Aaron Thomas:

The Caribbean Journal of a Royal Navy Seaman

June 1798 - July 1798

Journal pages 1 - 56

August 1798 - September 1798

Journal pages 56 - 123

October 1798 - November 1798

Journal pages 127 - 186

December 1798 - January 1799

Journal pages 190 - 227

February 1799 - March 1799

Journal pages 228 - 266

April 1799 - May 1799

Journal pages 267 - 310

June 1799 - July 1799

Journal pages 310 - 347

August 1799 - October 1799

Journal pages 348 - 366

[Date: December 1798 - January 1799. Pages: 190-227]

190

Journal from page One Hundred & Eighty Nine

Sunday 9th December 1798. It blew very strong, all last night. At 10 AM saw strang sale. set Topgallants sail &c in Chace. The water often rushing into the Ship at the Lee ports, and covering the Guns with water. At 4 PM the Chace hoisted a half red, and half blue and white flag, with a yellow ball in the middle, at her fore topmast head, and an English Ensign abaft. and lay too. Hailed her; she proved to be an English Schooner Privateer of Antigua, called the Lydia of 10 Guns. Sent an officer on board her, to see if she had any of the Concords men; or of ours on board of her, who had lately runaway from us, and from the Concord, but we found none on board. -- At sunset saw Nevis and St. Kitts.

Amidst the prodegious heavy lurches which the Ship took this day in chace, one of them upset a large 2 Gallon Tea Kettle, and the Lid falling off; presently after one of the Gunrooms small sucking Pigs, put his head in, which being observed by one of the men, he put the Pig inside the Kettle, -- the Kettle with the Pig in it, began then to roll, cry, and tumble about &c, in such a manner, that the people, who did not see the origen, thought that a new specie of fish, had Jumped in, at one of the ports, with the bodys of water, which often thursted itself in. -- The black large Snout of the Tea Kettle, aiding the Idea

Monday 10th December. At 10 AM. Off Montserrat, boarded a Danish Bark, with Slaves, Parrot & Monkeys; from the Coast of Guinea bound to Santa Cruz. -- Got 3 Parrots out of her.

Tuesday 11th Anchored in St. Johns Road, Antigua

carryed to page One Hundred & Ninety Four


191

Journal for page one Hundred & Ninety

Capt H says, that Capt Boys of the Marines, who married his Sister, used to attend all Sales, and that at one of them, he bought a complete set of ChildbedLinen for a Child from the Womb, to the age of 5 anni, and that from his sister knowing this circumstance, was one thing which furthered the match.


192

From page 152

Notiza a Sig Pmats

Copy (verbatim) of letter from an Officer of HM Ship Invincible, to his friend in St. Johns Antigua, dated at the Saintes, to the Southard of Guadulupe the 27th of November 1798

the French have found means to smuggle a small Squadron of Frigates into Guadulupe from Europe; which had nearly proved fatal to the Lapwing of 28 Guns, who on Wednesday last, had a narrow chance from runing right in amongst them at the close of the evening. -- It seems that the Lapwing on the 21 Ultimo, in her way from Dominica to St. Kitts; off Basseterre Guadulupe, fell in with 2 Large french frigates (one of them carrying a broad Pendant)a Brig, and several other armed vessels, who were working up for the road of Basseterre. As soon as Captain Harvey discovered them to being an Enemys Squadron, he hauled his wind & stood for the Saintes; receiving the fire of one of the Enemys Batterys ashore as she passed. He made the Signal to us & the Pearl frigate, who were at Anchor here, that the Ships in sight, were an Enemys Squadron. – But unfortunately Captain Cayley of the Invincible & Captain Ballard of the Pearl, both dined ashore, and from that circumstance, and some misconception in the Lapwings Signals, a delay of four hour took place, before we and the Pearl got under weigh. -- We got off Basseterre about 10 PM, but the french frigates had anchored. We ranged down the shore, and received the fire from every battery, from Fort Matilda, to the North point of Guadulupe, but their fire, (it being dark) did us no injury. -- at daylight on the 22nd, we found the Pearl in chacing a Brig, which had been Captured by a french Privateer in the night, and about 3 Leagues to Leeward of us. The Invincible had been becalmed in the night, and was about 6 Leagues to Leeward of Basseterre, The Lapwing alone had kept her station, She being abreast of one of the french frigate who had anchored close in shore, under a battery, about 3 Leagues to Leeward of Basseterre: the french Commodore having brought too Two Leagues more to windward. – The Leeward most french frigate, considering her situation as unsafe, and expecting to be attacked by our whole force, as they worked up: got under weigh, and continued to beat up, by short tacks to the Commodore. -- Captain T Harvey in the Lapwing stood for her in a very spirited manner, and exerted every abillity to bring her to a close action, which she constantly avoided, having the advantage of the wind, by tacking, and standing close in shore. -- However they exchanged several Broadsides, during which time the

