Ixxxvi - INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER 



placed the whole island under the eye of the Governor ; for he 

 is instantly apprised of every material occurrence in any part, or 

 even within sight: and, with equal celerity, he can convey his 

 orders wherever they may be necessary, both during the day and 

 night. In short, the troops can be under arms at a moment's 

 warning ; reinforcements can be sent to the points of attack, or 

 posts occupied, or any other military operation directed, simply 

 by a code of signals. 



With such means of receiving information, and of sending 

 orders, a Governor of St. Helena is as fully prepared to oppose a 

 vigorous resistance, at every point of his extended line of defence, 

 as if he commanded within a small fortress. 



In order to illustrate all that has been stated, I shall suppose 

 an enemy's fleet in sight. The moment this is ascertained the 

 general alarm is fired ; which is the signal for the troops to get 

 under arms ; to reinforce the batteries, and to send detachments 

 to the three reserves in the interior. Thus, all the troops, and 

 every efl'ective man on the island (for they are all soldiers*) are 



• Extract of a Letter from the Governor and Compatty of Merchants of London 



trading to the East Indies. 



I9th December, 1673. 



" That all the planters be by the Governor listed under either of the aforesaid com- 

 manders, or such other officers as the Governor and Council shall think fit, that may 

 exercise and train them up in arms, at least once in two months, to qualify tliem for the 

 defence of the island. And that particular places, or posts, be assigned by the Governor, 

 whereunto all and every one of the said planters may repair, and have a rendezvous when 

 thereunto required by the Governor ; for tiiough we do not hereby require the planters 

 to keep constant watch, as soldiers, during the time we shall continue soldiers in pay, 

 yet we do hereby strictly require, in case of the approach of any shipping, and especially 

 upon discovery of any enemy, or any general alarm, that they do repair to their respective 

 posts, and observe such orders in a way of military discipline, according as their respective 

 officers shall be directed by the Governor and Council, for the safety and defence of our 

 aforesaid Island ; it being one of the conditions on which we have granted them their 

 la'id and other accommodations," 



