Reports Relating to Mr. Gordon's Estates in the West Indies, 1824

6.3. Part the First, Saint Kitts

Part the First,

SAINT KITTS.

___________________

 The Ship Britannia anchored in Basseterre Roads, Saint Kitts on the morning of the 5th
February 1824, and I forwarded the following Letters to the Reverend (Wm.)William DavisDavis, William, Rev. and Mr.
Thomas TysonTyson, Thomas immediately after I had landed:-

 Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas called on me in the course of the day and informed me that he had long since
delivered over the Estate at Frigate Bay belonging to Mr. Gordon to Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. and that he
had settled all matters connected with that property with the Reverend Gentleman and referred
me to him for further information.

 Not having received an answer from Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. to my note of the 5th I addressed him
again on the 9th as follow:-

On the following morning the 10th I received a note from Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. to the following effect:

I lost no time in waiting on Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. and
repeated to him the substance of Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas 's communication to me at which he not only expressed
his surprise but charged him with duplicity by leading me to suppose that any other
settlement had taken place between them than the mere resignation of the Estate without the
Ten Acres or payment of the Rent, and at the same time he endeavoured impress on my mind
that he had taken a large share of Interest and trouble in the affair & altho no material
benefit had as yet been derived it was to be attributed to the embarrassed circumstances of Mr.
TysonTyson, Thomas , which precluded any possibility of recovering the money due from him on account
of rent by using coersive measures. He however expressed his readiness to advise with
me and assist me in adopting that course which might upon consideration appear to promise
success- but he observed I fear it is a hopeless case. With respect to the Ten acres
he recapitulated the substance of his several communications to Mr. Gordon , and regarded
particularly the influence (as he thought) the Jury of View, who had decided in favor of
Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas , would have in a Court, in rejecting the evidence that might be brought on the
other side. I enquired of him the names of the persons composing the Jury, and as I
had suspected found them to be Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas's intimate friends and subsequently that Mr.
DavisDavis, William, Rev. was also on the spot and concurred in the prevailing opinion. Upon taking
leave of him he promised to speak to Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas seriously upon the matter, as also upon
the subject of the Rent due from him to the (Exors)Executors of the late Mr. Gordon as I perceive from
"this Letter (the Letter I had forwarded to him from the (Exors)Executors) he observed that those Gentlemen
"have not given you a power for its recovery. I accordingly left him, with no hope
that I should receive that assistance which he had promised- and on the same day
addressed a Letter to Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas to the following effect:-

5

 After my interview with Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. above noticed I repaired to the Registrar's
Office and commenced a search for records connected with the conveyance of
lands in the quarter of Muddy pond and altho I had in a measure despaired
of finding and Deed immediately referring to the Ten acres, from the assurance
made by Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. that he had searched in vain for it: I found in Book I page
182, Deed 3,052 the following Recital:

The above Letter to Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas not having been dispatched I
accordingly added in a postscript as follows: - Since writing the above I have
"found at the Registrar's Office the proper Record of the 10 acres clearly conveyed
"to and belonging to Mr. Gordon.

 On the following day I addressed a Letter to Mr. Dupuy offering to sell or
Rent the Estate:-

To this letter I received the following
Reply:

6

 In the mean time (on the 13th) Mr TysonTyson, Thomas called upon me, and in referring to my Letter
of the 10th, he evaded that part which alluded to his having deceived me by his representations,
and dwelt principally upon his wish to pay all his debts as far as his means would
enable him to do so; and on the embarrassed state of his circumstances which interfered with
his intentions and inclination:-this exordium was followed by a voluntary offer to acknowledge
the debt in the presence of witnesses-but I told him that the debt was not at
all to be disputed, and it was my object to see it paid, at the same time I would willingly
give him the option of effecting it in the way best suiting his convenience either in Cash
or produce. The result of this conference was that he was to meet me tomorrow and
was then to pay as much debt as he could, and give me a Warrant of Attorney
for the Residue, covering the amount also to the (Exors)Executors.

 Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas not having kept his Appointment on the following day (the 14th) I wrote
to him on the 15th as follows:-

To this Letter I received the following reply:-

 At our interview on the following day he informed me that the utmost he could
do would be to ship 5 or 6 (phns)puncheons of Molasses and this would be attended with
considerable inconvenience. I reminded him of the inconvenience I was necessarily
sustaining by being kept day after day without any progress being made towards
a settlement, and refused taking anything less than the value of the debt due
to Mr. Gordon, and the Warrant of Attorney for the Amount owing to the (Exors)Executors,

6.4.

7

and upon his expressing his total inability to effect it, I left him, first telling him
that I should place the matter immediately in the hands of the professional person
as I could not be detained longer in the Island:- that if he had any thing to
propose to avert the consequences of his hearing compelled me to take such a
step he would find me within the hour at the residence of the Gentleman to
whom I intended to refer the case.. He followed me shortly after attended
by his Solicitor who begged to see my power. I was much annoyed by this
request, not only from the nature of it, which implied a doubt that I held any
authority for demanding the debt, and betrayed a disposition to take every
advantage: but from recollecting at the moment that my power (although
indisputable in itself) was not accompanied by the City Seal and Certificate and
that I held no other authority from the (Exors)Executors than their Letter which I had delivered
to Mr.Davis:- and I had also the mortification of knowing that the
Man who confronted me was among the "sharp Lawyers of Saint Kitts" considered
the 'Sharpest of the Sharp'- I too plainly perceived that to produce my power
of Attorney would be at once putting a stop to further proceedings for the present
until I could procure another from England with the City Seal and Certificate
attached to it: I therefore the more readily expressed my surprise at what I
conceived to be so unreasonable a demand without betraying any want of readiness
to produce it by repairing to the Tavern where it was deposited in my Luggage:
This had the effect of removing any doubt from their minds, & my authority in
the behalf of Mr. Gordon was at length acknowledged.. Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas, however, apprehending that
it was a great general power coming also from the (Exors)Executors prematurely observed that
he had been informed by Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev. that I held no authority whatever from
those Gentlemen.. This by no means excited my surprise and I gave my opinion
very freely as regarded Mr. DavisDavis, William, Rev.'s conduct, and upon my shewing Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas's
Solicitor a Copy of the (Exors)Executors letter (which Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas here acknowledged Mr.Davis
had shewn him) I demanded whether either Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas or his professional
Advisor would take advantage of the informality of their power to me? Much desultory
conversation took place, and I was obliged at length to contend only
for Mr. Gordon's claim under his house of Attorney, in part payment of which
again Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas again offered the Melasses declaring most positively that he had not
the means of paying any portion in Cash.. Had I been disposed to have
accepted of the small quantity of produce which he tendered I was aware
that by doing so, there would be a plea against his signing a Warrant of
Attorney for the remainder as the amount could not be ascertained in until
the proceeds of the Molasses should be determined in England.. He here in-

6.5.

8

formed me that he was under an extensive engagement to a Mercantile House
in Basseterre and all his disposeable produce went thro' their hands: that he
would repair thither and consult with them when the subject- I begged to accompany
him; and after a protracted discussion. I agreed that they should
receive from Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas Ten (phns)puncheons of Melasses when which they should advance
me £40 Sterling, and that he should forthwith return with me to the Lawyer's
and signed a warrant of Attorney for the payment of the Residue in the
following June.- This was effected and I received a draft from Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas
on Messrs. Paul and Burt for the above amount, but such is the poverty of the
Island and the distrust that prevails in the community, that they would not
pay it until they had received the Molasses, and then they declared their
inability to take up the draft in less than seven days!a

 It next became my purpose to know Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas's intention with respect to

The Ten Acres.

I informed him that it was my determination to enter an action immediately for
the recovery, at the same time I advised him for the benefit of both parties
but more particularly with a view to saving himself considerable expence to
have the matter settled by arbitration: he professed much indifference, said
he was very willing, but that he always made it a rule to consult his professional
advisor, and that he would see him upon the subject- the result of this
reference was that his solicitor observed that it was not usual for a defendant
to give evidence against himself – I could not but remark that I was sorry
he was so deficient of evidence in his favor- In the course of this interview
he intimated that he rested his claim to the Ten Acres on the circumstance of
his having possessed thro' several channels of the lands formerly granted
by the Commissioners appointed for the sale of French lands to
Peter HeudeHeude, Peter, and that he had at the expiration of his Lease given up more than 110
Acres b, being the quantity of Land specified therein. It is to be observed however
that the Lease granted in 1775 by James Gordon to John TysonTyson, John clearly states
Ten acres including Muddy pond'; which word including together with the
circumstance of the Ten acres in dispute being immediately contiguous to the said
pond, one might suppose would be sufficient to set aside the position that the

___________________

6.8.

