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EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF * ■* 1 Ik A % JAMAICA, &c. &c. > >,*. 4 * M -¥ EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF JAMAICA, WITH THE PARTICULARS OF AN EVENTFUL PASSAGE HOME f VIA NEW YORK AND HALIFAX, AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE AMERICAN WAR IN 1812; TO WHICH ARE ADDED, TRIFLES FROM ST. HELENA RELATING TO XAFOLEON AND HIS SfHTE. ^ BY B. J. VERNON, LA IE CHAPLAIN TO THE H. E. I. C. f LONDON : WHITTAKER AND CO., AVE MARIA LANE. J. VINCENT, OXFORD. 1848. f bo « V c^ 157371 .^t' if- TO GEORGE VANDEPUT DRURY, Esqiiue, OF SiioTovLR House, TN THE COUNTY OF OXFORD. r (^ "« AIy Dear Sir, — It has been well observed, that ** In a country like England, where there is such free and unbounded scope for the operation of intellect, and where opinion and example have such weight with the people, every gentleman of fortune and leisure should feel bound to employ himself.'' If all individuals of this class felt the obligation, and endeavoured to discharge it, as you do ; — if they would promote the welfare of their dependents by providing occasional means of recreation, to keep them from the ruinous pleasures of the alehouse, — by mahing employ- ment on their own estates, for the unoccupied, when work is scarce, — by clothing the naked and feeding the hungry, in cases of real, but temporary distress; — it would be happy indeed for the labouring clas-^-s in their respective neighbourhoods ; happy for themselves ; happy for the nation at large. That you may be abundantly blest in this philan- thropic course, and long preserved to encourage others by your salutary example, is the earnest prayer of, My dear Sir, Your obHged and affectionate friend and servant, THE AUTHOR. "3*; ^ f: w J 1 During a long and tedious convalescence, I have found amusement in recording the following trifles. I do not expect others to read them with much interest ; but, it was impossible to review the most eventful period of my younger days, without finding benefit to myself. I could not recall the toil and trouble and danger encountered in the passage from Jamaica to England, without lifting up my heart in grateful ac- knowledgments to the Giver of all good, for so many unmerited mercies and providential interpositions in my behalf. -I- M 1 "f '•'ill ■M ■.fi CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Singular Effect of tnurlniiff a Lhanl-'Changes of Colour— ' ,Sno.h\^—Not Vcnomons—One Exception wentioned hj/ Mr, Beck ford— Power of Fmei nation — Yellow SnaJccs — Destriictico to PouHrj/ — Startled l>j/ One — JVater Withe 1 CTIAPTRU II. Cattle preserved in Dron'.jht hf Plantain Trees-^Impatient Conduct of a Nearo — Sinr/nlar Phenomenon — ^SV^^^' Holes— Narrow Escape of an Overseer— Phosphorescent Wood. 1^ CILVrTER 111. Ring-tail— Bald Pute—Bhie Pigeon — Mountain Witch, c^., Parrots — Parroect a Trap, ... 28 CITArTER V. CoiffiJence Restored — Nenro Method of Trcirlinq a IVood — Eind Poor Ii/l'h'\9 Bones — Remarhdde >'^nnJiriiiatiou of their Ideutitj/ — Ori/ ''^BuJh/^ — Brutal Threats of IV. — Their Auful C<>n^etfuc)tces — The Aged Wateh- inan — Vultures — Find the Old Slave Dead in his Hut — The Church Bells now Gladden the Scene of the Catas- trophe 41 CHAPTER VI. JVild Duck Shooting — Effects (f Miasma — Fever — Untimely Jokes — Bitter Wo d Bark — ( 'old Affusion — Ignorance of an Overseer — Workhouse Gang — Cruel Trick of a Negro Boy — Leave Jamaica — Steerage Passatger — The Mate — The Convoy — Caymanas — Barter for Turtle, 58 CHAPTER VII. Havannah — Leaky Boat — Spanish Coffee House — War with America — Capture of a Privateer — Calm — Yellow Fever in the Fleet — Freipient Deaths — Tamarind Water — Cold, Affusion injudiciously Prescribed — Awful Death Of Steerage Passenger — Unpleasant Reflections — Hurri- cane — lis Effects — Tiller Broken — Fleet Dispersed — Polyphemus in Sight — Dilatory Conduct of the Captain — Make Sail— Course Sh 'ped to A void the Convoy — Single Ship — Self -Satisfaction of the Captain, . . GG I CONTENTS. Ill I CHAPTER VIII. Suspicious Vessel — The Mate's Lamentation — The Prim- teer — Serious Conduct of the Mate — Captain^ s Loss of Appetite — First Broadsich; — Bohhvnq the Head — In Danger (f <'>ei}ifi Raked Fore and Aft — Johnpi/ Spr aid- ing — Requests nie to Watch the Shot — Johnny runs he- low — Equivocal Conduct of the Captain — Considtatioiv-— The hist Cartridge — Haul down the Colours — Mate's Coolness — Privateers Boats Alongside . . 73 CHAPTER IX. Appearance and Behaviour of thr Americans — Dip>graceful Boast of the Privateer's Carpenter — Riotous Conduct—- Conference with the Yanhee Captain — His Kindness — Old. John — J7efarn, to the Prize — Old Johii's Scheme of Retcdiation — Delieaci/ of the American Officers, , 81 CHAPTER X. Boston. Privateer — Narronj Escape from had Reckoning — Arrived of Sand// Hook — Quarantine Ground — Duel- ling Pis'-'ls — A Yankee Aiisses the Mark — Cruel In- sult — Arrive at New York—Citj/ MarsJml. , 88 CHAPTER XI. Meet Old John — HospitaUe Irishman — Second Interview with Mr, Curtcnius — Ship for England— Cruel Disap- pointment — Messrs. Abraham Rncker and Co. — Liher- ality of the American Owners — Unpleasant Frolic of a Drunken Sailor — Unexpected Good Fortune, . 07 CHAPTER XII. Meet with Johumj — IFis Dereliction — American Protection — Shameful Conduct of Captain Stormy Rencontre — Pleasant Meeting with the Mate — Put on Parole — Sail from New York in the Jane Maria — Captain Lawrence. 105 XV CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII. Uncomfortahle Bed — Captam Fhnm — Tho, Selfish Man — New Mcfliod of Broavlrinrf a Cask — Muthu/ — ^prwg a Leal — Tufidel Doctor— Brief Account of Ids Death mamy Years after. 113 CHAPTER XIV. Miss the Halifax Lifiht — The Loveh/ llarhour — A Visit to the Shore — Deserted Farm — The O'd Irishman and Famili/ — Proceed to Ilalifav — Emhark for Eng- land. ....... 125 CHAPTER XV. Signal for a Surgeon— Death on Board, — Cod Fishing — Part from the Convoj/ — False Ahirm — The Selfish Mess — Potatoes and Porl- — Difilndty ami Danger of netting Dinner — The Ui fortunate Tea Kettle — Fh/nris ^Mal'^ Practices-^ The Lost Quarter of Beef -^ The Incalid — The Barber in Disgrace. . . 133 CHAPTER XVI. Coast of Ireland — Pleasant Introduction — Romantic In- cident — Irish Ilospitaliti/ — Com of Corlc — Death of the Invcdid — Nuisance of an Irish Wake — Land at Ply- mouth Dock — Arrive in London. . . 140 # I * Trifles from St. Helena. 149 % CHAPTEE I. i Singular Effect of touchixg a Lizard— Changes of Colour — Snakes — Not Venomous — One Exception MENTIONED BY Mr. BeCKFORD — PoWER OF FASCINA- TION — Yellow Snakes — Destructive to Poultry — Startled by One— Water Withe. it .1'- !> -,4^ i Jamaica is the largest of the British West India Islands. It has heen so frequently described by abler hands, that I shall not attempt a delineation of the incomparable beauties of its scenery, nor any detoil of its statistics. For the latter task, a lapse of thirty years has totally disqualified me ; and the most gifted pen would be found scarcely equal to the due performance of the former. Most persons are aware that it has been in our possession since the days of Cromwell ; in whose time it was taken from the Spaniards by an arma- ment under the command of Penn and Venables. It is equally well known that it's latitude is between 17^44' and 18« S4' North, and it's longitude be- tween 75« 51' and 80^ 22' West. B 2 Early Becollections of Jamaica, But, with such matters I have Httle to do, my bushiess lies with its negroes, birds, and reptiles and some trifling natural phenomena, which at the time filled mj youthful mind with wonder, greatly excited my curiosity, and made a vivid impression on my memory. This interesting island abounds in snakes and lizards, which during a residence of two or three years in the mountains, were a source of amuse- ment to a younger brother and myself. The latter are in great variety, and some of them of remark- able beauty — one kind, about six inches long, is marked in diamond-shaped squares of various hues, resembling tinsel, of blue, gold, silver and black. The negroes called it the "Yellow snake's waiting boy,"" I suppose by way of testifying their admiration of its gaudy livery. We used frequently to feed a tribe of these at the window, with small pieces of raw meat, and they soon became tolerably familiar. I remember my surprise on touching one with the tip of my finger, about an inch from the extre- mity of its tail, to find that it immediately sepa- rated at the spot. I was cruel enough to repeat the experiment on several others, at various times, using the utmost gentleness, but always with the same dire effect ; wherever my finger came in con- tact with the tail, there it divided and fell off. I have been recently told that travellers in Italy have witnessed the same result. Early Recollections of Jamaica* 3 it d Another, and to my taste the most splendid spechnen, was a large lizard from eight to ten inches long. On first beholding it in a state of perfect repose it would appear of a brilliant light green, as it were semi-transparent. On clapping my hands, or shaking the bough on which it rested, it would start, and instantly become curiously mottled with brown ; a repetition of the noise or shaking would cause it to assume a darker colour, and a second repetition woidd generally change it to one uniform black. T would then retire a few paces, and in perfect stillness, watch the gradual return to its original colour. It was a kind of natural dissolving view in miniature. The black would fade through all the difi'erent shades of brown ; at one stage it was beautifully mottled ; by almost imperceptible degrees every vestige of the darker colour would disappear, and it's delicate and pellucid green coat return in all its beauty. It commonly occupied from five to ten minutes to complete these changes. If, after they were accomplished, I frightened the same reptile again, it required a longer time to perfect them, and indeed, I seldom had the patience to wait for the result. In cold weather this lizard is rarely visible ; but if met with, it is then of a brown colour. The Negroes called it the Guana ; but I believe it to be the " Bullaris " of naturalists. ■^ Early Recollections of Jamaica. The Guana or Iguana is thus described in works on natural history. *' Long round tail ; back ser- rated ; the throat crest denticulated. Tt grows to a considerable size, sometimes it is ihree, four, or five feet long. The general colour is green shaded with brown. The back is strongly serrated, which as well as the denticulations of the pouch at the throat, give it a formidable appearance. Guanas make a considerable part of the subsistence of the inhabitants of the Bahama Islands, for which pur- pose they visit many remote Islands in their sloops to catch them, which they do by dogs trained for the purpose. The flesh is easy of digestion." ^ Small black snakes were very numerous, per- fectly harmless, though bold when invaded, and would fight with resolution. Accompanied by a terrier, I one day came sud- denly on several of these basking in the sun. The dog seemed disposed to attack them ; which I en- couraged. As he rushed towards them barking furiously, two or three of the larger ones appeared determined to cover the retreat of the others. They raised themselves on end, and one after the other darted at his nose ; having each inflicted a bite which elicited a simultaneous yelp from Pincher, they hastened away after their companions. On examining the dog's nose, it was spotted with blood from small punctures, such as might have been in a Sec Cyclop. Lizard. Early Becollections of Jamaica, 5 flicted by the point of a sharp needle — not the slightest swelling ensued, nor did he appear to suffer the least inconvenience ; from which I set them down to be perfectly innocuous. I never met with, or heard of, any venomous snake, and therefore readily yielded to the oom- monly received opinion, that every species of this reptile found in Jamaica, was harmless. Mr. Beckford's experience however, contradicts this. Since writing the above I have met with his '' Descriptive Account of the Island of Jamaica," pubhshed in 17J)0; at the 3C8th page, vol. i. he says : — " I w^as once very severely bitten by a little brown snake, which wound itself round my leg, and which did not inflict it's wound until it was accidentally trodden upon ; and while it lay writh- ing under my foot it made two or three repeated and painful attacks. I could not put my leg to the ground, and my face began to turn black, when I was comfortably relieved by a friction of sweet oil and laudanum. I should not have mentioned this trifling incident, did not a vulgar error prevail, that makes this reptile of every species harmless."" The black snakes feed largely upon lizards ; the smaller kinds of which I have seen them catch. Once I had an opportunity of witnessing their power of fascination, i. e. of frightening the poor defenceless victim to a stand-still. i 6 Early Becollections of Jamaica, Walking over a piece of ruinate^' which had been recently cut, and was then thickly studded with small stumps three or four feet high, I observed a common lizard coming in great haste towards me, as if frightened at something, and run half-way up one of these stumps. I knew it was not me he feared. Being curious to discover the cause of his alarm, I stood still. In a few seconds a slight rustling among the dry leaves and bushes on the ground, indicated the approach of a snake, which I perceived to be gliding along towards the unfor- tunate lizard's resting-place. The lizard could, with ease, have gained the top of the stump ; or he might have sought shelter on the opposite side of it, where he would have been hidden from the view of his enemy. But he seemed to be deprived of all power of flight, with his head turned to one side, and his little sharp eye fixed on the approach- ing snake. In this attitude he remained perfectly motionless, and was unresistingly seized and swal- lowed head-foremost. I had the cruelty to drive another lizard to the same place. The instant he caught sight of the snake a like paralyzing effect was produced upon him. He turned his head, and fixed his eye on the object of his dread, as the former one had done ; and was, in like manner, seized and swallowed in b Wood which had been felled some years before and allowed to grow again. 1 Early Recollections of Jamaica, 7 his lurn. I completed my boyish cruelty by killing the snake. There was more excuse perhaps for waging a war of extermination against the more formidable yellow snake. Some of these I have been amused to see exhibited in this country, under the more im- posing name of Boa Constrictor. They were very destructive to poultry, and i:i consequence were never spared when met with. One morning at an early hour, an old negress, who from her peculiarly misshapen form and ex- aggerated features had been derisively named Venus, and who had charge of the poultry, came to my bed-room door in a state of great excitement and alarm, crying out, " Young Massa, make haste come ! big big yellow snake da nyam de chicken."*' I arose in haste and proceeded with her to the stockhouse. A hen had, on the previous evening, been care- fully shut up in a coop with six half-grown chickens, to secure them from the rats ; during the night an enormous snake had squeezed himself through the bars and devoured three of the brood. Having satisfied his appetite for the time, he lay coiled up in huge folds at the bottom of the coop. The poor hen and her three remaining chickens were strutting to and fro upon their torpid enemy, uttering imeasy cries. I held in my hand a cutlass ; having roused the gorged monster by a sharp prick with its point, 8 Early Becollections of Jamaica. with a loud hiss he darted his head through the bars, and gave me a favourable opportunity of cutting it off*; which I was not slow in effecting, to the great satisfaction of Venus. She liberated the hen and chickens from their doleful confine- ment, and with some difficulty I removed the carcass of the snake, in which were visible three protuberances, distinctly marking the positions of the chickens he had swallowed. He measured about nine feet in length, and the same number of inches round the thickest part. I usually carried a cutlass in my daily walks, and destroyed many of these destructive creatures. One day, as I was shooting in the woods, being tired and thirsty, I deposited my gun and game on a rock, and looked round for some means of quenching my thirst ; which I had often found in natural reservoirs formed by the spurs of large trees, which sometimes contained more than a gal- lon of cool and wholesome water. One of these I soon discovered, and joyfully climbed up several feet, by the help of large vines which twined round the tree. On gaining the desired height, I stooped my head, to ascertain if any water remained in the hole. A yellow snake had been before-hand with me ; and ere I could clearly make out what the object really was, I found his head within an inch or two of my nose. It will be readily sup- posed I made a hasty retreat ; and as he remained Early Becollections of Jamaica, 9 quiet, I left him in undisputed possession of his bath. This adventure prevented my seeking refreshment from similar sources in future. During a walk with the driver, named " Cub- benna," to inspect the Negro provision grounds, I asked him how the runaways managed to get sufficient water in long continued dry seasons. *' Oh ! " said he, " plenty water- withe in de wood." I was curious to see this " water- withe,"" and desired him to point it out if we should meet with any in our route, which we soon did. It resem- bled a large grape vine about as thick as my wrist, and rose perpendicularly from the ground to the top branches of a lofty tree. My companion with his cutlass separated a portion of it, about a yard long, which he reversed, and a small stream of pure cool water flowed from it. Having tasted it, I wished to shew the singular production to my friends, and carried it home with great care in a horizontal position. After a walk of two or three miles, during which much escaped, it half-filled a small tumbler with liquid which could not be dis- tinguished from the purest spring- water. an J I CHAPTEll ir. Cattle preserved in Dhougiit nv Plantain Trees — Impatient Condtct of a Nehro — Singular Phe- nomenon — Sink Holes — Narrow Escape of an Overseer — Phosphorescent Wood. " We are told that the early Spanish historians, for Jamaica, wrote Haymaca, which in the lan- guage of the nation is said to have signified a country ahounding in springs. The number of ifa rivers being reckoned at above one hundred." *■ Nevertheless, some mountain districts are but scan- tily provided with this necessary. Many estates have to rely on a precarious supply caught in tankf during the rainy season. These frequently fail ii long periods of drought ; and I have known tin drippings from cuttings of the Plantain tree sus- pended over a basin, to be used in such an emer- gency. The lives of cattle were often preserved b} these trees being chopped up and thrown to them. I have often relieved my thirst in a plantain walk, by plunging the blade of a knife, or, what wa^j * See Cyclop. Jamaica Earhj Recollections of Jamaica, 11 better, a large thorn from tlio orange or citron, into one of the trees; a small cool ''jet d'eau*" wouh-l follow its removal, in sufficient quantity, but not equal in (juality to that from the water- withe. The plantnin ini[*regnated it with it's own juice, which was somewhat bitter and astringent. In one long dry season the ponds in the pastures liad failed, and the only tank, on which we depended for culinary purposes and washing, had rapidly decreased to the depth of a few inches from the muddy bottom; and, indeed, had become little better than a mass of living animalcules — cattle were dying daily — we ourselves in no comfortable plight, found relief from parching thirst in a for- tunate abundance of shaddocks, oranges, pines, &c. But, nothing is an efficient substitute for water from the spring. A slave was despatched to a distance of several miles, with a mule and pair of breakers, for a sui)ply. The clouds had been gathering for several days, and we were tantalized by every indication of approaching rain, which constantly ended in disappointment. In due time the messenger returned. When he had arrived within sight of the house, the clouds suddenly burst and sent forth a torrent. The negro naturally impatient and passionate, overcome with rage at having undergone the fatigue, (of what he now considered a useless mission,) actually upset the breakers in his fury, and presented himself before 21 Early Recollections of Jamaica, his master without bringing one drop of water. The rain also had ceased too soon to afford an opportunity of catching any quantity; and the sulky slave was justly punished, by being com- pelled to repeat his errand that night, and finally came back again with well filled casks. Many mountain districts appeared to be based on a foundation of limestone rock, curiously honey- combed with perpendicular calibres, varying from a diameter of many feet, to the size of the bore of a pocket pistol. This, to my youthful mind, ac- counted for a sudden and deep sinking of the soil in many places, during the rainy season. It was no uncommon thing to find in the morning, a large chasm yawning in a place over which you had walked the day before, of considerable depth, and occasionally, unfathomable. I once witnessed a phenomenon of this nature which took place in the day time. Our house stood on a rising ground commanding a view of several pastures of rich guinea grass, which lay before it. The periodic.il rains had commenced; and for several preceding I ys thunder had pealed, lightnings flashed, and lier.vy clouds discharged their burden. My fath^^r and I were walking up and down a large room, occasionally looking through the windows at a considerable body of water, which had collected in a low spot in one of these pastures, and which covered, probably, half f ^, 'i Early Recollections of Jamaica, 13 ,11 an acre of grass. He observed that it would be a great advantage to the estate if the water were to remain where it was; and said, we must contrive to make a good tank there, since the rain runs so freely to the spot. We turned away and resumed our walk. A few minutes afterwards he cast his eyes again towards it, and hastily exclaimed, look! look! it is all gone ! I ran to the window. All the water had indeed disappeared. Curiosity induced me to go instantly to the place, which I approached with great caution. Taking a circuitous route, I gained the side of an abrupt hill immediately above it, and looked down, in astonishment, upon an immense hole of irregular shape, five or six yards long, and about half that breadth; which sufficiently ac- counted for the sudden escape of the water. It had, as I conceived, carried the saturated mould through some immense bore in the rock beneath. After the rains hud ceased and the ground become dry and hard, I inspected the place more narrowly, and even ventured to leap down upon the grass below, which rose to a point in the centre, where it had sunk but a few feet from the surface. From this point, the earth shelved steeply on all sides to a considerable depth, form- ing an immense mound, which was surrounded by a large and gloomy cavern. ^m i4 Early Uecollections of Jamaica, These " Sink Holes/' as they were called, were very dangerous to man and beast. Cattle were frequently lost in them. A slave ran away when ordered to be flogged, and made direct for one of these awful places which happened to be near, as if he were bent on self destruction. On reaching the edge of the chasm, he cleared it at a bound. The enraged overseer in eager pursuit, endeavour- ing to do the same, fell in and was crippled for life. Fortunately he was arrested in his fall by a projecting ledge, or he would have disappeared for ever; for the depth could not be fathomed by the longest line. 1 knew the overseer, and have seen the sink hole on an estate called Middlesex, in St. Elizabeth's. Keturning home one night at a late hour, on foot, through the high woods, accompanied by a young slave, we had great difficulty in keeping the track; and often losing it for several minutes, it became a question whether we had not better select a spot to rest in, and patiently wait the return of day. The unpleasant nature of the accommo- dation, rife with snakes, lizards, scorpions and centipedes, (not to mention enormous rats) induced me to persevere; and as often as we regained the lost path, hope revived and we pressed forward. At length a glimmering light appeared every now and then through the bushes. On asking my n Early Itecollections of Jamaica. Is i> on ow % companion what he thought It could be, he replied it must be a runaway's fire, and advised me strongly not to approach it any nearer* Being determined to discover what it was, and having a good sharp cutlass in my hand, I cautiously advanced, holding the boy firmly by his smock frock, lest fear should lead him to desert. He trembled from head to foot, and it was difficult to prevail on him to move : by dint of whispered threats, however, he was made to proceed. When we had arrived within a few yards of the object, nothing could induce the negro to advance another step. His teeth chat- tered, and his whole frame shook. I was therefore obliged to make a closer inspection alone. It was manifest that no danger was to be apprehended, although 1 could not understand the nature of the strange appearance. It seemed to be a mass of phosphorescent light, about two feet high, the same in breadth, and eight feet long; emitting such a glare as to illuminate objects around for many yards. I approached closer, and stuck the point of my cutlass into it with considerable force. It trembled and sent forth a hollow sound. The frightened boy declared it must be "i>i«/^/;y, "'^ nor could I persuade him, until I had broken off a large piece, that it was nothing more than a rotten fragment of a decayed d Evil Spirit. 16 Early Recollections of Jamaica. tree. The piece I had broken off served admirably for a torch to guide our way. On reaching home I frightened some relatives who were in bed, by rushing with the seeming fire brand, close up to the gauze mosquito curtains. : f M t CHAPTER III. Ring-tail — Bald Patr -- Blue Pigeon — ■ Mountain Witch, ike., Parrots — Parroquets— Parrot Soup- Turtle — Black Crabs — Disgusting Habits — Soldier Crabs — Gregarious — Peculiarity of — Oysters on Trees — Alligator — Serious Effects FROM Negroes' Teeth. The greatest delicacy in the mountains is the ring- tail pigeon. At one season it becomes so heavy and lazy, that if a flock be discovered feeding, a a dozen may be shot in succession, from the same tree ; and falling from any height, they will spht up the breast from the weight of fat. Large blue pigeons are in great abundance; and may be seen rising from a crop of guinea corn in flocks of many thousands. Another pigeon called the bald-pate, from having white feathers on the crown of its head, is less frequently seen in the mountains, but plentiful in the lowlands. Several smaller birds abound in the woods; such as red partridge, mountain witch, turtle dove, small ground dove c 18 Early Becollect'ions of Jamaica, . w and quails. Green parrots, black bill and yellow bill; with paroquets innumerable. I know nothing more disagreeable than to have a flock of either fly over one's head, uttering their discordant and deafening screams. The overseers and book- keepers do not despise them for food. Their disgusting heads and feet are removed, and they are commonly stewed. I have partaken of many a mountain dinner, the principal dish of which was parrot soup. Tliis refers however, to small coffee plantations, having no pasturage. Beef and mutton of superior quality were plentiful. The towns on the sea coast abound in the real West Indian delicacies. Not to mention a great variety of excellent fish, a turtle steak is not only delicious, but wholesome food; I think most persons would prefer it to turtle dressed in the London fashion. The black crab is in great request; but its whole- someness may be questioned. It is too rich, and its habits are filthy and disgusting. It burrows in the earth. The border of a morass where these crabs abound, resembles a rabbit warren; except that the holes are smaller than those made by rabbits. Whenever a negro brought a basket of these for sale, much as they were prized, few persons would purchase them, without questioning the seller as to where they had been caught ; if it was suspected they came from the church yard, or Early Recollections of Jamaica. 