The Sun. — London, England, 1832-02-22 00:00:00

SECOND Ei - ATIoN. SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clock. THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22. COLONIAL DEPARTMENT. Downing-street, Feb. ?2, 1832. The following communication from the Governor of Jamaica was received at this Office on Sunday last : King's House, Jamaica, Jan. 6, 1832. MY Loan,-1 have a painful duty to discharge, in detailing to your Lordship the substance of accounts I have received, by which you will learn that an extensive and destructive insur rection amongst the slaves in the western district of this island, has followed a season of unusual sickness and distress, and that I have felt myself compelled to resort to the most ac tive measures, even that of proclaiming martial law, to arrest the progress of so great a danger. It was not until Thursday, the 22d ultimo, that I received any accounts to excite alarm. The apprehensions which ap peared to disturb the public mind during the summer had nearly subsided. The planters complained of poverty and dis tress—the delegates sent forth an ambiguous declaration, depre cating )as they expressed themselves) " the insidious attempts to undermine and render valueless what little remains of their property"—but the brink of danger on which they stood formed A) part of their deliberations. On the lead of December 1 received a despatch from Colonel Lawson, a Magistrate, and commanding the Saint James's regi m nit of militia, dated the :nth, stating that on the Friday pre ceding he met the overseer of Salt Spring Estate, who informed Dim that on the previous day the negroes had behaved with great insolence to Mr. Grignon, the attorney or chief manager of the estate that two constables, who had been sent to con vey the ringleaders to Montego Bay, had been assaulted and de prived of pistols, with which they were armed, as well as their mules, and that the negroes had expressed their determination riot to work after New Year's-day. Mr. Grignon having re paired to Montego Bay, a special Session of Magistrates was assembled, when he and other persons employed on the estate gave information of the circumstances which had occurred, and of the riotous and disorderly state of the slaves; in conse_ of which an order was issued by the Magistrates to Ma ,or Coate;, as the nearest Field Officer of Militia, to send a detachment of the Saint James's regiment to Salt Spring estate, for the pu . pose of restoring order. Major Coates immediately communicated the direct ions he had received to Colonel Lawson, commanding the Saini James's regiment, and who, anxious to avoid the necessity of having recourse to the militia, and being for many years well known to the negroes of the estate, delayed the detachment from marching, and accompanied by Mr. Tharp, a neighbouring proprietor, proceeded to the estate in the hope, by his influence, to prevail on the negroes to return to their duty. He found the negroes assembled in groups about the buildings on the estate, and was informed that the senior book_ steeper had suffered ill-treatment, and that his life had been threatened. He endeavoured to expostulate with the negroes, telling them he came as their friend, and asked them to listen to him ; they would not, however, sutler him to approach them, and walked off ; and finding all his endeavours to restore order ineffectual, he left them. Soon after, a party of fifty men of the militia arrived, when almost every negro on the estate dis appeared. The next day they began to return, and when Colonel Lawson wrote his despatch, the principal offenders only, amounting to six persons, were absent. This conduct of the negroes on Salt Spring Estate, and information which the Ma giatrates had received that the negroes on other estates would not return to work after new year's-day, induced the Magistrates, assembled at Montego Bay, to forward a requisition to Major Pennefather, commanding the 22d regiment, at Falmouth, to order a detachment to march to that town, which Major Pen nefather immediately complied with. On the following day I received an application from certain Magistrates and inhabitants of the parish of Portland, desiring that a vessel of war might be ordered to Port Antonio, on account of some unpleasant ru- MOON which had reached them of discontent amongst the slaves in that quarter. Being in Kingston when these accounts arrived, I 'mine diately communicated the information I had received to Sir Willoughby Cotton. I applied to Commodore Farquhar for a ship of war to proceed to the port of Port Antonio, and, as a precautionary measure, I also recommended that ships of war should be despatched to Montego Bay and Black River, which Commodore Farquhar, with his usual promptitude and atten. Con, immediately -complied with. I directed circulars to he addressed to custodes of parishes, inclosing the King's pro. elamation, and also letters to be written to the 3lajor-Generals of the Militia, copies of which (Nos. 1 and 2) I inclose. On the morning of the 28th 1 received a despatch from the Custos of Trelawny (No. 3), inclosing one forwarded to him by Colonel Lawson (No. 4), containing certain affidavits, copies of which (Nos. 5 and 6), I herewith inclose, and further stating that he considered the information they contained to convinc ing of impending danger, that he had determined to assemble the whole strength of his regiment, and referring to me for fur ther instructions. From Mr. M`Donald, the Custos of Trelawny, I also learned that he deeply regretted to find a strong spirit of insubordination amongst the slaves. That, on the and instant, the trash-houses on York Estate, in Trelawny, had been par_ posely burnt down, and that the attorney who lives on the pro perty was strongly impressed with the idea that they intended to burn the rest of the Works. One company of militia was or dered to proceed to this estate, but before they arrived the ne. groes had cut down the plantain walk belonging to the over seer, and both men and women had ;led. It happened that I had convened a CollftCll on the day I re ceived this despatch, for the purpose of enabling me to form re gulations of quarantine, should such a measure become neces sary, by which means an opportunity was afforded me of con ferring personally with Sir Willoughby Cotton, who came from Kingston for the purpose of attending the Council, and being fully satisfied, from the information 1 had received, that nothing but prompt and decided measures would arrest the spirit of in subordination which prevailed so generally in the parishes pf St. James and Trelawny, I strongly recommended Sir Wil. loughby Cotton to proceed to Montego Bay with as little delay as possible, taking with him such an amount of force as he might deem expedient, anticipating that his immediate presence would produce the most favourable effect. Sir W. Cotton readily ac quiesced in my proposal, and the following day he embarked on board his Majesty's ship Sparrowhawk, with two companies of the e4th Regiment. On Thursday the 29th, I received various dispatches by post, the substance of which I inclose, (No. 7,) which I lost no time in communicating to Sir Willoughby Cotton, and immediately issued the accompanying M. G. 0, (No. 8.) On the same day, at 5 p. m., dispatches arrived by express, containing still more alarming accounts of the state of the country. The work of destruction had begun, and fires had been seen, both in St. James's and Trelawny, to blaze the preceding night, in egrjous directions. The Custos of Trelasvny stated that, in his opinion, nine-tenths of the slave-population had refused to turn out to work, and Colonel Lawson, instead of being able to oppose these excesses, had drawn in his regiment to Montego Bay, and even there appeared to feel apprehension, acting only on the defensive. Not waiting to detail this information In A letter to Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, on account of the regular wicois which prevail in this latitude, could not leave Port Royal until the following morning, I imnech AO) dispatched Captain Ramsey, 77th regiment, my military secretary, on board the Nparrotehawk, with the letters I had received, not doubting that, on their perusul, Sir Willoughby Cotton would deem it advisable to order a stronger force to follow him. By this means also I communicated to Sir Willoughby Cotton my in tention to convene a council of war, according to the 50th sieo. 111. ch. 17, cl. 74, on the following day, for the purpose of submitting to them etreh information as I possessed on the state of the country, in order to obtain their opinion pp the necessity of declaring martial law, The next meriting (rite JOth) Sir Willoughby Cotton, with the detachment, embarked on board the Sparrotehotek, sailed from Port Royal for Mon tego Bay, and on the following