Jamaica: Addresses to His Excellency Edward John Eyre, Esquire, &C., &C., 1865, 1866

More about the book

These speeches by the controversial Governor of Jamaica, Edward John Eyre, give a firsthand account of the tumultuous events of the mid-19th century that led to his removal from office. Eyre defends his actions in suppressing a rebellion by black Jamaicans and argues that the colonial authorities had a duty to maintain order and protect the lives and property of all British subjects. Eyre's critics accused him of using excessive force and having a racist attitude towards the island's black population.