When off the coast of Brazil the ship touched at the uninhabited
island of Trinidad. Historians of James the First say that it was
through stress of weather that the _Astoria_ was driven to seek
refuge there, but as, for six months of the year, to make a landing
on the island is almost impossible, and as at any time, under stress
of weather, Trinidad would be a place to avoid, it is more likely
Jackson put in to replenish his water-casks, or to obtain a supply of
turtle meat.
Or it may have been that, having told Harden-Hickey of the
derelict island, the latter persuaded the captain to allow him to
land and explore it. Of this, at least, we are certain, a boat was sent
ashore, Harden-Hickey went ashore in it, and before he left the
island, as a piece of no man's land, belonging to no country, he
claimed it in his own name, and upon the beach raised a flag of his
own design.
The island of Trinidad claimed by Harden-Hickey must not be
confused with the larger Trinidad belonging to Great Britain and
lying off Venezuela.
The English Trinidad is a smiling, peaceful spot of great tropical
beauty; it is one of the fairest places in the West Indies. At every
hour of the year the harbor of Port of Spain holds open its arms to
vessels of every draught. A governor in a pith helmet, a cricket
club, a bishop in gaiters, and a botanical garden go to make it a
prosperous and contented colony.
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