11

pond itself covers the 10 acres a; yet with the strength of party feeling in the Colony
and the 'nine points of the law - possession' in favor of the defendant, it would
be no matter of surprise to any one acquainted with the discrepancies in the administration
of Justice in the West Indies, if a Jury were to give a verdict in favor of
the occupier and by a reference to the extract I made from the deed of conveyance
to James Gordon (noticed in page 5) it will appear that the Lease is the most favorable
instrument on which to support the claim in favor of Mr. Gordon the recital in the
said Deed being of so loose a character as rather to favor the position of which the
defendant would take advantage: ie: the Ten acres being under water It runs thus:
and also all that parcel of waste land covered partly with water in the quarter of
"Basseterre commonly called Muddy pond containing by estimation Ten acres be
"the same more or less bounded by a common path and lands of the said
"James Gordon and Peter HeudeHeude, Peter the word 'waste' would also weaken the claim to
land which now appears in cultivation, and by a reference to the plan it will be
seen that the boundaries herein expressed make the claim still further questionable
having no bearings. That the Ten acres in dispute (see plan a.a.) formerly belonged to
Peter HeudeHeude, Peter is beyond all doubt, and the common path (b) mentioned in the above extract
as a boundary between the 10 acres and the lands of Gordon and HeudeHeude, Peter go far to
invalidate Mr. Gordon's claim entirely; more especially as the said path separates
the pond from the Ten acres. But we will now take another view of the case, in the
mean time it is hereby clearly proved that the Lease signed by the Late John TysonTyson, John
is the most substantial document, and appears to me would be far more available in
a case of ejectment than the deed of conveyance, as it more particularly identifies the
Ten acres to be land not covered with water, but 'lying near or adjoining to Muddy
pond' and it further states 'and also the said pond.' I now proceeded to enquire
how far Mr.Tyson was the possessor by legal conveyance of the lands formerly
possessed by Peter Heude, I order to effect which I was obliged to search the records
of the original grants from the Commissioners, and it was then with some difficulty
that I succeeded in copying or rather deciphering from old English and mutilated
leaves the annexed Extract b. My next object was to find to whom these lands had
been subsequently conveyed in their way to the Tysons, and it also became necessary that
I should refer to several other grants to elucidate the several boundaries and connections
in order to ascertain how they might in the end form part of Mr.Tyson's property,

___________________

6.9.

12

a proposition of which had been conveyed directly from the Commissioners to his ancestorsa
and another part from them, the said commissioners to GreatheedGreatheeed, John which was subsequently purchased
by the Tysons. In the course of this investigation I found that the whole
of the land granted to HeudeHeude, Peter had been conveyed back to Gilbert FlemingFleming, Gilbert, one
of the said Commissioners b, and I was then to ascertain how he had disposed
of it: Having however furnished myself with the particulars of the lands composing
Tyson's Estate c exclusive of that portion of it said to be derived from HeudeHeude, Peter, I
next projected the inspection of a Mortgage deed which I found he had lately
executed in favor of Messrs Dennistounes and (Co)Company of Glasgow, and the extract
I made from it with the description of Heude's land already ascertained form
together the leading particulars to the elucidation of the point at issue.

 I shall first regard Tyson's mortgage deed to Dennistoune's, by the first recital
in which, after passing over those recital referring to the lands conveyed
directly from the commissioners to his ancestors it would appear that the whole
of 'Muddy pond Estate' belonged to the Mortgagor; it runs thus: and all that
"other plantation or parcel of land commonly called Muddy pond Estate
"situate in the same parish with their and every of their appurtenances, together
"with the Negroes, plantation Stock, and implements therein after mentioned and
"which said plantation or parcel of Land called the Muddy pond Estate
"the said John Tyson lately purchased of Mary GreatheedGreatheeed, Mary and John Greatheed
comprising all that piece or parcel of land late of John Saint Leger DouglassDouglass, John St. Leger
with the appurtenances, situated, lying and being in the said parish of
"St. Peter Basseterre containing by admeasurement 30 acres be the same more
or less and abutted and bounding as therein also mentioned For

___________________

6.10.

13

ing recital in Tyson's Mortgage and also that other piece or parcel
"of land late of him the said John (St.)Saint Leger Douglass with the appurtenances
"&c containing by admeasurement Ten acres three roods and nineteen
"perches be the same more or less abutting and bounding as therein
"also mentioned (Note this is the parcel of Land in which half Moon Pond (called as I am
"informed, occasionally 'Muddy pond') is conveyed from DouglassDouglass, John St. Leger to GreatheedGreatheeed, John and from GreatheedGreatheeed, John to TysonTyson, Thomas a)

 The 3rd recital in the said Mortgage runs thus: and also all
"that other piece or parcel of land late of him the said John (St.)Saint Leger Douglass
"&c, containing Two acres one rood and Twenty perches as therein
"also mentioned &c. Whereby it will appear by comparing the
Marginal contents of those several recitals (43.0.39) with the extract
from the deed of Conveyance "DouglassDouglass, John St. Leger to GreatheedGreatheeed, John," that Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas
became possessed thro the Greatheeds of all John (St.)Saint Leger Douglass'
Estate and with which he claims 'Half Moon pond' erroneously called
in his Mortgage Deed 'Muddy pond',

 The next recital in the said Mortgage runs thus: "and also all that
"plantation or parcel of land late of (Wm.)William CrewCrew, William containing Ten acres
"&c: butted and bounded as therein also mentioned." (These Ten acres
will be referred to again)

 "And also all that piece or parcel of land late of (Wm.)William Pilkington
"containing by admeasurement Nine acres, three roods & twenty five
"perches &c:" Now follow the lands formerly possessed by
Peter HeudeHeude, Peter. "And also with that other piece or parcel of Land containing
by admeasurement Twenty one Acres &c." b

 "And also all that piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement
Twenty Acres and half c, which was said two pieces
"of land are described as part of a plantation formerly in possession
of Peter HeudeHeude, Peter (decd.)deceased which contains by admeasurement
"Fifty one acres two roods, being in several pieces or parcels of
"land &c: By a reference to extracts (fm)from deed of conveyance "Mathew
and (ors)others to HeudeHeude, Peter"d it will be seen that several 'pieces or parcels'
of land formerly possessed by HeudeHeude, Peter composed together Fifty
one acres and half, and the two pieces or parcels of land above acknowledged
to be part thereof contain only Forty one acres &
half, being exactly Ten acres less than formerly belonged to HeudeHeude, Peter.

___________________

6.11.

14

Having therefore established the want of any connection in the other lots of land
composing Tyson's Estate with the exception of the aforementioned Ten Acres 'late
'belonging to (Wm.)William CrewCrew, William,' also conveyed thro' GreatheedGreatheeed, John to TysonTyson, Thomas; it only remained
for inquiry whether those Ten acres could in any way be made out to be the Ten
Acres in dispute, or any part of Heude's plantation a. Upon again repairing to
the Registrar's Office I found a record of the deed "CrewCrew, William to GreatheedGreatheeed, John" b which places
the said 'Ten acres late of (Wm.)William CrewCrew, William' on the opposite side of Tyson's property to the Northward
and adjoining the lands 'late of (Jno.)John (St.)Saint Leger Douglass and half Moon Pond above
noticed. Hence Mr. Tyson's claim to the Ten acres in dispute falls to the ground
unless it could be proved that they form part of the Forty one acres and half which
the boundaries will not admit of.

