves cruel and barbarous?

Before I conclude, I must not omit to tender my acknowledgments to the numerous friends who have kindly afforded me assistance in the course of my work, among whom let me make grateful mention of Edward S. Byam, Esq., the Rev. and Hon. Burgh Byam, Col. Byam, Dr. Furgusson, Nathaniel Humphreys, Esq., Deputy Colonial Secretary in Antigua, (to which latter gentleman I was indebted for access to the Records of the island,) to John Furlong, Esq., (who obliged me with the will of Governor Parke,) Registrar of Antigua, to ——— Edmead, Esq., to Captain George B. Mathew, of the Guards, the Rev. D. F. Warner, and others.

In conclusion, may the Great Giver of all good pour down His choicest blessings upon this beautiful and favoured little island; may her legislators be ably endowed in all true principles of jurisprudence; may her planters be blest with kindly showers, so that their golden canes may raise their “tall plumes” in luxuriance; may her merchants, the prop of every civilized state, be prosperous​—​her peasantry happy and good, as they are free; and, finally, may her ministers (of every denomination) be long spared to watch over and pray for her teeming inhabitants, that one choral song of praise may resound from every quarter and from every tongue.

The Author.

CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.

[CHAPTER I.]

General Description of the Island​—​Appearance​—​Soil​—​Productions​—​Climate​—​Early history​—​Discovery by Columbus​—​Attempted settlement by Spaniards​—​Grant to Earl of Carlisle​—​Settlement by d’Esnambuc​—​Williams​—​Governor Warner​—​Account of Sir Thomas Warner, founder of the family

[CHAPTER II.]

History of the island continued​—​Sir Henry Hunks​—​Descent of the Caribs​—​Legend of Ding-a-ding Nook​—​Arrival of the Ship Nonsuch​—​Sir Thomas Modiford​—​Earl of Warwick, Captain-General​—​Captain Edward Warner​—​Colonel Rich​—​Colonel Lake​—​Mr. Everard​—​Sir George Ayscue​—​Colonel Christopher Reynall​—​Invasion by the Caribs​—​Dissensions among the inhabitants​—​Copy of Colonel Reynall’s letter to Cromwell​—​Attack upon St. Domingo and Jamaica​—​Major-General Poyntz​—​Grant of Antigua to Lord F. Willoughby

[CHAPTER III.]

Rupture between France and England​—​War in the West Indies​—​Loss of Lord Francis Willoughby​—​Colonel Carden​—​Capture of Antigua by the French forces under M. de la Barre​—​Colonel Fitche​—​Restoration of Antigua by the Treaty of Breda​—​Death of Colonel Carden​—​Biographical notices

[CHAPTER IV.]

Governors: Lord William Willoughby, Henry Willoughby​—​Arrival of Major, afterwards Lieutenant-General Byam, the progenitor of the family of that name​—​Biographical remarks​—​Partition of the Caribbee Islands​—​Sir William Stapleton​—​General Council and Assembly​—​Colonel Philip Warner​—​Expedition against the Caribs​—​Death of Indian Warner​—​Arrest and trial of Colonel P. Warner​—​Acquittal​—​Dampier’s account of this affair​—​Captain Southey’s History of the Indian Warner

[CHAPTER V.]

Governor Col. R. Williams​—​Biographical remarks​—​Towns of trade appointed​—​Antigua divided into parishes​—​Sir Nathaniel Johnson appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief​—​Colonel Codrington​—​Remarks upon this family​—​Invasion of Antigua by a French privateer​—​Attack upon Guadeloupe by the English​—​Expedition to St. Christopher’s​—​Gallant conduct of Colonel Williams and Colonel Willoughby Byam​—​Sir Francis Wheeler’s expedition​—​Wilmot and Lillingston’s expedition​—​Death of the captain-general, General Codrington​—​Colonel John Yeamans, lieutenant-governor​—​Arrival of Admiral Benbow

[CHAPTER VI.]

Governor Colonel Christopher Codrington​—​Establishment of the first market​—​Accession of Queen Anne​—​Arrival of Admiral Benbow​—​Attack upon the island of Guadaloupe, in conjunction with the Antiguan troops​—​Bravery of Colonel Edward Byam​—​Arrival of Captain Hovenden Walker​—​Second attack upon Guadaloupe​—​Colonel Codrington quits the government​—​His death​—​Sir William Mathew​—​Hon. John Johnson

[CHAPTER VII.]

Governor Colonel Daniel Parke​—​His birth-place and parentage​—​His actions at the battle of Holchet and Blenheim​—​His arrival at Antigua​—​Dissensions with the Antiguans​—​Complaints against him sent to England​—​Results of the applications at the court of Queen Anne​—​Tyrannical behaviour of Colonel Parke​—​Events of the 7th December, 1710​—​Death of Colonel Parke

[CHAPTER VIII.]

Governor Walter Hamilton​—​Walter Douglas’s Disturbances​—​Complaints against him sent to England​—​Queen Anne recalls him, and reappoints Walter Hamilton​—​Lord Viscount Lowther​—​John Hart​—​Lord Londonderry​—​Lord Forbes​—​Colonel William Crosbie

[CHAPTER IX.]

Governor William Mathew​—​Insurrection of the Negroes​—​A Legend of the Ravine​—​Punishment of the Conspirators

[CHAPTER X.]

Governor William Mathew​—​Sir George Thomas, Bart.​—​James Verchild​—​Honourable William Woodley​—​Sir Ralph Payne​—​Hon. Craister Greathead​—​General Burt​—​The circumstances of his death​—​Sir Thomas Shirley, Bart.

[CHAPTER XI.]

Governors: William Woodley​—​John Stanley​—​Major-General Charles Leigh​—​Archibald Esdail​—​John S. Thomas​—​Robert Thomson

[CHAPTER XII.]

Governors: The Right Honourable Ralph Lord Lavington​—​William Woodley​—​James Tyson​—​John Julius​—​Hugh Elliot​—​Sir James Leith​—​Henry Rawlins​—​S. Rawlins​—​Major-General Ramsay

[CHAPTER XIII.]

Governors: Sir Benjamin D’Urban​—​Sir Patrick Ross​—​Sir Evan Murray McGregor​—​Mr. Light​—​Sir W. G. MacBean Colebrooke​—​Major McPhail​—​Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy

[CHAPTER XIV.]

My first voyage to Antigua​—​Visit upon deck​—​The booby’s welcome​—​Nearer approach​—​Harbour of St. John’s​—​The Black Pilot​—​North Sandy Island​—​Wreck of the mail-boat​—​Dangerous navigation​—​Long Island​—​South Sandy Island​—​Panoramic views from the vessel’s deck​—​Light winds​—​Disappointment made pleasing​—​Anchorage for the night

[CHAPTER XV.]

The extent of Antigua​—​Opinion of some planters​—​Want of agricultural labourers​—​Emigration not always profitable to the negroes​—​“Seizar’s” letter upon the subject​—​Return of emigrants​—​Soil of Antigua​—​Geological matters​—​Petrifactions​—​Climate of Antigua​—​“Yellow fever”​—​Beautiful evenings​—​the appearance of the heavens​—​Evening visitants

[CHAPTER XVI.]

Scenery of Antigua​—​Pilgrimage to “Tom Moore’s Spring”​—​The Goddess Mnemosyne​—​Fig-Tree Hill​—​The “Bower of Bliss”​—​“Old Road”​—​The Strand​—​The cross sexton​—​The parochial school​—​Old Road Church​—​Tomb of Col. Williams​—​Moravian settlement​—​Salt ponds​—​Copses​—​“Crab Hill”​—​Sandy Valley​—​The Valley Church​—​The rising moon​—​Arrival in town​—​Night, and night dreams

[CHAPTER XVII.]

The seasons at Antigua​—​Heavy rains​—​Long droughts​—​The water-merchant​—​A fortunate shower​—​Drought in 1837​—​Desolate appearance of the country​—​Famishing cattle​—​Definition of “fine rains”​—​Anecdote​—​Heavy shower​—​Joy​—​Earthquakes​—​1835​—​Meteors​—​Dressing for the ball​—​The alarm​—​The ball-room​—​Hurricanes​—​Devastations

[CHAPTER XVIII.]

Description of the town of St. John’s, the capital of Antigua​—​Situation​—​Arrangement of the streets​—​Hucksters​—​Houses​—​Springs​—​Small shops​—​Stores of the retail dealers​—​Grog-shops​—​Merchants’ stores and lumber yards​—​Definition of lumber​—​Auction sales​—​Scotch Row and Scotchmen​—​Incongruous display of goods​—​Fire in 1797​—​Ruins​—​Fire in 1841​—​Its devastations

[CHAPTER XIX.]

Description of the church of St John’s​—​Period of its erection​—​Present site​—​Panoramic views​—​Form of structure​—​Length and breadth​—​Interior​—​Decorations​—​Monuments​—​Organ​—​Tower​—​Bells​—​Clock​—​Churchyard​—​Tombs and sepulchral inscriptions​—​An acrostic​—​“Adam and Eve!”

[CHAPTER XX.]

Court-house​—​Bazaar​—​Arsenal​—​Police-office​—​Government-house​—​Barracks​—​House of correction​—​Gaol​—​Methodist chapel​—​Methodism, its rise and progress in Antigua​—​Moravian chapel​—​Rise and progress of the Society of United Brethren​—​Scotch kirk

[CHAPTER XXI.]

Morning​—​Institutions​—​Daily Meal Society​—​Its rise and progress​—​Lazaretto​—​Destitute Females’ Friend Society​—​Its origin and purpose​—​Friendly Societies​—​Bible Society​—​Missionary associations​—​Temperance Society​—​Juvenile Association​—​Ladies’ Clothing Society &c.​—​Banks​—​Library Society

[CHAPTER XXII.]

Early rising and “Jamie Thomson”​—​Journey to English Harbour​—​Windmills and Don Quixote​—​Groups of negroes and their equipages​—​All Saints’ chapel of ease​—​The “Hamlet”​—​Village of Liberta​—​Grace Hill​—​Patterson’s and Prince William​—​English Harbour market​—​Streets and dwellings​—​Commissariat’s store and government tank​—​Dockyard​—​The superintendent​—​Stores and storehouses​—​Engineer’s workshop​—​Blacksmith’s shop and blowing machine​—​Limes and roses​—​Recollections of England​—​Lieutenant Peterson and Lord Camelford​—​His lordship’s pranks​—​The ordnance​—​Clarence House and Dows Hill​—​The Ridge and “Shirley heights”​—​Fort Charlotte and Fort Berkeley​—​Bats Cave​—​The Savannah and its tombs​—​Indian Creek​—​Return to town

[CHAPTER XXIII.]

Zulmiera, the Half-Carib girl, a Legend of the Savannah

[CHAPTER XXIV.]

Continuation of the Legend

[CHAPTER XXV.]

Conclusion of the Legend

[CHAPTER XXVI.]

Towns: Falmouth​—​Church and churchyard​—​Mangroves and acacias​—​Black’s Point​—​Bridgetown​—​Willoughby Bay​—​Its site and decoration​—​The superintendent of the Wesleyan schools​—​School-room​—​Methodist chapel​—​The Memoras​—​St Philip’s church​—​Beautiful views​—​Parham​—​Its derivation and site​—​St Peter’s church​—​Churchyard​—​The new church​—​Methodist chapel and school-room

[CHAPTER XXVII.]

Forts and fortifications​—​Temporary ones​—​The present forts​—​Fort James​—​Its situation and approach​—​Rat Island Battery, its appellation, lunatic asylum, and flag-staff​—​Goat Hill​—​Steep ascent​—​Schools in St. John’s

[CHAPTER XXVIII.]

Remarks upon the aboriginal Americans​—​Suppositions of various authors​—​Caribs​—​Arrowawks​—​Ferocity of the Carib​—​Complexion​—​Dress​—​Ornaments​—​Dreadful revenge​—​Wars-Chiefs​—​Severities practised​—​Feasts​—​Remarks upon paganism​—​Anthropophagi​—​A traveller’s tale​—​The Carib’s opinion of death​—​Religious tenets​—​Altars​—​The burning Carib

ERRATA.

[Transcriber’s Note: these errata have been incorporated.]

Page 4, line 8 from top, for “D’Escambue,” read “D’Esnambuc.”

— 20, line 7 from bottom, for “Parhan,” read “Parham.”

— 89, line 3 from top, for “Mathews,” read “Mathew.”

— 249, line 13 from top, for “Hernhult,” read “Herrnhutt.”

— 266, line 3 from bottom, for “Sheltic,” read “Sheltie.”

SUBSCRIBERS.

Members of Council

Members of the House of Assembly, &c.

St. Christopher’s.

England.

ANTIGUA AND THE ANTIGUANS,
ETC.

CHAPTER I.

General Description of the Island​—​Appearance​—​Soil​—​Productions​—​Climate​—​Early history​—​Discovery by Columbus​—​Attempted settlement by Spaniards​—​Grant to Earl of Carlisle​—​Settlement by d’Esnambuc​—​Williams​—​Governor Warner​—​Account of Sir Thomas Warner, founder of the family.

