Читать книгу Antigua and the Antiguans (Vol. 1&2) - Mrs. Lanaghan - Страница 14

Table of Contents

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.

After the suppression of the insurrection related in the last chapter, it was resolved in future to keep a better watch over the negroes, and be more strict in the government of them. Slaves were not to be allowed to congregate about the streets of St. John’s; and if they refused to disperse, when ordered to do so, it was justifiable to fire upon them: the country paying for those who were shot. If any of the negroes were suspected of treasonable practices, conspiracies, or insurrections, they were to suffer torture, not extending to death; but in case any of them died under the pain of having a limb cut off, &c., the owner of such slaves received the value of them from the public treasury.

The inhabitants appear to have been quite alarmed at the state of affairs, particularly as there were but few white people still upon the island compared with the negroes. In 1740–1, it was again taken into consideration how to increase the number; and after some deliberation, it was determined to give further encouragement for the importation of white servants, by adding a bounty of 40s. to that already given. It was also ordained, that every owner or renter of slaves should, for every thirty negroes, have a white man in his employ, under a penalty of 20l. for each, according to the number of slaves. This gave rise to the custom of building “free tenancies,” which were houses given to white persons to reside in, without receiving rent for the same; and by this means, the proprietor escaped the obligation which the law enforced of employing so many white servants or overseers.

In 1741, Rat Island, as it is called, although in reality a promontory, was purchased by the country, and barracks and fortifications erected thereon. War having broken out between England and France, the Antiguans suffered very much in their commerce. Commodore Lee had been sent out to protect the trade, but, it appears, he did not act like a British officer; for when stationed off Antigua, he allowed a French fleet of merchantmen and their convoy to pass his vessels without molestation, and actually captured some of the Antigua coasters. In 1747, complaints against him were sent home, and Commodore Legge was despatched to Antigua, with full power to try the case. The Antiguans were obliged this year to purchase and maintain a vessel to protect their small crafts, so harassed were they by the French privateers.

The lieutenant-governor of Antigua, Colonel George Lucas, died this year, (1747,) at Brest, where he was detained prisoner, having been taken by a French vessel of war, on his way to England the year before. The following year, (1748,) a petition was sent home, praying his majesty for satisfaction for the injury suffered by the incursions of the French. About this period, the court-house was commenced to be built, on the spot where the market used to be held. Hitherto a house was rented for that purpose, which was found to be very inconvenient, for many reasons; and as there was no particular place appointed for the offices of the secretary or provost-marshal, it was found expedient to erect such building as soon as possible, and appropriate a part of it for those offices.

In 1752, George Thomas, Esq., succeeded his excellency William Mathew, Esq., in the government of Antigua, and the rest of the Leeward Islands, as captain-general. The following year (1753) a fund was raised to purchase land, for the purpose of building additional barracks for the accommodation of the regiment of foot stationed in Antigua, and also building a guard-house in the town of St. John’s. In the same year, an additional support for his excellency, George Thomas, was appointed to be paid to him during his government. The erection of a new church at Parham was commenced in 1755; a yearly tax having been imposed upon the inhabitants, for the expense of the erection, and for keeping it afterwards repaired. This year, too, it was found, that the white inhabitants had so materially decreased in number, notwithstanding strenuous measures had been taken since 1716 to encourage the importation of them, that it was thought necessary to offer further inducements to white persons to emigrate from England to this colony. In order that this object should be more fully carried out, heavier penalties were also this year enforced upon proprietors and renters of negroes, if they neglected to have in their employ a white Protestant person for every thirty slaves; for many owners had evaded the law, by paying the penalty, rather than be obliged to maintain a white servant. The number of white inhabitants at this period was but little more than 3000, while the negroes amounted to about 32,000. In 1757, a portion of land was appropriated for building a house for the accommodation of the train of artillery in the town of St. John’s.

In 1758, the French threatened an invasion of Antigua. War had broken out between England, and France; and, as was always the case in such times, the French began to plague their English neighbours in the West Indies. The Antiguans, hearing of their intentions, hastily equipped several privateers to cruise about the island, which were fortunate enough to take some prizes, and intimidate the French. It was found by experience, that these privateers injured the French more in their commerce than even the men-of-war; and for this reason, the country gave great encouragement to the fitters-out of such vessels.