carryed to page 193


193

the Lapwing received the fire occasionally of 3 batterys, from the shore. Captain Cayley in the Invincible being unable to get to windward during the action, and observing the fore Topsail tye of the Lapwing to be shot away, and that nothing desicive could be done by the Lapwing alone, against the very superior force, with which she was engaged, thought it prudent to call her off by signal.
        These two french frigates it seems, have brought from france a new suit of Officers for Guadulupe, and also a reinforcement of Millitary.


194

Journal from page One Hundred & Ninety One

Wednesday 12th December 1798. at daylight went ashore in the Yawl to St. John. Breakfasted at Mrs [blank] Tavern. Paid half a Dollar for Breakfast. -- Came aboard with Captain Harvey in the Cutter, was aboard the American Brig Ann of Saybroke. gave only 2 and a half Dollar for a Barrel of Potatoes, -- was also aboard the Cateret Packet who anchored here from Europe. was paid Prize money for La Bounaparte french Privateer, captured by us & La Concorde, on the 23rd of August last. My share 1 Joe one Dollar & 3 Bitts

Thursday 13 Dec’r. Was again on board the Cateret Packet, and fell into the Hold, out of the Caben, without receiving any injury. At 5 PM a Pilot came aboard. hove up & got under weigh. As we were at anchor at 4 PM this evening the following places bore as thus: Sandy Island W 1/2 SW distant 4 miles. The rock called the Ships Stern SW distant one mile and a quarter. The Great Sister rock NW 1/2 N distant one mile and 3 Quarters. James Fort SE. distant 2 miles. The Wallington rocks NW 1/2 W distant one mile & a half. At 7 PM the Pilot left the Ship Stood for St. Kitts with 3 Schooners & a Brig under our Convoy.

Friday the 14th December at 9 AM Anchored at Nevis. At 11 PM was ashore, had an interview with Miss Higgens & Mrs. Brown the Presedents wife. came aboard at 1 PM. Emanuel Barret put in Irons for geting drunk, he was one of the Boats Crew, who put me ashore. Sent John Reeves ashore to Bath in the River, at the hot Spring, he being possest of several complaints. Sent an Officer ashore with him, to take care that he did not runaway. at 7 PM the Boat returned, as Reeves had found means to elude the Officer, and get off.

Saturday 15th December At 4 Am The Serjeant of Marines was sent ashore in search of Reeves. at seven he returned with Reeves, who was immediately put in Irons. At 8 AM put Phillip Byland & Peter Hand in Irons for fighting. At 9 put Hutchins the Boatswain Mate in Irons for wrangling with the Gunner, & Patrick Roche for giving Liquiors to the Prisoners.

carryed to page One Hundred & Ninety five


195

Journal from page One Hundred & Ninety four

Saturday 15 Dec’r 1798 Continued

        At 11 AM. the Captain came aboard & floged Roche. Byland & Peter Hand, for the crimes, stated in page 194. And also floged the Boy Emanuel Barrat, for geting drunk, while ashore with me yesterday, as one of the Boats Crew.
        At 10 AM I went ashore. a great surf, sloped for about two hours at Mrs Broadbelts. Was up at Mills’s Estate. came aboard from the Watering place.
        At 7 PM Brady put in Irons for leaving the Boat when ashore & Fosdyke put in Irons for being Boat keeper, and when the Boat came alongside a Bladder of Gin was found in the Boat

