Register of Notices 1750-1794

Introduction: This is the only surviving collection of early advertisements – the eighteenth-century term for public notices, derived from the Latin advertere (“to turn toward”), meaning to direct one’s attention to something – issued on St Helena. It presents a continuous series of official announcements published by the Governor and Council between 1750 and 1794, directing the island’s inhabitants in matters such as livestock returns, rent collection, land use, trade regulation, and the management of enslaved and free Blacks. While a few notices are copied in full, the majority appear only as concise summaries.

Source: Images of the original records can be viewed on the British Library’s website: https://eap.bl.uk/archive-file/EAP1364-1-11-2.

Text Transcription This transcription was produced by AI from handwritten document images held on the British Library's website, at about thirty pages per hour. Given the limitations described below, the text should be regarded as unreliable and used only as a search-and-find shortcut: once a relevant section has been located, it must always be checked against the source image via the hyperlinked Film Numbers listed in the main transcription table below.

Three specific problems affected the work. First, AI tends to prioritise meaning and readability at the expense of fidelity to the original, with a strong disposition to normalise spellings, expand abbreviations, and adjust grammar. It is particularly weak with unfamiliar surnames, and scrawled signatures often resist accurate transcription entirely. Transcriptions by eye of documents spanning four centuries have also shown that a single surname could be written in a wide variety of ways: the Crowie family name appears under six different spellings, and the Isaacs family name under sixteen. Searches for surnames are therefore hindered both by genuine variations in the originals and by mistranscriptions introduced by AI, and for this reason are best run phonetically. Second, the AI struggled with the late secretary hand, the script commonly used from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, in which the letter S appears in a form closely resembling a trailing L. Third, occasional passages in these volumes are written in a hand so obscure or poorly formed as to be difficult to read even by eye, sometimes compounded by heavy ink bleed-through from the reverse side or by the loss of sections of pages.

To mitigate these difficulties, a strict protocol was applied to each image, requiring the AI to rely solely on clearly visible ink strokes and to flag any uncertain reading, thereby reducing the risk of inferred or invented text. Two conventions are used. [...] marks text that could not be read with confidence; this may represent a single unreadable word, a full sentence, or occasionally an entire paragraph. Square brackets around letters or words indicate a conjectural reading supplied by the transcriber: brackets around a whole word, for example [Bazett], mean the entire word was unclear and a probable reading has been supplied, while brackets around individual letters within an otherwise readable word, for example B[a]z[e]tt, mean only those specific letters were unclear in the source and the unbracketed letters were legibly present.

Referencing Text Locations: A dual numbering system has been adopted, combining the British Library film number with the manuscript’s original page number. These are presented in the format: British Library Film No. / Document Page No.

Text Loss: The early pages show severe text loss, with several torn or badly damaged. Many notices break off at the bottom of pages, indicating missing material.

Pagination: The pagination is unconventional, appearing sequentially only at the bottom left of each verso (left-hand) page, while the recto (right-hand) pages are left unmarked. In other words, each side of the page has the same number. This pagination system has therefore been ignored.

The records begin on film No. 11, and this is assumed to be page 1. It is then further assumed that the page numbers continue sequentially through to the end of the volume.

Dates: During the period covered by this volume, England and its colonies followed the Old-Style Julian calendar, under which the legal new year began on 25 March (Lady Day). This system ended when the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750 was enacted, bringing Britain into line with the Gregorian calendar used across much of continental Europe. The transition took effect in 1752, shifting New Year's Day to 1 January and dropping eleven days from September to correct the historical drift accumulated by the Julian calculation, so that Wednesday, 2 September 1752 was followed immediately by Thursday, 14 September 1752.

The first public notice was posted on 27 August 1750 and the last on 10 November 1794.

AI Generated Summary

Introduction

This account follows St Helena through the public notices and orders of its Governor and Council across the years 1750 to 1794, drawing together three runs of the record into a single continuous narrative. The island was a small volcanic possession far out in the South Atlantic, held by the English and, after 1770, British East India Company, which governed it as a victualling and refreshment station on the long sea route between Europe and Asia. Almost every surviving entry is an advertisement read to the inhabitants or entered in the Council’s consultations, most issued over the hand of a secretary and posted for the inhabitants to read. It shows a small society governed in close detail, where the killing of a partridge, the fetching of firewood and the price of a washed sheet all came under the Council’s eye. [Film No. 11, 61–110]

The nature of this evidence sets real limits on what can be known. Because the entries are the Company’s own orders, they record what the authorities wished done rather than what actually happened, and a rule issued in 1751 tells us the Council saw a problem, not that the problem was solved. The frequent repetition of the same orders across the decades, on wood-cutting, straying stock and running away, is itself the clearest sign that many were widely ignored, so the record is as much a register of failure as of command. Read against wider knowledge of the Company, the wars of the age and the Atlantic and Indian Ocean slave trade, these dry notices open a window onto a working colonial settlement, treated here as the voice of the ruler rather than a neutral chronicle. [Film No. 11–12, 62–109]

Governance and Administration

The Governor and Council formed the whole of the island’s executive government, and they ruled chiefly by public notice. On 27 August 1750 they required every inhabitant to submit an account of their family and livestock and to attend to pay their rents, joining a census of people and animals to the collection of dues. The near-identical repetition of that order on 26 August 1751 confirms it as an annual fixture, and the yearly return of families, land and cattle became the backbone of the Company’s record-keeping, upon which the fiscal calendar turned. [Film No. 11, 13]

Almost every entry opens with the same formula, that the Governor and Council directed an advertisement or notice to be issued, and closes with a secretary’s signature. The secretaries form a quiet line of continuity: Bazett in 1767, then Brazell, P. Wright and B. Wright, who signs most notices from the mid 1770s, and finally William Doveton, who signs the great body of the later notices to 1794. The working method is plain from a notice of 30 January 1769, which chased inhabitants who had failed to return an account of their horses and threatened a heavy fine, and from a like reproach of 19 February 1756 to planters who had neglected to send in the weights of cattle they had sold while the Council was also recalling its iron crows, wheelbarrows and other tools. The administration issued an order, found it half obeyed and then issued a reminder with a penalty attached. [Film No. 26, 61, 66, 69]

Alongside this central authority sat the vestry, a form of parish self-government modelled on English practice. On 7 April 1751 the planters were called to assemble in vestry to elect parish officers, and the same election recurs almost every year, on 23 March 1751/1752, 7 April 1753, 16 April 1759, 5 April 1762 and onward through the run, with almsmen chosen on 5 July 1779 and officers again on 9 April 1781. Its regular return shows the vestry as a settled institution that drew the propertied inhabitants into the routine conduct of local affairs, though always under the Council’s eye. Landholders were also summoned directly to the Castle when the Council had business to put to them, as on 26 June 1779. [Film No. 12, 14, 20, 40, 50, 80, 93, 94, 100]

The Council also served as the island’s probate authority, since no separate court existed for the purpose. On 18 March 1750/1751 it summoned the debtors and claimants of the late Governor Goodwin’s estate to appear before it, and the same machinery was applied to the estates of Samuel Falcomer from 8 November 1756, of William Turner in 1757 and of Mary Smith on 8 June 1761. Executors were required to render their accounts, as a notice of 5 December 1768 directed. The protracted pursuit of Falcomer’s debtors, still continuing on 11 October 1757, shows how long such settlements could take. [Film No. 12, 30, 32, 33, 48, 65]

The island was not self-governing but answered to the Court of Directors in London, whose orders arrived by ship and were then published so that no Company servant could plead ignorance. A notice of 31 May 1773 published an order from the eighteenth paragraph of a Directors’ letter of 6 January 1773, brought by the Royal Captain, and a notice of 10 March 1777 published an instruction on trade from a general letter of 20 November 1776. The care taken to cite the paragraph and date of each London letter shows an administration conscious that its authority was delegated. [Film No. 73, 84]

By the early 1790s the administration was reforming the cost of its own offices, which suggests a settled concern with economy. On 30 May 1791 the Board revised the fees of the Sheriff’s office, shifting the expense of destroying unlawfully kept dogs onto their owners and reducing the charge for serving a summons from a dollar to 2 shillings and 6 pence. A notice of 7 July 1794 commuting John Deverton’s fees to a fixed salary of £53 2s 6d a year points the same way. The Council also opened a narrow channel of consultation, summoning the inhabitants on 25 July 1791 to choose three trustworthy men to examine plans for the island’s improvement, and directing the vestry on 29 August 1791 to nominate a committee to improve the common alongside Lieutenant Witter Seale. This was participation on the Council’s terms, not a surrender of authority. [Film No. 141–151]

Military Affairs and Defence

St Helena was a fortified outpost, and its defence ran through the whole period as a first concern, with the security of the batteries mattering above all. On 3 January 1757 the Council forbade all persons from entering the batteries near Mr King’s Seal House at Sandy Bay except those appointed to the post, and it repeated the order on 6 January. Interference with the guns was treated as a serious matter, and the repetition marks the weight placed upon it. An early notice of 10 January 1784 shows the same anxiety at close quarters, when stands of arms handed out indiscriminately from the armoury on the evening of Monday 29 December remained unreturned, and all who held them were ordered to deliver them to the master at arms by 17 January on pain of punishment. [Film No. 29, 111]

The island’s manpower depended heavily on coerced and free black labour mustered on alarm. A standing order of 17 December 1754 required inhabitants to send their male slaves to the fortifications on every double alarm, reaffirmed on 2 February 1756, and on 17 May 1756 all free black men between 16 and 60 were ordered to assemble upon the line at the main fort when a double alarm was raised. The garrison thus drew on both slave and free black men as a recognised part of its strength, a dependence the record states plainly while saying nothing of what those men made of the duty. [Film No. 26, 27]

Coastal watch was tied closely to the fishermen, many of them slaves. On 8 March 1756 the Council ordered that fishermen return at once to the nearest landing place on hearing an alarm, sighting a ship or seeing a flag hoisted on Castle Rock or Horse Pasture Point, republished on 6 September 1756 and again, with new signal points at Earthen Rock and Rupert’s Point, on 6 November 1758, together with a ban on lighting fires on the hills or in boats at night lest they signal to an enemy. The wider wars of the period reached the island through these arrangements, for the mustering of slaves grew from the demands of a garrison at war and the return of peace relaxed it directly. On 19 March 1764 the Council declared that, peace having been established, it was no longer necessary to send slaves to their stations on every double alarm, though a distinct signal of guns fired from Two Gun Ridge and Sandy Bay Ridge was kept for genuine emergencies. This marks the close of the Seven Years’ War, whose peace of 1763 the notice reflects. [Film No. 27, 28, 37, 52]

Contact with foreign shipping was sealed off for reasons of both security and monopoly. On 19 May 1755, on the eve of renewed war with France, the Council strictly forbade anyone from going aboard any foreign ship, warning that offenders would answer at their peril, since such contact risked smuggling, desertion and the passage of information. [Film No. 23]

Defence pressed hardest during the years of the American War, which drew France and Spain against Britain and put every Atlantic possession at risk. From about 1780 the notices turn sharply towards security. On 16 March 1780 the Council announced its intention to acquire boats to form a defensive scheme against enemy ships, inviting owners to sell their vessels for military use. The island kept its own forces in readiness through regular drill, as a notice of 18 December 1780 directed the East and West flying parties to assemble at the Ridge House on the first Wednesday of every month to practise with field pieces and small arms, and a notice of 23 September 1782 required the militia to drill at the Red Rock, with exercises thereafter alternating between the East and West Divisions. [Film No. 96, 99, 103]

The chief practical problem of the garrison was not the enemy but its own men, for desertion runs through the military notices as a constant drain. On 30 August 1779 a reward was offered for a seaman who had deserted from His Majesty’s ship Warwick, and on 30 September 1779 a further reward for several soldiers reported missing. On 27 November 1780 two soldiers, John Aarden and William Shoals, broke out of prison, and a reward of 20 shillings was offered for each. On 2 June 1783 eight named soldiers, all masons or privates, together with a fisherman, deserted and were thought to be hiding aboard ships in the road, and a reward of £1 5s was set for each man. The repeated flights show how hard it was to hold men on a remote island, and how readily the shipping in the road offered a way off it. [Film No. 95, 99, 106]

After the renewal of war with revolutionary France in 1793 the militia became again the island’s citizen defence, and the Council managed it with care. On 19 January 1789 the East Militia was to assemble at the Ridge House and the West Militia at High Peak to elect their officers, each corps returning its choices for the Governor’s approval, with a regular officer present to see the election properly conducted, while a census of 28 January 1788 requiring the names and ages of male slaves and the identification of those fit to bear arms shows the enslaved counted as part of the island’s manpower. The war of 1793 transformed the coastline into a guarded frontier. A proclamation of 6 June 1793 confined the giving of alarms and the challenging of strangers to the regular troops and militia; on 1 July 1793 all fishing to windward was forbidden; and on 22 September 1793 no person was to go down upon the line during an alarm, fishermen were held to leeward, and ships in the roadstead were barred from contact with approaching vessels, restrictions extended on 15 October 1793 and refined for a double alarm on 20 October 1793. [Film No. 113–125, 141–151]

Settlement, Land and Agriculture

Grazing land was scarce, and its management dominated agricultural regulation. The Company’s waste lands and the communal pastures called the Grootts were protected repeatedly from straying stock. On 7 July 1751 the Council forbade cattle from trespassing on the Grootts, and on 24 September 1759 it invoked a vestry resolution of 12 December 1737 to justify a standing ban on horses grazing the waste land, on the ground that they consumed herbage needed for the black cattle. The priority given to the meat supply is plain, and the reference back to 1737 shows how long the rule had stood. [Film No. 12, 43]

Horses competed with cattle for that grazing, and the Council moved to hold their numbers down. A concerted effort began on 6 April 1752 with an order to castrate all stallions, colts and riggs, followed on 27 April 1752 by a census distinguishing every type of horse, and returning with a fresh census on 1 October 1759. On 11 October 1759 the Council fixed a firm ceiling, so that from 31 December no one might keep more horses than allowed, on pain of a fine of £5 for each excess animal, and it tied the ceiling to landholding in a graded scale: one saddle horse for anyone holding between 10 and 70 acres, two for those with between 70 and 140 acres, and three for anyone with 140 acres or more, and no more however great their land. Rationing horses by acreage shows a deliberate balance struck between property and a resource that competed with the meat supply. [Film No. 15, 43, 44]

Loose livestock of every kind was among the most frequent objects of regulation. Free-ranging hogs damaged crops and fouled the water channels, and on 2 June 1758 the Council reported hogs rooting in the channels that carried water to the crane used by ships, and on the slope above Ladder Hill where they dislodged stones dangerous to passers-by. Any hogs found there were to be shot, and those wandering the town caught and confined in the Low Pitt, with fines shared between the poor of the parish and the catcher. Straying goats drew the same regulation, as on 1 April 1776, when goats were barred from parts of the valley and the approach to Mundens Point under a fine of 5 shillings for each animal. [Film No. 34, 82]

The Company held much of the island directly, and the commons were opened and closed to grazing by the calendar under the Council’s hand. On 29 January 1770 the planters were allowed to graze cattle on the commons until 12 February, and a paired notice of 26 March 1770 recalled them by 29 March, a pattern of measured access that recurs on 25 August 1783, when planters were once more allowed to graze black cattle on the Horse Pasture common until further order. The protection of pasture from unauthorised use grew sharper as earlier orders failed. A notice of 16 May 1779 recalled several previous bans on making by-roads through the Company’s ground from the White Gate through Cowens to Bates’s Branch and declared that future trespassers would be prosecuted as thieves, and on 31 July 1780 the Lower Pasture and Barron Hill were closed to cattle under a fine of 3 shillings for each animal found there. [Film No. 66, 92, 98, 107]

The Longwood estate, later famous as Napoleon’s place of exile, appears throughout as a district in constant need of protection from people, their animals and the felling of its trees. By 2 November 1779 the Council had turned from prohibition to physical enclosure, inviting proposals for fencing the estate to define and protect it against trespass and straying stock, a shift in method from the endless issuing of bans towards a lasting barrier. Efforts were also made to improve the poorer ground, as a notice of 23 February 1778 concerned the planting of rushes on barren hills. [Film No. 86, 96, 103]

The quarrel between straying animals and enclosed ground continued to the end of the record. A notice of 7 December 1789 recalled a ruling of 18 December 1784 that no one held any right of goat range over the waste from Lot Ridge to Gate Gut and Sandy Bay Water, yet the goats remained, and neighbours were authorised to employ an impartial herdsman to drive them off; by 23 December 1789 the remedy had hardened, and adjoining owners were licensed to shoot or otherwise destroy any goats trespassing from that common. The failure of prohibition eventually pushed the administration toward physical remedies, and on 24 October 1791 a pound was ordered built in each division, one at Farm Hill Gut being reported established on 28 November 1791, with provision on 21 November 1791 for owners to appeal an impounding penalty to the governor or magistrate. [Film No. 130–133, 148]

Agriculture on the island was precarious, and the administration both regulated and encouraged it. Cattle sent to market were so undersized that the market clerk was ordered on 19 March 1787 to reject any beast under 250 pounds or demand a replacement. Better calf-rearing was urged on 15 December 1788, and losses to lead sickness prompted a call for reports and an appeal to London on 17 August 1792, though rents were still required from those able to pay. An invitation of 30 January 1792 for samples of coffee and wine to be sent to England at 1 shilling per pound shows a hope of developing export crops on ground that struggled to feed its own people. [Film No. 121–151]

Supply and Provisioning

The island existed to provision passing ships, and control of its livestock supply was continuous and detailed. The trade in cattle was brought under close oversight in the opening weeks of the record. On 7 January 1750/1751 all who had cattle for sale were required to give the Secretary’s Office a signed account, and on 21 January 1750/1751 this was tightened to demand the exact weight of each animal and the names of the ships to which they were sold. The rapid move from simple registration to full accounting suggests a specific failure in the looser first system, perhaps under-declaration by sellers. [Film No. 11]

The demand for advance figures became an annual fixture. On 9 December 1751 every planter was required to declare, on a signed statement, the number of cattle intended for slaughter in the coming year, and the same year-end return recurs on 12 December 1757, 20 December 1759 and 14 December 1761, and on through the later run, usually in December. Requiring advance declaration let the Company forecast the meat supply against the needs of garrison and ships, and a signed figure bound each planter to his stated number. When the returns fell short the Council acted at once, as on 3 December 1770, when the cattle returned for slaughter in 1771 proved far below what the market and garrison needed, and the planters were urged to fatten more and report the extra number by 1 June. [Film No. 13, 33, 45, 49, 62, 68, 79]

Enforcement was pressed through fines and reminders where compliance faltered. On 20 April 1752 planters were given only three days after any sale to report cattle sold to ships, on pain of a fine of 40 shillings, and on 3 November 1757 the Council, suspecting under-reporting of sheep, demanded an exact account including lambs and threatened a fine of 5 shillings for each animal found over the number returned, the exception for natural increase showing a practical grasp of how flocks grew between counts. Scarcity of particular stock repeatedly shaped policy, for on 7 May 1753, there being then very few hogs, the Council forbade the sale of pork to any ship without permission, and on 3 August 1756 it moved to quash a rumour that cattle could be freely bought, demanding an immediate account of any beast not already returned. [Film No. 15, 20, 28, 33]

When meat grew short, the Council rationed it by rule. On 11 August 1757 it answered complaints that certain gentlemen took more than their share by fixing a rotating order of supply, so that after the hospital, governor and council had been served, no one was to receive more than 10 pounds of prime meat with 3 pounds of weighing meat at a time, and whoever stood first on the roll one day was placed last the next. Managing scarcity down to the pound, and serving the hospital and officials first, shows both the pressure on supply and the recognised order of precedence. The administration steadily tightened its grip, as a notice of 14 December 1778 backed the yearly return with inspectors, a notice of 24 July 1780 forbade anyone to kill livestock for private use without permission, and on 9 July 1781 the price of beef was raised by 1 penny per pound to meet the higher cost of keeping cattle. [Film No. 31, 90, 97, 101]

Drink was as tightly controlled as meat. A notice of 29 October 1770 rationed arrack during a shortage, limiting servants and inhabitants to 5 gallons at a time and publicans to 20 gallons for the month while holding the price steady, and when the controls were evaded through borrowed names a notice of 28 July 1773 required a signed note stating quantity and purchaser before any arrack could be issued. On 9 December 1782, with only 2,000 gallons of spirituous liquor left, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor took direct control, reserving 1,200 gallons for the garrison and 540 for the Company and sharing the rest by rank and family size from a prepared list. The same order of precedence appears on 2 February 1784, when 1,100 gallons of arrack remained and a further 700 were drawn from the Company’s stores, 600 set aside for the Dutch and other foreigners and 1,200 issued among the Company’s servants and inhabitants by rank and family. Grain was the central anxiety of the later years, for on 9 April 1787 the discovery that rice had been sold off the island prompted a ban on any future export of grain without permission, and the issue of rice and paddy was regulated by fixed half-year windows, as on 13 April 1789. A shortage of sugar on 23 April 1787 led to a reduced allowance until fresh supply arrived. [Film No. 67, 73, 104, 111, 121–126]

The demands of passing ships pressed hard on the island’s slender stock. On 17 June 1784 slave owners were ordered to send their labourers to the crane to unload the Hope, each slave paid 1 shilling and 6 pence a day. On 7 December 1792 two thirds of the cattle listed for slaughter were to be sold alive to visiting ships, the remainder kept for the garrison and inhabitants at Christmas, and when the island failed to supply enough beasts the proprietors were called before the Council on 6 January 1794 to explain themselves. The pull of the India trade upon a small pastoral economy is one of the clearest pressures the record shows. [Film No. 112, 150–151]

Judiciary

The island had no elaborate court system, and justice was administered chiefly through the Council, the Justices of the Peace and, for the garrison, courts martial. The clearest window on judicial procedure comes from the campaign against unlicensed liquor selling in 1764. On 9 July 1764 the Council, prompted by a petition from the licensed publicans, ordered that extracts from Burn’s Justice be transcribed and displayed at the market house and the country church, so that no inhabitant could plead ignorance of the law, English legal authority thus reproduced and posted for public standing on a remote island. [Film No. 52–53]

The transcribed statutes set out the full machinery of prosecution, citing Burn’s Justice at folios 267 and 269 and naming the governing Acts by chapter and section. A first offence of unlicensed retailing forfeited a fine of £10 under 16 George II, and on refusal to pay the offender was to be committed to the House of Correction at hard labour for two months, and before release stripped and whipped until bloody under 17 George II. A second offence might bring hard labour not exceeding three months and a whipping, while a third was made felony punishable by transportation for up to seven years under 24 George II. The Act also reached the suppliers, forfeiting £10 and three times the value of the liquor, and rewarded any informer who turned on his supplier with a share of the penalty and a pardon. The escalating severity shows the gravity English law attached to persistent unlicensed selling. [Film No. 54–55]

Justice on the island rested also with justices who sat in rotation, to whom offenders were brought and complaints addressed. A notice of 20 April 1783 advised travellers overcharged for laundry to report their complaints to the rotation justice, who would provide redress and enforce penalties, a route to remedy for ordinary people though one wholly under the administration’s control. Notices issued under His Majesty’s Justices and signed by the Clerk of the Peace, as on 7 February 1791, stand apart from the ordinary Council orders and show the civil judicial machinery at work. [Film No. 105, 112–138]

Serious punishment of slaves was given a formal legal footing through conviction before a justice, which shows the administration clothing severe discipline in the forms of law. A notice of 16 December 1771 declared that any Black person caught felling trees in the Longwood would, upon conviction before a Justice of the Peace, receive 100 lashes. The requirement of conviction did not soften the penalty, which was brutal, but it marks the gravity the administration attached both to the offence and to the appearance of legal process. [Film No. 69]

The probate of estates fell within the administration’s reach, and a larger charitable case arose on 18 June 1778, when the will of the late Mrs Mary Short of Bengal left £1,000 for the poor widows and orphans of St Helena, and her executors asked the Governor and Council to distribute it among the most deserving, the administration then gathering the names, ages and circumstances of orphans so that it might judge the rightful recipients. The most revealing later episode is the affair of Benjamin Mason in May 1791. Mason had spoken disrespectfully of the government and circulated a paper attacking the reputation of a dead councillor, and though pardoned on his apology on 30 May 1791 he was made the occasion of a stern general order, in which the Board rehearsed how the case reached back to an officer suspended in 1775 and later dismissed by court martial under the Articles of War, and condemned the circulation of papers declaring guilt or innocence before trial as a threat to the impartiality of juries and the discipline of the garrison. Graded penalties were set for servant, inhabitant and soldier alike. The courts were also used to secure debts before a debtor could escape, for when the planter Francis Seale announced his intention to sail for England a notice of 16 June 1791 called on his creditors to apply to the Board. [Film No. 87, 142–145]

Economy, Currencies and Accounting

Trade on the island was regulated as closely as its supply. On 17 March 1753 the Council ordered that all goods and liquors brought by ships’ commanders for sale be landed and sold only by public auction, forbidding anyone to buy such goods privately aboard ship, since private shipboard dealing escaped both scrutiny and duty, and it returned to the same point on 22 March 1753. The administration also capped prices to protect consumers, forbidding shopkeepers on 23 July 1764 from charging more than 30 per cent upon the prime cost of goods imported for the Company’s profit, a clear and enforceable standard tied to prime cost. [Film No. 18, 55]

The most significant economic change of the century came on 7 April 1778, when the Court of Directors granted free trade on the island. The order arrived by the Warwick and allowed every inhabitant to keep a shop, with the exception of those serving in the military, a real loosening of the Company’s commercial control that opened trade to the island at large while keeping the garrison distinct from its commerce. The regulation of retail continued even so, for a notice of 25 March 1782 confined the sale of wine in small quantities to licensed public house keepers, requiring all others to trade by the cask under a fine of £10, half to the informer, and a notice of 10 January 1783 published the established prices of provisions to prevent unfair charging. [Film No. 87, 102]

The washing rates restated on 20 April 1783, after travellers detained on their homeward voyages were found to be overcharged, give an unusually close view of the island’s domestic economy. Sheets were set at 9 pence a pair and plain shifts, drawers and breeches at 4 pence, while small handkerchiefs came to 1 and a half pence and the patterned woollen calamanco to 7 and a half pence. Quilts were to be washed only by private agreement, and the price of soap and blue was included unless the customer supplied them. The list, posted at the Sea Gate, opens a rare view of the textiles and services of ordinary households, and its very concern for how the island appeared to passing visitors marks its dependence on the goodwill of the shipping on which its whole purpose rested. [Film No. 105–106]

The island’s coinage gave continual trouble, for it drew its money from the shipping that called and so was open to bad coin from many quarters. On 10 July 1755 the Council announced that a large quantity of halfpence of bad and inferior metal, some very light, had been brought to the island, and declared that such money would no longer be accepted in the Company’s stores. A notice of 5 December 1774 warned that base rupees had been brought from the shipping and directed the paymaster and storekeeper to refuse them, and a further notice of 12 July 1775 named the particular offending coin, the Prince Rupee bearing a large star, and forbade its acceptance outright. The everyday currency itself was adjusted, for on 31 December 1764 an advertisement concerned the reduction of the fanam, a small coin used in trade. On 5 July 1784 the Company’s copper coin was confirmed as legal tender with a warning to beware of counterfeits, a notice of 6 September 1785 fixed the values of a new gold coinage so that pieces marked “1 gilt” passed for one shilling, “two” for three shillings and “three” for five, and base dollars were reported in circulation on 5 January 1790/1791 and ordered refused at the Company’s warehouses. [Film No. 24, 56, 78, 81, 113–138]

Where property changed hands, credit was extended on stated terms. On 18 April 1757 the Council offered the house of the late Samuel Falcomer for sale, the purchase money to be taken in instalments if the buyer gave security and paid interest at 5 per cent per annum, and the auction of estate effects at two or three months’ credit was the customary means of converting goods to cash, as with the effects of William Turner on 10 October 1757. Prices, duties and fees were fixed with great precision to the end of the record, for liquor prices were published monthly, as on 2 August 1784, when an error in the previous month’s brandy price was corrected to the half-penny and buyers required to pay the additional 6 and a half pence per gallon, a duty of 2 shillings and 6 pence per gallon was laid on spirits imported for private use on 2 April 1790, and ground rents in the town were reckoned by the foot of frontage at 3 shillings and 9 pence, as in the sales of July 1794. The annual census that underpinned all this accounting recurs through the whole period, widening over time to gather more into a single account, so that by 27 August 1781 it embraced families, land, cattle, able-bodied male slaves and even poultry, and the store closure that allowed the yearly inventory fell at the same point, as on 24 August 1778, when the stores were to close from 1 September to 1 October. [Film No. 29, 32, 70, 101, 113–153]

Social Order and Public Health

The administration took a close interest in public health and cleanliness in the crowded valley. On 31 October 1753 it forbade fishermen to throw the guts and offal of their fish upon the landing places, offering a bottle of brandy to any informer for each conviction, and on 2 June 1758 it required that all dirt and waste be carried to the sea rather than dumped along the roadway to Munden’s Point. The disposal of rubbish drew repeated orders in the later run, since fouling the ground near the water dam or above the Black House threatened both cleanliness and the water supply, as the notices of 28 September and 7 October 1772 make plain, and loitering was curbed, as on 26 August 1782, when idling or standing on the bridge in the valley was forbidden to keep the main thoroughfare clear. [Film No. 22, 35, 70, 71, 103]

Fire was a grave and recurring danger in a valley of timber and thatch. On 13 July 1752 the Council forbade anyone from moving fire unless it was so covered that no sparks could escape, the same rule returning on 26 November 1753 in identical terms, and again on 23 October 1786, when a white offender faced a fine of 10 shillings for carrying uncovered fire through the streets while a Black offender faced severe and unspecified punishment. The chimney-sweeping order of the same date sought to reduce the fires that repeatedly broke out, and a reward of £10 was offered on 8 November 1784 for the malicious damaging of gates, hinges and latches, the same notice requiring cart owners to give four days’ labour toward repairing roads worn by their carts. The split penalty by colour marks the racially divided system of punishment that ran through the island’s law. [Film No. 16, 22, 114–119, 120]

Drunkenness was treated as a persistent threat to order. On 7 April 1751 the Council required a licence for the retail of spirits, and the Directors in London themselves intervened on 24 September 1759, reciting that the liberty to buy liquor from Company ships had been abused by secret reselling, and authorising the island’s government to confine sales to licensed houses and cap the price of arrack at 6 shillings and 6 pence per gallon. The control of drink among soldiers and slaves was treated as a matter of public order, for a notice of 4 July 1768 forbade the sale of spirituous liquors to soldiers or Blacks under a fine of £10, and a notice of 1 September 1781 barred the giving of drink as payment for fish or labour. The unlicensed retail of drink was the offence the Council returned to most often, denounced again on 20 December 1790 and confined on 9 May 1791 to licensed keepers selling in quantities of no less than thirty gallons on pain of a £5 fine shared with the informer, yet by 4 June 1792 the restriction on wine had been eased to allow sales of not less than a dozen bottles, a loosening that shows the administration’s grip on the drink trade slackening as the period closed. [Film No. 12, 49, 64, 102, 137–149]

The isolation of the island made it acutely vulnerable to imported disease, and on 7 August 1781 a strict warning forbade all contact with a group of men suffering from a malignant fever who were to be landed at Lemon Valley, or with the ship that carried them, the officer commanding the guard there having orders to fire on any boat attempting to approach the rocks. The readiness to use lethal force to enforce a quarantine marks the gravity of the danger and shows how an isolated port guarded itself against a threat it could not treat. [Film No. 101]

Trade, Shipping and the Island’s Resources

Shipping bound the island to the wider world, and the notices name the vessels that came and went, among them the Talman, the Royal Captain and the Warwick, carrying goods, orders and, on occasion, deserting men. On 13 May 1768 the goods of the officers of the Talman were sold at the Market House, routing visiting trade through a regulated public channel. The disposal of surplus, imported and damaged goods by public auction was the most routine of all the Council’s tasks and frames the whole period, from the sale of officers’ goods and Madeira wine through the run to the eight pipes of Madeira sold on 11 July 1785, the 100 gallons of Lisbon wine and 30 of sherry on 3 August 1789, and the damaged stores offered by auction on 10 November 1794 with which the series closes. The Company also sought to keep the trade in spirits under its own hand, requiring on 2 April 1790 that any spirits a ship’s commander wished to sell be first offered to the Company’s storekeeper, and barring slave purchases from passing ships on 9 January 1786. [Film No. 64, 74, 90, 116–154]

The scarcity of wood shaped a body of rules protecting the island’s timber. On 3 December 1750 the Council forbade the cutting of furze from the roadsides, and the concern deepened over the years. On 11 December 1758 the felling of standing trees was met with a ban even on carrying hatchets into the Longwood, and on 2 February 1761 Longwood timber was confined to domestic fuel and its sale to ships forbidden on pain of a fine of 10 shillings for every stick sold. Wood had become scarce and valued enough to guard the very tools that threatened it. The young gumwood trees drew particular attention, for on 10 July 1755 the Council reported that goats had destroyed young gumwood at Horse Point and ordered owners to keep a keeper with them, and on 11 December 1758 it recalled earlier orders of 24 June 1754 and 18 July 1755 while goats and hogs still damaged the trees, a battle the administration never quite won. [Film No. 11, 24, 38, 39, 47]

Game was protected with heavy fines throughout the period, from an early awareness of dwindling stocks. On 24 February 1751/1752 the Council banned all shooting for a full year and set a penalty of 40 shillings for killing partridges, rabbits or doves; on 6 January 1758 it forbade the destruction of guinea fowl on pain of a fine of £5; and on 28 September 1761 it barred the hunting of deer on the waste lands. A detailed scheme of game law that also marked out the privileges of property appears in a notice of 3 October 1768, repeated and extended on 24 March 1777, which forbade the killing of guinea fowl, pheasants and rabbits and restricted the carrying of firearms to men holding at least 50 acres, even these qualified men shooting partridges and doves only between 1 February and 1 August, with half of each fine going to the informer. The tying of the right to shoot to landholding made the privilege a mark of property, and the fixed shooting months show a genuine effort at conservation. [Film No. 14, 34, 49, 63, 85]

The Company also experimented with new stock. On 5 June 1758 the Council announced that a pair of elks would shortly be released into the pasture near the Plantation House to establish a breeding stock, and forbade anyone to harm them on pain of a fine of £5. Such attempts to establish new animals reflect a wider interest in the island’s resources and their improvement. [Film No. 35]

Slavery and Coerced Labour

Slavery underlay the island’s economy and defence, and the record shows the enslaved population counted and controlled with the same care as livestock. On 12 December 1757 the Council required a return of all slaves, listed by their customary classifications, gathered into the same year-end notice as cattle and sheep, and on 23 October 1758 it demanded a detailed census of male slaves and boys, with their names, approximate ages and fitness for labour. The counting of slaves for labour and defence remained constant, for a notice of 17 June 1776 required a return of all male slaves between 16 and 60 years of age, with free blacks made to appear in person, recurring on 7 September 1778 and again on 15 November 1779. Recording the enslaved as a resource in this way, and folding the count into the general family return, marks the character of the official record, which measures people as it measures stock. [Film No. 33, 36, 82, 89, 96]

The free movement of slaves was tightly restrained by curfew. On 6 September 1753 the Council, tying a wave of disorder and robbery to slaves allowed to wander, forbade them to leave home on Sundays or to be abroad after eight at night on other days without written leave from their master, the same curfew returning on 17 September 1759, this time naming cricket and dancing as the Sunday pastimes to be stopped. Every inhabitant was made an enforcer, and the written-permit system made a slave’s presence in the countryside lawful only by the master’s leave. The management of dogs was bound directly to this control, for on 13 July 1752 the Council ordered that useless dogs be destroyed and that slaves not let their dogs follow them except when necessary, and on 16 September 1765 it required written leave for any slave to carry a dog, on pain of whipping. [Film No. 15, 21, 41–42, 57–58]

The control of goods was policed as tightly as the movement of people. On 31 December 1759 the Council, reporting that stolen goods were being bought from soldiers and slaves, forbade anyone to buy, receive or take in pledge any item from a soldier or a black person without written permission, on pain of a fine of £5. The same regime continued in the later run, for from 15 October 1787 masters sending goods to the Bay had to give their slaves written notes specifying the quantity and quality carried, and any trade with a slave required such a note naming the other party, a rule enforced when the publican Henry Powell was fined £5 on 27 September 1790 for buying fish from a slave who lacked his master’s written leave. This regime of notes and fines tied the movement of goods tightly to the control of the enslaved. [Film No. 45, 122–136]

Flight was the persistent answer of the slaves to their condition, and the notices offering rewards for runaways form one of the most telling threads of the record, revived again and again because they did not work. A reward for runaways was paired with a notice on damaged goods on 24 November 1760, first offered on 19 September 1768 and renewed on 16 July 1770, and named fugitives appear throughout the later run. On 13 October 1777 four slaves, Billy, Tom, Peggy and March, belonging to Richard Beale and James Doveton, were reported at large and suspected of mischief, and Patna, Tom Pogue and Caesar each appear by name in notices of 11 January 1779, 30 October 1780 and 27 September 1783, the last having escaped from prison. A reward of £3 was offered on 30 November 1784 for a Company slave named Simmonds who had absented himself without leave. When the endless rewards failed, a notice of 9 June 1783 acknowledged that earlier advertisements had proved ineffective and recast the rule, so that any slave absent for fourteen days was deemed a runaway and the owner had to pay the reward of £1 10s before the recaptured slave could be released from the gaol. [Film No. 46, 66, 86, 91, 98, 109, 115]

The administration also worked to seal the slaves and the free black population off from the shipping, fearing both desertion and unregulated contact. A notice of 14 September 1778 barred all free blacks from going aboard any ship in the road and required slaves to carry a written permit from their owners before boarding any vessel, and a notice of 18 January 1779 forbade fishing boats to pass Banks’s Battery at night, authorising the guard to fire on offenders. The different controls placed on free blacks and slaves show the administration distinguishing carefully between the two groups, while its steady concern to cut the island off from the ships in its road reveals how the sea offered the slaves their readiest hope of escape. [Film No. 89, 92]

The deepest fear of that society surfaced on 1 December 1785, when the Council announced the discovery of a plot among the slaves, described as a dangerous and wicked conspiracy. The administration admitted that its evidence rested on probable intention rather than any proven act, yet treated the matter as a grave threat and thanked providence for the plot’s early detection. The reliance on suspected intention leaves the reality of the plot beyond recovery, and the episode may reflect either a genuine design or the anxieties of masters reading conspiracy into the discontent their own system produced. A countervailing note appears late in the record, for on 22 July 1793 the Council published an order from the Court of Directors that any Black person not lawfully held as a slave should report his case to the governor or magistrate for investigation, and a notice of 4 July 1794 published the Company’s rules for disposing of its own slaves. The routine sale and letting of human beings is the plainest evidence of all, for a slave named Tom belonging to the Company was advertised for auction on 26 September 1791, and the great estate disposals of July and August 1794 let land and slaves together as single holdings, seven slaves listed among the goods at one auction on 28 July 1794 and six at another on 21 July 1794. [Film No. 117, 148–153]

Crime and Punishment

Petty theft and the destruction of property fill the record of the island’s crime, and the administration answered almost every offence with a public notice and a reward. The destruction of Company gates and fences was a persistent grievance across the whole period. On 6 October 1755 the Council offered a reward of 40 shillings for the culprits who had broken the gates dividing Blisses, Hardings Spring and Casons, and on 13 December 1756 it raised the reward to 20 dollars after further damage. A notice of 24 August 1774 reported that on the night of 21 August the hinges had been removed from several gates along the route from Purgatory to the Huts, some broken and others thrown down the ledges; a gate at Rosemary was stolen on 7 August 1776; and the damage to gates and pasture banks was still drawing rewards on 15 December 1783. The offer of pardon to an accomplice was the standard means of pursuit, and the steady recurrence of such damage may point to resentment among those whose movements the fences restrained, though the record names no motive. [Film No. 25, 30, 76, 83, 110]

Interference with the island’s defences and infrastructure drew rewards for information. On 23 December 1751 the Council offered 20 shillings over the spiking of a gun and the theft of its apron, and the theft of gun aprons recurred on 21 February 1760 at Friars Valley, while the water supply too was tampered with, for on 7 April 1755 a reward of 4 dollars was offered over the removal of the cock from the water pipe. The Company store itself was broken open on the night before 14 March 1771 and a considerable sum stolen, which brought a reward of 40 pounds and an offer of pardon to any accomplice who turned informer, and smaller thefts drew the same response, whether of hogs from the Maldivia Gardens on 2 August 1773, of bread from the bakehouse on 19 September 1774 or of a calf from the Longwood on 11 January 1779. A house-breaking at Captain Puirie’s in the valley brought a reward of £10 on 7 February 1791, doubled by the victim’s own £5. [Film No. 14, 24, 46, 68, 74, 77, 91, 138]

The record occasionally names individual offenders and fugitives. On 21 October 1762 the Council issued a notice concerning the escape of Frank and Will from prison, pursuing two named fugitives directly, and crime enters the record repeatedly, from a house broken open noted on 2 September 1755 to the robberies that prompted a lost notice on 12 April 1753. Offences against livestock and game recur so often that they form a class of their own, rewards being offered for killing Mr Leech’s bullock on 3 July 1792 and for sheep stealing on 27 August 1792. The killing or theft of a beast was a serious loss where meat was scarce, and the administration’s readiness to enlist the inhabitants in the pursuit shows how much the island’s discipline turned on protecting its animals. [Film No. 19, 25, 51, 151]

The punishment of offenders reveals with stark clarity the racial and military order on which the island rested, for the same offence drew different penalties by the colour or status of the offender. Time and again a white offender was fined while a Black offender was to be severely punished, as in the wood notice of 12 October 1767, the road notice of 14 September 1772 and the timber notice of 10 September 1781, while for soldiers the penalty was court martial, as on 27 February 1775, when carrying loads on the new road to the Lieutenant Governor’s residence was made a matter for military trial. A wood-cutting ban at Long Wood on 22 May 1786 shows all three at once, threatening an inhabitant with a fine, a soldier with court martial and a Black person with severe punishment. This divided scale, running through the whole record, is the plainest expression of the hierarchy that structured the island’s law. [Film No. 62, 72, 79, 102, 119]

Personalities

Named individuals appear in the record chiefly through the settlement of their estates, which gives a faint outline of the island’s propertied class. Governor Goodwin, whose estate was reckoned from 18 March 1750/1751, was the island’s own former chief; Samuel Falcomer, whose affairs recur from 8 November 1756 through 11 October 1757, left a house in the valley and a protracted tangle of debts; and William Turner, settled from 29 August 1757, left personal effects that had to be separated from goods merely in his keeping. A few figures emerge through public duties rather than death, as Robert Mason appears on 11 January 1753 as a supplier of provisions to the market whose accounts the Council settled. Among the later inhabitants John Bagley appears more than once, as the master of the slave boy Tom who stole a sheep on 21 February 1774 and as the neighbour of the stolen Rosemary gate, and Richard Beale and James Doveton appear as the owners of the four runaways of October 1777. [Film No. 12, 17, 30, 32, 76, 83, 86]

The most vivid personality of the later years is Benjamin Mason Junior, who spoke ill of the government and circulated a paper against a dead councillor’s name in May 1791, drew upon himself a stern general order and escaped only by apology, showing how a single act of dissent could provoke a lengthy public defence of authority. Others appear as the ordinary actors of the island’s life: Henry Powell, the publican fined £5 in September 1790 for buying fish from a slave; the Reverend John Wilson, seeking leave in September 1785 to keep hogs behind his Company house; and William Doveton, whose signature closes so many of the later notices and who presides over the record as the steady hand of its administration. The slaves, though named far less often, occasionally step out of the record as individuals rather than numbers, as with Tom the slave boy of John Bagley, the runaways Billy, Tom, Peggy and March, and Patna, Tom Pogue and Caesar, and Frank and Will the escaped prisoners of 1762. These fragments are all the record allows of lives lived under coercion, glimpsed only at the moment of flight or accusation. [Film No. 51, 76, 86, 109, 117–145]

Conclusion

Across the years from 1750 to 1794 the records show a small, tightly governed island whose administration reached into almost every corner of daily life. From the annual census first seen on 27 August 1750 to the damaged stores sold on 10 November 1794, the Governor and Council legislated for livestock, land, trade, drink, defence and the movement of people with unremitting attention, fixing prices to the half-penny and rents to the foot, and reforming the fees of its own officers. The recurrence of the same orders year after year is the surest measure of their limited effect, and it tells of a population that resisted or ignored much of what was demanded, so that the record is as much a register of failure as of command. [Film No. 11, 154]

The wider currents of the age reach the island through this local record, visible in the alarms of the Seven Years’ War and their relaxation in 1764, in the turn towards defence during the American War of about 1780 with its bought boats and drilling flying parties, in the grant of free trade in 1778, and in the guarded coastline of the renewed war with France in 1793. Above all the record makes plain that the whole settlement rested on the coerced labour of slaves, counted for defence, curfewed, barred from the ships, pursued in flight, sold beside the cattle and set to build the batteries at High Knoll and Ladder Hill for a daily wage, whose lives the official voice records only as objects of control, and whose fuller experience, together with that of the free poor and the women of the island, lies always in shadow. Because these are the Company’s own orders, they serve the interests of the Company and its propertied inhabitants, and the historian must weigh the official voice against the persistent signs of a community that did not always comply. [Film No. 11–154]

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Modern Interpretation and analysis

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EAP 1364 St Helena
Document Name and Date Register of Notices 1750-1794
Photographer Shelley
Date photographed 07 April 2022
Additional comments

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Book cover

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Advertizement Book.
27th August
1750.