The following year, (1759,) Commodore Moore commanded the Leeward Island station, and the brave Captain Tyrrel was ordered to protect the island of Antigua. This gentleman, whose courage and activity were equal to his conduct and circumspection, had, early in the month of March previous, demolished a fort at Martinique, and destroyed four privateers riding under its protection. On his return to Antigua, he discovered a large fleet of the enemy’s; and giving immediate chase, attended by the “Weazle” man-of-war, he quickly came up with them, and after a desperate fight, scattered and dispersed them. Capt. Tyrrel was wounded in the face, and lost three of the fingers of his right hand. This year, too, the island of Guadaloupe was taken by the English; and the Antiguans (on the faith of a proclamation issued by the governor, pledging the country to pay the value of such slaves as might be killed or desert) sent a large complement of negroes to act as pioneers, and assist in drawing the artillery. During the next year, several prizes were taken by the Antigua privateers; and Captain O’Brien, of H. M. S. “Griffen,” assisted by Captain Taylor of the “Temple,” took three large vessels off Antigua, and brought them into English Harbour.

The year 1760 is celebrated for the introduction of methodism into Antigua, by a Mr. Gilbert, which, from a very small beginning, has overspread the whole island, and proved of infinite value to the inhabitants. In 1761, assurance was prohibited on all French vessels and merchandise; and also all vessels trading to France, or the French colonies, during the war. During this year regulations were made respecting the manumission of slaves. Antigua certainly set a bright example to the other islands, in days of slavery, of never withholding from its negroes that privilege. The following year, 1762, the necessity of having the laws of the island printed was again brought before the council and assembly, which was unanimously agreed to. The same year Antigua again supplied a complement of strong negroes, to serve as pioneers, &c., under the command of the Right Honourable the Earl of Albemarle, in an intended expedition against Martinique. The year 1765 was the last that Sir George Thomas continued in the government of the Leeward Caribbee Islands.⁵⁰

James Verchild, Esq., was appointed to succeed Sir George Thomas in the government in 1766; and during that year harbour-masters were appointed. Antigua still appearing deficient in white inhabitants, in 1767 further regulations were made, which would, it was hoped, tend to increase the number, and retain in the island many families who were upon the point of leaving it. The cause of these persons emigrating, it appears, was on account of their not being allowed to reckon the female members of their family, in the place of a white servant to so many slaves, as the law required, as was the case in Jamaica and St. Vincent’s; it was therefore deemed expedient this year to give way in this respect, and permit two women to count as one man.

In 1768, William Woodley, Esq., was appointed commander-in-chief of Antigua, and the other Leeward Caribbee Islands. During his administration, a dreadful fire broke out in the town of St. John’s, which did great damage, but of which a further account will be given in another part of this work. Large sums of money were granted, and a collection made for the sufferers at Liverpool. Precautions were afterwards taken, by regulating certain buildings about the capital; but unfortunately those wise regulations have long since fallen into disuse. In 1769, the snow “Rodney” put into Antigua, in distress. She had been despatched from England with convicts, who were to be employed in the State of Maryland, but meeting first with bad weather, and afterwards long calms, all their provisions were consumed; and when they fortunately made Antigua, eleven of the convicts had died from starvation, and the survivors had eaten their very shoes.

In 1771, Sir Ralph Payne, K.G., succeeded to the government. His excellency was a native of St. Kitts, and was esteemed for many qualities. The Antiguans were quite pleased with his nomination, supposing he would have the interests of these colonies greatly at heart. The first year of his administration the common gaol was rebuilt, which had been burnt down in the late fire; and a portion of land, contiguous to it, purchased for the purpose of enlarging that part appropriated for the use of the debtors. The year 1771 is celebrated as that in which the “Sugar Ants” first made their appearance in Antigua. They were supposed to have made their way from Dominica to this island; and, minute as they are, they proved a most formidable enemy, by destroying an immense quantity of sugar-canes. This year also marks the appointment of Sir George Pownall to the situation of provostmaster-general of the Leeward Islands, under letters patent, dated 7th June, in the eleventh year of the reign of his majesty George III. This grant had been made to the father of Sir George, after the death of the former patentee, Mr. Richard Phelps​—​“to be held with all fees, rights, profits, privileges, and advantages,” for the lives of Mr. Pownall, and his two sons, Sir George Pownall, and Mr. John Lillington Pownall.

In 1772, Antigua suffered very much from the effects of a hurricane; great damage was done to the shipping both in St. John’s Harbour, and also in English Harbour. The “Chatham,” commanded by Admiral Parry, the “Seahorse,” and some other vessels of his majesty’s service, were driven on shore, and several merchantmen were sunk. In 1774, Sir Ralph Payne was ordered home, much against the wish of the Antiguans; and a petition was forwarded to England praying his majesty to re-appoint him.