morning, his Majesty's ship Blanche, Commodore Farquhar, proceeded on the sense desti. nation, conveying three huzulred men from the 33d and e4th re„ giments, and sixteen artillery soldiers, with two eight field_ pieces, and rockets, .Ac. I did not come to the resolution of assembling a council of war, for the purpose before stated, until I had thoroughly satis. tied my mind that the immediate exigency admitted no middle measures, that more than any thing else, it would remove an impression, which had been made on the minds of the slaves, that the Executive Government and the King's troops would not oppose them. That speedy example, however greatly I must regret and deplore the necessity of resorting to it, epuld alone stay the destruction that had begin, and ultimately save a greater effusion of blood, and likewise that under martial law alone I could obtain complete controul over the militia force, on whose services I must chiefly depend to put &awn this rebellion. By the 72d clause of the Act above referred to, your Lord, ship will find the form directed for holding councils of war, and that no council shall consist of less than twenty.one mem bers, on this occasion twenty-six persons were present. I . communicated to them such information as I possessed, and laid before them the letters I had before transmitted by Capt. Ramsey to Sir Willoughby Cotton, copies of whioli (Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) are inclosed ; and in conformity with the unanimous opinion of this oornerous council, on the 3abh f o e, /gent martial law was forthvvitts proclaimed. No time was then lost in issuing general orders, ; 4recting the St. Ann's 'Weatern Regiment to assemble at Rio s the Clarendon regiment on the confines of Trelawny, the Weser etland and Hanover regiments on the confines of St. James, whefeb. I endeavoured to cut off all communication hetween the dis, turbed districts and other parts of the islaed with a force ready to act under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on his arrival at Montego Bay. At the same time I addressed a private cdmmunication to sir Willoughby Cotton, a copy of which (No. 15) is here. with annexed. Accounts arrived on the Slit December, from Maurice Jones, Esq., Custos of the parish of Portland, the northeast extremity of the island, stating that the negroes on three estates had refused to work, and had betaken themselves to the woods. It is somewhat remarkable, that this same gentleman, a few days previous,on learning that a man-of-war, as I have before informed your Lordship, had sailed for Port Antonio, appeared to consider the application of the Magistrates had proceeded from ill founded apprehension or the hostile disposition of the negroes in that quarter, although he was not ignorant that mime excitement remained in the minds of the vegra.es about their being made five, expressed his regret that such a precaution had been adopted, stating that he never considered the negroes in that neighbourhood to be more peaceable and contented Lithe course of the night a despatch arrived from General Robertson, by which it appeared that the depredations committed by the negroes in the parish of saint James had extended along the great river towards the parish of Saint Elizabeth, and that the estate of Ipswich had been threatened. The Officer command. ing the Westmorland Regiment had posted two companies at en estate called Haddo, and orders were given for the Saint Eliza beth's regiment to hold themselves in immediate readiness. Further accounts from General Robertson informed me that " the rebels were proceeding in the direction of Ipswich and New Savannah, and that he had moved a large body of men to oppose them." The following day he communicated to me the destruction of Ipswich estate, with several others, and thus concludes:—" I am of opinion that all the force in my district is unequal to suppress the incendiarism and destruction, without the co-operation of regular troops." At this time General Robertson was not aware that Sir Willoughby Cotton had proceeded with a force of troops of the line to Montego Bay. Fifty men of the 77th regiment, and under the command of Major John Wilson, with a supply of arms and ammuni tion, were embarked on board his Majesty's ship Rose, and proceeded, on the 3d instant, to Black River. On the 3d January I received another despatch from General Robertson, inclosing the deposition of an overseer, who had been eight days a prisoner of the rebels. A copy of this document and of General Robinson's despatches (Nos. 16, 17, and 1S) are also inclosed. The loss which the rebel negroes sustained at Ginger_ hill, I have every reason to hope may check the depredations committed in that district. But I think it proper to issue the accompanying proclamation (No. 19). On the 3d instant, I received a despatch from Sir Willoughby Cotton, informing me of his arrival at Montego Bay, as well as the troops embarked on hoard his Majesty's ship Blanche. I shall not curtail the impression the Major-General has trans mitted to me by making extracts from his despatch, I therefore inclose it. (N 05.20, 21, 22, and 23-) On the morning of the 4th, I received unfavourable accounts from Portland, especially from Mr. Panton, a Magistrate and proprietor in that parish, whose letter (No. 24) I inclose. Mr. Panton appears to have laboured under feelings of much alarm. I had, however, anticipated the necessity of checking any in subordination which might appear in that quarter, haying as sembled the Portland, St. George, and St. Thomas-in-the-East regiments of militia before his letter arrived. Forty men also of the 77th had been conveyed in the boats of the Champion from Port Antonio to Manchioneal, under the command of Captain Buchan ; and Colonel M'Leod, also in the absence of Sir Willoughby Cotton, commander at Kingston, had ordered Captain Tathwell, with thirty men of the 33d regiment, em barked on board of his Majesty's ship Hyacinth, to proceed to Morant Bay, and from thence to march through a populous, and as yet tranquil, district, where, however, the Saint Thomas-in the-East regiment were assembled to Manchioneal. The appearance of this force will, I trust, be sufficient to check any dispostion to revolt in that quarter. It is obvious, however, from all the information that has been received, that the negroes have been impressed with a general and firm belief that after Christmas they were to be free. They will have much to answer for who have deluded these unfortunate people into expectations which have led to such scenes of devastation and ruin, and which now recoiling on themselves, numbers must expiate by their death. My chief attention, therefore, is directed to maintain good order where quiet still remains, to protect the well-disposed, and to be always prepared to as semble a strong disposable force, ready to act on the first ap pearance of insubordination. To give greater efficiency in the direction of all military affairs in this part of the island, I have given Colonel Macleod, Deputy Adjutant-General on the Staff in this island, the rank of Lieutenant-General of Militia, whereby I obtain the assist ance of an able and experienced officer, and extended his com mand over the militia, as well as over the troops of the line. I also received despatches from Montego Bay, dated 3d in stant (No. 25). I have the h e onour to inclose a copy of one from Sir Willoughby Cotton, whereby it appears, that the burnings still continued to be executed in concert, by signal from the heights. That the leaders who bad suffered the day preceding had all declared that they had been told by white people that they were to be free at Christmas, and that by these people the plan of insurrection had been arranged. That, in concurrence with the custos of the parish (Mr. Barrett), prisoners to the amount of one hundred not actually implicated as incendiaries, with the woman, had been dismissed into the country with co pies of the proclamation before alluded to, numbered 21. A despatch was also received from the custos of St. James, of which I inclose an extract (No. 211) He speaks highly of the conduct of the militia ; but, I lament to say, adds to the list of destruction contained in list numbered 23, intimating the num ber of plantations and settlements destroyed to the amount of one hundred. From Morant Bay I received a letter from Colonel Dclpratt, inclosing a despatch from Lieutenant-Colonel M'Cornock, of the St. Thomas-in-the-East Regiment, containing nothing of suffi cient importance here to notice, but by which I collected this important fact, that although the negroes on some estates had refused to work, no act of destruction had been committed in that quarter, with the exception of a trash-house, which had been burned, but not ascertained to have been destroyed by