19 if it :d, or the neighboiirliood of the hospital, they were generally relumed . No exceptio.i could be made to the little ''soldiet's,''^ or small land crabs, whose bodies were encased in a shell, the largest not exceeding the size of a common walnut. The head and claws protrude, which they draw under cover when alarmed, and remain motionless. It was surprising to watch the quickness of their movements. Gregarious, and dwelling at a distance from the sea, at a certain season they were met with in large shoals, travelling towards the coast to deposit their eggs. On such occasions, when crossing a road, or any open space, they might be swept up in hundreds. One peculiarity attached to them was, that they allowed no impediment to turn their line of march. Tli" whole phalanx would walk up one side of a hoi < and down the other, if it came in their way. When boiled thev were readlK' irawn out from their shell, like periwinkles ; and were excellent and wholesome eating. All who delighted i i ^'pepper pot!^'' rejoiced in a plentiful harvest o.' *''' soldier sP Speaking of the oysters of Jamaica, I once astonished an old lady by asserting that they grew on trees. The iact is, that mangrove bushes, which flourish on the coast, throw their roots to some distance into the sea; a small kind of oyster of a muscle shape, is found with it's lower shell c2 20 Earlp Becollections of Jamaica, ilrnily embedded in the bark. The wood is cut into pieces of various lengths, and brought to market thus thickly studded. The upper shells are removed, and the oysters turned out into a basin. They are justly considered a great delicacy. The alligator is found in some of the rivers near the sea, but more frequently in the quiet waters of a morass, where they are scarcely dis- tinguishable from floating logs of wood. They are naturally voracious, and have been known to attack negroes, and to carry off children left play- ing or sleeping on the banks of a river, in which their mothers were washing. Their depredations however, were generally confined to the smaller animals. A dog would, occasionally, be snapped up whilst lapping at the water's edge. An uncle of mine kept a young alligator between five and six feet long, secured with a light chain fastened to a leathern strap round his loins. In this state of confinement he ate but little ; and would bask in the sun for hours together, with his jaws widely distended. The lining of his mouth resembled kid leather, of a greenish yellow, speck- led with brown. The flies would collect in the inside of it, as if for shade. When a considerable number had assembled, he would close his mouth, bring his formidable teeth into rapid contact two or three times, and having swallowed the tiny prey, open it again for the reception of another batch. Early Jlecollectlons of Jamaica, 21 HIsmovemonts were very quick; on being tonclietl with a stick or cutlass, he woukl seize it with start- ling fury. An opinion generally prevailed that the bite of a negro was very dangerous, if not deadly. Two instances of serious injury from the teeth of blacks, occurred in the parish of Trelawney, calculated to confirm that notion. A white man, by trade a cooper, struck one of his slaves on the mouth ; by which, the skin on the knuckles of his right hand was slightly broken. On the following day his hand and arm w^ere much swollen; the symptoms became so alarming, that in less than a week he submitted to amputation, in order to save his life. The Honourable the Custos E-otulorum, (ox chairman of the Quarter Sessions) riding over his estate, with a negro running by the side of his horse, to open gates, perceived at a distance a strange slave breaking his fence, and sent his servant forward to seize him. The stranger sliewed signs of resistance. Mr. trotted briskly up, dismoimted, and made a blow at his head from behind; the black man hastily turning, received it on his mouth. The skin of two of Mr. 's fingers was slightly abraded, having come in con- tact w'ith the man's teeth. Most serious symptoms ensued ; amputation was proposed, as in the former €ase, but the patient refused to submit. He jBuftered exceedingly for many months, during 22 Early Becollections of Jamaica. which time I frequently saw him engnofed in his magisterial duties, with his hand carefully rested on a pillow. The two fingers, after repeated and painful exfoliations, hecame immoveably bent; and the hand was rendered nearly useless for the re- mainder of his life. Three years residence in the mountains, gave me ample opportunity for witnessing the sufferings inflicted by slavery ; of which, the reader may form some idea, from the following narratives : — SMART, THE COROMANTEE. It would be desirable to give some account of the tribe, or nation, to which the above-named negro belonged, when traffickers in human blood stole him from his home, consigned him to the fetid hold of a slave ship, and ultimately landed him on the shores of Jamaica — after he had witnessed the sufferings and death of many countrymen and friends, whose less enduring frames sank under the fatal ravages of disease, or yielded to the madden- ing influence of despair. Incapacity and ignorance shew themselves on the very threshold of the un- dertaking ; but, thanks to the Encyclopaedia, I am able to find that there are Great and Little Coro- mantyn. To one of these Smart originally be- longed ; and, as they are said to be but four miles asunder, it can matter little to which he be appro- priated. They are situated in the kingdom of Early Recollections of Jamaica, 23 Fantyn, two miles from the port of Anairu -oe, on the Gold coast. ''The Coromantyn negroes are distinguished from all others by firmness both of body and mind; a ferociousness of disposition, and at the same time, activity, courage, and a kind of stub- bornness which prompts them to enterprizes of difficulty and danger, and enables them to meet death in its most dreadful forms with fortitude and indifference. Many of them had been slaves In Africa, and others had been engaged in perpetual hostility with one another. They were, therefore, prepared for endeavouring-, even by means the most desperate, to regain the freedom of which they had been deprived ; accordingly, they have been dis- posed to excite or to encourage rebellion. This was the case in Jamaica, in the year 1760. The firmness, and intrepidity, and contempt of death which are distinguished in adults, are visible even in boys at the age of ten years."^ Smart was the only Coromantee on the estate where I resided for two or three years. The cir- cumstances which introduced him to the gang were somewhat singular, and must not be passed by un- mentioned. "" Edwards' West Indies. [The Importation of a Coro- mantee slave above fourteen was, in consequence, prohi- bited, — Editor.] 24 Early Eecollectmis of Jamaica, The proprietor was periodically called to Spaniflli Town, by the meeting of the House of AssemMy. On one of these occasions, wliilst smoking his cigar under the piazza in front of a lodging house, and gazing on a concourse of people whom an auction of slaves had attracted to the spot, liis attention was arrested by the cautious approach of a negro, who had for some time been scanning him with peculiar earnestness, but with an air of hesitation and embarrassment. A few moments passed, when the African, as if with an effort of despair, rushing into the piazza, threw himself on his knees, clasped his hands, and, with an imploring expression, said, '* Massa, me for sell ; buy me l^"* '' Why do you wish me to buy you f asked the astonished planter. *' Massa, me lub you face ; me wantee you for buy me ; me be good nigger to massa." " 1 have ne- groes enough ; I do not want any more. Besides, I live in the mountains, and you have probably been accustomed to the lowlands. You would not suit me." '' My sweet massa, me beg you for buy me ; me sabby carpenter, me sabby mason, me sabby plenty ting. If massa buy me^ me worrok hard for massa." " What is your name V* " Me name Smart, Massa.'"* " Well, Smart, if I should buy you, and you behave yourself well, you will be treated kindly ; but if you are idle or thievish you will be sure to get ''fum fum^ ''•' ^ Negro term for flogging. ii f Early Recollections of Jamaica. 25 The extraordinary preclllectioii o^ the negro ended in his being purchased and sent, forthwith, into the mountains. For some time, Smart conducted himself to the satisfaction of his master ; and was found to have given no false estimate of his valuable acquire- ments. But, alas, his honesty was not proof against the temptation which assailed him, in the shape of Indian corn, growing on a neighbouring estate ; and which was nearly ready for "breaking in,'' as it was termed, in Jamaica parlance. One brilliant moonlight night, such as cannot be con- ceived by those who have never visited the tropics, he sallied forth, with cutlass and basket, deter- mined to appropriate to his own use, a portion of the inviting crop. It was necessary to place a watchman wherever provisions were planted. Cocoas, yams, plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, &c., were all vigi- lantly guarded, as they approached to maturity ; or the quantity would be seriously diminished by the invasions of your own, or your neighbours' peo- ple ; not to mention the runaways who infested the woods. The watchman here, was on the alert ; and Smart, retreating with his ill-gotten booty, was attacked, vanquished, and brought home a prisoner in handcuffs. For mutual convenience iind protection, as well as to avoid loss of labour and expense, it was cus- ! 26 Early Becollections of Jamaica, tomary, to send a slave caiiglit in any felonious act, to his master, with proofs of his delinquency ; who was in honour bound to cause summary and severe punishment to be inflicted. The unhappy culprit's case was, therefore, hope- less. He was laid doitm {i. e., with his face towards the ground, his arms and legs being stretched out and held by four stout fellows ; or fastened firmly by ropes to four pegs) whilst the driver adminis- tered with his brutal whip, lash after lash, with deafening crack.^ until ordered to desist. The slave laws prescribed thirty-nine lashes, as the maximum, for any offence. I never knew so moderate a chastisement awarded by an overseer, where there was cause for any punishment at all. The slave was at the white man's mercy ; who could torture to his heart's content, (if he were so disposed,) with perfect impunity, so long as negro evidence, on oath, was not admitted. The miser- able victim was released, arose slowly from the ground, and was led away groaning in agony — a great portion of his flesh cut to a jelly, and streani- ing with blood. What Mr. Edwards, in the afore-cited passage has called " a kind of stuhbormiess,''^ (I suppose) caused him to crawl about, for several weeks, in gloomy silence ; scarcely holding intercourse with his fellows. He waited until his w^ounds were healed, and his limbs restored to comparative ■rtt ■•a i M m Early BecoUections of Jamaica. 27 vigour ; and then he fled to the woods ; living on the produce of midnight pkuider, and the occasional aid of his countrymen. No trace of him could be found ; and, for a con- siderable period, perhaps more than a year, he was never heard of. #^ CHAPTER IV. Slaves Branded — Advertisement of a Runaway — Smart brought Home — Promises Amendment — Repeats the Offence — Again Punished — Runs Away — Unexpected Recontre — *' Nyoung Mas- sa'' in Jeopardy — Providential Escape — Inkle the Congo — Population of Congo when Dis- covered BY THE Portuguese — Description of In- kle — Filed Teeth — Awful Death from Light- ning — Inkle's Delight in Rat-Eating — Method of Catching and Cooking them — Runs Away — Suspicious Report — Arduous Expedition — Sus- pect A Trap. It rarely happened that the slaves betrayed the confidence of a runaway, except he were base enough to rob their provision grounds, or insult their women ; in either of these cases protection was withdrawn, and often, information given which led to his capture. If a white man, proprietor, overseer, or book- keeper, chanced to meet a strange negro who was unable to give a satisfactory account of himself, he generally caused him to be taken to the near- ^. 4 I Early Mecollections of Jamaica, 29 I M ■ 'A est town ; where he was placed in custody of the supervisor of the workhouse, whose duty it he- came to examine his marks,^ ascertain to whom he belonged, and advertise him in the Gazette, in order that he might be reclaimed on payment of the workhouse charges. Smart's master, on taking up the paper which a neighbour had sent him, read as follows : — " CLARENDON WORKHOUSE. *' June 1809. — List of Runaways. — Smart, a Coro- mantee, bears traces of severe floggings — marked on right shoulder A. B. — says he belongs to A. B., Esq., of . N.B. if not reclaimed by (naming a certain date), will be sold to defray the workhouse expenses. (Signed) J. B., Super- visor. A trusty messenger was, accordingly, dispatched to bring the offender home, Avhere, in due time, he arrived. On coming once more into his master's presence, he no doubt expected to hear the order given for his immediate punishment. From this he was happily spared. The handcuffs were re- moved, and, after a serious lecture, and many pro- mises on his part, of future good behaviour, he was dismissed to the negro houses. The following morning he resumed his hoe, and was not dis- covered in any malpractices for many months. " Most slaves were branded with their owners' initials » ith a silver brand dipxied in burning spirits. so Early Becollections of Jamaica, But, his dishonest habits were inveterate. Again did he attempt to phmder provisions from a neigh- bour'*s grounds ; again was he brought home, with convincing proofs of his guilt ; and again did he undergo the inevitable and dreadful penalty. As on the former occasion, so on this, he remained until his stripes were healed, and then '* pulled foot," as the negroes termed it, and once more took refuge in the woods. Nothing was heard of him for a long period. His master, who was slowly recovering from a severe illness, had suddenly expressed a strong de- sire for a grilled pigeon. I was promptly informed of his wish, and was requested to try my skill in procuring one. On examining the stock of ammu- nition, to my dismay, no shot could be found. The case was urgent, and the difficulty appeared to be insuperablcc Anxiously searching for some sub- stitute, I stumbled upon a leaden plummet ; this I cut into small slugs, sufficient for a charge, with which I loaded my ^un. Putting the powder horn into my pocket I sallied forth, determined not to throw away my fire on any flying bird that might cross my path, but to look out for a sitting shot. Having crossed the open space of pasture in which the house stood, my way led, by a winding path, through the centre of a narrow valley, about a hundred yards broad. Many years before it had been cleared of wood and cultivated ; but had i m: Earhj llecollections of Jamaica. 31 been lonf^ thrown np, and was now a thick jungle/ hiterlaced with parasites of various kinds, which in many places formed a barrier impenetrable to man or beast. On either side of the valley, at the distance of fifty yards from the path I trod, the ground rose abruptly, forming here and there a natural wall of rugged limestone rock. The sur- face, for many hundred yards around, so bare of soil, that it would have been difficult to collect a hatful of mould over the whole space, was, never- theless, covered with trees of the largest growth. Here flourished, side by side, the stately mahogany, the graceful cedar, the fragrant rosewood, the bril- liant fustic, the impenetrable bully tree, and the gigantic cotton ; with others of inferior note. Here and there, on the borders of the wood, might be seen one, which having fulfilled its allotted time, void of leaf or bark, and blanched by many years of rain and sun, stretched its huge fantastic limbs on either side, and seemed to proclaim to its fellows, that 1 'y too must one day die ! My i'oart palpitated with delight, on suddenly behold: 4' a blue ])igeon perch on the topmost branch (>f one of these dead trees. He was quite out of the roach of shot from where I stood, and there was little chance of being able to creep, unnoticed, sufficiently near to warrant a hope of securing the prize. The chance, however, might not be thrown away, as the day was declining : I, I I Early BecoUections of Jamaica. therefore, crept cautiously along ; and on arriving to within a killing distance, I rejoiced on peeping through the underwood which covered my ap- proach, to behold him still at rest. Carefully exa- mining the priming, and pressing the trigger, to prevent the click of the lock, I cocked my gun, took a steady aim at the bird, and fired — with what effect I could not ascertain ; for, at the same instant, a loud rustling sound, with violent shaking of the bushes on my left, startled me out of my propriety. Turning quickly round, half expecting the rush of a wild boar, I beheld, within five or six paces from me, with a wallet at his back, a sharp bill hook in one hand, and a shining cutlass in the other, the runaway Coromantee, Smart. He had evidently been taking his siesta on a bed of leaves — the report of my gun so close to the spot had rudely disturbed his dreams of roasted yam and pepperpot; and, probably, in the confusion of so sudden an alarm, knowing that many white men would shoot him like a crow, he might have thought the fire had him for its object. Providence had placed between us a fretwork of tangled vines. He spake not a word ; but, rushing towards me, began to cut most furiously at them, as it was evident, with no very amiable designs against my person ; a few seconds would decide my fate. It pleased God, in great mercy, to en- due me with perfect self-possession; without which I had certainly been killed. Early Recollections of Jamaica* 33 •W *( I saw and felt the danger of my position : no human being Imt ourselves was within a mile of the spot. I knew that the slightest irresolution would seal my doom. I therefore boldly ad- vanced, called upon him to stand, or I would shoot him ; and, with my empty gun, pressed vi- gorously against the barrier between ns, as if I were as anxious to remove it as himself. When close enough for the point of his weapon to have reached me, the negro quailed, retreated a few paces, cast upon me a look of defiance, hesitated for a moment, and then moved off with a quicker tread, in spite of peremptory orders to wait for me. Never did a more grateful sound salute my ear, than the cracklino- of the dry wood and leaves on which he trod in his flight. It grew fainter and fainter as he increased the distance ; and when I concluded him to be too fur off to observe my mo- tions, I cre|)t through the jungle, regained the footpath, loaded my gun with powder (not feeling sure that lie would not renew the attack), and crying, " sauve qui peut,'** ran bravely home at my topmost speed. I was greeted with, "Well, where's the birdf Having thrown myself into a chair, and taken two or three deep inspirations to recover my breath, I replied, " O, do not ask for the bird ; I believe I shot one, but 1 cannot tell where it is ; i 34 Early Becollectlons of Jamaica, and I assure you I do not intend to look for it. Thank God that you have got me back again, with a head on my shoulders !" What further became of Smart, T never knew. I remained on the island about two years after this adventure, but heard no tidings of him. He might have been killed in one of his marauding expeditions, or in a fit of jealousy. He might have died in the woods of disease, or starvation ; for negroes have died thus in Jamaica, as did poor INKLE THE CONGO. Congo, or Kongo Proper, is a kingdom in Africa, bounded on the north by the famous river Zair, "or the river of Congo, which divides it from that of Loango on that side ; on the south from that of Dando^ which separates it from the kingdom of Angola ; on the east from the kingdom of Fu- gono and Metamba, and the burnt mountains of the sun, those of cr3^stal, or saltpetre and silver, and by the rivers Verbela and Chilandra ; and on the west by the Ethiopic Sea, called the Sea of Congo. Its extent from north to south has not been accurately ascertained. " This country was discovered by the Portu- guese, in the reign of King John II., in the year 1484. '* They found it for the most part covered with towns and villages, swarming with inhabitants; Earli/ Becollectlons of Jamaica, the cities being well filled with people, particu- larly the metropolis, which contained 50,000 per- sons. We may form some judgment of the popu- lation of the country by this circumstance, viz. : that the army of the King of Congo, in the year 1665, consisted of no less than 900,000 fighting men. The traffic of the Congoese with the Euro- peans consists chiefly in slaves, and St. Salvadore is the principal mart of the country: 15,000 or 16,000 slaves were carried off annually." * Inkle had been purchased, with eight or ten others of the Congo nation, out of a cargo direct from the coast of Africa, a few years before I became acquainted with him. His face exhibited more than the usual share of negro peculiarities. His eyes were larger, nose flatter, lips thicker, and mouth wider than were commonly seen ; and, as if to complete the model of every thing most hideous to behold, his set of large and regular teeth had been filed into triangular shapes, so that the upper row fitted most accurately into that of the under jaw ; like two saws brought into close contact; or rather (being, as hereafter will appear, a more appropriate comparison), like the teeth of a rat trap. From this attractive peculiarity, he was, by some sagacious persons, supposed to have been addicted to cannibal propensities. This I verily a Rees' Cyclop. Congo. d2 36 Early Recollections of Jamaica-, believe to be a libel. He was a mild, inoffensive, and dull creature; somewhat addicted to dishonest practices, (to which, I fear, the cravings of hunger often impelled him,) and not over fond of work ; but in palliation of his indolence it must in truth be told, that he laboured under a serious bodily infirmity, which disqualified him for much ex- ertion. He was in consequence employed as watch- man over a coco piece or yam ground, and was required to make a basket or two each week. In the performance of this easy task he often failed, and was repeatedly threatened with punish- ment, although I believe it was never inflicted. I frequently visited his secluded hut ; and some- times was glad to seek the shelter it afforded from a storm of rain and thunder ; taking especial care on such occasions, to cast his bill hook, hoe, and cutlass to a distance ; lest the iron should draw down destruction upon us, by attracting the elec- tric fluid. Accidents from this source were of no rare occurrence. In one rainy season a relation of my own was, with several other persons, waiting for dinner to be served at a mountain residence, called '' Cab- bage Tree Hall," from an avenue of beautiful mountain cabbage trees leading to the house; seve- ral of which were also growing round it. The thunder rolled at a distance, and torrents of rain began to fall. Some one asked the hose if the Early Becollections of Jamaica. 37 sive. house was provided with a conductor. '* No, no," said he, *' as long as those tall trees last I shall need no other safeguard/'' His favourite servant soon afterwards entered the room, bearing a large tureen of soup. Ere he could reach the table, an over|)owcring flash of lightning, accompanied by a stunning crash, struck him to the ground a life- less corpse. But, to return to Inkle. His larder did not afford many delicacies ; and yet, when the con- tinuance of a storm detained me beyond the usual hour of an early dinner, I have enjoyed a black coco, or part of a roasted yam, at his expense, and to his apparent gratification ; which latter was not diminished, perhaps, by the certainty of having such favors returned m kind; for I blush not to avow, that I carried to him many a salt shad or herring, to season his vegetable diet. The most pressing case of hunger never carried me so far beyond the prejudices of civilized life, as to induce me to partake of roasted rat, in which he de- lighted. His method of catching and of cooking this vermin deserve some notice. It were, per- haps, more easy for me to make, than to describe his simple but efficient trap. It consisted of a small conical shaped basket ; to which was fastened in the wicker work outside (running from the apex to the open mouth), a tough and elastic lance- :A 38 Early Becollections of Jamaica, \ I wood stick, three or four feet loiit,^ ; with a strong twine, manufactured by himself from the bark of a tree, attached to the further and smaller end. In order to set the trap, the stick was bent into a bow ; a running noose being formed at the end of the twine, and passed through an aperture, left in the edge of the basket for the purpose. This noose was carefully spread round the inner edge, and concealed under the rim. Below the noose a separate piece of twine was fixed, drawn through the basket twice, so as to cross at right angles, and firmly secured on the outside. In order to reach the bait, which was deposited at the apex, the rat must gnaw through these cross strings. As soon as they gave way, the elasticity of the bow suddenly and tightly drew the noose, and the rat was strangled. These traps were laid upon the ground, and seldom failed to secure the prize, which was prepared for the tahle in the following primitive manner : — After carefully cleaning the inside, and cutting off the tail, the body was impaled on a long wooden skewer, turned briskly round over a fierce fire, until the hair was completely burnt, scraped with a sharp piece of wood, until free from fur, and of a rich toasty brown colour ; and, finally, the end of the skewer was stuck into the ground, inclining towards the fire ; where it remained, sometinies I ■■■__ A'ong Iv of end. iito a ikI of jft in Early Recollections of Jamaica, 39 for hours, witl\ an occasional change of position, initil it became quite dry and crisp, and thus ready for tlie evenin<( meal. When 1 expressed surprise that he could eat such food, Inkle would reply with a merry grin, *' Ki ! nyoung massa, ratta sweet, hearree ! If nyoung massa nyam ratta one time, no more, him nyam ratta ebery day, hearree !*" / The French are right who say, " Ce vCest que ii le premier pas qui co^tey But that ^'premier pai^ in rat eating, I could never take. Poor Inkle allowed his arrears in basket-making to accumulate so heavily, that he could not fetch up his "■ lee-way ;" added to which, he had neg- lected his watch, and the provisions were seriously invaded. Expecting every day a domiciliary visit from the driver, he collected his darling rat traps, tied up his sleeping mat, and retreated mto the woods. Many months had rolled on, and an unusually heavy and long continued season of rain was just passing away, when two of Inkle's countrymen came to the house in a state of great excitement, to say, that as they were a long way off in the woods, collecting thatch, they stumbled upon a hut, quite accidentally, (of course,) in which they found Inkle's bones. It might be a false report, to prevent further en- quiry after the runaway. Why had they not I 1^1 40 Early EecoUections of Jamaica, V brought the remains with them ? They were too much frightened, and dare not touch them. It might be so ; still the tale was doubted. They besought me to accompany them to the spot ; to which I consented, not only as it was important to ascertain the fact, but because I felt a deep in- terest in the fate of the unhappy Congo. I was enjoined to load my gun with slugs, to keep the two athletic negroes in advance, not to permit them to walk too close to me, and to march them back to certain punishment, should there be sufficient cause to suspect them of deceit. Determined to act up to my instructions, we sal- lied forth. Having, for a tedious distance, followed a beaten track, which was occasionally used as a bridle road through the wood, my guides suddenly turned into a thicker and totally unfrequented part. Pursuing an irregular and tortuous course, for at least a mile, over an uneven, rocky surface, covered with underwood so thick as to oblige us to put the bushes aside with the hand, in order to make any progress, they appeared to be evidently at fault. I began to feel dissatisfied ; and, more than half suspecting a trap, I resolutely called a halt ; told them their tale was apparcMitly a fiction ; and or- dered them to retrace their steps to answer for their conduct. / too It hey to tant in- CHAPTER V. »M Confidence Restored — Negro Method of Tracking a Wood — Find Poor Inkle's Bones — Remarkable Confirmation of their Identity — Origin of the Maroons — Cause of Maroon War — Fate op a Detachment of Troops — " Cockpits" — Lieut.-Col. Qttarl — Effect of Howitzers — Cudjoe brought to Terms — Scandalous Breach of Faith — Rem- nant of Maroons at Sierra Leone, in 1825— Bloodhounds, with Chasseurs, Imported from Cuba — The Dog '' Bully" — Catches a Runaway — The Watchman Attempts to Escape — Overtaken BY "Bully'' — Brutal Threats of W, — Their Awful Consequences — The Aged Watchman — Vultures — Find the Old Slave Dead in his Hut — The Church Bells now Gladden the 3cene of the Catastrophe. TiiEY entreated me to proceed a little further, and a little further, until, losing all patience, I re- fused to allow them to advance another step, un- less they showed me the signs by which they pretended to be guided. w I'l h 42 Earl?