 Of the several Lots of Heude's land (it is further proved) the Ten acres in the 5th and
6th recital of the annexed Extract (being in two lots of 5 acres each formerly possessed by (Robt)Robert Patterson
and (Wm.)William WattleyWattley, William) are the Ten acres belonging to Mr. Gordon, as the 'Cart path or common
path alluded to in the extract from the Deed of conveyance of the 'waste land covered
'partly by water &c." to James Gordon, is in both those lots noticed as a corresponding
boundary; but this circumstance goes to prove and in this stage of the investigation
I am brought back to the opinion noticed in Note b page 12, that the pond
had first been granted by the Commissioners to James Gordon, and that the Ten
Acres 'lying near or adjoining to' it, were a subsequent conveyance from Gilbert FlemingFleming, Gilbert
also to James Gordon after Heude's land had reverted to him but I
could find no such record.

 In a case of ejectment as it is required that the plaintiff shall prove his
Title without taking advantage of the weakness of the Defendant's, the Lease
I conceive to be the most available document, as it clearly makes out Ten Acres
exclusive of the pond, which is said to be 'adjoining'

 The situation of The ESTATE (which I visited during
my short stay in Saint Kitts in February) is on the (S.E)South East part of the Island bounded
to the (N.E)North East by the Sea, and to the (S.W)South West by a range of hills, on the summit of which
is the boundary line separating it from Lucas's Estate. The declivities of these hills
occupy (from this line towards the Sea) in irregular and abrupt surfaces more than
half the property and the range within 60 or 80 yards of the beach, in some places
exceeding that distance, from the overflowing of the Sea, is so sensibly impregnated
with saline particles, as to render cultivation impracticable even if the natural

___________________

6.14.

15

quality of the soil (which is very bad) would otherwise favor it; the only thing that
vegetates in this quarter is the Manchineel Tree a and is in abundance. The parts of
the Estate therefore capable of cultivation are principally confined to the Ten Acres in
Mr. Tyson's possession and the 2 pieces marked in the plan formerly planted in Canes
when the Estate was rented by Mr. Dupuy, and in Mr. Simpson's time.

 The pond which is supplied by the occasional overflowing of the Sea from its
contiguity to the beach, is at times nearly dry and may be estimated at about
Ten Acres in extent; and being immediately to windward of the principal part of
the Estate, renders it unhealthy from the stagnant state of the Water or the vapours
which arise from the accumulated mass of mud it contains.

 The Hills are principally covered by brush wood, the wild Logwood and Acacia
and several species of the Cactus, the most remarkable of which is the Melocactus;
this plant like the Manchineel Tree which is dispersed here and there on the flat part
of the Estate, as well as in the direction of the beach, thrives in a bad soil, or where
Rocks and Sand, barely yield support to any other species of Vegetation: There
is nevertheless tolerable pasturage over a considerable portion of the Estate.

 I found Mr. Tyson's Cattle trespassing here to feed, as if the property was
still rented by him; and Mr. Dupuy's Cattle also occasionally exercise the
same privilege. These persons and the Owners of the Lucas's Estate are the
only individuals to whom Muddy Pond Estate would be an acquisition
at least as far as its contiguity to their own property is a consideration:
but whilst they can enjoy all the advantages that could accrue to them as Owners
of it, by trespass; I doubt if it will ever become a question with them "Who
is the proprietor?" The former Gentlemen, however to whom I am particularly
alluding if they had the disposition, have not the means of purchasing
it and the owners of Lucas's Estate to whom it would be equally eligible, have
taken no notice of a communication I made to them on the subject dated
from Saint Kitts in February of the present year.

 The situation where the House formerly stood may still be traced
close to which is the ruin of a stone building apparently the remains of a
kitchen, which I have laid down in the plan. The House, I was informed
was sold by Mr. Robinson (acting as administrator to the will of Simpson) to
a Mr. Beard for 40 pound currency -- he dismantled it and sold the materials.

___________________

6.15.

16

Extracts from Deeds of conveyance recorded at the Registrar's Office at Saint
Kitts, referred to in the forgoing Reports.

Extract No. 1
from
Book I page 182.
Mathew and (ors)others
to
James Gordon

___________________

Extract No. 2
from
Book F page 346 folio 175 Deed 1502
Mathew and (ors)others
to
HeudeHeude, Peter.
Registered 20 (Novr.)November 1737.

 This last Extract is the most important affecting the question of right to
the Ten acres, the 5th and 6th recital in which (being 5 acres (ea)each) no doubt refer
to them. (In Book G. Deed No. 1809 the whole of these several lots of land are conveyed by
Peter HeudeHeude, Peter to Gilbert FlemingFleming, Gilbert) The several Lots compose together 51 Acres and half.

___________________

Extract No. 3
from Book F... page 324 folio 104
Mathew and (ors)others
to
(Thos.)Thomas TysonTyson, Thomas

 This conveyance is the first recital in TysonTyson, Thomas's Mortgage Deed to Messers
Dennistounes and (Co.)Company noticed in the body of the Report.

___________________

Extract No. 4
from
Book Y page 218 deed 6144
DouglassDouglass, John St. Leger
to
GreatheedGreatheeed, John

17

___________________________________________

Extract No. 5
from
Book M page 31 folio 16
CrewCrew, William
to
GreatheedGreatheeed, John

___________________________________________

 In the course of my investigation at the Registrar's Office I met
with the conveyance of the two lots of Land of Fifty acres each, granted
by the Commissioners to James Gordon of which the following are extracts.
In these Deeds, as also in the one containing the recital of the
"waste land covered partly with Water." I found several lots of Land
also conveyed to James Gordon, situated in the Town of Basseterre.

Extract No. 6
Book F page 354 folio 179
Mathew and (ors)others
to
James Gordon

___________________________________________

Extract No. 7
Book G page 23
Milligan and (ors)others
to
James Gordon

 In Book I page 181 deed 3051 is the Commissioner's ratification of this conveyance.

___________________________________________

Extract No. 8
Book K page 60
Buckley
to
Gordon

 This piece of land forms part of Muddy Pond Estate.

_________________________________

Recapitulation of Land in the foregoing Extracts belonging to Mr. Gordon

 Extract 1st…… 10.00  6,192

 6th  50.00  5,740

 7th  50.00

 8th  2.30

 Acres  112.30  11,932 Square feet

6.16.

18

 It is to be observed that the foregoing Statement of Land composing Muddy
Pond Estate is exclusive of the Ten acres in dispute admitting the first lot to be the
pond and the land immediately skirting it, of which I am now fully of opinion,
more from the disagreement of the recitals in the Deed and the Lease than from
the want of coincidence in the boundaries specified in the former with the 'common path'
now to be seen, and from the character of the ease it is fair to conclude that the
particular recital of the Ten acres was copied from a Deed which has not been
put upon Record a. With the Ten acres, therefore in Mr. TysonTyson, Thomas's possession the
Estate may be estimated at 122 acres and 3 quarters.

 I inserted an advertisement in the Saint Kitts Gazette for the Sale or
Rent of this property but received no offer, and I much fear it will long remain
unemployed unless some arrangement could be entered into with Messers Hardens
and sons the cosigners or owners of Lucas's Estate, either for the Rent or purchase
of it.

 I quitted Saint Kitts for Antigua on the 1st of March

_____________________________

b.

8.7. Part the Second

Part the Second,

___________________

Antigua. a

____________

 The Mail Boat in which I took my passage to Antigua from (St.
Kitts)Saint
Christopher anchored in Saint John's Harbour on the night of the 2nd of March
and I landed on the following morning. I lost no time in apprizing Mr.
John Allan of my arrival and I had the pleasure of a visit from him the
same day, and I ascertained from that Gentleman that Mrs. David AllanAllan, David, Mrs.
was still residing on Sanderson's Estate: He very kindly offered me accommodation
until she removed but I could not allow considerations of that nature
to supercede the more important one of the inspecting the properties with as little
delay as possible; and without urging her departure I proposed visiting Sanderson's
Estate on the next following day (the 5th).