de- sign ; at any other time the information would have been suffi cient to have created great uneasiness in my mind, but now con trasting it with what is passing in the west end of the island, I regarded it as rather satisfactory. On the sth 1 received further accounts from Sir Willoughby Cotton, dated the 4th, (No. 27) and I am happy to say their contents began to wear a more satisfactory appearance. The active measures he had adopted, together with the proclamation he caused to be issued, he observes," had produced an extraor dinary effect ;" the negroes were coming in fast, and a commu nication opened to Maroon Town ; the loss the negroes had sus tianed created a strong panic, and a movement which the Major, General proposed to make the following day, he imagined would stop any further depredations in that neighbourhood. By the same express a letter arrived from the custos of Trelawny, a copy of which (No. 2S) is inclosed. I should hardly think it necessary to transmit a copy of this letter from the custos to your Lordship, did it not refer to a person of the name of Box, who, I am informed, is a missionary from the Baptist Society, and who has since been reported in custody in this town. I have caused his removal to Falmouth to be delayed, and have directed a letter to be written to the custos, a copy of which (No. :3)) I inclose. lam as yet unacquainted with the charge on which orders were issued for his apprehension at Falmouth ; but the information received from the custos renders it at all events necessary that he should be for the present detained ; motives, however, of prudence and humanity caused me to in terpose a delay in hurrying him to trial at a moment when so great excitement must necessarily prevail. This morning, the 6th instant, I have had the satisfaction to receive a despatch from Sir W. Cotton, dated Montego Bay, January 5, 10 a. m., with still more favourable accounts, a copy of which (No. 30.) I enclose. Tranquillity, he states, is fast returning in the adjoining neighbourhood, and the negroes coming in from all directions, desiring to avail themselves of the promise of pardon offered in the proclamation. The roads to Lucea and Maroon Town were open, and many proprietors and attornies proceeding to visit their estates. Provisions, he states, are scarce, but being infonned of that yesterday, I caused let ters to be written to the Mayor of Kingston, and the custos of St. Mary, from whence I have no doubt a supply, if not already, will be quickly sent Sir W. Cotton expresses his astonishment I had not been made acquainted with the determination of the negroes not to work after New Year's day. Referring your Lordship to my despatch of the 4th of August, I have now the honour to inclose copies of two letters (Nos. 31 and 32), dated the 28th and 30th of July, a4dressed to custodes of parishes, from none of whom I received unsatisfactory accounts, nor has any complaint reached me of insubordination amongst the slaves, or any dis position to insurrection, although the Members of Assembly, from all parts of the island, had only separated, on adjournment, from the heat of Government on the eve of the insurrection. I send your Lordship the copy of a letter (B No. 33)._ have this day received from Commodore Farquhar, and it is only due to that officer to declare that, in all my communica tions with him, he has always afforded me the most active assist ance and support in promoting the good of the public service. When ft is considered how short a time Sir Willoughby Cot ton has been in the disturbed district, it is astonishing what effect his presence and example have produced in the minds of the insurgent slaves, whilst the pri,mptitpde and decision of his operations, and the exemplary punishment he felt himself com pelled to inflict on the most atrocious offenders, have convinced the great tmiis of the slave population that all further resist ance is unavailing; end the colony must ever acknowledge the importance and ♦alue of his services. Were Ito indulge my own personal feelings I might express myself in a manner strongly indicating the consolation and relief I have derived from his energy, and at the same time discretion ; but in bestowing my humble meed of praise on an officer of such distinction, I fear that I should render myself liable to a charge of presumption in attempting to add any thing to a reputation standing on such high ground as that of Sir Willoughby Cotton. I have, &c. (Signed) Right Hon. Viscount 4c.4l,:rich, &c. BELMORE. No. I.—(CirculaF.) King's House, December :2, I€.lll Sjx,—His Excellency the Governor having received intern genee that a disposition to insubordination had manifested it self amongst certain slaves on a plantation in St. James ; his Excellency no longer hesitates to give every possible publicity to his Majesty's proclamation, which the uninterrupted tran quillity that has hitherto prevailed throughout the island had seemed to render necessary. I Lim i'irrcted, therefore, to transmit to you printed copies of this proclamation, and his Excellency requests that you will cause it to be read to tie §layes by the persons in charge of the several plantations in your pads:.. I have the honokirt3 he, &c. , (Signed) BULLOCK To the Custostes of the several Parishes. BY THE KING, A PitafA.MATION. WILLIAM IV, Whereas it has been represented to us, that the skives in some of our West Ind:a colonies, and of our possessions on the , continent of South America, kaye been erroneously led to be lieve tha,t orders have been sent out by us for their emancipa tion : and wherga.s such belief has produced ;43 of insubordi ustion, which have excited our highest displeasure ; Me have thought tit, by and with the ;thrice of our Privy Council, to issi.La this our Royal proclamation; and two do hereby declare, and make known, that the slave population in our said colonies and I , 6 , sessions, will forfeit all claim on our protection if they shall fail to render entire submission to the laws, as well as dutiful obedience to their masters : and we hereby charge and command all our Governors of our said West India colonies and posses sions, to give the fullest publicity to this our proclamation, and to enforce, by all the legal means in their power, the punish. went of those who may disturb the tranquillity and peace of our said colonies and possessions. Given at the Court, at St. James's, this third day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty.onc, and in the second year of our reign. GOD SAVE THE KING. No. 2.—(Circular.) King's House, Dea. 1831. Sia,—His Excellency the Captain-General having received information that a disposition to insubordination had mani. fested itself amongst certain slaves on a plantation in St. James's, although his Excellency trusts that this is a merely temporary and local excitement, still prudence requires that every measure of precaution should be adopted by the military authorities to meet any possible extension of a spirit of dis. obedience, by a prompt employment of the militia forces when and where their services may be required. 'With this view re gimental officers should not be absent during the holidays from their usual places of residence, and you will issue orders to the officers commanding regiment s in y our district to this effect. be pleased to ....„ Should, contrary to his Excellency's hopes and expectations, the employment of any of the regiments or detachments of corps under your command become necessary, his Excellency requests that you will act in conjunction with the civil power. I have, &c. (Signed) W. BULLOCK. To the several Major-Generals. No. 3.—(Copy.) Falmouth, Trelawny, Dec. 26, IS3I. have had the honour this morning to receive your dis patch of the24th instant, inclosing his Majesty's proclamation. I am sorry it was not published sootier ; I forward a despatch, which I found here this morning, from Colonel Lawson. I most deeply regret to find a strong spirit of insubordination generally among the slaves. On the morning of the instant, both the trash_houses on York Estate, in this parish, were purposely burnt, and the lives of the white people threatened ; and as the attor ney who lives on the estate was strongly impressed with the idea that they intended to burn the rest of the works, I was induced to order a company of the militia to that property ; I was at Fontabelle when I issued the order, and I am sorry to say, that three of the Magistrates down here thought proper to counter mand my orders, in consequence of which I made a requisition to Major Pennefather, of the -‘2.