.
AUCHINCRUIVE.
A3
H y 15
:
:
.:
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
PR
3405
• M3
1743
:
Τ Η Ε
Pleaſant, and Surprizing
AD VENTURES
Mr. Robert Drury
DURING HIS
Orlo
OF
Fifteen Years CAPTIVITY on the iſland
OF
1
MADAGASCAR:
CONTAINING
I. His Voyage to, and ſhort Stay at the Eaſt Indies,
II. An Account of the Ship-wreck of the Drgrave, on the
Ifand of N1 ADAGASCAR; the Murder of Captain
You ge, and his Ship's Company, except Admiral BEMBO's
Son, and iome tew Others, who made their Eſcape.
III. His Captivity, hard Uſage, Marriage, and wonderful
Variety of Fortune.
IV. His Travels thorow the Iſland, and Deſcription of its Si-
tuation, Product, Manufactures, Commodities, &c.
V. The Nature of the ! eople, their Cuſtoms, Wars, Religion,
and Policy: As alſo, The Conferences between Some of
their Chiefs, and the Author, concerning the Chriftian, and
their Religion.
VI. His Redemption from thence by Captain MACKETT,
late Commander of the Prince of Wales, in the Honourable
Luft India Company's Service: His Arrival to England,
and Second Voyage thither.
VII. A Vocabulary of the i'adaafcar Language.
The Whole is a Faithful Narrative of Matter of FACT, inter-
ſpers'd with a variety of amazing Incidents, and illuſtrated
with a Sheet Map of 1 ADAGASCAR, and other CUTS.
Firſt written by Himſelf, and now carefully Reviſed, and Cor-
rected from the Original COPY, with Improvements.
LONDON,
Printed, and Sold by W. Meadows, in Cornbill
T. Astley, in St. Paul's Church-Yard; and
B. Milles, in Houndſditch near Biſhopſgate. 1743.
TH
HIS is to Certify, That ROBERT
DRURY, Fifteen Years a Slave in
Madagaſcar, now living in London, was
redeem'd from thence, and brought into Eng-
land, his Native Country, by Myſelf. I eſteem
Him an Honeſt, Induſtrious Man, of good
Reputation, and do firmly believe that the
Account He gives of his Strange, and Sur-
prizing ADVENTURES is Genuine, and
Authentick.
Regent k. L. Hubbard
filo
- .
5 !!?
May 7. 1728.
WM. MACKETT.
SIITTIHI! ITIUM
TO THE
R E A DER
S Nothing is of a more amiable Na-
А A
ture, fo Nothing makes a ſtronger,
and more laſting Impreſſion on the
Mind, than TRUTH: And
whatever Regard Some may pay to a wittily-
contriv'd, and ingenious Tale, the beſt that
çan be ſaid of it is, that 'tis a gay Delufion,
and an idle Amuſement expos'd to View in the
faireſt, and moſt advantageous Light.
The following Hiſtorical Narrative needs 120
fuch Diſguiſe, or Ornament to recommend it:
For Capt. W. Macket (who, by his Certificate,
has afür’d the Publick, That He believ'd the
Account our Author has given of his furpri-
zing Adventures to be juſt, and true ;) was
not only a Gentleman of an unblemiſk'd Cha-
racter, in Regard to his Honour and Veracity,
but well-known to be a Man of too great a For-
tune, and good Senſe than to countenance, and
give a publick Sanction to a trivial Fable, or
Impoftion : Without Doubt, this Gentleman,
as well as the Captains of other Ships, inform’d
kimſelf of a Cale si fingular, and Jurprizing;
for
A 2
iv The PRÉFACE.
1
for at Yong-Old, where he took the Author on
Board, William Purſer, ä Notice of Ferain-
gher was their Linguiſt for fome Months: He
Spoke Engliſh weil
, and knew M..Drury thrre,
and was an Eve-witneſs to 1 ana of the moſt
doubtful Adventures here related for Jeveral
Years together.
The Captain, after this, went to Munnon-
garo, or Maffileege; there he für Nich. Dore,
who was one of the Boys fi.ip-wreck'd in the De-
grave, and Jav'd in the Malacre in Antern-
droea; beſides the Oppo tun. ty be liad of con-
verſing with Mr. Drury in their Voyage to the
Weſt Indies, and after to England. 10 this we
may add, The Second Voyage Mr. Drury made,
was alſo in Capt. Mackett's Service, tlo not in
the Ship under his Command; le being a prin-
cipal Proprietor in Capt. White's Ship, and
Cargo, as well as of his own, and others: Theſe
Circumſtances were confirm'd by the Captain,
who added, That he had ſeen others in his
laſt Voyage th re, as well Natires who ſpake
Englim, and knew Drury, as ſome who were
fav'd by Flight with Capt. Drummond, and
Others; wiib this porticular Account, That
this very Capt. Drummond was the Man Mr.
Drury ſupp«ſes him to be ; and that he was
kill'd at Tullea, ſeven Leagues to the North-
ward of Auguſtine Bar, by one Lewes
, a Ja-
maica Negro.
Bifides all this, and the Cap-
tain's continu'd Friendſhip to bim to the laft,
even our Author bimſelf, tho' in a lower Sta-
tion of Life, was well known to many Perſons
of
The PREFACE.
r
of Probity, and Worth now in London, who
frequently cona vrs’d with him when living'; and
who alwars eſteem'd him an innocent, inoffen-
Jive Man, free from all Artifice and Difign:
As this was the Character he had amongſt his
Friends, and Acquair: ance, we think it would
be needleſs, if not impertinent, to doubt of his
Veracity in the Rilation of any one of his Ad-
ventures; more eſpecially after ſuch ſubſtantial
Proofs for the Truth hereof.
'Tis probable, that the Account bere giver
of the Riligion of the Natives of Madagaſcar,
may, by Seme, be thought a mere Fiction, and
inſerted wit: 120 other View, than to advance
ſome Latitudinarian Principles ; but ſo widely
diftant is his irom the real Cafe, that the moſt
to be ſuſpected Part of the Converſation between
Deaan Murnanzack, and Mr. Drury, on Di-
vine Topicks is real Faët as bere related; and
the Deaan's ludicrous Reflections on Adam's
Rib, God's Converſe with Mankind, and
his Creation of the World in ſix Days, and
Reſting the ſeventh, &c. bis taking theſe Things
for Drury's childiſh Notions, and ſaying They
were Old Womens Stories were deliver'd in
that Prince's 'wn Vords. And if we conſider
the then Circumſtances of our Au bor, Ibrit be
was but 14 Years of Age when he ſet out on
this unfortunate Voyage, his Edication at a
Granımar School, and in the Principles of the
Eſtabliſh'd Church; and that ever ſince his
Arrival to England, and Settlement in Lon-
don, he has been firmly attach'd thereto, even
to
1
i
The PREFACE.
ܪ
1
to Bigotry ; it would be very weak, and ab-
furd, to ſuppoſe him capable, or inclin'd to ad-
vance an imaginary Conference with the Deaan
upon so ſerious a Topick, with 110 other Mot:ve
than to favour Free-thinking, or Natural Re-
ligion, in Oppoſition to That which was Re-
vealed; eſpecially ſince they are Points about
which he ſcarce ever concern’d himſelf.
In all thoſe Places where Religion, or the
Origin of Governments are caſua:ly mention'd,
there are interſpers’d fome occaſional Refeciions,
which are not properly-ſpeaking the Author's;
which is all the Artifice made uſe of through
out the whole : It muſt be ouen'd, that lopi ks
Jo entertaining could not well be paſs'a cver,
without making ſome proper, and uſeful Appli-
cations : Yet no Motive, how tempting loever,
could prevail on the Editor to alter any real
Faet, or add any one fingle Fiction oj bis cen:
Every Tranfaétion here related, as itkere le
the Character, and Converſation of every Per-
fon introduc'd, are properly Mr. Drury's own.
The Religion of the Natives o, Madagaſar,
fome Authors will have to be Mahoine.an:ſın;
but without any Manner of Grounds ; or ſuch a
Concluſion, ſince it has no Refemblance of it in
any other Particulars, than in Circumciſion,
and Abſtaining from their Women at cerian
Times; which were common to ſome Eaſern
Nations long before the Jews bad it; or, in-
deed, where there is no Reaſon to imagine,
that the Name of the Jews was once ſo much,
as heard of.
Ther,c
The PREFACE. vii
1
There are good Grounds, on the other Hand,
to conjeɛture, that the Jews deriv'd ſeveral of
their Religious Ceremonies from them. For
that their Religion is much more ancient is
plain from ſeveral Reaſons : iſt, From their
great Regard to Dreams, and Divining by
them ; wbich, by the Moſaic Larv, the If-
raelites were exprefly forbidden.' adly, From
their ſhaving off their Hair in Mourning for
their Dead: Whereas among the Jews the
Growth of it is ſtriętly commanded, and as fi-
perſtitiouſly obſerv'd to this Day. 3dly, From
their Sacrifices; As Moſes commanded none .
but Males to be ſacrificed ; fo on the contrary,
Cows are the greateſt Part of the Madagaſcar
Sacrifices, and are thought by theſe People to be
the moſt acceptable Oblations to their Supreme
Deity. They have no Burnt Offerings but near
their Sepulchres, when occafionally opened.;
which, with the Gums burnt with them, ſerve
for a Defence againſt all ill Scents. 4thly,
But the moſt notable Reaſon of all, is, that the
Owley, which thele Madagaſcar People make
afe of for their Divinations, and procure their
unuſual, or extraordinary Dreams with, is
manifeſtly the Ephod and Teraphim, made uſe
of by the Levite, 'who lodg’d in Micah's Houſe;
as we read Judges 17. and from which the
Ifraelites could never be wholly brought off, tho'
directly repugnant to the Law of Moſes : Con-
cerning which, there ſeems to be no Occaſion
for Enlarging
further in this place.
Tbat
viii
The PREFACE.
ago in
That the Prop!c of Madagiſcar did not dem
rice ibe:r Riligion from any learned, or po-
lite Nution is evidert by : heir rita.ning n10 Idea,
or Rimemb: ance of Letters ; nór their having
a Horſe, or ſo neceſſary a Machine as a Wheel
of any Kind, either før Curr: ag", or Uſe ;
which could never hauc been fo gotten, kad they
ever had then. Ti at thele Madagaſcar People
came fiſt from Africa, ſeems moſt probable, by
their colour; and perhaps, from the Abyſſines,
or eren , rom Egypt. Ibi Virzimbers, indeed,
by their woolly Heads, muſt come from the more
Southern Part of Afr.ca. Deaan Toke-offu
told Capt. Mackett
, They had a Tradition of
their Coming on ihe iſland many Years
large Canoes.
Blit from whencefoever they
came, it is manifeſt, that their Religion is the
moſt ancient 111 the World, and not far from
pure natural Religion.
We may refleet with Pleaſure on the Devo-
tion of theſe people, wko addreſs the Supreme
Being on every Occaſion for his Aid and Af-
ſiſtance, when in Nicifity, or Diſtreſs; and
with true Piety, anu Hearts full of Gratitude,
return him their humble, and unfeigned Thanks
for thoje B effings and Benefits he confers upon
them; yet have they 110 Temples, no Taberna-
cles, or. Groves for the publick Performance of
their Divine Worſhip; neither have they fo-
lemn Faſts, or Feſtivals, or Set - Days, or
Times ; nor Prieſts to do it for them. But we
may bere obſerve, That as Melchizeck was a
king, and ſtiled the Prieſt of the moſt High God
(a
The PREFACE.
ix
(a Phraſe ftri&tly correſpondent to that of Deaan
Unghorray, the Higheſt God) ſo it is the Prac-
tice of the Madagaſcar Kings, or Lords, to be
themſelves the Performers of all Religious Off-
ces: Their Umoffees, or Prophets, indeed, di-
re&t the making their Owleys of particular
Roots, or Woods, having (as they tell them)
Magical Properties agreeing to the Spirits; as
alſo that they muſt be
made at proper Times.
There are two Things in this Hiſtory highly
worthy of Obſervation; One is, that there is a
Law among them againſt Curling a Man's Pa-
rents. What a Reproach is this to Countries
calld Chriſtian, where there is no Law, or Pi-
niſhment againſt even thoſe, who have the 119-
pudence, and Impiety not only of Curſing Others,
but their own Parents. The Other is, That
Juch is their Regard, and Řeverence to the moſt
High God, that They ſwear not profanely
But ſuch is the Profaneneſs of even our Chriſtian
Nation, that A Man can hardly paſs the Streets
(as Archip Tillotſon obferves) without hav-
ing his Ears grated, and pierced with horrid,
and blaſphen:ous Oaths, and Curſes, as are
enough, if we were guilty of no other Sin,
to ſink a Nation. Thejė give Reputation to
the General Chara&ter of this people, That
where the Europeans, or Mahometans' have
mot corrupted them, they are very Innocent,
Moral, and Courteous; and more ſo, with
Sbame be it ſpoken, than moſt Nations, who
bave all the Advantages of a Liberal, and
Chriſtian Education.
Therë
a
The PREFACE.
There is yet one Obſervation more, which, we
bope, will not be thought improper here; which
is, That our Author's many Deliverances are
glorious, and wonderful Diſplays of the Good-
nefs, and Power of Divine Providence, and
gave him, no Doubt, an awakening Senle of
bis obſtinate Diſobedience to the Will, and 11-
treaties of his tender Parents, and Fiiends
;
who fo much, and often preſs'd him to lay aſide
thoſe wilful Rejolutions of bis firſt Voyage to the
Eaſt Indies; wherein we may ſee the Marks
both of Divine Diſpleaſure, and Goodneſs, the
firſt in his Shipureck, and Slavery ; the other
in bis Delivery, or Releaſe from thence, All
which may ſerve as a Leſjón to the Youth of
future Generations to beware, left by their Diſ-
obedience, and obſtinate Forcing themſelves from
the Care of their Parents, or Friends, they
bring upon themſelves thoſe Miſeries, and Mis-
fortunes, which occaſion a too late Repentance.
* Much more might have been ſaid on this Oc-
caſion, but as we have not Room, we refer our
Readers to the Peruſal of the Book itſelf; in
which, we preſume, they will not only find an
entertaining, but profitable Amuſement.
|
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MILE
.
THE
Pleaſant, and Surprizing
ADVENTURES
OF
Mr. Robert Drury,
DURING HIS
f
Fifteen Years CAPTIVỊT y on the Iſland
t.
.
OF
MADAG ASCAR:
S
my Deſign in the Enſuing Nar;
A
rative, is to give a plain, and ho-
neſt Account of Matters of Fact;
I ſhall make uſe of no artful In-
veniirins, or borrow'd Phraſes to
lengthen, or embellish it ; nor Thall I intro-
duce any other Reflections than what were
the natural Reſult of iny many uncommon,
and ſurprizing Adventures. And,
B“
HERE,
;
( 2 )
-
HERE, I hope, it will be no ways impropei
to inform my Readers, that I was not four-
teen Years of Age when theſe heavy Misfor-
tunes firſt befel me; ſo that my Youth, as well
as Want of Knowledge in the Madagaſcar
Language, render'd me incapable of making
ſuch curious Obſervations, as One of a riper
Age, better Judgment, and freed from Sla-
very,; might have done to much greater Ad-
vancage. For
I, ROBERT DRURY, was born on
the 24th of July, in the Year i687, in Crutched
Friers, London, where my Father then liv'd;
but ſoon after he remov'd to the Old Jury,
near Cheapſide, where he kept for ſeveral Years
afterwards that noted Houſe, callid The King's
Head, or otherwiſe diſtinguiſh'd by the Naine
of the Beef-Stake-Houſe; and to which there
was, all his Time, a great Reſoft of Mer-
chants, and other Gentlemen of the beſt
Rank, and Character.
NOTWITHSTANDING the Education my
Father beſtow'd on me, I could not be
pre-
väil'd on to think of añy Buſineſs, but Going
to Sea ; to which Courſe of Life my Genius
wholly inclin'd me. And I well remember,
that from Eleven Years of Age, my Mind was
to intent on the Profeſſion of a Sailor, that it
grew up with me, and at length became fuch
an obſtinate Reſolution, that not all the En
treaties of my dear, and indulgent Mother,
( tho' the once bege'd me on her knees) nor
the
A
( 3 )
the Perfuafions of my Father, or any
other
Friends, could make the leaſt Impreſſion up-
on me.
WHÉN they found their Endeavours weré
ineffectual, they then form'd a new Scheme,
and by a ſeeming Compliance with my
Inclic
nation propos'd to procure a ſhort Voyage for
me, hoping that the many Dangers, and Hard-
thips, to which I ſhould naturally be expos’d,
and ſhould fee Others undergo, would deter
me from perſevering in that Courſe of Life.
But, As wilful Perfors never want Woe ;
ſuch was my Obſtinacy, that nothing would
content me, but what contributed to my Ruin;
and Providence juſtly fruſtrated all my Hopes,
by indulging me in the Choice I had fo fool-
iſhly, and ungratefully made, in direct Oppoa
fition to iny Duty, and the repeated Solicita-
tions of my moſt affectionate Friends : Thus
did this Perverſeneſs of inine bring with it its
own Puniſhment. Nothing but an Eaſt Indid
Voyage wou'd pleaſe me; for no other Reaſon
that I can think of, but becauſe I had a Couſin
at Bengal, whoſe Name was John Steel, in
the New Eaſt India Company's Service ; the
Companies at that Time not being united.
My Father ſhew'd a due Care and Concern
for
my Welfare, by the Manner in which he
fitted me out; and by plentifully ſupplying
me with Proviſions, Cloaths, and other Ne
ceſſaries for the Voyage ; beſides which, I had
a Carga to the Value of an hundred Pounds,
which was a large Truſt for a Boy of my. Age,
B 2
I
( 4 )
I went as a Paſſenger, well recommended to
Capt. William Younge, with whom my Paf-
ſage, and the Freight
of my Cargo were agreed
for, and we ſoon after embark'd.
The Ship Captain Younge commanded in
this unfortunate Voyage was the DEGRAVE,
of 700 Tuns Burden with 52 Guns. I ſhall
not here enter into a long Detail of any of the
common Occurrences of the Voyage, or take
Notice of
any other Accidents, than what are
abſolutely neceſſary to my preſent Purpoſe;
which is a true, and impartial Narrative of
our hard Fate at Madagaſcar in our Return
home-ward; together with my own Miſeries,
and the various Turns of Fortune, during my
Reſidence for near fifteen Years, in that ſcarce
known, tho' extenſive Country.
.. We paſs'd thorow the Downs on Feb. 19.
1701. when Admiral Bembo ( whoſe Son,
Mr. John Bembo, was fourth Mate of our
Ship; ) lay there with the Squadron of Ships
under his Command, bound to the Weſt In-
dies, and we arriv'd at Fort St. George in the
Eaſt Indies, in three Months and twenty Days
from the Downs, (having ſtopp'd in our Paſ-
ſage one Week at the Canaries) and came to
an Anchor in the Evening.
WĖ had on board Monſieur Lapie, a Jewel-
ler, and his Son, who ſet out with Deſign to,
ſettle there; and One wou'd have thought,
being ſo near the End of his Voyage, he had
great Reaſon to hope, or rather to be morally
aſſur'd, that he had obtain’d his Deſire ; the
Ship
[5]
Ship being fafe at Anchor within half a dozen
Miles, and in Sight of the Place. But how
foon does Providence diſappoint us, and inter-
rupt our Deſigns! What an adverſe Fate di-
rected, and accompany'd this unhappy Ship,
and all who were concern'd in it, tho' ſo near
the Accompliſhment of their Wiſhes!
The Barge was hoiſted out the next Morn-
ing, in order to put theſe unfortunate Perſons
on Shoar ; the Ship riding about two Leagues
Diſtance. They put off, and we did not ex-
pect their Return till the next Day; but about
eight a Clock at Night we heard Somebody
hail the Ship ; it ſurpris'd our People, but
ſome of them foon knew it to be the Voice of
Foſeph Chamberlain, one of the Barge's Crew
They thereupon hoiſted out the Pinnace, and
rowing towards the Voice, found him ſwim-
ming on an Oar; he told us, that as ſoon as
they came to the Bar, a great Sea ſtruck them
on the Lar-board Gunnel, and over-ſet them;
he knew not what became of the reſt of the
Company, and therefore ſuppos'd they were
all drowned, for the Current fet to Sca-ward ;
but he being an experienc'd Swimmer, and
with the help of one of the Boat's Oars, which
he providentially found, he made ſhift to reach
within Call of the Ship : We immediately
hung a Light on the Top-Maſt Head to guide
Others, if happily any had been like him alive
ſwimming; but not one of them was cvce
ſeen, or heard of more. Mr. John Lapie, his
Son, and their Cook, the Coxfwain, and nine
В
of
3
[6]
of the Boat's Crew, all periſh'd thro' this fad
Diſaſter. They had alſo with them very con-
fiderable Effects in Goods, Silver, &c. to the
Value of ſome Thouſands of Pounds.
Two Days after we weigh'd Anchor, and
fail'd to Maſlapatan, where we ſtay'da Month,
and from thence proceeded to Bengal. My
Couſin hearing of my Arrival came on Board
to fee me, and take me and my Effects on
Shoar with him; but my Father had a more
prudent Regard for my Welfare, than I cou'd
be capable of at thoſe tender Years; my Cou-
ſin being only a Pilot, my Father deſir'd Capt.
Younge privately to enquire into his Circum-
ſtances, and the Character he bore, and in
Caſe he found him not of ſufficient Ability,
or Honeſty, to be entruſted with me, and my
Effects, not to let me go on Shoar to him.
The Captain perform'd the Truſt my Fa-
ther repos'd in him with Honour and Intc-
grity, and would not permit me to go with
my Kinſman į but took my Cargo, diſpos’d .
of it himſelf, and bought me a juſt Return in
the Commodities of the Country; and would
have carried me back again according to his
Contract with my Father, had Providence fo
thought fit. My Couſin ſoon after our Arri-
val dy'rl, and we had a great Mortality among
our Ship’s Crew; for in nine Month's Time,
we bury'd above forty of our People : The
Chief Mate was the firſt of Note, and about
a Month after him Capt. Younge himſelf dy'd
of a Fever ; happy at leaſt in this, that he
dy'd
[7]
dy'd in Peace, and liv'd not to bear his Share
in the Miſeries which his Son, and we after-
wards underwent ; for this Son being ſecond
Mate, and the Chief Mate being already dead,
as alſo the Captain his Father, he became Cap-
tain of Courſe ; ſo that there was ſtill a Cap-
tain Younge.
The only Art I attain'd at Bengall, and
which prov'd of any conſiderable Service to
me afterwards, was, that I here learnt to ſwim;
which has two or three Times ſince fav’d my
Life and Liberty: I attain’d to fo greata Pro-
ficiency in that Art, by the Alliſtance of my.
Companions, that it was a common Practice
for half a dozen of us to tye a Rupee apiece
(which is about the Value of Two Shillings and
Six Pence Engliſh ) in an Handkerchief round
our Middles, and ſwim four or five Miles up;
or down the River for our Diverſion
when we came on Shoar, the Gentees, or Moors
wou'd lend us Cloaths to put on while we
ſtay'd ; thus we us'd to ſit, and regale our-
ſelves for a few Hours with Arrack Punch,
and a Dinner, and then ſwim back again.
Our Buſineſs being at length finiſh'd at
Bengall, we ſail'd from thence, and had at
that Time about 120 Hands on Board, beſides
two Women and myſelf, and a few other Paſ-
ſengers: As we were going down the River,
our Ship ran aground and ſtuck faſt; but there
being a very ſtrong Tide it turn'd her round,
and we got off the next High-water without
any Damage, as we imagin’d; but when we
came
; and
В4
[ 8 ]
11
!!
came out to Sea ſhe prov'd ſo very leaky, that
we were oblig'd to keep two Chain-pumps
continually at Work: We were two months
in this fad Condition, at length we reach'd
Mauritius, which is an Iſland in the Lati-
tude of 16 South, and to the Eaſtward of
Madagaſcar, inhabited by the Dutch, who
treated us with Abundance of Humanity, and
affifted us with whatever was in their Power:
We made a Tent on Shoar, in which we
ſtow'd great Part of our Cargo to ſearch for
the Leak; but to no Purpoſe.
CAPT. Boon, a Pyrate, had been here about
two Months before, having juſt then plun-
der'd a very rich Mooriſh Ship, and taken out
of her fifty Laſcars. (For that is the Name
by which our Engliſh Seamen diſtinguiſh theſe
Mooriſh People. ) Boon loſt his own Ship on
this Iand, and the Pyrates were glad to make
a ſmall Sloop of their Long-boat, to get off
the Iſland with; and were therefore glad to
leave the Lafcars behind them. Theſe People
we took with us, thinking they would be of
Service, and ſave our Hands from returning
ſo often to the Pump; they having for two
Months before but little Reſt.
We found here Plenty of good Fiſh, Turtle,
and Goats, with ſome Beef; we ſtay'd about
Month, and then ſhap'd our Courſe directly
for the Cape of Good Hope.
Our Leak gain'd upon us more and more,
and it was with great Difficulty we kept her.
above Water: Our Men were all ſpent with
!
nh
con-
+
[9]
ma
continual Labour, pumping, and bailing
Night and Day; when according to our Rec-
koning
we were 100 Leagues to the South-
ward of Madagaſcar: We heav'd over-board
ſeveral of our Guns, and heavy: Goods to
lighten her. The Captain was for continuing
his Courſe to the Cape, but the Ship’s Com-
pany in general oppos’d it; being of Opinion,
that they could not keep her aboye Water long
enough, imagining they were at that Time
about 600 Leagues from it; and but 100
from Madagaſcar, which was the neareſt
Land:
AT length they prevail'd on the Captain,
tho' with much Difficulty, to put back to
Madagaſcar. The Wind favouring us, the
third Day in the Morning they fent me, and
the Captain's Boy up to the Maſt-head to look,
out for Land; ſince no Body elſe could ſo well
be ſpar'd. In ſuch apparent Danger my be-
ing a Paſſenger was no Excuſe; and accord-
ingly I went
up, and fat there two Hours and
an half before I cou'd diſcern any Thing like
Land; and when I firſt ſaw.it I told
my
Com-
rade, but not being certain I wou'd not call
out; for the Caſe was of ſuch Importance,
that they were not to be trifled with, or flat-
ter'd into vain Hopes. However, at length,
I plainly diſcover'd a white Cliff, and a Smoak,
at a Diſtance from it ; whereupon I boldly
cry'd out Land, Land.
Several immediately ran up the Shrouds,
and even the Captain himſelf to make his Ob-
fcrvations
( 16 )
;
fervations: One'among them knew the Land,
and ſaid it was Port Dauphine; and that the
King oF that Part of the Iſand was an Ene-
iny to all White Men, and treated all the Eu-
ropeans in a moſt barbarous Manner : The
Reaſon whereof, and a ſuccinct Hiſtory of
King Samuel (for that was his Name) I ſhall
have Occaſion to mention hereafter. This In-
formation put us into the utmoſt Confuſion
and Deſpair, and prov'd indeed our utter Ruin.
The Man who made this Report, ſpoke his
real Sentiments; for they were, indeed, Ene-
mies to the French, and had murder'd all they
cou'd find on the Iſland, in Revenge for an Af-
front ſome of that Country had formerly giv'n
to King Samuel; but to no other White Men: So
that had we put in there, we had at leaſt fav'd
our Lives, and ſome of our Cargo ; but our
Fate was fix'd, and we were deſtin'd to be de-
ftroy'd in the moſt tragical Manner, and all
our Endeavours to ſave our Lives ſerv'd only
to prolong our Miſery.
WE durſt not put into Port Dauphine, for
Fear of falling immediately into the Hands of
theſe revengeful, and bloody Murderers, as
we then concluded them to be. We could
not get to the Northward, the Wind being
North-Eaſt; neither was there any Harbour,
or Port to the Weſt-ward, but what was a
Week's fail at leaſt to it! Beſides the Weſtern
Shoar is very ſteep.
HEREUPON the Captain reſolv'd to ſteer a-
long the Weſtern Coaſt, and ſee if he could
find
1
[ Ir]
find a proper Place to run her into, or put a-
floar with Safety of our Lives. At length we
drew near the Shoar, but no Place could be
found ; and our Hold being now half full of
Water, the Men went to the Captain, and
ask'd him what he propos'd to do, for the
Ship could ſwim no longer, He went into
the Round-houſe for a few Minutes, and when
he came out he ask'd them, if they approv'd of
his running the Ship on Shoar at all Adven-
tures ; to which they all unanimouſly agreed,
and cry'd out Any Thing to ſave our Lives.
Now here was a Sand which ran along for two
Leagues ; we came within a quarter of a Mile
of the Shoar, and let go an Anchor firſt with-
out the Breakers, and then cut down our Maſts
and Rigging, and threw our Guns and heavieſt
Goods over - board, and try'd all. Means
to keep her up till we could get on Shoar :
Having loſt our Long-boat and Pinnace at
Bergall
, we had but one finall Boat left; for
which Reaſon we inade a Raft with ſome
Planks, and Yards.
Arthat Time fome of the Natives were fiſh-
ing, who ſeeing us in Diſtreſs, made a Smoak
to guide, and invite us to Shoar; but we had
entertain'd ſuch a bad Idca of them, that we
could not tell preſently how to determine;
tho' we were inform'd theſc were another
Prince's Dominions.
We finiſh'd the Raft that Night, and in
the Morning ſent Mr. Prat, our Chief Mate,
and four Men in the Boat with a long Rope
for
[. 12 ]
!
for a Warp; to faſten on the Land. A great
Sea conſtant runs here "upon the Rocks, and
before they got to Land their Boat was ſtav'd
in Pieces; however being pretty near it, by
the Help of ſome of the Natives, who were
Negroes, they fav'd that part of the Boat to
which the Rope was faſten'd: We had two
Engliſh Women on Board, One of them would
not venture on the Raft, nor would the Cap-
tain; but the other Woman, and about forty,
or fifty of us did: I ſtript off all my Cloaths,
but took two Purſes of Money, and a ſilver
Cup, and ty'd them faſt round my Middle ;
we haul'd: by the Rope towards the Shoar,
but were no Cooner among the Breakers, than
the firſt Sea turn'd the Raft topſy turvy, and
waſh'd us off ; ſome ſwam to the Raft again,
but were ſoon waſh'd off ; and tho' the Wo-
man was drowning juſt by me, yet I could not
ſave her: I ſurk under every Wave, and
with; great: -Difficulty got on Shoar, as did.
Every one elſe that were on the Raft, but the
Woman. There was ſuch a Surff run, and
the Sea broke ſo high, that we durft not ven-
türe out with the Raft again ; which the Cap-
tain: perceiving, order'd the Cable to be cut,
and let the Ship drive nearer the Land, where
ſhe foon beat to pieces: The Captain got on:
Shoar with his Father's Heart in his Hand,
which, according to his Requeſt, when dying,
was put into a Bottle in Order to be brought
to England, and bury'd at Dover.
AT
1
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دا
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:::
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براک اوباما در ایران را در راه برای باردار ادا کیا اور
..ه ه ه ه ه ه ه 134 جوان را داده بود و در بین مردم ایران را با مادر بارداری
.::
بانوی ایرانی در ایران و نی نی بان
ایران و جهان
بنانا اور
مرد به چت . چتر رامین --
نمی دارد ، به
در این زمی...
ام وی ام 110 بانواده شان ہوا اور
داده اند . در مرداد
ماه
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عدد کامل داشته و ندارد
من المال
تا برنامه
در این
:::
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انا اور
دیوار اتاری اور عالم المراة
با ما
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لا لا لا لا لا لا
با
ما
راه دوم بارداری
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​[ 13 ]
At length they all got-on Shoar on Pieces
of the Ship; Planks, &c.: two Men'only.ex-
cepted who were drowned, and the Woman
before-mentiond: The other. Woman-eſ-
cap'd, tho?::he: was.fo: full of Water as well
as ſome others, that we were oblig'd to roll,
and rub them well, to make them diſgorge
the Water ; we laid them alſó before a great
Fire made for that Purpoſe, and in a little
Time they reviv'd : We were in all above one
hundred and fixty, including the Laſcars.eri
Tue Country began now to be alarm’d, and
we had already two, or three hundred Ne-
groes flocking round us, picking up ſeveral
Pieces of Silk, and fine Callicoes; the Muſlin
they had little, or no Regard for. Our Goods
were driven. alhoar in whole Bails, for what
with Salt-petre and other Things, we reca
kond there might be three hundred Tuns
left, after all that was thrown over-board at
ſundry Times before.
One of the Negroes brought an Ox to us,
and intimated by Signs that we ſhould kill
him; but we made Signs to them again to
Thoot him for us, we having no Ammunition;
when one of them perceiv'd this, he lent us
his Gun ready charg’d, and with it one of our
Men ſhot the Bullock dead on the Spot::
It was extreamly ſhocking to ſee the Nes
groes cut the Beaſt, Skin, and Fleſh together
and ſometimes the Guts too ; then toſs-them
into the Fire, or Aſhes, as it happen'd, and
eat them half roaſted : I ſhudder'd for Fear
they
A
[ 14 ]
they Thould devour us in like manner ; för
they ſeem'd to me to be a Kind of Canibals,
of whom I had heard very dreadful Stories :
Every Thing, in ſhort, appear'd horrible to
Nature, and excited in us the moſt diſmal
Apprehentions.
IF I here diſcover'd ſome greater Concern
than became a Man, I hope my tender Years,
my little Knowledge, and leſs Experience will
plead in my Behalf. This tragical Scene
made ſuch a deep Impreſſion on me, that as
often as it occurs to my Mind, I ſtart, and
im ſhock'd with the frightful Remembrance :
If my Obſervations are not ſo many; or ſo
juſt, and judicious as they ſhould be, they
muſt be conſider'd as the Reflections of an
Youth, and not of a Man; for as I grew in
Years, it will appear I encreas'd in Know-
ledge and Courage, was capable of making
more. folid Remarks, and alſo of engaging
in more bold, and hazardous Adventures.
While the Negroes were buſy in opening
our Bails, and taking what they'lik'd beſt; I
obſerv'd ſeveral of them regarded the Iron
they found, much more than all thoſe Goods
we look upon as valuable; and took a great
Deal of Pains to break all ſuch Pieces of Tim-
ber as had Iron in them. I broké open my
Cheſt, and took out only one Suit of Cloaths,
Jeaving the reſt to thoſe who had moft Mind
to them.
We remain'd thus two Days and Nights
without coming to any final Reſolution; not
know-
1
.-. -- --
| 151
.
knowing what to do: We were told Port
Dauphine was but fixty Miles from us, but
the Idea we had entertain’d of their being ſuch
a barbarous People prevented our going thi-
ther ; but this Debate was ſoon put an End
to by the Dean (or as our Engliſh Sailors
call him) King of that Part of the Country.
For the next Evening about Nine of the
Clock, we heard a Man call out-Hoflo, at a
great Diſtance, like an Engliſh-man ( as he
prov'd to be) who, being immediately an-
fwer'd, came nearer, and ask'd Who we were.
We told him the Crew of an Engliſh Eaſt-
India Ship, which prov'd' ſo leaky, that we
were oblig'd to run her in here, as the firft
Land we could make for the Preſervation of
our Lives. Hereupon he came to us, and
at our Requeſt ſat down with us by our Fire;
and told the Captain that the King had ſent
him to inform us, We had no Reaſon to be
under any fearful Apprehenſions, tho? we
were in a ſtrange Country; and that he would
come down himſelf the next Day to pay us a
Viſit. The Captain deſir'd him to give us
what Account he could of the Country, and
the Natives, and alſo to inform us how he
came there. We all crowded about him, not
ſo much out of a Spirit of Curioſity; as to
be able, by his Relation, to form a better
Judgment of our happy, or unhappy Situa-
tion. The Circumſtances of his Story were
ſo very remarkable, and of ſo great Impor-
tance to us, that I dare ſay, I can repeat
almost
ز
[ 16 ]
F
them-almoſt in his own Words; which were
as follow.
I am an Engliſh-man, born in the Corinty
of Middleſex ; my. Parents, and every Body
Echo ſhould have taken Care of me being dead,
I went to Sea very young. My firſt Voyage
was to the Weſt Indies, but as I found little,
or no Encouragement there, I refolu'd to take
Trip to the Eaſt Indies, and in my Paſſage
thither, our Ship was taken by a-Pyrate about
air hundred Leagues to the Eaſt-ward of this
Iſland: They plunder’d her of all her Rigging,
Ammunition, and Proviſions ; they took me,
and nine môre out of her ; and then left the
Ship. During the Time I was with them they
took ſeveral rich Prizes ; and ſince there was
120 Poſibility of avoiding it, I ſeemingly ap-
prov'd of all they did, and made one amongſt
them. Whenever we wanted Refreſliments, we
reſorted to this Iſand; where we ſeldom failid
of a Supply. However I ſoon grew weary of
theſe pyratical Proceedings, and being at Aiz-
chor in Mattatan Road, where the Ganoes came
off as uſual to fell us Rice, Plantins, Milk,
and Honey, &c, for our Boat could not go a-
fhoar, ſuch a great Sea breaking upon the
Strand; I took this favourable Opportunity to
feign myſelf very fick, and weak, and accord-
ingly.fent Word to the Captain ( whoſe Name I
muſt not divulge, being ſworn to the contrary; )
of my ill State
of Health ; and
thereupon 1 en-
treated him to let me go on Shoar, 'in Hopes
the
( 17 )
and as the Sea, at that
the Land Air might refreſh me ; to which Re-
queft he readily conſented. I dreſi'd myſelf, and
ionk with me as much Gold, and other valuable
Things, as I could poſibly put into my Pockets ;
but entruſted 120 One with my ſecret Reſolution,
ſince there was not a Man on Board, who ſhew'd
the leaſt Inclination to leave their dangerous,
and villainous Engagements. I ſtepp'd into tle
Canoe with all the Satisfaction imaginable,
thinking myſelf much more happy in this Couiz-
try, barbarous and ſavage as it is, thai with
my former wicked Companions. The Captain,
indeed, ſent a Canoe for me, but as I ſent word
that I was not capable of going to Sea.any more,
he never fent again.
After I had been here about three months,
Capt. Drummond, a Scotchman, came in a
Merchant Ship, to trade about the Iſland; but
in leſs than three Days after his Arrival, a
Pyrate took him as he rode at Anchor : Hou'-
gave Capt. Drummond his own Long-
Boat, and a feire Neceſſariés. One Captain
Steward being with Capt. Drumiinond, the
Pyrate permitted bim, and three, or four more
Time, was very calm, they all landed very Jafë.
Here was at the same Time another Engliſh-
man, and his wife, who came from Sancta
Maria, who were Companions for me.
W beiz
we ſaw the Long-Boat come on Shour, and the
Ship fail away, we gueſi'd how the Caſe flood,
and went to meet them, and gave them a friend-
ly Invitation to our Cottages, which were a
Mile
ever, be
C
[ 18 ]
Mile from the Sea-fide. My Companion, and his
Wife were, Iown, better provided to entertainl
.
them than myſelf: However, as we could all
Jpeak enoug? of the Country Language to deal
with the Natives for what we wanted; we were
very ſerviceable to our new Comers.
Captain Drummond being very much des
jected at the Loſs of his Ship, and bis melan-
choly Situation, reſolu’d, if poſſible, to get to
St. Auguſtine's Bay, which is a place where
Ships frequently come to get Water, and freſh
Proviſions. He ask'd us
if we were willing to
go
with him, to which Propoſition we readily
aſented. In a Week's Time we had got Pro-
viſions enough, ſuch as Beef, Rice, Water,
and Fewel; and got our Long-boat in good
Repair. We were nine in all with 12y Com-
panion's Wife, and a Negroe.
For Tkree, or Four Days we failed along
the Shoar, and got to the Southward of Port
Dauphine, but at laſt the Wind ſhifted, and
blow'd ſo hard we could Sail no longer; ſo that
in fort, we drove on Shore within three, or
følır Leagues of the place where we are at pre-
fent. We fav'd all our Lives, with our Money,
Guns, Powder, Shot, &c. but the Long-boat
was ſtav'd in pieces.
The Natives, who liv'd near the Sea, per-
ceiving our diſtreſſed Condition, came down to
fuccour us, and carry'd us up to their Town;
for they found we bad a Smattering of their
Language; and as we had a Negroe with us
they were 110 way afraid, tho' they never ſaw
any
[ 19 ]'
any white Men before: Nay, they were ſo civil
,
that we wanted for nothing with which they
could aſiſt us. However, they foon fent up into
the Country to inforın their Dean, or King, of
our Arrival; who ſent his Son, and a Com-
manding Officer with fifty Men to bring us up
before him. Tho' they were all arm'd with
Guns and Lances, yet we refus'd to go with
them, and were as reſolute as we durſt be in
oppoſing them; but they ſoon made themſelves
Maſters of our Ammunition.
Capt. Drummond was for defending ourſelves
to the laſt Extremity, and not to deliver up our
Arms; but being fully perſwaded, that it was
impoſſible to get of from them by Force, on Ac-
count of their Number, I adviš’d him to conz-
ply; and ſee if we could not obtain our Deſires
by ſofter Meaſures. We told them we defir'd to
go to Port Dauphine, (St. Auguſtine's Bay
being too far for us to travel by Land ) but in
Short, we could not prevail; for they oblig'd us
to go with them.
IVe made it three Days Journey to the Place
of their King's Reſidence: When we came there,
and were carry'd
before him, he was drinking
Toake ( which is made of Honey and Water
like Mead ) bis Sons, and Generals were with
him, and all perfetly merry. He aſk'd Capt.
Drummond to drink, but the Captain preten-
ding to be fick, refus'd it. I was their Inter-
preter; the King bid me tell him. He ſhould
want for nothing the Country afforded. The
Captain defir'd I would return for Anſwer,
That
C2
( 20 )
i
*
:
is
1
That As he wanted to be in his own Country:
he begg’d he might be permitted to go where
we might get Shipping:
On this the King, with a ſtern Aſpect, rë-
ply'd, Let the Captain be inform’d, if he does
not know when he is well us'd, I do; there
are ſeveral Kings on this Iſland, who have
white Men among them, and why Thall not
I.? Since our Gods have been ſo good as to
ſend you here ; you ſhall never go with my
Conſent, as long as I govern here.
Upon this, Capt. Drummond's Colour roſe,
and looking ſternly at the King," Let him know
( ſaid be to me) that had I ſuſpected this be-
fore-hand, he ſhould never have ſeen my Face
alive; I would have ſent ſome of their black
Suuls to Hell. It is not their Gods, but För-
tune that has put me into his Power, and the
ſame Fortune may again deliver me out of it.
Hereupon be got up quithout taking his Leave,
and weit to our Cottage. I ſtay'd long enough
to tell the King what he had ſaid, and without
waiting for an Anſwer, got up, and follow'd
the Captain.
The King ſeeing Capt. Drummond go away
in à Paſſion, in order to appeaſe bim, fent one
of his Generals with an Ox for us to kill; and
defir'd the Captain to make himſelf eaſy,
tince both he, and his Friends ſhould be well
provided for ; if we could eat an Ox every
Day we ſhould be welcome to it. The Cap-
tain ſent my Companion's Wife, whoſe Name
was Deude, with a Compliment to the King,
and
I
1
+
[21]
and to return him Thanks for the Care he took
to provide so plentifully for our Support; but
withal to tell him, We did not think Life
worth preſerving without the Freedom of en-
joying it; and if we were not permitted to
go Home to our Native Country, no Indul-
gence whatſoever could make us eaſy.
In this State we continu'd about a fortnight,
before we made any Attempt to eſcape; but at
laſt
, conſidering we were about five Days four-
ney from Port Dauphine, we agreed to go thi-
ther; to ſteal away by Night, and get what
Proviſion we thought proper : As to Ammuni-
tion, or Arms we had none, nor could we get
any; except that my Companion had two Pocket
Piſtols, which the Natives had not diſcover'd
when they plunder'd is; and the Country being
woody, we thought we ſhould be able to concent
ourſelves well enough.
According to this Reſolution, on a Moon-light
Night, we got out of the Town undiſcover'd;
and were foon among the Thickets. By Day,
light, however, they miſs'd us; and the News
being carry'd to the King, be order'd us to be
perſid. They soon track'd us, for our Shoes
diſtinguiſh'd our Footing, and came up with us
before Night; but as they knew we had nothing
to defend ourſelves, they did not offer any Vio
lence to us; but only told us we muſt go back
with them to their King. Capt. Drummond
peremptorily declar'd, that we would not
back. When they ſaw our Reſolution, and that
fair Words were ineffectual, they then took bold
of
C3
!
( 22 )
of us. My Companion, not baving bis Hands
ſecur'd, took out his Piſtols, and wounded one
of them. They ſeem'd enrag'd at this Action,
however they did nothing more than bind us,
till they had made a ſtrict Scarch for more
Piſtols; but finding no more they march'd back
with us to their King. As ſoon as he ſaw us,
he look'd upon us with a frowning, and mena-
cing Aſpect, and having but one Eye, and thinz
Jaws, bis Countenance ſeemd fill more terrible.
He bad me tell the Captain, and all of them,
that if ever we offer'd to run away again, he
would make us dearly repent it. As to the Man
who was wounded, 'tho' we were apprehenſive
of being calld to Account for it ; neither he,
nor any one elſe ſaid any Thing about the
Matter.
This was about two Months ago ; ſince that
Time nothing remarkable has happen'd, till
Yeſterday News came of your being caſt away;
and the King immediately order'd me down
with the Meſage I bave deliver'd to you from
him. My Friends are guarded for Fear they
should make their Eſcape, and come to you ; as
for my own Part, I endeavour to footh him,
and tell him I will remain with him as long as
I live; and he puts fome Confidence in me.
This
, Sir, is a port, but true Narrative of
the Miſeries, and Misfortunes we are under ;
and which, I am afraid, will be more now our
Numbers are encreas'd.
Sam
[ 23 ]
Sam having made an End of his Story, to
which every Body liſten'd with the utmoſt
Attention, we parted, and went with heavy
Hearts to our reſpective Quarters, which were
under the Buſhes. It was very late, and we
endeavour'd to repoſe ourſelves as well as we
could ; the Pieces of Muſlin ſerv'd us to ſpread
on the Ground for Beds ; but as for my own
Part, I could not cloſe my Eyes to Reſt. I
now began to reflect on my former Obſtina-
су, and Perverſeneſs; the Thought of iny ten-
der Mother's begging me on her Knees not
to go to Sea, gave me the moſt diſtracting
Torture. I could now ſee my Error, and
repent; but who could I blame but myſelf?
Here were many poor Men, who had no
other Way to live ; but I was reduc'd to no
ſuch Neceflity: I ran headlong into Miſery,
and ſeverely felt the Effects of it. Tears I
ſhed in Plenty; but could not, with any Ju-
ſtice, complain of Fate, or Providence; for
my Puniſhment was but the natural Reſult of
my own ill Conduct.
We were all up by Day-light, and moſt
of
my Fellow-ſufferers got as little Reſt as I;
for the Man's Relation had made us give
over all Hopes of Relief, and nothing but
Sorrow, Diſtreſs, and Deſpair appear'd in all
its diſinal Forms in Each Man' Face, ac-
cording to his different Conſtitution. We
could lave neither Arins nor Ammunition,
the Want of which complcated our Ruin ;
for near one hundred and ſeventy of us would
have
СА
[ 24 ]
have made our Way thorow that part of the
Country we wanted to travel, had we but
wlicrewithal to defend ourſelves ; but Fate
had ordain'd it otherwiſe, which was in all
Reſpects, as bad as bad could be. So that
we had only our Lives left us, for no other
Purpoſe but to be conſcious of Pain, Miſery,
and perpetual Slavery ; which was no more
than we could reaſonably expect.
ABOUT one of the Clock in the Afternoon,
the King came down with about two hundred
Negroes
. They brought no Fire-Arms with
them, left we ſhould ſeize them by Force ;
they were arm'd with Lances. As ſoon
as we ſaw them approaching us, we all ſtood
together in a Body, with our Captain at the
Hcad of us. When they drew near, he callid
Sam, which was the Man's Name he ſent to
us, and ask'd him, who was our Captuin?
As ſoon as he was inform’d, he came up to
him, and took him by the Hand, and ſaid in
à familiar Manner, Salamonger, Captain ;
which is a Term of Salutation, much like
our ſaying Your Servant, Sir. The Captain
return'd the Compliment; Sam having in-
form'd him before in what Manner he ſhould
behave himſelf to the King. His Majeſty
brought with him four large Bullocks, fix
Callabalhes of Toak, ten Baskets of Pota-
toes, and two Pots of Honey ; all which he
preſented to our Captain, and gave us more-
over two, or three earthen Pots to dreſs our
Victuals in : We immediately roaſted the
Pota-
[ 25 ]
1
Potatoes iIc ftay'd two Hours with us, be-
fore he withdrew to the Cottage where he
propos'd to lodge that Night; and ask'd fe-
veral Queſtions about our Ship, aud the Man-
ner of her being loft. He told the Captain,
He was heartily ſorry for his Misfortunes ;
tho' in my opinion that was nothing but a
Compliment: For, as I found afterwards, he
was more brutiſh, and diſhoneſt, than moſt
of the other Kings on the Iſland; and his
whole Nation were cloath'd for many Years
out of the Effects they fav'd from our Wreck.
At this Time he took no Notice to our Cap-
tain of carrying us up to his own Reſidence.
THE-next Morning he paid us another Vi-
fit, and then he told
us, that He expected we
jould prepare to go along with him to bis
Town, and there we ſhould want for nothing
the Country could afford us. Capt. Younge or-
der'd the Interpreter to acquaint the King,
that He returi'd him a thouſand Thanks for
the Civilities he had already receiv'd and
that He was not only unable to make him Sa-
tisfaction, but very unwilling to put him to
further Trouble, and Charge, of maintaining
so great a Number of People. The King re-
ply'd, That if we were as many more,
be
ſhould not think us either a Burden, or a
Charge ; finie le fiould look upon it as an HC-
nour to bace po inny white Men in bis Do-
minions.
The Captain, by this laſt artful Speech,
perceiv'd his whole intention; which ſhock'd
him
;
[ 26 ]
;
him to that Degree, that he could ſcarce tell
what to ſay to him ; but after a little Reflec-
tion, and looking wiſhfully on Sam, he di-
rected him to ſay, That we have Wives,
Children, and Relations, who are impatient to
ſee us, and we are as deſirous of ſeeing them
That it was impoſible for us to live bere al
ways ; and for that Reaſon, we begg’d he
would permit us to go to ſome Port where we
might inect with Ships, and return to our Na-
tive Country. The King paus'd a While be-
fore he made any Reply; but at length he
order'd Sam to tell us, That we fould ſtay
in his Country till ſome Ships Sculd come there
to trade ; and that then we jould go Home.
The Captain knowing there was no Port in
his Dominions, nor any Harbour for a Ship
to put into, took it to be Artifice all, and a
meer Compliment ; for we might ſtay for
ever before a Ship camc there with the View
he propos’d.
He therefore deſir'd Sam to
tell him he would think of it, and return an
Anſwer the next Day ; upon this the King
departed, and gave us no further Trouble at
that Time,
As ſoon as he was gone the Captain call'd
us all together, and in a very pathetic Speech
addreſs'd himſelf to us in the following Man-
[ am 110w 01 an Equality with the
meaneſt Man bere preſent, my Fortune is as
-112y Life is as little to be regarded :
I do not pretend, therefore, to command; but
to conſult wich you, what is moſt expedient to be
done
ner :
low, and
[ 27 ]
1
done in the preſent unhappy Situation of our
Affairs. However, ſaid he, I am happy in this,
that the my own Life and Liberty are loft as
well as yours; yet this Misfortune is not any
ways chargeable on me ; for I would rather have
kept on my Courſe to the Cape of Good Hope,
and rely'd on Providence in a leaky Ship, tharz
put in here, but you ſtrenuouſly oppos’d'it ; for
Death, in 11y Opinion, is to be prefer'd to our
preſent Slavery, and the Conſequences that will
naturally attend it. In Death our Sorrows
will have an End, but now ! who can tell the
Troubles, and Tornients, we ſhall get undergo ?
( At this the Tears ſtood in his Eyes.) Con-
fider Gentlemen, ſaid he, we have neither
Arins, nor Ammunition wherewith to defend our
ſelves; and I have endeavour'd to prevail on the
King, to give us a Paſage thorow his Country
to a Sea-port, but in vain; Think of it there-
fore, ſays he, and conſult your own Safety as
well as you can ;, be but of one Mind, and I
am ready to comply with any Thing you would
have me : As for my own Life, I ſet 110 Value
zipon it; it would not 110w be worth preſerving,
but for the Hopes I have of being ſerviceable
to my Friends. Remember, I muſt return an
Anſwer to Morrow Morning, and I will ad-
viſe nothing, nor do any Thing without
your
Concurrence.
We went together and conſulted, as the
Captain advis’d, and came ſoon to an Agree-
ment; for the Matter in Debate lay within
a ſmall Compaſs: The King had refus'd to
give
[ 28 ]
1
very well
give us Lcave to go to a Sea-port, and we
had no Arms to fight, and force our Way,
if we could have found it : We, therefore,
determin'd to go quietly up the Country with
the King, to the Place of his Reſidence ;
where we were in Hopes of ſeeing, and con-
verſing with Captain Drummond, Captain
Șteward, and the other People, who be-
ing gallant and couragious Men, and by this
Time ſomewhat acquainted with the Na-
tives, ) might probably be capable of giving
ųs more proper, and ſeaſonable Advice.
We then acquainted the Captain with our
Reſolution, and he ſeem'd to be
contented with it ; for, indeed, he was not
over ſolicitous what became of himſelf, ſince
he had, in ſo unhappy a Manner, loſt his
Ship and Fortune ; and deſpair'd of ever
getting off the Iſland.
Next Morning the King paid the Cap-
tain a Viſit: They faluted each other in their ,
uſual Manner, and ſat down together upon
the Sand, whilſt we all ſtood round them :
Soon after the King order'd Sam to ask the
Çaptain, If he was ready to go; for it would
be beſt to walk in the Cool of the Morning,
and reſt at Noon, The Captain obſerv'd that
he did not aſk, whether he was incliii'd ta
go, or not? as might reaſonably be cxpected,
ſince he pretended to give him Time to con-
ſider of it; but peremptorily aſk'd, if he was
ready to go?
As
*
[ 29 )
As the Captain ſaw there was no avoiding
it, and having our Conſent, it ſignify'd nothing
to diſpute it; fo he told him, We were ready
to wait on bim, when he pleas'd. At this the King
ſeem'd fully ſatisfy'd, and order'd Sam to tell
us he would breakfaſt firſt, and advis'd us to
do ſo too; that we might be the better ena-
bled to perform our Journey.
We had little Satisfaction, however, in
eating, and drinking; eſpecially ſince the
Hour was come, in which we were oblig'd
to leave the Sea-ſide; and it gall’d us ſeverely
to think how we were forc'd up the Country,
like'a Flock of Sheep, at the Pleaſure of a
Parcel of barbarous Negroes, without any
Power to make Terms for ourſelves like
Men. Some curs'd, and Others bewail'd their
hard Fortune, nor were Reflections wanting;
for my own Part, tho' I could not, at that
Time, ſee any Reaſon for Complaint; yet I
have ſince thought that our Captain was
young, and had not fo much Experience as
his Father'; who would not have put to Sea
from Mauritius in a leaky Veſſel, but have
took qut the Company's Cargo, and left it
there, till another Ship had been ſent for it,
and ſav'd all our Lives; however Providence
ordain'd it otherwiſc.
The King fent, and the Word was given
To march. I was ready in an Inſtant, for I
carry'd nothing with me but what I brought
alhore; but many of our People took Pieces
of Silk, and fine Callico. We allembled to-
gether,
[ 30 ]
gether, and went to the place where the
King's Tent was pitch'd. We were no ſooner
come, but he was for Marching. We left the
Sca with heavy Hearts, looking very wiſh-
fully back as long as we could diſcern it; and
as oft as we did, we obſerv'd the Negroes
hard at work, breaking up our Bails, and in-
riching themſelves with the Plunder of our
Goods: In ſhort, they were ſo buſy, that but
few went back with the King.
Our People were but ill-diſpos'd for travel-
ling; ſince Every-body was tyr'd with work-
ing, and want of Reſt: Many were lam'd
with Hurts receiv'd in getting on Shoar :
Some were alſo without Shoes, and moſt of
us had but bad ones : Then again the Coun-
try near the Sea-ſide, and ſome few Miles
further is full of ſhort Under-wood, and
thorny Shrubs, which tore our Cloaths to
Rags; for the Path was very narrow, and
before this Accident but little' frequented ;
the Ground alſo was fandy : So that when
the Sun was advanc'd pretty high, it ſcorch'd
our Feet to that Degree, that we were ſcarce
able to walk
About Noon we came to one of their
finall mean Villages, conſiſting of about eight,
or ten Houſes, or rather Huts; for they were
not above fix, or ſeven Feet high, and about
eight, or nine Feet in Length; and their Doors
nit above three, or four Feet high : Our
People crept into theſe Hovels to reſt, and to
fee what they could meet with to refreſh them-
ſelves,
1
[ 31 ]
felves. Some found Honey, Others Milk,
and Others Beef; for the King had given us
free Permiſſion to take what Eatables foever
came to Hand. The Inhabitants were all ab-
fent; the Men at the Sea-ſide making Advan-
tage of our Wreck, and the Women and Chil-
dren fed into the Woods at our Approach.
We paſs’d ſeveral of theſe poor Villages, but
faw few of the People. Here we repos'd our-
ſelves till the Heat was abated, when we made
ourſelves but a poor Compenſation by robbing
them of their Trifles; while they were enrich-
ing themſelves with our moſt valuable Com-
modities: However, I obſerv'd ſome of our
People found a ſecret Pleaſure in gratifying
their Reſentment.
In the Cool of the Evening we march'd
again, and in a little time came to a more
open, and better Road. As we were now
fome Miles from the Sea, the King left us,
and went before to his Seat, leaving us to
march at our Leiſure ; having before taken
Care that we ſhould not want Proviſions, and
left his Chief Officer (who I ſhall call his Ge-
neral) ſtrict Orders to ſupply us with what-
ever we wanted, and what the Country would
afford.
Ar Night we came to another of theſe little
Villages, where we kill'd a Bullock, and got
a few earthen Pots to cook our Meat in; the
Water was very thick, and naſty; they having
none, but what they fetch'd at a great Di-
ſtance out of Holes, and Pits in the Woods,
and
i žż 1
and kept in Callabalhes, or long Tubs, which
hold about four, or five Gallons each; how-
ever it ferv'd our Purpoſe, for at that Timo
we were not very curious. We repos'd our:
felves on the Ground in the beſt manner wc
could, and roſe the next Morning by Day-
light. We had Beef for our Breakfaſt with-
out any Bread, or Roots in the Room of it,
and our Meat was full of Sand; however,
Eating, and Drinking was the leaſt of our
Concern at that Time. We paſs'd this Day
much after the ſame manner as the Day be-
fore, with this Difference only, that thoſe
who wanted Shoes were ſadly harraſs'd in
the Woods.
On the third Day of our March we came
to our Journey's End: We were oblig'd to
walk much faſter than either of the two for-
mer, having more Ground to traverſe, and
leſs Time to do it in; for we were-orderd to
be at the King's Town before Sun-ſet. I
miſs'd one of my Purſes in this Day's Jour-
ney,
but the Loſs of it was not of any great
Importance to me at that Time; for it would
have been of little Service to me had I kept
it : But the Loſs of a Medal afterwards, which
my Dear Mother had preſented me with, as a
Teſtimony of her Love, and a Token to re-
member her, was no ſmall Addition to my
other Misfortunes.
The Reſidence of this King is about fifty
Miles from the Sea-ſide ; for I reckon, we
might travel fixteen, or ſeventeen Miles a Day.
It
1
; -
( 33 )
.
It ſtands in a Wood, ſecur'd with Trees all
round it, which ſeem to have been planted
there when very young; they grow very re-
gular, and tall, and ſo cloſe together, that a
ſmall Dog can't paſs between them. They
are likewiſe arm'd with large ſtrong Thorns,
ſo that there's no breaking thorow, or climb-
ing over them. There are but two Paſſages,
. or Gates, which are ſo narrow that two only
can go a-breaſt: One of theſe is to the North-
ward, and the other to the Southward ; the
whole is about a Mile in Circumference.
When we came near our Journey's End
we halted, whilſt San went to inform the
King of our Arrival. We were order'd to
wait till he was ready for our Reception ; our
Captain too.put us into the beſt Form he
could, ordering all our Baggage, and ſuch
Things as our People brought with them, to
. be lodg’d under a Tamarind Tree; and three,
or four Lafcars to look after them. He ſoon
ſent for us, and we march'd in Order by fours.
The King was ſitting on a Mat, croſs-legg'd
in the open Air, juſt before the Door of his
Palace, with a Gun leaning on his Shoulder,
and a Brace of Piſtols lying by his Side; his
Sons, and Kinſmen fat in the ſame manner
on the Ground on each Hand of him, arm'd
with Guns and Lances; the Natives. join'd
them on both sides, and form’d together a
Semi-circle ; moſt of theſe were likewiſe fur-
nifh'd with Guns and Lances. There were
Mats ſpread from one End of the People to
D
the
T
[ 34 ]
;
the other for us to ſit on; ſo that when we
ihad join'd them, the Aſſembly was almoſt a
· Circular Form. We were ſomewhat con-
cern'd to ſee them all thus in Arms, till Sanz
inform'd us, that they never go from one
· Houſe to another without them.
As ſoon as we were ſeated, the King ( by
Sam ) aſſur'd the Captain he was Welcome,
and fent for ten Callabaſhes of Toake ſix he
gave to our People, three to his own, and
one he reſerv'd for our Captain, and himſelf,
He alſo ſent for Captain Drummond, Cap-
tain Steward, and the reſt of their Company.
Capt. Younge aroſe to falute them, and after
the uſual Compliments were paſs'd, the Cap-
tains ſat down together. The King order'd
a Servant to pour out ſome Toake into a clean
earthen Cup, which he kept for his own Uſe,
and drank it up without drinking to any Body;
but order'd ſome inore to be pour'd out for
our Captain in another Cup, but as it was
dirty, he refus'd it. The King ask'd Sam the
Reaſon of it, who told him the Truth ; ſo
the King fent a Man immediately to waſh it.
The Captain, indeed, expected to be ſerv'd
out of the King's Cup, but Sam inform'd
him, that neither Black, nor White, nor even
his Wives, or Children ever drank out of his
Cup; and this is the general Cuſtom of the
Country.
When I ſaw the Servant returning with
the Cup our Captain had refus'd, I took out
my fily-r One, and preſented it to him; after
1
we
4
-...
i 35
i
we had all drank out of it, the King deſir'd
to ſee it ; and was ſo wonderfully pleas'd
with it, that he deſir'd to keep it. But the
Captain inform d him, that it was none of
his ; but belong'd to a Lad that was behind
him. I call'd to Sam, and deſir'd him to ac-
quaint the King, that Since ſo many People
bad drank out of it, I humbly conceiv'd it could
not be fit för his Uſe. At this he, and the
People round him laugh'd heartily. He or-
der'd me to ſtand up that he might ſee me;
however I ſav'd my Cup this Time. Night
drawing on he withdrew, ordering us a Bul-
lock for our Supper. Notwithſtanding his
courteous Reception of us, he would not truſt
us all to lye within the Gates of the Town:
Our Captain, Mr. Prat, our Chief Mate;
Mr. Bembo, our ſecond Maté, and myſelf,
were the only perſons that were ſo far in-
dulg'd. We had a Hutch order'd us next to
Capt. Drummond, and his Companions, but
the reſt of the People lay without the Gates
under the Trees.
In this Manncr we liv'd for ſome few
Days: What particular Amuſements ſome of
our People found out to paſs away their te-
dious Hours I know not; but there occurr'd
to me an Affair of a moſt agreeable, and fur-
prizing Nature; which ſome would have im-
prov'd, and made uſe of to Advantage :
This King had a Daughter about thirteen,
or fourteen Years of Age, who would talk to me
Sometimes an Hour, or two together, tho' I
D2
did
36
)
-
did not comprehend one Word ſhe ſaid. Tho*
ſhe ſeemid to be very deſirous I ſhould know her
Meaning, yet ſhe was very modeſt, and us’d no
indecent Geſtures to intimate any vicious Incli-
nations, neither did I entertain any Idea of an
Intricgue ; so that our Converſation on my Side
aim'd at nothing: This ſhe at length perceiv'd,
and ſent Sam to me one Day, to defre I would
come to her Nurſe's Houſe, where ſhe was edu-
cated, and partake of a ſmall Entertainment.
I went along with him, and as ſoon as we en-
ter'd, I found a Mat ſpread on one side of the
Houſe, on which ſhe defir'd us to feat our
felves ; and order'd one of her Attendants to
boil fome Guinea Corn and Milk, and roaſt
ſome Beef. She ſate down over againſt me,
and tho I had 120 Notion of Love, yet I could
not help obſerving a particular Softneſs in the
Tone of her Voice; and when she enquir'd of
Sam about our Misfortunes, me mew'd Abur-
dance of Concern for us; and look”d at me with
a more than common Pleaſure, as People of
Taſte do at Pictures which pleaſe them į and,
in ſhort, ſtar'd me almoſt out of Countenance.
I imagin'd she was refolu'd to know me again,
by her narrow Obfervance of every Motion.
She was extremely courteous and obliging, and
often figh'd with Pity at the Senſe lhe ſeem'd to
have of our deplorable Condition. I look upon
her as a good-natur'd Creature, and that Cu-
riſioty more than Love had made her fond of
converſing with a White Man ; which is a
Novelty in their Country,
We
1
[ 37 ]
We were juſt entring into the beſt part of:
the Converſation, and our Interpreter had be-
gun at her Requeſt, to acquaint me with the ;
Reaſon of her extraordinary Complaiſance, and
Obſervance of me; when ker. Mother came to
thé Door, and defir'd her to take a Walk with
ber without the Gates to ſee the white Men. I
was a little nettled at this Interruption, and -
she ſeem'd much inore concern’d at it herſelf ;
however, it would have been an A&t of the bigh-
eft Diſobedience in her to have refus'd her Mo-
ther's Requeſt ; ſo she comply'd with a ſeeming
Readineſs, and we return’d.
: Sam told me, he had private Orders from
her to inform me, that ſhe was in Love with
mie ; but laid her Commands upon bim to ſay
nothing of it to any perſon whomſoever, either
white, or black.
I was ſtrangely ſtartled at
this open Declaration, and that this was the
private Motive that induc'd her to be fond of
my Company, and Converſation. Since I came
to be a Man, I have ſtood aſtoniſid at my own
Stupidity, in putting a modeſt, young Lady of
her Birth, and Character, to the Mortification
of acquainting me with her Love, and expoſing
Berſelf to the Cenfures of another Man. I have .
nothing to plead in my Excuſe, but that being :
a Lad ſcarce ſixteen Years of Age, the Diſco-
very of lo important a Secret created in me
more Fear than Affection; left the Conſequences..
of fo dangerous an Affair might prove fatal to
She fent again for me that very Night
and I attended her accordingly; and behavd.
nie,
D3
my-
[ 38 ]
myſelf with all the Decency and good Manners,
as common Prudence, and Gratitude for her
Civilities oblig'd me to. I know ſhe was the
King's Darling, and therefore dreaded to dif-
obligé her, leſt se might tell her father what
Story ſhe thought proper, and ceftroy me in a
Moment. At length I perceiv'd me was equally
afraid of her Father's Knowledge of her Poj-
fion ; ſo that I looked upon myſelf in Danger on
both Sides :. For which Reaſon, when Sám in-
form’d me, that ſhe deſir'd my Company again
the next Night, I pretended to be ver: fick, and
unable to go Abroad; ſo that tkis Affair, which
might have prov'd highly agreeub'eto ſi me
warmer Perſons, prov'd to me, in the Circu 11-
ſtances I was then, à Matter of Vexation and
Fatigue ; but two Days after, our Amour, if
I
may call it ſo, was totally diſconcertid.
Every Morning we went, as was expected,
in a Body to viſit the King ; but one Morning
he order'd Sam to inform us, that he had an
inveterate Enemy to the Weſtward, who had
hitherto prov'd too powerful for hiin; but
ſince his Gods had been ſo indulgent as to
fend ſome white Men into his Dominions,
he would embrace ſo favourable an Opportu-
nity once more to try his Strength with our
Affiftance; but in the mean time he ſhould
be oblig'd to diſtribute us among his Sons,
who liv'd at diſtant Towns, not only for the
Convenience of providing for ſuch a Number
of us ( there not being Room enough in this
Town) but to eaſe himſelf of a Charge,
which
ز
[ 39 ]
which was too great, and burthenſome for
him to ſupport alone. He alſo ſent to me
this Night to beg the Silver Cup before-men-
tion’d, with which Requeſt (knowing it was
in his power to take it by Force if he thought
fit) I readily comply'd.
This unexpected
Separation was a terrible Blow to us, and we
return'd to our Cottages with heavy Hearts,
well knowing, if we could not find out ſome
Way to prevent it, there were no Hopes of
ever getting off the Iſland:
Hereupon the three Captains, viz. Drum-
mond, Steward, and Younge, with ſome of the
Chief of our People, enter'd immediately in-
to a Conſulta:ion about what was proper to
be done in this Emergency ; and to make
fome bold Attempt for our Lives, and Li-
berty. Captain Drummond, as I heard after,
wards, was the Man, who propos'd to take
the King Priſoner ; and by that Means to
make their own Terms with the Natives,
Now Captain Drummond, and ſome Others
were Men of Experience, and undaunted Re-
ſolution : Our Captain, indeed, had Courage
enough, but he was too young. However,
the Propoſition was univerſally approv'd of,
and the Time, and Manner of the Execution
was fix'd. I was too young to be admitted
as One of the Council ; therefore, I ſhall not
pretend to relate what Reaſons were produç'd
either for, or againſt the Propoſal; tho' I
was told afterwards : That Night, however,
I was wholly ignorant. I obſervd Captain
Younge;s
D4
[ 40 ]
Younge, and Mr. Bembo to talk with great,
Earneſtneſs, but in Whiſpers, and with the
utmoſt Precaution, As I was then a Stranger
to that Deſign I ſlept ſound; till I was rous'd
in the Morning by a great, and ſudden Noiſe
in the Town ; occaſion'd by the Plot being
put in Execution. Our People went, as uſual,
Þetimes in the Morning to pay their Compli-
ments to the King; and whilſt ſome of them
were at the Prince's Houſe, the Signal was
giv'n by one of Capt. Drummond's Mens fi-
ring a Piſtol ; at which the King was eis'd,
and his Son at the ſame Time.
This inſtantly alarm’d the whole Town:
I' ſtarted up without my Shoes, being frighted
at the ſudden Outcry. Not knowing whát:
was the Matter, and ſeeing the Negroes flock-
ing out of the Town, I ran with them, till I
was taken Notice of by one of our Men, who
call'd me back; and I was as much amas'd
as the Natives,' to ſee the King, his Confort,
and one of his Sons, with their Hands ty'd
behind them, under the Guard of our People.
They preſently rifled the King's Manſion-
Houſe, and every other Place, where they
could find any agreeable Plunder. We hap-
pen'd to find about thirty ſmall Arms, a ſmall
Quantity of Powder and Shot, and a few
Lances. The Natives (as I obſerv'd before)
ran out of the Town, but they did it with no
other View than to procure Aſſiſtance ; for
they foon alarm’d the Country, and return'd
with great Numbers from all the adjacent
Towns;
[ 41 ]
Towns; and immediately beſieg'd us. They
fir'd in upon us, and wounded one of our
Men in the Groin ; on which Capt. Younge
order'd Sam to tell the King if they fir'd any
more, they would kill him that very Mo-
ment. The King hearing their Reſolucion,
call’d to his Men, and deſir'd them to defift,
if they had a Mind to ſave his Life.
This Attempt, indeed, was bold, and
hazardous, and ſome, perhaps, may cenſure
it as criminal; I ſhall not fay much in its
Defence; but ſince I have arriv'd to Years of
Maturity, I cannot forbear reflecting that if
Nature, ev'n in a Chriſtian Country, will
rebel againſt Principle, what will It not do
for Life, and Liberty, under the Tyranny,
and Oppreſſion of a 'barbarous, and ſavage
Nation !
However, at length we put ourſelves in
a Poſture of Defence, and march'd out of the
Town: Six Men under Arms march'd in
the Front, and in the Body where the King
was, fix went arm'd before him, and fix
behind; three before his Son, and three be-
hind him; and fix brought up the Rear, in
which were the Laſcars. Capt. Younge out of
Compaffion, would have releas'd the Queen,
and let her go where-ever the pleas’d; but
ſhe would not abandon her Husband.
We had not got above four Miles on our
March, before our wounded Companion faint-
ed; and not being able to carry him off, we
were forc'd to leave him by the side of a
Pond
[ 42 ]
Pond of Water; where, as I was afterwards
inform’d, they ſoon put him out of his Pain;
by
ſtriking their Lances into ſeveral Parts of
his Body. Having march'd about two, or
three Miles further, we got out of the Woods,
and found ourſelves in a ſpacious, open Plain,
where we could ſee all around us, and ſoon
found that our Enemies were not only near,
but numerous, and threaten’d immediately
to attack us. We fac'd towards them, our
Armed Men being in the Front, with the
King bound before them. Sam was order'd
at the ſame Time to tell him, that our De-
ſign was not to hurt either him, or his Song
nor to carry them into their Enemies Coun-
try; but only to detain them as Hoſtages for
our Safe-guard, while we pafs'd thorow his
Dominions; and that as ſoon as we came to
the Borders of Port-Dauphine, we would let
them
go again, and give them back the Arms.
and Ammunition we had taken from them;
but if the leaſt Violence was offer'd to us,
we would ſacrifice them both; and this we
deſir'd him to tell his People.
HEREUPON he call'd one of his Generals to
him, aſſuring him, that he ſhould receive na
Harm. Accordingly, he left his Gun, and
Lance behind him, and came to us, where
he was inform’d both by us, and the King,
of our Reſolution ; upon which he told us
there ſhould not be à Gun fir d whilſt we
preſerv'd the King alive, and gave him civil
Treatment.
THIS
[ 43 ]
This Parley being over, we continu'd our
March thorow the Plain till near Evening ;
many of us without Shoes as well as myſelf,
and ſome fick; which oblig d us to take up
our Quarters ſooner than we would otherwiſe
have done; ſo that every one was almoſt
faint, and glad of Reſt. The King order'd
Sam to tell us, that an Ox ſhould be ſent to
us forthwith. We made a Trench, like a
Ring, in the Midít whereof we planted the
black King and his Son; our Captain, and
ſome few others were appointed as a Guard
over them: Our armed Men were divided
into four Parties, in order to ſecure us in the
beſt manner they could. We had juſt finiſh'd
our Camp, when the Officer who had been
with us before, and three other Men brought
us a Bullock. He brought likewiſe fome
roaſted Meat in his Hand, and a Horn of
Water for the King ; ſo we loos’d our Roral
Priſoners Hands, that they might feed them-
ſelves. They eat ſome ſmall mater, and
gave the Remainders to Capt. Younge.
WHILST we were employ'd in killing the
Ox, we deſir'd the King to ſend fome of his
People into the Woods for ſome Fuel, to
dreſs it ; which he readily did, and they ſoon
brought us ſufficient for our purpoſe. But all
this time we wanted Water, and complain'd
thereof to the King ; who aſſur'd us, that there
was none to be got near that Place by ſeveral
Miles ; and that what ſmall Quantity was
given him in the Horn was brought from
that
[44
;
that very Pond, where we left the wounded
Man; which could not be leſs than about ten
Miles Diſtance. This very much diſhearten'd
us ; for we were parch'd with Thirſt, which
was the more encreas'd by the Fatigue of our
long March, and the Heat of the Country.
However, there was no Help for us, and
Patience was the only Remedy. When the
King, and his Son had ſupp'd, we bound
their Hands before them, that they might
fleep as eaſy as they could; ſo after we had
cut up our Bullock, and divided it amongſt
us, broil'd, and eat it, tho' with but little
Satisfaction for Want of Water ; and when
we had made as good a Supper as our un-
happy Circumſtances would well admit of
we alſo us’d our beſt Endeavours. to repoſe
ourſelves. The three Captains, however, a-
greed to watch alternately, and divided our
People into three Parties for that Purpoſe.
The King entreated his Wife to go Home, and
to comfort his Children ;. but more particu-
larly recommended his beloved Daughter to
her Care. She went at his Requeſt, but ſhed
Tears at her Departure; as did alſo the King,
and his Son. Such of us as were not on the
Watch lay down, but we had a wretched
Night ; for the Ground was ſtony, and there
was but little Graſs; and what was ſtill a
greater Affliction, we were exceſſive dry, and
had nothing to quench our Thirſt.
At Dawn of Day we aroſe, which was the
ſecond Day of our Travel, and the better to
ſups
{
f
[45]
T
11
"Support ourſelves under the Fatigue of it, we
eat Part of the Remains of our Beef; but it
was a miſerable Repaſt, as we had nothing to
drink. However, we put ourſelves in the
fame Order as we had done the Day before,
and went forwards; the Natives perceiving us
in Motion, mov'd too ; but kept at a greater
Diſtance, and went into our Camp after we
had quitted it to ſee what they could find,
and their Labour was not altogether loſt; for
many of our People thought proper to leave
half thoſe India Ġoods they had brought out
of the Town behind them, that they might
travel with leſs Fatigue. We walk'd with
more Eaſe half this Day than we did the Day
before, it proving cloudy Weather, and cool.
About Noon the General, who had been with
us before, came with ſome roaſt Meat, and
an Horn of Water for the King, and his son:
As we did not looſe their Hands, we were
forc'd to feed them. The General order'd
Sam to ask the Captains, if they would re-
leaſe the King for ſix Guns. I perceiv'd there
was a Debate between them, and Mr. Bembo.
Some thinking the ſix Guns would be of great
Service to us, eſpecially as we ſhould ſtill have
the King's Son : Others were of Opinion,
that it would be more for our Safety to keep
the King ; however, it was agreed at laſt that
he ſhould be diſmiſs'd. We inform’d the Ge-
neral, that if they would give us fix very good
Guns, and promiſe on their Honour not to
Follow us, but return with their King, we
would
1
+
( 46 )
would let him go; and that as ſoon as we
came to the River Manderra, which divided
his Dominions from thoſe of Port Dauphine,
we would releaſe the King's Son, and leave
· all their Arms behind us.
The General was ſtartled at this unex-
pected Condeſcention of our People, and di-
ſpatch'd away one of his Attendants to the
King's other Sons, who were not far off with
their Army, to acquaint them with our Pro-
poſal; and in half an Hour's Time return'd
to us with fix of the beſt Guns. They made
the more Hafte left our Minds ſhould alter:
We kept them no longer in Suſpence, than
while we took the Guns to pieces, to ſee
whether they were in good Condition or not;
and finding them better than we could rea-
ſonably have expected in ſuch a Country, we
releas'd their King, and ſent him away with
the General. He took his Leave of the
Prince, and went directly to his Army. We
were ſo near as to ſee the Ceremony of his
Sons meeting him, who fell down, and em-
brac'd his Knees, and with all the Earneſtneſs
imaginable, ſhedding Tears for Joy: After
they had kiſs'd, and lick'd his Knees, and
Legs, for about five, or fix Minutes, they
arole to give his Head Officers an opportu-
nity of paying the like Homage ; and after
them, ſome others of an inferior Station ; who,
in general, expreſs’d a moſt ſincere, and paffio-
nate Affection to his Perſon, and ſhow'd all
the Demonſtrations of Joy imaginable on AC-
count
[147
METE
·count of his Return. This Ceremonial over,
they all holla'd, and fired their Guns, as a
publick Teſtimony of their general Joy, and
Satisfaction.
We could not help halting to obſerve this
Scene, but before it was perfectly concluded,
we march'd forwards as well as we could;
thoʻ with no ſmall Difficulty: For notwith-
ſtanding it continu'd cloudy, yet the After-
noon was ſultry hot, and our Thirſt incrca-
ſing, we began to grow ſenſibly weaker and
weaker ; our Captains, however, walk'd low-
ly on, which made our Journey ſomething
eaſier. We ask'd the Prince if there was no
Water near at hand, he inform'd us, that
there was none to be got till we came to
Manderra River, which we ſhould not be able
to reach that Night. Tho' it was not eaſy
for us to miſs our Way, yet we made him
our Guide: The Natives had told us before,
that the Plain we were in was long, and of no
great Breadth in Proportion to the Length;
but extended itſelf near Eaſt and Weſt to the
River. As ſoon as we came to a fandy Place,
we halted, and form'd our Camp; it being
then near Sun-ſet: This was ſomewhat fofter
for us to lye on than our Situation the Night
before. The Natives perceiving that we be-
gan to incamp, they follow'd our Example.
They divided themſelves accordingly into fix
Parties, and ſo order'd their Matters that they
almoſt ſurrounded us; which did not a little
ſurprize us, However, we appointed our
Watch
[ 48 ]
early, and
Watch as before ; but here to our Misfor-
· tune, we could find neither Victuals,or: Water;
and were almoſt parch'd with Thirſt: In
ſhort, we were reduc'd to ſo great an Extre-
mity, that we crawld on the Ground to lick
the Dew; and this was all the Refreſhment
we could then meet with.
On the third Day of our March we roſe
forward as well as we could :
The Negroes, who ſtrictly obſerv'd our Mo-
tions, were as ready as we; but we plac'd our
Armed Men in the front, determining to
make a bold Puſh for it, if they attempted to
obſtruct our Paſſage. They divided, and let
us proceed without Moleſtation, and tho' we
travell'd all the Morning yet we met with
nothing remarkable ; till we arriv'd at a little
round Hill, whereon there ſtood a prodigious
large Tub, about fix Foot high, which held
near an hundred Gallons, and. was full of
Toake. Our People were going immediately
to drain it dry, but Sam threw it down, and
ſpilt all the Liquor; aſking us with ſome
Warmth, if we were ſo blind as not to ſee
the Plot, that was laid for our Deſtruction:
For it was planted there to tempt us to drink,
with no other Intention than to poiſon us all;
or at leaſt, to intoxicate us to that Degree, that
they might reſcue their Prince without Oppo-
'fition, and murder us at their Pleaſure.
While we were reflecting on this extra-
ordinary Action, the General, and two, or
three more came up to us; and ask'd Sam,
what
Y
[ 49 ]
what Realon he could offer for ſpilling the
Toake. To which he made no regular Reply,
but bid him be gone about his Buſineſs. The
General defir'd to ſpeak with the Young
Prince,, and after a little Diſcourſe with him,
directed Sam to acquaint Capt. Younge, that
if he ſhould think fit to releaſe the Prince,
they would give him three of the Head-men
of the Country in Exchange. The Captain
told him, if he would conſent to be one of
them, they would agree to it.
He excus'd
himſelf on Account of his Family, who, as
he pretended, would be inconſolable ſhould
he leave them; however, he would engage,
that his own Brother, who had no Children,
ſhould be one of the Hoſtages.
CAPT. Younge, who imagined that they.
follow'd us on Account of their Prince only ;
and that if we ſhould releaſe him, they would
return back, comply'd with the General's Pro-
poſition. Upon this, he poſted away to the
Army, and acquainted the other Princes with
the Agreement he had made ; for the King
went directly Home as ſoon as he left us.
We march'd on, determining to loſe no Time,
and the General return'd in leſs than an Hour
with three Men; and inform'd us, that he had
brought his Brother, and two more of the
Chief of their People in Exchange for the
Prince; and as to the Arms then in our Pofa
ſeſſion, which belong'd to their King, we
might, when we had no further Occaſion for
them, leave them according to our Promiſe
E
with
.
[i 50 ]
with theſe three Men, who would take Care
to ſend them home.
We took the three Men, and having tyd
their Hands behind them, deliver'd up the
Prince. He ſhook Hands with our Captains,
and went to the Army; as ſoon as his Bre-
thren faw him at a Diſtance they ran to meet
him; as did alſo many others; who ſeein'd
to be more tranſported with Joy for his De-
liverance, than they were before for his Fa-
ther's.
We proceeded on our Journey as well as
Men could without Proviſions, and were too
foon convinc'd of Capt. Younge's Miſtake;
for the Negroes, inſtead of retiring, approach'd
nearer to us, and ſome march'd before us ;
ſo that we expected every Minute when they
would attack us. We had a young Lad in our
Company who loſt his Leg at Bengal. Not-
-withſtanding he was well recover'd, and ſup:
plied with a wooden One well fitted, yet it
cannot be imagin’d that he ſhould be able to
keep up with us; for being now ſurpris’d by
their ſurrounding us, we doubled our Pace;
and in ſhort, were oblig'd to leave this poor
Lad behind us. We ſaw the Barbarians come
up with him, take off his wooden Leg, and
firſt inſult him ; then they thruſt their Lances
into his Body, and left him wallowing in his
Blood. Being Eye-witneſſes of this Act of
Inhumanity, and apprehenſive of the like
Treatment, we hurry'd on as:faſt as our feeble
Limbs could carry. us till Sun-ſet; when we
came
( 51 )
came to a large Tamarind Tree, the Leaves
whereof, as they were four, we chew'd to
moiſten our Mouthis. · The Fruit itſelf was
not then in Seaſon.
The three Negroes whom we had taken
as Hoſtages, obſerving what had pafs’d, and
thinking their Lives in Danger, call’d to Sam,
and the Captains, and told them they had a
Scheme to propoſe, which would be for the
Safety of us all, which was this. That as
foon as it was dark, we ſhould keep marching
on as ſilently as poſſible all the Night. The
Captains approv'd of this Propoſal, and or-
der'd none of us to ſeep, but to be ready
as ſoon as the Watch-word was giv’n. This
was very grievous, conſidering how tir'd we
were the Day before; but we ſubmitted
cheerfully to any thing that gave us Hopes
of eſcaping from the violent Hands of thoſe
blood-thirſty Barbarians. As ſoon as it was
dark enough to conceal our Flight, we aſſem:
bld together, and took a conſiderable Quan-
tity of Mullins and Callicoes, and hung them
upon the Buſhes, that the Spies, who we
knew watch'd us, might not any ways miſ-
truſt our ſudden Removal.
We walk'd off accordingly undiſcover'd
by them. Capt. Drummond, however, being
taken fo ill, that he could not walk at all,
none of us being ſtrong enough to carry him;
we reſolv'd to make the three Negroes per-
form that Office by Turns. After we had
thus travellid inoſt part of the Night, we
E 2
came
I
[:52 ]
came to a Thicket among fome Cotton Trees;
where the Man, who had the Charge of
Capt. Drummond, pretending to eaſe himſelf,
threw the Captain upon the Ground, ran
away
into the Wood, and we never ſaw him
more. Upon this, we had a more watchful
Eye over the other two, and led him, whoſe
Turn it was to carry the Captain, with a
Rope about his Neck.
