f which the 'Johann Marie' had
over two hundred fugitives on board. On the night of our arrival,
fires illumined different parts of the island."[399]

As every thing was yet in the greatest confusion, and deeming it
of the utmost importance to bring about order,
Vice-Stadthauptmand F. v Scholten, the commander of the Fort,
Captain Castonier, Police-master Ogaard and myself, assembled,
and after due deliberation, issued the following order:--

"It is hereby made known, for the information of everyone
concerned, that in case the country people should come to
town in a riotous way and threaten to attack the Fort, or
otherwise to disturb the inhabitants, then, and in such
case, where more than ten people are collected together, the
Fort is ordered to fire upon them, as also his Majesty's
brig-of-war 'Ornen.' All peaceable inhabitants are therefore
desired not to interfere with the country people, but keep
out of their way.

"Frederiksted, 4th July, 1848.
"F. SCHOLTEN, C. IRMINGER, CASTONIER, OGAARD."

At the same time, the Proclamation of Emancipation that had been
sent to West End from Bassin was read out. It is as follows:--

1. All unfree in the Danish West India Islands are from
today free.

2. The estate negroes retain for three months from date the
use of the houses and provision grounds of which they have
hitherto been possessed.

3. Labour is in future to be paid for by agreement, but
allowance of food to cease.

4. The maintenance of the old and infirm, who are not able
to work, is, until further determined, to be furnished by
the late owners.

The General Government of the Danish West India Islands, St.
Croix, the 3rd July, 1848.

P. V SCHOLTEN.
(L. S.)

Still the greatest disorder reigned in the country, and there was
much plundering and destruction on the estates. In the meantime
many negroes showed that they themselves wished for peace and
order. So much so, that several of the originators of the
disturbances were caught and brought into the Fort by the
friendly-inclined negroes.

On the 5th July, the cond