`,2d regiment, who immediately sent a small detachment to the estate; they are now relieved by a company of the militia, and by a letter just received from the company, I find the negroes have this morning cut down the whole of theplantain-walk belonging to the overseer's eitablish ment ; the whole of the negroes, both men and women, have absented themselves since Saturday the 24th instant. At a meeting of the Magistrates, whtch took place about an hour ago, it was determined to order the whole regiment and troops under arms, and a requisition has been sent to Major Pennefather, at Maroon Town, requesting him to move a strong detachment of the 22d regiment to the vicinity of York. If the information contained in Colonel Lawson's despatch proves correct, strong and energetic measures must immediately be taken ; there are strong rumours that the Green-park and Orange valley negroes are determined to work no more ; they are of themselves upwards of a thousand strong : _ I have this instant read a despatch from Sir W. Cotton to Major Pennefather ; it is certainly an extraordinary docu ment. He says the troops are not to act until the Riot Act is read, and unless his Majesty's troop► are insulted; the negroes are already strongly impressed with the idea that the King's troops have instructions not to act against them, and certainly if this despatch were published, it would confirm their opinion; I hope, most sincerely hope, this order will be immediately countermanded, if not his Majesty's troops, who are so well paid Isy the country, will be of little service to us. As I have ordered packet guards, you will be regularly in formed of any occurrence worth noticing ; I hope things will put on a more favourable aspect soon than they have at present. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES M A CDONA LD, W. Bullock, Esq., &c. Custos of Trelawny. No. 4. SIR,—I have the honour to inclose an affidavit made by two respectable individuals, and a copy of an application made to Major Pennefather, at Maroon-Town, by which his Excellency can observe the situation of this parish is extremely critical. I have also received a letter from Mr. George Gordon, of Moor-park estate in this neighbourhood, and of Windsor-lodge, of which he is attorney, fully corroborating the affidavit ; in fact so much information has been received here by the magistracy, that no doubt can possibly be entertained of the determination of the negroes to refuse to work after the holidays, and, on any attempt to compel them being made, the white people were to be destroyed, and the country set the to. The information is of so convincing a nature, that I have thought it my duty to lose no time in ordering out the whole strength of this regiment to remain on duty at their respective beats till further orders. His Excellency I hope will permit me to request such in structions as he may be pleased to honour me with. I have, &c. ;Signed) William Bullock Esq. &c. G. M. LAWSON, sen. Col. St. James's. Reg. December 25, Six o'clock, P. M, No. 5. (Copy.) JAMAICA, P. ST. JAMES'S. Personally came and appeared before me, Robert .Stuart and Alexander M'Kenzie, &qrs., who, being duly sworn, made oath and said, that, from information received by these depo nents, they have every reason to believe that a general insurrec tion of the slaves en Adelphi, Content, Glasgow, Windsor_ lodge, Somerton, Paisley, and Palmyra estates, on Tuesday evening, the 27th instant, will take place, with the intention of burning the properties and murdering the free inhabitants thereon. (Signed) ROBERT STUART. A. WEENZIE. Sworn before me, this 25th day of December, 1831. (Signed) GEO. GORDON. St. James's, Dec. 2.5, IE3I SIR,—It has just come to our knowledge, from the testimony, upon oath, of several respectable witnesses, that a most exten sive conspiracy has been formed by the negroes of Adelphi, Content, Glasgow, Windsor, Palmyra, and other estates, to rise on Tuesday evening, the 27th instant ; the place fixed on for the negroes to meet is Adelphi.works, where the buildings are to be burnt, and the white people murdered ; the conspiracy is so general that any militia force that could be assembled would be probably ineffec tive, and by attempting to collect one at a given point, every surrounding estate would be left deserted by its white residents. We therefore call upon you, as the only means to save this part of the island from tire and bloodshed, to send, without a mo ment's loss of time (for if it transpires that the whites have got intelligence of this intended revolt, it will commence instantly) a company of the '22d regiment, or such force as can be spared, to Adelphi.works, there to remain till circumstances shall war rant their departure. We have, &c. (Signed) GEO. GORDON, ALEX. CAMPBELL. Magistrates of the Parish of St. James. To Major Pennefather, or Officer Commanding `_`ld Regiment, Maroon Town. ti*o. 6. Court-house, Montego Bay, Dec. 19, 1531 SIR,— We, the undersigned magistrates, this day assembled in special sessions, have to inform you, that from the disorderly behaviour of the negroes on Salt Spring estate, in the neigh bourhood of this town, a guard of the militia has been stationed on that property since Friday last. We consider it highly ne cessary, for the preservation of the public peace during the ap proaching holidays, that a company of the 22d regiment should be stationed at the barracks in this town ; we therefore require you, with as little delay as possible, to order the above_ mentioned force to be sent here, to remain for such period as we may deem proper for the preservation of the public safety. VITe have, &c. Signed) LAWRENCE HISLOP. JAMES GUTHRIE. JOHN SHARP. H. A. PLUMMER. GEORGE CRAGG. • W. REYNOLDS. THOMAS JOSH. GRAY. JAS. GORDOIki. G. M. LAWSON, Sen. GEO. GORDON. WM. M. KERR. GEORGE LONGMORE. To Major Penneyfather, or Officer commanding ..2d Regiment, Falmouth. No. 7. Heads of Information received at the King's House, relative to the Disturbances on the North Side of the Island Colonel Grignon, December 2fi, states—That insubordination had appeared on Salt Spring estate, in St. James; that he had ordered out the western interior regiment ; that the negroes were determined to strike work at Christmas, but no slaughter to be committed, unless any of the rebels were killed in taking the arms from the white people. Colonel Lawson, November 27, states,—that an application had been made by the magistrates of St. James to Major Penney father, requesting a detachment of the King's troops at Mon tego Bay ; states the disposition he had made of his regiment, by which a line of post was established, and expressing his doutjts how far the militia law would be sufficient to act with effect, and suggesting the necessity of establishing martial law. Colonel Campbell, Lucia, December 27, states,—that he had ordered a guard to he kept at Fort Charlotte to protect the am munition ; and that, in consequence of a communication from Colonel Lawson, lie called out the remainder of the regiment. Colonel Tyler, Falmouth, December 27, states,—The alarm ing situation of the district about York estate, where the rebels had bUrskt the trash -house, and as sufficient time was not af forded for sending the who le ie:,Timent, he w as o bli ge d to with draw the detachmen t he 'llad 'stationed ac 'iork. The magistrates of St. James, December 27, transmitted,— Three affidavits of no gr eat im p ortance, al l , however, 'conCur -0 ring in , 44 g rrnination of the negroes not to work. ,t a C t e o :, o_n T e Colonel states,—That r l i i g e non, received 4 i rg a t River Barrack s , D ecem b er '27, ..formaiicn that fi ve h un d re d me n had assembled near L a p land, who had bound solemn oath to obtai n their freedom or die in the attempt; ri,..! asking for 1 detachme nt of re g ular t roops. t4crn,eives by a Colonel Lawson, pecember 27, ten o'clock P. m. states, —That since sun.set six fires have oeeri seen from the Court-house, at Montego Bay, in the neighbourhood of Kensington, and ex -1 tending northerly to Content ; he feared the whole of the east part of the parish would be destroyed before morning. Collector, Montego Bay, December, 27, states,—That several Area were ;ten, and giving Information much to the same pur. pole as Colonel Lawson. No. 8. Head-Quarters, Spanish Town, December 29, 1831. M. G. 0. His Excellency the Captain-General has received informa tion from the magistrates of St. James and Trelawny, that the slaves on certain properties ih those parishes have manifested a spirit of insubordination, and, in some instances, have pro ceeded to acts of outrage, which have excited his Excellency's highest displeasure, and have exposed them to the utmost rigour of the law. His Excellency, however, trusts, that his Majesty's gracious proclamation will remove any erroneous im pressions which may have been received, and that they will render themselves objects for the merciful consideration of the Crown, by an instant return to their former habits of obedience and duty. His Excellency, however, is determined to employ a military force against