WEAK as we were, we travell’d a great
many Miles that Night, and were glad when
the Day broke in upon us; for the Negroes
had told us before, that if we walk'd hard
all Night, we ſhould be at Manderra River
betimes in the Morning. And their Infor-
mation was juſt ; for as ſoon as we came to
a little Hill, the Sun then juſt riſing, we had
a Proſpect of the River, tho’at a conſiderable
Diſtance; however, the Hopes we had of
coming to it in a ſhort time, and of getting
Water to quench our Thirſt, gave us no ſmall
Pleaſure, and our Spirits began to revive at
the very Sight of it. 'Twas ſome Comfort
to us likewiſe, to think that the King's Domi-
nions extended no further ; notwithſtanding
there were no Inhabitants to protect us with-
in ſeveral Miles on the other side. Some of
our People, who were more tir'd than the
reſt, took Liberty to ſit down to refreſh
themſelves; as taking it for granted, that the
Negroe Army would never come in Sight of
us again.
But
}
( 53 )
1
- But this vain Notion of being ſafe and
ſecure too quickly vaniſh'd ; for as ſoon as
they miſs'd us in the Morning, they purſued
us like ſo many Grey-hounds; and before
we got within a Mile of Manderra River
overtook us. Thereupon they began to but-
cher our Men then reſting under the Trees,
ſtriking their Lances into their Sides, and
Throats. Tho' I was one of thoſe who could
not travel well, yet there were twenty be-
hind me; the Woman, whoſe Life was pre-
ſerv'd in our Ship, was next to me. I, ſeeing
them kill our People in this barbarous Man-
ner, threw off my Coat, and Waſtcoat, and
truſted to my Heels, for the foremoſt of our
People having paſs'd the River, and I not
being far off, took Courage ; but hearing the
Report of a Gun, I look'd back, and faw
the poor Woman fall, and the Negroes ſtick-
ing their Lances in her Sides. My Turn was
next, for the ſame Negroes purſued me, and
before I was got to the Brink of the River .
they fired a Gun ať me; but I jump'd in.
Our Men, who had got fafe over, made a
Stand, in Order to defend thoſe who were
behind ; and notwithſtanding the Negroes
follow'd me ſo cloſe, I could not refrain from
drinking two, or three Times out of my Hat,
let the Conſequence prove what it would.
However, I got over ſafe, and. whilſt we
were on the Bank, and fac'd them, they ne-
ver attempted to follow us.
Our Captains
ask'd me, if I thought there were any of our
E 3
Comi-
( 54 )
Companions ſtill behind us ? I anſwer'd, I be-
lieu'd that there were none alive. We waited
a While, and then march'd forwards. We
had a Wood to paſs thorow, and the Ne-
groes, as ſoon as they ſaw us quit the Banks,
immediately purſu'd us. They got into the
Woods, and firing behind the Trees every
now and then, they kill'd three, or four of
our Men. We had not travell'd above two
Miles in this Wood, before we came to a
large ſandy Plain, to which we could ſee no
End, and here they determin’d to ſtop our
Progreſs; ſince if we went much further, we
ſhould be within hearing of King Samuel's
Subjects, who were their mortal Enemies,
and would readily aſſiſt us. They divided
themſelves, therefore, into ſeveral Bodies, in
Order to break in upon us on all Sides; and
we, being apprized of their Deſigns, were re-
folved to fell our Lives and. Liberties as dear
as poſſible. Hereupon our Captains put us in
as good a Poſture of Defence as they could,
and divided our Men who bore Arms into
four Claſſes: One under the Command of
each of our three Captains, and the other un-
der Mr. John Bembo ; ſuch as had no Arms,
or were diſabled, were cover'd in a little Val-
ley; and with them were the two Negroe
Hoſtages.
We had not above fix and thirty Fire-
Arms amongſt us all
, and not many more
Perſons fit to fight; ſo that we were a poor:
Handful to withſtand an Army of two, or
three
t
[ 55 ]
three Thouſand. When they found we
made a Stand they did ſo too, and according
to their wonted Manner ( where it could be
done ) three, or four of them in a Place
threw up: the Sand, before them, and being
alſo beneath us, we could ſee only their
Heads: Their Shot flew very faſt over, us,
and we kept them in Play from Noon till fix
in the Evering ; by which Time all our.Am-
munition was ſpent. Thoſe of us who had
Money made Slugs of it; their next Shift
was to take the middle Screws out of their
Guns, and charge their Pieces with them.
When they had us'd all theſe Means, they
knew not what to do further : Now we be-
gan to reflect on thoſe who advis?d us to de-
liver, up firſt the King; and afterwards his
Son ;. ſince the keeping of them would have
been our principal Safe-guard. The two Ne-
groes in our Cuſtody expected, no Doubt,
every Minute to be kill'd, as very juſtly they
might; but as their Death would be of no
Service to us, we did them. no Injury.
At length it was unanimouſly agreed, that
Dudey, and her Husband ſhould be ſent, to
thein with a Flag of Truce, not only to pro-
long the Time, but to know what they fur-
ther wanted : So we ty'd a piece of red Silk
to a Lance, and diſpatch'd them away. They
skept firing at us all this Time, not knowing
what we meant by not returning it. They
ſhot at thoſe who carry'd the Flag, but per-
ceiving that they were not arm’d, the Prince
6
E 4
Or
[ 56 )
order'd them to ceaſe. Dudey was Interpre-
ter, and told them that our Captain was in-
clin'd to make Peace with them, and to de-
liver
up the two Hoſtages, with the Guns and
Ammunition we took with us, as soon as we
were advanc'd a little further into the Coun-
try. They ſaid they would ſuffer us to
go
in
the Morning, in Cafe we would deliver up
our Arms and the Men ; but not that Eve-
ning becauſe it was dark. Their true Rea-
ſon was this, They knew if we got away
that Night, we ſhould ſend ſome of King
Samuel's People, who were their utter Ene-
mies, to be reveng'd on them for the ill
Treatment we had met with.
We were at a Loſs what Determination to
come to ;, we were willing, indeed, to let
the two Men (whom they callid Generals)
go; but loth to part with our Arms: Moſt
of us, as well as our Captain were of Opinion,
that they follow'd, us for nothing elſe, and
were for delivering them up; but Captain
Drummond, Capt. Steward, and their People,
with Mr.Bembo, and ſome of our Men oppos'd
it. Capt. Drummond, in particular, expreſs’da
great Concern to ſee us ſo eaſy to be impos'd
upon; and told us, that it was too viſible
their Words were not to be relied on: Most
Voices, however, carry'd it, and Capt. Younge
being of the Opinion, it was beſt to reſign
them, it was agreed; and in ſhort, foon actu-
ally perform'd: For Dudey having Orders to
to acquaint them with ſuch Reſolution, they
ſent
( 57 )
I
fent proper Meſlengers immediately to receive
them.
CAPT. Drummond, however, and his Com-
panions claim'd theirs as their own Right,
and Property, and, therefore, would not deli-
ver them ; nor would Dudey's Husband part
with his.
The Negroes well knew we had
but few left, and went away to all outward
Appearance well contented for that Night.
Dudey return'd, and aſſur'd us, that they
would let us go in the Morning ; and as
Night was coming on, we laid down upon
the Sand, to repoſe ourſelves as well as our
diſtreſſed Circumſtances would admit of; for
beſides the Hunger,' and Fatigue we had al-
ready ſuffer'd, wę reflected a thouſand Times
on the Barbarities we had ſeen committed the
·Day. before ; and that it was now in their
Power to treat us as they pleas’d.
The next Morning, as ſoon as we could
ſee, we miſs'd Captain Drummond, Captain
Steward, Mr. Bembo, Dudey, and her Hus-
band, and four, or five more, who deſerted
us in the Night, without cominunicating their
Intentions to us. Now we plainly ſaw. De-
ſtruction before us, and the End of this ini-
ferable Journey ; which, after fo bold an At-
tempt, we undertook for the Preſervation of
our Lives and Liberty; and a TRAGICAL
ONE it was. For,
No ſooner was it Broad-day Light, but
the Negroes came up to us, and the Prince
had a ſhort Conference with Sam. Captain
Younge
[ 58 ]
Younge alk'd him the Purport of their Dif-
courſe. He anſwer'd, They wanted to know
what was become of Captain Drummond, and
the reſt. The Words were no ſooner out of
his Mouth, but one of the Princes took hold
of me, and deliver'd me to one of his At-
tendants; there were three, or four Lads like
myſelf, and much about inyi Age, who were
ſeized at the ſame Time, and deliver'd to their
People in the ſame manner ; who bound our
Hands with Cords.
THE ſame Prince, who order'd my Hands
to be thus ty'd, ſtuck his Lance into Captain
Younge's Throat, and afterwards into his
Sides. Having kill'd him, he went on to
another; and the reſt of his barbarous Train
immediately following his Example, they
foon murder'd every Man belonging to our
Company; they then ſtripp'd off their Cloaths,
and, like inhuman Butchers," ript:open ſeveral
of their Belliës: : As for my part; I expected
Death every Moment, but in what Shape I
could not tell ; for one of the Generals lifted
up his Lance, with an Intention to piercé me
thorow, but was prevented by the Man-who
had me in Cuftody, for ſome': Reaſons I
could not then rightly underſtand ; but as I
heard afterwards, he inform’d him, I was re-
ſerv'd to wait on the King's Grandſon. Tho'
this fav'd my Life, yet it would not hinder
the Officer from rifing me of what I had va-
luable about 'me ; for he, feeling my Purſe
my Breeches-Pocket, and not readily find-
ing
in my
1
1253
தாக
:'
}
.
1
1
.
[ 59 ]
ing it, in a Fury with his Lance, cut away
my Breeches, and narrowly miſs'd my Fleſh.
When they had concluded this bloody
Scene, and cloath'd themſelves with the Spoils
of the Slain; they march'd away in very great
Haſte, for Fear of the Natives of Port Dau-:
phine'; whom thev imagin’d Capt. Drummond,
and the reſt had by that Time alară’d;: and
prevaild on thein to ſend. ſome Forces down
to our Reſcue.
Now whether the Negroes
might not think, we had ſent them away on
Purpoſe to get ſuch Affiſtance, and thereby
provok'd them to murder us, I can't ſay ;
but certain it is, we were the moſt unfortu-
nate Wretches in the Univerſe : For I was:
afterwards inform’d, before our 'murder'd:
People were well.cold, two thoufand of King;
Samuel's. Men came down to reſcue us out of
their mercileſs Hands.
PERHAPS the Reader will ſay, Why did
we not ſend two, or three of our people as foon
as we had paſi'd the River ? To which I can
only anſwer, I think we were all infatuated,
for with Eaſe it might have been done; eſpe-
cially ſince we had the Woman Dudey to go
with them as an Interpreter ; and we might
have kept Sam with us. But none of theſe
Reaſons at that Time occurr'd to me; for I
was but a raw, unexperienc'd Youth. And
what Motives could induce Capt. Younge to.
releaſe both the King, and his Son, is what
I ca’nt pretend to account for. The Plot was,
doubtleſs, well concerted, and as duély-exe-
cuted
1
[ 60 ]
cuted at firſt, but moſt ſhamefully conducted
afterwards; and, indeed, 'tis ſcarce credible,
that ſuch a Number of us could be ſo ſtupid
as we then were; and ſince I have attain'd to
a mature Age, and been capable of any Re-
flection, 'tis what I have been ſurprized at.
The Only Reaſon that can be offer'd, I
now think, is, That as All of us had a great
Afection for our Captain's Father, so it caus'd
us to be too partial, and to entertain too good
an Opinion of the Son. But I fince found to :
my great Concern, that our Captain wanted
not only Judgment, but Experience in the
World; for Capt. Drummond, as I very well
remember, frequently oppos'd him ; but by
whatſoever ill Conduct, or Folly, we might:
contribute towards our Ruin, ſo it was; and
I am relating a real Fact, and not inventing
a Fiction, or telling the Reader what might,
or 'ought to have been done in the unhappy
Situation of our Affairs at that Time; how-
ever, thro’ his Imprudence were my Friends .
maffacred, and myſelf, with three more made
perpetual Slaves : The Eldeſt of us was not
above fixteen Years of Age, and we were im-
mediately parted, for they march'd directly
off the Spot. As for Sam, I don't reckon
him as one of us, becauſe he went off with
the Negroes. I never ſaw him afterwards,
but was inform'd, that he liv'd a Freeman
under Dean Crindo; and whether he was ſo
faithful to us, as in Juſtice, and Gratitude, he
ought to have been, is ſomewhat dubious.
ALL
[ 61
ALL the way we went I had the ſhocking
Proſpect of our Mens mangled Bodies, as we
paſſed thorow the Woods to the River. I
was not ſo thirſty now, as when I paſsid it
firſt; but ſo faint for Want of Viętuals, that
I could ſcarce ſtand upon my Legs; having
had no Suſtenance for three Days together.
Tho' my Maſter expreſs’d ſome little Con-
cern for me, yet he would not bait till he
was paſs'd the River ; however, he order'd
his People to ſtop at the firſt commodious
Place, and make a Fire ; and now I was
in Hopes of ſome agreeable Refreſhment :
For ſome of his Servants had carry'd Beef on
their Backs for that Purpoſe. Tho'they cut
it into long Pieces, (like Ropes) with the
Hide ; and dreſs'd; and eat it half-roaſted ac-
cording to their Cuſtom, and gave it me in
the fame Manner ; yet I thought this con-
temptible Food, and what a Beggar in Eng-
land would not have touch'd, the moſt deli-
cious Entertainment I ever met with. - We
Teſted here about an Hour, when he, to
whoſe Care I was intruſted, made Signs to
know if I could walk; and as I was a little
refreſh'd, I got up, and travell’d the Remain-
der of the Day with more Eaſe than I ex-
pected; ſince they walk'd but flowly, as I
perceiv'd, on Purpoſe to indulge me.
At Night we came to a Wood, the Place
appointed for our Lodging; and there we
met with three, or four Men, whoın my
Maſter had ſent out a Foraging, and they
brought
[ 62 ]
brought in with them two Bullocks }; one of
which my Maſter ſent to his Brother, for the
Uſe of him and his People, and the other
was kill'd for us ; for the Army was now
diſbanded, and each Party was marching home
with their reſpective Chiefs to their own Ha-
bitations. Here my Maſter caine to me, and
gave me a Lance, intimating that I might
cut out as much as I thought proper. I cut
about a Pound without any Part of the Hide,
which he perceiving, imputed it to my Igno
rance, and ſo cut a Slice with the Hide, and
dreſs’d it for me ; which I eat with ſeeming
Thankfulneſs, not daring to refuſe it. As
ſoon as Supper was over, each Man pull'd up
as much Graſs as was ſufficient for himſelf to
lye on ; my Guardian, however, provided
enough for himſelf and ine ; I then repos’d
myſelf accordingly, and he laid by me; but
his black Skin ſmellid fo rank; that I was
forced to turn my Back on him all Night
long. I had very little Reſt, for the ghaſtly
Spectacle of my maſſacred Friends was ever
before me, and made me ſtart: from Sleep as
foon as I clos'd my Eyes.
At Break of Day we aroſe, and after a
ſhort Repaſt march'd on till Noon, when we
baited among fome ſhady Trees vear a Pond
of Water ; which very Pond we had paſs'd
by three Days before, or at leaſt within two
hundred Yards of it, when we were dying
with Thirſt, and the Negroes told us there
was no Water near us.
WHILST
[ 63 ]
WHILST ſome employ'd themſelves in
kindling a Fire, Others were buſy in dig-
ging up and down amongſt the Graſs. I
could not conceive what they were doing at
firſt; but I ſoon obſerv'd one of them pulling
out of the Ground a long white Root, which
I found was a Yam, having ſeen many of them
at Bengal; they foon furniſh'd themſelves with
a ſufficient Quantity. I perceiv'd they grew
wild without any Cultivation : Some of them
were a Yard long at leaſt, and about fix, or
ſeven Inches in Čircumference; they oblig'd
me with ſome of them, which I roaſted, and
eat with a great Deal of Pleaſure, inſtead of
Bread with my Beef: They are very agree-
able to the Taſte, as well as wholfom Food.
We arriv'd that Evening at a ſmall Town,
which we no ſooner enter'd, but the Women
and Children flock'd round about me, pinch'd
me, ſtruck me on the Back with their Fiſts,
and ſhew'd ſeveral other Tokens of their
Deriſion and Contempt; at which I could
not forbear weeping, as it was not in my
Power to expreſs my Rcfentment any other
Way; but when my Guardian obferv'd it,
he came to my Affiſtance, and freed. me
from my Perſecutors.
Perſecutors. All the Houſes that
were empty were taken up by my Maſter,
his Brother, and other Head-men; ſo that
my Guardian, and I, lay expos’d to the open
Air. The ill Treatment I met with from
the Women and Children, put a thouſand
diſtracting Thoughts into my Head; fome-
times
:.
[ 64 ]
times I imagin'd. That I might be preſervd
alive for no other Purpoſe, but to be carry'd
to the King, and his Son; who would, in all
Probability, be fir’d with Reſentment at our
late ſeizing of them, 'and making them Priſo-
ners ; then again, I thought, that to gratify
their Pleaſure and Revenge, they would order
me to be put to Death before their Faces by
flow Degrees, and the moſt exquiſite Tormeuts.
Such melancholy Reflections as theſe ſo dif-
order'd me that when once thro' Wearineſs,
I fell into a Slumber, I had a Dream, which
ſo terrify'd me, that I ſtarted upright, and
trembl'd every Joint of me; in ſhort, I could
not get one Wink of Sleep all the Night long.
When it was broad Day-light, we
march'd homeward (for now I muſt call it
fo) and in three, or four Hours Time we ar-
riv'd at a conſiderable Town, with three, or
four Tamarind Trees before it. One of the
Negroes carry'd a large Shell, which, when
he blow'd, founded like a Poſt-boy's Horn.
This brought the Women to a ſpacious
Houſe in the Middle of the Town, about
twelve Feet high; which, I foon preceiv'd,
was my Maſter's. No ſooner had he ſeated
himſelf at the Door, but his Wife came out
crawling on her Hands and Knees till the
came to him, and then lick'd his Feet; and
when ſhe had thus teſtify'd her Duty and
Reſpects, his Mother paid him the like Com-
pliment; and all the Women in the Town
faluted their Huſbands in the fame Manner:
Then
*
[ 65 ]
i
Manner: Then each Man went to his reſpec-
tive Habitation, my Maſter's Brother only
excepted; who, tho' he had a Houſe, had
no Wife to receive him, and ſo he ſtay'd
behind.
My Miſtreſs intimated by her Motions, that
ſhe would have me go in, and fit down. A
great
deal of ſerious Diſcourſe paſs'd between
my Maſter and her; and tho' I knew no-
thing of what they ſaid, yet by her looking
ſo earneſtly at me, whilſt he was talking,
conjectur'd he was relating to her our tragi-
cal Tale; and I perceiv'd, that the Tears fre-
quently ſtood in her Eyes. This Conference
over, ſhe order'd fome Carravances to be
boil'd for our Dinner ; a Kind of Pulſe much
like our grey Peaſe; ſhe gave me ſome, but
as they had been boil'd in dirty. Water, I
could not eat them. She perceiving I did
not like them, ſtrain’d them off the Water,
and put ſome Milk to them; and after that
I made a tolerable Meal of them. She gave
me not only a Mat to lye down upon, but a
Piece of Callico likewife about two Yards in
Length to cover me. She intimated, that
She wanted to know my Name; which I
told her was Rohin. Having receiv'd ſo
much Civility from my Miſtreſs, I began to
be much better fatisfy'd than I was at firſt
and then ſaid me down, and ſlept without
any Fear, or Concern about four Hours, as
near as I could gueſs, by the Sun. When I
wak'd my Miſtreſs call'd me by my Näme,
F
and
;
[ 66 ]
and gave me ſome Milk to drink. She talk'd.
for ſome confiderable Time to me, but I
could not underſtand one Word ſhe ſaid.
My Maſter was all this Time with his Bro-
ther at the Door, regaling themſelves with
Toake.
WHEN Night came on, I perceiv'd that
I was to lye with them ; for there was no
other Room. My Maſter and Miſtreſs lay
in the Middle, and the whole Houſe was
not above fourteen Feet in Length, and
twelve in Breadth; ſo that I laid croſs-wiſe
cloſe to his Feet. In this odd Manner we
lay three, or four Nights ſucceſſively. At
laſt he call'd me by my Name ſeveral Times,
to know, I preſume, whether I was awake,
or not; but as I anſwer'd him whenever he
call’d, I imagin’d he would have been better
pleas'd if I had ſlept found, and had not heard
him at all; for the next Evening he carry'd
mė to his Aunt's Houſe, where he told me,
I muſt lye for the future: There I remain's
both Day and Night: and did little but walk
out with her, and her Daughter to viſit the
Plantations, which had been lately ſow'd
with Guinea Corn, and Potatoes. . In the
Evening I us’d to viſit my Maſter and Mi-
Streſs ; and for Supper I generally had Milk,
which was ſometimes freſh, and ſometimes
four. They were not over fond of putting
me to Work, as I could do them but little
Service, being altogether a Stranger to what
was ſaid to me; and more eſpecially as he
had
'. I ... 'RL
( 67 )
WE
had above two hundred Slaves always ready
to anſwer his Occaſions.
My Maſter, whoſe Name was Deaan Me-
varro, was Grandſon to Deaan Crindo, who
was abſolute Lord of this Country; and his
Wife was the Daughter of a Northern King,
whom they had conquer'd in Battle ; and
ſhe was one of my Maſter's Captives. For
this Reaſon, I preſume, it was, that ſhe took
ſo much Compaſſion upon me ; conſidering
herſelf a Slave in a ſtrange Country, and on-
ly preferr'd to my Maſter's Bed by Courteſy.
În a ſhort Time, I began to reconcile my-
ſelf to their inanner of Eating, ſince no bet-
ter Proviſion, I found, was to be had ; only
I would ſtrip off ſome of the Hair from the
Hide of the Beef; whenever I could do it
without being obſerv'd. I us'd often to re-
flect on my Brother, and Siſter's more agree-
able Manner of living at my Father's Table;
being conſcious, that even ſome Beggars in
England far'd much better than I did here.
However, as, I found No-body liv'd better,
I made myfelf as eaſy as I could : I was now
under no Apprehenfions of being kill'd, till
an Accident happen'd ſoon after; which put
me into a violent Panick for about an Hour.
My Maſter, attended by ſeveral of his Slaves,
took me with him one Evening into the
Woods; I obſerv'd great Preparations made
for killing, and dreſſing a Bullock, or ſome
ſuch Thing ; but there being none to kill,
and it being then dark, I perceiv'd that they
F 2
walk'd,
( 68 )
own manner.
walk'd about with great Circumſpection;
talk'd ſoftly, and teſtify'd all the Symptoms
of ſome ſecret Deſign: Upon this the Tears
ſtood in my Eyes, imagining that they in-
tended to cut me up, and make a Meal of
me; but my Fright was ſoon over, when I
ſaw two Slaves hauling along a Bullock by a
Rope faften'd to his Horns, and my Maſter
ſticking his Lance into his Throat, in Order
to diſpatch him. They immediately cut up
his Carcaſs, and dreſs’d the Intrails after their
The Booty was equally di-
vided, and I obſerv'd that each Man took
Care to hide his Portion in ſome private Place,
from whence he might convey it away by
Night As ſoon as our Buſineſs was over,
we parted ſome one Way, and ſome another
for Fear of being taken Notice of. I now
plainly perceiv'd, that we were all this Time
plundering of our Neighbours. I often won-
der'd, indeed, that the Aunt, with whom I
liv'd, dreſs’d Meat fo often in the Night-time;
but this unravellid the Myſtery. This was
not the only Time I was forc'd to aſſiſt in this
clandeſtine Practice.
In about four Months Time, I began to
have ſome tolerable Notion of their Lan-
guage : I knew the Names of moſt common
Things, and could expreſs myſelf ſo as to be
underſtood. My Maſter, and Miſtreſs took
me one Day into the Plantations, where the
Slaves were hoeing the Weeds from the Car-
tavances, that were juſt ſhooting up. They
gavo
;
....
[ 69 ]
gave me a Hoe, but I had no Inclination to
work ; I pretended to be very ignorant, and
hoed
up
Plants and Weeds together ; at which
they laugh'd heartily, and took away my Hoe
to prevent more Miſchief.
THIS Artifice, however, prov'd of but little
Service to me, for
my
Maſter perceiving that
I, either could not, or would not work in
the Plantations, was determin'd to employ
me ſome other Way; and about fuch Busi-
neſs, as I could not well do amiſs. Accord-
ingly the next Day, he ſhew'd me his Cattle,
and told me, I muſt take Care of them, drive
them to Water, and ſee that they did not
break either into his own, or any other Neigh-
bour's Plantations. This Buſineſs I lik'd
much better than the other, becauſe there
were three, or four Lads more of this Town
about my Age, who had Cattle to attend as
well as myſelf: What I diſliked moſt
was,
that we had a very conſiderable Way to
drive them to Water, and at Night to drive
them back again ; beſides I was oblig'd to
drag Home a long Tub, which held about
three Gallons ; for all the Water we us'd in
the Houſe was fetch'd from this watering
Place. However, we had no juſt Cauſe of
Complaint ; for we join'd our Herds toge-
ther, and in the Heat of the Day, when the
Cattle would lye down in the Shade, we had
three, or four Hours Time to ramble thorow
the Woods, and gather Yams. I had been
thus long in the Country, yet I never knew
how
F 3
1
[ 70 ]
how they ſtruck Fire; till wanting to roaſt
ſome of my Yams, I ask'd my Comrades
where their Fire was? They ſhew'd me their
Hands, and laughing ſaid, Here it is; but
one of them foon inform'd me how to do it.
He took one ſhort round Stick about half the
Length of a Gun-Rammer, and another con-.
fiderably thicker, but both of one Sort of
Wood, and rubb’d the former upon the lat-
ter, till there came a Duſt from it firſt, then
a Smoak, and ſoon after Fire.
We fometimes travers’d the Woods, and
ſtole Peoples Honey, and eat it juſt as we
found it. " When we could ſpare time, we
us'd to look for a Creature, which I call a
Ground-Hog; and which in their Language
is call'd Tondruck. It is about the ſize of a
Cat; Snout, Eyes and Ears are like an Eng-
liſh Hog's ; it has Briſtles on its Back, but
no Tail; the Feet of it are like a Rabbit's.
It's principal Food is Beetles and young Snails,
which they grub up with their Snouts: They
are very prolific, and have above twenty
young Ones at a Litter, to all which they
give ſuck. In the cold ſeaſon of the Year
( for tho' there is no Time which can proper-
be call'd Winter, yet one Part of the Year
is ſenſibly much colder then the other ) theſe
Creatures hide themſelves in the Ground in a
moſt ſurpriſing manner. They firſt dig a
Hole about two Foot deep directly in the
Earth, and after that they work obliquely
two, or threc Foot one Way, and as much
ano-
[ 71 ]
ther, making Angles; tho' they throw the
Earth up with their Fore-feet, yet they
make it as firm with their Hind-feet, as if
no Paſſage had been ever made; when they
have work'd in this Manner for ſome Time,
they then work a-ſant upwards, till they
get within half a Foot of the Surface; there
they make a kind of Lodgment, juſt big e-
nough for them to turn themſelves round in ;
where they lye for four, or five Months fuc-
ceſſively without any Suſtenance whatſoever:
And what is ſtill more ſtrange, they are as
fat at the Expiration of that Term, as when
they firſt went in. It is no ſmall Difficulty
to catch them, for when we have diſcover'd
fome Marks of the Place, where we ima-
gine they began to burrow, we are often dif-
appointed in digging after them ; they work
fó artfully, that we know not which Way
to find out their ſecret Receſſes; but we ſpare
no Pains to take them, for they are excel-
lent Food; and their Skin, when dreſs’d, is
as brown, and criſp as a Pig's. Their Hedge-
hog's too are agreeable enough, but nothing
near ſo delicious as their Tondrucks : Theſe
conceal themſelves all the cold Winter in
Holes of Trees; where they remain for ſome
Months without any viſible Support.
This Employment of attending the Cattle
was agreeable to me, except in exceſſive hot
Weather when it was a great Fatigue to
drive them ſeveral Miles to Water ; at leaſt,
every other Day : But in the colder Seaſon
;
F 4
We
LL
( 72 )
we had no Occaſion to obſerve that Practice;
for the Dew falls fo plentifully in the Night,
that we find it ſufficient to drive them into
the Graſs about Break of Day; and even the
Inhabitants of this part of the Country of
Anterndroea, who have no Water near them,
go into the Fields in a Morning, with two
wooden Platters and a Tub, and in leſs than an
Hour will collect about eight, or ten Gallons
of Dew-Water ; which is very good while
freſh, but will turn ſour in a Day, or two,
and diſagreeable to the Taſte.
I Had not follow'd this Employment above
a Year, when my Maſter went to War, or
rather (as I underſtood afterwards) to plun-
der a People to the Weſtward, whom they
purſu'd with the moſt implacable Hatred;
they having furpriz'd Deaan Crindo's Father
in his own Town by Night, and murder'd
him in a moſt barbarous manner.
My Maſter inform'd me, that I muſt look
after the Cattle no more ; for he was going
to War, and had other. Buſineſs for me of
much greater Importance. I offer'd my Ser-
vice to wait on him, but he anſwer'd, We
Mall travel Night and Day: It is a long, and
tedious Journey, and you can't, I believe, be
able to undergo the Fatigue ; but your princi-
pal Buſineſs muſt be to look after my Wife, and
QEZ as her Guardian. He
gave me a ſtrict
Charge to lye in the fame Houſe with her,
and never to let her ſtir out without me.
After he had given her Inſtructions to the
famc
( 73 )
.
---
fame Effect, he took his Leave, and accom-
pany'd by moſt of his People, went on his
intended Expedition.
I now liv'd at perfect Eaſe, and my Mi-
ſtreſs was very kind, and indulgent to me.
I went Abroad wherever the went; partook
of every Thing ſhe had for herſelf, and lay
in the fame Houſe with her ; both of us
ſtrictly obſerving our Maſter's Orders: Nei-
ther could I perceive that her Compliance
therewith was any Ways repugnant to her
Inclinations. I was not, 'tis true, so abſo-
lutely eaſy myſelf; for the Thoughts of my
Friends, and native Country, and the Impro-
bability of ever ſeeing them again, made me
very melancholy; and dejected me to that
Degree, that ſometimes I could not forbear
indulging my Grief in private, and burſting
out into a Flood of Tears
My Miſtreſs. would frequently ask me,
Whether I was indiſpoſed, or wanted any
Thing? I could not prevail on myſelf to re-
veal the real Cauſe of my Anxiety; however,
one Day I took the Liberty to tell her, I
Thould be very glad of an Opportunity to ſee
the other three Lads, whoſe Lives were pre-
ſerv'd, and who were taken Priſoners when
I was.
She deſir'd me not to afflict myſelf
on that Account ;' for ſhe would go with
me, and ſhould be highly delighted to hear
us converſe together in our own Language.
Accordingly ſhe made Inquiry amongſt her
Neighbours where they were, who inform'd
us
[ 74 ]
us that they were at ſome Diſtance from one
another ; but that the neareſt was to be met
with about four, or five Miles off : So the
next Morning we ſet out, and enquir’d for
the White Boy.. We were told, that he waŝ
gone to carry his Fellow-ſervants fome Pro-
viſions to the Plantation ; but as ſoon as a
Meſſenger was ſent to him, he return'd im-
mediately, being as deſirous of ſeeing me in
particular as I was of him ; we embrac'd
each other in a very paſſionate Manner, and
expreſs’d ourſelves at firſt rather in Tears than
Words. We had been very intimate on Ship-
board, and I us'd to treat him frequently with
Punch, being delighted with his Company
as he had a Taſte for Muſick, and could play
extremely well on the Violin. We condol'd
with each other, and obſerv'd how wretch-
edly we look'd, all naked, except a ſmall
Clout about our Middles, and our Skins ſpot-
ted like a Leopard's ; for neither of us being
ever before ſo expos'd to the Sun, we were
ſcorch'd, and flead as it were, and our Skins
often roſe up in Bliſters. After our mutual
Condolance we came to an Agreement, that
if either of us got ſafe to England, we would
give the other's Friends a particular Account
of all our Misfortunes. We enquir'd of each
other after our other Comrades, but were
equally Strangers to their particular Places of
Abode. My Miſtreſs ſeem'd very attentive
to our Diſcourſe, and ſhew'd a compaffio,
nate Regard for our Affictions ; but with
great
1
[ 75 ]
1
great Reluctance, and many a Tear, we were
oblig'd at laſt to part.
We had not been at Home above two
Hours, before an Expreſs arriv'd from my
Mafter with News of his Succeſs ; and that
he would be at Home in a Fortnight. My
Miſtreſs, and all the Women who had Hus-
bands Abroad, expreſs’d their general Joy in
large Bowls of Toake. In the mean Time I
was very much indiſpos’d, but tolerably well
recover'd before my Maſter's Return.
He made his publick Entry in a very tri-
umphant Manner: The Trumpet-Shells
blowing, and Crouds of People dancing be-
fore him all the way with their Guns in
their Hands. On his firſt Approach, the fore-
moft Men fir'd their Guns towards the
Ground; which with them is the Signal of
a victorious Return. Deaan Mevarrow, and
his Brother Deaan Sambo, came after them
with their Attendants; next follow'd the
Cattle, which he had taken from the Enemy,
and the Priſoners of War brought up the
Rear. After they were ſeated in Form be-
fore my Maſter, Deaan Mevarrow's Houſe,
not only his Confort, attended by the other
Women of the Town, came as uſual, and
lick'd his Feet; but the Men too, whom lie
left behind him, when he went to War.
I ſtood all this Time as a Spectator, till
he ſeeing me at a Diſtance, call'd me to him.
I approach'd him in the uſual Form of the
Country on ſuch a publick Occafion ; that
is,
[ 76 ]
is; with
nny
Hands lifted up, and in a pray-
ing Poſture, When I came near him, I paid
him the Compliment of Salamonger Umba;
but did not kneel down as all the others did,
having a kind of conſcientious Reluctance to
ſuch an Act, as thinking it an Adoration
that I ought to pay to no One, but the Su-
pream Being : But he ſeem’d to reſent my
being ſo over-religious; for he ask'd me, If
I thought it beneath me, to pay him the ſame
Refpečt, that his own Wife, ( who was a
King's Daughter ) and his own Mother too, ſo
readily condeſcended to? However, I peremp-
torily refus'd, and told him, I would obey all
bis lawful Commands, and do whatever Work
be thought proper to employ me in; but this
Aft of divine Homage I could never comply
with.
On this he fell into a violent Paſſion, up-
braided me with being ungrateful, and in-
ſenſible of his ſaving me from being kill'd
among my Country-men; and urg'd, more-
over, that I was his Slave, &c. but notwith-
ſtanding all this, I ſtill continu'd reſolute,
and firm to my Purpoſe. Whereupon he a-
roſe from his Seat, and with his Lance made
a Stroke at me with all his Might; but his
Brother, by a ſudden Puſh on one side, pre-
vented the Miſchief he intended. He was
going to repeat his Blow, but his Brother
interpos’d, and intreated him to excuſe me;
but he abſolutely, and in the warmeſt Terms,
refus'd to forgive me unleſs I would lick his
Feet.
( 77 )
$
Feet. His Brother begg'd he would give
him a little Time to talk with me in private,
which he did; and after he had told me the
Danger of not doing it, and that in ſubmitting
to it, I did no more than what many great
Princes were oblig'd to do, when taken Pri-
foners; I found, at length, it was Prudence
to comply; ſo I went in, ask'd Pardon, and
perform'd the Ceremony as others had done
before me. He told me, He readily forgave
me, but would make me ſenſible I was a Slave.
I did not much regard his Menaces, for as I
had no Proſpect of ever returning to England,
I ſet but little Value on my Life. The next
Day I incurr'd his Diſpleaſure again, and
never expected to eſcape from feeling the
Weight of his Refentment.
My Maſter then perform'd the Ceremony
of Thankſgiving to God, for his happy De-
liverance from all the Hazards of War, and
for the Succeſs of his Arms; which is per-
form'd after the following manner : The In-
habitants have in all their Houſes a ſmall por-
table Utenfil, which is devoted to religious Uſes,
and is a Kind of Houfhold Altar ; which they
call the Owley. It is made of a peculiar
Wood, in ſmall pieces neatly join'd, and making
almoſt the form of an Half-11100n with the
Horns dowiwards, between which are placid
two Alligator's Teeth; this is adorn'd with va-
rious kinds of Beads, and ſuch a Saſa faſten'd
to it behind, as a Man ties about his Waſte wherz
ke goes to War. [I Niall not here pretend
to
[ 78 ]
1
to give an exact Account of their Religious
Worſhip ; for I had not been long enough
in the Country, to be a perfect Maſter of
the true Meaning of what they either did,
or faid. ] However, I obſerv'd, that they
brought two Forks from the Woods, and fix'd
them in the Ground ; on which was laid a
Beam, ſlender at each End, and about ſix Foot
long, with two or three Pegs in it ; and up-
on this they hung the Owley. Bebind it was
long Pole, to which a Bullock was faſtened
with a Cord. They had a Pan full of live
Coals, on which they threw an Aromatic Gum,
and planted it under the Owley. Then they
took a fmall Quantity of Hair from the Tail,
Chin, and Eye-brows of the Ox, and put them
on the Owley. Then Deaan Mevarrow, my
Maſter, us’d ſome particular Geſtures with a
large Knife in his Hand, and made a formal
Prayer ; in which the People join’d. In the
next Place they threw the Ox on the Ground
with bis Leg's ty'd faſt together, and the Deaan
cut bis Throat ; for as there are no Prieſts a-
mongſt them, the Chief Man, wbether of the
Country, Town, or Family, performs all di-
vine Offices himſelf. As soon as the people
were all feated on Mats in a circular Forn,
iny Maſter order'd me to fit down too, and ſay
as the People ſaid, which I abſolätely refiis’d.
However, be purſu'd bis Devotion, and when
the Service was over, took the Owley in one
Hand, and bis Lance in the other, and came
directly to 11€, asking me with a Frown, Which
I
t
[ 791,
I-rather choſe, either to aſſiſt in their ſolemn,
and publick Thankſgiving, or to fall a Sa-.
crifice to his juſt Reſentment? At firſt I was
ſtartled, but as I thought this Sort of Worſhip
to be down-right Idolatry; and that they paid
their Adorations to the Owley ; I reſolutely
told him, that I would ſooner dye than pay
divine Homage to any falſe Deity whatſo
ever... Upon this, as ſoon as he bad put the
Owley in its Place, he came to ine again;
and taking me by the Hand, was determind
to lead me out of the Town, and kill me ; but
his Brother, and all the People round about
him pleaded for me, and us’d their utmoſt En-
deavours to perſuade him againſt fo raſh an
Action, but to no Purpoſe ; till his Brother, at
laſt, very warmly told him; He would that
Minute depart, and ſee his Face no more,
if he offer'd to be guilty of ſuch an Act of
Inhumanity; and roſe up to be gone accordingly.
When my Maſter ſaw his Brother was going inz
good Earneſt, be calld him back, and promis’d
to Spare my Life; but aſſur'd him he would
puniſia me very ſeverely for my Contempt of bis
Orders. Deaan Sambo told him, He ſhould
ſubmit that to his own Diſcretion ; all he
begg’d of him was not to kill me. Uporz
this, by a ſecret. Sign, be advis'd me to kneel
down, and lick his Feet; which I readily com-
ply'd with, and ask'd bis Pardon. When I
got up, I kneeld down to Deaan Sambo of my
1127. own Accord, and lick'd his Feet as a Ter
timony of my. Gratitude, and Reſpect, for thus
ſaving my Life a ſecond Time.
As
( 80 )
, 'As ſoon as this Storm was blown over, i
was remanded to my for ner Poſt of Cow-
keeper. I had a great deal of Trouble fome-
times with theſe Cattle, for they are very un-
ruly; and notwithſtanding they are larger
Beaſts than any I ever ſaw elſewhere of the
Kind, they are ſo nimble, that they will leap
over high Fences like a Grey-hound. They
have an Excreſcence between their Shoulders,
ſomewhat like that of Camels, all Fat and
Fleſh ; ſome of which will weigh about three,
or fourſcore Pounds; they are alſo beauti-
fully colour'd ; ſome are ſtreak'd like a Ty-
ger ; others, like a Leopard, are mark'd with
various Spots. They do not give ſo much
Milk as our Cows in England, nor will they
ever ſuffer themſelves to be milk'd till their
Calves have firſt fuck'd; ſo that they keep one
Calf for every Cow all the Year, or till the
Cow is pregnant again; and they ſeldom miſs
a Seaſon. Here are alſo ſome Sheep with
large heavy Tails, like Turky Sheep; they
ar not wooly as ours, but more like a Goat's.
Here are alſo a ſmall Number of Goats, like
thoſe in other Countries. They bring up no
Hogs, thio' there are enough in the Country;
for they are ſo miſchievous to the Plantations,
that we are forc'd to ſet Traps to catch them;
but in this Country of Anterndroea No-body
eats them, except the very Refuſe of the
People.
WHILST I was peaceably tending my
Cattlc, and all Things ſeem'd perfectly quict,
and
[81]
.
and eaſy, the Scene of our Affairs was chang'd
at once by ſome ſudden News; and my Ma-
ſter was ſummond to War in good Earneſt.
It is a common Practice for Parties to
įtroll out, and ſurprize their Enemies by
Night, when leaſt they expect them : On
theſe Expeditions, 'tis cuſtomary for every
Man to carry a Piece of Meat in his Hand,
and when they have enter'd a Town in the
Dead of Night, they throw the Meat to the
Dogs, in Order to prevent their Barking.
When they are all got in, One fires a Mur-
quet, but makes no other Noiſe; the Inha-
bitants thereupon being alarm’d, and haſtily
creeping out of the Doors of their low Huts
in a ſtooping Poſture, are ſtabb’d with Lan-
ces: As to the Women and Children they
take them captive, and drive away with them
all the Cattle they can find, ſet the Town on
Fire, and return Home by private, unprac-
tis’d Ways. In this manner did my Maſter,
his Brother, and ſome Others belonging to
Deaan Crindo, enter ſeveral of the King of
Mefaughla's remote, and defenceleſs Towns;
whereupon, in order to retaliate the Indigo
nity offer'd him, the injur'd King muſter'd
up an Army of three thouſand Men, and en-
ter'd Anteriidroea, with a firm Refolution ei-
ther to fight the Deaan in the Field, or at-
tack him in his own Town, call's Fennos
arevo; and by Fire to lay it level with the
Ground : Accordingly he ſent a Meſſenger
to Deaan Crindo, to tell him that he ſhould
G
foon
[ 82 ]
foon feel the Weight of his juſt Refentmént.
To which he anſwer'd, He would not ſtir out
of the Town, but wait for him there ; and
defy'd bim to put his purpoſe in Execution.
Deaan Crindo, therefore, ſummon'd all his
People to his Affiſtance, and to be ready at
Hand in Fenno-arevo, or the adjacent Villa-
ges. He had four Sons who were Chiefs of
Towns, beſides Nephews, and Grandſons.
His Sons were Deaan Mundumber, Deaan
Frukey, Deaan Trodaughe, and Deaan Cha-
bary ; but Deaan Chahary was unfortunately
gone
with five hundred able Men to traffick
into Feraignber ; which is Auguſtine - Bay
Country.
'Tis a conſtant Cuſtom amongſt them in
Time of War to conceal their Wives, Chil-
dren, and Cattle in remote, and ſecret Pla-
ces in the Woods, that the Enemy, when
they plunder the Country, mayn't be able to
find them; but the Women and Children
are never with the Cattle, left their bellowing
ſhould diſcover them.
The Women, for
the moſt part, fecure themſelves, by trailing
a Bough after them as they go to their Re-
ceſs; which prevents their Tract from being
follow'd. Thus did my Maſter, and his
People ſecure their Wives, Children, and
Cattle : I was left with the latter ; for that
Reaſon am incapable of giving an exact Ac-
count of this War, knowing no more of it
than what was told me at their Return; which
in general was to the following Effect.
That
[ 83 1
That Dean Woozington, the King, and
bis Son Chemermaundy, with Ryopheck, his
Nephew, a gallant Man, who commanded the
Army of Merfaughla, enter'd the Country
without the leaſt Oppoſition; for Deaan Crindo
having receiv'd his menacing Melage, took
Care in the firſt place to ſecure the Families,
arid Cattle belonging to his people, and theri
drew up all his armed Men in the Town, re-
ſolving to wait for his Coming ; but Deaan
Mundumber, Frukey, and the vounger Chiefs, ,
had not Patience to hear of his paſſing without
Reſiſtance ; ſo they prevail'd on the King, tho'
againſt his Will, to let them
go out with two
thouſand Men, and obſtruct bis March. Deaan
Crindo, however, was reſolute, and would 1206
ftir out of the Town. This Army was con-
manded in Chief by Deaan Mundumber and
Frukey; who behav'd themſelves with great
Courage and Conduet, firſt ſending Word to
Deaan Woozington ; That they were come
by their Father's Command to give him a
ſuitable Reception into their Country; and
hoped he would not fail to meet thèm. To
which he anſwer'd, He would moſt affuredly
pay
them a Viſit, and make himſelf welcome;
and was as good as bis Word, They join'd
Battle, and Mundumber was oblig'd to re-
tire; which he did in good Order after a ſharp,
and obftinate Fight ; in which Deaan Woo-
zington's Son was dangerouſly wounded. Deaan-
Mundumber return'd to his Father with eight
bundred Men, and us'd his utmoſt Endeavours
G 2
ز
to
( 84 )
+
to prevail or him to ga out with his Forces,
and give Deaan Woozington Battle ; but the
old King perſiſted in his firſt Reſolution. So
Mundumber continu'd at Home with him, and
fortify'd the Town as well as the Time would
admit,
After this, Deaan Frukey and Trodaughe
made themſelves Maſters of a Paſs between tuo
Hills, and cut down ſeveral large Trees to de
fend them; by which Means they entirely ſtop'd
Desan Woozington's Progreſs, notwithſtand-
ing he attack'd them in the moſt vigorous
Man-
ner, and was as gallantly repulid : At laſt,
Ry-Opheck, by the Dire&tion of a Man, who
was well acquainted with the Country, got be-
bind them; and Deaan Woozington, at the
fame Time with Ry-Opheck, charg'd them a-
gain. Frukey, however, and his Brethren
were oblig'd to retire ; which they did with
great Reſolution ; even thorow Ry-Opheck's
Party. In this Action, Ry-Opheck, who was.
always in the hotteſt Place, with much Diff-
culiy efçapd.
Tbo Deaan Woozington at laſt arriv'd at
Fenno-arevo, and attack'd. it in a vigorous
Manner ; yet be was as bravely repuls'd :
Deaan Crindo, and bis Sons reſiſting till they
were over-power'd; and when their Enemies
were got within the Town, they even diſputed
every Inch of Ground; till 'Deaan Crindo
himſelf was obliged to cut down ſeveral Trees,
rebich are their Walls, to make a Way for
their Eſcape. He ſo much depended on his own
Cou
ܟܪ
ME
[85]
Courage
, and Conduet
, that he kept his Wife,
and Daughter in his own Houſe ; notwith-
ſtanding all the other Women and Children were
ſent away long before ; theſe unhappily fell in-
to the Hands of Deaan Woozington, and
were made his Captives. The Town was re-
duc'd to Aſhes, as ſoon as they had plunder'd it
of ſuch Trifles as their Treaſures confift in,
the principal of which are Beads ; theſe they
often conceal in Holes: So that there is nothing
to be got but Iron Shovels, Hoes, Earthen,
and Wooden Diſhes, Spoons, &c. fome Cattle,
indeed, they found, which were brought into
the Town for their neceſſary Subſiſtance during
the Siege ; and in ſuch caſes theſe Cattle live
well enough upon the Thatches of their Houſes:
They had alſo filld a great many Tubs with
Water.
Deaan Crindo was inconſolable for the Lofs
of bis Wife and Daughter, aud like a diſtrac-
ted Man; when bis Sous told him, if he would
now join them, as he ſhould have done at firſt,
they were get able to deal with Deaạn Woo-
zington. And accordingly they muſter'd all
their Forces into one Army, and made a Niim-
ber equal to their Enemies. Deaan Woozing-
ton baving 120 Intelligence of this, was de-
taching a thouſand Men to plunder the Coun-
try, and bring in all the Women, Children,
and Cattle they could find; which is their cona
ſtant Praetice after a compleat Vietory. Juſt
at this functure Deaan Crindo appear*d with
his potent Army, and, fent Meſſengers to ac-
quaint
G 3
1
( 86 )
quaint him, tbat be muft, either deliver up the
Queen and Princeſs
, with the other people and
Cattle he was polleſs’d of, or immediately de-
camp, and give them Battle.
Deaan Wood
zington, in Anfreer thereto, aſſur'd him, that
he had 10 Thoughts of detaining his Wife and
Daughter ; neither did he come for Slaves, or
Cattle, ke having Plenty of both; but fince
Deaan Crindo kad ſent him a Challenge, boaſt-
ing of his ſuperior Strength, and bidding De-
fiance to all the Kings on the Iſand, on Ac-
count of the Number of white Men that were
his Friends, he came to ſee them ; but as he
could find none, he hoped that the proud Deaan
Crindo was ſufficiently mortify'd ; so he was
ready to ſend him his Wife and Daughter again :
But as to the few Slaves and Cattle, which be
had taken, kis People ſhould detain them, to
make themſelves fome Compenſation for the Rob-
beries, which Mevarrow, and ſome others had
committed in his Country.
At laſt a Peace was concluded, and ſworn
to by the Generals on both Sides; with the uſual
Formality of killing an Ox, and eating à Piece
of the Liver from of the Point of a Lance
Each General wiſhing at the ſame time, that
Whoever firſt fir'd a Gun might dye upon
the. Spot. The Ceremony being over, publick
Rejoicings were made on oth Sides ; Deaan
Woozington return'd into his own Country,
and Deaan Crindo to rebuild his matter'd Town,
which was finiſk'd with the utmoſt Expedition,
and all his Chiefs with their Pcople repair'd to
their reſpcctive Homes.
As
Mit
;
[ 87 ]
Houſe, however, . was but a poor little Hut;
As soon as we were well ſettled again,
three Bors, who belong'd to ſome principal
Men of our Town, and myſelf, were ſent
ſome Miles off with about two hundred Head
of Cattle, to look after them, and provide
for ourſelves. There were not above five,
or fix of them, however, which gave Milk;
ſo that we were at ſhort. Allowance: If we
expected any other Diet, we muſt ſearch for
it in the Woods, and get it where, and when
we could find it, My Miſtreſs furnith'd me
with an carthen Pot to warm my Milk in, a
Callabaſh to drink out of, and a Mat to lye
upon. My Maſter gave me an Hatchet to
make Fences with, and a Lance to fight
with, if any Body came to ſteal my Cattle:
He alſo gave me a new Clout, to wear after
their Country-Faſhion, my old One being
worn out; the common People feldom wear
one broader than a Napkin: They call it a
Lamber, and ſo ſhall I for the future; the
Name of A-ſe-Clout ( by which our Engliſh
Seamen diſtinguiſh it by way of Deciſion )
being too vulgar an Expreſſion.
We drove our Cattle to the propos'd Place,
and the firſt Thing we employ'd ourſelves
about was the Erection of an Houſe, which
we compleated in about a Day, and an half.
We finiſh'd our Cow-pen next, and made a
ſmall one for the Calves, to keep them from
ſucking while we milk'd the Cows. Our
and but badly thatch'd; and it being the
G4
rainy
( 88 )
ܪ
.
rainy Seaſon , ( which is their Winter, and
ſometimes very cold ; ) we had but a very in-
different Lodging. We kept, indeed, a Fire,
and happy was he who could lye neareſt it
for we had no other Covering than our
Lambers, which we pulld off to lay over us.
Now I began to feel the Weight of my Sla-
very, being almoſt famiſh'd; for all the Food
we could get was a ſmall Fowl now and then,
which creeps upon the Ground; and which
we catch'd in Traps.
We liv'd in this melancholy Situation al-
moſt three Months, but at laſt wc form'da
Project for killing one of our Maſter's Beaſts,
and dreifing it in private. A great many
Schemes were offer'd, till at length I pro.
pos'd one, which was unanimouſly agreed
to; namely, to kill a Cow by ſtabbing her in
the side with a ſharp pointed Stick, and
make the Horn of another Cow, which be-
Iong'd to the ſame Man, all-over bloody. ;
that he might inagine the Misfortune came
by goring. But then a Debate aroſe, whoſe
Beaſt ſhould be kill'd; for every One was
unwilling that his Maſter ſhould be the Suf-
ferer. However, I ſoon determin'd that
Point, by drawing Lots with four Sticks ſhort-
ter then cach other; and I lo contriv'd it,
that I kept the longeſt in my Hand, and by
that Meancs ſecur'd iny Maſter's.
When the Job was done, away run the
Boy to inform his Maſter, that one Heifer
had kill'd another; he and his Family came
imma.
( 89 )
immediately upon thc News, and finding a
Cow with a bloody Horn, they all concluded
it was done by her. Tho' the Maſter was
fadly nettled at the Diſaſter, yet he ſoon cut
up the dead Beaſt, and gave us a good-large
Piece of it, beſides the Legs, and the In-
trails ; and then went Home again. Thus
far our Scheme ſucceeded to our Wiſh, but
our principal Aim was, under Colour of ha-
ving Meat given us by our Maſters, to dif-
patch another Heifer privately; and if any
Perſon happen'd to ſec us (as we were not
far from Strangers, tho' we were from our
own Homes ; ) and ask how we came by
our Beef, we could ſay Our Maſters gave it
But Succeſs made us too bold, for one
Day having kill'd a Beaſt that had ſtray'd
froin fome other People amongſt ours ; our
Mafiers came to ſee their Cattle, which they
found in the Cow-pens, but finding none of
us near them, they began to ſuspect us :
Whereupon they divided themſelves, and
made a more narrow Enquiry ; One of them
heard a Noiſe in the Wood, like the Felling
of Trees, where we were very buſy; and fol-
lowing the Sound, they ſoon ſmelt Roaft-
meat: In ſhort, our Maſters ſurpriz'd us,
and came at once amongſt us with their
Guns cock'd, crying out, Vonne terach con
boar; which in Engliſlı is, Kill the S012s of
Bitches..
The Reader may imagine we were fright-
ned to the laſt Degree, and expected nothing
115.
but,
[ 90.]
but immediate Death; and, indeed, it prov'd
almoſt fatal to the other three. They ask'd
us, Whole Beaſt it was? We anſwer'd, A
Strange One. They told us, however, that
the Crime was the fame; for if we had prac-
tis’d the Art of killing Cattle privately, they
were ſenſible that theirs mult fome Time,
or other, be our Prey, when no others of-
fer'd, and for that reaſon were reſolv'd to
puniſh us with the utmoſt Severity. Here-
upon each of my Comrades Maſters took his
Slave, and in an Inſtant caſtrated him. I,
not reliſhing that Sort of Puniſhment, fell
down at my Maſter's Feet, and endeavour'd
all I could to convince him that I had been
peculiarly careful of his Cattle ; and told
him moreover, that I would ſtand the Chance
of being kill'd, by ſubmitting myſeif to be
ſhot at, provided he ſtond at any reaſonable
Diſtance; or run any other Hazard he ſhould
think fit, rather than be depriv'd of my Man-
hood. My Propoſition was accepted, and
accordingly he took me out of the Wood,
and ty'd my Arms behind me round a Tree,
and plac'd himſelf at about fourſcore Yards;
then ſeeming to take good Aim at me, fir'd,
but miſs'd ine: Whether he did it on Pur-
poſe I can't ſay, but I preſume he did; ima-
gining the Terror was ſufficient, having ſeen
how ſeverely the others were punifh'd. They
went away, and told us, if ever they found
us at ſuch Pranks again, nothing ſhould ſave
us from immediate Death.
THEY
( 91
They were no ſooner gone from us, but
I began to reflect on the Injuſtice of our
Maſters, who, tho' they had Cattle of their
own, would frequently oblige us to go with
them on their thicviſh Expeditions; and yet
ſo ſeverely puniſh us for one poor Crime, to
ſatisfy our craving Appetites. However, af-
ter all, I was forc'd to be Doctor to my poor
Comrades in Diſtreſs, for their Maſters took
no Care of them; fo I warm'd fome Water,
and waſh'd off the Blood, and dreſs’d their
Wounds: I was alſo forc'd, while we re-.
main'd there, to look after all the Cattle, and
milk them too; for they were not perfectly
recover'd, when Orders were brought us to
return with our Cattle.
As my poor Com-
rades could ſcarce walk, I made the Meſſen-
ger, who came to us, aſſiſt me in driving
the Cattle home.
WHEN I came home, I was ſoon inform'd
that Deaan Tuley-Noro, King of Antenoſa,
had giv'n my Maſter all this Trouble, by
marching his People into Anterndroea, and
demanding Satisfaction of Deaan Crindo, for
the Murder of the white Men. Now, tho'
this was two Years and an half before ( for
ſo long I had been in the Country ) yet I
foon heard that Capt. Drummond, Capt.
Steward, Mr. Bembo and the reſt, who ef-
cap'd the Night before the Maſſacre, were
with him; and that there had not been, dua
ring all that Time, a Ship at Port-Dauphine,
for them to return in; but that notwithſtand-
ing
( 92 )
ing they liv'd free, and intirely at their own
Diſpoſal. This Deaan Tuley-Noro was King
Samuel, whom I mention'd before, and
whoſe Dominions werc on the other Side of
the River Manderra.
As ſoon as I got home, I was taken from
the Cattle, and two Men were order'd to
guard me, and ſee that I did not run away
to King Samuel. The next Day, we heard
the Antenoſa People were within ten Miles of
our Town, which put thein all-into a great
Hurry, and Confuſion. The Cattle were ſent
one Way, and the Women and Children a-
nother ; poor Robin, their white Slave, was
along with them but had his Hands ty'd be-
hind him. I had not been long there, before a
Meſſenger came to my Miſtreſs in great haſte,
with Order, To ſend me to my Maſter in the
Camp, for the white Men were to purchaſe me;
and propos'd to give touo Buccanere Guns as a
valuable Confideration. My Miſtreſs was loth
to part with me; I diſſembl'd as much as I
could, and fliew'd a ſeeming Reluctance at
parting, ſince I had been ſo long amongſt
them; tho' at the ſame Time I ſtruggled
hard to conceal my Joy. I kneelid down,
and lick'd her Feet, thanking her for all her
Favours, and away I went with the Meſſen-
ger, in great Hopes now, of ſeeing ſome of
my Country-men again, and getting a Paf-
ſage to England. But ſee how Fortune tan-
taliz'd me? It was twenty Miles, or there-
abouts to the Camp, where my Mafter was;
and
[ 93 ]
and it might be ſomewhat after Midnight
when we arriv'd there : My Maſter ſct a
Watch over me the remaining Part of the
Night, and made me ſwear I would never dil-
cover the Hiding-places of their Wives, and
Cattle ; which I readily comply'd with.
The next Morning King Samuel fent to
know if I was come, and deſir'd they would
permit an hundred Men to be ſent down
with me between the two Camps; and he
would ſend the like Number to meet them
with the two Buccanere Guns. This being
agreed to, Deaan Crindo order'd my Maſter
to go with the Party; and King Samuel ſee-
ing them approach, gave Directions for his
Men to meet them; among whom were Cap-
tain Drummond, and the reſt of the White
Men. When we came near one another,
Capt. Drummond, being glad to ſee me, callid
me by my Name; and ask'd me How I did?
My Maſter, thereupon, clapp'd his Hand up-
on my Mouth, and vow'd if I offer'd to
Speak he would kill me; ſo that I durſt not
return any Anſwer. Capt. Drummond find-
ing I made no Reply, imagin'd, as I ſuppoſe,
that I could not hear ; whereupon he, and
the white Men came nearer. My Maſter, on
their Approach, thought they came to take
me by Force, and cheat them of the two
Guns ; upon this, he order'd his Men to
fire at thêm: So that inſtead of a Parley,
and an Exchange of me for the two Guns, a
Skirmish enſu'd, and both Armics advanc'd
to
( 94 )
a
to ſupport each oiher's Party. I was im-
mediately ſent away under a ſtrong Guard to
the Woods, where I parted with my Miſtreſs
the Night before : So that this pleaſing Pro-
ſpect of Deliverance was nothing more than
a ſhort, tranſitory Dream of Liberty, which
immediately vaniſh'd ; and made me only
feel the Weight of Slavery much more ſen-
ſibly than before. Which Way I returned
back I cannot tell ; but ſure I am, I was in
ſuch a Diſorder of Mind as a condemn'd Cri-
minal is, when going to Execution : In
few Hours, however, I found myſelf in my
former Station ; my Legs in Parra-Pingo
( a Faſtening almoſt like Fetters ) for Fear
I ſhould run away: My old Companions
ſtood round about me, and my Miſtreſs, and
the Women were glad to ſee me again; but
I was in too melancholy a Mood to return
them any Compliments ; nor could they ex-
tract from me any Thing but Tears, and
Exclamations at my hard Fortune. I wiſh'd
for Death, and was very near being gratify'd
in my Deſire two Days after.
The next Day News came, that Deaan
Tuley Noro was returning back to his own
Country; he being ( as they ſaid ) oblig'd to
retire by Deaan Crindo, tho' the Antenoſa
Army was twice their Number. We were
alſo order'd to return Home, and I was re-
leas'd from Parra-Pingo, and ſet at Liberty ;
my Guard being alſo diſcharg’d.
.
THE
( 95 )
The Day following came Dedan Mevara
row, Deaan Sambo, and their little Army,
entring the Town with great Pomp and Gran-
deur, as if they had gain'd ſome extraordi-
nary Victory; tho' I heard of nothing but a
little Buſh fighting, and Ambuſcades. The
Deaan, however, ſat himſelf down with his
Brother, the other Chiefs, and the reſt, in the
uſual Form before his Houſe: My Miſtreſs,
according to Cuſtom, crept out to lick her
Hero's Feet; when ſhe had done, the reſt of
the Women perform'd the ſame Ceremony;
and after them the Slaves, among whom I
was One. As. I was getting up to depart,
he order'd me to ſtay ; I ſtood ſome Time
to hear him tell his Wife, how like a Coward
Deaan. Tuley-Noro behavd himſelf, tho’ he
had twice their Number of Men. After he
had told his Tale, he turn'd his Head, and
with an angry Countenance ask'd me, What
the white Men ſaid when they calld me? Sir,
ſaid I, They only ask'd me how I did? And
nothing elſe, ſaid he. I reply'd No Sir. At
this hc roſe up in a Rage, cock'd his Gun,
and put the Muzzle to my Breaſt; faying,
If I did not tell him the Truth he would ſhoot
me that Moment. I was not much daunted,
as I had little; or no Regard for my Life in
my
then melancholy Humour; ſo with little
Concern I repeated what I ſaid. At this he
pullid the Trigger, but Providence being
pleas'd to preſerve me for ſome other Purpoſe,
the Cock ſnapp'd, and miſs'd Fire. Whe-
ther
[96]
ther tlie Prime was wet in the Pan, or by
what other Miracle it was I eſcap'd his Fury;
I cannot ſay ; but that not ſucceeding to his
Wiſh, he took his Lance to ftab me; when
his Brother, and the reſt of his Chief Mcn
ran in between us; and told him, It was
cruel, and inhuman ; and that he had better
have kill'd me at firſt, than ſav'd me only to
terrify me with Death 012 every ſight Occa-
fion; there being no Realon at all for ſuch fe-
vere Treatment. With much Perfuafion he
return'd to his Seat, and told them, There
were juſt Grounds to ſuſpeet, the white Men had
formºd a Deſign to commit fome treacherous
Action; ſince they came nearer tkan they ought
to have done. And, indeed, their Fears pro-
ceeded from a natural Dread they have of
white Men, ten of whom will drive fifty
black Men before them. Beſides, Captain
Drummond, and the reſt being compleatly
arm'd with Piſtols in their Girdles, was an
additional Terror to them. What was the
true Reaſon of King Samuel's retiring I
know not ; but when this Broil was over,
my Curioſity led me to underſtand the whole
Affair ; which was thus related to me:
King Samuel's Intention was to have march'd
dire&tly to Fenno-arevo, and fall upon Deaan
Crindo before he could be provided for hiin:
His Way lay over a large Plain, calld Am-
bovo, leading to a great Wood; thorow which
they muſt alſo paſs. Deaan Crindo having more
timely Notice than they expected, laid an Am-
buſcade
4
[ 97 ]
buſcade in the Wood; King Samuel being lame
of the Gort, was carry'd on Mens Shoulders ;
they ſuffer'd him, and great Part of his Arniy
to en:er the Wood, and then gave the Signal :
Whereupon Deaan Crindo's Men aroſe, and at-
tack'd theni fo vigorouſly, and with ſo much Ad-
väntage, ( knowing the Wood, which the others
did not;) that King Samuel himſelf was in
Danger of being taken ; but was gallantly de-
·fended by the white Men, and others of his brda
veſt People. They were oblig'd, köiever, to
retire into the Plain, where they encamp’d;
as did Deaan Crindo's Prople cloſe by the Wood-
fide, and even in it; by that Meäns ſecuring
themſelves from the ſuperior Number of the Ana
teno ſa Arany, which, as they were inform’d,
conſiſted of hx thouſand Men. Here they came
to a Parley : King Samuel ſent one of his Chiefs
to acquaint Deaan Crindo, That he had 120 Iat-
tention to deprive hint either of his Cattle, or
his Slaves; but that as he had been brought zip
among white Men, all ſuch were his Friends;
and the look'd on himſelf oblig'd in Duty and
Honour, to demand ſome Satisfačtion of Deaan
Crindo, for the white Men be had to inhu-
manly ſacrific'd to his Referitment; and if there
were any yet alive, he deſir'd to have them; in
Order to ſend them to their native Country.
Deaan Crindo gave good Attention to the
Meſſenger, and then return'd ari Anſwer to
this Effect : That He wonder'd Deaan Tuley-
Noro ſhould concern himſelf with other People's
Affairs ; That as to the white Men who were
H
Jlip-
{_98-]
kip-wreck'd on bis. Coaft; be look!d upon.it,
That the Great God had ſent them there for
his Aſiſtance; and that, as he had a potent
Enenzy, and was conſcious of the white Mens
Courage, as well as ſuperior Skill in War; he
fhould
120t ſight the Help his Gods had ſent bin.
Accordingly be treated them with the utmoſt
Civility as Friends, and maintain'd them in
as handſome a Manner as his Country would
afford; they wanting for nothing he could pro-
cure then: And after all
, tho they had, in ſo
violent a Manner, ſeiz'd him, and Prince
Murnanzack, ayd made them Priſoners; he
would condeſcend fo far to Tuley-Noro to in-
form him. ( tho' under no Obligations to give
him an Account of his Actions, or frame any
Excuſes ; ) That neither he, nor Prince Mur-
nanzack were preſent, or any Ways aiding, or
abetting in their Deaths; but that A&tion was
done by ſome of bis Sons, and Nephews, to
řevenge the Indignity
. offer'd to himſelf, and
Prince Murnanzack. And to convince him,
he did not tell him this as a Plea, thro' a mean-
Spirited Fear ; ſince bis Sons thought fit to do
it, he would juſtify, and defend them in it; and
thought they did the white Men Juſtice. That
he knows but of one that was living out of four
Boys, who were fav’d.at that Time ; whom, úy
Inquiry, he finds to be in Deaan Mevarrow's
Hands; as to the other three, one dy'd by Sick-
nefs; the ſecond was kill'd by his Maſter for
bis Obſtinacy, and Perverſeneſs; and the third
ran away, or was loft; for No-body knew.what
WOS
( 99 1
was becomie of him : And as to him who was
living, he ſhould not have him, without paying
ſuch a Ranſom as his Maſter requird.
Now, by ſeveral Circumſtances; I am apo
to imagine, that this Anſwer might ſeem
highly reaſonable to King Samuel; and That,
in my opinion, prevaild more on him to
return to' Antenoja, than all the Force
my
Maſter boaſted of; or than all that Crindo's
Army was capable of performing.
They told me, however, that King $q-
muel, in his Anſwer hereto, excus'd the Vio-
lence the white Men offer?d to Deaan Grindo,
by aſſerting, That they did it only to ſecure
their Liberty; That they did not; nor ever in-
tended to hurt, or injure bim : However, as
there was no raiſing the dead to Life, if be
would ſend ſix hundred Head of Cattle; it spould
be deein d ă ſuficient Compenſation: As far-me,
he was ready, and willing to purchaſe fie; and
deſir'd to know what they demanded for any: Re-
demption. Deaan Crindo ſent: WardThat
with reſpect to me, they inhjted on two Bucc4-
: neer Guns; but' as to his Demand of lix buri.
dred Head of Cattle, he was not to have Laws,
or any arbitrary Commands impos’d op, bim by
any King whomſoever ; That if they wanted
Proviſion; he was ready to ſupply bim ; ! fogjit
should not be ſaid, that Deaan Tuley-Noro
r came to ſee him, and he would not give him, a
Dinner"; and for that Reaſon he hadsordex'd
bis People to preſent him with fix Oxen, and
: Bull.
ĶING
1
1
H 2
† 100']
I
you
€. King Samuel, as ſome would have it; re-
ſented this as an Affront, and would have at-
tack'd the Anterndroeans immediately upon
* it ;" but was diſſuaded by Capt. Drummond,
and the reſt, there being no Likelyhood of
any Engagement but Buſh-fighting; which
muſt be to the Advantage of the Antern-
(droeans in their own Country, who were in
Poſſeſſion of the Wood: So finding that no
other Terms would be agreeable, they ac-
- cépted of Deaan Crindo's Preſent, which his
-Men wanted, indeed, and went on in their
"Parley about me; the Succeſs whereof
have already ſeen. However,
*I muſt not paſs over a Piece of Superſti-
* tion practis'd here: There are a Sort of Peo.
ple in this Country, who pretend to a pro-
found Knowledge in the magical Virtue of
Roots, Trees, Plants, and other Products of
the like Nature; and of their power to per-
- form wondrous Things by Charms compos?d
of them. One of theſe Conjurers, or Umoj-
-fees (as the Natives call them ) prevailid on
Decan Crindo to take a certain Powder which
he gave him, and to ſtrip off a Piece. of the
Skin of the Tail of a white Bull; becauſe
Deään Tuley-Noro was a whitiſh Man, and
to clap tliis Powder upon the Wound; as alſo
Otomix ſome of it with Water, and give it to
the Bull to drink thereof, before it was given
to the Antenoſa Men. Now this was not done
in Order to make the Creature unwholeſome,
and by that Means to procure Deaths, or Dif-
eaſes
*
[ 101]
eaſes among their Enemies in the common
Way; but with a View to work fome Witch-
craft, or ſuper-natural Operation upon them.
Now it happen'd, that in two Months after
this King Samuel died: At that Time he was
very infirm, and had been ſo long before ;
which, with the Fatigue of this Journey,
might haſten his End. There was not want-
ing, however, People ſuperſtitious enough,
to think his Death was the Effect of this In-
cantation; tho' 'tis reaſonable to ſuppoſe he
eat none of the Bull, there being Oxen at the
ſame Time ; for theſe Negroes would make
Oxen no more than we white Men, were
they not ſenſible, that the Fleſh of them is,
in all reſpects, more grateful to the Taſte
than that of Bulls.
And ſince I have had an Opportunity of
ſaying thus much of King Samuel, I ſuppoſe,
my
Reader will be ſo curious as to enquire,
who this King with a Chriſtian Namę was ?
and what Reaſon ſhould induce him to affift
us, and revenge our Wrongs ? His living near
the Sea, and the immenſe Treaſure, he, and
his people amaſs’d together by trading with
tho Engliſh, may ſerve as a fufficient Motive
for the Friendſhip this King ſhew'd to our
People : And, indeed, they are Friends to
the Engliſh all over the Iſland, except in ſome
few Places far diſtant from the Sea.
King
Sanuel's Hiſtory, however, being very partia
cular, I ſhall here relate it as I had it at dif-
ferent Times from the Natives themſelves.
Whe-
H3
[ 102 ]
, ,
Whether any of the French Authors of Voy-
ages have wrote any Memoirs concerning
him I cannot poçtively affirm ; nor have I
had the opportunity of ſeeing their Hiſtories
of Madagaſcar, to compare them with my
Account I had of it, whether it be agreeable
to what others have ſaid, or not.
This part of the Country, to which the
French have given the Name of Port Dau-
phine, is callà, in the Madagaſcar Language,
Antenoſa. There came hither about ninety
Years ago two French Ships, on what Account
I cannot learn ; kowever they came to an An-
chor cloſe under the Land in a very good Hars
bour. The Captain obſerving that there were
Plenty of Cattle, and all Proviſons, as alſo a
very good Soil, determin’d that one of thene
Should ſtay here, and eſtabliſh a Settlement :
Hereupon they caſt Lots who jould continue
on the Iſland, and the Perſon on whom the
Lot fell was Captain Meſmerrico. [I muſt
here defire my Reader to obſerve, that this
is the Name, by which the Natives diſtin-
guiſh him; tho’in all Probability, as they are
unlearned, they may pronounce it very
in-
cörrectly : But beſides, as it is fome confi-
derable Time fince, and they have no Wri-
tings, or Records ; ſo confequently, they can
have no other Hiſtory than that of Tradi-
tion, froin Father to Son, and ſo on to ſuc-
ceeding Generations. ] This Captain Mef-
mérrico landed with two hundred white Meii,
well
[ 103]
was one.
well arm’d, and provided with Store of Am-
munition, and other Neceſaries for the building
of a Fort, which they imniediately began. No
fooner had the Natives obferv'd their Intention,
but they us’d their utmoſt Art and Induſtry to
prevent them : This created a War, in which
the French were the Vi&tors, who took at fe-
veral Times a great Number of Priſoners : 112
this War, the King of Antenoſa, and his Bro-
ther were killd; and amongſt many other Chil-
dren that were made Captives, the King's Son
When the French had ſuppreſs'd the
Natives, and compleated their Fort, the Ships
ſet Sail for France, and carry'd this young
Prince, and ſeveral Others of Diſtinction with
them.
In about a Year after this Expedition, the
Natives began to be better reconcil'd to the
French ; notwithſtanding they were ſecretly
diſguſted at the Indignity offer'd to their young
Prince, and could by no means reliſh the Go-
vernment, and Direction of Foreigners: How-
ever, the French, by their artful, and cun-
ning Deportment and Infinuations, gaind sa
much. Friendſhip amongſt them, that they
marry'd, and liv'd up and down in ſeveral
Towns, at fome Diſtance from each other ;
and not above five, or ſix in a Place. They
occaſionally aſiſted the Natives in their Wars
againſt a King, that reſides to the North-ward,
whom they defeated, took a great Number of
Slaves, and many Cattle.
In this manner
they liv'd for ſome Years with great Tranqui-
H
lity,
H 4
( 104 )
lity, negle&ting their Fort, and extending theme
felves all over the whole Country of An:enoſa:
But at laſt, as their Families grew numerous,
the Natives grew jealous ; and recollecting how
inhumanly they bad treated their Prince, and
perceiving them tkus ſcatter'd, and diſpers’d;
tbey thought this a favourable Opporiunity to
free themſelves from a Foreign Ťoke. Here-
upon they form'd a Conſpiracy to cut off all the
white Men in one Day; and the Wedneſday,
following it was put in Execution, not leaving
4 white Man alive in Antenofa.
Soon after a French Ship came there as
uſual: The Maurominters, or Slaves, who re-
tain'd a Reſpect for the French, got a Canoe,
and went off to them ; and inform'd them, that
their Country-men were all maſacred. The
Captain was ſtartled, and deeply concern'd at
this melancholy News, but could not revenge
their Cauſe; being glad to ſteer another Courſe,
without making the leaſt Attempt to go on
Shoar.
Having now No-body to interrupt them, they
put their Government into its Original Formi,
and made Choice of One for their King, wha
was the neareſt related to the former; there
being no other Son but him whom the French
took captive. Under this new King's Direction ,
they liv'd peaceably, and quietly for ſeveral
Years, no French Ship ever preſuming to come
near them; but now and then an Engliſh Ship
paid them a Vifit; and they traded in a very
fair, and honeſt manner with the Officers on
Board.
Some
[ 105 )
Some Years afterwards a French Ship,
komeward-bound from India, happen'd to be in .
great Diſtreſs for Want of Water and Provi-.
Fions, and could not compaſs the Cape. Port-
Dauphin lay very commodious for the Captain,
but he knew that the Natives were their im-
plaçable Enemies, neither was be ignorant of
the real Occaſion ; and therefore refolu'd to
make uſe of the following Stratagem. Under
a Pretence of being fent Ambaſador from the
French King, he went on Shear in great Pomp,
and with proper Attendants. The Ship lay at
Anchor as near the Shoar as poſſible, in Ordin
to be within Reach of their Guns, in Cafe any
Afts of Hoftility ſhould be ſbewon them. The
Natives, who came down to them, ask'd if they
were Engliſh, or French : They repli'd, The
Latter ; but they were ſent by expreſs Orders
from the French King with ſome valuable
Preſents, and were inclin'd to make a Treaty
of Peace. The King they had laſt cholen,
whom I mention'd before, died about a Ivontb
before their Arrival, and no new One was then
elected in his Stead; but the old Queen ( Mo-
ther of the Prince, whom they halt ſo clandef-
tinely convey'd away fome Years before; ) be-
ing then alive, gave Directions that the Ain-
baſſador ſhould be conducted to her Houſe. His
Men carry'd a great many Things of no great
Value amongſt them ;, but ſuch, however, as
they knew would be highly agreeable in this
Country. Theſe were formally preſented in the
Name of the French King, and the Queen teſti-
fy'd
] 106 ]
3
fy'd ber Satisfaction in the Reception of them
by entertaining the Captain in the moſt elegant
Kanner ſhe could deviſe. This Day pafid in
Compliments, mutual Preſents, and ſuch other
Ceremonies, as were conſiſtent with their Ideas
of publick Grandeur; the next Day Moe ſent
for the Captain, and inform'd him, that ſhe
expected his Men, as well as himſelf, should
take the Oaths according to the Cuſtom of ber
Country.
The Captain having readily agreed to her
Propoſition, the Ceremony was perform'd after
the following Manner : The holy Owley, of
which we have already given ſome Account,
was brought out, and hung upon a piece of
.
Wood laid cross-wiſe on two Forks, all which.
were cut down on this folemn Occaſion; as was
alſo a long Pole, to which a Bullock was faſt-
ned: This was provided by the Queen, and
when kill'd, they took part of the Tail
, and
ſome of the Hair of the Noſe and Eye-brows,
and put them on ſome live Coals that were un-
der the Owley ; they then took ſome of the
Blood, which they ſprinkled upon it, and upon
the Beam whereon it hung ; the Liver alſo was
roaſted, and a Piece plac'd on it; two other
Pieces were put on two Lances, which were
ſtuck in the Ground betwixt the Queen and the
Ambaſador ; the Queen ſwore firſt to this, or
the like Effeet.
ز
Swear by the Great God Above, by the
Four Gods of the Four Quarters of the.
World,
( 107 )
World, by the Spirits of my Före-fithers,
and before this holy Owley; that neither I,
nor any of my Off-ſpring, nor any of my
People, who aſſiſt at this
Solemnity, or their
Iſſue, ſhall, or will wittingly, or willingly,
kill any French-man, unleſs he proves the
firſt Aggreſſor : And if We, or any of Us,
mean any other than the plain, and honeſt
Truth by This Proteſtation, may this Liver,
which I now eat, be converted into Poiſon,
and deſtroy me on the Spot.
Having repeated this Forn of Words, she
took the Piece of Liver off the Lance, and cat
it; and when ſhe had done, the Shan-Ambaf-
fador did the ſame..
The Captain, or Quondam Ambaſador,
ſtay'd on Shoar about three, or four Days after
this folemn Contract, and ſent on Board what
Provifon his People wanted. A firm Friind-
ship being now eſtabliſh'd between them; they
Atrove who Njould outvie the other in the Arts
of Courteſy, änd Complaiſance. The Captain
invited the Queen to go on Board his Vefjel,
and me very readily went with ſeveral of the
Chief of her People; who were treated by the
Captain with great Magnificence, and to her
intire Satisfa&tion. She return'd on Shoar in
the Ship’s Boat, and ſtood looking about her for
fome Time after ſhe was landed. The French-
men, not regarding the Preſence of the Black
Queen, Stripp’d, and ſwam about to waſh, and
cool themſelves; the Queen, obſerving the White-
nes
[ 108 ]
nefs of their Skins, indulg'd ber Curioſity in
looking on them : At laſt, perceiving one Man,
whoſe Skin was much darker than the reſt of
his Companions, as be came toward the Shoar,
and was going to put on his Cloaths, flve elpy'd
particular Mole under bis left Breaſt; me
went to bim immediately, and looking more
wiſhfully on it, would not permit him to put
on his Shirt; but claimed bin as ber Son,
who had been carried away, when a Child,
many years before; and had not Patience to
contain berſelf, but ran to him (crying for Icy
that ſie bad found her Son) threw her Arms
about his Neck, and almoſt ſtifled him with
Kiſſes. This ſurpriz'd all the People, as well
Blacks as Whites, till baving recover'd herſelf
a little, me turn'd to them, and told them,
This was her Son ; and Mew'd them the prin
vate Mark. They who had known the young
Prince, drew near, view'd the Mole, and ac-
quieſc'd with her, that it muſt be he, and no
other. The French-men could not tell what
to miake of this odd Diſcovery, nor what might
be the fatal Conſequences that might poſibly.
attend it.
The Captain, therefore, taking the Man
afide, ndvis'd him to give as artful Anſwers
as he could to what Queſtions they ſhould aſk
bim for their Safety's fake: Now there were
Jeveral Blacks wło spoke French, and by their
Means the French-men as (0011 underſtood the
Queen as they did. She deſired they would alk
bin, if he knew the Country he was born in?
He
+
t 109 1
He anſwer'd, He could remember nothing
of it, for he, was carrry'd from his Native
Place when a Child. She aſk'd him, If he
knew her? He ſaid, He could not pretend to
ſay abſolutely that he did; but he thought
the bore a great Reſemblance to ſomebody
he was much us'd to when young.
This confirm’d them more and more in their
Opinion: As to his being white-skin'd, they
thought that might eaſily be from his wearing
Cloaths, during the Time be was abſent from
home; bis Hair was as black as theirs, ſo that
it was concluded it muſt be their Prince. The
Old Queen was tranſported with you at finding
her Son, and the Natives were for chuſing bin
their King directly; be being the next Heir.
They aſk'd what was his Name. He told them,
He never remember'd that he was call'd by
any other Name, than that of Samuel : But
they gave him what, they thought, was his Ori-
ginal Name, compounded with Tuley; which
denoted His Return, or Arrival : So they call'd
him Deaan Tuley-Noro, [ Deaan, it inay
be obſeru'd, is an univerſal Title of Honour,
and ſignifies Lord ;] and he was alſo further
--Saluted immediately with the Title of Panzac-
ker (that is, King ) of Antenoſa.
The Captain, and other French-men were
Jurpriz'd to find the Man play bff Part ſo dex-
terouſly; not perceiving at firſt that he was in
Earneſt, and was as fond of being their King,
as they were of Electing him; tho it was in
ſo beatheniſh a Place. He bad bere twelve
thou- &
[ 10 ]
floüfand-figbting Mei immediately under his
Command; and a fine, Spacious, and plentiful
Country to live in at bis Pleaſure. The Ship’s
Crew ſaild away; and left bim behind theni;
lut as often as the French had. Occaſion for
what this iſand afforded, they made it a con-
jtont Practice to put into Port-Dauphine, and
trafick with bim.
Alqut three, or four Years before we were
caft away, a French Ship happening to be
there, ſome of the Men got drunk on Shoar;
and in a Quarrel with ſome of the Natives,
told them, tkat King Samuel was not their
lawju! Prince; but that he was fiill reſident
in France. This might have proud of very
fatal Conſequence to lim, but he took fučh Care
to prevent it as no one could juſtly blame bim
for : He ſent for the Man who made this pub-
lick Declaration, and order'd kin to be ſhotsto
Diath ; he commanded likewiſe his Compa-
nions to depart forthwith, and afur'd them,
That if ever they, or any of their Country-
men preſum'd to come within his Territories
again, they faculd feel the Weight of his Re-
Jentment. And our Man, who advis:d us
from putting into Port-Dauphine, being in-
form'd of this laſt Adventure, made him ſay,
He was barbaroiss to all white People : But
he had heard the Story imperfeály, and
from thence aroſe the Miſtake which provid
fo fatal to us.
By this Conference betwen Dcaan Crindo
and King Samuel, I came to the Knowledge
of
[11]
of what happen'd to the white Boys, who
were my Fellow-Captives; at leaſt, ſo far
as the Natives knew themſelves: As alſo, that
the Prince, whoin we ſeiz'd, and made Pri-
foner with Deaan Crindo, their King, was
not, properly ſpeaking, his Son; but Deaan
Murnanzack, his Nephew; whoſe Right
Deqan Crindo had uſurp'd, as we find in the
Şequel of this Story: But a Word in their
Language ſignifying-of-ſpring, and compre-
hending as well Grandſons and Nephews as
Sons, was the cauſe of our Miſtake. But.
To return to my own Hiſtory: The Con-
. teſt between my Maſter and me being pretty
well over, throʻ the Interceſſion of Deaan
Sambo, and the other Chiefs, he order'd me
to go, and work in the Plantations; and
told me with a ſtern Countenance, that If I
hoed the Carravances and Weeds together, as I
did before, he would hoe 11y St-nes out. I went
away very well ſatisfy'd, not caring where I
was ſent, ſo it was but out of his Sight; for
he now became more my Averſion than ever. .
Our Plantation was near five Miles from
Home, and he ſeldom came above once in a
Month to viſit us. As to my Maintenance,
or that of the reſt of his Slaves, we muſt
provide for ourſelves, or ſtarve; for he never
concern'd himſelf about us.
However, each
Man had as much Land as he thought pro-
per to cultivate for his own Uſe; and one
Day in a Week without Controul. When I
- firſt came there, I thought I muſt have
ſtarv'd;
[112
"tarv'd; I was obliged on Moon-light Nights,
after I had done my Taſk, to go into the
Woods, and hunt out for wild Yams for
niy
Suſtenance, and too often I found no more
than was ſufficient for one Meal; which,
however, I was forc'd to husband to the best
Advantage.
