The Black Carib Wars: Freedom, Survival, and the Making of the Garifuna

Appendix 1. The Anglo-Carib Peace Treaty of 1773

161 Appendix 1 The Anglo-Carib Peace Treaty of 1773 I All hostile proceedings to cease; a firm and lasting peace and friendship to succeed. II The Charaibs shall acknowledge his Majesty to be the rightful sovereign of the island and domain of St Vincent’s; take an oath of fidelity to him as their King; promise absolute submission to his will, and lay down their arms. III They shall submit themselves to the laws and obedience of his Majesty’s government, with power to the Governor to enact further regulations for the public advantage as shall be convenient. (This article only respects their transactions with his Majesty’s subjects, not being Indians, their intercourse and customs with each other, in the quarters allotted them not being affected by it.) And all new regulations to receive his Majesty’s Governor’s approbation before carried into execution. IV A portion of lands, hereafter mentioned, to be allotted for the residence of the Charaibs, viz. from the river Byera to Point Espagniol on the one side, and from the river Analibou to Point Espagniol on the other side, according to lines to be drawn by his Majesty’s surveyors, from the sources of the rivers to the tops of the mountains; the rest of the lands, formerly inhabited by Charaibs, for the future to belong entirely to his Majesty. V Those lands not to be alienated, either by sale, lease, or otherwise, but to persons properly authorized by his Majesty to receive them. VI Roads, ports, batteries, and communications to be made as his Majesty pleases. VII No undue intercourse with the French islands to be allowed. VIII Runaway slaves in the possession of the Charaibs are to be delivered up, and endeavours used to discover and apprehend the others; and an engagement, in future, not to encourage, receive, or harbour any slave whatever; and carrying off the island a capital crime. Appendix 1 162 IX Persons guilty of capital crimes against the English are to be delivered up. X In time of danger to be aiding and assisting to his Majesty’s subjects against their enemies. XI The three chains to remain to his Majesty. XII All conspiracies and plots against his Majesty, or his government, to be made known to his Governor, or other civil magistrates. XIII Leave (if required) to be given to the Charaibs to depart this island , with their families and properties, and assistance in their transportation. XIV Free access to the quarters allowed to the Charaibs, to be given to persons properly empowered in pursuit of runaway slaves, and safe conduct afforded them. XV Deserters from his Majesty’s service (if any), and runaway slaves from the French, to be delivered up, in order that they may be returned to their masters. XVI The chiefs of the different quarters are to render an account of the names and number of the inhabitants of their respective districts. XVII The chiefs, and others Charaibs, inhabitants, to attend the Governor when required for his Majesty’s service. XVIII All possible facility, consistent with the laws of Great Britain, to be afforded to the Charaibs in the sale of the produce, and in their trade to the different British islands. XIX Entire liberty of fishing, as well on the coast of St Vincent’s, as at the neighbouring keys, to be allowed them. XX In all cases, when the Charaibs conceive themselves injured by his Majesty’s other subjects, or other persons, and are desirous of having reference to the laws, or to the civil magistrates, an agent, being one of his Majesty’s natural born subjects, may be employed by themselves, or if more agreeable at his Majesty’s cost. XXI No strangers, or white persons, to be permitted to settle among the Charaibs, without permissions obtained in writing from the Governor. XXII These articles subscribed to and observed, the Charaibs are to be pardoned , secured, and fixed in their property, according to his Majesty’s directions given, and all past offences forgot. XXIII After the signing of this treaty, should any of the Charaibs refuse to observe the condition of it, they are to be considered and treated as enemies by both parties, and the most effectual means used to reduce them. XXIV The Charaibs shall take the following oath, viz. Appendix 1 163 We A.B. do swear, in the name of the immortal God...