CHAPTER II.

BEING now at anchor about one mile from the shore, where we could easily supply ourselves with what we stood in need of; it was my lot (and all circum­stances considered as miserable, and unfortunate as it was, a providential one) to be sent on shore with five negroes (there was but one white man on board besides myself, exclusive of the Captain and the boy) with hatchets, cords, and water-vessels to cut wood, and procure water; this was no difficult matter to do, as there was plenty of both, about ten rods from the [...] ­ing place; trees of an immense size, but the ground so thickly covered with underwood, consisting of briers, wild vines, young trees, and such productions, that we could scarce see each other six yards distance, but there being a very clear stream of good water, but a short distance from our boat; the negro [...]s [...] the [Page 24] filling of the water-casks, while I proceeded about a hundred yards from them to cut wood; before I had cut down one tree, they had provided all the water, and was gone towards the boat; I continued cutting for about three quarters of an hour, when I heard their voices as coming towards me, being then about half a quarter of a mile from our landing place; by the sound of my ha [...]chet they could guide their footsteps towards me, and having two more hatchets with them, we presently had wood enough for our purpose; and while I was lopping off superfluous branches, they conveyed the substantial pieces to the water side; when we had nearly finished our labour by their returning but once more, I was greatly surprised at their long ab­sence, and imputed it to every cause that reason could suggest with probability; I sat down and waited with an [...] impatience about fifteen minutes, but hearing, nor seeing nothing of them, I began to be a little [...] of some misfortune, and again I cheered my spirits with the thoughts that a part of them might be gone to the vessel with the water, and the rest waiting their return; but not being able to compose my mind upon the matter, I resolved upon going in search of [...]; but not taking the shortest course through the [...], as concluding it better walking where they had been before dragging the wood£ I found myself in a few minutes in a much more pitiable situation than can be conceived; for I saw all the last load of wood they took from me, laying on the ground—I proceeded for­ward, and as soon as I came so near to the borders of [Page 25] the thick wood, as to look through from whence we came on shore, I heard [...] confusion of inarticulate sounds, but still went forward, till to my astonishment and grief, I saw the boat was gone, with all the water-casks and wood at the river side; and in two minutes time, beheld but a few yards from me, a party of haggard Indians (the cause of my companions desert­ing me was no longer a mystery) I saw them before they saw me, and endeavoured to secret myself from their sight, which I was fortunate enough to do for a while, but they coming into the track made by the ne­groes drawing the wood, it of course brought them ve­ry near to me; I could see them at intervals frequent­ly, through the small openings of the under wood, and to all appearance in great consternation, by seeing the wood laying on the ground, and such an opening made; they was presently close to me; for I dare not move to elude their discovery, or attempt to escape from them, for their bows and arrows with which they can do destructive execution, would immediately been fatal, and sealed my eternal doom, as to further ex [...] ­tence in this world; and what else could be [...] from such an enraged people, consisting of [...] sixty uncivilized Savages.

They espied me, O, how welcome would the [...] ­senger of eternity been to my poor agitated soul, when the first pair of glaring eyes gave notice to the [...] of my discovery: it is beyond the power of language [Page 26] to express, or abilities of a painter to depict the ago [...] ­ [...]ing tumult and agitation of my soul, at the time.

Before they attempted to approach close to me (be­ing not more than five yards distance) several of them levelled their arrows towards me, and on the very point of shooting, when one of the others made a kind of melancholy sound and held up his hand, which indi­cated for them to desist for the present, till further search was made for any more intruders upon their territories; this being concluded upon, a party of them remained with me, with the venom of hell in their countenances, while the remainder went for new discoveries; and in about three quarters of an hour re­turned, by which I was convinced that my comrades with the boat, had made their escape, as probably per­ceiving or [...]earing the Indians in time to reach the boat before themselves were discovered.

Being returned, the first instance of their behaviour [...] me, was, to make a circle around the bush [...] [...]uld not conceal me, with arrows fixed; ready [...] to l [...]t fly if I made the least resistance: [...] them now approached me (which I found wa [...] [...] that had before prevented my destruction) and [...]ing me very [...], quiet, and humble, which [...] must believe to be the case, they immediately be­g [...]n to strip me, and in such a savage manner that [...] was much like the ferocity of a wild beast for the [...] did catch hold in any place, and so tear to pieces; [...] [Page 27] my jacket and trowsers being pretty good and strong cloth, I was pulled from one [...]o another unmercifully for several minutes, and thus reduced to perfect naked­ness, not a vestige of my apparel left on me; neither did they seem to pay the least notice to it afterwards, but spurned it contemptibly from them with their feet; if any one article belonging to me in any measure at­tracted their curiosity, it was my hat, for that came easily from my head, and retaining its natu [...]al shape and per­fection, while all the rest of my apparel lay scattered on the ground in broken fragments; they took up the hat and viewed it several times, but not once put it on their heads, and in the end it was left with the other tattered things.

In the next place they began to examine me, and comparing my skin to their's with great nicety; this seemed to create great astonishment and surprize, altho' the colour of my skin at this time was none of the whitest; they did not only view my skin, but turn me about so often and quick that I had the headach power­fully, besides being almost giddy; for from the [...] they first began to strip me, till they had done [...] me, could not be much less than an hour; wh [...] they had done I was on the rack of despairing expec­tation▪ what would follow next, altho' the terrors o [...] [...] had in some degree aba [...]ed after so long resp [...]; [...], [...], and sufferings was all the [...] I could deduce from my situation, [...] in [...] or manner, I could form no ideas; but [...] [Page 28] mind was "like the troubled sea," one wave of distress and anguish following another, during their seeming consultation, how to dispose of their poor helpless cap­tive; it was not more than ten minutes before my sus­pence was removed and my fate decreed, and now commences the carrer of my bondage, which by vari­ous rotations and degrees attended with unheard of hardships, by hunger, thirst, stripes, labour, wounds, cold, nakedness, and imprisonment under the pressure of pon­derous irons thirteen years.

They hurried me away for a mile or little more, to an opening where the ground was almost clear from trees or underwood, and then immediately loaded me with dead game of several kinds, and with which I was obliged to travel until evening; it being now about two o'clock and the most piercing pains, as well as fa­tigue I experienced; for being quite naked the briers and other [...]ious shrubs running up and creeping on the ground, as well as intermixing with each other, did so scratch and wound both my body and feet, that every limb was stroked with blood; and with hunger, thir [...]t, and fatigue, I several times fell down with my [...], and all the alleviation I received from them, was blows with their bows or piercing with their ar­rows till I did arise; as for themselves, they knew how to use precaution against the effects of the briars, and [...] had some (very slight) covering on their [...] which protected them.

[Page 29] Well, I travelled till evening, when we came to the umbrage of some large trees, where I found they did always resort to for their night's retirement, when the business of the day would admit of it, by killing game sufficient for their supper and breakfast, to reach home in time: the bones of animals that was scattered about this spot, almost made me sink to the ground; I con­ceited that I traced the vestiges of human sculh, logs, and arms, and expected to be myself the next sacrifice.

They now unloaded me, and set me to gather fuel for the fire; this I began with great [...], but I cannot say alacrity, altho' my terror was in some small degree abated, as I thought while they had such plenty of animal food, they would not kill me to feast upon; with these hopes I comforted myself and drawed from them the best consolation I could, and procured the fire-wood as fast as possible, knowing that it could not avail either way, towards rendering my [...] [...]ore distressing or dangerous, or remove the perturbation of my mind; but even if sorrow and trouble had induced me to have been backward in this work, there was too many eyes around me to admit of it: having provided sufficiency of [...]ing, they began to clean the game (for till this time they had been preparing for the night) and in this occupation I was obliged to be [...] same time some was making a fire; the [...] of [...] being nearly the same with every tribe, it will be [...] treated on in another chapter: after the fire [...], and the animals washed at a small brook [...] ­ning [Page 30] near the place, but the greatest part of the entrails remaining in (as it is the blood they principally have aversion unto) they prepared what they called a barba­cue in their language, and laid the animals thereon without dividing them; and before the flesh was scarce­ly warm through, they began to devour it with wolveish [...]tites, and devoured an amazing quantity; but it [...] considered their hunger was very intense, for [...] always go from morning till night fasting, and [...] of the day is frequently exceeding labori­ [...] [...] during this gluttonous feasting, I was not [...] to come near them; but this was no morti­fication, for as hungry as I was, my appetite was com­ [...]ely satiated to see them tear limb from limb, and [...] entrails hanging to the ground, and gnawing like [...]o many dogs, but without the least sign of covetous­ness and anger, for the most plausible marks of cordi­ality and fellowship seemed to exist; and when every [...]e was [...]pplied, they pointed to the scattered frag­ments on the ground, which consisted of bits and scraps of every thing that was nasty; and called me with an hideous voice to come and partake of it.

I was hungry enough, but at this sight and invita­tion, I shook my head and declined their offer; one of them then took a bit and brought to me, putting [...]at to my mouth; I with my hand gently put it aside, [...] which he kicked me and left me, and no further [...] was taken of me; but they began to divert themselves in a most ludicrous and laughable manner— [...] [Page 31] scene of their mirth been at any other time, and any other place, it would certainly excited in me a hearty risibility; but in my present case, no one can suppose that any ridiculous gestures, or romantic diversions of the company I was associated with, could animate my spirits to cheerfulness.

Their amusement consisted in wanton gestures, leap­ing, springing, tumbling, laughing, hooping, and frightful distortion of their countenances, with their mouths so wide open, and awry, that I could some­times see the roof of their mouths, and root of their tongues; and for their eyes, they did squint and turn them innumerable ways, and at the same time extend­ing and contracting their frightful vissages into so ma­ny various shapes and figures, added to their grins and grimaces, that they did in fact cut a most horrible ap­pearance, especially to one in my situation:— [...] then concluded this contemptible merriment with such a ge­neral screeching, screaming, shouting, and display of antic gestures, tha [...] it is impossible to follow them in record, or memo [...], the transitions was so wild and so frequent, and [...] motions so quick one upon another. After they had done, their Chief came to me and hint­ed for me to imitate some of their ludicrous jestures, and that with a smiling and affable countenance; but when he found I was inflexible and no persuasions could pre­vail upon me to make the attempt, his smiles and [...], was presently turned into passion and [...] with a stick that lay near, he began to [...]la­bour [Page 32] my poor, naked, and already wounded body most unmercifully; and probably would have beat me to death, but the excruciating pains I felt induced me to stand up and endeavour to gratify him—but how far I imitated them, it is easy to guess; for I [...] and screemed perhaps as loud and as well as any of them; and this part of the performance I acted without any disguise or hypocrisy, for it flowed from me voluntari­ly and fortunately, satisfactorily; and for my motions and distortions, my anguish caused that without any extraordinary exertions; but if he had insisted upon any part of the laughing exercises of the evening, I could not have complied with his request; and happy would it have been for me if I had known before, that this imitation would have been acceptable, for I could very well have performed it before receiving his blows.

The amusement of the evening being now conclud­ed, the whole tribe laid themselves down under the ca­nopy of some large trees that I never could learn the name of, but whose leaves was as large as common cabbage leaves:—no notice was taken of me, any more than closely watched to prevent an escape; after they had been laid down about half an hour, there came twelve women and four children which belonged to them, but where they had been I do not know, but probably to a feast of some other tribe, as they do sometimes visit each other on such occasions; it is evident they had not been far, for there was no notice taken of [...] [Page 33] return, neither did they provide themselves any provi­sion, [...] [...]rectly laid down amongst the men.