Sunday 16 December 1798. Reading aboard all day. at 6 PM hove up. Lay off and on untill 11 PM when the Captain came aboard. Understand that H fell from off his Horse three times, in riding down from the Presidents, where he dined with Spence, Rowe & Mr Richardson. Dust with Tripe, Serjeant, Craer & Tildersley about the Boat. Craer lost his Hatt &c

Monday 17th The Cyane Sloop of War in Company. at daylight off Brimstone Hill. At 11 AM passed within half a mile of the E side of St. Eustatius in our way to St. Batholomews. -- Captain Matson of the Cyane dined aboard, who found fault with the Captain, for going so close in to Guadulupe, -- said, "you were very much to close indeed, I never will go within Gun shot of any of their Batteries; &c &c
        at 8 AM gave Brady one Dozen lashes, for stoping ashore. Stephen Elder 24 Lashes, he having owned the Bladder of Gin which was found in the Boat on Saturday last, and for which Fosdyke was put in Irons, and released.

carry to page 196


196

Journal from page One Hundred & Ninety five

Monday 17th December 1798 continued

William Woodcock had half a Dozen Lashes, for being the person, who requested Elder to bring off the Quart of Gin;
NB at the Gangway the Captain declared to Elder, that he would flog him, untill he confessed who the Bladder of Gin belonged to, -- Elder took 2 Dozen, and then he confessed it was Woodcock, who the Gin was for.
CONTRAST. The Captain got drunk. -- so drunk; -- that he fell three times off his Horse -- I myself at Breakfast heard him say -- "I drank too much wine yesterday: I would give Sixpence had I not drank so much. -- Yet this man who got so drunk as to fall 3 times off his Horse; gave 30 lashes on the bare backs of 2 men, for attempting to obtain the possession of one Quart of Gin

Tuesday 18th December 1798. Much rain, at 9 AM Anchored in fathoms, abreast of the Pet[er] Ance in the Island of St. Batholomews, was aboard an American Schooner from New York in 16 days. they asked 9 dollars for a Barrel of apples, which contained about 2 English bushels. In my way into the Carenage passed over the Shoal, on which the Lapwing lay for 4 hours on the 11th of May last. Saw a Turtle asleep which we had liked to a catched

carryed to page One Hundred & Ninety Seven


199

Journal from page One Hundred & Ninety Eight

Saturday 22 December 1798

        at 10 AM got under weigh. having Doctor Tibbeu of Antigua and family aboard. He having a few days since marryed his wife, a daughter of Mr [blank] Tyson of St. Kitts, and is now going to take her to his House at St. Johns.
        At 1 PM lay too off Nevis, I went ashore in the Yawl, saw the Presedent, his daughter came off with me to see Mrs. Tibbeu. The Malitia of Nevis had a feild day, and had been to Church to hear a sermon

Tuesday 25 December 1798 Christmas day. At 9 AM. Anchored in English Harbor Antigua, got all my things ashore, slept in the House, called the Admirals House in the Dockyard, the Ship is come in to Careen

Wednesday. The Ships Company slept in the Capstan House all the Weomen ordered out of the Capstan yard at 6 PM

27th Many men last night quited the yard by stealth supposed to go out after the Weomen. This evening it was ordered that as many black Whores as pleased might stop all night in the Capstan House, at which news the men gave 3 Cheers

Friday 28th floged Our Lucus for geting drunk in the Admirals house, turned him adrift & took in his lieu Joseph Hilliard, floged Miles Miel & Perry the Marine and Corporal Cantwell for Drunkenness

carryed to page 200


200

Journal from page one Hundred & Ninety Nine

Saturday 29 December 1798 floged Miles Meil & Perry again for Drunkenness. – Hillard the Boatswain Mate. put Corporal Cantwell in Irons for being drunk. Walked to & was in fort Barclay

