HISTORICAL OUTLINE. 
21 
They had no notion that a shot would be fired, but 
when they saw their companions fall, they very quickly 
took to their heels, and dispersed. Trom that day to 
the present there has been nothing of a serious nature to 
disturb the peace and tranquillity of the inhabitants. 
The black troops above referred to were a few compa- 
nies of one of the West India regiments. Tor many 
years a few companies of them were stationed in 
barracks in Port of Spain; but just lately they have 
been finally removed. At St. James there are fine 
barracks, though said to be somewhat unhealthy, m 
which the left wing of a regiment is 'quartered, and 
these troops are considered sufficient for any emergency 
that may arise. At one time, indeed, there was a rumour 
of withdrawing the troops altogether ; but this was so 
contrary to the wishes of the Trinidadians that the pro- 
posal has not been carried into effect. 
Occasionally a man-of-war comes down from Bar- 
badoes, and enlivens the town by the presence of its 
officers and crew. Sometimes, though rarely, a foreign 
man-of-war drops into the harbour, and compliments the 
town with a salute. 
The spirit of the Volunteer movement has been wafted 
across the western ocean, and now the subject of organ- 
izing an artillery corps is seriously discussed in the 
public papers. Certainly the town of Port of Spain is 
entirely unprotected from an enemy by sea. It lies an 
easy and a tempting prey to any privateer. Should 
any such craft enter the harbour of Port of Spain, 
send a boat ashore, and demand a million dollars, or 
threaten to shell the town, the inhabitants would be 
utterly helpless, and must accept one or other of the 
terms offered. 
It is said, and with truth, that a few guns placed at 
klucarapo Point, and a few more on the banks of the 
Caroni, could keep up such a cross fire as would effec- 
tually silence any vessel that might make any such 
attempt. 