The Island of Antigua, one of the great Antilles, is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about twenty-five miles to the north-east of Montserrat, and forty miles north of Guadaloupe, in latitude seventeen degrees north, and longitude sixty-two degrees, or thereabouts, the measurement in these respects not being more exact than those of its length and breadth, which are variously stated at 21, 20, and 18 miles for its length, and 21, 20, and 17, for its breadth. The lower estimate is, however, most probably correct. Its circumference, again, is variously stated at from 50 to 80 miles, and its total area from 59,838 acres, to 108 square miles, or nearly 70,000 acres. The population in 1837, consisted of 2000 whites and coloured people, and 33,000 blacks. All the slaves in the island were enfranchised in 1834.

The island is of an oval shape. On the first approach the coast appears rough and barren, but as the voyager draws nearer, hills and valleys open on his view, and the shore puts on an appearance of luxuriant vegetation. The country possesses little of a mountainous character, the highest elevation reaching only to the height of 1210 feet above the level of the sea. The soil varies according to the situation; that of the valleys and low lands consisting of a rich, black mould, on a substratum of clay; and unless in seasons of excessive drought, to which this island is peculiarly subject, remarkably productive. The soil of the high lands, on the other hand, is a stiff, reddish clay, on a substratum of marl, and is much less productive, abounding, as it does, with a species of grass extremely difficult to extirpate; and the increase of which has even caused some lands, formerly cultivated, to be abandoned. With the exception of such tracts, and of a small part totally unimprovable, the whole island may be said to be under cultivation. The staple production is sugar; a little cotton is cultivated; but all other articles of commerce, with the exception of sugar, are neglected. The quantities of ground provisions, as yams, eddoes, sweet potatoes, &c., grown in favourable seasons, is very considerable.

The most remarkable circumstance connected with Antigua is the want of fresh-water springs, there being but two or three of them, wholly inadequate to the wants of the population. This want is supplied by tanks, in which the rain water is preserved, and found to be particularly wholesome and agreeable, being light and pleasing to the palate.

The climate is remarkable for want of moisture, although the average fall of rain is forty-five inches. It is considered one of the most healthy in the West Indies.

The history of Antigua may be said to commence with its discovery by Columbus, for although it was at that period, and subsequently, frequented by the Caribs, they appear not to have made it a place of permanent residence; the want of water, which caused European settlers so long to neglect the island, deterring them also from establishing themselves upon it. For an account of the Caribs, and of their probable origin, the reader is referred to the chapters devoted to that interesting subject; and we shall now proceed to the history of the settlement of the island and of its internal administration down to the present time, reserving for future chapters those sketches of the island, and its inhabitants, which are the result of personal experience.

It was not until his second voyage, in the year 1493, that Columbus discovered Antigua. He landed with a party, but finding, on examination, that it was peopled only by a few Caribs, who possessed nothing that was serviceable to the Spaniards, and who were, probably, only casual visitants, and that the island was destitute of fresh water, he contented himself with giving it a name, Antigua, from the church of St. Mary of Antigua, at Seville, and abandoned it. There is a tradition that the name given to the island by the natives was “Xaymaca,” signifying the “land of springs;” but whether this “lucus a non lucendo” was a specimen of Caribbean wit, or, more probably, arose from a mistake on the part of the European visitants, is uncertain.

Antigua remained neglected by all the various European adventurers, who hastened in crowds to other more favoured spots, until the year 1520, when a small party of Spaniards, under the Licentiate Don Antonio Serrano, who had received letters-patent

from the King of Spain to colonize Antigua, Montserrat, Barbadu, Deseada, Dominica, and Martinique, landed, and driving off the few Caribs they found there, attempted to establish themselves; but after a short stay they abandoned it, and the island remained without a European claimant until the year 1627, when the Earl of Carlisle obtained a grant of Barbados, Antigua, and the rest of the Leeward Islands, from Charles I. This grant was opposed by the Earl of Marlborough, on the plea of a prior grant from James I., which was, however, eventually compromised, and the Earl of Carlisle was recognised as the sole proprietor. He, however, contented himself with settling Barbados; and although Antigua was colonized in his lifetime, yet neither he nor his son, who died without issue in 1660, and in whom the family honours became extinct, appear to have ever interested themselves in Antigua, or to have exercised any rights of ownership or property. In fact, the first permanent occupation of the island appears to have been a mere private speculation, and to have excited little notice or inquiry, since it is still a question who was the first actual settler.

In the year 1629, Mons. d’Esnambuc, the captain of a French privateer, made an attempt at a settlement, but the want of water drove him away after a very short stay; so short, indeed, that although a party of English settlers seem to have been upon the island, he did not remain long enough to discover them. The assertion, however, that English colonists were then on the island, rests solely on a tradition that William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, who interested himself greatly in the colonization of the West Indies, sent out his friend and countryman, Mr. Williams, (the father of Colonel Rowland Williams, renowned in Antiguan story, as having been the first white child born on the island,) to attempt a settlement in Antigua. As Lord Pembroke died in April 1630, it does not appear probable that Mr. Williams’ settlement was later than 1629. If he were not the first, there is no doubt he was one of the first settlers, and an estate at Old Road, still in possession of his descendant, is pointed out as the spot he made choice of for his residence, which, as it is in the neighbourhood of the best spring in the island, now known as “Tom Moore’s Spring,” is extremely likely to have been the case. A fact that strengthens the probability of Mr. Williams being the first settler is, that Mr. Warner, who unquestionably conducted a party to Antigua from St. Kitts, in 1632, fixed his residence near the same spot, which it is natural he should do, for the sake of companionship, but built a cistern, whose ruins are still to be seen in the savannah, which he need not have done, had not the scanty spring been already appropriated.

In the year 1632, General Sir Thomas Warner, at that time, by the sanction of the Earl of Carlisle, the legal proprietor, and, under warrant from the king, Governor of St. Christopher, Nevis, Barbados, and Montserrat, sent his son Edward, a captain in the army, with a sufficient party, to colonize Antigua, which design he carried into effect, and during the remainder of his life continued to act as governor, although we have discovered no evidence of his having ever possessed, either as principal or deputy, any warrant for assuming the title, or executing the functions of governor, except so far as his father, as agent for the Earl of Carlisle, the lord proprietor of the island, might be considered as vested with authority; for in his commission from the crown, no mention is made of Antigua.

The name of Warner being thus distinguished in the annals of Antigua, we may be excused for making a digression upon the history of its founder, more especially as it affords a good illustration of the process of colonization in our West Indian and American possessions.

General Sir Thomas Warner was a scion of an ancient and distinguished English family; but from being a younger son, he was obliged to use personal efforts, in order to effect an honourable passage through life. Having entered into the army at an early age, and attained the rank of captain, he accompanied Roger North, brother of Lord North, in his expedition to Guiana, a country which was then looked upon as a perfect Eldorado. Here he became acquainted with a Captain Painton, a great navigator of those times, and one who had well studied the then all-engrossing subject of colonization.

This gentleman suggested to Captain Warner how much more facility would attend a settlement in one of the smaller islands, than in a country so extensive as Guiana; and from his own personal experience, he thought St. Christopher’s (at that time unoccupied by any European power) would be an island particularly adapted for the exercise of a daring spirit, in the way of planting a settlement.

These suggestions of his friend appear to have made due impression upon the mind of Mr. Warner; for in 1620, after the death of Captain Painton, he resolved to return to England, and endeavour to procure the aid of some kindred spirit, in order to put his designs into execution. Having so far succeeded in his plans as to procure all necessary arrangements for establishing a colony, Mr. Warner again left England, accompanied by his wife and son, Edward, (who was a captain in the army at the early age of thirteen, and who was afterwards appointed first governor of Antigua,) and a small party of followers,^[[1]] and embarked on board a vessel bound for Virginia, whence himself and party proceeded to St. Christopher’s, where they arrived 28th January, 1623. Mr. Warner, as head of the settlers, commenced immediately the task of cultivation, in which he so far progressed as to raise a crop of tobacco, which was unfortunately destroyed in the severe hurricane of the 19th of the following September.

During this period, the movements of the English were diligently observed by the Caribs, who, instigated by three Frenchmen, (supposed to have been cast upon the island by a former storm,) at length made an outbreak upon the English, and retarded in some measure their work of cultivation.

By the end of the following February, Mr. Warner had another crop of tobacco ready for exportation; and the ship Hopewell (commanded by Captain Jefferson) arriving on the 4th March, 1624, from London, bringing fresh supplies for the infant colony, a few emigrants, and goods with which to trade with the Caribs, Mr. Warner resolved to return in her to England, in order to obtain more powerful assistance. He accordingly embarked himself and his first-gathered crop on board the “Hopewell,” and once more sought the shores of England, to receive the congratulations of his friends, and search for a patron who would enable him to carry out further his plans of colonization.

Between that period and 1625, Mr. Warner was employed in voyaging backwards and forwards from St. Christopher’s and England, leaving the cares of the government to his son, Edward Warner, (of whom Du Tertre speaks very handsomely,) until, having gained a friend and patron in the Earl of Carlisle, he was introduced at the court of the then reigning sovereign, Charles I. This monarch was so pleased with Mr. Warner’s indefatigable and patriotic spirit, that he was graciously pleased to grant him a commission, (signed 13th Sept. 1625,) constituting him governor over the “foure islands of St. Christopher’s, Nevis, Barbados, and Mountserrate,”^[[2]] and on the 21st September, 1629, knighted him at Hampton Court Palace.^[[3]]

Some of Sir Thomas Warner’s descendants have filled the highest situations in Antigua, administering the government at times. Nor is the family extinct, for many there are who can trace their descent in a direct line from this great founder of four flourishing colonies. One of these was in 1838 “gathered to his fathers;” he was esteemed as an able legislator, and fulfilled his duties as president of the council, brigadier-general of the militia, and occasionally lieutenant-governor, with integrity. As this family ranks among the first aristocrats of the island, a more particular account of their lineal descent may not be deemed superfluous, and will be found in the Appendix, No. 2.

[[1]] The names of these adventurous few were as follows:—​William Tasted, John Rhodes, Robert Bims, Mr. Benifield, Sergeant Jones, Mr. Ware, William Ryle, Rowland Grasscocke, Mr. Bond, Mr. Langley, Mr. Weaver, Sergeant Aplon, one sailor, and a cook.

[[2]] Vide copy of the first commission granted, No. 1, Appendix.

[[3]] Sir Thomas Warner died at St Christopher’s in 1648. His tomb is still to be met with in the parish church for the township of Old Road, (a place which derives its name from the involuntary exclamation of Columbus upon his second visit to St. Christopher’s, “Ah! we are at the old road again,”) the inscription upon which is as follows:—

An Epitaph vpon Th-------------------
Noble & Mvch Lamented Genr^l Sir
Tho. Warner, K^t Lievtenant
General of y^e Carribee
Ielands & Gover^r of y^e
Ieland of S^t Christopher
Who Departed This
Life the 10th of
March 1648.

First Read then weepe when thou art hereby taught,
That Warner lyes interr’d here, one that bought,
With losse of Noble bloud Illustrious Name,
Of A Comander Greate in Acts of Fame.
Trayn’d from his youth in Armes, his courage bold,
Attempted braue Exploites, and vncontrold
By fortunes fiercest Frownes, hee still gaue forth
Large Narratiues of Military worth.
----ritten with his sword’s poynt, but what is man
-------the midst of his glory, and who can
----------this Life A moment, since that hee
-------------by Sea and Land, so longe kept free
-----------al, Mortal Strokes at length did yeeld
------------ace) to conquering Death the field,
fini Coronat.

The black lines shew where the marble is broken, or the letters from some other cause are quite obliterated.

CHAPTER II.

History of the island continued​—​Sir Henry Hunks​—​Descent of the Caribs​—​Legend of Ding-a-ding Nook​—​Arrival of the Ship Nonsuch​—​Sir Thomas Modiford​—​Earl of Warwick, Captain-General​—​Captain Edward Warner​—​Colonel Rich​—​Colonel Lake​—​Mr. Everard​—​Sir George Ayscue​—​Colonel Christopher Reynall​—​Invasion by the Caribs​—​Dissensions among the inhabitants​—​Copy of Colonel Reynall’s letter to Cromwell​—​Attack upon St. Domingo and Jamaica​—​Major-General Poyntz​—​Grant of Antigua to Lord F. Willoughby.

We will now return to the history of Antigua, which we shall hereafter pursue, as closely as possible, in chronological order.

In 1639, Sir Henry Hunks paid Antigua a visit. This gentleman (who was nephew to Lord Conway, Secretary of State) was the first governor of Barbados with a regular commission; but upon his arrival at that colony, Henry Hawley, the then acting commander-in-chief, would not resign the government, and raised so formidable a party, that Sir Henry Hunks quietly retired to Antigua, where he remained from June to December; at which latter period, he was installed in his government, according to the instructions which he received from England.

In 1640, the English settlers were disturbed in their possessions at Antigua by the Caribs, who made a descent upon the island, pillaging it, and destroying everything that fell in their way. After many lives being lost on both sides, the English were enabled to repel their invaders; who, however, succeeded in carrying away the governor’s wife and her two children. It is maintained by some authors, that the after fate of this unfortunate woman was not known; but that everything the worst might be imagined from the character of the Caribs, goaded on as they were by the loss of their country.

