86 



TRINIDAD: THEN AND NOW. 



existing evil, and the most effective means far its 

 extermination. 



Among those who had been recommended to him 

 as intimately acquainted with the internal state of 

 the country, was a certain old gentleman, Don 

 Christoval de Robles, who had for nearly half a 

 century been holding important positions in the 

 government of the colony. To him Picton wrote 

 asking for advice, and de Robles promptly and ener- 

 getically replied : — 



i 1 As you have done me the honour of consulting 

 me, I will give you my honest opinion on the situation 

 of this colony. 



" The population is mostly composed of refu- 

 gees and desperate characters, who have been impli- 

 cated in the rebellions and massacres of all the 

 neighbouring islands ; their principles are incom- 

 patible with all regular government, and their in- 

 veteracy to your nation is irreconcilable. The timi- 

 dity of the former government suffered their crimes 

 to pass unpunished ; and at your arrival they were 

 actually masters of the island 



" A considerable portion of your troops, if one 

 may draw a conclusion from their conversation and 

 conduct, are not well affected, and may be easily 

 seduced ; and those people will leave no means un- 

 tried to effect it. If you do not give an imposing 

 character to your government before the climate 

 diminishes the number of your soldiers, your situa- 

 tion will become alarming. If those men do not fear 