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Island of Helena
27th August 1750
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send an Acct. of their Familys and Cattle before the 20th of Septr. & to attend to pay their Rents &c
St. Helena 3d Decr. 1750
Ordered an advertisement to be published forbidding all persons from cutting the Furze from the sides of the Roads &c
St. Helena 7th Jany. 1750
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants who have Cattle for sale, to send in the Secretary’s Office a signed Acct. of the same &c
St. Helena 21 Jany. 1750
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants who have Cattle for sale, to send in the Secretary’s Office the exact weight of each Beast & to what Ships sold &c

27 August 1750

The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It required every inhabitant of St Helena to submit an account of their family and livestock before 20 September. They were also to attend at the usual time to pay their rents and other dues.
Interpretations
The notice combined a population-and-stock census with the collection of rents in a single administrative act. Such returns gave the Company a running record of the island's people and its animals, on which victualling and taxation both depended. The recurrence of this demand across successive years shows it as a fixed point in the island's calendar rather than an occasional measure.

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3 December 1750
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It forbade anyone from cutting furze [gorse] from the sides of the public roads or similar places.
Interpretations
Furze served as fuel and as fodder on an island where wood was scarce. Protecting the roadside growth points to real pressure on common resources and to the administration's readiness to regulate even minor gathering.
Speculation
The rule perhaps followed a spell of heavy cutting that had already stripped these margins. A prohibition of this kind rarely appeared before the damage it addressed was visible.

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7 January 1750/51
The Governor and Council directed that an announcement be issued. It called upon every inhabitant who had cattle for sale to deliver to the Secretary's Office a signed account describing the same.
Interpretations
The order channelled all private cattle sales through a single office, giving the Company oversight of the island's meat supply. A signed account created a paper record against which later delivery and payment could be checked. This was the first step in a tightening sequence of livestock controls that ran through the following weeks.

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21 January 1750/51
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required every inhabitant with cattle for sale to give the Secretary's Office the exact weight of each animal and to state to which ships they had been sold.
Interpretations
The demand for exact weights and named buyers extended the January controls from mere registration to full accounting. Ships calling at St Helena depended on the island for fresh provisions, so tracking each sale let the Company monitor supply to passing vessels. The detail required marks a clear tightening on the notice issued two weeks earlier.
Speculation
The rapid move from a simple account to full weights and named buyers hints at a specific failure in the earlier system. Sellers may have under-declared or misdirected stock, prompting the Council to close the gap.

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Island of Helena
18th March 1750
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons that are indebted to the Estate of Govr. Goodwin, or have any demand upon the aforesaid Estate, to attend the Council &c
St. Helena 7th April 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the Planters to meet in Vestry to chuse Parish Officers &c
St. Helena 7th April 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published forbidding all persons that are not licenced, to retail spirituous liquors &c
St. Helena 27th May 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to bring their Hogs &c
St. Helena 7th July 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to keep all sorts of Cattle from trespassing upon the Grootts &c and forbidding all persons shooting Partridges &c

18 March 1750/51
The Governor and Council agreed that a public notice be issued. It called upon all persons indebted to the estate of Governor Goodwin, or holding any claim against that estate, to appear before the Council.
Interpretations
The settlement of a deceased governor's estate fell to the Council, which acted as the island's probate authority. Summoning debtors and claimants together was the standard means of reckoning what the estate owed and was owed. The notice shows the reach of local government into private financial affairs where no other court existed.

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7 April 1751
The Governor and Council resolved that a notice be published. It instructed the planters to assemble in vestry to elect parish officers.
Interpretations
The vestry gave the island a form of parish self-government modelled on English practice. Electing officers through it drew the planters into the routine administration of local affairs. The regular recurrence of these elections shows the vestry functioning as a settled institution rather than a nominal one.

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7 April 1751
On the same day the Governor and Council further resolved that a public notice be issued. It prohibited anyone without a proper licence from selling spirituous liquors by retail.
Interpretations
Licensing the retail of spirits let the administration both raise revenue and limit the disorder that drink could bring to a small garrison community. The rule implies that unlicensed selling was already common enough to warrant public prohibition. Control of liquor was a persistent concern on an island crowded with soldiers, sailors and slaves.

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27 May 1751
The Governor and Council determined that a notice be made public. It required every inhabitant to bring in their hogs.
Interpretations
Free-ranging hogs damaged crops and competed for scarce ground, so periodic orders to confine them were a recurring feature of island management. The brevity of the demand suggests the inhabitants understood its purpose without further explanation. Loose livestock was among the most frequent objects of regulation in these years.

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7 July 1751
The Governor and Council agreed that a further notice be published. It obliged everyone to keep all kinds of cattle from trespassing upon the Grootts [communal pastures], and forbade anyone from shooting partridges or other birds.
Interpretations
The Grootts were communal pastures whose protection mattered to every household that grazed stock there. Pairing the grazing rule with a ban on shooting birds shows the administration guarding both the pasture and the island's game in one act. Such measures reflect a settled concern with conserving common resources on a small and crowded island.

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St. Helena 30th July 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all the inhabitants to meet in Vestry on the 12th of next month at the hour of ten &c
St. Helena 26th August 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send an account of their Family and Cattle before the 30th of Sepr. & to attend to pay their Rent &c
St. Helena 9th Decr. 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the Planters to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next an exact signed account of the number of Cattle they intend for slaughter the ensuing year

30 July 1751
The Governor and Council resolved that a public notice be issued. It required every inhabitant of St Helena to assemble in vestry on the twelfth of the following month at ten o'clock in the morning.
Interpretations
A general summons to the vestry marked business of enough weight to require the whole community's presence. The fixed hour and date point to the formality with which such assemblies were called. Meetings of this kind were the principal occasion on which the inhabitants gathered for public affairs.
Speculation
The calling of a full assembly, rather than the usual planters' vestry, suggests a matter touching the whole island. Its nature went unrecorded here, but the breadth of the summons implies something beyond routine parish business.

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26 August 1751
The Governor and Council decided that a notice be published. It directed every inhabitant to submit an account of their family and livestock before 30 September, and to attend at the proper time to pay their rents and other dues.
Interpretations
This repeats almost exactly the census-and-rent demand issued the previous August, confirming it as an annual fixture. The near-identical wording from year to year shows the administrative calendar running to a settled pattern. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping on the island.

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9 December 1751
The Governor and Council agreed that a notice be issued. It called upon every planter to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before the following Monday, an exact signed statement of the number of cattle they intended for slaughter during the coming year.
Interpretations
Requiring advance declaration of the year's slaughter let the Company forecast the island's meat supply against the needs of the garrison and passing ships. A signed statement bound each planter to his stated figures and created a record for later reckoning. The measure fits the wider pattern of close control over cattle seen throughout these years.

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St. Helena 23d Decr. 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward of 20s to any person that shall discover the person or persons that spiked up the Gun & stole the Apron from off the Gun &c
St. Helena 13th Jany. 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to keep people by way of shepherds to hinder sheep from trespassing upon the Honble Company’s land, upon the penalty of paying 4s a head for every sheep that is found to trespass hereafter
St. Helena 24th Feby. 1751
Ordered an advertisement to be published forbidding all persons to shoot during the space of twelve months, or to destroy by any means either Partridges, Rabbits, or Doves, under the penalty of paying forty shillings for every offence
St. Helena 23d [March]
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the Planters to meet in Vestry the 30th [inst] to chuse Parish Officers

23 December 1751
The Governor and Council agreed that a public notice be issued. It offered a reward of 20 shillings to anyone who could reveal the person or persons responsible for spiking one of the guns and stealing its apron.
Interpretations
Spiking a gun and removing its apron disabled a piece of the island's defences, which made the act a serious matter for a garrison outpost. The offer of a reward shows the administration turning to public information where its own inquiries had failed. An apron was the cover protecting a gun's touch-hole and firing mechanism from the weather.
Speculation
The damage may have been mischief, or it may have masked something graver such as an attempt to weaken a battery. The Council's resort to a reward suggests the culprit was known to some in the community but shielded from the authorities.

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13 January 1751/52
The Governor and Council resolved that a notice be published. It required every inhabitant to employ people as shepherds to prevent sheep from trespassing upon the Honourable Company's land, under penalty of a fine of 4 shillings for each sheep found trespassing thereafter.
Interpretations
Placing the duty of control on the owners, and backing it with a per-animal fine, gave each household a direct stake in confining its flock. The Company's land was to be protected from the grazing that loose sheep would otherwise inflict. Fines calculated by the head were a common device for enforcing livestock rules in this period.

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24 February 1751/52
The Governor and Council determined that a notice be issued. It prohibited anyone from shooting for a period of twelve months, or from killing partridges, rabbits or doves by any means, under penalty of a fine of 40 shillings for every offence.
Interpretations
A full year's ban on shooting points to game stocks depleted enough to need time to recover. The heavy 40-shilling penalty marks the seriousness with which the administration treated the island's dwindling wildlife. Repeated measures of this kind across these years show conservation as a standing concern of the Council.

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23 March 1751/52
The Governor and Council resolved that a public notice be published. It instructed the planters to meet in vestry on the thirtieth of that month for the election of parish officers.
Interpretations
The vestry's election of officers recurred as a fixed event in the island's governing calendar. Calling the planters together for it drew them once more into the routine conduct of parish affairs. Its regular return confirms the vestry as an established organ of local self-government.
Speculation
The source gives this entry no year. Its position in the sequence places it in 1751/52, though the omission leaves a small margin of doubt.

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St. Helena 6th April 1752
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all the inhabitants of the said Island to geld all their Stone Horses, Stone Colts, & Riggs &c forthwith.
St. Helena 20th April 1752
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the Planters to send in Acct. of their Cattle they sell to the Ships to the Secretary within three Days, upon penalty of paying forty shillings for every such offence.
St. Helena 27th April 1752
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons upon the said Island that have Horses, to send an exact account signed of the number each person has, of Stone Horses, Stone Colts, Riggs, Geldings, Mares, or Fillies into the Secretary’s Office.
St. Helena 13th July 1752
Ordered the following advertisements to be published.
Whereas the Honble Company have lately had several Lambs killed by Dogs, therefore all persons are required to destroy all those that are of no use, & not to suffer them to follow their Blacks, without a real necessity.

6 April 1752
The Governor and Council agreed that a public notice be issued. It required every inhabitant of St Helena to castrate without delay all stallions, colts and riggs [partially castrated horses].
Interpretations
Controlling which horses could breed let the administration hold the island's horse population in check. Uncastrated stock, left to multiply, would strain the limited grazing that cattle also needed. The order marks the beginning of a concerted effort to regulate horses that ran through the following weeks.

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20 April 1752
The Governor and Council resolved that a notice be published. It directed all planters to send to the Secretary's Office, within three days of any sale, an account of the cattle they sold to ships, under penalty of a fine of 40 shillings for each offence.
Interpretations
Fixing a three-day deadline and a fine put teeth into the earlier requirement to report cattle sales. The tight window ensured the Company's record stayed current with each transaction. This tightening suggests earlier, looser rules had produced incomplete or late returns.

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27 April 1752
The Governor and Council determined that a public notice be issued. It required every horse-owner on the island to deliver to the Secretary's Office an exact signed return, stating how many of each type they possessed and distinguishing between stallions, colts, riggs, geldings, mares and fillies.
Interpretations
A detailed census by category gave the administration a full picture of the island's horse stock. The fine distinctions drawn between types allowed close control over breeding and numbers. This return completed the horse-management drive begun with the castration order three weeks earlier.

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13 July 1752
The Governor and Council decided that several notices be published. Because several of the Honourable Company's lambs had recently been killed by dogs, all inhabitants were required to destroy any dogs that served no useful purpose. They were also not to let their dogs follow their Blacks except when genuinely necessary.
Interpretations
Loss of Company lambs to dogs prompted a direct cull of animals judged useless. Linking the rule to the movement of slaves shows how closely the administration tied livestock protection to the control of labour. The measure reflects the constant tension between free-roaming animals and the island's managed flocks.

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6

And whereas many of the Honble Company’s Pigeons have been missing, this is therefore to forbid any person whatever to destroy them, upon penalty of paying ten shillings for every one.
And whereas fire is frequently carried about this Valley in a careless manner, this is therefore strictly to forbid any from to remove fire without it is so covered that no sparks can blow from it, upon penalty of paying a fine of ten shillings, if a white person, & if a Black, to be severely whipped.
St. Helena 3 August 1752
This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send a signed account to the Secretary of the number of cattle any of them have lost by death since the 1st Jany. to the 31st of July last, and to continue to transmit a return of such their losses at the end of every month.
St. Helena 17 August 1752
This is to give notice to all the inhabitants of the said Island, that the Honble Company’s stores will be shut on Saturday the 29th instant until the first Thursday in October, & that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before next Monday come three weeks, which will be the 25th day of Sept., an exact account of their Family, Land, and Cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Monday the 12th of October to pay their Rents due to the Honble Company for the year past.

13 July 1752 (continued)
The same day the Governor and Council further announced that, as many of the Honourable Company's pigeons had gone missing, no one was permitted to destroy them, under penalty of a fine of 10 shillings for each bird.
Interpretations
The pigeons were Company property and their loss brought a protective fine. Setting the penalty per bird gave a clear measure of the value placed on each. This clause formed part of the same composite notice that dealt with dogs and lambs.

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13 July 1752 (continued)
Because fire was often carried carelessly about the valley, another part of the notice strictly forbade anyone from moving fire unless it was properly covered so that no sparks could escape. The penalty for disobedience was a fine of 10 shillings for a white person, and severe whipping if the offender was a Black.
Interpretations
Fire was a grave danger in a crowded valley of timber and thatch, which made careless handling a public risk. The split penalty, a fine for whites and whipping for Blacks, shows the racially divided system of punishment that ran through the island's law. Such fire rules recurred through the period, a sign that the hazard never receded.

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3 August 1752
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It informed all persons on St Helena that they were required to send the Secretary a signed account of the number of cattle lost by death between 1 January and 31 July just past. They were also to continue submitting a return of such losses at the end of every month thereafter.
Interpretations
Recording deaths as well as sales gave the Company a complete account of the cattle stock and its wastage. Monthly returns turned an occasional check into continuous monitoring. The measure shows the administration extending its livestock oversight from trade to mortality.

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17 August 1752
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It informed all inhabitants that the Honourable Company's stores would close on Saturday 29 August until the first Thursday in October. All were required to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before Monday 25 September, an exact account of their families, land and cattle. They were also to attend at the Castle on Monday 12 October to pay their rents due to the Honourable Company for the past year.
Interpretations
Closing the stores for an interval allowed the annual inventory to be taken without trade interfering. Pairing the closure with the family-land-cattle return and rent day gathered the year's main administrative business into a single season. The detailed scheduling shows how tightly the island's fiscal calendar was managed.

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7

St. Helena 11 January 1753
This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that have any Cattle for slaughter, that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office forthwith an exact signed Acct. of the number they intend to dispose of in the ensuing year.
Those persons who have any demands upon Robert Mason for provisions sent to him for the use of the Market, are desired to send their respective claims to the Secretary before Monday the 22 instant, or sooner if they can.
Saint Helena 22 February 1753
Ordered the two following advertisements to be published.
Whereas several Gates on the High Road, on this side, and likewise in Sandy Bay &c.
Whereas an advertisement was published in the month of Sepr. last, forbidding all persons to kill any Partridge &c. both of these advertisements entered at large in Consultation of this day.

11 January 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published. It required all persons on St Helena who possessed cattle intended for slaughter to deliver to the Secretary's Office without delay an exact signed account of the number they proposed to dispose of during the coming year.
Interpretations
The yearly declaration of slaughter cattle recurred here as an established demand. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply against known needs. The measure sits within the settled routine of livestock accounting that defined these years.

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11 January 1753 (continued)
The same notice also requested that anyone with outstanding claims against Robert Mason, for provisions supplied to him for the use of the market, should present their accounts to the Secretary before Monday 22 January, or sooner if possible.
Interpretations
The market depended on suppliers whose accounts had to be settled in an orderly way. Folding this call into the annual cattle notice used one publication to serve two administrative ends. The reference to Robert Mason shows named individuals handling public provisioning under Council oversight.

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22 February 1753
The Governor and Council resolved that two advertisements be issued. One concerned several gates along the high road on this side of the island and in Sandy Bay. The other referred to a notice published the previous September that had forbidden anyone to kill partridges. Both advertisements were entered in full in the Council's consultation of that day.
Interpretations
Maintaining gates and fences mattered on an island where livestock had to be kept from crops and Company land. Re-issuing the partridge ban shows the administration returning to a rule that had evidently lapsed or been ignored. The entry of both in full marks them as texts the Council thought worth preserving verbatim.

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8

St. Helena 17 March 1753
Whereas the goods or liquors bought by the commanders & officers of the ships, & designed for sale here, are to be sent on shore & put up at public auction; this is therefore to give notice, that no person is to go on board any ship for the future to buy goods or liquors.
Island St. Helena 22 March 1753
Whereas the goods and liquors brought by the commanders & officers of the ships, & designed for sale here.
This is to give notice to all the planters of the said Island, that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle in this Valley on Monday next at the hour of ten in the morning.
Pr. Order of Council

17 March 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It declared that all goods or liquors purchased by the commanders and officers of visiting ships, and intended for sale on St Helena, were to be landed and sold only by public auction. It therefore forbade anyone from going on board any ship in future to buy such goods or liquors privately.
Interpretations
Forcing sales through public auction gave the administration oversight of trade and a share of its regulation. Private purchases aboard ship escaped both scrutiny and duty, which the rule aimed to end. The measure reflects the Company's wish to control the flow of goods through its port.
Speculation
The order suggests private shipboard dealing had grown common enough to threaten the Company's revenue or its monopoly. Auctions brought such trade into the open where it could be taxed and watched.

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22 March 1753
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It addressed the same matter of goods and liquors brought by ships' commanders and officers for sale on the island. It also required all planters to attend before the Governor and Council at the Castle in the valley on the following Monday at ten o'clock in the morning, by order of the Council.
Interpretations
Returning to the trade question within days shows the administration pressing the point. Summoning the planters at the same time gathered the community to hear or settle the matter directly. The repetition marks the seriousness with which the Council treated control of shipboard trade.

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9

Island of St. Helena 27th March 1753
This is to give notice to all the planters of the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 7th day of next month an exact and signed account of the number of sheep that each of them now have, and notice is hereby further given that no person or persons upon the said Island are for the future to sell any beef or mutton to any ships whatever, either to the Honble Company’s or foreigners, without a licence, under the hands of the Governor and Council.
Island St. Helena April 5th 1753
This is to give notice to all the planters of the said Island, that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle in this Valley on Monday next at the hour of 10 in the morning.
Island of St. Helena 12th April 1753
Whereas many robberys & thefts have been lately committed in several parts of the said Island this is

27 March 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It required all planters of St Helena to deliver to the Secretary's Office, on or before the seventh of the following month, an exact signed account of the number of sheep each possessed. The same notice declared that no one on the island was in future to sell beef or mutton to any ships, whether the Honourable Company's or foreign, without first obtaining a licence signed by the Governor and Council.
Interpretations
The sheep census and the licensing of meat sales together gave the Company command of the island's mutton and beef supply. Requiring a signed licence for every sale to shipping closed the trade to unregulated dealing. The measure extended to sheep the close control already applied to cattle.

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5 April 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required all planters to appear before the Governor and Council at the Castle in the valley on the following Monday at ten o'clock in the morning.
Interpretations
A summons of all planters signalled business the Council wished to put before them together. The fixed time and place point to the formal manner in which such meetings were called. Gatherings of this kind were the chief means by which the administration communicated directly with the landholders.

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12 April 1753
The Governor and Council announced that, as numerous robberies and thefts had recently taken place in different parts of the island, this was [the remainder of the notice is not recorded in the source].
Interpretations
The rise in theft prompted a public response, though its terms are now lost. The fragment shows crime as a recurring concern of island government. What action the notice proposed cannot be recovered from the surviving text.

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10

Island of St. Helena 7th April 1753
This is to give notice to all the Planters that they are required to meet on Monday next to chuse Parish Officers &c.
Island of St. Helena 3d May 1753
This is to give notice to all the Planters that they are required to attend the Council on Monday the 7th instant &c.
Island of St. Helena 7th May 1753
Whereas there is now but very few Hogs upon the Island, this therefore is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island, that they are hereby strictly forbid to sell any Pork to Ships without a permission from the Governor and Council.
Island of St. Helena 16th August 1753
This is to give notice to all the Planters upon the said Island, that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle in the Valley on Monday next the 20th instant at the hour of ten in the forenoon.

7 April 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It required all planters of St Helena to assemble on the following Monday for the election of parish officers.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurred here in its usual form. Assembling the planters for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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3 May 1753
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be published. It directed all planters to attend before the Council on Monday 7 May.
Interpretations
A further summons of the planters points to continuing business before the Council. The short interval between meetings suggests active administrative concerns in this period. Such gatherings were routine in the governance of the island.

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7 May 1753
The Governor and Council announced that, as there were then very few hogs remaining on the island, no one was permitted to sell pork to any ships without first obtaining permission from the Governor and Council.
Interpretations
A shortage of hogs led the administration to protect the remaining stock from export. Requiring permission for every sale to shipping conserved the island's pork for its own needs. The rule shows supply pressures shaping trade policy directly.
Speculation
The scarcity may have followed disease, over-slaughter or a poor breeding season. Whatever its cause, the Council judged the shortage grave enough to close the pork trade to ships.

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16 August 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required all planters to attend before the Governor and Council at the Castle in the valley on Monday 20 August at ten o'clock in the morning.
Interpretations
Another formal summons gathered the planters before the Council. The recurrence of such meetings shows them as a standing feature of the island's government. Their frequency reflects the close involvement of the landholders in public affairs.

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11

Island of St. Helena 6th Sept. 1753
Whereas many irregularitys & robberys are committed by Blacks being suffered to ramble about the Island, especially on Sundays, this is therefore to give notice that none hereafter must be allowed to go from their respective homes on that day, or to be absent from them on any other after the hour of 8 at night without leave in writing from his or their master or owner. And all persons are hereby authorised & required to stop every Black they find rambling in the country on the aforesaid times of night, & if they cannot produce such a permission they are to take his or their names & carry their masters or owners & to send it to the Secretary, at the Fort, that such Black may be publicly punished.
Island of St. Helena 10th Sept. 1753
This is to give notice to all the inhabitants of the said Island that the Honble Company’s stores will be shut on Saturday the 15th instant, until the 4th day of October, & that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 30th instant an exact account of their families, land, & cattle, and to attend at the Castle on the 12th of next month to pay their rents & revenues due to the Honble Company for the year past.
Island of St. Helena 18th Sept. 1753
Whereas several skins of sheep have been lately found in the Longwood hanging near the byeway that is commonly made use of by those people that fetch wood from thence, which gives great reason to believe they have been killed by them. This is therefore to give notice to all persons that they are hereby strictly forbid to go, or come from the Longwood with brushwood by any other way, than the public high road, on penalty of paying a fine of one shilling for every offence, or being publicly whipped.

6 September 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It declared that many disorders and robberies had been committed by Blacks allowed to wander about the island, particularly on Sundays. It therefore required that none were in future to leave their homes on that day, or to be away from them after eight o'clock at night on any other day, without written permission from their master or owner. All inhabitants were authorised and required to stop any Black found roaming in the countryside at those prohibited times. If such a person could not produce a written permit, their name and that of their master or owner were to be taken and sent to the Secretary at the Fort, so that the offender might be publicly punished.
Interpretations
The notice tied a wave of disorder to the free movement of slaves and answered it with a curfew. Enlisting every inhabitant as an enforcer turned the whole free population into an instrument of control. The written-permit system made a slave's presence in the countryside lawful only by the master's leave.

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10 September 1753
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It informed the inhabitants that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed from Saturday 15 September until 4 October. All were ordered to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before the thirtieth, an exact account of their families, land and cattle. They were also to attend at the Castle on 12 October to pay their rents and revenues due to the Honourable Company for the past year.
Interpretations
This is the annual store-closure, census and rent notice in its familiar form. The recurring bundle of demands shows the fiscal year turning on a fixed sequence. Such regularity was the foundation of the Company's administration of the island.

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18 September 1753
The Governor and Council announced that several sheepskins had recently been found at Longwood, hanging near the byway commonly used by those who fetched wood from that place, which gave strong reason to suspect the sheep had been killed by them. It was therefore declared that no person was to travel to or from Longwood with brushwood by any route other than the public highway, under penalty of a fine of 1 shilling for each offence or public whipping.
Interpretations
The hidden skins pointed to sheep-stealing by those gathering wood, which the administration moved to curb. Confining wood-carriers to the public road made their movements visible and harder to abuse. The measure shows how a specific theft could produce a general restriction on movement.

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12

Island of St. Helena 31 Octr. 1753
Whereas the fishermen or others have lately thrown the guts and offal of their fish upon the landing places which occasions a very offensive and unwholesome stench, this is therefore strictly to forbid all persons from doing it for the future, upon the penalty of being publicly whipped, and any one who shall discover the person or persons so offending shall receive as a reward a bottle of brandy for every person that is convicted upon such their information.
Island of St. Helena 5th Novr. 1753
Whereas the Honble Company’s hens with their eggs &c.
Island of St. Helena 26th Novr. 1753
Whereas fire is frequently carried about this Valley in a careless manner, this is therefore strictly to forbid any person to remove fire without it is so covered that no sparks can blow from it, upon penalty of paying a fine of ten shillings if a white person, and if a black to be severely whipped.

31 October 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It forbade fishermen and others from throwing the guts and offal of their fish upon the landing places, because this created an offensive and unwholesome stench. The prohibition was enforceable by public whipping, and any person who supplied information leading to a conviction was to receive a bottle of brandy for each person convicted.
Interpretations
Fouling the landing places was a public nuisance the administration acted to end. The reward of brandy for informers shows the everyday currency in which such cooperation was bought. Sanitation at the waterfront mattered to a port through which people and provisions constantly passed.

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5 November 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It related to the Honourable Company's hens and their eggs.
Interpretations
The brevity of the surviving entry leaves the notice's terms unknown. Company poultry, like its pigeons and lambs, evidently warranted protection. The record preserves the subject but not the substance.

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26 November 1753
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It strictly forbade any person to move fire unless it was so covered that no sparks could blow from it, under penalty of a fine of 10 shillings for a white person and severe whipping for a Black.
Interpretations
The fire rule returns here in the same terms as before, with the same divided penalty. Its repetition within sixteen months shows the hazard as a constant threat. The racial split in punishment remained a fixed feature of the island's law.

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13

Island of St. Helena 21st January 1754
This is to give notice to all the Planters of the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next an exact and signed account of the number of sheep that each of them now have; and notice is likewise hereby given to all those that have not yet given in a return of the number of cattle they have for slaughter for this present year, that they are also required to send that account on or before the abovementioned time.
Island of St. Helena 28th March 1754
The Planters are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on Monday next an exact account of the number of sheep that each of them have, that are fit for sale.
Island of St. Helena 27th June 1754
Ordered the following advertisement to be published. Whereas several &c.
Island of St. Helena 19th May 1755
This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby strictly forbid to go on board any foreign ship for the future as they will answer the contrary at their peril.

21 January 1754
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all planters of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before the following Monday, an exact signed account of the number of sheep they then possessed. The same notice reminded those who had not yet returned the number of cattle intended for slaughter during the present year that they were likewise required to send in that account by the same deadline.
Interpretations
The sheep return and the outstanding cattle declaration were gathered under one deadline. Reminding the delinquent shows that not all had complied with the earlier demand. The notice reflects the administration's steady effort to keep its livestock records complete.

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28 March 1754
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It directed all planters to send into the Secretary's Office on the following Monday an exact account of the number of sheep each possessed that were fit for sale.
Interpretations
A return specifically of saleable sheep let the Company gauge the supply available for market. Distinguishing these from the total flock refined the earlier census. The measure shows accounting tailored to the needs of trade.

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27 June 1754
The Governor and Council ordered the publication of a new advertisement beginning with the words “Whereas several” [the remainder is not recorded in the source].
Interpretations
Only the opening words of this notice survive. Its subject and provisions are lost to the record. The fragment attests to a publication whose content cannot now be recovered.

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19 May 1755
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It strictly prohibited anyone on St Helena from going on board any foreign ship in future, warning that offenders would answer the consequences at their peril.
Interpretations
Barring islanders from foreign ships served both security and the Company's trade monopoly. Contact with foreign vessels risked smuggling, desertion or the passage of information. The stern warning marks the administration's concern to seal the island from unregulated outside dealing.

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14

Island of St. Helena 7th April 1755
Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward of 4 dollars to any person that will discover who took away the cock out of the water pipe.

Island of St. Helena 10th July 1755
Ordered the following advertisement to be published.
Whereas there has been lately introduced here a great number of halfpence of a bad and base metal, and some of them very light in weight, this is therefore to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that no such money will be taken in the Honourable Company’s stores.

And whereas a great many of the young gumwood trees on the Horse Point are destroyed by goats that range near that place, this is therefore to give notice to those persons who have any goats in the above range that they are hereby required to keep a man or boy with them to prevent them from trespassing either on the Horse Point or in any part of the Longwood, as those that are hereafter found there will be killed.

Island of St. Helena 17th July 1755
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the planters to meet in Vestry the 21st instant.

7 April 1755
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It offered a reward of 4 dollars to anyone who could reveal the identity of the person who had removed the cock from the water pipe.
Interpretations
Tampering with the water supply threatened a resource on which the town depended. The reward shows the administration seeking public help to identify the culprit. Even small acts of interference with common infrastructure drew an official response.

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10 July 1755
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It announced that a large quantity of halfpence made of bad and inferior metal, some very light in weight, had recently been introduced to the island, and declared that such money would no longer be accepted in the Honourable Company's stores. The same notice stated that many of the young gumwood trees at Horse Point had been destroyed by goats that roamed there. All owners of goats grazing in that area were therefore required to place a man or boy with them to prevent trespassing upon Horse Point or any part of Longwood, since any goats found there in future would be killed.
Interpretations
The rejection of debased coin protected the Company's stores from bad money circulating on the island. Pairing this with the goat-and-gumwood rule shows two unrelated concerns carried in one notice. Protecting the young trees points to an early awareness of the damage grazing did to the island's timber.

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17 July 1755
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required the planters to meet in vestry on the twenty-first of that month.
Interpretations
A vestry summons gathered the planters for parish business. The short entry preserves the call but not its purpose. Such meetings were a routine instrument of local government.

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15

Island St Helena 2ᵈ September 1755
Ordered an advertisement to be Published requiring the Inhabitants to send an Acct of their families &ca & about Hogs, & a House being broke open &ca

Island St Helena 15ᵗʰ September 1755
Ordered the following Advert to be Published vizt Forbidding all Persons hiring Blacks on Sundays & and requiring an Account of Horses & and about Blacks Carrying Dogs & & &ca &ca &ca

Island St Helena 6ᵗʰ Octʳ 1755
Whereas some of the Honᵇˡᵉ Companys Gates, especially those in the Fences, that Divide their Honors Lands called Blisses, Hardings spring and Casons, have been lately broke and Destroyed & their Hinges & Latches taken away from them This is therefore to give Notice to all that if any one will Discover the Person or Persons, who were guilty of these mischievous practices he shall upon his or their being convicted thereof receive a reward of 40s And if any concerned in the aforesaid Facts will discover, his or their Accomplices, he shall be pardoned, & be paid the Money aforesaid

2 September 1755
The Governor and Council required that a public notice be published. It called upon the inhabitants of St Helena to send into the Secretary's Office an account of their families and of matters concerning their hogs. The notice also recorded that a house had been broken open, together with other related matters.
Interpretations
The family-and-hog return combined census work with livestock accounting in the usual way. The reference to a house-breaking shows crime again entering the administrative record. The compression of the surviving entry leaves several of its concerns only summarily noted.

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15 September 1755
The Governor and Council required that an advertisement be published. It forbade any person from hiring Blacks on Sundays, required an account of horses, addressed the matter of Blacks carrying dogs, and dealt with several other related concerns.
Interpretations
The notice bundled Sunday labour restrictions, a horse census and the movement of slaves with dogs into a single publication. Regulating how and when slaves could be hired extended the administration's control over their labour. The clustering of concerns shows several strands of island management addressed at once.

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6 October 1755
The Governor and Council announced that several of the Honourable Company's gates, particularly those in the fences dividing the lands called Blisses, Hardings Spring and Casons, had lately been broken and destroyed, and that their hinges and latches had been taken away. The notice offered a reward of 40 shillings to anyone who would discover the person or persons guilty of these mischievous acts. It further declared that any person concerned in the offences who would discover his or her accomplices should be pardoned and paid the reward.
Interpretations
Persistent destruction of Company gates brought a reward and an offer of pardon for informers. Turning an accomplice against the others was a standard means of breaking such offences. The naming of specific enclosures shows the administration tracking damage to particular parts of its land.

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16

Island St Helena 8ᵗʰ Decʳ 1755
This is to give Notice to all Persons on the said Island that have any Cattle & or Sheep &ca in about shooting of Cartridges &ca

Island St Helena 2ᵈ February 1756
This is to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island that have any men Slaves that they are hereby Ordered to send them on all Double Alarms, to the several Fortifications and places, to which they were Directed to go agreeable to the Order they received Dated the 17ᵗʰ Decʳ 1754 as they will answer the Contrary at their Peril.

Island St Helena 19ᵗʰ Febʳ 1756
Whereas many of the Honᵇˡᵉ Companys Iron crows, wheel Barrows &ca have been formerly lent to different People about the Island which are now much wanted This is therefore to require all Persons that have any of their Honors Tools or Utensils of any sort, to send them forthwith into the Store Yard in this Valley. - And whereas several Planters omitted sending an Account into the Secretarys Office of the weight of their Cattle which they sold last year, according to the Directions published in two former Advertizements They are therefore hereby strictly ordered punctually to comply with the same, for the future as they will answer the Contrary

8 December 1755
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It was addressed to all persons on St Helena who possessed cattle or sheep, and also referred to matters concerning the firing of cartridges and other related issues.
Interpretations
The entry links livestock accounting with a concern about the firing of cartridges. The brevity of the record leaves the detail of both matters obscure. The pairing shows routine and security concerns again sharing a single notice.

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2 February 1756
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It required all inhabitants who owned male slaves to send them, upon every double alarm, to the several fortifications and places to which they had been previously directed under the order dated 17 December 1754. It warned that anyone who failed to comply would do so at their peril.
Interpretations
The island's defence drew directly on slave labour, mustered to the fortifications on alarm. The reference to a standing order of 1754 shows this as an established part of the defensive system. Male slaves formed a recognised element of the manpower on which the garrison relied.

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19 February 1756
The Governor and Council announced that many of the Honourable Company's iron crows, wheelbarrows and other tools lent out about the island were now urgently needed. All persons holding any of the Company's tools or utensils were therefore required to return them immediately to the storeyard in the valley. The same notice stated that several planters had neglected to send into the Secretary's Office the weights of the cattle they had sold during the previous year, as required by two earlier advertisements. They were therefore strictly ordered to comply punctually with this rule in future or face the consequences.
Interpretations
The recall of Company tools shows equipment dispersed on loan and now wanted back. Reproaching planters for neglected cattle-weight returns reveals the limits of compliance with earlier orders. The notice illustrates the administration chasing both its property and its records.

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17

Island St Helena 8ᵗʰ March 1756
This is to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island who keep Fishing Boats, that they are hereby Directed, to give positive Orders to their Fishermen, to come immediately in to the nearest Landing place, upon their hearing an Alarm, Discovering a Ship, or seeing a Flag hoisted upon Castle Rock, or the Horse pastures Point and any Black that may be hereafter found to neglect this Order, will be severely punished for it. And all Blacks are hereby forbid going on board any Ship, whatsoever without a Letter from his Master or Owner, signifying his or their approbation.

Island St Helena 8ᵗʰ April 1756
This is to give Notice to all the Planters

Island St Helena 10ᵗʰ May 1756
Whereas the Swivel Gun &ca

Island St Helena 17ᵗʰ May 1756
This is to give Notice to all the Free Men Blacks of the said Island from the Age of 16 years to 60 That they are hereby Ordered to be upon the Line at the Main Fort upon all Double Alarms for the future

8 March 1756
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published. It required all persons on St Helena who kept fishing boats to instruct their fishermen to return immediately to the nearest landing place whenever they heard an alarm, sighted a ship, or saw a flag hoisted upon Castle Rock or Horse Pasture Point. It further declared that any Black who neglected this order would be severely punished, and that all Blacks were forbidden to go on board any ship whatsoever without a written letter of permission from their master or owner.
Interpretations
Coastal security depended on fishermen answering promptly to alarms and signals. Directing the order at the fishermen, many of them slaves, tied maritime defence to the control of labour. Barring slaves from ships without written leave guarded against both desertion and unregulated contact.

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8 April 1756
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It was addressed to all planters of the island.
Interpretations
The surviving entry records only the audience, not the content. The notice evidently concerned the planters as a body. Its substance is lost to the record.

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10 May 1756
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It concerned the swivel gun and related matters.
Interpretations
The reference to a swivel gun points to a defensive or disciplinary concern. The brevity of the entry leaves its purpose unclear. The record preserves the subject alone.

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17 May 1756
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It ordered all free Black men on St Helena between the ages of 16 and 60 to assemble upon the line at the main fort whenever a double alarm was raised in future.
Interpretations
Free Blacks, like slaves, were mustered to the island's defence on alarm. Fixing an age range defined the pool of men liable for service. The order shows the free Black population as a distinct and organised part of the garrison's manpower.

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Island St Helena 3ᵈ August 1756
Whereas a malicious report has been industriously spread, by some Ill designing Persons that there are many Cattle upon the Island that their Owners would be glad to sell had they liberty to do it. This is therefore to Order, all Persons that have any Cattle that are not included in the number already return’d for Slaughter for the year 1756 to give an immediate Account into the Secretarys Office of what they may so have, as they shall answer the Contrary at their Peril.

Island St Helena 6ᵗʰ Sepʳ 1756
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants &ca &ca &ca
Republished the Advertizement under date of the 8ᵗʰ of March 1756 relating to Fishermen &ca and the following vizᵗ
Enter it.
Notice is likewise hereby further given that all persons are Strictly Forbid to make any fires upon the hills in the Country or near the Sea, or in Boats, in the night time, upon pain of all like manner of being Fined and if a Black of being severely punished &ca

3 August 1756
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It answered a malicious rumour, deliberately spread by ill-intentioned persons, that many cattle on the island could be bought if only their owners were allowed to sell them. The notice therefore required all persons possessing cattle not already returned for slaughter in 1756 to give an immediate account of them at the Secretary's Office, warning that any who failed to comply would do so at their peril.
Interpretations
The administration moved to quash a rumour that threatened confidence in the cattle supply. Demanding an immediate account of unreturned cattle tested the truth of the claim directly. The episode shows how far the Council would go to control both stock and the talk surrounding it.
Speculation
The rumour may have arisen from genuine frustration among owners barred from selling, or from mischief meant to unsettle the market. Either way, the Council treated loose talk about cattle as a matter for public correction.

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6 September 1756
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It was addressed to all inhabitants and republished the advertisement of 8 March 1756 concerning fishermen and related matters. It further declared that no one was permitted to make fires upon the hills in the countryside, near the sea, or in boats during the night, under penalty of a fine, and if the offender was a Black, of severe corporal punishment.
Interpretations
Republishing the fishermen's order shows the administration reinforcing a rule of coastal security. The new ban on night fires guarded against signals that might aid an enemy or mask illicit movement. The divided penalty again marks the racial structure of the island's law.

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19

Island St Helena Janʸ 3ᵈ 1757
This is to give Notice that all persons upon the said Island are hereby strictly forbid to go in to the batterys near Mr King’s Seales House at Sandy Bay (except those appointed for that place) upon pain of a white man of being fined, and of a black of being severely whipt.
The Notice is hereby further given that all the free Militia men upon the Island from the age of 16 years to 60 are hereby ordered to attend the Govʳ & Council at the Castle in James’s Valley on Monday next the 10ᵗʰ Instant, at the hour of ten in the morning, or they will Answer ye contrary at their perile.
(repeated 6ᵗʰ)

Island St Helena Jany 10ᵗʰ 1757
This is to give Notice to all the Planters &c upon the Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretarys Office on or before Monday next the 17ᵗʰ Instant an exact signed Acct of the number of Sheep that each of them have, and how many of them they intend to sale the ensuing Year.

