Documents on the loss of Tobago

This material is held atRoyal Commonwealth Society Library

Reference
- GB 115 RCS/RCMS 267
Dates of Creation
- 1781-1787
Language of Material
- English .
Physical Description
- 1 volume(s) 1 volume paper

Scope and Content

The volume begins with 'The whole proceedings on the trial of the Hon. Major Henry Fitzroy Stanhope at a court martial...in the month of June 1783, taken in shorthand by Joseph Gurney', printed in 1783 (104 pages). This is followed by manuscript transcriptions of two documents: 'Address of Governor Ferguson to the public relative to the capture of Tobago', 1781 (12 pages), and 'Capitulation of the island of Tobago received from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson', 1781 (8 pages). The rest of the volume is comprised of an English translation from the French of 'The King's Ordonnance concerning attornies and managers of plantations in the Windward Islands', printed by Ellis and Perch, 1787 (16 pages). This ordinance relates to the period when Tobago was in the possession of France.

Administrative / Biographical History

Tobago was attacked by a French fleet in May 1781, and faced with the unwillingness of his militia and some of his troops to continue the defence, Governor Ferguson capitulated on 2 June. Major Stanhope, commanding the regular troops, was later courtmartialled for his conduct, but found not guilty.

Access Information

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Acquisition Information

The manuscript was originally part of a volume entitled 'Trial of General Murray', which included material relating to the Siege of Minorca that now forms RCMS 61. The provenance of the volume prior to its receipt at the R.C.S. is unknown.