Note 100 — Chapter XXVII

It has been the custom, although the law does not command it, to pay to the captain of this fort 18s. currency, for every vessel, no matter what her tonnage, passing from the harbour. As there are many owners of small crafts in Antigua, whose pockets are not so well provided with this world’s wealth, as to enable them to fling it abroad upon every occasion, they are glad to take advantage of the absence of necessity, and retain for their own use the two dollars, which custom or caprice has reserved for the commandant, and pass the fort without paying the tribute. This conduct is generally resented by despatching after the offending vessel an angry message, in the shape of a cannon-shot. It appears extraordinary, that such a monstrous and illegal proceeding as firing upon the vessels should be permitted, or at least tacitly sanctioned by the government.