Island St Helena 18ᵗʰ April 1757
This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island who are in any manner indebted to the Estate of Mr Samuel Falcomer deced that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle in this Valley on Monday next the 25ᵗʰ Instant to pay what Money is due from them the said Estate.
And notice is hereby further given that the House in this Valley belonging to the said deceased Samʺ Falcomer, will be exposed to publick sale on Monday the 2ᵈ day of May next. He from the over it will be given for the Money the Purchaser giving sufficient security, and paying Interest for it at the rate of five per cent pʳ cent for the Year.

3 January 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It strictly forbade all persons on St Helena from entering the batteries near Mr King's Seal House at Sandy Bay, except those officially appointed to that post. Any white man who disobeyed was liable to a fine, and any Black offender would be severely whipped. The same notice required all free militiamen on the island, aged between 16 and 60, to attend before the Governor and Council at the Castle in James's Valley on Monday 10 January at ten o'clock in the morning, warning that failure to appear would be at their peril. The notice was repeated on 6 January.
Interpretations
Restricting access to the batteries protected sensitive defensive positions from interference. Combining this with a militia muster shows security dominating the administration's concerns at the year's opening. The repetition three days later underlines the weight placed on both measures.

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10 January 1757
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It required all planters on the island to send into the Secretary's Office, on or before Monday 17 January, an exact signed account of the number of sheep they possessed and how many they intended to sell in the coming year.
Interpretations
The annual sheep return recurs here in its established form. Distinguishing saleable animals from the total flock served the needs of the market. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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18 April 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published. It called upon all persons indebted in any way to the estate of Mr Samuel Falcomer, deceased, to appear before the Governor and Council at the Castle in the valley on Monday 25 April to pay what they owed. The same notice announced that Mr Falcomer's house in the valley would be offered for public sale on Monday 2 May following. The purchase money would be accepted in instalments if the buyer gave adequate security and agreed to pay interest at 5 per cent per annum.
Interpretations
The Council again acted as probate authority in settling a deceased islander's estate. Offering the house on credit at a stated rate of interest shows the flexible terms by which property changed hands. The estate of Samuel Falcomer recurs across several later notices, marking a protracted settlement.

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20

This is to give Notice to all persons upon the Island who have any Claims upon or are in any manner indebted to the late Samʺ Falcomer deceased, that they are hereby required to send into the Secretarys Office on or before Monday the 15ᵗʰ Instant their res. Accounts, and Demands upon the said deceaseds Estate, otherwise all & every Assʳ & that are upon may belong unto him.
22ᵈ Novʳ 1756

This is to give notice to all persons upon the Island, for Thursday next the 25ᵗʰ Inst. there will be exposed to publick sale sundry effects belonging to the late Samuel Falcomer deceased and bred given of the same for 2 months the Auction to begin at the hour of ten in the Morning at his house in this Valley.

13ᵗʰ Decʳ 1756
Whereas an advertisement was published abᵗ a year ago, offering a reward of 40 Shillings to any person that would discover and make proof of any Body’s breaking and destroying the Honᵇˡᵉ Company’s Gates. This is therefore to give Notice if whosoever shall prove any person or persons guilty of those mischievous practices, particularly lately breaking and throwing off ye hinges, the Gate leading to the Common, below Mr John Goodwin’s house shall upon his or their being convicted thereof instead of ye above mentioned reward of 40 Shillʳ receive a reward of 20 dollars.
And Notice is also hereby further given, to all the Planters in the Island to send into the Secretarys Office on or before Monday next ye 20ᵗʰ Instᵗ an exact and signed list of the number of Cattle they intend for Slaughter the ensuing Year.

8 November 1756 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all persons on St Helena who had any claims upon, or were in any way indebted to, the late Samuel Falcomer, deceased, to send into the Secretary's Office on or before Monday 15 November their accounts and demands upon his estate. It warned that failure to do so might affect any assets or assignments belonging to him.
Interpretations
Reckoning the Falcomer estate required a full accounting of what it owed and was owed. Setting a deadline forced claimants and debtors to come forward together. The notice forms part of the extended settlement that recurs through this period.

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22 November 1756
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It announced that on Thursday 25 November sundry effects belonging to the late Samuel Falcomer, deceased, would be exposed for public sale. Two months' credit would be allowed, and the auction was to begin at ten o'clock in the morning at his house in the valley.
Interpretations
The public sale of the estate's effects was the means of converting goods to cash for settlement. Allowing credit widened the field of possible buyers. The auction of personal effects was a customary stage in winding up an estate.

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13 December 1756
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It recalled an advertisement published about a year earlier which had offered a reward of 40 shillings to anyone who could discover and prove the identity of those who had broken and destroyed the Honourable Company's gates. The new notice declared that whoever could now prove any person guilty of such offences, particularly of recently breaking the gate leading to the Common below Mr John Goodwin's house off its hinges, would receive instead a sum of 20 dollars upon conviction of the offender. The same notice required all planters on the island to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before Monday 20 December, an exact signed list of the cattle they intended for slaughter in the coming year.
Interpretations
Raising the reward from 40 shillings to 20 dollars shows the earlier offer had failed to stop the damage. Naming the latest gate broken points to a continuing pattern of destruction. Folding in the annual slaughter return again used one notice for two ends.
Speculation
The steady destruction of gates across successive years may point to more than casual mischief. It perhaps reflects resentment among those whose movements the fences restrained, though the record names no motive.

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Isld St Helena July 25ᵗʰ 1757
This is to give Notice to all persons upon ye Isld that have any Cattle to dispose of over & above yt was last return’d for Slaughter, they are hereby required to send an Acct of them into ye Secᵣʸ Office forthwith, and that some of them will be sold alive.

Island St Helena August 11ᵗʰ 1757
Whereas complaints has been made of the great inequality of the distribution of the Meat from the Market, some Gentlemen having taken a larger quantity of what was brought thither than could be allowed of, whereby Others have often times been Obliged to go without any. In order to Remedy this inconvenience we thought proper to lay upon the following regulation which is not to be broke in upon by any Person whatsoever, as they will Answer the Contrary at their Peril.
after the Hospital Governor and Council are served the Gentlemen are to be served in the following Order -
Imprimis none are to have at one time more than Ten pounds of the prime pieces, and Three pounds of Weighing Meat with it.
The Person who is the first upon the Roll this Day is to be placed the last on the Saturday following and so to Continue in this rotation.

25 July 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued. It required all persons on St Helena who had cattle available for sale, beyond those already returned for slaughter, to deliver an account of them immediately to the Secretary's Office. It further stated that some of the cattle would be sold alive.
Interpretations
The call for surplus cattle shows the administration managing supply beyond the fixed slaughter returns. The note that some would be sold alive points to a trade in live animals as well as meat. The measure reflects the constant balancing of the island's stock against demand.

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11 August 1757
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It addressed complaints about the unequal distribution of meat from the market, where certain gentlemen had taken more than their proper share, leaving others without any. To correct this, the Governor and Council introduced a new regulation which no one was permitted to disregard under penalty. After the hospital, governor and council had been supplied, the gentlemen were to be served in a fixed order. First, no one was to receive more than 10 pounds of prime meat together with 3 pounds of weighing meat at one time. Secondly, the person who stood first on the roll that day was to be placed last on the following Saturday, and the sequence was to continue in that rotation.
Interpretations
Rationing the market meat by a rotating roll answered a genuine grievance over unfair shares. The detailed rules show the administration managing scarcity down to the pound. Serving the hospital, governor and council first marks the recognised order of precedence on the island.

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Isld St Helena 29ᵗʰ Augʳ 1757
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretarys Office, On or before the 30ᵗʰ of next Month, an exact & signed Account of their Servants, Land, Cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Tuesday the Eleventh of October next to pay their Rents & Revenues Due to the Honorable Company for the Year past.
And Notice is hereby further given that the Honorable Company’s Stores will be shut from the seventeenth of next Month until the 15ᵗʰ of October next, for Orders to take an Inventory of the same.

Island St Helena
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the said Island, who have any Claims upon, or are in any Manner Indebted, to the late William Turner deceased that they are hereby required to send into the Secretarys Office, on or before Monday the 3ᵈ Day of October next, their several Accounts, and Demands, upon the said Deceased’s Estate, and likewise an Account of all desiring Apparel that he may have of any Person or Persons Property in his Custody at the Time of his Decease.

Island St Helena 10ᵗʰ Octʳ 1757
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the said Island that on Thursday next the 13ᵗʰ Instant there will be exposed to publick Sale, Sundry Effects belonging to the Estate of the late Mr William Turner decd, and Credit being given for the same for 3 Months the Auction to begin at the hour of 10 in the Morning at his House in this Valley.

29 August 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all inhabitants of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before the thirtieth of the following month, an exact signed account of their servants, land and cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Tuesday 11 October to pay their rents and revenues due to the Honourable Company for the past year. The same notice announced that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed from the seventeenth of the following month until 15 October, to allow an inventory to be taken.
Interpretations
This is the annual census, rent and store-closure notice in its established shape. Counting servants alongside land and cattle shows labour recorded as part of the yearly return. The bundle of demands confirms the fixed rhythm of the fiscal year.

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29 August 1757 (continued)
The Governor and Council also directed that another notice be issued. It directed all persons who had any claims upon, or were in any way indebted to, the late William Turner, deceased, to send into the Secretary's Office on or before Monday 3 October an account of their claims and demands upon his estate. They were also required to provide details of any clothing or personal effects belonging to others that had remained in Turner's possession at his death.
Interpretations
The Turner estate, like Falcomer's, was settled through a public call on debtors and claimants. The request for others' goods held at death shows the care taken to separate the estate from property merely in the deceased's keeping. Such notices were the routine machinery of probate on the island.

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10 October 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It announced that on Thursday 13 October various effects belonging to the estate of the late Mr William Turner, deceased, would be offered for public sale. Three months' credit would be allowed, and the auction was to begin at ten o'clock in the morning at his house in the valley.
Interpretations
The auction of Turner's effects followed the standard course of estate settlement. The three months' credit offered shows the customary terms extended to buyers. Converting goods to cash was the necessary step in winding up the estate.

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Island St Helena 11ᵗʰ Octʳ 1757
This is to give Notice to all the Planters upon the said Island that they are hereby required to meet in Vestry at the Chappel in this Valley on Monday the 24ᵗʰ Instant.
And likewise all Persons that are Indebted to the Estate of the late Samuel Falcomer deceased are hereby desired to pay their respective Debts to the Governor & Council.

Island St Helena 12ᵗʰ Decʳ 1757
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary Office on or before Monday ye 2ᵈ day of Janʸ 1758 an exact signed Acct of the number of Cattle each of them have for Slaughter the ensuing Year and also of their rest and respive Stocks of Sheep, and how many of these they intend for Sale.
All Persons upon ye Island are hereby also required to send into ye Office on or before ye time aforesd a Just return of their Slaves &c distinguishing them according to their res. Denominations as usual.

Isd St Helena 3ʳᵈ Novʳ 1757
Whereas there is reason to believe yt some People who keep Sheep upon the Island do not return (according to the Advertisement published Annually) their full number, and others yt keep some upon ye Honᵇˡᵉ Company’s waste Land, who return none. This is therefore strictly to require all Persons who have Sheep, to give into ye Secʸ Office on or before Monday ye 14ᵗʰ Instᵗ an exact signed Acct of ye number each Person have (Lambs included) upon pain of being fined five Shillings for each Sheep yt may be found more than was returned, excepting any increase.

11 October 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all planters on St Helena to assemble in vestry at the chapel in the valley on Monday 24 October. The same notice called upon all persons indebted to the estate of the late Samuel Falcomer, deceased, to pay their debts to the Governor and Council.
Interpretations
A vestry summons and a further Falcomer call were carried in one notice. The continuing pursuit of that estate's debtors shows how protracted such settlements could be. Combining the two matters again shows efficient use of a single publication.

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3 November 1757
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It declared there was reason to believe some who kept sheep were not giving a full account of their numbers as required by the annual advertisement, and that others who grazed flocks upon the Honourable Company's waste land were making no return at all. It therefore strictly required every sheep-owner to deliver to the Secretary's Office, on or before Monday 14 November, an exact signed account of the number they possessed, including lambs. Any who failed to comply would be fined 5 shillings for each sheep found over the number returned, excepting natural increase.
Interpretations
Suspected under-reporting of sheep prompted a stricter demand backed by a per-animal fine. Naming those who grazed the waste land shows the administration closing a gap in its returns. The exception for natural increase reflects a practical grasp of how flocks grew between counts.

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12 December 1757
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required all persons on the island to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before Monday 2 January 1758, an exact signed account of the number of cattle they possessed for slaughter in the coming year, together with a return of their total stocks of sheep and the number intended for sale. The same notice ordered that all inhabitants must send by the same date a correct return of their slaves, distinguishing them according to their respective classifications as was customary.
Interpretations
The year-end return gathered cattle, sheep and slaves into a single accounting. Requiring slaves to be listed by classification shows the administration tracking the enslaved population as closely as its livestock. The customary nature of the slave return marks it as an established part of the record.

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24

Isd St Helena 6ᵗʰ Jany 1758
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the Island that they are hereby strictly forbid to hunt, kill, or in any manner to destroy the Guinea Fowl, upon pain of paying the Sum of five pounds for every such offence that they are convicted of.

Island St Helena 6ᵗʰ March 1758
Whereas contrary to an Order published the 6ᵗʰ of Jany last, there are several Horses yet grazing upon the Honᵇˡᵉ Compʸˢ Waste Land, especially a lot that part called the Red Hill. This is therefore to give Notice to the persons they belong to, and to all others, that they are hereby required to take them off forthwith, on the penalty of the Owner being fined in the sum of 5s for each Horse or Mare, and as often as they are found grazing upon any part of the aforesaid Waste Land.

Island St Helena 2ᵈ June 1758
Whereas there are several Hogs frequently rambling about this Valley, and rooting in the Channel that Convey the Water to the Crane for the Ships, notwithstanding repeated Orders to forbid it. And whereas several have been lately seen above the Pond upon Ladder Hill, and above that which leads to Munden’s Point by which Peoples lives are endangered, by their often rolling down Stones. This is therefore to give Notice that all Hogs that are hereafter found on either Side of the above mentioned place will be shot, and likewise all those that go about the streets or on the backside of the Houses of the Town are hereby required to be taken up and put into the Low Pitt, and the persons to whom they belong will be liable to pay a Fine of five Shillings, one half to the use of the Poor of the Parish, and the other half to the person or persons that shall so take any up. And in case any one shall refuse to pay the said penalty, the Hog or Hogs so taken up are to be sold at publick Auction, the Fine paid according to this Order, and the surplus (if any) to be returned to the Owner or owners of them.

6 January 1758
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It strictly forbade all persons on St Helena from hunting, killing or in any way destroying guinea fowl, under penalty of a fine of 5 pounds for every offence proved against them.
Interpretations
Protecting the guinea fowl with a heavy fine points to concern for a valued or dwindling species. The scale of the penalty marks the seriousness of the prohibition. Game protection recurs as a standing theme of the island's regulation.

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6 March 1758
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It declared that, contrary to the order published on 6 January, several horses were still grazing upon the Honourable Company's waste land, particularly in the area known as Red Hill. The owners of these animals, and all others concerned, were therefore required to remove them immediately, under penalty of a fine of 5 shillings for each horse or mare found grazing there, the fine to be imposed each time the offence was repeated.
Interpretations
The persistence of horses on the waste land shows an earlier order widely ignored. A repeatable fine per animal aimed to make continued trespass costly. The naming of Red Hill points to a particular trouble spot in the administration's oversight.

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2 June 1758
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It reported that hogs were frequently roaming about the valley and rooting in the water channels that carried water to the crane used by the ships, despite repeated orders forbidding it. Several had also been seen above the pond on Ladder Hill and on the slope leading to Munden's Point, where they endangered people by dislodging stones. The notice declared that any hogs found in either area would be shot. It also ordered that all hogs wandering in the streets or behind the houses of the town were to be caught and confined in the Low Pitt. Their owners would be liable to a fine of 5 shillings for each offence, half going to the poor of the parish and half to the person who caught the animals. If any owner refused to pay, the hog or hogs were to be sold at public auction, the fine deducted, and any balance returned to the owner.
Interpretations
Roaming hogs threatened both the water supply and public safety, which brought a licence to shoot them. The elaborate scheme of confinement, fines and auction shows the administration's practical handling of a persistent nuisance. Dividing the fine between the poor and the catcher gave the community a stake in enforcement.

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25

And whereas there is much Filth and dirt carried and thrown in the Road way leading to Munden’s Point, and in several other places in this Valley, which is very offensive. This is further to give Notice that all Persons are hereby strictly forbid to practise the same for the future, but to carry every kind of dirt or filth to the Sea. Whoever Person or Persons are discovered disobeying this Order, are to pay a Penalty of half a Dollar for every such offence, one half whereof is to be given the Informer, upon due proof made of the Fact, and the other half to the Poor of the Parish.

Island St Helena 5ᵗʰ June 1758
Whereas a brace of Elks will in a few days be turned out into the Honorable Company’s Pasture near the Plantation House, for a Breed. This is therefore to give Notice to all persons upon the Island that they are hereby strictly forbid to kill, or in any other manner to hurt or destroy them or any of their Offspring. Whoever are discovered offending herein will be liable to forfeit for every such offence, the sum of five pounds, one half thereof to the Honorable Company’s Cash, and the other half to the Informer on due proof made of the Fact.

Island St Helena 10ᵗʰ July 1758
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the Island, if any of them have any Cattle, & they incline to dispose of exclusive of those they return for slaughter for the present Year, they are desired to send an Acct of all such forthwith into the Secretary’s Office.
N.B. Bulls will be taken.

2 June 1758 (continued)
The Governor and Council also directed that a further notice be issued. It declared that much filth and refuse had been thrown along the roadway leading to Munden's Point and in several other parts of the valley, creating a serious nuisance. It therefore strictly forbade all persons from continuing this practice and required that every kind of dirt or waste be carried to the sea instead. Anyone discovered violating this order would be fined half a dollar for each offence, one half of the penalty going to the informer upon proof and the other half to the poor of the parish.
Interpretations
Fouling the roadways was a public nuisance the administration moved to curb. Directing waste to the sea shows the accepted means of disposal in the port town. The divided fine again enlisted informers in the work of enforcement.

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5 June 1758
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It announced that a pair of elks would shortly be released into the Honourable Company's pasture near the Plantation House to establish a breeding stock. It therefore strictly forbade anyone on the island from killing, harming or in any way injuring these animals or their offspring. Any person found guilty would forfeit 5 pounds for each act, half to the Honourable Company's treasury and half to the informer upon due proof.
Interpretations
The introduction of elks shows the Company experimenting with new stock on the island. Protecting the breeding pair with a heavy fine aimed to give the venture time to succeed. Such attempts to establish new animals reflect a wider interest in the island's resources.

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10 July 1758
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It instructed all persons on the island who had cattle they wished to sell, beyond those already returned for slaughter for the present year, to send an account of them immediately to the Secretary's Office. It was added that bulls would also be accepted.
Interpretations
The call for surplus cattle recurs here in its familiar form. The willingness to take bulls shows the administration drawing on all available stock. The measure reflects the continual management of supply against demand.

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Island St Helena 6 September 1758
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 30ᵗʰ Instant an exact signed account of their Family, Lands, and Cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Wednesday the 11ᵗʰ of next Month to pay their Rents and Revenues due to the Honorable Company for the year past.
Notice is hereby further given that the Honorable Company’s Stores will be shut on Saturday 16ᵗʰ Instant until Thursday the 12 day of October.

Island St Helena 23ᵈ of October 1758 the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next an exact account of the number of Men Slaves and Boys each person hires with their several names and ages as near as they can guess, distinguishing those that are infirm and not fit for Labour.

6 September 1758
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all inhabitants of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before the thirtieth of that month, an exact signed account of their families, land and cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Wednesday 11 October to pay their rents and revenues due to the Honourable Company for the past year. The same notice announced that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed from Saturday 16 September until Thursday 12 October.
Interpretations
The annual census, rent and store-closure notice appears again in its settled form. The consistency of its terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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23 October 1758
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required all persons on the island to send into the Secretary's Office, on or before the following Monday, an exact account of the number of male slaves and boys each person employed, together with their names and approximate ages, distinguishing those who were infirm or unfit for labour.
Interpretations
A detailed census of male slaves served both labour and defence, since these were the men mustered on alarm. Recording names, ages and fitness gave the administration a precise measure of the available workforce. The return shows the enslaved population counted with the same care as any other resource.

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Island St Helena
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the said Island who keep Fishing Boats, that they are hereby directed to give positive orders to their Fishermen to come immediately into the nearest Landing place upon their heaving an Alarm, discovering a Ship, or seeing a Flag hoisted upon Earthen Rock or the shore by Rupert’s Point, and any Blacks that may hereafter be found to neglect this order will be severely punished for it. And all Blacks are hereby forbid going on board any Ship whatsoever without a letter from his Master or Owner signifying his or their Approbation.
Notice is likewise hereby further given that all persons are strictly forbid to make any fire upon the Hills in the Country or near the Sea, or in Boats in the night time, upon pain (if a White Man) of being fined, if a Black of being severely punished for it.

27 November 1758
Island St Helena
Whereas many people dig dirt to make mortar on Ladder Hill Side so near the path that the Rubbish or Gravel thrown from it greatly narrows and encumbers the Road. This is therefore to give Notice that no person is hereafter to dig any dirt there without leave from the Governor and Council.
27 November 1758

6 November 1758 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It ordered all persons on St Helena who kept fishing boats to instruct their fishermen to return immediately to the nearest landing place whenever they heard an alarm, sighted a ship, or saw a flag hoisted upon Earthen Rock or on the shore by Rupert's Point. It further declared that any Black found neglecting this order would be severely punished. All Blacks were also strictly forbidden to go on board any ship without a written letter of permission from their master or owner. The same notice forbade anyone from making fires upon the hills, near the sea, or in boats at night. Any white person who disobeyed would be fined, while any Black offender would be severely punished.
Interpretations
The fishermen's order and the night-fire ban return here together, extended to new signal points. Directing both at slaves ties coastal security once more to the control of labour. The recurrence of these rules shows the administration's steady vigilance over the shore.

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27 November 1758
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It stated that many people were digging earth for mortar on the side of Ladder Hill so close to the path that the gravel and rubbish thrown down were narrowing and obstructing the road. It therefore declared that no person was to dig earth there in future without permission from the Governor and Council.
Interpretations
Uncontrolled digging on Ladder Hill was damaging a route the town depended on. Requiring permission brought the practice under the Council's oversight. The measure shows the administration protecting the island's paths as well as its lands.

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Island St Helena
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the first day of January 1759 an exact signed account of the number of Cattle each of them have for slaughter the ensuing year, and also of their several and respective stocks of Sheep, and how many of those they intend for sale.

11ᵗʰ December 1758
Island St Helena
Whereas an advertisement was published the 24ᵗʰ June 1754 ordering all persons to keep, or draw a spot, their Sheep by way of Shepherds, and to ring their Hogs, and likewise to keep all sorts of Cattle from trespassing in the Longwood, or on any of the Honourable Company’s pastures. Yet notwithstanding there is frequently found many Goats and Hogs in the Longwood, especially upon that part called the Horse Point which do considerable damage to the young Gumwood trees. This is therefore to give Notice that if any Sheep, Goats, or Hogs are hereafter found so trespassing, or Hogs not properly rung, they will be impounded, and the owners thereof shall pay a fine of four pence for each Sheep, and six pence for each Hog. And as Goats cannot be kept out by the Custos morum and approved of fence, the owners of them who have any ranging near the Longwood are hereby required to keep a man or boy with them to prevent their trespassing either on the Horse Point or on any part of the Longwood, as those that are hereafter found there will be killed, as was mentioned in the advertisement published the 18 July 1755.

4 December 1758 (continued)
The Governor and Council gave notice to all persons on St Helena that they were required to send into the Secretary's Office, on or before 1 January 1759, an exact signed account of the number of cattle each had for slaughter in the coming year, and also of their several stocks of sheep and how many of those they intended for sale.
Interpretations
The year-end cattle and sheep return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the year ahead. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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11 December 1758
The Governor and Council further directed that a notice be issued. It recalled that an advertisement published on 24 June 1754 had ordered every person to keep or draw a shepherd for their sheep, to ring their hogs [ringing – the practice of fitting a ring to restrain or identify swine], and to prevent all sorts of cattle from trespassing on the Longwood or any of the Honourable Company's pastures. Despite this, goats and hogs were still frequently found in the Longwood, especially on the part called Horse Point, causing considerable damage to the young gumwood trees. It was therefore required that any sheep, goats or hogs found trespassing, or any hogs not properly rung, would be impounded, and that the owners would incur a fine of 4 pence for each sheep and 6 pence for each hog. Because goats could not be kept out by the custos morum [custos morum – the parish official responsible for local order] and an approved fence, owners of goats that ranged near the Longwood were ordered to keep a man or boy with them to prevent trespassing on Horse Point or any part of the Longwood, and any goats found there in future would be killed, as declared in the advertisement of 18 July 1755.
Interpretations
The repeated trespass of goats and hogs shows earlier orders persistently defied. Protecting the young gumwood trees points to a sustained concern for the island's timber. The graded fines and the threat to kill straying goats mark an escalating effort to enforce the rule.

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And whereas some Trees in the Longwood have lately been cut down, not withstanding positive orders long since given to forbid such practice. This is therefore to give Notice to all persons that they are not to carry Hatchets or any other instrument to fell Trees or to cut down wood in the Longwood, nor are they to break off any branches from standing Trees upon penalty, if a White man, of being fined £1 and if a Black of being severely punished for it.
11 December 1758

Island St Helena
Whereas repeated orders have been issued forbidding all persons to suffer either Horses or any kind of Cattle to ramble about in this Valley, yet notwithstanding many are frequently seen grazing in the Channel that conveys the water for the Shipping and do great damage thereto. This is therefore to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that if their Horses or Cattle of any kind are hereafter found so trespassing below the Mulberry Gardens, the owner or owners of them will be fined in the sum of ten shillings for each beast and be obliged to repair the damage they may sustain.
April 9ᵗʰ 1759

11 December 1758 (continued)
The Governor and Council further announced that certain trees in the Longwood had recently been cut down, despite strict orders long before forbidding such actions. All persons were therefore prohibited from carrying hatchets or any other instruments for felling trees or cutting wood in the Longwood, and from breaking branches from standing trees. The penalty for disobedience was a fine of 1 pound if the offender were a white man, or severe corporal punishment if a Black.
Interpretations
The felling of Longwood trees brought a ban even on carrying the tools that made it possible. Protecting the standing timber shows how scarce and valued wood had become. The divided penalty again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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11 December 1758 (continued)
The Governor and Council also directed that another notice be published. It declared that, although repeated orders had forbidden anyone to let horses or cattle wander in the valley, many were still seen grazing in the channel that carried water for the shipping, causing serious damage. It therefore declared that if any horses or cattle were found trespassing below the Mulberry Gardens, their owners would be fined 10 shillings for each beast and required to repair any damage caused.
Interpretations
Straying stock in the water channel threatened the supply on which shipping depended. The persistence of the problem shows earlier orders widely ignored. A fine per beast plus the cost of repair aimed to make trespass genuinely costly.

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9 April 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It repeated this regulation and confirmed that the same penalties would continue in force.
Interpretations
Re-issuing the rule shows the administration reinforcing a measure that had lapsed in effect. Confirming the penalties gave notice that enforcement would continue. The repetition marks the persistence of the underlying problem.

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Island St Helena
This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby required to meet in Vestry at the Chapel in this Valley on Monday 16ᵗʰ instant to choose parish officers for the ensuing year.
April 9ᵗʰ 1759

Island St Helena
24 May 1759
Whereas one of the Honourable Company’s Goats has lately been taken away from the Bold Rock near the high Peaks. This is to give notice to all persons that whoever will discover the person or persons that took it from thence shall receive a reward of ten dollars, and though an accomplice shall have the same reward and be pardoned.

9 April 1759 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all persons on St Helena to meet in vestry at the chapel in the valley on Monday 16 April to choose parish officers for the coming year.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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24 May 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It stated that, as one of the Honourable Company's goats had lately been taken from Bold Rock near the High Peaks, whoever discovered the person or persons responsible would receive a reward of 10 dollars, and any accomplice who came forward would receive the same reward and be pardoned.
Interpretations
The theft of a Company goat brought the familiar offer of reward and pardon for informers. Turning an accomplice against the others was the standard means of pursuit. The naming of Bold Rock shows the administration tracking loss to a particular place.

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Island St. Helena
10th September 1739
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby required to send in to the Secretary’s Office on or before the first day of October next ensuing an Exact, signed Account of their Familys, Lands, and Cattle and to appear at the Castle on Thursday the Eleventh day of October aforesaid, to pay their Rents and Revenues due to the Honourable Company for the Year Past.
Notice is hereby further given that the Honourable Companys Stores will be shut on Saturday the fifteenth instant until Friday the Twelfth of October in order to take an Inventory of the same

Island St. Helena
17th September 1739
Whereas many Irregularities and Robberys are committed by Blacks being suffered to ramble about the Island especially on Sundays This is therefore to give Notice that none hereafter must be allowed to go from their respective homes to play at Cricket or Dance on that Day or to be absent from thence on any other, after the Hour of Eight o’Clock at night without leave in Writing from his or their Master or Owners, And all persons are hereby Authoriz’d and required to stop every Black they find rambling in the Country on the above mentioned day or after the aforesaid

10 September 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all inhabitants of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before 1 October following, an exact signed account of their families, land and cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Thursday 11 October to pay their rents and revenues due to the Honourable Company for the preceding year. The same notice announced that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed from Saturday 15 September until Friday 12 October, to allow an inventory to be taken.
Interpretations
The annual census, rent and store-closure notice appears again in its established form. The steadiness of its terms across the years shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity was the backbone of the Company's administration of the island.

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17 September 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It declared that many disorders and robberies were being committed by Blacks allowed to wander about the island, particularly on Sundays. It therefore required that none should in future be permitted to leave their homes to play at cricket or dance on that day, or to be away from them on any other day after eight o'clock at night, without written permission from their master or owner. All persons were authorised and required to stop any Black found roaming in the countryside on such occasions or after the specified hour [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The recurring curfew on slaves answered a renewed complaint of disorder. Naming cricket and dancing shows the administration reaching into how slaves spent their free time. Enlisting the whole free population as enforcers again made control a shared task.

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times of Night and if they cannot produce such a permission they are to take his or their Name and the Names of his or their Masters or Owner and to send it to the Secretary at the Fort that such Black may be publickly punished -
Island St. Helena
24th September 1739
Whereas to prevent the retailing of spirituous Liquors and the ill Consequences arising from it, and that none hereafter may plead. Ignorance in this respect we therefore publish the following Order received from the Honorable the Court of Directors - Vizt. -
We are inform’d that a very bad Use has been made of the Liberty we have given to the Inhabitants to purchase what Liquors they please out of our Ships, by retailing them in a Clandestine manner in many parts of the Island to the great prejudice of both Blacks and Whites, as the Vice of Drunkenness is apparently and greatly encreased thereby of late, Our only Intention in granting the said Liberty to the Inhabitants was that they might be furnished with Liquor from Time to Time for the Use of themselves and their Familys only and therefor we do empower and direct you to take such measures as you shall think proper to prevent the retailing of spirituous Liquors excepting at the licenced Houses and even at those Houses you must take particular Care that Drinking to excess be discouraged and prevented and we further empower you to lay such penalties on Offenders as you shall think reasonable. Whoever therefor is proved to be Guilty of a Breach of any part of the foregoing Orders or for the future shall take more than Six Shillings and Sixpence p Gallon for Arrack shall for ever such offence pay Five Pounds to the Honourable Company’s Cash.

17 September 1759 (continued)
The notice continued by ordering that if any Black was found abroad during the prohibited times and could not produce written permission, their name and that of their master or owner were to be taken down and reported to the Secretary at the Fort, so that the offender might be publicly punished.
Interpretations
The reporting mechanism made a master answerable for a slave found abroad without leave. Public punishment served as both penalty and warning to others. The clause completes the curfew system set out in the preceding notice.

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24 September 1759
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be published concerning the sale of spirituous liquors. To prevent illegal retailing and its harmful effects, and so that no one might claim ignorance of the law, the Governor and Council published an order received from the Honourable Court of Directors. The Directors had stated that the liberty granted to inhabitants to buy liquor from Company ships had been seriously abused, as many were secretly reselling it about the island, to the great detriment of both Blacks and Whites, and that drunkenness had increased markedly as a result. Their original intention had been solely to let families provide for their own use. They therefore authorised the island's authorities to prevent the retailing of spirituous liquors except in licensed houses, and to ensure even there that excessive drinking was discouraged. The Directors further empowered the local government to impose reasonable penalties. Any person proved guilty of breaking these orders, or who charged more than 6 shillings and 6 pence per gallon for arrack, would be fined 5 pounds for each offence, payable to the Honourable Company's treasury.
Interpretations
The Directors in London intervened directly to curb an abuse of the liquor privilege. Restricting sales to licensed houses and capping the price of arrack aimed to control both trade and drunkenness. The notice shows the reach of the Company's central authority into the island's daily life.

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And whereas by a Representation of the Inhabitants of the Island met in Vestry on Monday the 12th December 1737 it was unanimously agreed to and approved of by the Governor and Council That no Horses or Mares be permitted at any season of the Year, under any pretence whatsoever to graze on the Honorable Companys waste Land as they eat up the Herbage from the black Cattle
This is therefore to give Notice to the Owner or Owners of any Horses or Mares that are found grazing thereon shall pay ten Shillings for every Time that any of them are found so trespassing.
Island St. Helena
1st October 1739
This is to give Notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Thursday the 11th Instant an exact sign’d account of the Number of Horses each of them now have distinguishing them according to their several Denominations as Usual
Island St. Helena
11th October 1739
This is to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island who have not already given in a Return of what Horses &c they now have, that they are hereby required to send it into the Secretary’s Office forthwith, distinguishing them according to their several Denominations as Usual and no person is hereafter to keep any more Horses &c after the 31st of December next than they are allowed to do upon pain of paying £5 for every one they shall then have that exceeds the late Regulation, which is as follows, Vizt. That

24 September 1759 (continued)
The Governor and Council further declared that, according to a resolution made by the inhabitants of St Helena in vestry on Monday 12 December 1737 and unanimously approved by the Governor and Council, no horses or mares were to be permitted at any time of year, under any circumstance whatsoever, to graze upon the Honourable Company's waste land, as they consumed the herbage needed for the black cattle. The notice therefore ordered that the owner of any horses or mares found grazing there would be fined 10 shillings for each occasion of trespass.
Interpretations
The old vestry resolution was invoked to justify a standing ban on horses grazing the waste land. Reserving the herbage for cattle shows the priority given to the island's meat supply. The reference to a resolution of 1737 marks the long continuity of the rule.

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1 October 1759
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It required all persons on the island to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before Thursday 11 October, an exact signed account of the number of horses they possessed, distinguishing them by their usual classifications.
Interpretations
A horse census by category gave the administration a full record of the island's stock. The fine distinctions drawn served the control of numbers and breeding. The return sits within the wider effort to manage horses that recurs across these years.

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11 October 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It called upon all who had not yet returned their horses to deliver the account immediately to the Secretary's Office, again distinguishing them by type. It also announced that after 31 December no one would be permitted to keep more horses than the number allowed under the most recent regulation, under penalty of a fine of 5 pounds for every horse exceeding that limit. The notice then set out the terms of that regulation, beginning with the words “That…”
Interpretations
Chasing the outstanding returns shows incomplete compliance with the census. Capping the number of horses each person might keep marks a firm limit on the island's stock. The heavy fine per excess animal underlined the seriousness of the restriction.

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That any person Inhabiting the said Island and possessing ten acres of Land or upwards to seventy Acres shall be permitted to keep one saddle Horse or Mare and that every Inhabitant possessing seventy Acres of Land or upwards to one hundred and forty Acres shall be permitted to keep two saddle Horses or Mares and that every Inhabitant possessing One hundred and forty Acres of Land or above shall be permitted to keep three saddle Horses or Mares, and no more let them possess ever so large a Quantity of Land
Island St. Helena
11th October 1739
Whereas several Advertisements have been published, Ordering all persons to keep Drivers after their Sheep, by way of Shepherds, and to ring their Hogs, and likewise to keep all sorts of Cattle from trespassing in the Long Wood or on any of the Honble Companys Pastures, yet notwithstanding such repeated Notices two hundred Sheep belonging to the Planters were lately found grazing in the Long Wood
This is therefore to give Notice, that all Sheep and Hogs that are found so trespassing will be pounded and the Owner or Owners thereof shall pay a fine of 4d for each, and 6d for each Hog and make good any damage that may have been done by them

11 October 1759 (continued)
The regulation continued by stating that any inhabitant of St Helena possessing between 10 and 70 acres of land was permitted to keep one saddle horse or mare. Those holding between 70 and 140 acres were allowed two, and anyone owning 140 acres or more was permitted three, and no more, regardless of how extensive their landholding might be.
Interpretations
Tying the number of horses to acreage rationed a resource that competed with cattle for grazing. Capping the largest holders at three, whatever their acres, set a firm ceiling on the island's horse stock. The graded scale shows a deliberate balance struck between landholding and permitted animals.

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11 October 1759 (continued)
Also on 11 October the Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued reminding the inhabitants that several advertisements had already ordered every person to employ drivers or shepherds for their sheep, to ring their hogs, and to prevent all kinds of cattle from trespassing in the Longwood or on the Honourable Company's pastures. Despite these repeated warnings, 200 sheep belonging to various planters had recently been found grazing in the Longwood. It was therefore declared that any sheep or hogs found trespassing there in future would be impounded, and that their owners would pay a fine of 4 pence for each sheep and 6 pence for each hog, in addition to compensating for any damage caused.
Interpretations
The discovery of 200 trespassing sheep shows earlier orders widely defied. Protecting the Longwood pastures remained a persistent administrative concern. The graded fines and the threat to impound mark a familiar effort to enforce the rule.

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Island St. Helena
20th December 1739
This is to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 1st Day of January 1740 an exact signed Account of the Number of Cattle each of them have for Slaughter for the ensuing Year, which they will be expected punctually to supply, unless an Accident should happen to any of them, in which case they are to send a Return of it in Writing immediately to the Secretary, to whom they are likewise to transmit an Account of their respective Stocks of Sheep, and of how many of those they intend for Sale -
Island St. Helena 31st Dec 1739
Whereas many Robberys and Thefts have been committed on this Island and several things bought from Soldiers and Blacks which afterwards were proved to have been stolen. This is therefore to forbid all persons upon the said Island to buy, receive, exchange or take in pledge any thing from either Soldier or Black, without the Soldier produces leave in writing from his Officer or the Black from his master, for what they either Soldier or Black may offer to dispose of in any of the aforesaid respects under the penalty of paying £5 for every such Offence. And it is recommended to all Persons to stop any thing or things that may be offered to them by any soldier or black, and give Notice thereof as soon as they Conveniently can to the Secretary

20 December 1759
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all persons on St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before 1 January 1760, an exact signed account of the number of cattle they possessed for slaughter in the coming year. Each inhabitant was expected to provide the number stated, except in the event of accidental loss, in which case an immediate written report was to be sent to the Secretary. They were also required to submit an account of their stocks of sheep and to specify how many were intended for sale.
Interpretations
The year-end cattle and sheep return recurs here in its established form. Requiring a written report of any loss kept the Company's figures accurate. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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31 December 1759
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It declared that many robberies and thefts had been committed on the island, and that various stolen goods had been bought from soldiers and Blacks. It therefore forbade all persons to buy, receive, exchange or take in pledge any item from a soldier or a Black unless the seller produced written permission – from an officer in the case of a soldier, and from a master in the case of a Black – authorising the sale. Anyone who broke this rule would be fined 5 pounds for every offence. The notice also advised inhabitants to detain any goods offered under suspicious circumstances by a soldier or a Black and to report the matter to the Secretary as soon as possible.
Interpretations
Curbing the trade in stolen goods meant controlling what soldiers and slaves could sell. Requiring written permission for their transactions placed both groups under close supervision. The measure shows the administration policing the movement of goods as tightly as the movement of people.

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Island St. Helena
21st February 1740
Whereas the Aprons belonging to the two several Guns that are fixed at Friars Valley have been lately stolen
This is to give Notice that whoever will discover the Person or Persons that have been guilty of the above Fact shall receive a Reward of four Dollars and if an Accomplice shall be pardoned and paid the abovesaid Sum

Island St. Helena
26th March 1760
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby permitted on Tuesday the 1st day of April to turn their Cattle &c. upon the Honorable Companys Waste Lands until the first day of January 1761.

1 September 1760
Published the usual Advertisement requiring the Inhabitants to send their Accounts of their Familys &c.

24 Novr 1760
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about selling damaged Goods, & a reward for apprehending Runaway Blacks &c.

21 February 1760
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It declared that the aprons belonging to the two guns mounted at Friars Valley had recently been stolen. It announced that whoever discovered the person or persons responsible would receive a reward of 4 dollars, and that any accomplice who provided such information would be pardoned and granted the same reward.
Interpretations
The theft of gun aprons again disabled part of the island's defences, prompting a reward. The recurrence of such thefts across the years shows a persistent problem for the garrison. The offer of pardon to an accomplice was the usual means of pursuit.

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26 March 1760
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It informed the inhabitants of St Helena that they were permitted, from Tuesday 1 April, to graze their cattle and other livestock upon the Honourable Company's waste lands until 1 January 1761.
Interpretations
Opening the waste lands to grazing for a fixed term shows the administration managing common pasture by season. The clear end date reserved the Company's right to close the land again. Such controlled access balanced the islanders' needs against the protection of the ground.

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1 September 1760
The Governor and Council directed that the customary annual advertisement be published. It required the inhabitants to send in their returns of families and other related particulars.
Interpretations
The annual family return recurs here as a settled fixture. Its description as customary marks it as a fixed point in the administrative year. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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24 November 1760
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be issued regarding the sale of damaged goods and offering a reward for the capture of runaway Blacks.
Interpretations
The notice paired the disposal of damaged goods with the pursuit of runaway slaves. Offering a reward for their capture shows flight as a recurring feature of the island's slavery. The combination of unrelated matters in one notice was common administrative practice.

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22 Decr 1760
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published requiring all persons to send an Acct of what Cattle they intend for Slaughter the ensuing Year, Also a return of Horses & Sheep & ca
12 Jany 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be published about the Commons & ca
Island St. Helena
2d Febry 1761
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby strictly forbid to fetch or cause to be brought from the Longwood any wood but what is for their own fuel or consumption and that they are under no pretence whatsoever to sell or dispose of any to the Ships or otherwise, upon penalty of paying a fine of ten Shillings for each foot or stick so sold And if any person or persons shall discover any one offending herein he or they making due proof thereof shall receive half of the above penalty for each or every stick
Notice is hereby further given to all persons upon the said Island that they are hereby positively forbid to cut or destroy the Fuzzy Hedges growing upon the sides of the Roads upon pain of a White Man of being fined and of a Black of being severely whipped

22 December 1760
The Governor and Council ordered that a public notice be issued. It required every person on St Helena to submit an account of the cattle they intended for slaughter in the following year, together with a return of their horses, sheep and other livestock.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering cattle, horses and sheep into one account gave the Company a full picture of the island's stock. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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12 January 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be published concerning the management and use of the commons and related issues.
Interpretations
The commons required continual regulation to balance grazing against protection of the ground. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rules obscure. Management of common land recurs as a standing concern of the administration.

