General Orders of December 1794 authorising the employment of Negroes' in moving guns and requisitioning craftsmen to assist in Military building works on Jamaica

The orders state that the 'Negroes will receive the ration and pay as usual' making it clear that the men in question were freely employed by the British authorities. On other occasions the Army purchased slaves from Jamaican plantations and slave ships for such tasks. In 1793 Britain had declared war on Revolutionary France so the strengthening of Jamaica's military defences were a priority. The building works were also a response to any potential uprising by the Maroon population of the Jamaican interior.

From a collection of papers relating to the Earl of Balcarres period as Commander-in-Chief Jamaica, 1794-1801.