A Short History of Barbados, from Its First Discovery and Settlement To the End of the Year 1767

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Description

George Frere was once a leading planter in Barbados in the 1700s.

In “A Short History of Barbados” we have here, in a neat compendious form, an history and description of one of the most best islands under the British government in the West Indies; the materials of which seem to be carefully and honestly collected, and disposed in an agreeable manner. The detached histories of the colonies, executed by judicious inhabitants, will do more toward informing us of the real state and interests of such places, than partial representations sent hither, ceaselessly to reply to personal views, and to forward measures possibly unprofitable on either side.

The Portuguese visited the island in 1536, but they left it unclaimed, with their only remnants being an introduction of wild hogs for a good supply of meat whenever the island was once visited. An English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1625; its men took possession of it in the name of King James I. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and it became an English and later British colony.

Frere writes:
“THE Writer of the following sheets hath endeavoured faithfully and impartially to relate the events that concern the ancient colony of Barbados. His motive to this attempt was once in some degree a gratification of his amusement, by filling up some leisure hours, in a manner not totally useless to himself or the public; but principally to shew, that Barbados hath at all times preserved a uniform, and steady attachment to Great Britain, and subsequently is intitled to the affection and indulgence of the mother country. All people naturally want to receive some account of their native country; of its constitution, and its progress to power and opulence. If then this short performance meets the approbation, or adds to the amusement, or gratifies the curiosity of the natives of that island, the Writer will think the time he has employed in this composition not mispent.”

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