My Fellow-Slaves were, indeed, as cour-
teous to me as I could well-expect; and ás
they had Plantations of their own, they gave
me Carravances, and ſuch other Victuals ás
they had; eſpecially on dark Nights, and at
fuch Times as I could not ſhift for myſelf. I
work'd ſometimes two Nights in a Week, in
cleaning, and burning down the Weeds, and
o:her Things off the Spot of Ground I had
allotted for my own Plantation; the beſt
Root, however, that I could plant to produce
myſelf Food in a ſhort Time, was Potatoes.
I liv'd this miſerable Plight for near three
Months ſucceſſively, and it was a Year beforc
I was well ſetti’d, and could ſay I had Plenty.
Honey is one of the moſt profitable, ás
well as moſt uſeful Things this Country pro-
duces; and they may have it in Plenty, if
they will but take proper Care. There's
litte Trouble in the Management of Bees,
which are here very numerous; they will
readily come to their Hives, or Tohokes, ás
the Natives call them; and I took a particu-
lar Delight in making them: They are Part
of the Body of a Tree, call's Fontuoletch;
which is firſt cut off about a Yard long, and
then
1
.
1
[ 113 )
then ſplit right down : After we have dug.
out the Middle with our Hatchets ( in which
Operation we are not over nice ) we bind the
two Parts together in their natural Poſition,
ſo that the Hive is a hollow Cylinder ; we
leave a Hole at the Bottom, for the Bees to
enter: And this is all the Care that need be
taken.
I Had a large Stock of theſe Hives; but
my Neighbours too often plunder'd them:
Once however I catch'd a young Fellow;
and about three, or four Days after, I went
to his Father, to demand Satisfaction for the
Honey he ſtole, and the Deſtruction of iny
Hives. The old Man made very few Words
with me; but gave me two Hatchets
, a Hoe,
and ten Strings of Beads. I was very well
fatisfy'd with this Compenſation, and 'look'd
upon myſelf as no inconſiderable Perſon. But
ſoon after, I found out a ſure Method to
preſerve my Honey ; the Relation whereof
will give the Reader an adequate Idea of al-
moſt the only Superſtition, to which theſe
People are addicted.
I Have made mention before of the Umof-
ſees, who pretend to be Magicians, Sorcerers,
and Fortune-tellers. One of theſe was on his
Travels from Antenoſa into our Country,
and took up his Lodgings at my Maſter's
Town; my Maſter had been that Day in
the Woods to viſit his Bee-hives, and per-
ceiv'd ſeveral of them robb'd of their Store:
He return'd before Night in a very great
1
Paf-
( 114 ]
Paffion, and threaten'd to ſhoot the Perfon
that was found ſtealing his Honey; let him
be who he would. This Umoljee coming to
pay his Reſpects to him juſt at that Time,
and hearing his Complaint, told him, he
could give him a Secret, or Charm, that
would effectually prevent his Honey from
being ſtolen ; but he was afraid to communi-
cate it, becauſe it would infallibly kill the
Perſon, who ſhould but taſte of it. Deaan
Mevarrow reply'd, be did not care if they
were all killd. Hereupon, it was agreed,
that the Umoſfee ſhould have two Cows, and
two Calves, in Caſe his Project prov'd effec-
tual, and ſhould ſtay to ſee the deſir'd Succeſs.
Accordingly the next Morning he went
into the Woods, and ſingled out a Tree,
which the Natives call Roe-bouche ; we have
none like it in England, nor is it very mate-
rial; for any Tree would have done his
Buſineſs, I prefume, as well. He went to
the Eaſtward of this Tree, and dug up a
Piece of its Root, and then turn'd to the
Weſtward, and dug up another Piece; after
this, he took the Eaſtern Root, and order'd
Deaan Mevarrow to rub it on a Stone with
a little Water, and ſprinkle the Water among
the Bees, and the Honey-combs in the Hives;
and If any one ( ſaid he ) mall ſteal the Honey,
and eat the leaſt Morſel of it, in a Quarter of
a Day (for they reckon not by Hours as we do,)
they will fwell, and break out in Spots, like a
Leopard from Head to Foot; and in three
Days
( 115 )
Days they will dye. Deaan Mevarrow was
highly pleas'd at this Diſcovery, and ſaid,
How mall I do, when I want to make uſe of
my Honey for myſelf and Family. The Ümoj-
ſée reply'd, The Remedy is here in my Hand,
which is no other than a Root of the fame Tree,
.but dug to the Weſtward ; and when
you
take
your Honey, rub a little of this upon another
Stone with Water, and ſprinkle the Hives:
This being done, your Eaſtern Root will have
no Power. But if any One has ſtole your
Honey, and feels the bad Effects of it, and you
are inclin'd to be merciful, and ſave his Life,
give bim a ſmall Quantity of this Weſtern
Root; which he callid Vauhovalumy, or Root
of Life; and it will take down all the Swelling';
the Spots will all vaniſh, and the Perſon be re-
tor'd to his former State of Health.
ALL this was mighty well, but the prin-
cipal Point was to try the Virtues of it; and
ſee if it would anſwer all theſe fine Purpoſes
of the Umoſſee, which Denan Mevarrow was
fomewhat doubtful of, tho' very eager to
know; and therefore, having ſprinkled his
Hives with the Eaſtern Root according to
Directions, he propos'd it to ſeveral to make
the Experiment, and he would give them
an Ox as a Reward; but No-body would
venture: Whereupon he order'd it to be pub-
"liſh'd about the Country, and by this Mcans
I came to hear of it. Now I had obſerva
before the Simplicity of the People on theſe
Occaſions; and plainly perceiv'd, that theſe
1
I 2
art-
[ 116")
artful Umoſſees took the Advantage of their
Ignorance, to cheat, and impoſe upon them :
I was very ſenſible, there was nothing more
in all this; and that it had alrcady met with
the Effect deſir'd, by ſtriking Terror into the
People; and having a conſiderable Quantity
of Honey myſelf, I imagin’d, if I gave out,
that I had the Secret, it would alſo preſerve
mine. I ſent Word, therefore, to my Maſter,
that I would oblige him, if he would com-
municate the Secret to me, in Cafe I ſurviv'd
the Experiment. He not only ſent for me
immediately, and agreed to my Propoſal;
but made me a Promiſe of a conſiderable
Reward beſides.
I went accordingly with my Maſter, and
ſeveral others to the Hive, which was ſprin-
kled, as they call it, with the Poiſon; and
ſwallow'd the Honey down by Handfuls be-
fore them, aſking them at the fame Time,
If they would eat fome with me? They would
not touch it, they ſaid, for ten thouſand Cattle;
making ſeveral Grimaces in the mean Time,
and expecting every Moment fome diſmai
Calamity would befall me for my Preſump-
tion. When I had filld my Belly, my Maf-
ter would have me Home with him, in Order
to have the Cure at Hand, but I choſe rather
to ſtay with my Comrades; by which Means
I had Time to contrive ſome Way to deceive
them. As Fortune would have it, being in
the Fields, I ſaw at ſome. Diſtance, a Calf
ſucking a Cow; and No-body being in Sight,
I
[ 117 )
J
I ty'd up the Calf with my Lamber, and
milk'd the Cow into my Mouth as long as
ever I could: This, and the Honey together,
had the deſir'd Effect; for it began to ſwell
me immediately, and rumbled in my Belly
fo loud, that it might be heard. Away went
I to my Comrades, who perceiving my. Belly
fwell'd, and hearing the unuſual Noiſe, ad-
vis'd me to run Home; and cry'd.out, I was
poiſon'd. I pretended to ſtep behind a Hedge
on ſome private Occaſion, but it was only to
whip myſelf with ſome Nettles; the Pimples
and Redneſs rais'd from this. Stratagem, ter-
rify'd them ſtill more, and more ; for there
.appear'd on me all the Symptoms of Poiſon,
which the Umoſfee had before deſcrib'd; and
to crown the Deceit, you may be ſure, I did
not fail to complain, and cry out moſt hear-
.tily; thereupon ſome ran before me, and
others help'd me Home.
My Maſter, before I came, had prepar'd
the Water with the Vaubovalumy, or Root
of Life; the People, terrify'd at the Danger
I was in, flock'd round the Houſe; ſome
pitied me, and ſtood aſtoniſhed at the pro-
found Learning of the Umojee; who did not
himſelf perceive the Cheat. Well, I drank
the Medicine, and after repoſing myſelf for
three, or four Hours, all the Tokens of Dan-
ger diſappear'd, and I was well: The Vnu-
hovalumy was look'd upon as a ſovereign
Medicine, and the Umoffee as a very great, and
wiſe Man; who did not a little value him-
ſelf
.
I 3
[ 118 ]
ſelf upon the Succeſs of his Secret; repenting
that he had parted with it at fo cheap a Rate;
ſaying, He would have twenty Cows for it of
the next that wanted it. Deáan Mevărrow,
as a Gratification, bid him chuſe any two
Cows, and two Calves out of all his Cattlc
in the Cow-pen, which he did accordingly,
and departed. My Maſter, on my Promiſe
of Secrecy, diſcover'd both the Roots to me;
and ſhew'd me not only how to find them,
but how to uſe them to the beſt Advantage;
for the Pain, he imagin'd, I had ſuffer'd,
and the Hazard I underwent, he preſented
me with a Cow, and a Calf; I then thought
I had ſpent my Time to a very good Purpoſe.
WHEN I return'd to my Plantation, my
Neighbours, and Fellow-Slaves having ob-
ſerv'd the ſudden, and terrible Effects of this
Poiſon, begg'd of me to put a Mark upon
all my ;
Hives; that when they went out a
Honey-Stealing, they might not be kill'd; by
cating any of mine. This was the very Thing
I aim'd at, and accordingly I put a white
Stick before every Hive; and never loſt my
Honey afterwards. No-body would go near
my Hives, for Fear my Bees ſhould ſting
them, and the Wounds ſhould prove of mode
dangerous Conſequence than thoſe of others.
HAVING now a Cow, and a Calf, I had
Milk of my own, and was as rich as my
Fellow-Slaves; beſides the Advantage I made
of
my Honey, by ſelling forty, or fifty Gal-
lons a Year for Hatchets, Beads, &c. to thoſe
who
[ 119 ]
who make Toake with it; more eſpecially
againſt their Circumciſion, and other ſolemn
Feſtivals.
I liv'd in this manner about three Years,
which, with the two Years, and an half,
had ſpent before, made up almoſt an Appren-
ticeſhip in this Country: One Day my Maf-
ter came to ſurvey, our Work, and taking
peculiar Notice of the Method I obſerv'd, he
told me I muſt go Home with him, and
keep his Cattle, which were near the Town.
This Employment was not near fo laborious
as digging, and cultivating his Plantation;
however, I was pretty well improv'd; but
as he provided for me now, and my Honey
was ſafe, I was not much concern'd at my
Removal: So away I went, driving my own
Cattle, which were confiderably encreas'd,
having two Heifers, beſides my Cow and
Calf. My Houſhold-Furniture too was not
fo cumberſome, but I was able to carry it
all away at once; yet I was as rich, and had
as much as other People in my mean Station;
and much more than many of them.
In leſs than two Days I built me an Houſe,
and a Cow-pen for my Cattle. Now was I
in my former Situation, and looking after
my Maſter's Cattle; the hardeſt of my La-
bour was ( as I obſerv'd before ) the bring-
ing Home every other Night, either a Tub,
or a Callabalhº four, or five Miles full of
Water ; but conſidering I was a Slave, I
liv'd in as much Eaſe as I could reaſonably
cxpect.
I
I 4
( 120 )
I had not continu'd long in this laſt sia-
tion, before a general Calamity reduc'd us
to the moſt deplorable Circumſtances: The
Epidemical Evil of this Iſland is, Their Fre-
quent Animofities, and Open Quarrels with
one another ; which is the principal Reaſon,
why ſuch Numbers of them are ſold to the
Europeans for Slaves. This is a dangerous,
and 'deſtructive Misfortune to a People,
otherwiſe good-natur'd, and well-diípos’d;
who have wholeſome Laws for the Detei-
mination of all Diſputes, and the Puniſhment
of all Crimes; of which I ſhall give an Ac-
count in a more proper Place: But what I
have to obſerve here is, That the ſovereigni
Prince of any Country has feldom Force
ſufficient to oblige the leſſer Chiefs in his
Dominions to anſwer, in a judicial Way,
to the Wrongs they do each Other ; or the
Miſtakes, and Errors, which they caſually
commit; but they fight it out, making Slaves
of, impoveriſhing, and deſtroying one an-
other, after the Manner I am now going to
relate, in which I myſelf was a ſevere Suf-
ferer.
All Things appear'd in a State of Peace
and Tranquility: No Foreign Eriemy for a
long Time inóleſted us. But what I took
particular Notice of when firſt-à Slave, was
my Maſter's, and others clandeſtinely driving
away their Neighbour's Cattle, and their
Neighbours equally guilty of the ſame Prac-
tice: So that it was a very difficult Point to
deter-
1
[ 121 ]
determine, who was the Aggreſſor in the
preſent Quarrel. But one' Day, as I, and
Come others went about five, or ſix Miles to
water our Cattle;' having two Men arm'd
with Guns to guard'usaccording to Cuſto:n; it
happen'd in our Return Home, that notwith-
ſtanding the greater Number of thein went
on ſlowly, grazing as they paſs'd along, ſome
of the Milch-Cows wanting to be ſuck'd by
their Calves, ran homewards before the reſt.
The Man, knowing me to be very active,
and nimble, deſir'd me to run forwards, and
ſtop thein, in order to keep them in a Body;
but they being got at a great Diſtance, it was
ſome Time before I could turn them. When
I wheel'd about, I was ſurpriz'd to ſee one
of our Men ſhooting amongſt a Body of Men,
who were driving the Cattle another Way;
and running from them towards me; they
foon eſpy'd us, and our Cattle, and ran after
us. Hereupon I quitted my Poſt, and fled
as faſt as I could Home to my Maſter, and
was the firſt Meſſenger to relate our Diſaſter.
I puff'd, and blow'd, being frighten'd, and
out of Breath, and in imperfect Exclamations
I told him, that an Army had ſeiz'd our
Cattle; and that one of our Men, named
Roynfowra, had fir’d, and kill'd Some-body;
but I could not inform him who the Enemy
were, nor on what Account they thus atack'd
us. While my Maſter, and ſome others were
diſcourſing with me, in came two, or three
more; who inform’d them, that Deaan Cha-
bary,
[ 122 ]
1
bary, and his Brother Deaan Frukey, two
of Deaan Crindo's Sons, were the Parties con-
cern'd: Our Maſter, it ſeems, had been found
guilty of ſtealing three of Deaan Frukey's
Cattle ; and this they did by Way of Reta-
liation. All was in an Uproar, and Confuſion
at once: Each Man took up. his Arms in a
Hurry: Deaan Mevarrow order'd them to
follow him, which they were as much in-
clin'd to do, as he was to lead them; for the
Loſs was general. All the Milch Cows, and
Home-kept Cattle were gone, and now away
went all the Men in Purſuit of them ; except
ſuch as were old, and infirm. Amongſt
others, I was demoliſh'd, having loſt my
Cow, and my two Heifers; my Calf indeed,
was left at Home, lowing for its Dam, as
did every Body's elſe; between which Voci-
ferations, and the Outcries of the Women
and Children, there was a moſt confuſed,
and hideous Uproar,
Deaan Frukey, who then was (or at leaſt,
pretended to be ) the injured Perſon, liv'd
within two, or three Miles of our Watering-
place; but they drove our Cattle more to the
Northward, to Deaan Chahary's Town; which
was better fortify’d, and much more capable
of ſuſtaining the Affault; which, they juſtly
imagin'd, we ſhould make againſt it. Tho'
our People were highly provok'd, and very
expeditious, yet they follow'd them with all
the Circumſpection immaginable; having
Spies who ran ſoftly before, by whom they
found
[ 123 )
found their Enemies were enter'd' the Town
with their Booty. Our People, not being
provided with Strength ſufficient, and having
no Time to call in their Neighbours to their
Aſſiſtance, did not attempt to aſſault Diaan
Chabary's Town; but turn'd off without
being ſuſpected, and went about five Miles
further; where they kept their breeding Cat-
tle. As it was now late in the Night, they
took them all without any Oppoſition, the
few Keepers they had being at a Diſtance,
and faſt alleep; ſo that they drove away the
Beaſts without any Noiſe, and made their
Way homewards as faſt as poſſible. We
look'd out all the Morning, expecting every
Minute they would return; and at length
we eſpy'd them with a vaſt Drove of Cattle,
containing as many at leaſt, if not more than
our own; being above five hundred. All of
us imagin'd, they had recover'd their own;
and for my own part, I was thinking, how I
ſhould kiſs my Cow for Joy of ſeeing her aa
gain; but too ſoon we perceiv'd they were
Strangers, and as I was not with them, I had
no Share of the Booty.
My Maſter, and ſeveral Others, after they
had divided them, kill'd ſome of the Oxen;
a jovial Feaſt was made immediately, and our
People fent-me part of the Banquet. The
Day following my Maſter diſpatch'd me to
look after the Cattle as before ; whilſt hc
went to repair fome Breaches in his Town-
Walls, by putting in ſeveral Poles, which
were
1
[ 124 ]
were cut down for that Purpoſe, and made
Preparations for a War. He had not Pa-
tience, however, to ſtay at Home, and ſee
whether his Enemies would come to create
him any new Diſturbance; tho' he might be
very well fatisfy'd with the Reprizals he
had made on then, ſince he had taken away
more than he had loſt : However, in two,
or three Days Time after, he was reſolutely
bent to ſurprize his Enemies Town by Night,
tho' he left his own unguarded ; and met
with ſuch Succeſs, as ſo precipitate a Conduct
juftly deſerv'd : For the very next Morning
after their Expedition, as I, and Others were
watering our Cattle, and looking carefully
after them, left they ſhould run to their own
Home, which was conſiderably nearer to the
Watering-place than our Town; about twen-
ty Men ruſh'd out of a Thicket of Buſhes,
and Icap'd upon us like ſo many Tigers on
their Prcy. However, I, and three, or four
-more Boys had: Time to ſtart out of their
Clutches, and fly for it; but they ſoon over-
took the reſt, carrying them back, and all
the Cattle, and the other Slaves that were
with them ; while ſome follow'd ime, hol-
lowing out, and menacing to kill me if I did
not ſtop, and ſurrender myſelf their Captive:
Thereupon I turn'd about, and perceiving I
had gain'd Ground of them, I ran directly
forwards for a Mile and half at leaſt, before
I came to any proper Shelter. At length, I
came to a Wood, with which I was well
ac-
( 125 )
ting
acquainted, where I foon loſt them: They
return'd back to their Companions, and went
off with their Priſoners and Cattle. Per-
ceiving them gone I haſten'd home ; when
I enter'd the Town, the Women immedi-
ately flock'd round about me ; for they faw
by my Countenance, and the Confuſion I was
in, that ſome Misfortune had attended our
Party. I ſoon acquainted them with the Loſs
we had ſuſtain'd, and they as ſoon reflected
on their Huſbands ill Conduct; who, to gra-
tify the Dictates of a blind Paffion, and to
avenge themſelves on their Enemies, would
leave all that was valuable to themſelves un-
guarded to become their Prey ; for they
might be very well affur'd, that they had
Spies out to give Notice of every Opportu-
nity, which might tend to their Advantage.
Deaan Mevarrow return'd about Evening,
when, for his Welcome home, the News of
this Morning's Expedition was related to him.
I alſo underſtood the Project they went upon
had prov'd fruitleſs, and ineffectual; for tho'
they arriv'd at their Enemies Town an Hour
before Day-light, yet ſo cautious, and vigi-
lant were they, in ſending out their Spies all
Ways both Night and Day; that they diſco-
verd our People, and aların'd the Towns-
folks ; who came out, and met them. And
all that was done, as I could hear, was only
a Tongue-battle, and Vollies of opprobrious
Language. Deaan Mevarrow, indeed, fir'd
at them at a Diſtance, which they return'd;
but
( 126 )
1
but no Execution was done on either Side.
A Kinſman coming ſoon after Day-light to
Deaan Frukey's Aſſiſtance, Deaan Mevarrow
thought it moſt adviſable to withdraw; but
not without telling them, If his Kinſman,
and his people had not come in to his Aſiſtance,
he would bave had all his Cattle again in a
few Hours. To this they reply'd, That they
would not only keep the Cattle they had of his,
but that their own, which had been lately car-
ry'd away by Surprize, were by this Time in
their own Hands again, as he would find at his
Return : And what they aſſerted indeed,
prov'd too true: At this he was heartily net-
tled. We had kill'd, however, a conſidera-
ble Number of them firſt, and ſtock'd our-
ſelves with Proviſions. He yow'd to be re-
veng'd on his Uncles, and accordingly made
Preparations for another Enterprize, which
was enter'd upon in three Days after. He
aſk'd me, If I was willing to inake one of the
Party? I very readily embrac'd his Offer,
for there was Safety no where now; and be-
ing at Home was as dangerous as being with
them: So he furnith'd me with a Gun, Car-
touch-box, and Powder-horn, &c. and thus
accouter'd I commenc'd Soldier.
WE fallied out of our Town as ſoon as it
was dark; for we had a great way to go :
Deaan Frukey, with all his People, having
abandon'd his own Town, not thinking it
ſufficiently fortify'd, and mov'd to his Bro-
ther's, which was many Miles further to the
North-
( 127 )
Northward; we march'd very briſkly, but
as filently as polſible; never ſpeaking to each
other, but in Whiſpers. As
As my Skin ap-
pear'd white, they imagin'd it muſt be dir-
cern'd at a Diſtance in the dark, and expoſe
us by that Means to our Enemies Spies; they,
therefore, made me beſmear myſelf all over
with Mud.
We came near the Town about two Hours
before Day-light, and ſent two Men, who
were perfectly acquainted with every Part of
it, in Order to ſearch for Breaches; or at leaſt,
ſome weak Places in the Fortifications: They
ſucceeded as they could with, and return'd,
having diſcover'd not only two Breaches, but
the private Way too, which is always pre-
par'd for the Women and Children, to make
their Eſcape into the Woods by, in Caſe of
a Surprize. Near this place we laid an Am-
buſcade of thirty Men, who were order'd not
to fire, or make the leaſt Noiſe, and to ſeize
thc Women only in their Flight. Our Army
was divided into three Parts: Deaan Mevar-
row, with his People, attack'd the moſt dif-
ficult Breach of the two ; a Chief Man of
his the other; and Deaan Sambo the Gate,
in whoſe Party I was ; for my Maſter would
not take me with him, thinking I could not
well bear to tread upon the Thorns in the
Fortification.
There were three Gates, one within ano.
ther : The Signal for our Attack was the fi-
ring the firſt Gun; which was not to be till
Deaarz
1
[ 128 )
Deaan. Mevarrow, and the other Chief haid
fecur'd the Out-ſide of the Breaches; and it
was a Quarter of an Hour before we had ac-
compliſh'd it: The Townſmen were by
that Time all in Arms, and almoſt as well
prepar'd as we ; for they fecur'd the in-
ner Gate, at the ſame Time we enter'd the
outer one; and camc furiouſly towards us
with Warmth and Reſolution: However,
we drove them back. They maintain'd the
oiher, indeed, a long Time; till Deaan Me-
Varrow had, with much Difficulty, gain'd a
Paſſage thorow the Breach; one of his prin-
cipal Men was fhot in the Belly juſt before
him, which ſo provok'd him that he leap'd
down, and the reſt follow'd..
ABOUT the fame Time we puſh'd vigo-
roully towards, and enter'd the Town. Im-
mediately we heard the Outcry of the Wo-
men, who were ſurpriz'd by our:Ainbuſcade,
and almoſt all of them taken. The Men
got
off by a Breach, which they made themſelves
into the Woods, and left us the Town to
plunder, and reduce to Allies; which was
done accordingly. I got for my Share a
ſnall Quantity of Cotton, and a few wooden
Platters, and ſome Spoons. We found here
ſeveral of our Cattle, and among the reſt I
eſpy'd my Cow, and did not queſtion then,
but I ſhould ſoon have her again: But ſee
the fatal Effects of an ill-grounded Security !
We had now a great Booty of Slaves and
Cattle; the latter we drove out of the Town
be-
1
( 129 )
before us, without any Guard before them,
thinking we had gain'd an intire Victory,
and difpers'd all our Enemies; when in Fact,
the Number of them was greatly encreas'd,
They kept in a Body in the Woods, obſerv'd
our Motions, and only waited for a favour-
able Opportunity to thew their Relentments
They ſoon perceiv'd, that the Cattle were
left defenceleſs, and that they had little more
to do, than to drive them into the Woods
where we loſt them all almoſt as ſoon as we
had
got them. For on our March, in Order
to recover them, the Enemy appear'd in a
formidable Body, firing at us, and even giving
us Battle. In this Action, One of our Men
was kill'd. Several of our People were miſ-
fing before, even whilſt we were in the
Town; and upon a ſtrict Enquiry, we found
three wounded, and four of our principal,
and braveſt Men cut off. Denan Mevarrow,
and all the reſt ſeemd very much concernd
at this unexpected Misfortune; and were not
near to active, or fanguine as they were be-
fore; ſo that now they thought of nothing,
but making a Retreat with the Slaves they
had taken, and getting out of the Reach of
the Enemy as ſoon as poſſible. Accordingly,
they left the plain, open Road by which we
came, and went thorow the Woods; a moſt
uncomfortable Way for ten Miles, or more,
over-run with Thorns and Briers, and in
perpetual Fear of Ambuſcades. We ſtopp'd,
however, to make a Bier, to carry away our
K
Men
r
[ 130 ]
Men, who were wounded; and then march'd
on with the utmoſt Circumſpection, thinking
évery Bird that ſtirr'd an Enemy in Ambuſh,
Notwithſtanding we got thorow this long
Wood very ſafe, we ſtill went by unbeaten
Ways; ſo that it was almoſt dark before we
got Home. It is a conſtant Cuſtom, be the
Succeſs of their Engagements good or bad,
for the Chief to ſet down with his People be-
fore his own Door; the Women foon fock'd
round him to hear the News; and tho'we
brought with us a conſiderable Number of
Slaves, yet there was no Room for Rejoicing;
for the Wives, Relations, and Friends of
thoſe who were kill'd, made a moſt hideous
Outcry. However, a few Calyes were kill'd,
and we refreſh'd ourſelves as well as we could,
after our long Fatigue; every Man retird
to his own Appartment, and being weary,
laid down to Reſt; but before Day-light we
were alarm’d by the Firing of a Gün. The
Enemy, by our Conduct the Day before,
perceiv'd we were diſpirited, and determin'd
to give us no Time to recruit; ſo they pur-
fu'd us, and attack'd our Town, as we had
before done theirs; but I can't ſay, their
Judgment, or Conduct was equal to ours: For
the firſt Thing we did upon the Alarm, was
to have a Party ready to ſecure the Wivės,
Children, and other valuable Slàves ; in which
we ſucceeded to our Wiſh, and convey'd them
fạfe out of the Town to their proper Recefies:
Tho? we defended ourſelves as long as we
could,
( 131 )
+
could, yet we did not ſhow ſo much Courage,
and Reſolution, as we ſhould have done at
another Time ; however, we retteated with
but a 'trivial:Loſs, and left therri the Town
to plunder. There was nothing of Value for
them, ſince the Women had carry'd off what
their Haſte would admit of; and as for Cattle,
there was none but a few Calves, whoſe. Dams
they had feiz'd at firſt ; and ſuch was their
Precipitation, that they could not drive even
them away.; ſo they kill’d them, and carry'd
as much of their Carcaſes away for Proviſion,
as they conveniently could. They never once
offer'd to go in Scarch for the Women, but
callid to us, and vow'd, We mould have no
Reft, till they recover'd their wives and Chil.
dren. We told them on the other Hand,
That we would have our Cattle again, and not
- reſtore them their Wives neither. They ſeem'd
pleas'd with thus rhewing their Reſentient;
it was no ſmall Satisfaction to our People,
tho' defeated this Time, to find that not-
withſtanding all the Diſadvantages they then
lay under, they were ſtill able to cope with
them.
But Deaan Crinds, our King, by this
Time, was appriz'd of all that had happen'd,
who immediately undertook to reconcile all
Differences between us; and accordingly
ſent Meſſengers to both parties, to know
the Grounds of our Quarrel, and the De- .
mands on both Sides. Deaan Mevarrow
-ſent Word he was ready to oblige the King,
and
K 2
[:132 ]
1
and would live in Peace with his Uncles, in
Caſe they would ſend him all his Cattle a-
-gain ; and as Deaan Frukey, and Chahary
wanted their Wives again, they ſaid, They
were ready, and willing to return what Cattle
were left alive of ours; but having killd a
third Part, they' would never be accountable
on that Score : So that the King could not
perſuade Deaan Frukey.to make up the Num-
ber of our Cattle; nor on the other Hand,
could he prevail on us to ſend them their
Wives unleſs they made Reſtitution. Our
Maſter boldly ſent the King Word, That
All the Force he had, united with that of his
Sons,' ſhould not oblige him to reſtore their
- Wives and Children on any other Terms.
Deaan Crindo reſented this inſolent An-
fwer, and was determin'd, at all Adventures,
to reduce them to a Compliance ; and in Or-
der thereto,. muſter'd up an Army of a thou-
ſand Men, and was reſolutely bent to come
to Deaan Mevarrow firſt. Now Deaaz
Grindo could not, on theſe Occaſions; raiſe
any conſiderable Army; becauſe there was à
Diſpute always ſubfifting between him and
: his Nephew Murnanzack, whoſe Father was
Deaan Crindo's elder Brother ; who dying
:when his Son was an Infant, and his Coun-
try invaded, this Uncle took upon him the
Charge of the Government; and when pol-
ſeſs'd of it would never reſign it. Deaan
Murnanzack was not only an intrepid War-
rior, but a Prince as well accompliſh'd as
:
ever
1
( 133 1
1
ever appear'd in this illiterate Country. He
was juſt, honourable, generous, and of a
courteous Diſpoſition; he had three Bro-
thers, who were Lords, ..Judges, and Chiefs
of Towns, who together could raiſe an Ar-
my not much inferior to their Uncle's; be-
fides he was univerſally beloyd. Now in
Caſe of a foreign War, all were ready to oppoſe
the common Enemy, as we have ſeen them
withſtand the Kings of Merfaughla and A12-
tenofa ; but they were ever jealous, and watch-
ful of each other : For, which Realon Deaari
Crindo. could bring no greater an Army a.
gainſt us, than was conſiſtent with the Safety
of his own Town, and, thoſe belonging to
his Sons.
Deaan Mevarrow had Notice of this De
ſign againſt him, by, a particular Friend of
his in Fenno-arevo, who ran from thence, to
our Town by Night, and return'd before
Day-light undiſcover'd. My Maſter had a
a Couſin, with whom he had contracted an
intimate Friendſhip, and whoſe. Father was
as powerful a Lord as any in Deaan Crindo's
Dominions ; to this Uncle, whoſe Name
was Mephontey, he fled with his People for
Protection. We foon pack'd up our (little)
ALL, which we had left. My whole Stock
of Proviſion, and Houſhold-Furniture con-
ſiſted of no more than about a Gallon of
Carravances, a Mat to lye upon, a Hatchet,
and a little Spade to dig up wild Yams. We
wanted no Hoes now; for that Work was
K
3
put
( 134 )
put an End to in this Country. All our plan
tations, and moſt of the Produce, which was
laid up in little Store-houſes, were nò'w left
to the Enemies Diſpoſal. In half a Day we
arriv'd at Deaan. Mephontry's Town, who
treated my Máſter with all due Reſpect, and
affur'd him, that he would defend both him,
and his People to the utmoſt of his Power.
The Chiefs had Houſes given them, but we
common People were oblig'd to build Huts
for ourſelves in any Part of the Town, where
we could find Room: As for my own part,
I erected but a ſmall One, not knowing how
foon it might be burnt.
Deaan Crindo, in three Days Time, en-
camp'd before the Town: He ſent to Dedan
Mephontey, defiring him, 'To deliver up Deaan
Mevarrow, and all his people, and bid him
detain them at his Péril. To'this Deaan Me.
Phontey ſenta reſolute Anſwer, That he would
protext'any Strangers, who were in bis Opinion
boneſt People, and fled to him for Succour in
Diſtreſs; and much more pould be be ſanguine
for the Intereſt of his Friends and Relations ;
and if Deaan Crindo would have them, be
muſt take them away by Force; for he would
defend them to the laſt Extremity
Deaan Crindo prepar'd to attack the Town
the next Morning, and we to defend it: In
Order thereto, the Women and Children
were that Night ſent away into the Woods;
not all into onc Place, but at proper Diſtances,
and in ſmall Companies. I'was order'd with a
Guard
[: 135,]
Guard to take care of my Miſtreſs
, artd ſome
other Women, and Slaves, who were with
her, which accordingly I did: After I had
mark'd the Place, in order to find it again
with Eaſe, I return'd to the Town"; where
we liv'd as well as we could wiſh that Night,
dreſſing, ånd eating Beef in Plenty, &c. for
we had ſome Cattle of own, ſuch as I was fent
to keep at firſt; which were at a great Dis
ſtance, when Deaan Frukey ſeiz'd the Milch
Cows į but we wanted Water, which was a
great Misfortune to us, ſince our Enemies
weré ſo near, that we could fetch none all
the Day:before,
The next Morning we were all up by
Break of Day, and every Man at his Station
according to Appointment the Day before
I was poſted behind my Maſter, who had
two Guns; one of which I was to load,
while he fir'd with the other. It was broad
Day before the Enemy began the Attack
they fir'd fo briſkly upon us, thạt for near
a Quarter of an Hour together we could not
ſee them for Smoak ; but as ſoon as their
Fire' abated, we return’d it as hotly upon
them. On the ſecond Onſet they drew.
nearer, and the Lances fiew. briſkly at one
another ; one of which went thorow my
Lamber, and ſcratch'd me : I was a little
ſurpriz'd at firſt, but ſoon recovering my Spi-
rits, I return'd them the Lance over the For-
tification, in the fame Manner as it came to
me. The Cattle were very troubleſome, to
I 4
us;
( 136 )
us; for ſeveral of them being wounded, they
ran.up and down, and put the reſt into Con-,
fuſion. We fought thus for four Hours ſuc.
ceſſively, with great Warmth on both sides;
till Deaan Crindo pereciving he could not
enter the Town, recall'd his Forces, and
withdrew to his Camp. Deaan Mephontey,
and Deaan Mevarrow were for ſallying out ;.
but Deaan Mephontey's Son, Batoengha, with
much Difficulty, perſuaded them to defift;
ſuſpecting an Ambuſcade, Several were kill'd
on both Şides; and ſome wounded; whom
we convey'd out of the Town, when the En-
gagement was over, to their Wives. We bu-
ry'd our dead under the Fortification, and
fent out Spies ro obſerve the Motions of the
Enemy; who brought us Intelligence that
they were very quiet ; and that their whole
Time was ſpent in killing Cattle, and fetch-
ing Wood to dreſs Proviſions. When this
News was confirm’d, and we were well affur'a,
that they would give us no more Trouble for
that Day, our People kill'd, and dreſs'd Beef
likewiſe ; but we were parch'd' up with
Thirſt: You might here have ſeen Men with
their Tongues lolling out of their Mouths,
thro' exceſſive Heat. This Want of Water
is the moſt intolerable of all Calamities, and
a Miſery too great for Words to expreſs. I
have before obſerv'd, that when I firſt came
into this Country, I felt the Anguiſh of it
for almoſt four Days; and found by wofu]
Experience, that there was no Compariſon
be-
1
1
( 137 1
between Hunger and Thirst: 1 had Relief,
however, ſooner than my Neighbours ; for
my Maſter ſent me, and two Slaves with
Proviſions for our Miſtreſs, and thoſe who
accompany d her ; where, “by the Way, we
found a little Water.
I had ſome Difficulty, notwithſtanding all
my Precaution, to find the Place, where I
left her the Night before; however, I got
there at laſt: She ſeem'd in great Concern
for our Welfare, and drowned in Teat's
for hcaring the Guns firing, and, at length,
cealing all at once, the imagin'd the Town
was taken, and her Husband kill'd ; but the
Sight of me diſpell’d all thoſe melancholy
Clouds. I cut down fcvéral. Boughs with
large Leaves upon them, which ſerv'd very:
well for Diſhes and Plätes"; and cutting the
roaſt Meat I brought with me into Pieces,
I ſerv'd it up to my Miſtreſs: And tho' ſhe
had not, as ſome may probably remark, ſo
much Delicacy, as ſome of our fine Ladics
of her Birth, and Diſtinction in Europe, yet
The enjoy'd as grateful a Repaſt, and I may
venture to ſay, was as well fatisfy'd, as they
would have been in her then Circumſtances.
When ſhe was ſerv'd, I divided the Remain-
der amongſt my Fellow-Servants, her wo:
men, who were her Attendants. My Orders
being to ſtay with her, I ſent the two Men
away, who had brought a very conſiderable
Quantity of raw Meat ; and in the Night I
made a Fire to dreſs it, which could not be
dil
'
f
[ 138 ]
diſcern'd thorow ſo thick a Wood; whereas
in the Day-time the Smoak might have dif,
cover'd us. I went at ſome Diſtance, and
dug up ſeveral wild Yams; theſe were very
agreeable on Account of their Moiſture, this
Place being deſtitute of Water ;, but none of
them, . how much ſoever they might long
for them, would venture to dig for them-
ſelves till I came, left the Noiſe might be-
tray them to the Enemy.
At Night we ſat very ſociably round the
Fire, whilſt I entertain'd them with the Story
of the Engagement, and the Dangers I had
cſcap'd. I alſo roaſted my Meat, and hung
part of it up in one Tree, and part in another,
out of the Reach of the wild Dogs and Foxes,
with which this Country abounds.. When
it grew late, I told them I had no Bed to lyé
on; having forgot my Mat in the Hurry,
They laugh'd at this, and my Miſtreſs ſaid,
Sure, Robin, You don't think, but we will
make Room for one Man ainong! 4s; and then
bid me make Choice of my Place." Now I
could be free, and jocoſe enough with the
young
Woinen-Slaves, tho' not with her-
ſelf ; yet I laid myſelf down cloſe by them
all Night, and I can aſſure my Reader we
were very innocent.
I muſt here confeſs, I could not but won-
der at firſt, why my Maſter truſted me ſo
readily with his wife, contrary to his Care
of her in Regard to other Men, and to the
Cuſtom of the County ; but when I began
to
( 139 )
7
to reflect, how dangerous it was for any Wo-
man, who was liable to be call'd to an Account
for all her Actions, to carry on an Amonr
with a white Man, the Wonder cea: 'd ; for
ſhould a Woman prove with Child, the Co-
lour of the Of-ſpring would betray its Mo-
ther, if not point out the Father.
But I
muſt not let this paſs with any Thing which
may be miſconſtrued to this Lady's. Preju-
dice ; for I ſolemnly declare, I never once
diſcover'd in her the leaſt criminal Inclina-
tions ; notwithſtanding what may be faid
here, or elſewhere, of ſome fuch Freedoms
as would appear too condeſcending, and be
cenſur'd as too forward in our European
Women.
We aroſe by Day-break, and liſten’d very
'attentively to hear, if we could, the Noiſe of
Guns; but none were diſcharg'd; and a ſhort
Time the two Men came again to us, and
brought us more Proviſions. They inform'd
us, that Dedan Crindo had ſent a menacing
Meſſage to Deaan Mephontey, to let him
know, That - unleſs he: oblig:d Deaan Mevar-
row to come to him, and fübinit to bis Deter-
mination of the Quarrel between hin, and
Deaan Frukey, that he would bumble their
Pride, and remain there with his Army till he
faro'd them; and moreover, he would guard
the Watering-place so ſtrongly, that they ſhould
not dare to approach it. Deaan Mephontey,
on the otbier Hand, return'd as refolute an
Anſwer ; That he was under 180 Apprebenfions
of
[ 140 ]
of Starving, having Proviſions enough of all
Kinds ;: a great Number of Cattle, and other
Conveniences for them to live on for three
Months" ; but beſides, he had Strength ſufficient
to force his Way out of the Town whenever be
thought proper ; and advis'd Deaan Crindo,
for that Reaſon, not to put it to the Hazard
of a Trial; but to move off, and reſt contented
with the Repulſe he had already met with.
AFTER the Men had told their Tale, they
return'd Home, and we all went to digging
of Yams; even my Miſtreſs condeſcended to
make one amongſt us : So I ſharpen'd Sticks
for them, and they pull'd off their Lambers
to keep them clean ; notwithſtanding ſome
of them were ſuch worthleſs Things, that a
Rag-Woman in England would ſcarce have
pick'd them up. My Miſtreſs's, indeed, was
a fine Silk One of various Colours, and very
large, hanging almoſt down to her Feet;
with a handſom Fringe at the Bottom. They
made more free with me than they would
with ſome others; ſaying with a Smile, that
They did not look upon me as a Man, ſince I
diſcover'd no warm, or amorous Inclinations.
My Reader, perhaps, will ſcarce believe me;
when I aſſure him, there were amongſt them
ſuch Beauties, as were not much inferiour to
our European Ladies, except their Colour ;
but my Behaviour, and Reſolution were ac-
tually ſuch at that Time, and long after
that I told them, I reſolu'd never to enter-
tain any Thoughts of woman, till I return'd
to
3
3
( 141]
-to England my Native Country. They re-
ply'd, They were: Jure I should be miſtaken.
However, I liv'd very idlý, indeed, but mer-
rily enough, during the few Days I conti-
nu'd here ; there being about a dozen Wo-
men beſides my Miſtreſs. And for my part,
I did not care how long the War laſted; for
my Proviſiou was given me all the Time,
and I had no Work to do. As to the Dan-
gers that attended War, I did not concern
myſelf about them; I had nothing to loſe
but my Life, which, conſidering the Cir-
cumſtances I was in, and the ſmall Hopes I
had of ever getting Home, was but a Bur-
then to me; but we had not yet ſeen all the
· Miſeries of a Civil War.
EVERY Morning wc us'd to liſten to hear,
if poſſible, the Noiſe of Guns; when, at
length, one of the Slaves came to us alone
without any Meat; and having ſeated him-
ſelf ( as Slaves in particular always do be-
.fore they ſpeak; ) he told us, that Deaan
Crindo was gone away; and that my Maſter
had ſent for us Home. This was very agree-
.able News; ſo we ſat down to Breakfaſt to-
gether, ſung, and were as jovial as ſo many
Beggars. My Miſtreſs was in a Hurry to
be gone; for ſhe was uneaſy till ſhe paid her
Reſpects to her Husband : As ſoon as ever
ſhe ſaw him, ſhe fell upon her knees,' and
lick'd his Feet; and he return'd her Com-
pliment, after the Manner of the Country,
by touching of her Noſe.
Nov
[. 142 1
Now the Reaſon of Deaan Crindo's ſud-
den Departure was, an Information, that
Deaan Murnanzck had ſeiz'd fix hundred of
his Cattle ; he might have taken them all
indeed; if he would, but he did this only to
begin the Diſpute. We ſtay’d, however, a
Week longer at Deaan Mephontey's Town,
till we were better inform'd how the Mat-
ter ſtood between them; and that there was
110:hing to fear on that Side. Deaan Crindo,
it ſeems, had ſent to Deaan Murnanzack, to
know the Realon why he ſeiz'd thoſe Cattle?
and Whether he was deterinin'd to take Deaan
Mevarrow's Part? The Anſwer he receiv'd
Vas, That ke did it to mew him his Right of
Dominion ; notwithſtanding be doubted not, but
tbut he would diſpute bis Title with him, 4s
unjuſtly, as he had ufurpid it.
This was a mortifying Stroke, and hap-
pend at a very unlucky Juncture: Deaan
Murnanzack was always a formidable Com-
petitor, and was look'd on as ſuch, when.
ever he thought proper to mantain his Right;
and he doubtleſs, embrac'd this opportunity
on Purpoſe; when Deaan Crindo had weak-
ned his Intereſt, by affronting Deaan Me-
varrow, Dcaan Sambo, and their Friend Deaan
Mephontey. Crindo was foon convinc'd of
his Error, and endeavour'd to foften Matters,
by ſending Meſſengers to all of them, to tell
them ; That what he did, was with 110 other
View than to chaſtize bis Grandſons ; and
what was highly requiſite to reſtore that Peace
and
1
( 143 )
and Tranquility, which they, and his Son Fru-
key had diſturbid; tho' he began with the for
mer, yet Frukey, had he prov'd refractory,
Mould have felt the Weight of his Refentment
as well as others : He hoped, therefore, that
they would conſider his good Intention, and not
break Friendſhip with him.
Three, or Four Days after this, we de-
parted from Deaan Mephontey's ; but firſt
return'd him many Thanks for theſe gene-
rous Teſtimonies of his Friendſhip, and Hof
pitality. We went Home, (or rather Home-
ward only) for tho' we found our Way,
and the Place of our late Abode; yet not a
Houſe was left to put our Heads in. Our
Plantations too were totally demoliſh'd, and
the very. Barns and Store-houſes reduc'd to
Aſhes ; ſo that we had nothing to live on,
but what the Woods afforded, and a few
Cattle among the richeſt, and chiefeſt Men;
who were in fact very good, and communi-
cated to their poor Neighbours.
The Town being ſo abſolutely demoliſh'd,
as not to be repair'd, Deaan Mevarrow de-
termin'd to build a new One ; and ſearching
for a commodious Place, at length, he found
a Wood ſo thick, that'a Dog could not creep
into it. This, therefore, was more than half
fortify'd to his Hand, and pitch'd upon ac-
cordingly. A Vacancy was ſoon made in it;
the Men cut down the Trees, Buſhes, and
Briers,' and the Women and Children con-
vey'd them away; ſo that in about three
Days,
( 144 )
Days, we clear'd a large Space to crect our
Houſes on: However, as it was Summer-time,
we were not in ſo inuch Haſte for Houſes,
as for Fences againſt an Enemy. We fos-
tifyd, it, therefore, with Bodies of Trees,
which we cut about ſixteen; or eighteen Foot
in Length; theſe we drove into the Ground
fo'cloſe together, that no Creature whatever
could poſſibly get between them. But as one
Row only of theſe Poles of Trees was not
thought a ſufficient Security, we made three,
or four, one within another, round the whole
Circumference of the Town; leaving no other
Vacancy than a fmall; aud private Paſſage
for the Conveyance of our Women, Children,
and Slayes, away with Safety, in Cafe of an
Enemy's Approach ; and this was ſo contriv'd,
as not. to.be diſcernd with Eaſe, or known
by. Strangers. We made but one Gate-way,
of Entrance, and that not only narrow too,
but defended with four prodigious thick, and
fubftantial Doors, one within another.
The Walls being compleated, nothing
more remain'd to do, but each Man to.erect
a Houſe of what Extent he thought proper
for himſelf, and his Family.. We, who
were Slaves to Deaan Mevarrow took Care
to build his firſt; ſome of us cut Wood,
others fetch'd Graſs in Order to fill up the
Sides; whilſt I, and about thirty more, went
a tedious Way; at leaſt, ten Miles for Anne-
voes, which are the Leaves of a Tree like
thoſe of a Coco-nut; theſe we ſplit, and
cover'd
( 145
1
1
cover'd the Houſe with; for they make a
Thatch inuch neater, and ſtronger than any
in England, But theſe Trees were ſo ſcarce,
and at ſuch a Diſtance, that a ſingle Man
could not go often enough, in
any reaſonable
Time, to collect the Leaves; and notwith-
ſtanding we went in ſuch a Body, we were
oblig'd to go twice for a fufficient Quantity
to cover my Maſter's Houſe.
When we had finiſh'd my Maſter's Seat,
we went about our leſſer Appartments; and
as at Deaan Mephontey's a ſmall One ſerv'd
my Turn, ſo it did here in like Manner;
for notwithſtanding all our ſtrong Walls and
Fortifications, I much queſtion'd, whether
we ſhould be able to keep them long ; nei-
ther did we, as it prov'd ſoon after : So I
made my Hut no bigger, than juſt to have
Room ſufficient to 'ſtretch myſelf at full
Length, and make a Fire in, ſhould I, by
good Fortune, find any Victuals to dreſs.
ABOUT a Week after we were ſettled in
our New Town, a Meſſenger, ( or rather,
an Ambaſſador ) arriv'd from Deaan Mur-
nanzack, with about twenty in his Retinue.
His Buſineſs was to found Deaan Mevarrow's
Inclinatious, and (if they found a favour-
able Opportunity ) to deſire his Faiendſhip;
and Alliſtance. He foon found there were
good Grounds to hope for Succeſs, and for
that Reaſon, deliver'd his Meſſage the firſt
Night he came. To which Decan Mevar-
rot return'd in Anſwer, He would take it in-
}
to
( 146 ]
As ſoon as
to Conſideration, conſult acith his people, and
gire bim bis determinate Anſwer the next
Morning. In the mean Time, he gave him
a. Slave's Houſe for his immediate Accom-
niodation, as is cuſtomary on ſuch Occaſions;
and ſent a Bullock for the Entertainment of
him, and his Attendants.' In the next Place,
he fent out Meſſengers to all the Chiefs, and
Frecnien, to come, and conſult with him on
an Affair of the laſt Importance. I was pre-
fent, and faw this Affembly.
Deaan Mevarrow, and his Brother, Deaan
Sambo, were ſeated, the Principals plac'd
themſelves on either Hand; and the other
Freenen on each side of them.
Deaan Mevarrow open'd the Conſultation,
by telling them; That Deaan Mürranzack
had: ſent a very sonourable Melleriger to kim,
to ask bis Friendſhip, and Aſiſtance. We muſi
not forget, ſays he, that Deaan Muirnanzački
prov?d of ſingular. Service to us in the Quarrel
we once bad with Dcaan Termerre; there-
fore, conſider we are much indebted to bim up-
on that Score. Conſider, morcover, that Cha-
hary, and Frukey will ever be irreconcileable
Enemies, so long as we detain their Wives and
Families; and you concur with me izct to déli-
ver them, without a due Return of all our
Cattle, which they obſtinately refuſe: Then, as
Deaan Crindo is their Father, be, doubtleſs,
will be partial, notwithſtanding, his ſeeming
Pretenſions to Peace, and affected Regard for
Juſtice ; but in what Manger le bas lately
us'd
1
[ 147 )
us’d, us, is too freſh in all your Memories to
nced Repetition. The Juſiće of Deaan Mur-
nanzack's Claim to the Dominion, is, I pre-
ſume, indiſputable ; whether Dcaan Crindo
may not juſtify himſelf, as Affairs now ſtand,
in aluming the Authority, is zebat we ſhall
not," at this funture, take into Confidcration;
but it is highly requiſite for us to conſider, whe-
ther Deaan Murnanzack has Strength enough
to maintain the Diſpute, and protect uis, and
ſuch other Friends, as may be inclin’á to join
him. This requires the moſt mature Delibera-
tion, the Chance of War is very precarious,
and
you bave Families, Slaves, and Cattle to
loſe as well as I; weigh well, therefore, the
the Matter in Hand, and let 11e have your
Reſolution, with which I ſhall readily concur.
THEY argu'd the Point for fone confi-
derable Time, and conſulted no: only what
would be moſt conducive to their Intereſt,
but reflected on the dangerous Situation they
were in; and that it was moſt probable they
ſhould be lafeſt in joining with Deaan Mur-
nanzack. Thereupon they agreed, that One
of them ſhould declare the Reſult of their
Conſultation to the Deaan. In the Name of
the reſt, therefore, be deſir'd bim, if be ap-
prov'd of their Opinion, 10,contract, and enter
into a ſolemn Friendſhip with Deaan Mur-
nanzack; and if ſo, tbey wo'ild faithfieliz ob-
ferve, and ſupport bim to the utmoſt of their
Power.
L 2
AFTER
1
[ 148 ]
After I had ſeen the Manner, and Forma-
lity of this Grand Aſſembly, our Parliament
in Great Britain ran ſtrangely in my Head :
I imagin'd this the very Image of it; and
tho' I was but a Lad when I went from
Home, yet as my Father kept a Publick
Houſe, to which the beſt of Gentlemen re-
ſorted, I remember, I have heard them often
diſputing with one another about the Power of
the Prince, to cblige the People to do what He
pleas'd without conſulting them; whilſt Others
inſiſted, that A King had no Power without
a Parliament. Then they would diſpute
about the Origin of Parliaments, and their
Power ; and by whole Means the Uſe of therr
was brought firſt into England; in this too
they feldom agreed. Some faid the Saxons
introduc'd it ; Others maintain'd, that it was
of a more modern Date; whilſt many were
of different Opinions from both. Now, me-
thinks, this Article might be adjuſted with-
out any Reference to Authors, and Hiſto-
rians ;. That Parliaments were eſtabliſh'd
long before the Saxons, or Romans either :
For I imagine, that not only England, but
feveral other Countries beſides, were once
like Madagaſcar, without the Knowledge of
Letters, and Coined Money ; and if that be
the Caſe, it was then impoſſible for Princes
to exert that Authority over the People, or
to diſpoſe of them contrary to their Intereſt,
or Inclinations: For I look upon thoſe Prin-
ces to be like my Maſter, whɔ neither had,
nor
[ 149 ]
nor could have any ſeparate Army, or Inte-
reſt; but when any Neighbour deſir’d their
Aſſiſtance, or any Enemy had injur'd them,
they aſſembled before the Houſe of their
Chief ; and there debated what Meaſures
were moſt proper to be taken for the Good
of their Country: If War was agreed on,
the ſame Men took their Arms, and the So-
vereign, or Chief, headed them, as my Maſter
did here ; and when they return'd, each
Man went Home to his own Family. Thus
the People are their own Army, and De-
fence; and the Lord could never oblige
them to do what the Majority did not think
convenient to be done; becauſe he had no
Army to.compel them. This was, doubt-
Jeſs, the Condition of all other countries
once, and muſt have continu'd ro, had not
People ſubjected themſelves unwarily to the
Power of one Man; by giving him Wealth
and Authority, not only ſufficient to raiſe
an Army, but to keep it in Pay himſelf, and
uſe it at Diſcretion for their Befence; with
which he moſt ſhamefully inſulted, and i
abus'd them. However, in the State of Na-
ture, and the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Societies,
this was the Form of Government; and with
due Submiſſion to the Learned, I am of Opi-
nion, we need not turn over many Voluines
to find the Original of Britiſh Parliaments
for they are of much earlier Date than all
their Hiſtories, or than Letters themſelves ;
and as to the r Power, it is grounded on the
ſtrong-
;
L 3
[ 150 ]
ſtrongeſt Baſis, REASON, and NATURE.
But to return to our Story.
The Alliance being unanimouſly reſolv'd
upon, Deaan Mevarrow ſent for the Mef-
ſenger the next Morning; and told him, that
he, and his People, after mature Delibera-
tion, were agreed to aſſiſt Deqan Murnan-
zack; and deſir'd that their Friendſhip might
be ratify'd, and confirm'd with the uſual
Solemnity : Hercupon an Ox was immedi-
ately brought and kill'd; the Liver roaſted,
and ſtuck on Lances, and Decan Murnan-
zack's Ambaſſador, and a Deputy of Decan
Mevarrow's eat the Liver between them, re-
peating the Imprecation we have mention'd
before ; that Tliey wiſk'd iť mnight prove Poi-
fon; and a further Curſe might be fint by
God upon that Party, wbo firſt broke the
Alliance.
After this Colemn Ratification, the Ox
was divided between the 'Ambafilador's People,
and ourş who were preſent, and both eat it
together; after which, he, and his Atten-
dants departed. And now Deaan Mevarrow
repented that he had built this new Town;
for he would have gone, and liv'd near
Deaan Murnanzack; whoſe Country bor-
der'd on Merfaugkla on one side, aud was
within ten, or a dozen Miles on the other
Side of Fenno-arevo: He had three Bre-
thren; Deaan Mufſecorrow, who liv'd near
him; Diaan Afferrer, who liv'd on the
Mountains of Yong-gorvo; of whom we ſhall
have
1
[ 151
um
have Occaſion to give a large Account here-
after: And Rer Mimebolambo, the youngeſt,
who liv'd but about five Miles from us to the
Eaſtward ; and this laſt being ſo very ne.:r
us, we were ready at Hand to join in any
Enterprize; or to aid, and aſliſt one ano-
ther. However, we did not think ourſelves
ſafe, and, therefore, we took Care not to
let Deaan Crindo know our Reſolutions, till
we had made one Expedition ; and after
that, we made ourſelves more ſecure.
But the Courſe of my Narrative naturally
leads me to a Detail of Deaan Murnanzack's
Attack on Dcaan Mundumber's Town; where
he took three hundred Cattle, and a great
Number of Women, and Children; for it is
not cuſtomary to take Men Priſoners, if they
can't get away from thicir Enemies, they are
inimediately cut off
. Among the-Captives
were Deaan Mundumber's Wife and Daugh-
ter, the Only Child he ever had. Having
plunder'd the Town, they were going to re-
duce it to Aſhes, but Deaan Murnanzack
prevented them; and marching into the Plain,
waited to ſee if Deaan Mundumber would
rally, and give him Battle. His People ap-
pear'd, indëed, but at a great Diſtance, not
daring to come nearer; which, as ſoon'as he
perceiv'd, he march'd lome wards, but firſt
did a very generous Action, and ſent back
Deaan Mundumber's Wife and Daughter to
him; telling her, He did not intend it as a .
Compliment to ber Husband, but as a Token
1
14
of
1
#
[.152 ]
of his Reſpect to berſelf, and Family: She
Being Neice to the King of Yong-Owl, one
of the moſt powerful Princes on the Iſland,
Nor did he do it with any View, that he
ſhould return the like Favour ; for he had
no Wife, and was well aſſur'd, by God's
Aſſiſtance, who would favour his juſt Cauſe,
that it would never be in his power to prove
prejudicial to any of his Relations.
As ſoon as Deaan Crindo heard, that his
Son's Town was taken, he thought it high
Time to ſeek Revenge; and accordingly
muſter'd up a great Army, threatning to lay
the Country waſte, to deſtroy all the Men,
and make Slaves of their Wives and Children.
He ſent, likewiſe, to our Maſter to join
him, but he premptorily refus’d; ſaying, He
would never join with his profeſsid Enemies,
againſt his experienc'd Fricids. However, he
did not declare his Intentions of oppoſing
him. They both ſent to Dcaan Mephontey,
but he refus'd to be concern'd on either Side,
and kept his Word; for his Dominions ex-
tending to the River Manderra, the Boun-
daries of Antenoſa, he was apprenhenſive that
the Inhabitants of thoſe Parts might take the
Advantage of his Abſence, plunder his Towns,
and lay waſte his Country.
WHEN Denan Crindo march'd from Fen-
110-arevo, he did not wholly'abandon his
Towns; but left a conſiderable Number of
Men in them, for Fear of Rer Mimebolambo
and Afferrer. He had no Jealouſy of us,
how-
[ 153 ]
count.
however ; whilſt he was gone, Rer Mime-
bolambo, and my Maſter, Deaan Mevarrow,
join’d Forces, and went out to ſee what they
could find; they foon ſurpriz'd three Towns,
for the Men made a very weak Reſiſtance;
ſo they broughț off about two hundred Cattle,
and fifty Slaves. My Maſter was diſcover'd
by having a white Man ( meaning myſelf)
along with him. This was altogether unex-
pected to them, and Deaan Crindo's Wife
immediately ſent him Notice thereof; and
that ſhe was in no ſmall Concern on that Ac-
To which Information he return'd
for Anſwer, That He would ſoon diſpatch the
Buſineſs he was about, and then he would be
amply reveng'd of Deaan Mevarrow. But we
took Care to be provided for him.
In our Way homewards, the Cattle and
Slaves were equally divided between Deaan
Mevarrow, and Rer Mimebolambo ; and they
then came to this Reſolution, that it was
abſolutely neceſſary for them to live together
in one Town. Ours was the ſtrongeſt, but
not ſo big as we could wiſh; theirs was of
a larger Extent, and they had, moreover;
Abundance of empty Houſes; which were
deſerted by thoſe who went away upon
the
War's breaking out; ſo it was agreed we
ſhould ſettle there. We loft no Time, for
the very Day we went Home, we pack'd
up all our Goods, and march'd away direct-
ly to Merhaundroverta; which was the Name
of Rer Mimebolambo's Town, and abandon'd
4
our
( 154 )
our own in leſs than a Fortnight after wo
had built it. Thus were we driven about
like our wild Boars, that change their Holes
every Day, and fly.from onc Wood to ano-
ther, left the wild Dogs ſhould find them
out. And we were not only forc'd to ſecure
ourſelves againſt the Surprizes of a Body of
our Enemies, but as we liy'd ſo near one ano-
ther, three, or four, or half ä Dozen of their
Men would often lye lurking in the Woods
near Towns, and catch a Woman, Child, or
Slave of ours, that happen'd tö: ftrole out on
any Occaſion, whatever; as digging of wild
Yams, &c. ſo that we had little elſe to eat
but Beef; and ſuch as had it of their own
gave
it to thoſe who had none.
However, I had an Employnient here,
which mantain'd me handſomly enough; and
it ſeem'd as if Providence had thought fit to
appoint it, on Purpoſe for my Support in this
ſeaſonable Conjuncture. Few of this Pårt
of thic Illand will eat any: Beef, unleſs 'tis
kill’d by one defcended from a Race of Kings;
now my Maſter, juſt before the War broké
out, growing haughty to Exceſs, and having
none but himſelf, and his Brother, to execute
theſe high Offices, they were ſometimes ob-
lig'd to go five, or fix Miles to kill an Ox:
He, at laſt, reflected, that theſe People have
an cxal:ed Opinion of all white Men, and
taking me for the Captain's Son, whom they
look'd upon to be no ways inferior to a
King; I was thought of honourable Deſcent
enough
[ 155 ]
enough to be prefer'd to the Dignity of a
Butcher; tho' in fact, I did nothing more
than cut the Throat of the Beaſt, and they
carv'd hini up themſelves: However, for this,
I always had my Fee, which was a large
Piece of Meat. Tho'my Maſter; and ſome
Others, as diſcerning as himſelf, plainly.per-
ceiv'd that this was a very idle Cuſtom; yet
he knew, that the Vulgar are not to be op-
pos'd in their old Ways, be they ever ſo
ridiculous, and abſurd ; and had Draan Me-
varrow obſtinately declin'd this Office, and
call'd it a meer Caprice of theirs, ſuch an
abrupt Innovation would, in all Probability,
have been attended with almoſt a general
Deſertion; for they would inſtantly have
gone, and livid under other Lords. He con-
triv'd, therefore, to ſubſtitute nie in his Room,
and by that Means did, ( as all wiſe Gover-
nors will y ſeemingly conform to Cuſtom to
humour the People; yet by an ingenious Ex-
pedient ſhifted off from hinſelf a mean, and
troubleſome Employment.
The next Morning - the Gattle were di-
vided; my Maſter had ten, his Brother fix,
and the principal Men one á Pjece; ſome
others had one between tivo, and we Slaves
. one between four of us.
For my part I
wanted no Beef; for I was often employ'd,
during my Reſidence in this Town, to kill
the Beaſts: I was oblig'd; however, to agree
with niy Partners to kill ours; for they had
little enough, tho' I had Plenty. I liv'd to-
lerably
1
( 156 )
lerably well here, often exchanging Beef for
Potatoes, &c. with the Towns-People; and
here we heard of the Havock Deaan Crindo
had made in the Country. The People,
who were ally'd to Deaan Murnanzack, and
dwelt in ſmall Towns, left their Habitations,
and remov'd with their Families and Cattle
beyond Deaan Murnanzack's toward the Sea,
where they were ſhelter'd under his Pro.
tection. When Deaan Crindo came to ſuch
Towns as were abandon'd, he burnt them
down, and utterly deſtroy'd the Plantations,
pulling up every Thing by the Roots, as if
his Intention was to create a Famine in the
Country.
Diaan Murnanzack was all this Time with
his Brother Muſſecorrow, on his March to-
wards them, and had ſuch good Intelligence,
that, under the Cover of a Wood, he came
undiſcover'd, almoſt upon them. They
were then ravaging a very large Plantation
of Potatoes, and ſome others. not far diſtant
from it. He divided his Army into four
Parts, reſolving to attack them on all Sides,
whilſt they were thus miſchievouſly bent;
and boldly ſhew'd his Face in Front, whom
they hurry'd to oppoſe; the other Parties
fir'd each from their Poſt, kill'd ſeveral, and
put the reſt into Confuſion. However, they
made a vigorous Reſiſtance, retreating, and
forcing their way into a Wood; where it
was almoſt impoſſible to follow them. Here
Deaan Crindo rally'd them, and diſpos'd
them
+
[ 157 )
A
them in good Order, each either under his
own, or one of his Son's Command.; for
Mundumber, Chahary, and Frukey, his three
Sons, were with him.
They were much
ſuperior in Number to the other ; ſome faid,
near twice as many; which Deaan Murnan-
zack was no Stranger to, nor to the Courage of
his Uncle; but he was reſolute notwithſtanding
to engage him : And tho' he had Time ſuffi-
cient to have retreated, yet he only march'd
back into the Plain, to ſecure an advantagious
Ground, and have Time to form his Army;
which he did accordingly, and waited for his
Enemy's Approach to attack him. It was
not long before the Engagement began,
which was carry'd on with great Vigour, and
Warmth on both sides; till Deaai Murnan-
zack perceiving his Brother Muſecorrow's
Diviſion began to give Ground, he was de-
termin'd to make a bold Puſh himſelf; and
throwing away his Gun, with fix fmall Lan-
ces in his Hand, he challeng'd ſeveral of his
principal Men to follow him, if they durſt,
into the thickeſt of the Enemy's Body, which
they very gallantly did ; but he, being for-
moſt, ran like an enraged Lyon, and in ſpite
of all their Fire and flying Lances, came to
cloſe Quarters, Hand to Hand with his Lan-
;
and thoſe gallant Men with him, fol-
lowing his Example, drove all that Diviſion
of their Enemy's Army back, and put it in-
to utter Confuſion, who not being able to
abide their Fury, ran away. They broke
into
ces
[ 158 ]
into the very Part where Deaart Crindo him-
felf was poſted; who had been ſtruck tho-
row with a Lance by one of Murnanzack's
Companions, had not the Deaan himſelf
very generouſly prevented it; deſiring them
not to kill his Uncle. He left his People
to purſue them, whilſt he ran to the Aid,
and Aſſiſtance of Mufſecorrow, who, at the
ſame Time, made a vigorous Puſh, being
alham’d to be out-done; however, they had
been utterly ruin'd, had not Deaan Murnan-.
zack himſelf ſtept in to their Aſſiſtance in
that. critical Conjuncture : But they were
foon in one general Diſorder, flying towards
the Woods with the utmoſt Precipitation ;
where Deaan Murnáizack follow'd them to
prevent them from rallying; and carry'd on
the Purſuit till he ſaw they were quite di-
ſpirited, and making homewards to recruit
themſelves.
Deäan Crindo perceiving he could do no
good with Murnanzack, was determin'd not
to be idle, and permit Deaan Mevarrow, and
Rer Mimebolambo to join Forces; ſo out of
Policy as well as Revenge he refoly'd to at-
tack us firſt: But no ſooner had he declar'd
his Intentions, and made . Preparations for
that Purpoſe, than a Friend of Mevarroro's
came out by Night, and acquainted him
therewith: On this Information he held a
Conſultation with Rer Mimebolamlo about
their Defence; and in Order thereto, con-
ſidering there were ſo many Cattle in Town;
as
1
[ 159 1
as would diſturb them in an Engagement,
he propos’d to ſend Part of them to Deaan
Murnanzack's; where the other People had
ſecur'd theirs. Rer Mimebolambo would ſend
none of his; my Maſter, however, willing
to have ſomething to ſubſiſt on, in Caſe they
ſhould loſe what they had here, pick'd out
forty Beaſts; ſome of our richelt
. Men alſo,
ſent fix, and Others more, or leſs; in ſhort,
there were in all about fourfcore and ten
Beaſts ſeparated from the reſt, to be ſent
away. I perceiv'd what was going forward,
and would fain have conceald myſelf; for
I did not know whether I ſhould live ſo well
there as here: Beſides, it was a large Number
for one perſon to take Care of. But there
was no Remedy; No-body elſe would fend
a Slave with me, and my Maſter himſelf
would ſpare no more than one, and he look'd
upon me as the beſt qualify'd of any one
Man to do it; whereupon he gave Orders to
ſix, or ſeven Men well-arm'd to guard, and
conduct me; and I took my Leave of my
Friends, and Acquaintance, and proceeded
accordingly.
We were forc'd to go round about by fe-
veral tedious, unpractis'd Ways, and to look
out as narrowly as poſſible, leſt our Enemies
ſhould intercept us; but we embrac'd a very
favourable Opportunity when they were all
diſpirited by their Defeat, and ſuſpected no-
any ſuch Prize being near them:
So in two Days we arriv'd at Deaan Afferrer's
Town,
thing of
[ 160 ]
1
Town, ſituate on the Hills of Yong-gorvo,
where we ſtay'd two Days to reſt our Cattle;
and were going upon the third in the Mor-
ning, at which Time we heard a Shell blow.
This alarm’d not only the Town, but the
whole Country; they ran immediately to
defend the Paffage up the Hill. ( for there is
but one ) when inſtantly came two Meſſen-
gers from Deaan Murnanzack to Deaan Af-
ferrer, to acquaint him, that he was at the
Bottom of the Hill, in Order to pay him a
Viſit.. When my Guardian ſaw them join,
and found it was Deaan Murnanzack, they
went (as ſoon as the uſual Compliments were
paſt between the two Brothers ) to Deaan
Murnanzack, and inform'd him, That Deaan
Mevarrow had ſent ſome Cattle, and a proper
Perſon to look after them, in Order to be
convey'd ſomewhere under his Protection.
He defir'd them to thank Deaan Mevarrow
for his Friendſhip, and Aſiſtance; and aſure
him, that his Cattle ſhould have all the Care
taken of them imaginable; and be put amongſt
As ſoon as they had deliver'd up
their Charge, they took their Leaves of me,
and return'd.
When Deaan Murnanzack ſaw the Cattle,
and found that I was left with them, he
feem'd ſurpris’d; and aſk'd me, If I was
Cow-keeper; ſaying, He never heard of a white
Man being put upon that Employment. I made
Anſwer, Since it was my Maſter's Pleaſure,
I did not think proper to diſpute it with him;
and
his own.
1
[ ibi ]
and would execute my Office as well as
could.
THREE Days after Deaan Murnanzack
went homewards, giving Orders to three Ser-
vants to aſſiſt me, and we follow'd in the
Rear; we had alſo above a dozen other People
with us, who carry'd Proviſion, Bedding, &c.
for their Maſters. As ſoon as we were down
the Hill, I diſcover'd a new Scene; the Soil
was of a quite different Nature as well as
Colour; yellow Clay with Stones; whichi
made my Feet
: very uneaſy, having been us'd
to a fardy Ground before: However, I was
foon inur'd to it: The Trees, likewiſe, were
different ; much loftier ; and more ſtrait, and
regular. This was the Place I had often
wiſh'd to ſee; on Account of the wild Cattle;
of which I had heard ſo much: I foon found
the large Tracks they made thorow the
Woods; which render'd the driving mine
much eaſier here, than in other Woods.
ABOUT Noon we laid down to refreſhi
ourſelves in a Grove: The whole Country
is very beautiful, and well water'd with
Springs and Rivulets. They ſoon ſhew'd me
ſome wild Cattle, which were ſtanding under
the Covert of the Trees; I was very deſirous
of viewing them cloſer, and taking a Guri
Hand I went toward them; but when
I was got within thirty Yards I was oblig'd
to creep.on the Ground, and conceal myſelf
as well as I could with the Grafs, whichi'is
very high. Before I came up to them, I
M.
faw
in my
[ 162 ]
up, and
faw three Bulls running directly towards me;
their Eyes ſparkled with Fire, their Ears
prick'd upright, and they foam'd at the
Mouth; in all Probability, they fled from
ſome that gave them Chace. They put me
into ſuch a terrible Fright, that I thought
of nothing but firing at them; to ſave myſelf
from being torn to pieces; but as Providence
would have it, I fir'd, and wounded one ſo
deeply, that he fell: Tho? I was ſafe with
refpect to him, I expected the others would
have attack'd me; and to avoid their Fury,
I laid fiat on my Face, not daring to ſtir;
till hearing no Noiſe, but the Halloo's of
my.
Companions at a Diſtance, I look'd
found that all of them were run away, ex-
cept the wounded One, which lay kicking
on the Grouud: However, I durft not go
near him, till my Friends came up, and put
us both out of cur Pain, by cutting his
Throat, and applauding me for my Gourage,
and being ſo expert à Markſman.
How
contary to One's Expectation Things often
happen! I imagin’d they would have laugh'd
at me for my Cowardice; and by Miſtake,
and meer Chance, I was look'd upon as One
of more than common Courage as well as
Conduct.
Whilst they were cutting up the Bull, I
could not forbear gazing with Admiration
on thoſe which they calld Wild Cattle, and
in Fact they are ſo; but they are ſo like
thoſe in England, that I could then perceive
no
[ 163 )
no Manner of Difference: Nor have I been
able ſince to diſcover any, except in two tri-
vial Particulars; the Horns, I take it, of our
Engliſh Bulls are ſomewhat ſhorter, and their
Bellowings deeper. When we had cut up
our Beef, we roaſted ſome part of it, and
pleas'd ourſelves with the Thoughts of our
Maſters having left us behind, becauſe we
ſhould not ſpoil their Sport; we happen'd,
however, on better Luck than they, and had
not only Beef to eat fooner than they, but
got ſome ready to dreſs for them at the Place
of Rendezvous at Night: This Bull-Beef,
you may be ſure, could not be any. Thing,
extraordinary; nor any ways equal to the
Fleſh of ſuch as are tame; eſpecially after
it had run ſo far, and ſo hard, before it was
kill'd. Theſe wild Cattle will give the Hún-
ters a Chaſe ſometimes of ſeveral Miles to-
ġether after they are wounded; which makes
the Fleſh but indifferent Meat, éſpecially if
it be a Bull; but People in Want are glad
of what comes firſt to Hand: For theſe wild
Cattle are a great Help to ſuch as live in the
remote Parts; who, 'in neceſſitous. Times,
come here a Hunting : However, they are
frequently found in another vaſt Tract of
Foreſt Land of ſome hundred Miles Extéñt
of which, and of their ſuppos'd Original, I
ſhall have an Occaſion hereafter to give a
particular Account. The Place where we
baited at Noon, and lay this Night were
very agrecable, and delightful Groves; and
M 2
in-
( 164 )
indeed, all this Country is ſo, for ſeveral
Days Journey together : It abounds with wild
Honey, wild Boars, and ſuch a Variety of
pleaſant Fruits, that Men may not only find
enough to ſatisfy their Hunger and Thirſt;
but to indulge their luxurious Appetites, with-
out the Fatigue of any Cultivation; and
there are many that live in a State of Indo-
lence and Eafe.
AMONGST the moſt wholeſom as well as
delicious Fruits of the Earth, and that which
I firſt taſted of here, is their Faungidge; it
grows ( as my Companions ſhew'd me) in
the thickeſt Woods. They ſearch firſt for
the Place, which is a tender Creeper, or wild
Vinc, that takes hold of a Tree, or any
Thing near it, twining round the Trunk,
and Thooting into ſeveral Branches, like a
Vine. I never perceiv'd, that it bore any
Fruit, and was ſurpriz'd, when they told me
it was the Root of this, which produc'd the
Faungidge; however, inſtead of digging at
the Root, they went half a dozen Yards at
leaſt from it, and ſtruck the Grouud with
the Points of their Lances, to obſerve where
it founded hollow; and digging there, they
found the Faungidge. The Root ſpreads a
great Way under Ground, and but few of
the Branches bear the Faungidge; ſo that it
would be to little Purpoſe to trace it from
the Spot, where it appears above Ground.
The firſt I ſaw was not much leſs in Bulk
than one of our Gallon Runlets: It is red,
and
[ 165 ]
and very fmoth without, and the Coat is as
thin as Parchment; the Inſide is white, and
has a milky Juice; it eats as ſoft as a Water-
Mellon, but has no Seeds in it; it is both
Meat and Drink, very wholeſom, and always
eaten raw.
THE Verlaway is of the fame Species, and
in all Reſpects much like it; with this Dif-
ference only, that the Skin of the latter is
thinner, but ſo tough that it muſt be par'd
with a knife. There is another Kind, callid
the Verlaway-voler; which is reckond un-
wholeſom: I once ſaw a Man, who had
taſted ſome of it, ſwell immediately, and
was ready to dye; but by giving him fome
melted Fat to drink, he brought it up, and
foon recover'd. This Verlaway-voler is eaſily
known, for it is much more beautiful to the
Eye than the other; and the Leaf which
ſprings from it is very different.
The next Day I was extremely diverted;
For Deaan Murnanzack did not leave us as
he did the Day before. In the Morning, we
ſaw a Bull alone in the Midſt of a large
Plain; the Deaan, by way of Amuſement,
order'd us to ſtop, whilſt he, and two more
drove my Cattle toward the Bull; who no
ſooner ſaw them, but he roar'd, and tore up
the Ground with his Horns, as if he expected
ſome Enemy to oppoſe him; but finding
they were Cows, he ſhow'd an Inclination
to be better acquainted with them. The
Denan, and his Companions hid themſelves
M 3
( 166 )
under Cover of the Cows; they let them
graze-a little, and then drove them forwards,
till the wild Bull was amongſt them; as foon
as he put his Noſe to a Cow's Tail, Deaan
Murnanzack, conceal'd under another Cow's
Belly, ſtuck a Lance in his Flank; away họ
ran with it, but not far before he had another
in his Side: And now they had Room for
the Sport they aim'd at, which was not un-
like ( as I have been inform’d) the Diverſion
of a Spaniſh Bull-Feaſt." Several, by this
Time, join'd in the Chaſe; he ran near à
Mile out-right before he ſtopp'd, and turn'd
to his Purſuers; which they always do, when
they are cloſely beſet; and then every One
muſt take Care of himſelf: For it is a very
dangerous Encounter, and ſo it was here';
the Beaſt grew outragious, and turning upon
them, ran directly' at the Man, who firſt
wounded' him; whilſt another from behind,
threw a Lance into his Flank; then the
Bull turn'd again, as he always does, to the
Perſon who laſt wounded him; and the
Hunters being divided to take him all Ways,
and keeping at a good Diſtance likewiſe, as
well to prevent hurting one another, as to
give him Room to play in, they at length
Kill'd him; but this ſometimes proves a very
tragical Paſtime.
This Night we lay in a Wood, where we
found Faungidge in Abundance; thus we
liv'd deliciouſly with only the natural Produce
of the Country. I ty’d up my Calyes every
Night,
1
[167 )
Hill;
Ņight, that my Cows might not ſtray, and
was forc'd to riſe two, or three Times, to
ſee that none of my Cattle got amongſt the
wild Ones; for when they do, it's no ſmall
Trouble to catch them again; for whenever
they ſee the others run, they follow, like-
wife, as faſt as they can.
The next Day at Noon we halted at a
Spring, which riſes from the higheſt Hill in
this Iſland, call'd Vohitch-Maner, or Red-
Vohitch fignifying an Hill, or Moun-
tain. I drove my Cattle into a fine Valley,
where there was fine Graſs; but a wild Bull
came amongſt them, and cover'd one of my
Cows: I had a great Inclination to kill him,
tho' I almoſt ſhook for Fear ; they are terrible
Creatures to any Body's Apprehenſion, who
is not us d' to them, and my Fear was the
Cauſe of my ill Succeſs; for concealing my-
ſelf under another Cow, I took ſuch an auk-
ward Aim at him, that I ſtruck one of my
own Herd inſtead of him. However, as the
Wound did not prove mortal, I conceal'd
it; not ſo much out of any Apprehenſion I
had of my. Maſter's Anger, as out of Fear
of being laugh'd at, for wounding a tamo
Cow, inſtead of a wild Bull.
We ſet up early this Afternoon, in a Place
commodiouſly ſituated near ſome good Wa-
ter; and then we went out to ſearch for Wild
Honey and Faungidge. I had the good. For-
tune to diſcover a large Hole in a hollow
Tree, that was full of the former ; I made
M 4
а.
( 168 )
a Fire preſently, and with a Brand ſmoak'd
the Bees out. In the next Place I cut down
a Vounturk, to inake a Veſſel like a Tub, to
put my Honey in. This Vounturk is a Tree,
or Plant, ( for I don't well know what to
call it ) of a very particular Shape, and Na-
ture: It grows upright as an Arrow, about
fixteen, or eighteen Feet in Length, is thin
below, thick in the Middle, and taper again
above, like a Nine-pin; at the Top there
are two, or three Branches, that bear Leaves
of a great Length; in the Spring they have
Bloſſoms,, but I never ſaw any Fruit that
came to Perfection; the outer Bark is whi-
tiſh, like old Lead, and full of long Thorns;
which are eaſily ſtruck off with a Lance j
we, likewiſe, cut the Bark all round, and
the Tree immcdiately falls down, not being
able to ſupport itſelf: After this, we take
away what Length we want, and pull out
the ſpungy Subitance on the Inſide, till we
come within three, or four Inches of the Bot-
tom. By this Means we make a Vefſel light,
and eaſy of Carriage, and in one of theſe I
ſecur'd my Honey. The Juice of this Voun-
turk is good Liquor, and even fit to boil any
Thing in, when Water is ſcarce. I found
alſo fome Faungidge. At my Return, I paid
my Reſpects to Deaan Murnanzack, and
made him a Preſent of ſome of my Honey;
which is a Compliment our Lords always
expect.
+
1
IT
( 169 )
t
It was now Night, and they were going
a Beef-huning : When they ſet out on Pur-
poſe to kill the beſt Beaſts, they always make
Choice of the darkeſt Nights. They per-
mitted me, on my Requeſt, to accompany
them ; but firſt order'd me to waſh myſelf,
as they themſelves did, that we might not
ſmell either of Smoak, or Sweat. I would
have taken two Lances according to Cuſtom;
but they oblig'd me to leave one behind me,
left two together might rattle in my Hand.
Theſe Cattle feed only in the Night, and if
all theſe- Precautions were not taken, they
could never be ſurpriz'd; for they are al-
ways on their Guard, ſnorting with their
Noſes, and liſtening afier their Purſuers :
We can hear them roar, and bellow a great
Way off; by which we know where they
are, and we are forc'd always to go round
till they are directly to the Windward of us ;
for otherwiſe they would ſoon ſcent us. As
ſoon as we had got the Wind and Cattle
right-a-head, and were within hearing, we
walk'd with all the Circumſpection imagi-
nable, cropping the Top of the Graſs with
our Hands, as cloſe as poſſible, to mimick,
as well as we could, the Noiſe a Cow makes
when ſhe bites it. The Moment they heard
us they were all huſh; not one of them bel-
low'd, or graz’d, but ſeem'd to liſten with
the utmoſt Attention : Which when we per-
ceiv'd, we all ſtood ſtill likewiſe without a
Whiſper ; whilſt three, or four, who un-
derſtood
ܪ
[-170 ]
derſtood the Nature of it beſt, continu'd
cropping the Graſs. When the Cattle had
liſten'd, till (as we imagin'd) they took us
for ſome of their own Species, they return'a
to their grazing, and we walk'd with Cau-
tion nearer, ſtill mimicking them as we
mov'd ſoftly along. Deaan Murnanzack or-
der'd me to keep behind, leſt they ſhould
diſcern
my white Skin, and be ſtartled ; he
alco
gave me his Lamber to cover myſelf
with, which was a large Piece of black Silk;
ſo that if I had been near them, they could
have ſeen nothing but my Face; the Graſs
being above Knee deep.
At length we got amongſt them, ſo that
one of our Men ( as he told me) with ſome
Graſs in his Hand, and under the Gover of
a Bụſh, took hold of the Dug of a Cow, and
finding ſhe gave no Milk, he concluded the
was not lean; for which Reaſon he ſtuck his
Lance inſtantly into her Belly, and drew it
out again, making no other Motion. The
Cow thus wounded will give a Spring, per-
haps, and make a Noiſe, as if another had
run her Horns againſt her; but this is ſo
common amongſt them, that the Herd is not
any ways diſturb’d by it: So that our People
ſtuck three, or four after this Manner, and
left them, with an Intention to come th
next Morning, and track them by their
Blood; for it is very dangerous to come near
them in the Night : As ſoon as they find
themſelves forely wounded, they run from
their
[ 171 ]
their Companions, and will attack the firſt
Man they fee. They are generally found
actually dead, or fallen down in ſome Wood,
or Shelter of Buſhes, as if they induſtriouſly
endeavour'd to conceal themſelves. No ſooner
had we determin'd to depart, and I had re-
turn'd Deaan Murnanzack his Lamber, but
a Calf, that had been mortally wounded, be-
gan to make an hideous Uproar; and run-
ning about, made the Herd jealous: So that
they ran away, and the Calf made directly
at me, and knock'd me backwards; I catch'd
hold of his Leg, but cry'd out luſtily for
Help.' This Accident afforded much Mirth,
and fix'd a Joak upon me afterwards; as A
ftout Fellow to cry out for. Aſiſtance to cope
with a Calf. However, they took him, cut
him to Pieces, and carry'd him away ;, of
whom we made a very good Supper. I have.
been inform’d, that notwithſtanding theſe
Cattle are ſo wild, the Cows will ſometimes
ſtand ſtill to have their Dugs handled, and
and ſeveral of them have been milk'd in the
Dark into an Horn; however, as I never at-
tempted this myſelf, I cannot abſolutely vouch
it for Truth; yet as I have heard' ſo many
affirm it, I think there are no juſt Grounds
to contradict it.
We were in no Hurry to get Home, for
not only our Cattle, but we too, liv'd as well
as we could deſire there ; ſo that tho' we;.
kept going forwards, yet we made ſeveral
Days more of our Journey than we ſhould
have
t
1
1
( 172 )
have done. A Day, or two after this Beef-
hunting, we had an accidental Diverſion of
another kind: Our Dogs had got the Scent
of ſome wild Hogs that were got into a
Thicket, and were very buſy in running round
it; but could find no Entrance for a con-
fiderable Time. At length, however, they
found the Path which the Swine had made,
and attempted to enter the Wood by it; the
Paſſage was defended by a large Boar, who
fought the Dogs with great Fury, and woun-
ded one of them in a very dangerous Man-
ner: Now what with the Dogs on the one
hand, and the Swine on the other, there was
ſuch a yelping, grunting, and howling, that
the Woods rang with their Noiſe; and one
would have imagin'd, all the Hogs in the
Illand had met there by Conſent, in order to
revenge their Quarrel upon us.