A [...]ature being now hushed to silence, and dark­ness approaching, words are insufficient to convey an idea of my tumultuous agitations; at this critical junc­ture, how unhappy! how deplorable my condition! divested of all christian society; almost perishing with hunger, wounds, and nakedness, and surrounded in the silent hours of darkness, by a crew of infernal savages, and void of all human feeling; the reflections struck terror to my trembling heart; it almost provoked me to terminate my miserable existence, and thereby put a pe­riod to my doubts and fears; but not being quite des­titute of grace, I ruminated upon eternal consequences, and endeavoured to restrain all such presumptuous pur­poses, and calmly resign to this trying dispensation of providence: it was a lesson of wisdom to my soul; I now knew how to pray in spirit, and be sincere in my addresses to the throne of grace; I could now look upon all my former formal shew of religion as cold, lifeless empty vanity; as "nothing, less than nothing," and could in the midst of my distress glorify his holy name, for so many years preserving me in open iniquity, and reli­gious mockery, and bringing me at last to see him as he is in spirit and in truth; and under this encourage­ment I composed my scattered and confused ideas, and had at intervals the soothing consolation that the great [...] one, would in his own due time, mani­fest [Page 34] his power towards me for good, and point out the means of my delivery; but to all present [...] of suc­cess had I undertaken it, I could not cherish [...]mpse of probability, for the whole country around had the appearance of an impenetrable forrest overgrown with trees and bushes, that rendered such an attempt totally impracticable.

Being overcome with the issues of the day, I laid me down on the bare ground, with no other canopy than the heavens, nor no other guardian but my Ma­ker; but the different emotions of my soul on future uncertainties with this herd of haggard beings, and the pains I experienced prevented my taking any repose till dawn of day; when I had scarcely closed my eyes from the watching of a dismal restless night, but the Chief arose and summoned every one to the duties of the day; without hesitation I arose, for I knew that would be in vain, and all hands was diligently employed to prepare the food left over night; and this operation be­ing much the same as the evening, I need not repeat it more than to say, it was done with great speed and alertness, and no diversion displayed; but as soon as they had caten, we all set out for the business of the day.

After both men and women had done, it was again presented to me, but the very sight was so disgustful that I could not touch it; [...]or which they cruelly bea [...] me with their bows, two or three blows together, [...] made the blood [...]n in streams down my [...]; [...] [Page 35] the Chief immediately applied a juice, which he squeez­ed out of a plant by the fire, this stayed the blood but did not remove the pain: in this situation, a poor beggar at liberty, was as a King in his palace to mine; no sympathizing friend, no relievin [...] [...]factor, to pa­cify nature's calls.

I was compelled to follow them—women and all set out, and my occupation I found would be to carry their dead game; and this day they was uncommonly suc­cessful and loaded me so heavily, that with hunger, pains and weariness, I fell down thr [...] [...] in the day, and then one of them, that was nearest to me, would beat me most cruelly till I rise again; for it never hap­pened that every one was out of sight, and if that had been the case, the women was always with me; who beheld me with a kind of ferocious fear—they killed this day one monkey, two wh [...]rri [...]s, two picaries, three tenahas, and one [...]urrassoe, and the woods that we this day traversed, was thicker with thorns and briars than any I met with, during all my captivity, which wound­ed my feet and flesh at such a rate, that I was nearly on the point of giving way to their relentless severity, and let them beat me to death: When evening came and the same proceedings taken place as before (and in reality there was never no great variation) I was beat again for not eating, altho' in fact I could heartily have done it off the curassoe (a fine bird as large as a [...]) if I had the dressing it; but they only put it [...] [...]arge flame and burnt off the feathers, and [Page 36] barely warmed it through, before it was devoured, without being as much as cut open; but yet they do not eat all the inside of beasts or birds, but separate it in their mouths and spit it out, what they do not find palatable, and sometimes with their singers.

My ill treatment together with want of food, for I had yet eat nothing but a few berries that I gathered in the woods, and cold nights brought a disorder upon me, that terminated in a fever, which rendered me useless and unserviceable to them for five days; but by the close application of means, through the skilfulness of the Chief, I was restored, and then more cruelly used than ever; because during my illness, when I was left alone with some women, I cooked at times a bit of such an animal as was left, as well and clean as my strength would permit; for I could not entrust the wo­men to do it, for their cleanliness was much of a kin with the men's: the first bit of an animal I tasted, was the second day of my affliction, and seventh of my captivity, which was part of the leg of a m [...]nkey, and during my illness I dressed several little scraps of ani­mals on the coals, but nothing to eat with it; water was plenty enough: as soon as I was deemed sufficient­ly recovered to pursue the labours of the day, my ser­vitude was claimed; but for a day or two they favored me by helping to carry the game, but then at night I was severely used for not eating, as they knew from the women that I had eaten in their absence [...] th [...] made them judge very hard of me, attribu [...] [...] [Page 37] abstinence in their presence to obstinacy, so as not to work; not considering poor ignorant creatures, that it was their filthyness made the food so nauseously dis­tasteful, neither had the women understanding or sense enough to explain it to them, and for myself I had no opportunity to do it in their presence; and in this state did I remain, sometimes catching a bit and throwing it into the ashes, and so by degrees▪ became almost as savage in practice as they were by nature; and on the seventeenth day, I for the first time eat with their vora­city, and from thence I made no distinction in food, nor scarce any in manner of dressing.

When they found my appetite was come, and I be­gan to assume a little sprightliness, they behaved with more sociableness, and permitted me to sit down by them at their meals, but would not permit me to touch a morsel until they had done; which was sometimes unfortunate, for after a bad day's excursion I often went almost supperless to bed, after working and fasting all day: they finding that I could now eat as hearty as themselves, concluded for me to help procure as well as eat; and for this purpose provided me with a bow and some arrows, and for the women to carry the game, which I found is their business amongst all the tribes.

I was in hopes with this new occupation I should [...] some ease and lenity from them, especially [Page 38] as my feet was becoming accustomed to the travels and my back growing better; but alas! how vain are all mortal hopes, and flattering our expectations, when built upon the sandy foundation of theory and deceitful speculation: one grain of practice will instill more wis­dom and knowlege into the mind of the prudent, than a bushel of theory into the brains of the acute philosopher.

I being equipped with the weapons of destruction, rally forth in pursuit of game, but was never permit­ted to be out of sight: the first day I did not draw my bow, having no opportunity for so young a marksman to try my skill; no notice was taken of it at night, there being sufficient killed by the rest; for we had [...]wo deer, three conys, and an armadillo, besides several quams; well, I next day resumed my calling, but having no chance to try my skill, I again returned in the evening with all my arrows, and no game; little notice was taken; the next day I ventured to let fly at a monkey, but missed my mark, and the same day shot at a picary and equally unsuccessful, and lost two arrows; this displeased them, and made them look rather frowning­ly upon me in the evening:—the next day after seve­ral attempts and losing the arrows, one of them beat me with his bow severely, and took mine from me, and put his game on my shoulder, which was only one [...] ­naha; in the evening I was examined narrowly, and severely threatned by motions if I did not kill some game; altho' they frequently go for several [...] or other without killing any thing; it is seldom [...] [Page 39] shoot without doing execution, and thereby secure both arrows and game, but I did lose the arrows [...]or no­thing—I should been glad not to have discovered any game, but the women did sometimes point them to me and I was obliged to shoot, or complaint would have been made from this quarter; but in the end I did lose so many arrows, that they reinstated me again into my former situation of carrying [...]he game, and used me with uncommon cruelty during the remainder of my captivity amongst them.

They have no settled place of residence, but have se­ven or eight places to which they resort, and the greatest distance from the two extremes takes them about five days travel, so according as they fell in with game, they took up their night's repose at their nearest convenien­cy; they do not build any huts, for fear of being in­vaded by other more powerful tribes; and even some­times the Spaniards from the interior parts of the coun­try, will come down in a body and assault them; but they are in much more dread of the Mosketom [...]n, who frequently come down the sea-coast, and land fleets from large canoes, and then proceed up into the forest and make great havo [...]k amongst them; for these hostile assailants are always so well armed, that the Indians with their weapons cannot face them.

I never saw any of those terrible enemies of the In­dian while I was with them; but they lived in such [...] dread of them, that if the wind or even [...] [Page 40] wandering beast did but cause a sudden motion amongst the bushes in the night, the whole tribe arose, and sometimes travelled about all night to avoid, not to en­counter the supposed enemy, unless they luckily disco­vered the cause of their surprise; this sudden distur­bance happened amongst them but once while I was with them; I knew nothing of this terror of their's, till after all my captivities, and a prisoner amongst the Spaniards.

After being with them about nine months, they painted me all over, so that my native colour was hi [...]—they generally paint themselves every week, and sometimes oftener; the men black and the women red, and after this first time of polishing me, I never escap­ed it when themselves did it: they make their paint brushes by taking a [...]it of stick and chewing one end: their red paint is made from the seed of a prickly cod peculiar to that country; the only preparation it re­quires, is bruising and mixing it with water: the black paint is made by burning a piece of wood, and mixing the ashes with water.

This tribe is called the Woolaways or sla [...] headed tribe. As soon as a child is born, they provide a couple of bits of board about ten inches long, and four broad, and placing one against the forehead, and the other against the back part of the head, they tie them at each end, and thus draw the infant's head by compressure, in­creasing the force of the pressure as the child grows, [Page 41] and by the time it can walk, its head is flat, and bour­ges out on each side, and always after continuing in that deformed state, give this tribe a most horrible ap­pearance, and this give them the name of flat-heads.

This tribe is in general grave and solemn, except af­ter their meals on an occasion; very robust and strong, with lank coarse long black hair hanging over their shoulders; and so reserved are they in conversation, that it is very common for them to travel several hours without speaking: if they meet another tribe with whom they are on terms of friendship, they frequently pass each other without the compliment of a saluta­tion.—All the cloathing they wear consist of a curious piece of bark, which they call polpro: they tear it from the tree and dry it, and beat it till it has the re­semblance of cloth; this they wrap round their waist, and it hangs almost to their knees: this is all th [...] [...] ­vering they have, excepting in stormy nights, the wo­men hold a large trooly leaf, about two feet long and eighteen inches broad over their heads, and sometimes cover the boughs of trees with them, as a canopy to sleep under.

They have no marriage rites, but the oldest b [...] takes the oldest girl which is generally at fourteen or fifteen years of age.

They have no other vessels but calabashes, that grow [...] in the forest; and things they [...] [Page 42] something like our platters, that the women make of clay and bake over the fire—their knives are hard wood formed with flints—for spoons they use the palms of their hands—water is their only beverage in general, altho' they do sometimes bruize the plantane and hang them up in trooly leaves till they are sour, which makes an intoxicating liquor; but maize or Indian corn will answer the same purpose.

I could discern nothing amongst them to conclude they had any method of computing time, but have great reason to believe that they live to a great age: by their grey hair and wrinkles several of the men appeared to me near a hundred years old. It is very seldom any of the young men die, for if any ailment befall them, their skill in medicine presently effects a cure; but four old men died whilst I was with them, and suddenly, which I believe is in general the case; for neither of those was sick twelve hours; but one wo­man died during the time, and she was suddenly taken off in one of our daily rambles, about forty years of age, without the agonies of death one hour.

When any one die, the rest immediately dig a hole with their hands and sticks, and deposit the cor [...]se without the smallest sign of grief.

This forest and the woods abounding on it, consist of mahogany, walnut, ebony, cedar, cotton, and [...], besides animals of various kinds, such [...] [Page 43] [...]ers, mon [...]ies, baboons, deers, whereys, pi [...]arys, coney [...], tenaba [...], guanas, land tortoise, armadillos, quams, and cu­rassoes, with many kind of fish in the rivers that run through it, and snakes in abundance, with birds of many sorts, but they look on them as unworthy notice.