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2 February 1761
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued. It strictly forbade all inhabitants from fetching, or causing to be brought, from the Longwood any wood except what was necessary for their own fuel or domestic use. It prohibited the sale or disposal of such wood to ships or any other party, under penalty of a fine of 10 shillings for every stick or piece sold. Informers who proved any offence were entitled to half the penalty. The same notice prohibited anyone from cutting or damaging the furze hedges along the sides of the roads, with white offenders to be fined and Black offenders to be severely whipped.
Interpretations
Confining Longwood timber to domestic use guarded a scarce resource from commercial exploitation. Protecting the furze hedges shows the same concern extended to the roadside growth. The divided penalty for damaging the hedges again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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9 March 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Republished concerning Fishing Boats & ca
16 March 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about Chusing Parish Officers & ca
27th April 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be published ordering all persons to restrain their Blacks from running away
8th June 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be published Noticeing the sale of the Effects of Mrs Mary Smith
15 June 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be published requiring all persons to bring in their demands & ca
6th July 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about Mr Poice & Mrs Smiths Effects
3 Augst 1761 Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about the Companys Yard

9 March 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that the advertisement concerning fishing boats and related matters be republished.
Interpretations
Republishing the fishing-boat order reinforced a standing rule of coastal security. The recurrence of this notice shows the administration's steady vigilance over the shore. Its brevity reflects how established the requirement had become.

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16 March 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be published regarding the election of parish officers and other associated business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Maintaining the vestry's role kept local government in the hands of the inhabitants. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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27 April 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that another notice be issued, directing all persons to restrain their Blacks from running away.
Interpretations
The order shows flight among slaves as a continuing problem for their owners. Placing the duty of restraint on masters made them answerable for their slaves' movements. The recurrence of such notices marks running away as a persistent feature of the island's slavery.

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8 June 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published giving notice of the sale of the effects belonging to Mrs Mary Smith.
Interpretations
The public sale of effects was the customary means of settling an estate. Advertising it opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such notices were the routine machinery of probate.

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15 June 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be issued calling upon all persons to submit their claims and demands relating to that estate and other matters.
Interpretations
Calling for claims and demands was a necessary stage in reckoning the Smith estate. Setting the call before the community ensured a full accounting. The notice forms part of the standard course of estate settlement.

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6 July 1761
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published concerning the effects of Mr Poice and Mrs Smith.
Interpretations
The notice dealt with the effects of two estates together. Combining them in one publication was efficient administrative practice. The handling of such effects was a recurring task of the Council.

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3 August 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be issued concerning matters relating to the Honourable Company's yard.
Interpretations
The Company's yard held stores and equipment that required regular oversight. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific matter obscure. Management of Company property recurs as a routine administrative concern.

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31 Augt 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published requiring the Inhabitants to send an Acct of their Familys & ca
14 Sepr 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about Blacks & ca
28 Sepr 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published to forbid all persons to hunt Deer & ca into the waste Lands & ca
7 Decr 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about Mr Gurlings Effects & ca
14 Decr 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published to require all persons to send an Acct of what Cattle they have for Slaughter, Stocks of Sheep, Horses & ca
21 Decr 1761
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about the Death of Cattle
1st Febry 1762
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published about Drunkenness & ca

31 August 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants of St Helena to send an account of their families and related particulars.
Interpretations
The annual family return recurs here as a settled fixture. Its regular appearance marks the fixed rhythm of the administrative year. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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14 September 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be issued concerning matters relating to Blacks and associated regulations.
Interpretations
The notice addressed the control of slaves through further regulation. The compression of the entry leaves its specific terms obscure. Such measures recur constantly through the record of these years.

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28 September 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that a further notice be issued forbidding all persons from hunting deer or entering upon the waste lands for that purpose or any similar activity.
Interpretations
Protecting the deer and the waste lands shows the administration guarding both game and ground. Barring entry for hunting closed a common source of trespass. Game protection recurs as a standing theme of the island's regulation.

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7 December 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published concerning the effects of Mr Gurling and related business.
Interpretations
The notice concerned the settlement of another estate. Advertising the effects followed the customary course of probate. Such tasks were a routine part of the Council's work.

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14 December 1761
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued requiring all persons to send in accounts of their cattle intended for slaughter, together with returns of their sheep, horses and other livestock.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering cattle, sheep and horses into one account gave the Company a full picture of the island's stock. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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21 December 1761
The Governor and Council ordered that another notice be published concerning the deaths of cattle.
Interpretations
Recording cattle deaths gave the Company a measure of wastage in the island's stock. The brevity of the entry reflects how established such returns had become. Monitoring mortality complemented the accounting of sales and slaughter.

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1 February 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published addressing the problem of drunkenness and other related misconduct.
Interpretations
Drunkenness recurs here as a persistent concern of the administration. The pairing with other misconduct shows it treated as part of a wider problem of order. Control of drink runs as a constant thread through the island's regulation.

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Apr. 5. 1762
Ordered the usual Advertisement to be Published to Chuse Parish Officers & ca
June 22d 1762
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published ordering all the Inhabitants to meet on Special affairs & ca
St. Helena 21st July 1762
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island, that have Blacks stationed at the several Batteries, & places they are appointed to upon Double Alarms, that they are to order their said Blacks immediately upon all double Alarms to repair to their respective Posts, & not to loiter in going thither as they certainly will be punished if they do
Island St. Helena 22d Novr 1762
This is to give Notice to all Persons, that they are hereby strictly forbid to carry Hatchets to cut down Wood, or break off any branches from the (standing) Trees, in the Long Wood, or to cut or destroy the Fuzzy, growing upon the sides of the Roads. Neither are they upon any pretence whatsoever to throw down the walls of the said path or off Ladder Hill Path, or to rest their Loads upon them in returning, or to bring Fuell by any other Way from the Long Wood than the Rutledge Road, as they will answer the contrary.

5 April 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that the usual advertisement be published for the election of parish officers and related business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers opens this run of notices in its customary form. Its routine recurrence marks the settled rhythm of the island's parish government. The brevity of the entry reflects how established the demand had become.

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22 June 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that another advertisement be published summoning all the inhabitants to meet on special affairs.
Interpretations
A summons on special affairs signalled business the Council wished to put before the whole community. The unspecified nature of the matter leaves its purpose obscure. Such general meetings were the chief means of addressing the inhabitants directly.

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21 July 1762
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It instructed all inhabitants of St Helena who had Blacks stationed at the various batteries and other designated locations for double alarms to ensure they immediately repaired to their assigned posts whenever a double alarm was raised. It warned that any who delayed or loitered on the way would be punished.
Interpretations
The island's defence depended on slaves mustered promptly to the batteries on alarm. Placing the duty on their owners made masters answerable for their slaves' swift attendance. The system shows enslaved labour woven directly into the garrison's defensive arrangements.

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22 November 1762
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It strictly forbade all persons from carrying hatchets to cut down wood or to break branches from standing trees in the Longwood, or from cutting or destroying the furze growing along the sides of the roads. It also prohibited anyone, under any pretext, from throwing down the walls bordering the paths or Ladder Hill path, resting their loads upon them, or bringing fuel from the Longwood by any route other than the Rutledge Road. All offenders were warned that they would be held fully accountable for disobedience.
Interpretations
Protecting the Longwood timber and the roadside furze guarded scarce fuel resources from destruction. Confining fuel-carriers to a single road made their movements visible and easier to police. The care taken over walls and paths shows the administration protecting the island's fabric as well as its trees.

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30 August 1762
Ordered the usual Advertisement to be published about given an Account of their Familys & ca
21 October 1762
Ordered an Advertisement to be published about Frank and Will breaking out of Prison & ca
20 December 1762
Ordered the usual advertisement to be published about returning Cattle of Slaughter & ca
January the 3d 1763
Ordered an Advertisement to be published offering a reward to any one who would discover the persons who pulled down the Pier of the Gates & ca
24 January 1763
Ordered an Advertisement to be published forbiding any one working on the Bridges & ca
31 January 1763
Ordered an Advertisement to be published about selling Damaged Goods & ca
28 March 1763 Ordered the usual Advertisement to be published about chusing Parish Officers & ca and turning Cattle upon the commons

30 August 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that the customary advertisement be published requiring the inhabitants to deliver their accounts of families and related particulars.
Interpretations
The annual family return recurs here as a settled fixture. Its description as customary marks it as a fixed point in the administrative year. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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21 October 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be issued concerning the escape of Frank and Will from prison and other connected matters.
Interpretations
The escape of two named prisoners prompted a public notice. The naming of Frank and Will shows the administration pursuing specific fugitives. The brevity of the record leaves the connected matters unstated.

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20 December 1762
The Governor and Council ordered that the usual advertisement be published requiring the return of cattle intended for slaughter and related information.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the year ahead. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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3 January 1763
The Governor and Council ordered that a public notice be issued offering a reward to anyone who could discover the persons responsible for pulling down the pier of the gates and other such offences.
Interpretations
The destruction of gates and their piers recurs as a persistent problem for the administration. The offer of a reward shows the Council turning to public information to identify the culprits. Such damage to enclosures had long troubled the island's government.

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24 January 1763
The Governor and Council ordered that a further notice be issued forbidding anyone from working on the bridges and other similar structures without permission.
Interpretations
Requiring permission for work on the bridges brought such activity under the Council's oversight. The rule shows the administration guarding the island's public structures. The brevity of the entry leaves the immediate occasion obscure.

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31 January 1763
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published concerning the sale of damaged goods and related business.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public sale was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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28 March 1763
The Governor and Council ordered that the usual notice be issued regarding the election of parish officers and the turning of cattle onto the commons.
Interpretations
The notice paired the annual parish election with the seasonal opening of the commons to grazing. Combining the two matters in one publication was efficient administrative practice. Both were fixed points in the island's yearly calendar.

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Island St. Helena
19th March 1764
Whereas there is now a Peace, and no necessity for the Inhabitants to send their Blacks to their usual Stations on double Alarms, This is therefore to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island that they need not for the future Order any of their Slaves thither, unless after such Double Alarm is made they hear two Guns fired one after the other as quick as they well can be at the two Gun Ridge, and likewise two extraordinary Guns fired on Sandy Bay Ridge which is to be a Signal for them to send their Blacks forthwith to the several Batterys they were appointed to. In this circumstance the Flying Partys also are to assemble at their respective Posts

Island St. Helena
9th July 1764
Whereas a Petition has been presented to the Governor and Council by the Publicans complaining that several Persons unlicenced both in this Valley and in the Country retail Spirituous Liquor to the prejudice of the said Publicans and in contempt of many repeated Orders issued forbidding the same. To prevent therefore the ill consequences arising from this pernicious practice, the following Order from

19 March 1764
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It stated that, as peace had now been established, it was no longer necessary for the inhabitants of St Helena to send their Blacks to their assigned stations upon the sounding of double alarms. It explained, however, that if after such an alarm two guns were fired in quick succession from the Two Gun Ridge, together with two extraordinary guns from Sandy Bay Ridge, this was to be taken as the signal for them to dispatch their Blacks immediately to the batteries to which they were appointed. On such occasions the flying parties were likewise to assemble at their respective posts.
Interpretations
The return of peace relaxed the standing requirement to muster slaves on every alarm. Retaining a distinct signal for genuine emergencies kept the defensive system ready in reserve. The notice shows the island's readiness adjusting to the wider state of war and peace.

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9 July 1764
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It referred to a petition presented to the Governor and Council by the island's publicans. They had complained that several unlicensed persons, both in the valley and in the country, were retailing spirituous liquor, to the detriment of the licensed sellers and in defiance of repeated orders forbidding the practice. To prevent the harmful consequences of this continuing offence, the notice introduced a new order from the authorities.
Interpretations
The publicans' petition shows licensed sellers pressing the Council to enforce their monopoly. Unlicensed retailing undercut both their trade and the administration's control of liquor. The complaint prompted a fresh order, set out in the notices that follow.

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…the Honorable Company is again thought proper to be published vizt,

We are informed that a very bad use has been made of the liberty we have given to the Inhabitants to purchase what liquors they please out of our ships by retailing them in a clandestine manner in many parts of the Island to the great prejudice of both Blacks and Whites, as the vice of drunkenness is apparently and greatly increased thereby of late. Our only intention in granting the said liberty to the Inhabitants was that they might be furnished with liquors from time to time for the use of themselves and their families only and therefore we do empower and direct you to take such measures as you shall think proper to prevent the retailing of spirituous liquors excepting at the licensed houses and even at those houses you must take particular care that drinking to excess be discouraged and prevented and we empower you to lay such penalties on offenders as you shall think reasonable.

And the Governor and Council being determined effectually to put a stop to these iniquitous proceedings, hurtful to the community and contrary to the laws of England, have ordered extracts out of Burns Justice relative to retailing spirituous liquors without a licence to be transcribed and affixed at the publick market house in this valley and at the door of the country church, after which no person inhabiting the said island can plead ignorant of the laws of England in this case made and provided. This is therefore to give notice to all persons inhabiting the said island whoever shall in future retail any quantity of spirituous liquors under two gallons, and the same proved...

9 July 1764 (continued)
The Honourable Company considered it proper to have its order republished, declaring that serious abuse had been made of the liberty granted to the inhabitants to purchase liquor from Company ships. Many were reselling these liquors in secret throughout the island, to the great harm of both Blacks and Whites, and drunkenness had greatly increased as a result. The Company explained that its intention in granting such permission had been only to allow families to supply themselves from time to time for their own use. It therefore authorised the Governor and Council to take whatever measures they thought necessary to prevent the retailing of spirituous liquors except at licensed houses, and even in those houses to ensure that drinking to excess was firmly discouraged. The Company further empowered the local authorities to impose such penalties upon offenders as they deemed reasonable. The Governor and Council, being determined to put an end to these unlawful practices that harmed the public and stood contrary to the laws of England, ordered that extracts from Burn's Justice relating to the unlicensed sale of spirituous liquors be transcribed and displayed at the public market house in the valley and at the door of the country church. By this means, no inhabitant could afterwards claim ignorance of the law. The notice therefore warned all residents of St Helena that anyone found selling quantities of spirituous liquor of less than two gallons, once the offence was proven, would be prosecuted and penalised according to law.
Interpretations
The Directors in London reasserted their order against the abuse of the liquor privilege. Posting extracts from Burn's Justice at the market house and church gave the law public standing on the island. Setting the threshold at two gallons drew the line between lawful family supply and unlicensed retail.

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…proved against them before any one Justice of Peace they will be dealt with according to Law and the penalties and punishments directed by Acts of Parliament to be inflicted in this case on delinquents will be exacted with the utmost rigour.

Extracts taken from Burns Justice folio 267 and 269 with regard to retailing spirituous liquors without licence.

If all persons retailing without licence shall forfeit £10 and on nonpayment when demanded one Justice on oath of such neglect shall commit the offender to the House of Correction to be kept to hard labour for two months or till paid. 16 G.2.c.8.s.9. And the said penalty shall in no case be mitigated below the sum of £5. 24 G.2.c.40.s.1. 26 G.2.c.13.s.8. And the justices may, if they think proper, instead of levying the penalty, commit the offender to the House of Correction to be kept to hard labour for two months, and the person so committed shall before his discharge be stripped naked from his middle upwards and whipped until his body be bloody. 17 G.2.c.17.s.18.

And also all the distilled spirituous liquors that shall be then or at any time within six months after conviction found in his custody, house, or other place occupied therewith, whether it be in his own occupation or not, shall by warrant of one Justice be seized and staved or otherwise destroyed. And any Peace or Parish officer authorised by such warrant may at any time in six months after conviction enter such places and break open doors if not opened on demand. And if any person shall offend again in like manner the Justices before whom he shall be convicted...

9 July 1764 (continued)
The notice continued by declaring that anyone proven before a Justice of the Peace to have sold spirituous liquor in quantities under two gallons would be dealt with according to law, and that the penalties prescribed by Acts of Parliament for such offences would be enforced with the utmost severity. Extracts were then cited from Burn's Justice, folios 267 and 269, concerning the sale of spirituous liquors without licence. It was stated that any person found retailing without a licence would forfeit a fine of £10, and upon refusal or neglect to pay when required, a Justice, upon oath of such neglect, was to commit the offender to the House of Correction, there to be kept to hard labour for two months, or until the fine was paid, according to the statute 16 George II, chapter 8, section 9. The penalty was not to be reduced to less than £5, in accordance with statutes 24 George II, chapter 40, section 1, and 26 George II, chapter 13, section 8. The Justices were also empowered, if they saw fit, instead of collecting the fine, to send the offender to the House of Correction to be kept at hard labour for two months. Before release, the person so committed was to be stripped naked from the waist upwards and whipped until the body was bloody, as directed by statute 17 George II, chapter 17, section 18. It was further ordered that all distilled spirituous liquors found in the offender's possession at the time of conviction, or within six months thereafter, whether held in their own house or any other premises under their control, were to be seized and destroyed by warrant of a Justice. Any peace or parish officer authorised by such warrant might, within six months of conviction, enter the premises and break open doors if necessary to enforce the order.
Interpretations
The transcribed statutes set out in full the machinery of prosecution for unlicensed selling. The graduated penalties, from fines to hard labour and public whipping, show the severity English law brought to the offence. Reproducing chapter and section gave the island's enforcement a precise legal foundation.

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…such subsequent offence may inflict the penalties by any common law to be inflicted for such offence, and also commit the offender to the House of Correction to be kept to hard labour not exceeding three months, and abate if they shall think fit, order him to be whipped, and being convicted for a third offence it shall be deemed felony and the Sessions may transport him for any time not exceeding seven years. 24 G.2.c.40.s.13. If any person shall knowingly sell or deliver any distilled spirituous liquors that the same may be unlawfully retailed or to any unlicensed retailer he shall forfeit £10 and treble value of the liquors, half to the King and half to him that sues for the same, and if any person guilty of retailing such liquors shall discover the person who knowingly supplied him therewith and prosecute him to conviction he shall be entitled to his share of the penalty and indemnified against all penalties incurred by him before that time for selling spirituous liquors without licence. 24 G.2.c.40.s.15.

Island St. Helena 23 July 1764
Ordered an Advertisement to be published forbidding shopkeepers to charge more than 30 per cent upon prime cost of commodities imported for the Company’s profit.

Island St. Helena 27th August 1764
This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 20th of September next ensuing an exact signed account of their Families, Lands, and Cattle, and to attend at the Castle on Monday the...

9 July 1764 (continued)
The Justices presiding over any subsequent offence were empowered to impose such penalties as might be inflicted by common law for the crime, and to commit the offender to the House of Correction to be kept to hard labour for a period not exceeding three months. They might also, if they thought fit, order the offender to be whipped. If convicted of a third offence, the act declared it to be felony, and the Sessions were authorised to order transportation for a period not exceeding seven years, as prescribed by statute 24 George II, chapter 40, section 13. It was further enacted that anyone knowingly selling or delivering distilled spirituous liquors for unlawful retail, or supplying them to an unlicensed seller, would forfeit £10 and three times the value of the liquor, one half to the Crown and the other half to the person bringing the prosecution. If any person convicted of retailing without licence disclosed and successfully prosecuted the supplier who knowingly provided the liquor, he was entitled to his portion of the penalty and pardoned for any prior offences of unlicensed sale, according to statute 24 George II, chapter 40, section 15.
Interpretations
The escalating penalties culminated in transportation for a third offence, marking the gravity English law attached to persistent unlicensed selling. Reaching the suppliers as well as the sellers aimed to cut the trade off at its source. Rewarding an informer who turned on his supplier was the familiar device for breaking such networks.

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23 July 1764
The Governor and Council ordered that a notice be published forbidding shopkeepers on St Helena from charging more than 30 per cent upon the prime cost of commodities imported for the Honourable Company's profit.
Interpretations
Capping the mark-up on imported goods protected the island's consumers from excessive prices. The rule shows the administration regulating trade as well as supply. Fixing the limit by reference to prime cost gave a clear and enforceable standard.

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27 August 1764
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all inhabitants of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office, on or before 20 September, an exact signed account of their families, lands and cattle, and to attend at the Castle on the following Monday [the date is incomplete in the source] to pay their rents.
Interpretations
The annual census and rent notice recurs here in its established form. The consistency of its terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. The truncation of the entry leaves the rent day's exact date unrecorded.

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Island St Helena
12 November 1764

This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that have goats trespassing upon Mundens Point Hill, contrary to repeated orders, that they are hereby directed to take them away from that place on or before the 15th instant, otherwise all such goats that are found trespassing there after that time will be killed, as going there makes it very dangerous for all persons passing to the out forts or to the waterside.

This is likewise to forbid all persons driving cattle up or down the side path road, as they will answer the contrary at their peril. Neither are any persons whatever to rest their loads on any part of the aforesaid road or get over the walls thereof. Whoever is found so doing in future, if a white man shall forfeit 2 s 6 d to the poor of the parish, and if a black be severely punished.

Island St Helena
31st Dec 1764
Ordered an advertisement to be published concerning the reduction of fanams.

12 November 1764
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It directed all persons on St Helena who had goats trespassing upon Mundens Point Hill, contrary to repeated orders, to remove them from that place on or before the fifteenth of the month. It warned that any goats found there after that date would be killed, as their presence made the passage to the outer forts and the waterside dangerous. The same notice forbade anyone from driving cattle up or down the side path road, declaring that offenders would answer for it at their peril. It also prohibited all persons from resting their loads upon, or climbing over, the walls bordering the road. Anyone found doing so in future would, if white, forfeit 2 shillings and 6 pence to the poor of the parish, and if Black, be severely punished.
Interpretations
Trespassing goats made a defensive approach dangerous, which turned an agricultural nuisance into a security concern. The threat to kill straying animals marks the persistence of the problem. The divided penalty for the wall offence again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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31 December 1764
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published concerning the reduction of fanams [fanam – a small denomination coin used in St Helena's trade].
Interpretations
Adjusting the value of the fanam touched the everyday currency of the island's trade. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the reduction obscure. Management of the coinage recurs as a concern of the administration.

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Island St Helena
4th January 1765

This is to give notice to all the inhabitants of the said Island that they are hereby ordered not to shoot guinea hens, rabbits, or doves on any part of the Island, neither are they at any time to shoot partridges in the Longwood, on penalty of paying forty shillings for every offence.

Island St Helena
16th September 1765

Whereas several sheep and goats have been lately killed in many parts of the Island by dogs that ramble by themselves or follow blacks, this is therefore to require all persons not to suffer any blacks, except such as they give a permission to in writing, to take any dog or dogs with them when they go from home, as every one that may be hereafter found to have a dog following him without his master’s leave as above will be whipped for it, and it is likewise recommended to every person to put to death all such dogs that they have the least cause to suspect of worrying either sheep or goats, as likewise all such that are of no use. This is further to forbid any person or persons whatever to...

4 January 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued to all inhabitants of St Helena, forbidding the shooting of guinea hens, rabbits or doves anywhere on the island, and also prohibiting the shooting of partridges in the Longwood. Anyone found offending against this order was liable to a fine of 40 shillings for each offence.
Interpretations
Protecting the island's game brought a general ban on shooting the named species. Singling out the Longwood for partridges shows particular concern for that quarter. Game protection recurs as a standing theme of the island's regulation.

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16 September 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published in response to the frequent killing of sheep and goats in various parts of the island by dogs that strayed or followed Blacks. It required all inhabitants to prevent their Blacks, unless specifically permitted in writing, from taking dogs with them when leaving home. Any Black found with a dog without such written authorisation was to be whipped. The notice also advised every person to destroy any dogs suspected of worrying sheep or goats, as well as any that were of no use. It additionally forbade any person to injure dogs so as to drive them to madness [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
Loss of stock to straying dogs prompted a rule tying the animals' movement to the control of slaves. Requiring written leave for a slave to carry a dog placed even this under the master's authority. The measure shows livestock protection and the management of labour once more bound together.

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…doing to dogs, either to kill or otherwise to provoke them to madness, on penalty if a white person paying 20s and a black to be severely whipped for every offence.

Island St Helena
4th November 1765

This is to give notice to all the inhabitants upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next the 11th instant, a signed account of their number of cattle each of them have for slaughter for the year 1766.

Island St Helena
25th November 1765

This is to give notice to all the inhabitants upon the said Island that on Monday next, in the afternoon, will be sold at public auction at the Market House, sundry damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company, for ready money.

4 January 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued to all inhabitants of St Helena, forbidding the shooting of guinea hens, rabbits or doves anywhere on the island, and also prohibiting the shooting of partridges in the Longwood. Anyone found offending was liable to a fine of 40 shillings for each offence.
Interpretations
This repeats the game prohibition recorded in the preceding row, the source carrying the notice twice. The recurrence shows the same rule copied across cells rather than a new order. Game protection remained a constant concern of the administration.

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16 September 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published in response to the frequent killing of sheep and goats by dogs that strayed or followed Blacks. It required all inhabitants to prevent their Blacks, unless specifically permitted in writing, from taking dogs with them when leaving home. Any Black found with a dog without such written authorisation was to be whipped. The notice advised every person to destroy any dogs suspected of worrying sheep or goats, as well as any of no use. It additionally forbade any person to do anything to dogs, whether by killing or otherwise provoking them to madness, under penalty of 20 shillings for white offenders and severe whipping for Blacks.
Interpretations
This entry completes the dog notice begun in the preceding row, adding the penalty for driving dogs to madness. The divided punishment again marks the racial structure of the island's law. The full text shows the administration balancing the destruction of dangerous dogs against wanton cruelty to them.

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4 November 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required every inhabitant of St Helena to deliver to the Secretary's Office, by Monday 11 November, a signed return of the number of cattle each possessed for slaughter during the year 1766.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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25 November 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It announced that, on the following Monday afternoon, various damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company would be sold by public auction at the Market House for ready money.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public auction for ready money was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these sales shows them as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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Island St Helena
9th December 1765

This is to give notice to all the planters upon the said Island that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle on Monday next at the hour of ten o’clock in the morning.

Island St Helena
16th December 1765

This is to give notice to all the planters upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next the 23rd instant a signed account of what sheep, goats, and hogs each of them have, as likewise the number of sheep they intend for sale the next year.

Notice is hereby further given that they are also to transmit an account on or before the time above mentioned of their number of horses and to distinguish them by their several denominations.

As the returns of the number of cattle for slaughter for the year 1766 have been already made, this is therefore to give further notice that if any person have more they purpose to sell that they were…

9 December 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It required all planters of St Helena to attend the Governor and Council at the Castle on the following Monday at ten o'clock in the morning.
Interpretations
A formal summons gathered the planters before the Council. The recurrence of such meetings shows them as a standing feature of the island's government. Their frequency reflects the close involvement of the landholders in public affairs.

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16 December 1765
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It required every planter to deliver to the Secretary's Office, by Monday 23 December, a signed account of all sheep, goats and hogs in their possession, together with the number of sheep they intended to sell during the following year. They were also directed to provide, by the same date, a return of their horses, distinguishing them by their several types. As returns of cattle intended for slaughter in 1766 had already been submitted, further notice was given that if any person had more than they proposed to sell, they were [the entry is incomplete in the source].
Interpretations
The return gathered sheep, goats, hogs and horses into a single detailed accounting. Distinguishing horses by type served the control of numbers and breeding. The truncation of the entry leaves the final instruction on surplus cattle unrecorded.

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Island St Helena
11th August 1766

Whereas a coil of small cordage belonging to the Honourable Company was stolen out of the wooden house upon the line on Friday last.

This is therefore to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that if they will discover the person or persons who committed the said theft they shall receive a reward of £5, and if any accomplice will discover so as to bring any others concerned to justice shall be equally entitled to the reward and forgiven.

Notice is hereby likewise given to all the planters upon the said Island that they are hereby ordered to attend the Governor and Council on Monday next by ten o’clock in the morning.

Island St Helena
10th October 1766

This is to give notice to all persons that they are hereby strictly forbid to carry hatchets to cut down wood or break off any branches from the standing trees in the Longwood, neither are they to bring fuel by the way of Rupert’s Valley or by any other than the public road. They are hereby likewise forbid to get over or throw down the walls of the said Ladder Hill paths, neither are they to rest their loads upon them, on penalty if a white man of paying 2s 6d for every offence to the poor of the parish, and if a black being severely whipped.

11 August 1766
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It announced that a coil of small cordage belonging to the Honourable Company had been stolen from the wooden house upon the line the previous Friday. It declared that any person who discovered the thief or thieves would receive a reward of £5, and that any accomplice who gave information leading to the conviction of others would be equally entitled to the reward and granted pardon. The same notice required all planters of St Helena to attend the Governor and Council at ten o'clock the following Monday morning.
Interpretations
The theft of Company cordage brought the familiar offer of reward and pardon for informers. Combining the theft notice with a planters' summons used one publication for two ends. Turning an accomplice against the others was the standard means of pursuit.

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10 October 1766
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It strictly forbade anyone from carrying hatchets to cut down wood or break branches from standing trees in the Longwood. It also prohibited bringing fuel by way of Rupert's Valley or by any route other than the public road. In addition, it forbade people from climbing over or throwing down the walls of the Ladder Hill paths, or from resting their loads upon them. Any white person found offending was to pay a fine of 2 shillings and 6 pence for each offence to the poor of the parish, while any Black offender was to be severely whipped.
Interpretations
Protecting the Longwood timber and confining fuel-carriers to the public road recur here as established rules. The care taken over the Ladder Hill walls shows the administration guarding the island's paths. The divided penalty again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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…fishing that they are hereby ordered to get away before the sun sets otherwise they will be stopped and brought into the garrison.

Island St Helena
13th July 1767

Ordered an advertisement to be published regulating sailors’ bills etc.

Island St Helena
24th August 1767

This is to give notice to all persons upon the Island that no blacks belonging to private people or the Honourable Company be henceforward permitted to fetch wood out of the country on a Sunday, either for their masters or themselves, and such blacks who are found transgressing the said order will be severely punished, and if a white be found to pay £5 as the penalty for buying of a black.

By order of Council
Bazett, Secy.

1767 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued. It ordered that all persons engaged in fishing were to return before sunset, as anyone remaining out after that time would be stopped and brought into the garrison.
Interpretations
Requiring fishermen to return by sunset served the island's coastal security. Bringing latecomers into the garrison enforced the rule directly. The measure reflects the constant vigilance kept over movement on the water.

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13 July 1767
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published to regulate the payment and handling of sailors' bills and related matters.
Interpretations
The handling of sailors' bills required regulation to keep the port's dealings orderly. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rules obscure. Oversight of such payments was a routine concern of the administration.

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24 August 1767
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued. It declared that no Blacks, whether belonging to private individuals or to the Honourable Company, were to be allowed to fetch wood from the countryside on Sundays, either for their masters or for themselves. Any Black found disobeying this order would be severely punished, and any white person found purchasing wood from a Black in violation of the rule would be fined £5. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by Bazett, Secretary.
Interpretations
Barring slaves from fetching wood on Sundays combined sabbath observance with control of the timber trade. Penalising the white buyer as well as the Black seller aimed to close the trade from both ends. The measure shows the administration regulating the labour and movement of slaves down to the day of the week.

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Island St Helena
12th October 1767

Whereas a complaint has been lodged by Mr John Dissanamain, Esquire, to the Capt of Port Gurling, that great part of the wood upon the Island of the S. Port commonly called Sick Hill have been cut down and destroyed. This is therefore to give notice to all persons upon the Island from cutting or destroying any wood from that place or any other part of the Island upon penalty, if a white person, of paying 20s for every offence, and a black to be punished with the greatest severity. And this is likewise to give further notice that if any white person is detected in buying the said wood or anything else of a black without leave from their masters or owners that they will pay the penalty as has been hitherto often published.

By order of Council
Signed
Bazett, Sec.

Island St Helena
11th December 1767

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring a return of cattle and sheep for slaughter for the ensuing year.

Island St Helena
28th March 1768

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc.

12 October 1767
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued following a complaint submitted by John Dissanamain, Esquire, to Captain of the Port Gurling, reporting that much of the wood on the southern part of the island, known as Sick Hill, had been cut down and destroyed. The notice forbade all persons on St Helena from cutting or destroying wood there or in any other part of the island. Any white offender was to pay a fine of 20 shillings for each offence, while any Black offender was to be punished with the greatest severity. The same notice declared that any white person found purchasing wood or any other item from a Black without permission from the latter's master or owner would be fined according to the penalties already in force. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by Bazett, Secretary.
Interpretations
A specific complaint of destruction at Sick Hill prompted a general ban on cutting wood. Naming the complainant and the port captain shows the administrative chain through which such reports moved. Penalising unauthorised purchase from slaves again bound the timber rules to the control of enslaved trade.

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11 December 1767
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued requiring inhabitants to submit returns of their cattle and sheep intended for slaughter during the coming year.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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28 March 1768
The Governor and Council directed that another advertisement be issued. It directed the inhabitants to meet in vestry to elect parish officers and conduct related business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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[Large section of lower page is missing]

Island St Helena
3rd October 1768

Whereas many persons upon the said Island make a constant practice of destroying all manner of game contrary to repeated orders,

This is therefore to prohibit all persons whatsoever from killing or destroying Guinea hens, pheasants, or rabbits upon penalty of paying five pounds for every offence, and the like sum to be levied upon the receiver, half of which fine will be paid to the informer.

And whereas several young men make a practice of carrying guns and destroying all manner of game, this is therefore strictly to forbid all persons upon the said Island carrying guns or killing any partridges or doves unless they have fifty acres of land in their own possession, and even those that possess the same quantity of land aforesaid are strictly forbid shooting partridges or doves but from the first day of February to the first of August in every year upon paying five pounds for such offence.

3 October 1768
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued declaring that many inhabitants had continued to destroy game despite previous prohibitions. It therefore forbade all persons from killing or destroying guinea hens, pheasants or rabbits, under penalty of a fine of 5 pounds for each offence, with the same amount to be levied on anyone receiving the game. Half of the fine was to be awarded to the informer. The notice further stated that, as several young men had been carrying guns and destroying all kinds of game, no person on the island was to carry firearms or kill partridges or doves unless he held at least 50 acres of land in his own possession. Even those qualified landholders were only permitted to shoot partridges or doves between 1 February and 1 August each year, otherwise they too would incur a fine of 5 pounds for every offence.
Interpretations
Persistent destruction of game brought a stricter rule tying the right to shoot to landholding. Restricting firearms to men of fifty acres made the privilege a mark of property. The closed season and the informer's share show a considered scheme for conserving the island's game.

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[Large section of lower page is missing]

Island St Helena
13th May 1768

Ordered an advertisement to be published giving notice to the inhabitants that the goods belonging to the ship Talman’s officers were to be sold at the Market House etc.

Island St Helena
3rd June 1768

Ordered an advertisement to be published about taking dirt etc. from Munden’s Point etc.

Island St Helena
4th July 1768

Ordered an advertisement to be published forbidding any inhabitant selling spirituous liquors to soldiers or blacks under penalty of paying £10 etc.

Island St Helena
29th August 1768

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send into [the Secretary’s Office] returns of their [farm stock].

13 May 1768
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued informing the inhabitants of St Helena that the goods belonging to the officers of the ship Talman were to be sold at the Market House.
Interpretations
The sale of visiting officers' goods passed through the regulated channel of the Market House. Routing such trade publicly kept it under the administration's oversight. The naming of the Talman marks the constant traffic of Company shipping through the island.

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3 June 1768
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published concerning the taking of soil or other materials from Munden's Point.
Interpretations
Removing soil from Munden's Point touched a place of defensive importance. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rule obscure. Protecting such ground recurs as a concern of the administration.

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4 July 1768
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be issued forbidding any inhabitant from selling spirituous liquors to soldiers or Blacks, under penalty of a fine of £10 for each offence.
Interpretations
Barring the sale of liquor to soldiers and slaves aimed to preserve order among the garrison and the enslaved. The heavy fine marks the seriousness with which the administration treated the offence. Control of drink among these groups runs as a constant thread through the island's regulation.

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29 August 1768
The Governor and Council directed that another advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to deliver to the Secretary's Office returns of their farm stock.
Interpretations
The return of farm stock recurs here as part of the annual accounting. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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Island St Helena
10 October 1768

A notice was issued stating that if any black person on the Island were found in possession of any of the Honourable Company’s hand-irons, they would be severely punished.

Island St Helena
17 October 1768

An order was made for an advertisement to be published concerning the management of sheep and horses.

Island St Helena
14 November 1768

A notice was issued to all inhabitants of the Island who had claims upon the Honourable Company for lime, requiring them to submit an authentic account of such claims to the Secretary’s Office on or before the following Monday.

Island St Helena
23 November 1768

An order was made for an advertisement to be published regarding the destruction of rats and mice.

Island St Helena
5 December 1768

An order was made for an advertisement to be published requiring all executors to render a true and properly attested account to the Secretary’s Office as soon as possible.

10 October 1768
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published declaring that any Black person found in possession of hand-irons belonging to the Honourable Company would be severely punished.
Interpretations
Company hand-irons in a slave's possession raised suspicion of theft or worse. The severe penalty marks the administration's concern to keep such implements under control. The brevity of the entry leaves the immediate occasion obscure.

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17 October 1768
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be issued concerning the proper management of sheep and horses.
Interpretations
The management of sheep and horses required continual regulation on a small island. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rules obscure. Livestock management recurs as a standing concern of the administration.

–––

14 November 1768
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be circulated to all inhabitants who had claims against the Honourable Company for lime, instructing them to deliver an authentic account of their claims to the Secretary's Office by the following Monday.
Interpretations
Settling claims for lime required a full and authentic accounting. Setting a deadline forced claimants to come forward together. The notice shows the administration reckoning its debts to the inhabitants as well as theirs to it.

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23 November 1768
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published addressing the destruction of rats and mice on the island.
Interpretations
Vermin threatened stored provisions on which the island depended. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the measure obscure. Control of rats and mice was a practical concern in a port reliant on stored food.

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5 December 1768
The Governor and Council directed that another advertisement be issued directing all executors to submit accurate and properly attested accounts of their responsibilities to the Secretary's Office without delay.
Interpretations
Requiring executors to render attested accounts brought the settlement of estates under the Council's oversight. Accurate returns were necessary to a fair reckoning. The notice shows the administration's routine role in the probate of the island's estates.

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Island St Helena
30 January 1769

Notice is hereby given to all those persons upon the said Island that have not returned their horses agreeable to the order published last month, that they are to send an exact account of them to the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next, or they will be severely fined for their neglect.

Island St Helena
29 January 1770

By order of the Governor and Council

This is to give notice to all the planters upon the said Island that they are hereby permitted to let their cattle remain upon the commons until the 12th day of February next, and when thought necessary notice will be given for their being taken into pasture.

Island St Helena
26 March 1770

This is to give notice to all the planters upon the said Island that they are hereby ordered to take their cattle from the commons on or before Thursday the 29th instant.

Island St Helena
16 July 1770

Whereas an advertisement was published 19 September 1768 with respect to offering £5 for apprehending runaway blacks and [illegible].

30 January 1769
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reminding all inhabitants of St Helena who had failed to return an account of their horses, as required by the order issued the previous month, that they must send an exact list to the Secretary's Office by the following Monday, under penalty of a heavy fine for neglect.
Interpretations
Chasing the outstanding horse returns shows incomplete compliance with the earlier order. The threat of a heavy fine aimed to compel the delinquent. The notice reflects the administration's steady effort to keep its livestock records complete.

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29 January 1770
By order of the Governor and Council, the planters of St Helena were granted permission to allow their cattle to remain grazing upon the commons until 12 February, with the understanding that further notice would be given when the animals were to be taken back into pasture.
Interpretations
Extending the grazing period on the commons shows the administration managing common pasture by season. Reserving the right to recall the cattle kept the land under control. Such measured access balanced the planters' needs against the protection of the ground.

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26 March 1770
The Governor and Council directed that a subsequent notice be issued instructing all planters to remove their cattle from the commons on or before Thursday 29 March.
Interpretations
Recalling the cattle from the commons closed the grazing season opened in January. The fixed deadline gave clear notice of when the land was to be cleared. The paired notices show the seasonal rhythm of common grazing under the Council's management.

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16 July 1770
The Governor and Council made reference to an earlier advertisement of 19 September 1768, which had offered a reward of £5 for the capture of runaway Blacks, though part of the record is illegible.
Interpretations
The recurring reward for runaways shows flight among slaves as a persistent feature of the island's slavery. Reviving the earlier offer marks the continuing problem. The damaged record leaves part of the notice beyond recovery.

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Island St Helena
6 August 1770

Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward of £20 to any person or persons who would discover any air belonging to the Honourable Mr Jenkins or their [illegible].

Island St Helena
27 August 1770

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to send an account of their families, lands, and cattle.

Island St Helena
29 October 1770

It is the Governor and Council’s order that, on account of the scarcity of arrack, the Company’s servants and inhabitants cannot have more than five gallons of arrack at one time, and further authority is given to the society that, in case these same people too often repeat the sending for the said quantity more than can be supposed for their reasonable consumption, they are to restrain the same. And it is their further order that the publicans be allowed only twenty gallons each for the month of November.

The average price of arrack continues the same for the month of November 1770.

6 August 1770
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published offering a reward of £20 to any person or persons who could provide information leading to the discovery of property belonging to the Honourable Mr Jenkins, though part of the record is illegible.
Interpretations
The substantial reward marks the value placed on recovering Mr Jenkins's property. The offer shows the administration lending its authority to a private loss. The damaged record leaves the detail of the property obscure.

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27 August 1770
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to deliver returns of their families, lands and cattle.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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29 October 1770
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued restricting the quantity of arrack that could be purchased owing to a shortage of supply. Company servants and inhabitants were limited to 5 gallons at any one time, and the Society was authorised to prevent excessive or repeated purchases beyond what might be considered reasonable for personal use. Publicans were permitted an allowance of only 20 gallons each for the month of November. The notice also confirmed that the average price of arrack would remain unchanged during that month.
Interpretations
A shortage of arrack prompted the administration to ration its purchase. Setting limits for servants, inhabitants and publicans alike spread the scarcity evenly. Holding the price steady prevented the shortage from being exploited.

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Island St Helena
3 December 1770

Whereas the return of cattle for slaughter for the year 1771 proved remarkably short, and was in no way adequate to the expected supply of the market and the garrison, notice was therefore given to all planters of the Island that, in the event of a favourable season, they should pay some attention to the fattening of a few more cattle from their respective stocks. They were further directed to make a return into the Secretary’s Office of the additional number they could supply by the 1st day of June next.

Island St Helena
14 March 1771

Whereas the Honourable Company’s store had been broken open on Tuesday night last and robbed of a considerable sum of money, notice was therefore given that any person who discovered the person or persons who had committed the robbery would receive a reward of forty pounds. If an accomplice were to confess the same, he would also be entitled to the said reward of forty pounds and a free pardon.

