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ATTACK ON THE GOVERNOR :
along with many of his private friends, (among whom was Mr. French, his historian,) had made arrangements for resisting any attack upon the governor. Upon the approach of the armed party, Colonel Parke sent the provost-marshal (the man whose appointment to that office had given the Antiguans such offence) with a proclamation, ordering them to disperse immediately. This they refused to do ; but in order, if possible, to save an effusion of blood, they despatched Nathaniel Crump, Esq., (the former speaker of the assembly,) and George Gamble, one of the council, to the governor, desiring him, in the name of the inhabitants, to discharge his guards, and quit the government, without any further contest. Colonel Parke returned for answer, " that neither threats nor fear of death should make him do so ; for the queen had intrusted him with it." Through the delegates, Mr. Crump and Mr. Gamble, he bid the assembly " sit at Parham, if they were afraid of the troops at St. John's," but consented at the same time to dismiss the soldiers, if six of the principal inhabitants would remain with him as hostages. As the negotiators considered the proposal of the governor's to be far preferable to commencing hostilities, they agreed to be two of the hostages, and endeavour by their influence to obtain four more from among the assembled multitude. Many of their party, npon hearing this proposition of the governor's, agreed with them in their opinions, and laid down their arms ; but the majority of the people, fearful of any agreement made with the governor, and thinking that delays might induce others of the group to withdraw also, determined to commence the attack, and endeavour to secure the person of the governor. The two companies, headed by Captain Piggot and Captain Painter, immediately drew up before Government House, which they saluted with a warm discharge of musketry. This was returned by the governor's party ; volley succeeded volley from within and without ; the balls whistled hotly around ; until at length the assailants burst open the doors.