Altho' it was my unfortunate destiny to be a captive amongst this savage race near two years, I never could become expert enough with the bow and arrow to be of any service in that respect; for which I did at inter­vals, especially after a day's ill success, feel the weight of their blows so cruelly and piercing, that I began seriously to meditate an escape; for after repeated at­tempts before and severely punished, and sometimes detected in the night, I had for a considerable time been discouraged from any further trials of my cun­ning: but such renewed hardships emboldened me to begin afresh, and trust to providence for its issue; for to be thus excluded all intercourse with civilized people, and spend my days amongst such a set of inhuman bar­barians, wounded my feelings and loaded my soul with bitter anguish: but no opportunity did present itself for near three months after my coming to this resolution; for though I advanced a few yards in the dead of the night, several times towards it, one or other did look up, which made me immediately pretend some sudden occasion for stirring; for I was always closely watched and surrounded by night, and it was scarce ever the case that they were all asleep together, men, women [...] [...]outh; so that if I was but even missed a minute the [...] [Page 44] alarm was gave, and I did directly make my appear­ance, altho' several times cruelly beat even for disturbing them; for it must not be imagined that they can sleep as found all the night thus exposed, as others can on a com­fortable feather bed; and consequently that sleep which they do take is precious; the truth of this I can testify by long experience.

Being thus disappointed, time after time, I again be­gan to despair, and contented myself as well as circum­stances would admit with my deplorable situation, and thus escaped the weight of their blows for near a month, which was as a season of heavenly consolation; the great­est part of my wounds were dried up, and no blood streaming down my naked body.—I had no other wounds now but such as I did experience daily by the briars and thorns; but still my mind was hankering after liberty and christian company, and in the last month of my captivity, I flattered myself that an op­portunity presented; for we having had better success than common, they gorged in such an amazing quan­tity of the food, and drank so much of the liq [...] be­fore mentioned; squeezed out of the plantane, that they become surfeited with one, and intoxicated with the [...] this night I concluded was my opportunity; I impatiently waited till darkness and drunkenness had bushed them all to sleepy silence; and about midnight I softly arose, and taking a bit of an animal from the coa [...] ­ [...] my hand, I walked from them, but with [...]tio [...]s [Page 45] footsteps, for fear either should awake before I could possibly escape.

Being now, as I thought, on the point of deli­verance, I halted about twenty yards from them for a minute or two to be sure that I was safe, for I could not think myself secure unless I was some miles dis­tance when they miss me, for they could travel through the night almost as well as by day, and separating themselves I should soon been overtaken, and then my life must have been the tortured sacrifice to gratify their relentless vengeance.

Well, after halting about a minute or two at the distance of twenty yards, alas! to my dreadful sorrow I heard the yelp; without a moment hesitation I threw away my meat, and hastened towards them, and for­tunately sliped in amongst the women and laid me down undiscovered; then arising as just out of sleep, appeared to them innocent; the cry was no longer heard, the yelping ceased, and every one again betook him to his sleep; but with me it was quite otherwise: I [...] solicitous for puting my project in execution, but the tumult that this sudden disorder caused, prevented my designs being accomplished that night, and when another opportunity would offer 'twas impossible to conjecture.

I now became quite heartless, and p [...]aved as earnest­ly for death as Dives for a drop, [...]—I stri [...] against despondency as much as possible, and [...] [Page 46] all the sprightlyness and levity I could forcibly muster, for I believe no one will suppose it was natural, and thus escaped all beating and blows another week. When being so unfortunate as to be tried again, I was so un­successful as to lose four arrows the first day, and un­happily for me they put such unfavorable constructions upon my aukwardness, for I never had killed one sin­gle animal or bird, that they entered into a close con­versation about me in the evening; and by their hellish squints and sour grimaces at me, I was convinced was no omen for good; this made me again begin anew my projections of a plan to escape, and as I really thought they were devising my death, I was fully re­solved if my life was preserved till night to make one more attempt, and bid defiance to the infernal yelp by running, as death could now bring no terrors with it; for if they caught me, death, tho' cruel, would not be lasting; but in the present case, 'twas lingering out my existence by dying daily.

Being thus resolved, I waited the approach of so­lemn silence, and embraced the season of darkness, [...]d got up, and without making use of my accustomed pre­caution to wait the favorable minute, I immediately took to my heels with all the haste my frightened and trembling spirits would admit, and without slackening my pace run on without helm or compass, till day light; and proceeded on as well as I could direct my foot­ [...] farther from any of our former routes, [...] on roots, fruit and berries, [...] days.

CHAPTER III.

HAVING through the goodness of an over-ruling Providence made my escape from this infernal crew, I bor [...] with the fatigue and trials during my five days wandering with manly fortitude, and every hour ho­ping that chance, or more properly, Providence would direct my foot-steps, and bring me to the borders of this savage forrest, and lead me into some, path that would bring me to a mansion of hospitality.

Thus did I support my drooping spirits, with those phantoms of delusive expectations, inwardly rejoicing on my approaching happiness—all nature seemed to be combined in its attracting smiles, and the whole face of creation had the resemblance of Paradise, not withstand­ing the contrast between an almost barren wilderness, and a well cultivated land; for liberty and eas [...] [...] [Page 48] every object a charming, and almost enchanting aspect; and the refreshment being the promiscuous produce of rude nature, was palitable and nourishing to my con­stitution: nothing but the cravings of nature did in­duce me to stop to pluck the fruit; not nothing but overcome nature tempt me to lay down to take the needful repose; and twice in the night I arose and pursued my unknown course; but the second time it was nearly proving fatal to my life; for it being dark, I unfortunately in my erring walk, approached near enough to the nightly retreat of some large beast of prey, as to disturb his repose by the motion of the bush­es:—I conclude I was not more than ten yards distance when I heard the horrible howl—terror sunk into my soul, and almost deprived me of sense—to escape by flight I saw no distant prospect, and the critical situa­tion would not admit of hesitation:—I immediately as­cended the nearest tree, and scarce was I out of reach but I perceived a huge animal pass it roaring; but what beast it was, the darkness of the night prevented my discerning.

This sudden and dangerous surprize, compelled me to remain in the tree till the approach of morning, and descending, I in a few minutes came to the spot from whence I had rouzed the terrible enemy of my peace.—It was an enclosure of thick bushes, and abun­dance of decayed leaves of two large trees standing close by, and plenty of long grass; with a few frag­ments of carcasses devoured for [...]ood.

[Page 49] The nightly retreat of this animal was much more comfortable and better secured from the inclemency of the weather, than I had experienced for the two years I inhabited the same forrest; and without doubt if I had happened to have come when the proprietor was not at home, I should have taken possession of his dor­main for the night; if I did not first discover the scat­tered emblems of savage serocity laying without the door; but what would have been the owner's surprize, or my situation, for to perceive a stranger had taken possession of his premises, 'tis not easy to picture—I might have found him the hospitable friend or the cru­el monster; but at any rate I could willingly dispense with the former, to be certain of escaping the latter.

I made all the haste possible from this spot, fearing the host might return and make too free with his guest.

I now again resumed my journey, but my mind was very much agitated with the occurrences of the night, fearing I should have enemies to encounter that would display no mercy—I pursued my route as well as my slight knowledge of the forrest could direct me, and fortunately met with no other disaster but what pro­ceeded from the terrors and anxiety of mind till the fifth day.

Now commences a new scene of trials:—Having tra­ [...] all the [...] night, and great part of the fifth [...] [Page 50] and not having an opportunity of quenching my thirst, I came sometime in the afternoon to a running stream, where I allayed my thirst and laid me down to rest, but with no intention to sleep, [...]or that I always cautiously avoided in the day time, but being tired and overcome I accidentally fell into a slumber and sound sleep; and just on the approach of evening I was suddenly awoke with the yelping of savages, and lifting up my eyes beheld a crew with the vissage and aspect of hell in their countenances, about a hundred and twenty in the whole, men, women and children.

I was almost speechless with surprize and terror; I sat up, not having courage or hardly strength pro­ceeding from the fright to stand; they for the space of several minutes staring at me and each other; from this seeming deliberation I drawed some favorable con­clusions, that my life would be spared, and having been so long with the other tribe, it very much lessened the terrors of death; altho' death itself, naturally, would have been welcome; because I could form tole­rable correct ideas of what sufferings were coming upon me.

Fortunately for me the paint that the other tribe had from time to time put on me, with my own long black hair, gave me much the resemblance of one of the Wool [...]ways; but still they could easily discover I was not a native, for the aukwardness of my behaviour, [...] the shape of my head, betrayed me that I was an [...] [Page 51] and in fact they had sufficient reason to con­clude I was a Spanish spy, for I bore a great similitude to them, for they are in general of a dirty tawney, blackish colour, which at that time I was myself; and and if they could have persuaded themselves to believe me as one of that people, I should not have been fortu­nate enough to have died by the bow and arrow, but immediately have been scalped alive. Such is their enmity and hatred to that nation, for their unjust and once inroads upon the territories of the Indians, who seldom make any excursions beyond their own [...]da­ries, unless in case of the defensive, to protect and de­send themselves against the power of invaders.

After a few minutes consultation amongst them­selves, and I suppose concluding I was not a Spaniard, they made me rise; but being like themselves almost naked, which was also in my favor, they had no trou­ble to undress me, nor nothing to excite their curiosity respecting the fairness of my skin; and of course be­gan to load me with dead game, and tho' they had not much more amongst them all than the other tribe had, yet this was divided into so many portions, that my whole load consisted of no more than three game—two birds and one small animal, and with this I marched to their place of rendezvous, which may be about three-quarters of a mile from the spot where they first discovered me.

[Page 52] I imagine I was now about seventy or eighty miles from whence I first made my escape; for fifteen miles a day was good travelling with me at this time, all circum­stances considered.

When we came to the resting place for the night, it was like the former under the umbrage of some large trees, and not far from a clear spring; but as differ­ent in relation to cleanliness as 'tis possible to conceive—not a bo [...]e or the vestige of animal flesh to be seen; only the ashes, conveniencies for fire and sleeping, and by the large quantities of ashes, it appeared that it has for a long time been the spot of their nightly re­sort, the ground being quite bare for a considerable space round the fire spot, and at the same time free from all nauseous incumbrances; this was an agreea­ble omen and I thought forboded something of civili­zation; and how the remains of all their food is dis­posed of, the reader shall be informed after supper.

We now began to prepare for our evening repast—my employment towards it was as formerly, to gather fire wood; this was no sooner done than they began to kindle a fire after this manner, as do all the other tribes.

One of them take a square piece of wood with a round hole in the middle, and placing this between his knees, he lays a large piece of dryed bark or tinde [...] near the hole, then taking a small round stick of [...] [Page 53] harder nature, and placing it upright in the [...], rub [...] it round between the palms of his hands, like the stir­ring of chocolate, till the friction causes fire to fly out of the hole and kindle the bark.—The manner of mak­ing the [...] is as follows—

A large fire is kindled with the dryest wood that can be procured, about ten yards [...] and two [...], ac­cording to the inclemency of the season, and food they have to dress: a stout pole is now placed along each side of the fire and about three feet above it, upon four strong forked sticks, one at each corner, and across the two long poles some others are laid, in proportion to the quantity of provisions to be drest; this preparation being compleated, the animals are then held to the fire till all the hair is singed off; then they are laid upon the a [...] mentioned cross sticks till they are roasted, which [...] generally done before the cross sticks are burnt off, [...] whenever that is the case, they have others ready prepared to replace them.