Sunday 30th, Was in the Negro Market with Joe Hilliard called of old Mrs Clarke, on her Negro called Trouble
"He was his Mothers first Child, and when a Negro Girl begins to have Children, she is, as their Masters say; worth nothing afterwards, as all their time is taken up, in looking after their Children; so says Mrs Clarke, I called her first Child; Trouble. -- On Pedro, and his Mothers Breakfast of Hott Water & Sugar. Lent Captain Cuming of the 8th Black West Indias Regiment 2 Joes

Monday 31 Dec’r Punished Corporal Cantwell and the two Williams with 2 Dozen lashes each, and Robert Farthing with one Dozen Lashes, for drunkenness & irrugular conduct.
        Opend the Bottle of pork, which I sealed down on the 6th of last November: having pickled it in 3 parts fresh water, & one part Lime Juice, and found it sound & good. -- By which I am convinced that Lime Juice will preserve fresh meats in the West Indias; as well as Salt does our meats in Europe, but in preserving this Meat in Lime Juice, it must be corked & rosined very close; so as to keep out every particle of air, as on its being particularly well closed, depends intirely the preserving of the Meat.

carryed to page two Hundred & one


203

Journal from page two Hundred and two

In writing letters Tuesday I was so bited and bitten by the muscatooes, that I was oblidged to put my feet inside a deep Canvas Bag

Tuesday 8 January 1799 Was at Mrs. Ramseys, said Admiral Nelson was an old friend of hers, when he was here 17 years ago in the Boras frigate on the Creole Countess, son of Captain Countess of the Navy-- on James Pitt [blank] son of James Pitt, Brother to the Hon’ble William Pitt, this Mulutto Boy, is said by his mother, a black weoman to be begotten by Captain Pitt in 1783 when here in the Hornet. A Son of Admiral Parker, begotten by him on a Creole woman, and is called Parker. plenty of Mustee & free Creole peoples about English Harbor, which by length of time, have been begotten by the Sailors, whose Ships have been refiting here.
        The Gunner of His Majesty Brig Requim, acted this day, as Groom to Mr Senhouse, by taking care of Horse which he hired; he stood 2 hours as Centinal over a Rum Barrel, He cleared his Storeroom of its Powder, and sent it to the Magazine ashore. He cleaned a pair of Shoes for Mr Butcher the Master, and at night in the Cook House he roasted some Yams for the Captains Supper.

Wednesday 9th January. The Boys John Maloney and William Scarwood Deserted.

Thursday 10th Matson of the Cyane Sloop of War came in, in a Boat and Dined at the Admirals House Matson said Lord Camelfords Majordomo robed him of every thing, and paid Nobody nothing.

carryed to page two Hundred and four


204

Journal from page two Hundred and Three

Friday the 11th January 1799. At Breakfast Solomon said that Sir Sidney Smith, was going to command the Turkish Fleet, and that on hearing of it, Lord Camelford, had offered his Services, but that the Admiralty told his Lordship, that one Madman was enough in one fleet.

Antoni Farrara the Portuguese put in Irons for stabing with a Knife and wounding Bryant Todley.

Saturday 12 January. At 7 AM Anchored here H M. Cutter the Charlotte, commanded by Lieutenant Williams. Rec’d the following note

Sir
        You will send me another Joe over by the Boy, and I then have had five Joes, that you had, and you may think that I am extravagant, but I am not, for what I had to pay & lend my Messmates, we have not had a Joes apiece, now Sir I should ask you wither you will grant me this favour, as they desire me to write to you, as you are not afraid to let me have it, will you let me have two or 3 Joes more, as we may stay here sometime, and as soon as we get down to St Kitts, we shall be paid all our Prize money, then they will give it to me, to pay it to you, if one does not buy something comfortable to eat, it does not do, as the work is very hard, and what we ask for, is for that use, we all wish to be frugal, which Sir, you will send a few lines by the Bearer, and let me know what your charges will be, in so doing you will oblidge your well wisher &c
                                                                            Robert Farthing
                                                                            John Williams
                                                                            Robert Cocks
                                                                            Samuel Winslow
Lapwing. Capstan House
January 12th 1799
to Mr. Aaron Thomas

