Читать книгу The Life of Sir Henry Morgan. With an account of the English settlement of the island of Jamaica онлайн

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The truth of their statements could not be doubted, and after taking their depositions Modyford complained bitterly that the Spaniards "make our men slave it in their forts, which is their constant usage to us when we fall into their hands, while we use them more like friends than enemies."[118]

Two years later, when he had received and was able to transmit further information, he remarked with every sign of sincerity:

"It is certainly true that this island of Providence had never any white men on it until the English came, who first felled the trees and planted the land; so that though these privateers had no order to take it, yet having restored his Majesty to his ancient right, the retaking of it is a violation of the peace which they so much pretend to in these parts, which, with the breach of articles [of capitulation] and ill-usage of our countrymen, is humbly referred to further consideration."[119]

When he first wrote he had not learned that his conduct in accepting the island from its captors had been approved by an act of the Privy Council and a commission issued on the 10th November, 1666, appointing his brother, Sir James Modyford, to act as its lieutenant-governor under his instructions. A report from the Lord Privy Seal upon the condition of the "miscellany settlement" of Tortuga had also been discussed, and Modyford was instructed "to weigh well the conveniences that would arise from settling the said plantation and island under the government of Jamaica." He was even authorized to expend a thousand pounds in that undertaking.[120]