3 December 1770
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued reporting that the number of cattle returned for slaughter in 1771 was far below the quantity required to supply both the market and the garrison. The planters were therefore advised that, should the season prove favourable, they were to give attention to fattening additional cattle from their own herds. They were also instructed to send to the Secretary's Office by 1 June a return specifying the extra number of animals they could provide.
Interpretations
A shortfall in the slaughter returns threatened the supply to both market and garrison. Urging the planters to fatten more cattle sought to close the gap from the island's own herds. The measure shows the administration forecasting supply and acting on it in advance.

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14 March 1771
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued announcing that the Honourable Company's store had been broken open on the preceding Tuesday night and a considerable amount of money stolen. A reward of 40 pounds was offered to anyone who discovered and identified the culprit or culprits. Any accomplice who confessed and provided evidence leading to their conviction would likewise receive the reward and be granted a full pardon.
Interpretations
A substantial theft from the Company store brought a large reward and an offer of pardon. The scale of the reward marks the gravity of the loss. Turning an accomplice against the others was the familiar means of pursuit.

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Island St Helena
11 November 1771

Whereas there have been complaints made to the Governor by some of the islanders that they have been denied flour out of the Honourable Company’s stores, which denial has been owing to the order from the storekeeper, as an officer of that kind was not usual, and fearing that there would not be a sufficiency to last until the supply next year. Upon examination, the Governor and Council gave orders to the storekeeper to supply the garrison in moderate quantities until further orders, but it was to be understood that a single man was not to apply except for himself, and that not to exceed three pounds of flour.

Per order of Council
Signed
Brazell, Sec.

Island St Helena
16 December 1771

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring a return of cattle and sheep for slaughter for the ensuing year.

Island St Helena

Whereas several blacks had been lately found with hatchets and also cutting down trees in the Long Wood contrary to repeated orders, notice was therefore given that any black person detected in this offence would receive 100 lashes for the same on conviction before a Justice of Peace.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Sec.

11 November 1771
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued following complaints from several islanders who reported being refused flour from the Honourable Company's stores. The refusal had arisen from instructions given by the storekeeper, who, being uncertain of the remaining stock and concerned that it might not last until the next supply, had limited distribution. After investigation, the Governor and Council directed the storekeeper to issue flour to the garrison in moderate amounts until further orders. It was, however, expressly stated that a single man could not apply on behalf of others and was not to receive more than 3 pounds of flour for himself. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by Brazell, Secretary.
Interpretations
Uncertainty over the flour stock had led the storekeeper to refuse supply, prompting complaints. The Council's ruling balanced present need against the risk of running short before resupply. Limiting each man's portion prevented hoarding while keeping the garrison fed.

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16 December 1771
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be issued requiring a return of cattle and sheep intended for slaughter during the coming year.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

–––

16 December 1771 (continued)
Around the same period the Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued reporting that several Blacks had recently been found carrying hatchets and cutting down trees in the Longwood, in defiance of repeated prohibitions. It was therefore declared that any Black person caught committing this offence would, upon conviction before a Justice of the Peace, receive 100 lashes. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The continued felling of Longwood trees by slaves brought a severe corporal penalty. Requiring conviction before a Justice gave the punishment a formal legal footing. The scale of the flogging marks the gravity the administration attached to protecting the timber.

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Island St Helena
24 August 1772

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to send an account of their families, lands, and cattle.

Island St Helena
14 September 1772

This is to give notice to all persons who carry loads or burthens up or down Ladder Hill that they are hereby ordered to go the old road and not, under any pretence whatsoever, to go the new one with burthens, under penalty of whites being fined and blacks being punished for the same. All owners of slaves are required to give their respective blacks directions accordingly. Notice was further given that any blacks who walked the new road without burthens and were found going up or down by the angle above the barracks would be severely punished for such offence.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
28 September 1772

This is to give notice to all persons upon the said Island that they are strictly forbidden, on any pretence whatsoever, to throw dirt or rubbish of any kind upon the ground above the Black House under penalty of paying £10 for every offence.

24 August 1772
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants of St Helena to send in an account of their families, lands and cattle.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

–––

14 September 1772
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued directing all persons who carried loads or burdens up or down Ladder Hill to use only the old road. They were expressly forbidden to travel with burdens along the new road under any circumstances. White offenders were to be fined, and Black offenders punished accordingly. All slave owners were required to instruct their slaves to observe this order. The notice also warned that any Blacks found walking the new road without burdens and attempting to pass up or down by the angle above the barracks would be severely punished. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
Confining load-carriers to the old road protected the new one, perhaps for military or safety reasons. Requiring owners to instruct their slaves placed the duty of compliance on the masters. The particular concern with movement near the barracks points to a security dimension.

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28 September 1772
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued prohibiting all persons from depositing dirt or rubbish of any kind on the ground above the Black House, under penalty of a fine of £10 for each offence.
Interpretations
Fouling the ground above the Black House was a nuisance the administration moved to curb. The heavy fine marks the seriousness attached to the offence. Sanitation in the town recurs as a concern of the island's government.

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Island St Helena
7 October 1772

Notice was given to the inhabitants of the island, particularly those living near Doctor Brown’s Garden and in the surrounding valley, that they were forbidden to throw dirt or rubbish either into the said garden or into the hollow facing the officers’ barracks towards the water dam. All inhabitants were further required to order their slaves not to throw dirt or rubbish in those areas, under penalty of twenty pounds for acting contrary to this order.

Further notice was also given to all owners of fishing boats that they were directed to order their fishermen, whenever they passed or repassed the Purling Battery, to strike their sails and go past under oars, under penalty of being severely punished for acting contrary to orders.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
7 October 1772

This is to give notice to all owners of fishermen that they are required to send into the Secretary’s Office, on or before the twelfth instant, an exact signed return of them and to specify their names.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

7 October 1772
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued to the inhabitants of St Helena, particularly those residing near Doctor Brown's Garden and the adjoining valley, forbidding them to throw dirt or rubbish either into the garden itself or into the hollow facing the officers' barracks towards the water dam. All residents were also required to instruct their slaves not to dispose of waste in those areas. Anyone acting in breach of this order was liable to a fine of 20 pounds. The same notice directed all owners of fishing boats to order their fishermen, whenever they passed or repassed the Purling Battery, to lower their sails and pass under oars. Any person failing to comply would be severely punished. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
Protecting the garden and the water dam from waste combined sanitation with care of the supply. Requiring boats to pass the battery under oars served the island's coastal security. The pairing shows two distinct concerns carried in one notice.

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7 October 1772 (continued)
Also on 7 October the Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued requiring all owners of fishing boats to deliver to the Secretary's Office by the twelfth of the month an exact signed return listing their fishermen by name. This order was likewise issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
A named return of fishermen gave the administration a record of who worked the coastal waters. Such lists served both security and the regulation of the fishing boats. The demand shows the close oversight kept over movement on the water.

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Island St Helena
12 October 1772

Whereas several owners of fishermen had not sent into the Secretary’s Office their returns agreeable to an advertisement published the 7th instant, notice was therefore given to all such as had fishermen of their own or who employed either soldiers or free blacks that they were required to send into the Secretary’s Office, on or before the 19th instant, an exact signed return of them, or they would answer the contrary at their peril.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
19 November 1772

Ordered an advertisement to be published forbidding bone fires to be made in the valley.

Island St Helena
3 December 1772

Ordered an advertisement to be published about selling damaged goods.

Island St Helena
14 December 1772

Published requiring a return of the number of cattle for slaughter, likewise of sheep.

12 October 1772
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued stating that several owners of fishing boats had failed to submit their required returns to the Secretary's Office as directed by the advertisement of the seventh of that month. All those who owned fishermen or employed either soldiers or free Blacks in that capacity were therefore required to send in an exact signed return by the nineteenth, or they would be held accountable for disobedience. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The failure to return the fishermen's lists shows the earlier order incompletely obeyed. Extending the demand to those employing soldiers and free Blacks closed a gap in the record. The reference to free Blacks working the boats marks their place in the island's maritime labour.

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19 November 1772
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published forbidding the lighting of bonfires in the valley.
Interpretations
Bonfires in the valley posed a fire risk in a crowded settlement. The brevity of the entry leaves the immediate occasion obscure. Control of fire recurs as a constant concern of the island's government.

–––

3 December 1772
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be issued concerning the sale of damaged goods.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public sale was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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14 December 1772
The Governor and Council directed that another advertisement be issued requiring inhabitants to submit returns of the number of cattle they had for slaughter, together with returns of their sheep.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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St Helena
2 September 1773

Published the usual admonishment requiring the inhabitants to meet in order to choose parish officers.

St Helena
31 May 1773

The Governor and Council, having received the following order from the Court of Directors, thought proper to publish the same so that none of their servants of this settlement might plead ignorance. See paragraph 18 of your letter dated 6 January 1773 per ship Royal Captain.

St Helena
7 June 1773

Ordered an advertisement to be published concerning strays, as was published the 2 June 1758.

Island St Helena
28 July 1773

Whereas arrack had been sent for to the society in borrowed names unknown to the persons for whom it was issued, notice was therefore given that Yates had orders not to deliver any arrack to the Company’s servants, inhabitants, or publicans without a note specifying the quantity and their names signed thereto.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

2 September 1773
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued containing the usual admonition requiring the inhabitants of St Helena to assemble for the election of parish officers.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

–––

31 May 1773
The Governor and Council published an order received from the Court of Directors, as contained in paragraph 18 of their letter dated 6 January 1773 and brought by the ship Royal Captain. The decision to publish it was taken so that none of the Company's servants on the island might claim ignorance of its contents.
Interpretations
Publishing the Directors' order gave their instruction public standing on the island. Ensuring no servant could claim ignorance was the usual purpose of such notices. The reference to the Royal Captain marks the shipping by which London's orders reached St Helena.

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7 June 1773
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be issued concerning stray livestock, repeating the terms of an earlier notice originally published on 2 June 1758.
Interpretations
Reviving a rule of 1758 shows the administration returning to a measure that had lapsed in effect. The long interval marks the continuity of the underlying concern. Stray livestock recurs as a persistent object of regulation.

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28 July 1773
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued stating that arrack had been sent to the Society under borrowed names unknown to those for whom it was requested. It was therefore announced that Yates was instructed not to supply any arrack to Company servants, inhabitants or publicans without a signed note clearly stating both the quantity and the purchaser's name. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The use of borrowed names to obtain arrack showed the supply controls being evaded. Requiring a signed note with quantity and purchaser closed the loophole. The measure shows the administration tightening its grip on the liquor trade.

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64

Island St Helena
2 August 1773

Whereas several hogs had been stolen from the Maldivia Gardens belonging to the Honourable Company and the Lieutenant Governor, notice was given that any person who discovered the thief or thieves would receive a reward of two dollars, and if an accomplice, would be pardoned.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena

Notice was given to any person or persons who wished to become purchasers of 25 acres of land called Lavandy Valley and 23 acres called Perkins, that they were required to attend the Governor and Council on Monday next to agree upon terms for the purchase of the said parcels of land.

Further notice was given that on Monday next, at four o’clock in the afternoon, there would be a sale in the stores for ready money of two pipes of Madeira wine, one of which was a little pricked.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

2 August 1773
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reporting that several hogs had been stolen from the Maldivia Gardens belonging to the Honourable Company and the Lieutenant Governor. A reward of 2 dollars was offered to anyone who discovered the thief or thieves, and any accomplice who provided such information was to receive the same reward and be granted a pardon. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The theft of hogs from the Company gardens brought the familiar offer of reward and pardon. Turning an accomplice against the others was the standard means of pursuit. Such thefts of livestock recur throughout the record of these years.

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2 August 1773 (continued)
Around the same period the Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued inviting any person interested in purchasing 25 acres of land known as Lavandy Valley and 23 acres known as Perkins to attend the Governor and Council the following Monday to negotiate terms for their purchase. The same notice announced that on Monday at four o'clock in the afternoon there would be a cash sale in the Company's stores of two pipes of Madeira wine, one of which was slightly spoiled. The order was likewise issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
Offering Company land for negotiated sale shows the administration disposing of its holdings. Pairing the land offer with a wine sale carried two transactions in one notice. The candid note of spoiled wine reflects the plain manner of such public sales.

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65

Island St Helena
23 August 1773

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office an exact account of their families, lands, and cattle etc.

Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
24 November 1773

Ordered an advertisement to be published about selling damaged goods.

St Helena
13 December 1773

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to make a return of cattle for slaughter, and the number of sheep, horses etc.

23 August 1773
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants of St Helena to send into the Secretary's Office an exact account of their families, lands and cattle. The order was signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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24 November 1773
The Governor and Council directed that another advertisement be issued concerning the sale of damaged goods.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public sale was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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13 December 1773
The Governor and Council ordered the usual annual advertisement, directing all inhabitants to make returns of their cattle intended for slaughter, together with the number of their sheep, horses and other livestock.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering cattle, sheep and horses into one account gave the Company a full picture of the island's stock. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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66

St Helena
21 February 1774

Notice was given that Tom, a slave boy belonging to John Bagley, having been detected in stealing a sheep, the property of Mr Purling, who said he was assisted by a man who had run away, therefore it was required that whoever had a man runaway should transmit an account of him to the Secretary’s Office.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
24 August 1774

Whereas on Sunday the 21st instant, between the hours of six and eleven at night, some evil-minded person or persons had, to the great detriment of several individuals, taken off the hinges the gates all the way from Pugatory to the Huts, breaking some and throwing others down ledges, notice was therefore given that any person or persons who discovered the offenders so that they might be brought to justice and prosecuted by law would receive five pounds reward from the Governor and Council.

Per order of Council
Signed
J. Doveton Factor

21 February 1774
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued reporting that Tom, a slave boy belonging to John Bagley, had been caught stealing a sheep belonging to Mr Purling. Tom claimed he had been assisted by a man who had since run away. It was therefore directed that any person whose male slave had absconded was to send a full account of him to the Secretary's Office. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
A single theft opened into a wider concern about absconded slaves suspected of crime. Requiring owners to report runaways gave the administration a means of tracing them. The episode shows how one offence could prompt a general demand for information.

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24 August 1774
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued announcing that on Sunday 21 August, between six and eleven o'clock at night, certain malicious persons had removed the hinges from several gates along the route from Pugatory to the Huts, breaking some and throwing others down the ledges. A reward of 5 pounds was offered to anyone who discovered the offenders and brought them to justice for prosecution. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by J. Doveton, Factor.
Interpretations
The deliberate destruction of gates recurs here as a persistent problem. The precise account of time and place shows the administration documenting the offence carefully. The reward marks its continued reliance on public information to catch the culprits.
Speculation
The methodical breaking of gates along a whole route, at night, points to intent rather than idle mischief. It perhaps reflects resentment among those whose movements the enclosures constrained, though the record names no motive.

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67

St Helena
29 August 1774

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office an exact signed account of their families, lands, and cattle, likewise to send a return of the number of fishermen each of them had.

Per order of Council
Signed
P. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
19 September 1774

Whereas the bakehouse was broken open last night and several loaves of bread stolen, notice was given that any person who discovered the offender or offenders so that they might be brought to justice would receive three pounds reward.

Per order of Council
Signed
N. Kennedy, Factor

29 August 1774
The Governor and Council ordered the customary annual advertisement, requiring all inhabitants of St Helena to deliver into the Secretary's Office an exact signed account of their families, lands and cattle. They were also required to provide a return of the number of fishermen in their employment. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by P. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here, now extended to include employed fishermen. Counting the fishermen served both the record and the island's coastal security. The addition shows the return adapting to the administration's wider concerns.

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19 September 1774
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued reporting that the bakehouse had been broken into during the previous night and several loaves of bread stolen. A reward of 3 pounds was offered to anyone who discovered the offender or offenders so that they could be brought to justice. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by N. Kennedy, Factor.
Interpretations
The theft of bread from the bakehouse brought the familiar offer of reward. Even a minor theft drew an official response and a public notice. Such petty crime recurs throughout the record of the island's daily life.

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68

Island St Helena
26 September 1774

Ordered an advertisement to be published dividing the valley work into four equal parts, and to the east of one, then so between the other divisions.

Island St Helena
10 October 1774

Ordered an advertisement to be published regulating the market.

Island St Helena
5 December 1774

By order of Council

It having been represented that a number of rupees appearing to be of base metal had been introduced into the island by gentlemen of the shipping, notice was therefore given to all whom it might concern that they were to be particularly careful how they received any such in future, as the paymaster and storekeeper had orders not to take any of the said bad rupees, since the same would not be received into the Honourable Company’s cash.

Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

26 September 1774
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published announcing the division of the valley work into four equal parts, with one section lying to the east of the others, and the remaining portions divided accordingly.
Interpretations
Dividing the valley work into equal parts shows the administration organising public labour. The brevity of the entry leaves the purpose of the division obscure. Such arrangements were part of the routine management of the settlement.

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10 October 1774
The Governor and Council ordered that a further advertisement be published concerning the regulation of the public market.
Interpretations
The public market required continual regulation to keep its dealings orderly. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rules obscure. Oversight of the market recurs as a standing concern of the administration.

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5 December 1774
By order of the Council, the Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued reporting that a quantity of rupees suspected to be of base metal had been brought into the island by certain gentlemen from the shipping. All inhabitants were therefore warned to take particular care when accepting such coins in payment, as both the paymaster and the storekeeper had been instructed not to receive any of the counterfeit rupees, they not being acceptable into the Honourable Company's treasury. The notice was signed by B. Wright, Secretary.
Interpretations
The arrival of base rupees threatened the soundness of the island's currency. Refusing them at the treasury and warning the inhabitants protected the coinage from debasement. Vigilance over counterfeit coin recurs as a concern of the administration.

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69

Island St Helena
12 December 1774

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send and make a return of cattle for slaughter, number of sheep, horses etc. Also about selling damaged goods.

Island St Helena
27 February 1775

Notice was given that all persons were strictly forbidden to carry loads by the new road leading to the Lieutenant Governor’s house in the Long Wood, on pain, if a soldier, of being brought to a court martial, and if a black, of being severely punished.

Per order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

12 December 1774
The Governor and Council instructed that the customary notice be circulated requiring all inhabitants to provide returns of their livestock available for slaughter, including the numbers of sheep, horses and other animals. The same notice also concerned the sale of any damaged goods.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form, paired with a damaged-goods sale. Gathering the two matters in one notice was efficient administrative practice. Both were fixed points in the island's yearly calendar.

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27 February 1775
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued declaring that no person was permitted to carry loads along the new road leading to the Lieutenant Governor's residence at Long Wood. Any soldier disobeying this prohibition was to be tried by court martial, while any black person doing so was to face severe punishment. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Protecting the new road to the Lieutenant Governor's residence brought a strict prohibition on load-carrying. The threat of court martial for soldiers marks the seriousness of the rule. The divided penalty again reflects the racial and military structure of the island's discipline.

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70

St Helena
10 April 1775

Published the usual advertisement requiring the inhabitants to meet in Vestry to choose Parish Officers etc.

Island St Helena

This is to give notice that on Wednesday the 26th instant will be sold at public auction in James’ Valley five English bulls belonging to the Honourable Company. Credit will be given to the first of July next.

Per order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
10 July 1775

Published an advertisement relative to the winding off the increase from the Society.

10 April 1775
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be issued calling upon the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the election of parish officers and related business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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April 1775 (continued)
Later that month the Governor and Council gave notice that on Wednesday 26 April five English bulls belonging to the Honourable Company would be sold by public auction in James' Valley. Buyers were to be allowed credit until 1 July. The announcement was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The sale of English bulls shows the Company disposing of imported breeding stock. Allowing credit until midsummer widened the field of possible buyers. Such sales were a routine means of managing the Company's animals.

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10 July 1775
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published concerning the winding off of the increase from the Society.
Interpretations
The reference to the increase from the Society touches the island's financial arrangements. The brevity and obscurity of the entry leave its detail unclear. Such matters formed part of the routine administration of the island's affairs.

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71

Island St Helena
12 July 1775

By order of the Governor and Council

Whereas an advertisement was published the 5th December 1774 giving notice to all the inhabitants to be cautious what rupees they took, as many of late known to be bad had been introduced upon this island. This is further to give notice that the rupees marked with a large star, known by the name of Prince Rupees, are known to be of base metal, therefore in future forbid all of that mark to be taken as the same will not be accepted for the Honourable Company’s cash.

B. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
7 August 1775

Published an advertisement relative to the disposing of live cattle etc.

12 July 1775
By order of the Governor and Council, a public notice was issued reminding the inhabitants of an earlier warning published on 5 December 1774. That earlier advertisement had advised caution in accepting rupees, as many counterfeit coins had recently been brought onto the island. The new notice further stated that rupees bearing a large star, commonly known as Prince Rupees, were confirmed to be of base metal. All coins of this type were therefore forbidden to be accepted, as they would no longer be received at the Honourable Company's treasury. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The identification of Prince Rupees as base metal sharpened the earlier general warning. Naming the specific coin let the inhabitants recognise and refuse it. The measure shows the administration's continuing vigilance over the island's currency.

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7 August 1775
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published giving notice of the intended sale or disposal of live cattle and related stock.
Interpretations
The sale of live cattle recurs here as part of the management of the island's stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were a routine feature of livestock administration.

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72

Island St Helena
28 August 1775

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office an exact signed account of their family, land and cattle.

Island St Helena
1 April 1776

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc.

Notice was further given to all persons who kept goats in this valley that they were required to take them from thence on or before Monday next or herd them confined, as they would not be suffered upon any account whatever to come or ramble below the bridge on the one side of the valley nor the passage leading to Mundens Point, or on the other under the penalty of paying five shillings for each goat that should be found below the places aforesaid.

B. Wright, Secretary

17 June 1776

An advertisement was published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office an account of the number of male slaves they had from the age of 16 to 60 years. The free blacks also were ordered to attend.

28 August 1775
The Governor and Council directed that the customary notice be issued requiring all inhabitants to deliver to the Secretary's Office a precise and signed return detailing the members of their households, their land holdings and their livestock.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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1 April 1776
The Governor and Council ordered the usual advertisement calling upon the inhabitants to meet in vestry for the election of parish officers and related matters. In the same notice, all persons keeping goats within the valley were required either to remove them by the following Monday or to keep them securely enclosed. No goats were to be permitted under any circumstances to stray below the bridge on one side of the valley or along the path leading to Mundens Point on the other. Any goat found in those areas would incur a fine of 5 shillings for its owner. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The annual parish election was paired here with a fresh restriction on straying goats. Confining the goats protected the valley and the approach to Mundens Point. The fine per animal shows the administration enforcing the rule at the owner's cost.

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17 June 1776
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be published instructing all inhabitants to submit to the Secretary's Office a return stating the number of male slaves in their possession between the ages of 16 and 60 years. Free blacks were likewise required to appear in person.
Interpretations
A census of able-bodied male slaves served both labour and defence, since these were the men mustered on alarm. Requiring free blacks to appear in person counted them alongside the enslaved. The return shows the administration measuring the island's manpower with care.

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73

Island St Helena
12 August 1776

Whereas on Wednesday the 7th instant in the evening some evil-minded person or persons stole one of the Honourable Company’s gates at Rosemary adjoining to the land of John Bagley senior, this is therefore to give notice that whoever will discover the person or persons who stole the said gate shall receive the reward of one pound.

Per order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
26 August 1776

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send a return of family, land and cattle.

Island St Helena
1 October 1776

Ordered an advertisement to be published concerning the sale of the Company’s bulls.

12 August 1776
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued stating that on the evening of Wednesday 7 August one of the Honourable Company's gates at Rosemary, adjoining the property of John Bagley senior, had been stolen by an unknown person or persons. A reward of 1 pound was offered to anyone who could identify those responsible. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The theft of a Company gate recurs here as part of a persistent pattern. The precise account of time and place shows the administration documenting the offence. The reward marks its continued reliance on public information to catch the culprits.

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26 August 1776
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants to deliver returns detailing their families, land and livestock.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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1 October 1776
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published regarding the sale of the Company's bulls.
Interpretations
The sale of the Company's bulls recurs here as part of the management of its stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were a routine feature of livestock administration.

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74

Island St Helena
16 December 1776

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring a return of cattle for slaughter, sheep, goats and horses.

Island St Helena
6 January 1777

Notice is hereby given to all persons that have not returned their horses that they are required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 8th instant a just return of said horses.

Per order of Council
B. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
10 March 1777

Ordered an advertisement to be published concerning trade, as mentioned in the 24th paragraph of the Company’s general letter dated the 20th November 1776.

16 December 1776
The Governor and Council instructed that the usual advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to submit returns of their livestock available for slaughter, including cattle, sheep, goats and horses.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering the several kinds of stock into one account gave the Company a full picture. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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6 January 1777
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published directing all persons who had not yet submitted returns of their horses to deliver accurate lists of them to the Secretary's Office by 8 January. The announcement was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Chasing the outstanding horse returns shows incomplete compliance with the earlier order. The short deadline aimed to compel the delinquent. The notice reflects the administration's steady effort to keep its livestock records complete.

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10 March 1777
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published concerning trade, in accordance with the twenty-fourth paragraph of the Honourable Company's general letter dated 20 November 1776.
Interpretations
Publishing the Directors' instruction gave their order on trade public standing on the island. Citing the paragraph and date gave the notice a precise authority. Such transmission of London's orders recurs throughout the record.

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75

Island St Helena
24 March 1777

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc. Likewise the following was published -

Whereas many persons upon the said island make a constant practice of destroying all manner of game contrary to repeated orders, this is therefore to prohibit all persons whatsoever from killing or destroying guinea fowl, pheasants or rabbits upon penalty of paying five shillings for every offence, and the like sum to be levied upon the receiver, half of which fine will be paid to the informer.

And whereas several idle young men make a practice of carrying guns and destroying all manner of game, this is therefore strictly to forbid all persons upon the said island carrying guns or killing any partridges or doves unless they have fifty acres of land in their own possession, and even those that possess the same quantity of land aforesaid are strictly forbidden shooting partridges or doves at their roosts, or in any time of the year but from the 1st February to the 1st July in every year, upon penalty of paying five pounds for such offence, half of which to be given to the informer aforesaid.

And it is hereby further ordered that all persons whatsoever are prohibited shooting in the Longwood without they have particular leave for so doing.

This order is not meant to abridge any gentleman in the Company’s service, who does possess land, from shooting partridges or doves aforesaid in the proper season, that may obtain the Governor’s liberty for so doing.

Per order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

24 March 1777
The Governor and Council ordered the customary advertisement, requiring the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the election of parish officers and related business. At the same time a further notice was issued stating that many persons on the island had continued to destroy game despite repeated prohibitions. All inhabitants were therefore strictly forbidden from killing or destroying guinea fowl, pheasants or rabbits. Anyone found offending was to pay a fine of 5 shillings for each offence, and an equal fine would be imposed upon any person who received such game. Half of each fine was to be paid to the informer. It was also declared that several idle young men habitually carried guns and killed all kinds of game. The notice therefore strictly prohibited any person from carrying firearms or shooting partridges or doves unless they held at least 50 acres of land in their own possession. Even those who qualified were expressly forbidden to shoot partridges or doves while they were roosting, or at any time of the year except between 1 February and 1 July. Any breach would incur a fine of 5 pounds, half of which would be paid to the informer. In addition, all persons were forbidden to shoot within the Longwood area unless granted specific permission. This restriction was not intended to limit any gentleman in the Company's service who possessed land and had obtained the Governor's consent to shoot partridges or doves during the permitted season. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
This detailed game order repeats and extends the scheme of 1768, tying the right to shoot to landholding. The closed season, the roosting ban and the informer's share show a considered approach to conservation. Exempting qualified gentlemen with the Governor's consent preserved the privilege for the island's propertied class.

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76

Island St Helena
25 August 1777

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send a return of their family, land and cattle.

Island St Helena
13 October 1777

Whereas Billy, Tom, Peggy and March, three male slaves, the two former belonging to Mr Richard Beale and the latter to Mr James Doveton, have for some time absconded from their masters, and there being reason to suspect they do much mischief and damage to property about the country and this valley, notice is hereby given that if any person or persons will apprehend and secure the aforementioned slaves or any of them, so that he or they may be brought to justice, shall receive a reward of £1 10s for each of the aforesaid slaves.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island St Helena
4 December 1777

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send a return of cattle for slaughter, sheep etc., which must be mentioned in the register.

23 February 1778

Published an advertisement relative to planting rushes upon barren hill.

25 August 1777
The Governor and Council instructed that the customary advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to deliver to the Secretary's Office a signed return giving details of their families, land and livestock.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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13 October 1777
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published stating that four slaves named Billy, Tom, Peggy and March had absconded from their masters. Billy and Tom belonged to Mr Richard Beale, while Peggy and March were the property of Mr James Doveton. It was reported that these runaways had for some time been at large and were suspected of committing serious mischief and damage to property both in the countryside and within the valley. The Council announced that any person who apprehended and secured any of the slaves so that they might be brought to justice would receive a reward of £1 10s for each. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The flight of four named slaves, suspected of damage, brought a reward for their capture. Naming the runaways and their owners shows the administration pursuing specific fugitives. Such notices mark running away as a persistent feature of the island's slavery.

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4 December 1777
The Governor and Council ordered the usual advertisement requiring all inhabitants to submit returns of their cattle for slaughter, as well as sheep and other livestock. These returns were to be entered in the official register.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Entering the returns in the official register shows the care taken to preserve the record. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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23 February 1778
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published concerning the planting of rushes on barren hills.
Interpretations
Planting rushes on barren ground shows an effort to make use of the island's poorer land. The brevity of the entry leaves the purpose of the planting obscure. Such measures reflect a concern with the island's cultivation and cover.

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77

7 April 1778

Ordered an advertisement to be published in consequence of the Court of Directors’ orders by ship Warwick allowing a free trade, every person to keep shops, the military excepted.

13 April 1778

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc.

18 June 1778

Whereas the late Mrs Mary Short of Bengal, deceased, hath by her last will and testament bequeathed unto the poor widows and orphans residing on this island the sum of £1,000, and Sir Charles Raymond, Baronet, and Edward Lord, Esquire, executors to the aforesaid will, having requested the Governor and Council of this island to take upon them the care and trouble of distributing the said legacy to those they shall think most deserving and agreeable to the intention of the testatrix, this is therefore to give notice to all widows, executors or parents of orphans that they are hereby desired to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the first day of July next an exact signed return of the names and ages of such orphans, specifying therein their circumstances, so that the said Governor and Council may determine who are the proper objects to be entitled to the above donation.

7 April 1778
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published following the instructions of the Court of Directors received by the ship Warwick, granting permission for free trade on the island. Every person was permitted to keep a shop, with the exception of those serving in the military.
Interpretations
The grant of free trade marked a significant loosening of the Company's commercial control. Allowing any inhabitant to keep a shop opened trade to the island at large. Excepting the military kept the garrison distinct from the island's commerce. The reference to the Warwick marks the shipping by which the order arrived.

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13 April 1778
The Governor and Council ordered the customary notice calling upon the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the election of parish officers and other related matters.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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18 June 1778
The Governor and Council gave notice that the late Mrs Mary Short of Bengal had, by her last will and testament, bequeathed the sum of £1,000 for the benefit of the poor widows and orphans residing on St Helena. Sir Charles Raymond, Baronet, and Edward Lord, Esquire, executors of her will, had requested that the Governor and Council undertake the distribution of the legacy among those deemed most deserving, in accordance with the wishes of the testatrix. Notice was therefore given to all widows, executors and parents of orphans to deliver to the Secretary's Office, by 1 July, a precise and signed list stating the names and ages of such orphans, together with details of their circumstances, so that the Governor and Council might determine the rightful recipients.
Interpretations
A substantial legacy from abroad placed the Council in charge of relieving the island's poor. Gathering names and circumstances let the administration judge the most deserving. The bequest shows charitable provision reaching the island through the machinery of its government.

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78

29 June 1778

An advertisement was published preventing fishing boats going to windward either way etc. Also about sheep trespassing in the Longwood and the penalty to be levied on them etc.

13 July 1778

An advertisement from fishing boats going to windward.

17 July 1778

Whereas several advertisements have been published prohibiting everyone carrying hatchets into the Longwood and cutting down trees, also from fetching wood by the way of Rupert’s Valley, this is therefore to give notice to all persons that they are hereby strictly forbid to carry hatchets to cut down wood or break any branches from the standing trees in the Longwood. Neither are they to bring fuel by the way of Rupert’s Valley or by any other than the public road, on penalty, if a white man, of paying 3s for every offence to the poor of the parish, and if a black, to be severely punished.

By order of Council
B. Wright, Secretary

29 June 1778
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued prohibiting fishing boats from sailing to windward in either direction. The same notice addressed complaints concerning sheep straying within the Longwood area, stating that penalties would be imposed on the owners of any animals found trespassing there.
Interpretations
Barring fishing boats from sailing to windward served the island's coastal security. Pairing this with the Longwood grazing rule carried two distinct concerns in one notice. Both reflect standing preoccupations of the administration with the shore and the pastures.

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13 July 1778
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be published reinforcing the prohibition against fishing boats proceeding to windward.
Interpretations
Reinforcing the windward prohibition shows the earlier rule requiring fresh emphasis. The short interval marks the administration's concern to see it obeyed. Control of movement on the water recurs as a constant theme.

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17 July 1778
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued recalling several earlier advertisements that had forbidden anyone from carrying hatchets into the Longwood or cutting down trees, and from transporting wood through Rupert's Valley. It was therefore declared that all persons were strictly forbidden to carry hatchets for the purpose of cutting down or breaking branches from standing trees in the Longwood. They were also not permitted to bring firewood or other fuel by way of Rupert's Valley or by any route other than the public road. Any white person found violating this order would be fined 3 shillings for each offence, the money to be given to the poor of the parish, while any black person found guilty would be severely punished. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Protecting the Longwood timber and confining fuel-carriers to the public road recur here as established rules. Recalling the several earlier orders shows the persistence of the offence. The divided penalty again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

89

79

24 August 1778

The usual advertisement was published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office, on or before the 20th of September, an account of their families, land and cattle, notice given that the stores were to be shut from the 1st of September to the 1st of October.

Island St Helena
7 September 1778

Notice is hereby given that the inhabitants of this island are required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 20th instant, an exact signed account of the number of male slaves each of them have from the age of 16 to 60 years, which may be inserted in their return of families.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

14 September 1778

Notice is hereby given to all persons upon this island that all free blacks are henceforward strictly forbid going on board any ship or ships in this road on any pretence whatever, neither are any slave or slaves to go on board ships unless they produce a written permit from his or their owners, under penalty of being severely punished for every offence.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

24 August 1778
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to submit to the Secretary's Office, by 20 September, a full account of their families, land and livestock. The same notice announced that the island stores would remain closed from 1 September until 1 October.
Interpretations
The annual census is paired here with the store closure that allowed the yearly inventory. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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7 September 1778
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published requiring every inhabitant to provide to the Secretary's Office, by the twentieth of the month, a precise and signed return stating the number of male slaves in their possession between the ages of 16 and 60 years. This information was to be included within their general family returns. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
A census of able-bodied male slaves served both labour and defence. Folding it into the general family return gathered the whole household into one account. The measure shows the enslaved population counted with the same care as any other part of the return.

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14 September 1778
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued declaring that all free blacks on the island were henceforth strictly prohibited from going on board any ship in the road under any circumstances. In addition, no slave was permitted to go on board any vessel without first producing a written permit from his or her owner. Any person found offending would be severely punished. The notice was published by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Barring free blacks from ships and requiring written permits for slaves guarded against desertion and unregulated contact. Distinguishing the two groups shows the different controls placed on each. The measure marks the administration's steady concern to seal the island from the shipping in its road.

90

80

Island of St Helena
2 November 1778

Notice is hereby given that on Monday next in the afternoon will be sold at public auction in this valley sundry damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company for ready money.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island of St Helena
14 December 1778

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the planters to send a return of cattle for slaughter for the year 1779, and likewise to make a just return of their stocks of sheep and goats (including those in pasture), as proper persons will be appointed to inspect such stocks after the said returns are made, so that none are to be suffered to graze upon the commons etc.

2 November 1778
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued announcing that on the following Monday afternoon a sale by auction would take place in the valley of various damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company. The goods were to be sold for ready money. The notice was published by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public auction for ready money was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these sales shows them as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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14 December 1778
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published requiring all planters to submit returns of their cattle intended for slaughter during the year 1779. They were also instructed to provide accurate accounts of their stocks of sheep and goats, including those kept in pasture. It was further stated that appointed inspectors would review these stocks after the returns were received, ensuring that no animals would be permitted to graze upon the commons or other restricted areas.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here, now backed by inspection of the stocks. Appointing inspectors to verify the returns shows the administration tightening enforcement. Guarding the commons from unauthorised grazing remained a persistent concern.

91

81

Island of St Helena
4 January 1779

Notice is hereby given that all persons upon the said island are strictly forbid selling sheep to the shipping unless they return them for sale to the Secretary’s Office, and all persons making such returns must have a written permit from the Secretary before they dispose of them.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island of St Helena
11 January 1779

Whereas one of the Honourable Company’s calves was stolen and killed on Tuesday or Wednesday last from out of the Longwood, this is therefore to give notice that whoever will discover the person or persons who committed the said robbery shall receive a reward of £1 10s. And as Patna, a man slave belonging to Mr Elisha Sache, has been run away for some time past, and there being great reason to suspect that he committed many robberies about the country, any person that will apprehend and secure the said Patna shall receive a reward of £1 10s.

By order of Council
B. Wright, Secretary

4 January 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published strictly forbidding all inhabitants from selling sheep to visiting ships unless those animals had first been formally registered for sale at the Secretary's Office. Furthermore, no such transaction could take place without a written permit issued by the Secretary. The notice was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Requiring registration and a written permit for sheep sales to ships brought the trade under close control. Channelling every transaction through the Secretary's Office guarded the island's supply. The measure extends to sheep the licensing long applied to other stock sold to shipping.

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11 January 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued reporting that one of the Honourable Company's calves had been stolen and killed on the previous Tuesday or Wednesday from the Longwood. A reward of £1 10s was offered to anyone who could identify the person or persons responsible. The same notice stated that a man slave named Patna, belonging to Mr Elisha Sache, had absconded for some time and was strongly suspected of having committed numerous thefts across the island. A further reward of £1 10s was offered to any person who could apprehend and secure him. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The theft of a calf and the flight of a suspected slave were pursued together in one notice. Offering matching rewards linked the property loss to the missing man. Such pairing of theft and runaway shows how the two concerns often ran together in the record.

92

82

Island of St Helena
18 January 1779

This is to give notice to all persons who go a-fishing, that they are hereby positively forbid rowing or sailing their boats round Banks’s Battery in the night-time, on any pretence whatever, on penalty of a white man being fined and of a black if seen, severely punished. And to detect any person or persons who shall presume to transgress this order, the guard at said battery has directions to fire at them, bring them to, and make them prisoners.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

St Helena
29 March 1779

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc.

Island of St Helena
16 May 1779

Whereas several advertisements have been published strictly forbidding all persons making by-road thro’ the pasture lands, particularly that of the Company’s leading from the White Gate thro’ Cowens to Bates’s Branch, notwithstanding which many have been seen passing and trespassing that way both on horse-back and a-foot, this is therefore to give notice that any person or persons henceforward ever found transgressing the aforesaid order will be made to answer the same as thieves.

18 January 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued warning all persons engaged in fishing that they were strictly forbidden to row or sail their boats around Banks's Battery during the night under any circumstance. Any white person found offending would be fined, while any black person detected would be severely punished. To enforce the order, the guard stationed at the battery was instructed to fire upon any vessel disregarding the prohibition, compel it to stop, and take the crew as prisoners. The notice was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Barring boats from Banks's Battery at night served the island's coastal security. Authorising the guard to fire on offenders marks the seriousness of the rule. The divided penalty again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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29 March 1779
The Governor and Council ordered the customary advertisement calling upon the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the election of parish officers and other local business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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16 May 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued recalling several previous advertisements that had strictly forbidden the making of by-roads through pasture lands, particularly through the Company's ground leading from the White Gate through Cowens to Bates's Branch. Despite these repeated prohibitions, many individuals continued to trespass by passing that way either on horseback or on foot. The new notice therefore declared that anyone found offending against this order in future would be treated and prosecuted as thieves.
Interpretations
The persistent making of by-roads through the pastures shows earlier orders widely defied. Threatening to prosecute trespassers as thieves marks a sharp escalation of the penalty. Protecting the Company's ground from unauthorised passage remained a standing concern.

93

83

And whereas a large red dog with a black nose, cut ears and long tail of the greyhound breed said to be left here out of the Portuguese vessel hath killed a great many lambs and kids in the Longwood and other parts of the island, notice is hereby given that if any person or persons will bring the said dog dead or alive to Messrs Cornelius or Wrangham shall receive 2s 6d reward.

By order of Council
Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island of St Helena
26 June 1779

This is to give notice to all the inhabitants upon the said island possessing plantations, that they are hereby required to attend the Governor and Council on Monday next the 28th instant at the Castle by ten o’clock in the forenoon.

By order of Council
Signed
W. Lethen, Sub-Secretary

May 1779 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued stating that a large red dog of the greyhound breed, with a black nose, cropped ears and a long tail, reported to have been left on the island from a Portuguese vessel, had killed many lambs and kids in the Longwood and other parts of St Helena. It was announced that anyone who captured or killed the animal and delivered it, dead or alive, to Messrs Cornelius or Wrangham would receive a reward of 2s 6d. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
A single stray dog doing serious harm to the flocks prompted a reward for its destruction. The detailed description shows the administration helping the inhabitants to identify the animal. Loss of stock to dogs recurs as a persistent problem in the record.

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26 June 1779
The Governor and Council gave public notice requiring all inhabitants who held plantations on the island to attend a meeting with the Governor and Council at the Castle on Monday 28 June at ten o'clock in the forenoon. The notice was made by order of the Council and signed by Sub-Secretary W. Lethen.
Interpretations
A summons of the plantation holders signalled business the Council wished to put before them. The recurrence of such meetings shows them as a standing feature of the island's government. Their frequency reflects the close involvement of the landholders in public affairs.

94

84

5 July 1779

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry the Monday following to choose almsmen.

Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

Island of St Helena
18 August 1779

Whereas many people make a practice of breaking down the branches and damaging the trees leading to the Maldivia Garden to feed goats, which is contrary to orders, this is therefore positively to forbid the same in future, as whoever shall be found committing the like offence will be severely fined.

By order of Council
Signed
Tho. Bazett, Writer

5 July 1779
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published calling upon the inhabitants to assemble in vestry on the following Monday for the purpose of electing almsmen. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The election of almsmen through the vestry shows the parish machinery extending to poor relief. Drawing the inhabitants into the choice maintained the vestry's role in local affairs. Such elections were part of the settled conduct of parish government.

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18 August 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued stating that many persons had been in the habit of breaking branches and damaging the trees along the road leading to the Maldivia Garden in order to feed goats, in direct violation of previous orders. It was therefore strictly forbidden for anyone to continue this practice, and it was declared that any person found committing such an offence would be heavily fined. The notice was made by order of the Council and signed by Thomas Bazett, Writer.
Interpretations
Damaging the roadside trees to feed goats defied the standing orders protecting them. The threat of a heavy fine marks the administration's concern for the island's scarce timber. Protection of trees recurs as a persistent theme of the island's regulation.

