12 
the year 1792, determining to form an es¬ 
tablishment on the Andamans, intimated 
to Mr. Light, the probability of the Set- 
* 
tlement at Prince op Wales Island 
being withdrawn. This intelligence was 
a severe and serious blow to the flattering 
hopes the inhabitants had entertained res¬ 
pecting the future pros peri ty of the Is¬ 
land. Many of them had expended large 
% 
sums in buildings and cultivation, and all 
were more or less engaged in commercial 
pursuits. Relying,however, on the known 
munificence of the Bengal Government, 
their exertions fortunately continued una¬ 
bated. In less than two years, their fears 
were entirely removed, by the withdraw¬ 
ing of the proposed Settlement at the An¬ 
damans, neither the climate nor situation 
proving so favorable, as was at first ex¬ 
pected^: The artificers and convicts were 
sent to Prince of Wales Island. 
