The first year of Lord Londonderry’s administration, it was privately recommended to him, by the English government, to lay before the legislature of Antigua the necessity of building barracks for the accommodation of the regiment of foot stationed in the island, or else assign them quarters, by billeting them upon the several estates, or in the towns. Hitherto, they were scattered all over the country, obtaining shelter wherever they could, and consequently, they became very disorganized. It was, however, not until the year 1741, that these recommendations were carried into effect, when barracks were erected upon Rat Island; and, in 1753, additional barracks were built at the head of the town. The Antiguans were this year alarmed by a conspiracy among the negroes, which, however, appears to have been confined to those belonging to a Mr. Crump. As upon trial they were not thought worthy of death, it was resolved to banish eight of the principal offenders, who were to be sent to Maryland or Virginia, or else sold to such persons who would agree to transport them to the Spanish coasts, with the proviso that if they returned to Antigua, they were immediately to be executed. A thousand pounds were granted to his excellency Thomas Pitt, Earl of Londonderry, this year, in addition to the usual salary; and the emoluments arising from a duty of 3s. 6d. per ton, upon all vessels clearing from the island, having on board native produce, was also settled upon him as long as he continued in the government. As, however, the next year, (1729,) transient factors were allowed exemptions from the charge of 3s. 6d. per ton, (on the ground of their paying 2l. for every 100l. imported,) which would tend to decrease the governor’s salary, a further sum of a thousand pounds was granted to supply all deficiencies. As there had been no government house erected since the affair of Colonel Parke, the Antiguans renting a house for that purpose, which was attended with some disadvantage, Lord Londonderry recommended to the council and assembly the necessity of building a government house, pointing out at the same time that the want of such an accommodation for their governors might thereafter prove disadvantageous to the Antiguans. This advice, however, appears not to have been followed, for it was not until after 1800, that the present government house was erected. The laws of Antigua were also this year recommended to be sent to the agent in England, to have them printed.