[sidenote: served Three Kings in the same pair of Shoes]

[sidenote: Questi notti C H send to borrow from me 2 Joes. I had no Joes, but I sent him 16 Dollars -- which he sent back by Black Jack. this money was for him to give suo Puttani Miss Brookes. There was nobody in House at this time but she, me, and John Alderton]


207

Journal from page Two Hundred & Six

Friday the 18th of January 1799

On This day I complete my Thirty Seventh year of my age. -- I find all my mental faucalties, as good, and I think better than they ever were. -- The only alteration which I find in my person, from what it was Ten years ago: is that a part of my hairs of my head, are turned white, and that my Legs have not so much flesh upon them, as they had 10 years back. At Midday Great George fort on Monks Hill fired a salute of [blank] Guns. As did the battery on the Rige, in honor of its being the day, on which the Birth of the Queen is kept. The Royal Standart was also displayed on the flag staff in the Dock yard.

carryed to page Two hundred & eight


208

Journal from page Two Hundred & Seven

Friday the 18 Jan. 1799 Continued
        last night Craer the Surgions Mate, & Mr. Gilbert Taylor the Masters Mate got very Tipsey, Mr. Craer eased himself in the Gutter, which conveyeth the rain water, into a large furnace from whence the Ships Company gets water for all uses, Patterson the Carpenter saw Craer in the Act; and this morning complained to the Captain. when he ordered that a small Tent should be riged out; half on the Warfe, and the other half over the water, and that Craer should mess there, and be turned out of the Loft.
        The Ships Company this day were ordered to sleep up in the Loft. -- the places below in the Capstan House being found to be to much exposed to the Wett, Heretofore the Officers only messed in the Loft. -- Mr Tildersley on speaking on this change; said that the superior Officers did everything in their power to make the situation of the Petty Officers as uncomfortable as possible.
        A man who came from the Hospital yesterday belonging to the Vengence, walked out at one of the Windows of the Loft, & cut his head very much.
        Solomon on Speaking of Craers affair said, that no set of Officers belonging to a frigate in the West Indias, had met with so many favourable circumstances, concuring to their interest in the Petty Officers of the Lapwing and

carryed to page Two Hundred


209

Journal from page Two Hundred & Eight

Friday 18th January 1799 Continued
and that it was impossible for any set to behave worse &c
        William Hill Esqr the Master Shipwright & Chester Fitch Esqr the Master Attendant of the Yard dined in my company. The Royal Standart was hoisted on the flag Staff in the Dock yard, as being the day on which the Queens birth is kept. The flag was very raged & torn, says Solomon what an old flag they have got up; -- yes says Fitch it is like Her Majesty rather stricken in years

[sidenote]: Mr Alan the Surgeon of the Requim Brig return from St. Johns, where he been a prisoner several days for killing a Child by ordering a Soldier to fire at a man who Deserted from the Requim, & was then again in their custody, but attempted to make his escape

Saturday 19th January floged corporal Cantwell for disobedience of orders, & Perry the Marine for stealing & killing on of the Doctors fowls. each had one Dozen
        The people brought over the Hammock Cloathes, and painted them in our Yard. They left the spare Red paint in our Cooking House; this morning one one of the Captain fowls immersed itself in this red paint, -- the Cook killed it & roasted it, and send it to the Captains Table, Mr Spence said it is rather red, yes Sir says Dr. Cole, I Judged it to be a Game fowl.
        There is a Tub placed in the Yard, for the Ducks & Geese to wash themselves in, a Duck yesterday got into the Tub, and Two Geese got also into the Tub, where they rode and pummilled the Duck so long, and kept it so much under water, that they drowned the Duck before their contentions were seen

carryed to page Two Hundred & Ten


211

Journal from page Two Hundred & Ten

Tuesday 22 January 1799 continued
He than asked who my agents were. I told him Mr Evans my stockbroker, was dead, that I received my Dividends myself that Ommeny & Page had bought Stock for me, & also Griffiths Drew Godwyn of Portsmouth. -- He said take care how you deal with Stock Brokers at Portsmouth.

