attacked almost everybody in the Island, on each occasion causing
considerable mortality. The price of labour was now increasing
rapidly, in consequence of a good deal of attention being diverted
from agricultural pursuits to trade, and, as at that time s avery
existed, tbe price of a good slave increased during a period ol
twenty years from 40/. to 150/. ,
Lieut-Colonel Lane succeeded Governor Patton, who left m
bad health for Europe in July, 1807, and acted through twelve
months, when, on the 4th July, 1808, he was succeeded by Major-
General Beatson, a man of high intelligence and energetic habits
who, during the five years he remained at St. Helena, certainly di
more than any Governor before him, and perhaps as much as any
since, to improve and develop the resources of tbe place. His first
act was to introduce men from England who were accustomed to
farming, and also about 650 Chinese from Canton; these latter
proved themselves so useful as mechanics and gardeners that much
of their handiwork and patience may even to the present day be
traced in the cut and carved lava stone which adorns some ot the
best buildings. I t is much to be regretted that such industrious
men have quite disappeared. A year or two ago the last remaining
Chinaman died at a good old age, and besides what is mentioned
above, the only records of their time exist in the Chinese cemetery,
at a spot called New Ground, and an extremely picturesque little
Jos house at Black Square; but both of these are fast falling into decay.
The chief object with Governor Beatson for introducing additional
labour being to lower the price of Island-grown produce, he
very soon had the satisfaction of seeing his efforts successful and
many articles of food/.including potatoes, were in consequence reduced
in price. With a view further to encourage the cultivation of
land, he was the means of putting a stop to the practice, whic
had long existed, of provisions being sold from the Company s
stores at less than cost price. In many ways he encouraged cultivation
; he introduced many new plants, and tried numerous experiments
in growing com, roots, and vegetables—indeed, so identified
himself with this subject that the results of his many trials are to
this day quoted in evidence of the capabilities of the soil of the
Island* Of course when experiments are tried under entirely
* Most of Governor Beatson's experiments have been recorded in a volume called “ Beat-
Bon’s Tracts,” but it is now out of print.
favourable circumstances, such as it is quite possible to secure when
dealing with small quantities, the results have to be received with
caution ; nevertheless, Governor Beatson demonstrated clearly that,
with sufficient care, both soil and climate are capable of producing
most uncommon results. The native or indigenous plants also
attracted his attention, and, in order to preserve them if possible
from destruction, he caused all thè goats then running wild or
uncared for to be destroyed, compensation being allowed to the
owners. There were so many of these creatures at that time, and
they were so destructive to young plants, that it was almost impossible
to rear any new forest-trees ; and when they were destroyed,
the extension of plantations became very general.
Although so much of Governor Beatson’s attention was devoted
to agricultural and horticultural pursuits, his efforts in other
channels for the good of the settlement were not the less successful.
The evil effects of an excessive use of spirituous liquors amongst the
soldiers were very apparent, and he determined to check, if not
wholly correct this vice. Having been the means of preventing
any further importation of rum, he substituted for it, as rations to
the soldiers, beer, which at that time was brewed in the Island, and
Cape wine. Other measures also were taken to render this change
likely to have the desired effect, but, as might almost have been
anticipated, a spirit of dissatisfaction arose which threatened serious
consequences, and afforded an opportunity for a display of that firmness
and decision of character, which, amongst other abilities,
General Beatson possessed.
Threatening letters having come into the hands of the Governor,
he took such precautions as seemed necessary for the occasion, and
the circumstances which then occurred will be best told in General
Beatson’s own words, contained in his report to the Court of Directors.
He wrote : “ After issuing these orders I left the Castle, at four in
the afternoon ; but, contrary to my usual custom of returning home
by what is called the Governor’s path, I thought it proper to show to
such as might be watchful, that the violent anonymous paper, the
writing on the church, ‘ a hot dinner and a bloody supper,' and that on
the Castle gate, ‘ this house to be let on Christmas-day,’ the one
alluding to the festival dinner, and the other to my vacating the
Castle by being sent off the Island, had produced no apprehensions in
my mind. I therefore desired my horses to be brought to the Castle
c 2