HISTORICAL ACCOUNT, &c. 



JAMAICA* 



i 



T does not appear that there was any form of civU 

 government established in the island of Jamaica 

 before the restoration; when Colonel D'Oyley, who 

 had then the chief command under a commission from 

 the lord protector, was confirmed in that command by 

 a commission from king Charles, dated the 13th of 

 February, 1661. 



* In the former editions, this account of the constitution of Jamaica 

 was ascribed to governor (now lord) Lyttleton, who was captain-general 

 of that island in 1764., but I have since had reason to believe it was an 

 official paper drawn up by some person in the plantation office in Great 

 Britain, and transmitted to the governor for his information. That it 

 came last from the governor's office, is a fact within my own knowledge; 

 but Lord Lyttleton having assured me that he had no recollection of it': 

 contents, I feel myself bound to apprise my readers of the circumstance. 

 As there can be no possible doubt concerning the authenticity of the do 

 cuments annexed to ir, the question by whom the introductory part was 

 prepared is of little importance in itself, but justice towards Lord Lvttle- 

 ton, and regard to truth, require me to give this explanation, 