We laid down our Burdens, and ſome of
us went up to them, arm'd with Guns and
Lances; Dcaan Murnanzack ſhot the Boar
that wounded his Dog; whereupon another
in an Inſtant defended the Entrance, and
fought ſo refolutely, that neither the Dogs,
nor we ourſelves could come near the Cattle
that were within; till we had made a Paſſage
behind them with our Hatchets and Lances,
and then fir'd upon ſome of the moſt rcfo-
lute, who turn'd upon us: The reſt perceiv-
ing themſelves attack'd behind, fought their
Way through the Dogs, and ran away, with
the Dogs after them. Words cannot de-
fcribe
( 173 )
ſcribe the Noiſe there was, eſpecially after
a Number of them were wounded: We
found ſeven dead, beſides ſeveral others ſo
wounded that they could not make off ; we
pick'd out only one, or two of the fatteſt,
for there are very few that will eat them.
I did not dare to take any, on Account of
my
Office of killing Beeves ; and the Eating
of Swinė's Fleſh is accounted fo contemptible
à Thing, that I ſhould have leſſen'd my Dig-
nity, and, perhaps, been degraded ; which,
whatever mean Thoughts I might poſſibly
have, as to the Honour of it, I had too good
an Opinion of its Value, to part with it for
the Gratification of my Appetite in one Meal:
For in this Caſe they are curious to a Puncti-
lio, that if the Daughter of a King be mar-
ry'd to any One that is not of a Royal Fa-
mily, their Children are not admitted to the
Honour of Killing Beeves; notwithſtanding
the Father be a Freeman, and a Chief a-
mongſt his Neighbours.
We us'd every Evening to ſit down near
the Prince, and diſcourſe of one thing or
another to divert the Time: Now tho' 'tis a
common Cuſtoin amongſt the Princes here,
to converſe with every Body in the moſt
familiar Manner; yet they preſerve a decent
State and Diſtinction. The People through-
out the whole Iſland pay a religious Regard
to Dreams, and imagine that their good De-
mons ( for I can't tell what other Name.to
give their inferior Deities, which, as they
fay,
1
[ 174 )
round about me; ibat iny Pockets werë fill of
fay, attend on their Owleys, ) tells them in
their Dreams what ought to be done, or
warns them of what ought to be avoided;
more eſpecially after a Sacrifice, or a Prayer
to God, and an Invocation of this Dæmon.
I well remember, our Diſcourſe this Evening
turn'd principally upon this Topick; the
next Morning Deadn Murnanzack came to
me, as I was alone, and diſcours’d very freely
with ire about ſeveral Things; and in parti-
cular he advis'di me to take what" Beef I
wanted, and could carry with me, for we
ſhould have no more Opportunities of killing
any, wild Cattle. Obſerving him fond of
Converſation, I told him, if there was any
Dependance on Dreams, as ſome had aſſerted
the Night before, I ſhould incur bis Anger
that Day; having dreamt, That I was at
Home with my parents, and all niy Relations
Gold, and they added jill to my Store : This,
I ſaid, did not only throne 'me into à Melan-
choly when I awaked, to find myſelf naked in
a Wood, and in a ſtrange Country; 'but it like:
wife gave me ſome Concern, for that I had als
waj's' cbferu'd, not only when I was å Läd iii
England, but ſince under my Maſter Mevač-
row, that to dream of Plenty of Gold Mó-
ney was a certain Indication of Ariġer. At
this Diaan Murnanzack ſmild, and made
Anſwer, I wonder that you, who laugh'd but
laſt Night, at the Talk of God's ſending Dreams
by the good Dæmons, ſhould tó Day be afraid
of
[ 175 )
of one. However, ſays he, I dare ſay you
will be once miſtaken ; for I don't know any
Thing you can do to make me angry. I would
not have my Reader imagine, that I have
introduc'd this Story, meerly for the ſake of
telling ản idle Dream ; but it proy'd the In-
troduction to ſomething very remarkable, and
furniſh'd us with a Diſcourſe the next Eve-
ning, that may poſſibly be thought an agree-
able Amuſement.
The next Day we roaſted our Beef, and
laid it to cool, in order to bind up in a Bur-
den, which we call an Enter ; to carry at
our Backs. All I had to do was to provide
for myſelf, and what with my Beef and Ho-
ney, I was pretty well loaded, and as well
contented, for I livd in: Plenty, my Honey
likewiſe mingled with Water made a plea-
fant Drink. This was the laſt Day of our
Paffage thorow theſe Groves, and Habita-
tions of the wild Cattle; ſome of which they
attempted once more to ſurround, more for
the ſake of their Diverſion than Want of
Beef; and in this, not wilfully, but for Want
of Knowledge, I ſpoil'd all their Sport, by
traverſing the Way they were running; which
was directly towards the Place where Dedan
Murnanzack lay in Ambuſh for them: This
made them run quite another Way, and put
him into-ſuch a violent Paſſion at firſt, that
he lifted up his Lance, and frowning, threat-
ned to kill me; and, indeed, I expected no
leſs; which made me get out of his Sight as
foon
[ 176 ]
great Traveller.) what' Things I had ſeen;
foon as poſſible, being apprehenſive of fome
fuch, barbarous Treatment, as I had before
met with from . Deaan Mevarrow. This
Prince, however, was of a more generous
Diſpoſition ; for when his Paſſion was over,
he' ſent for me in a: very courteous Manner,
and deſir'd I would ſpend the Evening with
him as uſual, and fit down by him; which
accordingly I did. After we had diſcours’d
on Variety of Subjects, he, at-laſt, preſs’d
nie to give him ſome Account of the Cuſtoms
of my Country; and in a more particular
Manner to inform him, Wbat God, or Gods
we worſhip? ſince I ſeem'd to have ſo little
Včneration for theirs ; and that I would be
ingenuous, and tell him, (as I had been a
od
in Order to improve the Evening to the beſt
Advantage. And pray, ſays he, What God
is that you adore Upon this the Company
drew round me, and I began by aſking them
in the firſt Place, if they were not ſatisfy'd,
that there was a God above the Skirs i
could not ſay above the Heavens, becauſe
there was no Term in their Language cxpreſ-
five of them; nor had they, as I could per-
ceive, any Idea of what we Chriſtians mean
by Heaven, as the peculiar Reſidence of the
Almighty, and the glorious Manſions of
the Saints after their Deceaſe. They told
me, that They firmly believ'd there was a God
above, who was the fupreme Lord of all other
Gods, Dæmoris, or Spirits, of what Nature,
ܐ
01"
1
( 177 )
o
or Kind foever: That very God, faid I, is the
Deity we adore ; for we know of 10 other God,
nor do we pay the Tribute of Divine Worſhip
to arty other Obječt than this One ; this Su-
preme, and Only God. Do not you then, faid
they, make Prayers, and Sacrifices, and in-
voke ſome Guardian Dæmons, to aſſiſt you inz
the Knowledge of the Will of that God', and
to warn you of any approaching Dangers ? If
your Country-men had ſuch Owleys as ours,
your good Dæmons would have aſiſted you that
Night you lay upon the Sands, and have told
you in Dreams of the Danger, and directed
you to eſcape before the Morning.
To this I reply'd, That all good Men inz
England acknowledġe an over-ruling Provis
dence; and I am fully perſuaded, that it was
by the Providence of that Divine power that
I was preſerved at that Time;, and why God
did not ſee fit, that the reſt ſhould ſave their
Lives, is a Secret I do not pretend to pry into :
But I cannot conceive that your Owleys, to
which you ſeem to pay a Divine Homage, and
pray to for their Aid and Aliſtance, Mould
bave a Spirit, or à God within them ; or viſit
you in the Night when you are aſleep, and
forewarn you of ſuch Misfortunes as you would
willingly avoid. I plainly perceive, that they
are nothing more than Pieces of Wood, and Al-
ligators Teeth drejš'd up; 1 plainly diſcern,
likewiſe, bow they are made ; and I ain certain,
that other Wood, and other Alligators Teeth
are not living Spirits
, have no Power of Speech,
N
and
Í 178 ]
and are incapable of knowing Things preſent,
much leſs Things to come ; for which Reaſon,
we look upon it as an A&t of Idolatry to pay
that Adoration, which belongs to the Great
God alone, to any created Thing, or the Like-
neſs of any created Thing Above, or Here Be-
low ; ſince he has ſtrictly forbid the Worſhip of
any Thing but Himſelf.
Deaan Murnanzack liften'd to this ſerious
Diſcourſe of mine with Abundance of At-
tention, and then turn'd to ſome of his
People, and argu'd with them for ſome
Time; partly in Vindication of what I had
aſſerted, and partly in endeavouring to ex-
plain to them the Nature of their Owleys ;
which I am ſenſible, I had not a juſt Notion
of at that Time; but I was too young when
firſt I was reduc'd to this Slavery, and had
neither Friends, nor Books to aſſiſt me; be-
fides I was not capable of making ſuch juſt
Remarks then, as I could do now.
But to proceed : As ſoon as the Deaan
had done diſcourſing with them, he turn'd
again to me, and ſaid, To me it ſeems very
frange, that you, wko, but this very Morning,
told me a Dream of your own, and found it
happen'd true, Nould argue againſt theſe Ow-
leys of ours; for you miſtake us, it is not the
Wood, nor the Alligators Teeth that we wor-
Ship; but there are certain Gliardian Dæ-
mons, wbo take care of all Nations, Fami-
lies, and private Perſons ; and ſhould you be
poleſ'd of one of theſe Owleys, and give it
the
[ 179 )
with you,
the Name of fome Guardian Spirit, it will un-
doubtedly attend you. For how could you know
this Morning, that I mould be
angry
had not one of theſe good. Dæmons viſited you,
and diſcover'd it; and if you had not bed ſuch
friendly Notice, you might, probably, bave
heen killd; tho I did not deſign it. But
Mens Paſſions are unruly, and I was highly
provok'd, I own, tho' I ſay not this to re-
proach you, as if I imagin d you wilfully ſpoil'd
our Sport ; for I am fully ſatisfy'd you meant
no Harm: I only mention this to put you int
Mind, that you argue againſt yourſelf : Be-
fides, if the Spirits of our Fore-fathers, or
theſe Guardian Dæmons did not declare theſe
Things to Mankind, how ſhould they know
them? No One could tell that I should be
you,
when
you
had given me 120
ofence ; neither did you intend to provoke me,
and nothing was done that any ſuch Accident
Jould have happen'd. You don't imagine, I
hope, that the Great God himſelf came down
to tell you' ; ſince theſe inferior Spirits, of
whom there are ſuch Numbers, could more 2012-
veniently attend you. But you obſerv'd juſt
110W, as I remember, that the Great, S2
preme God had forbid you the Worſhip of any
Thing but Himſelf ; Pras, Did any white
Man ever ſee this Great God above ? Or does =
He often condeſcend to talk with your People,
and not with ours ?
To which I made Anſwer, That No Man -
ever ſaw God, but ſome of our Forefathers,
Hiany
angry with
N 2
1
[ 180 :]
maiiy Ages ago, beard his Voice, when be
dejcended in z Cloud. But, ſays he, if this
was ſo many years ago, and there is no Man
-- 110w living, black, or white, that ever heard
- the Voice of this God, how are you ſure it is
- true ? . And ſince as you allow, it was inany
- Ages ago, Things may be ſo alter'd, or miſ-
repreſented from what they were, when your
firft Fore-fathers told them, that you cannot
-rely upon their Certainty. I was here at fome
Loſs, as they had no Knowledge of Letters,
and conſequently, I could not make theni
comprehend any Thing of the ſacred Scrip-
tures; I only told them, therefore, that We
had a Way of preſerving the Memory of Things,
which they were wholly unacquainted with
and by that Means, I ſaid, we had an Ac-
count of the Beginning of the World, and of
its Creation by God; and that I could tell
them a great many frange Things in Relation
thercto : Which they then ſeem'd very deſi-
rous of hearing.
AND accordingly I told them, that the
World was originally dark, and a confuſed
Chaos, or Maſs; and that God, by the Word
of bis Power, made the Sun, and Moon ; the
Beaſts
, Fiſ, Fowl, Trees, Herbs, and every
Thing elſe
. They ſtill perſiſted in their firſt
Objection; and, as they imagin'd, with much
more Reaſon than before. For, laid one of
them, tho' it's poſſible you may have a better
Method of preſerving the Memory of Things
than we have; yet you could never have the
Know-
;
1
[ 181 )
Knowledge of what was done before there was
any Man created. To this I reply'd, That
Géd bad reveald the Knowledge of this, and
much more to particular. Perſons. Which
they liſtening attentively to, I went on to the
Creation of Man; and then of Woman's being
made out of a Rib, which God took from hinz
while he was aſleep At this they all broke =
out into Aſtoniſhment, and Laughier; and =
Deaan Murnanzack ſaid, It was a manifeſt
Untruth; and that, therefore, it was a Shame
to tell ſuch a Story with a ſerious Countenance ;
by this, he ſaid, be was convinc'd, that all
the reſt was falſe ; for was this true, a Wo-
man would bave a Rib more than a Man, and
a Man be defective on one side.
Here I was guilty of a groſs Error thro'
Ignorance; however, I think myſelf oblig'd
ingenouſly to confeſs it. I hope our Divines,
and all good Chriſtians will conſider the Cir-
cumſtances I was in, and readily forgive me:
For I had ſo little Wit, as peremptorily to
inſiſt on the Truth of it; and affirm'd what
I had heard, when a child, from illiterate
Perſons; That a Man had one Rib lefs on one
Side than the other; Nay I had ſo much
Affurance, as to put the whole Argument
upon
this Iffure, and offer'd to lay any Wager
on the Fact. The Prince laugh'd at me tha’
he was willing to be convinc'd; we had two
Women with us, one was very lean, whom
he order'd to be call'd, her Ribs were told
and found to be equal; and after that a Marz
Was
N 3
[ 182 ]
was examin'd, and his Ribs were the fame:
They were not all of them indeed convinc'd
of the exact Number; nor could I myſelf,
in attempting to count them after them.
From this Time, I perceivid, Deaan Mur-
nanzack treated all'I had faid on Religion
with Contempt, and immediately reſum'd
his former Objection with more Vigour, and
-faid, That to talk of what was done before
-Man was created was perfect Nonſenſe; that
what I had aſſerted in relation to God's conver-
fing with Men, and telling them ſuch, and
-fuch Things, had no Manner of Evidence; and
that the Things I pretended to know, and talk
- of, were, in fort, nothing more than old
Womens Tales. However, ſays he, pray go
09, and give us ſome further Account of this
-God of yours; who, in former Ages, was thus
familiar with Mankind. Then I went on with
the Scripture Story of God's Diſpleaſure with
the old World, and the Floud which deſtroy'd
all Men and Beaſts on the Earth, except thoſe
in the Ark; and of Noah's taking Male and
Female of every Species into it to preſerve
them. Upon this one of them ſhortly reply'd,
If they had been all deſtroy’d, could not that
God, who made them at firſt
, make more of them
at bis Pleaſure? But I went on, and told them
of the Rainbow; that it was appointed for a
Sign of God's Promiſe not to drown the World
again. To this Deaan Murnanzack reply'd,
That they had 110 ſuch Tradition handed down
to them ; but beſides, ſays he, if none-but Noah,
with
( 183 )
with his Sons and Daughters were fav’d, pray
was Noah a white, or a black Man? To
which I anſwer'd, Sir, I perceive you give no
Credit to what I ſay of this Nature. He ſaid,
There are many Things which I don't rightly
underſtand, and Mall be glad to be informi'd of;
nay, I would give Credit to any Thing, thút =
a reaſonable Man can deſire; but moſt of theſe =
Things are no better than old Womeus Fi&tions; =
and 1 am fully perſwaded, that all white Men
will not talk thus idly as you do. Theſe were
his
very Words, which he repeated ſeveral
Times, and with which this Evening's Con-
ference concluded. It was no finall Concern
to me, to find how the Truth ſuffer'd by
my Weakneſs; but I was in Hopes, that
Deaan Murnanzack, who was a Man of
Penetration, inight conſider, that I was but
a Child when I left England; and for that
Reaſon, not well acquainted with the To-
picks I undertook to explain.
The next Day we went directly forwards;
for we were then paſt all the wild Cattle;
and Deaan Murnanzack therefore haſten'd
homewards. About three in the Afternoon,
we came to a place where the Road divided;
here the Prince halted, as I perceiv'd, with
no other View, then to take his Leave of
me; ordering two Men to conduct me, and
my Cattle to his Cow-keeper.
Here we
parted, and we laid that Night near the
Banks of a River, which are the Boundaries
of Deaan Murnanzack's Country, and leads
into
N 4
( 184 )
into Madamvovo, the great River which runs
.
thorow Anterndroea. To this Place, where
I was going, all the Cattle come to Water.
As we were paſſing thorow the Woods, we
met a Company of Men and Women going
to fetch Water; they ſtopp'd, and gaz'd at
me with Admiration, having never ſeen a
white Man before; aſking thoſe who accom-
pany'd me, Who I was? and from whence I
came? who waggiſhly told them, They found
me in the Foreſt among the wild Cattle, and
intended to make a Preſent of me to the Prince.
In Order to carry on the Jeft, I ran towards
the Women, and talking Gibberiſh, frighten'd
one of them to that Degree, that ſhe fell into
ſuch violent Fits, that the reſt had much a-do
to recover her; for which I was afterwards
extreamly forry,
THIS Wood extended from the River a-
bout ſeven Miles, without any Break, or
Plain, till within a Mile of the Town. It
was no ſmall Concern to me, to think, what
a great Way I had to drive my Cattle to
Water every other Day, but it did not prove
ſo great a Fatigue as I expected; for there
being cight, or ten of us, we took our Turns;
ſo that it came to each Man's Turn, but
once in about ſixteen, or twenty Days: Be-
ſides, as there was no Graſs by the Way,
there was no Impediment, or Interruption;
and when they return'd hungry, they would
go home faſt enough of themſelves.
I
As
( 185 )
1
As the People here had never ſeen a white
Man before, I was a very ſurprizing Sight
to them at firſt; but they were foon acquain-
ted with me, and I became of ſingular Ser-
vice to them: For whenever they had an
Ox to kill, they were oblig'd till now to go
a great way for one of the Royal Family;
this Trouble I fav'd them, and liv'd very
plentifully myſelf by that Means. I was fre-
quently ſent for upon theſe Occaſions, and
had always my Fee, which was four or five
Ribs to carry home with me; beſides the Leg
roaſted for my. Entertainment whilft I was
with them. I ſeldom went without a Boy
to wait on me, as there were always ſeveral
at hand, and willing enough, becauſe I was
able to oblige them with part of my Beef.
I had alſo ſufficient to live like thoſe, who
are free, and generous, in communicating
fome Portion of whatever they have to their
Neighbours: As ſoon as I came home, I us'd
to ſet on the Pot, and ſend Meſſes out to all
my Acquaintance, which they did not fail
to return, when in their Power: And it
may be obſerv'd in the whole Courſe of this
Hiſtory, that all the People of this Iſland
delight in this free, good-natur'd, and foci-
able Way of Living
WHENEVER I was ſent for, the Houſe
was always ſet in Order, the Owley dreſs'd,
and plac'd in Viow. I was frequently em-
ploy'd to kill a Sacrifice, in Caſe of a Cir-
cumciſion, or when any One was fick; and
ſince
( 186 )
ſince I had the Conference above related with
Deaan Murnanzack, I had the Curioſity to
liſten to their Prayers: and more then once
I attempted to ſpeak in Favour of the Chri-
ſtian Religion. When I mention'd the Refir-
rection of the Body, they told me it muſt
be a meer Romance; and to talk, as I did, of
Burning in Fire after Death, was to them
inconceivable :( For, ſaid they ) no Man
can feel after he is dead, and unleſs they could
ſee ſome Perſon rais'd from the Grave, they
would give no Credit to my Affertion. I told
them further of God's Appearing, and Giving
the Ten Commandments, but it had no Influ-
cnce over them; For ( ſaid they ) all Mankind
have the Purport, and Meaning of them by the
Dictates of Nature.
Here are Laws againſt Adultery, Theft,
and Murder; and they have ſuch a Vene-
ration for their parents, that they revere
them even after Death ; there is alſo a Fine
inflicted on any One, who ſhall preſume to
curſe another Man's Parents. They never
ſwear profanely, but allow Oaths ſometimes
requiſite, becaujė, ( as they ſaid they were
neceſary and convenient; and Mén could not
live one by another, if there were not ſuch
Laws; and for that Reaſon, there was no
Occaſion for the Great God himſelf to preſcribe
thelė Rules: The Fourth Commandment, in-
deed, they ſeem to have no Idea of; unleſs it
be, that they allow eren their Slaves to ſpend
one Day in ſeven, as they think proper,
proper, with-
out
[ 187 1
out Controul; but they have no religious
Duties to perform. And when inform’d,
that We kept it boly, becauſe God reſted ox the
Seventh Day;
they ſaid, This was as impro-
bable as any Thing I had before aſſerted; and
aſked, How I could tell what God did before
there was a Man living: And indeed, I could
plainly perceive that they deſpis'd me, for
talking of theſe Things; and look'd on me
as a common, notorious Liar; inſomuch that
I was oblig'd to deſiſt.
In ſhort, I had no Way to prove what I
aſſerted, and that Miſtake in regard to the
Rib in my Converſation with Deaan Mur-
nanzack, was a mortifying Stroak to me;
and tho’ at firſt, I imagin'd my ill Succeſs in
the Argument was wholly to be imputed to
my own Ignorance; I have ſince had a thou-
fand ſcrupulous Thoughts ariſe in my Mind
iipon
that Head : And ſure I am, that all was
not owing to my Weakneſs ; for our Di-
vines have not furniſh'd us with ſufficient
Arguments to defend it. And I don't know,
ſince Miracles are ceas'd, but they would
find it a difficult Taſk to demonſtrate thoſe
Truths themſelves to theſe Peoples Satisfac-
tion: Nor do I know what Miracle could
poſſibly now be wrought, to prove what
was done before any mortal Man was in
Being. Tho' they are Fools enough here
to be impos'd on by the Umojees, or Conju-
rors; yet they will entertain no Noțion of
converſing with the Great God. They allow,
in.
[ 188 ]
indeed, that there are Demons, or Spirits,
which may be good, or bad, who
appear
to them in Dreams, and diſcover to theſe
Umoſſees many ſurpriſing Things; yet they
do not look upon them to be more pious,
or better Men than others; tho' indeed, they
imagine they are more knowing. The Awe,
however, that my Education has inpreſs’d
on my Mind, prevented me from joining in
their Worſhip, leſt it ſhould be idolatrous;
and there never was ſuch a Thing as Perfe-
cution for Religior ever thought of amongſt
them; fo that I was free to think, and do
as I thought proper, ſo long as I took Care
not to affront them: And I think, 'tis both a
Shame, and a Sin, that it ſhould be counte-
nanc'd, or practis’d by any Sect of Chri-
ſtians whatſoever. • I have not here forgot
Deaan Mevarrow's threatning to kill me at
firſt; but it muſt be obſerv'd, there was no-
thing more in that Tranſaction than a ſecret
Pride, and Ill-nature peculiar to the Man ;
as appear'd by Deaan Sambo's preventing him,
and reconciling us, without laying me under
any Obligation to join in the ceremony.
í Had not liv'd here above fix Wecks,
before I heard, that Deaan Crindo had at-
tack'd Rer Mimebolambo's Town, and re-
duc'd it to Aſhes, killing two Men, and taking
ſome of their Wires and Children captive,
with almoſt their whole Stock of Cattle.
This ill News affected me very much, not-
withſtanding Deaan Mevarrow had ſeveral
Times
ܪ
( 189 )
2
Times in his Paſſion attempted to kill me';
yet living ſo long in his Family, I could not
but be concern'd at their Misfortunes. Wc
us'd to have here a great Deal of flying News
with reſpect to their Wars; one Day an Ac-
count of a Battle fought, and the next Day
a Contradiction of it; their Reports being
as little to be rely'd on, as ſome of our com-
mon News-Papers at London ; ſo that I paid
but little Regard to them. Beſides, we liv'd
here at a Diſtance in Peace and Plenty, and
heard only now and then, perhaps, of the
Loſſes ſuſtain'd by our Friends; however,
as we felt none of the Miſeries ourſelves,
they ſerv'd us for Converſation; in which,
we, like Coffee-houſe Politicians, feeping in.
Security remote from Danger, cenſur’d the
Conduct of our Superiors according to our
feveral factious Inclinations, for Facts we
knew little, or nothing of; or at moſt, but
by external Appearances; and thoſe too from
very precarious Reports : Our Buſineſs was
to make our Lives as eaſy, and happy, as our
Circumſtances would permit us; and among
the many Things which we met with to di-
vert us, One, I think, will bear the Relation;
which was a Project of my Governor's, and
prov'd as profitable as it was entertaining.
There are ſome People in the remote
Parts of this Country, whoſe Habitations
are in 'ſecret Receſſes in the Woods; they
live eaſy, indolent Lives, never come near
a Town, nor concern themſelyes with any
Affairs
1
[ 190 ]
Affairs of Peace, or War, either foreign, or
domeſtick : They keep no Cattle, left the
Vociferations of their Herds, or Flocks,
might poſſibly betray them, and induce ſome
evil-minded Men to diſturb their Peace, by
plundering them of fo valuable a Treaſure;
but content themſelves with ſmall Planta-
tions, and the Product of Nature, which is,
indeed, fufficient to ſupport them: They
never concern themſelves who is Lord of
any particular Place, or Sovereign of the
whole Dominions. Deaan. Murnanzack's
Cow-keeper, my Governor, formerly liv'd
after this Manner; and, by that Means, was
acquainted with ſome of their private Settle-
ments : As they are very illiterate, he ima-
gin’d, that I, being a Man of a ſingular Co-
lour, might eaſily be impos'd on them for a
Prince of Murnanzack's Family; as, indeed,
many of our vulgar People in Europe are,
who think the Royal Family are ſomething
more than mortal; and the Nobility ſuperior
in Beauty to the reſt of the human Species.
In ſhort, the Farce was agreed to be play'd,
and I was to have one Third of what Pre-
ſents ſhould be made us; he another, and the
Perſons who compos'd my Retinue the Re-
mainder. Accordingly they procur'd me a
gay, ſilk Lamber, two, or three Strings of
the moſt glittering Beads for a Necklace,
and a Gun of the beſt Sort to carry on my
Shoulder; my aflum'd Character was Rer
Mimebolambo, who living in the moſt remote
Parts,
[ 191]
1
Parts, and far from them, there was little,
or no Danger of a Diſcovery; ſince none of
them had ever ſeen any of the Family in
their Lives. Twenty of our Neighbours
made up my Retinue, and we practis'd, or
rehears'd our Parts three, or four Days be-
fore we went; they waiting on me, and
calling me by that Name, and Title; that
Every One might be perfect, and know his
Cue, The Plot in ſhort was this:
We ſet out in a very formal, and pompous
Marc), with Shells blowing in the Rear, as
is the Cuſtom of the Country: The Place we
propos'd to viſit was about ten, or twelve Miles
off; when we came within half a Mile, ny
Governor, and One appointed to attend lim,
went as Heralds to acquaint them, that Deaan
Murnanzack's Youngeſt Brother, Rer Mime-
bolambo was travelling that Way, and un-
derſtanding there were ſome Inhabitants in thoſe
Parts
, deſir'd they would ſpare him ſuch Pro-
vifions as they thought proper, for himſelf and
his Retinue.' We halted till we thought our
Envoys had deliver'd their Melage, and pre-
par'd them for our Reception; then we march'd
on in Form and Order: As soon as we came
into their little Village, I perceiv'd a Mat
was ſpread for me to ſit down upon, and the
whole Clan, Men, Women, and Children,
came crawling upon their Hands and Knees to
lick my Feet. My People play'd their Parts
artfully enough, obſerving every Punttilio of Re-
Speết that was due to the Perſon I repreſented;
for
[ 192.):
to
for the Moment I was ſeated, One ran to
fetch me Water ; another brought a Callabaſis
to receive it, and a third very obſequiouſly
wali'd ny Feet. I order'd my principal At-
tendant ( who was in Reality my Governor )
procure a Houſe for me; there were but five
in the whole Place, except a few Huts, or
Jeparate Apartments for their Children. He
Joon pitch'd upon one of the beſt, and left the
Owner to ſhift for himſelf.
They ſtood with Awe and Attention before
nie, baving never ſeen anzy One command with
ſuch Authority before. The Chief calld a
Kind of Council, and conſulted with them what
Preſent was moſt proper to make me, in ſome
Meaſure, ſuitable to my Dignity. Several
of them return'd in a ſhort Time, with ſome
Gallons of Guinea Corn, and more of Carra-
vances; but the cld Man did not make his Ap-
pearance till near the Evening, when he brought
with him four Men loaded; two with as much
Honey as they could well carry, and two with
as much Carravances; all which were plac'd
in a very formal Manner before me. The old
Man ſat down at an humble Diſtance, and
ftruck with Awe, in a heſitating Tone, made
a modeſt Apology, and ſaid, He hoped I would
excuſe the Meanneſs of his Preſent; but as
he had no more to command on ſo ſhort
Notice, he ſhould be proud if it met with
my Acceptance. I jhew'd a tender Con-
cern for the poor Man, and cheard bim up;
telling bin, I was well pleas'd; that what
he
[ 193
he had done was a fufficient Teſtimony of
his Reſpect, and more than I expected from
him. Upon this, I deſir'd bim to fit down,
and keep me Company, whilft my. People went
to viſit some of their Neighbours ; for I had
jent ſome of them one Way, and ſome another,
to colle&t all they could by fair Means; and
whatever the People could ſpare : I particu-
larly order'd, they mould attend me themſelves,
and taſte the Proviſions they firniſi'd us with;
left they ſhould be damag'd by the Incantation
of the Umoffees. The old Man recover'd bis
Spirits in a mort Time, and began to talk
'with one in a more familiar Manner ; ſaying,
It was no Wonder, that my Father, and his
Royal Family rul'd over them ; for God,
and the Demoris had peculiarly diſtinguiſhid
us from other Men : And had I met you,
( ſaid he') in a Wood alone, I ſhould in-
ſtantly have fallen down, and paid my Duty
to You; for the Varzackars, or white Mini,
can never ſurely be whiter than this young
Prince is. Thus his Tongue ran on, expatiating
0x each Feature of my Face, and extolling
every Part about me in lo laviſh a Manner,
that I could foarce tell what to ſay to hiin
-Nor did I know when be could have cras'd
but as good Fortune would kave it, an Arch
Fellow in my Retinue came in, and in a drol-
ling, tho' very ſerious Manner, anſwer'd him ;
ſaying, 'Tis no Wonder, Old Father, that
i jóll ſtand aſtoniſh'd at the different colour, thje
regular Features, the graceful Symmetry, and
0
Pro-
3
r
[ 194 )
Proportion of the Prince; but you muſt confi.
der, Venerable Sir, that God has not created
all Mankind alike; but is pleas'd
to diſtinguiſl,
thoſe whom he conſtitutes for the Government of
Mankind, by making them in ſuch a particu-
lar Form, and of ſuch a particular Colour; that
No One can be ignorant of their Superiority.
For ( ſays he further) were all of one Shape,
and Colour, People would chooſe out of their
cwn Clan, whom they thought moſt töiſe, and
valiant, to be their Sovereign Lord, and Chief
Commander; and ſhould they happen not to ap-
prove of his Conduet, tbey would abandon him,
perhaps, and live under
. Subjection to fome
other Prince; but when God appoints anzy par-
ticular Men to be Princes, and Rulers over
the reſt of Mankind, you may depend upon it,
he beſtows upon them fuch excellent Forms, and
diſtinguiſhes them by ſuch Marks, that Every,
One who ſees them muſt know them at firſt
View, muſt immediately fall down before them,
and acknowledge their Divine Right, and Au.
thority over them. Ay, ay, ſays the old Man,
what you obſerve is very true; for I remem-
ber my Father went once in two, or three
Years, to carry Honey to Deaan Mernind-
garevo, who was Deann Crindo's Father
;
and, as I have been inform’d, his Skin was
of copper Colour, tho' his Hair was black
indeed, like ours. Yes, ſays the other, he
was ſomewhat different, but not very much
Deann Mungazeungarevo, however, who was
this Prince's Father, marry'd a Lady from
Port-
3
( 195 )
I can't ſay,
3
Port - Dauphine, who was a white Man's ·
Daughter. Yes, yes, ſays the old Man, no
Doubt, there's ſomething in that; but I have
not a right Notion of thoſe Marks which
you mention, by which God diſtinguiſhes
Princes. Are all Princcs, pray, of his fine
Colour, and Make? And has God fet ſuch
glorious Marks on all Kings ?
lays the other, but that this is the whiteſt that
was ever heard of.” In the Interim cane
fome of the People who were ſent for, bringing
their Preſents, and offering to lick my Feet
wbich, to my no ſmall Satisfaction, put a Stop
to their innpid Conferences.
I found that my People had form'd this art-
ful Scheme among themſelves to delude theſe
poor Peaſants, and carry'd it on with good
Succeſs ; for One of theſe lajt, as I was in-
form'd, ask'd How he ſhould know the Per-
ſon to whom he was to pay his Reſpects ?
And was roundly anſwer'd, Do you think
God has not diſtinguiſh'd Princes from other
Men? You'll know him at firſt Sight by his
fine Colour, and. Majeſtick Mien.
But I fear, I have tyr'd my Reader with
the too tedious Narration of this petty Farce:
However, it plainly appears, that it turn'd
out to all our Advantages; we propos'd, at
firſt, to have proceeded further into the
Country ; but were ſo well provided with
whatever we wanted, that we had no Occa-
fion for more ; every Man having as much
as he could well carry : So the next Day all
02
mado
[ 196 ]
a
me.
made up their Enters; cxcept myſelf, who
ſtill kept up my Grandeur. When we came
Home, we divided the Spoil according to
Contract ; and tho'. I fent ſeveral Preſents to
my Neighbours, I had ſufficient for iwo, or
three Months.
This was too happy a Life to laſt long :
Before a Year came abrut, I was order'd
Home again with my Cattle; three Men
being ſent by Deaan Mavarrow to conduct
The Civil War had now ſublifted a-
boat a Year and half; which reduc'd Every
One to the greateſt Difficulties; ſo that they
wanted theſe Cattle to live upon, the reſt
being conſum'd by themſelves, or taken by
their Adverfaries; the Enemy, however, was
in as bad Circumſtances, if not worſe. We
return'd the ſame way we came, thorow the
Foreſt of wild Cattle, and hunted as we
went along, till we came to Deaan Afferrer's
Town on. Yong-gorvo. I was much dejected
all the Way, and here I began firſt to think
of making my · Eſcape to fome Sea-port
Town at the Peril of my Life; tho' it was
a long Time before I had Opportunity to
accompliſh it. As ſoon as I arriv'd at Ror
Minebolambo's Town, where my Maſter;
and his people ſtill reſided, I found none
but melancholy Countenances; however,
they were glad to ſee me ſafely arriv?d, bet
ing richer by that Means then the reſt of
their Neighbours, whether Friends, or Enc-
mies; for my Cattle were conſiderably in-
creas'd.
( 197 )
creas’d. They thank'd me, indeed, for my
Care, which was all the Reward I had; but
my Maſter was, too. proud, and ſurly to do
that; 'my butchering Office, however,
brought me the uſual Fee; by which Mens
I livd.as well as any of the others.
My-Employment was ſtill to follow the
Cow-Tail for the Town in general; for no
Body was willing to truſt either their Chil-
dren, or Servants; and Deaan Mevarrow
durſt not peremptorily command, even his
own young Slaves, to do any Thing which
might hazard their being taken by the Ene-
my; left their Parents, and Friends ſhculd
reſent it; and leave him to live under other
Lords.. As for his white Slave, he had
neither Parents nor Relations to mourn his
Loſs, if kill'd, or taken ; and for that Rea-
ſon was the only proper Perſon to be expos’d
to Danger.
The War was not carried on with ſo much
Vigour as at firſt; for their Courage on all
Sides was pretty well abated; nor was there
ſo much Advantage ariſing from the Plunder.
of one another, as at the Beginning; but it
was not long before Chabary. and Frukey,
who were oui original Enemies, heard that
we had Cattle; and one Day, as I was tend-
ing them at ſome conſiderable Distance from
the Town, they, with two hundred Men
in a Body, ſurpriz'd, and took thein, and
purſu'd me in a moſt violent Manner; firing,
and darting their Lances; yelling out, kill
him
.
03
( 198 )
bim, cut bim to pieces, &c. however, I got
the Start of them, and fled into a Thicket,
which was ſo full of Prickles, and ſtrong
Jarge Thorns, that I was moſt miſerably
ſcarify'd from Head to Foot; nevertheleſs Í
conceal'd myſelf in the Midſt of it: They
ſtill follow'd me with their hideous Cries,
beginning to cut down a Paſſage in order to
come at mc; but juſt as I was on the very
Brink of Deſpair, I obſerv'd them all on a
Sudden, run as faſt back again. It was ſome
Time before I could comprehend the Mean-
ing of it; till at Length, I perceiv'd ſome
People had been alarm'd, and came upon
them; ſo that now they found it difficult to
ſave their own Lives. They could not drive
off the Cattle, but reſolving to do as much
Miſchief as they could, they kill'd ſome,
and others they wounded; and then fled. I
was oblig'd to keep my Station, and was not
apprehenſive, that ſome of them would be
driven upon mc; till by the Noiſe of the
Guns, I found, that they went further from
me: I then ventur'd to creep out, and per-
ceiv'd one of their chief Men was fallen,
and wounded with two Lances in his Hand.
He look'd me full in the Face with his Eyes
{wimming, and was going to ſpeak, when I
ſnatch'd one of the Lances out of his Hand,
and told him, It was my Tinie 110w; and as
he was my Enemy in a double Capacity, I
immediately ſtruck him dead. When our
People firſt ſaw me, they imagin'd that I
was
( 199 )
1
was cut with Lances; for I was all over
bloody: My Fleſh was torn in ſeveral Places,
my Feet were almoſt cut to Pieces, and many
large Thorns were ſtill viſible in them: Sa
that when I rcover'd from the fright I was
in, and came to be cool, I was in exceſſive
Torment, The Women and Children foon
help'd to carry the ſlain Cattle into the
Town; there not being above fifteen alive,
and thoſe moſt barbarouſly us’d. Whilft
theſe were buſy with the Beaſts, I told Deaan
Mevarrow, that I had taken two Lances
from One, that ſeem'd to be mortally wound-
ed; tho' alive when I left him at the Side
of the Thicket. I durft not own that I had
laid violent Hands on him; for ſome of our
People were his near Relations, and I did
not know, but they might privately ſeck Re-
venge; for they lamented his Loſs, and
begg'd his Body, in order to bury it; which
was readily granted.
WHEN I came Home, my Miſtreſs was
very kind to me, and order'd one of her
Slaves to waſh, and dreſs my Wounds, and
pick out the Thorns. It was ſome Time
before I was perfectly well, and it was no
ſmall Comfort to me, that I had no more
Cattle to take Care of; tho' I was conſcious,
at the ſame Time, of the ill Conſequence
that would ſoon attend the Want of them.
However, we had Beef enough for ſome
few Days, and more than we could well
diſpence with, whilft it was ſweet.
0
4
I
O A
1
['209:]
men
I was no ſooner recover'd, but my Maſter
found out another Employnient for me,
which was to dig in the Woods for wild:
Yams; all our Beef was now ſpent, and
ſcarce any Thing elſe was to be found here-
abouts to live upon: We now ſeverely felt
the Miſeries of a Civil War; and ſo muſt all
Countries wherever they are, feel in Propor-
tion to their Circumſtances; whether Chri-
ſtian, or Heathen. I went a long way ſome-
times, before I could find ſufficient for
my.
Maſter and: Miſtreſs, and myſelf; being
ſeldom able to bring Home more than would
ferve one of us for a Meal the next Day :
1, indeed, always made ſure of one private.
Meal ; for I took Care to kindle a Fire, and
roaſt ſome of them in the Woods.
One Morning juſt about Sun-riſing, as
my Maſter and ſome of the Chiefs were fit-
ting at the Town-Gate, condoling with each.
other on Account of the fad State of their
Affairs; Deaan Mevarrow faid, He had
taſted no Beef for ſome conſiderable Time; and
alk'd, If there were any Cattle near them?
They told him, None that either belong'd to
him, or any of Rer Mimebolambo's People;
but there was One in Deaan Mephontey's
Juriſdi&tion about four, or five Miles off, who
had ſeveral good fat Beeves. He immediately
order'd me, and another Man to bring away .
one of the beſt of thoſe Beaſts, with as much
Privacy, and Expedition, as we could. I be-
gan to make ſeveral Excuſes, and ſaid, I
}
WAS
..
[ 2010 ]
was afraid to go upon ſuch a dangerous Al-
venture: Beſides, ( ſaid I.) as I am the only.
white Man You have amingſ all g'our People;
should I be ſeen at a Diſtance, they will kngre
me immediately to be ycur Slave, and by that
Means you yourſelf will be diſcover’d. All I
could urge had no Influence over him; He
was reſolutely bent, that I ſhould go and
order'd the Man to provide a Rope that In-
ftant. I begg's on my knees, that he would
ſend another in my Stead; but to no Purpoſe;
however, whilſt he turn'd away, and was
ſpeaking to ſome other people, I withdrew,
in Hopes, when he did not ſee me, he
would ſubſtitute another in my Poſt; but
the Old Villain turning ſhort, and perceiving
what I aim'd at, took up his Gun; and fir'd
at me; the Shot went thorow the Straw Cap
I had on, and I was ſo near him, that the
Wadding ſtruck my Back. Finding he had
not kill'd me, he took up a Lance, and be-
fore any one could ſtop his Hand, he threw
it at me. He rav'd, and gave me all the op-
probrious Language he could think of: Ås
to Swearing, they are not any Ways ad-
dicted to it; a Cuſtom too. prevalent amongit
us Chriſtians, to the Shame and Reproach
both of High and Low. However, at laſt
he was pacify'd, and on my Submillion,
and the Solicitations of his Friends, he for-
gave me; but peremptorily inliſted on my
Obedience to his Commands. As there was
no Remedy, I proceeded with the Man,
thio'
[ 202 ]
tho' with many bitter Reflections on iny
way-ward Fortune, and State of Bondage.
We fcon came near the Place to which
we were directed, and after we had wander'd
about ſome ſhort Time, we eſpy'd about half
a Score Cows grazing ; our next Concern
was to ſee if any Cow-keeper was tending
them: To confeſs ingenuoully, I was ſcarce
ever in more Fear in my whole Life; the
Noiſe of the pretty little Lizards, who hop
about the Trees, and create a Ruſtling a-
mongſt the Leaves, appear'd at that Time in
my Ears like the Ruſhing out of ſoʻmany,
Men from an Ambuſcade; but after we had
liſten'd very attentively, and taken a ſhort
Tour with the utmoſt Precaution; we, at
length, ventur'd to fally out from behind
the Covert of the Trees, and pitch upon one
that was for our Purpoſe; my Comrade took
the Rope, which till then he had twiſted
about his Middle, and ſecur'd her: We had
much ado to get her from the reſt of the
Herd; but at laſt we maſter'd her, and drove
her thorow the Woods; for we thought it
ſafeſt to avoid all open Places, and by Noon
we reach'd Home: In a few Minutes the was
cut up by a dozen Hands at once, for Fear
the right Owner ſhould have miſs'd her, and
ſhould follow our Track. The Meat was
divided into two hundred Pieces, and diſtri.
buted to the ſame Number of Men. My
Partner, and I had the Udder, and a Slice
of the Buttock; which is the cuſtomary Fee
to
( 203 )
to ſuch as bring in either a ſtolen Beaſt ; or
one taken from an Enerny: As almoſt Every
One in the Town had a ſmall Portion, all
of it was diſpatch'd immediately; and the
next Day we were in the ſame Plight as we
were in before.
It was now Winter, and as the Stalks of
the Yams are then wither'd, they are very
difficult to be found; inſomuch that we were
reduc'd to the utmoſt Diſtreſs, and almnoſt
familh'd: If we could get a Meal once a
Day, it was luxurious Living ; when the
Children, therefore, cry'd for Food, tho'
they had none all Day, their Mothers could
with Authority take them up ſhort, and ſay,
Would you be Gluttons ? Did you not eat ref-
terday? Theſe ſhocking Taunts from their
poor, and diſtreſſed Parents, I heard for ſome
Months together; and our calamitous Cir-
cumſtances were viſible in our ghaſtly Coun-
tenances, Here were no Wars, no Acts of
Hoftility now; our Enemies never concern'd
themſelves about us, nor we with them.;
Thus we liv'd for eight, or nine Months,
after we had loſt our Cattle. Our Enemics,
however, were in a worſe Condition, if por-
ſible, than we were; becauſe Deaan Mur-
nanzack, and his Brother, who liv'd on the
other Side, frequently interrupted their Re-
poſe, and depriv'd them of the only Happi-
nefs that attends a State of Poverty; and
that is, to ſleep away one half of their te-
dious Hours, and ſo lull the acute Senſe of
their Misfortunes.
Deaan
( 204 )
2
Deaan Crindo, and, indeed, Every Body
elſe ſincerely wiſh’d, for a Peace, without
finding any Expedient to accompliſh it; and
tho' Deaan Murnanzack's Succeſs had made
them deſpair of One upon any honourable
Terms, yet Providence threw an Accident
in the Way, by which it was effected. Rer
Vovvern, King of Feraignber, which is St.
Auguſtin-Bay Country, had declar'd War
againſt Woozington, our common Enemy;
and had ſent an Ambaſſador, one Ry-Nanno
by Name, a very Able, and Experienc'd
Perſon; whoſe Commiſſion was to recon:
cilc the contending Lords of Anterndroea ;
and procure their Friendſhip, and Aſliſtance
in the Common Cauſe. No ſooner was he
arriv'd at Fenno-arevo, but the joyful News
ſpread found the Country, and reach'd our
Ears; Deaan. Crindo, without any Heſita-
tion, permitted Ry-Nanno to make the firſt
Overtures from. him to his Nephew Mur-
nanzack; to whoſe Reſidence the Ambaſſa-
dor was then gone when he heard it.
It was with no ſmall Reluctance, that
that this Prince liſten'd to a Peace ; for not
only his Uncle's Deportment, but that of his
Sons too, was ſo inhuman and ſavage, in
deſtroying the Cattle belonging to their near-,
eſt Relations, rooting up their Plantations,
and committing other flagrant Enormities;
that he almoſt forgot his own private Wrongs,
and look'd upon Deaan Grindo as the general
Enemy of Mankind; who, to gratify his un-
ruly
h
( 205 )
ruly Paffions, endeavour'd to lay his Coun-
try waſte; notwithſtanding he himſelfát the
firſt breaking out of thic Quarrel, had ſhewn
him ſo glorious an Example. With what
Generoſity did he treat both Crindo and Mun-
dumber, and all who belong'd to them. How
careful. was he of their Towns, and Effects?
Eșidently demonſtrating; that he aim'd at
nothing more than doing himſelf Juſtice,
and deciding a Controverſy that was too
warmly purſu'd ; and that the Murder of
Men.in coolBlood; and the Deſtruction of
Countries were Actions of horrid Impiety :
And as Ry-Nanno told me afterwards, it was
his innate Virtue that at alt determin'd him
to a Reconciliation; for:he thought the ſu-
preme Being could never look down with a
favourable Eye on a Man, who would refuſe
to relieve his Fellow-Creatures from ſuch
Calamities as his Country-men then låbour'd
under : And This was the principal Motive,
in the Height of his Succeſs, to'rvave the
Proſecution of his own Intereſt, " when it
ſtood in Competition with the publick Good.
Theſe were the truly-noble Sentiments, and
generous Reſolutions of this Great Man, not-
withſtanding his Contempt of Revelation
or, at leaſt of the Chriſtian Religion, as I
had repreſented it to him in a diſadvantagious
Light. I wiſh our Prieſts, who build ſo
much on their ſuperior Knowledge of God's
Will, would be as exemplary in their Livés
and Converſations, and would teach Prin-
ces
ܪ
( 206 )
ces as well as others, to be in Reality ſo truly
juſt, honourable, and good as this Gallant,
Black Prince was in all his Actions; and yet
I doubt not, but he'll be ſtigmatiz'd with the
odious Character of an illiterate Heathen.
As ſoon as Ry-Nanno had concluded his
Negotiation with Deaan Murnanzack, he
paſſed by Deaan Afferrer, well knowing he
would acquieſce with what his Brother had
done; and came to us, in order to compro-
miſe the Quarrel we were engag'd in with
Chahary, and Frukey. He condemn’d them
for their Raſhneſs, in the Proſecution of their
private Reſentments to the Ruin of them-
ſelves, and their Country ; and told them,
it was repreſented in a very bad Light to all
the Kings on the Iſland. He met with no
great Difficulty in the Accompliſhment of
the Reconciliation he aimid at; which being
effected, he told them, that Rer Vovvern had
a Pique againſt Woozington, for ſeveral very
groſs Affronts: Amongſt others, he had call'd
a Dog by the Name of Rer Vovvern; and
Ry-Nanno expected he ſhould wait on them
next Summer to beg their Aſſiſtance againſt
Woozington; but his Errand was at that time
principally out of Friendſhip, to put an End
to their deſtructive Diviſions. In a few Days
2 Peace was concluded, and.publickly pro-
claiin'd all over the Country.
WHILE Ry-Nanno was delivering his firſt
Speech Rér Mimebolambo and Deann Mc-
varroo, I obſerv'd that he fix'd his Eyesat-
tentively
[ 207 ]
Home
tentively upon me, and ſeemd to view me
with ſome Concern ; and calling to me in
broken Engliſh, You, white Mar, come hi-
ther. When he had ask'd me my Name,
he turn'd to my Maſter, and ask'd, Here's
a white Bird among a Parcel of Crows; in
our Country, indeed, they are common enough,
Ships come there frequently; but then they wear
Cloaths, and eat, and drink with our Lords.
This poor young Lad looks piteouſly, why do you
ſuffer him to go naked? Pray ſhew fome Cha-
rity to a diſtreſſed Stranger, and do not uſe
him with Inbumanity. Deaan Mevarrow
anſwer'd, I bave us'd him more tenderly than
he deſerves ; you don't know how his: Friends
feru'd Dcaan Crindo. Yes, (ſays Ry-Nanno)
I know the whole Story perfectly well; and
that Deaan Crindo treated them in a barba-
rous Manner, in refuſing to let them go at their
Requeſt to a Sea-port, where Ships come, in
Order to return to their Native Home. Had
Rer Voyvorn this white Man, he would give
him fome of the Cloaths, which bis Country-
men have left behind them, and take as much
Care of him as he would of his own Son, till
fome Ship should come to carry him Home to
bis Friends.
I liſten'd to this Diſcourſe with the utmoſt
Attention, and waited with Impatience for
a favourable Opportunity of talking with
him in private, which I did that Night; for
he brought part of the Cattle, which Deaan
Murnanzack gave him, as he very well knew
that
( 208 )
that we had: none; and I was:fent: for to kill
a:Bullock. I embrac'd this lucky::Opportu-
nity, and told him in broken Engliſh; That
I would wait on bim:at Night. Accordingly
I went, and he receiv’d: me with Abondance
of Humanity and Reſpect: After we were
ſeated, he enquir?d into the whole Hiſtory
of our Sbip-wreck and Misfortunes.:: I gave
him à long, and; faithful Detail thereof, not
forgetting to acquaint him with the cruel
Treatment I met with from niy:Maſter;
and to ſet my wretched State of Slavery in
the ſtrongeſt Light." The Relation of this
melancholy Tale not only made me weep,
but drew Tears likewiſe from his Eyes. He
told me, he would endeavcur: to purchaſe
me of Deaan Mevarrow, and deſir'd me not
to bc 'top: inuch dejected. I ſtay’d.:late with
hiin, and when we parted, the Hopes I had
cntertain'd of his kind Intentions to releaſe
me, kępt me awake all Night;:- The next
Day; after he had diſcours’d with my Maſter
about their own private Affairs ; he ask'd
him, If he was inclin'd to ſell bis wbite Man ;
and in Cafe he was, he would give bim ir
Exchange a hand/om young Fellow, capable of
doing buin more Service; or a Buccaneer Guri,
if that would be a more agreeable Compenſationi.
I was ſitting among my Fellow-Slaves,
and waiting with the utmoſt Eagerneſs, and
Attention, to hear the Reſult of this Confe-
rence
when my Maſter order'd me to ſtand
up: F was in Hopes, it was to ſtrike the
Bar-
( 209 )
Bargain; but, inſtead of that, ſays he, Look
on that white Slave there ; for looking after
Cattle, digging of wild Yams, and improving
of Honey, there is not his Fellow; and tho
Buccaneer Gun is the common Price of a Slavej
I-will not take two for him. Ry-Nanno there-
upon ſhew'd him three, or four Slaves, but
Mevarrow told him in direct Terms, that
he would not part with me on any Conditions
whatever. Then turning to me, he aſk'd,
If I was not willing to dig ſome wild Yams for
him, as well as his other Slaves; who were
juſt gone on the ſame Errand before. Not
daring to refuſe, I was forc'd to take up my
Hatchet, Shovel, and Lance, and go into
the Woods; but inſtead of ſearching for
Yams, I ſat down, and wept till I was almoſt
blind. However, I was under an indiſpens
fable Obligation to find ſome to carry Home;
which was no eaſy Taſk, for the Stalks were
now wither'd; yet I made up a Bundle, after
roaſting them, but had none myſelf. When
I came Home, my Maſter thought I had
been idle, and ſaid, 'You are mightily concern'd,
I ſuppoſe, that Ry-Nanno is not your Maſter.
I went Home, and laid me down on my
Mat, and had nothing but a Log of Wood
under my Head for a Pillow, till ſome con-
fiderable Time after it was dark; and then
I ſtole privately to Ry-Nanno.
I was no ſooner ſeated, but he told me, he
was glad to ſee me again, and ask'd me what
Succeſs I had met with; which I told him :
P
And
P
1
[ 2to]
And, moreover, that my Maſter had abus'd
me to the laſt Degree for bringing no more
Yams. He ſaid, I was the firſt Man be ever
ſaw, who had a Black for his Maſter; and
tho he could not purchaſe me; yet be did not
queſtion, but Rer Vovvern would find ſome
Ways, or Means, to get me into Feraignher ;
when he came next Summer into this Country:
To that I reply'd, That I was afraid my
Maſter would not take me to the Wars for that
very Reaſon ; and that I deſpair'd of ever re-
gaining my Liberty ; but I was determin'd
to make the Experiment as ſoon as ever my
Maſter went out on another Expedition, and
left me bebind him. Ry-Nanno endeavour'd
all he could to comfort me, and faid, The ſame
Providence which has bitherto preſervéd you;
will, deliver you at laſt; and I have great
Hopes of ſeeing you at St. Auguftine Bay; for;
faid he, fince Tuley Noro's Death, there are
but few ships come now to Port-Dauphine ;
tho' that, indeed, is the neareſt Sea-Port; for
ours is a great Way off. I deſir'd to be in-
form'd how many
Days Journey it was, and
which Way he came : For I am determind,
faid I, to attempt my Eſcape ; if they overtake
me, I am fenfible I ſullº be killd; but then
I Mall be freed from my preſent Bondage,
which is worſe than Death ; and ſhould I fall
into any other Maſter's Hands, 'tis morally
impoſſible he ſhould treat me worſe than this bas
done. The whole Country of Merfaughla, ſaid
Ry-Nanno, lies between us, extending itſelf
from
( 211 )
}
from the utmoſt Part of Anternidroeá, wherà
Deaan Murnanizack's Cattle are all kept, to
the River Oneghayloghe, which runs into St.
Auguſtine Bay; and I think, I was about
forty
and two Days on my Fourney ; but could have
perform'd it in leſs than half the Time, båd të
not biented by the Way: For the whole Couña
try (laid he) is ſo well ſtock'd with proper
Subſiſtence, that no one niéed carry any Pros
viſions, unleſs he is ini a more than ordinari
Hurry: There are Abundance of wild Cattle
in greät Part of it; beſides, there is a large
Quantity of Faungidge, Verlaway, wild Hö-
ney, and wild Yams to be had, wherever you
go.
I inquir'd what Kings liv'd in the Way?
He ſaid, Three : Rer Trortrock is the firſt
to the Northward; the next Rer Chufu-Moffú:
Andro, and Zaffentumpoey; this laſt reſides
ät the Head of the River Oneghayloģhe; to
the Eaſtward; all their People, however, live
near two long Days Fournies from the Road.
The neareſt Way, ſaid hè, is” by the Foot of
Yong-gorvo Hills, till you come to the Weſt
Side of it; then ſtrike over to the Northward
half á Day's Journey, and take your Courſe
betwist the North and Weſt, and you cannot
loſe your Way. I ask'd him a great many
more Queſtions till it was late, and Time to
depart; but he would not permit me till I
had ſupp'd with him. The next Day he
took his Farewel of my Maſter, and I ſtole
away privately to thank him for all his Fa-
vours. As they were packing up his Próvil
P2
+
ſion,
[ 212 ]
cern for
me,
fion, &c. He advis'd me to oblige Deaan
Mevarrow as much as poſſible, leſt he ſhould
kill me, or do me ſome ſecret Injury; and
bid me likewiſe not deſpair of getting Home
to England. He then made me a Preſent of
a large Piece of Beef, and after repeated Ex-
preſlions of my Gratitude for his tender Con-
I parted from him, tho' with
Abundance of Reluctance. When I reflected
on what had paſs’d, I began to entertain
quite different Thoughts of being in another
Country from what I had donc; for I found
here were great Numbers of People, nay,
whole Nations too, who were civiliz'd, and
underſtood the Laws of Decency, and Good
Manners; but it was my Misfortune to fall
among the moſt favage People of the whole
Illand.
The next Day the Cryer went round the
Town, with Orders to all Deaan Mevarrow's
Slaves to muſter before his Door. Among
the reſt I went to know his Pleaſure, which
was to get ready, and march, with all our
Baggage, the next Morning to our own
Town; which was chearfully comply'd with
by every' Body but myſelf, who was very
indifferent where I liv'd: So when we had
taken our Leave of Rer Mimebolambo, and
his people, we march'd Home, and found
our Habitations very little worfe, than when
we abandon'd them; for they were at that
Time new built. The Orders were to at-
tend, and receive Axes, and Hocs, for the
Cul-
i
( 213 )
Cultivation of the Ground. Whilſt ſome
clear'd it of the Wood and Briars, Others
hoed it up inſtead of plowing it: Our Maſter
fent to his Uncle Mephontey for a conſiderable
Quantity of Guinea Corn, and Carravances,
which were ſoon fow'd; and then indulg'd
his Slaves for a Fortnight, in order to im-
prove their own Plantations. I deſir'd Deaan
Samlo to uſe his Intereſt with my Maſter,
that I might have two Days more to take
Care of my Honey; which I had ſecur'd
from Thieves, by ſetting up white Sticks, as
a Teſtimony that it was poiſon'd by the
Charms of the Umoſſee. He gave Conſent;
and thereupon, I took three large Tubs,
each of which would contain five, or fix
Gallons; and as many Callabalhes.' I had
further to go than from our old Town,
which had been burnt;. but when I came
there, I found my Hives all ſafe, and un-
touch'd; and my Stock of Honey prodigiouſly
increas'd. I ſmoak'd the Bees out, and took
the greateſt Part of their Treaſure away,
but not all, leaving them fome to fubſiſt on;
for they will return of themſelves to the
Hives, and when they ſwarm, go directly
to new Ones without any of that Fatigue we
have with them in England. I found ſome
fine Virginia Honey with white Wax, which
I put into my Callabalhes: As it was near
two Years ſince I had ſeen them, I had al-
moſt forgot where to look for good Part of
them; they being planted at a great Diſtance
from
P 3
[ 214 ]
from cach other, in different-Corners of the
Wood. I fillid, however, all my Veſſels,
and left as large a Quantity behind me for
the next Day's Journey. As ſoon as I got
Home, I waited on my Maſter, and made
him a Preſent of one of the Tubs: Now
theſe Lords always expect an Acknowledg.;
ment on ſuch Occaſions. When my Maſter
ſaw how large a Quantity I brought him,
he was ſurpriz'd; and ask'd me, Why !
þrougkt him ſo much? For to do him Juſtice,
I can't ſay he ever diſcover'd a Covetous
Diſpoſition.
BESIDES, We have no Officers to exact
any certain Quantity; but the People muſt
go voluntarily, and carry a Preſent of ſuch
Commodities as their Plantations and Induſtry
have produc'd; as Carravances, Guinea Corn,
Potatoes, &c. but this is only by way of Ac,
knowledgment of Homage; and a Callabalh
only would have been look'd upon as a ſuffia
cient Compliment. But as I was ſenſible,
that he had a Circumciſion-Feaſt to make;
and I had a large Stock, I deſir'd him to
accept it. He told me, it was true; and for
that Purpoſe, he would purchaſe all the
Honey I had to ſpare, and give me a Cow
and a Calf for it the firſt Cattle he had.
The Civil War being now over, we liv'd
at Eaſe, and could dig our wild Yams with-
out the leaſt Apprehenſions of Danger: Peo-
ple now went backwards, and forwards, to
viſit each other as uſual, and Every One at-
tended
[ 215 ]
tended his Plantations; it was fix Months;.
however, after this before we had Plenty,
My Converſation with Ry-Nanno was ever-
in my Mind, and I only waited for a favour-
able Opportunity of my Maſter's going A-
broad upon ſome Exploit, to make my Ef-
cape, if poſſible, at all Adventures. . After-
ſome Time, it happen'd, that One Rer Ama
barroch, a petty Prince to the Northward,
having receiv'd, and detain'd eight Slaves of
Deaan Mevarrow's, and thirty Head of his
Cattle a little before the Civil War began;
and the Deaan ſending a ſpecial Meſſenger
to demand them; he ſent Word back, That
he might come himſelf, and fetch them, if he
thought fit. He being now at Leiſure, Rer
Mimebolambo, and he agreed to join their
Forces, and having obtain'd Leave of Deaan
Çrindo, they prepar'd for their Expedition.
I expected to be left behind as uſual to
take Care of his Wife, and pleas'd myſelf
with the Hopes that the Time was near at
Hand for putting my Deſign in Execution;
but ſtanding before him with two Lances in
my Hand; you ſhall not, ſays he, always
live at Home like a Woman, but mall go to
the Wars with me ; the Sight of a white Man
in Arms will ſtrike Terror into the People up-
on the Mountains where we are going. Herc-
upon he took my Lances, and ſaid, Here is,
one of your Grand-father's Arms, you can
manage this, I prefume, Somewhat better than
ours ; prepare yourſelf for the March. I de-
fir'd;
P 4
[ 216 ]
to
carry for
me;
fir'd, however, that I might have one of my
Lances, which he
gave ine,
and twenty Mus-
ket-balls, a ſufficient Quantity of Powder,
and two Flints. I took up my Mat as uſual,
but my Maſter gave it to one of his Slaves
ſo I walk'd, Gentleman-
like, without any Luggage.
Our little Army conliſted of about three
hundred Men, excluſive of the Slaves : We
went to the Northward all the firſt Day ;
on the ſecond we got into the Foreſt to the
Eaſt of Yong-gorvo, where the wild Cattle
are; there we hunted, and kill'd ſome Beef,
while four Men were ſent out as Spies to-
ward Rer Ambarroch’s Town, to ſurvey the
Fortifications of it. We were almoſt a Day's
Journey from it; and, indeed, it was not
adviſeable to go nearer, left ſome of their
People ſhould have diſcover'd us, and alarm'd
the Town; for thoſe wild Cattle were their
principal Maintenance and Support. Our
Spies return'd, and brought Intelligence, that
it was an open Place without any Fortifica-
tion at all. Thereupon we march'd all
Night; and arriving at the Town by Break
of Day, wc divided ourſelves to ſurround it,
and fir'd into their Houſes to alarm them
3
the Barking of the Dogs, and the Noiſe of
the Guns foon rous'd them, and away they
ſcower'd ; for we gave them no Time to
collect themſelves into a Body: So we plun-
der'd them at once, and took wliat Priſoners
we could find; I ſaw the Frince's Houſe,
and
ز
&
11
{
+
}
*
1
}
心​。
t
TH
{
“;”
1
5
:
::
εξ
:
ξε
έργο:
Crod
ει:
] 217 ]
and ran directly up to it, in Hopes of taking
him Priſoner ; but he jump'd out, and fir'd
at me: As I was going to return it, a Man
threw a Lance at me, which I put off, and
fir'd at him, and put a Stop to his Running;
but by that Means the Prince eſcap'd.
I enter'd the Houſe, and found his Wife
and Daughter, with two, or three Slaves at-
tending them. I took hold of the Ladies
Hands, and led them both out; and left
Others to plunder the Houſe as they pleas'a,
ſince I had a good Prize enough ; but one
of Rer Mimebolambo's Men, who had got
no Booty, would fain have taken one of my
Captives from me: Whereupon I told him,
I ſuppos'd he was a Coward, and had ſneak'á
bchind a Tree in the Action; or elſe he
might have found ſomething worth his Ac-
ceptance: He inſiſted on his Demands, and
reproach'd me with being a Slave, till ſome
of our People came up; at which Time, he
was oblig'd to depart with Shame : For a
Complaint being made to Deaan Mevarrow,
he juſtify'd me, and ſeverely reprimanded
the Poltroon. For there was an Agreement
made before we ſet out, that what Cattle
Thould be taken be divided ; but all Cap-
tives ſhould remain in the Cuſtody of thofe
who took them. When we had drove all
the Men away, we got what Cattle we could
find together, and made the beſt of our Way
thorow the Wood with them, left the Ene-
my ſhould rally, and attack us. As ſoon as
+
1
WC
2
[ 218 ]
1
we got into the Plain, we halted, and made
Preparations to receive them; and about two
Hundred of them ſoon came as we expected.
I deliver'd my two Captives, as Every
One elſe did theirs, to the Şlaves that were in
the Rear, whilſt we march'd; and as we
came near them, they alſo met us; ſo that
we made a Diſcharge almoſt all at once, and
kill'd three, or four of their Men. We
halted a While to load again, and perceiv'd
that they ſtood confounded, and look'd in
a very wiſhful Manner on One of their Party
who was fallin: Having loaded again, I, and
ſome few more ran directly up to them: See-
ing us approach, which is not uſual, they
fir'd at us, and ran away. We follow'd
them till they got Shelter in the Wood, and
then return'd to the main Army. On our
Retreat, they fally'd out of their Coverts,
and follow'd'us at a Diſtance, being deſirous,
to take one View more of their Wives, Chil-
dren, and Cattle; and to obſerve our Motions,
in Hopes ſome Accident might happen, that
might give them a favourable Opportunity
to avenge their Cauſe, and retrieve the Loffes
.
they had ſuſtain'd.
År Noon. we came to a ſhady Grove, and
there halted near a Spring, ip Order to re-
freſh ourſelves; for we were all faſting. As
ſoon as my Maſter was ſeated, he order'd
me to bring my two Captives before him ;
and applauding me for my Courage, and
Conduct in the Action, he told me, I ſhould
keep
[ 219 ]
other.
keep one of them anyfelf, and baue 12y
Choice
too, and that he would be.contented with the
I foon determin'd in Favour of the
young One, who, in Truth, was extremely
agrecable; and I was pleas’d with her from
the firſt Moment I took her. She was not
above fixteen Years of Age: Her Mother,
whom I preſented to my Maſter, was about
four, or five and thirty. : Deaan Mevarrow
was pleas'd with my Choice; for he was in
clin'd to do a generous Action : And there-
upon calling her to him, he told her, Her
Husband bad brought all this Misfortune up-
on himſelf, by his unjuſt, and obſtinate Pro-
ceedings, and I have only follow'd his Direc-
tions ; I am come myſelf as be bid me, and
have fetchd away all my Women; and I per-
ceive ſome of 112y own Cattle, with a ſufficient,
Quantity of his
, to pay me, and my Friends
for our Trouble : As for yourſeif, I will re-
store you to your Liberty'; Go back to Rer
Ambarroch, and acquaint bim, T:sat iſ be be
înclin'd to have his Daughter and Cattle -
gain, he muſt come, and fetch them : You fee
She is fallen into-ny White Man's Hands; and
for my Part, L'ļl never take her from bim,
And (ſaid I) I'll loſe all the Blood in this
White Man's Body, before he ſhall have her
again.
After ſhe had refreſh'd herſelf with ſome
Meat, which Deaan Mevarrow preſented
her with, ſhe came to me in Order to take
her laſt Farewel of her Daughter. They
both
+
[ 220 ]
both wept heartily, not expecting ever to ſee
each other more : I pity'd them, I confeſs,
and would have diſmiſs'd the young One,
had I not really been in Love with her. Tó
confeſs ingenuouſly, I never ſaw any Wo-
man before that Time I lik'd ſo well; tho
I had been ſo many Years in the Iſland. I
comforted the Mother, however, as well as
I could; and defir'd her, Not to be too much
concern’d for the Loſs of her Daughter, ſince
ſhe would live as well as I did: Nay, I af-
Jur'd ber, that I would take more Care of her
than of myſelf; and tho' I was not of a ſable
Hue, 'I had a Heart as fond, and indulgent
as any Black whatever ; and therefore, thor
she fell to my Lot by the Chance of War, yet it
was my Deſign to make her my Wife, if ſhe
approv'd of it ; if not, it was poſſible, I ſaid,
the might lead å leſs comfortabie Life. Her
Mother aſk'd her, Wbat the thought of the
Motion ? She anſwer'd, She was at my Dif-.
poſal, and not at her own ; and deſir'd ber
Duty might be preſented to her Father. And
preſent mine too, ſaid I, if you pleaſe, Mo-
ther. So after ſome further Diſcourſe, for
a ſhort Time, they parted. She tock her.
Leave of Deaan Mevarrow, returning him
inany Thanks for her courteous Treatment,
and went away by herſelf; tho' ſhe had not,
I preſume, far to go alone: For her Friends
were, doubtleſs, as near as they durſt come
in the Woods, to obſerve our Motions: And
tho' we never ſaw them more, yet we kept
a
( 221 )
a ſtrict Guard all that Day, and the follow:
ing Night. I was very fond, and careful of
my pretty Priſoner, tying a Rope about her
Middle, with the Ends about myſelf, and
laid her cloſe to me, folding her faſt within
my Arms; the only ſmild, and rallied me
for it, but I was ſo fearful leſt fhe ſhould
get away, that I could not leep. We march'd
apace the next Day, and when we halted,
Rer Mimebolambo and Deaan Mevarrow di-
vided the Cattle, cach had two hundred and
eleven; and then they parted: Each taking
the neareſt Way home.
BEFORE. We enter'd the Town, we made
another Halt, in order to divide the Cattle
among ourſelves; the Deaan had thirty, his
Brother ten, and each of the other Princi-
pals one: He that had two Slaves retain'd
one of them, and deliver'd the other to his
Lord, and had a Cow and Calf in Lieu of
it : If two Men got a Slave between them,
they had each of them a Cow for it; even
he who had taken no Slave was to have a
Cow, provided the Number would admit of
it; if not, one was divided between two: And
this is a general, and an eſtabliſh'd Law,
with reſpect to the Diviſion of an Enemy's
Spoils.
Deaan Mevarrow told me I had but one
Slave; whercupon I alledg'd he had taken
one away, and might have kept her, if he
thought proper ; but I perceiv'd, he was only
in Jeſt: For he gave me a Cow and a Calf
as
ť
żŹŹ ]
as an Equivalent for her ; and generoully
enough offer'd me another Cow; and Calf
for my Honey, but I modeſtly declin'd that
Favour, ſo he choſe thein for me himſelf
out of :he fa teſt of the Herd. By this Means
I became rich at once, having two Cows;
and two Calves, and an handſom forzeram-
peller ; that is to ſay, an handfom Girl.
No ſooner were we come to the Town,
but the Shells were blown, and all the Wo:
men ran out to ſee what was the Cauſe of it,
not expecting our Return in ſo ſhort a Time;
but when they knew who we were, they
ran back to their Houſes till we had made
our Triumphal Entry, and Deaan Mevarrow
was ſeated; then his Wife came out, and as
'tis the Cuſtom there, lick'd his Feet; and
after her the reſt of the Womeri paid him thé
ſame Homage; and after that, Each of them
teſtify'd her Duty to her own Husband in
the ſame ſubmiſſive Manner. I thought in-
deed, I had now a Wife, and a's fine a One
as the beſt of them all; and that the next
Time we return'd from ſuch an Expeditior
with the like Succeſs, I ſhould have Homage
done me too. My Miſtreſs fent, and deſir'd
to ſee my young Spouſe: I went along with
her accordingly, and ſhe would make her
ſit down on the fame Mat with herſelf, and
could not refrain from Tears; it having been
her own Cafe: Whereupon ſhe charg'd-me
to uſe her tenderly. I did not intend, I told
her, to make a Slave of her; but a Walley,
that is, a Wife.
As
| 223 1
As I had a Stock of Honey in a Neigh-
bour's Hands, as alſo ſome Carravances, and
a fufficient Quantity of Milk, I made a very
tolerable Repaſt for my Bride, and myſelf;
and mimick'd Matrimony ſo far as to take
her by the Hand, and aſſure her, that I was
willing to make her a con tant, and tender
Huſband; and aſk'd her, If ſhe was equally
willing to be a faithful, and loving Wife? to
which ſhe chearfully conſented: So we lay
down together, and tho we had no Bride-
Men, nor Bride-Maids, or Throwing of
Stockings, yet we were as happy as our
Circumſtances would well admit of.
SOME of my Readers, prehaps, may wonder
how I could be ſo paſſionately in Love with
a black Woman; but as I had been ſeveral
Years in the Country, and they were become
natural to me, I think, the Wonder ceaſes.
Beſides, She was extremely handſom, of a
middle Stature, very ſtreight, and exactly
ſhap'd; her Features were regular, and her
Skin as ſoft, fine, and delicate as any Ladies
in Great Britain. And to do the Women
there Juſtice, all who are of any Rank, and
well brought up, have the laſt good Qua-
lity to boaſt of. There are uncleanly, courſe-
ſkin’d Creatures, indeed, amongſt the vulgar,
as well as in Europe; but the Women do not
go naked as ſome of the Guinea Negroes.
Their Dreſs is a Lamber, much longer than
that of the Mens, and reaches to their Feet
from their Middle; above, and under the
Lamber,
[ 224 ]
Lamber, they wear a Kind of Shift, which
covers all the Body to the Neck, and ſhort
Sleeves. This, for the Generality, is made
of Cotton, and is of a dark Colour: Thoſe
of the better Sort embelliſh it with Beads,
in a very neat Manner, more eſpecially on
the Back; where they are rang'd in Rows,
and croſs one another; and as they are of
different Colours, they form a large double
Croſs; ſo like a Union-Flag, that One would
imagine they coppy'd after it.
Thus much as to a general Detail of the
Perſon, and Habits of theſe Women: Tho
I ſhall not, indeed, give them the Preference
to our Europeans ; yet I muſt ingenuouſly
confeſs, that 'tis with Pleaſure I reflect oni
mine; and remember our Parting with the
utmoſt Reluctance, and Concern. For as
to their Fidelity, Duty, and ſubmiſſive De-
portment to their Huſbands, good Nature,
and agreeable Converſation, ſo far as their
little Knowledge cxtends, I think, the El-
ropeans come far ſhort of them. We white
People entertain" a very contemptible, and
mean Idea of theſe Blacks, and a high, and
partial One of ourſelves: They, on the other
Hand, have an exalted Opinion of our Me-
rit; and modeſly imagine, that we are far
ſuperiour to them in Point of Knowledge,
Arts, and Sciences : And therein, doubtleſs,
they are right; but if an impartial Compa-
riſon was to be made of their good Qualities,
the Black Heathens would, in iny Opinion,
ex-
( +
125 )
excel the White Chriſtians. . I preſume, the
Reader will readily allow, that the beſt Cha-
racter I could give myſelf, in Order, to re-
commend me to my Wife's Mother was, to
affure her, as I did; that I had as tender ar
Heart as any, Black'whatever; fot it muſt be
acknowledg'd, tho' to our Shame, that thċy
treat one another with more Humanity than
we do. There are none miſerable amongſt
them, if it be in the Power of thèir Neigh-
bours to aſſiſt them. There Love, Tènder-
neſs, Generoſity, and moral Honeſty too,
are very conſpicuous: And that not only
juſt in this one Country of Anternidroeà, but
throughout the whole' Inand; and even in
other places more then here.' My Maſter;
Deäan Mevario; indeed, mäý be produc'd
as an Exception to this general Ruté, on Ac-
count of his ſtealing his Neighbour's Catile;
1 grant it; but it muſt be conſider'd, that
there are ſome Men of bad Principles in every
Country; he did it, 'tis true. againſt Con-
ſcience, and ſtood felf-convicted: For he
knew what Juſtice was as well as any One;
as appear'a by his paying me my Cow, and
Calf in Return for my Honey; and in many
other Particulars. There is a wide Diſtance
between the Capacitiës, and Virtues of ſome
Men; tho it is with Regret, that I mentiori
Deaan Murnanzack's Name in the ſame Page
with Mevarrow's; yet the peculiar Vices of
the latter are no Objection to the National
Virtues of his Country.
My
.
[ 226]
+
My Reader will excuſe this Digreſſion, I
hope, when he recollects the only Pleaſure
that alleviated the Weight of my Slavery
while in Anternidroeå. I look'd after my
Maſter's Cattle indeed, as I did before; but
then I had a few of my own, and an agree
able Companion to ſpend my leiſure Hours
with, who took care of my Houſe ; and as
I had plenty of Honey, I never was with-
out Toak; for my Wife, and I to enjoy our-
felves with, and entertaint a Friend upon Oc-
caſion. So that I liv'd as well as the beſt of
my. Neighbours, and being now much leſs
fatigu'd than formerly, I was capable of
taking more Notice of the Religion, and
Laws of the Country: And as I propoſe to
amuſe the Reader with a particular Detail
of one of their Circumciſion-Feaſts, it will
not be improper to give firſt an Account of
that little Religion which they profeſs'd.
They acknowledge indeed, and adore the
Only One Supreme God; whom they call
Deaan Unghörray; which ſignifies the Lord
Above: There are, according to their No-
tion, Four other Sovereign Lords; and that
Each ſuperintends one Quarter of the World
The Northern Lord is ſtyl'd Deaan Ante-
moor; The Southern Deaan Meguddumdumma-
teme; The Weſtern Deaan Androwfertraer;
and the Eaſtern Deaan Anabeleſhiey : This
Laſt, ſay they, difpenfes Plagues, and Calda
mities amongſt Mankind, by the Command, op
Permiſion at least of the Great God; the
Other
!
[ 229 ]
Others alſo arè fubfervient to his Commands
but are cliefly. Diſpenſers of his Favours; and
Bleſſings. They look upon Thefe Foür. as
Mediators between Men, and the Supreme Be
ing ; on which Account they have a peculiar
Regard for them, and in their Prayers; and
Sacrifices recommend themſelves to their In-
dulgence, and Protectiori.
:: I have already given the Reader ſome Ac-
count of the Owleys; by which they ſeem
to entertain the ſame Idea as ſome ſuperſti-
tious People in Europe formerly did of Fa-
miliar Spirits'; becauſe they employ them
as their Favourite Meſſengers with tlieir. De-
titions, and Prayers to the GREAT GOD;
and, after a Sacrifice, expect that they ſhould
come, and tell in Dreams what they have to
do; and alſo to warn them ôf any approaching
Dangers. This bears agréat Gonformity to
the Idea, which fome Chriſtians have enter-
tain'd of Guardian Angels; or ſome Old Phie
loſophers of a Good, or Evil Genius; or ra-
ther, is more exactly conformable to a very
ancient, and long-received Notion of Dą.
110125; and for that Rdafon, as we have no
other Terón fo fit in our Language, I chuſe
to diſtinguiſh them by that, for the Owley
is no more than the general Name of the
Utenſil, or Altar; which is rather like a Ta-
Itfmän, or Sigil, to which the Dämon: is
thought to be attachd ; and by which, as a
proper Medium, they expect to be invok'd':
For there are almoſt as many different Dá
Q2
mons
[ 228 )
mons with proper Namës, as there are Per-
fons who have Owleys : Some of which are,
Ry-Leffu, Tompack-Offnarevo, Laka-petu,
Deer-meſacker, Deer-burzolavor, Ry-mun-
gary, Ry-ove. Then they invoke likewiſe
the Spirts of their Fore-fathers, and have
a great Veneration for them ; calling upon
them by Nanies that are given them after their
Deceaſe: Inſomuch that they look upon it as a
Crime to addreſs them, or ſpeak of them by the
Names they had when living ; and this Name
is principally known by the Word Garevo at
the End of it; as may be obferu'd in the Repe-
tition of Deaan Crindo's, and Deaan Mur-
nanzačk's Fathers Names by my Mock-Retirue
among the Peaſants.
The Veneration they have for the Memory
of their Anceſtors, and the Aſurance they
have of their Spirits always exiſting, is apa
parent in almoſt every Circumſtance of the few
religious Ceremonies which they perform: 'The
Burial of their Dead is very particular, and
folemn. I have frequently hinted at the great
Humanity, with which they treat each other
on all Occaſions, and under all Difficulties of
what Nature, or Kind foever. In Sickneſs
they daily viſit, and contribute all that in
them lies to the Relief of the afflicted Family,
and the Reſtoration of the Patient. When any
One is dead, all the Relations, and Neigh-
bours come to the Houſe; the Women make
doleful Lamentations; and the Men aſiſt in
the neceſary Preparations for the Funeral.
In
1
$
( 229 )
In the firſt place, they pitch upon a Tree for
the Coffin; after that, a Cow, or an Ox, is
killd, and ſome of the Blood Sprinkled upon it ;
imploring at the ſame Time their Fore-fathers,
and the Dæmons, and Demi-Gods to aid,
and aſſiſt them; and take Care that the Tree
does not ſplit in the falling ; or that any One be
not hurt either by cutting, or felling it. Wber
-the Tree is down, they cut it about a Foot longer
tban the Corps, and ſplit it directly Length,
ways; (for they always make Choice of a Tree
:which they know will ſplit after this Manner.)
and dig both Parts hollow, like two Troughs.
It is then carry'd to the Houſe, the Corps be-
ing in the mean Time waſh?d, and wrapp'd up,
in a Lamber, or frequently in two, and fow'd
together. There is Frankincenſe, or a Gunz
very much like it, burning all the Time in the
Houſe. They
feldom keep the Corps above one
Day, eſpecially in hot Weather. They put the
Corps in the Troughs, cloſing them together,
and carry.it upon fix Mens Shoulders. Every
Family has a Burying - place of their own
which' no One daré infringe upon, or break
into; nor does any Qne indeed attempt it. This
is inclos’d, and fenc'd round with Sticks, like
- Palliſadoes: When they come near the Place,
the Corps is ſet down, and then they proceed to
the reſt of the Ceremony; that is, to make four
Fires s one at each Corner on the Outſide of
the Burying-place: On theſe Fires they burn
the Ox, or Caw, which was kill'd before for
that Purpoſe; then they divide it into Quar-
1
Q3
ters,
[ 230 ]
ز
ters,
which are all conjuin'd in the Flames :
After this, they Sprinkle Frankincenſe uport
the Coals, and spread them all about. This
being done, the Chief, or Eldeſt of the Family
goes cloſe to the Entrance of the Burying-place,
and holla's aloud ſeveral Times ; after a ſhort
Pauſe, he calls upon all the Dead that are
there depofited, commencing at the Earlieſt,
and proceeding to the Laſt, and Each One di-
ſtinętly by his Name; and in the Concluſion
tells them, That there is a Grand-child, or
near Relation come to lye amongſt them;
and that he hopes they will receive him as a
Friend. Then the Gate is opend, and two,
or three Perfors are ſent in to dig the Grave,
which is made for the Generality ſeven, or
eight Foot deep ; and the Corps is plac'd in it,
and cover'd over with the Earth, without any
fürther Cereriony. None are permitted to en-
ter here, but fonie of the neareſt Relations; and
the Bearers.; and the Door isiimmediately fout
fajt again. There is commonly a Crowd of
People without, who are buſy in carving up,
and dividing among themſelves the Cattle, that
are diſtributed amongſt them for that Pun-
pose.; if it be a great, and rich Family that
ican afford it. But the poorer: Sort can't gra-
tify their Friends in jo bountiful a Mannier,
They generally viſit this Burying-place once a
Year, to clear it from W.eeds, and make it
clean: ; but never enter it till they have firſt
burnt a Cow, ora Bullock before it.
I knew fome, who, during a Friend's
Sick-
1
[ 23.1
1:]
!
Sickneſs
, wou?d make a Sacrifice and Prayer
here, to invoke the Aid; and Aſſiſtance of
the Spirits of their Fore-fathers, but this is
not a very common Cuſtom. And if
Man has any peculiar Ceremonies of his own,
which Others do not think proper to put
in Practice, ng Perſon is offended; nor do
they concern themſelves about it: 'And the
Reaſon is, becauſe there are no People here,
who pretend to be Greater Favourites of the
Supreme Being than other Men, and to have
a particular Commiſſion to interpret, and de-
clare bis Will. - No One here has yet been
ſo preſumptuous as to attempt this; and if
any. One ſhould be ſo hardy, he would meet
with but few to credit him.
Every Man here; the poor Man, as well
as the rich Lord, is a Prieſt for himſelf, and
his Family; and expects the Dæmons ſhould
anſwer his Requeſts in his Dreams. If he
differs from his Neighbour in Point of Ce-
remony, as there is no Damage given, or re-
ceiv?d; ſo there is no Hatred ariſes : But
were they to ſet apart particular Perſons,
and to give them a certain Number of Cattle
and Slaves every Year, for the Performance
of ſome certain Çeremonies, and inſtead of
making their Prayers to God for themſelves
,
Jeave it to theſe to officiate for them, and pré-
fcribe Rules, and Seafors to them; theſe very
People would ſoon lord it over them : For
they would terrify them with the Anger of
the Great God, and Demi-Gods, and foment
Di-
1
!
Q4
[ 232 )
Diviſions among the People for the Support
of their Intereſt, left they ſhould loſe their
Subſtance and Honours; and at laſt puniſh
any innocent Perſon for their infolent Inven-
tions, under a fanctify'd Pretence of Demons
coming in the Night from the Supreme Be-
ing, and enjoining them ſo to do. We had
an Inſtance, how eaſily Mankind might be
impoſed on, by theſe Pretenders to Prophecy,
in my Maſter Mevarrow; and how artfully
the Impoſition was carried on in one of our
Neighbours,
THERE was a Perſon of Diſtinction liv'd
about two Hour’s' Walk from us, callà
Deäan Olaavor, whoſe Father dy'd whilſt
I was here; he was making Preparations for
his Interment in the Burying place of his
Family; and the Night before, he dream'd
his Father" appear'd' to him: Or, according
to his own Expreſſion, His Father appear'd
to him in a Dream, and earneſtly defird him
not töbury his Corps; but keep it in a Sundock,
or Cheft, and erect a little Houſe for the Re-
ception of it.
