Benbow was so displeased with the conduct of the captains of his different ships, that he determined to steer for Jamaica, and upon his arrival to call a court-martial. The most culpable of them suffered death, the others were punished in different ways, and the admiral himself took their conduct so much to heart, that vexation, co-operating with the pain of his wounds, caused his death in November of the same year. About this period (1703), the first sailing packet for the conveyance of letters arrived at Antigua. Queen Anne had been graciously pleased to establish this packet service for the furtherance of trade, as well as to keep up a more regular intercourse with the colonies, as may be seen from the annexed notification:— “London, 11th February, 1702-3. “Whereas her Majesty, for the encouragement of trade and commerce, hath thought fit to appoint boats to convey letters and packets between Barbados, Antigua, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Christopher’s, and Jamaica in America,—this is to give notice that a mail will go from the general post-office, in London, on Thursday of this instant (February) for the above-mentioned islands, and henceforward on Thursday in every month; and her Majesty, pursuant to the statute made in the twelfth year of the reign K. Charles II., for establishing a post-office, hath directed and empowered the postmaster-general of England to take for the post of all such letters and packets that shall be conveyed by the said boats between London and any of the before-mentioned islands, the rates as follows:— s. d. For every letter not exceeding one sheet of paper, 0 9 do. do. two sheets do. 1 6 For every packet weighing an ounce . . 2 8" This year (1703), his Excellency, Christopher Codrington, again entered the lists of battle. Sir George Rooke had despatched from England at the end of the former year Captain Hovenden Walker with six ships of the line and transports, having on board four regiments of soldiers for the Leeward Islands, which were to be landed at Antigua, and then distributed among the other colonies. Upon their arrival at Antigua, Colonel Codrington gave Captain Walker such information as determined him to alter his plans, and make an attack upon Guadaloupe; so, taking on board the governor and a “martial little band” under his command, they proceeded for that island. After having razed the fort, burnt the town, and ravaged the surrounding country, they re-embarked with precipitation, in consequence of a report that a body of 900 French soldiers had arrived to the succour of the inhabitants. Colonel Codrington and his party returned to Antigua; and Captain Walker retired to Nevis with his squadron, where, it is said, they must have perished by famine had not Admiral Graydon fortunately put in there, on his way to Jamaica, and relieved them.