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A True and Faithful Relation OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THEIR Majesties Forces, IN THE CARRIBBY ISLANDS.
THE Design of this small Treatise, is to give a Succinct Relation, of the Proceedings of their Majesties Forces, in the Caribby-Islands; and in a plain and Compendious Method, a faithful Narrative of the most remarkable Transactions, from the begin∣ning of the War, to this present time: Only I must desire to be excused, in the Omission of noting the particular Days of the Month in some places, The loss of some Papers, having forced me to be less exact in the Per∣formance of that, than I could wish; but as that is not absolutely material and per se, but only circumstantial and per Accidens, I presume it may the more easily be pardoned.
But before I fall upon the intended Matter, I think it not amiss, to shew the first grounds and Reasons of the Differences, which have happened in those parts. Be pleased then to know, that the Island of St. Christophers hath formerly been a Stage of War between the English and French: But of late Years Matters being accommodated, and the Island divided between them, they have each of them lived under their own Government, and an Act of Neutrality hath passed by the Consent of both their Kings, to the Intent they might there enjoy a quiet and an Uninterrupted Peace, notwithstanding any Wars that might happen between the two Crowns in Europe: But the French being a fickle and inconstant People, broke through all those Considerations, and before the Wars were Proclaimed between England and France, prompted by some private Animosities of their own, and animated by the Instigations and Impulsions of some Irish upon the Island; in the Month of July 1689, entred the English ground with Fire and Sword, forcing the Inhabitants to fly to the Fort for their safety.
The English being in this Distress, applied themselves to the Government of Barbados for Assistance; upon which application the Honourable Sir Timothy Thornhil Baronet, offered himself, to go at the Head of a Regiment to their Relief; to which the Governour Council and assembly assenting, the Drums