This Requeſt he very dutifully comply'd
with, building a Houſe about three hundred
Yards from the Town to the Eaſtward; to
which Place he usd frequently to reſort,
and make his Prayers and Oblations, and
then pretended that the Spirit of his Father,
which he call'd Lulu-bay, or The Great Spin
rit, us'd to come, and tell him ſtrange Things,
which ſhould occur to his Neighbours. He
fre.
$
[ 233 )
1
frequently viſited Deaan Mevarroi, who
gave the utmoſt Attention to every Thing he
ſaid; Olaavor perceiving his Weakneſs, foon
found out Ways and Means to turn the Cre-
dulity of his friend to his own Advantage:
And when any Troubleſom Time came on,
he would induſtriouſly wait on Mevarrow,
and inform him how angry his Lulu-bay
was; and whạt Misfortunes he had juſt
Grounds to fear would attend him. Now,
whether, as he was an artful Man, he con-
jećtur'd right from the Reaſon of Things;
or, whether he dream'd right ( for ſome
times, indeed, it happen'd as he ſaid, and
often otherwiſe; ) I ſhall not preſume to
determine: But his principal Aim was as
it appear'd to me ) to get an Heifer now and
then for a pretended Sacrifice, and frequently
a Preſent of ſome Beads, and ſuch other
Trinkets, for the Pains he was at, uſing his
beſt Endeavours to appeaſe the Wrath of his
Lulu-bay, and procure his Favour and Ali,
ſtance. The Advantage he made of this was
lo conſpicuous, that many People grew jea-
lous of his Conduct; but at length a Brother
of Deaan Olaavor's was kill'd in the Wars,
and his Lulu-bay never came in a Dream to
warn either one, or the other of the impend-
ing Danger. This not only open'd their
Eyes, but convinc'd a great many more; how-
ever an Excuſe was at Hand. That bis Bro-
ther had been remiſs, and negligent in Regard
to his Prayers and Oblations to Lulu-bay;
and
[ 234 )
and for that. Reafor. he ſuffer'd. him..to fall
.
Deaan Mevarrow, and ſome of the weakeſt
of the People, ſwallow'd the Cheat, and
ſtill continu'd their ſuperſtitious: Opinion of
this Great Spirit, and were afraid to ſpeak,
or entertain the leaſt contemptible Thought
of it; having always the Plea of mean-ſpirited
Bigots, that They were ſafer who paid an aw-
ful Regard to Lulu-bay, then thoſe who de-
Spišd him. But be the Caſe how it will, if he
was not a great, and powerful Spirit, either
capable of injuring them, or. doing them any
good Offices.; if the whole was a meèr Fiction of
Deaan Olaayor's, yet there was 120. Hari in
thinking ke was.ſo
, or in paying him. Honours;
but upon the suppoſition, that he was really
ſuch a potent Spirit, and they should jieglect
him, then they were furie to ſuffer ſeverely
for
their Contempt.
This was all the idle Anſwer thoſe poor
timerous.Creatures would give, on their bem
ing: aſk'd a. Reaſon:for their tame Compliance
with Deaan Olaavor; which, doubtleſs, ,
would have been as good a Plea for their
paying divine Honours to a Potatoe, had any
One told him he had a Revelation in his
Dream, that it was a Demi-God. The Rea
der, I.preſume, may entertain a more ade-
quate Idea of the natural Diſpoſition of the
People, with reſpect to their Morals, and
Religion, from ſuch Inſtances and Occur-
rences, than from any formal Deſcription,
which I can pretend to make; I ſhall
, there-
fore,
[ 235 ]
row's Son.
fore, purſue my Hiſtory, and give a parti-
cular Detail here of the Feaſt, and Cere.
mony of the Gircumciſion of Deaan Mevar-
: The Toak was made. Some Weeks before-
hand, by boiling the Honey and Combs together,
as we in England make Mead. They filld a
great Number of Tubs; ſome as large as. 4
Butt, but ſome indeed ſmaller:; a Shed being
built for that Purpoſe, which was thatch'd
over, to place them in: - On the Day: ap-
pointed, Meſſengers were diſpatch'd all round
the Country, to invite the Relations, and Friends.
About three, or four Days before the Ceremony
of the Circumciſion was actually perform’d,
you: migbt ſee. the Beginning of a Feſtival ;
People went about blowing of Horns, and beat-
ing of Drums both Night and Days
to whom
Jome' Toak was given out of the leffer Veſſels
as a ſmall Compenſation for their Trouble :
Deaan Mevarrow bad procur'd two large
Oxen from Deaan Murnanzack. They, who
livid in the moſt remote Parts, came a Day,
or two before.; and they were: entertaind with
Toak. In the Evening, I found the Town full
of People, ſome wallowing on-the Ground, and
jome ſtaggering ; ſcarce one individual Perfoiz
ſober, either Men, Women, .or Children: And
here One might ſenſibly diſcern the Effects of
Peace and Security, the people abandoning
themſelves without Fean, or: Rejerve, to Drink-
ing, and:all Manner of Diverſions. My Wife,
I found, bad been among them indeed; but pad
tbe
[ 236 ]
1
the Prudence to withdraw in Time : For ſhie
was faſt aſleep when I came Home.
And now the Day being come, I return'd
from feeding my Cattle before Noon, in Order,
to bring up the two Oxen, and a Bull; whoſe
Leg's being at once ty'd faſt, they were thrown
all along upon the Ground : The Child was
about a year old; for they bave no ſtated
Time for the Obſervance of this Cuſtom. He
was deck'd with Beads, and a Skain of white
Cotton - Thread was wound about his Head.
A great Crowd attended the Feſtival ; Some
brought ſuch Preſents as their Abilities would
admit; ſuch as a Cow, or a Calf; Beads, Iron-
Shovels, Hatchets, and the like. Every One
was ſerv’d once only.with a ſmall Quantity of
Toak in a Callabaſh before the Ceremony: be-
gan, All Things being now duly prepard,
they waited for the Signal from the Umoffee,
who was all this Time very buſy to all out-
ward Appearance, in meaſuring his Shadow
with his Feet. When it came to the Length
of three and an half, he gave the Word. Up
on which, One of the neareſt Relations, who
had the Child in his Arms, ran with bin up
to the Bull
, and putting the Child's Right
Hand on the Bull's Right Horn, repeating the
following Form of Words.
Tyhew Deaan UNGHORRAY, Deaan
Antemoor, Deaan Anebeleſhey, Déaan
Androfertraer, Deaan Meguddumdum-
mateme, an Ruey. Owley, Heer-razehu,
ittoey
( 237 )
1
A
ittney acquo toey Anomebay loyhe itcoey
handrabeck enney Raffa loyhe.
Which in Engliſh runs thus.
Let the Great GOD Above, the Lords of
the Four Quarters of the World, and the
Dæmons proſper this Child, and make a
Great Man of him : May he prove as
ſtrong as this Bull, and overcome all his
Enemies.
If the Bull roars whilſt the Boy's Hand is
on his Horn, they look on it as an ill Omen,
portending either Sickneſs, or fome other Mis-
fortune in Life; and all the Bufineſs of the
Umoffee is nothing more than this, to tell
them, What is the moſt lucky Hour, or Mi-
nute ( like our ſtrolling Fortune-Tellers) to
do it in: For as to the religious Part of the
Ceremony, be is no ways concern'd in it ; if
there be any Religion intended by it, which is
Somewhat to be queſtion'd. For any experienc'd
Man of the Neighbourhood, whom, they ima-
gine, underſtands it beſt performs the Opera,
tion, by feeling for the Head of the Yard, and
cutting of the Fore-ſkin as cloſe as poſible ;
two Men holding the Child's Legs, and Arms,
at the fame Time. As to the Name, it's given
long before, and frequently is chang'd after-
wards; this Cbild was named Ry-Mocker,
After the Fore-ſkin is cut off, an Attendant,
baving a Stick in his Hand like a Gun-Ram-
mer | the biggeſt End whereof is pointed) puts
the Fore-ſkin upon it, and going to the Wood,
throws
( 238 )
3
I
throws it towards the Eall. The Ceremony
being over, the Child is deliver'd to the Mó
ther, who is all this Time fitting upon a Mat,
with the Womer round her. And now their
Merriment began; the Thatch was all pulle
off the Toak-Houſe, and I was order'd to
kill the Bull, and the Oxen; but theſe not be-
ing ſufficient, my Maſter ſent for three more,
which had been brought him by his Friends
for there were Abundance of Mouths to be fed.
Before they bëgan to drink, he took particular
Care to ſecure all their Weapons ; and no
Man
wis permitted to have ſo much as a Gun,
or a Lance; and then they indulg'd themſelves
in boiling, broiling, and roaſting of Meat,
drinking of Toak, ſinging, hallowing, blow:
ing of Shells, and drumming, with all their
Might, and Main. I don't believe there were
twenty Fober Perſons among the whole Como
pany. Theſe Revels continu'd all Night; fome
went away the next:Morning, but moſt ſtay'd
till Evening : So that the Feaſt laſted three
Days ſucceſſively.
These People are great Admirers of Toak,
and ſome of the vulgar Sort as errant. Sots,
and as lazy, as any in England; for they
will ſell their Guinea Corn, Carravances,
nay, their very Spades and Shovels, and live
upon what the Woods afford them: Their
very Lambers too, if worth any Thing,
muſt
go for Toak; and they make an or-
dinary One ferve Turn, ſó it will but juſt
cover their Nakedneſs. It is made of the
Tree
1
[ 239 ]
Tice, čallid The Wooring, which they cut
down with their Lances. The oứfer: Bark
is taken away, and the inner, which is white,
is peeld off whole; and beat with a Stick,
till it is made foft, and pliant; and then they
wear it as a Lamber, but it can never be
wafh’d: Their Lambers, however, for the
Generality, are made of Cotton dy'd in the
Yarn. The richer Sort, indeed, and People
of Diſtinction, buy Silk, and Callicoes at
Sea-port Towns, and often give a Cow and
ä Galf, for no more than will make them
one Lamber. The Men wear no other
Cloäths ; but they adorn themſelves with
Mananelers, which are Rings round their
Wriſts; and theſe both Men and Women
of Diſtinction are very fond of. They are
fometimes made of Gold ( but where they
get them I cannot fay) oftner of Silver, but
more frequently of Copper ; which, at laſt I
found, was produc'd, and ňade in the Coun-
try, as well as Iron. They dreſs their Heads
iti a very agreeable Manner, curling up their
Hair ,to make it lye cloſe ; for they have
Hair, and not Wool on their Heads, as the
Guineä Negroes; neither are their Noſes flat,
thô’ ſmall, or their Lips ſo big as theirs; but
their Hair is always black; and for the Ge-
nerality has a natural Curl. Deaan Crindo's
Familý are peculiarly diſtinguiſh'd on Ac-
count of their long Hair, and their Copper-
colour'd Skins. Notwithſtanding they have
ño Idea of Letters, yet they have here very
whole-
[ 240 ]
1
wholeſome Laws, which are fix'd in their
Minds, and handed down from Generation
to Generation : I well remember many of
them, the Recapitulation whereof, I flatter
myſelf, will be no diſagreeable Amuſement
to the Reader.
If One maliciouſy, aſſaults his Neighbour,
and breaks a Legs or an Arm, the Offender
is fined fifteen Head of Cattle, which is delia
ver'd to the Party injur'd.
If One breaks another's Head, and he that
is wounded has not return'd the Blow, he bas
three Beeves by way of Damage.
If two Men quarrel, and One happens to
curſe the other's Father, or Mother, whether
they be living, or dead, and his Antagoniſt
has ſo much Command of himſelf, as to re-
frain from curſing the other's Father, or Mo-
ther, he recovers two Beeves as a Compen-
ſation.
If a Man is catch'd robbing his Neighbour
of an Ox, or a Cow; he is obliged to reſtore
it Ten-fold. And this is executed too with
the utmoſt Rigour, notwithſtanding iny Maw
{ter frequently broke this good Law; but,
like other Great Men, in more polite Parts,
he was not to be curb’d by the ordinary
Laws of his Country; and yet he, as well
as moſt others, found to his Coſt, that there
were thoſe who could cope with him; and
was at laſt convinc'd, that if a Man will
live amongſt his Fellow-Creatures, he muſt
be obſervant of the Fundamental Laws, which
the
[ 241 ]
the Community wherein he lives haš fråi'd
for their mutual Peace and Tranquility;
without which Men are not ſociable Animals,
but each one is a meer Savage, and the
World an uncultivated Defart
If any One is found guilty of ſtealing Gui-
niea Corn, Carravances, Potatoes, or the like,
out of any of the Plantations, be forfeits a
Cow and a Calf to the Owner; or more; : iiz
fome Meaſure profortionate to the Offence.
In Cafe ore Man's Cattle break into ario-
thier's
. Plantation, the Owner; for every Beaſt
found there, muſt give an Iron Shovel.
If any One Steals another Man's Hive
Honey, and is catch'd; the Fine is three Iron
Shovels. Theſe Iron Shovels, Hoes, &c. äre
a Kind of ſmall Money with theſe people,
for here is no Trade but by Barter, or the
Exchange of one Commodity for another;
and therefore they are as exact as poſſibly
they can, in proportioning the Value of one
Thing to another
If a Man borrows an Ox, or à Cow, of his
Neighbour; and does not return it iri a Year's
Time, fix Calves are look'd upon as an Equi-
valent for the Ox.' And if be neglects Pay-
ment at that Times thoje Calves are ſuppos'd
to be three Stears, and three Heifers; and the
Encreaſe, which, by a fair Computation, ariſes
by their Growth and Production, is the Man's
Right of whom the Ox was borrow'd; and if
it go on for ten Years, or any longer Term;. it
is computed what three Bulls, and three Cows
R
might
.
t 242 )
might have produc'd in that Space of Timė;
and all that Produce is due to the creditor.
If a Man lies with the Wife of another
Man who is bis Superior, be forfeits thirty
Head of Cattle; beſides Beads, and Shovels in
Abundance : But if the Men are of equal De-
gree, then the Fine is twenty Beaſts only.
Note, A Man can put away his Wife at
Pleaſure. ] In this Country of Anterndroea,
they are not addicted to ſuch a Plurality of
Wives, as in ſome other Parts of the Iſland,
If a Man has but two Wives here, and his
Brother, or an intimate Friend comes to vi-
fit him, he never ſcruples to let him lye with
one of them.
The neareſt of Kin, even Brother and Sifter
marry, if they bave not the ſame. Mother.
One Brother, after the Deceaſe of another,
often takes his Wife ; nay, his Father's too,
and lies with theni; if they be not their own
Motbers,
To lye with one of the King's
, or Prince's
Wives, is Death by the Eſtabliſh'd Laws.
My Maſter Mevarrow was jealous of a
young Man's being great with his Wife; or
as he ſaid, was well aſſur'd he us'd to lye
with her. Whether he had any juſt Grounds
for ſuch a Suſpicion, I cannot ſay; yet every
Body expected the young Man would be
kill'd for it; but his Brother being a Cheif
Man; and a Favourite of the Deaan's, and
the Civil Wars coming on, he ſeem'd at that
Juncture to take little Notice of it; but two
Years
1
( 243 )
Years after the Offence, when thoſe Diſſen-
tions were appeas'd, the Man being conſtant-
ly in his View, he determin’d to puniſh him;
and accordingly, when the young Man, his
Brother, and ſome few Slaves of us that ata
tended them, were in the Woods; (it being
fo contriv'd, under Pretence of ſtealing, and
killing a Cow;) he, and Deaun Sambo drew the
young Man into a remote Part of the Woods,
at a conſiderable Diſtance from us, and in a
ſhort Time we heard him holla three Times;
at which Inſtant Deaan Mevarrow ařoſe, and
pretending to ſtretch himſelf with his Lance
in his Hand, He ſtruck the young Man's
Brother thorow the Body. This ſo ſurpriz'd
us all, that ſome of us rari one Way; and ſome
flew another, imagining our Maſter mad;
and ſome went home, and poſitively aſſerted
it as Fact; this Perſon whom he kill'd not
being the Adulterer. He had been our Ma-
ſter's-Counſel-keeper, tis true, and knew all
the ſecret Receffcs of the Women and Cattle;
and taking it for granted, that he would turn
his Enemy, and revenge his Brother's Death,
thought it moſt adviſable to diſpatch. him
likewiſe. Deaan Sambo kill'd the ſuppos'd
Adulterer that Moment the Holla was made,
which was the Signal agreed on between
them; but whether he was apprie'd of Deaan
Mevarrow's wicked Deſign upon the other,
I cannot determine; for there were ſeveral
others, whom he brought there, as if he in-
tended they ſhould be Witneſſes of it. As
R2
Deaan
1
1
i
( 244 )
Deaan Sambo was the Executioner I was.in-
clin'd to think, there was more than Sufpi-
cion; for that he was no cruel Man, I was
very ſenſible by Experience: I muſt
own, I
had entertain'd a very favourable Opinion
before of my Miſtreſs, as I had never obſerv'd
any Thing like it in her Conduct. But I
had now almoſt done, not only with this
Family but the Country likewiſe; for every
Circumſtance in my Affairs had ſome Ten-
dency to promote my Departure and Eſcape;
which, at length, I effected.
Not long after this, it happen'd, whilft I
ſtole out to viſit my own Plantation (my
Corn, &c. being near ripe ) that ſome of
my Cattle broke into the Plantation of a
principal Man, and did him ſome conſide-
rable Damage. My Fellow Slaves foon in-
form’d me of the Misfortune, and went to
ſeek the Beaſts ; but they were drove Home
by the Planter's Servants with very heavy
Complaints: I knew the Danger of going
within Reach, or indeed, within Sight of
my Maſter; and therefore, turn'd aſide into
the Wood, to conſider what Meaſures were
beſt to be taken. At length, I recollected
the Friendſhip betwean Deaan Olaavor and
Deaan Mevarrow; and for that Reaſon went
directly to him, and laid my unhappy Cafe
before him, and begg'd he would uſe his
beſt Endeavours to reconcile me to my Maſter.
He readily comply'd with my Requeſt, made
me very welcome, and deſir'd me to ſtay, not
only
1
[ 245 )
on
1
only that Night, but the next Day, and
Night too; and then affur’d me, that he
would
go
with me himſelf; but Buſineſs
would not permit him to go before. By this
Means I was abſent long enough to alarm
them, and give them juft Grounds to ſuſpect
that I had deſerted. Deaan Olanvor, how-
éver; went with me according to his Promiſe,
and after he had expoſtulated the caſe with
my Maſter, and obtain’d Pardon, I was fent
for in, and reſtor'd to Favour, with only .
ſome Friendly Admonitions for my better
Conduct for the future. As ſoon as their
Converſation relating to my Fault, and Par-
don was over, they fell into Difcourſe
öther Matters; and Deaan Mevärrow put
his Hand to his Mouth, which is an Action,
they frequently uſe to expreſs their Surprize
at any Thing more than common.
: Dedan Olaavõr! ſays he, 1. fent Yéſterday.
för an. Umoſfee, to conſult with him about
Robin; and to know what wns become of him
After he had conjuned a long Time; be afir'd
me, that I ſhould fee Robin once more; brit
the next Time he went away, I ſhould never
Jee him again in the Capacity of, bis Servant,
or Slave; for. he'll have a New Maſter to the
Northward, with whom he will tarry but
a ſkort Time; and then·be'll ſtill go farther -
Northward and have more Maſters; till, *at
length, he'll returii to his Native Country. I.
liſten'd, I own, not only with Attention,
but Pleaſurė; to what he ſaid, tho' I put no
Tim MI
R3
great
"I
[ 246 ]
great Confidence in theſe. Fortune-tellers,
Juſt as I was getting up to go Home to my
Wife, my Maſter calld me; Stay, ſays he,
I have ſomething to fav to you before you go,
Perceiving that I look'd a little ſtartled, and
ſurpriz’d, I fall do, you no Harm ( ſays he )
only ſecure you. The Umoljee was ſent for
immediately; and then, I found, they were
going to enchant ine ( as they imagin'd )
that I ſhould not ſun away. I had ſeen this
Magical Farce acted before upon ſuch Slaveş
as they are jealous of; frequently forcing an
Qath upon them by the Demon Fermonner.
And when theſe poor Wretches have after-
wards attempted to fly, and bewilder'd them-
ſelves in Woods, and unfrequented Paths, or
hurt themſelves by any Fall; or any common
Accident; they are weak enough to imagine
that the Dæmon Fermonner was the Cauſe
¿
that he confounded them, and dazled their
Eyes in ſuch a Manner, that they ſhould not
find their Way. Two, or three Inſtances
of this kind in an Age, are enough to make
Fools give Credit to the whale.
AT Length the wrinkled old Wizard en-
terś with ſolemn Pace, and with a leering
Sneer in his, hajger'd Countenance, ſhakes
his projecting Noddle: Ha! Well I
fee you keve bim fajt. I told you ſo.
Who is be that fall preſume, to deſpiſe my Pro-
phetic Spirit? You ſee as much is prov'd true,
as the Time will permit
. Neglet my
Advice for the future; and look to the North-
ward
( 247 )
ward
for your Slave. ---- But you may look,
and ſend too in vain; it will be then too late,
The Spirits, who are at my Command,
may do ſomewhat now. What ſays Deaan
Olaavor, who was not ſo great a Bigot as
Degan Mevąrrow, notwithſtanding his Lulu-
bay:) has prov'd true? Robin never run a.
way at all, he would have been here Yeſterday,
if I could have ſpard Time; fo.that there is
riothing at all of what you talk of. Pray, Ve-
nerable Sage, ſays Deaan Mevarrow, (intera
rupting Olaavor ) pray proceed; I ſent for
you on Purpoſe to take your Advice.
Prepare your Charms. Away goes the fum,
bling old Fool to work, ſcraping a Root,
and mixing ſeveral Ingredients together,
which, I was well ſatisfy'd, had neither
Good, nor Harm in them; (for I was afraid
of nothing but his Noſe dropping into it;)
muttering all the Time, between his few bro-
ken Teeth, Words that neither he, nor any
One elſe know the Meaning of. When
the Doſe was prepar'd, he call'd it the Fer-
monner, and put it into ſome Carravances,
which were boil'd on Purpoſe, and it was
given me in a Callabath : But before I took
it, he hung ſeveral Roots about me; one
over my Eyes, another at my Back; one
upon my Breaſt
, and one upon each' Leg,
giving each of them a diſtinct Name; then
ſcraping a ſmall Quantity from each of them,
and putting it into the Meſs of Carravances,
I was order'd to eat it, which I did without
the
R. 4
( 248 )
45
the leaſt Fear, or Reluctance ; in the mean
Time he pronounc'd his Gurſes, as well as
Prayers over me. Whenever (ſays he ) he
thinks of running away, reinember, o Thou;
Deaan Fermonner, how he has eaten what
belongs to Thee; and alſo, O Ye; &c. [Here
he named all the Spirits belonging to other
charm’d Roots.] how ke has eaten what bea
longs to You; and if he offers to run away, ;:
ariſe in bis Stomach, o Deaan Fermönner,
and make him so fick, that he ſhall be inca-
pable of ſtirring : And Ye, which have bung
at his Back break it aſunder ; let his Breaſt be.
tormented with Pain, and his Legs fetter'd as:
with Parra-pingo's; and if he attempts to fly,
join all your united Forces, and breäk kis Lieg's
whenever be jumps, and ſteps over any. Thing
that lies in his Way. Thus the old Dotard
went on for a long time, but in a more ab
rupt Manner, and without any Method
He toſs'd his Hands about, and chang'd his
Voice almoſt every Minute: He made; in
fhört, än hundred "impertinent Repetitions;
and cant Words of his own Invention, and
foam'd like a fanatical Enthuſiaſt: When
he had quite tyr'd himſelf with Preaching,
he took off the Charm, and made me lick
every individual Root. Now let him go, ſays
he; where he will; the Dæmons which re-
gard thefe
. Charms will foon inform nie rherè
be is, and I Mall acquaint-his-Maſter.
I had a Holiday that Day; for my Ma .
ſter was in a good Humour, being highly
de:
[ 249 ]
a 2
delighted with what he had done ;. and ſent
proper Servant to do my Buſineſs,
Buſineſs, When ,
I came Home, I found iny Wife in a very
melancholy Poſturė, being under great Con-
cern for Fear I ſhould be kill'd. She would
Have provided ſometiring for me to eat, but
I had din'd' I told her; and then related to
her the whole Affair. She was overjoy'd ta
find I got off ſo well, and was ſurpriz'd that
I thould be ſo dull at it; ſince ſhe knew well
enough I did not regard any of theſe Cere-
monies, and made a Jeſt of them ; but my
Thoughts were quite otherwiſe engag’d than
fhe was aware of, and I did not think pro-
per to let her know the Tru:h; which broke
my Reſt to that Degree, that I ſcarce ever
flept found there any more. I found my-
ſelf now under a Neceflity of running away
all Adventures : For ſhould Sickneſs, or
any common Accident attend me, ſo great
was Deaan Mevarrow's Superſtition, that he
would, doubtleſs, have thought it had been
effected by theſe Dæmons, or Spirits, which
were invokd in this Incantation, and took
it for an infallible Teſtimony of my, Reſo-
lution to go from him; and then, very pro-
bably, in his Paffion he might have kill'd
me. So that theſe Conjurations, which mea
Jarrow depended on to prevent my Dépar-
ture, had the direct contrary Effect, and was
the ſtrongeſt Motive, that could have in-
duc'd me to it, and made it abſolutely ne-
ceſſary that it ſhould be ſo; yet I have often
ſmil'd
at
1. 2.50 )
ſmil'd to think how unexpectedly true his
Prediction, or Gueſs prov'd, even in all its
Circumſtances,
Whilst my Head was full of Projects,
in order to accompliſh my Flight, I could
not forbear ſaying ſomething in Relation to
it to 'a very civil, honeſt, young Fellow,
who kept Cattle always near mc; and was
Captive from another Country. One Day
I ask'd him, From whence he came? And he
ſaid From the Northward. Was I fo near
my own Country, ſaid I, as you are, I would
not ſtay much longer in Slavery. Nor would I,
ſays he, if it were not for the Dæmons; who,
I am afraid, will break my Bones, ever ſince
the Umoffee curs’d me in the ſame folemn Man-
ner as he did you. At which I laugh'd.
Why, if you have no Apprebenfions on that
Account, ſays he, you may get away with as
much Eaſe as 1. At this I ſtarted, and told
him, I ſuppoſe he only ſaid fo to try me. But
he offer'd to enter into à folemn Oath be-
fore the Owley, that he meant as he ſaid,
and would aſiſt me in my Flight.
However, I dropt the Argument for that
Day, but I try'd him next; for after I had
ſworn him in a religious Manner (knowing
him to be like moſt people, more religiouſly
inclin'd under Misfortunes than in Profpe-
rity;) I confeſs’d ingenuouſly my ſecret In-
tention, and ask'd his friendly Advice. You
have nothing to do, ſaid he, but to fly directly
to Deaan Afferrer, who will protečt you,
and
treat
1
{ 251)
treat you in a courteous Manner: When Rer
Vo:vvern's Army comes next Summer, conti-
nued he, you may eaſily get to theni; wbe
would be proud to oblige the white Men, by
fending you Home in the firſt Ship which ar-
rives at Feraignher: For no Body, ſays he,
in the whole Iſland will make a white Man a
Slave, or keep him againſt his Inclination ;
but theſe people. So that if you can but fly
from hence, you will foon get to ſome Town
wbere Ships come.
I return'd him many
Thanks for his kind Advice, and told him,
I would ſhew him my Bee-hives, and the
Roots of which the Charm was made. This
I did with a view to make him keep the
Secret. And now,
I had but one hard Task more to go
through, and that was to prevail on my Wife
to accompany me; or let me conduct her to
her Father. It was a difficult Point to break
my Mind to her ; but at Length obſerving
her in an Humour to talk of her Friends,
and with ſhe could ſee them; I told her, if
Mhe had Courage enough, and would keep
the Secret, and always love me, I would
venture to carry her to them, and ſtay with
her ; but ſhe was ſuperſtitious too, and a-
fraid I ſhould be hurt by the Incantations
of the Uwoffee : So that I preſs'd it n fur-
ther. But to part with her, and leave her
pot only in Bondage, but to be ill-treated,,
perhaps, on my Account, was a mortifying
Conſideration ; for I Qncerely lov'd her..
How-
1
[12:52]
However, there was an abſolute Necef-
ſity; my Reſolution was fix’d, and no Time
was to be loft: It was then wet and rainy,
and I ſtay'd only till the Weather was'more
favourable; which was about a Fortnight :
Near which Time I took my Comrade into
the Woods, and ſhew'd him my Hives, and
the Manner how I dug the Roots for the
Charms; for to attempt to undeceive him
would have been to no Purpoſe. The Night
before I took my Flight, I wilfully left an
Heifer in the Field; having told my Friend,
When I calld, and deſir'd him to look after
112y
Cattle, whilft I went after the Heifer ;
that ſhould be the private Signal of my Det
parture.
He told me, It was two Days long
Walk to Yong-gorvo; bit I ſaid I would run
it in one, and did not queſtion
but that I ſhould
get ſafe thither, ( tho' ny Maſter ſhould ſend
after me ) if I was but two Hours before
them. When I came Home with my Gattle,
my: Maſter took a: Survey of them, and
miſs'dithe Heifer ; but after reprimanding
me a little, he order'd me to get up betimes
in the Morning, and look for it, before it
broke into any Neighbour's Plantation.
THIS was what I aim'd at, in Order to
have the whole Day before me; but now
came the hardeſt Struggle, which was to
take a Laſt Farewel of my Wife. It was
ſome Secret Satisfaction, however, that I had
no Child by her: I was almoſt afraid to re-
veal the Secret to her, but at length, after
making
ܪ
:
+
İ
[ 253 ]
making her ſwear in the moſt folemn Manner
by the Owley, that ſhe would never diſcloſe
it, I told her in direct Terms, that I was
going; and the only Thing that diſturbid
me was Parting with her. She begg'd, and
cry'd moſt bitterly; but there was no Stay-
ing for me any longer, my Life being every
Day in Danger. Had I been in any other
Part of the Country, where I could have
liv'd with Freedom, Ēaſe, and Safety; I don't
know what Effects the unaffected Love I had
for her might have produc'd. At length,
however, ſhe was ſomewhat appeas'd; and
I broke from her Arms by Break of Day;
but with what Sorrow and Reluctance, ſuch
of my Readers as are tender Lovers, can
better imagine than I deſcribe. I drove my
Cattle into the Field, where my Comrade
was ready; I did not go near him for Fear
of being obſerv'd; but call’d, and bid him
take Care of my Cattle: He ſaid Yes, Yes,
And away I walk’d, or rather ran; for by
that Time the Sun was two Hours high, I
was got beyond the firſt. Woods, which is
not leſs than Ten Engliſh Miles, if it cou'd
be meaſur'd.
I had now a large Plain of five or fix Miles
to go over ; here I look'd back every Now
and Then, for Fear of being purſu'd; but
ſaw the Coaſt was clear. My Wife, and
Friend, as I was inform'd afterwards, were
true to the Truſt repoſed in them. About
Noon, I came to a Pond, where I juſt
waſh'd
5
.
( 254 )
waſh'd, and refreſh'd myſelf, and kept jog.
ging on, till at laſt I eſpy'd the white Clift
of Yong-gorvo. It is very high, and appear'd
like Land that is ſeen about ſeven or eight
Leagues at Sea: That however, did not dif-
courage me, and two Hours before Night I
was at the Foot of it. It is half an Huur's
briſk Walk to go up the Hill to Deaan Af-
ferrer's Town, where I arriv'd ſafe, and
went directly to him. He thought, as foon
as he ſaw me, that I came with ſome Mer-
ſage from Deaan Mevarrow; but I threw
myſelf immediately at his Feet, and begg'd
his Indulgence and Protection: Then I in-
form'd Him of all the Miſeries I had under:
went thro' my Maſter's cruel Treatment of
me, and the apparent Danger my Life was
in every Day; and at that Time more than
ever.
No ſooner was he convinc'd of the true
Reaſon of my making thus my earneſt Ap-
plication to him, but I perceiv'd a Pleaſure
glowing in his Countenance; and he at once
affur'd me, That He would protect me at all
Adventures, and that I would be a Slave 716
longer ; That I mould do nothing but go with
him wherever he went; and as a Teſtimony of
kis Sincerity, he would prefent me with a Gun.
Now Carrying a Gun here, like Wearing
a Sword in England, is the Mark of a Gentle-
man: With this Lance in your Hand, ſays
he ſmiling, you look like a Mall-a-Croſs';
which is a Nick-Name they give to one of
the
:
[255
the meaneſt of their Natives ) you mall now
appear like what you are, a Free-born Man.
I lick'd his Feet with all the Satisfaction ima-
ginable, in Conformity to the Cuſtom there,
and return'd him a thouſand Thanks; nor
did I forget my grateful Acknowledgments
to the Divine Goodneſs, who had thus far
given Succeſs to my honeſt Endeavours, to
recover my former State of Freedom; and to
implore his Afliſtance in the Completion of
so happy a Project, which I had no Hopes
of ever putting into Execution.
WHEN I aſſur'd them that I came from
my own Houſe in one Day, there was ſcarce
any
One would give Credit to the Aſſertion:
About a Week after, two Meſſengers from
Deaan Mevarrow came to demand his white
Slave; and to reproach Deaan Afferrer, for
Hot ſending me back by ſome of his own People
on my firſt Arrival. This imperious Mef-
fage made him ſmile ; Send him back, ſays
he, and by my own People ! and his white
Slave too! Why, No One ever ſaw a white
Slave before ; nor has be the leaſt Authority
to make him one, I look upon him as a di-
ſtreſſed Man, fled to me for Succour, and he
mall never be expos’d to Miſery any more. I
ſball make no Slave of him; he shall be at his
free Liberty to ſtay with me, or go where, or
whenever he ſees convenient. He here expa-
tiated on the Conduct of our People, with
regard to Deaan Crindo; which being much
to the ſame Purpoſe as has been hinted be-
fore, I ſhall not recapitulate.
IN
[ 256 )
IN ſhort, he convinc'd the two Men of
the Unreaſonableneſs of their Maſter's De-
mand ſo far, that they excus'd themſelves j
and ſaid, that They only came with a Meſage.
And I only tell you, ſays he, włat Anſwer to
return to Deaan Mevarrow. Afier this, he
enter'd into familiar Diſcourſe with them
and aſk'd them, What Day I came away
?
When they told him, he was perfectly fur-
priz'd; and fo were they to find I had actu-
ally walk'd it in one Day: For it could not
be' much leſs than fixty Engliſh Miles, I
could not forbear rallying them, on Ac-
count of their ſuperſtitious Confidence in
their Umoſees. See; ſays I, how my Legs
are ſwelld! How the Spirits have made my
Bones rattle within my Skin! I was a white
Man, they ſaid, and they had no Power over
As ſoon as Deaan Afferrer had order'd
them a Houſe and Proviſions, and I had
made fome Enquiry after my Wife, which
proving more to my Satisfaction than I ex-
pected, I took my Leave of them with Plea-
fure ; for I had ſome Doubt before, what
might be the Effect of ſuch a peremptory
Demand from Deaan Mevarrow.
And now I liv'd, I muſt confefs; with
more Freedom than ever I had done as yet;
for I walk'd about with my Gun upon my
Shoulder : When the Deaan was diſpos'd to
eat, I.ate with him; tho' not in the ſame
Dish indeed, for no One here has thạt Pris
vilege. I had little elſe to do, than to go
with
.1111.
i
[ 257 ]
pected to take.
with him a-Hunting ; by which Means !
made myſelf expert in all the Arts of taking
wild Cattle: My principal Buſineſs was to
obſerve the Situation of the Country, and to
enquire the Rout, which Ry-Nanno was ex-
I was fond of going often on Hunting,
in Order to take particular Notice of the
moſt remarkable Mountains, which might
hereafter be as ſo many Land-marks to me.
Beſides Volitch Futey, or White Hill, here
is another high Mountain more to the North-
ward, callid Vohitch Manner, or Red Hill,
It is in the Form of a Cone; or Sugar-Loaf,
and runs ſpiring up a great Height; the In-
habitants are of Opinion, that it is the high-
eſt in the whole World. After I had liv'd
in this Manner fix Months, Ry-Nanno met
them by Accident in the Foreſt, as he was
coming to give Deaan Crindo, and the other
Lords, Intelligence of the Feraignber Army
being upon their March. This was ſuch
agreeable News to me, that I was at a Loſs
how to conceal my Joy; and for that Rea-
fon I walk'd into the Woods, for Fear they
fhould diſcover my Inclinations by my De-
portment. I attempted to return iny hum-
ble, and hearty Thanks to the Almighty in
my native Tongue, for the faić Profpect I
had of getting to a Sea-port Town; but
found I had forgot my Engliſh, and could
fcarce with Propriety put three Words toge-
ther. However, the Madagaſcar Language
S
ſery'd
TH
[ 258 ]
ferv'd me well enough to expreſs the Senti-
ments of my Heart.
Draan Afferrer told me as ſoon as I came
Home, that he had ſeen Ry-Nanno; that
Rer Vovveru was dead, and that his Son,
Deaan Mernaugha now ſucceeded him; and
that his Nephew Deaan Trongha, afſifted
by his Brother Rer Befaugher, and Deaan
Mernaugha's Brother Rer Mundroſer, com-
manded the Army. As. I was converſing
with the Deaan, I could not help expref-
fing my Sorrow for Rer Vovvern's Death;
becauſe he was ſo faithful a Friend to all
white Men. I found he ſuſpected my De-
ſign immediately; for he told me, tho’in a
very courteous Manner, that He hoped I had
no Temptation to change my Place of Aboad
thro' bis Treatment of me. To which I re-
ply'd, after thanking him for all his Favours,
that I had no Thought of removing from my
Habitation ; that I was conſcious to myſelf,
that I liv'd as well, or better than I could do
in any other Place.
And indeed, this was
really Fact ; for he, treated me with the ut-
moſt Humanity, and Complaiſance. I eat,
and drank as he did, and did no Manner of
Work; but I perceiv'd by this, he was not
inclin'd to part with me: For which Rea-
ſon, I was under a Neceſſity to be more
cloſe, and artful, than I ſhould have been,
had I made ſuch a Diſcovery.
Orders were ſent to the three Towns un-
der Deaan Afferrer's Command, that inſtead
of
( 259 )
ces.
1
I made it my
ܪ
hunting the wild Cattle, they ſhould make
proper Preparations for hunting the wild
Boar ; by which they meant the King of
Merfaugbla : Whereupon, all Hands were
inſtantly at Work, cleaning, and fitting up
their Arms; for there are Artificers here,
who can make, or mend a Spring ; and do
twenty other Things to Guns as well as Lan-
The Women employ'd themſelves, in
making Caps to diſtinguiſh us in the Wars ;
theſe were made of the fame Materials as
our Mats : The Children beat Guinea Corn
in Order to carry with us.
Buſineſs to put Deaan Afferrer's, and my
own Gun in Order ; and io caſt a conſidera-
ble Quantity of Shot, or rather Slugs, by
making a Hole with a round Stick in a Lump
of Clay, to caſt the Lead in; and cutting it
afterwards into little Pieces about half an
Inch long. Tho' they frequently buy Shot .
at the Sea-ports, yet this was made, as I
imagine, of the Lead, which they had pro-
curd from the Wreck of our Ship.
Ry-Manno went back, after he had given
Notice of the Feraignber Army's March, to
Deaan Trongha; in order to meet him at
Vohitch Manner; according to Appointment:
Deaan Crindo fent Orders that we ſhould
march, and meet him at the River, where
we water'd our Cattle, in Deaán Murnan-
zack's Country. I might have ſtayed at
Home, if I had thought proper ; but I was
reſolv'd at all Adventures to go with them,
tho'
S 2
1
( 260 )
11
tho' I told Deaan Afferrer, I was under
ſome Apprehenſions of my old Maſter Me-
varrow, whom, I concluded, I ſhould ſee
there. But he bid me be under no Concern
on that Account, for he would protect me;
and Deaan Mevarrow, he was well aſſur'd,
would make no Diſturbance in the Army.
However, it happen'd better than I expected,
for Mevarrow was left behind fick of the
Colab; which, in Guinea, or the Weſt 112-
dies, is call'd the Yaws. It is a cruel Di-
femper, and bears a near Reſemblance to the
Pox; affects the Bones, and Joints with great
Pain, and Soreneſs ; breaks out all over in
Blctches and dry Scabs; and is moſtly in the
Privy Parts, and under the Arm-pits. How-
ever, it is not actually the Pox; for I have
known Children of three, or four Years old
have it, whoſe Parents never knew by Expe-
rience what it was. There are but few who
eſcape it once in their Life-time; but then
they never have it more.
In that Reſpect, it
is like the Small Pox, or the Itch; and alſo
catch'd as they are. If a Perſon, who never
had it, follows One infe&ted in the long Grafs,
or Buſhes; if he Zyes, or fits on the fame Mat,
or even eats, and drinks after the diſeaſed
Perſon, be moſt afſuredly catches it. For
which Reaſon, they ſend their Children, when
affisted with it, out to nurſe, to ſuch Per-
fons as live alone in remote Places; and when
a Man, Woman, or a whole Family is taken
with it, they oblige them to go into the Woods,
and
7
] 261 )
and tarry there till they are perfectly recom
verd; which is frequently a whole Year, and
ſometimes two.
It was good News to me, to hear that
Deaan Mevarrow was left at Home infected
with this Diſtemper; and that Deaan Sambo
had the Command of the People in his Stead:
For I knew by Experience, that he was none
of my Enemy, tho' he demanded me in his
Brother's Name upon his firſt Arrival; but
when Deaan Afferrer had expoſtulated the
Caſe with him, and told him what Anſwer
he had return'd him by the Meſſengers ;
when he urg'd, That it was natural for a
Man to fly for his Life, who was every Day
in Danger, and treated like a Brute, had be
been a lawful Slave ; which was not the Cafe
here. Deaan Sambo gave up the Argument,
and turning to me, asked, If he had not fer
veral Times fav'd me? I readily own'd the
Obligation. Don't be afraid, ſaid he, for I
shall not inſiſt on my Demand any more ; but
pray come often, and ſee me as a Friend. I
gratefully acknowledg'd all his Favours, and
particularly thank'd him for this laſt ſignal
One; for he confirm'd the Account I had
given of myſelf before.
As Deaan Crindo had Intelligence of the
Day the Feraingher Army was to join them
he put himſelf in a Poſture to receive them
with Abundance of Form, and Ceremony.
He was ſeated under a great Tamarind Tree,
with his Sons according to their Seniority. on
his
$ 3
:
[ 262 ]
:
his Right Hand, and all their People ; on
his Left were Deaan Murnanzack, and his
Brethren, with all their People. The whole
Aſſembly form’d a Line of above a Quarter
of a Mile in Length
After a ſhort Time
the Feraingher Army appear’d, and as they
advanc'd, they came dancing, each with a
Gun in his Left Hand, and a Lance in his
Right : Their Shells founding, and their
Drums beating. At a ſmall Diſtance they
fir'd ſome Pieces by way of Salutation ;
which we immediately return’d. And now
the three Generals, Deaan Trongha, Rer Ber
faugher, and Rer Mundroſfer, went up to
Deaan Crindo, and the reſt. After the uſu-
al Salutations, they were all feated under the
Tamarind Tree, and ten Calabaſhes of Toak
were ſent for by Deaan Crindo to entertain
them. I fat all this Time behind Deaan
Afferrer, with his Gun in my Hand. After
mutual Aſſurances of an inviolable Friend-
ſhip, the Diviſion of the Prizes of Cattle was
ſettled, and adjuſted. Deaan Crindo, and
his Sons were to have one Third, Deaan
Murnanzack, and his Brethren another; and
Deaan Trongha, and his Brother, and Cou-
ſin, the Remainder.
AFTER they had amicably concluded their
own Affairs, and began to be gay over their
Toak; ſays Deaan Trongha, You have got
a white Man amongſt you, I perceive. Yes,
ſays Deaan Crindo, this is one of thoſe who
took me, and my Nephew Priſoners; and
would
1
[ 263 )
would bave deliver'd us into Deaan Tuley-
Noro's Hands, who was our Adverſary. I
don't think, ſays Deaan Trongha, they would
have done you any Harm; you muſt doubtleſs
have given them ſome Provocation firſt. I did
them 120 Injury, reply'd the other, as I know
of; unleſs maintaining them well was doing
them Injuſtice. They were inclin'd, indeed to
go to Antenoſa, and I would rather have de-
tain'd them to alift me in the Wars. And
was not this, ſays Deaan Trongha, a manifeft
Injury, and a juſt Provocation, to keep Free
Men againſt their Wills in a Country far from
their native Homes. I'll tell
jolla
hewever,
a very remarkable Tranfaction of my Grand-
father's with theſe white Men, 'before he was
rightly acquainted with them.
An Engliſh Ship came to our Sea-port Town,
( which they call St. Auguſtine Bay) in Order
to buy Proviſions, and furniſh themſelves with
Water: They did not go up to my Grand-fa-
ther's Town, but he thought proper to viſit
them, and made the Captain a voluntary Pre-
fent of two Oxen; and the Captain as voluntarily
gave him a Gun, and ſome Powder and Shot, as
a Compenſation. The Whites built themſelves
a Houſe upon the Shoar, for the Reception of
their ſick Men. Some few Days after we had
been here, the white Men, and ſome of ours,
got in Liquor together, and a Quarrel aroje
amongſt them. At firſt, indeed, they only beat
one another with their Fifts; but at length,
they made uſe of Weapons; and a white Ñían
S4
WAS.
[ 264 )
was killd upon the Spot by one of ours. The
News being carried immediately to the Slip,
the Captain came on Skoar, and after a ſtriet
Enquiry into the Matter, ke laid hold of the
King, whilſt bis People ran to the Boat, and
fetch'd their Arms. My Father, and Rep
Vovvern inſtantly plac'd themſelves at the
Head of our people, and would þare attack'd
them? but my Grand-Father prevented them;
for he was morally aſſur'd of being kill'd, by
one Side, or the other; ſo be went contentedly
on Board their Ship.
The Fiſherițen were
under no Apprehenſions of Danger from the
Whites, notwithſtanding this Diſturbance, for
they knew them; and beſides, were well ac-
quainted with their Manners; ſo they went 0??
Board, and ask'd, What the Captain's De-
mands were of the King ? He ſaid, Satiş-
faction for the Loſs of his white Man. They
return'd, and in the Name of the King's two
Sons, aſk'd, What Satisfaction he requir’d?
The Captain inſiſted on their Sending him the
Man, who kill'd the Engliſh-man, and ten
Oxen as an Equivalent. The Fiſhermen bad
no more Wit, than to deliver their Miljage in
the Hearing of the Murderer ; whereupon he
be fled directly into the Woods; fo that where
they ſent to ſecure him, he was not to be found.
The Fiferimen return’d to the Captain, and
aſur'd him, that they kad made ſtrict Search
for the Criminal, but could not find him; how-
ever, if he would be contented with a Slave,
or two in bis Stead, or with twenty Oxen ; they
were
[ 265 )
IT
were willing to give him them. At this the
Captain was very angry, and peremptorily in-
fifted on their producing the ſame Mans for
he had murder'd his Man in a moſt barbarous
Manner, and unleſs they found him he would keep
their Father ; but notwithſtanding he would
allow them ten Days Time to make their fur-
ther Search for him.
During all that Interval my Grandfather's
Legs were loaden with Irons, in order to pre-
vent his making his Eſcape; however, he eat,
and drank with the Captain all the ten Days
Time; and was treated in a very courteous
Manner. When the Term granted was ex-
pir'd, and the Captain was fully ſatisfied, they
had done all they could to find out the Mur-
derer, tho' to no Purpoſe, be took the Irons off
the King's Legs; and ask'd him, If he would
enter into a ſolemn Qath, never from that
Hour to do any Act of Injuſtice to an Eng-
lim-man, nor ſuffer any of his people to do
it; if he could poſſibly prevent it. To which
my Grandfather readily confinted. When he
þad dined with the Captain, they came 012
Shoar together. What I ſays Deaan Crindo,
do you, and your Family eat with white
Men? Yes, ſays Deaan Trongha, we Andry
Voler (for that is the Sur-name of the Fami-
ly) not only eat out of the fame Diſh, but drink
out of the ſame Cup too; and look upon
tben
as a Part of our own Family. We never at-
tempt to aſume an Authority over them; they
come when they pleaſe, and go where they pleaſe
with
[ 266 ]
with.us; and if any idle Fellowes do what they
ought 110t to do, their Captain never hinders
their being puniſl’d. Theſe white Men are
zery advantageous to us, and they would not
come amongſt us, if we did not treat them with
Civility. Beſides, our Grandfather bas laid
us all under a ſolemn Oath, with a Curſe an-
nex'd to all our Poſterity, who fall treat an
Engliſh-man with Severity. For as ſoon as
H, and the Captain came on Shoar, the Ow-
ley. was brought out, and they enter'd into a
Solemn, and perpetual Friendſhip, which all
of us ſtriktly obſerve ; and imagine that God
will not proper us frould we break it.
My Grandfather hereupon gave the Captain
twenty Oxen, which, thobe receiv'd, he would
return an Equivalent in Guns, and other
Things. And bad we this white Man amongſt
us, we ſhould give him ſuch Cloaths, as his
Country-men have left who dy'd there. He'll
never wear any of his own Country Cloatlis
again, ſays Deaan Crindo, I believe. Better
you were hang'd, thought I, tho' 1 durſt not
ſay ſo.
The next Day we march'd to the Borders
of Merfaughia, and there encamp'd : I lay
always in Deaan Afferrer's Tent.
The next
Morning, however, we ſhifted our Quar-
ters, and march'd a great way into the Coun-
try towards Manner-ronder ( a ſmall River
paſſing thorow ſeveral ſmall Towns, but
found the Inhabitants had abandon'd them
;
and from the Dung of the Cattle, which
1
was
( 267 )
was very dry, we judg’d they had been gone
about a Fortnight: For Woozington was a
politick Man, and would leave nothing for
us to ſubſiſt on; neither would he weaken
his Ariny by fruitleſs Skirmiſhies, and un-
neceſſary Attempts; but wait till he was fully
appriz'd of our Strength by his Spies, and
had collected all the Force he could to oppoſe
us.
A Man came to me from Deaan Trong ha,
and told me privately, that bis Maſter defir'd
to ſpeak with me. To which I anſwer'd, I
would wait on him, as ſoon as I could poſſibly
contrive to come without being obſerv'd. Ac-
cordingly in about two or three Days, I
found a proper Opportunity, and told Deaan
Afferrer, I was going to ſee Deaan Sambo.
You need not aſk me Leave ( ſaid he ) but
don't go any where elſe. By which I knew
his Meaning, and found he was jealous of
me. However I return'd, and by private
Ways, and in the dark, got to Deaan Tron-
gha's Tent, where was a numerous Affembly:
He ſpoke to me in Engliſh, and aſk'd me,
How I did? I was oblig'd to anſwer him in
the Madagaſcar Language; for I had forgot, I
told him, iny Mother Tongue. This, and my
being naked withal, mov'd his Compaſſion
to that Degree, that he ſpoke as indulgent
Things to me as my own Father could ; and
affur'd that If be could find any Means
to take me with him, be would ſend me Home .
in the firſt Ship. Whilſt we were talking,
Rer Befaugher came in, who ſhaking me by
the
1
me,
I
[ 268 ]
the Hand, ſaid, Brother, bow do you do? I
anſwer'd, Very well; but could ſpeak no
more Engliß, without a Mixture of this
Country Language. They in form’d me,
that there had lately been fome Engliſh Men
of War in Queſt of Pyrates; and that they had
directed them to St. Mary's, and Mattatanna,
which are ſituate on the other Side the Iſland;
and that there was but one White amongſt them,
and he a Dutchman; and moreover, that an
Engliſh-man had been kill'd not long fince in
the Wars. I told him, I was determin' d at
all Adventures to eſcape, and follow them ;
but they faid, they would purchaſe me, tho'
they gave fix Slaves for me. After Thanks
for ſo courteous a Promiſe, and a mutual
Agreement not to take any publick Notice
of each other, I took my Leave of them,
and went to Deaan Sambo's Tent; who alſo
treated me in a very handſome Manner: He
told me, He was going to live by himſelf; and
ask'd me, If I would come to bin? And I
pro-
mis'd him I would: I took my Leave, and
return’d to our Tent. The next Morning
we held a Conſultation, in which it was de-
termin’d to throw the Army into three Di-
viſions, and march a-breſt; but at a Quarter
of a Mile Diſtance from one another. We
faw no Body all this Time, till we were
near the Capital Town; and then we per-
ceiv'd their Spies that obſerv'd us; but the
Inhabitants were all fled. We paſs'd the
River Manner-rander , and encamp'd upon
the
Ł
( 269 )
We cut
the Plain; we had not been long there be-
fore three Men call:d to our People, and de-
fir'd them to acquaint Deaan Crindo, that
Deann Woozington propos'd to pay him a
Viſit next Morning. Now he was an art-
ful Man, and full of Stratagems, ſo they
knew he would endeavour to ſuprize, or
over-reach them: Upon which, we went
hard to Work to fortify the Camp, which
was thrown in a Circular Form.
down ſeveral Trees, and ſet up forked Limbs;
the Spaces were fill’d with great Pieces of
Wood, pil'd one upon another length-Ways,
at leaſt four Foot high, and as they join'd
cloſe, they made a Wall of it: In the next
Place, we dug the Ground about a Foot deep,
and about ſeven Feet wide, and threw up
the Earth againſt the wooden Pile to make
the Wall ſtill ſtronger; we left only two
narrow Entrances. The looſe ſmall Boughs,
with the Leaves, were thrown carelelly, as
it were, without Side to hide the Fortificati-
ons; ſo that it look'd like nothing but a
common Method they obſerv'd, in Order to
conceal their Numbers. When our Camp
was made ſecure, ſome few Cattle were kill'd,
and we all went to Supper, and then laid us
down under our Tent-Cloths ; for we did
not fet our Tents up, neither did we pull off
our Lambers; but lay cloſe under the For-
tifications, prepar'd for an Attack ; the Slaves,
that carried the Proviſion, were planted in
the Center,
WE
1
[ 270 ]
1
We aroſe by Break of Day, putting our
Guns thorow little Hcles, which we had left
in our Wall on Purpoſe; and kneel'd to fight
with the more Eaſe, and to take the better
Aim. We had not been in Readineſs above
ten Minutes, before we ſaw them coming
down with Fury upon us.
Whilſt we were
preparing to receive them, another Party ap-
pear'd on the contrary Sidc, and propos'd to
have come upon our Backs; but as we were
in a Circle we were all Front. Our Shells
were immediately founded, and our Drums
beat; but we foon alter'd this for another
Kind of Noife. When they came within
thirty Yards of us, they fir'd briſkly, ſtill
approaching, and having no Notion of our
Wall, expected we ſhould ſoon retreat from
behind the Boughs. I obſerv'd their Eyes
red with ſmoaking Fermaughla, which made
them more reſolute than uſual : Of this, I
ſhall give a particular Deſcription after the
Account of the Engagement. Ry-Opheck,
with a Body of Men, attack'd one of our
Entrances; he came ſkipping along, his Eyes
glow'd like Fire, he had a Lance in one
Hand, and a Gun in the other ; his People
ran after him in fo furious a Manner, that
Trodaughe, and his people, who fhould have
defended the Paſſage, gave Way. We were
employ'd on our Side, and knew nothing of
it, till he had got within our Camp; at which
Time one of our Chief Men turning about,
and ſeeing Ry-Opkeck ſtabbing our Men, fir'd
at
r
[ 271 ]
+
at him, and ſhot him in the Belly. When
he found himſelf wounded he retreated, and
fell about thirty, or forty Yards from the
Place; his People, in tead of revenging his
Cauſe, turn'd backward when he did. (How
common Men will ſometimes mimick à Gea
neral's Behaviour !)
But when they ſaw
him fall, they return'd to bring off his Body;
and this brought on a warm Engagement in
the open Field : For Deaan Afferrer jump'd
over the Works, and moſt of us, who were
his People after him, and forc'd them to re-
treat.
Here One, who was diſtinguiſh'd
from the reſt by his yellow Complexion ;
and who ſeem'd of ſuperior Rank, took Aim
at me'; but luckily miſſing me, I wounded
him in the Thigh, and ran up to him ; I
found his Hand was full of Powder, in Or-
der to charge again, and he threaten'd me
hard ; but I ſnatch'd his Lance from him,
and prevented him from either doing me any
further Miſchief, or hurting any Body elſe.
Another ſuch Puſh on the contrary Side ro
totally defeated the Enemy, that they flew
for it'; and sve purſu'd thein, but not indeed
very far ; becauſe we were unwilling to di-
vide ourſelves, leaſt W'cozington Mould have
turn'd, and took the Advantage of our Con-
fuſion; which he certainly would have done,
had an Opportunity offer'd.
WHEN we return'd to our Camp, the
Deaans all aſſembled at Deaan Crindo's Tent,
who took Notice of each individual Man ac-
cording
[ 272 ]
cording to his Merit; returning them Thanks
for their Courage, and Conduct: He next
inade Enquiry what Men were loſt on our
Side, and found no more than ſixteen kill'd,
and thirteen wounded. After that he fent
out to number the dead Bodies of the Ene-
my,
and found the total amounted to one
hundred, and ſeventy five ; ainong whom
were fixteen Perſons of Diſtinction: Two of
Woozington's younger Sons, Metorolabatch,
and Rer Fungenzer, ; his Nephews, Ry-
Opheck, and Rer Chula ; the Names of the
relt I never heard. Deaan Crindo gave Or-
ders, that the Bodies of theſe fixteen great
Men ſhould be cut to Pieces, and ſcatter'd
about the Field, that their Friends might
not bury them. Two, or three Days after-
wards, we march'd further into Merfaughla,
plundering, and ſpoiling all their 'Planta-
tions.
As theſe people are more addiếted to ſmoak
Jermaughla than any Others; it will be prou
per to give a Defiription of it bere. It is a
Plant that grows about five Foot high, and
bears a ſmall log Leaf with a Cod, which
contains about a dozen Seeds like Hempſeed :
Theſe Leaves and Seeds are mingled together,
and laid in the Sun for three, or four Days
fucceffively, till they are very dry; and ſo pre-
pard are fit to be ſmocked. Their Pipes are
made of Řeeds, or rather finall Canes. Some-
times they make uſe of a very long Shell
, which
anſwers the End propoſed. The Quality of it
is
[ 273 ]
is ſuch, that it makes them drunk ; their Eyes
look red, and fiery ; and their Looks fierce, and
Javage. It is eaſy to know a Man who ſmoaks
Jermaughla; whilſt the Effeets laſt, they are
more vigorous and reſolute; acting, as it were,
like Madmer. Thoſe who are too much ada
dicted to it are good for nothing, but during
the Time they are intoxicated with it. My
Curioſity led me once to finoak a little myſelf;
but it made my Head Yo very giddy, that I
was drunk, as it were, for three Days toge-
ther; and fo fick; that I never meddled nicré
with it.
OUR Spies were two Days before they
could diſcover any Cattle. At length, how-
ever, they inform'd us, they had heard ſome
bellow; whereupon a thouſand Men were
detatcli'd to fetch them. They were gone
à whole Week; they return'd, however
with above two thouſand Beeves, and two
hundred, and fifcy Captives; Women, and
Children. This great Prize made thein fond
of a ſecond Expedition; ſo upon a Conſul,
tation, a new Camp was form’d, and forti-
fy'd in the ſame Manner as before; in which
Deaan Crindo remain'd with four thouſand
Men, whilſt two thouſand went out to plun-
and on their Return' two thouſand more
were to go.
Deaan Afferrer, Deaan Sambo, Rer Mime-
bolambo, and Rer Befaugher, went out with
two thouſand Men. We had three, or four
for our Guides, who were perfectly well ac-
T
înainted
.
der;
1
[ 274 )
+
quainted with the Country; and knew where
the Cattle were uſually fed. We were two
Days before we came into any of their
Tracks, and then they were all drove off ;
and, as appear'd by their Marks, quite diffe-
rent Ways.
So our Army divided, Deaari
Sambo, and Rer Befaugher went Northward,
and we South-Weſt.. We march'd in the
Tracks all Day, and all the next Night, as
it was Moon-fhine: We found ourſelves in
the Morning near the Sea, where they had
drove the Beaſts to the Margin of the Wa-
ter, that the Ebbing, and Flowing, and the
Waſh of the Sea, might efface their Foot-
ſteps on the Sands; as indeed it did in a great
Meaſure: But we continu'd our March all
Day, till we found out where they turn'd
off towards the Woods. The next Morning
our Spies came in, and inform'd us, that they
heard a Cow bellow. We foon came to the
Plain, where we found an hundred at leaſt,
but theſe were not ſufficient; and therefore,
narrowly obſerving their Footſteps, we trac'd
them farther, and found eight, or nine hun-
dred more. Here were beſides two, or three
hundred Sheep, which we kill'd; the beſt
of them we dreſs’d, and left the Others be-
hind us. However, we were in great Want
of Water ; for we had none near two Days.
At length, one of our Scouts diſcover'd' a
Pond, where the Cattle us"d to drink ; and
this, tho' hot and foul, we eagerly drank ;
as we could get no better. Till this Time
vye
( 275 )
we ſaw no Enemies, tho' we expected them;
for we could ſee the Cow-herds fly from their
Cattle, in Order, no Doubt, to alarm their
Maſters. And as ſome of us were taking up
this Water, as clean as we could, in our Calo
labaſhes; and whilft One in particular was
ſtooping down to waſh his Lamber, a Volley
of Shot was fir'd amongſt us, before we per-
ceiv'd any Body. We look'd up, and ſaw
about eight, or ten Men, who ran back into
the Wood, which was extended along on the
other Side the Water, within three, or four-
ſcore Yards. We fir'd at them, but they
vaniſh'd out of Sight. None of us were hurt,
but the Man who was waſhing his Lamber,
and receiv'd. a Shot in his Fundament ; on
which he inſtantly expir’d.
Tho' I had been ſuperſtitiouſly addicted
to obſerve certain fixed Characters, or Hie-
roglyphicks, when they occurr'd to me in
Dreams, which was indeed but ſeldom; and
us'd to find they foretold ſome Things to
me; yet I could not but obſerve a remarka-
ble Inſtance which we had here, of relying
on Dreams; and I did not fail-taking No-
tice of it to Deaan Afferrer, and thereupon
to turn their ſuperſtitious Devotions to their
Owleys into Ridicule. For ſeeing me come
in a Hurry, and hearing Guns go off, he
ask'd What News ? Nothing, ſaid I, but a
Man was killd by the Order of his Golls
.
How! ſays the Deaan, by the Order of his
Gods! I don't underſtand you. Why, ſays I,
T 2
[ 276 ]
å Man prayed to his Owley laſt Night, and
when he lay down, bid it not fail to come wherz
he was aſleep. The Dæmon, which attends
bis Owley, according to his De fire came, and
told bim in a Dream ; 01, which is much the
Jame Thing; be drean't be told bim, That He
muſt waſh his Lamber the next Morning. He
went along with us, in Obedience to this Di-
vine Viſion, to the watering Place, tho’ be had
no other Buſineſs there ; and as be ftooped to
waſh his Lamber, was kill'd by a random Skot,
which he receiv'd in his Poſteriors, from ſome
of our
fugitive Enemies; wko fir’d, ran away,
and hurt No-body elſe. I was under no Ap-
prehenſions of Deaan Afferrer's Anger on
on this piece of Raillery; for Perſecution
on Account of Difference in Religion, is not
thought of there.
I remember one Inſtance, whilſt I liv'd
with Deaan Mevarrow, of a Piece of Bigot-
try more blind, and ſenſleſs, if poſſible, than
this ! A young Man had an Owley, the Dæ-
mon of which was call'd Ry-Leffu. He made
his Addreſjes one Night to him, and Ry-Leffu
in a Dream told bim, That his Brother muſt
fhoot at him. Early in the Morning, he takes
above an Hour's Walk to his Brother; tells
bis Dream, and deſires him to perform the Or-
der of Ry-Leffu. His Brother endeavour'd to
diſſuade him from it, but the other inſiſted, It
muſt be dono; or worſe would enfue. Well
then, ſays he, I will ſhoot near you; but take
Care to miſs you. No, ſays the bigotted Idiot,
It
[ 277 )
It 111uſt be executed according to Order, with..
out the leaſt Prevarication ; for I am fully
perſicaded, that the Dæmon will defend inę
from all Harm. At length, be prevails on
bis Brother, who loads his Piece, and ſtands
about thirty Yards diſtant, and fires at his
lower Parts; but notwithflanding all his Pre-
caution he broke a Leg; and then (blaming
bimſelf for his Credulity, and being ſo eaſily
over-ruld in an Action he 110 ways approv'it
of;) ran with Tears in his Eyes to the Afi-
ſtance of the wounded Bigot. In ſhort, with
the uſual Means, together with ſome of the
Fat of a Sacrifice, laid on the Owley of Ry-
Leffu, the Wound was heal'd; but he never
recover'd tbe free Uſe of that Leg.
We drove our Cattle to the Sea-ſide, the
ſame way we came, by the Verge of the
Water, and went round the Bay, callid St.
Jcbn’s. I took particular Notice of it; there
is a Ridge of Rocks, which ſeem'd to extend
quite croſs it, ſo as to leave no Entrance ;
but were there a Channel wide enough for
Ships to fail in, it would be a very commo-
dious Harbour ; the Waters being ſmooth
within. Not far from hence, as I have
heard, on the Coaſt of Merfaughla, a French
Ship was caſt away about two or three
Years before ours, and the whole Crew de-
ſtroy'd ; but the Reaſon of their inhuman
Murder, or the particular Circumſtances of
it, I could never learn. They have no Ca.
noes, either here, or in Anterndroea; for
T3
which
*
[ 278 ]
which Reaſon the Natives can have no Com-
merce with Ships : For they are very trea-
cherous to white Men of any in the Iſland.
Whether their little Acquaintance with Eu-
ropeans gives them a Dread of them, I can-
not ſay ; but I am ſenſible they imagine,
That White Men are extremely addicted to
Fighting, and not lo tender-hearted as them-
ſelves
. This receiv'd Notion may be a great
Motive to their deſtroying them on very tri-
vial Provocations; for they are always jea-
lous, That The white Men have ſome cruel
Deſigns upon them. So that they are ever on
their Guard, dreading the Audacity, and ſu-
perior Skill, which the Europeans have over
them in Point of War.
As to their Mercy: In ſuch Places where
they have ſubdu'd them, as the French did
in Antenoſa, they made them all Slaves, in-
verted the whole Order of their Govern-
ment; and moſt of them being illiterate Sea-
men, who took upon them to rule, they
ſhew'd no Regard, either to Morality, Civi-
lity, or indeed common Decency; made no
Diſtinction of Perſons, confounded all Or-
der, and treated every Black as if he was a
Brute; and ſo much inferior to themſelves,
as not to have the leaſt Right, or Title, in
their Opinions to the common Privileges of
human Creatures: So that to kill one of
them was no more than killing a Dog, or
any other noxious Animal whatſoever. I do
not make this as a general Reflection on the
French
[ 279 )
of
French only, tho' if Credit was to be given
to half what the Natives ſay, they were
guilty of the inoſt ſcandalous, and execrable
Actions: Our own Countrymen ( too much
addicted to their Follies and Vices) are not
exempt from the juſt Cauſe of this Scandal
upon white Men; for the Conduct of our
Britiſh Pyrates, and others too, who are not
willing to be thought inhuman, has been
barbarous to the laſt Degree. And in the
Countries of Anterndroea and Merfaughla,
where no Stories are told but what are very
ſtrange; and as they can't diſtinguiſhi by Ex-
perience, that wicked Men are the Product
every Land ; and having ſeen no good
Ones here, every white Man is look'd upon
by them as much a Monſter, as a Canibal is
by.us.
We return'd to our Camp with our Booty
four Days before Rer Befaugher; who not
only got a good Prize of Cattle, but of Cap-
tives likewiſe; which they diſcover'd by the
Obſervance of a Smoak. "Deaan Crindo was
in Pain to be at Home, leſt Deacn Woozing-
tou ſhould go into his Country, and plunder
it ; but Rer Múndroſer, and Deaan Muffe-
coro would take their Turn to ſee what they
could find; and return’d with Slaves as well
as Cattle. We had no Enemy all this Time
came near us ; for Deaan Trongha ſtay'd in
the Camp till we return'd. I told Deaan
Afferrer, I would go, and pay Deaan Sambo
a Viſit as before; on Purpoſe to conceal my
Viſit
I 4
1
out
[ 280 ]
Viſit to the other. He treated me with the
fame good Manners as at firſt, but whilft
we were in Diſcourſe, one of Deaån Affera
rer's Slaves came in, and told me, His Ma-
fter deſir'd to speck with me. I durft not
Speak privately to Deaan Trongba before him,
nor would I ſtay, as he would have had me;
but went directly with the Man, being ap-
prehenſive of ſome ill. Treatment. When I
came, he was in a terrible Paſſion, charging
me with being deceitful ; and asking me, if
I intended to go away with them ? He would
take Care, however, that I ſhould nct
go
of Anterndroea. I might go any
where
ainong
bis own Country-men; but he would not part
with me. I perceiv'd he was determind to
be my Maſter, tho' he was a much better
than Deaan Mevarrow; for he never offer'd
to ſtrike, much leſs to kill me. It was four-
teen Days before Rer Mundroſſer return'd
he brought likewiſe ſeveral Slaves as well as
Cattle. As ſoon as the Cattle were divided,
which was the next Day, the Army march'd
back into Anterndroca; for Deaaii Crindo
would not conſent that the Fernignhariaus
ſhould go Home, till they had accompany'd
him into his own Country, and till he was
out of Danger : Our Habitation on Yong-
gorvo Hills lay in the Way. Deaan Trongba,
with his Brother, and Couſin, came the Night
before we paried, to take their Leave of
Deaan Afferrer; and after ſome general Dilu
courſe, he ſaid, If you will part with your
wbite
2
[ 281 ]
white Man, I will give you three Slaves foro
him. Tho this was a handſome Price, yet
my Maſter, for ſo I muſt call him, made
Anſwer, I will not take three Times three for
bin. So no more was ſaid, and Deaan Tron-
gha went his Way. The next Morning be-
fore they march’d, I had the Opportunity of
ſeeing one of the Feraignber Men; where-
upon I deſir'd him to affure his General, that
I would be with them in three, or four Days
at farthelt; for I was determin'd to run away,
and follow their Tracts at all Adventures: At
preſént, indeed, I was prevented; becauſe as
they were jealous of me, two Men were ord:r'd
never to let me go out of their Sight, either by
Night or Dav, till we got Home. And for
two Months afterwards, I was never ſuffer'd
to go any where without ſome Body with
me.
Before I take my Farewel of Antern-
droea, my Readers may juſtly expect an Ac-
count of ſuch Things, as I thought moſt
worthy of Obſervance, and which have not
hitherto been deſcrib'd ; and which, indeed,
are but few, conſidering the great Variety of
Things, which a more curious Perſon than
myſelf would have employ'd himſelf in En-
quiring into : But when they conſider, how
young I was when I firſt came here; how I
paſs’d the Prime of my Years in Slavery a-
mong theſe Savages, and the little, or no
Hopes I had of ever making my Eſcape; it
will not, I preſume, be expected, that'at this
Time,
[ 282 )
Time, I ſhould have known what was worth
a Virtuoſo's Regard. I ſhall not, however,
fupply theſe Deficiences of mine, as many
Travellers frequently do, with Inventions of
my own : I could not help knowing ſuch
Things as were of daily Service, and in com-
mon with other Places; ſuch as Bonana's,
Plantanes, Monkies, Turtle
, and an hundred
other Things of the like Nature ; which
would be iinpertinent to give à particular
Detail of.
There is no good Thing to be met with,
either on the Trees, or in the Earth, that
lye within three, or four Miles of the Sea ;
nothing but ſhort prickly Wood, that bears
110 catable Frụit. In the Country, there is
great Variety; among which, is a Currant,
that grows on a Tree, not a Buſh, as in Eli-
rope; and is very pleaſant. Here is a very
large Tree likewiſe, that bears a Plumb";
which is black when ripe, and as big as a
Cherry; with little Stones like thoſe of
Grapes : There are Ilcris too on the Tree
about two Inches long. Here is a Fruit like
a Slow, which grows alſo on a prickly Buſh
but is very ſwect. Another Fruit grows on
the moſt ilately Trees, that are ſpeckled like
a Sparrore's Egg, and in the ſame Shape ;
which is full of Seeds, and very juicy: It is
look'd upon as an infallible Cure for Fluxes;
the Leaf of it is like that of a Pear-Tree.
Here is a Tree, the Leaves, and tender Sprigs
whereof will ſting like Nettles : The Root of
this
( 283 )
1
C
this is of great Service when Water is ſcarce ;
which it often is in many parts of this Coun-
try; and as this Root is [pungy, it retains
Abundance of Juice: We beat it in a wooden
Mortar (as we beat our Guinea Corn) and
expreſs the Liquor: They make Ropes of the
Bark of this Tree. Here is Wood in Plenty
fit for Building; as alſo ſome Cedar and Ebo
ny, but none proper to make Ship-Mafts of.
The Plains are well cover'd with divers Kinds
of Graſs, and of various Colours ; which
grow. much taller than any in England :
They never cut any down for Har, for be-
fore the old is dead, there is new ſpringing
up
under it; but the old Graſs is commonly
ſet on Fire.
Here is alſo ſome Tobacco,
which they ſmoak in Reeds, or Shells; as
they do the Jermaughla.
When I was in Deaan Murnanzack's
Country, I frequently went a-fiſhing ; but
they have no Canoes, as I hinted before, ſo
we only go upon the Rocks, and fiſh with
Hooks and Lines; and not with Nets: Night
is the beſt Time, when 'tis low Water. Then
we carry Lights with us, and take the Fiſh
out of deep little Holes ( as the Negrocs ſay )
faſt aſleep. Here are Abundance of Lobſters,
and Craw-fils; which never run away at
Sight of the Lights. We have alſo a ſharp
Pike made for no other Purpoſe, but to ſtrike
Fiſh. Here are Eels, and the Sword-Fiſh,
and ſome ſuch other Fiſh as are common to
Countries in the ſame Climate ; but many of
a
( 284 ]
a Species I never ſaw clſewhere. Here is one
Fió, as round as a Turnip, and full of
Prickles ; which, I ſuppoſe, may be callid
the Sea Hedge-Hog; but in their Language
it is call'd Sorego-1eake. Here is likewiſe
great Plenty of fine Turtle.
I never knew the Country infeſted by any
Beaſts of Prey, ſuch as Tygers, Lyons, &c.
the Wild Foxes, wild Boars, and wild Dogs
are the worſt we have in Anterndroea. Here
is a Creature of the Species, and Form of the
Serpent; which is very large: One of which
I kill’d, by tearing its huge Jaws afunder
with my Hands; it was no ways venemous,
11or did I ever know of a Serpent, which
kill'd, or hurt any Man by its Venom. Se-
veral of them have been bit by them, and
no worſe Hurt has accru'd, than is cuſtomary
from the Bite of any Beaſt.
WHILE I was in Yong-gorvo, our Em-
ployment as well as Diverſion was principally
hunting of wild Cattle; and here I obſerv'd
the People call theſe Cattle Hattoy's Cattle ;
or Anomebay Rer Hattoy: The Tradition
they have of their Original is, that they be-
longd to a Great Man, nam'd Hattoy; and
he being very avaricious would kill none of
them, but let them multiply, and run about
wherever they would. He liv'd in the De-
fart, but his Family, and People, after his
Deceaſe, liv'd with a King of an Inland Do-
minion, callid Untomaroche ; and left moſt
of their Cattle behind them. Others ſay,
that
( 285 )
7
that Rer Hattov, and moſt of his people,
were kill'd; and that the other Cattle being
better approv'd of, his were neglected; and
ſtroling about in the Foreſts, they inulti-
ply'd without Inte: ruption. But this no
Ways accounts for the Manner, in which
they came into the Illand. This Hattoy, 2s
all allow, was a Native; ſo that I am apt to
believe, theſe were the Original Cattle of the
Country, and the tame Beeves were imported;
for there are the ſame Cattle, with Humps
on their Backs, on the coaſt of Natal, and
Dilligoe in Africa. Theſe are preferr’d to
the others, and bred up whilft the Hattoy's
were neglected: And what confirms me in
this Notion, is, here are two sorts of People,
as if they were two diftinct Species of Man-
kind; of which I ſhall have Occaſion to
a full Account in a inore proper Place.
When Deaan Afferrer had kept ſtrict
Watch over me for about two Months; and
thought the Tract of the Feraingber Army
was iinpoſſible to be found, as the Graſs was
grown up again ; He took me with him a-
hunting theſe Hattoy's Cattle again: We had
very good Diverſion, had not the Concluſion
prov'd tragical : For we kill'd five Cows,
and lad Thoughts of departing; but a Bull
ran off with a Lance in his Side, and we
being loth to loſe it purlu'd him; and ſtuck
two, or three more in his Belly. When
his Wounds ſmarted he grew enrag'd, and
turn'd upon us.
One Man more bold than
the
give
[ 286 ]
the reſt, threw another Lance; and hit hini
on the back. Upon which he ran directly
at the Man; we hallo'd to frighten him
off, but he purſu'd his Adverſary; and when
he had overtaken him, he toſs'd him ſeveral
Yards above his Head: The Ground where
he fell was ſtony, and we were afraid of
throwing Lances, left we ſhould hit the Man,
who was all this Time endeavouring to riſe;
but the Bull puſh'd him down, as often as
he made the Attempt, and gored him to
that Degree with his Horns, that he ſoon
died. When we perceiv'd the Man was paſt
all Recovery, we threw more Lances at the
Bull, till he fell down like a Log I have
known them fight ſo long, that they have
been abſolutely dead before they fell; for
they will fix their Feet ſo wide, and dye
ſtanding fo firm, that we have been oblig'd
to pull them down by the Tail. They were
forc'd to dreſs the Meat this Evening, be-
cauſe of going Home next Day with the
Corps of their Neighbour. When we had
roaſted the Beef, and made an End of our
Supper, we made up our Enters for the next
Morning. For my part, I pack'd up as
much as I could conveniently carry; for I
was determin'd to go away this very Night.
I laid down indeed, when he reſt did, but
could not ſleep much, it may be ſuppos’d,
for thinking of the hazardous Journey I was
about to undertake. Every One elſe ſlept
found enough, as they were tyr'd, and their
Bellies
1
[ 287 ]
Bellies were full ; fo about Midnight I'took
up my Burden, and away I march'd, direct-
ing my Courſe to the North-ward, not with-
out recommending myſelf to the good Pro-
vidence of God to be my Conducter.
The Inſtructions I receiv'd from Ry-Nanno,
and which, on Enquiry I found from others,
was to go to the Southward, till I came to
Vohitch Futey; and to leave it on my right
Hand, directing my Courſe between the
North and Weſt, till I got to the great River
Oneghaloybe, which goes to St Auguſtine's
Bay; then, to keep along the River, till I
ſaw High-land running along the Weſtern-
moft Parts of the Foreſt: and then when I
had paſs’d over the River, to go away to the
Weſtward.
I walk'd very briſkly all Night, and at
Break of Day I ſaw the white Mountains
very near: By this I perceiv'd, I had made
great Progreſs, and therefore would not
conceal myielf as at firſt I propos'd; but
proceeded on my Journey, looking ſharp a-
bout me, thinking it morally impoſſible for
them to overtake, and find me, ſhould they
have attempted it. I went, therefore, nierrily
on, ſinging Madagaſcar Songs; for I had
forgot all my Engliſh Ones. The Bellowing
of the 'wild Cattle would now, and then,
make me ſtart; imagining they were my
Purſuers. When I came to a pleaſant Brook,
I baited there; and at Sun-ſet I look'd out
for a Covert in a Thicket to lye in; but I
could
[ 288 ]
could not find one near at Hand : So I was
contented to repoſe myſelf in the open Plain;
pulling up a fufficient Quantity of Graſs for
a Bed, and a Pillow, and making a ſmall
Fire to warm my Beef. I did not think
proper to make a great One, for Fear of its
being diſcern’d at a Diſtance ; for in the
Afternoon I obſerv'd fome Fires to the Eaſt- -
ward of the Mountain. I was diſturb'd in
my Sleep by Night-walkers, whom I ima-
gin'd, were my Purſuers; and accordingly,
I took up my Lances in Order to defend
myſelf; but when I was thorowly awake, I
found they were only fome of Hattoy's Cattle;
that ſnorted at the Smell of my Fire, and
ran away, much more afraid of me than I
was of thein,
The ſecond Day in the Morning, I ſtay'd
till the Sun appear'd before I mov'd forward,
that I might not be deceiv'd in my Courſe ;
for being a-breaſt of Vobitch Futey, I walk'd
more eaſily; and tho' I was under no Appre-
henſions of being overtaken by Deaan Affer-
rer's People, yet as there might be others
in the Foreſt a-hunting of Beeves, I was very
circumſpect. Nothing remarkable happen'd
this Day, I look'd out early this Evening
for a Lodging, the Clouds gathering_very
black; and foon found a large, thick Tree,
where I made me a Fire, warm'd mc fume
Meat, and hung up the Remainder, to keep
it as dry as I could, for I had nothing elſe
that could be prejudic'd by the Rain. At
length,
( 285 )
length it pour'd down as I expected, in a
violent Manner, attended with Thunder and
Lightning ; it ſoon penetrated my Roof:
However, I crouded myſelf up together, with
my Head on-my Knees, my Hands betwixt
Legs, and my little Lamber over nay Ears.
The Rain ran down like a Flood, but as it
was warm I did not ſo much regard it ; ini
three, or four Hours it was fair Weather
again, and I laid me down, and took a com-
fortable Nap.
The next Morning I dry'd my Beef at a
Fire, which I made for that Purpoſe; for it
was the third Day after it was kill'd; but I
was very careful of it, not knowing how to
kill more at that Time: So I put it up
in
clean Graſs, and march'd forward. The
Mountains, over which I was to paſs, ſcem'd
very high, craggy, and thick with Wood;
and no Path, nor Opening could I find : It
look'd diſmal enough, but I was determin'd
to run all Hazards. Thoſe Mountains ſeem'd
to me to traverſe the Iſland, and appear'd, as
we call it at Sea, like Double Land; one
Hill behind another. I faw nothing all this
Day but a few wild Cattle, and now, and
then a wild Dog; the Weather was fair, and
I flept found all this Night,
The fourth Day I walk'd till Noon, at
which time I baited ; iny Beef was now but
very indifferent: In the Afternoon, as I was
walking I ſaw about a dozen Men before me;
upon this I ſkulk'd in a Buſh, peeping to ob-
U
ſerve
.
1
( 290 )
ferve whether they had diſcover'd me; but.
I was ſoon out of my Pain, for they were
ſurrounding ſome Catile a good way to the
Weſtward on a Hill. I was likewiſe on a-
nother Hill, ſo that I could ſee them throw
their Lances, and kill three Beeves, which,
I was well affur'd, were more than they could
carry away with them at once.
I ſtay'd
where I was, . propoſing, when they were
gone to have ſome Beef. To Work they
fell, immediately, cutting up the Beaſts, and
each Man making up his Burden, hanging
the Remainder up in a Tree, that the wild
Dogs might not get it; and went Home to
the Eaſtward. As ſoon as they were gone,
and I had look'd well about me, I threw a-
way my bad Meat, made up to the Tree,
and took as much as I could well carry.
Away I march'd with my Booty towards the
Mountains, not daring to reſt left they ſhould
return, and diſcover me. In leſs than an
Hour I reach'd the Foot of the Hills in the
thick Woods, and finding no Path, nor Track
of Men, nor any Hopes of any, not knowing
what to do, I determin’d to go thorow all
but as I happen'd on a Run of Water, I took
up my Quarters near it, made me a Fire, cut
me ſome wooden Spits, and roaſted my Beef;
I kept my Fire burning all Night, left the
Foxes ſhould come, and attack mc.
The next•Morning I made up my Enter
with Graſs, binding it with the Bark of
Trees, and mov'd forward up the Hill: My
Bur-
[ 291]
felf to my
Burden was now much lighter. In an Hour,
tho' I could find no Path, but what ſome
Swine had made, I got to the Top of it.
I perceiv'd here were Faungidge and Verlaway
enough, with which I was very well pleas'd;
tho' I did not at preſent much want them.
I climb'd a high Tree to take a Survey, but
could diſcover no Entrance : Nothing but
Hills, and Vales one beyond another; a crag-
ged, diſmal Deſart was all that preſented it-
View. I would have deſcended,
had I not been in Danger of being ſeen by
the Hunters; beſides I could not tell which
Way to look, whether Eaſt or Weſt for the
Paſſage ; fo ſetting 'a Lance up an End, I
turn'd the Way it fell, tho' I imagin'd it was
due North ; or rather fomewhat to the Eaſt
ward. However, Superſtition prevail'd where
Reaſon was no ways concern'd; for I was as
likely to be right one Way as another : And
in Caſe I went to the Northward, ſo long as
I knew it, I muſt go as often as I could to
the Weſtward, as Sailors are forc'd to do,
run their Latitude firſt, and their Longitude
afterwards : I went down this Hill, and up
another, which was about an Hour's Walk;
but when I came to defcend this, it was right
up and down. Without due Thought I threw
down my Lances, Hatchet, and Burden,
thinking to defcend by a very tall Tree,
whoſe Top-Branches reach'd cloſe to the
Brow, but I could not do it: However, I
made Ropes of the Bark of a Tree, and fixing
thein
U 2
[ 292 ]
them to the ſtrongeſt Branches, I did down,
I dare ſay, no leſs than thirty Foot, rather
than I would loſe my Lances, and other Ma-
terials. I paſs’d over a fine Spring, and Run
of Water in the Vale. Tho' the Hill on the
other Side was a craggy ſteep Rock, I found
a Way to aſcend it; and on the Top climb'd
another Tree to take my View, but had the
ſame diſial Proſpect
. Here I dug Faun-
gidge, it being Sun-ſet, and ſeeing a Hole in
à large Rock, I had Thoughts to take up
iny Lodging there; but peeping in, on a ſud-
den, I heard ſuch an Outcry, which, with
the Eccho in the Rock, made ſo confus'd a
Noiſe, that I knew not what it could be.
My Fears prevail'd, and I imagin’d it might
be Purſuers; for it drew nearer and nearer:
So ſetting my Back to a Tree, with a Lance
in each Hand, I waited for the Murderers
when inſtantly came ſqueaking toward me a
Herd of wild Swine ; who ran away more
terrified than myſelf. After I was well re-
cover'd from my Fright, I made two Fires
for Fear of the Foxes, and then laid me
down on my ftony Bed; for here was no
Graſs.
