The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Extract of a letter from Barbadoes, Aug. 25, 1771.

"Capt. Wilkinson arrived here a few days ago from Tobago. by whom we learn, that about three weeks ago the Coramantee Negroes, belonging to Mr. Henry Fowkes's plantation at Bloody-Bay, in Tobago, who had run away some time since, joined with other runaways to the number of 20 or 60, came to the plantation, with an intention to destroy twelve Negroes belonging to Mr. Fowkes, then on the plantation, who had gone off with the rest. but had deserted them and returned to their Master--- There were only two soldiers on the plantation, and defended themselves for some time and killed one of the ringleaders, but at last were obliged to retreat, and the twelve Negroes who were the objects of resentment happily escaped, and got to a place of safety, at which the rebels were so exasperated, that out of revenge they burnt every house and hut on the plantation. They then attacked and plundered Mr. Otley's plantation at Parlatuvier-Bay, and Mr. Townsend's at Little Englishmans Bay.--- Capt. Ferguson, Commander of the troops, quartered at Tobago, who has a plantation at Cata-ra Bay, in the neighbourhood of the Bays abovementioned, having had intelligence of these outrages, marched with twelve soldiers through the heart of the Island, from Barbadoes Bay to a place in the mountains on the north side, seemingly inaccessible, where the insurgents had built houses, and having with great difficulty got up to the top of the eminence, on which they were posted with fire arms ready to receive him; he attacked them with great bravery, and after a stout resistance for some time, put them to flight:

In this attack however a serjeant was killed and another soldier wounded; several of the Negroes were killed and many wounded. Capt Ferguson, then searched their houses, and found them extreamly well stored with cloaths, provisions and other necessaries; every thing that he could not carry away he burnt. The rebels are now altogether dispersed, and two strong parties are now out to scour the woods, one under the command of Capt Ferguson and the other under that of Capt. Phipps, both brave and active officers, and 'tis not doubted but they will be able soon to put an end to the present rebellion, and the gentlemen of the Island will take such measures as will prevent the like for the future. From the best intelligence I can collect, Tobago will certainly become a sugar Island of the first importance; the soil is accounted extreamly rich indeed and produces the most luxuriant canes imaginable: They have had fine seasons there, and the planters can now think of nothing but mountains of sugars and rivers of rum."