________________________________

8.9. Sanderson's Estate

2

Sanderson's Estate,

is situated nearly in the center of the Island inclining rather to the Eastward
and the spot may be immediately recognized on the Map of the Island by a pond
in that quarter called Pim's Pond to which it is contiguous and which is about
7 miles from the principal Town Saint Johns about 4 miles from Falmouth
and between 2 and 3 miles from Parham a. The prevailing character of the Soil
of this Estate is a black mould on a substratum of Marl, a small quantity
of clay is, however; here and there to be seen, and with the exception of the hill
in the neighbourhood of the Negro Houses there is not a bad piece of land on
the Estate. The North-eastern part of it is the most elevated; which is an advantage
as the cultivation is thereby materially protected from the prevailing
(NEy)Northeasterly winds (see section). The full extent of the property including Roads, ranges,
wastelands is between 311 and 312; about 230 acres of which are appropriated
to cultivation. The unusual plan of appropriating the land in
this Island is to allow one third for plant canes, one third for Rattoons
and a third for provisions; but this arrangement ought to depend much upon
the quality and condition of the land as also upon the number of Negroes
to feed: hence allowing an average of 2 (Hhds)hogsheads an acre for the plants and
Rattoons from two-thirds of the cultivable part of the Estate it ought to
produce upwards of 300 (Hhds)hogsheads of Sugar per (ann)annum: this calculation is of
course allowing that the land is in good heart; and were it not for the
unseasonableness of the Island b a greater average crop might be made, but
under circumstances, and particularly that of having a Gang of 317 Negroes
to feed, whereby it would be necessary to encrease the proportion of Land for
provisions to one half (allowing too for a piece of land to rest occasionally)
I think from 250 to 300 (Hhds)hogsheads per annum from this Estate the utmost that
ought to be expected, with a proper regard to the working of the Negroes and
Stock: but as I propose appropriating part of Osborne's pasture Estate to the
growth of provisions an average 300 (Hhds)hogsheads may be fairly calculated upon
under good management c._ The crops of late years have not much exceeded 100

____________________________

8.12.

3

(Hhds)hogsheads a, and the expenses must have materially exceeded the proceeds: this however
is to be attributed entirely to want of system and attention in its management
for very many years, and the desideratum might be extended to some
other essential points. The greater part of the property appeared overrun with
a pernicious Weed called by several names 'Savannah Grass', 'white grass'
but more commonly and appropriately 'Devil's Grass' b, and in some places I discovered
another destructive weed known by the name of 'Nut' or 'Knot' Grass.

 The land in cultivation had every appearance of having been badly prepared
and the stinted growth of the Canes indicated that it was much in want of manure;
some pieces of Canes however had a more favorable appearance than
others, but in the progress of crop, it appeared that the 'head rows, (ie: the
outsides or borders of the piece) had been artfully manured and better planted
whilst the principal part of the piece had received no assistance, and consequently
not only yielded a thin meager cane but in many places the plants had
totally failed. c Upon enquiry I found that the land had received no material
assistance by manuring and dressing for many years, and the want of proper
dung heaps and Cattle pens proved the existing absence of a due regard to
this essential point in plantership. I question also if any thing could betray
a more palpable want of system and attention than the irregular and extended
width of the ranges between each piece of Canes, which were in some places rendered
impassable by the accumulation of Weeds, and stone heaps, or deep holes
from whence marl had been from time to time dug out. Two good pieces of land
(No. 23 & 24) together about 20 acres were out of cultivation. At this early period
of the year the ground provisions were nearly all expended and we ceased
to feed from the Estate about six weeks after my arrival. Evidently the return
had been very inconsiderable nor was it to be wondered at, considering the state
of the land, and the degenerated character of the seed.

______________________________

8.15.

The works are situated on the Western part of the property, which renders the Carting
from the other extremity rather laborious. They consist of a Boiling House and
Curing House attached in tolerable order: a Windmill and Cattle Mill Still
House Liquor loft, Overseer's House, and Blacksmith's Shop. The only essential improvement
required in the first-named Building was new Shingling to the roof of the
Curing House and the enlargement of the Boiling House Windows for the purpose
of admitting a more free circulation of air; the want of which materially checked
the cooling and granulation of the Sugar a. A new sett of Boilers are required for
the North side of the Boiling House. The Windmill is a very good one and is
capable of grinding sufficient liquor to make between 3 and 4 Hogsheads of
Sugar a day: it is in good order b. The Cattle Mill I found totally neglected
and in very bad condition c. The Still House in its several departments and
arrangement is one of the worst I have seen, and it will require considerable
expense to put it in good repair. This particular department in the management
has for years been nearly overlooked, and shamefully neglected: indeed
the great defalcation in the Rum crops has evidently proceeded from want of
proper regulations; and the Keys only I suspect may have the credit of
having performed more than their duty. The Rum Butts were all in a
state of decay and leaking. The Boiling House, Curing House and Still=

___________________________________

8.19.

House should be all attached, and but for the expence attending the measure
I should recommend converting the present Curing House into a Still House &c
and building another Curing House at the other extremity of the Boiling House;
this would certainly be a great improvement, but the labor and expence under
existing circumstances, induces me merely to notice it without urging its adoption.

The Overseer's House (see plan of the Works h) I have projected as the future
residence of the Manager, who will there have the whole of the Works under his
eye, as also the movements of the Overseer's under him whose house is to be
built on the spot marked in the plan of the works (.), and the Negroes recently
removed from Lavington's Estate will also be immdiately at his command.

The Smith's Shop requires no particular notice.

The Cattle pen (k) scarecely deserves that name as it is merely a few posts
with some boards nailed to them to keep the animals within their limits, but
I have projected the erection of another, as also a Magoss House near to this spot.

8.22. Dwelling, Offices, Hospital &c:

6

Dwelling, Offices, Hospital &c:

 The residence for the proprietor or Attorney is in some respects inconveniently
situated at the opposite extremity of the property to the Eastward of the Works
near to the old works formerly belonging to an Estate called Martins, which
now composes part of Sandersons; but as these Buildings are now converted
into a Hospital, Stores &c: departments essentially requiring the controul
and constant superintendence of the person in charge: the objection to the
principal residence being so distant from the Works is materially obviated
more especially as the Negro Houses are also in that direction. Another
great advantage is here manifest if the Attorney lives on the property, namely:
A communication with Lavington's Estate which is seen only from this
point, by means of telegraph which I had projected with a view to dispensing
with a Messenger upon every frivolous occasion a. There is nevertheless
a better situation for the Dwelling within about two hundred yards of the
spot on which it now stands, and whence it might be removed to command a
complete view of the Estate, without losing the advantages already noticed,
but the benefit would not commensurate with the expense and trouble attending
its removal, and I consequently reject the measure b.

 The House and offices are in very bad condition and will require
general repairs, but there are so many objects demanding immediate
attention, that this has been and may be left for the present, and effected
by degrees by the Estate's Tradesmen. The Stable I found in
the most disgraceful state that can be well conceived, and the manure
and dirt had been allowed to accumulate in the Stalls until they had
composed a hard heap considerably above the Stones by which it is paved:
Hence it will be no matter of surprise that the two Horses I found on the
Estate were both affected with Glanders, which became at length so manifest
and incurable that I was obliged to shoot them.

 The Hospital and Lying in establishment, altho' in a satisfactory
state were still open to important improvements. The Window Shutters were
much decayed and admitted the Wind; many of the Beds were also wanting
repair; and contrary to my expectations I observed that the rooms were
not swept every morning, and were by no means clean: next to this I
disapproved of a want of a direct communication with the Lying=

___________________________________

8.28.

7

in rooms (without going thro' the Hospital) and the improvement in this respect
will be seen in the View and plan of these several Buildings. The whole of
this establishment I consider now to be under desirable regulations and
the only improvement I have to project is that of an angular wall or fence
in the direction of the dotted line in the plan, forming a yard to the Hospital.

 It may be necessary to observe that Negroes have a great aversion to
being kept in the Sick House during their illness, and if they can escape to
their Huts they will do so, not unfrequently carrying disease among the healthy
part of the Gang; and thereby occasionally aggravating their disorder by taking
cold or deviating from the regimen prescribed. It is essential that all
possible means should be used to prevent this, by a proper regard to their
comfort in the first instance, and by enforcing a strict attention to the rules
and regulations of the Establishment: whereby, also, they would not be
so frequently induced to affect illness with a view to getting an uncontrouled
range for a few days. In preference therefore to locking the Hospital door
which amounts to an undue check upon their liberty, I would afford them
the range of the ground above allotted as a yard during the day.