Craister Greathead, Esq., another West Indian, succeeded Sir Ralph Payne as commander-in-chief in 1775, but he appears to have given St. Kitts the preference, principally residing in that island. Nothing of importance occurred during his administration; happily for the Antiguans, war was principally confined to another quarter, which gave them a little time to look about them, and redress their domestic grievances.

In 1777, General William Mathew Burt was appointed to the government, and a suitable residence prepared for his reception. The following year, war, blood-stained war, unfurled his red banner in these “gems of the sea”​—​these beautiful West Indian islands. On all sides of Antigua did the battle rage; island after island surrendered either to French or English prowess; and the fears of the Antiguans were raised for the safety of their little domicile. Nor was war alone the only impending evil she had to dread; the heavens withheld their bounty, and the country fainted beneath a burning sun; famine, it was supposed, would be the result, and had it not been for the interposition of his gracious majesty George III., by advancing 20,000l. sterling to procure subsistence for the negroes, their fears would have proved too true. Yet although this kind loan to the country averted much evil, the series of calamities they had already suffered caused so much sickness, that in the course of the next year, 1780, it was the opinion of Dr. Samuel Athill that upwards of eight thousand negroes died.

In 1778, fresh regulations were made for the better government of slaves, and for establishing certain days, viz.​—​the whole time from sunset on Christmas-eve, to sunrise of the 28th of December, as their holidays. No other days were to be allowed the slaves by their owners in place of those specified; and no slave-holder could refuse to allow them such holidays, under a penalty of 100l.: one-half of the fine to go to the informer, the other half to the public treasury​—​during these holidays martial law was to be in force.

About this period Lord Rodney took command of the fleet which was stationed in these seas, and was fortunate enough to beat off the French, and thus spare the Antiguans the horrors of an invasion, which was but too successful at St. Kitts. The name of this gallant officer is still remembered with gratitude and affection by West Indians; and not many years ago, the stranger who visited Barbados was highly entertained with an old black woman, who passed by the title of “Lady Rodney,” and who wore upon her dark fat arm a picture of the Admiral, which he gave her at parting. But alas! like the noble lord, she has passed to another world, and no longer do the young midds of her majesty’s service, who visit Barbados, recognise her shrill cry of “hab best guaba fine pine, and hot ginger drink for noung buckru me lob.”

The fortifications of Goat Hill, and Great George Fort, at Barnacle Point, were completed during the administration of General Burt, as well as several other forts, which were very necessary in this season of warfare. About this period slaves were forbidden to vend sugar, rum, molasses, or sugar canes, besides many other articles.

The circumstances attending the death of Governor Burt were very extraordinary. Upon a certain day his excellency honoured a gentleman of the island with his company to dinner, and during the repast he was as gay as any at that festive board. Soon after the cloth was withdrawn, when the laughing wine sparkled in the crystal chalice, and, surrounded by all the good things of this world, the convivial party threw off all cares, they were surprised to hear the governor call to his servant to bring his sword, which he always carried abroad with him. Wondering at this command, yet too well bred to make inquiries, the company waited in silence until the order was performed. The sword was brought and handed to the governor; when, unsheathing it in an instant, he exclaimed, in a loud voice​—​“Tell that fellow to quit the back of my chair, or I will run him through!” The company were more amazed than ever. What could the governor mean? no one was behind his chair; no one was in the room but themselves and the domestics. Uncertain what to do or say, they still remained silent; when the governor repeated, in a still louder tone, “Send away that man, or I will run him through!” It was represented to his excellency that he laboured under a mistake, that no one was behind his chair; but it was of no avail, all that could be got from him was, “Send away that man, or I will run him through!” In this state he was carried home, and every art tried to restore him to his proper senses; but all was of no avail, he never recovered the shock; and in a short time after he fell a prey to that insatiable monster, Death, who so justly says—

“I visit the halls of the great and gay,

And snatch them from all their delight away;

I rest at the villager’s humble door,

For welcome alike are the rich and the poor.”

It has been said that the governor was poisoned, and that the mixture, or whatever other form it was administered in, was so prepared as to have the effects of unsettling his reason; but possibly it was a case of delirium tremens, without the assistance of any deleterious drug or herb.

This circumstance is related in a different manner; and as I am not aware which is the most correct, will lay them both before my readers, that they may judge for themselves. General Burt, it is said, was dining at a party at “Pensive Hall,” (the name of the great house upon Martin Byam’s estate, now belonging to Messrs. Shands, of Liverpool, England,) when he saw an apparition, which informed him, that ere twelve moons had waxed and waned, this mandate should be issued to him​—​“Thou shalt die and not live!” He related the circumstance to the party, and expressed his firm belief in it. His friends removed him to the Great House upon Weir’s estate, (the present seat of Francis Byam Ottly, Esq.,) and by convivial parties, strove to overcome his melancholy forebodings; but all was of no effect. He finally sailed for England, and died upon his passage, the very day twelve months he saw the apparition.