those who may be guilty of acts of violence or outrage, which all their endeavours will be utterly unable to resist. For this purpose his Excellency has requested the Major-General commanding to proceed to Mcntego Bay with a strong reinforcement of troops; and his Excellency delegates to Sir Willoughby Cotton all the military authority he could exercise were he personally present. His Excellency directs all Major-Generals of militia commanding districts, and in places not subject to the command of Major-Generals, all officers commanding regiments of horse and foot, to consider them selves under the command of Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, and to obey all his orders with zeal and alacrity. Captains of forts, where depots of fixed ammunition are established, will attend to any requisition the Major-General may mail _ (Signed) EDWARD J. GREY, Adjutant-General. No. 9. Falmouth, Trelawny, Dec. 28. SIR,—It is with the deepest regret that I have to state to you, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that many of the estates in this parish are at this moment in an actual state of rebellion, and I believe nine-tenths of the whole slave popu lation have this morning refused to turn out to work ; the whole country was in a blaze last night. Three trash houses were burnt in this parish, viz. Pantrepant (in rebellion), Golden Grove, and Carrick Poyle. Many must have been burnt in St James's, from what I saw myself, but only the names of four of them have yet come to my knowledge, viz. Palmyra, Leyden, Windsor, Gilsburgh. Our militia is very weak, and we have little to expect from the regulars, unless positive orders'are sent to them to act. I would recommend to his Lordship to proclaim martial law without a moment's delay, and in the mean time to send down written orders to act with the utmost energy. Orange Valley, seven hundred strong, has refused to turn out. If I, or the Colonel of the regiment had authority :to act, the plan I would propose is to assemble the whole of the militia, and at once attack the largest estate, and then pro. ceed to the others as circumstances might direct, and as I stated in my last despatch it would be most politic to order a company of the regulars with them, as it would do away with the notion the slaves entertain that the King's troops are not to act against them. If it possibly could be done the Admiral might be applied to to send a man-of-war to each of the ports of Montego Bay and Falmouth. His Lordship may depend Ido not in the least exaggerate the situation of things,—they cannot well be worse ; but fortunately no blood has been yet shed that I have heard of. Every man is clamorous to get protection for their own concerns, but it is advisable to make no detachments. I fully expect to see a number of fires to-night, and our situa- Gun is truly dangerous. The most prompt measures must be taken for our relief, but of course his Lordship is the best judge of these, though I have taken the liberty to suggest some plans. Whatever is done must be done quickly. The militia are all under arms, and the Magistrates at their posts.—l have, &c. (Signed) JAS. MACDONALD, Custos. No. 10. Montego Bay, Dec. 28 , 1831. SlR,—Since I had the honour of addressing you by post last evening, so many fires have taken place, that I have deemed it proper to withdraw the outposts, as I do not wish to expose them to a contest which I do not consider them equal to, and to concentrate them here, with the exception of one company, which I have directed to move in support of Colonel Grignon, whose situation, with that of his regiment, I fear is extremely critical. I have also directed the Hanover company, stationed at Round-hill, to move on for the same purpose. _ . 1 am now convinced the contest must be decided in the streets of Montego Bay. I have, &c. (Signed) G. 11 , 1. LAWSON, Col. S: J. R William Bullock, Esq., &c. No. 11. Post-office, Montego Bay, Dec. 27, IP3I, Nine o'clock, P.M. consider it my duty to inform you that there is at this moment a serious fire raging in a south-easterly direction from this town, apparently about eight or ten miles distant, and it is supposed to be at Hampton estate, but, from the glare, I fear it extends to other estates in its vicinity, lying more to the northward. From the late insubordination of the negroes on many estates in this neighbourhood, which has caused the militia to be under arms since Sunday last, it is feared that this fire is not from accidental causes, and I beg the favour of your giving his Excellency the Governor immediate information thereof. (Signed) I have, &c. JOHN ROBY, Collector of his Majesty's Customs. W. Bullock, Esq. &c. P.S. Half.past Nine.---I have just been informed that Ken sington Pen and Mr. Tulloch's settlement have been burnt.— We have one company of the :2.d Regiment in this town. No. 12. Ten o'clock, p. in. St a,—The late arrival of the Leeward post allows me to have the honour to state, that since sunset six fires, apparently of estates, have been seen from the Court.house, in the neigh. bourhood of Kensington, extending northerly to Content, and they seem gradually to be extending to the northward. I have, &c. (Signed) E. M. LAWSON, Col. S. J. R. P.S.—I fear the whole of the east part of the parish will be destroyed before daylight. Five p.m.—A trooper has just arrived from Palmyra, with a despatch from Captain Cleghorn, of the Bth company, stating that the negroes on that estate set fire to the trash-house, when his men were searching the negro houses for arms, agreeably to my orders. The incendiary ran into the cane piece, which induced Captain Cleghorn to threaten to set fire to the cane piece, which he had ; the negro then came out and surrendered himself with a woman who had been with bins ; these and the head driver, who was taken up on suspicion of being an accom plice, and now in custody, having been delivered to a patrole of the troop. Hampton estate is threatened to be destroyed tonight. I hare, &c. (Signed) E. M. LAWSON, Col. S. J. R. Wm. Bullock, Esq. No. 13. JAMAICA, SS. BY THE KING.—A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, we have thought fit, by and with the advice of our Council of War, to declare martial law in our said island of Jamaica, for the security and protection of our said island against the evil designs of the enemies of our Crown ; in order, therefore, to render effectual themeasures taken for the security of our said island, we have thought fit, by and with the advice of our said Council aforesaid, to issue this our Royal Proclama tion, strictly charging and commanding, and we do hereby strictly charge and command, all and every the commissioned and warrant officers and private men of our militia of our said island, to repair forthwith to their several and respective regi. ments and stations, and there to hold themselves in readiness to receive and obey all such orders as shall from time to time be given to them by our Captain-General of our forces in our said island, or, in his absence, by any superior officer, upon pain of the highest displeasure, and of such pains and penalties as by the rules and articles of war, established in our said island, are inflicted upon sucks persons as shall be guilty of disobedience of orders. Witness his Excellency the Right Honourable. Somerset Lowry Earl of Behnore, Captain-General and Giavernor_ in-Chief of this our island of Jamaica, and other the ter ritories thereupon depending, in America, Chancellor and Vice. Admiral of the same, at St. Tego de Vega, this thir tieth day of December, in the second year of our reign, anno que domini, one thousand eight hundred and thirty one. (Signed) BELMORE. By his Excellency's command, (Signed) W. G. STE W A RT, Sec. GOD SAVE THE KING. No. 14. Head-quarters, Dec. 30, 1831. M. G. 0. Martial law was this day proclaimed, but as the Captain-Ge neral is unwilling to employ a greater militia force than is ne cessary to repress the disturbances in St. James and Trelawny, his Excellency does not think it at present necessary to call for the services of the Kingston, St. Catherine, Port Royal, St. Andrew's, Manchester, Were, St. John, and St. Dorothy, St. Thomas-in -the-Vale, St. Thomas-in-the-East, and St. David, Portland, St. George, and St. Mary's regiments, but the officers commanding those corps will be prepared to assemble them at the shortest notice. Packet guards will likewise be established between Portland and St. George's, to facilitate the communication with head quarters. Colonel Hilton will assemble his regiment with the least possible delay, and march the greater part of then lo Rid Bueno, where they will hold themselves in readiness to pro ceed to Trelawny should their services be required there. Colonel Hilton will leave a part of his regiment, composed of the most inefficient men, at