/ Recollections of Jamaica. They then pointed out, to my satisfaction, twigs broken to the right hand, for some distance, and others to the left ; and recent marks, here and there, on trees, which they had that morning made, to direct them on their return. Being thus re-assured, I consented to proceed. A few minutes more brought us to the object of our search. The hut, ahnost in ruins, stood before us, on the top of a gentle ascent ; although many smaller trees had been felled, and the brushwood cleared for a considerable space around, the spot was quite impervious to the sun — all was most gloomy soli- tude ; unbroken, except by the occasional croak of toads, the discordant cries of various birds, and an unearthly sound, to which my ear was well accus- tomed, although I never was able to discover from my own research, nor from the experience of the negroes, from what bird or reptile it proceeded. My two companions confessed, that without the sanction of a " buckra's " presence, they dared not to be there. As we drew nearer, a melancholy scene pre- sented itself — at several paces from the hut, were scattered the disjointed bones of a human skele- ton ; each bone as bare and blanched as if it had been prepared for some lecture on osteology. On examining the skull, the filed teeth enabled me to identify it as having once belonged to Inkle. But, i !r ' 'V m Early Becollections of Jamaica. 43 in most striking confirmation of the fact, I dis- covered amongst the bones, a small portion of his Osnaburgh smock frock, quite perfect ; on which was marked in large letters, with silk, the name of Inkle. It struck me at the time, as very strange that scarcely another vestige of the garment could be found undecayed, except this small piece. The negroes were very proud of having their new clothes thus marked ; and one of our house servants had, to gratify poor Inkle, worked his name in full on this portion of his dress ; which, alas, became his winding sheet. In the hut we found a small iron pot, in which he cooked his food, some half dozen rat traps, and ail V ^nished basket. I saw all his bones carefully col . ' jd and wrapped in a mat, which the young men had brought for the purpose. On our return, we had considerable difficulty in finding the track. They had the remains buried, as usual, at the foot of a cotton tree, with the customary revels which were observed by the slaves on such occasions. There was no doubt that his comrades paid him occasional visits, and ministered to his wants, while they were able. From the condition of the hut, his bed, and the perfect cleanness of the ske- leton, it was evident that many weeks, at least, had elapsed since his death. His own weak state of health had prevented him from seeking help at such a distance ; and the past state of the weather, I en i-^i i ;' m : 111 r;it 44 Early Becollections of Jamaica. together with the coiistant occupation of the slaves, had rendered it difficult for his countrymen to maintain very regular communication with the un- happy recluse; who, it is horrid to think, had, pos- sibly, died from actual starvation, as it were, in the midst of plenty, of which the weakness of disease rendered it impossible to avail himself. Take another instance of suffering and death, from THE BLOODHOUND. " From circumstances recited in minute detail by Mr. Bryan Edwards, (see Rees' Encyclop.) it appears that during the protectorate of Cromwell, the Spaniards had been guilty of several aggressions in the West Indies; and that the Protector in seeking redress, manifested a regard to justice by his moderation and temper. An appeal was at length made to force ; and a powerful armament was equipped, which miscarried at Hispaniola, but succeeded at Jamaica, which was captured by the English forces in May, 1655." For several suc- ceeding years, the English were harassed by a petty and vexatious warfare with large bodies of blacks, who having escaped from the service of their Spanish masters, had established themselves in inaccessible localities, in the mountains. After a serious destruction of property and the loss of many lives, these Maroons, as they were called. * 9 ,4 'i:li' Early Recollections of Jamaica, 45 i were brought to terms. Tlieir freedom was gua- ranteed, they w^ere permitted to retain their arms, and were furnished with ammunition ; engaging on their parts, to aid in repelling foreign invaders or in quelling rebellious slaves, and to scour the woods in quest of runaways, on whose capture they were to receive a certain reward. They amounted at that time to about 1500, but were divided, under diiferent leaders, into two bands, distinguished by the names of the districts in which they dwelt ; viz., Accompong Town Ma- roons, and Trelawny Maroons. Land was appro- priated for their use, in their respective localities. A code of laws was drawn up for their internal government, according to which, and by a jury of their fellows, culprits were to be judged and pu- nished ; subject, however, to the advice and di- rection of a British officer appointed to reside amongst them, under the title of " Superintendent of Maroons." During the government of the Earl of Balcarras, a Trelawny Maroon on a visit to the town of Mon- tego Bay, was charged with theft, convicted by a magistrate, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes. In vain did he assert his privilege to be tried by the Maroon code. The punishment was most illegally inflicted ; accompanied, I believe, by many indignities at which his proud spirit revolted.^ i ;f. I ^ I read Dallas *s ** Maroon War," a most faithful and inter- ¥■ lilil 46 Earl^ Recollections of Jamaica. Boiling with rage, he returned to the Maroon town, loudly protested his innocence of the im- puted crime, detailed the humiliating treatment to which he had been exposed, and exhibiting his bleeding body, appealed to his friends for ven- geance on the aggressors. Old Cudjoe, their leader, called a solemn meeting ; at which it was hastily resolved to dismiss the superintendent with- out loss of time, with a message of defiance to the whites ; and to take immediate measures for re- venging this glaring act of cruelty and breach of faith. That very night several estates were totally destroyed, large tracts of sugar cane given to de- vouring flames, and every European in their way was murdered with savage barbarity. Before the dawn of day they had retired to their fastnesses in the mountains. The nature of the ground was most favourable to this predatory mode of warfare; affording perfect security to their retreat, which was unapproachable by regular troops, but easy of access to their practised feet. Mr. Dallas gives, I recollect, a very graphic and affecting description of the fate of one detachment of regular troops, which had the temerity to follow the Maroons into the woods. A withering volley was the first indi- cation of the enemy's presence ; in vain did the soldiers return the fire, having only trees in sight. esting work, many years ago \ and qu. « his account to the best of my recollection. - --«H HB Early Recollections of Jamaica* 47 The regular and rapid clicking of the black men's guns gave startling warning of each successive fire ; until most, if not all of the party, were sacrificed to their vengeance. For several months the mili- tary and militia of the island were unable to gain any advantage over this small, but resolute body of rebels. The top of the mountain was singularly formed. It consisted of a succession of dells or cockpits^ as ti 7 . tc called. These were con- nected by a narrow intervening xiclge, which led from one dell to another ; each cockpit could be entered only in single file, in many places by a steep and rugged path ; or by stepping from rock to rock, while one hand firmly grasped the sur- rounding bush, to guard against the serious or fatal effects which would inevitably result from a false step. A Lieutenant-Colonel Quarl being appointed to command the troops engaged in this arduous and dangerous expedition, suc- ceeded in bringingf some small howitzers to the summit of the ridge; from which, shells were thrown into the first cockpit. The Maroons never having seen anything of the kind before, were amazed and terrified at beholding huge balls de scend, harmless at first, but after a few short bounds, exploding with murderous effect. Mr. Dallas gives an amusing account of old Cudjoe's description of his own feelings on the subject. By this unexpected, and to them, inexplicable ma- I; 48 Early Becollectlons of Jamaica. noeuvre, they were driven from dell to dell; until Cudjoe became disposed to listen to reason, and finally acceded to the terms offered to him by Col.Quarl; who appears to have be. n humane and honourable, as he was brave and skilful. One of the stipulations insisted on by the Maroons, and granted by Col. Quarl, (who was 'nvested with full powers to act according to his judgment,) was, that they should not be expatriated. In defiance of this solemn engagement, the poor Maroons (under pretence that it was necessary they should surrender to the Governor in person, and publicly renew their oath of allegiance) were marched to Spanish town, there surrounded by a hollow square of troops, and treacherously shipped oiF to the un- congenial clime of Nova Scotia! Mr. Dallas (from an imperfect recollection of whose in^ esting work I am able to give these particulars) relates that the Colonel feeling his own honour thus compro- mised, after a spirited remonstrance, retired from the service. Shortly after the Maroons reached Halifax, the winter commenced ; and as might have been expected, the intense severity of this frosty region fearfully reduced their numbers. Humanity shuddered at the sufferings of the scanty remnant, and determined the Government, in pity to send them to Sierra Leone. Here they found a more congenial climate, but very inferior to the pure and refreshing breezes of Maroon Town, i .' Earlii Recollections of Jamaica, 49 and the cool shades of their Jamaica woods. A vouiiir friend of mine, about 1825, was in a vessel which touched at Sierra Leone; and on my asking what had become of the Maroons, told me that several were tlien alive, and that some of advanced ag'e still delighted to speak of Trelawney, and the mountains they had left with so much regret. But it is time to ask what has all this to do with a blood-honnd, of which we expected to hear some tidings? In the height of the Maroon war, the planters began to be most seriously alarmed. The military, both regulars and militia, seemed to march to cer- tain destruction. Several officers of both bodies had ftillen in the struggle; but few of the enemy were kiUed, and they seeomed to gain confidence, and to improve in discipline every day. Desperate diseases justify the use of desperate remedies. So thought the House of Assembly, where it was proposed and carried in debate, to send to Cuba for some Spanish blood-hounds. Several of these arrived, attended by native Chasseurs, a short time before Cudjoe had capitulated; so that most fortunately, they were never brought into action. These dogs were noble looking creatures; and, as it was supposed they might be used to groat advantage in tracking run- aways, many persons obtained the breed, and prized them very highly. A neighbour of ours had a couple. The dog was the perfection of the canine £ i 1 .50 Earlij Hecollections of Jamaica* race; his name was Bully. His master never had a slave abscond. They knew, too Mell, that the dog would be laid on the ,scent and speedily over- take them. A neighbouring overseer came in haste one day to request the services of Bully to track a negro, who had thrown down his hoe and rushed into the woods to escape punishment. Mr. W. accompanied his dog to the spot; caused him to scent some garment which the absentee had recently worn; and away they went on the chase. The dog was closely followed for a considerable distance, until, the scent growing very hot, he could no longer be kept in sight. The party advanced, and in a short time heard the animal barking furiously a long way off. W. said, "he has got him safe; but the man is where he cannot reach him, or ho would not bark," and true it was; for, when the party came to the spot, the unfortunate negro was up a tree, which he had hastily climbed, just in time to avoid being seized. The poor delinquent was compelled to descend, marched home, and was, no doubt, severely flogged, xlnother of Bully's feats, for the truth of which I can answer, had a more tragical resul:. W. was about to ride with a friend to a distance of eight or nine miles, where they were engaged to dine. When the horses were In'ought out, the dog testified great de- light at the prospect of accompanying his master ; this was not approved of, and peremptory orders 1 Early Becollections of Jamaica. 51 were given to have him shut up and kept in con- finement for an hour at least. Having accom- plished the journey, and nearly dispatched their dinner, W., stretching a rather lengthy pair of legs exclaimed to his host, — " I thought you did not keep a dog." " Neither do I,'"* was the reply. *' At all events,'' said W., " there is a dog under your table.^' Bully had escaped from custody, travelled nine miles, entered the room unobserved by any of the guests, and quietly laid himself at his master's feet. The evening advanced, coffee was served, and the party broke up. W. and his friend remounted their horses, and wended their way homewards, by the refulgent light of a tropical full moon, forgetting that the faithful dog was with them. As their ride drew near its ter- mination, the road ran along the side of a hill, through a piece of young coffee, belonging to W. On their left, between the rows of coffee trees, was a rich crop of Indian corn, which was to be ga- thered in a day or two. Among this, and but a few paces distant, could be clearly seen the watch- man's hut. " Stop,"* said W. ; " hold my horse a moment, while I climb the bank and see what that fellow is about ; for my corn is ripe, and I suspect him." When he reached the hut he was heard to exclaim, — '* You rascal ! this is the w^ay you watch my corn." He found the guardian of the crop stripped perfectly naked, with three baskets e2 52 Early Uecollecthns of Jamaica, iii" ii full of the best corn, ready paekod for carrying ofK. DirectiiijL'' liis friend to load tlie horses on to th«' end of the coifee piece, wlicre it was easier to re- gain the road, he seized the niiseral)le ne^ro by the wrist, and compelled him to move forward. They had gone hut a few paces, when, by a sud- den jerk^ he freed hiniselt' fiom his master's grasp, and fled \\\\\\ the utmost sj)eed. in vain did W. threaten nv \ call upon the fugitive to stop. Bully had been an unnoticed and silent observer of the scene ; hearing his master's angry tone, he rushed past him, in a few seconds overtook the flying negro, and leaping at his neck brought him to the ground, without infliciing the slightest wound, and stood growling over him until W. came up. Then was heard the cry of '' Well done ! — good dog!" The prostrate watchman was desired to rise, a large silk handkerchief was put round his neck, and W., twisting it as tightly as he could without producing strangulation, held the ends in his powerful right hand. Again they moved on a few j)aces when, strange as it may a])pear5 the African, by a sudden a])plication of his hands, ma- naged to slip his head out of the noose, and again took flight. It was a vain endeavour to escape. The watchful Bully was once more at his heels, and brought him down. The fury of the *' Buckra" ^ *= White man. Early Recollections of Jamaica. 53 was bcvoiul all boniuls and the oaths he used most fearful and profane. He ordered the blaek man to lie still on hi.s face, until, with a handkerchief twisted like a rnpe, liis hands were firndy tied behind his back ; then desiring him to rise, he took a large pruning knife from his pocket, opened It, and, bidding the slave to h)ok at it, said, " Do you see this, you rasca' ? If you attempt to run away again I will cut your throat !'' The terrified negro quietly submitted to his fixte. That iiight he was securely fastened with havdcuffs and bib- boes, and told to expect a severe Hogijfing in the niorninof. A few months after thi: occr Tence I was walking w^ith W. in the piazza of his ho ue, and observing the emaciated skeleton of a man passing by, with no other clothing than a blanket thrown across his shoulders, I enquired who he was, and what was the cause of his miserable state. In reply to my questions, W. tola me what I now relate. I asked again, *' Did you flog him as you threatened f " No," said he; " I had him brought to the field, as if for punishment, and there, in consideration of hip, Jrexperience, and former good conduct, I forgave him, '^nd bade him take his hoe and work with the rest. A vacant idiotic smile w:is all the reply he made : reason had left lier throne ; and he had been hourly wasting away ever since. A ^qw days after I saw him his countrymen were feasting and dancing f M > ■ ii 54 harhj IlecoUections of Jamaica, round his grave, to the odious sound of the Gum bay.^ In addition to the melancholy details re- corded in these stories, 1 remember having occa- sion to visit an aged watchman, who had the charge of a distant provision ground. He could not tell his age: but on referring to the names of former masters under whom he had served, it was clear that he had lived in bondage for nearly a century. His services were still available for making baskets and keeping watch : at his unusual age, when nature needed every support and comfort, he was thus employed, for many years. I frequently conversed with him, although (it might be from having lived so long in solitude) his broken English was scarcely intelligible, even to one who, like myself, was tolerably well versed in negro dialect. I asked him once, if it would make him happy to return to his own country. He shook his head, and replied, no — that he had been taken in war and sold to the slave dealers when he was quite a ''pick-a-ninny" — all his friends must be dead long ago, — and that if any were alive, they could not recognise in the aged and infirm old man, the once gay and happy child, and they would surely kill <■ A rude (Iriim, mado by stretching a slicepskiu over a square box, and beat with the hands. Ik_ Early Becollections of Jamaica, 55 /' him. Besides which, he could not talk to his countrymen, for he had forgotten their language. His general health was good; and he possessed, for one of his years, a considerable degree of strength ; but, as was commonly the case with aged negroes, his feet were very tender, which made it painful and difficult for him to walk, even at the slowest pace, and with the aid of a long staff. Nevertheless, he would manage, at long intervals, to crawl to the "Buckra- house," to beg a little rum, or salt fish, to season his vegetable diet; which, necessarily, consisted of yams, cocos, plan- tains, &c., occasionally relieved by a rat or parrot. When I came within sight of his hut, though still at a considerable dista. e from it, I observed a numerous flock of vultures high in the air, follow- ing each other with a circular movement, on easy wing, immediately over the spot. By this token I knew that some animal must be lying dead in the immediate neighbourhood; and that these birds were collecting together to feast upon the carcass, whenever their keen olfactories should intimate that the process of decomposition had sufficiently advanced, to suit their taste. I hastened on to consult with the old negro on the subject; and I expected, with his assistance, to discover where the carrion could be. When I had arrived sufficiently near to be distinctly heard, I repeatedly called aloud ; but received no answer. * 56 Early Recollections of Jamaica. 1 1 Concludiniv tliat lie was absent for tlie purpose of collecting materials for his basket niakino-, I had nearly passed the hut without further observation. The motions of the vultures, so immediately over the place, excited a horrible suspicion in my mind. I looked in, and saw the poor old negro lying dead upon the ground. It appeared to me, that some inward cramp had seized him in the night, during the agony from which, he had rolled off the plank on which he slept, and instantly ex|)ire' breeze and scorcliing' sun since we left Jainaica, the seams were so much opened that they admitted the water in most uncomfortable, if not ahirming abundance. Two men by constant baling, could scarcely keep her free enough to float ; we made but little way, and were debating whether it would not be more prudent to steer for the nearest ship, than to con- tinue our course towards the shore. We deter- mined to j)ersevere. As the timbers became moistened, the leaks gradually closed, and we landed with no other in- convenience than wet feet. The Captain, sailor- like, made direct to a coftee-house or tavern, and ^called for something to drink ; which a Spanish negro could not understand, until the action "was suited to the word.'"' He shortly returned, bearing on a massive silver waiter two large tumblers filled with what appeared to be Port- wine or Claret ; a lump of ice floated on the surface of each. Neither of us could give it a name ; but in our hot and thirsty state we perfectly agreed that it was the most delicious beverage we had ever tasted. Hav- ing refreshed ourselves, we proceeded to look about the town ; but for this the Commodore would allow no time. vSignal guns alarmed the Captain, and after an unsatisfactory and flying visit, we were obliged to make with all speed to the brig. On our arrival at the Havannah, we learned that war f2 OS Early TiecoUections of Jamaica. ■iW had been declared with the United States ; several of whose privateers were lying at anchor there, under the Moro castle. This aocounted for the hurried dcj)arture of the fleet, which resumed its course, with strict orders to keep close to the Com- modore. The frigate was for several following da3's in chase of suspicious vessels, and suc- ceeded in capturing an enemy's schooner, as she was hovering about to pick up any straggler, that either by carelessness or bad sailing, might be se- parated from its protectors. The breeze suddenly died away, and for a week or more, a dead and fiery calm succeeded. A heavy swell without a ripple on the wave, heaved its huge mass of water like molten lead, and greatly added to the discom- forts of most stifling heat and confined accommo- dation. Sails were fla|)ping, bulkheads creaking, and each ship seemed to have chosen it's own eccen- tric course. To crown the whole, the yellow fever had commenced its ravages in the fleet, and naval surgeons in daily request, were passing to and fro. Here and there, a flag might be seen half-mast higli, denoting a death on board ; and bodies were committed to the deep with awful frequency all around us. Temperate habits were, under Provi- dence, my preservation. I was not abstemious however, in the use of tamarind wrter; having a large su})ply of this delicious fruit for my private use, I persuaded the Captain to refrain from porter K '{-■ i Early Recollections of Jamaica. m •al and grog, and to partake with me. The quantity of this cooHng draught consumed by us was be- yond all calculation. The incessant and copious perspiration day and night, created constant thirst, and called for an abundant supply of fluid. Death invaded the brig in its turn ; his only victim was the unfortunate steerage passenger. One morning he suddenly rushed in a state of delirium from his berth, and peremptorily ordered the boat to be lowered, saying, that he saw some friends waiting for him and he must be off instantly. The cap- tain and mate thought, as every other person did, that he was in a state of intoxication, and attempted to prevail on him to lie down again. He endea- voured to throw himself overboard, declaring he would go and no one should prevent him. They seized him and gently laid him on his back ; I was asked what was best to be done. The medical friend before-mentioned having convinced me of the salutary effects of the cold affusion, this ap- peared to be a case in which it must be of service. The fever here was at its height ; I therefore boldly recommended a pail-full of salt-water to be thrown over him. It was done ; when after a heavy gasp or two, he ceased to breathe ; the fever of life was over, and he had fled to give his dread account. My feelings were of no enviable kind ; but while I bitterly lamented the melancholy result of the pr^^ctice I had suggested, and vainly wished I had II ! f 70 Earlt/ Ju'coUedlons of Jamaica. W'^ m given no advice, 1 felt conscious of tlie best inten- tion, and consoled mvself, as well as T could, by tliinkinof that lie must liave died under the most skilful treatment. My philosoplij, bowever, was scarcely equal to tbe demand wbicli conscience made upon it. I fancied tbe fore-mast men looked scowlingly upon me; and for several days it re- quired tbe utmost resolution to overcome tbe repugnance T felt to walk tbe deck. In tbis un- enviable state 1 liailed tbe approacb of a fearful hurricane, witb joy. Tbe mate bad predicted tbat tbe long calm would end in one of tbese terrible visitations; as tbe symptoms increased, (wbicb ex- perience bad taugbt bim to regard as certain indi- cations,) witb commendable prudence, tbe brig was made all snuof. Siirns in tbe sea and in tbe beavens were anxiously watcbed; and after but a sbort un- certainty, an indescribable groaning in tbe air, was speedily followed by a rusb of migbty wind^ which laid every ship on her beam-ends, carrying away sails and masts from some, and capsizing two or three, wbicb witb their hapless crews were in an instant buried in tbe waves. Carefully as we had been prepared for tbe unequal contest by the skill and caution of tbe mate, a sail or two were blown from tbe bolt-ropes like so many paper kites; and for several hours tbe danger was immi- nent. In the endeavour to lay tbe brig to,*^ the « Tlie tiller was Tory bliort, Hhipped abaft tlie ruddor-head, and worked by a chain. by 1 Earl;/ Itecollectloiis of Jamaica, 71 tillor-cliairi snapped ; having" replaced It by a rope, the tiller itself broke otf close to the rudder head; the rudder was then blocked down by billets of wood ; and in this condition we rode for two or three days and nights, in security, amidst the appalling war of elements. AVhen the gale had somewhat moderated, and the atmosphere become a little clear from foam and spray, a man was sent aloft to ascertain if any of the dispersed fleet were in sight. Just as we were rising on the crest of a mountain wave, he re- ported the seventy-four on our larboard bow ; about an hour afterwards, \^'e could see the old Polyphe- mus from the deck, with signals flying for all ships to close with the Commodore. This happened about noon. The mate recommended that the carpenter should commence Immediately to prepare a new tiller, or some substitute, that we might set sail and join the man-of-war, before the night came on. The captain said there wr^i. no hurry ; there would be time enough after tliimer; his object evidently being to give the couv >y the slip, and to make, as he thought^ a quicker passage as a single ship. Late in the afternooii, ii/id when tho man-of- war was out of sight, some lance- wood pvJies were shipped as a temporary tiller, and we once more were under sail ; the course being sha,ped to avoid the probability of coming again in sight of the seventy- four. On the following morning we were alone. 1 "m 72 Early Recollections of Jamaica, No other vessel could be discerned from the mast- head, and the skipper rubbing his hands with de- light, paced the deck with the air of a man on perfect good terms with himself, and caring not a fig for all the world besides. i ji. ■f iii ,st- de- on lot CHAPTER VIII. ii- Suspicious Vessel — The Mate's Lamentation — The Privateer — Serious Conduct of the Mate — Cap- tains Loss OF Appetite — First Broadside — Bobbing the Head — In Danger of being Raked Fore and Aft — Johnny Sprawling — Requests me to Watch the Shot — Johnny runs below — Equivocal Con- duct of the Captain — Consultation — The last Cartridge — Haul down the Colours — Mate's Coolness — Privateer's Boats Alongside. We had pursued our way for several days, when one clear starlight morning, just at the break of day, a small speck was discerned on the horzcn, which excited sundry misgivings in the gallant eaj tiiin's breast. As the Jawn expanded, the mate brought a glass to bear on the suspicious object ; and with a heavy sigh turned to me and said : — " Are you ready for a brush I Mark me, that 's a Yankee privateer ; she sails like the wind, a regular cHpper schooner ; and she'll soon overhaul us ; we won't strike without a shot neither if I can help it, for the honour of the flag. But it's 'i Earl?