After the death of General Burt, in 1781, Major-General Sir Thomas Shirley, Bart., was appointed to the office of commander-in-chief. No events of importance marked the first year of his government, except that the gallant Admiral Vernon obtained a complete victory over the French fleet, between this island and Guadaloupe, and followed up his success by many other naval conquests. General Prescott, commander of the 69th regiment, and the Antiguan troops, landed at St. Kitt’s, and drove the enemy before them with great slaughter.

In 1782, St. John’s again suffered severely from a destructive fire, which broke out in one of the most densely-populated parts of the town. It was this disaster which gave rise to the establishment of the “Friendly Fire Company,” every member of which pledged himself to keep in good order a certain number of buckets; as also to practise themselves in the use of their engines. Soon after the formation of this society, the “Phœnix Fire Office,” in Lombard-street, London, sent out proposals for insurance​—​the first which were ever made in Antigua, and for many years, that office was the only one which would grant security upon West Indian property.

In 1784, it was resolved to make some alterations in the oaths required of white servants. Prior to this year, they were obliged to swear to their being Protestants, as well as take the oaths of allegiance; from which cause many quiet and useful persons were debarred from receiving the rewards held out to other white emigrants, on account of their not being nurtured in the Protestant religion. It was therefore enacted that no other oaths should be required but those of allegiance to the reigning monarch and his successors. A nightly watch was also established in the town of St. John’s, and a tax levied upon the inhabitants to defray the expenses of it. It was in this year, also, that it was contemplated to allow slaves a trial by jury; but it does not appear to have been carried into effect until 1798. The former method of trying these sable defaulters was to bring them before a justice of the peace, and if his worship considered the offence worthy of the highest punishment, he called to his aid a fellow-justice, and between them they condemned the culprit to death, causing such sentence to be immediately executed.

Regulations were again very judiciously made for the better erection of kitchens, blacksmiths’ shops, bakeries, &c., in order to prevent, as far as possible, the repetition of those fatal fires which had so lately devastated great part of the capital. Such buildings erected within the precincts of St. John’s were, in future, to be constructed of stone or brick, and the roofs to be cased with tiles or slates. Like many other wise purposes, these regulations have long ago fallen into disuse; and at the present day, in an old wooden shed, in the midst of a populous neighbourhood, a blacksmith drives his trade; and as you pass the open door, his huge fire may be seen vomiting forth its tongues of flame, while showers of bright sparks, struck from the glowing iron, often find a resting-place amid the surrounding heaps of combustibles. Surely such practices ought to be noticed by “the powers that be,” particularly when we have lately had such distressing proofs of the havoc made by that destructive element. In 1784 the churchwardens were empowered to sell certain portions of public lands, and to purchase other lots, for the more convenient erection of a parish hospital. Amendments were also made in the act passed in 1766, for the prevention of damage to the harbour of St. John’s, and for appointing a harbour-master, who was to be “a person bred to the sea, and otherwise sufficiently skilled and qualified to take charge of the port and harbour of St. John’s, including the cove.”

In 1786, a tax was raised upon the inhabitants of St. John’s, to defray the expenses of cleaning and repairing the streets of the capital. This must have been very requisite, if they were really in the state described in the following passage, (extracted from a letter written from Antigua August 1, 1786.) “The streets are spacious, but unpaved, nor is there the least care taken to keep them clean. The prickly pear bush, and other shrubs, are suffered to grow therein, to the annoyance of the passengers, the secreting of every species of nastiness, and to the great increase of vermin, insects, and reptiles, with which this place abounds.” Public billiard and other gaming-tables were prohibited, under pain of forfeiture; much to the good order and welfare of the island.

In 1787, our late beloved and lamented sovereign William IV. (then Prince William Henry) honoured Antigua with a visit. During the period of his stay there, he endeared himself to every heart, by that kind condescension and sympathy of manner which marked his every stage through life. As no doubt it will be interesting to my readers to have some account of the manner in which his highness passed his time, I will insert the following letter, written by John Luffman, the author of the map of Antigua, and published, among other of his epistolary productions, in 1789.

“St. John’s, Antigua, Jan. 16, 1787.

