A History of the West Indies

Containing the Natural, Civil and Ecclesiastical History of Each Island

Thomas Coke

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2014
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9781136258213
• Subtopic: World History
• Index: History

Disappointed with the purely secular tone of the earlier West Indian histories, Thomas Coke concentrated on the history of the missions in the Caribbean. This work was written immediately after the abolition of slavery, but 25 years before emancipation, and based on a wealth of documentation.

THE
HISTORY
OF
NEVIS.

CHAP. XXXIV.

Situation.—Conjectures on its origin.—Appearance at sea.—Name.—First settled by Sir Thomas Warner; under whose administration, and that of his Successor, the Colony flourished.—Extent of population, and industry of the Inhabitants.—Ravaged by a dreadful mortality;—by the French;—and by a violent hurricane.—Description of this hurricane by Dr. Moseley.—Survives these disasters. and again recovers its prosperity.—Topographical divisions, and internal regulations.—Productions, and advantages.—Author’s first visit to the island.—Unable to gain access to the slaves.—Requested to re-visit it.—Establishment of a Mission.—The Gospel obtains a footing in the island.—Affecting anecdote of two little Negro children.—Success of preaching the Gospel, and attachment of the negroes to it.—A violent persecution, not-withstanding which the Society flourishes.—Nature and utility of Class-meetings.—General reflections, and number in society.

THIS beautiful little spot is remarkable for its fertility, and for the romantic scenery of its scanty domains. It is situated in 17°. 14′ north latitude, and 62°. 29′ west longitude, from Greenwich. In itself, it is little more than a high and extensive mountain, the base of which is encircled by the waves; from which its sloping sides appear to rise with easy ascent, till its elevated summit terminates in a point, and mixes with the clouds.

That this island was produced by some volcanic explosion, Mr. Edwards says, there can be no doubt: and the reason that he assigns for this conjecture is, “That there is a hollow or crater still visible near the summit, which contains a hot spring strongly impregnated with sulphur; and sulphur (he adds) is frequently found in substance in the neighboring gullies and cavities of the earth.”

On the origin of this island, as distinct from that of others, we presume not to risk even a conjecture. It may have started into visible existence, as Mr. Edwards has imagined; yet we cannot but conceive, that the reason which he has assigned is totally insufficient to warrant the supposition. For, if either hot springs impregnated with sulphur, the visibility of a crater on its summit, or sulphur being found in substance, be admitted as a satisfactory proof that the island was produced by some volcanic explosion, we shall feel no difficulty in accounting for the peculiar origin of every mountain in the world, which retains marks of intestine but extinguished fires.

The island of Nevis, whatever might have been its origin, is, from the singularity of its form, easily discoverable at a considerable distance. It looks like a conical pillar emerging from the ocean to support the skies. On its first discovery, it was covered with lofty trees which graced its acclivities from the base to the summit; and, even in its present state of improved cultivation, it is well supplied with wood and timber.

The plantations, which are numerous, nearly surround it on all sides, beginning at the sea-shores, and continuing as the mountain rises, till they almost reach its top. The fertility of this island, which, perhaps, towards its base will hardly admit of many rivals, diminishes in proportion as we ascend; so that near its summit the ground becomes stony, and will produce little else but coarse vegetables, which are only adapted for domestic purposes.

Contrary to Antigua, which can hardly produce a single spring, Nevis is remarkably well watered with rivulets and salubrious fountains. The hot spring to which Mr. Edwards has alluded above, is frequently used as a medicinal bath; and its waters are presumed to possess qualities of a similar nature to the hot springs of the city of Bath, in Somersetshire.

But, unhappily for the settlers on this fertile territory, the waters, which in one view may be considered as an inexhaustible source of wealth and plenty, may in another be contemplated as a source of ruin and devastation. Issuing chiefly from the upper parts of the island, they sometimes, in stormy seasons, swell into impetuous torrents, and, in their progress towards the sea, strip the soil of its verdant honors, and sweep away plantations in the general wreck. It is probably by these temporary inundations that the upper regions have acquired a comparative sterility; while the plantations below feel themselves enriched with the losses which those nearer the summit have been obliged to sustain.

