HISTORICAL SKETCH. 449 



were the nucleus of a force of about 5,000 men, which joined 

 Bolivar, and materially assisted the insurgents. On this occasion 

 Governor Munro issued a proclamation, threatening to confiscate 

 the property of any who would join in the enterprise. 



The rebuilding of Port-of- Spain was, in the meantime, pro- 

 ceeding satisfactorily. 



General Munro left in May, 1813, having thus governed the 

 colony for two years. 



He had for his successor a civilian, a man in every respect 

 different from him — active, abstemious, and deeply interested in 

 the government of the colony entrusted to his care. Sir James 

 Ralph Woodford, Baronet, landed in Trinidad on the 14th June, 

 1813, and governed the island during fifteen years — from June, 

 1813, to April, 1828. He died at sea on the 16th of May, that 

 year, during his return passage to England. 



Sir Ralph was a perfect gentleman, having refined and aristo- 

 cratic manners, which he knew how to value in others, and the 

 example of which must have imparted to society that polish 

 which for so many years distinguished Trinidad society. He 

 was in his person graceful and dignified. No Governor was ever 

 more amiable in domestic relations, and these kind dispositions 

 he manifested towards the colonists, whatever their nationality 

 or origin — a trait, let me say, characteristic of our best Governors, 

 Sir Ralph Woodford, Lord Harris, and Sir Arthur Gordon. He 

 always exacted to the utmost what he considered due to his 

 position as Governor. Though fond of display on public occasions, 

 Sir Ralph accepted, with perfect good grace, the scanty hospitality 

 which at times was offered him in the country by poor planters. 

 Sir Thomas Picton had, by his stern energy, preserved the 

 colony to the British Crown. Sir Ralph Woodford, by his 

 activity and high administrative qualities, improved it beyond 

 expectation ; always ready, indefatigable, constantly on the alert 

 in the interest of the colony, he would inquire into all matters 

 connected with the welfare of Trinidad. He was always prepared 

 to listen to those whom he knew took an interest in the island. 

 He had made it a rule occasionally to visit the different quarters 

 into which the colony was divided, and to inquire into their 

 wants, and the condition of the roads especially. Sir Ralph was 

 a man of taste, and never considered it beneath his dignity "to 

 enter into details. He particularly took a pride in the rebuilding 



D D 



