CHAPTER V. 



SIB THOMAS PICTON AS GOVERNOR OF TRINIDAD. 



The Picton of History. 



How incomplete a description of Trinidad Then 

 and Now would be did it not contain an account of 

 Sir Thomas Picton, first Governor of Trinidad under 

 British rule, is obvious to the most casual observer. 

 The subject is complex, as it apparently describes 

 two different men. One a man of the keenest know- 

 ledge, wisdom, discretion and exemplary firmness ; a 

 courageous and heroic character ; a good governor 

 and, as described by many, " the best governor 

 Trinidad ever had, ' ' who, at a trying time, when the 

 characteristics of a firm ruler were required, dis- 

 played the most brilliant qualities in an exceptional 

 way. The other a despot, cruel, even to demoniacal 

 cruelty, haughty, indiscreet, immoral and dishonest ; 

 the bane and curse of the country. My purpose shall 

 therefore be to describe him in each of the two char- 

 acters set out — The Picton of History and the Pdcton 

 of Calumny, leaving it to the reader to decide be- 

 tween the two ; but at the same time reserving to my- 

 self the right to express my opinion on the whole 

 matter, feeling confident, however, that the unbiased 

 reader will do him justice and that he will emerge 

 unsullied and unstained. 



