in 1684, there was growing discontent amongst both the civil and military populations on the island. the soldiers' grievances included: poor pay, rations and conditions (particularly, the harsh punishments); but their main gripe was that the east india company was not honouring its commitment for a passage home at the end of their commissions. many soldiers had served out their time already, but were stuck on the island, forced to endure extended service, with no end in sight. even when a returning ship was available, requests for passage, in some cases, were denied on the basis of military considerations. similarly, the island’s planters were becoming more and more frustrated. like the soldiers, they were unhappy with the martinet nature of the regime, but they also had to struggle with unstable economic conditions and an unsympathetic governor in john blackmore. the erratic responses of his administration, made it seem that the east india company was more intent on milking the planters dry through taxation, than helping establish a robust market economy. the strongest voice for the planters on the council, john coulston (sometimes spelled coulson or colson), had been removed and it appeared that the governor and his council were becoming out of touch.