On the origin of its name we can hardly presume to speak with certainty. From the Indians who occasionally frequented it in their canoes, it does not appear to have obtained any; it: is therefore to Columbus that we must look for its present appellation. It has been supposed by some, that its name was bestowed by that celebrated navigator, from a fancied resemblance which the island bore to a mountain in Spain called the Nievies, a word signifying “The Snows,” because that mountain in Spain is covered with snow through the greater part of the year. There are others who have supposed, that the volcano was at that time burning, and that the issuing smoke had a white appearance at sea, and bore a strong resemblance to snow. It is perhaps not improbable that both of these circumstances might have concurred; because, to the Spanish mountain it has some likeness, and the remains of an ancient volcano are still visible.

Of its ancient history, scarcely any notice has been taken by the English writers, in their various accounts of the British settlements in the West Indies. And, indeed, from the time of its discovery, through the space of 130 years, it has presented in history nothing more than a dreary blank. It was about the year 1628, that some of our countrymen, under the protection and by the assistance of Sir Thomas Warner, began a settlement in this island, and laid the foundation of that unexampled prosperity which almost instantly ensued The motives, however, which first induced the friends of Warner to plant this colony, are hardly known with accuracy. Policy, prudence, industry, and economy, were combined in the character of that enterprizing leader; and it is highly probable, that it became necessary for him to extend his establishment beyond the shores of St. Christopher’s, to soften the clamors of the turbulent, and to reward the meritorious for their past services.

On the island of Nevis the celebrated history of Bryan Edwards is remarkably concise. And wherever the materials are scanty, and difficult to be obtained, every account must be more or less defective. The few memorials which our English historians have recorded of this island have been collected chiefly from French authors; and, indeed, no other method of obtaining intelligence remains for us, than that of applying to the same source. Of these the most correct and satisfactory appears to be the Abbé Raynal, from whose pages we shall make no scruple to borrow such facts as seem to be authentic with respect to its ancient history. The observations which apply to its modern vicissitudes we shall draw from other sources, which we feel assured are entitled to equal credit.

The paternal care of Sir Thomas Warner introduced into this colony, at the period of its early settlement, men whose characters were well established for industry, probity, and virtue. These excellencies, therefore, instantly assumed a dominion over the vices which were contrasted with them, and established the inhabitants on a basis which subsequent innovations were never able to destroy. The people who succeeded these virtuous planters found, on their arrival, that they were under a necessity of complying with the reigning principles, however hostile they might have found them to their private inclinations. The virtues which they were thus compelled to adopt through constraint were, at least, exceedingly useful in promoting the prosperity of the colony. The force of example conferred on the rising generations similar energies. The benefits which rewarded them ensured their perseverance; and they were guarded from deviations by the dread which a sense of dishonor rarely fails to inspire. Their love of labor was both stimulated and recompensed by the advantages which crowned their exertions; and their recreations were such as prudence might relate, or modesty hear, without feeling an occasion to blush.

The various plantations which were thus begun received due encouragement from the amiable Governor; but more especially those which were appropriated to the cultivation of the sugar-cane. The produce of this valuable plant soon furnished an inexhaustible source of wealth; and became in this as well as in other islands, the principal commodity for exportation to Europe, Both the Commander in Chief, and the people who flourished under his mild administration, were alike actuated by equity and sobriety. Harmony and peace subsisted among them; the persons of all were held sacred, and their property was rendered unquestionably secure.

Under such circumstances, and a conduct so auspicious, the progress of the colony from solitude to population, and from a desert to cultivation, was amazingly rapid. St. Christopher’s, under the same Governor, enjoyed the same benefits, and the same effects were there more than equally visible. But its scanty domains were soon overpeopled by the influx of European emigrants. These had been allured thither by the prospect of rising to opulence, under the auspices of Warner. This redundance compelled many families to remove from the spot on which they had chosen to reside, and to migrate to Nevis, where the competition for advantageous settlement was not so great. This island was preferred to others, because it was under the jurisdiction of the same beloved Commander, and was inhabited by people whose views and aims were congenial with their own. The successes of past adventurers soon tempted others to embark. The event realized their hopes, and this still tended to augment their numbers. An increase of numbers added to the mutual benefits, contributed to supply the wants of all, and soon raised their commercial pursuits to a state of exalted prosperity.

