They consist of what appears to have been a cistern, probably the first built in the island, and a low wall of stone, marking the foundation of the government house. Within this last-mentioned ruin stand two tombs, the inscriptions upon which are as follows:—
Antigua.
Here lieth the body of Mrs. Elizabeth Warner,
Late wife of Edward Warner,
Of this island, Esq.
She was a woman of exemplary piety;
She was the best of wives,
The tenderest of mothers,
The faithfulest of friends,
And of a most charitable, compassionate disposition,
Whose death was generally and deservedly lamented
By the good people that knew her.
She departed this life the thirteenth of August,
1723,
In the 37th year of her age.
Here lies the body of
Mr. Henry Warner,
Who died on the 17th day of Sept, 1731,
In the 39th year of his age,
Much beloved and lamented
By all that knew him.
In memory of whom, his
Affectionate brothers, Edward and
Ashton Warner,
Erected this Monument.
About these tombs grew many a sweet and fragile flower, and many a gaily painted butterfly hovered around, and sported in the blaze of the “great luminary;” while the “Turk’s caps” (another species of cactus) shewed their crimson crests in all directions. A broken bottle, the relic of some former maroon (fête champetre) lay upon one of the tombs—not more fragile or fickle in its nature than the mouldering dust which slept beneath, or those who in the heyday of life stood looking on.
Leaving the tombs and ruins to their usual solitude, we retraced our steps; but in doing so, I could not help thinking that the name “Savannah” was misapplied, or Dr. Johnson was wrong in his etymology, for I am sure there is wood in abundance of one kind or the other. A great number of wild cattle inhabit this part of the country, deriving, it is said, a plentiful supply of nutriment from the herbage found there.
On our return to English Harbour, along the same road, we had a glimpse of “Indian Creek,” so famous in “story,” which meanders through verdantly-decked shores in a picturesque manner. It derives its name from an engagement which took place upon its banks, between a party of Caribs, (or Indians,) narrated in the following “Legend.”
Once more entering the village of English Harbour, we proceeded to the house of W. C. Brooks, Esq., where we rested for some time, experiencing those nameless acts of hospitality for which the Antiguans are noted; and where I willingly laved my burning temples with the fragrant “Eau de Cologne.” Really, this marching and counter-marching, beneath a tropical sun, is no slight matter, let my readers think as they may. “Sol” visits the face with many a fiery mark, and if he kisses, he leaves his sting behind. I felt glad when we once more took our way to town; and although no lovely moon was abroad,
“——the floor of Heaven
Was thick inlaid with patines of bright gold,”
which sufficed to light us gloriously on our way, and bring us in safety to Spring Gardens.