Bronistown. Colonel Dunn, will immediately assemble the Clarendon re ginient and march the greater part of them to some station or stations on the ContineS of Trelawny, taking care that a con stant communication be kept up between the two parts of his regiment should it be found necessary to separate them, and s nake such arrangements as may enable them to act together at ,t p e notice. eo 9 nel Dunn will leave a part of his regiment, composed of the Most inefficient men, at Chapelton. Major-General Robertson will order the Westmoreland and Hanover regiments to be immediately assembled, and the West moreland regiment will march to the confines of St. James's, where they will hold themselves in readiness to act wherever their services are required. Major-General Robertson will order the Hanover regiment on duty, but they will remain in their own parish, until their services are required by Major-General Sir W. Cotton. The St. Elizabeth regiment is not to be placed on duty, but they ought to be in such a state of readiness a:, to act upon the shortest notice. The officers commanding the Clarendon and Vl:cstmoreland regiments will give the earliest information to Major-General Sir W. Cotton, as soon as their regiments have occupied their respective stations. The Captain-General has been pleased to confer on Lieute nant-Colonel Cadier, the colonelcy of the Trelawny regiment, vice Colonel Tyler, who is superseded in the command of that regiment, _ _ (Signed) EDWD. T. GREY, Adjt—Geni. No. 15. King's House, December 30, 1831. MY DE►R SIR WmLot - Gnuy,—ln conformity with the in tention I communicated to you yesterday, I summoned a council of war as prescribed by law, and agreeable to the unanimous opinion of those who composed the council, martial law has been proclaimed. It will be my object to refrain as much as possible from call ing out any portion of the militia, whose services may not appear to be absolutely necessary. And I inclose herewith an order I have issued, by which you will be informed of the regi ments you may now consider at your disposal. These regiments will be found to surround the district now in insurrection, by which means I hope to interrupt any communication with the slaves in other parts of the island. I have also to observe, that should you deem it expedient to increase the regular force you have ordered for embarkation, I am now enabled to garrison the town or barracks they at present occupy, by detachments from the militia. As it will be highly satisfactory to his Majesty's Government to receive the latest and most authentic information of the actual state of the north side of the island, I shall wait with impatience for your report, and detain the packet until I receive it. You will by this means also have an opportunity, should you think proper, to convey an account to the Horse Guards of the result of your proceedings. I am, &c. (Signed) BELIIIORE. Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, &c. No. IG. Y. S. Estate, Jan. 1, IKI2. MT LORD,—i did myself the honour of addressing your Ex cellency yesterday evening from the post at New Savannah ; since which I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the militia general orders of date the 30th ultimo, which were handed to me on my way to this post, and from which I observe that your Excellency has further honoured me by plac ing the Hanover Regiment under my command. I beg to assure your Lordship the orders shall be strictly attended to. It is now my duty to inform your Excellency that two com panies of St. Elizabeth's regiment, viz : the grenadiers, under the command of Captain Stone, and thesth battalion company, under the command of Capt. Hinlayson, were ordered up last evening ' to Ipswich estate, and Ginger-hill plantation, both in this parish, (the works of which properties had been burnt down) where they found the rebels in great force, and attacked them. As far as can yet be ascertained, twenty of them were killed, and many prisoners made; they retreated leaving many stands of arms, and a great quantity of ammunition was found in their houses. Fortunately the attack took place at the moment it did, as they were preparing to come down here to attack this post; and so confident were they of success, that they had provided a great quantity of meat, liquor, &c., for a feast, on their return to Ipswich. The bravery of these two companies will, I hope, in some measure, restore confidence to the community, and be the means of preventing other negroes from joining the disaffected party, which I apprehend the unfortunate retreat of Colonel Grignon has caused many to do. lam happy to say the overseer of Ginger-hill was released, after having been for eight days a prisoner of the rebels. His evi dence, which has been taken, will disclose to your Lordship some of the causes which appear to have led to these unhappy disturbances among the slaves, who had gone so far as to accuse the Government of supporting them against the whites ; which idea alone must have produced a wonderful effect upon the minds of the slave population generally, and must be removed before they can be restored to a state of subjection and tran quillity. I therefore anticipate much good from the appear_ ! ance of his Majesty's troops being brought against them, which, I trust, will be the means of saving many lives, and preserving much valuable property. It is my intention to move detachments from the different regiments under my command, into the disturbed districts, and to follow up the advantages we have already gained, which, I hope, will meet theapproval of your Excellency. I have, &c. (Signed) D. ROBERTSON, Major-General. To his Excellency Somerset Lowry Earl of Belmore, Captain. General, &c. &c. No. 17. Y. S. Saint Elizabeth, Jan. 2, 1532, Half-past Two o'Clock, P.M. $lll,-1 did myself the honour of addressing you yesterday, since which I have received your despatches, of date the 31st December, and Ist January, which shall have my particular at tention. Inclosed I beg leave to forward you the deposition re ferred to in my despatch to his Excellency the Governor yes terday. Since the defeat of the rebels in this quarter on Sa turday evening, a company was advanced to occupy the district which they had quitted. lam sorry to say discontent is spreading generally in this pa rish, as the slaves on many properties, as well as those under my own controul, have refused to return to their labour this day. From the examination of the prisoners we have taken, I have discovered the names of some of the rebel commanders, viz., Colonel Gardiner, belonging to the Greenwich estate; Captain Dove, belonging to Belvidere ; Captain Johnson, be longing to Retrieve ; and General Ruler Sharp, alias Daddy Ruler Sharp, director of the whole, and preacher to the rebels. I have deemed it advisable to offer a reward of three hundred dollars to any free person or maroon, and freedom, with an annuity for life, to any slave who will bring in, dead or alive, either of these ringleaders of the rebels. A confirmation of the above from head-quarters will have a very great effect as soon as it obtains publicity by proclamation, for warded immediately to the disturbed districts. The prisoners are increasing so rapidly, that in order to secure them it will be necessary to have them lodged on board one of his Majesty's ships. I am most anxiously looking for a detachment of regular troops In this quarter. I am happy to say the maroons, who came to head-quarters last night, have gone home for their arms, and I expect them to join us during the day. I am sorry to observe the remark you make respecting the delay in forwarding the despatches. I can assure you it does not take place within my district. I have, &c. (Signed) D. ROBERTSON. Major-General. W. Bullock, Esq. No. 18. Deposition on oath of Wm. Annand, Overseer of Ginger hill Plantation, in the parish of St. Elizabeth. Y. S. Estate, Ist Jan., 1832. Having received information from Mr. James Campbell, overseer on Y. S. estate, with whom I had lived as book-keeper, that the slaves from Ginger-hill to Belvidere estate, in Saint James's, intended to disarm the white people during the Christ mas holidays, and advising me to come down to Y. S. estate, as he intended keeping all his white people together there, I was much surprised at such information, having seen nothing in the conduct of the slaves belonging to Ginger hill to induce me to suspect any thing of this kind. I slid not go down, being sa tisfied by the behaviour of the people that the information was incorrect. I was, however, undeceived, for on Wednesday morning, the 28th of December, when they were ordered to turn out to work, seeing several of the slaves about the house, I asked what they wanted; a slave belonging to Ginger-hill, named Wm. Buchanan, said they had come to beg Busha for to-day, as