The next Morning which was the fixth
Day, I made a hearty Meal on Faungidgie
and Beef, and the Hill extending North and
South, I went ſtrait on till it declin'd gradually
into a Valley, in which was a ſmall River
that ran Wellward : I am apt to think it was
the Head of Marrer-ronder, where we fought
Deaan
( 293 )
out.
Deaan Woozington. By that Time I arriv'd
to the Top of the next Hill, it drew towards
Evening, for I was not much leſs than two
Hours aſcending it; and yet confidering iny
Burden, tho' it was not very heavy now,
I
went a very good Pace. As I was looking
out for a commodious Lodging, that is to ſay
a Place with the fairelt Stones in it, I diſ-
cover'd a S.warm of Bees; this was a joyful
Sight, for it was Food that would not ſpoil
with keeping: I ſoon cut down a Vounturk
to ſecure the Honey in, and ſmoak’d them
I made ſuch an hearty Meal this Night,
of Honey, Faungidge, and Beef, that I flept
too ſound; insomuch that I was wak'd with
a fevere Mortification, for my thoughtleſs
Security. A Fox catch'd hold of my Heel,
and would have draggd me along; where-
upon I ſtartl’d, and catching up a Fire-brand,
gave
him ſuch a Blow as ſtagger'd him; but
as ſoon as he recover'd he flew at my Face.
By this Time, I was upon my Feet, and re-
cover'd one of my Lances, with which I pre-
vented him from ever aſſaulting me more ;
but his hideous Howling brought more about
him. I ſaw three, whoſe Eyes ſparkled like
Diamonds, however they kept at a Diſtance ;
for with ſome light dry Wood that lay near
me, I made a Blaze directly, in order to keep
a Flame all Night; but did not wake to re-
new it, as I ought to have done : So that both
my Fires, being almoſt reduc'd to Aſhes,
U 3
one
[ 294 ]
one of them boldly ventur'd between them ;
and 'twas very happy for me, that he did not
ſeize upon my Throat; for when Men have
negligently ſlept where they haunt, I have
known them ineet with ſuch a Miſchance.
After I had made up my Fires, and put my
Enemies to Flight, I examin'd my Heel, and
found two great Holes on each side, where
his Teeth had enter'd; I bound it up with a
Piece of my Lamber, in the beſt Manner I
could; and making a great Fire, threw the
Fox upon it by Way of Reſentment. I had
not that Pleaſure in cating my Breakfaſt this
Morning, as I had in my laſt Night's Sup-
per. Beſides, my Beef was now a little too
tender ; however as I had Honey enough for
a Weck, and here was Faungidge in Plenty
I did not concern myſelf much about it.
I walk'd on this ſeventh Day; and tho' I
favour'd my lame Foot, as much as I could,
yet I relied but once all Day: This Way
happen’d to be plain, and eaſy. At Evening,
I came to a place where lay ſeveral Bodies
of Trees, which were dead and dry: Think-
ing this, therefore, a proper Lodging, I made
four very large Fires, fat me down to Supper,
and afterwards ventur'd to go to ſleep with
all thoſe Fires round me: But my Heel now
grew ſo very painful, and was ſwell’d to that
Degree, that I could not go forward the
next Day; but as their was Faungidge enough
within twenty, or thirty Yards of me, I dug
up ſeveral, and determin'd to continue here
till
[ 295 ]
Drink to me.
gave it
till my Foot grew better. My Beef was ſoon
gone, but Faungidge was both Meat, and
I ſav'd part of my Beef-fat,
to dreſs my Hecl with; which, as I
fix Days Reſt, took down all the Swelling.
During this Time I made ſuch large Fires
every Night, that could they have been ſeen,
were like thoſe of an Army. I had not far
to go for Wood, or any thing elſe that I
wanted; or at leaſt, that I could any ways
expect in ſuch a place.
After theſe lix Days Reſt, it being the
fourteenth ſince I left Deaan Afferrer, I
went forward; and that Day paſs’d over
three very high Mountains. By this Time
my Honey was all gone, and I could find no
more; ſo that I liv'd altogether upon Faun-
gidge.
The fifteenth Day I walk'd very ſmartly
again, and paſs'd over ſeveral Hills that were
very rough, craggy, and tireſome. I took
particular Care however to get dry Wood
enough; for I never ventured to ſleep with-
out four Fires
The fixteenth Day, I had not travell’d a-
bove three Hours, before I perceiv’d the
Earth to be of another Colour: It was Chalk
then, and now Clay. This excited my Cu-
rioſity, to climb the firſt high Tree I could
meet with ; from whence, I dilcover'd an
Opening to the Northward; with which I
was highly delighted, but it was too far for
ine to reach that Night'; ſo I took up my
Lodging
U 4
::
[ 296 )
Lodging as before. This Night I was di-
ſturb'd by a Herd of wild Swine.
The ſeventeenth Day I walk'd very hard,
being very deſirous to get thorow this Wil-
desneſs; which ſtill abounded with Hills.
About. Noon I reach'd the open Country,
where I could look about me with ſome Plea-
ſure, and walk upon level Ground. I was
now like one juſt deliver'd from a Priſan,
having been twelve Days in this mountainous
Defart. I was actually travelling near fix
Days, and I imagine, I did not walk leſs than
twenty Miles a Day: It inight have been
paſs’d indeed in three Days, had I been fo
fortunate as to have found out the Path,
I ha i not been long in the Plain, before
I came to a little Wood, where I took up
my Lodging; becauſe here, was Firing, and
Faungidge in Plenty, which I was very glad
to fee; having been under fome melancholy
Apprehenſions of wanting Proviſion in the
Plains: But I had ſoon a ſtill greater Hope
of being better ſupplied, for in the Night I
was wak'd by the Roaring of a Bull; by
which, I was very well allur'd, it was tļie
great Northern Foreſt of wild Cattle ; which
Ry-Nanno had inform’d me of.
The next Day, which was the cighteenth,
I ſaw ſeveral Herds of Hattoy's Cattle; and
perceiv'd there were more here than in the
Southern Foreſt. I look'd wiſhfully about
to diſcover foine Hunters if I could; or to
obſervę, if any Crows hover'd about any par-
ticular
[ 297
)
I went
got into
ticular Place; for then I might reaſonably
expect ſome Beaſt, that had been wounded,
was fallen there. In the Afternoon I came
to a River, which was both deep and large:
As I was ſearching for a proper Place to wade
thorow or ſwim over, I ſpy'd a large Alligator:
I ſtill walk'd upon the Banks, and in a ſhort
time ſaw three more.
This was a mortifying
Stroke, and almoſt difpirited me.
on till I came to a ſhallower Place, where
I enter'd the River about ten Yards, with a
view to ſwim over the reſt four or five Mi-
nutes; but ſeeing an Alligator make towards
me, I ran directly back. He purſu'd me till
I
very ſhallow Water, and then he
turn'd back into the deep; for they will ne-
ver attack a Man near the Shoar. It nettled
me to be ſtopt by a River, that was ſcarce
an hundred Yards over. At length, I re-
collected, that at Bungall there are the largeſt
Alligators in the World, and ſo bold, that
they will take a Man out of a ſhallow Boat;
inſomuch that whenever we came off from
the Shore in the Night, we made one ſmall
Fire at the Head, and another at the Stern
of the Boat; which no Alligator would ever
come near. Diſtreſs
puts a Man's Invention
upon the Wreck, fomething, thought I, like
this muſt be done; for it was to no Purpąſe
to ſtay here, neither could I go back : So
making Choice of a Stick for a Fire-brand,
I cut it into long Splinters, and waited till it
grew
dark , then after I had bound my two
Fire-
[ 298 ]
Fire-ſticks to the Top of one of my Lances,
I went into the Water, and recommending
myſelf to the Care of Providence, I turn'd
upon my Back, and fwan over with my two
Lances, and Hatchet in one Hand, and my
Fire-brand burning in the other ; my Lani-
ber being twiſted, and ty'd faſt about my
Lances.
The Place where. I pitch'd upon to ſwim
over, had a Gap thorow the Thicket on each
Side one againſt another ; which made it
look like a common Paſſage either for Men,
or Cattle. No ſooner was I landed, but I
heard ſome wild Cattle grazing; whereupon
I extinguiſh'd my Fise immediately, and
waſh'd myſelf as ſilently as poſlible ; that
that they ſhould not ſmell me. I ſtood ſome
Time cloſe under the Cover of a thick Buſh
in the Paſſage, expecting that they would
come to drink. The Wind, as it luckly fell
out, was with them, ſo that they could not
tho' they often ſnorted for that
Purpoſe. I ſtood prepar'd with my Lance,
and did not wait long before a numerous
Herd came, running thorow the, Paſſage to
the River ; and as they paſs’d by, I pulh'd
my Lance, with all the Force I was able, in-
to above forty of them; and us'd my utmoſt
Endeavours to wound them in the Belly.
They ran roaring away, fighting, and goring
one another, to revenge, as it were, the Blows
they felt ; for they expected no other Ene-
mies, than what were amongſt themſelves.
I
ſcent me;
[ 299 ]
1
I thought I had ſtruck a ſufficient Number,
and hoped ſome of their Wounds would
prove mortal: However, I would not run
any Hazard by Night, and, therefore, ſat
down contented without roaſt Meat, and fe-
cur'd myſelf from their Attacks in a thick
Wood. The next Morning I went to ſee
what Succeſs I had met with, and I found
one Bull, and three Cows dead upon the
Sand: I ſoon cut up the youngeſt, and fat-
teſt, and carry'd it to my Quarters; near
which I made an Oven to bake it. This is a
common Practice, tho' I never deſcrib'd it
before; however, it is made after the fol-
lowing Manner: A Hole is dug about five
Foot in Length, two over, and about three in
Depth : This is filld with Wood, which is
then kindled; on the Top of the Fire I put
about a Dozen large Stones, each weighing
about a Pound. Whilſt the Fire was burning,
I cut off the Bark from a Tree, cali'd The
Succore, and took the outer Part away;
the inner being pliant, and lying flat, it ſerved
* for the Cover of my Oven.
When the Fire
was burnt to Aſhes, I laid three, or four green
Sticks acroſs, that my Beef might reft upon
them ; the Stones being red-hot, I plac’d them
about the Bottom and Sides : I laid likewiſe
more Sticks over the Top, and then, the Bark
cover'd all cloſe with the Earth.
This is our
Method of baking Meat in the Foreſts. I
broild ſome for my Breakfaſt, and then
went out to ſee what further Execution I
had
away; and
2
1
[ 300 ]
had done, and found ſix more Beeves lying
dead upon the Plain ; however, I had enough
here. When I return'd my Beef was as well
bak'd, as it would have been at any Baker's
in London. When it was cold, I made it up
into an Enter, but went no further this
Day.
The next Morning, I went forward well
pleas'd with my Load: Tho' I diſcover'd
fome Smoak to the Eaſtward, yet I ſaw no
People; but many Herds of wild Catile: As
there was ſeveral little Woods in this Plain,
I never wanted either a Covert for a Lodging,
or Graſs to make me a tolerable ſoft Bed to
lye on. The Country was pleaſant enough,
and Travelling was ſo eaſie that I determin'd
if it ſhould be my Misfortune, to meet with
as bad a Maſter as Mevarrow, and there
were no hopes of getting to England, that I
would run away, and live by myſelf in this
Foreſt.
The twenty-firſt Day in the Morning I
ſaw ſeveral wild Dogs engag'd with, and
pulling down a Bull, that had been wounded
as I imagin'd ſome time before ; for I never
knew the Dogs attack them unleſs they were.
It was no Bulineſs of mino to interrupt them,
and if it was, it would have been a very
dangerous Thing to make the Attempt; for
tho' they do not ſeek to aſſault a Man, yet
upon Provocation they have been known to
deſtroy ſeveral. This Night was the firſt
Time I ever felt Mufquettoes in the Illand;
for
[ 301 ]
for lying in the Evening in a Covert, near a
Run of Water, they ſtung me to that De-
gree, that I was forc'd to ſhift
my Quarters;
and as iti was Moon-light, I got up, and
walk'd three, or four Miles farther to the
Top of a Hill; where I ſlept without Molef-
tation. I had no Occaſion to light more than
one Fire, for there was no great Danger of
wild Beaſts here.
On the twenty-ſecond Day I diſcover'd a
Fog in one long Canal, that ran from Eaſt
to Weſt; which as it continu'd all the Day
long, and at a vaſt Diſtance, I conceiv'd it to
hang over the great River Onebagloybe, that
runs into Anguſtine-Bay. This put new Life
into me, to think I drew near to a Sea-port:
I ſaw two Men that Day laden with Beef,
and would have ſpoke to them; but they
dropt their Enters, and ran from ine, tho’I
call’d, and laid down mine, and went towards
them. As ſoon as they imagin'd I was gone,
I ſaw them return, and take their Beef up
again.
On the twenty-third Day in the Morning,
the Fog appear'd again ; but much nearer.
I walk'd as hard as I well could, being de-
ſirous to get to the River; it was Afternoon,
however, before I reach'd within a Mile of it;
and then the Buſhes, and thorny ſmall Wood
were fo thick, that it was with great Diffi-
culty, and many ſevere Scratches, that I got
to the River-ſide, When I ſaw the River ſo
very broad, I was ſurpris’d; for at leaſt, it
was
1
[ 302 ]
was twice as broad as the Thanies at London.
I had been inform'd, that a Man might wade
over it near the Head; but that they always
made uſe of Canoes to tranſport themſelves
over other Parts; which way they got them
I cannot ſay, but for my part I had no ſuch
Help. I made my Fire, went to Supper,
and then repos'd myſelf to Reſt; or rather to
ſtudy which way I ſhould get over. In the
Morning, I determin’d to look out for ſome
old Trees, or Branches that were fallen; and
in a ſhort time, I met with ſeveral that were
fit for my Purpoſe, not only great Arms,
but Trunks of Trees broke off by Tempeſts:
Theſe I dragg'd down to the River-ſide. In
the next Place, I made it my Buſineſs to find
out a Creeper, which is as large as a Withy,
but twining round Trees, is very pliant; I
lopp'd the fuperfluous Branches off of ſix
long, and thick Arms of the Trees; and pla-
cing three at Bottom, and three at Top, I
bound them together, making what we call
in the Eaſt Indics, a Cattamarran. I built it
afloat in the Water, for otherwiſe I could not
have launch'd it; and moor'd it to a Lance,
which I ſtuck in the Shore for that Purpoſe;
I then fix'd my Enter, in Order to preſerve
it as dry as poſſibly I could, as alſo my
Hatchet, and my other Lance; after that I
made a Paddle to row with: Then I pull'd up
my Lance, and kept it in my Hand to defend
myſelf againſt the Alligators, in Caſe any of
them ſhould aſſault me; for I was inform’d
they
[ 303 ]
they were very numerous, and very fierce
here. It blow'd a freſh Gale at Weſt againſt
ihe Stream, which in the Middle made a Sea ;
and gave me no ſmall Concern: For I was
in great Danger of being over-ſet, and be-
coming a Prey to the Alligators. It pleas'd
God, however, to protect me; and I lànded
ſafe on'the other Shore. This being a pretty
good Days Work, I determin'd not to go
much further that Evening, before I took up
my Lodging.
On the twenty-fourth Day, tho' I travell’d
a great Way, yet nothing material offer'd:
I law indeed a few wild Cattle, but not near
the Number that was on the other Side the
River; and thoſe too were ſomewhat ſhyer;
by which I concluded it to be an inhabited
Country.
On the twenty-fifth Day my Burden grew
lighter, and began to ſmell; but I did not
concern myſelf much about that, ſince I re-
ſolv'd to ſpeak to the firſt People I could ſee :
For I remember'd, that Deaan Trongha had
told me, that his Town lay by the North ſide
of this River. I förded over a Brook which
runs into the great River. The Country,
is very pleaſant, and here are abundance of
Palmettoe Trees ; which they call Satter-
futey. They bear a long Leaf like a Cocoa-
rut Tree, but the Fruit is quite of another
Nature; of theſe Leaves the People make
Baſkets, Caps, &c. I ſaw no wild Cattlc
all this Day.
ON
1.
+
( 304 )
On the twenty-ſixth Day, tho! I walk'd
very hard again, yet I baited in the Heat of
the Day; and in the Afternoon, making the
beſt of iny Way, I eſpy'd a Smoak; and being
determin’d to ſpeak to thofe who made it,
I mended my Pace; leaſt they ſhould be Paſ-
ſengers only that baited as I did, and would
be gone; but I ſoon heard the Tongues of
ſeveral Children, who ran into the Wood as
foon as they ſaw me. Upon which, imme-
diately three Men, arm'd with Guns and
Lances, ſtarted out. I look'd behind me for
a commodious Shelter, not knowing what to
think of them, and retreated a little; which
they perceiving, left their Guns behind them,
and came towards me. Upon that I went to
mcet them, and, at a Diſtance, deſir'd to
know what King they belong'd to. They
anſwer'd Deaan Mernaugha; and as a fur-
ther Teſtimony, perceiving that I was a
white Man, they ſpoke two, or three Words
in broken Engliſh, and after that we ſhook
Hands, and faluted each other with the uſual
Compliment, Salamonger : They invited me
to go with them to their Habitations, where
we ſat down, and I gave them a ſhort Detail
of
my Travels. They ſaid they had heard
of me, and having ſome Suſers in the Pot
juft boil'd, they deſir'd me to eat with them:
Afier which, I aſk'd them ſeveral Queſtion's
relating to their Trade, their War, and
Peace; and one of the moſt experienc'd of
them gave me the following melancholy Ac-
count of it.
Our
[ 305 ]
ܪ
Our late. King, Rer Vovvern, (.faid be)
kill'd himſelf with Grief at an Irriptiori,
which Rer Trimmenongarevo made with nine
thouſand Men, and took his two Daughters
Captives. Our Prince purſu'd him with feven
thouſand, but the Enemy, by a Stratagem, got
privately into Ferangher; and plunderd it :
Deaan Woozington at the fame Time attack'd
the Southern Parts, having made Canoes, and
paſs'd' the great River ; the other Paſſages be-
ing firſt ſtopp'd : He took, alſo a great inaiiy
People, but Deaan Trongha, and his Brother
Rer Befaugher, who ſtay'd at Hoire with two
thouſand Men, diſconcerted bis Meaſures, and
prevented his carrying off the Captives; which
jo corag'd Woozington, who was ä Man of
à barbarous Diſpoſition, that he flew a great
ržany Women and Children. Rer Trimme-
nongarevo took a contrary Method, for be ſent
Meſſengers, with friendly Invitations, tó thje
People, to come, and live in his Country, and
be his Subjects; and with repeated Aſurances,
that he would reſtore to thein their Wives and
Children ; which Promiſe he punɛtually per-
form’d, and ſtill continues jo to do ; ſo that
Some Hundreds are gone away: And he ſtill
so embarraſes us, who are unwilling to leave
our Native Country, that many of us are ob-
lig'd to fly into theſe Foreſts, and ſecret Re-
ceſſes, in order to be ſafë ; contenting ourſelves
(as you fee) with what the Country naturally
affords us : For we dare neither plait; 170r
keep Cattle, left we ſhould be furpriz'd. We
Х
have
[ 306
hàve another petty Prince in the Mountains,
wbo takes this opportunity to make. Incurfors,
and helps to impoveriſh us, ſo that we have
Enemies all around us; and thoſe who remain
in Towns are almoſt famiſk'd : For we have
110 Friends but white Men, and there has not
been a Ship come this Way a long Time; and
Jhould they be appriz'd of our Poverty they
would come 110 more. Thus This Kingdom,
which was lately the Glory of the Iſland, is
now almoſt reduc'd to nothing.
This melancholy Tale fo fhock'd me,
that I.fat mute, and as fix'd as a Statue, till
the Man perceiving my Concern, rous'd me
by aſking me my Name; and if I had not
Thoughts of going to the King, before I went
to Deaan Trongha, as ( they ſaid ) was iny
Duty: But I told them I was a Freeman,
and would act as I had already told them;
ſo they gave me a Mat, and I lay down, ru-
minating on the hard Fortune that attended
me; but as Providence had taken Care of me
hitherto, I did not queſtion, but in due Time
my Deliverance would be accompliſh'd; and
with this Reſignation I laid me down to Reſt.
These Men were very courtous to me,
and prefs'd me to ſtay two, or threc Days
with them: but I only break-fafted there,
giving them ſome of my Bcef, which they ac-
cepted of, tho' it was far from being good.
When they found I was determin'd to go,
they made me a Preſent of a parcel of roaſted
Sufers to carry with me, and accompany'd
nie
[ 307 Í
ly
+
mne as far as the Path; and thew'd me how
to find theſe Sufers, which till then I had
never ſeën: They grow like Wild Yams,
which were their principal Diet. This ivas
the twenty Seventh Day of my Travels, and
turning out of the Path into the Wood, I
hunted about for ſuch an Inn as had ſerv'd
me mnany a Night before, which I foon found,
made mic a Fire, and after Supper ſlept very
contentedly.
The next Morning I met with four Men,
who inform'd me, that tho' I could not reach
Deaan Trongba's Towní, yet I might Rer
Befaugher's; and he would ſend á Man to di-
rect me. My Way lay over a high Hill,
from whence I ſaw the Sea, and the Road,
where the ships us'd to lye in Auguſtine Bar:
on the other Hand was the great River, and
the Country very pleaſant all along its Banks:
When I came to the Bottom, ſome Boys,
who were tending their Cattle, ran up to me,
for they are not afraid of white Men; and
one of them very courteouſly offer'd to ſhew
me the Way to the Town.
On my Arrival, the People ſtared to ſee
a white Man without Cloaths; ſome faid, A
Ship was arriv'd; but moſt ſaid, I could not
come from a Ship naked, and without a Hát.
When I came near Rer Befaugher's Houſe,
I perceiv'd he look'd earneſtly at me, not
knowing me at firſt; but, when I came
nearer, he aroſe from his Seat, clapp'd his
Hand to his Mouth, and cry'd, Al!: Ry-
X2
Robin,
3
( 308 ]
Robin, how came you here? Had I been his
Brother, he could not have embrac'd me
with more Affection.
As ſoon as I was
ſeated, ſeveral came about me ; ſome who
knew me in the Army, ask'd me, Who were
with me? And when I anſwer'd No-body;
they wonder'd how I could find the Way by
myſelf : But when I inform’d them how I
loſt my Way, and came thorow the moun-
tainous Wilderneſs, and what Stratagens I
made uſe of to paſs the Rivers, they were
perfectly aſtoniſh'd.
Rer Befaugher took me into his Houſe,
and made me ſup with him: He had roaſt
Beef, and his Wife brought Milk on Pur.
poſe for me. I ask'd about the State of the
Country, and he gave much the ſame Ac-
count I had heard before ; with this Addi-
tion, That He expected every Day when Rer
Trimmonongarevo would come, and ravage
the whole Country ; for they were altogether.
incapable of making any Reſiſtance : Thoje, how-
ever, who were the Pillars of the Land, wera
determind to ſtand till they were cut down by
Death; and not to fly : For indeed, ſaid he,
we have 110 where to go but into the Sea; and
we have no Notion of living there, as you white
Men bave.
WHEN we had ſupp'd, and talk'd till I
was ſleepy, he ſent a Man with me to a
Houſe prepar'd for my Reccption. The
next Morning I begg'd the Favour of him,
to ſend a Man to direct me in the right Road
1
to
[ 309 ]
to Deaan Trongha's; but he would go
him.
ſelf. I told him, That It was too gréatif
Condeſcention, and too much beneath his Dig-
nity, to attend a Slave as I was. He anſwer'd,
That He never look'd 011 white Men as Slaves;
and that be bad waited on ſeveral. And Rer
Vovvern, as well as be, had cloath'd, and
maintaind ſome, who did not deſerve it; but
they did it for the ſake of others : For, ſays
he, Here have been ſome very quarreljor
People, who come afhoar, and never
go aboard
again; and behave theinſelves Mamefully ill:
I ask'd him, What they traffick'd for here?
He ſaid, For nothing but Proviſion; for which
they gave them Gold and Silver in Exchange,
and ſometimes Pieces of Silk ; and when they
fail away, ?20. One, nay, they themſelves don't
know to what Country they are going : For
they are wicked, careleſs Wretches, and their
whole Bufineſs is to plunder other Ships. I
told him, They were to blame either to aſſiſt
them, or ſell them any Proviſions; and that
the Government of England was at a prodi-
gious Expence to fit out Ships on Purpoſe to
deſtroy them ;, for they ſpoil the Merchants
Trade, and were a Diſgrace to their Country,
The Engliſh, for the Generality, ſaid he, were
very good People, and, by the Trade which they
drove with them, were of fingular Service to
the Country: That he had been on Board divers
Ships, and had met with ſeveral Captains, who
were very honeſt Men; for they us'd to receive
him in the moſt courteous Manner, and enter-
tain
X 3
[ 310 ]
ܪ
tair bim with Wine, Punch, and Brandy
and ſometimes another Sort of Liquor, that
was very bitter; what the Name of it was, he
could not tell, but they lov'd it themſelves. I
told him, It was Beer. He ſaid, Yes ; but
he could never drink it with anzy Pleaſure,
Thus we went chatting along to Deaan Trong-
ha's, which was about two Hours Walk:
When we arriv'd the People flock*d round
mc, ſome ſaying A Samb-Tuley ; that is to
fay, A Ship was arriv'd; but others ſaid
No; for Men feldom come naked from a Ship.
When I came before Dedan Trongba, I
perceiv'd he did not recollect me; I offer'd
to kneel, and lick his Feet ; but he would
not permit it: Saying, Be be who he will,
he is a white Man; and they ſhall never lick
black. Mens Feet. At length, his Brother in-
formi'd him who I was: No ſooner had he
heard it than he roſe up, and embrac'd me
with Abundance of joy, and Friendſhip.
When we had been ſeated ſome Time, and
I had given them an Account of my Tra-
vels; he told me, I was ſtill a very unforti-
nate Man; for they were in a very poor State
and Condition, and I should be miſerably miſ-
taken, if I expected to live liappy tbere." "I
told him, It could not well be worſe than it
had been with me all along ; and I was deter-
mir'd to live with bim all 11y Life long, if ke
pleas'd to admit me into bis Service, unless
be would be to indulgent to me as to ſend me
Home, when a Ship came. He told me, I
friould
เ
( 311 ]
+
1
to your
pould fare as he did himſelf; for he lock'd on
it as his Duty, to relieve a white Man in Di-
ſtreſs, for the Favour's he and his family bad
receiv'd from my Country-men. In ſhort, he
receiv'd me with ſuch Tokens of Friend-
hip, and treated me with ſo much Tender-
neſs, that my own Father could not have
Thew'd me more Compaſſion. He lamented
very much the deplorable Circumſtances to
which his Country was reduc'd; and was ex-
tremely afraid left the white Men ſhould
know it ;. For then ( ſaid he ) they would ne-
ver come to trade with us any more ; nor give
me an Opportunity of ſending youl
Na-
tive Home.
WHEN I had eat, and drank with him,
he took his Leave of his Brother, being ob-
lig'd to guard the Slaves who were at Work
in the Plantations; left they ſhould be ſur-
priz’d, and taken by ſmall Parties of their
Northern Enemy, who lay in Ambuſcade;
in Order to ſally out, and carry off what
they could ſteal on a Sudden ; and ſo run
away again. When we were a little Way
out of Town, we came to a ſpacious Thic-
ket of wild Canes, Reeds, and Ruſhes; in
the Midſt of which were the Plantations,
bounded on the other Side with the great
River Onreghaloybe.
Here were Plantins,
Bonaires, Sugar-Canes
, and Rice; all theſe
the Southern Country, from whence I came,
jvere wholly unacquanted with; but here
were likewiſe ſeveral Things which I had
feen
i
V
1
X 4
1
12
[ 312 ]
!
ine his Gun, and told me, since I was wila
feen before ; as Anbotty, Anchoroko, &c. .
Theſe were but lately planted, and ſow'd;
the Enemy having deſtroy'd all the Planta-
tions in the Incurſions they made, whilſt
Deaan Trongha, &c. were in the late War
in Merfaugbla. I began to ſuſpect that he
intended to ſet me to Work, but I ſoon per-
ceiv'd he had no ſuch Deſign; for he gave
ling to be his Servant, all he should require of
me, mould be to carry his Gun; and reper to
be the Length of it from himn, 'that in Cafe of
a Surprize, he might have it at Hand.
As we went Homewards, ſome of our
People climb'd up Tamarind Trees, and gà-
ther'd Abundance of the Fruit. I ask'd them
what they did with it. 'Eat it, faid they :
I told them, It was impoſſible to eat inųch of
it, without ſetting their Teeth on Edge. It is
jour enough, indeed (ſaid they ) if we do 1106
put Aſhes to it to make it ſweet. I laugh'd at
them for their Ignorance, but when I came
Home, there were Platters full mix'd with
them for our Supper. The Strings of the
Tamarinds, which are white, appearing in
it when thus mix'd, I could not forbear com-
paring it to Mortar with' Hair in it; bắt
when I taſted it, I found it was ſweet be-
yond my Expectations. I could not, how-
ever, be rightly reconcil'd to it at firſt, being
prejudic'd, as Men too frequently are; even
againſt the Teſtimony of their Senſes
. Deaan
Trongba perceiving that I did not much like
my
ba
( 313 )
my Meſs, afſur'd mc, That this was alway's
eſteem'd amongſt them a pleaſant Diſh ; when
they had the greateſt Profuſion of other Things.
Sometimes indeed, ſaid he, we have nothing
elſe to eat. I have ſeen many odd Things
eaten, but nothing ever ſurpriz'd me more
than four Tamarinds, mix'd with Wood-
aſhes, becoming !weet, and palatable. Let
the Chymiſts reaſon, and philoſophize upon
it at their Leifure, I can aſſure them 'tis Mat-
i ter of Fact; and can produce feveral Gentle-
men, now living in London, to teſtify the
fame, who have ſeen me mix it. It did not
rightly agree with me, indeed, the firſt Time I
eat it ; biit after I was us’d to it a little, I
never found any Inconvenience attend it af-
terwards.
Deaan Trongha had two Wives, which liv'd
in ſeparate Appartments; He divided himſelf
pretty equally between them, living near as
much at one Houſe, as at the other; in Order
to prevent any Jealouſies on either Side, and
to keep up an Harmony between them. .
Now it is cuſtomary for them to appoint every
Slave his proper Miſtreſs, whoſe Cominands
he is peculiariy to attend ; and 'tis her Buſi-
neſs to ſec what they want, and give it them.
He did not, however, appoint me any ſuch
Service; but faid, that as I was a Perſon in
Diſtreſs, and my Lot by Providence was
caſt amongſt them, it was their Duty 'to
provide for all ſuch; but as for me, he had
a more.particular Regard-for my Misfortunes,
for
2.1
1
1
(314)
1
both of them, yet I obſerv'd the firſt Wife
for the ſake of my Fathers, and Brothers,
(meaning Engliſhmen; ) and for that Reaſon,
he had order'd that I ſhould be taken Care
of at both their Houſes; and had free Liberty
to go 10 either of them at my Pleaſure,
where I found the beſt Entertainment; and,
indeed, as long as there was Meat, I had my
proportionable Share with them. Tho' he
behav'd himſelf with Decency enough to
,܀
was a greater Favourite than the other ;. upon
which Account ſhe was diſtinguiſh'd by the
Title of his Head-Wife. He was, at.her Ap-
partment, when I came firſt, and when theſe
Directions were given; ſo the immediately
furniſh'd me with a Pot, or two; a Callabalh,
&c. for my Uſe; but as ſhe had not every
Thing I wanted, he ſent a Servant with me
to the other, and ſhe as chearfully ſupply'd
ine with what my Occaſion requir'd; chiding
me in a friendly Manner, for not coming
ſooner to pay her a Viſit; fo I ſat down, and
had half an Hours Converſation with her:
And to do them both Juſtice, their Behaviour
towards me was perfectly courtous, and en-
gaging.
The next Morning two Meſſengers came
front Deaaa Merantugba ; Deaa11 Trangba
being deſir'd to go, and conſult with the
King on ſome Affairs of Importance. When
they were taking their Leave, he would not
let them depart, till he had kill'd a Heifer to
entertain them with, notwithſtanding Provi-
fion
2,
1
I'
[ 3151
10
little cleaning: I had a Piece of Beef giyen
fion was ſo very ſcarce. And here I found
the ſame generous Manner of Treating ane
another, as was practis'din interndroid, for
moſt of the people in Town came about the
Houſe; and no one went away without lome
Portion of Beef. As to their Cookery, they
have but à lloyenly Manner of dreſſing their
Meat liere;: for the Liver, as ſoon as it was
extracted, was thrown directly into the Fire,
and brọil'd in Smoak, and Aſhes; and the
Entrails were broil'd likewiſe with but
very
*
me to dreſs at Home, and we all liv'd well
as long as this laſted. When I went the
next Morning, the Deaan was dreſſing him-
ſelf in Order to go for tho” he had no
Cloaths to put on, yet fome Time was ſpent
in curling ti: Hair, and plating it into Knots
After the imas fliav'd, thc Owley was bfought
out, and dreſ:'d, to be carried before him;
for he ven: in State. The Friendſnip be-
tween Deaan Mernaugha, and him not being
over hearty, or ſincere, made him go in more
Form, than otherwiſe he would have done:
I carried his Gun' after him. We march'd
up an caſie Aſcent of near two Miles; '
, when
I perceiv'd we were near thic Sca; the De-
ſcent on the other Side extended to the Shore
of St. Auguſtine Bay, where there were Ships
generally at Anchor. Here Deaan . Tioriſha
Thew'd ine the Spot of Ground, on which
the Engliſ built their Houſes; during their
Reſidence in theſe Parts. It was an agree-
able
*
'S
.
:{-316)
NEW
WWW
T
able Proſpeet to me, tho'at that Time there
were no Ships. I faw ſome Canoes a con-
fiderable Way out at Sea; ſome Men I could
perceive were ſtriking, and darting of Fiſh;
and Others in the Water, as high as their
Knees, at the ſame Diverſion ; for the Sand
is almoſt flat, ſo that one may walk at Low
Water above å Mile into the Sea. The Sea
coaſt lay almoſt Nortls
, and South; but from
whence I came, it lay Eaſt, and Weſt. After
we had, pals?d thorow a Wood, on a Point of
Land, we came among the Towns, which
belong'd to Deaan Mernaugļa. Every Body
fard to ſee a white Man naked, and at firſt
took me for thic Dutchman, who had liv'd
amongſt them, and who would have ſome-
times very odd Freaks; but my Fame flew
before me, and when I came to Deaan Mer-
naugha's, I was very well known. For after
the uſual Compliments were over, he aſk'd,
Wière was the white Man, who came from
Anterndroen; I not being in Sight, having
deliver'd my Gun to my Maſter. Where-
upon I was call'a, and ſeated amongſt them.
The King aſk'd ine about my Travels, and
the Adventures I had inet wiih; and I very
cadilý, gratify'd him with my whole Story
at large. A Bullock was given to Deaaj
Trongba, for the Entertainment of himſelf,
and his Retinue.
AT Night there was a long. Conſultation
about the Poſture of Affairs; None were ad-
mitted to this Auguſt Aſſembly, but a few
Prini
>
( 317 )
Principal Men, among whom I had the Ho-
nour to be One ; but to my no ſmall Morti-
fication, I heard Deaan Mernaugha propoſe
to fend nine hundred, or a thouſand People,
under the Command of Deaan Trongba into
Merfaughla, to join with Deaan Crindo a
gainſt Deaan Wcozington. This Scheme was
approv'd of, and unanimouſly agreed to ;
the Manner, and Time were both appointed,
which was not to be till ſome Months after.
When we broke up, Deaan Trongba told me,
the whole Aſſembly had Confidence in me;
as knowing it to be my Intereſt to keep their
Secrets. But, ſays he, a more than ordinary
Care is abſolutely neceſſary at this Juncture ;
for the common People abandon us, to live un-
der other Lords, if our Proceedings do not
pleaſe them ; tho' we aim at nothing but their
own Security, and Welfare. They have not,
bowever, the Senſe to know it, and will be for
ever throwing Reflections on our Conduct, and
finding Fault, tho' we loſe our Wives, Fami-
lies, and Cattle ; and run all Hazards to pro-
teat them. It is natural for the Refuſe of the
People to abuſe their Superiors; but yet Go-
vernors ought nevertheleſs to ſtudy the Good of
their Country, and defend thoſe under their
Care from Injuries, and Inſults, without re-
garding ſuch Reflections ;' but then thoſe Things,
which we very well know before-band, and
they have not ibe Senſe to underſtand, or judge
of, ought never to be divulg'd.
.
::
ne
[
318 ]
I aflur'd him of my Fidelity, but told him,
that What I beard gave me no ſmall Unea
finefs, ,
fince I was apprehenſive that he would preſs
ne to go with him, where my former Maſter,
Mevarrow, would very probably be, whoſe
barbarous Treatment I had too much Experi.
ence of, not to dread the Conſequence of being
again in bis Power. He reply'd, That could
never be ; for they know ( ſaid he ) that I am
refolute, and that it would be dangerous for
any Man to provoke me so far, fince it might
prove the Ruin of the whole Army; for I am
determin'd to protect you at the Hazard of my
own Life, and revenge with the utmoſt Seven
rity any Affront that ſhall be offer'd to you.
was not perfectly ſatisfy'd, but as I knew
him to be a Man of ſtrict Honour, I had all
the Reaſon imaginable to depend upon it.
When I return'd to my Companions, they
us'd their utmoſt Endeavours to lift out of
me the Purport of their Council; but I told
them with a very careleſs Air, That I ſtood
at a Diſtance, and did not obſerve one Word
that paſs'd.
Deaan Trongha took his Leave the next
Morning, acquainting the King his Nephew,
that his Owley had warn'd him in the Night
of ſome Danger, that attended his Town from
the Enemy, in Cafe he ſtay'd much longer.
As I was on this Side the Country, I deſir'd
to go, and ſee Eglaffe, the Dutchman. The
Deaan affur'd me, He would make it in his
Way Home. Eglaſe, was very much fur-
priz'd
f
[ 319.)
to me; but poor Robin was not in a Condi.
pris'd, when the Children came running to
him, and cry'd, Arve verzahar; that is, A
white Man 'is coming ; for he knew of no
One in the Country One Efflep, a Negroe
of the Weſt Indies, who was left aſhore by.
Pirates many Years before, liv'd not far froni
him, and ſpoke nothing but Engliſh: For
being very deaf, he never learn'd tlie Mada-
gaſcar Language; he had two Sons, however,
born on the Iſland of a native Mother, who
ſpoke both Languages tolerably well. When
I approach'd Eglaſſe, he pull'd off his Hat :
1
.
7
tion to return the Compliment: At firſt he
ſpoke Dutch to me, but percciving I did not
underſtand him, he ſpoke a little broken
Engliſh; and I had as little to ſay for my.
ſelf in that, as the other. Thercupon I aſk'd
for an Interpreter to ſpeak Engliſh for me;
which ſet Deaan Trongha, and the reſt a-
laughing at firſt; but they pitied my hard
Lot afterwards, to have liv'd in a foreign
Country, all the Flower of my Age. But
James, Efflep's eldeſt Son, carry'd on a Con-
verſation amongſt us, to the entire Satisfaction
of every one then preſent. Eglaje preſs’d me
to live conſtantly with him; but I told him,
I could not leave Deaan Trongha on any
Ac-
count whatever : For Le was a Man of great
Generoſity, and Humanity; Orie, moreover,
of great Authority, and conſequently able to
protext mne. I deſir'd, however; that they
would procure Leave of him, to let me ſtay
two,
[ 320 ]
6
ง
***
two, or shree Days with them, which they
did; and he as readily agreed to indulge me
a whole Weck. I had heard but an indiffe-
rent Character of Eglaſſe, with reſpect to his
Temper ; he was rath, and paſſionate, and
would threaten the Great Men, not cx's
cepting the King himſelf, upon the lighteſt
Provocation, with what he would do as ſoon
as the firſt Ship arriv'd. This ill Conduct of
his render'd hin diſtaſteful to them; and for
that Reaſon, I was cautious how I enter'd
into too ftfict an Amity with him: And it
will ſoon appear, that my Fears were juſtly
grounded; for his continu'd indecent Beha-
"viour coſt him his Life at laſt.
Having now taken our Farewel of Deaan
Trongha, and his Retinue, thé Pot was ſet
on the Fire by a Slave nam'd Toby, with a
Piece, of ſalt Beef, and Potatoes, dreſs'd '
after the Engliſh Manner. In the mean
Time, Eglaſſe order'd yames to rclate to me
the Hilory of his Arrival and Adventures
herc; and this conducing to iny Purpoſe,
which is to give ſuch an Account of the va-
rious Cuſtoms and Manners of this Iſland, as
may be uſeful to Traders and Navigators,
and pleaGng to the Curious; I ſhall only tran-
fcribe here what he then told us.
At a Place, calld Maffeelege ( ſaid he )
on this Iſland to the Northward, there conies,
once.a Pear, a Mooriſh Ship, that brings silk
Lambers;. and many other Things, to trade
with for Slaves. At this place, One But-
geſs,
( 321 )
MTH
5
2
geſs
, calld Capt. Burgeſs, and Robert Ar-
nold had a Sloop; Burgeſs, indeed, commardea,
for Arnold knew nothing of Naviration ; Ono
was as rich as the Other, and bot: c'ere equal.
ly concern'd in the Vedel: With this Sloop them
us'd to come to Auguſtine Bay, and other Plaa
ces on the Iſland, in order to buy Slaves, and
carry them to Maffeelege againſt the Moots
Ship arriv'd. Eglaſſe Jaild with them in this
Sloop. In one of tbeir Voyages to this place,
Burgeſs and Arnold fell out to that Degree,
that the Latter would ſtay no longer with Bur-
geſs; but prevailing on Eglaffe to come on
Shoar for his Companion, he brought all bis
Effects with him, conſiſting of ſeveral Bags of
Dollars, à great many Guns, Powder, Shot,
Cheſts of Cloaths, Beads, &c. amounting in
the Whole to a conſiderable Value. In a Word,
every Ihing that is proper to trade with in
theſe Parts.. He told Eglaſſe, that in Cafe
be ſurviv'd hiin be ſhould have all bis Effects;
but their Deſign was only to ſtay till a Ship
arriv'd, in which they could procure a Palage
to Europe. Whether they dürſt go to England,
or not, I cannot abſolutely fay; tho I had good
Reaſon to ſuſpect, that a great part of theſe
Riches were obtain'd by Piracy. There were
two black Slaves ; this Toby, and another,
wbo, in the Sequel of this Story, will be called
Robin; who could ſpeak good English: Theſe
kwam afhoar the ſame Night, that Capt. Burs
gers faild away, and ſurrendered themſelves
to Arnold.
Y
I
.
1
1
HT
.
9
1
[ 322 )
1
It happend a little. before Rer Vovvern's
Death, ( and which was indeed the Occaſion
of it ). that this Country was invaded by two
Enemies at the fame Time ; and whilſt the
greater Part of the Lords and people were
riarcb'd off, in order to oppoſe the Northern
Enemy; Woozington, who was a Southern
Foe, came. unawares upon us; having paſsid
the great River without being in the leaf ſu-
Spected;' and a bold General of his, named Ry-
-Opheck, attack'd the Town, and the King's
Houſe:about Midnight ; Rer Vovvern himſelf
was wounded in the Thigh. Another Party
was likewiſe coming againſt us; whereupon
, every one was for flying to ſome Shelter, or
: other ; .as is not only cuſtomary, but, indeed,
.!7cceſſary. in fuch Cajės. Arnold, and Eglaſſe,
however, having great Riches, were reſolu'd
to defend them; and, therefore, arm’d them-
felves with Guns, Piſtols, and Cutlaſes; but
they ,no: ſooner appear'd at their Door, than
Arnold was ſhot dead on the spot. Eglaſſe
was then glad to fly with his two Slaves, Ro-
bin, ånd Toby, for they never left him :
s The Enemy plunder'd the Houſe of what they
3vfaw convenient; which was all bis Wearing-
Apparel, or any Thing like it, even bis Beds
for the Ticking-fake; the Silver being black,
they: knew not, what it was'; and therefore,
-contented themſelves, with throwing it about :
::: As to the Cattle, which they found in the Pens,
they killed them all; for they had not Time,
nor Strength enough to carry them off ; nor
were
ފް
( 323 )
"Were they able to defend themſelves; when once
the Country Mould make Head againſt them.
However, they took ſome Captives, and march'd
off in as great a Hurry as they came; left
Peaan Mundroſſer, our preſent King's Brou
ther, who is very well belov'd by his Country-
men, and fear'd by his Enemies, Mould,fall
upon them ; for we have not a greater Man.inz
War than he; Deaan Trongha only excepted.
Ry-Opheck's Fears, and Haſte were juſt,
and proper; for Deaan Mundroſfer muſter'd
an Army in few. Hours after, and overtook
them before they could pajš the River : The
Sound of his Shells added Wings to their Flights
infomuch that they left their Captives behind
tiem; and he brought inoſt of our Women, and
Children again; ſo that our Loſs was inconſi-
derable : For as to our valuable Goods, we,
( who were apprehenfive of a Surprize, and
well knew the Manner of the Country;) bad
: dug Holes in the Ground, and bury'd them
there; and they had 110. Time to ſearch after
them. When my Father Efflep, my Brothers
and I return'd, 'we miſs'd none of our Effects;
but wery much concern'd, and ſurpriz’d to find
Arnold not only dead, but naked; but as to his
Dollars, they lay negleEted, and ſcatter'd: up
and down ; till Jone of our People, who were
110 Strangers to their Uſe and Value, took up a
great many, and concealed them from Eglaſſe.
We threater'd ſome of them, however, and
made them refund, complaining to Deaan Mer.
naugha ; but they were above half loft. Eglaſſe
Y 2
was
( 324 ]
'wàs ſo confounded, that he never retiru'd till
fome Meſſengers, who were ſent out after him,
met with him at laſt, and conducted him, and
his two Slaves Home. He lives bandfonly
enough ſtill, tho' be loft so much ; having a
Flantation of bis own, and three, or four good
milch Cows; and he is able to join with my
Father to buy an Ox, notwithſtanding it is a
very dear Time; a good one being worth 12070
ten Dollars. Our King, Rer Vovvern, dy'd
--07r fix Weeks after, more with Grief than of
his Wounds. He was very well-belov’d, being
a good Man, and a gallant Warriour; bie was
alſo a great Friend to white Men, but more
eſprcially to the Engliſh. I muſt not forget,
however, to tell you, here is another Family
gou muſt be acquainted with too; and that is
One Hempſhire, a Guinea Negroe, who was
formerly among the Pirates, but bas been ſet-
tlcd bere ſome conſiderable Time. He bas a
virgi pretty Woman to his Wife, and alſo a
Daughter by her : Tho' the Man is both blind,
and poor, yet Eglaſſe makes him
iany
Pre-
ſents, out of Rilpiet to bis W'ife, as we ima-
gine, for they are very iniimate.
HERE Eglaſë interrupted yames, on hea-
ring his own Name, and Mrs. Hempſhire's,
too often, as he thought, mention'd together,
and ſuſpected that James was telling me of
their ſupros'd Ainour; ſo he broke off the
Diſcourſe: Tho'. Janies faid he was only
expariating on the Chriſtian-like Manner, in
which he behav'd to Hampſhire and his Fa-
1
t
mily;
[325]
mily; but by this Time Dinner was ready.
I found myſelf here a perfect Negroe in my
Way of Eating; for I devour'd my Meat a-
lone, which made them laugh heartily;
but
what was a ſtill greater Mortification to me
was, Hempſhire, his Wife and Child came
to pay me a Viſit; and Eglaſſe, and he, talk'd
my
Adventures over in Englif, and it ſeem'd
like unintelligible Jargon, which I could not
form my Tongue to imitate; inſomuch, that
I was apprehenſive that I ſhould never be
able to ſpeak my Mother-Tongue again: A
few Days Converſation, however, among theſe
People, gave me Hopes of recollecting it in
Time. Efflep, and his Sons were near Neigh-
bours to Eglaſe, where I was invited the
next Day, and entertain'd in a very hand-
fom Manner, after the Engliſh Faſhion, and
much better than at Eglaſſe's: We had not
only a couple of Capons boil'd with Rice,
like a Pilar, but another Diſh of fry'd Meat
and boild Potatoes, ſerv'd up on Pewter-
plures; ſo that I began to fancy myſelf in a
Chriſtian Country. They alſo procur'd ſome
Toak for me, as Egliſe hụd done before
but it was ſcarce, there being no Honey to
be got: This was made of Sugar-Canes,
which were likewiſe ſcarce at this Time, and
the Toak was much inferior to what we had
to the Southward; it was ſtrong enough how-
ever to make us a little gay and lively.
As ſoon as the Week was cxpir'd I was
determin'd to ſtay no longer, notwithſtand-
Y
ing
.
1
.
3
[ 326 )
ing they importun'd me very much; alluring
them I would procure Leave to come again
in a ſhort Time : Nor would I accept of a
Guide, ſince I knew the Way. When I
came to the Sea-ſide, I eſpy'd a Sail, as I
thought, tho' it prov'd nothing but a large
Canoe returning from Sea, where the Men
had been fiſhing : I waited till they reach'd
the Shoar, who ſeeing me white, tho'naked,
came up to me; and a great Deal of Conver-
ſation paſs'd between us, they being very
in-
quiſitive after my uncommon Adventures. I
gave them all the Satisfaction I could, and
enquir'd if there was any Likelyhood of a
Ship’s · Arrival. Before I took my Leave, ;
they made me a Preſent of, as many Fiſh as
I could well carry with me. When I came
Home to my own Houſe, I pick'd out four
of the beſt, and went to wait on my Miſtreſ-
ſes, preſenting them with two a-piece. Deaan
Trongha coming Home ſoon after, was ſur-
priz'd to find Fiſh there, and highly pleas'd
that I was return'd; but was ſo complaiſant
as not to ſuffer me to lick his Feet. He had
been all Day in the Plantations, puſhing the
Work as forward as he could, that they
might not want for Proviſions when they
came back froin the Wars ; for every Body
was buſy, and making Preparations for it.
He told me, he had order'd one of his Wives
to make me a Cap; ſuch as we uſually wore
by way of Diſtinction. I did not like the
Propoſal, but there was no oppoſing it: He
gavc
( 327 )
1
+
gave out to his Wives, and People, that their
Intention was to invade Deaan Morrocheniek,
a petty King in the adjacent Mountains ;
this he did, for Fear ſome of his People
ſhould defert, "and alarm the, Country of
Merfaughla.
UPON my Return home I found Viſitors
in Abundance, who flock'd about me for
the ſake of my Fiſh; but as it was a cuſto-
mary. Thing, and what I us'd' to do my-
ſelf, I could not take it amifs; fo I ſhar'd
them out as far as they would go.
I ſlept but this one Night in Peace and
Quietneſs; for next Morning I was callid
up to attend the Deaan, and carry his Gun
with me to the Plantation. At that Time
he had no Project of great"Importance in
his Head, but before Noon a Meſſenger
came running in Haſte with the News, That
an Army of ten thouſand Saccalauvor's (our
Northern Enemies ) were at a Town call'd
Murn:mbo, within ten, or twelve Hours
March of us. Deaan Trongha was too im-
patient to hear the whole Story, before he
order'd his Slaves to leave their work, and
go Home; the Hoes and Spades were thrown
å ſide, and the Lances taken in Hand, every
Man running Homne, and making Prepara-
tions for a March. Meſſengers were ſent to
Rer Befaugher, and all the other neighbour-
ing Lords to give their friendly Aſſiſtance,
Some of the principal Men of each Town
were directed to ſtay at Home, with a fuffi-
cient
Y A
1
[ 328 ]
cient Force to defend their families, and
Cattle, in Caſe W cozington ſhould be at Hand
as he was before, in order to take the Towns
by Surprize, while the fighting Men were all
engag'd another Way. I went Home urder
the plauſible View of whetting my Lances,
þut with a Reſolution of being out of Sight,
and, if poſſible, forgotten ; which ſucceded
to my Wiſh, for they were ſoon on their
March : When I was well aſſur'd that they
were gone, I went in a violent Hurry to the
Head Lady's Houſe, aſking for my Maſter;
and being inform’d he was gone, I pretended
to be in a Confuſion, and in all the Hafte
imaginable to follow him; but the Women
would not let me.go; for they order'd the
Men, who were left as a Guard, to ſtop me,
At length, with much ado it may be ſup-
pos'd, I was prevaild on to ſtay, and fat
down very contentedly amongſt the Women ;
Moſt of the Town, nay, the very Children
were there; or round about the Houſe. Their
Clamour, Prayers, and Cries for their Hus-
bands, and idle Tattle about the War was
troubleſome enough; but not ſo bad as run-
ping the Riſque of either Life, or Limb, in
fighting the Quarrel of a People, for whom
I had no Manner of Conçerp.
At Night I had ſeveral young Female
Viſitors, who ſupp'd with me on Cațravan-
ces; of which my Miſtreſs had made me a
Preſent. Our Converſation was innocent,
and pleaſant; tho' ſome of my gay Readers
may
[ 329
1
may, perhaps, imagine otherwiſe. But be
that as it will, I can aſſure them ( to the
Shame of Chriſtianity ) there are more mo-
dett Women, in Proportion to the Number
of People here, than in England; even ſuch
as would ſooner part with their Lives than
yield to a Man's Embraces, unleſs they were
taken to Wife according to the Cuſtom of
the Country : But thoſe Women as Sailors
find for their Turn, they are only Slaves
brought down to the Sea-ſide, and dreſs'd
with Beads, and filk Lambers, with no other
View than to'allure their Gallants, and get
from them what they can; and tho'the Gain
they make of their Proſtitution is their Ma-
fiers, ver moſt of them are generous enough
to preſent them with Part of the fine Things
they get froin their Cullies: But were theſe
Sailors to go up into the Country, they would
not find it an eaſy Matter to procure a Mil-
trils. The Converſation, however, I had
with my young Viſitors, gave me ſome me-
lancholy Reflections, in bringing to my Re-
membrance the Pleaſure I formerly enjoy'd
in the Company of my dear Wife, whoſe
Beauty, and Converſation were, in my opi-
pion, far ſuperior to any of theſe.
DURING the Mens Abſence, we had little
elſe to live on than Tamarinds and Athes, a
little Milk only excepted ; but in twelve Days
they return’d, and were receiv'd with all the
Deinonſtration of Joy imaginable by the Wo-
mon. I went myſelf, likewiſe, with a good
Allu-
1
1
( 330 )
-
Aſſurance, to welcome them Home: Deaan
Trongha, indeed, rallyd me a little about it;
but his Wife ingeniouſly confeſſing, that the
hinder'd me from following him, I heard no
more of it.
The Account they gave of their Expedi-
tion was, That a General belonging to Rer
Triinmonongariro's Army was at the Place ;
but the Meſſenger's Fear augmented it to
near double the Number of Men that in Rea
lity was in it, for there were not five thou-
fand in all. Our People were ſo expeditious,
that they ſecur'd a narrow Paſs, which the
Enemy deſign'd to have taken ; and after a
ſmall Skirmiſh, or two, Rer Mimebolambo
withdrew to a Plain, and encamp'd; to whom
Rer Mundroſjer ſent a Meſſenger, to demand
the Reaſon, Why be ( more eſpecially ) march'd
an Army into a Country to deſtroy it ; fince bis
late King, Rer Vovvern, had reliev'd, and
protected him, when he fled froin his Uncle Rer
Trimmonongarevo, at his Father's Deceaſe :
For Rer Mimebolambo's Father was King of
Morandavo, and this Son of his was to have
been his Succeffor ; but there was a Diſpute
between his Uncle, and him, ſeveral Years ;
till Rer Vouvern, at laſt, brought about a
Reconciliation between them. Rer Mime-
bolambo reply'd in a few Words, That thoſe
Matters were made up; that his Uncle was
King, and he was under his Command; and,
therefore, could not help it. We underſtood
afterwards, that Deaan Woozington had, ap-
pointed
( 331 ]
4
н
pointed to meet him, and fail'd; however,
he was unwilling to return Home without
doing ſomewhat; and attempted, for that
Reaſon, to make an Incurſion, and carry off
a Booty of Slaves and Cattle, but was pre-
vented. Our Army follow'd them at a Di-
ſtance; to conduct them fafe into their own
Country; and then return'd Home.
BUT that part of the News, which was
moſt agreeable to me, was, That Deaan Mer-
naugha, and they had agreed to defer for
this Seaſon, their intended Expedition with
Deaan Crindo againſt Merfaughla ; for I al-
ways dreaded the Thoughts of going into
Anterndroea, not only left a Ship Thould ar-
rive whilft I ſhould be abſent, which would
be fix, or ſeven Months; but for Fear of fee-
ing my old Maſter Deaan Mevarrow : But
theſe Fears, however, being diſſipated for
the preſent, I lent a helping Hand, with a
good Will enough, in the Fortification of
the Town, with ſuch Stones as were here
in great Plenty. No One was exempted
from Work, the Women, and Children af-
ſiſted according to their Strength, and we
made a Wall round the Town, at leaſt a
Yard thick, and three Yards high ; with
Loop-holes to look thorow, or fire out at, as
Occaſion offer'd. As we had no Mortar,
the Stones were only laid one upon another;
and yet we were about two Months before
we finiſh'd it.
+
1
14
1
SOME
( 332 )
1
SOME .of our principal Men ſoon after
procur'd Leave to go into the Country to get
Honey, and hunt ſuch wild Cattle as they
could find; of which there were many on
this Side the River Oneghaloghe : We look'd
on ourſelves to be perfectly ſafe at this Time,
it being between November and April, when
the River was ſwell’d very large, and their
were no Canoes, except here and there one;
but it was impaſſable for an Army. With
my Maſters Conſent I accompanied them;
we walk'd half a Day very briskly, before
We came to a proper Place to bait at, and
where we could find Ove ( that is, Wild Yams)
or uſers ; which we found here in Plenty:
But we had ſtill a hard Day's Journey to
go to the Place propos'd for our Country-
Habitation; and whin we came there we
had our Houſe to build. After our firſt Ar-
rival, which was in the Evening, we took
Care to get a good Supper; two of us, who
well knew the Place, went to look out for
Honey among the Rocks, in the Fiffures or
Openings whereof Bees make their Courbs;
the other two ( for we were four in all ) dug
Ove and Suſers. Our Companions ſucceeded,
and brought ſome Honey, and we regal'd
ourſelves in an elegant Manner. The next
Day by Noon we finiſh'd our Houſe, which
we thatch'd with Palmetto Leaves. The Day
following we employ'd ourſelves in getting
ſomc Araffer, which is a pleaſant Liquor, that
Lhad not taſted before: The Tree, from
whenice
1
( 333 )
whence it flows, is ſomething like a Cocoa-nut
I ree, but not quite ſo large; and rather a
Kind of Palmetto, call'd in their Language
Sitter. The long Leaves, or Branches are
hurnt off, a'nd the Trunk is lefi bare; then
we cut off Part of the Top of the Tree, and
with our Lances or Hatchers make a Hole
in the Middle; which in a ſhort Time fills
with a Liquid, which iſſues as from a Spring.
This may be ſuck'd out with a Reed, till tis
dry, yet it will fill again the fame Day; and
.fo continue for fix, or ſeven Days, before the
Juice is totally exhauſted. It is not like az
Syrup, but very ſweet and pleaſant; and I
never knew it gave any One the Flux, as
ſome inay imagine; nor did any One of us
meet with the leaſt Inconvenience from the
drinking it. We wanted however ſome roaſt
Meat, ro roving about the next Day, we
cſpy'd a Herd of about twenty of Hattor's
Cattle, and with a little Difficulty made our-
ſelves Maſters of a Bull: Now we liv'd luxu-
riouſly: We made drinking Cups of the
Bull's Horns; for by thruſting them into the
Fire, and giving them a Knock, or two, the
Pith came all out; and we were as well
contented as ſome Folks with fine Glaſſes.
It is indeed ſurpriſing, tho' delightful, to
ſee how plentifully Providence has furnith'd
this Country with cvery Thing, not only
with all the Neceflaries of Life, but even with
2 delicious Variety. If ever any Country,
2. How'd with Milk and Honey it is this; and
with
+
2
( 334 )
with ſo much Eaſe are they to be had, that
as the Natives have no Knowledge of the
Gurſe of Adani and his Poſterity; fo One
would be tempted to think as well for this
Reaſon as from their Colour, that they are
not of his Race, or that the Curſe ever reach'd
them; for they can get their Living without
the Sweat of their Brows, or the leaſt hard
Labour: Notwithſtanding all this, the Fol-
lics and Paſſions of Men will too often lead
them into Miſery, tho' they have Happineſs
in their Power: In this fine Country their
frequent Quarrels with one another, and
open Wars reduce them frequently to the
greateſt Neceſſity, in the Midſt of the grea-
teſt Plenty. But they are confin'd ſome-
"times by too powerful an Enemy, that they
are afraid to ſtir out of their Houſes to fetch
what the Land naturally produces; and this
was the then hard" Fortune.of: Feraingher,
and the Subſtance of our Converſation after
Supper; my Companions having entertain's
me with an Account of the great Power,
and Strength of their Country .büt ai:little
before, in the Days .of Rer Vauverit; and
how deplorable its Caſe was at preſent, how
they were oblig'd to confine themſelves, and
get cloſe together, that they night be ready
at a Call to repulſe an Enemy; and by that
Means abandon the fineſt, and moſt plenti-
ful Part.of their Country.
We liv'd now, however, very happy, and
in Affluence; during our Continuance' at our
Cound
F
1
( 335 )
Country-Houſe: We made juſt ſuch an Oven
as I have before deſcrib'd, and bak'd our
Beef in it; then we went in Queſt of ſome
Honey to carry Home with us. In which, as
I was better acquainted with the Nature of
Bees than they, I had better Fortunc; and
goi
as much as I could well carry off. When
our Beef grew ſo far touch'd that we could
not eat it, we look'd out for more: 'Twas
my:good Fortune in particular to meet with
a young Heifer, which I drove into a Thic-
ket; and having kill'd her, I holla'd to my
Companions. This we agreed to dreſs, and
carry as much of it Home as conveniently
we could: In the firſt Place, however, we
bak'd the Marrow-bones, broil'd the Liver,
and ſpread the Marrow on it, as a dainty
Morſel: And then we made up our Enters,
and march'd homewards as well ſatisfy'd as
we were heavy laden; but not being in Haſte,
we travell’d very ſoftly.
We would not enter the Town till Mid-
night, left we might be obſerv'd; and now
once more, I wiſh'd for my Wife to have
been at Home to receive me,
The next
Morning. I waited on the chief Lady with a
Horn of Honey, and a Piece of Beef, who
was highly delighted, but thought I had
brought too much: From her I went to the
other, where Deaan Trongha was, and paid
my Compliments to her. The Deaan was
very glad to ſee me, cat a plentiful Break-
faſt, and was extremely pleas'd to hear me
tell
18.
11
( 336.)
1
tell the various Circumſtances of our Sport :
The Others by this Time, according to
Cuſtom, were come to preſent their Lord
with ſome part of what they had got, by way
of Acknowledgment. As I was going Home
One inet me, who wanted to buy ſome Ho-
ney; it being rumour'd about, that I had
brouglit Home a large Cargo : He gave me
a fine ſilk Lamber for a Callabaſh of Honey,
that contain'd about two Gallons. I thought
myſelf very fine in it, and ſure I am, I was
the firſt of the Family, who was ever dreſs'd
ſo much like a Madagaſcar Lord. Deaan
Trongba told me, I had bought it cheap enough
in Conſcience; for if Honey had not been
ſcarce, it was worth four Times as much
Silk is very plentiful in this Country, if they
would take the Pains to gather it.
HERĘ, thro' Ignorance, I committed an.
egregious Error; for as Deaan Tronghe was
ſaying, The Man bought the Horžey dear, I
anſwer d. a little too ſmarly, If this War
continues but three, or four Years longer, a
Man will be glad to fill a Child for ſuch a
Callabaſh of Honey. The Prince took ine up
with roine Warmth, and ſaid, Then, I pre-
Jume, Fou'll leave us, and go to fornie In-land
Prince for · Belly-full of Victuals. I aſſur'd
him, however, That I would ſtay with bim
till he could ſend me Home ini fome Ship, or
another; and that No other Motive Mould eter
part 115. Tho' he ſaid no more, I found hc
was uneaſy, and could not find out the Rea-
fon
1
:
( 337 )
i
fon, till after we return'd from the Planta-
tion; at which Time, as we were walking
Homewards alone, Robin, ſays he, You are
not aware, perhaps, that our people imagine
you can conjure; and as you know the Terra-
to's, that is, Writing, and Reading; g'ou can
foretel Things to come : Now by your Talking
of worſe Times in our Country than the preſent,
before theſe illiterate People, they will take it
for granted that it will certainly be fo; and
you will ſo diſcourage them, that they will all
run away: For they would pay as ſuperſtitious
a Regard to you as to an Umoffee, if you
thought it proper to get ſuch a Part; ſince
Neceſſity ( for the Reaſons I bave told you)
feems to require it at this Juncture. I re-
ply'd, That tho' I was conſcious of my Error,
yet I could never think they would take me for
a Conjuror ; or One wba knew Things before
they happen'd; for if I had been poflefi'd of
tbát Talent, I would never have taken this
laſt unfortunate Voyage, in which I was call
afboar on this Ifand. What you ſay is true,
ſays he, but theſe people are too ignorant to
be inſtructed; and 'tis not in your Power, or
mnine to convince them ; and to make the At-
tempt is but to give them an ill Opinion of us;
they muſt be indulg'd in their ſuperſtitious No.
tions, be humour'd, and talk'd to like peeviſh,
fickly Children. As this is theCafe, faid I, I beg
Pardon ; and faithfully promije you to be very
careful of my Words, left they should prove any
Means of Diſcouragement to them for the future.
Ż
IN
jí 338 ]
- In Three, or four Days at moſt, our fine
Proviſion was gone; for I diſtributed what I
had, as is cuſtomary, among our Neighbours;
and then we had little elſe but Tamarinds,
and Aſhes. About three weeks after, Eglalle,
and his Man Toby, came to pay me a Vilit;
and brought ſome Beef, and Potatoes with
them; for they'knew our Poverty. We had
an odd Sort of Converſation between Eglaſſes
bröken Madagaſcar, and my broken Engliſh);.
but Toby, who ſpoke both Languages, help'd.
us out. He ſtay'd with me all Night, and
went the next Day to Deaan Trongha, and
begg'd for me to live with him five, or fix
Weeks, which was readily granted ; ſo I
ſhut up my Houſe, and in five, or fix Hours
arriv'd at Eglaſſe's; where Efflep, and his
two Sons James, and John, gave me a hearty
Welcome.
'I us'd to walk about to the adjacent Towns
with Eglaſſe, and met with ſeveral of the Na-
tives, who could ſpeak Engliſh tolerably; but
here was one of them, who, when a Boy,
us'd 'to go of Errands, and tranſact Buſineſs
for the Engliſ Pyrates, who frequented this
Place; ſo that he ſpoke Engliſh as well-as his
Native Tongue: He was very rich, had three
Wives, many Slaves, and Cattle; he had alſo
Wearing Cloaths, which belong'd to ſuch Per-
ſons, as dy'd there; for when any One was.
ſent fick aſhoar, he us'd to take care of them,
and if they dy'd, he had what they left: His
true Name was William Purſer; tho' the Na-
tives
( 339 )
tives call'd him William Poser. He always
treated me in a very handſome Manner, when
I went to ſee him; but he never offer'd me
any. Cloaths, nor did I defire any: For there
I ſhould have behav'd but awkwardly in an
Engliſh Dreſs; and as I had now a fine Lam-
ber to wear after their Manner,, I was very
well contented.
I Had been here above a Month before
old Efflep dy'd, and his Son James made a
grand Burial for him, after the Manner of
the Country, which is the ſame as in An-
terridroeà : He kill'd fout, or five Beevės, to
entertain his Friends who attended the Fu-
ncral. The Princes, and Lords don't kill
the Beaſts here ; but a: Prince will eat any
Thing, even Swine's Fleſh, tho'. Slave Thould
:kill it.
I Liv'd very well between Eglaſe's, and
James's, till about three, or four:Days before
·
I was to go Home ; at which Time I was
ſeiz'd with a violent Fever, which turn'd to an
Ague; and brought me down ſo low, that I
was unable to ſtir out of the Houſe. They
fent a Meſſenger to acquaint Deaan Trongha
with my Misfortune, and took as much Care
of me as poſſibly they could; and fames
would now, and then, boil a Fowl to make a
little Broth for me. I lay once for dead,
and Eglaſe being abroad, Toby, who was left
with me, call'd in the Neighbours, and all
of them thought that I had taken my laſt
Gaſp; inſomuch, that they went Home, and
James
IN
Z 2
[ 340 ]
for many
1
James was conſulting which Way to bury
me: But when Eglaſe return'd about two,
or three Hours after, he perceiv'd me breathé,
and James burning ſomething under my
Noſe, I reviv'd, indeed, but was not ſenſible
for two Days, nor able to fit up
niore, Deaan Trongba being inform’d that
I was dead, fent a Meſſenger to know the
Truth;' who found me alive, but not able to
ſpeak to him. After this I gradually reco-
ver'd; the Ague hung upon me three Months,
and I was two more before I had Strength
ſufficient to go Home ; inſomuch, that I had
a ſtrong Inclination to ſee Deaan Irongha :
Eglaje, however, was willing to detain me.
as long as he could; for now. I began to
talk Engliſh tolerably well, and was good
Company for him as long as he liv'd; which
- was but a little While after my Recovery.
Five Men having a Cow to ſell to Eglaſe,
aſk'd me for him; and he being in the Plan-
tation, I went and told him: He came away
directly with me to the Men, and begg'd
the Favour of me to treat with them about
the Purchaſe. They aſk'd fx Pieces of Eight;
but inſiſted on four: I would give them, how-
ever, no more than three. At laſt they ſaid,
If Eglafle would give them the. ald Lance,
which he had in his Fland, they would take the
Money. This alarm'd me, they whiſper'd,
I perceiv'd, two, or three. Times, to one ano-
ther; and having heard that Eglaſe threaten/d
the King, Deaan Mernaugha, I began to be
ter-
( 341 )
.
terribly frighted, and told him in Engliſh that
They wanted the Lance; and that I had good
Reaſons to ſuſpect their Behaviour ;. for the
Lance was not worth a Meal of Potatoes,
Hc, however, in a Brayado, gave the Man
the Lance: Here, ſays he, we won't diſagree;
take the Lance. No ſooner had hc deliver'd
it, but a Man came behind him, and, with
both Hands, push'd the Lance in at his Back
with that Force, that it came out of his Breaſt
I turn'd about at the Shriek which Eglable
made, and ſeeing the Man pulling the Lance
qut of his Body, I ran ainongit the Wild
Canes, which grew by a River-lide; and the
Ruſling. I made appear'd to me like the Noiſe
of Purſuers : So that it was fome Timę be-
fore I could recover my Senſes; and when I
did, I ſtill continu'd to liſten with Attention,
In a ſhort Time I heard fome Perſons call
after me, which prov'd to be James, and
his Brother John. I was almoſt afraid ta
truſt them, but ſeeing no other Company,
I came out in Tears to them. They told
me, That Deaan Mernaugha bad contriv'd
Eglafle's Death for threatning bim la ojten i
but that as I was an Engliſh-man, and be-
longd to Deaan Trongha; I need not fear any
Thing : Fortbey could have kill'a you ( ſaid
they ), before yoll fled, if they had been order'da
lo to do. This
, I thought, was true : Then
ſaid I, He may imagine, perhaps, that I ſjall
tell the Captains of Ships at their Arrival,
that he kills white Mer ind under Pretence
z
of 약
​3
( 342]
of Danger, may thirik it expedient to kill nie
too. But they aſſur'd me, as I was an Eng-
liſhman he durft not do it; and that the Exca
cutioners had told him fo.
rwent home with them, where lay the
wounded Corps all naked: They ſeiżd like-
wife oý hiš Goods, Cattle, and on his two
Slaves,"Robin, and Toby; and ſtay'd in the
Town; all Night. The next Morning they
came to me, and requeſted that I would go
to the King along with them. If I was not
afraid ( ſaid I) I would, were it on no other
Account than to beg the Body to bury it. They
anſwer'd, The King was ſo far from doing me
any Harm, that he would be glad to ſee me,
and they were well aſſur'd he would grant my
Requeſt ; and, perhaps
, give me some Share too
of Eglaſs's Goods. Upon this, Fanies, and !
went; and calling on William Purſer, took
him along with us. When. I enter'd the
Town my Heart miſgave me, þut I conſider'd
there was no Receding. Deaan Mernaugha
was ſitting at his own Door, with a great
many People round about him.
proach'd, and falling proſtrate on the Ground
before him, lick'd his Feet according to the
Cuſtom of the Country; which the People
were ſurpriz'd at, having never obſerv'd a
white Man ever to do ſo before, He per-
mitted me, indeed, at firſt; but ſoon after
bid me riſe, and not be afraid; for he would
not hurt a Hair of my Head. .
HE
I ap:
G
( 343 ]
He then order'd Eglelſe's Cattle ta be
brought bofore him, and commanded them
to take a white Cow (not a Bullock ) and
tye her to a Tree: After that the Owley was
brought out, and an Altar was erected, as
before deſcrib'd, by placing the Owley a-croſs
two forked Sticks, about fix Foot high, up-
on a Beam; when this was done, the Cow
was kill'd; then the King, riſing from his
Seat, took a green Bough, dipp'd it in thç
Blood, and ſprinkled the Owley. In the next
Place, he took a ſmall Quantity of the Fat,
and ſome of the ſweet-fcented Gum, and
burnt them under it, making the Smoke af,
cend to the Owley. After that he took two
Cutlaſſes, and whetting them one againſt ano-
ther as a Butcher does a Knife, and Steel,
but not ſo quick; ) he begun his Prayer to
God, and che Lords of the four Quarters of
the World, and to his Fore-fathers by their
reſpective Names ; ending with his Grand-
father, who made the Oath with the Engliſ
Caprain; an Account of which Deaan Troi-
gha had before given me: His Name after his
Death was Munguzungarevo.
The Form,
and Manner of his Prayer was this, or to
this Effect.
Bleſs me, O Deaan Unghorray, Thou Supreme
God: Blefs me, o You Deaan Meguddum-
mateem: Bleſs me o You Deaan Anty-
fertraer : Blejs me, o You Deaan Aneebe-
leeſby: Bleſs me, o You Deaan Antymoor :
Blejs
LI
Z 4
( 344 )
Bleſs me, O Ye ( Here he repeated ſeveral
other Names of his Fore-fathers ) but
more eſpecially, o You Deaan Munguzun-
garevo; bleſs my Family, and this King-
dom ; for bave bad Regard to your Oath,
and the Man whom I have now flain is not
an Engliſhman, but of anotber Country;
neither would I have put him to Death were
it not for my own Preſervation; fince he often
threaten'd to take away my Life, whenever
any Ships fould happen to arrive.
WHILST he was praying, his Slaves were
cutting up the Beef; when he had done, he
order'd me to take the whole Breaſt; and
then he divided the reſt among the People.
He was pleas’d to ſay, That I had none of that
barbarous Difpofition, which fome white Peg-
ple bave; for be look'd upon me as a Native.;
ſince I had long accuſtom'd niyſelf to the Man-
ners of their Country. I had no great Incli-
nation to take his Beef, but recollecting that
Eglaſe's Deſtruction was too much owing to
his own ill Conduct ; I thought it was fafeſt
to appear pleas'd with his Offer. Robin, the
Slave, was given to the Executioner ; byt
James bought Toby of the King. I begg'd
Leave to bury the Body, which Favour was
readily granted me; and we return'd back to
Fames's Houſe. The next Morning two
Meſſengers canie from Deaan · Trongba, to
enquire into the Truth of this Story; for it
had been reported, that I was killid; and in
Care
#
4
국
​+
.
LIN
*
!
.
포
​H
F
다​.
14
1
1
4
2,3451
i
.
( 345 ]
Caſe it had. prov'd ſo, they were order'd to
go directly to Deaan Mernaugha, and de-
mand Satisfaction of him; he being fully de-
termin'd to revenge my Death; but as it was
osherwiſe, and they had no Inſtructions relating
to Eglafle's Cafe, I went Home with them.
At my Arrival, I was receiv'd with as
much Joy, as if I had been a Friend of the
laſt Importance to them: I went foon after
to the chief Lady's Houſe, where the other
was then preſent, tho' ſhe had not been there
in half a Year before: Deáan Trongha ſeem'd
very well pleas'd likewiſe, and made me give
a particular Detail of my own ſevere Sickneſs,
and the tragical End of poor Eglaſe ; ſaying
at the ſame Time, That I had ſo many for-
tunate Eſcapes, that he did not think I ſhould
dye in their Country; but that it would be my
Lot once more to ſee Old England. Here he re-
peated his Promiſe to ſend me thither. In
the Interim, however, he order'd my Houſe
to be repair'd, the Cattle having eaten up
moſt of the Thatch ; and Provilions to be
given me not only for the preſent, but for
the Time to come ; for he had lately a good
Harveſt, ſo that we liv'd in more Affluence
than before.
One Day I aſk'd Leave to pay a Viſit to
Rer Befaugher ; for in Times of Danger
from Enemies, none went out of Town
without Permiſſion. As I was pafling by a
River, and walking down to it, I perceiv'd
the Track of an Alligator, which gave al
great
0
.
( 346 )
great Check to that : Inclination and there
being two, or three Houſes åt but a ſınall
Diſtance from it, I was going towards them
to beg a little Water; but a young Woman,
who was going, with her Callabaſh, to dip
for ſome, deſir'd-ine to ſtay, and ſne would
ſupply me with as much as I would drink :
I told her I would accept the Favour, but as
ſherwent into the Water up to her Knees to
fill her: Veſſel, an Alligator, with a Spring,
catch'd" faſt hold of both her Thighs, and
dragg'd her into the Stream ; but as ſhe kept
her Head and Hands above Water, I threw
one Lance away, and ran to her Aſſiſtance
with the other; which ſhe took hold of, and
pulld her to me with all my Might; but
the Alligator ſtill keeping his Hold, we call'd
aloud for Help: At length I got hold of her
Hand, and the directing me where the Crea-
ture lay, I ſtruck him with my Lance, and
wounded him; but not ſo deeply as to ob-
lige him to let go, till a ſecond Stroke. By
this Time proper Aſſiſtance came, and we
brought her off fafe with two large Wounds
only, made with his long Jaws, and ſharp
Teeth. She was now perfectly naked, for
the had loſt her Lamber in the Struggle; but
that was not worth regarding: We ſav'd her
Life, and every Body was highly pleas'd
with that. Rer Befaugher entertain'd me in
a very courteous Manner, and having grati-
fy'd his Curioſity, in hearing a ſhort Narra-
tive of my late dangerous Adventures; I re-
turn'd Home.
THE
( 347 ).
The People were order'd to get ready to
march in three Days at furtheit; and the
Umojee was employd.to propheſy of the
Succeſs of the War. Upon this, he took
ſome Sand, toſs'd it about, and inade feve-
ral Scrawls with it upon a Board: At length,
he bid them lcok for a Iree that was perfe&tly
upright; and after that for a black, and bald-
fác'd Cow; which being found, and brought
to the Tree, was kill'd; then the Umoffee
took ſome of the Blood, with his Hand
fmear'd the Tree, and invok'd not only the
Dæmons, but the Spirits of Deaan Trongha's
Fore-fathers; calling on them all to ariſe,
and hear what he had to ſay; which was to
this Effect: That their Grandſon, Deaan
Trongha, was going to War againſt their
mult implacable Enemy, the King of Mer-
faughla. In the next place, he order'd
two Men of equal Strength to cut the Tree
down with Hatchets, one to the Norlbward,
and the other to the Soutkward, and to give
Stroke for Stroke with each other; faying,
If the Tree fell toward the former, bad Suc-
ceſs would attend their Enterprize, . Thoſe
of the vulgar Sort who were then preſent,
ſtood gaping to ſwallow, as it were, every
divine Word, that came out of the Mouth of
this wonder - working Prophet. How the
Miſtake happen'd, I can't ſay, but the Tree
fell to the Norward, tho it was beyond all
Doubt intended to fall the other Way; for
when Deaan Trongha perceiv'd it, Let us cut
up
1
( 348 )
up the Beef ( ſaid he ) with a Smile, and be
merry'; that's the beſt Purt of the Ceremony.
We forgot to obſerve, that what little Wind
there was, was to the Southward : We ſhould
bave choſe a nore proper Time. He ſtrictly
enjoin'd, however, all preſent to ſay nothing
at Home to the Women of what had pafs’d;
ſo we told them at our Return, that the Tree
fell to the Soutkrvard; in order that they
ſhould tell their Husbands the ſame Story.
THis Conduct of Deaan Trongba's con-
firin'd me in a Suſpicion, which I had enter-
tain'd for ſome Time, which was this ; That'
fonie of theſe Lords, who are Men of Senſe,
keep one of theſe' Umoflees with a political
View, and only to amuſe the ignorant Pau
pulace; who here, as well as in other Parts,
muſt be cajold in their ſuperſtitious Notions,
and allur'd by ſuch Artifices, as political Go-
vernors know how to practiſe to Advantage;
tho' they themſelves regard but little what
their Conjurors fay, of their Talking with,
and having familiar Converſe with the Demy.
Gods, and Spirits.
Here now was a ſeeming ill Omen, and
too many of the vulgar Sort had ſeen it, to
be truſted with the Secret ; for which Rca-
ſon an Expedient muſt be fo: nd out to avert,
and difanul it. The Danions muſt be con-
ſulted, and addreſs'd to a ſecond Time, to
procure their Favour, and Protection; to
away goes the Umoffee, invoking again, and
again ; and conjuring till he conjur'd me into
the
[ 349 ]
the Wars. A Bird, callid Tuluho, which is
Something like our Pheaſant, but ſmaller,
and very ſcarce to be found, muſt be catch'd
dead, or alive. Then a Sea-Crab, and Va-
siety of other Things, which he particularly
nam'd: Theſe he blended all together, mut-
tering Incantations all the Time. Then he
bound them up in a Clout, which was after-
wards fix'd on the Top of a Stick, about the
Length, and Bigneſs of a Walking - Cane.
This was a Charm, which was to prove de-
ſtructive to the Enemy: This he callid Ibe
Elodge; and this was to be carried in Solem-
nity before the Army: But who ſhould be a
proper Perſon to be the Bearer? was the next
Queſtion; and the Dæmons were to be again
conſulted on this important part of the Af-
who were pleas'd to reveal to him,
or ( which is all the fame Thing to ſtupid
Bigots, who implicitly rely on whatever he
Mall ſay ;) That no one was qualify'd to carry
this Charm, but he wcho had no Relations living
on this iſand. Now from my former Obfer
vations, I us'd frequently to contemn theſe
Umofees, and ſmile at their Conjurations; and
afçer this Hint, I need not, I preſume, ürge
many Words to demonſtrate from whence
his pretended Revelation came, tho' he was
pleas'd to father it on the Dæmons, or Demy-
Gods; or whatever other Name we Engliſh
may call them: For to do the Man: Ju-
ſtice, he had not the Impiety, or Aſſurance
to introduce Deaan Unghorray, or the Su-
preme
1
fair;
+
:-,
[ 350]
premesiGod, into any part of this religious
Farce
Upon this Declaration of his (in my Ab-
ſence) ſays Deaan Trongha, Where all we
find á Man without fome Relations, or anod
ther! That (ſays he) I can't teli; but this is
the Mind of the Dæmons, and they would ne-
ver direct it, was there no fich Man to be found;
You muſt therefore recolleet yourſelf.
Now
I think on't ( ſays he ) there's your white Mar,
Robin, is the only Man, I dare Jay, who is
qualify'd for that important Office : But then,
Jays Deaan Tronghia notwithſtanding be may
be ſuch a Man, 'get it is not proper for him to
ga;. beſides I have given bin iny: Word he mall
710t go againſt his Inclination. Wby.then (ſays
the Umoſfee ) - You muſt find out some other Per-
fon. more proper if you can. Having done his
Buſineſs-away he went, leaving the Deaari in
no-ſmall Perplexity, who wasi:a Man: of
ſtrict Honour, and a punctual Obſerver of
his Word : Whereupon he ſent for me, and
told me, It was in my power to be very fer-
viccable to the wbole Country, but more efpe-
cially to himſelf ;' and that I ſhould be grate-
fully rewarded for iny Comipliance with bis Re-
quest, but he inſiſted firſt on 112y Promiſë. If
it be not to kill a Man ( ſaid I ) I Jkould le
prorid of an Opportunity to oblige You. He
then told me ingenuouſly the whole Story,
and that it could not i poſſibly be help'd, or
elſe he would not havei aſk'd it of ime...1
paus’d'a:While, but upon a ſhort Recollec-
tion
N
[ 351
]
tion, ſaid, All I fear'd was::what I told him be-
fore; but ſince there was an abſolute Neceſity
for it, I jould readily. acquieſce. Hercupon,
ſaid he, I will protest you, and take as much
Care of your Life and Health as of my own.
And immediately order'd a Slave to attend
mc, and all Things neceſſary to be got ready
for me. I' was to carry this Charm, call'd
The Elodge, in my left Hand, at about three,
or four Stones Cait diſtant from the Army,
during their March ; and at Night pitch it
at the ſame: Diſtance from the Camp, point-
ing it toward the Enemy's Country, then
waſh myſelf, and mix among the Crowd
wherever I pleas'd. This was to be done till
we ſhould have an Engagement with Wog-
zington's Army: I was to have ten Beeves,
and two Slaves, for my Trouble. The, Vul-
gar imagine; that this Charm has a poiſonous
Quality, and that was the Reaſon I was to
waſh before I came near any of them ; but
Déaan. Trongha told me privately, That.He
knew well enough. I did not think.it:
any:Ways
pernicious: No Sir, :-( ſaid I ) I and very
well aſſur'd there's no: #arm, nor Good in it,
and they mall ſee me lick. it before their Faces,
if they pleaſe, which none of them would ver-
ture to do for-an biındred Oxen. I can never
think; :( ſays I ) that you yourſelf have that
Confidence in it, as You tell then; but You ſee
the ill Conſequence of making uſe of theſe Con-
jurors For the common People are for ſtrongly
perfuaded' of their Power over them by theſe
Charnis,
*
( 352 ]
Claris,
that was your own Life to be in Danger;
You muſt do what this imaginary Prophet Jays
bis Demy-Gads direct ; tho' You was to carry
this yourſelf
. What you ſay (ſaid he) is very
true; and was I to refuſe to let you carry it,
they would refuſe to march; or if they did,
would charge me with every Miſcarriage con-
Jequent upon it. Yes Sir, ( ſaid I ) but there
is ſtill a farther Danger; for had this Umof-
ſee but Courage and Cunning enough, You have
put it in his Power to make even Yourſelf ſub-
fervient to his Directions; under the Pretence
of their being the Orders of the Dæmons: And
it is but his ſaying his Dæmons, or Spirits
have order'd ſuch, or ſuch a Thing to be done,
tho' it be even againſt Yourſelf, they durſt not
diſobey bis Orders; for be bas them all at his
Beck, if he did but know it. And here I
can't but reflect, that not only Madagaſcar,
and other heatheniſh Countries are poffeſs’d
with this.. Vice of Superſtition ;. but even
Chriſtian Nations have been, and are yet
too much tainted with it; of this, and its
miſchievous Conſequences, there have been
many. flagrant Inſtances.