Now herein this [...]ibe differ from the other that I escaped from—they make their fires alike, but the for­mer take no trouble to clean, or scarce half dress them, and devour it most voraciously and nasty, leaving all the b [...]es and other filth about them; but this tribe in the [...] place cut up the animal or bird and dress it, then the women go to the water and wash it almost [...] then being put upon the [...]arbicue, they let it [...] ready before one of them attempt to touch [Page 54] it, and [...]en 'tis done they divide it into small pieces and so eat one piece at a time, and even the first even­ing [...]artook in common with them, and [...]de a more comfortable meal than I ever did, while a captive with the Woolaways.

After supper all the bones and entrails was gathered together and thrown into the fire; by this method of decency they are al [...] clean; but sometimes it hap­pens they are not very successful, and then the entrails are washed clean and dressed with the meat, and every one share alike, excepting the Chief, who is generally indulged by an exemption from the entrails; but ne­vertheless he very frequently contents himself to par­take in common with the rest, and it very often hap­ [...] they are drove to the extreme of wasting [...]thing, and when it was the case, I never fared harde [...] [...] more sparing than the rest; here was no partiality [...] of persons: but I was as closely watched as [...] the others, and sometimes beat, but not often.

This tribe is not so expert at the bow and arrows as the others; they are equally, if not more diligent, but not a [...] good marksmen; they oftentimes miss and lose their arrows.

This tribe is singular from either of the others I was amongst—Whatever game they kill is all dressed the same evening, and what is left after supper, eat [...] morning cold; I never knew them make a [...] [Page 55] morning, when the weather would permit their going out; but the other tribes frequently dress game for breakfast; and again I have known the Woolaways leave all their scraps about the ground, and in the morning eat it up like dogs, but these always gather it together into their calabashes.

This tribe are endued with a degree of foresight or cautious prudence, in a superior measure to the others; for they begin early to train their children to the use of the bow and arrow; as soon as they are able to walk, they are supplied with them for amusement, and by degrees as they grow in years, they become pro­portionally capable of managing them; and boys, not five years old, I have known to equal aged people in dexterity; but notwithstanding this early practice, it is something remarkable they are in general the most aukward, or at least the most unsuccessful in the daily excursions of either tribe I was in bondage with:—I know but one cause to attribute it unto, which is this—I never saw one of the elder men attempt to instruct the youth, or the youth the children, how [...]o manage their arms expertly; but all their art, cunning, and judgment in killing their game, is the m [...]re result of nature and practice, by which means they are always imperfect, and never arrive to a degree of accuracy in their profession: They lose more arrow [...] proportion­ally to their number in one week, than the Woolaways did in a month—there was one man of the latter [...]ribe that ha [...] [...]ed twenty head of different game successfully [Page 56] in several days and not lost one arrow; but this was uncommon perfectness, and it was frequently the case that we did close the day's excursion with six, eight, or ten head of small animals or birds, and not one ar­row lost.

This tribe scarce ever put the bow and arrow into the hands of children, by way of using them, until they were ten or twelve years of age, and then took great pains to perfect them in a little time; and it was sel­dom they required more than two weeks training, be­fore they were supplied with the customary morning compliment of arrows—in general, five or seven, and from that time enjoyed every privilege, and partook of [...] the success of the day with the rest in common; but before this time they only associated with the wo­men and children, and had nothing but what was gave them.

With the present tribe we are treating of, the differ­ence of conduct was very material between them.—These make no difference in age, or sex; but seem to enjoy themselves more after the manner of civilized na­tions; although in fact as stuped and ignorant as the others, as far as bears an affinity to religion, or know­ledge of a Deity.

I had been with them six days without experiencing the least cruelty of any kind, any more [...] to the lot of every one in common: I fed as [...] [Page 57] well, and worked no harder; but on the seventh day morning they gave me a bow and five arrows: I was sensible of my unskillfulness, and dreaded the conse­quences, expecting this trial of my activity would turn the scale against me, and my future treatment be quite the reverse to what was past: I trembled when I took the arms, with dreadful confusion, on the issue of the day's success, and all the consolation I could m [...]ster, was, that they took no notice of the arrows themselves did lose, and of course I had hopes of meeting wish the same indulgence; and fortunately for me, my hopes as feeble as they were, was founded upon happy speculations; for altho' I lost three of my arrows and killed nothing, no notice was taken of it: next morn­ing my number of five was again compleated, and I sallyed forth in pursuit of a prize, but having no op­portunity to shoot, I lost no arrows; altho' in fact I saw several game, but by feint motions and liste [...], I did attract the notice of the nearest man to me, and pretending not to see it, did by this artful contri­vance bring him within sight of it; who concluding himself the most expert archer, would discharge his arrow, and thus I saved my credit and arrows also: this scheme answered my purpose two days, but knowing there would soon be an end to this project of decepti [...] I began to meditate upon some other plan of [...]lusion; so the next day I hit upon a contrivance that I thought would favor me a day or two [...] I have [...] [...]fore that they did lose a great many [...] [Page 58] rows; I thought I could find some of them by making accute observations; accordingly I was as watchful as keen eyes could assist me, and had the good fortune to pick up one; now I thought, I may venture courage­ously to let fly at the first mark, which I did at a wher­rie, and was lucky enough to strike him, but not to do the needful execution, for he shook out the arrow and made off; and altho' I lost my arrow, I still had my compliment, and endeavoured to find another of their's but could not; and was presently convinced that this plan I had adopted, could not be long practised with­out detection, it requiring so much time in searching for arrows, especially as I could seldom be out of sight more than a minute at a time.

Well, it passed on for several weeks, and I had ren­dered them little or no service, altho' I did kill [...]ing that time, four or five head of game; [...] was a picarie, the next a quam, the rest has escaped my me­mory; they finding I was of little service to them with the bow; employed me very much afterwards in mak­ing arrows, and carrying game.

My life henceforward, was not quite so comfortable as formerly; for tho' they did not use me with any distinguished cruelty, either by stripes or [...] of [...]ood, yet the burthen of the day was sometimes [...] laborious; for there being so many of them, they fre­quently had load enough for one per [...] [...] three hours after setting out; and [...] was [...] [Page 59] first, and had the weight to trudge under all the day; and at night it was also my employ, to assist in clean­ing and preparing [...]or the barbi [...]e; which I was ex­empted from while I carried arms.

This tribe differ much from the last, in many points of order and regularity; as the others frequently made use of ridiculous and hideous diversions after the [...] meals, so on the contrary, these did seldom display any tokens of jolity or mirth; but they did drink to as great excess, or more so, than the Woolaways, of the plantane juice, and oftentimes so intoxicated, they was quite senseless and stupid; but there being so m [...]y, it was never the case to find all in that brutish state to­gether; as it was what I never expected, consequently I never looked for it; and to the present appearance of circumstances I had no room to [...] myself with the prospect of an escape.

There are certain times, when they indulge them­selves with an amusement or diversion, but which hap­pened only twice while I was amongst them; but the odity of the transaction seems to be worth stating.—One moon-shine evening, after a good supper, but no liquor they had drank this evening, and all the bones, fragments, and ashes removed, there was a large cir­cular fire made, about twenty yards circumference, but not so broad in the border, but that a person could [...] jump over it.—I was quite at a loss to conjecture what [...] going forward, when all hands began to be [Page 60] gathering wood that time of night, and myself also employed; an [...] when I saw them begin to place it in a ring, I began to speculate unfavorably, and my spi­rits sunk within me; for altho' I had received humane treatment amongst them, I also considered they were Indians and no more, and that I was more a bur­then than service to them: as soon as the circle of wood was made, it was kindled, and every man got inside; I expected nothing less, than that I was going to be their sacrificed victim; when we was all inside of the fire and it began to burn up all round, the women kindling it in several places, the men began to jump over the fire, in and out, without any order; and in this part of the ceremony I was obliged to assist, and performed with as much bodily activity as any of them; but my spirits [...] low enough, trembling at what I feared would [...] of this frightful recreation.

We continued this whimsical diversion, for at least two hours, the women jumping and skipping about, outside of the circle; but no ridiculous gestures, or noise with the mouth, accompanied it; but cheerful smiling looks, and the men frequently intermixing with the women, with the greatest degree of harmony and concord, and no particular notice taken of me, as if I was, or should be, in any peculiar measure interested in the scene; and as the fire gradually declined, so did my doubts comfortably abate, and for the last half hour, I enjoyed a calm, composed state of mind, [...] free from all oppressing anxities: when we [...] [Page 61] and danced till the fire was extinguished, there was another quantity of wood procured and placed round on the ashes and kindled; and every one laid down outside as near the fire as they thought proper to sleep; I imagine it must be near midnight before we thus went to rest; and being in general mostly tired, it was late next morning before our Chief summoned us to the duties of the day, and the women was all excepted from going out this day, so that I found it a hard day's labour, being heavy loaded all day long; and in the mean time, the women had removed all the ashes, and the place prepared for our night's repose.

Nothing particular took place after this merriment for about three weeks; when one day we was so un­fortunate in our game, as to kill but one small animal during the day; and this ill success, I presently found to be supported by them, with a patience and manly [...]ortitude, as would do credit to the most exemplary christian, or profound philosopher; for during the whole evening after each one had partook of the scan­ty pittance, that the little animal would admit of, which was but little more than a taste, and of which I had as proportionable a share as the rest, there was not the least sign of discontent or complaint, but the [...] accustomed pleasantry and mirth, as when the [...] of the day was crowned with abundant suc [...]ess.

[Page 62] Next morning we arose to resume the daily exploits, and having no breakfast to provide, it required no con­siderable time; and accordingly we set out on our pre­ambulation, and the greatest part of the women and children accompanying us, and the day proved very successful; so that the women was obliged, before the close of the day, to retire towards the spot where we was to rendezvous that night; and for our parts, the men seemed to be very indifferent about killing any game towards the close of the day, but conducted themselves with a degree of pleasantry and frolicksome mirth; and the youth and girls exhibited a degree of gamboling jolity and playfulness far exceeding any thing of the kind I had before been witness unto, and at the same time conducted with a simplicity of uncul­tivated manners, that excluded all indecency on one hand, and need of modesty on the other; for they seemed to be directed by the mere instinct of untainted nature; and before this time I could never perceive any particular marks of respect or notice whereby the youth of either sex did manifest any distinguishing to­kens of mutual friendship towards each other peculiarly—but this afternoon I thought there was an appear­ance of civilized tenderness of the softest nature be­tween a couple of young Indians—the man about twenty, the girl I judged to be about fifteen—they fre­quently separated from the company and withdrew to some more private recluse, and altho' this created [...] notice amongst any of the rest, it excited my curio [...] to an exactness, and wherever they did withdr [...]w [...] [Page 63] fixed my eyes upon them, and approached near enough to be an eye witness to every transaction; and with shame to enlightened nations, and those that are by education and understanding qualified for examples of modesty, honor, and virtue, this poor unlearned and savage pair never displayed one single instance [...] im­prudence or misconduct, not even to embrace with the lips; but at the same time shewed an interested fond­ness that evidenced a degree of social love.

As the evening approached, we goes towards the place of our night's retirement, which was a spot I had not been at before, and which the women that de­parted from us early in the day, had previously pre­pared for our arrival; which was a spot better cover­ed with grass than any one I had seen since my first being taken by the Woolaways, and shaded with many large and close trees, and a spring of water as clear a [...] chrystal: we had nothing now to do but to dress [...] provisions, for the women had provided fire, clea [...]d the food, and all things in order; but for dress [...] [...] cooking the animals or birds, I never [...] of either tribe do it in the absence of the men.