/ Uecolliciions of Jamaica. II no use bless you, she would blow us out of the water in a few moments if she *s properly handled. AVell, I could cry with vexation ; here am T just begun the world for myself, glad to leave the Navy because I was tired of cutting and slashing my fellow creatures, and now I am forced to go at it again. I don''t like it, that\s the truth; but once in the mess, all in the way of duty, and Pll be the last to strike." Every preparation in our feeble power was made to resist, if it should prove to be an enemy. We had only three eighteen pound V uTonades and two long nines; one of the ei'^hteon^i on the larboard side havinof, some days before, broken from its lashings and pitched over- board ill a heavy roll of the soa. There were twelve muskets and the same number of pistols; all of the commonest manufacture, and very much out of order ; these were consigned to me. Hav- ing brushed up the locks, with the aid of a drop or two of oil they were made to act with tolerable ease, w^ere all loaded by myself, and placed in re- gular order on the main hatch, that T might fire them in succession, if the privateer should come to close quarters. An apprentice lad about the age of sixteen, was placed a^ the wdieel ; all the men being required at the guns. After a period of silent ouspense, each eye being fixed on the beau- tiful but wicked looking cause of all these warlike preparations, when about half a mile from us she Early uncollect 10 lis of Jamaica, 75 1 A fired a gnn and hoisted British colours ; on which, our ensign was run np. No sooner was this dis" played, than down came her false signal, to he replaced hy the starry emhlem of America, followed by the booming of another angry gun, to bring us to. Bang went one of our eighteens to windward, in proud defiance. When it was thus ascertained? beyond all doubt, that the schooner was a privateer, the mate requested me to go into the cabin, for a few minutes'' conversation; and in a very serious manner said : — '^ When I belonged to a man-of- war, the chaplain used to call the men to piayers before w^e went into action ; now, I am no great scholar, but you will be able to find them ; here 's my prayer-book ; I want you to kneel down with me and read them ; it will set us all right.'^ I was surprised, though pleased, at the manly sincerity and solemn demeanour of my shipmate. I readily complied; and for the first time in my life, was led to think seriously on the importance and necessity of prayer. On rising from our knees the tears \vere running down his weather-beaten face. Giving me a hearty shake of the hand, he said, '' now I care nothing for the Yankees ! " W^hen we returned on deck the hands were piped to breakfast. The captain turning to the mate and me, said; " tee need not have any this morning. A bit of bisc lit and a glass of grog is all that I want." " I beg your pardon Sir,*''' said the mate ; " I never r' )> ti a ; I I l*'» )!• 76 Ea rly Recollect io n s of J a ma lea . found it good to figlit on an empty stomach. Here boy, bear a hand with the breakfast in the cabin. He and I managed to eat a hearty meal, and were not a little amused at the captain's loss of ap- petite. We kept our course with the wind on the star- board quarter ; coming up to us, at a distance of two hundred yards, rather to windward, and sailing parallel to the brig, the Yankee opened her fire with tlie regularity of a birthday salute, though in quicker time. I stood on the quarter deck, a little in advance of the boy at the wheel, whose name was Johnny. As the first flight of shot whistled over and around me, I could not help stooping, with a most deferential, though somewhat nervous nod. To my surprise, I saw my active friend the mate, knock down one of the men; and heard him exclaim in an angry tone, you cowardly rascal ! what do you mean by bobbing your head ? I felt glad to think he had not observed my weakness ; ^nd screwing my courage up, I determined not to yield again to so base an inclination. I had nothing to do but to observe the progress of the fight, until the proper time should arrive for the deadly use of my twelve muskets. Feeling impatient, I snatched up one, and thought I would make an experimental shot at the schooner, just to try the distance. On looking over the bulwarks, I found our relative positions somewhat changed; the enemy appeared i I Early Recollections of Jamaica, 77 to have dropped astern; at any rate, our spanker boom, was pointed to her broadside. She was nearly prepared for a second fire, and I had before my eyes the dread of being "raked fore and aft." The captain and crew were so fully occupied in righting a carronade which had turned upon it's side, that no one had observed our awkward state. On calling to Johnny to shift the helm, and keep her broadside-on, I saw that he had deserted his post and was sprawling on the deck; unhurt, except by terror. I urged him to resume the wheel ; which he did; and he promised not to leave it again, if I would sit on the poop and *' Watch the shot ! '' We got the brig into her right position before the enemy opened upon us again ; and as it was important to keep her so, I agreed to take the station assigned to me by Johnny, and look out for shot. As the flashes rose from the deck of the American, I cried out, "there's a shot, Johnny, there's another, there's ," but before I could give notice of the f Mrd, poor Johnny rushed below and ensconced himself among the rum and sugar in the hold ; leaving the vessel to take care of her- self. I took his place at the helm, and managed, during a running fight of forty-five minutes, to keep on a parallel with the American. The fore- mast was crippled below the yard. The deck was strewed with splinters from various spars, ends of ropes were hanging in festoons, and most of the sails '8 I ii Isl I I" • m Earh/ /^'Collections of Jamaica, pierced with nuniorous lioles, tliougli no shot liad struck tho hull, nor had any man received a scratch. We had ex[)ended nearly all our cartri(lo"es, and only a small (juantity of loose powder remained. 1 had been much amused whilst occupying Johnn3'''''!j post, by the eccentric movements of our gallant caj)tain. After the enemy's shot had, for the time, passed over, he was always with his men, en- couraging them most bravely; but on the first gun from the next broadside, and sometimes before, he would rush to the leeward side of the deck; and m a stooping posture run backwards and forwards under cover of the booms and the longboat, crying out with all his might, " Fire away, my lads ! '' Just as I was relieved from the wheel, a round shot passed within arm\s length of my head, cutting a groove in the spanker boom. I stretched out my hand to the place, observing, "that's quite near enough ! " The American began to draw unpleasantly close to us, and seemed determined to bring matters to a crisis; which it was strange she had not done sooner. The captain called the mate and myself to a council of war, and placed the facts before us; we had failed in our attempts to cripple the schooner, which was the only chance of escape we ever thought of. Our ammunition was nearly used; to wait till she boarded us would be an act of mad- ness. What could fourteen men do against at i Early UccoUedhm of Jamaica. 7a k-ast one liuiulrotl? Woluid better strike at once. To all this 1 fully aijrecd: but the mate had once more smelt powder, and seen an enemy. The force of old habits liad revived, Turning sulkily away, he said, '^ Well, caj)tain, there are the haul- yards. You, of course, can haul down when you please; but, as there are cartridges enough for another broadside, I hope you will let me give it to them iirst/^ This he said, turning his quid, and giving me a knowing look, which at the moment I did not understand. He e> lained it afterwards; he meant, that the skipper \ ild not like to expose his person, by mounting the poop ; which he must do for the purpose. The mate carried off the re- maining cartridges in triumph, had the guns loaded and double shotted, pointed each gun himself, and gave the word, " Fire." The captain then cried in a nervous tone, "Bear a hand, there, some one, and haul down the colours." The enemy was determined to have the last blow ; and grape shot pouring over us made such a clatter among the spars and rigging, that no one moved to obey the order. The sturdy mate with a sneer of scorn on liis lip, walked slowly up the poop lad- der, cast loose the haulyards, and leisurely hauled the flag down; in the act of doing this, a discharge of grape riddled the spanker, only causing him to say, "Fire away, my hearties." Two boats imme- diately shoved off from the privateer, and were IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V // {/ /. C/j v.. & //, / 9. m o>:' ' -ry '> 1.0 I.I 1.25 Uuu II 1.8 U 111 1.6 Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 V % .V •1>^ :\ \ ''^% <*v ^.x^^ 6^ <3^ >> % '%'■ ^ A' •\ 80 Early Recollections of Jamaica, soon alongside; before they reached the brig, my friend the mate taking out his watch, requested me to wear it; the property of a passenger being more likely, as he thought, to escape the lawless rapacity of the description of men about to board us. I did not like the charge ; reminding him that we might be separated, and no opportunity afforded me to restore it to him, even if it were respected as appearing to belong to me ; which I very much doubted. He would not listen to my objections, and as there was no time for many words, I put it into my fob, as he said, " Well, never mind if it is stolen; it will have a better chance with you any how, and some day or other, if we live, I know that I shall get it again. '^ CHAPTER IX. Appearance and Behaviour of the Americans — Dis- graceful Boast of the Privateer's Carpenter — Riotous Conduct — Conference with the Yankee Captain — His Kindness — Old John — Return to THE Prize — Old John's Scheme of Retaliation — Delicacy of the American Officers. A rope was thrown to the first boat, and in a few seconds up came an officer followed close by eight or ten men armed to the teeth. I was much struck with their respectable appearance and courteous behaviour. The lieutenant, as he was styled, demanded the name of our vessel. Where from ? Whither bound i What cargo ? How many men? &;c. The second boat was also filled with armed men, who speedily joined their shipmates and thronged the deck. A carpenter was sent aloft to repair the damage sustained by the masts and spars ; and other men to nplice the ropes and in- spect the rigging. Many, with shameless effron- tery, owned that they were British subjects. The carpenter above them all, as he was " fishing" the a 82 Early Recollections of Jamaica, foremast, declared aloud, that he had a few months previous belonged to a frigate on the Halifax station, from which he deserted; that the Govern- ment owed him arrears of pay, and he was deter- mined to fight againc^ the British, until he had repaid himself. Contrary to the orders of the officers, several of the privateersmen got below. A trunk in my cabin was broken open and a few things abstracted — the object of search, no doubt was money, — but I had divided my Spanish dollars amongst our crew, in a lit of enthusiasm, (as I afterwards thought, most improvidently,) reserving only eight for myself. Some of the marauders found their way into the hold, tapped the rum puncheons, and returned to the deck in a state of riotous insubordi- nation. One drew his cutlass on the officer in command; who, very coolly, divided the biceps muscle of his right arm, with a sabre cut, had him secured, and order was restored. The captain, mate, and half of our crew were taken on board of the privateer in one boat, and the rest with myself followed shortly after. On going up the side my pocket was picked of a silk handkerchief. Stepping over the gangway, and saluting the quarter deck in the customary man- ner, 1 was desired to advance to where the captain of her stood, wdio received me politely. He was a thin, sallow, sedate looking person, with good Early Recollections of Jamaica. 83 features and mild expression. He commenced, or rather prefaced his questions, by a reference to my personal appearance, at once flattering to youthful vanity, and adapted to inspire confidence. In my subsequent interviews with various Officials in New York, they invariably began as he did ; with, — '^' Your appearance bespeaks the gentleman, sir ; '' to which I replied with a formal bow. Our conver- sation continued in substance as follows : — Were you a passenger on board of the prize? Yes, sir, I was. Where from ? Jamaica. Where bound I To -, England. What is the cargo I I believe sugar and rum. How many men ? Fourteen hands, including two apprentice boys. Have they all come on board the piivateer? To the best of my knowledge, they have. Can you give your word of honour, sir, that there are no more men on board the brig I I cannot. Why, sir? Because I know not, precisely, how many men your people have taken out of her. If you have got fourteen hands, you have all that I ever saw on board. G 2 84 Earhj Recollections of Jamaica^ You declare that, upon your lionour^ I do, sir. He then made me a bow, and 1 was about to retire; but there was something in his appearance which gave me confidence, and 1 ventured in my bUxndest tone, to resume the conversation ; with, "You are very full of men, sir, I shall only be an in- cumbrance to you. May I request permission to return to the brig l '' What is your motive for making such a request I I will deal candidly, sir; I have several. Here, it is evident the accommodation must be very un- comfortable. I understand you intend to make a long cruise ; during which you may meet with a stouter enemy than we have proved, and I should be sorry to be killed by a British shot. The brig has ample accommodation. There are cruizers on the sea which may pick her up before she reaches New York, and by carrying her into Halifax, give me an earlier opportunity of reaching England. You speak plainly, sir. I know that I am addressing a man of feeling, and I speak truly, sir. Well, sir, will you give me your word of honour that there are no men secreted on board the prize? I have already said, if you have got fourteen, you have all that 1 ever heard of. Besides, your people can hang me up at the yard arm if I de- ceive you ; and 1 can assure you I would not run such an unpleasant risk. Earl}/ Becollections of Jamaica. 85 '4 You seem to be honest, you may go, sir. I made my bo^y, expressed my sincere thanks, and was moving towards the gangway to descend to the boat, when our cook, called old John, to distinguish him from the apprentice of the same name, pulled my coat and said, ^' Are you going on board the brig, sir ?'** '' Yes " said I, '^ good bye, old boy/' "Speak a good word for me," said he, "may be the captain will let you take me with you. You'll find me very useful. I shall only be in the way here, and be knocked about like a swab. Do, bless you, speak one word.'"* The appeal was irresistible. T turned about and again approached the captain; to whom I said, "I am afraid, sir, you will think I pre- sume too much ;n your kindness ; but, you see that old man near the gangway; he is seventy, and grow- ing very infirm. The poor old fellow wishes to go with me. Here, he w^ill be a nuisance to others, and miserable himself. May I, without offence, intreat you to let him accompany me? he will be of service to me, and I shall be glad to see him comfortable.'"' "Really sir,'* he replied, "you are drawing rather freely on my good nature."" After a few moments, hesitation, he added, with a smile, " however, you may take him." I still remember the considerate kindness of Captain Worcester, when he com- manded the Saratoga privateer, of sixteen guns and one hundred and twenty men. 86 Earhj EecoUections of Jamaica, Old John and T joyfully resumed our respective berths, and away went the Saratoga on her plunder- ing expedition, hoping to fall in with another of our scattered fleet; which alas, she did in the course of a week ; capturing the "John Sibbald," (I believe,) a stout ship commanded by a resolute man, (Captain Udney,) after a severe and sangui- nary fight. Poor Udney had his thigh broken, and a spirited youth about my own age, the 3^oungest son of the owner, was killed at his side. Satisfied for the time, the privateer accompanied her second prize into New York; where she arrived before we did. My kindness to old John had well nigh involved us both in a serious scrape. Two or three days after we had parted from the privateer, he came to me when no person was near, and whispered, " I'll do for 'em yet.'*' "What do jou meanf said I. He replied, "why Fve got a crow bar in the hold, and have stove in two or three puncheons, and Til have most of 'em empty before they reach New York.'' "You foolish old man," said I, ''do you know if they find it out they'll hang you, or make you walk a plank? and serve you right. Now I tell you what; if you do not promise to pitch that crow bar over- board, and leave ofi:' your work of destruction, I will tell the Yankees, and vou must suffer for it. will not put myself in jeopardy for your sake ; Early Recollections of Jamaica. s7 so you hud better do what I toll you ; and do it iiuickly." He followed my advice, and the next day told me it was done. _ The prize master and his mate were very eivi persons, and behaved with the utmost delicacy and attention to my comfort. One trifling incident which I remember, may suffice to shew their spirit. Some bottles of porter, a remnant of my sea stock, still remained in the lockers-of this beverage Americans are rather fond. These kind men held it sacred, as my property; nor would thev taste a drop, but in compliance with my wishes, and after many pressing invitations. In- deed, from all the treatment I received from officers and crew, it was difficult to believe that any change had taken place in my position. We were favoured with beautiful weather and very gentle breezes, making but little way ; which seemed to increase the chance, as 1 hoped, ot falling in with a British cruiser and being taken to Halifax. I ' l^i^ i CHAPTER X. ■^PWiMW~« Boston Privateer — Narrow Escape from had Keck- ONixG — Arrival off Sandy Hook — Quarantine Ground — Duelling Pistols — A Yankee jMisses the Mark — Cruel Tnsult^-Arrive at New York — City IMarshal. Some clays after the departure of the Saratoga, we were chased by a small schooner ; when she had nearly come up with us, she fired a gun and hoisted English colours. My American friends were puz- zled, and thought she was a man-of-war coming to make them disgorge the sugar and rum which they had gained so cheaply. The two officers reminded me how well I had been used ; and hoped if it should prove to be a " Britisher,''' I would do them the j'ustice to men- tion it. I assured them of the high sense I enter- tained of their kindness, and the pleasure it would give me to report it most favourably to a king's officer ; but I felt convinced that the vessel about to overhaul us would not give me the gratifying opportunity — so it proved — she was a privateer 'A K. II' < < Early Ihcollecilons of Jamaica, 89 from Boston, and passed close under our stern, into which, if American colours had not been flying at the ])eak5 she would have poured a raking fire and settled the business in a few minutes ; instead of playing at long bowls (as the sailors term it) like the Saratoga. Captain Worcester however had a good excuse for his more leisurely proceeding ; most of his crew were landsmen ; they had not been long out of port, and were desperately sea- sick. The stranger having satisfied her curiosity, took a polite leave of us, and pursued her roving course. We expected very shortly to make the land ; and as all hope of recapture seemed to be at an end, I was as anxious as any person on board, to see the beautiful entrance into New York harbour, which they described in glowing terms. The prospect before me was certainly not en- couraging. My naturally buoyant spirits began to flag. I grew heartily tired of my two companions in the cabin, one of whom was a slovenly and ig- norant mulatto, whose society rather offended my West Indian prejudices. Sleep refused it''s friendly aid, '' to steep my senses in forgetfulness/' Weary of tossing from side to side, I rose before day-break to seek refreshment in a walk upon deck. I had been for some minutes leaning over the weather gangway, enjoying the cool air of the morning, when a noise caught my ear, which puzzled me to ■I L 90 Earlf/ Itecollectlons of Jamaica. account for; on listening more attentively, it sounded like the sea washing over a sandy beach. Not wishing to give a false alarm, I waited until fully satisfied on the point. Then calling the dark gentleman who had the watch on deck, I desired him to listen and tell me if he heard anything. " No," said he, '* what do you expect to hear in this place I '' I replied, " one sometimes hears un- expected sounds ; and certainly I did not anticipate these, supposing your reckoning to be correct.*" " What do you mean I ^^ he rejoined. " Why,'' said I, " I mean that I hear breakers a-head, and if you do not put the brig about, you will speedily feel them.'^ He scarcely appeared to believe me ; but 1 spoke in so decided a tone that he called the prize master, who turned out with great reluctance, and being but half-awake, of course could hear nothing. After listening for a few minutes he con- firmed the incredulity of his shipmate, by saying, " I guess w^e shall not make the land until to- morrow."" The sound again distinctly reached me. " Is it possible," said I, '' that you do not hear that ? It concerns yourselves more than me. It is a nice calm morning, there is no sea on, we are but few and have plenty of boats ; you will soon see who is right." Still sceptical, he turned away to finish his snooze; but, just as he reached the companion lad- der, the wheel was jerked out of the helmsman's ■J Early Recollections of Jamaica, yi ii hand, who cried out, In alarm, *' She struck ! *' I was wicked enough to rejoice at the confusion which instantly arose, " Hard up with the helm I call all hands ! " vociferated the frightened officer. The deck was heartily belaboured with a heavy hand- spike, to rouse the men, who came tumbling up in astonishment. The brig went kindly round, grazed the top of a sand-bank on which she hung for a few seconds ; then another, and with a long and leisurely slide over a third, which we feared would bring her up, she happily, fell into deep water, and the danger was passed ; more by the kindness of Providence, than the skill of the navigators. They were heartily ashamed of themselves, and begged me not to mention the circumstance in New York ; of course, therefore, it was not noted in the log. We arrived oft' Sandy Hook two days after this escape ; passing through the narrows, we came to anchor close under Staten Island, Avhere we were detained in quarantine for the usual time, in consequence of the death that had happened on board before we were taken. This was little bet- ter than a form; for I was allowed to go ashore and employ myself as I chose. I sometimes chat- ted with a kind old woman, who invited me to rest in the porch of her neat cottage, and refresh my- self with delici us apples, which she gratuitously placed before me. They were just completing a bomb-proof battery, at the water's edge, to com- 92 Early BecoUections of JamcCica, mand the narrow entrance into the liarbonr. I watched the progress of the work, mingk'^d with the workmen, and found great amusement in their conversation; although my national prejudices were often wounded, almost beyond endurance, by their expressions of unmitigated enmity against the "Bri- tishers." A brother of the prize-master, a handsome and active youth, somewhat younger than myself, came from the city to welcome his arrival, and remained with us for several days. We were for the time inseparable. It was impossible not to like him ; for, in addition to the outward advantages of form and feature, he seemed to be of an ingenuous and manly disposition, and took pleasure in affording me amusement. We were very good friends, until one day producing a pair of English-made duelling pistols, of which he was very proud, " Come," said he, •' and T will show you how a Yankee can crack a bottle."" I went with him on deck. Having loaded his weapons, he corked an empty wine bot- tle, threw it overboard, and, taking a deliberate aim, fired at it. The ball struck the water very wide of the mark. He made a second trial with no better success. The men and I laughed at his failure. "Now," said I, "let me show you how an Englishman can do it." This he could not well refuse. I had observed that he used too much powder. Cautiously loading the pistols myself, $ A I 4^ %' Earli/ Recollections of Jamaica 93 %\ which he would fain have clone for me, he threw another bottle .overboard. I fired, and down it sank. There was an exulting shout from the lookers-on, and my friend, in a state of rude excitement from evident chagrin, said, '' Poh ! poh ! It was a chance shot ; you will not do it again, if j'ou try a dozen times." Believing him to be more than half right in his assertion, I refused to make another trial. He never recovered his cor- diality ; and I fear was led a few days afterwards, to use a very unworthy method of retaliation. The period of quarantine had expired ; the anchor weighed, sails set, and the brig was beginning to move through the water towards New York ; he rushed in an impetuous manner into the cabin where I was reading, and begged me to come on deck instantly, as he could show me a most beau- tiful sight. T conceived that he alluded to the sur- rounding scenery, and hastened to follow him. On arriving upon deck, with a most insulting expres- sion he pointed to the mast-head. " Look there i" said he, " There^s a glorious sight ! — that's how it ought always to be.'' I beheld a new American flag proudly waving over the honoured ensign of my country, to designate that the brig was a prize. The feelings which this unexpected sight aroused cannot be described. 1 was for a few moments ut- terly confounded ; while ho seemed to exult in the effect of this ungenerous act. Subduing, with no 94 Earbi JhcoUedlons of Jamaica, w small effort, the first burst of indignation, to which, reckless of all consequences, I was on the point of yielding, and throwing upon him a look of utter contempt, I calmly said, " I may live to meet you under a change of circumstances ; if so, you shall see how far superior an Englishman is, in all things, to a Yankee.'"' Then, rushing below, I seated myself in an agony at tli^ table, and, cover- ing my face, gave way to a flood of tears. The prize-master having learned the cause of my quitting the deck in a state of such excitement, se- verely rebuked his brother, and brought him into the cabin to express regret for what he had done. My mind \vas not prepared to listen to accommo- dation on any terms ; I therefore proudly disdained to receive an apology from one so thoroughly be- neath my notice. This occurrence prevented me from appearing again on deck until we drew very near to the city. Before we reached the anchorage my only hat was knocked overboard, and irrecoverably carried away by the tide. As soon as my commanding officer had given the brig into the charge of the Custom House authori- ties, he delicately intimated that I must accompany him, as a prisoner of war, to the City Marshal's office. To march through a populous city un- covered, was particularly disagreeable ; therefore, I requested him to stop at a shop on the way, at Early Recollections of Jamaica. 95 e which, without reflecting on the folly of the act, I spent L«iy eight dollars in the purchase of a hat. It produced a favourable effect, however, on Mr. Peter Curtenius, to whose office we were bound ; for, after listening attentively to the prize-master's statement, he turned to me, and began in the true American style, with " Your appearance bespeaks the gentleman, sir !" . . He was a person of very courteous manners, and displayed no needless pride of office. He seemed to be puzzled to know how I should be dealt with ; and conversed for some time with my companion, in an under tone. Wishing to be relieved from suspense, and to know the worst, I ventured to ask, " must I be locked up, sir V " Not unless you prefer it," was his reply. '* It were strange for an Englishman to prefer a prison," said I, " but I have no means, and necessity may compel me to submit to such an unpleasant alternative ; in which case how shall I fare f ' " You will be allowed forty cents per diem, to find yourself." After brief reflection, I resumed, ^' Unless you insist on my going to pri- son, I had rather starve at liberty.'' " You may please yourself, sir," " May I go f " Stop one moment, if you please. If you give me your word of honour to appear before me on Monday at ten o'clock, can I depend upon you f ' '* Most cer- tainly," said I. This was on a Saturday. \)6 Early Recollections of Jamaica, Having pledged my word to that effect, I made my bow to Mr. Curtenius, shook hands with my keeper, thanked him heartily for all his kindness, and launched boldly into the crowded streets of a great and populous city, without a sixpence in my pocket, — " unknowing and unknown." 