In 1654, the Caribs again made a descent upon Antigua; but the English were enabled to repel their invaders, and effect such slaughter among them, that but few escaped to tell the tale. This victory appears to have intimidated the Indians; and for the next two or three years, the island had rest from their relentless invasions. About this period, Antigua was a prey to great dissensions between the governor and the governed. Complaints were forwarded by the inhabitants to Barbados, praying the governor of that island to use his influence in endeavouring to put a stop to their internal distractions. On the other hand, the Governor of Antigua, Colonel Christopher Reynall, wrote to the Lord Protector, imploring his Highness to take the island under his more particular command, and, by his authority, quell the disaffections which had so unfortunately crept in among them. The following letter from the Governor of Antigua, and the extract from one written by Daniel Searle, Esq., Governor of Barbados, are taken from “Thurloe’s State Papers”:— Copy of a letter from Christopher Reynall, Governor of Antigua, to the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell. “May it please your Highness, “Upon the reducement of these parts in that expedition of Sir George Ayscue’s employ, I was by him and the other commissioners, then empowered and commissioned to be _governor_ and _commander-in-chief_ of this island of Antigua, in relation and obedience to the Commonwealth of England, which, to the best of my endeavours, I hope in my instrument, I have faithfully performed; in the progress of which my employ being, I have received by several advice, that it was and is thought meet, and so established by the Great Council and Estate of England, with your Highnesses consent and acceptation, that the government of our nation and dominions remain in yourself as Lord Protector; a thing most acceptable to me, who do most faithfully wish your Highness and the Commonwealth welfare and happiness; and, in manifestation thereof, have cheerfully acknowledged and submitted to all such mandates or expresses which hath hitherto come in the name of the Lord Protector. But in our private consultations, considering of _many spirits amongst us_, doubting their satisfactions have not attained the title of our ...... or ......; according to our desires and intentions, lest an ill-affected party should presume to take an advantage thereby in pretending, as some have already given out, that there were no power of government, but all as libertine, until a new commission came from your Highness; which, by that means might endanger the place to a confusion and ruin: so render us incapable of that service we desire to perform to your Highness and the Commonwealth. The place of itself (if encouragement and small help were afforded) being of consequence, by reason of the fertility of the soil, and exceeding all others settled in these