 There is much to be advanced in favor of improvement in this particular
department of a West India property, and I much fear that many Negroes
lose their lives from improper treatment, or want of attention in administering
Medicine, which is generally left to the Sick Nurse who is mostly an
old Slave that has been brought up in the Hospital, the extent of whose
knowledge is perhaps an acquaintance with the peculiar virtues of some
indigenous plants. The Doctor attends the Estate sees the several
patients, prescribes for them in the Sick Book, which is afterwards forwarded
to his Residence (unless it happens that Medicines are provided by the property)
and the Messenger returns with the several compounds, most frequently
made up by his assistant-these are transferred by the Manager to the
Sick Nurse who (not possessing a knowledge of Letters) as she receives
her directions places each packet between her several fingers each of
which it is to be presumed represents in her mind the patients to whom
they are to be administered. Several circumstances affecting the safety
of patients have passed under my own observation, but I have advanced
sufficient in favor of the opinion that the Medicines should be on the

_______________________________________________

8.29.

8

property, and if not administered by the Doctor, at least they should be prepared
by him, and placed in such order on the spot as to preclude the possibility of
an error. Another essential regulation which I found neglected, is that of the
Medical Man visiting the Estate regularly, and twice in every week, and that
the Attorney or Manager attend him in the Hospital, not only that each of
them may become better acquainted with the character and physical disposition
of the patients: but that any little matter connected with their comforts
(which frequently suggests itself on the spot, and is afterwards forgot) may be
the sooner attended to. The Doctor a who had the charge of this Estate
when I arrived had absented himself owing to ill-health for a considerable time
and had entrusted the responsibility of his office to an apothecary resident in
Saint Johns, whose indifference to the charge he had undertaken by no means made
up for the absence of the Doctor, and the Medical care of the Estate had for
several weeks been totally disregarded, to the disgrace of the Manager. I lost
no time in appointing another person, who has been very indefatigable in his attendance
and attention to the Sick and in whose ability I have great confidence.
The advantageous terms to the property of this engagement have already been noticed
(in Letter No. 8) b.

 Attached to the Hospital &c: is an extensive room which was formerly the
Liquor loft, before the Works were dismantled, and has latterly been appropriated
as a School Room for the young Negroes; it is sufficiently large
however, for a portion of it to be set apart for a Store if required, or a residence
for one of the Overseers.

The Stores.

 The principal Stores on the property are under the Dwelling; the foundation
of which is built of Stone forming three substantial compartments; and are
consequently immediately under the eye of the resident Attorney. Another
good Store is under the School Room which is appropriated as a depository
for the ground provisions; the space between the Dwelling and this Building
being the spot where the Negroes usually assemble to receive their allowance.

 Near to this place stands the old Mill which is also converted into A
Store and Bell-fry. Regarding these several circumstances therefore, it will
again appear that the situation of the dwelling is not so objectionable as
has been represented, more especially as I have before observed, the Negro
houses being also in the immediate vicinity.

___________________________________

8.31. The Negro's Houses

9

The Negro's Houses.

I found them in a better condition than I expected, but many Negroes complained
that they had been long residing with their relations for want of Houses of
their own and that the increase of their families rendered it no longer comfortable
or convenient for them. I particularly noticed the Quantity of weeds and bushes
growing between their residences, and the inflammable state of the thatching of some
of the roofs which were here and there touching each other. Negroes are very tenacious
of any interference in their domestic arrangements or comforts, unless it be
solicited by them, and they are even among themselves particularly rigid in the
observance of their own peculiar forms of intercourse; they are rather reserved
than otherwise in their domestic character, and being fond of seclusion they take
great pains to encourage the growth of Trees or bushes round the limits of their
several lots of land on which their dwellings stand, and they usually allow the
trash with which they are thatched to overhang the Windows and doors.

I am much of the opinion that the distrust which prevails with Negroes towards
their Masters or those persons controuling them arises from the great indifference
and disregard on the part of the latter which is well known to exist
in most matters connected with the health and domestic comforts of the Negroes
under their charge, until necessity calls for their interference. I would by
no means be understood to be here subscribing to the gross falsehoods advanced
by many imputing neglect and cruelty to Managers of West India properties
generally, but I am referring to matters that may be considered out of the
broad scale of plantation duty and discipline, and connected more particularly
with the dictates of a mind alive to philosophical reasoning, and the deep
interest of the proprietor to support, and increase the number of his laborers. How
far it may be disputed to be a duty within the province of a Manager's government
to investigate and interfere in the internal state of the Negroe's Huts and
grounds I will not presume to decide, but it is beyond doubt that disease and
mortality originate in the confined situation and dirty condition of their dwellings
and the impure vapors from stagnant pools and decayed weeds which are too
frequently to be seen in their neighbourhood. I confined my interference to the
clearance of the Weeds and rubbish in the intervals or common paths between
the Houses, and divided the future charge of keeping them clean between the Drivers
and Ranger each to attend to it in turn. Several of those Huts that required
repair had been completed, and others were in progress when I left the Island: vacant
lots were also laid out for new Houses to be built at leisure.

8.33. The Negroes

10

The Negroes

 It has been asserted that the Gang of this property is composed chiefly of ill-
disposed, discontented and weakly Negroes; which has been attributed to the
circumstance of their having been purchased at different times either singly or in
small lots and through various channels; and that consequently many bad
characters have been introduced to the injury of the good. In reply to this
observation I will only ask in what other manner has almost every other Gang
been collected? And then, as to their discontent, and consequent ill-disposition
we may fairly enquire if there has existed no cause but that of their particular
nature? It is only necessary for me to give a decided contradiction to the statement
that they are a dejected and weakly looking Gang: on the contrary I
have seldom seen one more healthy & well made; and I think for this description
of people more easy to controul with proper management and good treatment.

 It is most true that up to the time of my arrival in Antigua strong indications
of insubordination had been shewn in both Gangs, and particularly in that
belonging to Lavington's Estate, which called for the interference of Magistrates; but
can it be wondered at (without regarding the general fermentation that prevailed in
the Colonies at the time a) when we revert to the circumstances under which these
properties have been governed, or conducted for many years; during which time
the Negroes have been in doubt whether they had an Owner among the numerous
participators in their government; and to the total want of system and order
in the several provinces of their duty, and welfare. It is not necessary that I
should enlarge upon this subject further than this: that no talismanic power has
been exercised, no extraordinary measures have been adopted to give health
and strength in a few months to the weakly animation and cheerfulness to the
dejected and discontented, and notwithstanding they now possess these several
qualifications, and the work of the Estate has latterly proceeded with the utmost
order and in every way to give general satisfaction. I must nevertheless admit
that they at first gave me considerable trouble, and it was some time before they
could be brought to feel that they had been ill-governed, and that they would
have less work to perform by doing it well. The circumstance too of a person
coming direct from England as the representative of the proprietor had considerable
influence on their minds, and gave additional weight to the authority by
which they found themselves conrouled. It is here worthy of remark that a
sensible difference may be observed in the disposition of Negroes to perform
the duties required of them by the several persons place over them, and it is
by no means extraordinary that they should prefer being directed by the individual
on whom they are more particularly dependant or his immediate representative,
than by persons in the lower gradations of Office, to which they are

___________________________________

8.34.

11

particularly alive, and whose authority they would frequently dispute or disregard
in the perverseness of their nature, if at all deviating from the prescribed rules or
regulations of the Estate which are supposed or known to emanate from the
responsible Individual. This is a subject on which I dare not venture to dilate
or I should very much encrease the bulk of this Report; but I will only briefly
observe that either the proprietor or Attorney cannot be too often amongst
them and which more particularly calls for the residence of either one or the
other on the property.