After we had finished our supper and prepared for the night's repose, the young people began to divert themselves by a strange kind of dancing, performed after the following manner:—The girls stood in [...], hand in hand, and the boys keep running through [...], [...]der their arm [...] without any regularity, and the [Page 64] girls frequently moving round, which often times cau­sing a bauk to the youth, this created a loud laugh amongst the whole company both old and young; and every boy did give the one that was baulked a hard blow on his back with their fist; and after some time spent in this diversion, the girls all squat down in a circle, and the boys run round them as fast as they could, and sometimes jump over their heads; and af­ter about half an hour of this merriment, the girls se­parate, and with the boys dance about amongst each other in all manner of figures, impossible for me to de­scribe; for it had the appearance of confusion, at the s [...]me time it was conducted with exact regularity of motion, for the aged men did still keep hooping after a melancholy manner, as it sounded to me, altho' by their movements and stopping, I could easily perceive it was a guide for the dancers; and the Chief (who was the only one that kept his seat during the exercise) [...] two or three times snuff with his nose, and make a dismal noise with his throat, which was a token for them to halt and rest a few minutes, when they all sat down in pair [...] as many as the sex would admit of, but without any distinguishing choice as partners, any cou­ple that was nearest together; but one exception there was in this case—the fond pair that I spoke of before, did each time couple together, and seemed to notice each other more than any other couple; and I observ­ed that during the diversion of jumping, this [...] always jumped over this girl's head, and she also [...] ­ering herself as on purpose for his easier leaping [...] [Page 65] and no other youth attempted to jump over her during the time: after this part of the evening's recreation was over, they all sat down in two rows; the boys and men in one row, and the women and girls in another, facing each other; the Chief still sitting by himself, and a silence being observed for the space of a few minutes, the Chief arose, and walked up and down between them, using some odd gestures with his hands; such as point­ing towards the sky, then towards the ground, th [...] to his own breast, then to his head, then to his sides, and then making a circle on the ground with his fingers about the size of a coach wheel—he entered it, and began to sing very pleasantly, after the Indian man­ner, in which he was joined by the whole company, except me; and it being perceived that I was a silent spectator, not joining in the general harmony, about ten or twelve of the men arose and began to [...] me with their fists unmercifully; and this being [...]he first time I had experienced any severity from this tribe, it produced the most alarming and dreadful sensations within me what was coming forward; but th [...] agita­tions of my mind was presently calm an [...] [...]omposed, by the Chief's giving a very loud hoop, and the whole company, men, women and children, immediately be­gan to frisk about in all manner of forms and gestures, whistling, singing, hallowing, hooping, jumping, danc­ing, and tossing each other about in a wonderful man­ [...]; and in this ceremony the Chief was equally [...] [...]ged without the least distinction, and I was oblig­ [...] [...] make one of this mo [...]ley groupe, which I [...] [Page 66] with little reluctance, as I concluded it was no bad omen. After about a quarter of an hour, every one sat down upon the grass, and the Chief making a few motions with his hands towards the sky, the young couple that I have before alluded unto, stood up and approached him, and immediately the whole company gave a shout, and all rising, began to dance about with laughing and hooping, excepting the fond couple; who stood still with the Chief, and in about ten mi­nutes all was quiet, and every one began to prepare for rest, and in a few minutes we was all laid down for the night.

Now whether this merriment was observed as a ce­remony of marriage between the young man and wo­man, I cannot tell, for from that time I never dis­cerned any distinguishable instances of peculiar notice between them, nor no transaction of the kind ever after with either tribe I was amongst; it is evident that no peculiar forms of matrimony is generally observed, and what confirms me in this opinion is, that altho' many children were born during my being amongst them, there was but few instances that enabled me to form any probable conjecture who the father was; notwithstanding, there is every reason to believe, that they unite in pairs, and I believe observe a strict chastity and virtue for their adopted partner.

With this tribe there are several very distinguish [...] customs that seems peculiar to them; one of which [...] [Page 67] the surprising method the women take with a new-born child; altho' the relation may seem incredulous, and founded upon romantic delusion to the ears of civilized and tender parents and mothers of children; as I was an eye witness unto the whole instance, I can avouch for indisputable fact the relation; but whether every woman of each tribe observe the same customs through­out, I cannot take upon me to declare, as I never was before or after witness to the birth of a child. What I mean by the birth is; to see it in a few minutes after it was born; for the Indian men, notwithstanding their rude uncivilized nature, do always withdraw on such an occasion, and the women being guided by the pure instinct of nature, and strangers to those new invented means, and methods to assist, forward, and sometimes to suppress the course of nature, they very seldom ex­perience any long space of painful travail, or is the birth attended with any degree of weakness, pain, or sickness as is usually the case with enlightened and over▪wise people, who from the effects of study, or self-con­ceit, deem themselves competent judges of the Al­mighty's works and ordinations, and undertake to new modify, or arrange his appointments according to their own finite ideas and conceptions; and thus the regular and perfect course of pure nature is perverted to [...] purpose of substituting innovations to the disgra [...] of human understanding, and dishonorable to [...], as well as productive of calamities, diseases, and [...]eath.

[Page 68] These inconveniences never attend the Indian wo­men, that has not been so unfortunate as to be taught experience by the wise and learned of the age; for during all my five different captivities, I never knew a woman die in child-bed, nor more than two or three that was not able to follow her daily exercise as usual in twenty-four hours, altho' a number of children was born while I was amongst them.

Their manner of treating the woman and child is as follows: If the woman's strength will admit of it (and it is very rare that it will not) directly as the child is born, it is taken to the brook and plunged in over head and ears, and clean washed, and if the season is cold, it is wrapped up in leaves, and then the mother enters the brook and washes, and afterwards the child is deli­vered unto her; and frequently in the space of three or four hours, the woman can pursue her occupation; but if there is an occasion for her travelling, as they so of­ten remove from place to place, the child is bound to the woman's thigh with long grass, and she proceeds forward as if nothing had happened; but the mother do occasionally halt; and some woman loosen the child [...]or it to suck, and then fasten it on again: there is a band of grass round the legs, the body, and neck of the child; but that round the neck is made very soft with something like cotton, that they gather from the boughs of a tree; very much like the downy pu [...] [...] we see on the hosiers and willows in the spring of [...] year; and in this manner the child is [...] by [...] [Page 69] parent for about six weeks, when it is in a healthy state; and from that time it is put on the grass, and left to learn the use of its limbs; for it must be observed that these women are indulged as much as circumstances will admit of, and permitted to stay behind when the tribe know their return in the evening will be to the same spot, which they generally do for a week or more; for when they fall in with a good haunt for game, it frequently keeps them within a day's ramble, for ten or twelve days; and at other times it happens they may in the space of three days be obliged to wander perhaps twenty miles before they fall in with plenty of game, and sometimes I have known them to be up­wards of, fifty miles from one of their places of resort, and I believe they are at certain seasons when game is scarce, necessitated to ramble an hundred miles; and when that is the case, or even shorter distances, the women and children are permitted to rest themselves as often as needful, and the men in the mean time tra­verse the woods and forrests, as well as streams of wa­ter, in search of animals and fowl, and if they procure sufficient for the evening repast, they seldom travel late on such occasions; but the healthy women prepar­ing the most convenient spot for lodging, they take up their abode for that night; for the men never leave the women all night alone, besides their consideration of those that have sucking infants; but it very seldom happens that they do not reach every evening to some one or other o [...] their usual re [...]ting places.

[Page 70] The mothers that give suck do drink a larger quan­tity of the juice of plantain leaves than the men, but it is commonly mixed with water, and an herb soaked in it, that causes it to have a bitterish sweet taste; but the intoxicating nature of it is much lessened, and it is very seldom a woman that gives suck is concerned or affected with its powerful properties; but the others oftentimes drink a little immoderate.

When a woman is near her time, it is not difficult to discover, the father, because from that time until the woman and child are out of danger, the man is more particularly engaged in her necessities, and active in rendering any assistance to her as may seem needful; more so than the rest of the men; but afterwards he manifests little or no singular regard for her distinctly from the other women.

Whenever the distance unto which the duties of the day call them, requires the company of all the women, and one or more through infirmities or any calamity cannot follow the rest through the fatigue of the day, they are excused by proving this infirmity to the satis­faction of the Chief, who is the physician in all cases, and then some of the girls are left behind to take care and provide [...]or them, and prepare the place for the company's evening return.

This tribe was remarkably clean and neat to what the Woolaways were.

[Page 71] There was several instances where I had reason to think that the new born infants died from the effects of plunging into the cold water, for they did not live four hours, and one of them not half an hour after; there are in general more children die in proportion than grown people; chiefly between the age of three months and three years; but it is an uncommon thing to [...] ­corpse between three and ten years, and more so be­tween ten and twenty, and still more between twenty and fifty.

Amongst this tribe I cannot charge my memory with being witness to one single fracas or fray to proceed to loud or angry words, altho' there might be at times some trifling discordancy proceeding from unforeseen causes, so as to create temporal animosities; as soon as it began to kindle into a flame of passion, it was but for the Chief to snuff with his nose and make a few motions with his hands towards the sky, with a distort­ed countenance, and all appearance of tumult [...] wrath was immediately appeased, and from that [...] buried in oblivion; for I never knew an instance of [...] revival; such was the esteem and reverence the Chief was held in; but whether his motion towards the [...] indicated any knowledge of, or belief in a deity, I can­not tell, altho' I saw similar instances many times amongst the different tribes, I saw nothing that had a more plausible appearance of reverence, or address to the Almighty than this; and even this, such as [...] several times thought was a kind of adoration to [...] [Page 72] moon and sun; because I have observed them at several times very busy in these notions in a full moon shine eve­ning; not only the Chief, but the whole crew; but for days or weeks I never discerned the least notice to be tak­en in particular; and for my own part, it was impossible to keep the christian sabbath, the Jews sabbath, or any sabbath in memory; so as to compose my mind every seventh day by private ejaculations, or supplications to the throne of grace; neither did it give me the least concern, for a disposition abandoned to evil and sin when at liberty, could not be supposed to be much en­gaged in religion at his first entrance into such terrible slavery.

It was on a Tuesday when I was first taken, and I recollected the following days of that week, for my sufferings would not permit them to escape me, but Sunday passed off with pain, fatigue and drudgery, like the rest, and spent equally as well as when I was on ship-board, or even better; for now it was devoted to the support of nature, under the impressions of ap­proaching death in captivity, and resistless compulsion; but then it was spent in oaths, curses and profaneness at liberty: before the expiration of three weeks I had totally forgot the nominal, or numerical day I had been with them, and of course never knew, nor never kept a sabbath for eight years and six months; and shocking to relate, during all this time, supported and delivered by the goodness of an Almighty and benificent provi­dence; protected and preserved from so many [...] [Page 73] escapes from cruel deaths; I was so estranged to reli­gion, and overloaded with the iniquities of youth and depravity of morals, that I never saw the needfulness of, nor could place a considence in the promises of God, and of course never once had grace enough with­in me to humble myself in prayer before the Lord, by confession, supplication, or thanksgiving; one that professed a religion he did not confide in, and believed in a God that he neither feared, or served; and in the proper sense of the word I was a [...]stian heathen, and an heathenish devil; and the Lord rewarded me not equal to my desert.