Wednesday 23 January. The great deal of heavy rain this day, which is filled all tanks. Many heavy puffs of wind came down from the Gullies of the Mountains. Yesterday & all this day, a Signal has been flying on Monks Hill, to let the Islanders know that a Packet from England is now at St. Johns, and will sail for Europe to morrow, her name the Princess Royal Captain Skinner. 4 Captains of the 8th Black West India Regiment, Mr Hill, Mr Fitch Doctor Cole, Lieutenant Senhouse of the Requim & Mr Williams of the Charlotte Sloop Dined in the Admirals House

Thursday 24 January Dopo Pranzato rode on Neiente round the South margin of Falmouth Bay, was in the + 4 Gun Battery over Pegion Point. On the middle Ground at the Kings Negro Hutts, called the main Top, and was at the Negros Hutts in Porters Row. one dressed my finger (with some wild Herbs which she gathered,) it continuing to be painfull where the Parrot bit me a few days ago.
[+Cuylers battery so called because built by General Cuyler in 1798. The 4 Guns are 32 pounders one of them was fired a few days ago. When the Platform under it sunk 7 Inches]
Under a Tamarind tree, in a Patch of Land near Mr Rogersons the Commissaries House, I found a Tomb Stone square built. On the top was a small marble Slab: on it was written Ann Rogerson born in 1768. Died in 1793
Wafted by fate, to a distance shore
Till parting death, her to me does restore
Which is the only day. her Husband wishes to know.

carryed to page 212


212

Journal from page Two Hundred & Eleven

Thursday 24 January 1799 Continued
        I sent for a Taylor to make a new Superfine Blue Coat. he said it would cost five pounds 14/ Sterling which is two Guineas more than I ever paid for a Blue Coat in London
        Doctor Ridgeway asked me this morning to Lend him 12 Joes, untill the Ship went down to St. Kitts. -- His reason for being in want of money was rather curious. -- He says that he was here in the Lapwing fifteen months ago, and that a weoman now daily brings him a child and says that he is the Father of it. -- that he himself beleives, that he had the greatest hand in making the Puding, day -- therefore being convinced of this great & uncertain truth, he wishes to buy the infants freedom, and that this money was for that use. -- I did not lend him the money, but he got it this evening from Captain Harvey. -- Wretched slavery. What a disgrace it is, to all Christian countries to traffick in humane flesh. -- Here is an instance of its infamy. -- A surgeon of an English Man of War, has a Child by a Black Weoman, but has no more property in the infant, then he has claim to the Throne of England, because the Weoman he had the Child by is not free; unless he buys the child, of the owner of the Girl, and then the buying of his own Son or Daughter, will cost him 20 or Thirty pounds

carried to page Two Hundred & Thirteen


220

Journal from page Two Hundred & Nineteen

Sunday 27th January 1799 Continued

Left St. John at 8 A M. Found that the Ostler, who was a blackman, was also Cook, and that my Stove had been kept in the Cook House all night. but fared non the worse for that. -- Got to Clarkes Hill went into a Negroes Hutt for shelter, it having rained very hard. the old Negro Weoman was boiling Yams, which alone was the Sundays Dinner, for she and her Husband, He had but one hand, the other being blown off by an exploision, in blowing up a rock. When the rain was over, I got on my Horse out of their House, & proceeded. The one armed man also went, & began shaking an Orange Tree, on which was plenty of ripe fruit, --The Hutt was covered with Orange Trees, He was going to sell his oranges at St. Johns Market. -- I met vast numbers of Black people, carrying the produce of the Island to St. Johns to sell.
Passed by Stony Hill Estate Saw Sir George Thomas Estate, on which is the best dwelling House in the Island. His Grandfather was Governor of Antigua about 40 years ago. --
        At Midday rode into Parham, which 60 years ago was the greatest place of Trade in the Island, its Harbor being an Excellent one, and as smooth as glass. -- I counted about 70 Houses all in ruins. At present there is but 3 familys living in the place, I went there to viset the Church Yard, but there was not a single Headstone in the Church yard. I could not get into the Church, as the morning was wet, the Clergyman did not come to Preach, and the Clerk lived at Fort Byam, about 3 miles off he filling two offices: Viz, Clerk of a Parish, and Matross of Fort Byam. I had rode my Horse about 10 miles, I therefore wished to feed him, and asking a Negro where I could get some corn, a white Gentleman came and assured me, that it was a doubt wither I could get any or not, in the place, but beged I would walke into his House, and give my Horse into the care of a Negro Girl of his. -- This I did, & she soon got him some corn. -- I walked into his House, went up stairs, he introduced me into a Gallery, which commanded a fine view of Parham Harbor, Long Island, &c. This House was very much out of repair, and as to the Gallery: appearances was so much against it, that had not he