 The number composing this Gang when I took charge of the Estate was 233
of this number there are 10 Mulattoes among the Men and Boys, of whom four
are serviceable to the Estate as Tradesman, on superannuated, and five Boys.
There were 13 Mulattoes among the Women and Girls, one of whom has been
since manumitted by me. Her name is Ann Conolly. It is scarcely necessary
that I should again advert at any length to the particular ease of this Girl:
that in justice she was entitled to her freedom there cannot be a shadow of
doubt, and however it might have been evaded in Law under the circumstances
in which the Estate was placed, there was no other plea upon which a
claim to her could be supported in Equity than the bare circumstance of her
being still returned and held on the plantation Books as a Slave. As the
Estate had received the substitution of a Woman who afterwards had three
children on the property, altho' the exchange had never been ratified, because
in truth the tenant for life could not legally confirm it, by manumitting
Ann Conolly: justice it is to be presumed would never allow that single circumstance
to form a barrier to the freedom of the Girl, or because the Woman placed in
her stead and her issue had died, when there was a means open to make
good any loss to the remainder man by claiming on the Estate of the deceased
tenant for dilapidation. a I however urged a different view of the case when
it was agitated in the presence of the chief Justice, upon which occasion an extract
of a Letter which had been addressed by Mrs. GordonGordon, James Adam, Mrs. to an Overseer named
John Tillet in October 1817 was produced in support of the girl's claim, the
original of which had by some means been obtained by her Father; the extract
ran thus: "And though we have permitted Mr Conolly to put a Negro on the
"Estate for his daughter, that permission will not be repeated to any other
"and this was most unwillingly done by us altho' it might be profitable."

Whatever Mrs. GordonGordon, James Adam, Mrs.'s intentions may have been in this particular case, they do
not distinctly appear by this extract, and altho' it recognizes the substitution
it is worded with a degree of cautiousness that leaves a doubt as to the terms of
the exchange, and when I succeeded in procuring the original Letter I found the
paragraph of which this extract is only a part, to imply that she could only con=

___________________________________

8.35.

12

template the measure as an exchange of Services and not of their persons, for
it commences thus: "Reflect that as we can never emancipate a Slave your
"children's children must be in bondage to the furthest generation, and though
"we have permitted Mr. Conolly to put a Negro &c a copy of this Letter accompanies
this Report. Having so far established this point as to remove some
prejudices on the minds of several persons in the Island, and indeed on that
of Conolly himself, I proposed that a valuation should be put upon the Girl
and that if it were of a nature, that I might think under circumstance would
justify me in signing her manumission that I would forthwith do so: she was
accordingly valued to the property at Thirty six pounds currency, upon the
payment of which I very readily signed a Deed of manumission; and I can
have no hesitation in stating that I would be beneficial to the Estate if the whole
of the coloured women were disposed of, even at a smaller Sum; so useless are
they in the first instance, and so materially so their bad examples affect the black
slaves. a

 I may be very brief in noticing the case of Thomas Fairburn as it bears some
analogy to that of Ann Conolly, and has been so frequently adverted to as to render
a recapitulation of its circumstances unnecessary. His case having become a subject
of public discussion many matters were developed which not only strengthened
his claim to Freedom, but reflected considerable discredit on Mr. Kirby and
Mr. Allan (late attornies), and excited much Interest in his favor. My attention was called to this
affair immediately after my arrival in the Island, but circumstances interfered
with my doing any thing definitively in the matter until after Conolly's manumission
had been recorded when I was again applied to. I consequently agreed that as
the two cases were so analogous (altho' that of Fairburn's bore features of a
more aggravated character)b I would accept of the sum as had been paid by
Conolly, and would upon the payment thereof give him his Freedom. This was
by no means approved of by Mr. Gremion (who has acted through the business in behalf
of Fairburn) altho' subscribed to and recommended by the chief Justice who
had been present when the affair was discussed before the assembly, and with
whom I had conversed on the subject. c I however declined any other terms and
Mr. Gremion at length agreed to submit to the arrangement; but as this took place
only a few days before my departure, and the Money was not forthcoming, the
matter still remains unsettled.

___________________________________

8.36.

13

Most of the Mulatta Women I found absent from the Estate, living in different
quarters of the Island; an indulgence which not only interfered with the prospect
of their coming forward to purchase their freedom, but was naturally calculated to
excite discontent among the other Slaves: I therefore ordered them to return immediately
to the property. This measure no doubt gave much dissatisfaction
but it had the effect of producing several applications for their purchase; the
first of which was from a Mr. Bird in behalf of Jane Fairburn aged about 32, and
her daughter Ann Julia aged about 12. He made application for their Freedom
some few years back and offered 150 pounds currency, at which estimate they were appraised
in April last; much in my opinion above their value, as the Mother has
her sight injured and is troubled with Saint Anthony's fire. This conveyance I
should have effected but for the illness of Mr. Bird which induced him to quit
the Island for America, and he had not returned when I left Antigua.

 The next application was from Ellen Ward at the suggestion as I was informed
of Mr. Croke, but nothing further has as yet taken place than her appraisement
at 100 pounds currency. This woman should not be manumitted without her Mother, Lucy .

  Eliza Bishop who had been much with Mrs. AllanAllan, David, Mrs. and who had latterly
formed a connection with her Nephew Mr. Henderson has also been appraised
at her own request at 95 pounds (cur)currency and I had frequent applications before I
left the Island for the reduction of this Sum; which I feel confident came
indirectly form Mrs. AllanAllan, David, Mrs. herself altho' signed by another name. This woman
gave me a considerable deal of trouble, and I found that Mr. Henderson
encouraged her disobedience, by enticing her off the Estate until
I was obliged at length to take effective means to prevent it. a

 For the names and characters of the other Mulattas I refer to the general
List, as nothing has transpired with regard to them to call for any particular
remarks, and I fear that the property is likely to be encumbered
with them. The only benefit that can be looked for is to be derived from enforcing
a strict regard to the regulations of the Estate rather than conform to
which they will endevour to procure hire for their Services or perhaps effect
their freedom.

 Two Moravian Missionaries had been in the habit of attending the Estate
alternately once a week for the purpose of giving Instruction to the young Negroes
but they had absented themselves for some time before my arrival and several
months elapsed before I became acquainted with the cause, which proved to

___________________________________

8.37.

14

be the removal of one of them and the consequent increase of duties which devolved
on the other. A Mulatto named John Irving belonging to Sanderson's assisted
in the Instruction of the children and continued to hear them read and
spell during the absence of the Missionaries and their competency is noticed against
their respective names in the General list of the Gang.

 The Antipathy which has been so often noticed between the Sanderson's
and Lavington's Gangs, and which led to considerable apprehension that the
removal of part of the latter to this Estate would be attended with much trouble
and irritation, altho' not extinguished has in my opinion materially subsided a
and the measure so much desired and dreaded has been effected without any
serious indication of dissatisfaction on the part of those Slaves amounting to
82 in number now added to the Gang of this Estate b. The Houses in which they
are to reside were far in progress when I quitted Antigua and the spot on
which they are to stand together with the allotment of their several private provision
grounds is at the western part of the Estate near to the Works (see plan)
whereby they are separated from the old branch of the Sanderson's Gang, a
circumstance which contributed greatly to reconcile them to the removal, and
which they contemplated as an indulgence without being aware that I was particularly
desirous of establishing them in that quarter in order that immediate
assistance might be obtained in case of Fire at the Works. This desideratum
occurred to me when I first came on the Estate and observed that the Negroes were
living at the other extremity from that were the Works are situated.

 By this addition to the Gang I conceive that Sanderson's Estate has now a very
efficient number of labourers, and Lavington's Estate has by the removal been relieved of
a superfluity of strength. It is rather remarkable that both Estates had the same number
of Slaves at the time I took charge of them, altho' Lavington's is much the smallest property.
The following is an Abstract of the Gang now at Sandersons.

Ann Conolly, manumitted leaves 317 in number

_______________________________________________

8.41. The Stock

15

The Stock.

 The Cattle I found generally very bad, and their condition betrayed a further proof
of the ignorance, inattention, and neglect which had prevailed for years in the government
of the property. The Cows were mostly small and weak and many of them old
and the Calves with few exceptions appeared of a bad breed and to have been much neglected
The old story was of course revived as to the cause of their stinted growth, vist.
the depredations committed by the Garrison at Monk's Hill by milking the Cows, but it
was nevertheless evident that if proper means had been adopted the evil might have
been checked, if it could not have been totally removed; and the people in charge of the
stock in that quarter should have been punished for their neglect, or rather connivance
for I had good cause to suspect that they were participators in the roguery, and am
of opinion that the Garrison or others were occasionally indebted to this property for
Veal. To obviate this evil in future, or until other measures could be adopted I had
the Cows and Calves removed from Monk's Hill to Osborne's Estate, from whence they
are removed to, and penned during the night at Sandersons; and the benefit arising
from this measure, together with that of separating the calves from the cow and allowing
them to suck twice during the day until weaned, became manifest in a very short time
by their comparative health and strength. The Working Oxen were also in very bad
condition, and most of those bred on the property had been cut and yoked at too
early an age: So few, in fact, were capable of working that it became a serious consideration
how the crop was to be taken off and I was obliged to project the purchasing
some as soon as possible. A reference to the accompanying List will more clearly
shew the number and character of the Stock in general on the Estate when I took charge
with the Increase and Decrease up to the time of my departure from the Island, than
any further observation I need advance here: I will therefore only notice such
other arrangements that I have adopted and recommend for the future welfare of this
particular department of the property.

