This work is offered as a contribution towards the History of the West Indies. The materials of which it is formed, have been obtained from several sources. Partly from my own observations, whilst on service in the West Indies, in charge of the medical department of the army; partly from Official Returns, especially Parliamentary Papers, commonly designated “Blue Books,” for free access to which I have to express my thanks to Mr. Mayer, Librarian of the Colonial Office; and partly from friends in the Colonies, who, on many points of enquiry have kindly afforded me information, either orally, or by letter.

Residing mostly in Barbados, the head quarters of the military command, and, visiting the other stations of the command occasionally only in the performance of my duties as Inspector General of Hospitals, I had it in my power to become more minutely acquainted with it than the others; and, in consequence I have entered more into detail respecting it, than them;—a difference of treatment I believe that the circumstances of the island, even alone, would have justified.