Soon after we march'd out of Town, I
had a Slave, like other Great Men, to carry
my Mat and Proviſion for me ; and I was
furniſh'd with every Thing I could rcafona-
bly deſire. Now came the Umojee, and put
the Elodge in my left Hand, and I march'd
in State before them. The next Day we
join'd Rer Befaugher, and two Days after
that,
5
( 353 )
..
that Rer. Mündiöljer ; James; "the Son of
Efflep - Ind his Man Toby, were boih in the
Ariny; ſo that we had good Company every
Evening; as ſoon as I had fix'diny Élodge, and
waſh'd myſelf. We pafe'd the great River
Oneglialoghe, wading thorow a Ford, whichi
lây a great Way higher than where I paſs’d
it before. Here our People ſtock'd them-
ſelves with Beef; for we frequently halted at
Noon, on' Purpoſe to give them Time to
hunt Hattoy's Cattle.
WHEN I came to the River where ſeveral
Aliigators lày, tho' I had my Fire-brand in
my Hand, yet I would not venture to paſs
over by myſelf. Then the Unoffee cane
up to-me, and ſuid, I need not be afraid, fori
whilft I carried the Elodge; the Dämon's
would protect me" from all Harin. I laugh'd
at him, and told him, I was “well aſier'd be
did not imagine that I gave any Credit to bis
Afertion, neither have you any ſuch Notici of
its Power; but if you bare, do you carry it
over bere, and either go: with ine; or before
me. However, tho' he had more Wit, I
forc'd him to fetch two Guns; thať-I might
diſcharge them into the Water tv make the
Alligator's retreat; and then I went over. We
ſavý feverål: People, who belong'd to twò
petty Princes noi fár off; and were hunting
here for their Diverſion : As they were not
Enemies, our people had Abundance of Dif-
courſe with them. Tho'we paſs'd thorow
2.very mountainous Wilderneſs, yeć we láy
but
А а
( 354 )
but two Nights in it ; for they knew a muchi
nearer Way than I did when I caithe alone.
When I ſaw Vobitch futey, I return'd in a
very melancholy Mood into the Camp; in-
ſomuch that Deaan Trongha took Notice of
it, and aſk'd me, What I aiļd? I told him,
We were 110w drawing near to Anterndroea,
which had been a Scene of Miſery to me; and
I had terrible Apprehenfions of Deaan Mevar-
sow. But he cheard me up, and ſaid, They
durſt not venture to injure me, and he was
very
well aſur'd, that they would not attempt
it, as well out of Fear, as out of Reſpekt to
bim.
The next Day we arriv'd at Madamvovoz
the River, at which I us'd to water my Cattle,
when in Deaan Murnanzack's Country. This
was order'd to be the Place of Rendezvous,
and Deaan Murranzack with his Brethren,
and their Forces all met here. Deaan Affer-
rer foon took Notice of me, and when I
went to lick his Feet he lifted me up, and
ſeated me by himſelf; aſking Deaan Tron-
gha at the ſame Time, how I came to him?
I was deſir'd to tell my own Tale, which ac-
cordingly I did to his Satisfaction. He ſaid,
I had taken a great deal of Pains for Liberty,
but it was no more thai be would have done
himſelf under the ſame Circumſtances ; and
tviſk'd me all the good Succeſs imaginable.
Deaan Crindo, and his Sons came the next
Day, and Deaan Mevarrow,'; and his Bro,
ther along with them : Tho' Iiwas ſorry to
find
( 355
1
find he was recover'd of the Paws; yet I vetis
tur'd to go to him, when I found his Bro-
ther was with him. After the uſual Cere-
mony of licking their Feet,, they ſaid they
were glad to ſee me; and aſk'd inė, Why I
left them? I prétended, in Caſe he would
give me my Wife, to return as ſoon as the
Army parted. Whereupon both told me,
She would not märry any other Man, but conti-
nu'd conſtantly to lament my Abſence. This drėw
unfeigned Tears from me ; and here I muſt
confeſs, that if a ſincere conjugal Affection is
a Weakneſs in Man, I muſt own ( let the
World think as it pleafes) myſelf guilty of
that Weakneſs: Theſe Tears, however, as
it prov'd afterwards were the happy Means
of deceiving them, and of my Eſcape from
Danger : And had my fhedding them been
á Piece of Artifice only, it might carry' its
own Juſtification with it; ſince I had good
Reaſon to fear he would have murder'd me
privately; when he perceiv'd I either con-
temn’d, or hated him. At Night I let Deaari
Trongha into the Secret, left he ſhould ſuſpect
I was carrying on ſome fiñiſter Deſign in vi-
fiting Mevarrow. Herė I'met with my old
truſty Friend, who had all this Time' kept
'my Secrets : He told me likewiſe, That My. .
Wife continu’d inconſolable, and repented every
Day of her Life that ſhe did not go with me.
In about three Days, the Army, which
now conſiſted of about four thouſand Men,
march'd; and I went before them with the
A* 2
Élodgc:
.
{ 356 )
1
Elodge. . On the Day following we entered
the Country of Mcrfaugkla, and here the
Army divided into three Parts, as in their
former Expedition, and march'd with much
more Circumſpection than before ; for we
were in an Enemy's Country: I ſtill march'd
in the Front. As we were paſſing between
the two Woods, a Volley of Shot was all on
a Sudden diſcharg'd at me; but the Enemy
ran away as ſoon as they had fir’d. They
were: a ſmall Party in Ambuſcade, on Pur-
poſe to lay hold on ſuch Opportunities. The
Shot whiſtled about my Ears, and ſome ſmall
Boughs, that flew off from the Trees, ſtriking
me, I could not preſently tell whether I was
wounded, or not. However I ſtopp'd, and
was determind to proceed no further. Deaan
Tradaughe, who was the neareſt Commander,
order'd me to go on; but I peremptorily re-
fus:d, unleſs they would ſend a Party to march
before. The Umofſee too came, and talk'd
to me in his:old conjuring Dialect; and with
the faine Succeſs as he did at the River. At
length Diaan Grindo came, and commanded
me to go on ; declaring lie would otherwiſe
compel me. I was terribly nettled at the
Haughtineſs of One, whom I had ſo much
Reaſon: to hate; and boldly told him; He
speas a proud Prince, and that I thank'd
God, I was not uuder bis Juriſdi&tion. It is
true, ſaid he hiçr elſe I would take Care you
Ilgaldigo 10 further. Deaan Irongha was
now.come forward, and ask'd what was the
Matter?
( 357 )
I.
young Men
11
Matter? To whom Deaan Crindo complain'd
of
my being both obſtinate, and laucy. . He:
anſwer'd, It was unreaſonable, as well. as
cruel, to deſire I fiould be expos’d to Danger.
at that filly Rate ; and as to the Man's Pert-
neſs, (Jays Deaan Trongha) You forget he is
a Whiteand as good as any of us all. In
ſhort, Décan Crindo was oblig'd to let an:
hundred
go
before ine, and in
good Time truly it was ; for there were ſe-
veral ſuch Firings at us that Afternoon from
ſmall Ambuſcades.
Two Days after this we came to the Ri.
ver, not only where we had encamp:d be-
fore; but fought, and defeated Deaan Wow-
zington, and kill'd his brave General - Ry=.
Opkeck. Here we encamp'd again, and as
no Enemy appear'd moſt of us were for plun-
dering the Country; but Deaan Irongba:per-
ſuaded us againſt it, and advis'd us to march
ſtill on, in order to find the Enemy out, if.
poſſible, before they divided their Forces into,
ſmall Parties: As for iny Part, I did not care
how foon we came to a Battle; for then I.
fhould get rid of the Elidge.
Ar Length, when we had march'd four
Days, a Body of the Enemy of about a thout
fand appear'd on a Plain before us; and:
Deaan Trongba drew out his Country-men
to fight then. The Unofſee came up to ine,
charging me to march before my Maſter
with the Elodge; and to throw it towards the
Encmy as ſoon as the Engagenicnt began,
We
A a 3
1
[ 358 ]
We march'd forwards, and they advanc'd,
tho' but ſlowly, to meet us; for they had a
ſecret Deſign Deaan Trongha ( as they
wanted ) drew near, and they ſtill kept fi-
ring, tho' at a Diſtance ; however, it was
Fight enough" for my Purpoſe, as being a
fair Excuſe for throwing away the Elodge.
I did it with Alacrity, and return'd forth-
with to the Camp; for I had no Gun, nor
Lance to fight, and was glad at my Heart
to be eas'd of ſo troubleſome a Poſt. The
Enemy. withdrew into a Wood, and our
People eagerly follow'd, and fir'd at them;
till the General, who, with Eagle's Eyes,
look'd round about him, ( notwithſtanding
the Heat of the Action and diſcover'd a
long Train of Fire-Arms on a riſing Bank of
Earth, among the Trees, and Buſhes: Upon
that he immediately call'd out to his People
to ſtop, diſcovering, moreover, a great Num-
ber of Men conceal'd in a Ditch, that was
caſt
up for that Purpoſe ; ſo he march'd back
without the Loſs of one Man: For there was
no fighting in an unknown Wood, and with
an unknown Force.
Deaan Woozington was, doubtleſs, one of
the moſt ſubtil, artful Men on the Iſland
for tho’ he had not Force enough to face an
Army of four thouſand Men, and his Coun-
try was ruin'd; yet he found out Ways and
Means to be reveng'd in the ſevereſt Manner :
Nor did my valiant Maſter, Deaan Trongha,
notwithſtanding his great Conduct and Bra=
very,
+
Il 359 ]
1
very, eſcape his Reſentment. Our Beef be-
ing all ſpent, and no Enemy to be found that
would fight; Parties were ſent out in Queſt
of Cattle and Slaves, and return'd with good
Succeſs; tho' the principal Generals, that is
to ſay, Deaan Crindo, Deaan Murnanzack,
and Deaan Trongha continu'd in the Camp.
Some Scouts, however, ( who had diſcover'd
where a large Herd of Cattle were ) coming
in, Tronghe would go out himſelf to fetch
them: Dcaan Crindo, indeed, advis'd him
againſt it; but he would not hearken to his
Counſel : So about an hundred of the An-
ferndroèans, with a like Number of his own
People went with us; for I determin'd to go,
but" (Providence deſign'd otherwiſe) I was
taken with a violent Pain in my Thigh: I
went out with them, however, for I was very
lath to ſtay behind him; but my Pain en-
creaſing, the Deaan would not permit me to
proceed, and I was forc'd to hop as it were
back, for I could ſcarce walk; and never faw
this Great, Good Prince more: For in three
Days after, three Men brought the melan-
choly News of Degan Trongka's Death; 4s
follows.
About Sun-riſing, Man informºd the Gé-
neral, That a Party of about fifty of the Ene-
miy appear’d upon thé Plain ; whereupon Lia
march'd his "little Army out of the Wood to-
wards them, and ſoon far their Number era
creaſe ; be 'was reſolvéd, however, to attack
them. [Here he was guilty of a Piece of ill
Con-
A a
[.360 ]
Conduct, forgetting that the Anterndroeans
were good for little elſe but Buſh-fighțing. ]
When they came nearer, they ſaw another
Party; and tbo’ ſoon after a third appeard,
get there was 110 Retreating. Some of the An-
terndrocans, 'tis true, ran away, and Others
conccal'd themſelves in the high Graſs ; ſo that
there were but threeſcore of his own Feraignher
People, food with him to oppole. Some hundreds
.
They maintaind tbe Fight, Lowever, half the
Morning ; The General recciv'd two Wounds
without falling ; but at length, a third kill'd
him, By this-Time there were not above twenty
of bis Party left, and they reſolutely fore'd
their way thorow :the Enemy!; -of-which Num-
her were thoſe, who gave us this Account.
The Anterndrora Men, who ſkulk'd in the
Graſs, were. moſt of them kill'd; for the Graſs
tiere being very long; and : very dry:eft this
Time of the Yearmy.the. Enemy Jet Fire to it
.and it run like I'i!d-Fire, ſcorching thic Men2
who lay conceald, under it io.that they were
oblig'd to rife, and moſt of them were overtaken,
and cuí to Picces:
The Death of this Great Man was an in-
expreſlible Loſs to the whole Army, and by all
was ſincerely lainented. It was, indeed, a mor-
tifying Stroke to me; and I was inconſolable,
not knowing what Calamities might befal me
in this country. Rer Befaugher did not re-
turn till ten Days after, at which Time, tho'
he brought a good Prize of Cattle, and Slaves,
yöt his joy was all damp'd at once with the
News
है
[ 361 ]
went away, and met thein accord-
News of his Brother's Deceaſe; which was
fo ſhocking to him, thnt he was not.com-
pos’d enough to talk of any Affairs of the
Army till the next Day ::This unfortunate
Accident obligd me to carry on the Deceit
with Metarrow,, by: afliiring .hin, that I
would come privately to him, as ſoon as the
Army broke'up; but I was very uneaſy, till
I had a favourable Opportunity of commu-
nicating my whole Project to Rer Befaugber,
and of begging his Protection, which he rea-
dily granted: Whereupon it was agreed, that
I ſhould abſent myſelf two, or three Days
before their Separation, in Order to blind
Deaan Mevarriw, and make hjin think that
I ran away from the Foraignbei:People, and
fled to his Town before him when, in Rea-
lity, I, and.my Man only went bv. Night to
a Place.'appointed, and ſtay'd till Rer
. Be-
faugber, and the reit came to us.
The ſeveral Parties, who went::out for
Plunder, return'd ; and after the Cattle were
divided, which were ſome thouſands, beſides
Şlares, the Army decamp’d. The Feřaignker
People did not ſee the Anterndroeans Home,
as they did before ; but took their Leave
here, and went directly to their own.Country
a much nearer Way. I, and my: Servant,
as was privately.: agreed on with Rer Be-
faugser
ing to Appointment, to the great Surprize of
all the People; for there had been a diligent
Enquiry made after me, every One imagi-
ning
1
[ 362 )
ning that I was, loſt: Rer Befaugher made
ſuch a Clamour with Deaan Mevarrow, and
fome Others, that Deaan Crindo gave him
two Slaves to pacify him; left a Quarel of
dangerous Conſequence ſhould have enſu’d,
One of the Slaves, who was a young Man,
Rer Befaugher, made me a Preſent of. I
was ſomewhat ſurpriz'd, not knowing im-
mediately what he meant by it; but telling
the whole Story, and ſaying, That both were
by Right mine, I was fatisfy’d; he callid
my Slaves's Name Sambo. It was near a
Month before we paſs'd over the River Onega
haloybe, ſpending our Time gaylý in hunting,
eating, and drinking, making but very ſhort
Marches. We did this out of a charitable
Deſign to feed our Captives ; for we had
ſuin'd their Country to that Degree, that for
many Months they had very little to ſubſiſt
on; ſo that the poor Wretches look'd dif.
mually thin.
WHEN we came within one, or two Days
Journey of Rer Befaugher's, the Cattle were
divided ; and ſuch as had two, cr more
Slaves; preſented one of thein to their Lord,
in Conformity to the fame Law, and Cuſtom,
which is us'd in Anterndxoea, as I have be-
fore related. This, I thought, a proper
Time to mention to Rer Befaugker, what I
was promis'd as a Gratuity for Carrying the
Elödgë ; and told him, The Fatigue, and Ha-
zard I underwent did very well deſerve it. He
faid, There would have been no objection againſt
it
**
[ 363 ]
"
it in Cafe Deaan Trongha had liv’d: How-
ever, he would
go to Deaan Mondroffer, and
ſee what he ſaid to it. He return'd ſoon with
five Cows, and ſome short Time after that
a Girl Slave was ſent me; but as I had al-
Țeady a Man, who was as much as I wanted,
I delir'd to have two Cows inſtead of the
Girl; which Requeſt was readily comply'd
with. My Cattle I entruſted to the Care of
my Man Sambe.
When we arriv'd at Rer Befaugher's Town,
I left my Cattle with my Slave, and went to
Deaan Trongha's Town to viſit his Widows.
There I found a melancholy Scene : The
eldelt Lady would fain have perſuaded me
to live with her ; but I told her, I was izot
ſafe, unless I was under the Protection of ſome
ſuch Great Man as Rer Befaugher was; but
I would embrace every Opportunity of Coming
to ſee her, and would for ever teſtify the Ve-
neration I had for the
. Memory of ber dear,
beloved Lord, as well as wizy Gratitude to her
for all former Favours.
Upon my Return I met my Man Sambo,
who inform’d me, That as he was going to
build me an Houſe, Rer Befaugher had pro-
vided one for me
and gave him likewiſe the
neceſſary Furniture for it. When I paid my
Reſpects to Rer Befaugher on that Account,
I was inform'd of Diaan Crindo's Death;
which ( according to the Relation of ſome
who came from his Country after us ) was
very ſudden, and unexpected.
Deaan
1
( 364 )
1
Deaan Woozington, with what Forces be
çould get together, kept always within a Dar's
Marcli of us, häving Spies for ever out to ob-
ſirve all our Motions every Way, and wko
were going, and returning alternately to, and
front-liis little Armer, with Intelligence of what
they cojeru'd; so that he knewo very well when
noe përted from the Anterndroean People :
They were ſtill too ſtrong for him, ſo that he
areas oblig'd to wait fome Time longer for un
Opportunity of executing his Revenge ; and ac-
cõridingfollore'd them at a confiderable Di-
Hariće, till they arriv'd at Madamvovo; where
Deáan Murnanzack, and lis Brethren, Af-
ferrer, and Muffécoro parted from them, in
Order to go Hone; and this was the Criſis
that be then wanted : So waiting but one Day
vore, tell they were at too great à Diſtance to
aſlijt each other, be attack'd Deaan Crindo in
the Night, and kill:d him with a great Num-
ber of his people, and put the reſt to Flight,
Deaan Mevarrow narrozoly 'eſcaping ; and
this be did /o expeditiouſly, and to ſucceſsfully,
fiat ke bad Time to withdraw into Merfarigh-
Ja, with moſt of the Cattle which they had taken
from him.
Deaon Munduinbo, indeed, upon his Fa-
ther's Deceaſe, endeavour'd to act as King;
but had neither Courage enough to maintain
his Claim, nor was he lo much belov'd by the
l'eople to ſtand' in Competition with Draan
Murnizack. He waried ſome of thoſe va-
luab!á Qi alities which his Father was poſſeſsid
of ;
lice
[ 365 )
I
;
1
of; for it muſt be acknowledg'd, that Crindo
was undaunted in: War, and hid the Spirit of
Authority at Home;" which alone ſupported
his Dignity, and made him uſeful to kis
Country. Mirnanzack had his Uncle's Mag-
nanimity in War, and his Majeſty at:blome,
beſides all the human, and ſocial Vertues
and was, in Reality, a truly Great Man: So
that Mundumbo was oblig'd to fly into Anto-
noſa; till Matters, were: accommodated; and
what became of either of them I never heard;
for not long afterwards I was mov'd into ano-
ther Country, at a farther Diſtance from A1-
terndroea.
Rer. Befaugher entertaind me as handſome-
ly as his . Brother had done. He had but
one Wife, with whom he had cohabited
nine Years, without any: Iflue. This was
a great Misfortune, eſpecially as ſhe was i
very agreeable, good-natur’d Womán; and
behav'd herſelf after ſo endearing a Man-
ner, that he prefer’d her to all the Women
in the WorldIn ſhort, The was univerſally
reſpected, and extreamly kind to mė: A's
Three of my Cows gave a conſiderable Quan-
tity of Milk, and as they 'furniil'd me withi
Carravances, and Guinea-Corn, I, rand niyMan
Sambo livid well enough. This continu'
all the Rain-time, and tho?, we :planted and
ſow'd, yet we never stay'd to seap. For;)
News was brought by ſome People, who
liv'd at a great Diſtance, that Deaan Wo:-
zington was marching toward us with a nu-
A
.
merous
+
-366 )
inerous Army. Spies were ſent out to obſerve
them, who at their Return told us, that ac-
cording to the beſt Computation they could
make, There were about three Thouſand, under
Arms, and within three Days March. Deaan
Mernaugha hearing this, gave us Orders to
ſend all our Cattle, Wives, and Slaves to the
River Feraingher, which runs on one ſide
Deaan Mernaugha's Town. I was ſo careful
of the little Stock I had, that I attended them
to the River; and went immediately to James's
Houle ( the Son of Efflep ) where I met with
Hempſhire, his Wife, and Daughter. TwƠ
Days after, upon Information that Woozing-
ton had pas'd Orieghaloybe, we were order'd
farther Northward to Murnumbo; where in
leſs than three Days, we were alarm'd with
freſh News, of an Army of Saccalauvor's
being juſt ready to attack us; whereupon we
were oblig'd to retreat immediately, and
Joozington, as we were inform’d, not having
penetrated ſo far as the River Feraingher,
we. made an Attempt to go there again:
But the Saccalauvor Army was ſo near us,
that we were forc'd to fly for our Lives, and
leave all our Cattle behind us; and make the
beſt of our way to the River. Thoſe of our
People who had any Arms, made a Running-,
fight. of it, int Order 10 ſave the Women, and
Children; tho? we reach'd the River, yet
they were in Sight of us by this Time. As
for Hempſhire's Wife ſhe ran away from him ;
ſo ouť of Compaſſion, I took him by the
Hand,
ino-
[ 367 ]
Hand, and hurried him into the very fame
Cane-thicket where I fled at the Death of
Eglaſſe. We had not long ſeated ourſelves
there, before we heard ſome Women, and
ners at a very ſmall Diſtance from us in the
ſame Thicket; which put us into the utmoſt
Confternation: For we could expect nothing
but inſtant Death. We had not been long
under theſe frightful Apprehenſions before I
eſpy'd the Enemy. Upon which we got
up to run, but knew not whither; one of
them, however, fir'd, and ſhot poor Hemp-
pire in at the Back; of which wound he
dyd upon the Spot. I was more nimble,
and got out of his Reach; but juſt at the
Entrance of the Thicket, I met another, who
ian directly at me: He took a Lance, in Or-
der to throw at me, but I call'd out to him
to ſave my Life; and told him, I would
with him. As he ſaw I had no Weapons
(for I had neither Lance, nor Gun ) he bid
mé come forward ; fo I went, and lick'd his
Feet according to Cuſtom; and own’d myſelf
his Slave : Whereupon he told me, "That ke
would : Spare ny Life, ſince I was a white
Man, and was un-arm! di
He carry'd me with him into the Body
of the Army; and the News was ſoon ſpread
Abroad, That a: white. Man was taken Prin
foner; inſomuch that the General heard of
it, and thereupon my Conqueror, and I were
both ſent for. Upon my kneeling, and lick-
ing
[ 368 )
ing his Feet, he ask'd, If there was any Body
nbout bris, 21ccouldjak cither Engliſh; or
Dritch? but he was ſurpriz’d to hear me ad-
dre! him in his own Language.“. He ask'd
ine Abundance of Queſtions with Regard to
the Strength of Deaan Murnaugha; the Num-
ber of his People; and a thouſand other Things
of the like Nature; all, which I ivoided an-
fweting as arifully as I wuld for: Rer Ben
jaugler's ſake. Hiqwever, after the Exami-
nation was fover; he gave the Perſon who
took me; another Slave in . Exchange ; at
whicli I was ſomewhat better pleas'd than
before: For it was, a miſerable Thing in-
deed, to be the Slave of a Slavé. ::My stew
Maſter: order'd me to follow him, which I
did:whilſt they march'd, tho." that was not
long; for. ſoon after: they encamp'd on the
Banks of the River. This was the beſt, and
fineſt Camp. I had ever ſeen in this:Country;
for all the Tents were very good. As ſoon
as the Generals Tenisvas erected, he deſir'd
je to ſit down; and inform him by. what
Accident I. carne dupan the Iſlandi; and how
it came to paſs.zithátías I was a white Man,
Ilpoke their language with ſo much Free-
doin. I gratify'd him with. a long Detail of
my whole Hiſory, to which heliften'd with
great Attention and we had: Abundance
of Diſcourſe conèérning my ſurprizing Ad-
ventures. ' After hdı ſaw that I'lad: ſupp'd,
(-for I did not eat with him) he gave one of
his. Head Officers ſtrict. Charge to ſee that I
wanted
1
[ 369 1
nh
wanted for nothing ; and when Öne of his
People advis'd him to ſet a Guard over me;
he ſaid, There was no Danger of my running
away; for a white Men have no Home on this
Ihand, all Places are alike to them; and they
will ſtay with thoſe longeſt, who entertain, and
feed'thém beſt; and he was well aſur'd, that
she People of Feraignher, at that Time, were
in no Capacity to oblige mie. . And his Motion
was very juſt, for ſo lieartily did I feed this
Evening, having éat no Beef for a long Time
before, that I was very ſick. And when I
came to reflect; that Ships came to this Coun-
try; and the poor State, and Condition of
St. Auguſtine Bay, render'd it very impro-
bable that they ſhould come to trade there
i,
Į found, that by this Providence, I had more
Hopes of getting ſooner to England here, than
at any other Place I had ever yet beery at:
And the General was right in his Nótion,
for I had no Bufineſs to fly, or defert; ſince
I could not mend myſelf. Having free Liz
berty to go where I pleas'd, my Curioſity led
me to ſee if I knew any of the Captives; and
upon Examination I met with Hempfvire's
Widow, and Daughter ; Toby, and Robin,
and Sambo, my own Man; I ſtrook hiin by
the Hand, and told him, I was a Slave now
as well as be. He ſaid, I am ſorry for it;
for I had much rather bade feru'd you thart
any one elſe ; and ſure I am, I ſhall never live
fö well again.
Bb
WHEN
( 370 ]
When the General had fully gratify'd his
Gurioſity, in enquiring after my Affairs; I
had likewiſe as ſtrong an Inclination to know
who was my Maſter; and was inform’d, that
he was dignify'd by the Names of Rer Tow-
lerpherangha, and Rer Vove. It is a Cuſtom
here, for Perſons of Diſtinction to have two
Names; and as the laſt is the moſt in Uſc,
I ſhall hereafter diſtinguiſh him by that only.
He was Grandſon to Rer Trimmonongarevo,
King of Saccalauvor ; tho’call’d. Yong-Owl
by the Europeans, and Morandaro, from a
River of that Name. Rer Vove entruſted me
to the Care of One Guy, who was a conſi-
derable Man, and a Relation ( tho' at fonie
Diſtance) of the King's. All the great Fa-.
milies in this Country have a general Name
of Diſtinction, which they value themſelves
upon; as moſt of our European Gentlemen
do on their Coat of Arms.
We continu'd here two Days, in Hopes
that Deaan Woozington would in that Time
have penetrated thorow the Country on that
Side, and have join'd us; but we were in-
form'd, that Rer Befaugher, by his good Con-
duct, had block'd up ſome Paſſages, and ſo
well defended others, that he was glad to
withdraw without effecting any Thing to the
Purpoſe. On this News our Ġeneral retir'd
to Murnumbo, pleaſing himſelf with Hopes;
that Deaan Mernaugha would be fooliſh, and
hot enough to follow, and fight him: Mer-
inaugha, however, wiſely choſe to ſit down
for
7
It
[ 371 ]
for once contented with his preſent Lofs, ra-
ther than hazard all for the Gratification of
his Revenge ; which might be more juſtly
deem'd fooliſh Pride, and Paſſion, than real
Valour. Rer Vove perceiving no more could
be done, when he had continu'd here about
ſeven, or eight Days (till the Parties order'd
out were return'd) march'd Homeward; and
inſtead of putting a Guard over me, as he did
over Others, gave me a Blunderbuſs, and
made me Guardian General over ſeveral of
my late Country-Folks ; giving me full Com-
miſſion to ſhoot the firſt who ſhould attempt
to run away.
I Had ſeveral under my Care, but more
particularly Hempſhire's Widow, and three
other Women ; who, as I attended them.one
Evening into a private Receſs in a Wood,
told me, It wns a great Mortification to them, ,
to be guarded by One who lo lately fought for,
and defended them; telling me moreover, that
It was no great Difficulty for them to find
Means of making their Eſcape, .in Caſe I was
but willing. You are right (. ſaid I) and it
is your Intereft as you have Families'; beſides
: you may poſſibly be ſold to fame Ships: Which
was what I heartily wiſh'd for, as my Intereſt
was contrary to theirs. ] I told them more-
over, That I would never have gone from Fe-
raignher, if I had not been forc'd away ; but
ſince the good Providence of God had thought
fit thus to diſpoſe of me, I would not oppoſe the
Divine Will, nor net inconfiftent with my own
Reaa
B b 2
( 372 )
Reaſon; for I was well aſur'd of better Pron
vifion here than in Feraignher, in its preſent
unbappy State; eſpecially as I had lost all the
Cattle I had, tho* *19y Stock, indeed, was buit
ſmall. I aſſur'd them, however, that I would
never mention what they had propos'd, which
they ( being under fearful Apprehenſions )
begg'd that I would never diſcloſe the Se-
cret; neither did I, but look'd a little more
circumſpectly after them than I did before,
Tho' our Marches wore but fhort, yet
we foon arriv'd to the Confines of Saccalar-
vcr; where there were no Inhabitants : It is
a delightful Country, and I ſaw a great Va-
riety of Monkies, Baboons, Virjees, and wild
Swine, &c. in Abundance; but very few,
or none of Hattoy's Cattle.
ABOUT three Days afterwards we paſs'd
by diverſe Towns, which belong'd to Rer
Mimebolambo, alias Mojang Andro; it being
the ſelf fame Country which Rer Vovvern,
late King of Feraignber, procur'd for him,
by Treaty, of his Uncle Rer Trimmononga-
In the Towns and Meadows there
tvere Abundance of hump'd Cattle, and fuch
a's were much larger than any I had ever ſeen
in the Iſland before; but was inform’d theſe
were kept near Home for private Uſe; that
the Prince, and Lords took Care to have
their principal Stock of Cattle a great Way
further to the Northward; and in ſuch Num-
bers, that they could not tell how many they
had: Of the Truth of which, I was ſoon
after-
revo,
[ 373 )
.
afterwards very fully convinc'd.
Our For-
ces now dwindled away apace, ſince Num-
bers went daily Home, as they came near
to the ſeveral Towns to which they belong'd,
without taking any formal Leave of the Ge-
neral; ſince they had no Pay to take, nor
any to demand : For every One being con-
ſcious to himſelf, that it is his Intereſt to
join with his Neighbours, in preventing an
Enemy from committing Plunder; no One
ever murmur'd at their Generals for Leading
them forth to War; it being their own Cauſe,
and not the General's, in which they en-
gage : For if they found their Lords prov'd
imperious, and tyrannical, they would refuſe
to go with them; ſince they could eaſily re-
move, and live under others. They fight
for their own Security, and Eaſe, and when
they get any Plunder from their Enemies,
they think themſelves ſufficiently rewarded.
Moerbo is the principal Town, or rather
Cit;, and Royal Reſidence of the King, who
is our General's Grand-fathes; to whom, as
in Duty bound, he paid a Viſit before he
went Home. When we arriv'd within a
Mile, or two, three Meſſengers were dif-
patch'd for Form-lake, to give him Notice
of our Approach, and to learn his Royal
Pleaſure; who made Anſwer, That if Rer,
Vove mould come, be was very ready to pe-
ceive him. Hereupon he put his People ja
Order, and appointed fifty Men to ſtand in
the Front, and diſcharge their Guns; and
then
Bb 3
( 374 )
ܪ
then fifty more to relive them; the Shells all
the Time founding. When we came within
Sight of the King, who was ſitting with his
Courtiers, and People round about him, we
heard their Shells ſound, and Drums beat ;
this their Congratulatory Muſick was but a
dull, empty Sound ; in ſome Meaſure, in-
deed, like their Country Tubs; which are
made of a light Tree hollow'd very thin,
and cover'd with a Calf's Skin that is dreſs'd
much like our. Parchment: Both: Ends are
beat at once; one with a Stick, and the other
with the Hand.
This King lives in a more ſplendid Man-
ner, and has a gayer Retinue than I had
ever ſeen before : He has twenty, or thirty
ſeveral Houſes, or rather a large Court en-
clos'd with Palliſades in the Town; but as
it was not large enough for the Reception of
ſo many people, he ſat on this Occaſion with-
out the Town. Our firſt fifty Men advanc'd
like Morris-Dancers, and fir'd their Guns
very regularly one after another
their Retreat the other fifty advanc'd. After
this the General ſtept forwards, and bending
one Knce, lick'd the King's. Several prin-
cipal Men bow'd likewiſe their Knees, but
lick'd his Feet. This Ceremony over, a
Mat was ſpread at about four Yards Diſtance,
and the General, with three, or four of the
Chieftains ſat down ; and Guy was amongſt
them. As for my Part, I ſtood behind my
Maſter with my Blunderbuſs.
THIS
;
and upon
JE
[ 375 ]
ز
Tuis Prince, Rer Trimmonongarevo, made
( as I thought ) a very odd, and formidable
Figure; whether it was becauſe I had heard
many Stories of ſome of his raſh, and bar-
barous Proceedings, which had prejudic'd
me againſt him : His Dreſs was very ſingu-
lar, and ſuch as I had never ſeen before
;
his Hair was plaited in Ringlets, beginning
at the Crown of the Head ; then another
Range of Knots was bigger than the former,
and fo downwards, every lower Circle was
larger than the upper ; on ſeveral of theſe
Knots of Hair hung a large Quantity of
fine Beads : Some Part of his Fore-head-
Piece of Beads hung almoſt over his Noſe
among theſe were ſeveral gold Ones : He
had a very fine gold Necklace about his Neck;
over his Shoulders hung two Strings of Beads,
and ſeveral of them gold, in much the ſame
Manner as our Aldermen of London's Chains;
on each Wriſt about fix Manelers of Silver,
ſeeming large enough to weigh near three
Dollars apiece; and four Rings of Gold on
his Fingers: Near twenty Strings of Beads,
cloſe fet, were twiſted round his Legs i a
filk Lamber hung over his Shoulders, Inoſe
like a Mantle; and another as uſual twiſted
round his Waſte. He was an old Prince,
not leſs, by what I could underſtand, than
fourſcore Years of Age at leaſt; yet of a ro-
buſt, and healthy Conſtitution : His Colour
was rather tawny, like an Indian, than per-
fectly black; hiš Eyes fierce, and his whole
Ap-
Bb4
1
( 376 )
; as
Appearance formidable ; or the Singularity
of his Dreſs, and Character, made me ima-
gine fo; he ſoon took Notice of me, and ask'd
Rer Vove, If I was the white Man be bad
taken Priſoner ? And what was my Name?
He callid to me, Robin, mebove a toee; which
is, Come hither. I then laid my Blunderbuſs
down, and approach'd him with my Hands
lifted up, and clos'd before me. As ſoon as
I got to him I fell on my Knces, and fick'd
firſt one of his Fect, and then the other
the common People did before me: He or-
der'd me to fit by him, but not on his own
Mat neither. He ask'd ſeveral Queſtions in
Relation to my firſt Coming on this Inand,
and inform’d me thạt he had a white Man
of his own: But be is an Engliſh-man, ſaid
be; And whether you can ſpeak that Lan-
guage, or nºt, I can't ſay." I told him, I
was an Engliſh-man myſelf. I began to chear
up, and have a little more Courage upon this
agreeable News; and was ſurpriz'd that my
Maſter had not mention'd this Circumſtance
before. I ask'd the King, How long bis
white Man had been with bim? And what kis
Name was? Six, or ſeven years, ſaid he ;
His Name is Will. Upon this, he order'd a
Man to call him immediately; who brought
Word, that Will. was gone out of Town,
and would not be back in leſs than three,
or four Days; ſo finding the King enter up-
on ſome new Diſcourſe with the General, I
Withdrew to my foriner Poſt.
SOON
1.377.]
Soon after we went to a Houſe, which
was order'd for our Reception; where I
was diſcharg'd from guarding his Slaves :
For be did that ( as he told me afterwards )
only to try my Fidelity ; fince he knew very
will, if I bad not been boneft they would have
all got away; but as he was convinc'd I did
bim Juſtice, be had a Poſt of much greater
Importance to entruſt me with. By this Time
came in Ry Chemotoea, the King's principal
Wife, and the Grand-mother of Rer Vove,
my Maſter: She was the largeſt Woman I
had ever ſeen in all my Life. When ſhe
fat, her Breaſts hung down to her Lap; ſhe
walk'd but little, being generally carry'd on
a Kind of Bier, on Mens Shoulders. She
had a numerous Retinue, beſides Slaves, who
brought four Callabaſhes of Toak, two of
Honey, and two of Sugar-Canes ; together
with fix Baskets of Rice. The King fent ten
Beeves, four of which were very large, fat
Oxen. As ſoon as Ry Chemotore was gone,
we ſat down to Drinking the Horex-Toak,
till Rer Vove was perfectly intoxicated, and
fell aſleep; at which Time three Slaves came
from his Grand-mother loaden with Pre-
ſents; One with a fat Capon boild ( for
they make Capons here ); Another with a
Pot of dry'd Rice ; and the Third with a
Basket, a wooden Diſh, and a Spoon. This
was the beſt Supper I had ſeen of the Natives ·
dreſſing, and I had my Share of it; but for
all this good Cheer, 'I. could not forbear
think-
[ 378 )
thinking of this Will. the Engliſimman; and
was very much concern'd that we could not
ſtay till he came Home.
The next Day we march'd Homewards,
and tho' it was two Days Journey, yet we
haſted to come in as early as we could the
ſecond Day; becauſe of the great Triumph
we were then to make : The Solemnity of
which was much the ſame as I have deſcrib'd
in other Places; and conſiſted in their Wives
licking their Feet, &c.
Rer Vove's Houſe was near eight Yards
long, and about fix broad, built of Boards,
as all the Great Mens Houſes are in Sacca-
lauvor: Notwithſtanding they have no Saws,
with a great Deal of Labour, however, they
hew out Boards very even with their Hat-
chets. The Language is much the ſame
with that in other Countries, except as Eng-
liſh in Yorkſhire, or the Weſt of England;
where each Place has a particular Dialect,
and ſome ſmall Difference in its Pronun.
ciation.
My Poſt here was a grand One, for I was
conſtituted Captain of my Maſter's Guard.
There were Palliſades all round his Houſe,
and at the Portal, or Gate-way, was a little
Houſe for ſeveral young Men of an higher
Degree to lye in, who were his Guard, and
over whom ( as I ſaid before ) I was ap-
pointed Chief; but this did not laſt above a
Month: At which Time he thought proper
10 go a ſhooting Wild Fowl, and took no
Onc
( 379 ]
&
ܪ
One but me with him : In our private Con
verſation he told me, how vicious the People
of Saccalauvor were grown within few Years,
as their Country grew rich; and that young
Men living ro high, and drinking ſuch large
Quantities of Toak, induc'd them frequently
to lye with other Mens Wives; by which
Means, Murders, and ſeveral other Misfor-
tunes have enſu'd. As for my Part ( ſaid
he) I have no Reaſon, indeed, to ſuſpect my
Wife Ry Kaley; lowever, to prevent all jea-
lous Thoughts for the future, I will entruſt
her to your Care; and deſire that ſhe may ne-
ver be abſent from your Charge by Night, or
Day, on any Pretence bow plauſible foever ;
unleſs she be with me: I am very well ſatisfy'd
jhe 'will not take this amiſs, and you have no
Occaſion to regard any Otre elſe. I return'd
him Thanks for the favourable Opinion he
had of my Integrity; and aſſur'd him, I
would take the ſame Care I had done hitherto,
in the due Diſcharge of 12y Duty to bim in all
Things, wherein he thought proper to command
111e ; but I was afraid left ſome of his truſty old
Servants should envy me my Pot; and infi-
nuate to Him Things prejudicial to bis Ho-
mour, and 12y Care. Upon that Account (faid
he) you have no Caujë for Fear; ſince it is
always expeeted kere, that Marks of Favour,
and Diſtination be fpewn to white Men. When
we came Home, he broke his Mind to her,
with much ſuch another Apology as he did
She
prevented him, however, from
aſking
to me.
( 380 ]
asking her Conſent, apprehending in a Mo-
ment what he aim'd at ; ſo ſaying, I deſire
nothing more than that you will take all tbe
Meaſures l'ou think proper, in order to retain
the jame Opinion of me You always kad; and
in Cafe Robin is to be my Guardian, I will
ſubmit with Pleaſure to bis Directions. And
from benceforth, Robin ( ſaid ſhe ) I will 11€-
ver be out of your Sight, but when I an with
Rer Vove himſelf: And as I am now under
gaur Juriſdiction, beſure you diſcharge your
Truſt as you ought ; and don't imagine, that
you can diſpleaſe me by the ſtricteft obſervance
of your orders. On tbe other Hand, I propoſe
Abundance of Pleaſure in your Converſatio ;
by telling me Stories of your uncommon diven-
tures. Indeed, ſhe gave me good Grounds
to think ſhe was not diſpleas'd with inc.
it
was my Buſineſs to attend her on all Occa-
ſions,
Sometimes, indeed, her Women-
Slaves were with her, but we were oftner
by ourſelves ; and that too thro' her own
Contrivance: And whether my Maſter had
in Reality, ſo great an Opinon of her Cha-
ſtity, as he pretended, I can't deiermine; but
I found her to be a very gay, wanton Lady,
aud was forc'd to exert all the Art I was Mia-
fer of, in order to keop her out of other
Company, as well as to preſerve my own In-
nocence: However, as my Life lay at Stake,
I was refolv'd to be true to my Truſt. It was
fall three Quarters of a Year, before I got
rid of this troubleſome Office; during which
Time
( 382 )
Time, my Maſter took a Fancy to another
Woman who had lately been divorc'd from
a Couſin of his, and made her ( if we inay
call her ro ) his Supernumerary Wife. He
was extreamly fond of her at firſt, but ſoon
quarrel'd with her, us'd her ill, turn'd her
in ſhort quite off; and return'd with as muchi
Indulgence as ever to iny Chargc, Ry Kaley;
again.
Not long after this, Rer Vove propos'd
to take a Tour to the Northward for his
Pleafure, and to take a ſurvey of his Cattle;
ſo ordering his Furniture to be remov'd to
his Head- Ilave's till his Return; our Houſe
was lock'd' up, and away we march'd: We
were a large Company of us, Ry Kaley his
Wife, his Friend Guy, with ſeveral other
Attendants, beſides Slaves. It had rain'd
very
hard for ſome Time before we ſet out;
ſo coming to a ſmall River, which was con-
ſiderably ſwell'd with the Floods, the People
made a Halt, not caring to puſh forwards
with too much Precipitation; left fome Alli-
gators might have come up into the Mar-
Thes, as is cuftoniary; and return again 10
their old Haunts upon the Fall of the Waters.
As the River was ſhallow enough to wade tho-
row I was ſo fool-hardy, as out of a Bravado
to lead the Way. Two fine Dogs, that were
my Maſter's Favourites, went into the Water
along with me, but kept cloſe to my Heels,
one on each side of me; for the Dogs are
very apprehenſive of Alligators, I was up
1
10
( 382 )
to my Belly in the Water, or there-abouts,
when an Alligator all on a ſudden, gave
ſuch a Spring at the Dog on my left Side,
that the Monſter's Noſe ſtruck me down,
The Alligator, Dog, and I vaniſhing, as it
were, at once, our People took it for granted
I had been carry'd off: But riſing, at a ſmall
Distance, and finding anyſelf not hurt, I
wen: directly over ; upon which they all
follow'd me: For if a Noiſe be made by a
great Number of People, an Alligator will
fink, like a Stone, to the Bottom, and lye
without the leaſt Motion; and tho' you tread
on him, he will not ſtir an Inch. As we took
our Journey for Pleaſure only, we had no
Occaſion to fatigue ourſelves, ſo we march'd
but ſlowly. In few Hours we arriv'd on the
Banks of a very large River, callid Mernee.
Here we came to a Town inhabited by a
People of a different Species, as it were, from
the reſt of Mankind, and of a Language
peculiar to themſelves; tho' they can ſpeak
the general Language if they pleaſe. Their
Cuſtoms too, and Manners, being as different
as their Perſons ; of which I Thall give a
particular Detail, according as I was further
inform'd ſoon after.
Rer: Vove gave Orders that one of the
Houſes of theſe Virzimbers ( which is the
Name they are generally known by ) ſhould
be made clean for him, and all the old Fur-
niture to be remov'd; and as for us, who
were of his Retinue, we might ſhift as well
as
6
( 383 )
as we could. There are very few Saccalai-
vors care to lye in any of their Houſes, for
fear, of an Infect like a Cow-Tick, callid
Poropongee, which is frequently found upon
Cattle: And this Inſect is found no where
elſe. But theſe people breed them, on Pur-
poſe to make their Houſes ſhun'd by the
Saccalauvors: For the Virzimbers, till very
lately, were under no Goverment, and often
changing their Habitations; ſo that upon
their firſt Settlement here, the Natives us'd
to come into their Houſes, and take away
whatever "they ſaw convenient; impoſing
moſt ſhamefully upon them, till the King,
(under whoſe Protection they are at preſent)
redreſs'd their Grievances upon hearing their
Complaints. Theſe Poropongees will make
thoſe who are bit by them ſick, ſometimes
for fix Weaks, or two Months together ;
ſticking cloſe to the Skin, or penetrating
into it for a long Time; but when a Man
has been once tormented by them, and
has overcome the Sickneſs, he never has it
again; tho' he lies among ever ſo many of
them: Or, at leaſt, like Perſons who have had
the Small Pox, they never fear a Return of
their Diſtemper. Theſe Virzimbers are ve-
ry ſubject likewiſe to what they call Colah,
which is a Kind of the Yaws ; a Diſeaſe,
which has been deſcrib'd before: It is ſo fre-
quent, however, here; that a third part of
the People of a Town are ſometimes ſpotted
like Lepers, with dry Scabs. We continu'd
here
1
(384)
here but one Night, and paſs'd over this largé
River in Canoes the next Morning:
ABOUT half a Day's March from hence
lives Rer Moume, King Trimmonongarevo's
Eldeſt Son, and Uncle to 'Rer Vove ; to
whom we went to pay a Viſit: Meſſengers,
for Form-fake, were ſent before; an agree-
able Anſwer being receiv'd, we approach'd
the Town, and found him Gitting for the
Shade-fake in great State under a Tamarind-
Tree, as it was exceſſive hot. He is a very
Great Prince, and extremely well-beloy'd :
There were twelve Wives, and a great many
other People then with him. When Rer
Vove, accompany'd by his Wife Ry Kaley',
came to him, they kneel'd, and lick'd his
Knee. After which ſhe foon withdrew a-
mong the Women; but he ſat down on a
Mat near his Uncle : All his Aunts in gene-
ral, except One who was blind, came to
him, and lick'd his Shoulder ; for they had
not ſeen him ſince his Return from his Ex:
pedition at Feraignher. The Toak went a-
bout plentifully, and ſome was given to our
principal People, among whom I was con-
ſtantly with Guy; who had a particular Re-
gard for me. My Maſter, however, being .
not a'little proud of his white Man, call'd to
me in broken Engliſh; for he had juft enough
to lay Come bither : Ot; How do you do?
?
When Rer Moume ſaw me, Were it not for bis
Hair, and Eyes ( ſaid he) I ſhould ſcarce bave
known him to be white; bis Skin is so fcorch'd
with
[ 385 ]
with the Sun, that it is at ſwarthy almoſt as
112y own: Ry Anzacker there, is as white as
be. And to confeſs the Truth, there was no
great Difference in our Complexion. This
was his ſecond Wife, and siſter to Deaan
Tokeoffu, King of Munnongaro, alias Maſſe-
leege. Rer Moume was of a Copper Colour, ra--
ther than a Black: Tho' he had no viſible Di-
ſtemper upon him, yet he had loſt the Uſe
of his Limbs, and tho' he has no Swelling in
his Legs, or Sores about him, and look'd well
to all outward Appearance, yet he can't ſtand
upright. This Misfortune was ſuppos'd to be
brought upon him by Poiſon, which was
given him by one of his Wives, with a trça-
cherous Intent to kill him ; ſlie having beeri
a Captive, and the Confort of a Neighbouring
Prince, who oppos'd him ; and was kill'd in
Battle. He fets on a ſquarc Seat, or Throne;
made on Purpoſe for him; but ſo low, that
he can reſt his Legs on the Ground, if he
thinks fit.
PERCEIVING I could ſpeak their Language,
he was extremely delighted with me ; forhe
was a good-natur’d, courteous Man; which I
have juſt Reaſon to acknowledge: For by his
Compaſſion I was redeem'd from the Hard-
Ships of Slavery during my Continuance here;
and at laſt diſmiſs'd in a friendly, and gen-
teel Manner, and by his Means fent Home
to England. The whole Diſcourſe now turn'd
on me, and my ſurprizing Adventures; the
Women too bore a Part in the Converſation,
Сс
and
[ 386 ]
to.
and expreſs’d their Pity ; ſaying, They ſhould
be glad to have me among them, and houd
think they could never do enough for me, if I
would oblige them with the agreeable Stories of
my Travels. But this happy Time was not
yet come, I was to undergo a few more Fa-
tigues firſt, tho' my State of Slavery did not
cont nue long.
My Maſter, Rer Vove, was a gay, young
Man, who purſu'd his Pleaſures, and was
guilty of ſome l'ices; like many of our young
Noblemen in Europe, was always in Action,
full of Fire; and as his Conftitution was very
warm and ſariguine, he would be guilty of too
many of the Follies, which Youth are prone
As to his Stature he was very tall; for
in an Army, or Crowd, he might be diſtin-
guilh'd at a Diſtance, being an Head caller
at leaſt, than moſt of the Peo:le: However,
he was exactly proportion'd, and well-ſhap'd;
his Legs, and Arms were finely taper’d. I
was oblig'd ſometimes to aſſiſt him in his
Love- Adventures; of which a pretty remark-
able, as well as dangerous One was on this
Journey; as follows:
No ſooner had be parted from bis Uncle, but
ke determin'd to viſit his Couſin, Rer Cher-
inunghoher ; but coming near his Town, and
being inform’d, that he was gone from Home as
far as Moherbo; a Thousht came into his
Head to ſend his Wife one Way, whilſt be took
another under & Pretence of Buſineſs, and to
meet about four Days after; adviſing ber at
the
( 387 ]
the fame Time to go thorow fome. Towns of the
Virzimbers, who always make one Proſent, or
another, to thoſe of the Family ; ac ording as
their Abilities will permit. His At endants,
or the greateſt Part of them, were order'd to
accompany lis Wife ; and as for mr, whole
expected to have been left ber Guardian, he bid
me follow him. When we were at a ſuffici nt
Diſtance from the People, he told me he had a
Secret to communicate to me of 110 /mall Impor-
tance ; and defir'd likewiſe my Alliance in a
particular Affair, which he propos’d to put in
Execution. You know my Fidelity (Jaid ! )
and are ſenfible, that I would ſcruple no-
thing, but the Comm fli in of Murder, to
ſerve You. It is nothing of that ‘Na ure, I
aſſure you ( ſaid he ); but the Conſequence
may prove fatal, if you do noi act w th Dic:
cretion: Rer Chemunghober, in ſhort, has
marry'd One, who was iny Conſore before
Rv Kaley; and on a Quarrel, I put her away
a little too rafhly, and my Kinſman alſo mar-
ry'd her in too much Hurry; or we ſhould
probably have agreed again. The Woman I
ſtill have an Affection for, and as her Hus-
band happens to be Abroad, I have fonie
Thoughts of your procuring ine an Interview
with her. There is a Mauromintér (that is
o ſay, a black Man of any oiber Country )
who can ſpeak Engliſh; you ſhall pay him a
Viſit, by which Means you may come to the
peech of her. I was jon:t of this opportul-
ity to ſee this Engliſh Maurominter; and for
Сс 2
that
( 388 ]
1
that Rraſon I readily agreed to his Propoſal ;
and having my full Inſtruction, and a Manz
for my Guide, I left my Maſter at a ſmall Vil-
lage, about two Hours Walk from Rer Che-
munghoher's Town, and proceeded immedi-
ately on my Errand.
Lewis (for that was kis Name ) receiv’d,
and entertain'd me in an handſome Manner :
He was born ( be ſaid ) in Jamaica, follow'd
the Sea, and being taken by Pyrates was ſet on
Skore at St. Auguſtine Bay; where be liv'd
fome Time, but the Troubles of that Country
coming on, be, as well as many of the Natives,
came away not only for their Security, but for
inore plentiful Living : So that between the
Affairs of Feraignher and England, we had
Subject Matter of Diſcourſe enough for a long
Time : His Wife going out, I took the Oppor-
tunity of aſking him, If he could poſſibly in-
troduce me to their Lord's Wife? He know-
ing the Story, gueſs'd at my Intention. tho I
told him no more than what was requiſite for
my Purpoſe: He went accordingly to ber, and
She jent i ord She would come, which ſize did
joon with one Maid only to attend her. It was
a good Excuje enough for her to ſay, Her Cu-
riofity led her to ſee a white Man. Lewis,
and his Wife witl. drawing, and ſhe ſaying, I
might freely ſpeak before her Maid, whom
ſhe could truſt with her Life; I f0011 deliver'd
my Mellage, and told her low diſconfolate Rer
Vove was ever ſince he came near the Town :
I found her, in fisort, as cager for the Inter-
view
[ 389 ).
ܪ
view as himſelf; and the appointed that very
Night, in a Wood at a convenient Diſtance.
As ſoon as ſhe return'd Home ſhe ſent her Maid
with fome Toak to me; which when Lewis,
and I had drank up, I went with the good
News to muy Maſter. And as it prou'd a fine
Mcon-light Night, we foori came to the Place
aſſign’d; tho' by going over a River, and tho-
row a Plantation, where there were Dogs, and
they barking, the Owner had like to have dif-
cover'd us; for the wild Hog's often making
great Havock in the Night, they are very at
tentive if their Dogs do but ſtir.
I Left him in the Wood, and went to Lewis,
for whom ſhe waited: He condučted her tho-
row a Breach made in the Palliſade; for the
Gate was always guarded, and I conducted ber
to ber Gallant. Her Maid accompany'd ber
with a Capou, forne Rice, and a Callibaſis of
Toak. They embrac'd each other with all the
Paſion imaginable ; the Maid, indeed, was
for ſerving up the Supper, but they had Affairs
of greater Moment to talk of firſt; which we
plainly perceiving, withdrew, and diverted our-
felves for ſome Time as well as we could. In
about two Hours we heard him.whiſtle, which
was the Signal for our Coming ; when we
Jupp'd all together : Our Bellies being full,
Lewis, and I rov'd about at a Diſtance, and
left thin again till it was Day-lriak. Now,
Robin, ſays be, we muſt do as the wild Boars
do, get at a Diſtance from the Place, where
they have been doing their Miſchief: Socrof
:, C c3
fing
[ 390 )
4
fing the River again, we walk'd about till
Noon ; w'en a Man was to come, and bring
us fome Proviſions. As I was luoking out ſarp,
and liſtening for the Token, which was a
Whiftle; I opproalk'd him, but the Fellow be-
iing ſilly, anil knowing nothing of a white Mun,
throw down the Meat, and a whole Callabaſı
o Toak, and to: k to his H: els : As ſoon as he
gui Hime, he t·ld bis Miſtreſs, That he ſaw
a white Spirit, and it ran after him for the
Meat, which he was forc'd to leave behind
b.m. This gave us fome Diverſion the next
Night, when ſhe came again: A Capon, Rice,
and Toak were brought this Evening likewiſe ;
ajid I could not forbear fall;ing 12y Maſter,
on having Patience enozigh 110w to ſup, and
gobale limlei; with Toak, as ſoon as it came.
W berî we bad drank plentifully, they bid us go,
and watch at a Diſtance, and find out fome
Amuſement, or other, to paſs away the Nights
tind inde. d, bod we not mace ourſilves witërry,
ard been as agi ceable to one another as fich an
Oliahon requir'd, the Night would have fiem'd
very long, and redirus, We piept a littie to-
waris Ding-break; and when went to them,
they were 12ct zip; however, they soon aroje,
and took their Letve tuo, by rubbing their
Nijës together, and drawing their Breath like
Perſons who toke (11118
After this, they
Faried well fa.isfy'd for the preſent
It was now broad Da'i-light, !o that when
we attempted to go over the Pian ation, the
Gamo Way as we came, the People were up:
And
1
[ 391 ]
And as we were both remarkable Perſons, he
by his Heighi, and I by my Colour ; the
very ſeeing us at a Diſtance would have been
enough to betray the whole Secret: We had
no Way, therefore, to take, but thorow a
Thicket of thorny Wood: I went firſt upon
my Knees and beat them down with a Stick,
and my Maſter fo low'd. Tho' our Shoulders
bled in many places, which we did not re-
gard at firſt thro' Eagerneſs, and when we
did, it was to little Purpoſe; for it would
have been as bad to have retreated.
So, in
Short, we went thorow; but on our Arrival
on the other Side of :he River, we ſtood ſtill
'to look on one another; and perceiving how
miſerably cur Hides were ſcratch'd, and torn,
we could not refrain fr::m Laughter ; tho'we
were ſeverely mortify’d. We ſtillendeavour'd
to find our private Ways, being as much a-
ſhari'd now, as we were afraid before of bem
ing reen.
As ſoon as Guv faw us, he could
not forbear ſmiling. Rer Vove told hiin, We
had been buniing a wild Boor, and by purſe-
ing him too eagerly into the Thickets, we got
firatch'd in this pitcous Manner. It is much
more probable (faid Guy ) a wild Woman; and
the right Owner purſuing out too cloſe, You
was glad to eſcase to the firſt Wood You came
at. Ry Katy grew a little jealous too upon
the Occaſion, but we laugh'd it off.
We being all met again, we proceeded
to the Nortiward; where the Cattle are all
kept. This is as fine a Country as ever I
ſaw,
mini
Сс 4
*
[ -392 ]
1
faw, and the beſt ſtock'd with all the Ne-
ceffaries of Life.
Theſe People never go
forth to War, but conſtantly employ the
whole of their Time in taking care of the
King's, and their Lards Cattle : They have
Plenty likewiſe of their own. The King's
Cattle are mark'd with the Stamp call'd Che-
merango. Here are ſuch Numbers of them,
that 'tis not known wi-hin two, or three thou-
ſand, how many belong to hiin : Some of
theſe Ozen are ſcarce able to walk for Age,
and Others are ſo fat they can't ſtir ; They
never milk above the fourth Part of the Cows,
tho' the Place is populous, and as large as
fonie King's Dominions. They have a great
many Towns, and many Virzimbers dwell
The chief Town is of large
Extent, where the principal Herdſman keeps
a great Court, and has full Power, and Au-
thority to decide all Controverlies, and pu-
niſh any Offender without Appeal. When
we ſaw him, he made as grand a Figure as
a King; and was ſitting with his Attendants
about him in the ſame Manner: However,
he aroſe to kiſs Rer Vove's Knee ( not his
Feet) as a Teſtimony of his more than com-
mon Reſpect for him. He had eight thou-
fand Head of Cattle of his own, and near
three hundred Slavés : He made my Maſter
a Preſent of five of his own, and fifteen of
the Chemango's. He ſeldom, if ever, goes out'
on Foot; but is carry'd on a Bier on Mens
Shoulders: He is very old, indeed, having
been
among them.
[ 393 )
1
been Cow-keeper to Rer Trimmcnongarevo's
Father, Deaan Lobefute.
Butter, and Cheeſe might be made here
in Plenty, were there but People who un-
derſtood the Art of it; for the Cows give
Abundance of Miik, tho' not altogether ſo
much as ours do in England; but then they
continue it linger : Summer-time in this hot
Country being the worſt for the Cattle. In
this Place, however, there are ſo many Ri-
vers, Brooks, and Springs, that they are ne-
ver incommoded with ſuch Droughts, as
they ſometimes are in Anterndroca. Here
are Tallow, and Hides too in Abundance; but
few think it worth their While to regard
them. Several other Commodities are to be
found here, which are worthy of Notice :
Wox is ſo plentiful, that 'tis thrown away ;
there is Iron too in many Parts of the Coun-
try, as well as here; and the Natives are no
Strangers to the making of Steel. Here is
Copper, likewiſe, of their own Production
i
of which they make Mannclers : In ſome of
the moſt mountainous, and in land Parts of
the Country they have Silver; and know
how to make Ear-plates of it, and Manne-
lers : So that I have the higheſt Reaſon to
think the Country produces it, as well as it
does a white Metal, much like our Britiſh
Tin, or Tutaneg; nor is there any Reaſon to
doubt, but Gold is to be found here. Here
are many other Things; but as I cannot give
a ſatisfactory Account of them, I paſs them
over in Silence. But,
I
LI
H
1:
( 394 )
I Muſt not here omit to mention the ſeve-
ral Sor's of Silk, of which there is Plenty in
cvery Part of the Illand, where I have been.
Some is of a browniſh Colour, Others of a
white; the Outſide is full of ſmall pointed
Prickles; the Cod, or Bag is near three In-
ches long, and ſhaped like a Nine-pin; at the
Tp, when we take it, there is a Hole, out
of which I have extracted a blackiſh Worm;
but I am not able to deſcribe it, or the Manner
of its Tran formation ; 'as the common Silk-
TU9112 : This I know, that there are no Mul-
berry Trees. The Silk of theſe Worms is
found on three, or four ſeveral Sorts of
Trees; for when they ſpin they cleave ro !he
thick Branches, or Body of the Tree. I have
feen the People, on their Knees, pull the Cod
out to a greit Length, which they teaze o
Pieces; and then ſpin it wi'h a Spindle made
of Bone, and a Rock-ſtaff: After that they
weave it as they do Cotton, and it makes not
only fretty, but very fine Lambers. There
is fome Trouble in the Management of it,
which is all the Reaſon I can offer for their
making ſo little Ule of it. In this part of
Sacca cuvor, where the Cattle are kept, is a
Tree call'd Rofeer; which is of ſingular Ser-
vice to the middle Sort of People to make
Lambers of: The Leaf is like that of a Cocoa-
Nut Tree, but longer by two Feet; they take
cff the outer-part, and put the other to dry
for two, or three Days together ; which is
then thin, and white, like a long Shaving :
Af-
[ 395 ]
After that they moiſen it again, and ſplit it
into Threads; which they knot in a very neat
Manner, and weave into Clath: Some of it
is frequentl; dv'd, and made into Lainbers
ſtrip'd.
This Tree bears a Fruit that much
refero:bles a Dam/on.
AF ER Rir Vove had taken a Review of
his Catile, and left behind him about two
hundred of hem, which he got by this Jour-
ncy.. we ieturn's Home to plant Rice; for
Men of the highe? Diſtinction here look
af er wheir Plantations themſelves; and take
Care to furniſh their Families with proper
Proviſions. He had not been long at Home,
before ſome Buſineis call'd him to Mcberbo;
and thro' Guy's Artifice, and Interceſſion, I
got Leave to accompany him; for I had a
Hrong Inclination 'o ſee the Engliſh-man, He
ſoon perceiv'd I was his Country-man, and
we were more over jov'd to ſee each Other,
than Relations are who live ever ſo distant :
His Name was William Thornbury, he had
been nine Years in the Country. 'Twas his
firſt Voyage ; for he was then a B.y, who,
like me, wa: reſolutely bent on going to Sea;
but a hard Gale of Wind ariſing ſuddenly,
drove the r Ship from her Anchors; and
whe.her ſome Pyrate was in Sight? or what
was the real Cauſe he could not tell? but
they never re urn'd, leaving him with the
Surgeon, and ano her Man aſhoar; the two
laſt in few vionths d/d wih Crief, and he
was let alone. The King took what finall
Quan-
[ 396 )
Quantity of Goods their Captain had left on
Shore, and ſent immediately for Thornbury':
He went, and his Majeſty very kindly told
him, He kad 110 Occaſi-n to fiar any lling ;
for he would take Care, be ſhould not only be
ſupply'd with wkatever ke Wanted; but that
he would, moreover, lend him Home by the firſt
Vefil. In all which he was as good as his
Word, nor ever atteinpted to inake a Slave
of him, as Mevarrow did of me; fo that
when we compar'd our hard Deſtinies, mine
was much the feverer of the two: He went
to the King's Eldeſt Wife for foine Toak, in
Order to treat me with it; which ſhe readily
granted.
I Have already given the Reader an Idea
of this King's Perſon: As to his hafty Tem-
per, and cruel Actions, I had heard much
Talk of them before now: William Thorn-
bury, however, let me more fully into his
Character: I found, upon taking in the whole
Detail of him, that Glory, and Ambition
were his principal Aim ; which he look'd
upon to conſiſt in the Wealth, and Profpe-
rity of his Country: For Saccalauv'r was
neither richer, nor more powerful than other
Countries, till his Acceffion to the Regal State.
But he leaving cxpellid both his Bro:hers up-
on his Aſſumption of the ſupreme Dignity;
One of them, as I have menrion'd before, fled
to Feraignler, and got Poſfellion of Part of
the Country to the Southward; the Other ac-
company'd by about eight hundred Men,
paſsed
[ 397 ]
paſs'd thorow the fine Country, where the
Cattle are kept, and where the Virzimbers at
that Time relided ; moving fill further to the
Northward, and ſetil'd on that River, which
the Europians at this Time call Maleleege :
The Virzimbers fied from him on his firſt
Approach, but finding that his. In:entions
were peaceable, and that he was only ſeek-
ing a Place of Refuge for himſelf; they re-
turn'd to their Habitations, and liv'd under
his Juriſdiction. Here he eſtabliſh'd a King-
dom almoſt as extenſive, and powerful as his
Brother's; which his Son, Deaan Tokcoffie is
now in tbe Poffeffion of. Rer Irinimen011-
gareto underſtanding his Brother had thus
happily ſetti'd himſelf, fent Embaffadors to
propoſe an amicable:Alliance between them;
which he, being a good-natur'd Man, readily
came into; hoping God, and his deceaſed
Father Deaan Lobefute, would forgive his
Brother; and for the future bleſs them both.
Rer Trimmonongarevo now careſs’d ſome
of the Virzimbers, and gave them Towns on
the Banks of Mernee: He was very Generous
likewiſe to his own Subjects, and made con-
ſiderable Preſents, not only of Cattle, but
Slaves to thoſe who had fufter'd Lofles in
his Service; but more eſpecially he took all
the engaging, and political Ways he could
deviſe, to tempt People from other Coun-
tries, to come and live in. Saccalauvor. I
have already mention'd his courteous Treat-
ment of the Feraingkor People, whoſe Fa-
milies
[ 398 ]
milies had been taken in War: reſtoring all
the Captives, and Cacile, to ſuch Matters,
and Relations as would come, and ſettle in
his Dominions: By this Means, they are
grown not only vaſtly populous, but rich,
and the People live in Plentv, as weil as
Peace; they reverence, and adore him, in
ſhort, as a tender, and indulgent Fa her of
his Country. But ſee now the Danger of
ſubmit ing implicitly to the arbitary Will,
and Pleaſure of any Man, even tho' he has
many uſeful, and great Virtues to recom-
inend him. People by flich Means beco:ne
Slaves to he MAN, who is not in e:ery Re-
ſpect an Hero; but attended with himan
Tirailties, and 1::bject :o Pallions leſs govern-
able than in Men of lower Station : S::perior
Greatneſs is his Vierv, which explain'd, is
Advancing his Prerogati e bevond I hat of
his Predeceſſors; and ſhewing, that he can de-
termine according to his own Will more ab-
folutely than any of his Contemporaries :
ABSOLUTE POWER is wha: all Ambitious
Princes aim at, and thirſt to enjoy it: This
the World may fee is the Darling Paſſion of
the Vicious Great ; and This was the Mis-
fortune that attended Saccalauror ; at leaſt
that Part of it, which was under the imme-
diate Juriſdiction of Rer Trimmono garcvo:
For the other Lords, his Sons, and Nephews
were as human as thoſe in any other Pirt of
the Illand; but the Authority he had uſurp'd
had made him 10 haughiy, and imperious,
that
1
( 399 )
that to ſhew he could act as he pleas’d, and was
not to be govern'd by the Traditional Laws;
when an Ambaſſador, or any Strangers were
at his Town, he would order fome one, or
other of any two contending Parties to iin-
mediate Execution for very trivial Faults ;
and sometimes for none at all. This barbas
rous Diſpoſition, however, did not appear,
till he was ſufficiently eſtabliſh'd in his Go-
vernment; and then ſeveral Inſtances of his
Cruelty were too conſpicuous. By theſe vile
Actions he loſt the Love of many of his Sub-
jects, who withdrew to live under more hu-
man Sovereigns Some quite abandon'd the
Country, and went to his Broiher's Son Touk-
offu; tho' they might have been tolerably
ſafe with his Sons, and Nephews: And this
is the only Remedy, which theſe people have
againſt Arbitrary Power ; for they have no
Notion of a Jus Divinum, as we call it ; nor
think themſelves oblig'd by the Laws of Re-
ligion to ſuffer any Impoſitions. The Lords,
likewiſe, have contracted a very laudable,
and human Cuſtom, of being extremely fond
of Relieving ſuch as are Diſtreſſed; even tho'
there has been Enmity before.
This was
Deaan Crindo's Son's Caſe when he fled to
Antenoſa, and this very King's Brother's, Rer
Mimebolambo's, when he fled to Feraignher;
and to this
my own Delive-
rance was principally owing.
I Was one Day in this Kings Preſence,
when there was a Crowd about him; and
up-
generous Virtue
[ 400 ]
upon his Coughing, and Fetching his Breatlı
a little uneaſy, the People fell immediately
proſtrate on the Ground: The Reaſon, as I
underſtood afterwards was, becauſe not long
before, in ſuch a Fit of ſhort Breathing he
took up a Blunderbuſs, and diſcharg'd it a-
mong them without ſpeaking a Word; or
making any other Excuſe, when he had thus
kill'd two, or three of his Attendants, thani
Why did they Nifle him ? I never ſaw ſuch ab-
ject Slavery on the Iſland before; and yet to
do him Juſtice I muſt ſay, he was far from
being in all his Actions, and Reſolutions, a
bloody Tyrant; for two, or three Inſtances
of ſevere Executions ( only excepted) which
he order'd out of Oftentation: His other Bar-
barities were only now and then, the Effects
of his inordinate Paſſion; which, indeed,
grew worfe; as he advanc'd in Years. It
muſt be acknowledg’d, that he directed cor-
poral Puniſhments oftner than were practis'd
in any other country. Here was, during
iny Reſidence amongit them, a Woman who
complain'd to him againſt another, for robu
bing one of his Wives, who was her Miſtreſs;
but
upon
Examination the Accuſer was found
a very ſorry Creature, and One, whoſe Ears
had been cut off for a former Miſdemea-
Some Emballadors being then preſent,
the wicked Wretch made Choice of that
Time, to accompliſh the End of her Malice
the more effectually; for as the People ex-
pected a bloody Deciſion, ſo it happen’d;
yet
+
dior.
[ 401 ]
+
yet One can hardly pronounce it was unjuſt,
tho' very fevere; for after hearing, with a
great Deal of Patience, all that ſhe alledg’d,
and enquiring into every minute Circum-
ſtance of the Caſe, he crder'd the baſe Ac-
cuſer to be carry'd off, and kill'd directly :
The Perſon ſo unjuſtly accus'd defir'd to
have the Liberty of being the Executioner
herſelf; with which he comply'd, and gave
her a Sword for that Purpoſe. She ſoon over-
took the proper Officer, who, ſeeing the King's
Sword, held the Criminal while the Other
cut her Throat. Theſe are Inſtances ſuffi-
cient to ſhew the Virtues, and Vices, as well
as the fingular Diſpoſition of this Extraordi-
nary King.
DURING my Stay here, I ſaw William
Purſer, the Interpreter, and ſeveral Others
of Feraignher; and among the reſt, my old
Friend Ry-Nanno (Rer V ovvern's Ambaſſa-
dor to Deaan Crindo, who was the firſt that
directed me to Feraignber ; ) came to pay
me a Viſit: He liv'd as great as in his own
Country, having voluntarily follow'd ſome
of his Family, who were taken Priſoners.
Rer Vove was now on his Return Home,
and my Country-man and I were to part,
which we did with no fmall Reluctance
:
yet not before we had given each other full
Inſtructions, where to find our reſpective
Friends, whoever ſhould be ſo happy as to
reach England firſt; which prov'd to be his
good Fortune.
Dd
SOME
1
( 402 ]
SOME few Days after we were got Home,
the two Amboer - lambo Emballadors, who
were at Moberbo, being on their Return into
their own Country, and paſſing thorow our
Town, Rer Vove prevail'd on them to ſtay
a Night with him, and allotted them a com-
modious Apartment, to which they invited
mc; and ſeated me on their own Mat be-
tween them.
Their Curioſity, they ſaid,
led them to enquire after the Manners, and
Cuſtoms of my Country in general ; and of
my own Adventures in particular : I grati-
fy'd thein in the beſt Manner I could, or ra-
ther ſo as they were beſt capable of under-
ſtanding me : For as to the Largeneſs, and
Grandeur of our Court, City, Fleets, and
Armies, &c. on all which I expatiated; they
would give no Credit to it; and, look'd up-
on it only as a meer Romance. In my Turn
I aſk'd them where their Country lay? They
told me, It was a mountainous, in-land Place,
divided into two Kingdoms, calld Ambocr-
lambo; which were govern'd by two Brothers:
They had vaſt large Ears, with ſilver Plates
in them, that glitter'd like Comets: I was very
deſirous to know how they came fo? They in-
förm'd me, That when they are young a ſmall
Hole only is made at firſt, and a Piece of Lead
put into it; when the Wound is beald, they
have a ſmall Spring-Ring put into it, which
extends it by Degrees; and after this another,
till the Hole is as large as they think convenient ;
then they place theſe filver Plates in it, wbich
are
( 403 )
are neatly niade, and exactly fitted to the Hole,
with great Precaution for Fear of breaking it.
Some of theſe Holes in their Ears are ſo large,
that a Woman may put ber Hand thorow it.
They have ſeveral Artificers among themſelves
who make theſe Ornaments. The poorer Sort,
they ſaid, who could not afford Silver, bad
thein of Tutaneg; which they call Feroch-
futey. They came into this Country to trade
chiefly in Iron, of which they make Abundance ;
bowever, they bring great Quantities of Silk
likewiſe. Their Vallies are very foggy, and
marſiy, unwholſom for Cattle, and not fit to
be inhabited; ſo that they buy Cattle. The
Mountains are ſo ſtony, that they have ſcarce
Earth ſufficient for the Foundations of their
Houſes. They told me moreover, That Rer
Trinmonongarevo will not ſell them any Guns,
nor ſuffer his people to ſupply them with Fire-
Arms. Before the Europeans had ſtock'd the
Mand with Guns, they were too ſtrong for the
Saccalauvors in Deaan Lohefute's Time; but
this King is at preſent too powerful. They
have (they ſaid ) a Trade fometimes to Mat-
tatanna and Antepoſa; but not ſuficient to
furniſ them with Arms and Ammunition. I
obſerv'd, That Metals of all kinds were Com-
modites they dealt in.
HITHERTO I liv'd pretty well; and, in-
deed, for about three Months afterwards; at
which Time a Ship came to Yong-Owl to
trade. Her Name ( as I have ſince been in-
form'd) was the Claphan-Gally, Capt.Wilks,
Dd 2
Com-
+
1
[ 404 ]
Commander. Thoſe, who had Slaves to ſell,
carry'd them down to the Sea-ſide: My Ma-
fter was likewiſe preparing fome for that
Purpoſe; the Thought of it almoſt tranſ-
ported me, yet I could not tell how to make
my Requeſt known: At Length I made my
Application to my Friend Guy, and having ex-
poftulated the Caſe with him, and his Wife,
Ī prevailid on him to ſolicit my Maſter, that
I might be ſent down, and ſold to the Cap-
tain; he made the Motion accordingly one
Evening in my Abſence: And it was happy
for me that I was Abroad, for had it not been
for the Mediation of fome Friends, he would
have found me out, and ſhot me directly.
As ſoon as I came to him he order'd me to
deliver him my Gun, ſaying, I was a Pri-
Soner of War, and a Slave too; and he would
inake me know as much. As for Will. he was
an unfortunate Youth indeed, and was left by
mere Accident upon the Shore ; there is a wide
Difference between his caſe
, and yours. Upon
which he call'd his Cook, Here, Mechorow,
(faid he ) Take Care of this white Captive ;
and fee, that he, like other Slaves, obeys your
Orders. Mecborow did not fail to obſerve his
Inſtructions, and was the ſeverer upon me ;
becauſe there was a Time when I had Au-
thority over him. He frequently made me
carry an Iron-pot on my Head, when Rer
Vove, and his Wife took their Pleaſure on
the Iſlands in the Middle of the River Meria
where one while he would go to kill
Wild.
nec ;
[ 405 ]
Wild-Fowl, and at another to deſtroy Alli-
gators. But before the Ship ſet Sail, I en-
deavour'd to inform the Captain by this Stra-
tagem: I took a Satter-Leaf, which was a-
bout two Inches broad, and a Foot and half
long, and mark'd upon it theſe Words fol-
lowing : Robert Drury. Son of Mr. Drury,
living at the King's Head in the Old Jewry;
now a Slave on the Iſland of Madagaſcar, in
the Country of Morandavo, or Yong-Owl. I
deſir'd the Favour of One, who was going
to the Sea-ſide, to deliver this Leaf to the firſt
white Man he ſaw; but when he return'd, r
aſk'd him, What Anſwer be had? None at all,
( ſaid he ) for I ſuppoſe the white Man did 1104
like it, ſince he threw the Leaf away; tho' I
am ſure it was as good, if not better than that
which you gave me: 'Tis true, I dropp?d yours,
but then I pulld one of the beſt I could find
from
off' a Tree. My Heart was ready to break at
this Diſappointment ; whereupon I turn'd
from him, and went directly into the Woods
to vent my Grief in Tears. I heard ſoon af-
ter, that Will. Thornbury was diſcharg'd ; I
was then in ſome Hopes that by his Means
my Redemption might be accom lifli’d: But
to my no ſmall Moriification, I ſoon heard
the Ship was fail'd, and not one Word of
me mention'd. This drove me alınoſt to
Madneſs, and what could be the Reaſon why
the Captain ſhould take no Notice of me, I
cannot conceive; for Will. Thornbury, doubt
leſs, would have mention'd me to him.
NoT
Dd 3
( 406 )
Not long after this, I was taken with a
violent Pain in my Bones; which at firſt I
took for a Cold: But it cncreas'd to that De-
gree, that I could not walk without Crutches.
This Diſeaſe continu'd three Months fuccef-
fively, and then I began to have large Boils,
or Blotches, break out all over my Body; iny
Neighbours ſoon perceiv'd it was the Colah,
or Paws; and Rer Vove ſent me to a Virzin-
ber's Houſe on the Banks of Mernee, in Or-
der for a Cure. They took the Bark of a
Tree, of which I don't recollect the Name,
ſteeping it in Water: With this they waſh'd,
and bath'd me every Day, which in a few
Weeks made my Bones much eaſier; and in
few Weeks more the Blotches dy'd, and wore
away; after which I recover'd my Strength
apace, I liv'd with theſe Virzimbers in all
about fix Months.
THESE People are almoſt of a different
Species from the Others: Their Heads are of
a peculiar Shape, the hinder Part, and the
Forchead are almoſt as flat as a Trencher :
But this I imagine to be unnatural, for 'tis
fram'd thus by a daily Preſſure of their Chil-
dren from the Cradle. Their Hair is nei-
ther ſo long, nor lo woolly as that of the O-
ther Nations. Their Religion, likewiſe, is
widely diſtant from other Peoples. They
have no Owleys in their Houſes, but pay an
awful Regard to the New Moon, and to fe-
veral Animals ; naniely, a Cock, a Lizard,
and the like. Whether they think theſe Crea-
tures
A.
[ 407
]
tures have Spirits, or not; or Dæmons that
attend them, I cannot determine; for when-
ever they diſcours'd among themſelves, it was
in a peculiar Language, to which I was ſo
much a Stranger, that I was not able to give a
ſufficient Reaſon for theſe Particulars. When
they ſeat themſelves to their Meals
, they take
a Bit of Meat, and throw it over their Heads,
ſaying, There's a Bit for the Spirit. In the
next Place, they cut four little Bits more,
and throw to the Sovereigns, or Rulers of the
four Quarters of the Earth. This is the con-
ſtant Practice of ſuch as have any Regard to
religious Ceremonies, but there are too many
who neglect it, as ſome in Europe; and look
on Saying Grace at their Meals, as an idle
Faſhion. They dreſs their victuals much
more agreeably than the other People; for
they always boil Plantins, or Potatoes with
their Meat, and make good Soop, and well
thicken'd as they do in Europe.
They make curious Earthen Ware, fuch
as Pots, Diſhes, and Jugs, glazing them both
within, and without ; and are very ingeni-
ous Artificers in many other Particulars. Tho'
their Ingenuity was ſuperior, yet I could not
perceive they ever form’d themſelves into re-
gular Kingdoms, or into large Common-
wealths, but herded together in Towas; each
Town being a diſtinct, and independent Re-
publick, which too often produc'd Quarrels,
and Bloodſhed; one little Town ſtanding in
Oppoſition to another: There being no ge-
neral
D d 4
[ 408 ]
neral Law, or Government, which could
ſettle their juſt Claims, or determine any un-
happy Diffentions between one Town, and
another; till they in this part made Rer Trim-
INonongarevo their Patron, and Protector,
whilſt Others put their whole Confidence in
Deaan Tokeoffu. There are more of them, as
I have heard, in other Parts of the Iſland,
ſcatter'd up, and down, who ſhift their Ha-
bitations; which theſe were wont to do for-
merly. 'Tis no eaſy Matter to determine,
whether theſe are not the Original Natives,
or firſt Inhabitants of the Land. I obſerv'd
here, that Difference in Religion was look'd
upon as no Crime, nor any Offence to one
another: Moreover, that they, like the Others,
have no Prieſts.
Having now in great Meaſure recover'd
my Strength, I began to reflect on the Mi-
ſery of returning to my former Slavery; and
for that Reaſon afier fome Conflict with iny-
ſelf, I determin'd to run the Riſque of throw-
ing myſelf at Rir Moume's Feet, to beg his
Protection, be the conſequence what it would;
Death being preferable to perpetual Slavery.
Having imbib'd this Notion, I deſir'd my
Landlord one Morning to put me over the
Water in his Canoe ; for I would willingly
pay a Viſit to a Friend on that Side, it not
being above two Hours Walk to Rer Moume’s
Town.
At my Arrival I found him fitting under
a Kind of Pent-houſe, wth his Wives round
abou
[ 409 ]
about him: I laid down, and lick'd his Feet,
then riſing upon my Knees, I lifted up my
bands, and ſu'd to him for Mercy and Prote&tion
from the ill Treatment of my Maſter Rer Vove;
be having made the moſt abjeet Slave of me, for
only deſiring a Friend to beg of bim to fell me
(not to make a Preſent of me) to my own Coun-
try-men; that I might ſee my dear Parents once
more, from whom I had been abſent fo many
Years. My Maſter infifted that I was his
Slave, bis Priſoner of War, tho' I was there
no otherwiſe than Will. was here, a poor, un-
happy: Creature wandring about till I could find
an Opportunity to get to my Native Country,
and was no Enemy of bis, neither was I takere
in Arms: Should You deliver me up to him he
would doubtleſs kill me, and there will be an
End of all my Sorrows; but I live in Hopes of
finding Mercy from you. I ſoon perceiv'á thát
my mournful Tale affected him ; for the
Tears ſtood in his Eyes, and ſome of the
Women actually wept. He bid me riſe, and
be aſſur'd, that he would not deliver me up
to Rer VoveShould my Kinſman (ſays he )
want Slaves to do bis Work ( tho' I know the
contrary) I will ſend him two, or thrce in your
Stead: Be not afraid, I will both protect, and
provide for you. Then turning to one of his
Conſorts, Here Ry Anzacker, ſays he, do you
from henceforth be Robin's Mother; and take
Care he wants for nothing. All I fall deſire
of you ( fays he to me ) will be to lock after
iny Cheſt of Arms, cohich are on hundred, or
inore
[ 410 ]
more in Number; and ſee that my Flints, and
Shot are all kept in Order, and you mall bave
Servants too to do the Work. Then calling a
Slave, he gave him Directions to build me a
Houſe next to my Mother's, within the Pal-
liſade. In two Days I was a Houſe-keeper.
Ry Anzacker prov'd very kind to me, and I
never walk'd out without my Gun in my
Hand like a Freeman.
In few Days after ſeveral Meſſengers came
from Rer Vive to Rer Moume. I was by,
when, in their Lord's Name, they demanded
his white Slave : Ror Moume examin'd them
firſt, to know if what I had told was Matter
of Fact; and when he found it was, I a112
Sorry ( ſaid he ) my Kinſman is ſo rah, and
thoughtleſs
, a young Man to act after this Man-
ner, Did
Did any one ever fee before, a white
Man a Slave to a black Man's Cook-Slave
unleſs it was among the worſt of Brutes in that
unpoliſh'd Country Anterndroea ? It was a very
injuſt Thing to force him from Feraingher;
and when be was bere, it would have been the
Part of a wiſe, and honeſt Man to have pre-
fented Robin to the Engliſh Captain, and
made a Merit of taking Care of him. In ſo do-
ing he had done a generous Aetion, and it would
have reflected an Honour on himſelf, and on us
all: He fould recollect the many Benefits we
have receiv'd from the Engliſh, and that
we were inſulted by all our Neighbours, till
they furniſli'd us with Arms. Here, take this
Woman-Slave, and give her to him ; he is
able
;
[ 411 ]
he
able to do more Service than Robin, in Caſe he
wants Work from him: As for my Part, Iſball
make 110 Slave of him, I'll aſure you ; he
may
go when he will, and live where he will
i even
with Rer Vove, if he thinks proper; and does
not care to live with me. However, I Mall
not conſent to that, unleſs I am well ſatisfy'd
of his being more courteouſly treated. Here,
Take the Woman in bis Stead. They came
again the next Day with the Woman, and
renew'd their Yeſtes day's Demand; to which
gave an Anſwer in direct Terms, that
They ſhould not have me.