1 1 y ade my ess, )f a my CHAPTER XL 'vi Meet Old John — Hospitable Irishman — Second In- terview WITH Mr. Curtenius — Ship fot England — Cruel Disappointment—Messrs. Abraham Ruc- KER AND Co. — Liberality of the A^ierican Owners — Unpleasant Frolic of a Drunken Sai- lor — Unexpected Good Fortune. I SAUNTERED carclessIy along, mitil curiosity began to flag; and (which was a much more serious affair) until the want of sustenance induced an unpleasant faintness, such as, in all my trials, I had never before experienced. It was late in the afternoon ; I had breakfasted sparingly at an unusually early hour, and had under- gone much bodily fatigue and mental suffering. It became necessary to decide what could be done for shelter, at least through that night and the following day; after which, I could but go to prison. Uncertain where to bend my steps, I still went on through a kind of Wapping district, abounding iu porter-houses, as they were called, and filled 98 Early Becollections of Jamaica, with sailors ; my steps were most providentially directed. At the door of one of these houses I heheld with pleasure and surprise one familiar face. Old John stood before me ; he had been taken to prison the day before we left the quarantine ground. The following dialogue commenced be- tween us. " \Vhy, John, is this you ? I thought you were in prison." '^ So I was for a short time, but they did not lock us up ; the prison is on an island just opposite the city ; a man offered me a cast in his boat, so I thought I might as well come over.*' " Are you goiug back again ?" " No, not I." " What are you doing here 'I How do you manage to live ?" '' The master of this house is a kind- hearted Irishman, he says hell never see an Eng- lishman in want as long as he can relieve him ; so you see he makes me welcome to my grub and lodging all free gratis." "John, my boy, that's the very sort of man I want to meet with ; you must introduce me to him, will you f " Aye, willingly." Going into the house he called the landlord, who quickly made his appearance, expecting, no doubt, a more profitable customer. His outward man made no very favourable impression. Imagine a short punchy fellow, about five-and-forty, in- clined to corpulency, with greyish hair, large t '! I- ,/ Earhj Recollections of Jamaica. 09 •1 111- moiith, a most uncomfortable squint, ami rather bandy legs. With money in my pocket, I certainly should not have selected such a host. Notwithstanding all these external disadvantages, he was a kind and worthy man, disinterested and hospitable. T told my tale, which John fully corroborated. I confessed that I neither had money then, nor the most distant chance of procuring any in that country ; all I wanted was shelter until Monday morning, when I should present myself again be- fore the city marshal, and claim the privilege of prison -accommodation, and forty cents per diem. *•• Och," said he, '' Fll not hear a word of it ; sure, if ve can make shift wid our fare, ye'll take your mails wid me wife and me, and we'll make ye mighty welcome, so no more about it, but .step in." Tlie proposal was too kind, and too well ac- corded with my wants to be refused. Assuring him that he should be repaid some day, if my life w^as spared to reach England, I w^ent into his dean little parlour off the bar, where I found his wife, a young good looking American, wdio added her assurances to those of her husband, that I should be welcome to live with them as long as 1 chose. Here, then, I was in clover ; always a joint of meat or some excellent fish, with apple or peach pie or pudding for dinner, peaches and milk (no H 2 loo Early Rccollecflons of Jamaica^ unpalatable mess) for breakfast, and often the same for supper. I scrupulously refused pressing Invitations to drink either porter or whisky- punch. On the Monday, true to my appointment, 1 presented myself before !Mr. Curtenius, and was rather mortified to find that my '''gentlemanly ap- 'pearance'' had failed to make any lasting impres- sion on his mind. He did not recognize me, until I had refreshed his memory by repeating the cir- cumstances under which I had been brought to his notice on the previous Saturday. He desired me to show myself once a-week, and I left the office to explore the city. In my wanderings a placard caught my eye, headed by the tantalizing words, '' For England !" It stated that a ship would sail in a few days, and referred to Messrs. White and Co. for passage, &;c» I lost no time to enquire my way to their coun- ting-house, and soon found myself at the door, which I opened in almost breathless anxiety. The next moment I was in the presence of a formal- looking personage, dressed in a coat of sad colour, cut in the Quaker fashion. I explained my busi- ness with all the eloquence I could muster, gave him to understand it was a matter of great impor- taitce to my future prospects that I should get to England by the first opportunity, and hoped there- fore to be able to arrange with him for a passage. Earhj Recollections of Jamaica. 101 the He first fissured me the ship was quite full ; it was impossible to take one more. I said, it was of so much consequence to me to get home, that I did not care for what is called accommodation. I had been of late used to rough it, and would not object even to lie on the deck, if I might but be carried to England. If that were the case, he said, 1 might go. In reply to my question as to terms, I forget the sum he named, but it appeared something very unreasonable, especially for the proposed accommodation. However, I agreed to give him a draft for the amount, on a mercantile house, to be paid on my arrival. He objected to this, and required the cash down; which, of course, I could not give. In vain did I almost supplicate ; reminding bim that his captain could detain me on board until the demand was satisfied. He remained inexora- ble. Driven to despair, with some bitter allusion to his want of Christian kindness, I left the room to take refuge with my Irish friend. A day or two after this miserable failure, I re- membered having a puncheon of rum on board of the brig when she was taken. Catching, as it were, at this straw, it seemed not impossible that the owners of the privateer might be prevailed on to make some small allowance for it, in my other- wise hopeless circumstances. I determined to try m r 102 Early Uecollectlons of Jamaica. the experiment as a last resource ; in pnrsnance of which 1 called on Messrs. Abruhani l^iicker and Co., chemists and druggists. Fore-street, who had some shares in the prize ; one of the ])artners was in the shop, to whom, after giving my name and the particulars of my case, I said, " I know that by the usages of war I can have no claim on your consideration; but I hope other motives will induce you to make some small allowance, under my try- ing privations."" I received a civil and sympathizing answer. Mr. Rucker said, " I really feel for you, sir, and you may rely on my stating the matter for the consideration of the owners. I have only one voice, but that shall be used to the utmost in your behalf. There will be a meeting this even- ing, and if you will call here in the morning, I shall be happy to let you know the result ; which I hope may prove favourable, although I would not have you build upon it, because there are many opinions to consult." I thanked him, and returned to my peach and milk fare, with pleasing anticipations of success. In the night, my dreams were rudely disturbed by the frolics of a drunken sailor, who came to the foot of my bed, calling out in a boatswain''s voice, " All hands a hoy — 'bout ship — tumble up there — come, rouse up you lazy lubber,'^ and un- Early Recollections of Jamcdca, J 03 |e ot and had was and I that duce try- are cercmonionsly seizing my ancles in his iron grasp, pulled me violently otF from the miserable apology for a bed, and dragged me round the room, to the great amusement of his comrades. He was a good-natured fellow, nevertheless; said lie only meant it for a lark, and hoped no oftence. I was obliged to pocket the aftront, returned to my pallet, and soon fell asleep. The next morn- ing sundry bruises reminded me of the adventure, and indeed refreshed my memory on the subject for the followinor week. Having dis])atched my frugal breakfast, I has- tened to Mr. Rucker. The rebuff I had received from my Quaker friend had taught me to prepare for disappointment. I opened the door of the chemist's shop with a trembling hand ; but on beholding the benignant smile of its inmate, I felt assured he had succeeded. " I am glad to tell you," said he, " that I have done better for you than 1 expected, though not quite as I could wish. You must understand that our government levies very heavy duties on all prize articles, and there are other expenses to be taken into account ; so that, I am sorry to say, they cannot agree to allow you more than fifty dollars for your pun- cheon of rum. Here is the sum, and I am very glad to be the bearer of even that." Having ex- pressed my warmest thanks to him for the kind I kl m ii ^Is. i i 104 Early Keculkctions of Jamaica, interest and trouble he had taken in my behalf, and begged hi in to convey my acknowledgments to the other owners, 1 returned in great glee to my landlord ; to his astonishment paid up my arrears, and insisted on indemnifying him for my old shipmate also, which I continued to do while I remained in New York. \<- CHAPTER XII. Mrivr WITH Johnny •— II is Dereliction — Amehkan rROTECTION SllAMFFUL CoNDUCT OF CaTTAIN —Stormy Rencontke— Pleasant Meeting \viTn tub M,vTE— Pi/T ON Parole— Sail from New York in THE Jane Maria— Captain Lawrence. Strolling in the neigliboiirlioocl, I met with Johnny, the api)rentice who, during the action, begged me to watch the shot, and ingloriously deserted his post to hide his head in the hold. He was dressed in a new suit, with ghized hat, a long steel watch-chain with seals attached, dang- ling from his fob. Had he not accosted me, I should have passed him by unnoticed. *' Hollo, Johnny,'' said I, " I am glad to see you looking so well. I thought you were in confinement.'' '' no," he replied, " they are glad to get sea- men ; thev don't keep them in prison, but leave the gates open that they may go in and out as they please." " So they all tell me," said I. '' But how did you manage to get these fine clothes, and 106 Early Becollections of Jamaica. that watch whieli I see l you had none, I think, on hoard the hrlg." " 0," said he, " I have vo- lunteered for the Saratoga." " What !" I ex- claimed, '' 1/ou vohmteer to fight ! and to fight against your king and country ! you young scoun- drel ! If I ever meet you in England Fll have you hanged to a certainty !'' '' No, you won't,'' he repKed, '' I have taken good care of all that. I have got a regular American protection." This he produced. It was a tissue of lies, descrihing him under another name (to the host of my recol- lection), stating that he was horn in New York, of parents who were citizens of the United States. This document was sworn to before some local authority, and duly witnessed. I told him that to his base conduct as a traitor, he had added the sin of j)erjury ; and that if he escaped the hangman, he might expect to be shot for cowardice, by the Yankees themselves. My excited manner and loud tone, was begin- ning to draw together a rather unamiable looking party, and I thought it pendent to move off. Pursuing my walk, • was attracted by a crowd of sailors assembled at the door of a porter house, where it was evident from the mourn^l counte- nances around me, and a few broken sentences which reached mv ears, that some awful catas- trophe had happened. I was, from curiosity, in- duced to enter the house, to learn the truth of the 'A h Early Recollections of Jamaica. 107 report of those without. The landlady and her two daughters, who appeared to be respectable and kind persons, gave me the following melan- choly particulars of an event which had excited a strong sensation in the neighbourhood, and very much shocked themselves. About an hour before I arrived there, an English seaman, between forty and fifty years old, was walking up the street in a very dejected state of mind. As he passed the door, a shipmate recognized him, and invited him in, to rest and refresh liiiiiself ; for he acknow- ledged that he had not tasted any thing that day, and declared he never would allow food to pass his lips in that country. The dinner was on the table, and the landlady came out to announce it to some of her lodgers, who were engaged in con- versation in the street. With genuine kindness she urged the stranger to enter and partake of their fare. Overcome by her hospitable solicita- tions he consented, saying — " You women are good creatures ; I cannot refuse to come in, for I have a dear wife and daughter at home who would love you for your kindness to me if they did but know it. I shall not live to see them ag-ain. I have lost all my earnings, and I should go home a beggar, if I went at all. I will come in, for I like to see kindness in a woman, and I thank you for it — but its all too late.'' Saying which, he entered the room where the dinner was prepared, and 108 Earhi Becollections of Jamaica, \ i seated himself in a corner, at a distance from the table. For some time he resisted every solicita- tion to draw nearer, wickedly uttering a solemn wish that the first morsel he should attempt to swallow in New York might choke him. This impious prayer was soon to be awfully answered ; for, yielding at last to the unceasing requests of the women, he permitted them to ])ut some meat on his plate, a morsel of which he conveyed to his mouth; but, in the act of swallowing it, fell back in his chair and suddenly expired. All this time I had seen nothing of my former captain. Accidentally meeting him, it was natural for me to tell him all that had happened to me since we parted on board of the privateer. I men- tioned the kindness of Mr. Kucker, and the libe- rality of the owners, in making me an allowance for my rum. A few days afterwards, an ofiicer of the Saratoga called on me, and said — " I think it right you should know what a pretty trick Captain • has played you. It seems he had some half dozen puncheons on board of the brig ; our owners hav- ing dealt so liberally with you, encouraged him to apply for a similar indulgence ; and he, most un- reasonably, expected to be indemnified for all his losses by the capture. His application being re- jected he became insolent, and was turned out of the room ; but before he left the meethig, he de- ?^ Early Itecolledlons of Jamaica, 109 clared that the rum which you had daimed, although branded with your uauie, and inserted in the bill of lading- as your property, did not in fact belong to you." This cruel aspersion confounded me. I never thought well of the man, but I could not believe him capable of fabricating such an injurious ca- lumny. Smarting under a keen sense of the un- merited injury, from one who should rather have afforded protection and assistance ; and being desi- rous of putting myself right with the kind Mr. Rucker and the others, I requested my informant to come with me in search of the captain. We found him. Our interview, as might have been expected, was a stormy one. Although nothing very satisfactory could result from collision with a man so void of principle, I had the means of making him prevaricate and contradict himself under my cross questioning, so that the American officer said, *'■ It is evident you don't speak the truth." Unfortunately the matter did not rest here. He had been exposed in the presence of a friend, in whose eyes he wished to figure as a man of spirit, and who, perhaps, had hinted that the language I had used was rather strong. This roused within him a burning spirit of revenge. He expressed a determination to chastise my insolence, as he was pleased to call it, and brought his friend with him to witness the infliction. i/j i ,■• I lli- :i J 10 Early Recollectmts of Jamaica, They siuldenly entered the little parlour in which I was seated with my host. The captain demanded, most ferociously, if 1 persisted in saying that his assertions were false. " Certainly," said I, '' and I shall do so with my latest hreath. You know they are false, and should he ashamed to utter them."' With all the extra exertion of a bullying school boy, he threw otf his coat, calling me to come on, and he would serve me out, if I was not a coward. " I think," said I, " I know which of us best deserves that epithet." Button- ing my coat, and steadily watching his motions, I continued — " Captain > this is a practice to which I have never had recourse since my school boy days ; but my fists, I suppose, were given to me for protection ; I shall not scruple to use them if you offer to strike, and perhaps you may find, to your cost, that I have not forgotten the art." Instead of planting a shower of blows on my de- voted carcase, as I fully expected, to the astonish- ment of the bystanders, and of his friend in parti- cular, (but very much to my own satisfaction), he hastily resumed his coat, vowing that if he ever met me in England he would satiate his ven- geance ; at which I laughed, and he left the house amidst the sneers of all assembled. That evening I had the satisfoction to meet my friend the mate, and joyfully handed him his watch, in as good order as when he committed \ Early liecollect ions of Jamaica. Ill ir 111 ptain ' said You 4 jd to of a 1 dling if I ;■• vllOW tton- r '9 1> "Sf it to my keeping. " Well,"* said he, grasping my hand, " I always said you were a good fellow. I knew that I should get my watch again.**^ " I hope you never douhted it," said I. *'No," he replied, " but the skipper called me a fool for trusting it with you, and said you would be sure to sell it." Here was another piece of kindness for which I took an early opportunity of thanking the captain. The fiict was, that the prize master very soon cast a longing eye upon it, and repeatedly urged me to sell it to him. To rid me of his importu- nity, I was obliged to tell him it belonged to the mate, whom I hoped to meet in New York ; if not, I should take it with me to England, in the hope of delivering it to him there. On my last visit to Mr. Curtenius, I thought it prudent to insist on being put upon parole, so that I might have some document to produce in case of need, to prove who and what I was. He gave me the customary certificate, armed with which I felt more secure from inconvenience. Weary of my unavoidable associates, and of the kind of life which I was compelled to lead, and reduced nearly to my last dollar, I heard with joy that a schooner was taken up by the government, to eiFect a change 01 prisoners between New York and Halifax. 1 repaired to the British Consul, shev/ed him my 112 Early Recollections ofJcimaica, parole certificate, and was ordered a passage in the Jane Maria, to sail in a few days. Any change could not but prove agreeable. I expected it would be more easy in a British co- lony, to procure money for my necessities ; or at any rate, to find a speedy passage to England. Taking a cordial leave of my host and his wife, old John, and others who had been kind to me, with a threadbare and scanty wardrobe, stowed in an imposing trunk, calculated to hold three times the quantity it actually contained, I em- barked at the battery, on board the beautiful schooner, pennyless. Captain Lawrence, first cousin to poor Law- rence of the Chesapeake, commanded her, with a crew of ten remarkably fine looking men. Her cargo consisted not of '•' notions," as the Yankees call an assortment of goods, but of live lumber, in the shape of British merchant seamen, in num- ber about 120, ten man of war's men, being the crew of a sloop which had been taken by a heavy privateer, commanded by a Frenchman, and eighteen or twenty passengers in the small cabin. These consisted of the late commander of the above mentioned sloop, his surgeon, mastery's mate, purser, and two or three midshiprncii ; a Halifax pilot, a medical gentleman and his wife, two mer- ?'? f Early Recollections of Jamaica, iiy the J. I I chant captains, two young ladies, a black woraan, the son of an honourable seeking employment, myself, and one or two others. When the bustle of stowing away the luggage had somewhat subsided, Captain Lawrence, a young man of pleasing person and amiable man- ners, called the gentlemen together on the quarter deck, and thus addressed them : — " I thought you would find the ship's provisions, to which you are entitled, but sorry fare ; with a view, tljcrefore, to make you more comfortable, I have laid in a supply of poultry, vegetables, fruit, wine, beer, &c. Here is an account of what they cost me. The sum is not large ; divided amongst our party, each will have to pay but a trifle. If you are willing, I shall be happy to ap- propriate them to your use, and I will make the best arrangements in my power for our mutual comfort.'"' "The proposal was agreed to by acclamation. I believe mine was the only silent tongue on the occasion. Captain Lawrence then spoke to each individual separately ; coming to me, he said, " you have heard my proposal, sir ; I hope you will join our mess." I told him it would give me great pleasure to do so, but I regretted that my entire want of means at that moment, and the uncertainty of <\ ^ii 114 Early Recollections of Jamaica. procuring any in Halifax, would prevent me from partaking of his good cheer. " Excuse me, sir," said he, " I will not take a refusal on the grounds you have mentioned. I am commanding officer here, and you really must be guided by my wishes on the subject. Never mind, if you should be so unfortunate as not to get a supply of the needful, you will send me the trifle from England some day or other ; so pray oblige me without another word/' My scruples were overcome, and I consented. A Qfentle breeze carried us tlirouoh the narrows. On passing the quarantine ground I beheld the neat cottage on the hill, whose kind tenant treated me with apples during my tedious purification, and I invoked a blessing on her head. V % me from t take a med. I lly must Never s not to me the so pray scruples narrows, held the b treated ;ion, and CHAPTER XIII. Uncomfortable Bed — Captain Flynn — The Selfish Man — New Method of Broaching a Cask — Mutiny — Spring a Leak — Infidel Doctor — Brief Account of his Death 3IANY Years aiter. As the evenhig approached, it was necessary to make our arrangements for the night. A schooner's cahin, with a few standing hed places on either side, afforded but scanty sleeping room for our number. The females were fu'st considered. The naval commander, who had not recovered from a severe wound across tlie back of his neck, close to the base of the skull, required every indulgence. Then came a scramble for the rest. Our luggage, secured on the deck, rose in a compact mass to a considerable height in the cen- tre of the cabin. On each side of this, space was left just sufficient to admit of reaching the dor- mitories by a sidelong movement, and a small square spot at the foot of the companion ladder for a table, at ^vhich about six persons could sit with elbows toucliing. Where to lie down to sleep was 1 mi !ii.: 116 Early Recollect ions of J a ma lea. a question which piizzKnl me and several others. At length we were obliged to stow ourselves away^ in a compact row, on the hard and uneven surface of brass-hound trunks, portmanteaus, and bundles of every size and shape. The first night passed in misery beyond the powers of description ; but we soon became accus- tomed to almost any outward inconvenience. Hav- ing wriggled my weary bo ly between two trunks, with the aid of a friendly biindk^, of rather softer composition than the others, I managed in future to sleep soundly. There was but little room on deck for exercise, frequently being obliged, when the desire for loco- motion became general, to follow each other's heels, locked up in the order, and with the pre- cisio!! of step observed by soldiers marching in close colunm. The middies and I kept our muscles in play by running about the rigging ; and the days passed away pleasantly enough, enlivened by humourous sallies, and the practical jokes of which sailors are fond. The life of our party was an Irish captain, named Flynn — a very FalstafF in appearance. He was constantly suggesting some so erne of mischief to the youngsters. The other merchant captain was of more staid and sober deportment; perfectly good natured, i •ft I i .- w i i others, away, jiuface mndles 1(1 the accus- Hav- trunks, • softer future xercise, 3r loco- other''s he pre- liing in ilay by- passed lourous sailors captain, aranee. 3me of e staid atured, Earl// JlecoUecf>'>')u- i J> ma'ira. 117 ^1 i 1% f -4i i but of a somewhat sclfisli I' n. II( had brought on board a cask of Mpplrs, uf a peculrai r fnie quality, large aud rosy. This was lafiliLti to tht bulwarks, uuder the main ri^'-ging. One nu)rnlug, going to his treasure, as he thought quite unobserved by the boys, he cau- tiously raised the head of the cask, inserted his hand, and drawing forth an apple, began to eat it with much satisfaction. Two or three of the mid- shipmen were in an instant at his elbow, on whom he cast an uneasy and suspicious look ; again he thrust in his hand, hastily drew forth several ap- ples in succession, deposited them in his capacious pockets, carefully fastened the cask, and walked away, without inviting them to partake of the treat. " What a greedy old beggar," said one, in a tone of disappointment. Flynn had observed the proceeding from the opposite side of the deck ; calling the youths to him, he asked, '' Did he not offer either of you an apple f '* No,"^ said they, *'he munched one before our faces, stuifed the others into his pockets, and marched away with them."*' '-Well," said Flynn, "it really was too bad. It will serve him right to take a few. Be- sides, the poor old man may injure himself by eating too many, if no one helps him. If you would like to give him your assistance, I know how to get at them ; quite h^ accident you know." I< ' t : ' ii ' 1 1 J 8 Earlt/ llecolkctlons of Jamaica. " do toll ns '' tliov all cried. " Its the easiest thing ill 11 to, barring my weight, for T am a heavy himp to be sure; bnt maybe a lighter man wouhl not do the bnsiness so well. Do you think you could lift me C *' We'll try,"' said the boys. *'Aye, so you shall. I'll walk over to the other side, and you'll try if you can manage to lift me, that's all." Laying hold of the rigging, as if to prevent himself from being thrown down by the boys, who were clinging to his legs, lie materially aided their efforts. When by these joint exertions he was raised a few inches above the cask, he cried out, as if in alarm, *' Lt't me go, ye villains I let me go !" They instantly obeyed. Down he came upon the liead of the cask, which was driven in, and in a few seconds apples were rolling about the decks bv dozens. ft/ The proprietor bore his loss with equanimity, but carefully removed the residue to a safer place. The merchant seamen being aware that the fleet on the American station was short of hands, very naturally expected to be pressed on their arrival at Halifax. A spirit of insubordination increased among them, which might have produced most serious results, had it not met with a timely check. The master's mate, providentially, overheard the ringleaders arranging a plan for seizing the schooner and running her on shore, that they might escape I 1 ■r Eiirlt; IfecolJectlons of Jamaica, 1 1 \) easiest heavy would Ik you boys. b other ift me, ) re vent ; boys, ' aided ons he e cried tis ! let e came ven in, out the nimity, L- place, he fleet s, very arrival :reased \ most check, ird the hooner escape "■J I ":si f ¥ into the United States. The American crew and the passengers were to be thrown overboard if they resisted, and the rush was to be made in the middle watch that very night. Captain Lawrence ordered every English sailor below, excppt the ten man of war's men ; these were summoned aft and addressed by their com- mander, who told them it was their duty to obey him at that tinie, as if they were on board their former vessel, and called upon them to assist the crew and passengers in preventing the evil inten- tions of the mutineers. One of these men, having been convicted of fomenting the plot, was imme- diately placed in irons. Thus a party, consisting of about thirty-five, including the youngsters, had the arduous task of keeping at least 120 ruffians in subjection; which could only be effected by determined resolution, and vigilant care. We were all armed, and divided into two watches. Handspikes and every otlier implement likely to prove dangerous in the hands of the malcontents, were brought aft; sentries were placed on each side of the main hatch, day and night, with orders to permit no more than one person at a time to come on deck, on any pretence. Often, when in my turn, 1 was stationed at this important post, a crowd would assemble at the foot of the ladder, and seem determined to force their way ; !]