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THE TRINIDAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Publication No. 44.


Letter from Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor oJ Barbados, to the Lords
Commissioners of Trade and Plantation.

8th October, 1677,from Barbados.

Source : -Public Record Office. State Papers Colonial, C.O. 41.
Published by courtesy of the Master of the Rolls and the
Deputy Keeper of the Public Records


MAY IT PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIPS :



For Tobago, since my last I received a letter from
Mr. Binkes the Admiral for the Dutch which was only a
compliment of great thanks for the civilitics they had received
from this place and withal he sent me a copy of the conditions
afforded those that take up land there. I have sent
Your Lordships a copy of these though I believe you will not
much concern yourselves therewith.

I discoursed at large with the commander of the ship that
brought my letter who ingenuously told me that of
1,6oo people they brought with them thither, they had not
600 left ; that they have heard nothing from Holland since
they came from there ; only two provision ships w ere arri ed
that came out not long after them and they began to fear the
business at home not sounding as well as they could wish,
might hinder them from thinking of this Island ; that all the
slaves they had left were only employed upon the fortification
so that they had no hands to plant provisions, 300 of their
slaves being burnt when their ships were burnt for having
been taken from the French they durst not trust them ashore
but put them on. board of several ships.







2

I must confess I could be content to be rid of them as also
of our other neighbours not that we are in any danger of them
but it may be we might live more at ease if any change should
happen. It is a maxim with the planters that the Dulch will
never hurt them tlic having never yet succeeded in any ol
their plantations.

My Lords thus briefly but plainly but with much truth
I have given you this short narration of the present conditions
of the place. Your demands I would intend, should be
notified which with all respect for Your Lordships I present
for your consideration.


Your Lordships' most faithful servant,

J. ATKINS.