Chapter I: Introduction

It is greatly to be lamented, that although the island of Dominica is so very capable of being rendered one of the chief, if not the best, the English have in the West Indies; yet, from a want of knowledge of its importance, or inattention, it is at this time almost as much unsettled, as when it was ceded to Great Britain, near thirty years ago.

This is the more remarkable, from the great consequence the possession of it is to the English, in case of a rupture with France, it being the key of the British dominions in that part of the world, and from its situation between the two principal settlements of the French, Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is the only place in the West Indies, by which there is a possibility for Great Britain to maintain the sovereignty of those seas.

It has moreover many conveniences for the service of both an army and fleet, which few other West India islands can boast; and was it to be well settled with British subjects, would be of material assistance to our other possessions, by furnishing them with many articles of which they very often are greatly in need.

For the purpose of bringing forth to view these capabilities of Dominica, the following history of that island is submitted to the candid perusal of a generous public by the author; whose chief inducement for writing it, was his hope, that it might be some small means of service to a country, in which he has spent several years of his life, and the prosperity of which, it is his ardent wish to see speedily promoted.

The history of distant settlements belonging to Great Britain, it is presumed, cannot fail of being acceptable to every Englishman who wishes well to his country; and however deficient this essay of his may be, in point of erudition, correctness, or correspondent circumstances, yet, from its being the first on the subject, the author hopes it may meet with a favourable reception.

It falls not within the compass of this work to enter into details of acts of the legislature, the conduct of governors, or of individuals of that island; these he leaves for a more extensive work, or for abler pens to record; and if what is here submitted to public perusal serve in the least to promote the welfare of the present and future inhabitants of Dominica, and thereby the interests of the British nation at large, the purpose of the author by this publication will be fully answered.

London, May 1791.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

_Description of the island, its situation, extent, climate,
and other subjects; together with an account of
the conquest of it, its cession to Great Britain, and the disposal
of the lands by the crown._ Page 1

CHAP. II.

_Description of the soil, mountains, and woods; of valuable timber,
and other trees; also of the birds of the woods peculiar
to the island._ 17

CHAP. III.

_Of the rivers and lakes in the island, river and fresh water
fish, also of sea fish, land crabs, and a description of the native
quadruped, and other animals._ 35

CHAP. IV.

_Of the most remarkable reptiles and insects of the island, their
venomous and other qualities, with remarks._ 51

CHAP. V.

_An account of the different articles of West India produce raised
in the island; the number of sugar and coffee plantations
therein, with remarks._ 72

CHAP. VI.

_Names and descriptions of particular West India fruits which
grow in the island; also of European and American fruits,
herbs, vegetables, and flowers; with observations on their
properties, &c._ 86

CHAP. VII.

_Of the trade of the island, previous to its reduction by the
French last war, with a relation of that circumstance; and
the articles of capitulation to which it surrendered._ 104

CHAP. VIII.

_Of the government of the island under the French, with a relation
of the distressed situation of the English inhabitants, until
its restoration to Great Britain; an account of that event,
and several other subjects._ 138

CHAP. IX.

_An account of the division of the island into parishes and towns,
with a description of its capital, the principal buildings,
fortifications, and harbour; together with observations on
Prince Rupert’s Bay, and the grand Savannah in that
island._ 171

CHAP. X.

_The civil government, officers, courts, and other subjects relative
to them; also a description of the militia of that island._ 195

CHAP. XI.

_Description of the white inhabitants, free people of colour, and
native Indians of the island; their manners and customs,
with observations._ 208

CHAP. XII.

_Of the negro slaves of this island, their rebellion and reduction,
the usage, manners, customs, and characters of these people
in general in the West Indies._ 224

CHAP. XIII.

_Of the present trade of the island, and the free port of Roseau,
with remarks. Conclusion._ 276

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

ISLAND OF DOMINICA.