In 1798 sheep-stealing was made a capital crime in Antigua. It had been considered so in England since 1740; and the Antiguans found it necessary to punish such offence as that statute directed. In 1799, an assize of bread was constituted, which was intended to prevent bakers from taking undue advantage of the public. Many other regulations were agreed to, upon this head, such as not allowing any one to sell bread without licence; obliging bakers to put a mark upon their bread, and if changing such mark without further licence, to forfeit 50l. If such bread was imperfectly baked, to be fined as if deficient in weight; if damaged flour was used, the bread to be destroyed by a magistrate, and a fine imposed upon the baker of 20l.; and if a diseased person was employed in the bakehouse, another 20l. penalty was enjoined. In 1800, a law was passed to ascertain the number of negro slaves in Antigua; and the total number of births and deaths upon an average, for the last three years; when, upon taking the census, the number of negroes was found to be 37,000. About this year the legislature thought proper to increase the salary of the colonial agent to 200l. sterling, considering that the sum appointed for his recompence in 1698, namely 100l. sterling, was an insufficient compensation for the trouble. The agent at this period was the late Anthony Brown, Esq. Several serious accidents having occurred during the last few years from the custom of throwing about squibs, or other fireworks, it was determined that should any one in future, let their sex or quality be what it might, offend in this respect, such offender should be fined 40s. If any slave made or sold fireworks, they were to suffer such correction as the magistrate before whom the complaint was brought should deem proper. Thus ended Mr. Thomson’s public career, after having held the government for nearly four years. As before remarked of Mr. Thomas, very little can be said about him; for he made St. Kitts head-quarters, in opposition to the orders which had been sent out by his majesty, to constitute Antigua the residence of the commander-in-chief; and did not repair to this island to take upon him the administration of the government. ------ [51] Perhaps it may be scarcely necessary to mention that St Christopher’s is as frequently called St Kitt’s as its real name. [52] This has been known throughout the West Indies as the famous “Melioration Act.” This appears to have been the last time the general council and assembly for the Leeward Islands met. [53] A shilling currency is equal to sixpence sterling. It must be borne in mind, that all these specified sums are Antigua currency. CHAPTER XII. Governors: The Right Honourable Ralph Lord Lavington—William Woodley—James Tyson—John Julius—Hugh Elliot—Sir James Leith— Henry Rawlins—S. Rawlins—Major-General Ramsay.