I was treated here in a moſt courtous
Manner by all the King's Wives; but par-
ticularly by my Mother, Ry Anzacker; they
taking great Delight in the many Stories I
told them of my Misfortunes, and Adven-
tures: I us'd frequently to go with Rer
Moume to a ſpacious Lake, which had Iſlands
in it, ſeveral Miles round, call'd the Ke-
reendea. This Place was formerly drowned
by the Mernee's breaking its Banks. Rer
Moume was always carry'd in a Vehicle, not
mich unlike a Sedan; and had a Canoe large
enough to hold twenty Men, in which was
a Seat made on purpoſe for him; he not
being able to fit, as other People did, upon
the Floor. Several other Canoes of ten, and
Five Hands, and ſome ſmall ones of two,
us’d to accompany him. Our principal Em-
ployments were Fiſhing, and Fowling; in
which the Virzimbers are very dexterous,
making
4
[ 412 ]
making Nets of various kinds, and alſo Fiſh-
hooks for Angling; which was Rer Mozime's
favourite Diverſon, His Son, Ror Clulit
would often divert himſelf with killing Alli-
gators; and the Weapon he generally us'd
was a Harpoon, with a Head fix'd cn it, and
a Rope faſten'd to the Steel, and Staff both:
Being thus furniſh'd with Tackle, they paddle
along the Water towards the Alligator, whom
they generally eſpy at a Diſtance; for they
keep their Noſes above Water, and appear
like a floating Cake of Cow-dung. When
they come within ten, or a dozen Yards of
him, he finks to the Bottom, and crawls a
good Way before he ſtops; but his Path is
diſcover'd by a Bubble that riſes up, and
where it ſtands they ſtrike; for they will lye
fiat on their Bellies with their Sides preſs’d
out, where they hear a Noiſe; ſo that they
are often ſtabb'd with the Harpoon: Tho'
ſhould it light on their Backs, or Heads, it
will make no inore Impreſſion than it wiuld
on a Rock.. The Virzimbers make a Net of
Ropes, with large Maſhes, and with theſe they
fonetimes take thein ; they alſo take ihem
with Snares made of Spring-ſticks, which
draw Nooſe in a Rorc; hefe they place
at the Mouth of a Rivules, or ſmall Canal :
And by theſe Methods I have known Rer
Chulu, and his Company killtwenty, or thirty
Alligators in a Day.
Rer Moume made me a Preſent of three.
Cows, which caly'd in four months ; he ask'd
me,
.
up a
( 413 )
me, Why I did not marry? I told him, I could
110t well maintain a Wife, and that at preſent
I liv'd very well, and much better than I could
with a Woman to provide for. He ſaid, It
Wus not look'd upon as decent for a Man to live
Jingle; and as for ber Maintenance, I'll 1206
only put it in your Power to do that, but rem
commend One to you likewiſe. So as I per-
ceiv'd he was ſerious, I was ſoon perſuaded ;
but with this Proviſo, That he ſhould not com-
pel the Woman, but aſk her Confent, and leave
it to her own Choice; to which he readily a-
greed. So fending for One who was an At-
tendant on my Mother, he open'd the Caſe to
her, and told her, She mould be my Wife if ſhe
thought fit; and bid her Speak ber Mind freely;
for he did not intend ſhe fiould ſubmit to it throw
any Compulſion. But with an Air of Chear-
fulneſs ſhe ſaid, She approvd of the Motion.
Upon this Rv Anzacker touk her back again,
to dreſs her up very fine with Beads, and a
new filk Lamber, &c. and preſented her to
me, I deſir'd that the Prince would make a
formal Marriage of it, by Taking hold of ber
Hand firſt'; and then aſking us both, If we
gave our mutual Conſent? And then by Giving
her Hand into mine : All which he readily
gratify'd me in, with Abundance of Affabi-
lity, and good Nature, and was very merry;
as the Women were, likewiſe, according to
Cuſtom on ſuch Occaſions. The Ladies at-
tended us Home, but not empty handed; for
they gave us a large Quantity of ſuch Kind
of
}
12
!
i
laſt;
[ 414 ]
of Furniture as we principally wanted. The
Prince too gave me the Day following a Plan-
tation with Rice, and Potatoes, &c. growing
upon it, and fit to dig. He gave me, more-
over, a Slave, a Boy about ſixteen Years of
Age; and in a ſhort Time, he ſent me with
Others to fetch away fome Cattle from a
Man, who, upon Examination before him,
liad been found guilty of ſtealing ſeveral from
his Neighbours; for which Facts he was fined
twenty Beeves. This was the firſt Time I
was ever ſent on ſuch an Errand, tho' not the
and People of the beſt Rank are fond of
this Employment; for they never fail of a
good Preſent for their Trouble. He gave.
me, likewiſe, a Cow with her Calf, and a
young Bull of three Years old. Whenever I
wenc on any ſuch Occaſions afterwards, I ne-
ver had leſs than one Beaſt for my Labour,
and ſometimes two; ſo that I grew rich, and
fent moſt of my Cattle four Miles off, agree-
ing with a Man to give him the tithe Calf of
ſuch as he ſhould rear for me; keeping three
Cows only at Home for Milk: So that now I
liv'd as happy as the Coụntry could afford me;
nay, ſo much to my Satisfaction, that had I
not a Deſire to ſee my Parents once again, I
queſtion whether I ſhould ever have taken any
Pains to get to England; and even when I
wiſh'd for it, I was perfectly eaſy; ſince I
was aſſur'd that Will. Thornbury would in-
form my Friends where I was ; and how the
World went with me.
SOME
( 415 )
N
SOME Months after this, Rer Vove fent
Word, that he purpos'd to pay his Uncle a Vi-
ſit; upon which I went directly to Rer Moume,
and told him, I was going for three, or four
Days to pay my Reſpects to his Son, Rer Che-
munghoher. I know (Jaid Rer Moume ) what
jou
mean, but
joil
have 110 Occafior to fear Rer
Vove; for he shall never have you againſt your
Will: And at the ſame Time he perſuaded
me to ſtay, and ſee him; which I did. Af-
ter ſome previous Diſcourſe about Buſineſs,
and they had drank a Cup, or two of Toak
together, he caſt his Eyes on me, and told
his Uncle, He was furpriz'd that he ſhould
uſe him in ſo uncivil a Manner, as to detain
bis Slave. Rer Moume reply'd, He was azot
conſcious of keeping any Slave
of his from him,
and if he would nominate the Perſon, be ſhould
be inſtantly reſtor'd. Why there he ſtands (ſays
Rer Vove. Ibope ( ſays the Uncle) you don't
mean Robin, the white Man. Is he a Slave
of yours? I am aſham'd of your Imprudence to
Say ſo. Is it not to the white Men, but more
specially to his Country-men the Engliſh, that
we are indebted for the Riches we enjoy We,
who formerly were inſulted by the Amboer-
lambo People, and other Nations around us, are
by theſe Engliſh-inens Guns made too powerful
for them; and by the Beads, Looking-glaſſes,
&c. which they bring in Plenty, our late Ene-
mies are fond of our
Friendſhip, and Traffick.
And don't
you think it a fine Story for Will. to
tell, That one of his Country-men, who happen'd
to
[ 416 ]
be ſhipwreck'd in this Country, was made a
Slave of by a black Lord of Morandavo? But
to ſatisfy you, that I don't treat him like a Slave,
Le is at bis Liberty to go this Moment where he
pleaſes; and take his wife, bis Slave, and his
Cattle with him; nay, back with you, if you
can prevail on him ſo to do; and give me your
Word, and Honour, that jou will make him a
Freeman. After this Manner he argu'd with
his Nephew, and reproach'd him with Indif-
cretion, as well as Inhuinanity, by treating a
Man in Diſtreſs with too much Severity, till
he convinc'd him of his Miſtake ; inſomuch,
that he deſir'd I would come, and ſee him in
the Evening, which I did. At my Entrance
into the Houſe I lick'd his Knee, as a Teſti-
mony of my Reſpect; but not his Feet, to
let him fee that I knew I was a Freeman.
Heus'd many Arguments to induce mc to live
with him, and made me very large Promiſes ;
which, probably, he might have perform’d:
For he was no vile Perſon, but only too raſh,
and inconſiderate. He alſo ſet Guy to influ-
ence me, if poſſible, who made Uſe of one
engaging Argument; namely, That Rer Vove
intended to travel into the Dominions of other
Princes, out of Curioſity to fee their various
Manners and Cuſtoms. I told Guy the true
Reaſon why I would not conſent to it; which
was, That I was much nearer the Sea now that"
when with them; and that I did not queſtion,
but Rer Moume would ſend me Home by the firſt
Ship that came. After this I ſat, and drank
Toar
[ 417)
Teak with them, then took my Léavė, and
was returning Homeward; but Rir Vote fol-
low'd me, and deſir'd I would never mention
liis Amour with his Kinſman's Wiſe;. which
I aſſur'd him I never would whilft I liv'd in
the Country; and ſo we parted good friends.
It will not be improper, I preſume, to make
one curſory Remark here, which is, That this
gay, young Gentleman was highly to be com-
mended for ſo readily conceding to his Uncle's
Arguments, attending to what he ſaid with
Reverence, and being convinc'd by Reaſon.
Thus I liv'd with Rer Moume, as eaſy,
änd happy, as he could poflibly make me ;
and the only Misfortune that now attended
me, was my Reſidence in a Foreign Coun-
try: But my hard Deſtiny had ſtil] one 'me-
lancholy Scene, or Danger more, to affright
me with before I left this INand; and it was as
horrible, and ſhocking to human Nature, as
any I had hitherto undergone; and the inore
fo, becauſe altogether unexpected, not only by
myſelf, but every One elſe; which was thus
introduc'd: Tbere liv'd at Moherbo, one Fran-
cilco, an inoffenſive Man, born in the Eaſt In-
dies, of Portugueſe Parents; but as black as
1120ft of them. He had liv'd bere many Ticarsi
to bis Satisfaction, never propoſing to remove
from off the Ifrind; be had beri tukei by Py-
Fates, who, ct bis Requeſt, let bim aſhcar. This
Man, tho'a Surgeon (as be faid) by Profefin;
gjet had a mechanical Head; eſpecially to Car-
penters and Joiners Buſinejs and bad
firniſhe'd
Еe
biure
[ 418 ]
himſelf with Tools for his purpoſe; and us'd fre-
quently to oblige the Princes and Lords with ma-
king them Cheſts, &c. Rer Moume jènt; and
deſir'd him to get Leave of Rer Trimmorion-
garevo to come, and make him One; which he
.did: As this Artificer ſpoke the Madagaſcar
Language freely, we were agreeable Companions.
He told me, as Part of his ſecret Hiſtory, that he
was violently in Love with a young Woman ;
whoſe Parents, tho' they were not inclin'd to
the Match, yet did not poſitively give him a De-
vial. After he had ſtay'd bere near two Months,
and finiſh'd what Ret Moume had to do, he was
diſmiſs'd with a generous Reward.
When he had been ſome Months at Home, with
Rer Moume's Leave, I went to viſit him at Mo-
herbo, and found bim very ill, and melancholy:
his Miſtreſs in bis Abſence having marry'd ano-
ther Perfon, which he took to Heart. He had
made her ſeveral Preſents, during his Courta
ſhip, and receiv'd her Promiſe of Marriage,
which, on bis ill Treatment, he demanded of her
Parents again, and on their Refuſal complain'd
to the King ; be being in Eſteem, and always
near his Perſon. His Requeſt was reje&ted, the
King ſaying, He would never compel Parents
to diſpoſe of their Children againſt their Incli-
nations. Upon which, Franciſco ſaid indiſcretely
in the King's Hearing, That as ſoon as he was
recover'd of his Illneſs, he would leave Mo-
herbo, and live under Rer Moume. I had been
herë but a few Days before he began to gather
Strength, and then he and I went to the King's
Court :
1
.
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....
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ILL
u
1
[ 419 ]
Corrt: As I was ſtanding by him the King caſt
an angry Eye upon me, and ask'd, Who that
white Man was with his Gun upon his Shoul-
der ? Franciſco anſwer'd, It is Rer Moime's
white Man, who came to give me a Viſit.. Is
it fo, ſaid he, then I know what he wants.
Come hithér. What's your Buſineſs here
pray? I, beirig conſcious of bis barbarous Diſpo-
fitión, anſwer'd in a faint, and trembling voice,
Only to viſit my, fick Friend.
Yes, reply'd
the Kirig, your Friend there, in my Hearing,
faid he would go to your Maſter Rer Moume,
as ſoon as he was recover'd; and, I ſuppoſe,
you
are come to conduct him thither; but I'll
ſpoil your Project. Here, Meſoro,:(calling.
to the Officer) take this white Slave to the Place
of Exécution, diſpatch him preſently, and
bring his Gun to me. The People were ſtruck
with Surpriſe as well as inyfelt ; however, I
was led out for Execution, and Multitudes fola
low'd me ; ſome of whom defir’d to ſhake Hands
with me, and take their Leave of me i' which
the Executionér permitted: I was ſo ſhock'd
with the Tyger-like Leap; which this ſavage
Brute made at my Life; that I became Stupid;
not knowing whether I was in a Dream, till Í
came to the Place of Execution, where I ſaw the
Bones of ſeveral Wretches Zye unbury'd: Rouzing
from my Lethargy, I began to weep piteouſly,
and to pray to God to receive my Soul. What
a ſhocking Turn of Fortune was this ! That
One, who but ſome few Minutes before, was,
furrounded by his Friends; One, whoſe Mind
Ee
was
[ 420 ]
was innocent, and free from Evil ; whoſe Acti-
ons were inoffenſive, and of whom no Man
could jufily complain, ſhould, in a Moment,
be doom'd to die an ignominious Death by
the Hands of a common Executioner, like a
vile Malefactor; on no other Account, but to
gratify the Refentment of an old doating, chu-
lerick Savage. While I was thus bemoaning
my hard Faie, and the Prople pitying my deplo-
rable Coſe; inſtead of falling on the Monſter,
and freeing themſelves and me from bis Tyranny,
a Voice was beard at a Diſtance, Stay - ſtay,
don't kill Robin. The Words were foon re-
peated, and the Meſſenger came forward with
Orders to bring me back : At which the People
gave a general Shout for Joy. Whin I came
before the King, not only his principal IVifa,
but the reſt of them were on their Knees, with
Tears in their Eyes; nay, ſome Men too were
expoftulating with bim i telling him be would
bring irretrievable Ruin, and Deſolation on his
Country; the fatal Effeets of which bis great
Grand-children would certainly feel, when the
achite Men ſhould bear of his Barbarity to one
of their Country-men, who had done noćbing to
deſerve it. This
, at Length, afwag'd the Heat
of his Fury; telling me, I might thank my
Friends, or I had been Dog's Meat by this
Time: However, fag's le, I'll mortify your
Pride ftill. Here, Pays be to three Meni, tako
him, fetter'd as he is, and carry him, and his
Gun to Rer Moume; and my Son,
I expect he ſhould treat him like a Slavs as he
is;
pray tell
.
( 421 ]
is; and not let him ſtrut about like a Lord,
with his Gun upon his Shoulder. Hereupon,
I fell proftrate on the Ground, and lick's his
Fect, the People making Signs to me fo to do:
Upon this be bid me thank his Women; I then
paid my Reſpects to Ry Chemotoca, and two,
or three more; and did fo with all Sincerity;
for it was to their Entreaties I ow'd my Life.
We went direEtly on our Journey, and every
Town we paſi'd thorow, the People aſkd with
Aſtoniſhment, What Crimne the white Man
had been guilty of, that he ſhould be thus
bound? To whom my Guard, without palliating
the Caſe in the King's Favour, told the Truth ;
for which every One ſeem'd to pity me, and re-
ſent the King's ill Uſage of me. At Night, when
we came to lye down to Reſt, they aſk'd me,
Whether I would have my Hands unty'd, or
not? Ink'd them, What were their Orders?
They ſaid, Their Orders were to keep me
bound. Then, ſaid I, Tho' it is ſomewhat
painful to me, yet you ſhall not hazard your
Lives for my Eafe. So I lay as well as I could
all Night, and the next Day travelld in the
ſame Manner; every now, and then looking be-
hind me with Fear, left he ſhould change his
Mind, and ſend ſome One after us to diſpatch
me; for I could not think myſelf Fafe till I ſaw
Rer Moume again.
As we walk'd along, my Guards told me I
was the firſt, who ever return'd alive from the
Place of Ěxecution ; which I could not but im.
pute to an All-rciſe, and Over-ruling Provi-
dence.
Еe 5
[ 422]
dence. They told me likewiſe, that He ſtabb'd
one of his chief Wives ( tho' when his Paſſion
was over he repented it ) for breaking Wind
downwards, whilft his Head was in her Lap,
with Intention to ſleep. Another, Inſtance of
bis "Inhumanity, tlo?'attended with ſome Ju-
ftice, was, In Ordeſing one of his own Sons
to be extended on a Mat, and his Throat to
be cut before his 'Face, for being too free
with one of his Wives.
We could not reach to our Journey's End this
Evening' by two Hour's Walk ; ſo we reſted,
and the next Morning we ſet out early, and ar-
riv'd ſafe' at our Town; where the People were
all furpriz'd to ſee me thus bound, and guarded.
Some ran before to inform the Prince, who be-
forë' we came within his Palliſade, was ſitting
with his Wives, and ſeveral Õthers round about
him in great Expectation. As ſoon as the Men
were ſcated, they told their Meſage; I ſtood all
tbe while with iny Hands bound behind me.
After he bad examind into the Affair, and
found how the Cali was, bis Countenance fell ;
the 'Tears one }bile ſtood in his Eyes, as he
view'd me with Pity; Anori" be frown'd with
Indignation; the Women too mord in 1lly
Di-
ſtreſs. And is this all, ſays he, the poor Man
has been ſo ſeverely üs'd for? Robin, Come
hither, I'll ſhew you how inuch I regard my
Father's Advice in this Cafe.'Upon vehich he un-
loos'd' iny Hands, and order'd one of his Atten-
dants to fetch bim ä fine Silk Lamber, which
be would make me put on directly ; then taking
112y
( 423 1
zny Gnn from the Men, he gave
it me again;
and made me a Preſent beſides of fix Cows. 1
told him the Meſſengers had been very civil to
me, for which he not only thank'd them, but
made them a Preſent of an Ox. 'Tis my Fa-
ther, I own, ſays he, who has done this; for
that Reaſon I ſhall reſtrain my Reſentment,
and ſay little of it; but had any other Man,
tho' a near Relation, nay, my own Son, acted
in this Manner, he ſhould have felt the Weight
of my Anger. My Wife came, and lick'd mv
Feet, expreſſing both her Concern for my ill
Treatment, and her Joy for my Return. This
was about fifteen Months from the firſt Time ]
came to Rer Moume.
I Was now poſſeſs’d of near thirty Head of
Cattle, and liv'd in Affluence and Eaſe. I
kill'd a young Bullock, and the Part I kept
to myſelf I flead, and falted after the Engliſh
Mode ; of the Tallovy I made as good Candles
as I could : That Part which I gave to my
Neighbours had the Skin on; for we have the
fame friendly Cuſtoms here, as in other Parts
of the Iſland, neither do their Manners differ;
except in the idle Cuſtom of the Royal Fa-
milies killing Cattle. Here they eat Swine's-
Fleſ, and think it as good as other Proviſion.
Rer Chulu kept a Pack of Dogs on Purpoſe to,
hunt wild Boars ; but they are not of the
Hound-kind. Their Religion is the ſame exactly,
and their ſuperſtitious Regard to unlucky Days
and Hours, implicitly believing all the Umoja
ſee tells them; infomuch, that Numbers of
poor
Ee 4.
( 424 )
poor Children are privately murder'd, who
are
born on an Albaida, or a yumor, which
are Sunday and Friday; for when I came on
þoard the Ship, I carefully remark'd how the
Days anſwer'd with ours; and found that
Alboida was Sunday; Alletenine, Monday;
Talawter, Tueſday ; Alarrerbere, Wedneſ-
day ; . Çoinemeeſley, Thurſday ; Jumor, Fri-
day; and Sarbuchee, Saturday. Tho' theſe
Denominations are us'd throughout thelland,
yet they regard no one Day more than ano-
ther, only as they immagine come to be lucky,
and others unlucky; for they have no Notion
of a Sabbath amongſt them. Rer Moume, hav-
ing loſt the Uſe of his Limbs, ſent all over
the Iland, for the moſt famous Umojees he
could hear of, to conſult with them for Rę-
lief; they being Phyſicians as well as Prophets.
One of them during my Stay here, confin'd
him for tivo Months, bąthing, ſweating, and
cupping him to little, or no Purpoſe; how-
ever he made him ample Satisfa&tion for his
Trouble; as he did all Others, who did him
any Service.
I Liv'd with Rer Moume about two Years,
and a half in all; at the End of which Term,
News was brought that two Ships were ai-
rivd at Yong-Owl to trade. I was overjoy'd
to hear it, and flatter'd in yſelf that IV. Thorn-
bury had not forgot me: They ſtay'd there
ſeveral Days, and Slaves were ſent to be ſold,
and Guns," and other Goods were return'd for
them. 'I was 'at a Loſs how to break my Mind
to
[ 425 )
A
to Rer Moume, hoping he would ſay ſome-
thing to me of his own Accord;. but as I was
fitting with him one Evening, two Men came
in with a Basket of Palmetto Leaves few'd up,
and deliver'd it to the Prince; who apen'd it,
and finding a Letter, aſk'd the Men, What
they meant by giving lim that? The Captain,
they ſaid, gave it us for your wbite Man; but
we thought proper to let you ſee it firſt. Pray,
ſays he, give it him all. Here, Robin, your
Country-men bave ſent you a Preſent; what it
is I don't know, but to me, it ſeems, of very
little Value. Accordingly I took the Basket,
and with the Letter there were Pens, Ink,
and Paper, in order for my returning an
Anſwer. The Superſcription was this :
To Robert Drury, on the Iſland of Mada-
gaſcar.
I was ſo aſtoniſh'd, that at firſt I had
ņot Power to open it, concluding I was in a
Dream ; but at Length, recovering my Sur-
prize, and after a little Recollection, I opend
it; and found it caine from Capt. William
Macket : The Contents whereof were to the
Effect following:
Hat He had a Letter on Board from 1929
Father, with full Inſtructions as well froni
Him as bis Owners, to purchaſe my Liberty;
let it coſt what it would: And in Café I could
not podibly come down 175/elf, to find hims Word
the
[ 426 )
the Reaſon of it, and what Meaſures he ſhould
take to ſerve me.
Rer Moume perceiv'd that my Counte-
nance chang'd whilſt I was reading the Let-
ter; and aſk'd me, What was the Matter ?
I told him, That the Captain deſir'd to ſpeak
with me; and that
niy Father bad fint for me
Home, and loped that he would pleaſe to give
bis Content. How do you know all this? Says
the Prince; Can you conjure? Then turning
to the Meſſengers, Have you, pray, beard
any Thing like this? Yes, ſaid they, It is all
the Diſcourſe at the Sea-ſide, Ibat Robin's
Father fent both theſe Ships for him; and more
than all this, the King, your Father, expects
hi12 there with your Leave, and deſires to ſee
him before he goes to the Ship. Rer Moume
took the Letter, and turning it over and over,
faid, He bad board of ſich Methods of convey-
ing Intelligence to one another, but never actum
ally ſaw it before ; and could not conceive
which Way it could be done without Conjura-
tion. I endeavour'd to demonſtrate to him,
as well as I could, how we learn'd in our In-
fancy the Characters firſt, and then we put
them together. But, ſays he, I preſume you
bave no Inclination to leave us now, ſince you
live kere ſo much at your Eaſe ; you have le-
veral Cattle, and a Slave, and if you shall
want more you li:all have them; You ſhall bave
too, as many Wives as you pleaſe ; and be a
Great Man. I begg'd him to make my Cafe
his
[ 427 ]
my
his own, and that he would pleaſe to confi-
der, Whether be fould not be deſirous of ſecing
his parents, and Native Country ; bad be
been abſent ſo long as I bad? I think I ſhould,
he ſaid; and therefore I will take it into Con-
fideration, and ask my Wives Advice about it,
and give an Anſwer in the Morning.
My Readers may eaſily imagine what a
Night of Diſorder this was to my Mind; agi-
tated with Hopes on one Hand, and with
Fears on the other: However, I took Care
to attend him as ſoon as ever he was ſtirring,
and ſeated with his Wives about him. After
he had look'd ſtedfaſtly on me for ſoine Time,
Robin, ſays he, I have opend your Affair to
Wives here; and your Mother, Ry Anzac-
ker, and one, or two more, conſent to your
Going ; but the reſt are all againſt it : How-
ever, let them ſpeak for themſelves; it is out
of Reſpect to you, that they are deſirous yoii
ſhould continue amongſt them. Upon this, I
turn'd towards them, and without waiting
to hear what they had to offer, begg'd them
to conſider as they were Mothers, Whether,
or 10, if a Child of theirs was in a ſtrange
Country, they ſhould not have an earneſt In-
clination to ſee him, and be them? Hereupon,
the Prince told me, If I was willing to ſtay,
he zeould all along, as he had hitherto done,
treat me like his own Şon, but he would not
make uſe of Compulfion ; Jo that if I was re-
ſolutely bent on going he would diſmiſs me. .
Moreover, he told me, That my Slave ſhould
go
.
[ 428 )
go with 1.c; that As to my Cattle, they were
mnine. to diſpoſe of, as I plecrs’d. : I reply'd, If
bcmuas do good as not to take 1199 Cattle from nie,
tlo' they were in Faet bis ocn, they might ſtill
riinain there as they were mark'd for mine :
For I was fully determin’d to make one Voy-
age more bere, in Hupes of having it in niy
Power to make bim fime Amends for the great
Care be bad taken of me, by bringing a Slip
to trafick with lim : ( And in this I was very
finccre, and was afterwards as good as my
Word.) I aſk'd him, If he thought proper
to demand any Conſideration of the Captain for
14
Freedom. He anſwer'd, Nothing ; but if
117y Friends would make him a Preſent of a
good Gun, befiould accept of the Favour; and
call it Robin, in Remembrance of me. This
Noble, Generous Anſwer, and ro Prince-like,
gave me ſuch Tranſports of Joy, that I im-
mediately kncelid down, and lick'd his Feet
with the utmoſt Sincerity, as juftly thinking
I could never expreſs my Gratitude enough
to this Good, this Indulgent Prince. He.
would not diſmiſs nie inftantly, but did in a
Day, or two after; and order'd the Meſſengers
to be taken Care of in the nican Time. When
the Day of my Departure came, I had one
remaining Difficulty to get over, and that
was the Parting with my Wife, the Women
of the Prince's Family, and Himſelf; which
I did wiih as much Reluctance, as when I
left my natural Parents, at ny Departure
from theni ; and they diſcover'd an equal,
tender
( 429 ]
tender Affection for me : He would not,
however, let us go empty-handed, but of-
der'd an Ox for our Subſiſtance on our Jour-
ney ;
and appointed likewiſe two of his,
own People to accompany the other two;
and then wc ſet forward
I Had yet one ſuſpicious Circumſtance ſtilt
to paſs over, and that was to call on Rero
Trimmonongarevo : This gave me no ſmall
Uneaſineſs; but when we came near Moberbo,
we were inform’d, that he was gone to a Place
within an Hour's Walk of the Sea-ſide. As
ſoon as I approach'd him, he inſtantly made
an Apology for his too-warm Conſtitution ;
and confefs'd, Tlat he had ſometimes done Mif-
chief in bis Paſſion, but loped I would excuſe
bimi for what bad paſs'd; and ſaid, He was
loth to let : ine go till the Ship was near upor
Sailing ; left I bould prove detrimental to the
Trade. 'I told him, I had no Complaint to
make, ſince bis Son bad been so indulgent to
me ; and that if be pleas'd to diſiniſs me at
my Friends Requeſt, they would take it as a
Faucur ; but ſhould be detail me, when they
knew I was jo near, I did not know that ill
Confiquences might enfic thereupon. He kept
mc, however, this Night, but diſmiſs'd nie
with his Blelling the next
Morning ; pray-
ing, That God, and the Dæmons twould be
my Guardians, and ſend me ſafe to my Native
Country. So I lick'd his feet, and took my
laſt Farewel of him, and of this odd, and
filthy Cuſtom likewiſe.
WHEN
[ 430 ]
WHEN I came down to the Sea-ſide, the
firſt Man who ſpoke to me was William Pur-
fer; my old Acquaintance in Feraingher :
He came away, to live in more Security and
Plenty, as well as ſeveral Others; and was
at this Time Interpreter for the Trade. Here
were ſeveral Houſes, but ſuch as the Engliſi
call Huts, erected by the Inhabitants, at a
ſmall Diſtance from the Factory, for the
more commodious Selling of Milk, and other
Proviſions. There I met Mr. Hill, the
Steward of the Drake, Capt. Macket's Ship,
and two, or three more of their Crew; who
took me for a wild Man : 'And in a Letter
he ſent off by a Canoe to the Captain, he
told him, The wild Engliſh-man was come.
I deſir'd William Purſer to inform them,
that I could ſpeak but little Englijn; and tho'
by the Converſation I had with Williani
Thornbury I had regain'd ſome , yet I was
frequently puzzld for Words to ſpeak freely
for ſeveral Days. Capt. Macket foon camć
on Shore, and Capt. Bloom with him; for
here were two Ships, the Drake, and the
Sarah. I gaz'd at them as intently, as if I
had never ſeen a white Man dreſs'd before ;
and what added to the Wildneſs of my Ap-
pearance, was, that I had nothing on but my
Lamber : My Skin being ſwarthy, and full
of Freckles, and my Hair long, and matted
together, I really made a frightful Figure:
But they ſoon reſtor'd me to my Original
Form ; Mr. Hill cùt my Hair off, and or-
der'a
[ 431 ]
der'd me to be thav'd, and dreſs'd in a neat.
Seaman's Habit, light, and fit for the Coun-
try. The Captain ask'd me, What Ranſome
was expected for my Freedom? I told him,
Nothing, but a Gun for. a Preſent; to be kept
int Remembrance of ne. He, thereupon,
pick'd out a handſome, and very good Buc-
caneer Gun; as alſo ſome Powder, Flints,
and Caſe of Spirits ; as a Preſent to Rer
Moumé. He gave likewiſe Knives, and Beads
to his two Men, and a ſmall Gun to the
Meſſengers, who went for me. For my own
Part, I preſented the Captain with my Slave
Anthony. After this, he gave me the fol-
lowing Letter from my Father.
To Robert Drurj'; on the Ifand of Mada-
gaſcar.
Loughborough, Feb. 27th, 1715.
Son Robert Drury:
I Am inform'd by One Mr. Thornbury; that
be left you in Health on the Iſand of Ma-
dagaſcar ; which I was glad to bear : My
very good Friend, Mr. Terry, hath a Friend,
Commander of a Ship, the Bearer bereof, that
bath promis'd to do all be can to get you
jour Liberty; I, therefore, defire you to do
the Captain all the Service you can in the
Country : And so doing, you will obligé our
good
į 432 ]
1
good [Triend, Mr. Terry, and your ever loving
Father till Death,
John Drury.
It is a
ABOUT three Days after I went Aboard;
buit the Sea, and Change of Diet, made me
very fick for ſome Tine; aiter which the
two Captains went to Rer Trimmonóngarivo,
and I with them; in Order to ſettle ſome
Matters in Relation to the Trade.
general Cuſtoin all over the Iſland, for the
King of each Place to make Terms, and
ſettle one univerſal Price, to which all the
People are oblig'd to conform; and this Me-
thod is, doubtleſs, not only very commodi-
ous, but prevents all Quarrels, and Ditor-
ders. They preſented the King with a fine
Gun, gilt, and japan'd. I was the Interpre-
ter, and tho', I carry'd on the Correſpon-
dence, my Dreſs has fo altered me in theſe
few Days Time, that he had no Notion who
I was, till upon Enquiry, W:0 that Engliſh-
man was, who fpake jo well their Language?
He was told, It was Robin.
A Few Day after there came Meſſengers
from Rer Moume, defiring the Captains to
come up the River Mernie, for he had a
great many Slaves to ſell; but being lame,
he could not take a long Journey: However,
he would come down to the Banks of that
River, to a Town, near enough for Trade.
It was agreed, that the Sarah ſhould go ; fo
they order'd a Lonig-boat out to ſound before
them:
( 433 )
+
i
+
them: I went on Board, and we fail'd with
a gentle Gale, 'but could find no convenient
Harbour, or Road in the Mouth of the Mer-
nee; however, there was a convenient Place
for Anchoring, in a Salt-wa-er River, about
three Leagues on this Side : From whence
the two Captains, and myſelf went up in the
Boat a conſiderable. Way, till a Ganoe took
us in, and carry'd us to the Town, where
Rer Moume, with his Wives, and People,
were waiting for us. 'Till I kneelid, and
kiſs'd his Knce, he did not know me, for
by my Behaviour, and grateful Acknowledg-
merits for his paſt Favours, he, and they ſoon
recollected me, and were ex remely glad co
ſee me.
Here we continu'd five Days fuc-
ceſſively, bought all the Slaves they had, and
agreed to ſend our Long-boat once a week
as long as we ſtay'd; and then they went on
Board, weigh'd Anchor, and return'd in
their former Road at Yong-Orroli where there
arriv'd that very Day a third Ship, that be-
long'd to the fame Owners, call'd The Mer-
cury, Capt. White, Commander: He had
cight, or nine Natives of Dillagoè in Africa
on Board hiin, who liv'd ery merrily ; they
were all Freemen, and went with him the
whole Voyage ; ſix of whom liv'd to fce
their Native Country the next. Voyage he
took ; in which I was with hin. Soon af er
this, a Ketch came in, which was fitted out
in order to cruiſe off the Coaſt; and be fer-
viceable in ſeveral Affairs: Capt. Henry Muc-
Ff
Rety
[ 434 ]
ket, the Captain's Brother, was the Coma
mander of her : Another Ship was ſtill ex-
pected, but the did not arrive till we were at
Maleleege , ciherwiſe called Munnongaro :
They now agreed to ſeparate for the more
ſpeedy Diſpatch of Buſineſs
. Capt. Bloom
accordingly had his Choice, which was to go
to Port Dauphine, and Capt. Macket to Maf-
feleege; where we arriv'd in a Week's Time,
and went ſeveral Leagues up a great River,
callid Munnonbaugher : We had a Fiſherman
for our Pilot, who inform'd us, that the
King's Town was but about three Hour's
Journey up the Country. The Captain aſk'd
me, If I would venture to go there? I rea-
dily anſwer'd, That I would ; and that I was
not apprebenfive of any Danger: So the Fiſher-
man ſetting us alhoar we went forward. Be-
fore we had gone far from the Shoar, the
Fiſherman told me the King'was gone out
to War. Whereupon I flew into a great
Paſſion, aſking him, W by be impos'd upon us?
He ſaid, The King's Wives would trade with
I told him, We did not want Provi.
fons; and as for Slaves, they had no Autho-
rity to diſpoſe of them. The Man, however,
prevailid on me to go to their Town, aflu-
ring me, That Four white Men liv'd there,
who came from the Nand of St. Mary's. Then
I prefume, they are Robbers of Ships"; faid I.
No, he reply'd, not now; for they have liv’d
there ſeveral Years: Their Names are Capt.
Burgeſs, Zachary, John Pro, and Nick. So
I
!
US.
ز
11
( 435 )
1
I walk'd forwards with my Gun on my
Shoulder, and the Man carry'd another. I
had alſo ſeveral Knives, and Beads, which
the Captain gave me to buy Proviſions with ;
tho' I knew how to live without buying any
Victuals, yet I took them, as thinking they
would be agreeable Preſents.
When I arriv'd at the Town, a Man ran
before, and inform’d the King's Head Con-
fort, whom I ſhall call Queen, that a Ship was
arriv'd; and that one of the white Men was
coming to ſee her, At my Arrival, a Mat
was ready plac'd for me to ſit down on; no
fooner was I feated, than I heard the Queen
aſk for ſome of the white Men to be In-
terpreters between us; and One ran that Mo-
ment to fetch them: I ſoon convinc'd her,
however, that I wanted no Aſſiſtants, and
deliver'd my Meſſage, as Embaſſador from
the Captain : Saving, I was afraid no Trade
could be carry'd on, as the King was abſent.
She ſaid, She expected bim in a Fortnight; and
as there was a great Number of Slaves to be
fold, ſhe deſir'd me to prevail on the Captain to
ſtay till his Return.
By this Time came in
two white Men abreait, making a frmi-
dable, and hoſtile Figure ; upon which I
cock'd my Gun, laid the other by me, and
planted myfelf directly before them : One
was John Pro, a Dutchman, who ſpoke
good Engliſis; he was dreſs’d in a ſhort Coat
with broad Plate-buttons, and other Things
anſwerable ; but without either Shoes, or
Stoc-
Ff2
( 436 )
Stockings : In his Saſh, he had ſtuck a Brace
of Piſtols, and held one in his Hand. The
Other was in an Englijh Dreſs, and had two
Piſtols in his Saſh, and one in his Hand, like
his Companion ; they ſpoke to me in Eng-
liſh with the uſual Compliment, which I re-
turn'd; but Nick look'd me wiſhfully in the
Face, and, after a ſhort Pauſe, took hold of
my Hand, ſaying, Robert Drrry, How lave
you done theſe many Years? My Name is Nicho-
las Dove ſaid he ) I am one of the four Boys
ze ho were jav'd with you, when our Ship’s
Conpany were maſacred in Anterndroea; and
the very ſame of whom no Tydings could be
given in the Conference between Deaan Crindo,
und King Samuel. Upon this, I went Home
with them after I had finiſh'd wiih the
Queen; in order to know whether Captain
Dacket would think proper to ſtay ſo long,
or not. John Pro affur'd me, it would cer-
tainly be well worth his While ; That there
were a great Number of Slaves, whom they
wanted to diſpoſe of; That the King, Deaan
Take-offu, was a very honeſt, fair-dealing
Man, as well as a Great Prince, and would
re:urn in a ſhort Time, tho' not fo ſoon, he
fear'd, as the Queen ſaid: They were gone
to encounter with a King to the Northward,
and about five, or fix thouſand of them went
ail the Way up the River in Canoes; that
were large enough to contain about thirty
Icn apiece, with their proper
Acccmmoda-
tions in them, to make Fires, and dreſs Vic-
1
tuals;
[ 437 ]
tuals; and ſuch as I had never ſeen any
where elſe. I wrote a Letter to the Captain
the next Morning, and ſent it by the Fiſher-
man; in which I gave him a full, and par-
ticular Account of what had paſs'd. In his
Anſwer, He deſir'd me to ſend ſome Men
to carry him up to the Town on their Shoul-
ders, in a Hammock affix'd to two Folcs.
fobn Pro liv'd in a very decent Manner,
and his Houſe was furnith'd with Pewter-
Diſhes, a Standing-bed with Curtains, and
all other Things of the like Nature, except
Chairs; a Cheſt, or two, however, ſervid
for that Uſe well enough: He had an Out-
houſe on Purpoſe for his Cook-Room, and
Cook - Slave's Lodging, Store - houſe; and
Summer - houſe; all theſe were enclos'd in
a Palliſade, as moſt of the Great Mens Hou-
ſes are in this Country: For he was rich,
had many Cattle, and ſeveral Slaves : · Ni-
cholas Dove, indeed, was not near fo rich.
In the Evening came Capt. Burgeſs, and Zia-
chary, I ſoon underſto: d that theſe were the
Sloop's Crew, to which Arno'd, and Eglaſſe,
the Dutchman belong'd; and therefore galę
them the beſt Accoup! I could of their For-
tune in Feraingher.
Nicholas Dre, however, told me more
than I knew before; viz. That he ran away,
and got to Port Dauphine; That after the
Expiration of two years, he got to Matta.
tanna Road in a large Canoe; and there'en-
ter'd himſelf on Board a Pyrate, that cruis'd
Ff
3
prin-
[ 438 ]
principally among the Moors; from whom
they frequently took great Riches, and car-
ry'd them to St. Mary's: This Place having
a good Harbour, they made it their Settle-
ment, and general Rendezvous. It is a firall
Illand, but three Leagues from Madagaſcar
in the Latitude of 16 deg. 33 1. South; but
as their Ship grew old, and crazy, and none
of ihe Mooriju Ships, which they had taken,
were fit for their Buſineſs, they being alſo
vaſtly rich ; they remov’d to Madagaſcar,
made One Thomas Coliins, a Carpenter, their
Governor, and built a ſmall Fort, which
they defended with their Ship’s Guns: But
here they led moſt licentious, and profligate
Lives, ſtealing whatever they could come at,
and raviſhing the Wives, and Dau_hters of
the Na ives : Living by this Means for ſome
Time in a State of perpetual War. Upon
this, I could not forbear reflecting, That
Draan Mernaugha was not ſo much to be
blam’d, in Ordering Eglaſe to be kill'd for
threatning him ; ſince he had, doubilefs, a
comferent Knor:ledge by fome Means, or
another, to what a Crew of vile, abandon'd
Wretches he once belong'd. Nicholas Dove
ſaid, They had pot gone out a Pyrating for
nine Years Succeſſively, contenting them-
ſelves with building a Sloop by this Gover-
nor's Aſſiſtance, and ſoon after left him, and
Others, and ſettl'd here ; where they had
continu'd ever ſince. By him I underſtood,
that Mr. Bembo got ſafe to England; but
Capt.
1
( 439 )
Capt. Drummond was kill'd before he could
get off the Iſland; tho' the particular Manner,
and Occaſion, he could not inform me. But
they told me one remarkable Piece of News,
namnély, That this Capt. Drummond was the
very Man, for whoſe Murder, and his Crews,
one Cap. Green, Commander of an Eaſt-
India Ship was hang'd in Scotland; whether
it be Truth or not, I cannot determine. All
I know of the Caſe I have already related,
and can only obſerve, that the Time, the
Name, and the Circumſtances of his being
here, where no News of him could be had
for ſeveral Years, give juſt Grounds for the
Suppoſition. But to return to my Hiſtory.
The Queen ſent me a Calf for a Preſent,
and I in Return gave her a few Knives and
Beads; I went to the Shoar with Foku Pro,
to welcome the Captain to the Town: His
Surgeon, One Mr. Strahan, was with himn.
The Queen entertain'd them as elegantly as
ſhe could, and mutual Preſents paſs'd in
Form.
We return'd thať Evening to the ship,
and built a Houſe the next Day for the more
commodious Carrying on of Trade : The
Natives perceiving we were determin'd 10
ſtay, they built ſeveral others' near it, to ac-
commodate us with Rice, Milk, Fruits, and
other Neceffaries. I went frequently up 10
the Town to hear what News I could; but
it was a Month, or more, before the People
came back from the Wars; they came down
4
the
Ff4
0
[ 440 )
**
the River in Canoes, as they went up, and
met w ch great Succeſs. At Length the King
arrix'd with the Corps of his Brother, who
was kill'd 'n the Fight. He deferr'd his Bu-
rial for near a Forinight, till he had ſettled
al: his Affairs with us, and had given Au-
d'ence likewiſe to his Brother's Embaſſadors,
who were waiting for him.
As fuori as Capt. Macket heard of his Rea
turn, he came up to Town again with a large
Be inue, and his Trumpeter ſounding before
him. They went to y. Pro's Huuſe, whilſt
I attended in the King, with whom I had
ſome very familiar Converſation, as he had
often heard of me; in the Concluſion where-
of he told me, tha: he deſir'd the Captain's
Patience, till he had ſent for his People a-
bout him, and put himſelf in due Order to
receive him; which, in ab ut two Hour's
Time, he did. And then all we white Men,
as well Capt. Burgeſs, and the reſt, as thoſe
who came with us, march'd two Abreaſt,
the Trumpeter ſounding before the Capiain,
having a Crowd of black Mob after us; the
Shells blowing, and the Drums beating at
the fame Time in the King's Palliſade, by
way of Compliment. As Deacu Toke-offie
well knew how to treat white Men, he had
order'd two Siools for the Captain, and Sur-
geon to fit upon. After the mutual Compli-
ments were reciprocally paſs’d, I being their
In.erpreter, the Manner of Trade was ſoon
ettled, and adjuſted.; and then the Captain
made
( 441 )
made a Preſent to the King of a Gun, or
two. &c. and she King preſented him with
a Slave, &c. He gave me likewiſe a Girl of
twelve Years old, whom I ſold immediately
to Foln Pro. The Captain had Thoughts
of taking his Leave this Afternoon, but the
King prevail'd on him to fiay till the next
Day; in Order to make his Court look the
more grand when he receiv'd the Embaſſa-
dors.
ACCORDINGLY the next Day we were
feated in Order, when he Embaſſadors came
with a numerous Retinue ; making juft ſuch
an Entry as Rir Vove did before his Grand-
fa. her, when lre return'd from the Wars :
Some capering as they ad anc'd, and firing
their Guns, and then retreating ; Others ad-
vancing in their Places, and doing the ſame.
When the principal Embaſſador approach'd,
he kneel'd upon one Knee, and lick'd the
King's Knee, ſaying,
Izbero an. Deaun Ungkorra en Zaftana
Lobefute :
That is,
The SUPREME GOD bleſs the Pro-
geny of Deaan Lobefüte.
Others came after him, repeating the ſame
Words: This done, Buſineſs was now no
more talk'd of, but the Remainder of the
Day was ſpent in Compliments, and drink-
ing of Toak; but our Captain took his Leave,
and
V
[ 442 ]
and made all the Haſte he could to diſpatch
the Affairs of Trade. The next Day they
ſent down ſeveral Slaves to ſell, and Capt.
Macket fitted up Burgeſs's Sloop, and ſent
her to fetch the Ketch from Yong-Ow?; du-
ring which Time the Henry, Capt, Harvey,
Commander, arriv'd; a Ship of five hundred
Tuns Burthen : While we continu'd here,
Deaan Toke-off'u's Brother was bury'd, and
all the Natives ſhav'd off their H ir, which
is the uſual Manner of their publick Mourn-
ing all over the Illand: And he, who does
not comply with this, is look'd upon as dif-
affected to the Government. When a pri-
vate Perſon dies, the Friends, and kelauicns
only do it.
It was about the Middle of O Et bir when
we arriv'd here, and the 24th of No: emb.ro
before the King return'd ; but by the Reg n-
ning of Yanuary, we had puri has’d more
than our Cargo of Slaves; ſo we lef: Part of
them with the Henry, which remain'd af er ·
Wc fail'd from the River Niunionbcu-
gher in Munnongaro, or Mofieleeg', and ar-
riv'd at Yong-Owl, where Capt. White was
trading, not having then got his Complement
of Slaves. On the zoth of Faniary te de-
parted from thence, and bid Adieu to the
Iſland of Madagaſcar.
We did not touch at the Cape of food-
Hope, but at St. Helena; where I went afinar,
and took all the Care I could of the Slaves,
who were fick : From thence- we went 10.-
Bur-
us.
[ 443 ]
i
Barbadoes, where we ſtay'd a Week; then
weigh’d, and fail'd to Jamaica, where we
deliver'd our Cargo. The Captain was not
only very tender of me whilſt on Board, but
ſupply'd' me with Money likewiſe at every
Port we came to; tho' by the little Know-
ledge I had of its Uſe, I committed ſeveral
Mistakes, which were Subjects of Laughter,
and Merriment.
As to Liquors, I could
fcurce relıfh any, ſince I had loſt Toak; to
wh ch I had been ſo long accuſtom’d. I was
taken fick here, which prov'd very charge-
able, but the Captain ſent me Afhoar, where,
by his kind Orders, I wanted for nothing,
Whilſt we were here, the Mercury, Captain
White from Mada a car, arriv'd; but we
were ready io fail with the Fleet, under
Convov of the Winc? eifra, which was à forty
Gun Ship. On the sih (f Yulv we departed
fro - Jainaiia, beating th row the Wind-
ward Paſſage. Under rhe Crooked Iſlands we
ſaw? two Slops, which the W’inchelſea en-
dea'oir'd to ſpeak with, and imagining them
to be fyrales, ftruck his Pendant, in der
tu isok I.ke a Merchant Ship, which de-
ceiv'd chem ſo far, that he largeſt Sloop
gave Chice, and hoiſted a black Enfign and
Hock; but, finding her Miſtake, thought
proper ro alter her Courſe, and ſtand in for
the Land again. Tho' the Man of War
could no foli w her, yet our Captain, whoſe
Ship was a good Sailer, and mounted ſixteen
Guns, did ; and exchang’d ſeveral Broad-
fides
[ 444 ]
1
Gides with her. He ſtood cloſe under the
Land, and, as Night came on, got away
from us; but had the Aſſurance to rob two of
the ſtern-moſt Ships in the Fleet: Moreover,
they threatend, To tye Capt. Macket to the
Main-Maſt of his ship, and burn kim, if
ever they met with him again.
Not long after this, we had the Misfor-
tune, to run foul of the Winchelſea, which,
tacking about unexpectedly, ſtav'd our Bow to
the Water's Edge, and carry'd our Fore-
maſt quite away: The Man of War loſt his
Head, and Sprit-fail-yard. We muſt all
have been inevitably loſt had the Sea run
high, but by good Providence it was fair
Weather ; ſo by the Aſſiſtance of the Win-
chelſea's Crew, and ſome Others, we kept
the Water out, but were forc'd to go back
to the Crocked Iſlands, and they accoinpany'd
us; where by the Help of them, and ſome
other Ships, our Breach being made up we
proceeded on our Voyage; and on Saturdriz,
September 9. 1717. arriv'd in the Dome 175 ;
after I had been abſent from my Native
Country ſixteen Years, and about nine
Months. Here, by the Captain's Direct on,
I went Athoar, he has ing firſt ſupilu'd me
with what was neceſſary for my Journer :o
London; yet did I not ſet forward, ill I hud
return'd GOD Thanks in the nr oft folemn
Manner for my fafe Arrival ; and for my
Deliverance from the many Dangers 1 h.d
eſcap'd, and from the Miſeries I had fo long
undergone.
IT
[ 445 )
It may not be improper in this place ta
inform my Readers, by what a wonderful
Providence, my Father came to hear of my
being alive in Madagaſcar. My Brother
was one Day at the Crown Ale - kouſe, at
Cherry-Garden-Stairs, in Rotherhith, where
William Thornbury was in the next Box; and
hearing him talk of that I and to his Friend,
he ſaid, He had a Brother caſt away there ſe-
veral years before, and Mould be glad to hear
fome Tydings of him. Thornbury reply'd,
He had never ſeen but one white Man upon
the Iſland, and his Name be had forget. My
Broiher thereupon mention'd ſeveral Names,
and at laſt Robert Drury; which Thornbury
no ſooner heard, but ſaid, That was it, and
that his Father liv’d at the King's head ir
the Old Jury.
WHEN I came to London, (it being Sun-
day about three a Clock in the Afternoon) I
thought it improper to go in Sermon-time to
the King's-head in the Old-Jury, the Houſe
in which my Father liv'd before he retir'd
into the Country; but went to the Bell Ale-
houſe (then the Britiſh Coffee-houſe) at the
lower End, and deſir'd to be admitted; afſu.
ting the Maſter, I was but juft come on Shoar.
He ſeeing me in a Sea- Jacket, and hearing
me ſpeak broken Engliſh, took me for a Fo-
reigner, and let me in; aſking me What
Country - man I was? And from whence I
came?' I told him An Englijb-nan ; which
at firſt he would ſcarce believe, till he recol-
lected
[ 446 ]
lected me by the Queſtions I ask'd ; namely,
W 20 kept the King's-head ? Wie.her John
Drury did not keep it fome Years
ago ? He
told me, That Juhn Drury went to live in
the Country, and le;t it to his Brother Wil-
liam, who died / me Time fince; and that his
Widow kept the Houll. How! ſaid I, is Wil-
liam Drury diad? Yes, anſwer'd he, and
John Drury. his Brother too did about a Bar
.ago. This News ſo dejected me, that I burſt
out into Tears, and afierwards bemoan'd my
hard Fate before him; by this he perceiv'd
who I was, having heard of my being A-
broad, and of my Friends expecting me ſoon
in Ezglund. Hereupon he aſk'd me, If my
Name was not Drury ? I anſwer'd, It was,
and that as I bad been unfortunate for many
Years, I was like to continue fo; fince my Fa-
ther was dead. As an Addition to my Sor-
row, he told me moreover, That my Mother
dy'd with Griej not long after fe beard of our
Ship-wreck; and that my Father bad marry'd
again. After Sermon I went to the King's-
head, where they lo. n diſcover'd who I was,
and were over-joy'd to ſee me; and there I
had a full Account of our whole Family-
Affairs. I found my Father had left ine two
hundred Pounds, and alſo the Reverſion of
a Houſe at Stoke-Newington, then in the Oc-
cupation of Mr. Richard Biardſley. I ſtay'd
in Town till I had viſited all the Friends I
could remember; and then went to Lough-
borough to ſee my Siſter, and other Relations,
where
( 447 )
1
ܪ
where I met with a very friendly Reception;
after they imagin'd I had been loſt ſo many
Years before.
As ſoon as I had ſettled my Affairs there, ,
I return'd to London : Capt. Macket conti-
nu'd ſtill as kind to me as ever ; and ſaid,
He would take care of me, if Things did not
anſwer my Expectations : He aſk'd me to go
with him again to Madagaſcar; but I had
then agreed to live with a Relation in the
Capacity of a Clerk, or Book-keeper. After
Captain Macket was gone, and Things did
not anſwer as I expected, I agreed with Cap-
tain White, Captain Mackets Friend, who
was bound for Madagaſcar likewiſe, to go
the Voyage with him, and aſſiſt him in the
Trade; which my Knowledge of the Lan-
guage, and Cuſtoms of the Country had ſuf-
ficiently qualify'd me for. So having left
all my Effects in a Friend's Hands (except
what I thought proper to take with me) I
went on Board the Mercury, and we fail'd
from the Downs, September 13. 1718.
Rot
( 448 )
NI
CESSASIERANNO era
FEVERETTA
Mr. Robert Drury's
AFTER - VOYAGE
Τ Ο
MADAGASCAR
HEN I was but a Boy, I had
W
learn'd the Art of Navigation in
fome Meaſure by going to India,
tho' I had loſt it again for Want
of Practice ; yet applying myſelf to a pro-
per Mathematician for further Inſtruction, I
ſoon recover'd enough to enable me to keep
a Journal, and give ſuch an Account of this
Voyage, as may be uſeful to thoſe, who
have no Knowledge of the Iſland.
On the firſt of April, 1719. we-arriv'd at
the Cape of Good Hope; where we bought
ſuch Proviſions as we wanted, and on the
loih ſet Sail for Natal; on the 29th we faw
the Land, in the Latitude of 29 deg. 201116
South,
[ 449 ]
South; to the Northward of Natal
, about
1 Leagues off. We ſail'd a W. S. W. Courſe
along the Shoar, with a gentle Breeze; at
Noon the Point of Natal bore S. W. by W
about two Leagues diſtant ; at two in the
Afternoon, we came to an Anchor in 14. Fa-
thom Water, within two Miles of the Point
of Natal; it bearing W. S. W. The Cur-
rent ſets S. S. W. and N. N. E. Here we
traded for Slaves, with large braſs Rings, or
rather Collars, and ſeveral other Commodi-
ties. In a Fortnight's Time we purchas'd
24 Boys, and Girls : Theſe are better Slavės
for working, than thoſe of Madagaſcar; be-
ing not only blacker, but ſtronger.
CAPTAIN White put fix Natives of Dilla-
goe on Shoar here; whom he took with him
the former Voyage: They had two, or three
King's Dominions to pafs thorow, before
they came to their own Country, and were
under' fome Apprehenſions of being inter-
cepted. The Captain, therefore, furniſh'd
them with Guns, Ammunition, Hatchets,
and braſs Collar's. Here I faw ſeveral hump'd
Cattle, like thoſe in Madagaſcar; but the
Natives have ſhort woolly Hair, like Guinea
Negroes, and not like the People of Mada-
gaſcar.
On the 7th Day of June, we made the
Land on the Eaſt-ſide of Madagaſcar: I went
up to the Maſt-head; where difcerning High-
Land to the Southward, I took it for granted
that we were to the Northward of Pori
Gg
D'au.
[ 450 ]
1
Dauphine; the Captain, however, not rely-
ing on what I aſſerted, hoiſted out the Boat;
and ſent me, and the ſecond Mate in her to-
ward the Shoar, to ſpeak with any of the
Natives we could ſee. We row'd along the
Shoar a conſiderable Time, till I diſcover'd a
ſmall Town, and ſome of the Inhabitants
looking at us; but the Sea broke ſo much
three, or four hundred Yards off the Shcar,
that we durft not venture to put the Boat in;
hereupon I pull'd off my Cloaths, and fwam:
Two of the Natives obſerving me, ſwam to
my Aſſiſtance, and walk'd with me after-
wards to a Point about a Mile farther; where
they go off with their Canoes. Here the Boat
got in, and I perſuaded one of the Fiſher-
men to accompany us.
This Place is callid
Murnumbo, about ten Leagues to the North-
ward of Port Dauphine ; Here was a ſtrong
Current, and a large Swell againſt us. The
next Day about Sun-ſet, we anchor'd in 14
Fathom Water, being unable to get into the
Bay. The Ruins of the Fort bore W.S. W.
of us; Cape Ramus S.W. by S. and the Point
of the Seven Virgins, or Seven Hammocks E.
The next Morning we weigh'd, ſtood into
the Bay, and anchor'd in 3 Fathom Water ;
the French Fort bore S. E. by E. the Ruins
of the Church S. S. E; we were within
Cable’s Length of the Shoar, on either Side
almoſt Länd-lock'd: However, as there is
ſometimes a ſtrong N. E. Wind, it is al-
ways beſt to keep a good Anchor, and Cable
w.thout,
Port
( 451 ]
;
and, if
Port Dauphine is in the Lat. of 24 d. 50 m.
Suuth : The Bay into which you muit ſail,
is on the Eaſt-ſide of the Poini : You muſt
take Care of a Rock on your ſtarboard Side.
Your Courſe to ſteer is W. N. W. When
you are in, you will ſee the Ruins of a Fort
on a Hill, callid The Noſe of the Port; You
muſt keep cloſe to this point till you open
the Bay, and when the Fort bears S. E. by E.
or E. S. E. you may come to an Anchor
you will, may moor your Ship to the
Rocks : About two Miles to the Southward
there is a falſe Bay, which may deceive Stran-
gers, therefore, as it is a rocky Place, great
Care muſt be taken.
I Went directly on Shoar to the King's
Brother's Town, and acquainted him, That
we were come to trade, but were in Haſte to be
gone ; and therefore, if they had any Slaves to
Jell
, he muſt diſpatch them down forthwith :
And this Pretence muſt always be made, for
they have no Notion of the Expence, that at-
tends a long Delay. Meſſengers were im-
mediately ſent to the King, who ſent Word
by an Iriſhman (who had deſerted from One
Capt. Ware ) That He would be with us the
next Day ; and came accordingly : This
Prince's Name was Deaan Morroughſevea,
he was dreſs’d in a Coat and Breeches, and
had a Hat on his Head : The firſt Day was.
fpent in the uſual Compliments, and making
mutual Preſents. The Price was adjuſted
the next Day; whereupon we built a Fac-
Gg 2
tory,
[ 452 ]
The King
tory, and palliſado'd it round.
foon return'd, tho' we ſtav'd here till the
19th of July : At which Time the Captain
ſending me with ſome Preſents 10 the King,
I ſtripp'd off my Cloaths, and dreſs’d myſelf
like a Native, with a Lance in my Hand : I
think it was not lefs than twenty Miles. The
King was juſt going to Dinner with Salt-fiſh,
Rice, and Roaſt-Beef, when I got there. He
very courteouſly deſir'd me to ſit down, and
partake of what he had before him; ſaying,
All white Men, except the French, were very
welcome: For they had kill'd his Grand-father,
and carry'd an Uncle of his. away captive.
After Dinner he entertain'd me with ſome
Tonk, and a Dram of Brandy, and then dil-
miſs’d me with ſome Preſents to the Cap-
tain, deſiring we would return as ſoon as
conveniently we could; for he was going to
War with Unter Morrow Cherock to the North-
ward, and hoped foon to have more Slaves
for us.
On the 20th I came on Board, and then
we weigh’d, leaving four Men, and the Na-
tal Slaves behind us. Here we purchas’d 130,
and fail'd with them to Mattatanna Road;
and on the 26th we made the Thrumb-Cap
off Mattatanna, and came to an Anchor with-
in a League Diſtance. Here is no going on
Shoar in our Boats, by Reaſon of the great
Bar that is there, and the Sea always break-
ing upon it; the Canoes, however, came off
to us, and I went on Shoar with them; and
after
[ 453 ]
!
come.
after that to the King's Town, which was a
great Way up the River. One ran before to
inform him, that the Captain's Embaffador
was coming : Whereupon he put himſelf in
great Order, and appear'd in State. He ſpeaks
Engliſh, and French very well, and ſo do ſe-
veral of his Family. He told me, I was wel-
But as Capt. Macket had been before
us, and bought 330 Slaves in leſs than tıventy
Days, he endeavour'd to raiſe the Price upon
us. I foon inform'd him, however, that I
knew the Country; and that if he had none
to diſpoſe of, I could tell where to go to Mar-
ket. "At laſt we agreed, and I ſent the Cap-
tain Word of what I had done: It was ſo dan-
gerous going over the Breakers, that I did
not care how ſeldom I went. I did not like
the Place, for they were ſo harraſs'd with a
neighbouring Enemy, that they were always
on their Guard, and could not ſleep in Safe-
ty, nor get even common Neceſſaries ; the
Country being in much the ſame State, and
Condition, as was Feraingher when I liv’d
there. The Captain, notwithſtanding this,
was obſtinate ; and after he had ſent me a
Cargo on Shoar, as alſo a Man to aſſiſt me,
fail'd away to Don Maſcarcen, an Iſland then
belonging to the French, and about 100
Leagues to the Eaſtward.
As ſoon as He was gone, I remov'd my
Factory to the King's Town, as thinking it
more ſafe. I often lent the Natives Guns,
and Ammunition to repel their Enemies; and
once
Gg3
[ 454 ]
once I went with them. I bought 14 Slaves
in three Days, but finding Proviſion dear, I
went more artfully to Work; I agreed for
the Slaves they offer'd to Sale, and left ſome-
thing as Earneſt in their Hands, but would
not compleat the Bargain. Here I had a
ſcurvy Trick put upon me, which I relate,
that Others may beware of the like Impoſi-
tions. One Night, notwithſtanding all my
Care, I miſs'd two Women-ſlaves, who were
faften’d by the Arms togeiher. I complain'd
thereof to the King, who, pretending to know
nothing of it, order'd Enquiry to be made af-
ter them; but to no Purpoſe till I publiſh'd
a Reward of 6 Pounds of Gun-powder to him
who would reſtore them. The Man who fold
them to me brought them again, pretending
he had found the place where they had con-
ce:l'd themſelyes, and demanded the Reward.
I charg'd him with impoſing on me, but not
being chen able to make good my Aſſertion,
he complain'd to the King, who threaten'd
me hard in Caſe I did not give the Man the
Reward. I returu'd his Menaces in warm
Terms, offering to defend myſelf with my
Fire-Arms, as I had fix ready loaded by me.
What with Tears and Flatteries, the Women
confeſs’d before the next Morning, that their
firſt Maſter had injur'd me, and miſus'd them
after he had them again. I went to the King's
Brother directly, and aſſur'd him, I would
take Care that 110 white Men Nould ever trade
there
4
( 455 )
there for the future. But in the End he de-
fir'd I would ſpeak with the King firſt; which
I did. He reconcil'd us before our Ship re-
turn'd, which was in the Middle of Septen-
ber, and then without Capt. White, who had
been dead, and bury'd ſome Time before at
Don Maſcareen: He went there to ſell Slaves
to the French, and buy up others for the Weſt
India Cargo; but there happen’d to be 110
Call for any.
CAPT. Cbriſtal, who was then Comman-
der, ſent one of his Officers to aſſure me I
might depend on the ſame Civility, and
Friendſhip, as I had receiv'd from his Prede-
ceffor; for he approv'd my Conduct, and
compleated the Bargains I had begun, and
brought my Slaves on Board.
Mattatonna in the Lat. of 22 d. 15 m,South,
is a wild Coaſt, where our Boats can at no
Time come Aboar; theſe Slaves, and thoſe
of Port Dauphine are eſtcem'd the beſt in
the Iſland. Before we went from hence, I
heard, that Dearn Morroug!levea of Port
Dauphine was kill'd in the Expedition he
went on after I left him.
Before I proceed
further in my Account of this Voyage, as I
am now on the Eaſt-fide of the Iſland, I ſhall
take Notice of the principal Places on it.
ABOUT ſeven Leagues to the Northward of
Mattatanna is Melancaro: Here's a River with
8 Foot Water on the Bar, which divides the
two Kingdoms of Mottatanna and Tronghe :
The Inhabitants of the latter are numerous,
and
Gg 4
1
A
( 456 )
4
and obliging ; but cannot trade for Want of
Canoes. About 10 Leagues from Tronghe is
Maninzarie; they would willingly trade with
the Engliſh, but as they have no Canoes, and
it is a wild Shoar, where our Boats can't land,
it is impracticable. About 20 Leagues further
to the Northward is Mungaro ; the Natives
whereof are always at War with the Inhabi-
tants of Port St. Mary's, and the Pyrates: The
King's Name is Maulaunza. They have no
Canoes here, but if a Captain would take ſome
with him from Mattatanna, they would gladly
trade with him. St. Mary's is an Iſland chree
Leagues off the Main, in Lat. 16 d. 30 m. and
has a good Harbour. Here are about 20 white
Men, formerly Pyrates, who now live on their
ill-gotten Treaſures.
Antogeal is in the Lat, of 16 d. 1571. Here
is a clear deep Bay, keep the North Shoar on
Board : At the Bottom of it is a ſmall Iſland
of two, or three Miles in Circumference ; in
which is a good Harbour. The Dutch had
formerly a Fort on it. Here are Crampuſſes
and Whales, which the Natives have the Art
of taking. Barimbaſs is in Lat. 15 d. om. the
Inhabitants have Canoes, and will come off at
firſt Sight of a Ship: The King is very cour-
teous to white Men, and takes Pleaſure in
trading with them.
Our next Buſineſs was to go to Port Dau-
pbine, where the Death of their King was con-
firm'd; we found the Country in fad Confu-
fion, and in no Condition for Trading: So we
took
1
1
[ 457 ]
ttook our Men; Slaves, and Goods on Board,
and proceeded round the Southern-moſt End.
of the Iſland.
The Country next adjoining to Port Dau-
phine, or Antonoſa, is Anterndroça ; where
the Dégrave was wreck’d, and which was
the melancholy Scene of my Captivity. Join-
ing to this is Merfaughla, which lies a little
to the Southward, in Lat, 26 d. South. The
Want of Canoes in both theſe Countries ren-
ders them incapable of Trading The next
Port is St. Auguſtine Bay, in which is a freſh
Water River, with 12 Foot Water at Spring
Tides; it flows S.S. E. and N. N. W. Tulea
lies 7 Leagues to the Northward, and is a very
good Harbour
As you fail from St. Auguſtine Bay to Yong-
Owl, there are ſeveral little Iſlands: The two.
firſt are in the Lat. of 21 d. om, about five
Leagues diſtant from the main Iſland: A little
further is a ſingle Illand with lofty Trees on
it; and ſtill further to the Norward there are
three fandy Iſlands, with Breakers between
them. A Nor. E. Courſe carries you clear, and
along Shoar, but keep in 15, 16, or 17 Fathom
Water. On the Banks are 9, 10, or 12 Fathom
Water. When you are past the ſandy Iſlands,
the Coaſt is clear to Yong-Owl: This an open
Road in the Lat. of 20 d. 20 mn. There is goodt
Anchoring in 16 Fathom Water not above a
Mile from the Shoar There is no High-land
near the Shoar on all this Coaſt; but there
are high Mountains up the Country, Mun-
nonbangber
[ 458 ]
honbaugher is a River, which they call Man-
zerroy ; in which is 14, or 15 Fathom Water:
It flows E. and W. 12 Foot right up and down
on Spring Tides; you go up the River 6, or
7 Leagues to the uſual Place where they traf-
fick. A little to the Southward of this is ano-
ther River, call'd Luna; to which a Ship
comes from Arabia once a Year: This Placc
is call’d Maſſeleege, or the Country of Mun-
nongaro, whereof Deaan Toke-offi is the So-
vereign; and of which I have already given
a fufficient Account.
Our Buſineſs now was at Yong-Owl, where
we arriv'd on the 16th of O&tober; the Cap-
tain went with me up the Country to Mo-
berbo, and took his Muſicians with us: As
ſoon as I came on Shoar, I was inform’d,
that Rer Trimmonongarevo was dead, and Rer
Moume ſucceeded him, and liv'd at Moherbo.
I ſent a Meſſenger before me to acquaint him,
that I was coming to pay my Duty to him;
and had brought a Ship to trade here purſu-
ant to my Promiſe.
But as ſoon as we came
to a Town on this Side Moberbo, we ſaw
Abundance of People pulling down a wooden
Houſc, in which ihe Corps of ker Trimmo-
nongarevo was interrd; the Reaſon whereof,
as the Natives told me, was as follows: That
Rer Trimmonongarevo bad appear'd to Rer
Moume in the Night Time, and aſk'd him,
Why he put him above his Father Lobefutee?
And be ſeem'd to reſent his Son's ill Conduet, and
orderd bis Body to be taken up, and put lower
thanz
+
[ 459
)
than his Father's; and bis Houſe likewiſe which
was erected for a Monument to be leveld with
bis Father's. When I came to Rer Moume,
he did not know me in my new Dreſs; I ſoon
let him underſtand whc I was, for I could not
forbear to lick his Knees: His generous, and
human Deportment towards me inade me
eſteem him as my Father; and he was equally
overjoy'd to ſee me: His Wives likewiſe ex-
preſs'd their Pleaſure. I went to review :y.
Cattle, for, according to his Promſe, he had
kept them all for me; and as they were now
conſiderably increas'd, I mark's the
young
Ones with a particular Signet; for he inſiſted
that they ſtill are mine.
We got our whole Complement of Slaves
here in ten Week's Time, and fail'd from
hence yan. 7. We touch'd at St. Helena, and
a: Barbadocs; from thence we proceeded to
Rapphanack River in Virginia, where we fold
our Slaves, took in Tobacco, and then ſet Sail
for England : On the lith Day of Septem-
ber 1720. we arriv'd in the Downs.
Thus have I endeavour'd to give a truc,
and faithful Narrative of what I thought nioſt
remarkable in this Iſland: I have ſeen the
Atlas Geographicus, which is, I preſume, a
Collection of what has been wrote concerning
this Iſland. And tho' there are ſome Things
niention'd there, of which I give no Account,
I ſee no Reaſon to depart from any Particular
herein contain'd, nor to make Additions.
I have related only what I ſaw, and know to
be
any
[ 460 ]
be Fact. There is an Infe&t amongſt them, I
have not mention'd, call'd the Scorpion, a trou-
bieſom Animal, and the only venemous Crea-
ture I ever ſaw there. As to what is afferted
in the Atlas before-mention'd, That the Na-
tives are Mahometans; I have read, ſince I
came to England, ſome Account of the Ma-
kometan Religion, but can find no Conformity,
or Similitude in it 10 This of Madagaſcar ;
on the conrtary, Mahomet pretended to have
familiar Converſe with God, but theſe People
would be ſhock'd to hear, That Deaan Ung-
borray, their Supreme God, ever convers'd with
the greateſt Monarch. There is one Cuſtom
I have omitted, and that is, Their Abſtaining
from their Women at certain Times, as the Jews
do. The Virzimbers, whom ſome imagine to
be the firſt Inhabitants of this Iſland, I have
ſaid before, differ in ſome Points of Religion;
but then it is to be underſtood in the Forms,
and Manner of their Worſhip, and Ceremo-
nies; for they have Owleys as Others have,
and entertain the ſame Notions of a Supreme
God, the Lords of the four Quarters of the
World, Spirits, &c.
ROBERT DRURY.
N. B. THE Author (for ſome Years before his
Deach) was to be ſpoken with every Day at Old
Tim's Coffee-houle in Birchiit · Lane; at which
Place ſeveral inquiſitive Gentlemen have receiv'd
from his own Mouth the Confirmation of thoſe
Particulars which ſeem'd dubious, or carried with
them the leafl Air of a ROMANCE.
А.
[ 41 ]
A Vocabulary of the Mada-
gaſcar LANGUAGE.
A
A
LL farbe
alive valu
ants vetick
arm Vorecka
arſe wooley
aſk niunganton
aunt I'rorvovvaranuke
above ambunina
adding tovoungay
adorn merervaugher
adviſe mearnorro
afar off larvitch
afraid mertorbocks
after afarrong
archer permawlay
riſe füher
irmy taffick
arrow anucfalla
aſcend munonego
iſhes lavanuck
aſleep lentey
twoke merteario
argument meanconne
alligator voarba
aged antichs
agree melongore
aiming munondroer
age Antitch
B
Biby Forzarmaner
boy jorzarloyhe
brother royloghe
bafon lerveerferuchs
Grafs farber
black minetay
bull omebayloybe
brains bellu
breſt 11oller
alone carare
altar feſoroneg her
alter youvoyea
belly troke
amaze cbareck
anchor tumborio
anger maluke
angle merminter
ankle pucopuke
anoint who ora
anſwer mungonore
back lambofick
beef baner
bird voro
belly-full vinchy
beads arraer
blood raw
bandy ſekearf
boil mundavy
broil metonu
boil over mundroer
any body lerbulu
appoint mermutore
arm.pit kelleck
but-
[ 462 )
butterfly tondroito
bundle mez'orovore
blunde: bufs bolle blind chemerheler
bite munghabecks burning mundavengher
broke fo'uck
hell potchew
buy merele
belly ach mèrrawrafu
brosh ro
bread moff!
blow chuffl!
bladder ter enneer
beat fufubo
beauty ſengser
bullock voſifts
buked tongottie
bitter merfaughts bow ranalalla
back bone towier lambofick]baris buliicharzo
bad rawit be
barrel of a gun cornu
big bay
burden enter
bald-head foroluber
barrel brceker
С
bee ranatentala
Child Annack
before ungulore
carravances vingember
beg minigortock coco-nut wooernew
behind affarro
cloud rawbo
bottle folokuke
cold merninchy
bofom arrongber
calabaſh vartarvo
beheaded tompucluber
copper farbermaner
bullet baller
cat cbacker
battard farray
cow oinebayrouva
by & by andréckanna arny cattle omebay
broom mermoffer
cheek fawbó
beard fomuchs
crow quark
breach oyngha
call kybu
bones Lowler
clear morlu
beans antuck
crooked maluk:
bed keban
cock kubologbe
baſket barro
capon kubo cofist
ball bechurch
Candle barreck
borrow nung aborrow chooſe mecbutoie
book or papir terra tofs covecous mertele
buffuler bawlu
cotton bawſey
bee-hive toboke
conjuror Umojee
chimli
[ 463 )
canoe lacker
carry entre
creep lomorly
climb munganeeker
(dark myeak.
cheſt (undoke
diſh amprondrer
coffin barzomonger
dog amboer
come baveer
dry mungelterbetter
cock crow kubumunganu day bawndro
chin fomo
dirty merlauchs
calf annack an omebay drum azzoloyhe
clout ſeeke
drunk wooerſekarfa
clean inerrere
dead inorte
comb morrotondro dripping ſolick
common or plain munto done effer
coward nerwoozo
duck cherere
calf of a leg veete deaf merrengbe
duft lumbook
change mernercollie
dew aundew
door varavongher
divide vackue
circumciſed ineforer drone ferzimber
canc tangerer
dream munganofee
caul ſalſuchhaner
dropp'd larchuck
choak bobair
dropp'd it larcharho
creanı bendro
cannon futore
E
Earth Tonna
cotton-tree zare
camelion ta)
car ſofee
cloudy meraubo
eye inoffu
cloud raubo
eyelids volobeak
cry tomonghe
cyebrows volobondring
cutlaſs vearawrer
-lbow bebu
come here meboveatowe enemy raffaloybe
civil woocuft
eat bumonner
come down mejucbore even merer
come along aloyho enough tondra
cartouch box fitter pinner ell hanarlavver
egg tule
D
evening arever
Daughter Annackampeller eight varlo
,
cighey
( 464 )
full fennu
fiſh feer
eighty varlofolo
flower turvolo
eight hundredvarlozawto Hea teer
eight thouſandi varlo arevo Ay lawletchs
ealt teenong ber
fickle barrarauja
fool addoller
F
Ay away tumeelingber
Father Royya or Arber
file choffer
fence faretchs
forehead hondring
full moon clormerautcos
foot feendeer.
tright mert.2. boliichs
fruit wover arzo
fig: mealizoi
finger tonedro
fighting meulic
fiie ciful
fiſhing lines tollevinter
fiſting, merminter
friend lonego
Aint offocarto
four effutchs
fleſh nofucb
five deeme
fox foler
fifteen folodeemeamby
forty efflich folo
five and cwenty rowafolo tan fernimper
deeme amby
Hy tumeeling
five and thirty talufolo feathers or hair volo
deeme amby
fetters parrapingo
five and forty effuchfolo Aame lellar
deeme amby
Aower or bloſſom z'onegha
five and fifty deemefolo femfork fundrambabaner
deeme amby
freemen lorobitchs
five and fixty enning fols fill it up fennuyen
deeme amby
forget hawling ho
five and ſeventy fetofolo fare munghatchs
deeme amby
Aux lonchoruck
five and eighty varlofolo fry mnungendy
deeme amby
fag froy
five and ninety ſeveefolo food fororawnij
deeme amby
ferch mungolor
five hundred deeme zawio fift feltook
five thouſand deeme arevo fortunate nos
fat vonedruck
faſt fortuchs
( 465 ]
G
good while ailer
God Deaan Ungborray
grandfather rozackloyhe
H
grandmother rozackam- Houſe Trangbo
peller
honey tentala
grandchild zaffic
heat merfanner
guinea corn amtember
hail avandrar
head luber
gold volarmaner
hair volo
ground ton
(
hand tong ber
heart ft
green michne
goat ora
get up fubavvo
go inundaber
go along mundabanner
gun ampegaurrutchs
great bay
hundred zawto
hat fatook
graſs habbetch's
hog lambo
hook vinter
horn tondrook
garment fekey or lamber hide mevonoor
hyde bulutchs
girl jorzorampeller
hungry komerſerrey
gooſe onego-onego
guinea hen congar
hooff booto
guts tenaugh
here inteer
get further meforangba hear merray
hen coobovovog
give me ſome mungvy may hearken melinoor
give you none chemunga hot moy
may
hill or mountain vobiiche
give joumayoró
lead ach lubermingaleli
.
good fuer
husband valley
guard amberneri
grow meiombo
great way larvitcbs
gunpowder pounday
not good cbeſuer
get you gone meangor
garlick tonegalick
grindſtone Jungbeter
grind ſung herg
Hh
hatchet ferniackey
halt tarehuu
how do you whoſúer
hunt mungoro
hole lavvack
how many fera
hoe foro
horſe füwallet
Thieel bebu
hedgehog
1
H
( 466"]
hiccough fuecendroich
}
hedgehog forer
llightening munghaluchs
ights rabucbbaner
hire metombozzar
nok or fee mercbinſover
hark metinore
loocking glaſs hachoro
hamıner furnurore low eever
nego ellyfoc
I
lie mervanda
Jar Senevolo
love taark
idle merwooZZO
liccle kals
jealous mermerrotbhe live valu
jelt fomoneger
lemon voerfarra
joint ſandre
loſs lavo
I won't zawho merloy
leaf ravven
I will atawuck
lead ferock
I'll do no more chemer- lips ſoneghe
nowquere
leg tomebook
itch bauta
liver attinbaner
I zawbo
louſe bough
iron ve
long lavvar
iſland nosa
lend mungaborro
lock or key fungbeily
K
lock of a gun ſophe amo
King Panzaccar
pogar ſatch
kick timpaughbo
long while alelur
kill vonu
locuſt verloller
kidneys wooerbaner
ketch ſumboro
left hand tongher avveer
knife meſlu
lean merbeer
looſeneſs cborawba
knee luballeck
lobſter orur
lick lalouw
L
don't love it halluche
Ladle Suddro
land tata or tonna
M
Jay down mundraer
Man Loybe
lance life
mad tonnzaccar
light merzavva
many AWT08
maggor
.
lizard rojo
kite perponge
[ 4671
|
maggot oletchs
moon voler
men bulu
.
i
0
mother ranna
Oath Mefontorr
оnе оfer
old anti-bs
milk r0710010
(:X volitchs
monkey vergee
oil tongon tongher
midnight mutungalla
open fucorfu
mouth vovvor
t'other day orertroung
mulkm:lon wantange
mud futuck
Р
million arrla
Potatoes Ovemarme
musketers moco
plantin ouncbe
morning emerrawba
plantation taterk
to morrow hummerrawha plant fumbulazber
mead toak
pap 11111111
narrow manuccover
partridge batlacotto
melt tennoo
pine apple mernale
milt arrachaner
pillar ounder
mouſe varlaruo
plumb lomoly
owder poundey
N
point melrondroer
Nail of a finger Obo
piſtol plato
navel fuerch
is mermausy
nine feve
poiſon vorick
neck woozzo
priſoner Sambuch
ninety ſeve folo
pot velong ba
nine hundred feve zawio pipe keloyhe
nothing Memiſbe
poor rarroc
people bulu
north avarrcubs
pepper laccavero
neerile fingibts
plunder mundruvor
bitch lata
noſe oroong
pleaſant mertarva
nign merreena
virare kindoc
Het arratia
4:01. in tgyaromebaloybe
netiles fundrozo
seriwinkle dedder
jidgeon dabew
night nulla
no cbarra
1
2
Hn2
w
AWW
[ 468 ]
is
VO
rope tolle
11
ſhit mungary
Q
ſleep meroro
Quick merlacky
ſhot berſeer
ſix eanning
R
ſeven feeto
Rain Orer
ſeventeen folofeetoambe
rainbow avvar
ſeventy feeto folo
rammer funbochuck fix hundred earning zawio
razor febarratchs ſeven hundred feeto zawto
red mianer
ſix thouſand eanning are-
rice varray
rich manzarry
ſeven thouſand fęeto arevo
riſe fuber
ſmall merlinick
rough meraff!!
ſun riſe terrack
run lomoy
ſun fet ſoffutch andro
ſmall öruf
runaway leffer
ſmall ſhot pottchuck
ripe molock
ribs towlertabazuc (pittle eva
right hand tongher avan- ſpit mundorer
ſouth ateemo
fore boy
S
four mervogha
Sand False
ſhip ſambo
falt ſerer
ſtink manche
ſtrong merharee
ſon annacloybe
ſhort fuber
fun andro
ſpirit lulze
flave andavo
ſeize Samboro
ſiſter rorvovVG
ſhoe bủng bermaro
ſugarcane farray ftool feketrar
ſugar ſerermarme
fick merrawra
ſweet marme
ſky longitchs
ftar verſeer
ſmooth merlammer
ſpoon futo
found, noiſe, or barking
ſilver volerfuley
fo a dog mung ano
(cull barrandluber
ſhoot teferul
houlder ſoroke
ſhave in
Toft
ner
ſail loy
Contact
( 469 ]
ſea reac
#
:
foft mejlemma land mechangonner
ſmother'd fellack
(tecl veoffo
ſmoak lembook
ſteal mungaulutchs
ſmoak a pipe metrober to. Giffors bette
bacca
ſnore mearoutchs.
ſhut the door arrading bol ſweat lingetch
fell vele
fing meanſaw
four milk 1010011mandra ſhoar tomcbobo
(pit fermerlarzor
Servant Sir. Salamonger Gilly mernay
fnares faundric
ſheep oundy
fee merbeler
ſpider morrotougher
5,
I ſee it be tucko
(tone varto
ſhirt commefer
link tumberto
feat fetilaric
ſpeak mevolengher
T
ſweetſcented maungetchs Tamerind Keley
fome nije
tankard furniitmerraungi
fpeckle wander
cake rumbeffit
ſhake mungozooier chink mevetchevetch
ſtay inunding
trumpet anchever
ſpring of water vovo thirteen folotalılambe
ſpring of the year farrar three talu
ſpring of a gun lock alle-thunderbolt apmy
Foro
thigh fay
Twim lomong
thunder botook
ſhame manghetchs cown tannarr
ſplit vaccu
chread fola
ſmall pox creer
ſtaff zabharr
told mungalorrow
skin buletchs
tears rawnomo116
fide tobazic
tobacco tobacco
flender erlenec
roe annacking
ſpinage ornigba
ſerpent manerrander
ten ſolo
twenty roaafolo
*pin inundorouichs thouſand arevo
thief
thorn forte
1
two rona
F
ſnake mary
.
:
+
1
tongue leller
:
turd toy
"
[ 470 )
thicf ampegalutchs | vhat's the matter eno zaw
tech neefa
what are you doing eno
tough now
tie fabaugh
wadding buelo
trigger funghatchis
seft audreffer
tail obe
wood for à g batoy
land curile bacbaffil
zonder cberrec
fea turtle faunu
work mearfar
tall lauvor
ite walley
'cary mocoutchs
turn metuleber
white man verzarbas
tell one, two, &c. munge.de mertarbetebs
fau
y mu ngena
tread bechawho
afper biſabiſc
thorow torawbo
a'p fundrojo
thrive munzarre
ritt foro
take rumbellit
fc merbebitchs
tyraneg ferockfutęy
inter fouler
timber barzo
whiſtle fiske
U
veave mernendrik
Uncle Ranaloybe
vet lay
under umbonna
Y
udder vorotchs
Yam Ove
ugly rawiche
vears color
vomit mundoer
year taoligby
uncivil chewoocuit
es togalore
W
onder arnica
Water Rawno
eſterday umorla.
water-melon woerzarvo
wax luco
Days of the Week,
warm muy
wave onezura
Sunday Albaida
wind orng bin
Tonday alletenine
wood auler
Tueſday talorter
white fute
Wedneſday alarrerbeen
wild melampo
Thurſday commeefhe
what eiro
Fryday jimor
what's this eno loey aturday jarbıleche
SIN I S.
十
​子
​平
​中
​* iH
Fle,
当​y
1
:
1
:
1
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
QUIKRISPEMIRSULAM AMA NAM
"1
WINT
it
2
i
•
1837
1
HIS
ARTES
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
TIETOR
Mithimittentiti
1
CIRCUMSPICE
GIFT OF
REGENT LLIUBBARD
3
។