ABSTRACT

Situation, and Discovery.— Visited by Sir Francis Drake, and the Earl o f Cumberland.— Tortola ; hem and when

first inhabited.—Invaded, and seized upon by the English. — First cultivated.— Simple mode o f Government; iffects which resulted from it.— Experiences a calamity.—Hap­ pily relieved by some Liverpool Merchants.— Number of Inhabitants in 1756.— The Inhabitants petition fo r a Legislative Assemby, and obtain it at an exorbitant price. — Effects o f these regulations.— Chief Justice appointed to counteract the influence o f contending factions.—Con­ dition o f the Inhabitants, and o f public affairs on his art'ival. Prosperity succeeds to misfortune and faction. —Situation, extent, produce, and present number of Inhabitants o f Tortola.— Injurious effects resulting from their established impost.