'Disturbances' at Vieuxfort and measures taken to suppress them; correspondence between...

'Disturbances' at Vieuxfort and measures taken to suppress them; correspondence between Pope Hennessy and Administrator Des Voeux. Des Voeux reported that according to Mr Lynch, Stipendiary Magistrate of the 3rd District, on Good Friday in the attempt to arrest a person who with others was disturbing the service in the RC Church at Vieuxfort, the Police were beaten by a 'mob', and no arrest was made. Mr Lynch believed that much ill feeling existed in the neighbourhood; that the people concerned in the riot had been summoned for Monday 17 April and in case they were sent to jail he believed they may be a rescue attempt and therefore 25 men were required with extra arms and ammunition. Des Voeux did not take such an 'alarmist' view of the situation. Des Voeux also stated 'However, being well aware that among a people who, with ordinary African, combine French excitability a trifling matter may easily become serious through either panic or indiscretion, I felt it would be well to take precautions against such as eventuality.' Sent extra men to Vieuxfort and then 'it so happened that a special session of the Criminal Court was appointed for tomorrow, and there is for trial a charge of murder in connection with"obeah," which had aroused and was likely to arouse still further, popular excitement.' Continues by stating 'I should leave this part of the Island with confidences, because I feel convinced that the people are generally well affected towards the Government.' In Des Voeux's second despatch he reported that quiet had returned.

Sir John Pope Hennessy, Governor of Windward Islands, St. Lucia No. 13, Folios 241 - 253.