!l .1 if I 1 20 Earl^ Recollections of Jama lea. as often Avas my pistol cocked, witli a declaration that I would shoot the first that dared to advance. Matters remained in this state for a day or two, when there was a cry below that the schooner had sprung a leak, was filling fiist, and likely to go down. Nor was it altogether a fiilse alarm. The mutineers had bored a hole through the bottom, expecting it would induce the captain to run for the coast, and thus facilitate their escape. He ordered the hatches to be battened down, say- ing with a loud voice to those below, " Now, my lads, understand me ; ^ lu not going to be trifled with. You who have made the leak can stop it when you i)lease ; until you do so, and we have pumped her clear, the hatches shall remain on. If it does not stop, we on deck have nothing to fear ; there are plenty of boats for owr safety, and I'll take good care that you all go to Davy's locker, as you deserve.^' In vain they protested to be ignorant of the cause, declared that some plank had started^ and pretended the greatest alarm. The hatches were firmly secured ; the pumps were manned, and after several hours hard work, the schooner was cleared, and the leak eifectually stopped. The weather was fortunately, in general, fine and mild, but an occasional pelting shower at night rendered the service very trying. I was sometimes obliged to turn in wet to the skin, with- es ft i iratiou ivance. )Y two, ler had to go h the ain to escape. 11, say- )W, my trifled stop it e have ain on. Iiing to ty, and locker, of the d, and s were I, and er was 1, flue ^er at I was with- ,;r Earhj BecoUections 6f Jamaica, 121 out the possibility of changing clothes, a comfort which 1 had seklom the luxury to enjoy. Here I cannot help mentioning an incident which made a serious impression on my youthful mind. The medical man, to whom I have referred in the list of passengers, was a person of superior literary attainments, but of infidel opinions, and a zealous promoter of the blasphemies of Tom Paine. He selected me for his victim, and embraced every opportunity of private conversation to pour in the specious poison. Thank God, I had an anti- dote within, which effectually protected my mind from the baneful effects of his dauQferous insinua- tions. I had indeed heard of such characters, but had never met with one, and, until then, I was lialf inclined to doubt their reality. He began his attack with great caution and subtlety ; and as 1 listened in amazement, he would extol me for liberality and candour. At length, conceiving my mind to be sufhciently prepared to receive the full declaration of his opinions, he lamented most pathetically that an ingenuous youth, whose mind was capable of pursuing the dictates of reason, which alone could lead to truth, should be kept under the thraldom of designing priestcraft and early prepossessions. For his part, he had long risen above the influence of vulgar prejudices, and did not believe in the existence of a God. 122 Larhj TiecoUectlons of Jamaica, \: "From wheiK'e proceed,'' said I, "the wondrrful works around us ? That glorious sun, the mighty deep, the moon and stars, the hosts of animals and birds and fishes, the various tribes of men, the trees and plants, and insects innumerable T — " Stop," he replied, " you are too hasty ; I do not deny that there is a first cause.'' " Enough," I cried, disgusted and horrified at his blasphemy. " That (Ireat First Cause is (lod, the Creator, Pre- server, and Redeemer ! And now, Dr. I request you will never again broach the subject ; keep these horrible opinions to yourself." An incident occurred soon after this, which powerfully tended to confirm my faith, and, I trust, to sliake the Doctor's confidence, if in reality he ever felt any. At the first alarm of the leak above mentioned, the water poured in so copiously, that the men below declared they were nearly up to their knees. The suddenness and apparent imminence of the danger, induced the captain to order preparations for hoisting out the boats. When the panic was at its height, the doctor was standing at the gangway. I was struck with the awful expression on his countenance. I could not refrain from tapping him on the shoul- der, and saying, " What think you now l The fallacy of your boasted reason may be proved sooner than you expected !" He thrust me im- patiently from him with a look of terror, but made no reply. I 4 t Earli/ Recollections of J amaica, . 12»S idrrful liglity Inimals men, lie r— I do not igh," I )liemy. r, Pre- ~ I ibject ; wliich ind, I if in of the in so Y were !is and ?d the ut the t, the struck ce. I shonl- The roved le i in- made •5^ % "VVIicn ^he danger had passed, I resumed the subject with him in private. '^ You have always,"*' said I, " expressed your admiration of my can- dour. Be equally candid yourself. Pray do tell me what caused you to shew more fear at the prospect of death than most of those around you I According to your oft declared opinions, you have nothing to dread hereafter. Tell me, then, sin- cerely, what was it that appeared to fill you with such horror V " AV^hy,'"' said he, '* you must allow that to sink into annihilation was a dreadful anti- cipation !" " No, no," I replied, " you must ex- cuse me for savin of I cannot believe that was the cause of your fear. You know that you feared there mipht be an hereafter, and a judgment to come ! Your conduct was an irresistible confirma- tion of my belief." Mrs. ■ often lamented the sceptical opinions of her miserable husband, and told me that his pertinacity in maintaining them had involved both in much trouble, and destroyed his professional success. He had left London a year or two before, and repaired to New York, which he regarded as the land of freedom, where he hoped to find a host of congenial spirits, a competent provision, and professional fame. To the honour of America and his own disap- pointment, Atheism proved to be as unpalatable there as it was in the mother country. Driven by necessity he was going to Halifax, where army i 1 24 Early Recolle ^tiom of Jamaica, surgeons were In request, in the hope of heing commissioned to some regiment, in which, happily^ for his poor wife, he succeeded. Many years after these occurrences, on a smaU ishmd in the houthern liemisphere, being in con- versation with a military surgeon, who had served in Nova Scotia, I inquired if he had ever met with Dr. . '' O yes," said he, *' I killed him." In explanation of this strange reply, he gave me the following account : — The doctor had been seized with apoplectic or paralytic symptoms ; this surgeon had bled him profusely ; the miserable patient partially re- covered. Overwhelmed by a horrible dread of death, he insisted on losing more blood ; to this the surgeon objected. The doctor requested him to call in others for their opinion ; they yielded to his wish. The person who gave me this infor- mation was obliged to bleed him, contrary to his judgment, and the unhappy sceptic died under the op iration. My informant also said, he had never seen in any patient such a dread of death. UK I- - I m being appily, t small 1 con- served r met him." ve me Jtic or I him 7 re- ad of this [ him elded infor- ;o his r the lever CHAPTER XIV. Miss the Halifax Light — The Lonelv Harbuur — A Visit to the Shore — Deserted Farm — The Old Irishman and Family — Proceed to Halifax — Em- bark FOR England. We very provoklngly missed the Halifax light in the night, and tlie mistake was not discovered until we had run many miles beyond the mark. To retrace our course was, for the present, imprac- ticable, the wind being dead against us. At the recommendation of the pilot, who was well ac- quainted with the coast. Captain Lawrence made for a small but safe harbour in the neighbourhood, in which he determined to anchor, and wait for a change of wind. Having entered through a nar- row channel into a snug little bay, completely shut in by the land, which was thickly covered with stunted oaks and various smaller bushes, we brought up about a hundred yards from the beach, and were delighted to behold a substantial-looking farm-house standing on a gentle elevation, about Kl j r;i I ! f' I I 'I? 'I 1 2 (] j^t? rl?/ liecoUectlons of J a ma lea . the same distance from tlic water; smoke was is- suing from a tall cliimney. The captain proposed to enter into a negotiation with its tenants, for a supply of milk, butter, poultry, eggs, Sec, as our own stock was nearly expended, and we dreaded the necessity of falling back u})on Yankee pork and hard biscuit. To accomplish this desirable ob- ject he and I, with several others, pulled a-shore. On reaching the house, we found it void of in- habitants, though exhibiting every proof of having been very recently occupied ; such as a good fire blazing on the hearth, with a kettle of water at the boiling-point singing by its side. In vain did we exert our lungs and rap at the doors of the various rooms, not a sound was heard in reply ; one of the party outside came in to tell us he had seen a man at the skirts of a wood no great dis- tance off, peeping at us through the bushes : we walked towards the spot. J3y dint of loud and oft-repeated assurances that we were friends, he at length emerged from his hiding-place, and ad- vanced to meet us, encouraged by having observed that we were unarmed. He had a very Crusoe-like appearance ; his garments having lost all their original colour, and much of their pristine cut, were patched from end to end with cloth of different textures, and hues as various as might be seen in a tailor's book of patterns. m ti i^i was is- roposed ts, for a , as our [Ireadod ee pork able ob- a-shore. d of in- f having" ood fire ►vater at vain did 3 of the I reply ; he had eat dis- iies: we Olid and ?nds, he and ad- jbserved ice ; his our, and Tom end ind hues book of I a 4 Early Recollections of J aim ilea, 127 He drew near with considerable hesitation, but was soon assured by the account we gave of the cause of our sudden arrival in liis port. Being convinced of our pacific character, he suddenly turned towards the wood, and called out in a rich Jrlsli brooue, '* Come here me jewel! Come here every mother's son of ye ! Sure they're frinds." Out stepped a rosy-cheeked buxom lass of eighteen, followed by her mother, a good look- ing woman of about forty, and two or three younger children. The mother gave evident signs that the family circle would shortly be increased. A privateer had recently pillaged a farm upon the coast, and treated the owners with consider- able cruelty ; which led these poor people at first to sus|)ect we were enemies of the same class. The man was probably sixty, a fine, hearty old fellow, with a thick head of curly grey hair, about five feet ten high, and stoutly made. Much to his roo-ret he had nothino- to offer us but coarse bread and a rasher of bacon ; to which he assured us we should be mighty welcome, and the pure element to quench our thirst. We de« dined his hospitality, except the spring water, which, after the fetid liquid mis- ailed fresh water on board of the schooner, we found very grateful. He said that he had not tasted whisky or beer for a month ; but was daily expecting a supply II i: .il 11 m m I , {I 12S Earit/ RecoUedlons of Jamaica. from Halifiix, which ho ho[)ed might arrive before we left the harbour, and give him the pleasure of entertaining us more hospitably. This was, perhaps, thrown out as a hint, which our good-natured captain Avas not slow in taking. We returned on board to dinner, and imme- diately afterwards paid another and more welcome visit to the shore, taking with us an ample supply of rum, sugar, biscuit, and salt beef; one of the party carried his flute, and it was proposed to spend a merry evening with the old Irishman''s family. He danced reels himself, and made his wife and daughter foot it as long as they could stand. For nearly a week this was our amusement every evening. I tried in vain to learn something of his history. Although naturally communicative, on this subject he was silent and impracticable ; we could not even learn his real name, and I forget the one he had assumed. It surprised me to find amongst his books Homer and Yirgil, both of which he read. On my observing that he was educated much above his present sphere, as he closed the book he replied in a sul dued and melancholy tone "Aye, it's true enough as ye say, I was not al- ways bred to this." The wind became fair during the night, and at day-break wc weir^hed and stood to sea. I i I e before asiire of t, which taking. I imme- tvelcome 3 supply 3 of the >osed to ishman^s lacle his !y could usement history. s subiect uld not e one he amongst hich he iducated )sed the oly tone 5 not al- and at 'U % Early Becollectlons of Jamaica, 129 The old man, sorry to lose our company, as soon as he heard the noise of the windlass, shoved oft' in a crazy boat, so small that it appeared to be in danger of swamping with his weight. But he was too late to reach us ; wind and tide, es- pecially when wafting a clipper schooner, will wait for no man ; and 1 saw the poor fellow, after a long and useless struggle to overtake us, turn back in despair. Two or three days brought us in safety to Ilali' fax. I found a merchant willing to advance a trifling sum, which enabled me to pay Captain Lawrence my share of the mess. We parted on the kindest terms, with mutual expressions of an earnest desire to meet again. Seventeen years afterwards, in a far distant land, a merchant of my acquaintance came to his door as 1 was riding past, and urged me to dis- mount and wait for half an hour until the moon should rise, as the nights were then unusually dark, and I had three miles of difficult and dan- gerous road to travel. His servant took my horse, and I entered the house. In addition to the mem- bers of his family, I found two or three strangers of the party ; which had I previously known, would, perhaps, have induced me to decline his invitation. In the confusion of finding myself so unexpectedly in a room full of people, I did not catch the names of the persons to whom the mas- 11 130 Early Hccollectlons of Jamaica, \ :« !i (i[. ter introduced me. I had not been seated lonnf when I discovered one to be an American, lately from New York. Being always interested in news from a place in which a short but most eventful period of my life had passed, I listened with at- tention to all that fell from him. He had just said the thermometer was 86 at New York when he left. I remarked it was somewhat lower when I left. " Were you ever in New York, sir V said he. On replying in the affirmative, he continued, "May I ask in what year?" '^At the latter end of 1812." '^Why that was during the warf' " Yes ; I was taken by one of your privateers, and carried there much against my will." ''May I ask if you went direct to England from New Yorkr '-No, I went in a Cartel schooner to Halifax." Up he jumped, exclaiming, "There was but one during the whole war, that was the *Jane Maria,"' I commanded her;" and, seizing my hand, said, "How do you do, ^Ir. ^ It was, indeed, very gratifying to meet him again. He sailed two or three days after^ .--ind to testify my remembranc of his former kindness, as he was expected to return with a caigo for my mer- cantile friend, I gave him a large commission to execute for me. But I regret to say we never met again. I learned subsequently, that on hife arrival at home he found his wife dead, or dying, rnd he followed her a few weeks after. eel Ion Of ■« , lacely I in news eventful 1 vith at- 1 ust said ^'lien he ■4 when I i-r said ■4 ■4^ ntinued, I tter end B war i ivateers, '* May '^: om New ooner to " There w^as the !, seizing "ly im again. .■!■- to testify ss, as he my mer- 4't lission to lever met :fi life arrival "k ^, I nd he Early Becollectlons of Jamaica. 131 A montli or six weeks elapsed before any chance occurred for roacljing England. At length a day was fixed f(»r tlie sailing of the Asia, line of battle ship, with Admiral Sawyer, who had just been relieved by Sir J. B. AVarren. A large transport and two or three other vessels were to take ad- vantage of her convoy. An application to the Admiral procured me an order for a passage in tlie transport, in virtue of my being an exchanged prisoner. INly old messmate, Flynn, and I had boarded in the same house at Halifax, and were to be shipmates on the passage home. Before em- barking I was obliged to recruit my wardrobe considerably, wl-ich nearly swallowed up tjje small balance in my purse, and the last remaining dollar was spent i:i the purchase of pv)tatoos for a sea- stock, the only delicacy we took on board. Having nothing to depend upon but the sliip's beef, pork, and biscuit, with the usual allowance of rum, we considered ourselves fortunate in being able to lay in a store of this wholesome esculent, and aoTeed to perform the oiilce of cook by daily turns. The ship was of considerable tonnage, and the acconi- modation spacious. Our party, to whom the great cabin was appropriated, couiisted of nine ; three sul)aiteru officers, one having his ^vife with him, three mercliant captains, beside I^lynn and my- self. A mox'e uiiplcasant set I never iw^X with, with the exception of one of tlie captains, my K 2 ii I I! ; J I i' I w i % 1S2 Earli/ Becollections of Jamaica, old shipmate, and a poor ensign in an advanced stage of consumption : the others were vulgar, overbearing, and impracticable. We very soon found it impossible to hold any intercourse with them ; and notwithstanding the greatest circum- spection, were in constant hot water. The cap- tain of the ship was a quiet, inoflcnsive person; but with him we had little intercourse. There was also an old lieutenant of the navy on board, as agent for transports ; prudence forbade his as- sociating familiarly wilh the cabin passengers. He had seen much service, was a gentlemanly, plea- sant man; occasionally overhearing the annoyances to which I was exposed by the bearish conduct of some of the set, he gave me many a useful hint for the regulation of my conduct. Ivanced vulgar, ry soon rse with circum- he cap- person ; There I board, his as- ers. He ly, plea- loyances nduct of jful hint CHAPTER XV. Signal for a Surhkon — Death on Boaud — Cod Fish- ing — Part from the Convoy — False Alarm — The Selfish Mess — Potatoes and Pork — Difficulty AND Danger of getting Dinner. — The Unfortu- nate Tea Kettle — Flynn's Mal Practices — The Lost Quarter of Beef — The Invalid — The Bar- ber IN Disgrace. We had sailed but a few days when the captain, whom I have mentioned as an exception to the others, showed symptoms of indisposition, which gradually increased, until it became necessary to make a signal to the man-of-war for a surgeon. One was promptly sent, and proved to be our former messmate on board of the '' Jane-Maria." He pronounced the case to be a highly infectious fever ; and urged the propriety of having the pa- tient removed from the cabin. A place was pre- pared for him forward ; I engaged to see the prescriptions duly administered, and to apply a 134 Ea rly Recollections of J a m a lea . >i.^ ¥ \ I lA blister to lils head. All the directions were strictly followed ; but the disease was too far advanced to give any hope of recovery. On the second day after the surgeon's visit, hisremains were consigned to the deep. The wind being light and the sea smooth, the captain ordered some deep sea-lines to be prepared for fishing. Flynn and I joined in the sport, and derived both amusement and profit from the em- ployment. In the course of half an hour more fish were caught than the whole of the ship"'s com- pany could have consumed in many days. Half- a-dozen hooks baited with pork, or even with a bit of rag, were fastened to the line, the lowest of them ten or twelve feet from the heavy lead at the end of it. It was lowered away until the lead touched the sand, moved gently up and down for a few seconds : when a slight tremulous motion was felt, it was hauled up with two or three fine cod-fish hooked. Then came the odour of fried fish and onions ; which, grateful enough at the first, from its variety, soon became a most serious nui- sance to the whole ship. For many days the smell of fish was intolerable ; the lower rigging being Inng with rows of cod spread open to dry. The breeze began to freshen, loaded with a thick and driving mist, and soon increased to a very serious gale. Top- sails were close reefed, top gallant-masts struck, and everything made Earl]/ Becollect ions of Jamaica, 135 strictly need to nd dav nsigned )th, the repared 3rt, and the em- Ur more p''s com- Half- with a e lowest J lead at the lead lown for ; motion hree fine of fried the first, ous nui" lays the r rigging to dry. with a ;ed to a ! reefed, g made snng. Transports, in those days, were not the most eligible class of vessels for safe conveyance ; they were generally of a certain age, roomy, and affording good accommodation ; but often ill-found and half rotten. The creaking of bulk-heads, and the melancholy sound of the chain-pumps inces- santly going, rendered sleep impossible, and filled the mind with gloomy apprehensions. We were soon left to ourselves. When the weather mo- derated, a i^w invalid soldiers, one having lost an arm, another a leg, were exercised with the sea- men at the guns, to prepare for a privateer ; which it was by no means improbable we might encoun- ter. Should such a contingency arise, the result must evidently prove another trip, if not to New York, to l^altiuiore or Boston, or some other American port, which I heartily deprecated. It was not long before the appearance of a small vessel called all hands to (quarters ; an invalid with one arm shouldered his musket, and showed us how he could manage to use it almost as well as ever. Everybody appeared to be in the highest spirits. The adjutant trod the deck in uniform, and drilled his miserable squad of sickly men ; one of the merchant-captains requested me to join him at the sternmost gun, whispering in my ear, and giving at the same time a most know- ing wink, '' I assure you it's the safest place." As *' a burnt child," according to the old adage, " dreads vm \ A ii I l1 11 ix I ' I »- ! 136 Earl^ Becollectlons of Jamaica. the fire,'^ so did past experience make me dread the second edition of a Yankee privateer. Hap- pily the snspicious stranger pursued her course without evincing the least desire to make our ac- quaintance, and my mind was soon relieved from all unpleasant ai)prehensions. Two of our fellow-passengers had an ample supply of fresh heef hanging at the stern ; about twice a week they were able to rejoice in a tempt- ing roast, with brown potatoes swimming in the fat. We dined in separate parties, each selecting a favourite spot. The fresh meat gentlemen would spread a cloth on the table, with all the addita- ments of salt-cellar, mustard-pot, and vinegar- cruet : Flvnn and 1 were content to sneak from observation into a secluded corner, witb a large round wooden bowl filled with smoking potatoes with their jackets on, crowned with a modicum of salt beef or pork. We had in turns to draw up a bucket of water, wash the potatoes, elbow the invalids round the cook's fire, fight for a place to put our kettle on, watch them carefully till boiled, apply to the cook for our ration of meat, and having transferred the whole into a wooden bowl (lent to us as a great ftivour, at the price of an occasional glass of grog), to carry it to the cabin. The performance of this indispensable ^dty was always sufficiently unpleasant, often difiicalt and hazardous. When going nine knots, for in- dread Hap- course onr ac- ed from ample about I tempt- in the electing n would addita- vinegar- ak from I a large potatoes iiodicum to draw !, elbow a place Lilly till if meat, wooden price of to the )1<. ^aty difncalt for in- 'f^ i 1 Earl?/ Recollections of Jamaica, 137 stance, there was a possibility of losing the bucket, or of being pulled overboard ; and in wet and windy weather, a sprawl on the slippery deck, or a tumble down the companion-ladder, was with difficulty avoided. On the occurrence of such si- nister events, our companions were immoderately facetious ; and so bearish withal, that Flynn'a Irish blood would boil, and vent its fervour in no very mild exprctesions. This feeling arose at last to inveterate hatred, which I feared would some day end in his bestowing upon the most obnoxious of them a hearty drubbing. Although their evi- dent want of spirit prevented this method of in- fliction, he wreaked his vengeance, I am sorry to say, in other and more unjustifiable ways. On one occasion he politely requested the loan of their tea-kettle, which was rudely refused. A few days after, it was missing, and they threw out dark insinuations that some disreputable person must have thrown it overboard. Flynn, at this time guiltless, declared that he would knock any man down that accused him of such an act. He happened that evening, very unfortunately, to stumble over the said kettle in the dark, and seizing it in a rage, overboard it went. One Sa- turday evening he saw them gloating over their last remaining quarter of beef, in anxious debate how they should cut the piece for the next day's dinner. He heard them defer the operation until ■^11 i m ^: h •> t f' ; il 138 Earl?/ BecoUedions of Jamaica, the morning. That night the rope that secured it was cut unseen, and, with a heavy pKinge, the meat descended to the sharks. I had devoted myself very much from the com- mencement of our passage to the consumptive en- sign. It employed my time to minister to his comfort ; my services hecame every day more ac- ceptahle to him, and more necessary. He lived exclusively on arrow-root, sago, tapioca, and pre- served milk, with which he was well provided. But his only attendant heing a clumsy, drunken invalid soldier, his messes were dirtily and ill- prepared. I saw the painful difficulty, and volun- teered to take the office of nurse and cook, if he would permit me. This was at first politely re- fused. I was not to he so easily repulsed. Ac- companying the servant to the forecastle, I insisted on preparing his master's meal. To my delight it was taken with satisfaction, and, in my hearing, the man was commended for his skill. After two or three tricks of this kind, it was discovered that I had been the cook ; after which I was duly in- stalled in my new office, and was allowed full liberty to practice the culinary art openly. In the midst of much hardship, privation, and misery, I here found a source of interest and comfort. My patient soon began to assume a tone of ab- solute authority over my every movement. i 'M, I , Early Becollections of Jamaica, 139 cured it «ge, the lie com- tive en- to his lore ac- le Hved tnd pre- rovided. Jrunken and ill- 1 volun- k, if he itely re- d. Ac- insisted elight it hearing, fter two red that duly in- red full ^ss m I slept in a cot slung to the heams near to his standing bed-place, and was often roused soon after day-break by his complaining call of — " You lazy fellow, I wish you would get up ; I want my breakfast, and you lie snoring there." I yielded to his sway, and did everything in my power to soothe his sufferings, day and night : in one re- quirement alone, I failed. He once said, " You seem to be able to do everything ; I want shaving : do you think you could shave me f '^I know not till I try,"" said I. Having duly lathered his chin, secundum ar- tem, after a long stretch of the arm, and a pre- liminary flourish of the razor, I attempted to make a scrape. The tears started to his eyes, and he peremptorily ordered me to desist. Humbled by the failure, and not daring to sue for leave to try again, the instrument of torture was consigned to its case, and the attempt abandoned, never to be renewed. lii on, and est and 3 of ab- m %\ t ' 1 ' t h 1 r i" I' i - » tl il '' I' ill I f 1 ! U(; Earbf lu'Colli'cfions of Jamaica, pork, which tlie last week's hixurlous feasting had reiulcrcHl (h)uhlv chstasteful. Arrived at the (Jove of Cork, T hastened to pro- cure lodgings for the invalid, whose anxiety to reacli his friends ])ainfnlly increased with each delay. That niorninof his thonyhts had dwelt much on home. He told nie that lie was deter- mined to leave the army, and retire to a plea- santly situated farm, which belonged to him; adding, *' and you must come and live with me.'"' Poor youth ! while he was thus reckoning on years to come, his very moments were numbered. That afternoon, during the short j)ull from the ship to the landing place, a sudden and fatal change took place, and he with difficulty reached the lodging. The apartments were up stairs. The front room 1)( ing spacious and airy, he expressed a wish to rest himself on a mattrass spread upon the floor. When this was ready, and I was assistino* him to recline, death seized upon his victim ; and in my arms he gently breatlied his last. No sooner was the circumstance known in the neighbourhood (and the news seemed to lly upon the wind) than I was beset with women old and young, in dozens, w^ailing and howling in the most approved Irish fashion. Vain was every attempt to get rid of this insufferable nuisance. In time. % EarJi/ necoHections of Jawaicft. 