52 ST. HELENA 



ton were appointed for that purpose, and instead of building 

 their observatory on low land, they placed it on the high ridge 

 near Halley's Mount, which is very often covered in clouds 

 and vapours. 



After Governor Hutchinson obtained his pension, 

 Governor Skottoe followed the good example of his pre- 

 decessor, and gave his time and attention to the preservation 

 of trees. He instituted the Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 

 and Gaol delivery. 



In 1763 a commission was granted by the Governor to 

 the vessels Mercury and Fly to proceed to Madagascar to 

 obtain slaves for St. Helena. 



An earthquake took place on May 21, which was so 

 strong on tiic south part of the island that china and loose 

 articles were shaken off the shelves, but no houses were 

 damaged. 



A good carriage road was made to Ladder Hill, and James- 

 town Barracks were constructed. After eighteen years 

 Skottoe resigned his post to Mr. Daniel Comeillc, 1782. 



Pipes were laid down from Chub's Spring for the supply 

 of water to the town and for shipping. In this year another 

 sensation of earthquake was felt by a number of people, 

 who described it as a trembling of the earth, accompanied 

 by a noise resembling distant tlnmder. The glasses and 

 china in houses were agitated, and struck against each 

 other, while in the fields a number of blacks employed on a 

 yam plantation were so terrified that they abandoned their 

 work. 



Comeillc issued new regulations, which deprived tiie 

 soldiers of their punch-houses, and prevented excessive 

 use of spirits. This caused a mutiny in the garrison, which, 

 owing to its indecision, assumed large proportions, and 

 which might easily have been prevented had he acted deci- 

 dedly at first. It was on Christmas Eve that the insubordina- 

 tion commenced, and for days the men were turbulent and 

 riotous. They (about 200) met under the direction or 

 command of a Sergeant Tooley, and with arms declared 

 their intention of seizing Ladder Hill Fort. Fortunately 

 the Governor and the Lieutenant-Governor, Major Graeme, 

 were at the time returning by Ladder Hill road to the town, 

 and happening to look over the wall saw the movements of 



