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 97

FEBRUARY, 1903.)
THE ANDAMANS IN THE XVIIITH CENTURY.
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causes which have operated against the English continuing there will operate in a greater degree against any Foreigners upon account of the greater distance from whence they must receive any Supply,
2d. That the French Dutch and Danes are the only Nations who it is probable would conceive any such design, with the two former we are at War, and conseqnently a small Vessel at the Island wonld not barr any project they might conceive of tbis nature, and the Danes have already a small Establishment at Now Cowrie, one of the Carpicobars, where there is an excellent Port, and Consequently will hardly attempt any Establishment on so unpromising a place as the Andaman Island,
3d. That the knowledge of a small Vessel being stationed there might invite the attack apon her of any Enemys Petty Cruizer roving in the Bay.
4th. That whatever sum this Vessel and the relief might Cost, would so far interfere with the Economy assigned as one motive for quitting the Place, and the people would be equally exposed as the present Settlers to the unhealthiness of the Climate.
Finally whether the Claim of right to the Possession might not be maintained by setting up & Pillar and by burying a Plate of Metal, with inscriptions suited to the intentions.
We are &c.
(Signed) John Bristow, John Haldane, John Bebb. Fort William the 12th Febry. 1796.
No. 2. Enclosed in the letter from the Marine Board. To George Taswell Escro., Secretary to the
Marine Board.
Sir, - I was yesterday favored with your Letter of the 9th Instant, and beg you will acquaint the Marine Board, that there are at present two hundred and seventy Convicts at the Andamans, to be conveyed to Prince of Wales Island, and that I imagine there will be a superfluous quantity of Grain in Store, amounting to about One Thousand Bags, which I suppose the Governor General in Council would wish to be sent with them for their subsistence. It is also probable that there are many Military and Naval stores, which it would be adviseable to send also to that place, which would be ascertained by referring to the Military Board, who have the returns of stores of both Magazines.
There are in all about five hundred and fifty persons to convey to Bengal, which with their Baggage will take considerable Tonnage. But there is no great quantity of Public Stores or property that it will be necessary to transport to Bengal. It is impossible for me to judge exactly the quantity of Tonnage that will be required to effect the whole removal, but I will take the liberty to point out, what appears to me the best measures to be followed. A Vessel of about three hundred Tons with a good tween Decks will accommodate all the Convicts, and transport the grain and Stores to Prince of Wales Island, which should immediately be taken up. The Sea Horse and Cornwallis should be fitted out, each of which will convey about one hundred and fifty of the Eettlers with their property, and if an agreement could be made with the owners of the ship Fairlie, to touch at the Andamans, on her return from Madras, I think she would pearly convey the remaining part of the Settlers and all the stores to Bengal, by which means the complete removal would be effected before the change of the Monsoon.
I have the honor to be &c.
(Signed) A. Kyd Saperintendant Andamans. Calcutta the 11th February 1796.