There is, however, a tradition still extant in Antigua, which most probably relates to this catastrophe. In the first years of this island becoming an English colony, it was, of course, but thinly peopled by Europeans, and consequently there was but little force to repel any invasion. Parties of Caribs from the different islands, particularly Dominica, used frequently to land upon it, and distress the inhabitants. In these invasions, no mercy was shewn, no quarter given, to the unhappy people who fell in their power, and after a combat, numerous were the bodies left upon the field of battle. Armed with their massive clubs and sharp spears, at the end of which was inserted a fish-bone, dipped in the poisonous juice of the lianas or the manchineel, the Caribs were no mean foes. No sooner had they set fire to a cluster of houses, or destroyed a field of tobacco, the chief production of the island in those days, than they immediately flew to their canoes, which were so fast in sailing, that before the alarm had subsided in one part, they were burning and plundering in another.^[[4]] At that period, the house where the governor resided was situated near Falmouth Bay; and in the village itself the principal of the English settlers lived. Government House, from its situation, was particularly open to the attacks of the Caribs; and here the first part of the scene took place, which gave rise to

The Legend of Ding-a-ding Nook.^[[5]]

It was night. The wind, which had been blowing rather hard during the day, as evening drew in, gradually sank, until about midnight, the time when the legend opens, it was a dead calm. Nothing was to be heard but the dull moaning of the waves, as they broke heavily upon the beach, or, now and then, the distant bark of a dog from the houses of the settlers, which, with the natural fidelity of that animal, had followed his master to these sunny islands, when he came in search of that fortune which his native land denied him.

The family of the governor consisted of himself, his young and beautiful wife, two lovely children, and his numerous domestics. At an early period of this evening, his lady, with the warm solicitude of a mother’s love, had seen her infants safely deposited in their cot; and with a mother’s prayer for their happiness upon her lips, watched beside them until the deepening rose upon their cheeks, and their measured breathings, shewed that they slept the quiet sleep of childhood.

Hours rolled on, and all beneath that roof sought their resting-place​—​all but the governor’s wife were quickly in the arms of sleep. As if some “spirit of the night” had whispered a hint of the sufferings she was fated to endure, an irresistible feeling of melancholy hung over her. Sleep she could not; and to allay the fever of her brow, she arose from her couch, and throwing her robe around her, she opened the lattice. The scene she looked upon was wild but beautiful. Dark masses of clouds still hung about the heavens, and strove to hide the beams of the rising moon; but she, “fair Cynthia,” kept on her way in peerless majesty, and shed on every object her mellowed light. The simple houses of the English were visible amid the trees; above which the stately cocoa-nut reared its head, its long pendant branches perfectly motionless. On one side, the bay of Falmouth lay stretched before the eye of the gazer, every snow-crested wave of which could be counted; and on the other were the dark mountains, except in the opening of the bay, where nothing was to be seen but an extent of waters.

Long did that beautiful lady gaze upon this scene: many thoughts did its loveliness conjure up​—​thoughts of her native land, its verdant hills and spangled dells, and all its towering cities. Present objects were fast fading away, when a splash of the waters was heard, and as her eye sought the ocean, a swift-gliding canoe came in sight. At this moment, the moon, which had been lately obscured, shone out with redoubled brightness, and she could plainly discover that the canoe contained about twenty armed men, and was quickly followed by another, with even more than that number. Who could these strangers be? was the first thought; and what their business at such an hour? Were they Caribs? And one more glance at their wild forms, and the dreadful truth rushed across her mind, that they were coming to storm the house. Soon she awoke her husband, and told him her fears; the domestics were aroused and armed, and the house put into a posture of defence.

The canoes were now no longer to be seen; and even the lady was inclined to ask, Could it be one of those wild vagaries of the imagination? when suddenly the war-cry was heard, and, with dreadful imprecations, a party of Caribs bounded into sight. Terrible was the fight that succeeded, and many a corse strewed the ground. At length the Caribs were obliged to retreat; but, alas! they carried with them all that was dear to the governor​—​his wife and children. The Caribs, hotly pursued, made for the place where they had directed their canoes to wait, under the charge of some of their friends, dragging the unhappy lady and her two babies with them. Frightened by the wild looks of the Indians, and suddenly awakened from its slumbers, one of the little innocents commenced crying bitterly, which its distressed mother, at the command of her conquerors, vainly endeavoured to still. After walking, or rather running, for some distance, they had almost reached the sea-side, when one of the Caribs, more ferocious than the rest, and thinking that the cries of the child would perhaps lead their pursuers to the spot, caught the baby by the feet, and swinging it around his head, at one blow dashed out its brains upon a neighbouring rock.^[[6]] This deed committed in sight of its parent, the lady and her remaining child were rudely hurried on, until, the beach gained, they were thrown into one of the canoes; and the whole party embarking, they pushed out into the ocean.

The governor, finding they had escaped, proceeded on board an armed vessel, and immediately sailed in pursuit of the enemy. The morning that succeeded that disastrous night was one of West Indian beauty; not a vapour was abroad; the sky was one deep, lovely blue, and the sea looked like fluid light. Seated upon the high poop, anxiously did the governor scan the waters in hopes of seeing the canoes; but nothing met his eye​—​not even a speck appeared to raise his hopes. Hour after hour passed away, but no sight of the fugitives; night drew on, and the breeze died away; the sails flapping heavily against the mast bespoke another calm. How tedious seemed those hours of darkness​—​how fervently was the morning wished for; but just before dawn the wind sprung up, and soon after the mountains of Dominica appeared in sight. Slowly but surely the vessel glided on, every eye watching for some trace of the lost ones, when, in the opening of a little bay, two empty canoes were discovered. Could these be the same they were in quest of? was the anxious query; and if so, where could their owners be? Orders were given to let go the anchor, and prepare the boats; and in a short time the governor and his party, all well armed, were landed upon the beach.

A beaten path led up to the mountains, and it was determined to pursue it in hopes of it leading to some dwelling, where they might obtain information. As it proceeded, however, it became more and more intricate, guava bushes, aloes, and the prickly pear, grew thickly together, while different species of parasites conspired to render the path more impervious. In some places it was almost obstructed by these various bushes, interspersed with larger trees, so that the companions of the governor were for returning, supposing no one could have passed that way lately. But he was determined to proceed a little further; and had just stretched out his hand to sever with his sword the overhanging boughs of an acacia, when suddenly he made a start, his heart beat almost to bursting, and, unable to speak, he pointed to his amazed followers a portion of white taffeta hanging to one of its sharp thorns. This, he felt assured, must have been torn from the robe of his wife; and, consequently, that was the road her conquerors must have carried her. Upon further search among the rank and tangled grass, in hopes of discovering prints of footsteps, marks of blood were observed. These led to further inquiries. Could they have murdered her there? But no; had such been the case, greater quantities of blood would have marked the deed. Perhaps she might have been wounded, and placed in some concealment near. Again they proceeded, guided by the drops of blood, until, coming to an abrupt turn of the path, about a dozen Caribs’ huts lay stretched before them, and their fierce inmates lolling around the open doors.

In less than a minute all was confusion. Confident that this was the party who had stolen his wife, the governor rushed upon them furious with passion. Nothing could resist his power; Carib after Carib lay stretched by the prowess of his arm; and springing over his prostrate foes, the anxious husband entered the principal hut, which he had observed was carefully guarded throughout the fray. A well-known voice called his name, an infant’s cry of joy saluted his ear, and, bursting open an inner door, his weeping wife was in his arms, and his darling child clinging around his knees. It took but little time to quit that spot, and retrace the mountain path. The drops of blood he had seen were occasioned by his wife’s shoe coming off, and the rugged ascent cutting her tender feet, upon her journey to the Caribs’ huts. The boat was quickly gained, and in a few minutes they reached the ship, and, unfurling the sails, they sought the shores of Antigua, where they arrived in safety.

Hitherto all was well. Happy in again seeing her husband, and knowing herself and child were safe, that lady still took comfort, although mourning the untimely fate of her other darling. But this did not last long. Other thoughts arose in her husband’s breast​—​thoughts too horrible to mention.

“Oh! what dreadful minutes tells he o’er,
Who dotes, still doubts; suspects, yet strongly loves.”

In vain his poor unhappy wife protested she was pure.

“Jealousy is a green-eyed monster,
That doth mock the food it feeds upon;”

and by its whispers drove him, who was the affectionate friend and protector, to be the harsh and implacable tyrant. No longer enjoying the society of his wife, he determined to get rid of her; and for this purpose built a keep in Ding-a-Ding Nook, and, conveying his wife hither, left her to wear away her life in hopeless misery.

This is the legend; and well might that Nook be selected for such a place of seclusion, for it is a valley completely shut in by the surrounding mountains, and open only to the sea. I have heard another version of this story, which says, the governor and his lady parted by mutual consent, and that it was her wish to have a house built in that spot. Surely, if this was the case, she must have had the taste of an anchorite.

Between the period of Mrs. Warner’s abduction and the year 1666, the Caribs carried away the wives and children of many of the respectable settlers. Among them, we find mentioned Mrs. Cardin and children, Mrs. Taylor and children, Mrs. Chrew and children, Mrs. Lynch and children, Mrs. Lee, wife of Captain Lee, and many other females. Mrs. Lee was detained prisoner for three years, after the Caribs had murdered her husband, and many other Englishmen, the truth of which is attested by the following extract from a letter written by J. Daniel, auditor-general to the expedition under Pen and Venables, to Oliver Cromwell, lord-protector of England, dated 3rd June, 1655:—​“Mrs. Lee, wife of Captain Lee, was carried away by the Caribs, and kept prisoner three years at Dominica, her husband and many English slaughtered.” This statement immediately dispels the hypothesis (which some writers have entertained) of Captain Lee being the erector of the keep at Ding-a-Ding Nook; and, consequently, fixes more firmly the truth of Mrs. Warner being the heroine of the preceding legend.

To return once more to our chronological record. In 1647, the ship “Nonsuch,” Captain Middleton, owner, arrived at Antigua, which gave the name to Nonsuch Harbour, having anchored in that port. This was one of three vessels which had been fitted out from England by Colonel, afterwards Sir Thomas, Modiford, in order to form a plantation in this island. During the passage, the “Achilles,” the larger vessel of the expedition, of 300 tons burden, William Crowder, owner and master, parted company with the “Nonsuch,” which proceeded to Antigua alone. The “Achilles,” after being out at sea for many weeks, put into Barbados in distress, being infected with a disease which caused great mortality among the men. During Colonel Modiford’s stay at Barbados, it was represented to him how far more advantageous it would be to purchase an estate in that island, already planted, and from which immediate emolument might be derived, than to proceed to an infant colony, where he would have to undergo all the fatigues and privations incident upon establishing a plantation. Colonel Modiford, listening to this advice, purchased the half of an estate for 7000l., an immense sum at that day, and thus constituted himself a Barbados planter, instead of adhering to his first resolution, of becoming a settler of Antigua. Sir Thomas Modiford afterwards removed to the newly-gained English colony of Jamaica, of which island he was appointed governor in 1663, and where he resigned his breath in 1679. The Earl of Warwick had been appointed captain-general of all the West Indies in 1643, but he does not appear to have assumed the command; for, in 1648, after the demise of Sir Thomas Warner, we find Colonel Rich become governor of St. Christopher’s, Colonel Lake^[[7]] of Nevis, and Colonel Edward Warner of Antigua. How long this latter gentleman retained his situation is uncertain; but, about the year 1651-2, a Mr. Everard is mentioned as holding the government of the leeward West India islands. An official document, however, written in the year 1655, speaks of a gentleman of that name as governor of St. Kitt’s only.

Antigua, among most of the other colonies in this quarter of the globe, refusing to acknowledge the rights of the Protector, Sir George Ayscue was sent with a squadron to reduce them. This island soon yielded to the Commonwealth’s banner, and Colonel Christopher Reynall was appointed governor, instead of the individual who had so daringly withstood the parliamentary power.

In 1654, the Caribs again made a descent upon Antigua; but the English were enabled to repel their invaders, and effect such slaughter among them, that but few escaped to tell the tale. This victory appears to have intimidated the Indians; and for the next two or three years, the island had rest from their relentless invasions. About this period, Antigua was a prey to great dissensions between the governor and the governed. Complaints were forwarded by the inhabitants to Barbados, praying the governor of that island to use his influence in endeavouring to put a stop to their internal distractions. On the other hand, the Governor of Antigua, Colonel Christopher Reynall, wrote to the Lord Protector, imploring his Highness to take the island under his more particular command, and, by his authority, quell the disaffections which had so unfortunately crept in among them. The following letter from the Governor of Antigua, and the extract from one written by Daniel Searle, Esq., Governor of Barbados, are taken from “Thurloe’s State Papers”:—

Copy of a letter from Christopher Reynall, Governor of Antigua, to the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell.

