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Table of Contents

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.,

“Bastien Baijer.	Gilbert Gregory.
Philip Warner.	Henry Reynall.
Richard Boraston.	Jeremiah Watkins.
Samuel Winthorpe.”

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.