The death of Warner, which happened about the year 1638, blasted for a moment those sanguine hopes which the colonists had entertained. But their fears were soon dissipated by the prudent conduct of his immediate successor Governor Lake. This gentleman adopted the political maxims of his predecessor, and fixed his residence on the spot. This was an advantage which hitherto the island had not enjoyed, because Warner, from its priority of settlement, had fixed his residence in St. Christopher’s; and, in a place where he found himself universally beloved, he seemed resolved to take up his final abode. This resolution was so rooted within him, that nothing could induce him to relinquish the object of his attachment.

Within the short space of twelve years the productions of Nevis became an object of national importance, and it appears to have been considered in England as a fruitful and valuable colony. But authors vary as to the state of its population. In the year 1640, Raynal estimates it at 10,000 whites, and 20,000 blacks; but this statement, it is highly probable, has been exaggerated. The circumference of the island, according to the account given by the same author, does not exceed eighteen miles; it is therefore rather unlikely that such amazing multitudes should be crowded together, at this early period, within such narrow limits. Other accounts state the inhabitants at this period to amount to 5000 whites, and 12,000 blacks, and these numbers appear more probable than the former. But even the lowest calculation exhibits the infallible effects of public virtue, in promoting the prosperity of a well regulated community. Such were the regulations established in the island, and such were the effects which resulted from them, in the aggrandizement, wealth, and population of the settlement, that, taken in the aggregate, they furnish both lessons and examples to governors and subjects. They teach the former, that mildness and justice in the administration of power ensure to themselves both respect and honor, and dispense happiness to those who are placed under their dominion. And they teach the latter, that no sources are too small to teem with wealth, when they are prudently explored and improved; and that no obstacles are too great for persevering industry to overcome, when justice engages to shield its productions from the lawless sallies of rapacity. Happy would it have been for the reputation of Warner, if his conduct in St. Christopher’s towards the Charaibs had been governed by these amiable principles!

The annually increasing prosperity of Nevis continued nearly half a century; when it experienced in the wise, but perhaps mysterious, providence of God, a melancholy reverse. In 1689, a dreadful mortality swept away one half of the inhabitants of this flourishing colony. In 1706, it was invaded by the French, who plundered, and carried off between three and four thousand slaves, with whom the French squadron sailed to Martinico, where they were sold to their own planters. The following year, the ruin of the island was nearly completed by one of the most furious hurricanes ever recorded in history.

That our readers may form some idea of the devastations occasioned by similar hurricanes that have happened in modern times at Jamaica, and other islands of the West Indies, it may not be unacceptable to have laid before them a detail of these awful catastrophes, from a justly esteemed treatise on Tropical Diseases,” &c. and on the climate of the West Indies, by Dr. Benjamin Moseley*.

Hurricanes generally set in from the north, or north-west, from the great rarefaction of the air within the tropic of Cancer, by the sun’s northern declination in the autumnal season (therefore the months of August, September, and October, are called in the West Indies the hurricane months); from which an influx of dense air rushes in from the polar regions, and the great Western Continent (the earth being susceptible of much greater degrees of cold and heat than the ocean, which is preserved in a more uniform temperature, from being incapable, like all transparent bodies, of deriving heat from solar light), and a great conflict is raised; the wind varying with furious blasts from every point of the compass, until an equilibrium is restored, and nature composed by the eastern winds regaining their course.