“May it please your Highness,

“Upon the reducement of these parts in that expedition of Sir George Ayscue’s employ, I was by him and the other commissioners, then empowered and commissioned to be governor and commander-in-chief of this island of Antigua, in relation and obedience to the Commonwealth of England, which, to the best of my endeavours, I hope in my instrument, I have faithfully performed; in the progress of which my employ being, I have received by several advice, that it was and is thought meet, and so established by the Great Council and Estate of England, with your Highnesses consent and acceptation, that the government of our nation and dominions remain in yourself as Lord Protector; a thing most acceptable to me, who do most faithfully wish your Highness and the Commonwealth welfare and happiness; and, in manifestation thereof, have cheerfully acknowledged and submitted to all such mandates or expresses which hath hitherto come in the name of the Lord Protector. But in our private consultations, considering of many spirits amongst us, doubting their satisfactions have not attained the title of our ...... or ......; according to our desires and intentions, lest an ill-affected party should presume to take an advantage thereby in pretending, as some have already given out, that there were no power of government, but all as libertine, until a new commission came from your Highness; which, by that means might endanger the place to a confusion and ruin: so render us incapable of that service we desire to perform to your Highness and the Commonwealth. The place of itself (if encouragement and small help were afforded) being of consequence, by reason of the fertility of the soil, and exceeding all others settled in these parts, in convenient and safe harbours​—​I, in relation to the promises and my loyalty to your Highness and the Commonwealth, do prostrate my humble desire at the feet of your Highness’s care and justice, as so far to take up the people and place into your consideration, as to give such orders and directions as may put us not only in the condition of walking inoffensively, but also as we may be serviceable to your Highness and the Commonwealth, which is the hearty desire of

“Your most obedient subject and servant,

(Signed) “Christopher Reynall.

“From the Island of Antigua, in the parts of America,

“Aug. 20th, 1654.”

The extract from Governor Searle’s letter, dated from Barbados, Nov. 7th, 1655, and addressed to Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, &c., is as follows:—

“Some addresses have likewise been made unto me, by Mr. Jos. Lee, Mr. Benjamin Langham, and Richard Farley, inhabitants of Antego, in behalf of themselves and the people of that colony, concerning some distractions among them, and the present unsettled and desturbed condition of that colony. But finding I have no power to take cognizance of anything of that nature, without the bounds of this colony, without a special order from your Highness, I have transmitted their complaints, and the state of the matter in difference betwixt them and the governor going off, which your Highness will here receive.”

In 1665, Antigua joined with Barbados, St. Christopher’s, and Nevis, in levying troops to join the intended expedition of Admiral Pen and General Venables, (of which accounts had been received from England,) in their projected attack upon St. Domingo​—​an island at that period under the power of Spain, but which Cromwell was very desirous of obtaining. From the copy of a State paper, it appears, however, that upon the arrival of the Commonwealth fleet, the Governor of Antigua, Christopher Reynall, represented to the commanders of the expedition, the disastrous state of the island, from the frequent, and particularly the late, molestations of the Caribs;—​a fact so clearly presented to Pen and Venables, that they would not lessen the force of the place, by impressing any of its inhabitants for soldiers. They, therefore, remained only two days at Antigua, during which period they proclaimed the Protector with great pomp; and then proceeded to St. Christopher’s, and the other leeward islands, where they procured a sufficient complement of men. I am sorry, however, that an historian of great fame states, “the troops raised in the West Indies were the most profligate of mankind.”

As Antigua did not eventually join in this expedition, it will be sufficient to remark, that the attack upon St. Domingo was very disastrous; for, although upon the first approach of the English, the Spaniards left their town and fled into the woods, the troops did not follow up their advantage. Venables allowed the soldiers to disembark, without a guide, ten miles from the capital; and, wandering about without any fixed purpose for the space of four days, they gave the Spaniards time to recover themselves from their alarm, and, rushing from their place of concealment, they fell upon the English, who were almost dead with fatigue and hunger, killed six hundred of them, and drove the remainder on board their vessels. In order to atone for their indiscretions, the English commanders resolved to proceed against Jamaica, also under the dominion of Spain, and which island immediately surrendered to the English flag, without a blow being struck in its defence. Colonel Doyly being appointed governor of the new gained colony, with about 3000 land forces under his command, and a fleet of men-of-war under Vice-Admiral Goodson, Pen and Venables prepared to return home. Landing the West India troops at their respective islands, the commanders sailed for England; but, upon their arrival, they were both sent to the Tower, for their failure upon St. Domingo, entirely owing to their want of proper conduct as English officers.

Upon the Restoration, Antigua held out for the Commonwealth, as strenuously as in 1651 it had opposed the pretensions of Cromwell, and for this cause, Charles II. appointed Major-General Poyntz, a former deserter from the Parliamentary power, to act as governor, which situation he filled until 1663, when Lord Francis Willoughby, of Parham, obtained a grant of the entire island from Charles II. as a reward for his eminent services in the cause of that monarch; and Major-General Poyntz retired to Virginia. During the period this latter gentleman resided at Antigua as governor, he owned and planted an estate called by him Cassada Garden, a title which it still bears.

[[4]] The following extract alludes to the invasions of the Caribs (Rochfort’s Histoire des Antilles, published at Rotterdam, 1665, tome 4, page 310):—​“Les Caraibs ont fait des descent dans les isles de Montserrat, d’Antigoa, et en d’autres qui sont occupées par les Anglais, et après avoir brulé quelques maisons, et pillé quelques meubles; ils ont enlevé des hommes, des femmes et des enfans, qu’ils ont conduit à la Dominique et à St. Vincents.”

[[5]] An estate in Antigua called by that name.

[[6]] This rock is still pointed out upon an estate, called Patterson’s, belonging to the Hon. John Athill.

[[7]] The proper appellation of this gentleman (according to the authority of E. S. B———, Esq.) is Colonel Luke Stokes; but, from an orthographical error of the French historian, Du Tertre, he has been handed down to posterity as Colonel Lake. He afterwards removed to Jamaica at the head of a small party of English settlers, where he died in 1659, universally esteemed for his virtues and honourable actions.

CHAPTER III.

Rupture between France and England​—​War in the West Indies​—​Loss of Lord Francis Willoughby​—​Colonel Carden​—​Capture of Antigua by the French forces under M. de la Barre​—​Colonel Fitche​—​Restoration of Antigua by the Treaty of Breda​—​Death of Colonel Carden​—​Biographical notices.

In 1665-6, England was engaged in a contest with Holland, Denmark, and France; and during that period, her colonies in the West Indies suffered greatly, particularly St. Christopher’s and Antigua.

St. Christopher’s being reduced by the French, Lord Francis Willoughby headed an expedition of 2000 troops, and sailed from Barbados (where he was then residing in preference to Antigua) with the hope of recapturing that island. On his passage to St. Christopher’s, he visited Martinique, with the design of surprising the place, and, after taking the French prisoners, to transport them to Antigua, Montserrat, and Nevis. The French, however, having received tidings of his movements, were accordingly prepared; and Lord Willoughby, finding himself baffled in his intentions, sailed for Guadaloupe, where he arrived on the 2nd of August. Before any success was effected against this island, a dreadful hurricane arose, which, raging with extreme violence for the space of twenty-four hours, entirely destroyed the fleet of Lord Willoughby, strewing the coast with its fragments, and every soul perished, with the exception of two seamen.^[[8]]

Before embarking upon this expedition, this ill-fated nobleman appointed his nephew, Mr. Henry Willoughby, lieutenant-general and governor of these islands, who in his turn constituted Colonel Carden governor of Antigua.

Before the declaration of war between France and England was published, several Frenchmen had left the French colonies, from different motives, and settled in Antigua, where they lived sociably with the English, and prosecuted their respective professions. After the rupture between those nations was known in the West Indies, and the report of the intended attack upon St. Christopher’s by the French, reached the ears of Lord F. Willoughby, he dispatched his nephew, Mr. Henry Willoughby, to the relief of that place. Arriving, however, too late for the action, he was obliged to proceed with his ship to Antigua; and being (according to Du Tertre, the French historian) in “a burning rage” at the failure of his plans, he vented it upon the French settlers whom he found there​—​confiscating their property, forbidding them to quit their houses, or hold communications between themselves, under pain of death, and obliging them to swear allegiance to the English monarch.

“Many of them submitted, in a very cowardly manner,” remarks the above-named quaint author; “but others, whose heart was in a better place, refused to do so.”

Among these French settlers was a young surgeon, of the name of Grand-Maison, who had been formerly valet-de-chambre to M. de la Barre, lieutenant-general by sea and land of the French forces, and who was fully alive to the tyrannical manner in which himself and his countrymen had been treated. Having a little more liberty than the others, from the nature of his profession, Grand-Maison had an opportunity of entering into conversation with another young Frenchman, of the name of Baston, who, says Du Tertre, “was skilful by sea and land, courageous and brave, and an admirer of firmness and constancy.” Finding Grand-Maison entertained the same sentiments as himself, he proposed that they should steal a small shallop, which was attached by an iron chain to a post firmly planted in the beach, and taking advantage of the darkness of the night, effect their escape from the island. As, however, the oars had been carried away by the owner of the boat, they bribed a French carpenter, who was engaged working in some of the back woods of Antigua, to join them in their enterprise, and make them a pair in that retired place.

Grand-Maison, who served a very rich master,^[[9]] took the charge of bringing a sufficient quantity of provisions from his home; and between them they procured five muskets, a few pairs of pistols, some cutlasses, twenty or thirty pounds of powder, and lead in proportion. But thinking themselves not strong enough to man the shallop, Grand-Maison, who was very much beloved by the negroes, engaged two of them, who were esteemed excellent rowers, to accompany him.

All things being duly prepared, they stole away from their masters by night, hurried to the beach, and the carpenter having sawn in two the post to which the boat was fastened, they departed, and made for Guadaloupe. After struggling manfully against the current and contrary winds for some time, running many risks of their lives, and putting back into Antigua once or twice, they changed their resolution, and made for St. Christopher’s​—​arriving in Cabsterre, a district of that island, at the very time M. de Chambre was on the point of sailing for Martinique, to rejoin M. de la Barre, with all the French ships of war.

M. Sannois, captain of that district, welcomed the adventurers, and treated them very kindly; and upon hearing their story, sent them to M. de St. Laurent, who, after examining them, and finding them well informed of the strength and natural barriers of Antigua​—​and more particularly, as Baston gave him a plan of the coast, shewing the best landing-places, and offered himself as a guide to the troops, to lead them to the place “wherever resistance might be expected,” and to be everywhere “at their head,”​—​he determined to send them with M. de Chambre to M. de la Barre, at Martinique.

Upon their arrival at that island, at counsel was held, and Grand-Maison and Baston introduced, when the latter repeated his offers. The assembly was well pleased with his information and solid reflections; but M. de Chambre represented, that the officers of the French forces were so contented with the conquest of St. Kitts, that he thought they would be unwilling to engage in any new adventure, unless there was an augmentation of the troops. To this objection M. Clodoré, the Governor of Martinique, replied, in such a splendid speech, abounding with so much true martial ardour, that every objection was borne down before him; and M. de Chambre was led to observe, that if M. St. Laurent had heard the powerful arguments brought forward by M. de Clodoré, he would change his opinion, and join in attacking Antigua; and he did not believe M. St. Leon, (the commanding officer,) with his brother officers, would even stand firm in their resolution after hearing him. M. de Chambre then asked M. Clodoré if he would accompany him to St. Christopher’s, to consult with the other officers. M. Clodoré immediately replied he should be most happy to do so, if M. de la Barre would give him such instructions in writing; which being directly complied with, they made sail 25th October, 1666, with seven vessels of war, carrying 166 pieces of cannon, and commanded by M. de la Barre, admiral of the whole fleet; M. de Clodoré, Governor of Martinique; M. du Lion, Governor of Guadaloupe; M. de Chambre, Intendant of the French West Indian Company’s affairs; and attended by 130 men of the regiment of Poictiers, commanded by Sieur d’Orvillier, and two companies of infantry, besides the seamen.

Calling in at Guadaloupe, they held another council of war, in which it was determined to sail for St. Kitt’s; but at the same time to come so near to Antigua as to be able to reconnoitre the island, and ascertain if it would be prudent to attack it before they proceeded to St. Christopher’s.

Leaving Guadaloupe on the 2nd November, they made sail for Antigua, bearing the English flag as a subterfuge, and thinking by that means to deceive the English. Upon reaching Antigua, they endeavoured to get into the harbour of St. John’s; but meeting with contrary winds, they put back and made for Five Islands’ Bay, which at that period was defended by two forts​—​the smaller one (which appears to have been only an artificial mound, without any parapets or any kind of fortifications) mounted with six guns; the larger one (with good stone buildings, and standing in that part now occupied by the batteries of “Goat’s Hill”) mounted with eight guns. The men stationed at the smaller fort had their suspicions first awakened by observing how carefully the French came in, sounding with the lead every moment; and consequently they determined to fire upon them.

To this warm welcome the French replied in such a manner, bringing all their guns to bear upon the place, that the English abandoned the fort, and fled. Arriving abreast of the larger fort, the French anchored at pistol-shot; and the firing was carried on with such vigour, that it was also abandoned, and that with such precipitancy, that the royal flag was left behind.