95

85

16 August 1779

An advertisement published requiring all persons to send returns of their cattle lost by death and misfortune in the year, to be in before the subsequent Monday.

23 August 1779

Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office a return of their family, land and cattle, also specifying slaughter cattle and to continue making returns of cattle lost by death, accidents etc. To give notice that returns would be sent from the 1st September to the 1st October 1779.

B. Wright, Secretary

30 August 1779

Ordered an advertisement to be published offering a reward for taking a seaman who deserted from His Majesty’s ship Warwick.

30 September 1779

An advertisement was published offering a reward for the apprehending some men of the garrison who were missing.

7 November 1779

An advertisement published giving notice of the intended sale of Madeira wine and damaged goods from the stores the Monday following.

B. Wright, Secretary

16 August 1779
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants to deliver returns of any cattle lost through death or misfortune during the year. These accounts were to be submitted by the following Monday.
Interpretations
Recording cattle lost to death gave the Company a measure of wastage in the island's stock. Monitoring such losses complemented the accounting of sales and slaughter. The return reflects the settled routine of livestock record-keeping.

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23 August 1779
The Governor and Council ordered the customary advertisement instructing all inhabitants to send to the Secretary's Office a detailed return of their families, land and livestock, specifying in particular those animals intended for slaughter, and continuing to report any cattle lost through death or accident. It was further announced that such returns would be received between 1 September and 1 October 1779. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form, joined to the report of lost cattle. Setting a fixed window for the returns ordered the administrative season. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping.

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30 August 1779
The Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be published offering a reward for the capture of a seaman who had deserted from His Majesty's ship Warwick.
Interpretations
Desertion from a naval ship drew the administration's help in recovering the man. Offering a reward enlisted the inhabitants in his capture. The reference to the Warwick marks the naval traffic calling at the island.

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30 September 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be published offering a reward for the apprehension of several soldiers belonging to the garrison who were reported missing.
Interpretations
The flight of garrison soldiers drew a reward for their apprehension. Desertion from the garrison recurs as a concern for the island's authorities. Enlisting the inhabitants in the pursuit was the familiar means of recovery.

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7 November 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued announcing the forthcoming sale of Madeira wine and damaged goods from the Company's stores, to take place on the following Monday. The advertisement was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The sale of wine and damaged goods recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such sales were an established feature of the Company's trade.

96

86

2 November 1779

An advertisement published respecting the fencing of Longwood, requiring all persons to make their proposals on or before the 15th of the same month and to attend at the Castle at the same time.

15 November

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons to send an account of the number of slaves from the age of 16 to 60 with their names etc. by the 1st of December 1779.

13 December

The usual advertisement was published requiring the inhabitants to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 2nd instant an account of their number of cattle for slaughter etc.

20 February 1780

Ordered an advertisement to be published respecting fishing boats etc.

16 March 1780

Ordered an advertisement to be published offering to purchase boats for the intended scheme of preparing them for the destruction of an enemy.

2 November 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued inviting proposals for fencing the Longwood estate, a measure intended to define and protect the area from trespass or the straying of livestock. All interested persons were required to submit their proposals by the fifteenth of the month and to attend at the Castle on that date to discuss their offers.
Interpretations
Fencing the Longwood estate promised a lasting remedy against the trespass that repeated notices had failed to stop. Inviting proposals shows the administration seeking the work from the island's own people. The measure marks a shift from prohibition to physical enclosure.

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15 November 1779
The Governor and Council directed that a census of slaves be taken across the island. Every slaveholder was required to provide a written return giving the names of all slaves between 16 and 60 years of age. These lists were to be sent to the Secretary's Office by 1 December, allowing the authorities to assess the strength and distribution of the working population.
Interpretations
A named census of able-bodied slaves served both labour and defence. Recording their distribution let the administration judge the strength available across the island. The return shows the enslaved population counted with the same care as any other resource.

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13 December 1779
In accordance with long-standing practice, the Governor and Council directed that the inhabitants report the number of cattle they intended to present for slaughter in the coming season. These returns, to be lodged with the Secretary's Office by 2 December, also served to regulate the supply of meat and monitor stock levels across the island.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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20 February 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be issued concerning the island's fishing vessels. It was intended to control their operation and ensure that those working the coastal waters complied with regulations governing fishing rights, safety and navigation.
Interpretations
Regulation of the fishing vessels served the island's coastal security and order. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail of the rules obscure. Oversight of the fishing boats recurs as a standing concern of the administration.

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16 March 1780
The Governor and Council announced its intention to acquire suitable boats to form part of a defensive scheme designed to repel or attack any enemy ships approaching St Helena. The notice invited owners to offer their vessels for purchase so that they could be fitted out for military use.
Interpretations
Acquiring boats for defence shows the administration preparing against attack by sea. Inviting owners to sell their vessels drew on the island's own resources. The measure reflects the heightened concern with security in a time of war.

97

87

St Helena
20 March 1780

Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers etc.

10 April

An advertisement published permitting boats to go to windward etc.

19 June 1780

An advertisement published requiring all persons who have places to let to send an account of them into the Secretary’s Office for the purpose of enclosing long leases.

24 July

An advertisement published respecting the return of cattle for slaughter, forbidding all persons killing cattle for their own private use without leave, also respecting fishing boats and fishermen.

Signed
B. Wright, Secretary

20 March 1780
The Governor and Council instructed that a public notice be issued summoning the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the annual election of parish officers and the handling of other parish affairs.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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10 April 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published granting permission for island boats to sail to windward, lifting previous restrictions that had limited fishing or transport in that direction.
Interpretations
Lifting the windward restriction relaxed a rule imposed for coastal security. The change perhaps reflects easing fears or greater confidence in the island's control of its waters. Such adjustments show the administration's rules responding to circumstance.

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19 June 1780
The Governor and Council issued an advertisement calling upon anyone with houses, lands or other properties available for rent to provide written details of them to the Secretary's Office. The purpose was to enable the preparation of long-term lease agreements.
Interpretations
Gathering details of properties for rent shows the administration formalising the island's tenancies. Preparing long-term leases points to an effort to set tenure on a firmer footing. The measure reflects a concern with accurate records of property holding.

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24 July 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published directing inhabitants to submit returns of cattle intended for slaughter. The same order expressly forbade anyone from killing livestock for private consumption without first obtaining permission, an effort to control meat supply and prevent waste. The notice also included regulations concerning fishing boats and fishermen, aimed at maintaining proper oversight of coastal activity. It was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The slaughter return is joined here to a ban on private killing without permission. Controlling both supply and private consumption gave the Company command of the island's meat. Combining these with the fishing rules shows several concerns carried in one notice.

98

88

31 July 1780

Ordered an advertisement to be published prohibiting cattle going in Lower Pasture, also forbidding the trespassing of cattle on Barron Hill under penalty of paying 3s per head.

30 October 1780

Whereas Tom Pogue, a man slave belonging to Mr Reid, a parson, has for some time past absented himself from his master’s service and committed many robberies about the country to the great detriment of individuals, this is to give notice that if any person or persons will apprehend and secure the said Tom Pogue so that he may be brought to justice, shall receive a reward of 40s from the Honourable Company’s cash.

31 July 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued forbidding the grazing of cattle in the Lower Pasture and prohibiting any animals from trespassing upon Barron Hill. Anyone whose cattle were found there in breach of the order would be fined 3 shillings for each animal. The measure was intended to protect cultivated ground and prevent overgrazing in areas reserved for other uses.
Interpretations
Reserving the Lower Pasture and Barron Hill from grazing protected the ground for other uses. A fine per animal aimed to make trespass costly to the owner. Management of grazing recurs as a standing concern of the administration.

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30 October 1780
The Governor and Council issued a public announcement reporting that a man slave named Tom Pogue, belonging to Mr Reid, a clergyman, had absconded from his master's service and was suspected of committing numerous thefts and acts of mischief throughout the countryside, causing harm to many inhabitants. To secure his capture, the Honourable Company offered a reward of 40 shillings to anyone who apprehended and delivered him to the authorities so that he might face justice.
Interpretations
The flight of a slave suspected of theft brought a reward for his capture. Naming the runaway and his owner shows the administration pursuing a specific fugitive. Such notices mark running away as a persistent feature of the island's slavery.

99

89

27 November 1780

Whereas Jno Aarden and Wm Shoals, two men of the garrison, did on the 22nd instant in the night break out of prison and abscond, this is therefore to give notice that if any person or persons will apprehend and secure the said two men or either of them, shall receive a reward of 20s for each so apprehended and secured.

Signed
B. Wright, Sec’y

11 December 1780

The usual advertisement published requiring the inhabitants to send a return of cattle for slaughter, an account of sheep, goats and horses, also requiring notice of the sale of damaged goods.

Island St Helena
18 December 1780

This is to give notice to the East and West flying parties that they are ordered to assemble at the Ridge House the first Wednesday in every month to learn the exercise of the field piece and small arms.

Signed
B. Wright, Sec’y

27 November 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reporting that two soldiers of the garrison, John Aarden and William Shoals, had broken out of prison during the night of 22 November and fled the island's custody. The Council offered a reward of 20 shillings for each man apprehended and delivered to the authorities. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The escape of two named soldiers from prison brought a reward for their recapture. Naming the men shows the administration pursuing specific fugitives. Desertion and escape from the garrison recur as concerns for the island's authorities.

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11 December 1780
The Governor and Council ordered the customary advertisement requiring all inhabitants to submit to the Secretary's Office a return of their cattle intended for slaughter, together with an account of their sheep, goats and horses. The same notice also announced the forthcoming sale of damaged goods from the Company's stores.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form, paired with a damaged-goods sale. Gathering the two matters in one notice was efficient administrative practice. Both were fixed points in the island's yearly calendar.

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18 December 1780
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued directing the members of the East and West flying parties to assemble at the Ridge House on the first Wednesday of every month. These gatherings were intended for the men to practise handling the field pieces and small arms used for the island's defence. The order was published by direction of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Regular musters of the flying parties kept the island's defensive forces in practice. Monthly drill with field pieces and small arms maintained their readiness. The measure shows the steady attention given to defence in a time of war.

100

90

8 January 1781
An advertisement published for prohibiting the digging of stones & dirt on the side of Foot Hill and Mundens Point also the wheeling of dirt and rubbish behind the houses in this valley.
Signed B. Wright, Secy

9th April 1781 -
The usual advertisement published requiring the inhabitants to meet in Vestry to chose Parish Officers &c

30th April 1781
Whereas the Honble Company’s garden at the Plantor House has frequently been robbed of fruit & vegetables - Notice is hereby given that if any person or persons will discover the offender or offenders so that he or they may be brought to justice shall receive a reward of 20s - And notice is further given that foot soldiers will be placed in different parts of said garden from six o’clock in the morning until sun rest from this day forward to the 1st of July next for the protection of the same -
Signed B. Wright, Secy

8 January 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a public order be issued forbidding the removal of stones or earth from the slopes of Foot Hill and Mundens Point. The same notice prohibited the dumping or wheeling of dirt and rubbish behind the houses in the valley, a measure intended to prevent erosion and preserve cleanliness in the settlement. The order was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Protecting the slopes from digging guarded against erosion at points of some importance. Pairing this with a ban on dumping refuse shows two concerns for the valley's fabric carried in one notice. Care of the ground and its cleanliness recur as standing concerns of the administration.

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9 April 1781
The Governor and Council directed that the usual notice be published summoning the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the election of parish officers and to conduct other parish business as required by custom.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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30 April 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued reporting that fruit and vegetables had frequently been stolen from the Honourable Company's garden at the Planter House. To deter further thefts, a reward of 20 shillings was offered for information leading to the conviction of any offenders. The notice also stated that from that day until 1 July, foot soldiers would be stationed in various parts of the garden each day from six in the morning until sunset to guard the property. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Persistent theft from the Company garden brought both a reward and a posted guard. Stationing soldiers through the daylight hours shows the value placed on the produce. The combination of inducement and deterrence marks the administration's practical response to recurring loss.

101

91

4 June 1781
Ordered an Advertisement to be Published requiring the Inhabitants to send into the Secretarys Office a Return of their Stocks of Black Cattle on or before the 11th Inst.

9 July 1781
An Advertisement was Published raising the Price of Beef 1d in the Pound, until the Honble Company’s pleasure be known.

7 August 1781
This is to give Notice to all Fishermen and other persons upon the said Island that they are not under any pretence whatsoever to have any communication with the sick men off of a malignant fever which will be landed at Lemon Valley, or with the ship in the Road. As the Officer commanding Lemon Valley Guard on the approach of any Boat to the Rocks, has Orders immediately to fire into them.

27 August 1781
Ordered the usual Advertisement to be Published requiring the Inhabitants to send into the Secretarys Office a Return of their Families, Lands & Cattle and the names of their able Men Slaves from between the Ages of 16 to 60 also the number and sort of Fowls &c &c.

4 June 1781
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to submit to the Secretary's Office, by the eleventh of the month, a complete return of their stock of black cattle. This measure was intended to keep accurate records of the island's livestock and ensure proper management of meat supplies.
Interpretations
A return of black cattle gave the administration a current record of the island's stock. Accurate figures were necessary to the management of the meat supply. Such returns were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping.

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9 July 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published announcing that the price of beef would be increased by 1 penny per pound until instructions were received from the Honourable Company. The temporary rise reflected the higher costs of maintaining cattle and regulating the island's provisions.
Interpretations
Raising the price of beef answered the higher cost of keeping cattle. Making the rise temporary, pending the Company's word, kept the decision provisional. The measure shows the administration adjusting prices to circumstance while awaiting London's direction.

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7 August 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a strict public warning be issued to all fishermen and residents forbidding any contact with a group of men suffering from a malignant fever who were to be landed at Lemon Valley, or with the ship anchored in the road. The notice made clear that the officer commanding the guard at Lemon Valley had orders to fire upon any boat attempting to approach the rocks, a precaution intended to prevent the spread of infection to the island's population.
Interpretations
The threat of a malignant fever prompted a strict quarantine at Lemon Valley. Authorising the guard to fire on approaching boats marks the gravity of the danger. Protecting the island from imported infection was a serious concern for an isolated port.

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27 August 1781
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring every inhabitant to deliver to the Secretary's Office a full return detailing their families, land and cattle. They were also required to list their able-bodied male slaves between the ages of 16 and 60, and to include the number and kinds of poultry and other domestic fowl in their possession. This comprehensive return was part of the island's routine system of record-keeping.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here, gathering families, land, cattle, slaves and poultry into one return. Listing able-bodied male slaves served both labour and defence. The breadth of the return shows the administration's thorough accounting of the island's resources.

102

92

1 Sept 81
Ordered an Advertisement to be published forbidding all persons exchanging of spirituous liquors for fish or giving it to any person for work &c.

10 Sept 81
Ordered an Advertisement to be published forbidding all persons carrying hatchetts or cutts to down trees from the Keys, Deep Point and Longwood upon penalty of £10 to those that are fined and if a black of being severely punished.

17 December 81
The usual Advertisement published requiring the inhabitants to send a return of cattle for slaughter an a/c of their goats and borrow.

18 March 82
Ordered an Advertisement to be published requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry to choose parish officers &c.

25 March 82
An Advertisement published forbidding all persons selling wine but by the cask except the licenced public house keepers. Penalty £10 - half to the informer.

1 September 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a public order be issued prohibiting the exchange of spirituous liquors for fish or the giving of such drink as payment for labour. The measure was intended to prevent drunkenness and disorder among the working population and to regulate trade in alcohol more strictly.
Interpretations
Barring liquor as payment for fish or labour aimed to curb drunkenness among the workers. Controlling the currency of drink extended the administration's regulation of alcohol. Order among the working population recurs as a concern of the island's government.

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10 September 1781
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published forbidding anyone from carrying hatchets or cutting tools to fell trees in the areas of the Keys, Deep Point or Longwood. Any person found violating the order would incur a fine of £10, and if the offender were a black person, they would face severe punishment. This regulation aimed to protect the island's limited woodland and prevent further depletion of its timber resources.
Interpretations
Protecting the woodland at three named places guarded the island's scarce timber. The heavy fine marks the value placed on the trees. The divided penalty again reflects the racial structure of the island's law.

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17 December 1781
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to submit returns of cattle intended for slaughter, together with accounts of their goats and other livestock. These returns ensured the orderly management of animal stocks and the control of meat supplies.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply for the coming year. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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18 March 1782
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published summoning the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the annual election of parish officers and the conduct of parish business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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25 March 1782
The Governor and Council directed that a new regulation be issued forbidding the sale of wine in small quantities except by licensed public house keepers. All other sellers were required to trade only by the cask. Anyone breaching this rule would be fined £10, half of which would be paid to the informer who reported the offence. The order was designed to restrict unauthorised retailing of alcohol and maintain proper oversight of sales.
Interpretations
Confining small wine sales to licensed keepers extended the control long applied to spirits. Requiring others to trade by the cask drew the line between wholesale and retail. The informer's share was the familiar device for enforcing such rules.

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93

6th May 1782
Ordered an Advertisement to be published relative to Long Wood.

19th Augst 1782
Entered an Advertisement published the 3d respecting Sheep and Goats for the supply of the Hospital.

26 Augst
The usual Advertisement published requiring the Inhabitants to send into the Secretarys Office a Return of Families &c - And to pay Tents on Monday the 30th September also that the Stores will be shut from the 2d September to the 7th October 82 - likewise forbidding all persons from loitering or standing on the Bridge &c.

Island St Helena 23d Sept 82
By Order of Council
Notice is hereby given that the Militia of the said Island are required to assemble for exercise on Wednesday the 2d of next Month at a place called the Red Rock in the West Division of this Island. And that the exercise of both Partys will be in future alternately in the East and West Divisions.
B. Wright Secy

6 May 1782
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued concerning the Longwood estate. Although the precise subject was not detailed, it most probably related to the management of the pastures, enclosures or timber in that district, reflecting the continuing oversight of land use in the area.
Interpretations
The Longwood estate drew continual administrative attention over its pastures and timber. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific matter obscure. Oversight of land use in that district recurs throughout the record.

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19 August 1782
The Governor and Council formally entered an advertisement previously issued on the third of the month, dealing with the regulation of sheep and goats intended for the supply of the island's hospital. This measure ensured a steady provision of meat for medical use and prevented private herds from being overdrawn.
Interpretations
Reserving sheep and goats for the hospital secured a steady supply of meat for the sick. Regulating the provision guarded against private herds being drawn down. Care of the hospital's needs was part of the administration's wider management of supply.

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26 August 1782
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published requiring all inhabitants to deliver to the Secretary's Office a full return of their families and property. The same notice announced that payments of rents and tenths were to be made on Monday 30 September, and that the public stores would be closed from 2 September until 7 October. It also contained an order forbidding idling or standing upon the bridge in the valley, a rule intended to prevent obstruction and maintain order in the main thoroughfare.
Interpretations
The annual census, rent day and store closure recur here in their established form. The added rule against loitering on the bridge shows attention to order in the town's main thoroughfare. The bundle of demands confirms the fixed rhythm of the fiscal year.

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23 September 1782
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be given that the island militia were required to assemble for drill on Wednesday 2 October at a place known as the Red Rock, situated in the West Division of St Helena. It was also announced that, thereafter, military exercises would take place alternately between the East and West Divisions. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Regular militia drill kept the island's defensive forces in practice. Alternating exercises between the divisions shared the duty across the island. The measure shows the steady attention given to defence in a time of war.

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94

Island of St Helena 9 Decr 1782
It having been represented to the Governor and Lieut Governor by the Gentlemen of the Society that there is only 2000 gallons spirituous liquors at present remaining on hand they therefore have taken the same under consideration thought proper to purchase 540 gallons thereof on the Honble Company’s account directed that 1200 gallons be kept for the use of the garrison and the remainder to be distributed amongst the Company’s servants and inhabitants in as equitable proportion to their ranks and families as the nature of the case will admit of according to the list delivered to the Clerk of the Society.

Notice is hereby also given that whatever liquor has been drawn from the Society by individuals in this month is to be reckoned as part of their allowance.

By order of the Govr & Lt Governor
(signed) B. Wright Secy

9 Decr 82
Ordered an Advertisement to be published respecting the sale of Damaged Goods belonging to the Honble Company.

9 December 1782
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor, after receiving a report from the members of the Society that only 2,000 gallons of spirituous liquor remained in stock, resolved to take control of the supply. They decided that 540 gallons should be purchased on behalf of the Honourable Company, while 1,200 gallons were to be reserved for the use of the garrison. The remaining quantity was to be fairly distributed among the Company's servants and the island's inhabitants in proportion to their rank and family size, following a list prepared by the Clerk of the Society. A further announcement stated that any liquor already drawn by individuals from the Society during the current month would be counted as part of their share under this distribution. The notice was issued by order of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
A dwindling liquor stock led the administration to take direct control of its distribution. Reserving portions for the Company and garrison before sharing the rest by rank shows the recognised order of precedence. Managing the shortage by a prepared list aimed at a fair and orderly division.

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9 December 1782 (continued)
On the same day the Governor and Council ordered that an advertisement be issued announcing the sale of damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company, ensuring that such items could be disposed of publicly and accounted for properly.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public sale was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

105

95

December 16. 1782
Ordered an Advertisement to be published requiring the Planters &c to send in their returns of Cattle for slaughter, also of Goats, Hogs and Horses.

  1. Jany. 83. An Advertisement published respecting the Established prices of provisions upon the Island.

April 4th 1783
The usual Advertisement published requiring the Inhabitants to meet in Vestry to choose Parish Officers.

Island St Helena 20 April 1783
There is great reason to suppose that great impositions and exactions are too frequently imposed upon strangers that from necessity and not choice are obliged to remain upon this Island on their homeward bound passage to Europe and more particularly respecting their washing bills contrary to regulations & settled by the Governor and Council hereunder written which from not being better known throws unfavourable reflections on the Police of the place. Whereas therefore to give notice to all whom it may concern that if any exactions are made for washing contrary to the undermentioned rates by applying to the rotation Justice he or they will be redressed and the delinquents fined according to the nature of the imposition on the complainants. And it is further ordered that this advertisement with the several rates for washing be stuck up at the Sea Gate under the charge of the sergeant of the Guard in order that no one in future may be imposed upon through ignorance or want of being informed of said regulations.

16 December 1782
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued requiring all planters to send in returns of their cattle intended for slaughter, together with full accounts of their goats, hogs and horses. This formed part of the island's routine agricultural oversight, ensuring that livestock numbers were accurately recorded and that sufficient supplies were available for both private and Company use.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering cattle, goats, hogs and horses into one account gave the Company a full picture of the island's stock. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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10 January 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be published listing the established prices of provisions on the island. This was intended to regulate trade and prevent unfair pricing in the sale of essential goods.
Interpretations
Publishing fixed prices for provisions guarded the inhabitants against unfair charges. Setting a public standard let both buyer and seller know the lawful rate. Regulation of prices recurs as a concern of the island's government.

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4 April 1783
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be issued calling the inhabitants to assemble in vestry for the annual election of parish officers and the conduct of parish business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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20 April 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published addressing widespread complaints that visitors detained on the island during their homeward voyages to Europe were being overcharged for domestic services, especially for the washing of clothes. It was reported that such charges often exceeded the official rates set by the Governor and Council, and these abuses were giving the island a poor reputation among travellers. The notice therefore restated the authorised washing prices and warned that any person imposing excessive charges would be subject to fines. Those affected were advised to report their complaints to the rotation justice, who would provide redress and enforce penalties against offenders. To ensure the regulations were clearly understood, the notice ordered that the advertisement, together with the full schedule of washing rates, be posted at the Sea Gate under the care of the guard sergeant, so that no visitor or inhabitant could claim ignorance of the official rules.
Interpretations
Overcharging detained travellers for laundry was harming the island's reputation. Restating the official rates and posting them publicly aimed to end the abuse. The concern for how the island appeared to passing visitors marks its dependence on the goodwill of the shipping.

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96

Table Cloths from 3 1/2 yds upwards in length pr pair 7s 1/2d
do. small 6d
Sheets pr pair 9d
Ruffle Sheets pr do. 1s
Plain do. pr do. 4d
Shifts pr do. 4d
Long Draws pr pair 4d
Breeches pr pair 4d
Waistcoats each 4d
Stockings pr pair 3d
Frocks and Gowns each 3d
Children’s Shirts and Shifts each 2 1/2d
Stocks and Neckcloths each 2d
Short Drawers pr pair 2d
Table Napkins each 2d
Pillow Cases pr pair 2d
Banyan Shirts each 2d
Children Petticoats each 2d
& Small things each 1 1/2d
Handkerchiefs each 1 1/2d
Towels each 2d
Calamancoes each 7 1/2d
Quilt and Quilted Banyans by Agreement

NB The above prices included Soap and Blue if found to wash, to be deducted from the Washing Bill.

By order of Council
B. Wright Secy

This advertisement hung up at the Seagate.

Island of St Helena 2 June 1783
William Cary, Willm Fenney, Edwd Dunn, Oliver Perry & Wm Allen Masons, Nichl Baker, Hugh Hutchings, John Carr, Privates & John Dyon’s fisher, having absented themselves from this Garrison and therefore being great reason to suppose they have secreted themselves on board some of the ships in the Road with an intention to desert, this is therefore to give notice that if any person or persons will take one or all of the above men & deliver him or them to ye Officer of the main Guard at the Castle shall receive a reward of £1 5s each.

April 1783 (continued)
The Governor and Council published the schedule of washing prices and displayed it publicly at the Sea Gate so that all residents and visitors could see it. The official list established fixed charges for household laundry, as follows. Tablecloths measuring three and a half yards or more were to be washed for 7 shillings and a halfpenny per pair, smaller ones for 6 pence, and sheets for 9 pence a pair. Ruffled sheets were to be charged at 1 shilling per pair, while plain sheets, shifts, long drawers and breeches were each fixed at 4 pence a pair. Waistcoats were priced at 4 pence each, stockings at 3 pence a pair, and frocks or gowns at 3 pence each. Children's shirts and shifts were set at 2 and a half pence, neckcloths and stocks at 2 pence each, and short drawers, table napkins, pillowcases, banyan shirts and children's petticoats at 2 pence each. Small items and handkerchiefs were priced at 1 and a half pence each, towels at 2 pence, and calamancoes [calamanco – a type of patterned woollen fabric] at 7 and a half pence. Quilts and quilted banyans were to be washed only by private agreement. The notice further stated that these prices included the use of soap and blue [blue – a whitening agent for laundry], and if either of these materials was supplied by the person giving out the washing, their value was to be deducted from the total bill. The regulation was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The detailed schedule fixed a charge for every article of household laundry. Setting each item's price to the penny left no room for the overcharging the earlier notice condemned. The list gives an unusually close view of the domestic services and textiles of the island's households.

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2 June 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued reporting that several members of the garrison and a local fisherman had deserted and were suspected of concealing themselves aboard ships anchored in the road with the intention of escaping the island. The deserters were named as William Cary, William Fenney, Edward Dunn, Oliver Perry, William Allen, Nicholas Baker, Hugh Hutchings and John Carr, all masons or privates, together with John Dyon's fisherman. A reward of £1 5s was offered for each man captured and delivered to the officer commanding the main guard at the Castle. This notice was intended to prevent desertion and secure the return of the missing men to military custody.
Interpretations
The desertion of eight named soldiers and a fisherman brought a reward for their capture. Naming the men shows the administration pursuing specific fugitives thought to be hiding aboard ship. Desertion from the garrison recurs as a persistent concern for the island's authorities.

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97

Island St Helena 9th June 1783
Whereas several advertisements have been published offering rewards to any person or persons who would apprehend and secure runaway slaves without effect - This is therefore to give notice that it is found necessary to renew the said order, that any runaway slave or slaves having absconded fourteen days from his master, whom will take and secure such person or persons so absconding and give notice thereof to the Rotational Justice, shall receive a reward of £1 10s for any such offender which reward shall be paid by the owner of such slave or slaves so taken, before he or they shall be discharged from the goal.

Island St Helena 25 August 1783
The annual advertisements requiring the inhabitants to send a return of their families, lands & cattle - Notice of the stores being shut - The planters again allowed to turn their black cattle upon the Horse Pasture common until further orders.

9 June 1783
The Governor and Council issued a new order concerning runaway slaves. Earlier advertisements offering rewards for their capture had proved ineffective, so the regulation was renewed with clearer terms. It was declared that any slave who remained absent from his master for fourteen days would be deemed a runaway, and any person who apprehended and secured such an individual and reported the capture to the rotation justice would be entitled to a reward of £1 10s. This payment was to be made by the owner of the runaway before the slave could be released from the gaol. The measure aimed to strengthen control over the slave population and encourage vigilance among the island's residents.
Interpretations
The failure of earlier rewards prompted a clearer rule defining a runaway by fourteen days' absence. Making the owner pay the reward before release placed the cost of recovery on the master. The measure shows the administration tightening its control over the enslaved population.

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25 August 1783
The Governor and Council directed that the customary annual notices be issued directing the inhabitants to provide returns of their families, land and livestock, and announcing the temporary closure of the Company's stores. The same notice granted planters permission once more to graze their black cattle upon the Horse Pasture common until further instruction was given, reflecting a relaxation of earlier restrictions on the use of communal grazing land.
Interpretations
The annual census and store closure recur here in their established form. Reopening the Horse Pasture common to grazing shows the administration relaxing an earlier restriction. Management of the common by permission recurs as a feature of the island's land use.

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98

Island St Helena 5th Sept 1783
Whereas it has been observed that the Hogs of the inhabitants of and of this valley have of late taken the field on the sides of the hills to the great danger of His Majesty’s subjects going into the country about their lawful business. This is therefore to give it notice to all whom it may concern that the officers of the Main Guard has orders whenever he sees any of the hogs straying along the latter hills side of the town or old road above or below any of the paths, from Ballards House to the stop, or above or below the path leading to Mundens Point to send out some of his guard to shoot said hogs, and that such hogs so shot if not taken away in three hours after will become the property of those men out of the guard who shot them.

By order of Council
B. Wright Secy

5 September 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued concerning the danger posed by hogs roaming freely on the hillsides surrounding the valley and town. It had been observed that many of the inhabitants' pigs were straying onto the slopes, creating serious hazards for those travelling about their lawful business. To prevent further incidents, the Council ordered that the officer commanding the main guard was to dispatch soldiers to shoot any hogs found wandering along the hillsides on either side of the town or the old road, whether above or below the paths running from Ballard's House to the Stop, or near the track leading to Mundens Point. The notice further stated that any animals killed under this order would belong to the guardsmen who shot them, provided the carcasses were not claimed within three hours. The directive was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Straying hogs on the hillsides endangered those travelling the paths, which brought a licence to shoot them. Granting the carcasses to the soldiers gave a practical incentive to enforce the order. Loose hogs recur as one of the most frequent objects of regulation across the whole record.

109

99

Island St Helena 27th Sept 1783
Whereas Caesar a man slave belonging to Mrs Mary Alexander broke out of prison last night & made his escape, this is therefore to give notice, whoever will apprehend the said Caesar and bring him before the Justice for rotation for this parish quarter shall receive a reward of £2.

By order of Council
B. Wright Secy

Island St Helena 1st December 1783
This is to give notice to all persons upon this said island that no blacks belonging to private people or the Honble Company be henceforward permitted to fetch wood out of the country on a Sunday either for their master or for themselves, and such blacks who are found transgressing the said order will be severely punished. And if a white person detected in purchasing such wood to pay £5 on the penalty of buying of a black. And as several of the Company’s gates & banks have been greatly damaged by people carrying loads of wood thro’ them across with their shoulders, this is therefore to give notice that if any person or persons are henceforward detected...

27 September 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reporting that a man slave named Caesar, belonging to Mrs Mary Alexander, had escaped from prison during the previous night. The Council announced that any person who apprehended him and brought him before the rotation justice of the parish would receive a reward of £2. The order was made by direction of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The escape of a named slave from prison brought a reward for his recapture. Naming the man and his owner shows the administration pursuing a specific fugitive. Such escapes and flights recur throughout the record of the island's slavery.

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1 December 1783
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued prohibiting all Blacks, whether owned by private individuals or by the Honourable Company, from collecting firewood on Sundays, whether for their masters or for their own use. Any Black person found disobeying this order would be severely punished, while any white person discovered purchasing such wood would be fined £5 for buying from a Black in defiance of the regulation. The notice also stated that many of the Company's gates and banks had been damaged by people carrying wood on their shoulders through them and across adjoining land. It therefore warned that anyone found continuing such practices would face further penalties [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
Barring slaves from fetching wood on Sundays combined sabbath observance with control of the timber trade. Penalising the white buyer as well as the Black seller aimed to close the trade from both ends. Linking this to damage to gates and banks shows two concerns joined in one notice.

110

100

...in carrying off wood in the above manner or anyway destroying the aforesaid gates or banks shall, if a black, be severely punished, and if a white person, fined or brought to a court martial for breach of orders.

By order of Council
(signed) B. Wright Secy

15 Decr 83
The usual advertisement published respecting the return of cattle for slaughter, also the goats, sheep & horses each person has.

And whereas an advertisement was published on the 1st instant respecting the gates and banks in the Honble Company’s pastures being frequently broke and otherwise damaged, this is therefore to notifie that if anyone will inform against persons so offending, shall receive a reward of 5 dollars upon conviction.

1 December 1783 (continued)
The notice concluded by declaring that any Black person found carrying off wood in the prohibited manner, or in any way damaging the Company's gates or banks, would be severely punished. Any white person guilty of the same offence would be fined or brought before a court martial for disobedience to orders. The regulation was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The concluding clause set out the penalties for both the wood offence and damage to Company property. Threatening white offenders with court martial marks the seriousness attached to disobedience. The divided punishment again reflects the racial and military structure of the island's discipline.

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15 December 1783
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring every inhabitant to deliver a full return of their cattle intended for slaughter, together with the number of goats, sheep and horses in their possession. A second notice was issued on the same date referring back to the order of 1 December concerning the frequent damage to the Company's gates and pasture banks. It announced that any person providing information leading to the conviction of offenders would receive a reward of 5 dollars. The measure was intended both to deter further damage and to encourage the reporting of those responsible.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return is paired here with a fresh push against the damage to gates. Offering a reward for information shows the earlier prohibition proving insufficient. Combining the two matters in one date was efficient administrative practice.

111

101

Island St Helena 10 January 1784
Whereas a number of stands of arms were delivered indiscriminately from the armoury on the evening of Monday the 29th of last month, and as many of them have not yet been returned. This is therefore to require all persons who received arms on the aforesaid day to return the same to the master at arms on or before the 17th instant, as should any be hereafter found in the possession of any one they will be dealt with accordingly for their contempt of this order.

By order of Council
John Goodwin Secy

Island St Helena 2 February 1784
The Governor and Lieut. Governor having taken under examination a state of the spirituous liquors remaining in their society’s cellar, and finding the same to amount to no more than 1100 gallons arrack, have agreed to a distribution, and the said society to request from the Honble Company’s stores to make up 1800 gallons, of which 600 gallons thereof to be appropriated for the use of the Dutch & others, and the other 1200 gallons to be issued to the Company’s servants and other inhabitants in as equitable proportions to their rank and families, as said quantity of liquor will admit, according to the list delivered the Clerk of the Society.

By order of the Governor and Lieut. Governor
(signed) B. Wright Secy

10 January 1784
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued reporting that several stands of arms had been distributed indiscriminately from the armoury on the evening of Monday 29 December, and that many had not yet been returned. All persons who had received weapons on that occasion were required to deliver them back to the master at arms by 17 January. It was further declared that anyone found retaining arms after that date would be punished for defying the order. The notice was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary John Goodwin.
Interpretations
The careless distribution of arms left weapons unaccounted for, which the administration moved to recover. Setting a firm deadline for their return aimed to restore the armoury's control of its stock. The concern to reclaim the arms marks the seriousness of holding weapons securely on the island.

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2 February 1784
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor reviewed the quantity of spirituous liquor held in the Society's cellar and found that only 1,100 gallons of arrack remained. They agreed that a further 700 gallons should be drawn from the Honourable Company's stores, making a total of 1,800 gallons available for distribution. Of this amount, 600 gallons were to be set aside for the Dutch and other foreigners, while the remaining 1,200 gallons were to be issued among the Company's servants and the island's inhabitants in fair proportion according to their rank and family size. The arrangement was to follow a list compiled by the Clerk of the Society. The order was issued by authority of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Managing the arrack stock required drawing on the Company's stores to meet demand. Setting aside a portion for foreigners shows the mixed community the island served. Distributing the rest by rank and family followed the recognised order of precedence.

112

102

Island St Helena 23 February 1784
On Monday next the 1st March will be sold by public auction at the house of Mrs Mary Price in this valley at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the effects of Mr James Plunkett deceased, for ready money. Any person or persons indebted to, or having any demands on the said Mr Plunkett’s estate, are desired to give in their accounts to Mr Caleb Broadway on or before the day aforementioned, that the same may be adjusted.

By order of Council
(signed) B. Wright Secy

17 June 84
All persons who have slaves to let are hereby requested to send them immediately to the crane where they will be employed for the purpose of unloading the ships Hope at the rate of 1s 6d per day.

By order of Council
(signed) B. Wright Secy

5 July 84
Advertisement published authorising all persons as hitherto to receive and pay away copper pieces stamped with the Company’s mark - also cautioning the public to be careful what money they receive in future.

23 February 1784
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be published announcing that the property of the late Mr James Plunkett would be sold by auction at the house of Mrs Mary Price in the valley on Monday 1 March at three o'clock in the afternoon. The sale was to be conducted for ready money. All persons owing money to Mr Plunkett's estate, or holding claims against it, were instructed to submit their accounts to Mr Caleb Broadway by the date of the auction so that the estate could be properly settled. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The sale of a deceased islander's property followed the customary course of estate settlement. Calling for debts and claims together allowed a full reckoning. Such notices were the routine machinery of probate on the island.

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17 June 1784
The Governor and Council directed that an order be issued requesting all slave owners who had labourers available for hire to send them without delay to the crane, where they would be engaged in unloading the ship Hope. Each slave was to be paid at the rate of 1 shilling and 6 pence per day. The instruction was made by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Unloading a ship drew on hired slave labour engaged through their owners. Paying a daily rate for the work shows the hiring-out of slaves as an established practice. The reference to the Hope marks the shipping whose cargoes the island's labour served.

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5 July 1784
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published confirming that the island's copper coins bearing the Honourable Company's stamp would continue to be accepted and circulated as legal tender. The notice also warned the inhabitants to exercise caution in future when receiving money, in order to prevent the passing of counterfeit or unauthorised coinage.
Interpretations
Confirming the Company's copper coin as legal tender steadied the island's currency. Warning against counterfeits shows the persistent problem of bad money in circulation. Vigilance over the coinage recurs as a concern of the administration.

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103

Island St Helena 2 August 1784
By order of the Governor and Lieut. Governor.

Notice is hereby given to the inhabitants of the said island that the price of arrack and other spirituous liquors from the society for the present month will be:
Brandy 9s 6d per gallon
Jamaica Rum 10s 9d per gallon
Arrack and Bengal Rum 8s 3d per gallon
To the inhabitants and publicans, as settled from an average price.

And as the society have made it appear there was a mistake in the brandy sold the inhabitants last month, it having been issued to them at prime cost at 8s 11½d instead of 9s 6d the selling price - the purchasers therefore are hereby desired to pay 6½d per gallon more for whatever brandy they may have purchased in said month from the society.

(signed) Dan Cornuelle
Henry Green

Island St Helena 16 August 84
An advertisement published, requiring to send into the Survey Office on or before the 20th instant a correct signed account of their family, land and cattle, and to attend at the castle on the 30th of August to pay rents and revenues - and notice further given that the Company’s stores will be shut from 20th instant to 1st October next ensuing.

2 August 1784
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor issued a notice announcing the official prices for spirituous liquors supplied by the Society during the month. Brandy was to sell at 9 shillings and 6 pence per gallon, Jamaica rum at 10 shillings and 9 pence per gallon, and arrack and Bengal rum at 8 shillings and 3 pence per gallon. These rates were calculated from the average cost of purchase and were to apply to both the island's inhabitants and its licensed publicans. The notice also clarified that an error had occurred in the previous month's sale of brandy, which had been issued to inhabitants at its prime cost of 8 shillings and 11 and a half pence per gallon instead of the proper selling price of 9 shillings and 6 pence. Those who had bought brandy at the lower rate were therefore required to pay the additional 6 and a half pence per gallon to correct the mistake. The notice was issued by authority of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and signed by Daniel Cornuelle and Henry Green.
Interpretations
Publishing fixed liquor prices set a clear rate for inhabitants and publicans alike. Correcting the previous month's error shows the care taken to recover even a small underpayment. Pricing the several spirits by their cost of purchase kept the rates tied to a known standard.

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16 August 1784
The Governor and Council directed that a public advertisement be published instructing all inhabitants to submit to the Survey Office by the twentieth of the month a signed and accurate return giving details of their families, land and livestock. They were also directed to attend at the Castle on 30 August to make payment of their rents and revenues. The notice further announced that the Honourable Company's stores would remain closed from 20 August until 1 October, in keeping with the usual administrative schedule.
Interpretations
The annual census, rent day and store closure recur here in their established form. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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Island St Helena 23 August 1784
By order of the Governor and Lieut. Governor.

Notice is hereby given to the inhabitants of the said island that the society’s cellar henceforward will be open only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for the purpose of issuing arrack and other spirituous liquors, from the hour of 9 o’clock in the morning till four in the evening.

Island St Helena 8 November 1784
Whereas some wicked and mischievous people have of late made a practice of destroying the gates, yams and latches belonging to the Honble Company and others. This is therefore to give notice that whoever will discover the person or persons so offending shall receive a reward of £10 and, if an accomplice, shall also be entitled to the above reward and forgiveness.

The Governor and Council having taken into consideration the damage the roads sustain from the travelling of carts, judge it but equitable that each cart should contribute to the repairs of the same. Have therefore come to a determination that each person possessing a cart drawn by bullocks or horses to work upon the highway four days, supplying the same with a proper driver. All owners of carts are therefore hereby directed to send a return of them into the secretary’s office on or before Monday next, in order that the number of carts may be annexed to the overseer’s warrant, and as the Honble Company drive a cart in both the east and west division of the island, have further determined that their carts shall work the four days in each.

By order of Council
(signed) B. Wright Secy

23 August 1784
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor issued a public notice regulating the distribution of liquor from the Society's cellar. It was announced that the cellar would henceforth be open only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, between nine in the morning and four in the afternoon, for the issuing of arrack and other spirituous liquors. This change aimed to impose stricter control over sales and to reduce irregular access to alcohol.
Interpretations
Restricting the cellar's opening hours brought tighter control over the issue of liquor. Fixing set days and times reduced irregular access to the stock. Management of the drink supply recurs as a persistent concern of the administration.