147 Ling had I to pro- vioty to Itli each II (hvclt IS detcr- a plea- .0 him ; ith nie/' iiilng oil iinbered, Voiii the lid fatal reached out room wish to le floor. »• him to \ ill my 1 ill the lly iij)OU old and the most attempt In time. however, and by dint of no very Gfentle means occasional! V, T manai>ed to eject ail l)nt six or eight, wlio, with the utmost assurance, were seated at a small round table, which thev had drawn close to the fire, and were passing their snuff boxes very sociably, waiting for whisky to console their mer- cenary grief. That night I passed on the inattrass by the corpse. When the first feeling's of disQfJst had subsided, jny attention was occasionally diverted by the novel strangeness of the womeifs ^ ')nduct. So long as they spared my ears by sub' sent to me a few weeks after I reached London, bv his brother, a elergym.'Mi in Sussex, which dates his death January. 1813. AV'e left the Cove of Cork after a delay of thi'ee or four weeks ; I hoped to reach Portsmouth, but, as had so often been the case, the wind again pre- vented us from pursuing the desired course, and obliged the ciiptaiu to seek refuge in Plymouth. i" !! 148 Early iiecollectmis of Jamaica. B .' i : r* li . Landing at the place now called Devonport, I took a final leave of the ship. No longer at the mercy of the Avinds and waves, but snugly housed in the inside of a fast coach, I arrived in London at the latter end of February, having sailed from the east end of Jamaica about seven months before, A lapse of nearly five and thirty years have passed : I still retain a grateful recollection of kindness shown by many to a friendless wanderer, during that trying and eventful period of my life. Among the most pleasing of my Irish recollections the names of Townsend, Troy, and UrmstoUj are indelibly recorded. Nor am I unmindful of higher obligations to that Almighty Power whose Provi dence shielded me from so many dangers in my days of youthful inexperience — crowned my mid- dle age with many undeserved blessings, and en- ables me, in the decline of life, to bend with humbk-! submission to His chastening rod, and to rest upon His gracious promise that *' all things shall work together for my good.'* ii ' I, lli;iill I w vonpoi't, i yer at the ly lioused n London ailed from ths before. ^ears have lection of wanderer, of my life, collections nston, are I of higher )se Provi ers in my my mid- 3, and en- th humble rest upon iliall work i:,:ii TRIFLES FROM ST. HELENA, RELATING TO NAPOLEON AND HIS SUITE :| Ml I ill ' X wr\- '^•[iiFai I lit I \t i t )|i I ii Jl t -M I 't ^ ! 'i- TRIFLES, &c. Count ^lontlioloii liavin^' expressed a wish to see me, tlie governor gave the customary pass, and I proceeded to Long Wood. AVe met in the front of the house where Napoleon resided, as did the Count and his family, General the Baron Gourgoud, Mr. de Las Cases, his son, and others. Marshall liertrand and his family were accommo- dated in a residence which had heen huilt expressly for them, about a hundred yards off. Montholon not speaking English, a conversation in French was held between us, in substance as follows : — " 1 sent for you, ^Tr. , to inform you that Madame Montholon has presented me with a fme little girl. I want you to insert the birth of the child in the parish register." I am sorry to say we do not keep a register (( of births, but of baptisms. j> ;c Do you mean to say that yon cannot register the biith, uidess you baptize the child f k 'i I 152 I' Trifles from St. Helena. ! illiM I. It:! r '1 Ill '' " Yes ; our's is a baptismal register, and I do not see how I can insert your cliikrs name therein without having previously baptized her. I am really sorry not to be able to oblige you. Do not mistake me, however ; I have no wish to baptize the chikl ; I simply state the fact." '' This is very unfortunate. How shall I be able to prove the legitimacy of my child at some fu- ture day f " If that be your only object, I can see no great difficulty in the matter. In your peculiar situation, you have oidy to send a written statement of par- ticulars, witnessed by the accoucheur and others, to the Governor''s Secretary, or to the Colonial Secretary, by either of whom it will be officially registered, and their certificate will suffice to prove the fact you wish to record. " Ah no ! again no ! I'll tell you. It must be written in a parish register.*" " I am very sorry. Had I known the purpose for which you desired to see me, before I left the town, I might have consulted with my colleagup on the subject, although I am persuaded he would think with me, that it cannot be done with pro- priety." " Would you object to baptize the child f " Certainly not, if Madame and you wished it." "But if you baptize her she will be a Pro- testant." md I do 3 therein I am Do not baptize [ be able some fu- no great itnation, t of par- l others, Colonial officially to prove must be purpose left the olleagup le would I'ith pro- bhed it." a Pro- Trlfles from St, Helena, 153 " That does not follow. If I had to bring up the child, she would most assuredly be instructed in the faith of the Cliurch of England. Madame and you will, as certainly, educate her in the tenets of the Church of P ome ; my baptizing her could not affect her future belief.'* •'Ah yes; she would inevitably be a Pro testant." " Well, I can only again express my regret, and recommend you to have the birth certified as I have sui]faested, and the memorandum forwarded to the Governor, or the Colonial Secretary, with a request that it may be recorded in the most official manner." Having bowed to Montholon, and haled the man who was tending my horse, I was in the act of mounting, when the Count called to me, saying— " Stop a moment — let me speak to you again." I turned towards him. He requested me to wait until he should learn the Emperor's opinion on the knotty point. Having kept me pacing up and down for a good half hour, he returned and accosted me with a mournful countenance and emphatic shrug, saying, ''Ah well, it is as I thought. I was quite right. The Emperor is of opinion that if you baptize the child, she will be a Protestant." I smiled and re- plied, '* The Emperor is a skilful general, possesses II iJlil Ml 154 Trifles from S'f. Helena. i I I i i^' I' -1 1 1'. IK I ' >', " I'lT' immense information, no doubt, and transcendent talents ; but in this ease excuse nie if I venture to say, I think he is mistaken, lie has not given his mind to the consideration of such matters. I am sorry my visit has proved so unsatisfactory to you. (;lood morning" Count." 1 was again preparing to start, but before I could mount he recalled me a second time, and asked if 1 would baptize the child. I replied, "if Madame and vou desire itl can have no objection.*' " Well then," said he, " come in and do it : we will hear what jMadame says." I was ushered into the Countess' bed chamber. She received me very graciously, and begged to see the prayers which [ |)roposed to use. She understood English perfectly, although she did not speak it. Having read them over attentively, she ex- claimed, with much apparent satisfaction, *■' ^V by, they are the same as in our church. 1 can make no objection to them. Have the goodness to bap- tize this little girl for us." Having expressed my willingness, but refused to mix salt with the water, which the fille de cham- bre in attendance proffered me, 1 baptized the young lady, according to the form for the private baptism of infants. ^Madame was a lively and agreeable person, with whom I chatted whilst Montholon was carefully I" 4 4 iscendent ciiture to lot given itters. T actory to before 1 inie, and plied, ''if )j('ction/' o it : we L'liamber. ^ggcd to se. She B did not ylie ex- m make to bap- fused to chani- zed the private )n, with [irefully Trifles from St, Helena. 155 i preparing a memorandum, that I might insert the names correctly in the parish register. The room was on the ground floor ; two good sized windows opened into a garden, much fre- quented by Napoleon, the glare of light being excluded by Venetians inside. Hearing a bustle outside, the C ount rose, and peeping through the blinds to ascertain the cause of the noise, sud- denly exclaimed, " Voila rEmpereur." '' Where is he f said I, always glad to get a view of him. ••' There he is," he re[)lied, "in the garden, close to us.'' I began to feast my eyes on this interest- ing personage, by stealthily looking through the blind. To my amazement, Montholon drew it up, telling me that I need not fear to look at him openly, as he knew I was there and would not be offended, rortiiied by this assurance, I ventured, though still with some degree of hesitation, to look through the v/indow, and saw the strangest sight, and one of more absorbing interest, than any thing I had ever beheld. Some Chinese labourers, bending under the weight of a huge deal case clamped with iron, and suspended by ropes to thick bamboo poles, which rested on their shoulders, were in the act of setting down the ponderous load. Napoleon, Las Cases, and others, were standing round it. My eyes were rivetted on the Emperor, >i 11 II lit I i!"'i:, !• ;! ' ; I i iVll.l'. ■I 'll'l ■ I'. 1 56 Trifles from St, Helena, who appeared very impatient to arrive at the con- tents. Hammer and chisel were soon at work. The case, heing quickly opened, revealed a heap of long loose shreds of paper, such as are used in packing books. It contained, in fact, a pre- sent for Napoleon's library, of handsomely bound volumes, sent by the Prince Regent. When the rubbish on the top had been thrown aside, the books were drawn forth, the wrapper torn off from each, and the volumes in succession presented to Napoleon. He cast a rapid glance on every book; as some distasteful tome appeared, he snatched it from the bearer, and with an impetu- ous *'Bah! '' sent it sliding in the dirt. The more approved productions were greeted with an ex- pression of satisfaction; and carefully consigned to baskets, which the attendants held to receive them. He himself was very busy in tearing off the envelopes, and in a short time was up leon. The Emperor used to say that a horse would safely go wherever a man could find footing. It is well known that he was a iirst rate horseman. 1^'or several months after his removal from the Ih-iars to Long Wood, he was accustomed to take frequent rides. On these occasions a British officer always accompanied him, whose presence he found to be peculiarly distasteful. Captain , who was the first person that lilled the delicate post of orderly officer, among other duties, was required to ascertain, and report morning and evening, the actual presence of Na- poleon, and to escort him in his rides, whenever lie proposed to pass a certain boundary. He might enjoy a tolerably long ride unattended ; a road having been constructe ■ that th(^' nion, the house was 1 House in been fre- lave heard r be ascer- 3 the East ,he island, nee should Were this Lissertion unfounded in fact, other strong objections might be made to such an arrangement, viz. : — It was not so safe a position for the prisoner — was more difficult to guard — of easier approach to stran- «rers, and dangerously near to the sea, with prac- ticable paths leading to the most accessible landing places. The climate of Long AVood has been represented as the worst in the island. It was, no doubt, much exposed to the etfects of a strong south-east wind, often laden with humidity. So were all the most healthy parts. The ]*]ast India Company's Go- vernor, General Dallas, and his family, resided in Long Wood new house for the last three years of his term, in preference to Plantation House. To Frenchmen, I can well conceive, the dense foGfs and cold winds at one season of the year must have been very trying ; but these desagremeiis were irremediable. Li such weather the Fmperor would walk u{) and down the biliuird room, and amuse himself Lv th' >wii:,'>' the balls about. He also read a i^reat deal ; amon<'' the books sent to him by the Prinrt liegeni, was the life of Marl- borough, whose military talents he professed to admire. This he finally presented to the library of the 20th Regiment. The French peo])le had recourse to many petty manceuvres, to increase as much as possible the expenses of the Long Wood establishment. At ti '} I ' 16(1 Trifles from St, Helena. ] I n ' ' ii II.. first, tbe supplies were furnished on an unlimited scale ; but the incredible consumption of wines, liqueurs, and other costly provisions, rendered it necessary to change this arrangement. On enquiry it was found that an enormous quantity had been daily thrown away, and that a spirit of reckless extravagance prevailed throughout. Bertrand was, therefore, requested to intimate what proportion oi each article would amply suffice in future. This was resented as a most insulting piece of tyranny Was the emperor to have his rations dolled out to him like a common soldier f Sir Hudson Lowe therefore, was obliged to regulate the quantum him self, which was done on an ample and liberal scale. The sudden increase of population consequent on Napoleon's arrival, severely tested the capabilities^ of this small island, for supplying so many addi- tional mouths with fresh meat. This led to a large importation of sheep and oxen from the Cape, iJen- guela, and other ports on the African coast. Before this period no person was allowed to kill his own bullock, calf, or sheep, without special permission from the Governor and Council. This restriction led to the adoption of many cruel practices to ob- tain a joint ; such as maiming the cattle, as if by accident, or driving them over a precipice that they might be injured past recovery. Bonaparte's table was served, as much as possible, with island meat, that which vras imported being of coarse Trifles from Si. Ilehma. 107 iiiliiiiited Df wines, deved it 1 enquiry lad beeii reckless and was.. )ortion ol l-e. Tlii.s tyrann}' ed out t( on Lowe turn liuFi ?ral scale equent on ipabilities my addi- to a large ape, JJen- t. Before his own ermission estriction es to ob- as if by [)ice that naparte's Ith island of coarse quality. He adopted a singular scheme for em- barrassing the Governor and swelling his own list of grievances. For a considerable time, the Em- peror could eat nothing but calves* brains — calves were not imported — the number of young cattle on the spot was very limited — to gratify this pen- chant, by killing one every day, would soon bring them to an end, and afford another ground foi oomplaint. Napoleon appeared to give up all hope of being set at liberty, when he observed the expensive preparations for building the new house. As it advanced towards completion, his malady in- rjreased, and it became dail}^ more evident to those around him that he was incurably ill ; although, I believe, no person understood the precise cause. Still, it was said that he seemed to l)e aware of it ; often placing his hand over the seat of pain and exclaiming, *' mon pi/lore^ Tho disease was .evidently of long standing, the otomach having been previously perforated in a part which rested on the liver, and by causing inflammation on the outer surface of that organ, an adhesion had taken place, which prevented the escape of the contentG of the stomach, and thus for a time pro- longed his life of sutfering. On hearing the report of the surgeons who had conducted the post mortem examination, in refe- rence to it, Madame J3crtrand said, ^' If it had been the day of Austerlitz he must have diode'' >! . ! m i I ■ \ ^ •i \ M I I i I6*s I'rifd'S froni tSL Helena. When Bortrand apprised liim that the new house was ready for occii])ation, calling it the pahiee^ Bonaparte exckiinied, '* Do not call it my palace but my tomb/' In order to make this appellation more ap[)ropriate, his attendants attempted to move him into it a short time before hii< death ; but his strength being unefjnal to the fatigue, he fainted after they had carried him a few yards^ and they were obliged to abandon the endeavour. After his decease, the members of his suite, who had hitherto maintained a cold, formal, and gloomy de- portment, became suddenly changed into most social, cheerful, and conunun' 'utive beings. A weight seemed to be removed, which had pressed heavily on thiir spirits, often rendering them mo- rose and impracticable. Now, they had a pros- pect of returning to Eurt)pe without dishonour, or any imputation on the fidelity of their attachment to fallen greatness. They naturally rt^joiced at the termination of a five vears' banishment, noi did thev dissemble their iov. ^ladame Bertrand told me that Napoleon had received the sacrament from the hands of Vignali^ some davs before his death, haviniy first desired him tu administer the holy rite in as sim})le a form as he could. She also told me he had shown some anxiety about the arrangement of the room after his decease ; and had given ^'ignali instructions relative to the number and j)osilion of the tapers, (Sec. It was said that ho sufiered so much pain TrlfJes from St. Ildena, ] m ew house D palace^ y palaco ipellation iiptecl to s death; tigue, ho \v yardS; ideavour, , who had oomy de- ito most ugs. A I pressed hem inO" I a pros- oil our, or tachmeiil joiced at lent, nor leon had :' Vignah'-, t desired lie a form jwii some )om after itructlons le taprrs, iich pain from taking the least sustenance, as to vender it difficult to persuade him to take anything. For a considerahle time before his death, he was in the habit of rejecting all solid food, merely masticating the meat to extract the juice, which alone he swallowed. AVhen very near his end, his attend- ants endeavoured to give him a small (piantlty of wine, by introducing it into his mouth with a spoon ; a few drops found their way into his sto- mach, and appeared to cause extreme suffering ; his powerful eye flashed angrily upon them, and they dared not repeat the attempt. To the very last lie controlled all around him by a look. In Sir Walter Scott's History of Napoleon, nien- tiou is made of a violent storm which is said to have happened on the day of his death, by which most of the trees about Lonof Wood were laid prostrate, and much damage occasioned ; and re- ference is made to a similar convulsion which took place at the death of the Protector. I remember readiiig this in St. Helena, with some surprise, not havimjf the sliuhtest recollection of anv such occurrence. I questioned several persons on the subject, but no one could remember it. Being curious on the matter, I rode to Long Wood, and had a long conversation with an old soldier who was there nt the time : all I v-ould gain from him v/as, that a small weeping willow, which had been planted by Napoleon at the edge of a pond 170 Trifles from St, Ilclcna. I ; I 1 1 ices to of prayers ptoplo ear- ) ask nie to I to receive ler, ill order . I williiiQfly to eifect this ^ssion, eep ; a kind ottom, witli the kitchen 5 propped np the lid of a which beinjT^ ccured by a 1 pails full of le Prince de nt a work of lower this 5 fixed in the passed, and 1 one of the di bent, and so as to ad- ffin beneath, e. JNladame in the same manner. We stept backward a few paces to allow the men to lower awav, in the act of doincr which. 1 th (at flit of the stom h rom tiie great weiy-ht or tnc stone, a lar^e piece of the bark was torn oil'. 1 put forth my hand and seized it, saying to Madame, T shall keep this as a relic. Scarcely had 1 said this when a stranger ac- costed me, trembling with agitation, and hardly able to articulate. He iin[)lored me to give hiii) a small portion of my prize, lie had landed fr.'-m a passing ship, ai by galloping up the steep hill, managed to arri, just at the conclusion of the ceremony. 1 tore olV about a third of the piece of bark and presented it to one, who I felt sure would value it immensely, for which he expressed himself abundantly thankful. Three commissioners were sent out by the FiUro- j)ean powers ; what was the nature of their func- tions T could never ascertain. They were gentle- manly persons, and very sociably inclined. The representative of France, the Mar<|uis de Mont- chenu, was a fine specimen of the ''ancien regime;'' a handsome portly old gentleman, with a long queue. It was worth while to see him mounted on his long tailed, ambling black horse. No pos- ture master could be more correct in all his atti- tudes. His little acts of gallantry were not ex- actly suited to the English taste, but being very good humoured they were tolerated. One exam- ple may suffice. I ^* %. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 .f:)^ Hl^ I.I 1.25 t vs. I. U , 2.0 IIIM 111 IIIII16 V / d? i-f, • «f .<^ \>*'^' L<',- / 5r «/^ V <^ /J ^. VI w a^ .v ^ / rfS" Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 873-4503 '•i^ C/u 6 174 Trifles from St. Helena* A young, handsome, and amiable married lady was one forenoon busily employed in some kind of ornamental work, amused by the truly French compliments of the antiquated beau. Unperceived, he snatched up a pair of scissors, stole behind her, most audaciously cut off a pendant lock of hair, and held it up in triumph before her wondering eyes. He was what is called a '^ bon vivant ;" so the sailors who brought him out to St. Helena seemed to think, and his name gave them an opportunity of displaying their wit on the forecastle, where he was significantly called *' old munch enough." I do not think he was a great eater, although he shewed a very strong preference for some articles of diet. I dined with the late excellent and lamented Admiral Sir P. Malcolm ; Marshal and Countess Bertrand, the old Marquis, J3aron Sturmer,^ Count Balmaine,^ and a large party were present. The Admiral had received a supply of turtle from As- cension. I was seated next to Montchenu. A was sm ' * soup :mg large tureen ( miral. The Marquis had never tasted this far- famed delicacy. He was plentifully helped in his turn. He seized a spoon, but instead of beginning to employ it as others were doing, he placed it by the side of his plate, and carefully propped up the ^ Austrian Commissioner, ^ Russian Commissioner. Trifles from St. Helena. 17 handle with his breach He then felt for some- thing in his waistcoat pocket, and with his finger and thumb deliberately drew forth a small piece of paper neatly folded ; this he carefully opened, and turned its contents into the spoon ready placed for its reception. It appeared, to my wondering eyeSj to be a powder of calomel and jalap. Hav- ing sedulously mixed it with a small portion of the soup, he carried it to his mouth, and washed down the nauseous dose with successive spoonfuls. This unprecedented act attracte:^ the attention of die guests, all of whom appeared to be disgusted. Some of the foreigners loudly condemned the Frenchman, aud one exclaimed, " Execrable." The old jNIaiquis, with the utmost coolness, attempted to justify his conduct, by saying, that never having tasted turtle soup, and fearing it might disagree with him, he thought it prudent to use that precaution, which he always adopted on similar occasions. There were alwa3^s two cruisers on the look out, one to windward, and the other to leeward of the island. A somewhat remarkable coincidence is attached to the commanders of the two briors wdiicli were for a time employed in this service. Two naval officers, respectively named W^allace and Wright, had landed on the coast of France, intrusted with some secret mission. They were captured, and thrown into prison. Wright, who is supposed to have been treated with atrocious I- \n ;!|iB J76 Trifes from St. Helena. cruelty, was ultimately fouiul dead in his cell, and was reported, by the French, to have committed suicide. The conviction of \Vallace\s mind was that he had been barbarously murdered, on re- fusing to betray his trust. Wallace, who escaped, commanded one of the cruisers above mentioned ; a Lieutenant Wright, of the Conqueror, on a va- cancy occurring, was promoted to the other. — Thus, the identical Wallace, in conjunction with one bearing the name of his former unfortunate shipmate, was engaged in guarding the prison rock of Napoleon. The telegraph system was brought to great per- fection in St. Helena, from being so constantly employed. Look out posts were fixed on com- manding heights round the borders of the island, communicating with others more centrally placed. Vessels were discovered at an almost incredible distance, in certain states of the atmosphere. Each post was furnished with a piece of ordnance ; this was fired when a ship was perceived. As soon as her bearings and description were cor- rectly ascertained, the information was conveyed from station to station bv flaofs. The Governor and other officials were furnished, in the space of a few minutes, with a written report of the par- ticulars. When more than three or four ships were in sight, it caused what used to be termed a general alarm. The island militia or volunteers were Trifles from St. Helena. "1 V-h 1/ / ell, and iinitted lid was on re- scaped, iioiied ; n a va- tlier. — )n with L'tnnate )n rock at per- stantly 1 corn- island, placed, redible Each lance ; I. As •e cor- iveyed vernor )ace of le par- ere in eneral were called out, the batteries were manned, and the troops on the alert at their respective stations. An occurrence of this kind at night produced no slight commotion, and it sometimes arose from a frivolous or groundless cause. I remember one ludicrous instance of this nature which put the whole population on the " qui vive/' and gave a great deal of trouble. Captain -, who then commanded one of the cruisers, had promised Lady Lowe that he would bring his ship on the following night off the har- bour, in the front of the castle (as the Governor's town residence was named), and exercise his men at the guns, that she might witness the beautiful effect. Accordingly, about ten o'clock one dark night, he took up a favourable position, and opened his fire, blazing away broadside after broadside, to the terror and am'^zement of the uninitiated, for he had omitted to give any public notice of his intention, and even the Admiral himself was not aware of it. The effect Vv'as a sudden and general alarm. Batteries were manned, regiments under arms ; civilians hurried on their uniforms, and repaired from all directions to the rendezvous for their several volunteer companies. The flag ship was prepared to slip her cable, and the Admiral was on his way from the Briars, where he then re- sided, proceeding to embark and take command, N lib Trlffes from St. Ilelerui, Various coiijoctiircs were afloat. Tlie most pre- vailing opinion was, that an American frigate had engaged the . The true state of the case being at length ascertained, the soldiers were dismissed to their bairaeksj and the volunteers returned to their homes, hoping that no other alarm might occur that nio-ht. The only town in St. Helena is situated in a deep and narrow valley on the north-west side of the island. Opposite to tliis there is safe anchor- ao'e for a larafe fleet. In order to reach the liar- Lour (the wind constantly blowing strongly from the south-east) ships are obliged to haul in as close to the nearly perpendicular rocks, at the east point, as they can with safety. Here is a battery called Banks''s, immediately under which most ves- sels shape their course, not without first commu- nicating by boat with the officer in command, whose sanction is necessary to pass them into the harbour. The captain of a ship of war, on his re- turn from the Cape, having made the island late in the afternoon, thought it would be a good joke to take his vessel past this battery unobserved, and to bring her to her moorings unknown to the soldiers, who would be not a little surprised at daylight to find her there. This might be very amusing to the naval officer ; but, had he suc- ceeded, the unfortunate subaltern of artillery would have been brought to a Court Martial, and pro- Tr/jlcs from St. Helena. 