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DECEMBER, 1899.] THE SETTLEMENTS IN THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS.
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In the North East Monsoon the Passage from Bengal to the Andamans is 8 Days - but to Prince of Wales' Island more than double - 24 days the average.
In returning from the Andamans to Bengal 15 Days - from Prince of Wales' Island 25 Days.
During the South West Monsoon, going and coming from the Andamans 8 - Prince of Walos Island 20 Days.
No. v. Memoranda relative to the Settlement at the Andamans, dated 9th January 1802.
The object in establishing a Settlement at the Andamans was to obtain a refitting Post for Ships in time of War.
The Settlement was begun early in the year 1790 on the Southermost part of the Island, where a Harbour had been discovered by Commodore Cornwallis which in his opinion was suitable for the purpose. But in November 1792 the Settlement was removed from this part to the N. E. part of the Island where the Commodore had discovered another Harbour, possessing advantages superior to the former, and which was named Port Cornwallis. A good test of the Security of this Harbour was afforded soon after the removal of the Establisbment, to this part of the Island, by & Tempest of uncommon Violence which prevailed at Port Cornwallis by which two of the Vessels were driven on Shore, but got off without any damage to their bottoms and only trivial loss in other respects. The Soil of this part of the Islepd is excellent and of a rich quality, which when cleared and cultivated will produce the Natural Fruits and grains of Hindostan in great abundance, but from the enormous size and Abandance of the Timber the clearing of the Land must be a work of time and great labor. The supplies of Fresh Water are represented also to be so abundant that with little trouble Watering places may be made for supplying the largest Fleets.
The Natives at first appeared extremely jealous of the New Settlers and put to death some Fishermen sent thither from Bengal and for some time continued to shew very little desire of any intercourse, but afterwards became more familiarized.
Till the Year 1798 the Settlers in general appear to have continued healthy when about the Setting in of the S. W. Monsoon, an oncommon sickness prevailed amongst them, which rendered it imprudent to determine on the fitness of the place for a Naval Arsenal till the cause from whence such sickness bad arisen could be determined by further experience, but altbo' the Rains were succeeded by favourable Weather which greatly contributed to the recovery of the Sick, the Settlement still continued unhealthy, which was attribnted to a sufficient space of Land not being cleared, but in the Season following the Settlement was more healthy than on any former one, altho' there had been an unusnal quantity of Rain.
In the succeeding Season however namely 1795/6the inhospitality of the climate Was sufficiently proved, above 50 of the Settlers and Mr. Reddick the Surgeon having died. It was therefore on this ground determined to withdraw the Settlement, but to prevent any Foreigu Nation attempting an Establishment there, which it was observed was not probable, a Small Vessel was stationed off Port Cornwallis to keep possession. The Governor General in Council observed to the Court that if it should be thought expedient to prosecute the original plan at the end of the War the Settlemt might be reestablished with little disadvantage.
Wish respeet to the advantages and disadvantages of this Settlement compared with those of Prince of Wales Island the Single circumstances of its local Situation being such as to render 1 communication with all the Companys Settlements so completely easy at all Seasons of the Year was in Major Kyds opinion sufficient to determine in its favor provided the Balubriety of the Climate was ascertained, but that in every other respect Prince of Wales Island had the advantage. (January 9th, 1802.]
