A Proclamation

A PROCLAMATION, BY THE KING.

WILLIAM THE FOURTH, by the Grace of God of the  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c. &c. &c.

WILLIAM R.

WHEREAS it has been represented to Us, that the slaves in Our Island of Antigua have been erroneously led to believe that Orders had been sent out by Us for their Emancipation; And whereas such belief is likely to produce acts of insubordination, which would be attended with the most injurious conse­quences, We have thought fit, by and with the advice of our Privy Council, to issue this Our Royal Proclamation. And We do hereby declare and make known, that the Slave Population in Our said Island will forfeit all claim on Our protection if they shall fail to render entire submission to the Laws, as well as dutiful obedience to their Masters; And We hereby charge Our Governor of Our said Island of Antigua to give the fullest publicity to this Our Procla­mation, and to enforce by all the legal means in his power the punishment of those who may disturb the tranquillity and peace of Our said Island.

Given under Our hand and seal, at Our Palace of St. James, this 3d day of June 1831, and in the First Year of Our Reign.

Duly published at Antigua, this 12th day of August 1831, and in the Second Year of His Majesty’s Reign.

Martin Nanton,

Deputy Provost Marshal.

GOD SAVE THE KING.