I had been with this tribe about ten months, when an affair happened which gave me great uneasiness, as I apprehended it would be attended with dreadful con­sequences to me▪ we had been out a whole day and met good success, but on our return home, and I be­ing loaded with the best of the game, I had the mis­forture to fail where it was very muddy and the game sell from my shoulders, and I upon that, which made it in such a dirty pickle, that one of the men gave me a hard blow with a stick; I was exasperated, and in my turn struck him again and knocked him down into the same mud; he immediately gave an hellish cry, which brought the whole crew around us, and he tel­ling his story first, and had no time allowed for telling mine, but was immediately tied to a tree and every one began to prepare his how and arrows; when a [...] [Page 74] who had been witness to the whole scene, made her ap­pearance with the Chief, to whom she had been to communicate the tidings of what she had seen; he be­ing a [...] that time at some distance before the rest (for in our return home there was never any exactness in keep­ing company as when we set out in the morning) as [...] as he saw me tied to the tree, he stamped on the ground, and after making a few motions a [...]al when he [...] pleased, I was released, and we proceeded home peaceably; and as singular at it might appear, neither the man I particularly affronted, nor one of the others, ever took the least notice of that transac­tion from that minute; even the same evening there was not the least shadow of anger discernable in one countenance. If any thing while I was amongst the Indians gave me a favorable opinion of their ideas, sentiments, or passions, it was this of forgiving inju­ries; altho' properly speaking I was not the aggressor, but at the same time in their imperfect judgment I was, and their being so easily pacified, manifested a principle of pure sentiments and peace in them which I myself (and I fear too many others that call themselves chris­tians) did not possess; for I entertained malice and envy enough afterwards.

Sometimes after this affair, we was all terribly [...] in the night by the howling of a wild beast, [...] every one taking his bow and arrows, we made a [...] advance, and saw a huge tyger, which instead [...] shunning us, made a full stand with his fiery eyes [...] [Page 75] daunted, and the glimmering light that proceeded from the fe [...]ble rays of the moon, gave him a hideous appearance; but the Indians was no more dismayed than if it had been a dog, or a deer; they stood quiet, but prepared to let fly at him as soon as he was free from the shelter of the bushes; and as the manner of the tygers are to creep upon their bellies and seize their prey by a [...]dden leap, so he squat down and seemed to be making flow motions, and await his fav [...]ble opportunity; but as soon as they perceived him in this situation, they separated themselves into three parties and surrounded him; so that some as behind, and some each side of him: the women and children in front of him was in no danger because of the fire, as no beast of prey will approach a fire—the party that was behind him had the best mark, and let fly, but owing to the obstructions and darkness of the night, their ar­rows done no execution, more than to rouze him and cause him to give a howl; he then began to stir him­self and advanced towards the fire; but as soon as he saw it, he turned round, but did not seem to have much inclination to quit the spot: this motion gave the men on one side an opportunity to shoot, but with no more success than the others, proceeding from the fame unfavorable causes; but it put him into a great [...] which caused him to make a furious [...] to­wards the fire, which made the women scream [...] this baulked the animal, and [...] now [...] for the light of the fire to give [...] of him, she hinder party that had [...] [Page 76] towards him, and with this second discharge of arrows wounded him so as to make him stagger; the other party that had hitherto reserved their arrows, now ap­proached, and finished what the others begun, and left the ferocious intruder a victim to their dexterity: the distance he was from the women when shot, was not more than ten yards, and they was huddled up as close to the fire as they could bear the heat; a [...]d the men that shot the last arrows about the same distance.

Well, as all danger was removed, and the perturbati­on of every mind perfectly quelled, and a dead tyger no novelty to them, we all laid down again to rest.

As I was always meditating some scheme, or watch­ing every opportunity that had the least prospect of success towards making my escape, I thought this might be embraced; for being in the night, and every one closely engaged, I thought it was probable I might not be missed until such time I was got out of reach, as I knew they would not concern themselves about me while they had the tyger to encounter: I weighed the matter in my mind, comparing probabilities with im­probabilities, and drawed such conclusions from my deliberations as seemed most consistent with my [...]. In the first place I considered, altho' they was [...] [...]gaged, that engagement might be terminated in [...] minutes, and in a few more I might be missed, [...] separating themselves, and being better at quain [...] with the tracts through the wood, I might be also [...] [Page 77] rounded in a few minutes more, which would be exas­perating an already exasperated crew, and death of the cruelest kind would be the consequence▪ and another discouraging reflection that entered my mind was this—I did not know my way out of the wood in the dark, and feared I should be attacked by some beast of prey: these considerations disheartened me, for altho' I found great lenity and even humanity and compassion from both men and women, as well as from the Chief; it is matter of great doubt if that would have been the case if I had attempted to make my escape from them. Now while I was deeply engaged in rumination what to do, I found by the hoop that they always make when they kill a game, that the beast was overcome: my deep speculations of liberty now vanished, and all my golden hopes of escape was as a dream.

In the morning me arose earlier than usual to skin and dress tyger for breakfast, and amongst so ma­ny hands it was soon done, and we had a comfortable relish, and proceeded on the exercises of the day.—About a month after this, as we was on our daily ex­cursion, we happened to meet with a party of the Wool­aways, the Indians I first made my escape from; they immediately recognised me, and with ferocious counte­nances made towards me: our Chief seeing this, im­mediately gave the word of alarm, and every man then on the spot prepared for battle, and in a few minutes all our party was on the spot, which, tho' it was [...] all the tribe, it was as many as the enemy▪ but all [Page 78] their aim seemed to be to take me again;—this our peo­ple presently discovered, and not knowing I ever had escaped from them, it irritated them greatly, and stir­red them up to defending me: there was about fifty of each side, so that I had dreadful apprehensions of fal­ling into the hands of the Woolaways by the fate of war; for a terrible battle ensued.

I was placed with the Chief, while the warriors on both sides began to let fly their arrows with unremit­ting vengeance, and as our women did run and pick up their arrows that did miss our people, so their wo­men did the same with our arrows, and in this manner they continued fighting about an hour, many being wounded on both sides, but we had a greater number wounded than them, and the arrows with our party being nearly all gone, as well as those of the enemy; seeing there was no time to be lost, as our party was become much the weakest, the Chief gave a sign, by which every man threw down his bow and arrows, if he had any left, and rushed in upon the enemy with a club or stone, as was handiest, and the enemy was obliged to do the same; and at the commencement of this close engagement, the enemy had three effective men to our two; but so fierce and resolute did they fight, that in the course of a quarter of an hour they was equal, and in about half an hour more victory de­clared in favor of our troop, by the others [...] away all weapons of defence, and making the token [...] submission.

[Page 79] Each party began now to examine their dead and wounded, when we found we had three killed and twenty-one wounded; nine wounded with arrows, and twelve in the close battle: and the enemy had four kil­led and twenty-seven wounded—five wounded with ar­rows, and twenty-two in close engagement: the wo­men was silent spectators on each side, any more than finding arrows, until the close of the battle, when they was fully employed in sucking and applying herbs and juices to the wounds; but not the least animosity or an­ger was to be seen amongst any of the men or women during this time of attending the wounded, but every man and woman [...] [...]ither tribe, wounded or not, did all seem as if they wa [...]e of one family; and even my­self could now intermix in common with them with equal safety; this work of attendance on the dead and wounded took us till the evening; the dead being bu­ried, and the wounded taken all the care of that time and place would admit of, we parted towards our re­pective spots allotted for the repose of the night.

It was a pity such an unfortunate affair should hap­pen between these two tribes, for it was very seldom any difference did distrub the amity and friendship of the Woolaways and Buckeraws; for no two tribes did entertain a more cordial and peaceful good will to­wards each other; for in their daily preambulations, they frequently meet (perhaps several times in the [...] of a year) as we had once before since my be­ing with this tribe, but near enough for me to be dis­tinguished; [Page 80] for they never stop to converse or notice each other, but pass on, and sometimes when close to­gether without speaking, and especially the Buckeraws who are most particularly reserved in conversation.

I hardly think that things would have arrived to such an unfortunate crisis as took place if the Chief of the Woolaways had been present with his party, as our's luckily was, for then it is more than probable that the two Chiefs would have adjusted the difference, by preventing tumult and fighting until the real cause was discovered, which would have been immediately the case, because the Chief would have recognized me; but whether or not our Chief would have surrendered me quietly—I had great reason to rejoice it was not put to the trial, for if one had insisted, and the other obstinately refused, it would have created a powerful ferment on each side, and probably the Woolaways would have called in another tribe to their assistance, and thereby exceeded us in strength; for the Indians has sometimes such bloody wars amongst themselves, as to be woefully destructive to the weakest tribes.

I never heard any thing of this bloody affray after­wards, nor was there the least notice taken of it to me by our Chief or any of the people, and it being within a few weeks of the time I escaped from this tribe, we never saw a party of the Woolaways after, When the tribes are large they always separate into several par­ties for the better discovering of game, and but seldom [Page 81] meet at the same place of rendezvous for the night, ex­cept when each party has been successful without mak­ing a long excursion, so that they can conveniently reach to the place agreed upon for the night; and when this happens they always enjoy themselves with uncommon merriment, and partake of the plantane and trooly leaves with great freedom; and excepting on such oc­casions, I seldom ever knew this tribe drink to any ex­cess; but for the Woolaways they drank at a beastly rate.

After this terrible fray between the two tribes, I was always very careful to be with the party that had the Chief with them, which I could easily do, as there was no exactness or partial appointments, but nearly an equal number promiscuously without any exceptions, set out together; and sometimes one, two, or three or more parties return to the same umbrage at night, which de­pend upon circumstances of the day; but they always endeavor to meet as many as possibly can, at one place in the evening, to be the better enabled to encounter any danger that may befal them from the attack of beasts of prey, or any other tribe of Indians with [...] there might be an existing animosity; for there is [...] tribe at peace at all times with every tribe.

Nothing remarkable took place for several weeks; when once being in pursuit of an animal, that I could never learn its name, but to me it had the appearance [Page 82] of a large mastiff dog, but covered with red spots, about the size of a large wafer; a black streak about two in­ches wide along his back; his body an olive [...]olour; his tail long and bushy, entirely brown; long lank brown ears like a hound; his pace was not very swift, but so wily and intricate in his motions, that it was impossible to take aim at him; and so thick and close the bushes, that several times when we thought he was some distance a-head, he has started from a bush not six yards distance; and at one time he was actually be­hind some of the men that passed him as he lay con­cealed: having in vain attempted to shoot him amongst the bushes, we tried to drive him off by hooping and hallowing; but this also proving ineffectual, we gave over all hopes, and despaired of making a prize of him, and turned round to take a fresh course; but we had not advanced a quarter of a mile, before we heard a dismal cry and groan, and following the sound we pre­sently discovered the voracious animal had seized a lad of about ten years of age, and mangled in a shocking manner and devouring him rapaciously; the b [...]ast be­ing fully occupied in feasting on the poor victim, gave the Indians an opportunity to shoot at him, and fortu­nately the first volley of arrows laid him sprawling by the side of the bloody corpse, and soon he was dispatch­ed; and by the Indians viewing him seemingly with more than usual astonishment, I concluded the animal was also unknown to them; but they began to [...] him, and in a few minutes it was done; for they are very expert in this work, altho' their instruments are [Page 83] nothing more than sharp flints: as I never knew them take off a skin in the course of the day before, it sur­prised me a little, as they always do it in the evening where they take up their night's lodging; but after the skin was off, seeing they slighted the carcase, and the Chief snuffing his nose at it disdainfully, confirmed me in my opinion that the beast was either unknown to them or deemed unwholesome food: they now joined in kind of a concert of joy for their triumph over their enemy, and some having during the interval gathered together a quantity of leaves from the trees, they made a hole in the earth, not deep enough to conceal the mangled corpse of the poor boy, but about on a level with the ground, when he was laid in it, and covered over with leaves, and then we proceeded homewards.