The signal was now made for a party to land and take possession of the forts, with directions to capture all they could, but not to burn or destroy any part of the country, wisely remarking, according to their own narrator, that “they could do that another time.” These orders for forbearance, if they were ever given, were not attended to; for everything that fell in their way was devastated; and it has been remarked by an old author, that the French robbed the very shoes from off the feet of the inhabitants.^[[10]]

But to return to the particulars of the attack. The next morning, about four o’clock, M. de Clodoré, &c., attended by 200 men, landed upon the beach, and, guided by Baston, proceeded to the house where the governor, Colonel Carden, then resided, which was situated about a mile and a half from the shore. The English fought with their usual bravery, but were at length overpowered; and Colonel Carden, Colonel Monk, and about thirty other officers, were taken prisoners, and the house burnt to the ground.

The governor, being thus captured, was conveyed on board the admiral’s ship; and the French were so elated with their success, that they determined to push on their good fortune, and endeavour to subdue the whole island. The next day, they again landed at daybreak, attended by 240 men, divided into two companies, and guided by Baston. Reaching a large house situated upon a hill, they dispatched a trumpeter to summon the inhabitants to surrender, among whom was Mrs. Carden, the wife of the governor. This trumpeter carried a letter, written by Colonel Carden, describing how well he was treated(?), and advising them not to wait to the last extremity to surrender, but to do so without delay. To this letter they returned a verbal answer, thanking the French for their polite treatment to their governor, but at the same time intimating, that they were resolved to do their duty, and resist to the last.

Upon receiving this reply, the French commanders prepared for battle, and resolved to storm the house. At first they were repulsed by the English; and the greater part of the regiment of Poictiers, commanded by the Sieur d’Orvillier, being seized with a panic, retreated and concealed themselves in a neighbouring wood; but Mons. de Clodoré, seeing the state of affairs, hurried to the spot, and, being joined by the officers of the regiment and about thirty of the common soldiers, whom they had prevailed upon to leave their concealment, made a second attack upon the house, and succeeded in forcing an entrance.

A battalion of the English making their appearance upon the hill behind the house, M. de Clodoré drew off his men to engage with them, while D’Orvillier and the rest of the party were left in charge of the edifice. Upon entering, they found Colonel Quest (who had taken the command of the island after the seizure of Colonel Carden) seated “in an arm-chair, with a pair of pistols cocked in his hand,” and surrounded by a few brave English. Colonel Quest demanded quarter, to which a Frenchman replied by sending a ball through his body; and the rest of the English who were with him, were slaughtered without mercy.

In justice to M. de Clodoré, it must be remarked, that as soon as he knew of these proceedings, he endeavoured to put a stop to them, and finally saved the lives of about fifty English, who had concealed themselves in another part of the house.

After burning down the edifice, and many others in the vicinity​—​which were described as being very handsome ones​—​killing fifty of the English, and getting all the plunder they could, the French proceeded to the beach, carrying their prisoners, about fifty in number, along with them. Upon arriving there, it was agreed to ship them immediately, and despatch them to St. Kitts, with the wounded Frenchmen, among whom was Baston, the instigator of the attack, and who afterwards died of his wound at that island.^[[11]] When Colonel Quest was to be carried down to the beach along with the other prisoners, he was found to be so seriously wounded, that he was unable to walk; and consequently, one of the French officers proposed to despatch him, offering to do the deed himself. At this barbarous scheme, M. de Clodoré was justly incensed; and, ordering a few of his soldiers to form a kind of bier, had him carefully conducted on board the ship that was to carry him to St. Kitts, in which island he also died.

After getting rid of their prisoners, the French held another council of war, when it was resolved to send a trumpeter, summoning all the inhabitants to surrender, threatening to set fire to all their property should they demur. A compliance with this demand appears to have been wholly unexpected by the French, and their threat of burning only a species of bravado; for at this council it was resolved, that if the English held out, they would immediately sail for St. Christopher’s with the whole fleet. Fate, however, willed it otherwise, and the trumpeter brought answer back, that the English were willing to accede to their demand, and desired a place to be appointed in which to treat about the terms of capitulation. Overjoyed at their unexpected success, the French named the harbour of St. John’s as the place of treaty; and accordingly despatched one of their frigates​—​the “Armes d’Angleterre,” on board of which the conference was to be held. On the tenth of November, 1666, M. de Clodoré, M. de Chambre, &c. &c., accompanied by four shallops, containing eighty armed men, proceeded on board that vessel, and were quickly joined by Lieut.-Colonel Bastien Baijer, Colonel Buckley, Joseph Lee, Captain Samuel Winthorp,^[[12]] Captain Philip Warner, and James Halliday, who were appointed by the English to sign the capitulation.

All arms, ammunition, forts, batteries, &c., were to be given up to the French; but the English were to be allowed to retain their property, have free exercise of their religion; (except in that immediate district which the French governor might choose as his quarters;) and Colonel Carden, who had been detained prisoner of war on board one of the enemy’s vessels, was to be restored to liberty.

After signing the capitulation, on the 12th of November, the English deputies despatched Colonel Buckley on board the “Armes d’Angleterre,” with the information that there were three hundred soldiers arrived from Barbados, which would prevent them from fulfilling their part of the treaty; but that if the French thought proper to hazard an attack, they (the deputies) would not interfere.

Upon receiving this message, the greater part of the French officers were for detaining Colonel Buckley as an hostage, as well as refusing to liberate Colonel Carden; but to this M. de Clodoré would not assent, remarking that as he had given his word to restore Colonel Carden to liberty, and Colonel Buckley had come on board under protection of a flag of truce, they should both be conveyed safely to land. This was accordingly done the same day; but Monsieur Giraud, the head commander of St. Kitts, seeing Colonel Buckley on shore, and not being aware of M. de la Barre’s intentions towards him, had him seized and conveyed on board the admiral’s ship; who, being of different opinion to M. de Clodoré, detained him as a hostage; and the whole of the French forces having embarked, the fleet sailed for St. Kitts, where they arrived on the 15th of November.

After remaining there a few days, M. de Clodoré sailed for Martinique to transact some necessary business, and then, accompanied by a fleet of six frigates, returned to Antigua, to oblige the inhabitants to fulfil the treaty they had signed. He arrived on the 30th of November, but found the state of affairs entirely changed, Mr. Willoughby having appointed Colonel Daniel Fitche, (who upon the former visit of the French was staying at Nevis,) governor of Antigua, in place of Colonel Carden, and the island being reinforced by the arrival of some troops from Barbados.

Surprised but not intimidated, M. de Clodoré, with the concurrence of his principal officers, sent a trumpeter to Colonel Carden, calling upon him to fulfil the treaty, and oblige the inhabitants to surrender. This message was received by Colonel Carden in the presence of some of the English officers; but the same night, by the order of Colonel Fitche, (who was displeased at his expressing his opinion, that it was but equitable to stand by their written contract,) he was arrested and sent to prison. Upon this occasion, Mrs. Carden despatched the following letter to M. de Clodoré:—

“Mons.,

“Mon mary cette nuit a esté enlevé d’auprés de moy par deux officers et deux soldats, et ce qu’ils pretendent faire de moy et des miens, jusqu’à present ie n’en sçay encore rien; mais en crains qu’il ne nous en arrive mal. Je vous supplie tres-humblement, Monsieur, voyant que moy, les mien, et ma famille est delaissée et abandonée de nostre nation; qu’il vous plaise nous prendre sous votre protection, nous qui n’avons levé la main ni le cœur contre vous; et moy et les miens, et beaucoup d’autres, prieront pour vostre prosperité et ie prend la hardiesse de me qualifier,

“Monsieur, vostres, &c.

“Marie Carden.”^[[13]]

[N.B.—These letters are literally transcribed.]

Upon the same day, Colonel Carden despatched the following letter to M. de Clodoré:—

“Monsieur,

“J’aurois eu l’honneur de vous aller trouver, mais i’ay este intercepté par ordre de Mons. le Gouverneur Fitche, et il ne m’a pas esté permis de sortir. J’espere, Monsieur, que ne croirez, ni ne iugerez autre chose de celuy qui prend la liberté de se souscrire,​—Mons., votres, &c.

“Robert Carden.”^[[14]]

Soon after sending this letter, Colonel Carden was liberated, and immediately proceeding on board the French ship, delivered himself up to M. de Clodoré, and informed him that Colonel Fitche and his troops were encamped at Pope’s Head. Upon hearing this, M. de Clodoré immediately weighed anchor, and sailing round the coast, arrived off Pope’s Head the same night. The next morning, the following letters were despatched to him from the English camp:—

“Monsieur,

“Nous avons receu vos semonces de venir à bord delivrant en vostre possession nos armes et munitions de guerre; laquelle chose, le changement de nos affaires est tel depuis vostre depart, qu’il ne vous la peut pas permettre. Monsieur le Lieut.-General de nostre roy ayant envoyé icy le Col. Daniel Fitche pour son gouverneur, luy a donné pouvoir sur toute la milice de cette isle: si-bien, Mons., que nous sommes devenus tout-à-fait incapables de vous donner aucune reponse satisfactoire; et sur l’examination des affaires passées, a trouvé qu’elles estoient beaucoup à notres preiudice; et en particulier envoyant les Careibes deux fois sur nous contre l’obligation de vos articles, et les loix des nations, des personnes qui sont cruels, tout-à-fait barbares et ignorans de Dieu et de toutes civilitez. Neanmoins, Monsieur, nous vous supplions suivant ce que nous avons déiafait, d’en faire vos demandes à nostre dit gouverneur, qui est uniquement experimenté en matiere de guerre. En attendant nous demeurons,

“Monsieur, vos tres-humble serviteurs,

“Bastien Baijer, &c. &c.”^[[15]]

“Mons.,

“Nous avons receu la vostre, à laquelle nous ne pouvons à present faire aucune reponse, si non qu’il n’est pas en nostre pouvoir de convenir à vos semonces, ni à aucunes choses cy-devant faites; parce que depuis vostre depart d’icy, est arrivé le Col. Daniel Fitche, avec commission de Monsieur le Lieut.-Gen. pour gouverneur, auquel vos semonces et demandes doivent estre faites, comme estant seul commandant de la milice. Nous trouvons que nous avons receu grand preiudice à la rupture des articles concernans les Careibes, qui ont deux fois attenté sur nous à leur maniere accoustumée, qui est cruelle et barbarienne. Nous serions reioüis de vous voir si le souhaittez; car on attend icy quinze navires de la Barbade, dont il y en a cinq de trente pieces de canon chacun, et deux de soixante, et huit navires marchands de vingt à trente pieces de canon, avec mil soldats du roy vestus de casaques rouges, avec quantité d’armes: vous presentant vous rendrez service. Nous demeurons,

“Monsieur, vos asseurez amis et serviteurs,

“Bastien Baijer, &c. &c.”^[[16]]

Upon receiving these letters, M. de Clodoré held a council with his officers, the results of which were as follow:—

“As the enemy have made no answer to our summons, sent three days ago, to fulfil the conditions of the treaty made with them; but, on the contrary, they have sent these letters this morning, in which, after having sought vain pretences of rupture, they declare they are not willing to fulfil it, and at the same time they have disposed guard-houses along the coast, and caused several armed persons to oppose our landing; it has been found proper to accept the rupture they have made of the treaty, and after having fired a cannon-ball at them, to land, in order to make them return to their duty, without paying regard to the letters they have sent. Besides the absence of Monsieur de la Barre, and the necessity we are in to send back immediately the island troops to Martinique and Guadaloupe, to oppose the enemy, who, according to advices received, will soon arrive there, it is impossible now to keep the island of Antigua for the king. It has therefore been thought proper to land, attack the enemy, and, in case of success, place the island in such a state, that the enemy can draw no sort of profit from it.

“Done unanimously between us, the undersigned, in the harbour of Antigua, the 3rd December, 1666.

“De Clodore,
Blondel,
Hinsselin.”

During the period the council was being held, several armed soldiers, (of the English troops,) impatient to know what answer would be returned to their letters, appeared upon the beach; upon which, according to the resolutions already passed, a cannon-ball was fired at them, when they dispersed, and appeared no more, without a white flag in their hand. Before the French council broke up, an English officer came on board, bringing the following letter for M. de Clodoré:—

“Monsieur,

“Nous vous avons envoyé ce matin telle reponse que nous pouvions, estant sous le commandement et autorité de Mons. le Gouverneur, au pouvoir duquel n’estions pas capables de resister; mais depuis que nous luy avons fait voir amplement la raison de nostre premier traité et nostre refus de rompre, avons tant fait qu’il en est demeuré d’accord, moyennant qu’il y soit, compris comme le reste des habitans; le dit traité et accord sera ponctuellement ratifié et effectué en toutes ses particularitez.

“Monsieur, vos, &c.,

“Bastien Baijer, &c. &c.”^[[17]]

But paying no regard to this letter, M. de Clodoré wrote them as follows:—

“Messieurs,

“J’ay esté fort surpris, lorsque j’ay veû que vous n’avez pas repondu à la sommation que ie vous ay fait faire, et encore davantage lorsque i’ay leû la lettre que vous m’avez envoyée ce matin, où vous nous accusez de vous avoir traité avec rigueur, pour chercher pretexte de rompre comme vous avez fait, en manquant à vostre foy et à vostre parolle. Je descends à terre et vous vais trouver, pour vous mettre à vostre devoir par la voye des armes: ceux qui les poseront, auront de moy bon quartier, et les autres seront traitez selon la rigueur de la guerre.