“Dear Sir—​Prince William Henry arrived here the latter end of last month in the Pegasus frigate. His appearance has put this little community into a ferment. Addresses were immediately presented to him from the legislative body, and likewise from the merchants, expressive of loyalty to his royal father, and of the happiness and honour his highness had conferred on them by his gracious visit. The address of the legislature was read and presented by a Mr. John Burke, solicitor-general of the Leeward Islands, and speaker of the assembly of this island; but, notwithstanding this gentleman has been for years hackneyed at the bar, and is a bold orator; yet, on this occasion, to the astonishment of every bystander, he was nearly bereft of the power of utterance. The merchants’ address was read and presented by a Mr. John Scotland. His highness received these effusions of loyalty to his illustrious parent, and of respect to himself, with great satisfaction, and returned gracious answers. Each of these bodies gave a public dinner and ball for his highness’s entertainment. The prince opened both balls with Miss A———(Athill), a beautiful young lady of respectable family; and his affability, politeness, and condescension, to every person who had the honour of his conversation, was as conspicuous as it was pleasing. The ladies put their best smiles upon their faces, and their best adornments upon their persons; indeed, every individual seemed emulous of shewing respect to the royal visitor. Many offers of particular attention and civility have been made to his highness, which he in general declined, wishing rather to appear in the humble character of a private gentleman, than in the dignified situation of a prince. How long he means to honour this isle with his presence, I cannot with certainty learn,​—​it will probably be several months; the people here, I believe, hope and wish it may be for years. The negroes look at the Grande Bocrah (so they call the prince) with astonishment, and sometimes incommode him as he walks the streets; but his highness possesses all that admired frankness and noble liberality so characteristic in a British seaman, and will frequently condescend to talk with them. Capt. Nelson, of the “Boreas,” Capt. Holloway, of the “Solebar,” and the other principal naval officers on this station, are his highness’s chief attendants on all occasions.

“I remain, &c. &c.”

In 1788, two Jews were tried at the court of grand sessions, for a robbery committed upon one of their tribe. “Marcus” (the name of the one most culpable) was condemned to suffer death by hanging, but was afterwards pardoned; while “Vanban” (the name of the other culprit) was sentenced to stand in the pillory for a certain number of hours. This punishment, however, did not appear to make due impression upon the guilty Israelite, for a spectator of the exhibition (in a letter written to a friend) describes him as standing there with the utmost assurance, “holding, with one hand, his hat before his face, and with the other, supporting an umbrella to prevent the sun warming his head.”

In the latter end of June, 1788, Sir Thomas Shirley quitted the government, and sailed for England in the “Roehampton,” commanded by Captain Ross. His excellency, it appears, felt aggrieved at some treatment he received from the legislature, and accordingly, upon his departure, he refused the vote of civility from that body, and proceeded on board the vessel, attended only by his private secretary. Mr. Nugent assumed the command as lieutenant-governor, and soon after his arrival, a new road, leading to Five Islands Division, was made, and great care taken to drive piles in that part of the town known as the “Big Market,” in order to prevent, if possible, any further encroachment of sea, which had, within the last few months, almost destroyed the old highway.

In 1790, Sir Thomas Shirley again resumed the government of the Leeward Islands, and soon after his arrival, it was enacted by the legislature, that it should be lawful for the vestry of St. John’s to levy a tax (not exceeding 2l. per cent. on value of goods sold) upon every transient or non-resident trader who shall visit the island, which tax was to be applied to the maintenance of ministers, the poor of the parish, or any similar purposes. The following year the fortifications at Dow’s Hill were commenced, the appearance of which, at this day, proves the erector’s knowledge of rampart and bastion. Amendments were also made (1791) as regarded the keeping of rum-shops, or selling any spirituous liquors. Prior to this period, no free negro or mulatto could keep such an establishment, or sell any strong drink or wine under a heavy penalty; or if even they were concerned in such a business with a white person, it was punishable in both; but under this government the case was altered, for upon applying to the court of king’s bench, persons of their caste and colour could obtain a licence by giving security. An act was passed (containing 227 clauses) for the better regulating the island courts, and due methods effected for an improved administration of justice. It had been formerly the practice in Antigua to burn such felons as were within the benefit of clergy, in the hand, but this year the punishment was commuted to public or private whippings, inflicted once or oftener, but not more than at three different periods. This was the last decree signed by his excellency: he appears to have been an able and just governor, and well calculated for a representative of royalty. After the departure of his excellency, John Nugent, Esq., resumed the command as lieutenant-governor until the following year, when the Honourable William Woodley was re-appointed.

⁵⁰ For genealogy of this gentleman, and when created a Baronet, see Appendix, No. 15.