74 
HISTORY OF THE [book iii. 
pendent of each other, viz. one at St. George, the 
capital, and one at Grenville-bay, a town and har¬ 
bour on the east or windward side of the island. 
The former, by the 27 Geo. III. c. 27, is made a 
free port. 
Whether it be owing to the events of war, to 
domestic dissentions, or to calamities inflicted by the 
hand of Divine Providence, I know not, but it ap¬ 
pears, that the white population of Grenada and the 
Grenadines has decreased considerably since these 
islands first came into possession of the English. 
The number of white inhabitants in the year 1771, 
was known to be somewhat more than sixteen 
hundred; in 1777 they had decreased to thirteen 
hundred; and at this time, they are supposed not 
to exceed one thousand two hundred, of which 
about two thirds are men able to bear arms, and 
incorporated into five regiments of militia, inclu¬ 
ding a company of free blacks or mulattoes, attach¬ 
ed to each. There are likewise about 500 regular 
troops from Great Britain which are supported on 
the British establishment.* 
The negro slaves have also decreased. By the 
last returns preceding the capture of the island in 
* Besides the regular troops which are sent from Great Britain for 
the protection of Grenada, there are in its garrison three companies of 
king's negroes, which came from America, where they served in three 
capacities, as pioneers, art ficers, and light dragoons. In Grenada 
they form a company of each, and are commanded by a lieutenant of 
the regulars, having captain’s rank. 