(carryed to page 221)


221

Journal from page Two Hundred and Twenty

Sunday the 27th January 1799 Continued

He gone in first, I should not a ventured; the timber & boards being quit rotten. We sat down here, He gave me the History of Governor Thomas, of Mr Clement Tudways Estate who is Member for Wells. of General Morris Of Sir William Codrington, of the process of making Whips, which the Negroes use to drive the Cattle with out of Aloes, called in England American Aloes, and that he was sure, it would answer every purpose for which Hemp is used in England. That it answered the purpose of Sope. --That they always Blossom every year. -- and not once in one Hundred Year; as said in England. of the Building of the Church, which is of Wood. –That I was the only Stranger that had came into the place for five months back. That he came into the Island in the Year 1762 from Scotland, That Monks Hill was fortifyed in the strong manner it was: as a refuge for Weoman, and Children, in case the Negroes should rise; That it was called Monks Hill not from the great General Monk; but because the owner of the lands name was Monk. -- So badly was Antigua supplyed with Water, that he has seen the time, When he would sooner give away a Bottle of Rum, than a Bottle of Water. I saw a large China Bowl nearly full of something, & it was standing up to its shoulder, in water in a square Leaden Tray . this he told me was Punch a cooling; and only wanted the Lime Juice; he sent a Negro girl for the souring, I drank some of the Punch, and very good it was. He showed me 3 sorts of Yams & expatiated on their quality which see in page 214 back.
        Left Parham, had a fine sandy hard road for about a mile. Passed the Negroes Hutts belonging to Mr Clement Tudway, they are upon the side of a Hill, where The Knoll terminates, and I thought them a pleasant & pictureque Scene. Came to Pond by which was a burying Ground, and Black Girl washing Linen, gave her my Horse to hold, but the flies teasing the Horse, made him a little restive, and suddenly the Girl loosed the Briddle, and the Horse ran into a Cane Patch, but I soon catched him. -- Went into the burying ground, found it belonged to the Parish of Parham, but no Epitaph in it worth copying. In Riding alongside the Sugar Canes this, day, I found that the Sugar Canes were generally about 3 feet higher then my head, when Riding on Horseback. I asked a man the way to Falmouth, from him I understood, that the Gentleman who behaved so Polite to me at Parham, was Charles Gordon Esq’r Major of the Red Regiment of Malitia. In crossing the Dale, I came to a deep Gully of water, much rain having fallen, it had spread the Waters into a River, this water I had to ride through, but I thought it looked deep & dangerous, so I rode back to some Negroes Hutt for information; a man came back with me, and said it was fordable, and walked through the Water to show me the way

(carryed to page 222)