 The contiguity of Osbornes Estate to Sandersons renders it very eligible as
a pasture for its Cattle, but my views with respect to Osbornes which will appear
in their proper place) interfere with the whole of it remaining in its present state.
I might otherwise be induced to recommend the disposal of Monk's Hill Estate if
a purchase could be met with, and keeping Osbornes solely as a Pen for the
Stock. Under circumstances however Monks Hill can only appropriated to

______________________________________________

8.43.

16

the young weaned and weak Cattle unless a confidential and active person
had the charge also of the Cows and Calves kept there, which I certainly
recommend, and this suggestion is linked with other considerations which will
shew themselves when I come to treat of that Estate. Under this Head I shall
only add, that with judicious arrangements and attention in a few years
this property ought to receive a considerable revenues by the Sale of Cattle
instead of its expenses being annually increased by purchasing for its cultivation.
Having regarded some circumstances connected with the poverty
and weakness of the Cattle generally. I am now led to notice another material
cause under a separate head;

The Carts,

 In the course of my visits to several of the West India Islands it has been a matter
of much surprise to me that so much neglect should prevail in not keeping the
Carts in even tolerable order, and I have frequently had occasion to notice the very
material injury to the Cattle from this circumstance alone. It is by no means unusual
to see Carts heavily laden, with the Axles or Boxes so much worn, or out of
order as to check the revolution of the Wheels, and the Negroes goading the poor beasts
to induce them to proceed. I have seen as many as fourteen and in one instance at
Barbadoes sixteen Cattle drawing a small two Wheeled Cart in this situation.
The Carts are generally much to light for the loads they are frequently required
to carry over Roads which are mostly bad or indifferent in this Country, and in
cases where the Shipping place is far from the Estate, the frequent journies in
carting to and from it, very much distress the Cattle. This might be materially
obviated where Horses are kept for ploughing, as they could occasionally assist
in carting, and the four wheeled light wagon thus brought into use would convey
twice or three times the load in one trip. It has been already remarked that
Parham is the Shipping place for Estates in this neighborhood and the Road
to it is kept in very good order, as is also that from Lavington's Estate to Willoughby
Bay. Having therefore projected the working of Houses in future on this
Estate I am the further induced to recommend the use of a good waggon for
the purpose of conveying the Stores from, and the Sugar to the Shipping place and
one of a lighter description for the ordinary plantation purposes. I have established
a weak Gang of Negroes to be employed occasionally in breaking Stones and keeping
the Roads and Ranges of the Estate in good order, which will greatly ease the
labor of the Stock, and check the injury which Carts have hitherto sustained.
So shamefully out of order were they when I took charge of the property, and deficient
in number, that we could not get the canes conveyed to the Mill fast enough.

8.45. Osborne's Estate

18

Osborne's Estate.

 This property is estimated to contain 217 Acres, and is situated to the
Southward and Westward of Sanderson's Estate separated from it only
by part of Duers Estate by which both are partially bounded. The land is
generally good and it has the reputation of having made excellent Sugar when
it was in Cane cultivation many years ago. The ruins of the Windmill and Boiling
House are still to be seen, and the allotments of the grounds for the Negroes
as also the foundations of some of their Hutts may also be traced. For many years
this property has been regarded only as a pasture without the ordinary measures
having been adopted to establish any thing like a grazing Farm, and the Cattle
have been merely driven backwards and forwards daily and penned during the
night at Sanderson's. So much indeed has it been neglected, that it has not only
become common thoroughfare for foot passengers in various directions but Carriages
have trespassed in order to avoid a bad piece of the public road by which
it is bounded to the Southward, or to cut off an angle; and the boundaries
were consequently becoming questionable.

 The accompanying plan will convey a tolerably correct idea of its extent
and character, altho' laid down partly hypothetically as time and circumstances
allowed me only to measure and establish the northern boundary line.
A very considerable quantity of Stones are dispersed in different directions
establishing the most important boundary to the Southward.

 I have projected the cultivation of a part of this property which I propose
putting in provisions, at all events at first, whereby a larger portion of the land
at Sanderson's may be planted in Canes. This measure will be a task of
much labor but will I have no doubt prove highly beneficial in the end, and
there will still remain, with judicious arrangements, sufficient land for
pasturage which I propose having partly planted in Guinea Grass.

 I have obtained permission of the Attorney of Duer's Estate to make a Road
over that property from Sanderson's, otherwise it would be desirable to obtain
by purchase the small piece of land which separates the two Estates.

 It may be here remarked that the residences of the Negroes removed from
Lavington's Estate being so much nearer to Osbornes than those of the main body
of the Gang, they will be more particularly devoted to the work of this Estate
and the separate duties of the two branches will excite emulation.

_________________________________________________

8.50. Lavington's Estate

20

Lavington's Estate

 This property is situated about two miles and half in a South easterly direction
from Sandersons and midway between it, and Willoughby Bay which is the
usual Shipping place for Estates in the neighborhood. The full extent of
Lavington's Estate is estimated at only 185 acres, but the land is generally
good and if in tolerable heart with judicious management would no doubt
for its size be very productive and contribute materially to make up an average
Crop from the two Estates of from 450 to 500 Hogsheads. The prevailing
character of the Soil is a black mould and clay on a substratum of
marl which here and there shows itself on the surface. The following
Statement of the contents and quality of each piece will not only convey a
clearer conception of the general character of the property, but will further
illustrate the annexed plan.

8.53.

21

By foregoing statement and annexed plan of the Estate it will be seen that
I have taken into cultivation a considerable portion of land that had been
lying waste; for although the greater part of it had received the name of
pasture it was so much covered by bushes and stones and its declivities are
so steep in some parts that little or no benefit could have been derived from it as grazing
land. The same want of attention and ability as noticed at Sandersons
was equally apparent here, with the exception of such measures as had been
adopted within a few months by the person whom I found in charge as Manager
(a Mr. C. Favey). Many pieces of land had not been manured at all
for several years, and others had only been partially assisted; the same
deception had been practiced by manuring the sides of the pieces; in short
with the exception of the Estate being considerably more free from Weeds than
Sandersons at the time I took charge of it, I may say that the same deficiencies
were manifest at Lavingtons altho' in some few instances the Manager
had provided for the supply; and the part of the land for Crop in 1825 that was
prepared, betrayed a greater knowledge of Plantership than had been exercised
in its' government for many years. The Estate was evidently forward
in its work for the ensuing crop, nor could it well be otherwise with an immense
Gang of Negroes 233 in number which were rather an incumbrance
than otherwise to this small and compact property.

8.55. The Works, Dwelling and Offices, Hospital &c.

22

The Works, Dwelling and Offices, Hospital &c.

The works consist of the ordinary and necessary Buildings on a Sugar Plantation
and are well situated on the northern part of the property; but their
individual character is extremely inconvenient; the Boiling House, Curing
House, Still House &c instead of being connected are all separated, as will
be seen by a reference to the plan; and the present residence of the Manager
(formerly a loft) is immediately over the curing House which is not
only very inconvenient, but the steam from the Sugar renders it
and unhealthy: nor is the situation in other respects so good as that
where the dwelling formerly stood which commands a view of the whole
of the Works, Negroes Houses, and the Estate generally. The House
that formerly stood here was destroyed in a Hurricane.

 The Windmill is a very good one but I found the iron Rollers so much
worn that I was apprehensive we should not be able to take off the
crop without replacing them, and the Bridge-tree was also quite
rotten. Fortunately we succeeded in taking the crop off without either
totally failing, and new Rollers have been since substituted and the
other necessary repairs effected.