The ruin and desolation accompanying a hurricane can hardly be described. —— Like fire, its resistless force consumes every thing in its tract, in the most terrible and rapid manner. It is generally preceded by an awful stillness of the elements, and a closeness and mistiness in the atmosphere, which makes the sun appear red, and the stars look larger than usual. But a dreadful reverse succeeding, the sky is suddenly overcast and wild. The sea rises at once from a profound calm into mountains. The wind rages and roars like the noise of cannon. The rain descends in deluges. A dismal obscurity envelopes the earth with darkness. The superior regions appear rent with lightning and thunder. The earth often does, and seems to tremble. Terror and consternation distract all nature. Birds are carried from the woods into the ocean; and those whose element is the sea, seek for refuge on the land. The frightened animals in the fields assemble together, and are almost suffocated by the impetuosity of the wind, in searching for shelter, which, when found, serves only for their destruction. The roofs of houses are carried to vast distances from their walls, which are beaten to the ground, burying their inhabitants under them. Large trees are torn up by the roots, and huge branches shivered off, and driven through the air in every direction with immense velocity. Every tree and shrub, that withstands the shock, is stripped of its boughs and foliage. Plants and grass are laid flat on the earth. Luxuriant spring is changed in a moment to dreary winter.—This direful tragedy ended, when it happens in a town, the devastation is surveyed with accumulated horror. The harbor is covered with the wrecks of boats and vessels; and the shore has not a vestige of its former state remaining. Mounds of rubbish and rafters in one place, heaps of earth and trunks of trees in another, deep gullies from torrents of water, and the dead and dying bodies of men, women, and children, half buried, and scattered about, where streets but a few hours before were, present the miserable survivors with the shocking conclusion of a spectacle, generally followed by famine, and, when accompanied by an earthquake, with mortal diseases.

Such were the hurricanes that left melancholy traces in many of the West India Islands, in the month of October, 1780: and particularly in Jamaica; where, on the third of that month, the west end of the island was laid waste. Vast districts of finely cultivated lands were made a desert, and several villages were destroyed. But the part of Jamaica which suffered most, was the parish of Westmoreland. Here, in addition to the preceding calamities, the sea rose in a column, appearing at a distance like a dark cloud, and overwhelmed the little sea-port town of Savannah-la-mer.

“While many people were viewing the approach of this phœnomenon from their windows, ignorant of what it was, it advanced suddenly upon them, drowned them in their upper rooms, into which they had retreated as the water rose, and washed away them and their houses together,—The sea overflowed the land above half a mile beyond its usual bounds, and carried several large ships with it; one of which, when the water subsided, was left nearly a quarter of a mile on the land. This hurricane commenced from the south-east, about twelve o’clock at noon, and continued till eight in the evening. The sea rose between four and eight o’clock, and subsided at ten with an earthquake. Nearly 300 people perished.”

It required a long series of years, indefatigable industry on the part of the surviving inhabitants, and the benevolent assistance of their friends in England, to recover the promising little colony of Nevis from the low state to which it was reduced by the hurricane of 1707. However, by degrees its commerce revived, and by the exemplary humanity of the British planters to their negro slaves, the lands are better cultivated in this island than in most of the other colonies in the West Indies.

The whole island is divided into five parishes, but has, properly speaking, but one town, namely, Charlestown, in which all the officers concerned in the administration of the government reside. It consists, for the civil department, of the President of the council, acting as lieutenant governor, six assistant members, and an assembly consisting of fifteen representatives, three of whom are elected by each parish respectively. The military commandant is appointed by the King, as is also the chief justice, who holds his court in Charlestown, and is assisted by two judges elected from among the principal gentlemen of the island. A port or harbor contiguous to Charlestown has a small custom-house, in which merchants’ ships are entered inwards and outwards. The only staple commodity for exportation to the mother-country is sugar, of which it is computed that 4000 hogsheads are exported annually, taking the favorable and unfavorable years together upon an average of seven years. With respect to internal conveniencies, no part of the West Indies enjoys them in more abundance than this island; the fertility of its soil (a small portion only on the acclivity of the mountain excepted) producing all culinary plants and roots peculiar to the climate, and likewise those which are most esteemed in Europe; such as cauliflowers, artichokes, &c. and likewise a great variety of fruits.

In common with other islands, the shores of Nevis abound with fish of various kinds peculiar to these seas, of which we have given a general description in our account of Jamaica; it is, therefore, needless on this article to enter into any detail. The productions of the different elements in these regions bear to each other a strong resemblance; they are but varied effects resulting from the same cause; and the same power and goodness superintend and...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• THE HISTORY OF NEVIS
• GENERAL INDEX