Indian Antiquary Vol 32

SR No.: 032524
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 550
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 96

90
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[FEBRUARY, 1905.
period, it appears to the Governor General in Council both with a view to humanity and Oeconomy prudent to withdraw it. He observes that if at the termination of the present War it should be thought expedient to carry on the plan with Vigour, it could be renewed with very little disadvantage, no permament or Valuable Buildings having yet been erected, and there being few Stores of Value to remove.
The expediency of withdrawing the Settlement admitted, no Time should be lost, so that it may be done before the change of the Monsoon.
The Board further observes that if it be conceived that this temporary removal from the Andamans could invalidate our Claim to those Islands, were any Foreign Nation in the mean time to settle there (a Circumstance, however, which is highly improbable) the objection may be obviated by keeping a small Vessel at Port Cornwallis to be relieved every six Months.
Resolved therefore that the Marine Board be instructed to take immediate measures for the removal of the Convicts to Prince of Wales Island, and for bringing back the Stores and Settlers to Bengal.
That they be further instructed to make provision for keeping a small Vessel at Port Cornwallis, to be relieved every six Months.
That Major Kyd be desired to report if any part of the Stores be, in his opinion wanted at Prince of Wales Island that they may be transported there, and to communicate to the Marine Board the number of Convicts and Settlers, and the Quantities of stores to be removed.
No. IV.
Fort William 15th February 1786. Read the following Letter from the Marine Board. To the Honble. Bir John Shore Bart. Governor General in Council.
Honble. Sir, Pursuant to your Orders for withdrawing the Settlement from the Andamans, communicated to us by Mr. Sub Secretary Shakespear's letter of the 8th Instant, We addressed Major Kyd the Superintendant on this Subject, a Copy of whose reply to us We have now the honor to enclose you and upon which We beg leave to offer the following Opinion.
It appears to us from the representation of Major Kyd that the following Vessels will effect all the Purposes required for this Service.
1st. A Vessel, if such can be met with, of about 300 Tons to convey the Convicts and Stores to Prince of Wales Island.
2d. The Fairlie, a ship of 800 Tons burthen, engaged to carry 700 Recruits to Madras, consequently must be able to transport 550 Persons from the Andamans to Bengal, with any stores that there may be to be removed.
3d. The Sea Horse and Cornwallis whichever Government can conveniently spare for the accommodation of Major Kyd.
We have directed our Secretary to enquire for a Vessel of the Size of 300 Tons, and the Terms on which she can be engaged, and as Major Kyd from his local knowledge, must be more competent to make the necessary arrangements at the Andamans, than the Board can be, We have requested him to undertake entirely this branch of the service and to provide for whatever may be further
necessary.
With respect to the small Vessel to be destined for securing the Claim of right to the Possession of the Andamans, and to be relieved every Six Months, We Submit the following Circumstances to your Consideration.
1st. That as your Honble. Board have already Observed, it is very improbable any European Nation will attempt to form a Settlement at the Andaman Islands during the present War, since the