“Vostre serviteur,

“De Clodore.”^[[18]]

Immediately after sending this letter, M. de Clodoré and Hinscelin landed with the French forces; but, upon gaining the beach, they were met by a party of the English, bearing a flag of truce, and offering, in the name of the inhabitants, to give up all pretensions to this island, provided they would include Governor Fitche in the treaty.

To this proposition M. de Clodoré would not assent, but forming his troops into battle array, marched to attack the English. The result of this encounter appears to me so remarkable, that it obliges me again and again to assure my readers I give the true translation: “marching to attack the new Governor and his eight or nine hundred men, only two shots were fired by the English, one of which wounded their own sentinel, and this was the only blood spilt in this engagement; and Governor Fitche hearing that M. de Clodoré was coming up with all his troops, and four pieces of artillery, ran away in a boat with Colonel Warner and some others, saying to his soldiers only these words​—​“God be with me, and with you.”

Thus have I narrated the reduction of Antigua by the French, following the steps of their own historian, “Du Tertre,” who of course speaks in favour of his own countrymen. Antigua remained a French colony, although of no use to the nation, except from the plunder obtained from it, until the following year, when by the treaty of Breda, Louis XIV. restored it to the English crown.^[[19]] The French appear to have ever doubted their success; and their attack upon Antigua, in the first instance, seemed only intended as a feint; but by one of those extraordinary accidents, which we often meet with in the annals of nations, the island was reduced, and in the second attack, if we may believe Du Tertre, only two shots were fired in its defence.

At the period of this conquest of Antigua, there were about 800 negroes upon the island, but of these the French could only find about 500, which they carried away with them, along with their plunder. The after fate of Colonel Carden was truly shocking. Soon after the French had abandoned Antigua, a party of Caribs landed, and cruelly treated the defenceless inhabitants. At length they proceeded to the house of the ex-governor, Colonel Carden, who treated them very kindly, and administered to their want. Upon their leaving, they requested their entertainer to accompany them to the beach, who instantly complied; but the Caribs, more treacherous than the wild beasts that haunt the desert, had no sooner reached the place where their canoes were stationed, than they fell upon their kind host, cruelly murdered him, and broiled his head, which they afterwards carried with them to Dominica. Nor were they satisfied with this horrible piece of barbarity; for, to make the tragedy complete, they returned to Colonel Carden’s house, seized his wife and children, and after telling them of the fate of their kind relative, hurried them away into a captivity worse than death.

The Bastian Baijer​—​whose name appears conspicuous in signing the capitulation, and in the after letters which passed between the English and the French​—​was of Dutch extraction, and one who emigrated to this island at an early period of its colonization. He died in London, in the year 1704, and in his will directed that his remains should be interred in the vaults of the Dutch church in Austin Friars, which was accordingly done. Many of the descendants (or rather representatives, for Bastian Baijer died without issue, and left his property to the person who assumed his name) of Bastian Baijer have resided in the island until within a year or two. The remains of one member of that family, Otto Baijer, Esq., moulders beneath the beautiful tomb, a description of which will be found in Chapter XV.; and the remaining scion of the house, a female, was shortly since united to the Hon. Owen Pell, of Antigua, and of Suwell, county of Northampton.

[[8]] It is said, that some part of Lord Willoughby’s fleet escaped the hurricane, and reached Jamaica in safety.

[[9]] It must be remembered, that at the time we are now speaking of, surgeons did not hold that respectable rank in society as they now​—​that is, most of them​—​deservedly fill. Not so very many years ago, naval surgeons in particular were very little thought of; and even in the British navy, they were required to perform the office of barber, as well as attend to the bodily ailments of the crew.

[[10]] To shew the state to which the French reduced the island, the following extract from a letter written by Count D’Estrade, ambassador from the French king to Charles II. of England, dated 26th May, 1667, and addressed to Louis XIV., is inserted:—​“Il nous dit de plus que le Sieur de la Barre avat ruiné celle d’Antigoa, et en avait fait transporter tout ce qu’il avait pu afin d’être mieux en etat de conserver de St. Christophe.”

Translation.​—​“He”​—​that is, the deputy from Zealand, with whom Count D’Estrade had had a conference at Breda, on 21st May, 1667​—​“informed us, in addition, that the said M. de la Barre had ruined the colony of Antigua, and had taken and transported from it all that he could, to the end that he might be in a better condition to retain possession of St. Christopher’s.”

[[11]] His tombstone may be still seen in one of the churchyards of St. Christopher’s.

[[12]] For account of this gentleman, see Appendix, No. 3.

[[13]] “Sir,​—​My husband has been arrested by two officers and two soldiers this night, and what they intend doing with me and my family, I know not even now; but I fear that some ill consequences will attend it. I beseech you humbly, Sir, seeing that myself and family are abandoned by our countrymen, that it may please you to protect us who have never assailed you; and myself, and family, and many others, shall pray for your prosperity; and I take the boldness to qualify myself,

“Sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

“Mary Carden.”

[[14]] “Sir,​—​I should have had the honour of waiting upon you, but I have been intercepted by the order of Governor Fitche, and I have been in custody since. I hope, Sir, you will not believe or think otherwise of him who takes the liberty of subscribing himself, Sir, yours, &c.,

“Robert Carden.”

[[15]] “Sir,​—​We have received your summons to come on board to deliver our arms and ammunition; which thing, such is the change in our affairs since your departure, as not to permit of our doing. The lieut.-general of our king having sent Colonel Daniel Fitche as his governor, has given him power over all the militia of this island. Thus, Sir, we are become entirely unable to give you any satisfactory answer; and, upon examination of the transactions which have taken place, we have found that they were so much to our prejudice, and in particular, sending the Caribs twice upon us, against the obligation of your articles and the laws of nations; persons who are cruel, entirely barbarous, and ignorant of God and of all civilities. However, Sir, we pray you, as we have already done, to address your demands to our governor, who alone is experienced in matters of war. In the meantime, we remain, yours, &c. &c.,

[[16]] “Sir,​—​We have received your letter, to which we cannot at present give any other answer, but that it is not in our power to yield to your summons, nor to agree to anything done before; because, since your departure from here, Colonel Daniel Fitche is arrived, with commission from the lieutenant-general as governor, in obedience to an order from the king, which has been published. It is to the said governor that your summons and demands must be addressed, for he is the sole commander of the militia. We think that we have suffered great injury at the rupture of the articles concerning the Caribs, who attacked us twice in their wonted manner, which is cruel and barbarous. We would be glad to see you, if you wish, for we expect here, fifteen ships from Barbados, five of which are of fifteen guns each, and two of sixty; and eight merchantmen, of twenty to thirty guns; with a thousand of the king’s soldiers, dressed in their red jackets, and a quantity of arms. By coming, you will render service. We remain, &c.,

“Bastien Baijer, &c. &c.”

[[17]] “Sir,​—​We have sent this morning the only answer we could give, being under the command and authority of the governor, to whose power we could not resist; but as we have shewn him the reason of our first treaty, and our refusal to break it, we have done so much that he has agreed with us, provided he be included in it, with the rest of the inhabitants: the said treaty and agreement will be punctually ratified and executed in all its parts.

“Bastien Baijer, &c. &c.”

[[18]] “Gentlemen,​—​I have been much surprised when I saw that you made no answer to the summons given you, and much more yet when I read the letters you sent me this morning, in which you charge us with having treated you with rigour, which is seeking for a pretence of rupture, as you have done by not keeping your faith and word. I am landing and coming to you, to teach you your duty by force of arms: those who will lay down their arms will have good quarter from me, and the others shall be treated according to the rigour of war. Your servant,

“De Clodore.”

[[19]] It was for some time pending in the mind of Louis XIV. whether he should, or should not, restore Antigua to its rightful sovereign; and several letters passed between the King of the French and his ambassador, Count D’Estrade, (the deputy from Zealand assuring the count that he would use his influence to retain Antigua for his majesty, should such be his wish,) upon the subject. At length, however, Louis XIV., after much hesitation, authorized its rendition by a letter to Count D’Estrade, dated 6th May, 1667, of which the following is a translation:—

“I have always forgotten to inform you, and even to put it in your instructions, that it is my intention to surrender the island of Antigua to the English, which belonged to them before the war. Thus you will make no difficulty by promising, by the treaty (of Breda), that all things shall be established in the island of St. Christopher, and that of Antigua, as they were previously to the rupture,” &c.

CHAPTER IV.

Governors: Lord William Willoughby, Henry Willoughby​—​Arrival of Major, afterwards Lieutenant-General Byam, the progenitor of the family of that name​—​Biographical remarks​—​Partition of the Caribbee Islands​—​Sir William Stapleton​—​General Council and Assembly​—​Colonel Philip Warner​—​Expedition against the Caribs​—​Death of Indian Warner​—​Arrest and trial of Colonel P. Warner​—​Acquittal​—​Dampier’s account of this affair​—​Captain Southey’s History of the Indian Warner.

After peace had been once more proclaimed between France and England, and Antigua restored to its rightful sovereign, the English government, being fully assured of the death of Lord Francis Willoughby, appointed Lord William Willoughby, of Parham, (who when the royalists rose against the parliament, after the deposition of Richard Cromwell, undertook to secure Lynn for his exiled majesty,) Captain-General and chief Governor of Barbados, Antigua, and the rest of the Leeward Caribbee Islands, as some reward for his services.

Lord William Willoughby arrived at Antigua about 1668, and appointed Samuel Winthorpe his deputy-governor. During the first year of his lordship’s administration, a registrar’s office was established, and fees appointed for the same. The registrar and recorder was to be “a person of good discretion and honesty,” and his salary paid in sugar and tobacco.^[[20]] Acts were also passed for the “settling the inhabitants in their lands” and “for the encouragement and promoting the settling of the island”​—​very necessary measures, as all was in confusion, from the late cruel dealing of the French, in so dismantling their promising colony. This year also (1668) commenced the four and a half per cent. duty; which was an impost upon all native productions shipped from the island, to be paid to the reigning monarch, his heirs, and successors, in consideration of new grants of lands being given to the inhabitants after the restoration of Antigua to the English crown; all old titles to lands having become void by reason of the late conquest, by the French.

Lord William Willoughby removing to Barbados about this time, nominated his son, Henry Willoughby, as acting-governor, the same gentleman who was left by Lord F. Willoughby deputy-governor of Barbados during his absence upon the disastrous expedition already spoken of. Nothing of much importance occurred during the short period Mr. H. Willoughby held the government. War had not broken out in the West Indies, although it threatened the mother country, so that the Antiguans had a little quiet to settle their domestic affairs. One of the first points to which they turned their attention was to endeavour to suppress the strong habit of profane cursing and swearing which had crept in among their community, and also to put a stop to the prevalence of inebriety. To bring this desirable reformation about, the legislature enacted, that a fine of ten pounds of sugar, or tobacco, was to be imposed upon every one who uttered an oath, or opened his lips to curse; and if any one was discovered in a state of intoxication, he could be made to pay fifty pounds of sugar, or not being able to procure that quantity, and being possessed of no other property which could be levied upon, he was condemned to be placed in the public stocks for the space of four hours. It would be well if something of the kind was in force now; our ears would not then, perhaps, be so frequently shocked as they are liable to be at every hour of the day by the passers-by. Regulations were also made for establishing a public treasury in the island, and regard paid to the martial bearing of the inhabitants, by exercising them in the science of arms.

Among the settlers who came to Antigua with Francis Lord Willoughby, of Parham, was William Byam, a distinguished royalist, at that time major, but who afterwards acquired the rank of lieutenant-general.