 The Still House required shingling and some other repairs of a
trifling nature which have been also done. The Hospital I conceived
to be much too small and confined. I therefore ordered that it might
be enlarged and I adopted such approved regulations as had been usual
at Sandersons, with such others as I deemed expedient; and it may be here
proper to remark that I at first felt convinced that it was material without
loss of time to place both properties under the same regulations and
to shew an equal regard to the comforts and proper government of each
Gang. To the want of this arrangement (even in matters of trifling import)
I attributed many of those circumstances which have proved so prejudicial
to the Estates; I by no means approved of each property having
a separate Medical Attendant, altho' I felt at first some degree of
delicacy in making any alteration in this particular until the neglect
on the part of the person acting for Sandersons compelled me to supercede
him. I had however previously seen Doctor Hodges who had

___________________________________

8.59.

23

long been in charge of the medical department at Lavingtons and he had agreed
to conform to the requisitions I made, altho' in a way by no means calculated
to induce me to increase his responsibility by giving him the appointment at Sanderson's
also: he shewed some surprise and dissatisfaction when I required of him to
visit the Estate regularly and twice in each week, and indeed I was as much
surprised when I found that he had hitherto consulted his own convenience. His
subsequent neglect, together with other circumstances which will be noticed under
another head would have induced me to supercede him had not his death
vacated the appointment; which I transferred to Doctor Odlum who had in
the mean time been appointed to Sandersons. Both Estates are now under
the same regulations in this particular department.

 Next to the Hospital has also been established a comfortable and convenient
Lying in Room; whereby the measure of sending the Women to Sandersons as
heretofore is suspended a.

 A new and substantial Magoss House, and a Dungeon, have been built
and the Cattle pen which was so small and inconvenient as scarcely to
deserve the name, has been considerably enlarged and a covering for
the Cattle supported by stone pillars added to it.

  There is no Cattle Mill on this property, nor is one required.

I have now merely to observe under this head, that with the exception of a Manager's
House (which may be built at leisure) no other Buildings are required on this property as
the Rooms he now occupies over the Curing House will then be appropriated to their
former use as a Loft or Store with the exception of a part which is engaged by the
Overseer for whom a House would be required if the Manager was to continue
where he now is b. The other Buildings are all in good repair; and if my expectations
be fulfilled (with such measures as I further propose in the internal government
of the property) Lavington's Estate will in 1825, pay its own Colonial expenses
or nearly, and feed its Negroes and in succeeding years have a surplus
of Rum and Molasses and an increase of Sugar.

________________________________________________

8.61. Negroe's Houses

7

Negroe's Houses.

 The Houses for the Lavington's Gang are well situated and were formerly laid
out at proper distances from each other, but from the increase of the Gang or from
an insufficiency in number at first other Huts have been built in the intervening
spaces without any regard to order or security from Fire, and they are now very
confined and consequently in a degree unhealthy. The recent removal of 82 of the
Gang to Sandersons will admit of the ranges being again opened by pulling down
the superfluous Houses. Most of them are now in good order.

The Negroes.

 With the exception of the individual character of the Negroes composing the
Lavington's Gang (of which a tolerably correct idea may be formed by a reference
to the annexed List) I do not feel myself called upon to say much
respecting them as all that I have advanced regarding the Sanderson's
Negroes may be applied to those whom I found on this property with this
exception only that a much larger share of insubordination had shewed
itself among the latter, and that they gave me a considerable deal more
trouble; but they had latterly behaved extremely well.

 The number on the property when I took charge of it was 233 of whom
there were 7 Mulattos and Mestees among the Males, and 6 Mulattas and
Mestees among the Females. One of the latter a Girl named Maria aged 8
years has been since appraised at 30 pounds currency, and manumitted. Her mother
named Polly JohnsonJohnson, Polly (another of the above 6) died on the 9th of August under
circumstances which are noticed at length in a paper accompanying this
report being the minutes of an Investigation taken before two Magistrates
at the instance of Mr. Attley who was at the time of her decease acting for
me during my absence at Saint Vincent: I shall therefore merely observe
here that this Woman who was the Mother of several of the abovementioned
Mestees had been in the habit of going off the property (to visit a man with
whom she had long cohabited) taking her children with her without permission

8.62.

25

and the Manager had repeatedly required of her to conform to the regulations
I had adopted on both Estates, to no purpose: she remained refractory
up to the time of her disease. This circumstance led to the discovery that
Doctor Hodges had not attended the Estate regularly as he had agreed to do
and I also ascertained that it had not been usual to report in the Sick Book
the nature of the complaint of which a patient had died, which very much excited
my surprise and which has become a standing regulation in the Sick Book
for the future.

 The following is an abstract of the number and character of Negroes on
the Estate on the 1st March, with the decrease by removal, manumission and
death up to 31st August 1824.

8.64. The Cattle

26

The Cattle.

 The Cattle on this Estate are from time to time exchanged for others from the
general Stock at Sandersons as they became weak and require recruiting, consequently
the observations already made respecting the Cattle at Sandersons
apply equally to those that may be on this Estate: and a list of the number
and character here on the 31st August is annexed with a view of giving an idea
of the ordinary number employed, together with the Horses and Mules attached
to the property.

 It may be necessary to observe that Monks Hill Estate which
was derived from Lavingtons and is more usually called Lavington's pasture,
having been long appropriated as a receptacle of the Cattle from both
Estates, no sort of order has been maintained and the respective managers
at Lavingtons have sent Cattle there and brought others back at their will,
consequently many abuses have been introduced, and no sort of correct
estimate could have been kept. The distance of Monks Hill from Lavington's
is considerably greater than that from Sandersons and as the latter
Estate will always be the Headquarters of the responsible person in charge
of the several properties, much trouble and great saving must accrue
from Lavington's Estate receiving its supplies from thence, and the number
and condition of the Cattle will come under one general Return.

 There are a Horse, an old Poney, and four Mules very old, attached to
the Estate.

 The Carts are in good order, consisting of two for Cattle and one for Mules.

_______________________

8.66. Monks Hill Estate

29

Monks Hill Estate.

This property is an extensive range of mountain land in pasture estimated at
172 Acres bounded to the Southward by an abrupt declivity overlooking
the Town of Falmouth, and commanded to the right or (SW)Southwest by Monks Hill
Fort which may be estimated between 5 and 600 feet from the surface of the Sea.
Bodkins Estate bounds it to the Southward and the distance from Sandersons
to this boundary line is about 2 miles and half. It was many years back
in cultivation and the ruins of the Windmill are still standing. Near to
this spot was the occasional residence of the late Mr. Gordon which was
destroyed some years ago in a Hurricane and the foundation of it now forms
part of the Pen in which the Cattle are lodged during the night.

 The contiguity of the Garrison to this pasture (it has been stated) has led
to many depredations among the Cattle and the only plan that can be
adopted to obviate the evil (if it is to be appropriated as a Breeding Pen
for which it is well adapted) is to commit the charge of it to a person who can
be depended upon in lieu of the Slaves who have hitherto been appointed to the
care of the Cattle kept here, and who have no doubt been negligent in their duty
if they have not been participators in the Roguery. The person I would propose
would be considered as one of the number of white Servants required
for Sandersons Estate in reduction of the Taxes, where he might occasionally
act, and to whose care the charge of the Cattle generally might be committed.

8.68. Conclusion

31

Conclusion.

 The communications I have made from time to time respecting
these properties, and circumstances connected with my proceedings, render
it unnecessary that I should go into further detail in noticing matters
which have so long inimical to their prosperity, and brought
them to the disgraceful condition in which I found them: and in contemplating
their future good government I should be increasing the
bulk of this Report beyond all reasonable limits if I were to
attempt to touch upon the innumerable features which must in my
opinion constitute the whole system of their internal government:
and as my views and opinions may be different to those of
other persons, the support of such measures as I have established
(which it is more the purpose of this Report to detail) and the
completion of others that are in progress, as well as the future
adoption of such as may be further necessary to their welfare:
must be left to the person or persons on whom the charge of
them may hereafter devolve.

___________________________________

8.70. Appendix

___________________________________

Appendix.

___________________________________