Notwithstanding this melancholy incident, there was no particular tokens of grief visible so as to discern who was the father or mother of the lad; such little notice is taken of deaths amongst them. Next morning as usual we prepared for the day's preambulation, and about the middle of the day our Chief complained of a pain in his head, according to their method of con [...] ­ing with each other, which I understood by the moti­ons he made; this produced the greatest consternation amongst them of any instance that ever I witnessed as far as related to themselves; there was a general grief displayed, and with the sorrowful hooping [...], it was a most hideous and dismal noise, [...]r more [...] in its sound than the roaring of [...]; [Page 84] every one was engaged in the melancholy business of applying or procuring the most salutary, herbs they could find in their own opinions; but when it was brought to the Chief for his approbation, some he did spurn from him disdainfully, others he smelt unto and laid them by, and out of all the different herbs that was gathered, there was but three that he permitted to be put to his head; and one of these I was lucky enough to gather; as I had seen the same herb applied to a woman in a fainting state amongst the Woolaways; and in a few minutes the Chief had the other two herbs taken from his head, and a whole bandage of mine wrapped round him, and with me and a few women and two men, returned to our last night's resting place; and before the return of the remaining party in the evening, he was quite recovered; this produced a re­verse of general joy, accompanied with such gestures with laughing and mirth, that the woods echoed with the discorded melody, but it was attended with such Indian affection and love for me, that I believe the same degree of alacrity would have been manifested towards me for good, if any thing had ailed me, but not the same measure of sorrow, because neither my loss or that of twenty common Indians would have been pro­portionable to the loss of the Chief, because of his su­perior wisdom and knowledge; for 'tis that alone that constitutes his reverence and esteem; for the Chief of every tribe has great skill in the virtue of herbs and plants; roots and bark of trees, as well as fruit and flowers; but how they attain to this eminency in b [...] ­tany [Page 85] and physical produce I do not know, for I never noticed any Chief communicating the properties and es­sential qualities to another, either old or young; and consequently it proceeds from self-taught experience, for I have known instances os some that was more at­tentive, and engaged in speculative improvements of the mind than others; for with them as well as us, there are indolent and diligent; ignorant and wise; studious and slothful, in proportion to their uncivilized lives; and I have reason to conclude, that th [...] choice of a Chief, or appointment to that office, depends upon the good opinion the tribe has of any individual's skill in the virtues of such herbs and plants that the woods and forrests produce, which they mostly frequent, tho' the productions of the whole country, of a vast extent, vary but very little in its kinds; but they do not al­ways apply the same herb or plant to the same malady: in this respect the tribes differ, but the virtue might be equally efficacious.

They do not pay any regard to the age of the per­son that is singled out for that important duty; [...] ­portant it is! for in all eases of bodily complaints or wounds, his judgment is their sole and whole depen­dence—I have known a Chief not thirty years of age; but as they are never employed in any of the laborious and fatiguing duties of hunting, they can find leisure opportunities in the woods to gather plants, examine [...] different qualities, and occasionally [...] [...] ­ments [Page 86] in slight cases; and by this means come to the knowledge of such plants as other tribes make use of. There are very few plants or herbs but what are bene­ficial for some ailments, but no one particularly useful to every one:—they take but very few inward medi­cines, for as their lives are very regular in diet, and their bodies kept in due exercise, free from pampering luxuries and laziness, they scarce ever complain of in­ward disorders; but when they do, it alarms the whole tribe; as witness, the Chief before related; if he had [...]ke his leg the grief would not have been so manifest nor general; because wounds proceeding from falls, bites or scratches from wild beasts, after being wound­ed with the arrows, and other incidental misfortunes are not uncommon, and of course not so much noticed.

There is no herb that I found to be much in favor with every tribe, and applied to the same purpose, and always administered with success: I never knew it once fail in I suppose thousands of instances, that is, in cur­ing them of their morning sickness, after drinking to excess over night of the juice of the plantane, after being become strong and sour from the powerful virtue of the trooly leaves—this intoxicating beverage is made after the following manner:

The women gather a quantity of plantanes, and spread them on the ground two or three days in the sun, and twice a day sprinkle them with water; by which time they begin to get rotten or decayed, for the [Page 87] sprinkling hinders their getting dry; but it helps their moisture and the acid taste; they are next tied up in trooly leaves, after the manner of cabbage in a net, with holes pricked in the leaves to admit the sun's rays, but not powerful enough to dry them; in this manner they hang two or three weeks; then being taken down, they very much resemble rotten garden vegetables, and being bruised between two stones, a nasty green juice runs from them into a vessel made of clay, and har­dened by the fire; in this vessel it stands for twelve hours, till it is clear on the top, and the sediment all at the bottom; then it is poured out into some other vessel and drank at leisure: this is very strong and dis­agreeable, and not often made, for want of co [...]veni­encies and opportunity; but the common method is to bruise the plantanes directly, and soak some trooly leaves in the liquor, for the space of an hour and drink it; about half a pint of this liquor mixed with a quart of water, will intoxicate five or six men; but the worst effects is in the morning, when they are very sick and stupid, much like a drunken man with strong beer or spirits.

Now the herb that they all use as a healing alternative in the morning, grows very common all over the coun­try, but mostly in the woods and shady places—it is very much like an English herb, that we call St. John' [...] w [...]t▪ this herb is gathered in large quantities by [...] ­tribes, and dried and carefully preserved; others [...] are [...] dilatory to make use of this [...] [Page 88] experience the effects of their indolence and neglect; the method of preserving is as follows: the plant is gathered a little before the seed is ripe, which is the latter end of July, as near as I could guess the season of the year, and dried in the sun, and afterwards hung up in old decayed trees or any secure place from too much cold and rain in the winter, and used as occasion require, by being soaked in warm water; but in [...]he summer season it is gathered and made into a tea in its present state; and I have known them chew it in their mouths as an antidote for a surfeit; but never knew it used as a physical plant on any other occasion.

There are but few herbs they gather to preserve for winter use; one of which is for the purpose of an ap­plication to bruises and stopping blood, proceeding from briars and other noxious shrubs, by boiling it well and mixing the water with some grease as an ointment, and rubbing it all over; and this stops any blood that proceeds from wounds in a few minutes: this herb is what is called by Europeans, ground joy, and by some creep weed, because it runs on the ground near the roots of trees and among stones: they sometimes make a beverage of it for suckling women, mixed with the juice of bramble berries or vines; it increases the milk.—Another herb they preserve, grows mostly by the sides of rivers—'tis the leaves only of this they gather; they are nearly as large as small cabbage leaves, and something like colts foot: from four of these leaves may be extracted a half a pint of j [...]ice— [Page 89] they are much more serviceable in their season than in the winter; this juice being drank mixed with water, and sweetened by the sap of a tree that is very com­mon, is very good for all kinds of inward pains, ob­structions of the body, and surfeits from over eating; and when these herbs from situation of place cannot be procured, the esteem and respect shewn to the Chief, depends upon his judgment, by providing some other as a substitute, equal or nearly effectual, suitable to the calamity.

During the time I was with this tribe, I was once suddenly taken fainty with the heat of the sun, and heavy loaded, and unable to proceed, when instead of beating me with bows, they immediately eased me of the load, and exerted themselves with great alacrity to procure the necessary herbs for my recovery; which was soon done, and the Chief applying such as in his opinion was most beneficial, to my nose and mouth, at the same time well rubbing me all over with the herb, especially my head, breast and arms, which in a short time recovered me, so as to be able to proceed forward; but their lenity towards me would not per­mit them to load me with the game during the re­mainder of the day; and on several other occasions while I was amongst them, they displayed instances of feeling, that would have done honor to the sensations of [...]ristian; and even before I had gained their good opinions and favor by restoring the Chief with the herb I-fortunately procured.

[Page 90] The last day I was with them happened to be very stormy, which proved very successful for us in birds, for we always killed more birds in wet weather than dry, because they sat perched on the trees quieter: this day we killed seventeen quams, and nine curassoes; altho' the Indians give them different names, I am inclined to think it is the same bird, but differing in gender, as I could not descry any other difference between them than the plumage; this bird is as large as a goose and eat as good, altho' the forrest and woods abounds with a variety of fowl, this is the only one the Indians deem worthy notice; we did this day also kill a large fish which they call the mannady; it very much resembles a cow, but has no fins like other fish, but two large protuberances like paps, and frequently creep on them to the shore, and sleep and graze; it being a kind of an amphibious animal, and it is when they are on shore or the water edge the Indians shoot them; they kill several other large fish, from which they extract the oil, but seldom eat much of the flesh, unless necessitated through scarcity of animal food.

There is also a kind of a snake they shoot which they call beveras, about three yards long, which they eat as nourishing food; but all other kinds they pass by un­regarded.

At our return in the evening, there was two [...] parties met at the same rendezvous, who had also been successful, so that our number this evening consisted of [Page 91] about twenty men, besides women and children, and having plenty of plantane liquor by us, it was a night of uncommon festivity, by drinking and decorating themselves with the feathers of the birds, and carous­ing in jollity and mirth till midnight; when nature be­ing overcome, they all fell into a sound sleep; and not­withstanding my situation was as comfortable as in such circumstances could be expected, it was far from the desirable state that I promised myself amongst christians if I could make my escape: I knew a detec­tion or apprehension by them if they pursued me, would be attended with as woeful consequences as from the Woolaways; but nevertheless, I was determined to make the attempt, although I did not know how to steen my course to escape their pursuit, or the wonted haunts and tracts of the Woolaways, whom I feared equally to my own deserted tribe; but all these terrific agitations did not ballance the scale of consideration against a life in continual jeopardy, and associated with savage cannibals.

I waited the hour impatiently, and when all was sound asleep, I took my leave of them with a kind of tenderness and regret, mixed with terror and sear, and made all the haste possible, as near as I could conjecture, towards the borders of the wood, and travelled with­out halting till mid-day; when being quite overcome, [...] down by the side of a stream, and eat a bit of sowl that I took with me, and quenched my thirst, and [...] to a thick covert of under wood, laid me down [Page 92] to rest, and undesignedly falling to sleep, did not awake till evening; when arising to pursue my course where­soever providence pleased to direct my wandering foot­steps, when looking for the remainder of my fowl to [...]at before I set out;—judge my surprise to find it was gone! a thousand confused ideas crowded on my mind on one another! imagination upon imagination! but as these unsettled speculations could avail nothing▪ with trembling, and a soul loaded with terror and fear, I set forward, and happily made my escape from them secure, after thirteen months captivity.—I made no considerable halting for three days, but pursued one direct course as near as I could guess by the sun, and fortunately having a bow and arrows, I shot on the fourth day a wherrie, and being very hungry, for I could procure but very little nourishment from the wood (being the wrong season of the year) I sat down and eat part of him raw; for although I knew how to make a fire, I dare not do it for fear of discovery: I fed on this animal in its raw state two days, and not being accustomed to raw flesh, it brought on me a flux (for the Indians never cat their food quite raw, altho' sometimes 'tis not half roasted) I was now in a deplor­able situation—groaning under the weight of a terri­ble calamity—helpless to myself—destitute of food—surrounded with dangers from wild beasts—every mi­nute liable to fall into the hands of the same or other savages, or if these dangers should be all escap [...] I had no other prospect before me, but to be starved, and die a lingering, painful, mortifying death: [...] [Page 93] the first time in my life, I lifted up my soul to the Lord in prayer, with contrition, supplication, sincerity and confidence, in his almighty power and goodness to par­don my sins, and restore me: blessed be his holy name; he heard, he answered; and in about twenty-four or thirty hours I was able to proceed, altho' very weak; through loss of blood and fasting, for I had not tasted a bit of any thing, for near two days: the remaining part of the wherrie that I had hitherto subsisted on, I could not eat if my appetite had been more craving for it was become putrified; and nothing could be got now, but a few decayed berries, fruit, and roots, on which I subsisted three days; and on the morning of the fourth day, I perceived an opening amongst the bushes, which I took for a good omen, that I was drawing near its boundaries, but coming nearer, I to my surprise and terrible agitation, found it to be the resort of some Indian tribe, and who had that morning left it, for the ashes was not cold; and several bits and fragments of their breakfast laying on the ground; as much as my poor afrighted soul was moved at the dis­covery, it leaped for joy at the fight of this delicious repast; delicious it was to a poor, helpless, afflicted, weak, starving mortal, and for the moment, the dan­gerous situation was banished my mind; and I began without the least hesitation, to feast upon what provi­dence had thus unexpectedly provided for me; for the [...]ings of nature was not diminished, and in fact, it [...] of the most nourishing and refreshing [...] I [...] made.