Sunday was Christmas-day. I said I had already given orders to the driver to that effect; all that I wanted was to see them turn out, and see they were all there, and they should have the remainder of the day. With this they seemed dissatisfied, and no thanks were returned. I went into the house, and was followed immediately by the said slave, William Buchanan, who laid hold of me, saying, " Busha, you now my prisoner," and called for his accomplices, n ame ly, William Arnold, Charles Longmore, George Barrett, Alexander Thomas Hedley, and Johnny, all slaves belonging to Ginger_ hill. On enquiring what was the matter, they said they had worked long enough as slaves, and intended now to tight for their freedom, which had been long promised them ; that all they wanted of me was to deliver up my arms, and whatever powder I had ; then I might remain undisturbed on the pro perty as long as I chose, provided I did not interfere against them. I endeavoured to reason with 'them on the impro priety of such conduct, but to no effect ; they said that I knew as well as themselves that Jamaica was now free, and half the estates from there to Montego Bay were burnt down the night before ; that they were obliged to assist their brethren in this work of the Lord ; that this was not the work of man alone, but they had assistance from God. I saw that a refusal of their demand was useless, and delivered up my arms, and what powder I had in the house. They then departed, ad vising me not to remove from the house, as if I attempted it, I should certainly be shot by some of their guards who were posted on all sides of the property. I remained in the house, and observed them tbrougb the day bringing ip arms `rpm the settlers around. Op Thursday, the alth, I saw a great many strange negroes, who, as I understood, belonged to Chesterfield, Retrieve, Rich mond-hill, and Belvidere, some of them with firearms, and others with lances, cutlasses, &c. They had scouts posted on all the hills around, from the Y. S. estate, extending towards Sqint James's to give them notice of the approach of the militia. On seeing Escompany qf PhP Saint regiment, marching up to IpsWich estate, they suspected, from the notice they had received from their scouts, that the said company was moving towards Ginger-hill, and collected al! together in a narrow defile, called John's River, to await their approach. As soon as they found the company had gone to Ipswich, they returned to Ginger-hill. About one, p.m., it was hinted to me that they intended burning the buildings on the place that night. I sent for the heed driver, who came, and about three o'clock, p.m., on seeing a strong party of them moving towards the house, he (the driver) advised me to follow him, save my own life, anti mind nothing else; 1 did so, and ne conducted ait td the house of a freeman' names! Crawford.• I wa s i n f orme d , that, on coming to the house, they''inquiredfor me, and expresses; themselves themselves happy that I had gone away, as they intended setting fire to the place immediately. They then went to the negn liQuses and in half as hou r returned, takin g a way every move able thing ' out of the house and stores, which they accomplishe by dusk, and afterwards set fire to all the buildings. About seven or eight o'clock a party of them came to the house of Crawford, where I was, forced his arms from him, and brAndudung their Cutlasses over my head, and pointint their muskets at me, made me swear that I would never stan4 between them and their rights. The active person in this scene and who seemed to have the command of them, was a slave named Samuel Sharp, belonging, I was told, to T. G. Grey, Esq , of Croydon, in St. James, and who, I understand, is a ruler (so called; of the sect of the Baptists. He said he did not wish to take away the life of any person who did not stand between him and his rights ; that it was but lately that he had begun to know much of religion, but that he now knew, and I knew as well, that freedom was their right, and freedom they would have; that letters had long ago been sent out from Engl Ind to that effect, but that the people of Jamaica kept them as slaves, without any authority for doing so. He said a great deal more, all tend ing to show that from the religious notions he had imbibed, he conceived that the slaves had a right to be free. At day-light on the morning of Friday the 30th ultimo, the buildings of Ginger-hill were in ashes. I remained at the house of Crawford, having been warned by the rebels that, if I at tempted to make my escape, I should be killed by the guards. A large part of them, I understood, went this day to Ipswich, but, seeing a company of militia there, returned, leaving a few hands to burn the buildings of that estate, should an opportunity offer during the night. On the morning of Saturday the 31st, three of the party, named William Buchanan, S. Barrett, belonging to Ginger-hill, and G. Little, belonging to Mistress Milne, gone off the country, came to me, two of them with fire-arms, and the other with a sword : I asked William Buchanan what he wanted ; he said, here is the captain, pointing to G. Little. I then asked the latter what he wanted ; he said, pointing his sword to my breast, that they would give me my choice, whether I would give up my life or my authority on Ginger-hill, which latter they demanded in writ ing ; that they intended presentingit at Black River with others. I gave them an acknowledgment under my hand, that I had given up the charge of the place ; they then warned me to take care what I had written, as they had a man below who would read it to them, and if they found any thing wrong in it, they would pay me another kind of visit. The said George Little said that they had lost one of their profession and now intended showing less mercy than they had done; he said also, in a boasting man ner, that he with two others had burnt down the buildi gs of Ipswich the night previous, driving the whole guard before them, and they intended entering Saint Elizabeth's on New-year's -day with two hundred men. William Buchanan said (in add tion to what has already been deposed) that the whites considered the ships of war on their side, but that now they found it was other wise, for that they were dispersing the white guards wherever they were collected all round the island, and landing boxes of black sand (meaning, I suppose, gunpowder) for the slaves. About three or four o'clock on the afternoon of this day, a slave, named George Crawford, belonging to Ginger-hill, who had been forced against his will to join the rebels, came running t me, saying, that the white guard bad come to Ginger-hill. taken the negroes by surprise, dispersed them all, and set fire to the negro houses. In fifteen minutes afterwards the grenadier company of the St. Elizabeth's regiment appeared, and rescued me from my perilous situation. During the time of these disturbances, I was told by a slave, named Susannah Crawford, belonging to Ging , r-hill, that she heard from Anne Laye a free p erson of colour, living near Ginger-hill, and a member of the Baptist persuasion, that a Mr. Burchell, a Baptist missionary, who had gone off the country last year, had arrived at the foot of Montego Bay, on Wednesday or Thursday se'nnight, that he had shewn himself to none, but remained concealed on board a Spanish vessel or some vessel-of war. That he did not intend landing until this affair was set tled, but had written to his deputies that his dearly beloved child. ren must not regret his absence, for that he would be to them a pillar of iron, and would always be their support. That they must shed no blood, for life was sweet, easy to be taken away, but very hard to give. _ So help me God. (Signed) WM. ANNAND. Sworn before me this 2d day of January, 1832. (Signed) D. ROBERTSON, Custoc No. 19. A PROCLAMATION, By his Excellency Somerset Lowry Earl of Be'more, Captain. General and Governor-in-Chief of this our island of Jamaica, and other the Territories thereon depending, in America. Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c. &c. Whereas it has been ascertained that certain incendiaries have been employed to poison the minds of the slaves in some parts of the island, anti to induce them to be guilty of acts of outrage and insubordination ; and whereas it is necessary that the ringleaders of this disturbance should be brought to condign punishment, I do hereby, in his Majesty's name, offer a reward of three hundred dollars to any person or persons who shall apprehend either of the following slaves : A slave calling himself Colonel Gardiner,belonging to Green wich estate, Hanover.—A slave calling himself Captain Dove. belonging to Belvidere estate, St. James's.—A slave calling him self Captain Johnson, belonging to Retrieve, St. James's.