222

Journal from page Two Hundred & Twenty one

Sunday 27 January 1799 Continued

the way. I got safe over, but on getting over the water; my Horse sunk in a Bog, & stuck so fast: that I was forced to dismout, my Negro friend was by my side, and assisted me, in Piloting me through this morass
        for this last Ten days great quantities of rain have fallen, so that the Clayey soil in this Island is very deep, & I found it very disagreable in riding over it this day. -- I found very little land in the medium: it was either very Stoney. or a deep Clay soil. -- They tell me so much rain has fallen lately, that it makes the Sugar Canes grow very well, but that it makes the roads so deep, that Mules, & Cattle cannot be found in sufficient quantites to drag the Hogsheds of Sugar to St. Johns to be shipped. -- Passed a very unpleasant looking deep Gully of Water under Browns Estate. my Horse being small, he was up to his Tail in passing through this flush of Water: When I was in the middle I stoped the Horse, and a similar predicament occured, to me, which happened at Aukwards Brookes, between Wigmore and Long Lainwardine in Herefordshire in the year 1769 when I was but Seven years old. -- However the Horse took me through very safe.. -- Passed Browns Estate, leaving the House on my left hand and the Hutts on my right hand. -- came to the foot of the Hill; next to Monks Hill, got off my Horse led him up the ascent. met many Girls & Repaz; et velho uomo coming from the market in the place called the Swamp. –Passed Monks Hill, leaving it on my right hand. came to the Market in the Swamp. Plenty of people there. John Ironmonger the Drummer of our Ship stoped me, and wanted to borrow a Joe, but I did not comply with his request knowing

(carryed to page 224)


223

Remembrances of my friend Major Charles Gordon of Parham in the Island of Antigua ---His Grey Hairs. Annotation on Yams, Do on St. Johns Harbor, Do on Parham Harbor- Marooning at Long Island. Formerly Manager to Mr. Clement Tudways Estate. My saying, when I first visited Wales from London, about Ten Years ago, I always get a sore bum after riding on Horseback a little, but now I did not feel this inconvenience: true says the major, you then were a young man, but now you are getting old, and your Skin is tough. The unfortunate General Morris, a glance over his late Estate. Sir George Thomas and Sir Ralph Payne.


224

Journal from page Two Hundred and Twenty Two

Sunday the 27th January 1799 Continued

request; knowing he had una Puttana l’boarda. -- arrived in the Dockyard in English Harbor. found the Privateer called the Lord Duncan in the Stream, having come with Bread &c on account of Goverment from Fort Royal.


226

Journal from page Two Hundred & Twenty five

Monday the 28th of January 1799
Anchored he at 7 A M, His Majesty Schooner Alexander, from Martinique, with Letter from Admiral Harvey

Tuesday the 29th of January. at 7 A M saild His Majestys Schooner Alexander. At 8 A M droped into Freemans Bay, The Lord Duncan, and at 10 A M went to Sea.
        This morning was found dead on the Beach, between Barclays Battery & the Admirals House, a Marine belonging to the Alexander, His body was on shore, under a Rocky precipice. The people on board the Privateer hailed our watering Boat, & told them there was a dead body on the shore. The Alexander hering the hail, sent their Boat & found it to be a Marine doing duty in the Alexander; but belonging to the Prince of Wales of 98 Guns, and who had Swam from the Alexander; during his Watch, with Charles Stewart a Seaman. with the intent to desert. The Body of the Marine was ashore; out of the reach of the water; --with his Hatt under his Head, and being found in this position; speculation was at a loss how to account for his death. But at 10 a Cl’k A M. the matter was cleared up; as a Sergeant came to the Admirals House; --saying he & his party had catched Stewart in the Bush; near Barclays Battery. –a Boat was sent across the Bay. & Stewart bought into the Capstan House & put in Irons; He said that he & the Marine swam ashore, that the Marine had got up a rock, & fell down from off it, & had hurt himself very much, and that he it twas; that put his Hatt, under his head.

Carryed to Page Two Hundred and Twenty Seven


227

Journal from page Two Hundred & Twenty Six

Wednesday 30 January 1799

[bottom]

        had a long conversation this day with Mr. Rose; concerning Mr Wesley & Mr Baxter. Was at Mr McKeller store gave him 8 Spanish Dollars for a pair of Half Boots
        Mr Rose says that when Admiral Sir John LaForey was out here, he threatened to try him by a Court Martial for reading the Bible to a few Negroes, or at most because two Negroes were seen Kneeling aside of him, and one behind him when he had a Bible in his hand.

Thursday 31 January 1799

Fired 2 Pistols at Whittick while he was easing himself on the Gunwarfe, afterwards gave him half a Dozen for this indecent act. -- Put a Black man in Irons, for the same crime, who was at work upon the Ship

carryed to page Two Hundred & Twenty Eight