Sale 22JK02 | Lot 303

[TOBAGO] Manuscript titled "A few observations of some things necessary at the first Settling of the Island of Tobago."

Catalogue: The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Foundation
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[TOBAGO] Manuscript titled "A few observations of some things necessary at the first Settling of the Island of Tobago."

Lot Details

Lot 303
[TOBAGO] Manuscript titled "A few observations of some things necessary at the first Settling of the Island of Tobago."
[England: circa third quarter 18th century]. A three-page manuscript on a long bifolium of watermarked laid paper, unsigned, 12 3/4 x 8 inches (32 x 20 cm), a few spots but fine overall.

A fascinating document likely prepared around the time the British came to repossess Tobago in 1763. Of the "necessary things" to settle the island, the document lists at the head "A house for the Governor/Barracks for the Soldiers/Two forts one in Courland Bay & another in Man of War Bay/A Church & Court House." These are necessary not only to "secure their lives & properties" but also to "strike terror in the neighboring barbarous Indians." It is suggested that to build up the island, two forty-gun ships are placed in the major bays, to protect and house soldiers as they clear the island. A brief history of the island is offered: "Tobago when the Dutch & French first attempted to settle it was very much exposed to the ravages of the Indians from Trinidad & the Spanish Main who destroyed their small Plantations & often murdered their people." It is suggested the soldiers be furnished with fishing nets to procure their own food but ultimately it is a strongly armed militia only that can protect the investment in the island. In closing, "To secure & improve the friendship of the native Indians, some trifling presents such as coral, ear-rings, beads, knives & a variety of paints should be given them. A sum not exceeding two hundred pounds would fully defray this expense." In 1781, the French regained Tobago and it was not ceded to the British until 1814.


C The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Foundation

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
Sold for $2,835 (includes buyer's premium)

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Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
Sold for $2,835 (includes buyer's premium)
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Catalogue Info

The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Foundation

Thu, Sep 15, 2022 at 10am EDT