In 1644, Mayor Byam was among the officers in garrison at Bridgewater, and being on guard when an attempt was made by the parliamentary army to take the town by surprise, he defeated the forces with great slaughter, thereby averting for some time the fate of that important fortress. On the following year, Cromwell and Fairfax coming against Bridgewater with an overwhelming power, after a gallant and desperate resistance, the town was taken, and quarter only given to the garrison. The officers were immediately sent to London, and put at the disposal of the Parliament, whence they were despatched to the Tower, and other public prisons. After remaining in the Tower for some months, Major Byam accepted a pass “to go beyond the seas,” (as the term then was,) and, with some of his military friends, he accordingly left the home of his fathers, and sought in Barbados​—​that last asylum for royalists​—​a retreat from the Oliverian power. Soon after his arrival, the important post of “treasurer of the island,” as well as “master of the ordnance,” was conferred upon him, together with large grants of land; but the number of refugees increasing in the colony to such a surprising height, the Parliament became alarmed, and, in 1651, sent a fleet and armament, under command of Sir George Ayscue, to reduce the island. There being a defection in the garrison, owing to the withdrawal of Colonel Thomas Modiford from the side of the king, after a resistance of six months, the governor, Lord Francis Willoughby, of Parham, was compelled to think of terms; and accordingly he appointed, along with three other commissioners, Major Byam to negotiate a surrender. This gentleman and his coadjutors performed their parts so ably, that they obtained from the admiral terms allowed by all historians as alike “comprehensive and honourable.” Indeed, when they were reported to England, though the Parliament did not refuse to ratify them, yet, considering them much too favourable, they never afterwards countenanced Sir George Ayscue. The very first act of the Parliament possession, contrary to the tenor of some of the articles, was to banish Mayor Byam and the other commissioners, and about ten more of the royalists, including Lord Willoughby himself. Major Byam retired to the then newly-founded settlement of Surinam, which being composed chiefly of the refugee followers of Charles, they, in those times of turmoil, elected him, by united suffrages, governor of the colony in 1654. In this situation he continued for six successive years, although Cromwell had despatched an officer of his own to take the command, being elected by universal voice, until the Restoration, when, in virtue of the proclamation at that time issued, he became governor for the crown. He was afterwards more formally confirmed in this appointment, in which he remained until the removal of the colony (or at least a large portion of it) to the island of Antigua, in virtue of the treaty of Breda, in 1667. Of this island he also became an early governor, as is still to be seen by many documents in the registrar’s office, and resumed to himself that property which he had before acquired when on a visit to the island with Francis Lord Willoughby in 1650; and now, by letters patent for the crown, under date April, 1668, 20th Charles II., among the estates of Lieutenant-General Byam renewed to him at this period, were the present Cedar Hill and his Willoughby Bay estate.^[[21]]

In 1672, his majesty Charles II. deemed it proper to make some alteration in the affairs of the West Indies. Hitherto all the Caribbee Islands were united under one government, but after the return of Lord William Willoughby to England, the king entered into fresh arrangements with the colonies, appointed him captain-general of Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent’s and Dominica; and Sir William Stapleton captain-general and commander-in-chief of Antigua and the other Leeward Islands. This Windward Island’s separation continues at the present time, after undergoing many changes, by having their own particular governor; as far as regards Barbados, St Lucia, and St. Vincent’s. Dominica has at length been united with Antigua, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Christopher’s, Anguilla, Tortola, and the Virgin Islands, which now form the Leeward Caribbee government.

During the general government, a general council and assembly was held at either of the islands whenever the legislature deemed any important matter rendered it necessary to convene them; but the respective islands in the government, however, retained each their laws as regarded local circumstances. When the commander-in-chief found it necessary for the public good to call together this general council and assembly, the freeholders of each island met together and made choice of five eligible inhabitants to act as their representatives.

The convening of this general council and assembly accounts for the affairs of these different islands being wound up together, and laws which were passed at the one, answering, in many instances, for the others.

Sir William Stapleton preferring Nevis, he made that island the seat of government, and Colonel Philip Warner (Sir Thomas Warner’s son by his second wife) was appointed governor of Antigua. A very necessary precaution was adopted about this time​—​namely, the preventing persons wandering about cane-pieces, with lighted torches, hunting for land-crabs. If a free person was found so offending, the culprit was to pay into the public treasury one thousand pounds of sugar or tobacco; or if a slave, he was to be publicly whipped. This very dangerous practice continues to this day in seasons when the land-crabs are upon their travels, and certainly ought to meet with some punishment. So careless and thoughtless are the negroes, that large pieces of fire are frequently dropped upon the road while thus employed, which they never think of extinguishing; and as the scene of their exploits is generally in the vicinity of cane-pieces, where there is often a large quantity of dry cane-leaves, called in the country idiom, trash, serious accidents might, and indeed have been the result.

It was also deemed advisable to ordain that marriages solemnized by the governor, council, or any justice of peace, should, in absence of beneficed clergymen from the island, be adjudged equally binding and lawful, as if the ceremony had been performed by an orthodox minister. This was a regulation very necessary in that early period, when there was as yet no established church erected, or any clergymen officiating in the colony; and, consequently, marriages were obliged to be celebrated by a civil power. It was also enacted by the legislature this year (1672), that slaves killed or maimed, while acting in defence of the country, should have their value ascertained by arbitration, and the amount paid over to their owners from the public treasury.

In 1674, the inhabitants of Antigua presented an address to the captain-general, Sir William Stapleton, praying him to grant them a commission “to kill and destroy the Indians inhabiting the island of Dominica.”

From the period when Antigua was first settled by the English, the Caribs, as we have already seen, had been in the constant habit of landing upon it, and perpetrating the most fearful and horrid acts of violence upon its inhabitants. So frequent and barbarous were these attacks, that the colony at one time was in danger of being abandoned; and nothing but firm and vigorous measures on the part of the English could restrain the fury of their Indian adversaries, and quell their turbulent assaults.

As soon, therefore, as his excellency, Sir William Stapleton, acceded to the request of the Antiguans in granting a commission, a large party of volunteers was formed, aided by some of the settlers from the neighbouring islands, of which, at the earnest entreaties of the council and assembly of Antigua, Governor Philip Warner took the command. They immediately proceeded to Dominica; and however different historians may relate the events of this action, they all concur in stating, that the English obtained a most signal victory over their Indian foes. In this fray the illegitimate son of Sir Thomas Warner, by a Carib woman​—​who was generally known by the name of Thomas Warner, or “Indian Warner,” and who is said to have headed the Indians in many of their attacks upon the English​—​fell, as it is supposed, by the hands of his half-brother, Philip Warner, the governor of Antigua. Whether this deed was done by open warfare, or by treacherous means, is uncertain; but, upon the return of Colonel Philip Warner, the governor, to Antigua, after the reduction of the Caribs, the circumstances of the death of Indian Warner were inquired into either by Sir William Stapleton or Lord Willoughby, the results of which were, that Colonel Philip Warner was sent to England to stand his trial for the murder of his half-brother. After being kept in the Tower of London for some time, Colonel Warner was placed on board the Phoenix frigate, and despatched to Barbados, in order that he might be tried in the Court of Oyer and Terminer in that island.

This resolution, on the part of the home government, was no sooner known in Antigua, than a strong remonstrance was drawn up in the name of the inhabitants, and after being signed by sixteen of the most influential men among the legislature, was transmitted to the justices for the trial of Colonel Warner at Barbados, setting forth the facts, that it was only through the most earnest prayer of the Antiguans, and not from any private motives of his own, that he was induced to take the command upon the attack of the Caribs, in which action the Indian Warner fell. The facts of this case being fully investigated, Colonel Warner was honourably acquitted, his lands,^[[22]] which he had quietly yielded up on being sent to England for trial, were restored, and he was again permitted to exercise the functions of governor of Antigua.

It certainly appears rather extraordinary that Colonel Warner should have stood his trial for this massacre of the Indians, when we find, that for more than fifty years after this occurrence, the Caribs were still hunted and destroyed as so many reptiles; but Indian Warner was one who ranked rather high in the opinion of Lord William Willoughby, and probably that nobleman felt incensed at his death. Many are the opinions of writers upon this subject. While some look upon Colonel Warner as the unjustified murderer of his half-brother; others are led to palliate the circumstances on the plea of Indian Warner being the chief actor in those cruel Carib attacks, which were generally made upon unarmed Englishmen, or their defenceless wives and children.

Dampier, one of the greatest navigators among the Buccaneers, (before that name had acquired a dread from the lawless and bloody deeds its chieftains committed,) visited Antigua about the period of Indian Warner’s death; and in his history of his voyages he has the following passage:—​“About this time (1674) the Caribbees had done some spoil on our English plantations at Antego, and therefore Governor Warner’s son by his wife took a party of men, and went to suppress these Indians, and came to the place where his brother Indian Warner lived. Great seeming joy there was at their meeting, but how far real the event shewed; for the English Warner, providing plenty of liquor, and inviting his half-brother to be merry with him, in the midst of his entertainment, ordered his men, upon a signal given, to murder him and all his Indians, which was accordingly performed. The reason of this inhuman action is diversely reported. Some say that this Indian Warner committed all the spoil that was done to the English, and for that reason his brother killed him and his men. Others, that he was a great friend to the English, and would not suffer his men to hurt them, but did all that lay in his power to draw them to an amicable commerce; and that his brother killed him because he was ashamed to be related to an Indian. But, be it how it may, he was called in question for the murder, and forced to come home, and take his trial in England. Such perfidious doings as these, besides the baseness of them, are great hindrances of our gaining interest among the Indians.”

Captain Southey, in his “Chronological History of the West Indies,” writing of the events of 1674, says​—​“Sir Thomas Warner’s son went with an expedition to suppress the Caribs, who were headed by his half-brother, his father’s son by a Carib woman. He was received in a friendly manner by his relative. In the middle of the repast, upon a signal given, the Caribs were attacked and all massacred. Different reasons are given for this act of atrocity: one, that the Indian Warner committed all the ravages upon the English; another, that the murderer was ashamed of his Indian relations.” Evidently Captain Southey took Dampier for his guide in relating this circumstance; and other authors, following in the wake, have handed Colonel Warner down to posterity, in the character of a fratricide. But before his actions are discussed, it would be well to lay aside all previously formed opinions, and, horrible as fratricide must appear to all, calmly take a retrospect of the great cruelties practised by the Caribs on the persons of the English, which led to the melancholy incident already narrated.^[[23]] Before concluding this subject, it will be necessary to mention some further particulars of the Indian Warner, the half-brother, of whose death Colonel Philip Warner was made amenable.

At the latter end of 1629, after having the honour of knighthood conferred upon him by Charles I., Sir Thomas Warner returned from England to St. Christopher’s. Soon after his arrival, he entered into a league with the French settlers and Mons. D’Esnambuc, the captain of a French privateer; and, falling upon the Caribs by night, murdered in cold blood one hundred and twenty of the men.^[[24]] The females they parted among themselves, and one of the handsomest of them fell to the share of Sir Thomas Warner,^[[25]] by whom she had a son, a remarkably fine and intelligent lad. About the year 1645, when he was fifteen years old,^[[26]] an old Carib man, who, by some chance, had remained upon the island after the expulsion of his countrymen, informed the boy of the former cruelties of the English to his mother’s relations​—​a tale which so exasperated him, that he was determined to escape, the first opportunity, and join his Carib friends. At length he effected his purpose, and fled to Dominica,^[[27]] where the Caribs had taken up their abode after being driven from St. Christopher’s. So pleased were the Indians with this display of spirit on the part of their young relative, that they received him with open arms, looked upon him as their chief, shared with him all their predatory booty, and followed him in all his expeditions. In 1664, Lord Francis Willoughby appointed this half-Carib (who bore the name of Thomas Warner) governor of Dominica, then inhabited by Indians. In this situation he remained until 1666, when he was captured by the French, and carried prisoner to St. Christopher’s, (some authors say Guadaloupe,) where he met with very harsh treatment, and was not liberated until after the peace, and then only at the earnest interposition of Lord William Willoughby. After his liberation, he appears to have carried on his warfare with the English colonists, until, as already mentioned, 1674, when he met his fate in about the forty-fourth year of his age.

As perhaps it may be interesting to some of my readers to look over the “Remonstrance,” alluded to as drawn up by the members of the Antigua legislature in 1676, when Colonel Philip Warner was tried for the murder of his half-brother​—​I have inserted it in the Appendix, (No. 6.)

[[20]] The French having entirely ruined Antigua, it was necessary to form all new regulations, as at the first settlement of the colony.

[[21]] For a further account of this gentleman’s family, see Appendix, No. 4.

[[22]] For copy of the Grant of Land to Colonel P. Warner, see Appendix, No. 5.

[[23]] Oldmixon, in his “British America,” says:—​“At this time (1676) there was a wicked practice in the West Indies, of which the English are accused; and that was, their stealing and enslaving Indians, which they took on the continent or the islands. And one Colonel Warner being charged with this unlawful traffic​—​if it deserves that name​—​was made a prisoner in England, and sent, aboard the Phoenix frigate, to Barbados, to take his trial there; but he found so many friends, that he came off.”

[[24]] Oldmixon, in his History of St Christopher’s, speaking of this circumstance, says​—​“They (the Caribs) were willing enough to live peaceably with the Europeans who first landed there, and were upon the place when D’Esnambuc came thither; but, upon his landing, their boyez, or conjurers, telling them, in a general assembly met on purpose, that the foreigners were come to take away their country from them, and destroy them root and branch, it was resolved to massacre the English.” He goes on to state, that the English and French, having gained intelligence of the Caribs’ design to cut their throats, “fell upon the most factious of the natives by night, killed them, and drove the rest out of the island.”

[[25]] Labat mentions seeing this woman at Dominica, and gives the following account of her:—​“This old savage woman is, I think, the oldest creature in the world, being more than a hundred years old. They say she had been very handsome, and on account of her beauty the English governor at St. Kitts kept her for a considerable time. She had a number of children, among which was one called Ouverard. [Warner, it ought to be; but Pierre du Tertre is not very particular in his orthography of English names.] Pierre du Tertre speaks of him in his history; but this demi-savage was dead before I came to the West Indies. They always continue to call her Madam Ouverard. After the English sent her to Dominica upon the death of the governor, she was more respected for her old age than from being his mistress. Her property was rather extensive, and was entirely peopled by her children’s children. This old woman was entirely naked, and had not two dozen hairs upon her head; her skin resembled old parchment completely dried up, as if baked. She was so crooked that I could not see her features except when she went to drink water. She had a good many teeth in her head, and her eyes were perfectly clear.”