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8 November 1784
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reporting that certain malicious individuals had recently been damaging the gates, hinges and latches belonging both to the Honourable Company and to private owners. To prevent further acts of vandalism, the Council offered a reward of £10 to anyone who provided information leading to the conviction of the offenders. An accomplice who revealed his associates would also receive the same reward and be granted pardon. The notice further addressed the poor condition of the island's roads, which had suffered from the continual use of carts. The Governor and Council decided that it was only fair for cart owners to contribute to road maintenance. Every person possessing a cart drawn by bullocks or horses was therefore required to provide its service on the public highways for four days, together with a proper driver. Owners were ordered to submit a return of their carts to the Secretary's Office by the following Monday so that their numbers could be recorded and included in the overseers' warrants. The Honourable Company, which owned carts in both the east and west divisions of the island, agreed that its carts would likewise perform four days of work in each district. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The continued destruction of gates brought a reward, while the state of the roads prompted a scheme of labour. Requiring cart owners to give days of work for road repair spread the cost of upkeep fairly. The Company's agreement to contribute its own carts shows the administration sharing the burden it imposed.

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105

15 November 84
Notice is hereby given that all persons who have bullocks for carts are desired to make a return of the same to the secretary’s office on or before Monday next in order that they may be disposed for the public’s benefit.

Island St Helena 30 November 1784
Whereas Simmonds, a man slave belonging to the Honble Company, has for some time absented himself without Governor’s leave. This is to give notice that if any person or persons will apprehend and secure the said Simmonds so that he may be brought to justice shall receive a reward of £3 from the Honble Company’s cash.

By order of the Lieut. Govr.

13 December 84
Ordered the usual advertisement to be published respecting the return of cattle for slaughter, also the number of goats, sheep and horses.

10 January 85
Ordered an advertisement to be published respecting the sale of the Lieut. Govr’s effects.

15 November 1784
The Governor and Council directed that the inhabitants be notified that all persons owning bullocks suitable for drawing carts were required to submit a return of them to the Secretary's Office by the following Monday. The measure was intended to enable the authorities to assign the animals for work on public duties such as road maintenance or the transport of goods.
Interpretations
A return of draught bullocks let the administration assign them to public work. The measure followed directly on the road-repair scheme of the previous week. Drawing on private animals for public duty was a familiar demand on the island.

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30 November 1784
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published reporting that a man slave named Simmonds, the property of the Honourable Company, had absented himself for some time without permission from the Governor. A reward of £3 was offered to anyone who captured and secured him so that he might be brought before the authorities for justice. The order was issued by direction of the Lieutenant Governor.
Interpretations
The flight of a Company slave brought a reward for his capture. Naming the runaway shows the administration pursuing a specific fugitive. Such flights recur throughout the record of the island's slavery.

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13 December 1784
The Governor and Council directed that the usual annual advertisement be published requiring the inhabitants to submit to the Secretary's Office their returns of cattle intended for slaughter, together with the number of goats, sheep and horses they possessed. This continued the regular practice of recording livestock across the island for administrative and provisioning purposes.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Gathering cattle, goats, sheep and horses into one account gave the Company a full picture of the island's stock. The notice reflects the settled routine of the administrative year.

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10 January 1785
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be ordered announcing the forthcoming sale of the Lieutenant Governor's personal effects. The sale was to be conducted publicly, allowing the items to be purchased under official supervision.
Interpretations
The public sale of the Lieutenant Governor's effects followed the customary course of such disposals. Public conduct of the sale kept it under official supervision. Such auctions were a routine feature of the island's public life.

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106

31 January 85
Ordered an advertisement to be published requiring all persons who have any demands upon the estate of the late Henry Greentree, deceased, to send in their accounts to the Governor on Monday next, 7 February, that the same may be adjusted.

14 March 85
Ordered the usual advertisement to be published respecting the choosing of parish officers for the present year.

11 July 1785
These are to give notice that on Monday the 18th instant at 3 o’clock in the afternoon will be sold by public auction in the stores 8 pipes of Madeira wine belonging to the Honble Company upon credits to the 1st October next ensuing.

15 August 85
Ordered the usual advertisement to be published requiring all persons to transmit returns of families, lands and cattle. Also about shutting up the stores from the 1st September to 1st October following.

31 January 1785
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued calling upon all persons with claims against the estate of the late Henry Greentree to submit their accounts to the Governor by Monday 7 February. This was to allow the estate's debts and credits to be properly examined and settled under official supervision.
Interpretations
The settlement of a deceased islander's estate required a full accounting of claims. Setting a deadline forced claimants to come forward together. Such notices were the routine machinery of probate on the island.

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14 March 1785
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published summoning the inhabitants to meet in vestry for the annual election of parish officers for the current year, in accordance with established practice.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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11 July 1785
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued announcing that on Monday 18 July at three o'clock in the afternoon, eight pipes of Madeira wine belonging to the Honourable Company would be sold by public auction in the Company's stores. Buyers were to be granted credit until 1 October. This sale formed part of the Company's regular practice of disposing of surplus or imported stock.
Interpretations
The sale of Madeira wine recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Granting credit until autumn widened the field of possible buyers. Such sales were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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15 August 1785
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be issued requiring all inhabitants to deliver to the Secretary's Office a full return of their families, land and cattle. The same notice announced that the Company's stores would be closed from 1 September until 1 October, a customary annual practice allowing for stocktaking and accounts to be brought up to date.
Interpretations
The annual census and store closure recur here in their established form. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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107

Mem. 5 September 1785
The Reverend Mr John Wilson having applied for liberty to enclose a small yard at the back of the Company’s house he now occupies for the purpose of keeping hogs, they have given him permission to do so, so long as it is not wanted for the use of the Company.

Island St Helena 6 September 85
Whereas there has been lately introduced to this island a species of money called Guineas of different value. These are therefore to give notice that those marked 1 gilt are to pass in value for 1s, those marked two for 3s, and those marked three for five shillings.

Island St Helena 17 October 1785
Ordered an advertisement to be published to sell damaged goods.

1 December 1785
Whereas the public have already been informed of a dangerous and wicked scheme being in agitation among some of the slaves of this island, and the Governor and Council in consequence of some having proceeded to take such information as might serve to bring forward such horrid and dangerous intentions, which information have only amounted to a strong probability of the intentions without any overt act committed, which by the divine providence has been prevented by this early discovery, and further considering that so dangerous and wicked a scheme tho it does not affect the

5 September 1785
The Reverend John Wilson requested permission from the Governor and Council to enclose a small yard behind the Company's house that he occupied, intending to use it for keeping hogs. The request was granted, provided that the space remained available for Company use should it later be required.
Interpretations
A minor request to enclose a yard shows the Council's oversight of Company property down to small matters. Granting it conditionally preserved the Company's future claim to the ground. Such petitions were part of the routine administration of the island's buildings.

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6 September 1785
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued concerning a new type of coinage recently introduced to the island, described as guineas of varying values. It was declared that those marked “1 gilt” were to circulate as one shilling pieces, those marked “two” were to be valued at three shillings, and those marked “three” were to be accepted for five shillings. The notice aimed to prevent confusion and ensure uniform valuation of the new currency.
Interpretations
Fixing the value of the new coins gave the island a common standard for their use. Setting each marked type at a stated worth prevented confusion in trade. Regulation of the coinage recurs as a persistent concern of the administration.

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17 October 1785
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published announcing the sale of damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company, in accordance with the usual procedure for disposing of spoiled or surplus stores.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public sale was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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1 December 1785
The Governor and Council issued a grave public statement referring to the discovery of a plot among some of the island's slaves, described as a dangerous and wicked conspiracy. Information had been gathered suggesting strong indications of such a plan, though no actual acts of rebellion had yet taken place. The authorities believed that divine providence had prevented the execution of the scheme through its early detection. They acknowledged that the evidence consisted chiefly of probable intentions rather than confirmed deeds, but regarded the matter as one of the utmost seriousness and a threat to the island's safety.
Interpretations
The alleged conspiracy among the slaves was treated as a grave threat to the island's safety. The administration's own admission that the evidence rested on intention rather than deed marks the uncertainty of the case. The episode reveals the fear of revolt that underlay a society resting so heavily on slavery.
Speculation
The reliance on probable intention rather than proven act leaves the reality of the plot beyond recovery. It may have reflected a genuine design, or the anxieties of masters reading conspiracy into the discontent their system produced.

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108

9 January 1786
Advertisement respecting the purchasing of slaves out of ships prohibited.

Island St Helena 13 February 1786
By order of the Governor

This is to give notice that as the arrack in the Society’s cellars runs very short, Mr John Seeg, the clerk, has orders to issue to the inhabitants hereafter only half rum and one half arrack for whatever quantity they may require from said cellars, unless they demand all rum, he is authorised to serve them with it.

Signed
B. Wright, Secy

9 January 1786
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued strictly forbidding the purchase of slaves from ships arriving at the island. The order was intended to prevent unauthorised trading in slaves and to ensure that all dealings of this kind remained under official control, in accordance with the Company's regulations.
Interpretations
Barring the purchase of slaves from passing ships kept the trade under the Company's control. Unauthorised dealing escaped both oversight and regulation, which the order aimed to end. Control of the slave trade through official channels was a settled feature of the island's law.

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13 February 1786
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published regarding the shortage of arrack in the Society's cellars. Mr John Seeg, the clerk, was instructed to supply inhabitants with half their requested quantity in rum and half in arrack, unless they specifically wished to receive the full amount in rum alone. This measure was intended to extend the remaining stock of arrack until fresh supplies could be obtained. The order was issued by direction of the Governor and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
A shortage of arrack led the administration to eke out the stock by mixing it with rum. Offering the full amount in rum to those who preferred it gave some flexibility. Management of the drink supply through shortage recurs as a concern of the island's government.

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109

Island of St Helena
6th March 1786
Published an Advertisement respecting the Trespassing of Goats in the Enclosed part of Long Wood.

8th May 1786
An Advertisement published for selling 19 ½ Casks Salt Provisions.

22 May 1786
Ordered an Advertisement Published forbidding all Persons to go a Wooding in Long Wood upon pain of an Inhabitant of being fined, if a Soldr of being tried by Court Martial and if a Black of being severely punished.

23 October 1786
Whereas several Fires have happined in this Valley within a few months owing to carelessness, These are therefore to caution all the Inhabitants in said Valley to be more careful in future and be particularly attentive in having their Chimneys kept constantly swept, at least once in every Quarter of the Year for their own as well as the safety of the Public And conformably to an Advertisement Published on the 13 July 1782 no Person or Persons

6 March 1786
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued addressing the problem of goats trespassing within the enclosed land at Long Wood. Residents were warned to prevent their animals from straying into that restricted area.
Interpretations
Trespassing goats in the Longwood enclosure recur as a persistent problem. The brevity of the entry marks it as a routine warning. Protecting the enclosed land from straying stock was a standing concern of the administration.

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8 May 1786
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published announcing the sale of 19 and a half casks of salted provisions, which were likely part of the Honourable Company's stores.
Interpretations
The sale of salted provisions recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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22 May 1786
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published forbidding anyone from collecting wood in Long Wood. It declared that any inhabitant caught doing so would be fined, any soldier would be tried by court martial, and any Black person would be severely punished. This measure aimed to stop unauthorised cutting of timber or firewood.
Interpretations
Protecting the Longwood timber brought a ban on collecting wood there. The threefold penalty, distinguishing inhabitant, soldier and Black, marks the divided structure of the island's discipline. Protection of the woodland recurs as a persistent theme of the record.

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23 October 1786
The Governor and Council directed that a warning be issued to the inhabitants of the valley after several fires had recently occurred due to negligence. They were cautioned to be more careful and reminded to have their chimneys swept regularly, at least once each quarter of the year, for their own safety and that of the public. The notice also referred to an earlier order of 13 July 1782, stating that no person or persons [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
A spate of fires prompted a caution and a rule on sweeping chimneys. Requiring regular sweeping shows a practical measure to reduce the risk. Fire was a constant danger in the crowded valley, and its prevention a recurring concern.

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110

are to carry Fires about the Streets without its being properly secured on penalty, if a White of paying a fine of Ten Shillings, and if a Black of being severely punished.
(signed) B. Wright Secy

30 October 1786
Renewed the Advertisement Published on the 31 December 1789 Relative to buying or receiving of Soldiers or Blacks, Penalty 25.
Also respecting the Sale of Damaged Goods belonging to the Honble Company.

19 March 1787
Whereas the Cattle of late sent by the respective Planters for the supply of the Market have been remarkably small. This is therefore to give Notice that the Clerk of this Market has Orders in future to return all such as are under the weight of 250, or require another in lieu thereof, which the Planters are positively ordered to comply with.
(signed) B. Wright Secy

2 April 1787
Usual Advertisement Published requiring a Vestry to meet to chuse Parish Officers &c.

23 October 1786 (continued)
The order continued by directing that no person was to carry fire through the streets unless it was safely secured. Anyone doing so without proper precaution would face penalties: a white offender would be fined 10 shillings, while a Black offender would be severely punished. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
The fire rule returns here in its familiar form, with the same divided penalty. Requiring fire to be covered in the streets guarded against sparks in the crowded valley. The racial split in punishment remained a fixed feature of the island's law.

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30 October 1786
The Governor and Council renewed the earlier advertisement of 31 December 1786 concerning the prohibition against buying or receiving goods from soldiers or Black people, with a penalty imposed for any breach. It also referred to the sale of damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company.
Interpretations
Renewing the rule against trading with soldiers and slaves shows the offence persisting. Controlling what these groups could sell guarded against the traffic in stolen goods. The pairing with a damaged-goods sale carried two matters in one notice.
Speculation
The source gives the referenced order's date as 1789, which cannot be right, since a notice of October 1786 could not renew an advertisement of the following December. The reference has been read as 1786, though the exact date remains uncertain. The penalty is recorded without a unit and so is left unquantified.

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19 March 1787
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued concerning the poor quality of cattle recently sent to market by local planters. The animals had been notably small, and the market clerk was therefore instructed to reject any cattle weighing less than 250 pounds or to demand a replacement of proper size. Planters were strictly required to comply with these directions. The notice was signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Setting a minimum weight for market cattle answered complaints of undersized animals. Empowering the clerk to reject or replace them enforced the standard directly. The measure shows the administration regulating the quality as well as the quantity of the meat supply.

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2 April 1787
The Governor and Council directed that a routine advertisement be published calling for a meeting of the vestry to elect parish officers and attend to related matters.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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111

9th April 1787
Whereas by the Return of Imports and Exports it appearing that a quantity of Rice hath been sold off the Island, which being an Artickle at all times much wanted - These are therefore to give Notice that the Governor and Council having taken the same into Consideration Do forbid any exportation of Grain in future without leave first had for so doing, and it is Recommended to all persons who may have a quantity of Grain by them, more than necessary for their own use, that they put the same up to publick Auction, for the general benefit of the Island.

23 April 87
Ordered an Advertisement to be published that as there was but a small quantity of Sugar in the Hon Company’s Stores, the Storekeeper in consequence thereof had orders to Issue no more of said Article than at a reduced allowance to the Hble Servants &c &c until there is a greater supply recd.

9 April 1787
Following a review of the island's records of imports and exports, the Governor and Council found that a quantity of rice had been sold off the island. As rice was a commodity always in high demand, the Governor and Council, having considered the matter, issued an order forbidding any future export of grain without prior permission. They also advised that anyone holding more grain than was necessary for personal use should offer it for sale by public auction for the general benefit of the island.
Interpretations
The export of rice from a grain-dependent island prompted a ban on future sales abroad. Requiring surplus grain to be sold publicly kept it available to the inhabitants. Securing the island's food supply was a serious concern for a remote settlement.

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23 April 1787
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be published stating that, as the Honourable Company's stores contained only a small quantity of sugar, the storekeeper had received instructions to reduce the allowance of that article to the Honourable Company's servants and others until a larger supply should arrive.
Interpretations
A shortage of sugar led the administration to ration its issue from the stores. Reducing the allowance until resupply spread the scarce article more thinly. Management of supply through shortage recurs as a routine concern of the island's government.

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112

20 August 1787
The usual Advertisement Published requiring a Return of Family Lands & Cattle Fishermen and Free Blacks &c and respecting the Companys Stores being shut.

15 Octr 87
Publishing an Advertisement relative to Stolen Goods, bias to free Blacks. Also desiring all masters or owners who send goods to the Bay to give their Slaves Notes specifying the quantity & quality of same.

19 Novr 87
Published an Advertisement respecting Damaged Goods.

15 Oct 1787
Published an Advertisement respecting exchanging any thing with Blacks & otherwise Masters to send a note with what ever he disposes, to the Shop &c.

10 Nov 87
The usual Advertisement Published respecting Cattle for Slaughter &c.

28 Jany 1788
Advertisement published requiring all the Inhabitants to send in the Names and Ages of their Male Slaves, and those capable of Car[ry]ing Arms.

11 February 88
Ordered an Advertisement to be published for all Persons who keep Fishing Boats to give their Fishermen Orders to come immediately in to the nearest Landing Place upon their hearing a general Alarm of an Enemy being fired, or Colours hoisted upon Castle Rock Ridge or Horse Pasture.

20 August 1787
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring the inhabitants to submit returns of their families, lands, cattle, fishermen and free Black residents. It also announced that the Company's stores would be closed.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here, extended to count fishermen and free Black residents. Recording these groups alongside families and stock served both the record and the island's order. The breadth of the return shows the administration's thorough accounting of the population.

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15 October 1787
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published concerning stolen goods, with particular reference to free Black residents. It further directed that all masters or owners sending goods to the Bay were to give their slaves written notes specifying the quantity and quality of the goods being carried.
Interpretations
Requiring written notes for goods carried by slaves aimed to curb the traffic in stolen property. Naming free Black residents shows them drawn into the same regime of suspicion and control. The measure ties the movement of goods closely to the control of the enslaved and free Black population.

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19 November 1787
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued concerning damaged goods, most likely regarding their inspection or disposal.
Interpretations
The handling of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific matter obscure. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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15 October 1787
The Governor and Council directed that another notice be issued prohibiting any exchange or trade with Black people unless the master or owner provided a written note detailing what was being sold or exchanged and to whom, such as a shopkeeper or trader.
Interpretations
Requiring a written note for any trade with slaves extended the control over their dealings. Naming the shopkeeper or trader as the other party shows the everyday commerce the rule sought to police. The measure closed the traffic in goods from both the seller's and the buyer's side.

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10 November 1787
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published concerning the slaughter of cattle and related regulations.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become. Regulation of the slaughter served the management of the island's meat supply.

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28 January 1788
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice require all inhabitants to submit the names and ages of their male slaves and to identify those capable of bearing arms.
Interpretations
A census of male slaves fit to bear arms served both labour and defence. Identifying those capable of arms marks the enslaved as a recognised element of the island's manpower. Such returns counted the slave population with the same care as any other resource.

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11 February 1788
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued instructing all owners of fishing boats to ensure that their fishermen returned immediately to the nearest landing place whenever a general alarm of an enemy was fired or when colours were raised on Castle Rock Ridge or Horse Pasture.
Interpretations
The fishermen's order returns here as a standing rule of coastal security. Directing them to the landing place on alarm kept the shore under control. The recurrence of this measure shows the administration's steady vigilance over the water.

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Whereas many Persons not authorised to shoot make a practice of carrying Guns and destroying all manner of Game particularly Guinea Hens and Pheasants contrary to repeated Orders, Notice is therefore hereby given strictly to forbid all Persons upon this said Island from carrying of Guns or destroying any manner of Game unless they have Licence of hand in their possession or obtain the Governor’s Sanction for so doing, and even these are positively forbid shooting Partridges or Doves at their Roost or in any time of the Year but from the 1 February to the 1 July annually.
Notice is hereby further given that all Persons authorised to shoot as above are desired to send their Names into the Secretary’s Office on or before Monday next the 18 Instant, that the Game Keeper who will be appointed to detect all Persons acting contrary hereunto, to may know who are qualified to carry Guns and shoot.
And all Persons are likewise strictly forbid shooting or destroying Guinea Hens or Pheasants at any Season of the Year under any pretence whatsoever, as every Person or Persons who shall hereafter be found acting contrary to any or either of the above Orders shall forfeit the sum of £10 on proof being made thereof which will be given to the Informers or to the Game Keeper aforesaid should he discover the same.
By Order of Council
B. Wright Secy

31 March 88
Notice given that 15 Casks Damaged Coffee to be sold belonging to the Honble Company.

March 1788 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued warning that many individuals without proper authority had taken to carrying guns and destroying game of all kinds, particularly guinea hens and pheasants, in defiance of repeated prohibitions. It was therefore strictly forbidden for any person on the island to carry firearms or kill game unless they possessed a written licence or had received the Governor's approval. Even those with permission were expressly forbidden to shoot partridges or doves at their roosts, or at any time of year except between 1 February and 1 July. A further instruction required all persons authorised to shoot to submit their names to the Secretary's Office by Monday the eighteenth of that month, so that the newly appointed gamekeeper, whose duty was to detect offenders, might know who was legally permitted to carry guns. All inhabitants were also strictly forbidden to shoot or destroy guinea hens or pheasants at any season or under any pretence. Anyone found acting contrary to these orders would forfeit a fine of £10 upon proof of the offence, the sum to be paid either to the informant or to the gamekeeper if he made the discovery. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Persistent destruction of game brought a stricter licensing of firearms and the appointment of a gamekeeper. Requiring shooters to register their names let the keeper distinguish the lawful from the poacher. The closed season and the heavy fine show a considered scheme for conserving the island's game.

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31 March 1788
The Governor and Council directed that notice be given that 15 casks of damaged coffee belonging to the Honourable Company were to be sold.
Interpretations
The sale of damaged coffee recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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Island of St Helena 3d July 1788
The Governor & Council have agreed that the acting magistrate in future shall levy the legal fine ordered on conviction of those who shoot without being intitled so to do.
And the Governor has determined to appoint a Game Keeper & that no other Person is to shoot for the Honble Company’s Table but said Game Keeper.
By Order of Council
(signed) B. Wright Secy

Island St Helena 13 Augt 1788
This is to Notify That to encourage industry by enabling the Inhabitants to employ their Servants in a more advantageous manner than sending them a great distance for Firewood and to prevent the Island from being entirely stript of Trees, general leave is given to all the Inhabitants not possessing Land to purchase Coals in the Stores untill further Orders. Therefore the Laws regarding cutting of Green Wood are to be strictly enforced, of which all Masters & Slaves are desired particularly to take notice.
By Order of the Governor & Council
(signed) A. K. Knipe Sub Secy

3 July 1788
The Governor and Council resolved that, in future, any acting magistrate should collect the lawful fine imposed upon those convicted of shooting without authority. The Governor also decided to appoint a gamekeeper, and it was declared that no other person should shoot game for the Honourable Company's table except that official. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Charging the magistrate with collecting the fines strengthened the enforcement of the game rules. Reserving the shooting of the Company's game to the keeper alone tightened the control further. The measure confirms the gamekeeper's central place in the conservation scheme.

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13 August 1788
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued to promote industry by allowing inhabitants to employ their servants more usefully than by sending them long distances to gather firewood, and also to prevent the island from being stripped of trees. It granted all residents without land general permission to purchase coal from the Company's stores until further orders. The laws prohibiting the cutting of green wood were to be rigorously enforced, and both masters and slaves were specifically warned to take heed of this instruction. The notice was issued by order of the Governor and Council and signed by Sub-Secretary A. K. Knipe.
Interpretations
Offering coal from the stores gave the landless an alternative to gathering scarce wood. Sparing the trees while freeing labour for better use served two ends at once. The rigorous enforcement of the green-wood ban shows the depletion of the island's timber as a pressing concern.

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Island of St Helena 18 August 88
The usual Advertisement published requiring a Return of Family, Lands and Cattle, Free Blacks &c and respecting the Honble Company’s Stores being shut from the 15 Sept to the 1 October, and to pay Rents Monday the 29 Inst.

1 Nov 88
Published the usual Advertisement respecting Cattle for Slaughter.

15 Decr 88
Published an Advertisement to encourage Industry by feeding Calves in Milk &c.

Island St Helena 19 January 1789
This is to give Notice that the East Militia is required to meet at the Ridge House, and the West Militia at the High Peak on Monday next in the Forenoon to choose Officers to Command them and each Corps immediately after to make a Return of the Persons so chosen for the Approbation of the Governor and Council in order that each Officer may receive his Instructions from the Governor. And that there will be a Military Officer to attend each place to see the Election properly conducted.
By Order of Council
B. Wright Secy

18 August 1788
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring inhabitants to submit returns of their families, lands, cattle and free Black residents. It also announced that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed from 15 September until 1 October, and that rents were to be paid on Monday 29 September.
Interpretations
The annual census, store closure and rent day recur here in their established form. Counting free Black residents within the return shows them regularly recorded alongside the rest. The bundle of demands confirms the fixed rhythm of the fiscal year.

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1 November 1788
The Governor and Council directed that the regular notice be published concerning the slaughter of cattle and related procedures.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become. Regulation of the slaughter served the management of the island's meat supply.

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15 December 1788
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued encouraging industry by promoting the feeding of calves with milk and other measures intended to improve livestock rearing.
Interpretations
Encouraging better calf-rearing aimed to improve the island's stock. The measure shows the administration promoting husbandry as well as regulating it. Attention to the quality of the livestock recurs as a concern of the record.

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19 January 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice announce that the East Militia was required to assemble at the Ridge House and the West Militia at High Peak on the following Monday morning to elect their commanding officers. Each corps was to submit a return of the persons chosen for the approval of the Governor and Council, after which each officer would receive his instructions from the Governor. A military officer was to attend each meeting to ensure that the election was properly conducted. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. Wright.
Interpretations
Electing militia officers drew the island's defensive corps into a measure of self-organisation. Reserving the Governor's approval kept the choice under official control. The care taken over the conduct of the election shows the seriousness attached to the militia in a time of war.

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Island St Helena
To be Sold by Public Auction on Monday next the Company’s Goat and Sheep Ranger, at One o’Clock under the Almond Tree

9 Feb 1789
Ordered an advertisement to be published respecting the Militia &c &c

Island St Helena 13th April 1789
This is to give Notice to all the Honble Company’s Servants, Planters and Inhabitants who may want Rice or Paddy for six Months to come that they may now purchase what is requisite at the Stores - ten Days will be allowed for this Purpose, after which no more will be issued for the ensuing half year
By Order of Council
(signed) B. A. Wright Secy

January 1789 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that the Company's goat and sheep ranger was to be sold by public auction on the following Monday at one o'clock beneath the almond tree.
Interpretations
The sale of the ranger's position or holding passed through public auction in the usual way. The naming of the almond tree as the place marks a customary spot for such sales. Public conduct of the auction kept it under official view.

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9 February 1789
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published concerning matters related to the militia and other connected subjects.
Interpretations
The militia drew continual administrative attention in a time of war. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific matter obscure. Oversight of the island's defence recurs as a standing concern.

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13 April 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued informing all of the Honourable Company's servants, planters and inhabitants who required rice or paddy for the next six months that they might now purchase the necessary quantity from the Company's stores. A period of ten days was allowed for this purpose, after which no further issue would be made for the ensuing half year. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary B. A. Wright.
Interpretations
Issuing rice and paddy for a fixed half-year regulated the supply of a staple grain. Setting a ten-day window ordered the distribution and reserved the stock thereafter. Management of the island's food supply recurs as a serious concern of the administration.

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13th May 1789
Ordered an Advertisement to be published respecting Wrecks being deposited in the Pond &c

3 August 1789
Ordered an Advertisement to be published for the Sale of One hund’d Galls Lisbon & 30 Galls of Sherry

17th Augt
Ordered an Advertisement to be published for respecting the Acct of Familys - Quantity of Land - Number of Cattle &ca of the Inhabitants - & that the Stores would be shut from the 1st Sepr to the 1st October

13 May 1789
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published concerning wrecks and related materials being deposited in the pond.
Interpretations
The disposal of wreck materials in the pond drew the administration's attention. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific matter obscure. Oversight of such matters was part of the routine management of the island.

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3 August 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be published announcing the sale of 100 gallons of Lisbon wine and 30 gallons of sherry.
Interpretations
The sale of wine recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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17 August 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be published requiring the inhabitants to submit returns showing the composition of their families, the quantity of land they held, the number of their cattle and other particulars. It also announced that the Company's stores would be closed from 1 September until 1 October.
Interpretations
The annual census and store closure recur here in their established form. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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14 September 1789
Whereas Mr Thomas Lister has a Lease for 4 Acres of Land lying under Francis Waterfall, also half an Acre under the Bruen Waterfall, and claiming an exclusive right to the Water Crofs &c which Grow thereon in right of said Lease -
This is therefore to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island who have any thing to offer against the legality of his Claim, or otherwise, that they are required to attend the Governor and Council on Monday next the 21 Instant by 10 O’Clock in the Forenoon when they will be heard
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

2 November 1789
Notice hereby given that on Monday next the 16 Instant at Eleven o’Clock in the Forenoon will be Sold by Public Auction Sundry Damaged Goods belonging to the Honble Company

14 September 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice announce that Mr Thomas Lister held a lease for four acres of land situated beneath Francis Waterfall, together with half an acre beneath the Bruen Waterfall, and that he was claiming an exclusive right to the watercress and other produce growing there by virtue of that lease. All persons on the island who wished to contest the legality of his claim, or who had any matter to raise concerning it, were required to attend before the Governor and Council on Monday 21 September at ten o'clock in the forenoon, when they would be heard. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
A disputed claim to the produce of leased land was brought before the Council for hearing. Inviting all with an interest to attend gave the matter a fair public airing. The Council's role as arbiter of such disputes shows its reach into the island's property affairs.

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2 November 1789
The Governor and Council directed that notice be given that on Monday 16 November at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, sundry damaged goods belonging to the Honourable Company would be sold by public auction.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company goods recurs as a routine administrative task. Public auction was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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119

30 November 1789
Whereas the few Gum Wood Trees now remaining on the Honble Company’s Waste Land are constantly destroyed by Persons generally from the Town who go under pretence of bringing fallen Wood. These are therefore positively to forbid all Persons whatever from bringing Gum Wood to Town until further Orders, as the same will be seized and the Person or Persons so offending severely punished. But should any of the Planters or others have occasion to send Gum Wood to this Valley in future from their Enclosed Grounds they are hereby required to give their Servants Notes specifying the same or their Wood will be forfeited.
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

30 November 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued stating that the few remaining gumwood trees on the Honourable Company's waste land were continually being destroyed by people, mostly from the town, who pretended to be collecting fallen wood. It was therefore strictly forbidden for anyone to bring gumwood into the town until further notice, as any such wood would be seized and the offenders severely punished. However, if planters or others needed to send gumwood into the valley from their own enclosed grounds, they were required to provide their servants with written notes specifying the origin of the wood, otherwise it would be forfeited. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
The destruction of the last gumwood trees brought a ban on bringing the wood into town. Requiring written notes for wood from enclosed grounds let lawful supply be distinguished from theft. The concern for the few remaining trees marks the near-exhaustion of the island's native timber.

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7 Decr 1789
Island St Helena
Whereas it appears by the Record, that it was fully proved and determined on the 18 Decr 1784 that no person or persons whatever had a right or property in that part of the Honble Company’s Waste Land from Lot Ridge to Gate Gut & Sandy Bay Water as a goat range & in consequence there of all Goats thereon Ordered to be taken away - But frequent Complaints having since been made that a number of Goats still remain to the great detriment of the adjoining neighbours & contempt of the Orders of the Board - These are therefore strictly to forbid any person or persons whatever keeping Goats upon this part of the Honble Company’s waste land as should any complaints be hereafter lodged respecting them, such person or persons will be noticed accordingly for their breach & contempt of the Orders of the Board - And further the Proprietors of the trespassing Goats or the neighbours adjoining are hereby impowered to employ a herdsman for the purpose of keeping off all Goats which trespass upon the land abovementioned but such herdsman must not drive off the property of one person & suffer that of another to remain or they will be brought to proper account
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

7 December 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued recalling that, according to the official record, it had been fully proved and determined on 18 December 1784 that no person had any right or ownership over that part of the Honourable Company's waste land extending from Lot Ridge to Gate Gut and Sandy Bay Water as a goat range. All goats grazing there had at that time been ordered to be removed. However, as numerous complaints had since been received that many goats still remained there, causing harm to neighbouring properties and showing disregard for the Board's previous orders, it was now strictly forbidden for anyone to keep goats upon that area of the Company's waste land. Any future complaints would result in action being taken against the offenders. Furthermore, the owners of adjoining properties affected by trespassing goats were authorised to employ a herdsman to drive away all animals found straying upon the land mentioned. Such a herdsman, however, was required to act impartially, not driving away one person's goats while allowing another's to remain, or he would be held accountable. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
The persistence of goats on the disputed waste land defied a settled ruling of 1784. Authorising neighbours to employ a herdsman shifted enforcement onto those most affected. Requiring the herdsman's impartiality guarded against the remedy being turned to private advantage.

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121

Island St Helena
21 December 1789
Notice is hereby given to all Persons upon the said Island who want Grates for the conveniency of burning Coke that they are hereby required to make an entry thereof to the Secy’s Office with the size they want by them on or before Monday the 4 January next

Island St Helena 21 December 1789
An advertisement having been published on Monday the 30 November last prohibiting all Persons whatever fetching Gum Wood from the Honble Company’s Waste Lands till further Orders and the Inhabitants of James’s Valley having petitioned the Board this day for permission to collect the fallen Wood or Stumps on several parts of the Common, the Board have thought proper to comply with their request under certain limitations and do hereby give leave to every Family not possessing Land to send for a Quantity not exceeding 200 ft plank and have for the Security of the Plantation Property appointed an Inspector to go and return with all Slaves sent according from this Valley who

21 December 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued informing all persons on the island who required grates for burning coke that they must enter their names and the sizes they required at the Secretary's Office by Monday 4 January.
Interpretations
Registering the demand for coke grates followed the earlier turn from wood to coal for fuel. Recording names and sizes let the administration order the supply. The measure marks the practical shift in the island's domestic fuel.

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21 December 1789 (continued)
On the same day the Governor and Council directed that a further notice refer to an advertisement published on Monday 30 November forbidding anyone from collecting gumwood from the Honourable Company's waste lands until further orders. The inhabitants of James's Valley had since petitioned the Board for permission to gather fallen wood or stumps from several parts of the common. The Board agreed to their request under certain restrictions and granted permission for each family without land to collect an amount not exceeding two hundred feet of plank. To safeguard plantation property, an inspector was appointed to accompany and return with all slaves sent for this purpose from the valley [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The valley's petition softened the recent gumwood ban into a controlled allowance. Capping each landless family's collection and appointing an inspector guarded the plantations from abuse. The compromise shows the administration balancing the fuel needs of the poor against the protection of the timber.

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will be accountable to the Board for his Conduct. And any Person or Persons residing in the Country having but a small Quantity of Land and not sufficient to afford them Wood for common use are also permitted to send their Slaves for Wood not exceeding 300 ft per week but all Slaves so sent must be under the Inspector.
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

Island St Helena
23 Decr 1789
These are to give Notice to all the Planters upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary’s Office on or before the 24 December next an exact signed Account of the Number of Cattle each of them have for Slaughter for the Year 1790 which they will be expected punctually to supply as no casualties will be admitted of. Also to specify on the above return the Number of Bulls they intend

21 December 1789 (continued)
The notice continued by stating that the appointed inspector would be answerable to the Board for his conduct. Any person residing in the country who possessed only a small portion of land, insufficient to supply wood for ordinary use, was likewise permitted to send slaves to collect wood, but not exceeding three hundred feet per week. All such slaves were to be under the supervision of the inspector. The order was issued by direction of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Extending the wood allowance to smallholders in the country matched the concession made to the valley. Setting a weekly limit and keeping the slaves under supervision preserved the safeguards. The graded allowances show the administration fitting the concession to each household's need.

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23 December 1789
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice be issued requiring all planters on the island to submit to the Secretary's Office, on or before 24 December, an exact signed account of the number of cattle each possessed for slaughter during the year 1790. They were to supply this number punctually, as no allowances would be made for casualties. Each return was also to specify the number of bulls the planter intended [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here, now with no allowance made for casual loss. Binding planters to their stated figures tightened the reliability of the count. The demand reflects the administration's steady effort to secure a dependable meat supply.

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123

...dispose of to the Ships the ensuing Year. Notice is hereby further given to all the Inhabitants of the Island aforesaid that they are likewise to transmit on or before the time abovementioned an Account of their Number of Hogs and to distinguish them by their several denominations also a true Account of their Stocks of Sheep & Goats.

The Governor & Council have also resolved that Live Cattle shall be sold to the Shipping agreeable to the proportion of the number each person returns, therefore he that returns most will sell most of course.

And whereas the Governor & Council have taken into consideration the damage done to private inclosures by Goats grazing on that part of the Honble Company’s waste land extending from Lot Ridge to Gabrials Gut and Sandy Bay Water, these are therefore to inform all persons concerned or having Goats on said common that the adjoining neighbours are hereby authorised to shoot or otherwise destroy all such Goats as trespass on their enclosures from this part of the Company’s waste land.
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

23 December 1789 (continued)
The notice continued by directing that planters were also to state how many bulls they intended to sell to ships during the following year. It further announced that all inhabitants of the island were required, by the same date, to submit an account of their hogs, clearly distinguishing them by type or class, together with an accurate return of their stocks of sheep and goats. The Governor and Council had resolved that live cattle should be sold to visiting ships in proportion to the number each person reported in their return, so that those declaring the largest herds would accordingly be allowed to sell the greatest number. The notice also recorded that, as the Governor and Council had considered the harm done to private enclosures by goats grazing on the Honourable Company's waste land extending from Lot Ridge to Gabriel's Gut and Sandy Bay Water, it was ordered that adjoining neighbours were authorised to shoot or otherwise destroy any goats trespassing upon their enclosed land from that part of the Company's common. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Tying the sale of live cattle to each person's declared herd rewarded the fuller return. Authorising neighbours to shoot trespassing goats hardened the earlier remedy into a licence to kill. The bundle of livestock demands shows the administration's close and continuing management of the island's stock.

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St Helena 2 April 1790
These are to notify that whatever arrack or other spirituous liquors the commanders or officers of ships have to dispose of here, it must be tendered to the Honourable Company’s storekeeper who has our directions to treat for the same, but should the commanders of ships, passengers or officers choose to import spirits for their own private use on shore, they have permission from the Honourable Company for so doing, paying to their said storekeeper a duty at the rate of 2s 6d per gallon for all spirits so imported.
By order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

St Helena 9 June 1790
Sunday School
For the benefit of this Island, patronised and encouraged by the bounty of the Honourable Court of Directors. This is to give notice that on the 13 instant will be opened a Sunday School for the purpose of teaching poor children and slaves their respective duties, that through the knowledge of that duty and faith in Christ, those that are well disposed may become worthy and useful members of society in this life and happy to all eternity in the life to come.

Let us all recollect how much happier it is to prevent crimes than to punish them, and that the best possible mode of preventing crimes next to that

2 April 1790
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice announce that any arrack or other spirituous liquors which commanders or officers of ships wished to sell on the island must first be offered to the Honourable Company's storekeeper, who had been authorised to negotiate for their purchase. However, if ship commanders, passengers or officers wished to import spirits for their own private use on shore, they were permitted to do so, provided they paid the Company's storekeeper a duty of 2 shillings and 6 pence per gallon on all spirits so imported. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Giving the storekeeper first refusal of imported spirits kept the trade under the Company's control. Charging a duty on spirits for private use turned personal imports to the Company's profit. The measure shows the administration regulating and taxing the flow of liquor through its port.

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9 June 1790
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce the establishment of a Sunday School for the benefit of the island, supported and encouraged by the generosity of the Honourable Court of Directors. It stated that on the thirteenth of that month a Sunday School would be opened to teach poor children and slaves their moral and religious duties, so that through knowledge of those duties and faith in Christ, the well-disposed among them might become worthy and useful members of society in this life and attain eternal happiness in the next. The notice urged the inhabitants to remember that it was far better to prevent crimes than to punish them, and that the most effective way to prevent wrongdoing, next to that [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The founding of a Sunday school extended religious instruction to poor children and slaves alike. Framing the school as a means of preventing crime shows the social purpose behind the charity. The measure reflects the Company's concern to shape the morals as well as the labour of the island's people.

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125

...of shewing good examples ourselves is that of instructing the ignorant in what is right. Writing and reading will be taught as well as the moral duties, so that many of the poor may not only become more honest and faithful but more intelligent and useful servants than they can possibly be at present.

The good effects of this institution cannot be doubted by any reasonable person after what we hear in regard to the utility of similar establishments in England.

We entreat that all masters and mistresses and parents of poor children will, for their own sakes as well as for that of their dependants, encourage this present attempt to instruct the ignorant, thereby to shew a just sense of our Honble Masters’ indulgent goodness towards us and the generous solicitude of Mr Wilkinson to serve the Island.
By order of the Govr & Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

Island St Helena 9 Augt 1790
This is to give notice to all the inhabitants of said Island that they are hereby required to meet in Vestry on Monday next the 16 instant at the Chapel in this Valley to take into consideration the repairs necessary to the Church in the Country and School House in Town and other matters which will then be laid before them.
By order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy
23 August

9 June 1790 (continued)
The notice continued by declaring that the best means of preventing crime, after setting a good example, was to instruct the ignorant in what was right. It explained that both reading and writing would be taught alongside moral duties, so that the poorer inhabitants might not only become more honest and faithful, but also more intelligent and useful servants than they were at present. The notice observed that no reasonable person could doubt the benefits of such an institution, given the success of similar establishments in England. It appealed to all masters, mistresses and parents of poor children to support this effort for their own benefit as well as for that of their dependants, and thereby show gratitude for the Honourable Company's benevolent concern for the island and for Mr Wilkinson's generous desire to promote its welfare. The notice was issued by order of the Governor and Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
The school promised reading and writing as well as moral teaching to the poor. Presenting more useful servants as the aim reveals the practical interest bound up with the charity. The appeal to masters and parents shows the administration seeking the community's support for the venture.

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9 August 1790
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued requiring all inhabitants of the island to meet in vestry on Monday 16 August at the chapel in the valley. The purpose of the meeting was to consider the repairs needed to the church in the country and to the schoolhouse in the town, together with other matters that would then be presented to them. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Summoning the vestry to consider repairs shows the parish machinery managing the island's public buildings. Joining the church and schoolhouse in one meeting gathered related concerns together. Such assemblies were the means by which the inhabitants attended to common affairs.

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Continuation
23 August 1790
The usual advertisement published to send into the Secretary’s Office a return of family, land &c and to attend at the Castle the 30 same month to pay rents &c - The Church Wardens to make out a list of the Free Blacks &c

Island St Helena 27 Sept 1790
Whereas it was this day proved that Henry Powell, publican, had contrary to the rules of the Island and repeated orders, purchased fish of a slave without said slave having his master’s permission or writing to dispose thereof - The Board have fined said Powell in the sum of £5 - to the Honble Company’s cash, and to deter others from being guilty of the like improper practice, these are to notify that the Board have determined to proceed in future with the utmost rigour against all and every person offending in this particular.
By Order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

23 August 1790
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring inhabitants to send returns of their families, lands and other particulars to the Secretary's Office, and to attend at the Castle on 30 August to pay their rents. The churchwardens were instructed to prepare a list of the free Black residents.
Interpretations
The annual census and rent day recur here in their established form. Charging the churchwardens to list the free Black residents shows that group separately recorded. The bundle of demands confirms the fixed rhythm of the fiscal year.

