Climate and geography, continued, page 9
These passages demonstrate some of the first instances in which Young displays his ability to paint a picture with words. The descriptive prose would not be out of place in a novel, but is also highly effective in this particular assessment of military matters relating to the island.[page 9]
account, for a cooler and more salubrious climate in Tabago,
than might be expected in Latitude 11. – at my Government
house, two hours P.M. Farenheits Thermometer shows the
the [sic] heat, to be in ordinary , from 80 to 82, and in the morning
to be from 74 -- to 78. – I have not once in nearly 4 years
known the quick silver rise higher than to 86, - and this but
rarely, and in the months of September and October.
That in Tabago, comparatively with Barbadoes, or
Antigua, Europeans enjoy a pleasant climate, I appeal to
my late visitors, Admiral Sir Alexr. Cochrane, and B.General
Sir Charles Shipley; - that They enjoy an healthy climate,
I appeal to the military monthly returns. – in the year
1808, the Garrison consisting of 15 officers, and 360 men,
lost but one officer and 15 men; - and in the year 1809, - lost
no officer, and only 14 men from 372, - or one man in 27.
This fact is so important, in recommendation of
of [sic] Tobago, as a military station, that I shall authenticate
it by an insertion of the Garrison Returns.
On the median of 27 returned sick in Quarters or Hospital,
It is to be observd, that in the number are comprized worn out &
invalid soldiers, with sore legs other chronical complaints, and
Other from Punishments – ‘unfit for Duty.’
In this exhibition
- Background information
- Gallery and transcription
- Introducing the Essay
- Natural resources of the island
- Tobago's relative position
- The Commercial & political importance of the island of Tobago
- The Commercial & political importance of the island, continued
- Port of enterprize and command, page 29
- Orinoco River, page 30
- Appeal to British merchants, page 31
- Historical political instability of the island, page 32
- The reach of the Orinoco River, page 33
- Potential trade agreements with Spain, page 34
- Further trade routes with South America, page 35
- Establishing the port of Courland, page 36
- Prospects of national advantage, page 37
- Conclusions
- Military significance of Man o' war Bay, page 38
- Further significances, page 39
- Military consensus, page 40
- French intentions for the island, page 41
- Suitability as a port for ships of war, page 42
- Relative safety of the island, page 43
- The necessity to prepare for conflict, page 44
- Revelations of an inside source, page 45
- Fas est, et ab hoste doceri, page 46
- Select bibliography