[[26]] Some writers make it sixteen.

[[27]] Dampier says St Lucia.

CHAPTER V.

Governor Col. R. Williams​—​Biographical remarks​—​Towns of trade appointed​—​Antigua divided into parishes​—​Sir Nathaniel Johnson appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief​—​Colonel Codrington​—​Remarks upon this family​—​Invasion of Antigua by a French privateer​—​Attack upon Guadeloupe by the English​—​Expedition to St. Christopher’s​—​Gallant conduct of Colonel Williams and Colonel Willoughby Byam​—​Sir Francis Wheeler’s expedition​—​Wilmot and Lillingston’s expedition​—​Death of the captain-general, General Codrington​—​Colonel John Yeamans, lieutenant-governor​—​Arrival of Admiral Benbow.

In 1675, Colonel Rowland Williams was appointed lieutenant-governor (or, as the phrase then was, deputy-governor) of Antigua. This gentleman was possessed of eminent qualifications, which honourably distinguished him among his contemporaries. He was alike conspicuous as a wise councillor and a skilful commander; whether in the senate or the field, he equally merited applause. The father of Colonel Williams (as will be seen in the genealogy of this family) was one of the earliest settlers in Antigua, and even in those times was famed for noble virtues​—​virtues which have descended from father to son, down to the present day, and centered themselves in the person of the Hon. Rowland E. Williams, the present possessor of “Claremont,” the family mansion.^[[28]]

During the administration of Colonel Rowland Williams as governor of Antigua, six towns were appointed as places of trade, instead of two, as was the former custom. These towns were Falmouth, St. John’s, Bridge Town, Carlisle Road, Parham Landing Place, and Bermudian Valley. In these different towns all business was to be transacted as relates to shipping, &c.; and no vessel was allowed to unload or sell their cargo at any other place, under punishment of forfeiting their goods. This, however, did not debar any freeholder from disposing of his own personal property or merchandise at any place in the island he deemed proper.

It does not appear at what particular period a secretary and a marshal were appointed; but in 1677 an act was passed relating unto such officers.

In 1680, provisions were made for settling the militia, and for ensuring a better martial discipline throughout the island.

Antigua was divided into parishes about 1681, which then consisted of five​—​namely, Falmouth, Rendezvous Bay, and part of Willoughby Bay, to be the parish of St. Paul’s; the remaining part of Willoughby Bay, Nonsuch, and Belfast, to be the parish of St. Philip’s; divisions of New and Old North Sound to be the parish of St. Peter’s; the divisions of Pope’s Head, Dickerson’s Bay, St. John’s, and Five Islands, to be the parish of St. John’s; and the divisions of the Road and Bermudian Valley to be the parish of St. Mary’s. Churches were also ordered to be erected, and all parochial charges to be raised from the inhabitants of each parish. The yearly salary of their ministers was 16,000lbs. of sugar or tobacco, which was paid to them on the 24th day of June, being the feast of St. John the Baptist.

The following year (1682) an expedition was despatched to act against the Indians of Dominica.

His Majesty Charles II. having departed this life, Sir William Stapleton proclaimed his successor, James II. with great pomp, at Nevis. An old writer gives a long account of the ceremonies observed upon that day​—​of the gorgeous festival which succeeded, and the splendid attire of the governor; but as this work is strictly confined to Antigua, such detail will be superfluous.

In 1684, during the administration of Sir William Stapleton, slaves were annexed to freeholds, and could be voted upon, the same as a freehold, or levied upon for distress. In illustration of this, a person possesses a family of slaves​—​say the mother and five or six children, the youngest in arms and drawing its daily nutriment from its parent; the owner of these slaves falls into difficulties​—​he owes a certain sum, and his creditor takes out an execution against him. The value of the negro woman covers, perhaps, the amount of debt, and accordingly she is seized, carried away, and sold, probably to a third or even a fourth person, and her baby and other children are severed from her, and she left alone. Oh! slavery, slavery, how dost thou debase the sons of men!

Sir William Stapleton dying, King James appointed Sir Nathaniel Johnson, governor-in-chief, who continued to act as such until the first year of the reign of William and Mary, when he retired to America, and was succeeded in the government by Colonel Christopher Codrington in 1689.^[[29]]

Colonel Codrington was so indefatigable in planting and cultivating the sugar-cane in Antigua, that he has been termed the patron of the island. This gentleman removed from Barbados to Antigua in 1674; when he purchased a large quantity of land, and formed the first sugar estate upon the island, and, sending for his wife and children, constituted himself one of its earliest planters. The Codrington family is of old extraction, and many a brave warrior has sprang from that source, as British history will shew.^[[30]]

About the first year of Colonel Codrington’s government, in 1689, the fortifications at Monk Hill were commenced; but they appear not to have been carried on with any degree of spirit until 1705. This year the crew of a French privateer landed at Five Islands’ Bay, and burnt and plundered the surrounding country; and carried away with them several negroes, besides much spoil. The Antiguans, highly incensed at this invasion, placed a small force on board an armed vessel under command of Captain Walter Hamilton, and pursued the enemy. This plan succeeded, and they returned to Antigua with the privateer as a prize; on board of which were some Irishmen, who were hung as a warning to others.

The English government was greatly annoyed at these repeated attacks upon her West Indian colonies; and William III. made it one of his complaints against the French king upon declaring war with that monarch. Supposing that, after this war was declared, the French would be more active in their incursions, the inhabitants of Antigua determined to keep better watch. Sir Timothy Thornhill arriving with troops, all military affairs were delegated to him; and by his orders, guards were stationed at all the bays, and a constant look-out kept. Still the Caribs and a few Frenchmen managed to effect a landing, by sailing up some of the creeks, and killed ten of the inhabitants, and plundered some provision grounds. It was thought proper to appoint some reward for soldiers acting valiantly in defence of the island; and to make some provision for the wounded, and allowance for the widows and children of the slain. If any white servant shewed deeds of valour, and could obtain a certificate of such from the hands of his officer, that servant was freed,^[[31]] the country paying to his master a sum proportionate to his services. If wounded they were to receive medical attendance and maintenance free of charge; if disabled, to receive yearly 3000lbs. of sugar for life; and if killed, their widows were to have the same amount of sugar, and the children to be taken care of, and supported by the country. The owners of those slaves who fell in defence of the country, were also recompensed, by having 5000lbs. of sugar paid them from the public stock for every negro killed or mortally wounded, instead of having such slaves valued by arbitration, as was the plan from the year 1672. Regulations were also gone into by the legislature, for the establishing of courts of law, and settling due methods for the distribution of justice throughout the colony.

About the middle of this year (1689) Colonel Hewetson, with a party of men, embarked on board a man of war, and sailed to attack Guadaloupe. They landed with but little opposition, and having obtained some plunder, and given the French a kind of tit-for-tat, returned in safety to Antigua. This was a very busy year for the Antiguans; for no sooner had Colonel Hewetson reached Antigua with his troops, from the late attack, than they raised 300 men, and sailed to the island of Marie Galante. Here they met with like success in the way of retaliation; beating the inhabitants, burning their town, and obtaining more plunder. From Marie Galante they proceeded to St. Martin’s, where Fortune, that usually fickle goddess, did not forsake them; for they not only plundered the place and increased their spoils, but drove the French completely off the island. Upon their return, General Codrington (for the governor had arrived to this rank) sent three sloops, with eighty men, under the command of Captain Edward Thorn, to the island of Anguila, to bring from thence all the English who resided there; they having been very cruelly used by some Irishmen, whom the French had landed there, for that purpose, a year before.

1690 was again ushered in by that demon​—​War. Louis, that ambitious, but admired monarch, encouraged his subjects to invade the English colonies, in the West Indies and America, while he assisted James, the abdicated sovereign, in his attempts upon England and Ireland. General Codrington was warmly attached to the reigning monarchs, William and Mary, and consequently endeavoured on all occasions to further their interest in the West Indies. No sooner had accounts arrived at Antigua of the battle of the Boyne, and William’s victory over the French troops upon that eventful day, than the governor determined to strike a blow for the honour of England. Admiral Wright arriving with a strong squadron of men of war, General Codrington prevailed upon all the other Leeward Islands to raise forces to endeavour to retake St. Kitt’s, which had fallen to the French king some time before, by the fortunes of war. Antigua, never behind the other islands in warlike deeds, raised a body of 400 (or, as some authors make it, 800) men, which were placed under the command of that gallant officer, Colonel Rowland Williams, and 200 gentlemen volunteers, under command of Colonel Willoughby Byam, who served as a body-guard to the governor-general, Christopher Codrington; and, by dint of prowess, their object was gained, for not only did they oblige the French to surrender the island, but, according to some authors, actually transported about eighteen hundred of them to St. Domingo and Martinique.^[[32]] A general council and assembly was held this year, and an agent and commissioners appointed for the negotiation and management of the affairs of the Leeward Islands, as well as the raising and settling a proper fund for the defraying the expense of the same. Rewards were also given to the soldiers who acted valiantly in the late expedition.

The following year (1691) passed in quietness. The French were too much taken up with their European engagements to have much force in the West Indies; and Admiral Wright, cruizing about these seas, intimidated the few privateers still lurking about. It was deemed necessary by the legislature this year to enact a law, obliging all the members of the assembly to serve in such capacity when elected.

The year 1692 was chiefly passed in settling island business, and making laws to redress several grievances which were severely felt by the inhabitants. One of these was as follows: after the reduction of this island, and its restoration to the English in 1667, a great many persons pretended to have a right to large portions of land, by virtue of grants prior to the war, but which they had failed to cultivate. The consequence of this was, that the country was rapidly going to ruin; and the only way to avert it was, by government granting these lands to more industrious persons, as an encouragement to them to settle. When, after a lapse of time, the former possessors found their barren and uncultivated lands turned into profitable estates, they came forward and claimed them as their own; and so annoying were these threatenings to those who had worked the change, that although they had spent both time and money, they preferred leaving the island, and seeking some other home. To rectify this, it was determined by the legislature this year, that all persons who possessed lands by grants from government should be confirmed in the same, providing they had held them for five years. Still, that justice might be equally imparted to all, if the former possessors put in their claim within two years, and it was allowed by a jury that they had a right to the same, they could demand the value of their lands as they were when they left them. A vestry was this year elected, churchwardens appointed, and a parish register ordered to be kept in each of the parishes in the island. In this register, all christenings, marriages, and burials were to be entered, under penalty of 5l. currency, the fee for which was 9d. currency each. An act was also passed for the settling of general councils and assemblies.

The next year (1693) was celebrated for the endeavours of the Antiguans to destroy the remaining Caribs; and for this reason, great encouragement was given to those persons who fitted out privateers to destroy them and take their canoes. In the early part of the year, Sir Francis Wheeler arrived at Barbados, with an expected squadron of English men-of-war, intended for an attack upon the island of Martinique, when intelligence was immediately despatched to Antigua, in order that General Codrington might join him with the Antigua and other Leeward Island troops. In this expedition, Sir Francis Wheeler commanded the men-of-war, (on board of which were Colonel Foulks and Colonel Godwin’s regiments of foot, and 200 recruits, under command of Colonel Lloyd,) and Colonel Foulks the land forces. On the 30th of March, the fleet left Barbados, having on board two Barbados’ regiments, which, including the gentlemen-volunteers, consisted of about 1500 men, and arrived at Martinique on the 1st of April.

The fleet anchored in the Cul de Sac Marine, on the south side of the island; and Sir Francis Wheeler, attended by Colonel Foulks and Colonel Lloyd, went in a boat to search for a good landing-place for the troops. Their movements were, however, watched by a party of French guards, one of whom fired a musket, the shot of which striking Sir Francis upon the breast, occasioned a severe contusion. The next morning, Colonel Foulks landed 1500 men without opposition; and during the day, the whole of the forces were gathered together on shore, where they commenced the work of destruction by burning the houses and sugar-works, the inhabitants fleeing for safety into the woods.

In the course of the few following days, General Codrington joined the expedition with the Antigua and other Leeward Island forces, and Colonel Lloyd’s regiment, when it was determined, in a council of war, to sail and attack St. Pierre, the principal town upon the island. Here, however, the English appear to have acted a very indifferent part; for, after destroying a few plantations, and standing some slight skirmishing with the French, they abandoned their plans of endeavouring to take the town; and, upon the plea of the troops being sickly, re-embarked their men, and left the island. Colonel Foulks, Colonel Godwin, Major Abrahall, with some of the other officers, died of their wounds on board the vessels; and the Antigua and other island troops returned to their respective colonies.

Thus ended an expedition, from which had been expected great results. According to an early historian, if the regulars had done their duty, as the Antiguan and the other island troops did, the whole of the French sugar islands might have been dispossessed, for the English forces amounted to between 3000 and 4000 men. The French were, however, very much alarmed, and many of “the richest inhabitants shipped themselves and their valuable effects for France, some of whom were intercepted by the English.” Sir Francis Wheeler then steered for Boston, in America, intending to have proceeded against Quebec; but finding his arguments overruled by the Bostonians, he returned in disgust to England, with his vessels in a very shattered condition, and having lost half of his men.