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27 September 1790
The Governor and Council directed that a notice record that it had been proved that Henry Powell, a publican, had acted in defiance of the island's regulations and repeated orders by purchasing fish from a slave who did not have his master's written permission to sell it. The Board therefore fined Powell the sum of £5, payable to the Honourable Company's treasury. To discourage others from committing similar offences, the notice declared that the Board would in future enforce the law with the utmost severity against any person found guilty of such conduct. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
The fine on a named publican shows the rule against unauthorised trade with slaves enforced in a particular case. Publishing the conviction served as a warning to others. The episode reveals how the control of enslaved trade bore on the everyday dealings of the town.

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Continuation
22 Novr 1790
The usual advertisement published, return of cattle for slaughter and number of sheep and goats &c. Further, on Monday next the 29 instant at 2 o’clock in the afternoon will be exposed for sale at the Honble Company’s warehouse sundry damaged goods for ready money.

Island St Helena 20 Decr 1790
Whereas it has been reported that many persons make a practice of retailing spirits, wine, beer &c, as likewise killing young cattle without permission, in a manner contrary to repeated orders and regulations of the Island now in force. These are therefore to give notice that if any person or persons are hereafter convicted of such clandestine practices, they will be proceeded against with the utmost rigour, and the penalties annexed to such offences put in full force.
By order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

Island St Helena 5 Jany 1791
Whereas it is thought there are great numbers of dollars upon the Island in circulation of base metal - These are therefore to recommend to all persons

22 November 1790
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring inhabitants to submit their returns of cattle for slaughter, together with the numbers of their sheep and goats. It was also announced that on Monday 29 November at two o'clock in the afternoon, sundry damaged goods would be offered for sale at the Honourable Company's warehouse for ready money.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return is paired here with a damaged-goods sale. Gathering the two matters in one notice was efficient administrative practice. Both were fixed points in the island's yearly calendar.

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20 December 1790
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice declare that reports had been received of many persons engaging in the unauthorised retail of spirits, wine and beer, and of others slaughtering young cattle without permission, contrary to the established regulations of the island. It warned that anyone found guilty of such clandestine practices would be prosecuted with the utmost severity and that the penalties attached to those offences would be fully enforced. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Unauthorised retailing and the unlicensed slaughter of young cattle both defied standing regulations. Threatening the utmost severity shows the administration reasserting rules widely evaded. Control of the liquor and meat trades recurs as a persistent concern of the island's government.

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5 January 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice state that it was believed a large quantity of dollars made of base metal was in circulation on the island. The inhabitants were therefore advised [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The circulation of base dollars threatened the soundness of the island's currency. The warning follows a long series of such concerns over counterfeit coin. Vigilance over the money in use recurs throughout the record.

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128

...to be particularly cautious and careful how they receive such coin, as all considered as base will be refused at the Honble Warehouses.
By order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

Island St Helena 7 Feby 1791
Whereas the house of Capt Mr Puirie in this valley was in the course of the last week broken into and robbed of a considerable sum of money, the Governor and Council do hereby offer a reward of £10 to be paid on conviction to whoever shall inform against the person or persons who committed said robbery, and if an accomplice, to be pardoned and receive the same reward. And as a further inducement for discovering said robbery, Captain Puirie doth also offer the additional reward of five pounds.
By order of the Majesty’s Justices
(signed) John Doveton
Clerk of the Peace

5 January 1791 (continued)
The notice continued by advising all inhabitants to be especially cautious in accepting dollars, as any coins found to be of base metal would be refused at the Honourable Company's warehouses. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Refusing base dollars at the warehouses backed the warning with a practical sanction. Placing the check at the point of exchange guarded the Company's takings. Vigilance over the coinage recurs as a settled concern of the administration.

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7 February 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that the house of Captain Mr Puirie in the valley had been broken into during the previous week and robbed of a considerable sum of money. The Governor and Council therefore offered a reward of £10 to be paid upon conviction to anyone providing information leading to the discovery of the person or persons responsible. If an accomplice gave the information, he would receive a pardon in addition to the reward. To encourage further disclosure, Captain Puirie himself offered an extra reward of £5. The notice was issued by order of His Majesty's Justices and signed by Clerk of the Peace John Doveton.
Interpretations
A substantial house-breaking brought a reward doubled by the victim's own offer. The pardon for an accomplice was the familiar means of breaking such crimes. The issue under the Justices' authority shows the island's judicial machinery at work.

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25 April 1791
Published an advertisement for the inhabitants to meet in Vestry to choose parish officers.

Island St Helena 7 May 1791
At the request of Capt B. B. Greentree, church warden, the inhabitants may freely meet in vestry at the chapel in James Valley on Monday next, the 9 instant, by 10 o’clock in the forenoon, to consult on a bill on the parish given in by the agent of Doctor Kay.
By order of Council
Wm Doveton Secy

Island St Helena 9 May 1791
Whereas many people make a practice of retailing wine, beer, ale and cider contrary to the policy and good order of all governments, and to the great detriment of the public by encouraging the...

25 April 1791
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published calling upon the inhabitants to meet in vestry for the purpose of electing parish officers.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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7 May 1791
At the request of Captain B. B. Greentree, churchwarden, the Governor and Council granted permission for the inhabitants to meet freely in vestry at the chapel in James's Valley on Monday 9 May at ten o'clock in the forenoon. The meeting was to discuss a bill concerning the parish that had been submitted by the agent of Doctor Kay. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
A churchwarden's request prompted a special vestry to consider a parish bill. Granting leave to meet freely shows the Council enabling the inhabitants' own business. The vestry's handling of such matters confirms its role as an organ of local self-government.

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9 May 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice state that many inhabitants were in the habit of retailing wine, beer, ale and cider in violation of good order and proper regulation, to the serious harm of the public by encouraging the [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
Unlicensed retailing of wine and beer recurs here as a persistent offence. Framing it as harmful to public order shows the administration's continuing concern. Control of the drink trade runs as a constant thread through the record.

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130

...vice of drunkenness without having a licence for so doing.
This is therefore to give notice to all persons except the licensed punch house keepers, who are positively forbid retailing wine, beer, ale or cider under any pretence whatever in any less quantity than 30 gallons in casks or chests, or half chests in bottles, as a smaller quantity will be deemed retailing, under penalty of paying the customary fine of £5 for every transgression, half of which to be given to the informer, the other half to be paid into the Honble Company’s treasury.

Several windows having been broken in this valley at different times by some evil-disposed person or persons, there is therefore to give notice that £5 reward will be paid on conviction to any person or persons who will bring the offender or offenders to justice.
By order of Council
(signed) Wm Doveton Secy

9 May 1791 (continued)
The notice continued by warning that many people were retailing wine, beer, ale and cider without licences, thereby promoting the vice of drunkenness. It declared that, except for licensed punch-house keepers, all persons were strictly forbidden to sell these liquors in quantities smaller than thirty gallons in casks or chests, or half-chests in bottles. Any sale in a lesser quantity would be considered unlawful retailing and subject to a fine of £5 for each offence, half of which would be paid to the informer and the other half to the Honourable Company's treasury. The notice also recorded that several windows in the valley had been broken at various times by unknown offenders. A reward of £5 was therefore offered to anyone who provided information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Confining small liquor sales to licensed keepers extended the familiar control over retailing. The informer's share was the usual device for enforcing such rules. Joining a reward for the window-breakers to the liquor rule carried two matters in one notice.

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131

Island St Helena 30 May 1791

The Board observing that the expense attending the office of Sheriff has annually increased for some time past, and being determined to put a stop to this abuse, have this day agreed on the following regulations.

That as the tax on dogs goes to the parish and not to the Company, the expense of killing those kept contrary to law is never again to be defrayed by the Sheriff. When dogs are ordered to be killed for destroying sheep etc., the owners of said dogs must defray the expense of a dollar to the bailiff or be prosecuted.

And the same rule to be observed where dogs are killed that are kept illegally and not regularly returned. When witnesses are summoned to attend on public business, them and them only the bailiffs are to be paid by the Company.

On occasion of complaint made by individuals...

30 May 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice record that the Board, having observed a continual increase in the annual expenses of the Sheriff's office and wishing to prevent further abuse, had agreed on new regulations. It was determined that, since the tax on dogs was paid to the parish rather than to the Honourable Company, the cost of destroying dogs kept contrary to law should no longer be borne by the Sheriff. When dogs were ordered to be killed for attacking sheep or similar offences, their owners were to pay the expense of one dollar to the bailiff or face prosecution. The same rule was to apply where dogs were destroyed for being kept illegally or without proper registration. It was further resolved that when witnesses were summoned to attend in matters of public business, only those persons were to be paid by the Company for the bailiffs' attendance. The notice continued by referring to complaints made by individuals [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
Rising costs in the Sheriff's office prompted a reform of the fees. Shifting the cost of destroying unlawful dogs onto their owners removed a charge from the public purse. The measure shows the administration attending closely to the expenses of its own officers.

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132

...in regard to their own concerns, the complainant must pay the expense of summoning the witnesses that may be wanted. Instead of per dollar only 2s 6d is to be paid in future for delivering of summons, whether on public or private account.
By order of Council
Signed Wm Doveton Secy


Ordered an advertisement to be published respecting the signing of papers, vizt.

Whereas it was yesterday proved before the Board that Mr Benjamin Mason Junr had cast some unwarranted reflections on the government of this place, and also handed about a paper for signature which is understood as grossly attacking the reputation of a late Gent. Councillor. But the said Benja Mason having apologised for his...

30 May 1791 (continued)
The notice continued by stating that when complaints were made by individuals concerning their own affairs, the complainant would be required to pay the cost of summoning any witnesses needed. It was further ordered that, instead of the former charge of one dollar, a fee of only 2 shillings and 6 pence was in future to be paid for delivering a summons, whether for public or private business. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Charging private complainants for their own summonses separated public from private cost. Reducing the summons fee eased the burden on those using the courts. The reform shows the administration ordering the fees of justice more fairly.

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30 May 1791 (continued)
The Governor and Council further directed that an advertisement be published concerning the signing of papers. It stated that it had been proved before the Board the previous day that Mr Benjamin Mason Junior had spoken disrespectfully of the island's government and had circulated a paper for signature which was understood to be a serious attack upon the reputation of a recently deceased gentleman who had served as a councillor. However, as Benjamin Mason had apologised for his [the notice continues in the following entry].
Interpretations
The circulation of a paper attacking a dead councillor's reputation was treated as a serious matter. Bringing it before the Board shows the administration's sensitivity to challenges to its authority. Mason's apology opened the way to the pardon set out in the following entries.

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133

...that the Board came to a determination of pardoning him. However, they cannot help remarking that they are sorry to observe such dangerous and unprecedented attempts made to hurt the reputation of Government and Courts of Justice. If men are generally declared guilty or innocent before trial, no jury can sit or court martial take place. If, as for example, in the present case an officer suspended by a former Governor and Council in the year 1775 and broke by a late court martial in both cases for behaving in a scandalous and infamous manner unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman as under the 20th article of the 12th section of the Articles of War, is afterwards to be pointed out in the face of the garrison as a good officer and associated with as such and as a worthy man, what hope can be had of good discipline if an immediate stop is not put to such practices.

These are therefore to give notice that should any papers be again carried about this garrison to sign declaring that a person charged with a crime is guilty or innocent, thereof before trial has taken place, or if such paper is carried about after trial by jury or court martial...

30 May 1791 (continued)
The Board resolved to pardon him but felt compelled to express serious concern about the wider implications of his behaviour. They considered it a dangerous and unprecedented attempt to undermine the authority of the Government and the integrity of the courts of justice. They observed that if individuals were to decide a person's guilt or innocence before any formal hearing, it would destroy the impartiality of juries and render courts martial ineffective. They explained that the case in question referred to an officer who had been suspended by a former Governor and Council in 1775 and later dismissed by a court martial for behaviour considered dishonourable and unworthy of an officer and a gentleman, as defined by the Articles of War. Despite these findings, some people had chosen to present him publicly as a respectable and worthy man, conduct which the Board viewed as a direct threat to good discipline within the garrison. They therefore declared that if any papers were again circulated within the garrison asking people to sign declarations of guilt or innocence before a trial, or opinions concerning a case after a trial by jury or court martial, such actions would not be tolerated.
Interpretations
The Board read the affair as an attack on the impartiality of its courts and the discipline of the garrison. Rehearsing the officer's dismissal of 1775 shows the old case still contested years later. The strong statement marks the administration's determination to guard its judicial authority from public pressure.

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...is innocent or if acquitted that he is guilty. Any person signing such paper, if a Company servant or officer, will be suspended their Company’s service until the Honourable Court of Directors’ pleasure is known. If merely an inhabitant, he will be prosecuted according to law, and if a non-commissioned officer or soldier, he will be tried by a general court martial.

And the Clerk of the Records and Adjutants are hereby informed that it is their particular duty, as far as in them lies, to prevent such dangerous and evil practices and to give timely notice of the same to Government if ever it should be attempted, the moment they receive knowledge of such attempt.

By order of Council
Signed Wm Doveton Secy

Ordered the following to be published and posted in the most conspicuous places.

30 May 1791 (continued)
The notice continued by warning that anyone who signed a paper declaring that a person was innocent before trial, or guilty after having been acquitted, would face serious consequences. Any officer or servant of the Honourable Company found doing so would be suspended from service until the Court of Directors decided upon the case. Any inhabitant not employed by the Company would be prosecuted under the law, and any non-commissioned officer or soldier would be brought before a general court martial. It was further announced that the Clerk of the Records and the Adjutants were to regard it as a specific duty to prevent such harmful and subversive practices. They were instructed to report immediately to the Government should any attempt of this nature come to their attention. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Setting graded penalties for signing such papers reached servant, inhabitant and soldier alike. Charging the Clerk and Adjutants to watch for the practice made its suppression a standing duty. The severity of the response shows how gravely the administration regarded threats to its courts.

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30 May 1791 (continued)
The Governor and Council then further ordered that the following notice be published and posted in the most prominent places on the island.
Interpretations
The order to post the notice prominently ensured its wide publication. Placing it where all could see it left no room to claim ignorance. Such public display was the usual means of giving an order full standing.

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135

Island St Helena 16th June 1791

Mr Francis Seale, planter, having intimated his intentions of proceeding to England by the first convenient opportunity, this is therefore to give notice that if any person or persons whatsoever have any legal demands unsatisfied on the said Francis Seale, that agreeable to the orders of the Honourable Court of Directors they may apply in time to the Board for redress.

And if any matter before the Court of Sessions has been already ordered or directed to be performed by the said Francis Seale, or that any complaint is pending before said Court, the Clerk of the Peace is to take care that proper steps are immediately advised for the security of the jurisdiction of said Court, that the due course of justice may be by no means evaded.

By order of Council
Signed Wm Doveton Secy

16 June 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued announcing that Mr Francis Seale, a planter, had declared his intention of travelling to England at the first suitable opportunity. It therefore advised that any person holding an unsatisfied legal claim against him should apply promptly to the Board for redress, in accordance with the orders of the Honourable Court of Directors. The notice also instructed that if any matter before the Court of Sessions had already required action by Francis Seale, or if any complaint against him was still pending, the Clerk of the Peace was to ensure that immediate measures were taken to uphold the authority of the Court and prevent any evasion of justice. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
A planter's intended departure prompted a public call on his creditors. Ensuring outstanding claims were settled before he left guarded against evasion of justice. The measure shows the administration's care to secure debts owed on the island before a debtor sailed.

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136

Ordered the following to be published

Island St Helena 25th July 1791

Whereas plans having been proposed for some improvements to be made on the island, a survey of the inhabitants of the whole island is therefore hereby required to meet next Monday, being the 1st August, at the chapel in this valley by 10 o’clock in the forenoon, that they may appoint three good and able men from amongst them to peruse the same and to offer their opinions thereon, or their ideas of any other plan that may be formed for the general improvement or advantage of the place.

By order of Council
Signed Wm Doveton Secy

25 July 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice be issued announcing that certain plans for the improvement of the island had been proposed. It therefore required all inhabitants to assemble on Monday 1 August at the chapel in the valley by ten o'clock in the forenoon. The purpose of the meeting was for them to select three capable and trustworthy men from among themselves to examine the proposed plans and to give their opinions, or to suggest any alternative ideas that might contribute to the general benefit and advancement of the island. The notice was issued by order of the Council and signed by Secretary William Doveton.
Interpretations
Inviting the inhabitants to choose men to examine improvement plans drew them into the island's development. Seeking their opinions and alternatives shows a measure of consultation in the administration. The episode marks an interest in the general advancement of the island.

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137

Island St Helena 13th August 1791

Ordered the usual advertisement respecting returns of families, land and cattle, also respecting the shutting up of the stores.

Ordered the following to be published -

Island St Helena 29th August 1791

An advertisement requiring the inhabitants to meet in vestry on Monday 5th September 1791, to nominate two persons in the room of Messrs Saml Knipe and Thos Bagley, to form a committee jointly with Lieut Witter Seale for the improvement of the common, etc.

13 August 1791
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring inhabitants to submit their returns of families, land and cattle, and announcing that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed for a period as usual.
Interpretations
The annual census and store closure recur here in their established form. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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29 August 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a further advertisement be issued calling upon the inhabitants to meet in vestry on Monday 5 September 1791 to nominate two persons to replace Samuel Knipe and Thomas Bagley. The two newly chosen men were to serve on a committee with Lieutenant Witter Seale for the purpose of improving the common and attending to related matters.
Interpretations
Nominating members to the improvement committee continued the work of advancing the island. Drawing the choice through the vestry kept it in the inhabitants' hands. The committee's concern with the common shows a sustained effort to better the shared land.

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138

26th Sept 1791
Advertisement for the sale by auction of Tom a slave of East India.

24th Octr
Advertisement that a pound will be erected in each division of the island as a check to trespassing and straying - regulation respecting pounds.

21st Nov 1791
Advertisement for the planters to send in an account to the storekeeper of their cattle etc. for slaughter the ensuing year - also sheep and goats.

21st Nov 1791
Advertisement for the proprietors of any cattle that have been impounded to apply to the acting governor or acting magistrate, at whose discretion the penalty is to be enforced or mitigated.

28th Nov
Notice given that a public pound is erected in Farm Hill Gut for impounding such cattle etc. if found trespassing on their neighbours’ enclosed land.

30th January 1792
Advertisement for any person who has the growth of their plantations of coffee or wine and who would wish to send samples home, that they will receive one shilling per lb. from the merchant for what they deliver.

1st February 1792
Advertisement for those whose lands are overstocked this dry season to send in a list of what they wish to dispose of.

27th April 1792
Usual advertisement for the vestry to meet.

11th May
Advertisement for the vestry to meet to hear the Smith Court of Enquiry decision read in respect to Doctor Betts.

26 September 1791
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published announcing the sale by public auction of Tom, a slave belonging to the East India Company.
Interpretations
The public sale of a named slave shows the Company disposing of human property as it did its goods. Conducting the sale by auction placed it in the ordinary machinery of the island's trade. Such sales mark the brute fact of the slavery on which the settlement rested.

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24 October 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued stating that a pound would be erected in each division of the island to prevent trespassing and straying livestock. It also outlined the regulations governing the operation of these pounds.
Interpretations
Establishing pounds in each division gave a settled means of confining straying stock. The measure answered the trespass that repeated notices had failed to stop. Providing a physical remedy marks a shift from prohibition to enforcement.

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21 November 1791
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published requiring all planters to submit to the storekeeper a return of their cattle intended for slaughter during the coming year, together with details of their sheep and goats.
Interpretations
The year-end livestock return recurs here in its established form. Directing the return to the storekeeper tied the count to the supply of provisions. The notice reflects the settled routine of livestock accounting.

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21 November 1791 (continued)
The Governor and Council also directed that a further advertisement announce that any proprietors whose cattle had been impounded were to apply to the acting governor or acting magistrate, who would determine whether the penalty should be enforced or reduced.
Interpretations
Providing for appeal against impounding penalties tempered the new pound system with discretion. Referring the matter to the governor or magistrate kept the judgement in official hands. The measure shows the administration balancing enforcement against fairness to owners.

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28 November 1791
The Governor and Council directed that a notice declare that a public pound had been established in Farm Hill Gut for the confinement of any cattle or other animals found trespassing upon neighbouring enclosed lands.
Interpretations
The pound at Farm Hill Gut put the new confinement system into effect at a named place. Providing a fixed point for impounding strays gave the rule practical force. Such measures mark the administration's move to physical remedies against trespass.

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30 January 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement invite any person cultivating coffee or producing wine who wished to send samples to England to deliver them to the merchant, who would pay 1 shilling per pound for what was received.
Interpretations
Inviting samples of coffee and wine shows an interest in the island's produce for export. Offering payment encouraged the inhabitants to develop these crops. The measure reflects a concern with the island's economic advancement.

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1 February 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a notice call upon those whose lands were overstocked during the dry season to send in a list of the animals or produce they wished to dispose of.
Interpretations
Managing overstocked land in the dry season helped balance the island's grazing. Gathering lists of surplus animals let the administration order their disposal. Care of the stock against the season recurs as a concern of the record.

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27 April 1792
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be issued calling a meeting of the vestry.
Interpretations
A vestry meeting was summoned for the island's parish business. The brevity of the entry preserves the call but not its purpose. Such meetings were a routine instrument of local government.

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11 May 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement announce that the vestry would meet to hear the decision of the Smith Court of Enquiry concerning Doctor Betts.
Interpretations
Summoning the vestry to hear a court of enquiry's decision shows it as a forum for public matters. The reference to a named enquiry marks a particular dispute of the moment. The vestry's role in such affairs confirms its place in the island's government.

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139

1792

20th May
Advertisement enjoining obedience and a compliance with the places’ laws respecting public pounds, marriages etc.

4th June
Advertisement that the restrictions are taken off which prevented any but publicans from retailing wine - the other inhabitants may now sell wine in quantities not less than one dozen.

14th June
Advertisement for the sale of condemned stores.

3rd July
A reward offered for discovering and bringing to justice any person or persons concerned in killing a bullock, the property of Mr Leech.

17th August
Advertisement for those who have lost cattle from lead sickness to state their losses - but such persons as can by any means afford to pay their rent are to do it, and the Council hope that a favourable answer will be returned to their representations on this subject to the Honble Court.

20th August
The usual advertisement for a return of land, cattle etc.

27th August
Reward offered for discovery of sheep stealers.

22nd Octr
Advertisement for the sale of damaged stores.

27th Novr
Do. that split peas and barley are on sale.

3rd December
Usual advertisement for a return of cattle for slaughter.

20 May 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published reminding the inhabitants of their duty to obey and observe the island's laws concerning public pounds, marriages and other matters of local regulation.
Interpretations
Reminding the inhabitants of their duty to the laws shows the administration reinforcing observance. Naming pounds and marriages together marks the range of matters under local regulation. Such general reminders were part of the routine assertion of authority.

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4 June 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that the restrictions which had previously allowed only licensed publicans to retail wine were now lifted. All inhabitants were henceforth permitted to sell wine, provided it was in quantities of not less than one dozen bottles.
Interpretations
Lifting the restriction on wine sales relaxed a control long held over the trade. Setting a minimum quantity kept the sales above the level of retail drinking. The change marks a loosening of the administration's grip on the drink trade.

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14 June 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be issued announcing the sale of condemned stores belonging to the Honourable Company.
Interpretations
The sale of condemned stores recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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3 July 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a reward be offered for information leading to the discovery and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing a bullock belonging to Mr Leech.
Interpretations
The killing of a private bullock brought the administration's help in pursuing the offender. Offering a reward enlisted the inhabitants in the search. Such thefts and killings of stock recur throughout the record.

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17 August 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement request that those who had lost cattle through lead sickness should report their losses. However, all who were still able to pay their rents were expected to do so. The Council expressed hope that their appeal to the Honourable Court on this matter would receive a favourable response.
Interpretations
Losses of cattle to lead sickness prompted a call for reports and an appeal to London. Still requiring rents from those able to pay shows the administration balancing relief against revenue. The reference to the appeal marks the Company's central authority over such matters.

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20 August 1792
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be issued requiring inhabitants to submit returns of their land, cattle and other particulars.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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27 August 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a reward be offered for the detection of those involved in sheep stealing.
Interpretations
Sheep-stealing recurs here as a persistent offence against the island's stock. Offering a reward for detection enlisted the inhabitants in the pursuit. Such theft of livestock runs throughout the record of the island.

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22 October 1792
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published announcing the sale of damaged stores.
Interpretations
The sale of damaged stores recurs as a routine clearing of Company stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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27 November 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice state that split peas and barley were available for sale.
Interpretations
The sale of split peas and barley formed part of the ordinary provisioning of the island. Public notice made the stock known to the inhabitants. Such sales were a routine feature of the Company's trade in provisions.

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3 December 1792
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published requiring a return of cattle intended for slaughter.
Interpretations
The year-end slaughter return recurs here in its established form. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become. Advance figures let the Company plan the island's meat supply.

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140

1792

7th Decr
Two thirds of the cattle returned for slaughter to be sold alive to the shipping. The cattle to be killed, the approaching Christmas, for the garrison or inhabitants as gratuity allowed to the garrison in other articles.

1793

1st January
Advertisement for the sale of barley.

21st Janry
Prohibition from shooting for the present year from the decrease of game.

25th March
Advertisement for a meeting of the vestry.

6th June
Proclamation respecting the harbouring of those people or giving alarms not belonging to the regulars or militia.

29th June
Proclamation that 2s 6d per day for labourers and 2s 6d for masons will be paid for all blacks sent to the works on High Knoll or Ladder Hill.

1st July
Fishing to windward prohibited.

22nd July
Order of the Honble Court published that any black who is not legally a slave is to state his case to the governor or acting magistrate.

19th August
Usual advertisement for a return of land, cattle etc.

22nd September
During an alarm, no person to go down upon the line without leave - fishermen to fish to leeward of the island, and no ship in the road to have communication with the vessels approaching.

7 December 1792
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that two thirds of the cattle listed for slaughter were to be sold alive to the visiting ships. The remaining cattle were to be slaughtered at Christmas for the use of the garrison and inhabitants, as part of the customary gratuity allowed to the troops in other provisions.
Interpretations
Selling most of the slaughter cattle alive to the ships shows the demands of the passing trade. Reserving the rest for the garrison and inhabitants at Christmas marks a customary provision. The division reflects the constant balancing of the island's stock against competing claims.

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1 January 1793
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published announcing the sale of barley.
Interpretations
The sale of barley formed part of the ordinary provisioning of the island. Public notice made the stock known to the inhabitants. Such sales were a routine feature of the Company's trade in provisions.

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21 January 1793
The Governor and Council issued a proclamation forbidding all shooting for the current year owing to the decrease in game on the island.
Interpretations
A full year's ban on shooting answered a marked decline in the island's game. Such closures recur across the record as game stocks rose and fell. Conservation of the game was a standing concern of the administration.

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25 March 1793
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement call a meeting of the vestry.
Interpretations
A vestry meeting was summoned for the island's parish business. The brevity of the entry preserves the call but not its purpose. Such meetings were a routine instrument of local government.

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6 June 1793
The Governor and Council issued a proclamation warning against harbouring unauthorised persons or giving false alarms. Only those belonging to the regular troops or the militia were permitted to perform such duties.
Interpretations
Guarding against false alarms and unauthorised persons served the island's security. Confining alarm duties to the troops and militia kept the defence in disciplined hands. The measure reflects the heightened vigilance of a time of war.

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29 June 1793
The Governor and Council issued a further proclamation announcing that labourers and masons would each be paid 2 shillings and 6 pence per day for all Black workers employed on the public works at High Knoll or Ladder Hill.
Interpretations
Setting a daily rate for Black workers on the public works shows slave and free labour engaged for wages. The named works at High Knoll and Ladder Hill mark the island's defensive building. Such employment drew the enslaved and free Black population into the public labour of the island.

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1 July 1793
The Governor and Council directed that a notice prohibit all fishing to windward of the island.
Interpretations
Barring fishing to windward served the island's coastal security. Confining the boats to leeward kept them under closer watch. Such restrictions on the fishing recur through the record in times of danger.

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22 July 1793
The Governor and Council published an order from the Honourable Court of Directors declaring that any Black person not legally held as a slave should report his case to the governor or to the acting magistrate for investigation.
Interpretations
The Directors' order provided for the investigation of any Black person's claim to freedom. Directing such cases to the governor or magistrate gave them a formal hearing. The measure marks a concern, at least in principle, for the legal standing of the free and the enslaved.

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19 August 1793
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published requiring a return of land, cattle and other property.
Interpretations
The annual census recurs here in its established form. Regular returns of this kind were the backbone of the Company's record-keeping. The brevity of the entry reflects how routine the demand had become.

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22 September 1793
The Governor and Council issued a proclamation stating that during times of alarm no person was to go down upon the line without permission. Fishermen were required to fish only to leeward of the island, and no ship lying in the roadstead was to have any communication with approaching vessels.
Interpretations
Restricting access to the line and the movement of boats during alarms served the island's defence. Barring ships in the road from contact with approaching vessels guarded against surprise. The measure reflects the close vigilance kept in a time of war.

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141

15th October
Advertisement extending the limits and limitations respecting boats going to windward.

20th October
Injunction as to boats to windward in the event of a double alarm.

4th Novr
Vestry summoned to take into consideration the best mode of destroying the parrots.

13th Novr
Advertisement for the sale of sundry goods.

29th Do.
Explanation in consequence of withholding the permission for killing cattle.

1794

January 6th
Advertisement requiring the proprietors of cattle to attend at the castle on Monday next to show cause why they have not given in any cattle for the Honble Company’s shipping this season, except those who have already made returns of cattle for that purpose.

24th January
Prohibition from shooting for the present season, for the preservation of game.

4th April
Usual advertisement for the vestry to meet to choose parish officers etc.

7th July
Proclamation noticing the sale of the Honble Company’s house, called the Secretary’s, subject to certain conditions, and relocating those servants who are entitled to the remaining seven houses. Mr John Deverton allowed a salary of £53.2.6 per annum in lieu of fees.

15 October 1793
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement be published extending the previous restrictions and boundaries governing boats permitted to sail to windward.
Interpretations
Extending the windward restrictions shows the administration adjusting the rules for coastal security. The brevity of the entry leaves the detail obscure. Control of the boats' movement recurs as a concern in a time of war.

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20 October 1793
The Governor and Council issued an injunction regulating the movement of boats to windward in the event of a double alarm, to ensure the island's security in such circumstances.
Interpretations
Regulating the boats' movement on a double alarm tied the fishing to the island's defence. Providing for such circumstances kept the shore under control in an emergency. The measure reflects the heightened vigilance of a time of war.

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4 November 1793
The Governor and Council directed that a vestry meeting be summoned to consider the most effective means of destroying the parrots, which were evidently causing damage to crops or property.
Interpretations
The damage done by parrots brought the matter before the vestry. Seeking the most effective means of destroying them shows a practical concern for the crops. Such pests recur among the objects of the island's regulation.

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13 November 1793
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement announce the sale of various goods.
Interpretations
The sale of goods recurs as a routine clearing of stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were an established feature of the Company's trade.

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29 November 1793
The Governor and Council directed that a notice be issued clarifying the reasons for withholding permission to kill cattle, explaining the decision to the inhabitants.
Interpretations
Explaining the refusal to permit the killing of cattle shows the administration reasoning with the inhabitants. The brevity of the entry leaves the specific grounds obscure. Management of the meat supply recurs as a persistent concern of the record.

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6 January 1794
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement require all proprietors of cattle to attend at the Castle on the following Monday to explain why they had failed to supply cattle for the Honourable Company's ships that season, except for those who had already submitted proper returns.
Interpretations
A shortfall in cattle for the Company's ships brought the proprietors before the Council to answer. Requiring them to explain their failure shows the seriousness of the supply. The episode reflects the pressure the passing trade placed on the island's stock.

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24 January 1794
The Governor and Council issued a proclamation forbidding all shooting for the current season in order to preserve the island's game.
Interpretations
A seasonal ban on shooting again answered the decline of the island's game. Such closures recur across the record as the game rose and fell. Conservation of the game was a standing concern of the administration.

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4 April 1794
The Governor and Council directed that the usual advertisement be published calling the vestry to meet for the election of parish officers and related business.
Interpretations
The annual election of parish officers recurs here in its usual form. Assembling the inhabitants for it maintained the vestry's role in local government. Its regular return confirms the settled rhythm of parish administration.

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7 July 1794
The Governor and Council issued a proclamation announcing the sale of the Honourable Company's property known as the Secretary's House, subject to specific conditions. It also stated that the Company's servants entitled to the remaining seven houses were to be relocated accordingly. Mr John Deverton was granted a salary of £53 2s 6d per annum in place of fees.
Interpretations
The sale of the Secretary's House marks the Company disposing of its own buildings on the island. Relocating the servants entitled to housing shows the administrative consequences of the sale. Commuting an officer's fees to a fixed salary reflects a reform of the island's remuneration.

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Horse tax to be appropriated to the widows’ fund.

Longwood fence to be repaired immediately, and cattle and sheep and goats to be prevented entering the enclosure, which after being repaired, any sheep or goats found therein, their owners will be subject to a fine. The gardener to report what trees he thinks will thrive best in or near the said fence.

1794
11th July
The Honble Company’s plantations and slaves to be let by public auction on Monday next, advertising that on Monday next will be let by public auction the Honble Company’s two houses and their plantations, with six slaves and the stock of pigs etc., and twenty-two tiers of same called Perkin’s, with a slave to be let at the same time. Ten heifers will be sold. An assurance from the Court of Directors that in the event of a drought, a remission of rents will be granted. The leaseholders of the abovementioned lands are to furnish the governor’s table.

4th July
Publishing the Honble Company’s orders respecting the disposal of their slaves on certain conditions.

11th July
Advertising the letting of Swanley Valley Pasture, consisting of thirty acres or thereabouts, with one man slave; also the sale of one horse, five cows, and forty-nine ewes and sheep. To be also let, the High Peak of about forty-eight and a half acres, also a dwelling house with four slaves. Also the sale of one horse, six cows and calves, and ten ewe sheep.

To be sold a lot of ground on which a part of the apothecary’s shop is situated, subject to a yearly rent of 3s 9d per foot in front.

July 1794 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that the revenue from the horse tax was to be assigned to the widows' fund. It was further ordered that the fence at Longwood be repaired without delay, and that cattle, sheep and goats be prevented from entering the enclosure. Once the repairs were completed, any sheep or goats found within it would subject their owners to a fine. The gardener was directed to report which species of trees were most likely to thrive in or near the newly repaired boundary.
Interpretations
Assigning the horse-tax revenue to the widows' fund put a local tax to charitable use. Repairing the Longwood fence renewed the long effort to protect that enclosure. Directing the gardener to advise on trees shows a continuing concern to restore the island's timber.

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4 July 1794
The Governor and Council published the Honourable Company's orders concerning the conditions under which their slaves were to be disposed of, setting out the rules for their transfer or hiring.
Interpretations
Publishing the Company's rules for disposing of its slaves shows the enslaved treated as regulated property. Setting terms for their transfer and hiring brought the practice under formal order. The notice marks the bureaucratic management of human beings held in bondage.

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11 July 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a public auction be announced for the letting of the Honourable Company's two houses and their adjoining plantations, together with six slaves, a stock of pigs and 22 tiers of land known as Perkin's, which was also to be let with a slave at the same time. Ten heifers were to be sold. The Court of Directors had given assurance that, should a drought occur, a remission of rents would be granted. The leaseholders of the properties were required to supply provisions for the governor's table.
Interpretations
Letting the Company's houses and plantations together with slaves shows land and people leased as one holding. The promise of rent remission in drought reflects the risks of farming the island. Requiring tenants to supply the governor's table marks a customary obligation of such leases.

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11 July 1794 (continued)
The Governor and Council directed that a separate advertisement announce the letting of Swanley Valley Pasture, consisting of about 30 acres, with one male slave, and the sale of one horse, five cows and 49 ewes and sheep. Also to be let was the High Peak estate of approximately 48 and a half acres, including a dwelling house and four slaves. In addition, one horse, six cows with calves and ten ewe sheep were to be sold. A plot of ground on which part of the apothecary's shop stood was also to be sold, subject to an annual rent of 3 shillings and 9 pence per foot of frontage.
Interpretations
Letting pasture and estate together with their slaves again shows human beings leased with the land. The detailed inventory of animals and ground marks the thorough accounting of such disposals. The ground rent on the apothecary's plot shows the fine reckoning of the island's property.

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21st July 1794
Advertising that on Monday next, the 28th instant, will be let by public auction the farms of Mason’s, Harding’s, and the Hangings. Also will be let six of the Honourable Company’s slaves. Also to be sold, six heifers, six steers, and twenty sheep. Also to be let, thirteen acres of pasture land near New Ground and the house and nine acres of pasture land below the gate leading to Plantation House. The Honourable Company’s goat range, with the goats thereon, will be let. Also to be let, eight acres of pasture land at Thompson’s Hill.

28th July
On Monday next will be sold by public auction the lot of ground near the old stables in James’s Valley, subject to 3s 9d per foot ground rent yearly. Also will be let the pastures of Bourney’s and Blyth’s. At the same time will be let the pasture round the Alarm House. Also will be let seven slaves and one horse, two bulls, two steers, four breeding cows, and twenty sheep will be sold.

7th August
Bottley’s land, with the house, garden etc., on Monday next, will be let. Also to be let the pasture of Woody Ridge containing about one hundred and fifty acres. Also two or three acres of land bordering on the land of Mr John Scott senior in Sandy Bay, and six or seven acres of pasture land between the lands of Messrs Knight and Matthew Dunclon. Also to be let some slaves and to be sold one mare and some cattle.

18th August
Usual advertisement respecting the returns of families, land, cattle etc., and noticing the shutting up of the stores.

21 July 1794
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement announce that on Monday 28 July the farms known as Mason's, Harding's and the Hangings would be let by public auction. At the same time six of the Honourable Company's slaves were to be let, together with the sale of six heifers, six steers and 20 sheep. It was also announced that 13 acres of pasture land near New Ground, together with a house and nine acres of pasture land below the gate leading to Plantation House, would be let. The Honourable Company's goat range, with the goats upon it, was likewise to be let, as well as eight acres of pasture land situated at Thompson's Hill.
Interpretations
The letting of several farms with Company slaves shows a substantial disposal of land and labour together. Including the goat range with its goats marks the leasing of stock along with ground. The scale of the auction reflects a broad reorganisation of the Company's holdings.

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28 July 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a further notice state that on the following Monday a plot of ground near the old stables in James's Valley would be sold by public auction, subject to an annual ground rent of 3 shillings and 9 pence per foot of frontage. At the same auction the pastures known as Bourney's and Blyth's, together with the pasture surrounding the Alarm House, would be let. In addition, seven slaves, one horse, two bulls, two steers, four breeding cows and 20 sheep were to be sold.
Interpretations
Another auction let pasture and sold slaves and stock together. The ground rent by frontage shows the careful valuation of the town plots. The inclusion of seven slaves among the goods marks the routine sale of human beings on the island.

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7 August 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a public notice announce that Bottley's land, including the house and garden, would be let on the following Monday. The pasture of Woody Ridge, containing about 150 acres, was also to be let, together with two or three acres of land bordering the property of Mr John Scott senior in Sandy Bay and six or seven acres of pasture between the estates of Messrs Knight and Matthew Dunclon. Some slaves were also to be let, and one mare together with several head of cattle were to be sold.
Interpretations
The letting of land and pasture with slaves continues the series of Company disposals. Naming the bordering proprietors shows the close mapping of the island's holdings. The routine inclusion of slaves among the property marks the character of the settlement's economy.

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18 August 1794
The Governor and Council directed that the customary advertisement be published requiring returns of families, land and cattle, and also announcing that the Honourable Company's stores would be closed for a time.
Interpretations
The annual census and store closure recur here in their established form. The consistency of these terms year on year shows the fiscal calendar running to a fixed pattern. Such regularity underpinned the Company's administration of the island.

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1794

25th August
Ten cows and calves and twenty-five sheep to be sold on Monday next at public auction.

1st September
All the remaining sheep in the different commons will be sold by auction on Monday next. Also prohibiting the taking away of eggs of partridges or pheasants, on pain of being severely fined.

22nd September
Noticing that the Honourable Company’s plantation in town called the Maldivia Gardens will be sold in five lots on the 29th instant.

29th September
To be let by auction next Monday, the pastures of Dead Wood consisting of about 290 acres, on condition that the Lieutenant Governor have liberty to graze thereon his horses, draught bullocks, and twenty breeding ewes. Sheep, as also supplying the governor’s table as other tenants. The drains, reservoirs, and pipe must be kept in repair by the tenants.

10th November
Damaged stores to be sold at public auction on Monday next.

25 August 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that ten cows with calves and 25 sheep would be sold by public auction on the following Monday.
Interpretations
The sale of cows and sheep by auction formed part of the management of the island's stock. Public notice opened the sale to buyers across the island. Such disposals were a routine feature of livestock administration.

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1 September 1794
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement state that all remaining sheep grazing on the various commons would be sold by public auction on the following Monday. It also forbade the taking of partridge or pheasant eggs under penalty of a heavy fine.
Interpretations
Selling the remaining common sheep marks a clearing of the shared grazing. Forbidding the taking of game eggs shows conservation extended to the birds' breeding. The pairing carries a livestock sale and a game rule in one notice.

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22 September 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that the Honourable Company's plantation in town, known as the Maldivia Gardens, would be sold in five separate lots on the twenty-ninth of that month.
Interpretations
The sale of the Maldivia Gardens in lots marks the Company parcelling out a notable holding. Dividing it into five lots widened the field of possible buyers. The disposal of such property shows the reordering of the Company's estate late in the century.

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29 September 1794
The Governor and Council directed that an advertisement declare that the pastures of Dead Wood, comprising about 290 acres, would be let by public auction the following Monday. The conditions of the lease allowed the Lieutenant Governor to graze his horses, draught bullocks and 20 breeding ewes there, and required the tenants to provide sheep and to supply the governor's table, as other tenants did. The tenants were also to maintain the drains, reservoirs and water pipes in good repair.
Interpretations
Letting the large Dead Wood pasture came hedged with the Lieutenant Governor's grazing rights. Requiring tenants to supply the governor's table marks the customary obligation of such leases. The duty to maintain drains and water pipes shows the care taken over the island's infrastructure.

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10 November 1794
The Governor and Council directed that a notice announce that damaged stores belonging to the Honourable Company would be sold by public auction on the following Monday.
Interpretations
The disposal of damaged Company stores recurs as a routine administrative task, here closing the series. Public auction was the customary means of clearing such stock. The frequency of these notices across the whole record shows it as an established feature of the Company's trade.

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Blank page

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Book cover

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Register of Notices 1750-1794

Dimensions:
Height 38 cm x Width 26 cm x Depth 4 cm

Number of written pages: 151
Number of blank pages: 5

Spine and cover:
Good condition. Recently rebound.

Inside pages:
Good condition. Pages are numbered in pencil. Foxing present.

Time taken to photograph: 2 hours