— And General Ruler, Samuel Sharp, of Tharp, alias Daddie Ruler Sharp, or Tharp, director of the whole, and styled also Preacher to the Rebels, belonging to Craydon estate, St. James's. And in order to afford encouragement to such slaves who may be disposed to assist in apprehending the aforesaid rebels, I do hereby promise his Majesty's most gracious pardon to any slave or slaves who may be disposed to assist in such purpose, except those who have been actually guilty of setting fire to the works or houses on different properties, or attempted the life of any pecceable inhabitant. Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Saint Jago de la Vega, this third day of January, Anno que Domini, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, and in the second year of our reign. BELMORE. By his Excellency's command. W. BULLOCK, Sec. GOD SAVE THE KING. No '2O. Montego Bay, Jan. 2, 1832. rlv LORD,—I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency 1 arrived here yesterday and found the town in the greatest con. fusion and panic, from the apprehensions they have been under of its being the intention of the negroes to fire it every night. and from the immense destruction of property that has taken place all around this place. Colonel Grignon (whose report, No. 23, 1 inclose) has been in collision with the negroes, and his regiment gallantly repulsed them, when attacked by a large body at Montpelier; but the following morning lie retired upon Montego Bay, not being in sufficient force to occupy the post. This has obstructed the com munication with Savanna-la- Mar, by the direct road, but I shall take immediate steps to have it re-established, and have directed Lieutenant-Colonel Williams to move up on his side to Haddu and Crown Tavern. I shall send a force of King's troops to ac. company some companies of Colonel Grignon's regiment to Montpelier Barracks ; this will eflbct, I hope, the above object of opening the road to savanna-la-M.rr. I have relieved apprehension, and quieted the feeling of alarm here; but the eastern part of Hanover, and the whole of the northern portion of St. James's, are in open revolt, and almost . the whole of the estates destroyed, and the negroes gone boldly away. In conjunction with the advice of the custos, Mr. Bar rett, I have issued the proclamation I herewith enclose, which we !lope will bring in the well-disposed, as we hear from all quarters that terror prevents a large body from retuf tang ; and 1. have been solicited by the most influential proprietors to issue it, I have sent regulars to Irwin and Latium, as they are well dis. ' posed there, and this will protect these points, and others in the neighbourhood, which are not as yet free. It becomes my painful duty to acquaint your Excellency that circumstances render itabsolutely necessarythat I should authq rise the assembling a general court-martial to try some villainous ringleaders who have been proved to have been the most active incendiaries, and the Court have sentenced two men to be shot, and two women ; the sentence upon the men, as immediate example is both politic and necessary, I have confirmed, alact they suffered this morning ; the women I have respited till pleasure. My object will be to employ the troops in such a manner as to prevent as far as practicable the horrid inectichary system from spreading, and the spirit of rebellion fl'om contominating the districts now tranquil It will be obvious to your Excellency the utter impossibility of affbrding parties of military to every estate. It would fritter away the troops, and render them liable to be beLt in detail, nor would ten thousand men be sufficient to do It. Whenever I can ascertain where they are collected, I shall en. deavour tel a Mow uy s.multaneous movement that will have a desired effect, Lut there the difficulty rests; for, from accounts I have receiveu, that are to be depended upon, they are moving every hour from one place to another. I think from accounts that have reached me since commencing this riespi.tch I may yen , ure to h pe that in my next despatch I may acquaint your Excellency that the severe example inane, and the manifesto issued, will have had the best effect. To receive the assurance th it our Excellency approves of the measures I har e been urckr t,ie abs , Lute ne ettsity of adopting, will be highly satisfactory to,_ My Lord, Y , Sr L ,hip's obedient servant, (Signed) Vs ILLOU GHBY COTTON. • Major-General Commanding. No. 21. Headquarters, Montego Bay, St. James, Jan. 2, ISde. To the Rebellious Slaves. Negroes,—You have taken up arms against your mast Ors, and have burnt and plundered their houses and buildings. Some wicked persons have told you that the King has made you free, and that your masters withhold your freedom from you. In the name of the King I come amongst you to tell you that you are misled. 1 bring with me numerous forces to punish the guilty, and all who are found with the rebels will be put to death with out mercy. You cannot resist the King's troops. Surrender yourselves, and beg that your crime may be pardoned. All who yield themselves up at any military post immediately, provided they are not principals and chiefs in the burnings that have been committed, will receive his Majesty's gracious pardon, All who hold out will meet with certain deaths. (Signed) WILLOUGHBY COTTON, Major-General Commanding. God save the King. • No. 22. Kensington,—Five Miles from Maroon Town bnrnt, and all the places around, with the undermentioned Ebtztes.: Flamstead, Potosi, Spring-mount, Hampton, Williamstield, Worcester, Retirement, Carthagena, Leyden, Guilsbro', Windsor, Adeiphi, Pass ly, Moor-park, Leogawe. - Kirkpatrick hall, Palmyra, Windsor-castle, Roehampton, An- , chovy-bottom„Montpelier N. W., Montpelier O,W ,seven-rivera, Richmond-hill, Lap'and„ oelfmt, Hazlerym 1 .; I elvidere, Green w,ch,York, Chester l a,tie, Argyle, Sounall, Copse, ',the, Ed.n, Childeemas, VVilthire, Spring garden, Unity-hall, Welcomf, Haddington, Friendship, Content, New.miln, Bamboo, Flint river, Success. No. 23. Upton, Montego Bay, Jan. Q. take the earliest opportunity, after your arrival here, to detail to you the proceedings of the western interior regiment under my command. Having received information, on the 24th ultimo, of an in tended insurrection of the slaves in the West Interior district, I felt it my duty to assemble the regiment immediately, and I am glad to find that his Excellency the Captain-General approved of my having done so. On the 25th, I sent out parties in search of arms and ammu nition, and brought in a few arms, and a considerable quantity of powder, but it being generally of the coarse description, re quired for blasting, and unfit for muskets, I thought it most pru dent to destroy some of it. Having received intelligence on the 26th, that a considerable • number of slaves had assembled in different quarters, I thought it proper to remove a few men I had at Shettlewc‘pd, where my head-quarters were established, to pelviclere, in order to ctincen. trate the regiment' ak much On tle 27th' l'rqei*ed infotrnaticn that it was the intention I I of th'e rebel!s to attack the posts which I held, with large bodies, and I therefore thought it proper to order the Belvidere division to form a junction with the main body at Great River. Previous to my quitting Belvidere, I had also heard that the negroes tended to commence a system of incendiarism on this night, and observing fires to a great extent, which 1 had heard previously' • were to take place, induced me, coupled with Che former info!, 'nation, to unite the regiment as before stated. paring thli night tires took place at kielvidare, Hazlerymple, and' sev'en givers. • • Oh the 28th a detachment of my regiment marched to Bel. Tidere:and stirrptuided the negro hanses,bUtl found none o f th e Negroes, and their property waa removed, N ot having heard fur.. ther from the commanding-officer of the Westmorland regiment, and as the barracks at Great River were quite Insufficient for the accommodation of the regiment, I decided upon removin g t o Montpelier old works, to form a junction with the detachment of the St. James's regiment, promised by Colonel Lawson. On the 29th I received information that a large body of neeiroca • were assembled at Chester Castle, and Iprocee4ed vaithlit ffetach. ment of the regiment to tha t p lace, I ,ving.first giken directions to the o ffi cer comma nding•the Westmbrland detachment to meet ther i v i thstn ettampant The negrdes had however tied, an d I saw nothing bf tile Westmorland detachment. On my return to quarters, I ob.ervt.,l the negroes at Montpelier new works, as. s e mbled in a large body. setting fire to the tr as h - h ouses . I i mm e. (Continued in our First Page.) PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY MURDO YOUNG, AT TER Sc. OFFICE, 112, STRAND, LONDON.