171) ost pre- ■ate had se being isniissed iriied to I might ;ed in a t side of anciior- the har- dly from as close :he east battery aost ves- commu- )minand, into the n his re- and late ood joke ►bserved, II to the irised at be very he suc- ry would and pro- % bably cashiered. Fortunately for him, he ob- served the manccuvre, and arrested the clandestine progress of the jocose captain, by sending a shot throngh the ship's side, between wind and water, which passed over the Ik ads of several men, and convinced the captain of his mistake in supposing that he could so easily escape the vigilance of the St. Helena artillery. The public mind has been much abused by the obloquies which have been heaped upon Sir Hud- son Lowe, who, I am persuaded, if fairly judged, will be found to have discharged the duties of his highly responsible commission with uncompro- mising fidelity to the government, and with as much kindness to the ''Detenus" as was consist- ent with the service entrusted to him. The possibility of Napoleon's escape never en- tered his thoughts. To keep him in safe custody was the easiest part of the duty imposed upon him. His instructions were not confined to this, which might have been duly efi:ected without a very rigid surveillance. But since the most important, as well as the most difficult matter committed to his management, was to prevent his holding cor- respondence with France, by which the machina- tions of his party would be fomented, and all Europe likely once more to be set in a blaze; how was this to be done l — certainly not by permitting him to have an unbounded supply of money to n2 JSO I c Ti'ijles from St. Helena. i bribe withal — nor by allowing bim or bis suite to despatch letters when they pleased — nor by ad- mitting them to an unrestrained intercourse with the inhabitants. For, although an intimate ac- quaintance of so many years with these persons, enables me to say that the character of the East India Company's service, and of the old island families was above all suspicion, yet there were many ignorant persons of lower grade, to whom fifty or a hundred Napoleons would have proved an irresistible temptation. Indeed^ it was said that a young man, without any ostensible means, suddenly gave out that he was going to England, and assumed a gayer dress than usual. He was allowed to make his preparations ; at the last hour, on subjecting his waistcoat to a rigid inspection, it was found to be padded with paper, written on in ciphers. In spite of every precau- tion, a correspondence was maintained. At first. Napoleon in his rides used to scatter gold to every black boy that opened a gate for him, and, un- restrained, he might have bought the unqualified subjection of all that race, and of the Chinese also, who are great lovers of money, and of whom there were several hundreds on the Island, employed as mechanics or labourers ; not to mention the dan- ger to be apprehended from his tampering with the soldiers. I rejoice to find tliat the public are likely to suite io by acl' se with late ac- persons, of the the old 3t there rade, to Id have , it was teiisible ;oiiig to I usual. ; at the a rigid L paper, precau- \.t first, ;o every nd, im- [ualified 3se also, in there II ployed he daii" vith the kely to Trifles from St, Helena* 181 have Sir Hudson's papers laid before them ; which will place his conduct in its true light, and enable men to excuse or condemn him, on something like fair grounds; hitherto, the question has been one- sided, and the foulest assertions of his most bitter enemies have never been contradicted, except in private. As to his popularity in the relation of governor to a colony, few have ever been more deservedly or warmly esteemed ; in proof whereof, I need only to refer to the enthusiasm with which he was received at St. Helena, on his return from Ceylon. He remained only two or three days, during which time the military, civil, and mercantile inhabitants unanimously strove to show him respect. Dinners were given at the mess and the tavern, without one dissenting voice. In proposing his health, which was toasted repeatedly, the speakers alluded to his justice and impartiality as a governor, and his liberality and kindness as a mm. Lady Lowe*'s well-known charity and benevoleno were also de- servedly eulogised. Those who witnessed it will not soon forget a scene as gratifying to Sir Hud- son, as it was creditable to the people of the Island, collectively and individually. I have mentioned bullocks from Benguela: they were particularly wild and fierce, and carried horns of an enormous size; when a cargo of these was landed it caused a great sensation in the town. ! I ! f^ 182 Trijles from kSL Ilclcna, ! ; :-l,i One of those nionstors, in Its passag"o up the street, having* broke awiiy from its drivers, rushed into a small shop, and leaped over the counter in pursuit of a boy, who providentially escaped thronqh a side door, leavino- tlie bullock in undis- puted possession. The animal, not having* sufficient space to turn, was obliged to follow the direction of the counter, and came opposite to a small window; it was the only available outlet, he there- fore dashed throuo'h it, scatterinof the bottles and toys Avith which it was decorated, and carrying the frame into the street, upon his huge horns. A few yards from the spot, an elderly person who had the misfortune to be very deaf, was walk- inof unconsciously alono*. The bullock rushed at him with the utmost fury; and the first intimation the poor man had of his (hmger, was, to find him- self firmly fixed between the animaPs horns, close to a high wall; against which, the length of the horns prevented his being smashed. He extricated himself with great coolness and skilh and managed to crawl away and seize the creature\s tail, which had the effect of making him run forward, and the old man escaped, with very few trifling bruises. Not so his next antagonist. Proceeding rapidly up the Valley, he came to the gate leading into the Parade in front of the Officers' Barracks. Half a dozen men were at drill, for punishment, in heavy marching order. The corporal on duty, seeing the Trifles from St. If'elena* 183 up the , riishetl unter in escaped ti iiiidis- ufficient iireetioM a small e there- ties and ing- the ' person ,s walk- •ihcd at iniation id hi ni- ls, close of the :ricated lanaged , which ind the bruises, idly up nto the Half a I heavy ing tho infuriated bullock enter the gate, and being warned by the crowd who were pursuing it, hastily ordered the men to take refuge behind a row of trees which were on one side of tlie I'arade. They all gladly obeyed, except one active young man of the light infantry company. He laughed at his comrades, and called them cowards. Having fixed his bay- onet, he resolutely kept his ground; and as the bullock approached, called aloud, "Prepare to re- ceive cavalry.'"* Down he dropped on his right knee, bringing the butt of his })iece to the ground, holding his musket in the proper position, with a firm grasp, and steadily awaiting the charge. The bullock seeinof him alone in the middle of the Pa- rade, walked for a few yards quickly towards him, then began to trot; and v/hen within a few paces of the fool-hardy soldier, rushed furiously at him. The impetuosity of the movement, and the weight of the animal, were too great for the strength of a man to resist. The bavonet stuck into the skull between the horns, suillciently to fix it there; but it produced only a stunning effect; the enormous brute drove the poor fellow^ with violence along the ground, for several yards, and fell heavily upon him. A butcher arrived with ropes and ample assistance, managed to get the bullock secured, and killed him on the spot. The soldier was taken to the hospital, dreadfully bruised, and very nearly paid for his rashness with his life. f J 84 Triffes from St, Helena, I 11 In one of tlio sul)ii)in(roiight 3 might ospital. X vessel I. His ide the iself of . Thus red his at the ito the ;y and 3 made m of a young married con[)lo, who had long retired to rest, and were asleep with their infant, a few months old, in a crib besides them. The cottage consisted of three rooms, each of which opened into a veranda, by a folding glass door. The soldier stealthily a|)proached the one which shewed the light ; cautiously turning the handle of the lock it readily opened ; he entered the room, closed the door after him, and crept on all fours to the foot of the bed. The vounuf and amiable mother hear- ing something stir, started up to look at the child. To her amazement and horror, she saw a bald head j)op up and down every two or three seconds, at the foot of the bed. When she could convince herself of the reality, she awoke her husband, and seizing the infant, hurried out of the room to seek for help. The black servant was too much fright- ened to give any assistance; but a brother of the host, who had taken a shake down on the drawing room sofa that night, on hearing the alarm, seized an empty bottle, as the only weapon he could find in the dark, and hastened to the bedroom; here he found the maniac singing and capering about in a most grotesque manner, while his brother, armed w^ith a sabre, was warning the man to keep at a distance, or he w^ould cut him down. Finding that he was perfectly harmless, they listened to his rhapsodies for an hour or two, until a party came to march him back to the hospital. An oc- M' ■■ll'' 1' i i 186 Trifles frord St. llelena. curreiice so unexpected and alarming', was nearly fatal to the lady, whose nervous system received a shock, from which it took years to recover. The slightest allusion to the subject, after months had passed, would throw her into a state of violent agitation. At length the culprit was discharged from the garrison, and sent to England; which greatly tended to compose her mind, and I rejoice to say she is still alive; although I venture to believe, that the terror of that night, whenever it obtrudes itself, is the most painful of her recol- lections. The soldiers of the two regiments, belong- ing to the East India Company, were for the most part, sober and orderly men. There were alas ! a few fearful exceptions. Previous to the year 1808, the unlimited importation of Bengal arrack was allowed, or rather encouraged, for I believe the Company imported it. The "liquid fire," as it has been justly called, was issued in un- restricted quantity from the government stores, to the keepers of punch houses; who sold it to the troops, already heated by their daily ration of the same deleterious drink. The effects became so serious, and so scandalously demoralizing, that in 1808, General Beatson, the Governor, was autho- rized to put an end to the pernicious and danger- ous system. The importation of ardent spirits was prohibited — Cape wiue was substituted for the allowance of I! Trifles from ^t. Helena, 187 ^ nearly ceived a r. The lilis had violent charged ; which ' rejoice ture to never it r recol- belong- for the 'e were to the Bengal , for I ■'liquid [ in un- ores, to to the I of the inie so that in autho- lauger- liihited mce of arrack, and the brewing of beer encouraged. The promulgation of these new measures excited a serious mutiny in the Garrison, which was quelled bv the Governor's firnuiess; who caused several of the ringleaders to be executed, and steadily carried out his plan. Not a quart of spirits could be legally landed, without the special authority of the Governor and Council, one of whom must sign the permit ; in addition to which, a heavy duty was levied. Still where there are drunkards, liquor at any risk will be provided; and often the greater the risk, the more determined are such characters to have it. A severe case of ''delirium tremens'^ in the hospital, would set the authorities wondering where and how tiie spirits were obtained. I re- member a remarkable instance of depravity in a carpenter, who put several pounds into his pocket by the following disgusting proceeding. A gentle- man, on his return from India, died at sea; his friends, wishing to have his remains buried at St. Helena, which they expected to reach in a week or two, had the body deposited in a large cask of arrack, or rum. (3n the arrival of the ship, the cask was landed, and placed in charge of the undertaker; who engaged to have the remains carefully withdrawn, and duly laid in a suitable coffin for interment. This was done; after which, instead of seeing that the spirits were thrown away, he permitted rperhaj)s more through negli- gence than by intention) his man, or men, to do n 188 Trifles from St. Helena, as they pleased with it. It soon got to the soldiers; who, unconsciously, bought it at a cheap rate. Seve- ral were made ill by it, which led to the discovery of the facts, and the man who sold it was deserv- edly punished; nntil this came to my positive knowledge, I had considered the story of the sailor *' tapping the Governor," to be nothing more than a joke. ANECDOTES OF CHINESE. The arrival of Napoleon caused a great demand for ./labourers and artificers ; to meet which exi- gency, about 300 Chinese were imported, from Macao and Canton, who formed an interesting and useful portion of the community. From the habits and conduct of this handful of men, the re- fuse of an exuberant population, taken from the scum of the "Celestial Empire," one could scarcely be supposed to form a very correct estimate of the Chinese character. Still the majority of these, for cleanliness, industry, and subordination, were examples worthy of imitation. They were placed under certain regulations; were paid and rationed by the Government; a military officer was appointed over them, entitled "Superintendent of Chines " and under him were a paymaster and a clerk. Those who were not required at the public works, individuals were permitted to hire ; paying the wages to the paymaster monthly, and giving the oldiers; ). Seve- scovory deserv- positive of the tig more demand ich exi- d, from eresting rom the , the re- rom the scarcely e of the f these, 11, were 3 placed atioiied pointed liincs I clerk. works, ing the ino- the Trifles from St,. Helena. 189 Chinese 15s. per month as approbation money, if they had behaved well. I hired for many years^ a little fellow about five feet high, of the Tartar race, named Aloe, who was invaluable as a gar- dener. The attention he paid to irrigation, and the skill and judgment with which he conducted the water in open channels, for the purpose, always secured a crop of vegetables in the driest seasons. I wonder that in situations favourable to its adop- tion, this primitive method of watering plants, has not superseded the watering pot and garden engine. I had three other Chinese, respectively named, Assam, Asseen, and Atchong, The two latter were quiet inoffensive labouring men; Assam was a tall and immensely powerful person. He was recommended to me by a neighbour, as an excel- lent cook, in which capacity he entered my service, and fo' a year cr two, conducted himself tolerably well, with the exception of occasionally exhibiting symptoms of a morose and sulky disposition. These became more frequent, as he privately indulged in deep potations of Cape wine, which led to his dis^ missal. The immediate cause of our parting was as follows : — He had a favourite cat, which had been seen to catch and devour several ducks and chickens. In St, Helena, where poultry was al ways exorbitantly dear, and sometimes not to be had at any price, such a ruinous practice could not be winked at. I called Assam and stated the easy i r IDO Trifles from St. Helena. to liim in Chinese Enorllsb, tlins : — "Hi Yaw! what for your cat make eat my chicken! No good fashion — no can do — must make send him away." To which he gave a grunt of dissatisfaction, and re])Hed, ''Me savey belly well ; can do ; me make send away." That evening the cat disappeared, and I concluded that he had given her to one of his countrymen. Several days afterwards, walk- ing through my stable yard, 1 observed a basket in a secluded corner; on giving it a kick, it rolled on its side, and exposed an old rice bag to view. Fancying I beheld a slight motion in it, I untied the mouth of the bag; when lo! Assam's poor cat, in the last stage of starvation, unable to crawl, uttered the faintest possible cry. The monster had consigned her to this lingering death, in re- venge for the slight expression of my anger. I was subsequently told of a former exploit of his, which manifested the same passionate and cruel disposition. His master was particularly fond of the liver wing of a roasted fowl. One day a bird was placed before him deficient of this deli- cacy. He sent his servant to demand of Assam what he had done with it." The boy returned saying, ''Assam says the fowl had got no liver.'" To which his master replied, "The rascal knows whafs good as well as I do: he has eat it himself." The Chinese having followed the servant to the dining room door, heard these words. Filled with rage Trifles from Si;. Helena. 191 iw [I Yi No good 1 away." Hon, and ne make ppeared, to one of Is, Avalk- i basket it rolled to view. I untied 30or cat, o crawl, monster b, in re- :ploit of ate and iiciilarly 3ne day bis deli- Assam eturned er." To 3 wbat's " The 5 dining th rage and indignation, be seized a sbarp knife, rushed out of the bouse towards the spot where an un- fortunate hen of his owix was sitting on a nest of eggs, just at the hatching point; cut her open, tore the liver from her living body, grilled it, and sent it to his master upon a hot plate. A Chinese named Aping, who was employed iu the Company's Stores, came to me one evening to request I would look at some copies which an'^in- valid soldier had written for him, who ])rofessed to teach him to read and write, which he was very anxious to accomplish before he returned to China, as he proposed to do the following year. He was a remarkably clever and intelligent person, and had discovered that his tutor ueither spelt, nor formed his letters correctly. I delighted him by engaging to become his instructor myself, if he would come to me two evenings in the week. Ja return for my lessons in reading and writing, he was to teach me Chinese! The result was "such as might have been expected; he learned to read and write remarkably well, and I remained as ignorant as before. After he had finished his evening lesson, I endeavoured, but as it appeared without any good effect, to explain to him the nature of true religion. This would lead him to give some account of the superstitions, to which he had been taught from infancy to yield implicit faith: some of his tales of Giants, River Gods, and i^ I I 192 Trijics from St. Helena. Demons, equalled any I have read in the Arabian Niglij;s. Speaking to him of the Omnipresence oi the Deity — ""Oh yes," he said, ''it is all the same in my country." "Nay," said I, ''your Joss is an idol, or a picture. He has eyes but he cannot see, he has ears but he cannot hear.'^ '*() yes," he replied, " ni tell you how lie does it — he has plenty of httle Gods. At daylight each day, one of these, with a book and pen in his hand, takes his station at every door, at every fire place, at every bedside^ in every house, and writes down all that he hears and sees. At Gunfire every morning, they fly up to Joss, give in their reports, and in an instant re- sume their stations.'' And of the truth of this, I believe he was thoroughly persuaded. When the time arrived, v. hich Aping had fixed upon, to return to China, he found out that a friend of mine was going to India by that route, in the same ship. Joyful at the discovery, he told me that he had saved four or five hundred dollars; but that when he arri\ed at Canton, the Mandarins would be sure to find it out, and squeeze them all out of him ; I could do him a gr-eat favour and secure his treasure, by asking my friend to take care of the bng for liim; and on his reaching Canton, to give it to one o£ the Company's Servants at the factory there, from whom he coukl get a few dollars at a time, without exciting suspicion. My friend readily agreed to this arrangement, and I have no doubt i_ Trifles from St. Helena. 198 Vrabiaii iciice 01 same iu an idol, see, he replied, eiity of f these;, 5 station bedside, le hears ■J fly up stant re- if this, I lad fixed a friend e, in the told me lars; but andarins them all ul secure ire of the to give it 5 fiictory lars at a d readily 10 doubt that the poor maiTs wealth was duly secured from the rapacious chitches of the Chinese Aristocracy. There were two or three Joss Houses or Temples fitted up with i,n'cat taste, and at a considerable expense. Over the altar, was a large |>icture repre- senting a portly old gentleman, seated In an arm chair; on one side of him stood an amiable looking youth, and on the other a hideous fi'>'nre, Vvilh a demoniacal countenance: upon the table stood three small cups, which the Priest filled every nii>ht with strong tea, and ])retended that Joss and , his asso- ciates emi)tled them before mornino-. There were also three long sticks of incense burning before them. In front of the Temple, a few paces from it, stood two lofty poles, on which were dis[)layed their peculiar triangular flags; and on certain oc- casions, long pendants. At the foot of these poles, incense was generally burning, and the masonry in which they were fixed, was carved to represent some hideous monster. The walls of the Temple were covered with pictures, and splendid lanterns hung suspended from the roof. Attached to the walls I observed long stripes of red paper, marked with Chinese characters; on asking the Priest the meaniupf of them, he said, that when a Chinaman had a dream concerninj^" the relations whom he had left behind, which led him to fear they were sick, or dead, or in trouble, he paid him a rupee or a dollar, for which fee he engaged to ascertain the o i 1 4 1 1' 1 ' r i 1 i 1 1 .^ 1 ii i ! i ' f ! i f 1 i' 1 1 ! 1 1 ' ■ ; j ' j ' ll L M lf)4 Trijics from St. Helena* true state of tlie case, by consulting Joss; and that the stripes of paper contained the names of the various applicants, who Avere almost always made "too muchee glad," by the nature of the informa- tion thus procured. "You speak to that picture," said T, "and the picture answers you." "0 yes,*' he replied. "Well," I continued, "I know you are not such a fool as to believe it yourself; but you are an arrant rogue, and a very wicked man, to cajole your poor country- men by such foolery. But what are these booksf I asked, observing four on the table at the right of the Idol. "0, welly good book," said he. To my amazement I found they were the four gospels, in Chinese, by Dr. Morrison, who had lately touched at the Island, and had distributed several copies among the C'lunese. On enquiring how they came there, his reply surprised and gratified me, as it shewed more good sense, and ])ropriety, than I before believed him to possess. !Many of the Chi- nese, according to his own account, were very bad men. lie found them tearing these books, in order to roll up a small quantity of tobacco in the paper, as they are accustomed to do, for smoking. He told them it was a "bad foshion," and persuaded them to exchange them with him for an equal quantity of the same description of paper, which had no good words on it. The Piiest began to rise in my esteem: taking up St. Luke's Gospel, in which, (thanks to my Trifles from St. Helena. 195 and that s of the lys made informa- nnd the fool as to lit rogue, 'coiintry- e books f e right of le. To ir gospels, y touched ral copies ;hey came me, as it y, than I f the Chi-- ! very bad s, in order the paper, dng. He persuaded an equal ler, which m: taking dis to my ' 1 ^ lessons from Aping) 1 was able to turn to chapter and verse, asking first if he could read, and getting a reply in the affirmative, I directed his attention to the 1 6th Chapter, and desired him to begin at the IDth Verse. He began to spout aloud in a sing song style, when I stopped him, by saying, that may be very good Chinese, for aught I know, but I dont understand it. Tell me in English, what it is all about; whereupon he gave a correct account of the rich man and Lazarus. On my asking what he thought of it — He replied, "Welly good — all same in China — good man go up top — bad man go down below." This man could read; he had the book of life before him, with time at his own disposal, for as priest, he was excused from all work; and who can tell what effect has been produced by this time, on his mind and conscience. It is a question of grave and serious import, how far a christian colony was justified in permitting the erection of temples for idol worship, and fur- ther, in paying and feeding Priests to sacrifice to Devils ! Of vegetables there was generally no lack ; which, in quality, were not surpassed by any in the home markets. The prolific nature of the soil may be estimated by reference to the follow- ing Gardener'*s calendar, published on the Island in 1832 :— ! ''H 196 Trifes from St, Helena, \ ^ I % "January. — WHien you liavo a command of water, sow and plant canlillowors for an after crop; also peas and French beans; plant potatoes; grapes, figs, oraiiires, and China peaches, are now beginning to ripen. "February. — Plant more potatoes; sow tur- nips, carrots, cabbages, celery, lettuce, onions, &c. "^lARCfi. — Sow peas, beans, spinach, and let- tuce, every fortnight, for a succession. " April. — Sow turnips, carrots, radishes, mus- tard, chervil, onions, red cabbages, and savoys ; pomegranates and island peaches are now ripening. "May. — Plant cabbages and savoys; sow cau- liflowers, lettuces, (fee, to plant out the following month. "June. — This month is favourable for trans- planting trees, both forest and ornamental shrubs ; sow beans, peas, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, &c. " July. — Plant cabbages, cauliflowers, and po- tatoes ; vines should be pruned this month. This month is the best in the year for planting forest trees, the holes for which should be prepared at least a month back. "August. — Plant potatoes, sow turnips, carrots, celery, lettuce, &c. ; vines not pruned last month, should now be finished, and the cuttings planted if young plants be required. Plant fruit trees, also bud and graft. Trifles from St, Helena, 107 nand of er crop ; grapes, ^ginning iow tur- oiis, &c. and let- es, nrus- savoys ; ripening, sow cau- following \)r trans- 1 shrubs ; Szc. , and po- th. This ing forest spared at IS, carrots, st month, s planted trees, also " September. — Plant potatoes, onions, beans, water melons, and pinn})kins; sow early cabbages, carrots, salad, and parsley ; this is the best time for sowing all small herbs, and, in the higher situ- ations, for transplanting fruit trees. " OcTOJiER. — Sow lettuces, turnips, peas, beans, red and white beet, cucumbers ; plant cabbages, and potatoes. '* November. — Plant French beans and cucum- bers ; vines should have all superfluous young shoots that have not shown fruit taken off, and strong shoots topped — it will much forward the fruit ; care should be taken to keep them free from caterpillars. "December. — Plant French beans, peas, cauli- flowers, and cabbages ; sow melons, cucumbers, From the above, it appears that potatoes might be planted six different months in the year. The farmers derived their principal income from the sale of this esculent : a large Bengal ship, full of passengers, would take from 20 to 50 bags, at the rate of 15, 18, or even 20s. per bag, containing about two bushels. When it is remembered that four or five hundred ships annually touched at the Island for water and vegetables, the crews of which m the aggregate amounted to 13,000 men, it may be supposed that farming produce of all kinds, and especially potatoes, would be in great request, and find a ready market. 4 f I, i I ; .1 ] I' • 198 Trijles from St. Helena. The cultivators liad iriiiny enemies to contend against. To small proprietors the potato crop was their all ; and the pro^-ress of it to maturity was watched with great anxiety. In a particu- larly dry season, hosts of gruhs would assail the young" shoots as they appeared ahove the ground, and cut them otf just below the surface. If they escaped the grubs, and rain were withheld, the po- tatoes would prove of diminutive size; or just as they were putting forth their (lowers, myriads of caterpilhirs would, in a brief space, change the brightest i)romise into disappointment. In this latter case, I have known a crop saved by borrow- ing flocks of ducks and turkeys, turning them among the potatoes, and thus speedily reducing the number of caterpillars. The following census of the population of St. Helena was taken in the year 18o9 : — Un tier Bet \vcon Between Bet^ IVC'll Upwards Total. 1 years. 10 & 20 20 & ?A) 30 & 50 of 50. * CO • • • • (ti a "Is 03 1—4 a; 4> m 1i 1/5 0^ 1— H rt e 'rt s rt a 'rt S rt C 1^ S « ^ 1^ f^ 348 f^ G75 675 397 509 2G4 388 409 321 219 4,205 Of this number 2238 resided in James Town, being rather more than half the population of the Island. contend ato crop maturity particu- issail the 3 ground, If they il, the po- or just as vriads of lange the In this y horrow- inof them lucing the on of St. nes Town, tion of the Ti'ifes from St. Helena. 199 From tlie suhjolned 15111s of Mortality, for the years IS.'jl and \S:\'S^ some idea may be formed of the healthiness of the climate : — 1831 Accident Apoplexy Asthnui Bleeding Bowel Complaint Brain Fever ... Childbed Cancer Consumption of tlie Lungs Convulsions ... Debility Decline Disease of Heart 1 3 1 •) *^ 3 o *j 2 1 7 12 2 6 1 Dropsy l'",|)ilepsy (lOllt IiiHainmatioii of Bowels Iiiilan.inatinn of Lungs . Liver C«»n)plaint Old Ago Scurvy AN'ater on Brain AVonn Fever Not ascertained TotU AGES. Under 1 year From 1 to (> years From V) to 1 "2 From 12 to 20 Inhabitants Garrison Strangers 21 9 1 o From 20 to -10 From 40 to 70 From 70 to 90 Total Total 62 If; (] 1833 Apoplexy Consumption Convulsions ... Colic Croup ••• Delirium Tremens Diarrhoea Dysentery (Chronic) Dropsy Elephantiasis Fever (Low) Fever (Worm) Gout 1 10 6 2 1 1 7 3 3 1 2 2 1 Disease of Heart Disease of Liver Rickets Scurvy Water on the Head Weakness of Birth Old Age Accidents Not ascertained Suicide Total ... 2 • » 1 >■> mi I •J u 1 fl 3 13 84 20 24 7 84 1 2 I 1 3 4 U) 3 14 1 80 IT' I I 111! t n ;! ■ I 200 Trifles from St, Helena, 1033 AGES. Under 1 year From 1 to 5 From r> to 10 From 10 to 20 16 5 5 4 From 20 to 40 From 40 to 70 Above 70 .. Total ... 23 18 9 80 Inhabitants Garriison Invalid Company Strangers Total 65 6 2 7 80 Superficies of St. Helena in acres, 30,500. Heiglit of Diana's Peak above the level of the sea, 2,697 feet. Long Wood, about l,7S0 feet. Ladder Hill, GOO feet. VINCENT, rUINTER, OXFORD. • •• 23 • ■ • 18 « • • 9 • « ■ 80 65 6 2 7 "lio" ^00. jvel of the ai.fe' i' ~*