[Page 94] Now to give the reader an opportunity for reflection, I will lay before him the courses of this morning's ta­ble, to the best of my remembrance.

In the ashes was the head of a monkey, and on the ground laid part of his entrails, with bones half pick­ed, scattered here and there—some fragments of a ty­ger almost raw—the ears of a wherrie, and many other scraps of animals scarce warmed; and this nasty man­ner of dressing their food, made me believe it was the resort of some tribe, as filthy as the Woolaways; I persuaded myself it was none of them, because it was too far from the latitude they usually traverse, and for my own last tribe, it was too nasty for them; so that I concluded it was another tribe, into whose clutches it would soon be my mishap to fall, for I did not know what course to steer to elude them: well, with an ach­ing heart and feeble limbs, after gathering together what scraps I myself had left, and wrapping them up in a leaf, I quit this spot and pursued my unknown journey, and met with no interruption, or inconveni­ence, excepting weakness, fasting, and fatigue for two days; but on this evening, towards dark, having lain down for the night, under the canopy of a large oak tree, I was presently alarmed with the hideous voices of a crew of savages, and in a few minutes discovered by them. How pitiable my situation, who had but just made a painful and sore escape from a [...] fortune of thirteen months captivity!

CHAPTER IV.

BEING again fell into hands of the merciless, I sorrowfully bemoaned my hard and unfortunate fate in deserting my last masters, for nothing less than torture, I could now depicture to my own sensations. The party that now discovered me, was the most frightful looking creatures that imagination can conceive, con­sisting of about sour score, mostly aged men; their fa­ces as well as other parts of their bodies, was daub'd with paint and grease in a nasty manner, and the fe­rocity of wild beasts appeared in their countenances. Without any consideration they directly seized me, and made me a miserable captive: they began their autho­rity and superiority, by beating, scratching, [...], [...] [...]ting me, so that in a few minutes I was in a [...]ore [...], black and blue, with the pinching, and [...] with bruises by bites and scratches; I was al­most [Page 96] ready to faint under the loss of blood and anguish; especially considering the debilitated condition I was in before:—when they was tired of thus displaying their cruelty, which I suppose was six minutes, which must be granted was a long space to be tearing almost to pie­ces with teeth and claws; they began to pluck long grass, and having fastened me to the ground with it to some roots of trees, there was a consultation amongst them, which, by their preparing their knives and flints, and twice coming to me and taking hold of my hair with one hand and the instruments of death in the other, I was convinced that they was going to scalp me, and so powerfully was this impressed on my mind, that all animation was gone, and I was as a dead man; but there was something of a discordancy amongst them­selves, for in the end I was loosened and led away by them bound to their nightly haunt, which took us up about three quarters of an hour. Now the reason of their using me with such cruelty when first discovering me, was owing to their Chief not being with them; for had he been present, his authority would have restrain­ed them, for the Chief of every tribe is generally posses­sed of more consideration, as he would have conduct­ed himself with superice discretion and prudence.

Their flints they sharpen by rubbing one against ano­ther, and their knives are made of very hard wood, sharpened by flints; they seldom go without flints [...] knives with them, as they sometimes clean their [...] before they reach home, when they have got a [...] [Page 97] early in the day, or the game of the large kind, to make it lighter carriage for the women.

When we arrived at the place designed for that night, it had but little resemblance of those I had been accus­tomed unto; the bushes was not cleaned away, nor no­thing that had the appearance of cleanliness to be per­ceived; at the same time it was visible, that the spot was much frequented by them, by the filth and re­mains of polluted carcases strewed about, and the bare­ness of the ground.

As soon as we arrived, the first thing was to fasten me to a tree, while the rest made preparations for sup­per—a fire was soon kindled, and the game in a very nasty manner laid on the coals (for they did not take the trouble to barbacue it) and before it was one quar­ter done they began, savage like, to devour it, and in a short time it was all consumed; for they had no con­siderable stock of provisions by them, and during all the time, I was a miserable, bound, unhappy, capti­vated spectator; for they never once offered [...] one mouthful, or took any other notice of me than [...] and horrid grins; but as soon as they had finished their beastly repast, a large fire was immediately made, and they began to dance around it with hideous yelping [...] howling; and the women continuing to gather [...] these alarming preparations filled my mind with [...] [...]ost susceptible ideas of something [...] [Page 98] dreadful ensuing; for what more favorable constructi­ons could I put upon such proceedings, considering what I had already experienced during the few hours I had been amongst them, but that I should in a short space be a sacrificed victim in the flames, if not under­going some terrible excruciating tortures prior to my consummation—so loaded was my mind with those weighty impressions of approaching torture, that I could look upon death as the greatest of blessings, and bringing with it inexpressible peace to my soul, if it was not accompanied with lingering agonies, and pro­longed by the torments of this infernal crew—If I could have been convinced or persuaded in my mind, that I should have been thrown bound into this large fire, and left to consume, how my soul would have leaped for joy! there was nothing terrible to me now in death, because it was so evident, but the nature of it filled me with the most piercing and heart-wounding impressions. With trembling and terror did I stand bound to the tree, watching all their motions, and every minute ex­pecting their ceasing from dancing, and executing their hellish vengeance upon the unfortunate prisoner—with doleful impatience did I wait for what I dreaded to witness, for the suspence was worse than a merciful death would have been. After about two hours of their thus diverting themselves at the expence of my throb­bing heart, and the fire still increasing both in size and rapidity of flames, which produced a melancholy [...] all around, and with the hideous countenances ( [...] ­ceeding from the reflections of the flame in the dead of [Page 99] night) of the bedaubed crew, gave it the appearance, or at least brought to my agitated mind, the ideas of hell itself; especially when augmented with their hi­deous howling.

They now terminated their hellish dance; and now reader try to form some ideas of my mind, when they all turned towards me with the ferocity of tygers, and malice of devils: words fall short, and language is in­adequate to the task of description, what I felt, what I feared, and how my soul was employed; altho' I retained my reasoning faculties, they seemed to be moved by the irregular impulse of irrationality: the moisture of my eyes was dried up, the beating of the heart was become very slow, and every mortal montion seemed to be nearly deprived of its wonted activity; for the pangs of death had taken hold of me through the dreaded consequences of its nature, before it had felt the weight of it.

They came and loosened me, but not by untying the bands, or gently breaking them, but pulling to pieces, and me with it, and having done, threw me on the ground, and after staring upon me some time, they again bound my hands and feet, and presented to me a bit of flesh; this in a little measure composed my disordered mind, and restored a little peace to my agi­ [...] [...]oul; I did not hesitate to take and eat, for [...]thstanding the filthiness of it, I found it very [...]shing, and longed for another offer; but here I [Page 100] was disappointed, for it was the only taste I had all the night; and for rest, I could take none, neither was many of them asleep together, but some one or other always moving to keep the fire burning, looking at me, and jumping about; this stiring about all night, indicated some disastrous event to take place in the morning, and keeping so large a fire, contrary to the usual custom of the other two tribes, rendered the night very uncomfortable, and portending cvil impending; as I wished for, so I dreaded the approach of morning; and sufficient reason I had for my anxiety, as in the sequel will appear.

Before it was scarce light, every one was in motion, and seemingly in great confusion; but by the ridicu­lous postures, scornful looks, and wrathful countenan­ces of men and women towards me, I could easily conjecture myself to be the cause of the consternation; but the fire being permitted to decrease, and no fresh fuel provided, it very much abated my sears on that [...]ead; at the same time I could at that moment have freely presented myself as a free will offering to the flames, as a sacrificed victim to martyrdom, to have been eased of the dreadful apprehensions of what cruelties was in reserve for me.—I trembled at the thought of the book of [...]ate being opened; at the same minute was impa­tient for the book of fate to be opened; that the worst might be known.

[Page 101] About sun rise they began to collect the fragments of the last evening, and had their breakfast; the Indi­ans sometimes warm it in the morning, and sometimes not, depending on the quantity and kind of provision: large beasts they frequently heat again, but seldom small, or fowl, or fish. After they had done, I was liberated and permitted to pick up what scraps I could find, which was plenty such as it was; and now being bound again, was forced to follow them; this was no­thing new or difficult, if I had not been reduced to such a state of weakness, by loss of blood with my dis­order, as before related; this rendered me incapable to walk as fast as they required; for instead of being in search of game as usual, they walked on with hasty steps one direct course, as if designed to some particu­lar place; for about two hours I felt the weight of their blows, and of their arrows so woefully severe, that I was blood and swelling from head to foot. We now arrived at another of their reposing places, where a party had that night been, and who had not long left it, as was evident by the vestiges of provisions scat­tered about; but I apprehended those that I was with expected to meet them there, and being disap­pointed, they seemed to manifest a sorrow, and after a few minutes consultation, they bound me fast to a tree, and leaving the women and two men to keep watch, the rest all separated in different routs, and presently I [...] [...]heir dismal whoops from every quarter, which [...] give notice to the party they was in search af­ter, that something was the matter; for at other times [Page 102] when all is peace, the parties keep at a good distance from each other, to prevent being prejudicial in the work of the day.

In about an hour they returned, and with them about fifty more, equally frightful and hideous, and amongst them their Chief, an aged man; the oldest person I had hitherto seen amongst the Indians; I guess by his wrinkled limbs and white hair, he could not be less than four score, but still in a measure as active, though not as able, as the youngest man in the company; and on the other hand, the most ill-looking fellow that ever eyes beheld:—as soon as I saw him, to distinguish him from the rest, I knew my fate depended entirely upon his decision; and his ugly sour looking visage dispel­led all faint hopes that remained after my several res­pites, and I now gave up myself to death, and expect­ed nothing less.

The first thing they done, was to examine me, and the paint that was put on me by the others, being in several places washed off with rain and dew, my skin was quite spotted, and made a strange appearance; this very much excited their curiosity, and convinced them I was no Indian of a neighbouring tribe: they put many questions unto me, which I did not under­stand; for though I had attained to some little know­ledge of the language of the Buckeraws, from [...] I last escaped, it was of no service to me now; [...] was that of the Woolaways, when I fled from them, [Page 103] and was taken by the Buckeraws: altho' the Indians can understand each other, I could not.

After they had done examining and questioning me with little or no satisfaction; and the Chief as well as the rest entertaining an unfavorable opinion of me, they one and all seemed to be intent upon some torments or death; and the women seeing the men thus enraged, began immediately to display their talents of cruelty, by assaulting me with the nails, and would presently have torn me limb from limb, if the Chief had not in­terfered; and although I was now at liberty; I dare not take the advantage of it, by defending myself against their furious attack, and must have fell a vic­tim to their serocity, had not the old Chief excited his authority, and displayed some degree of humanity; but he was a neutral spectator long enough for them to mangle me in a shocking manner; sor with the blows and bruises, added to the swellings of the morning, and my other calamities, I was in reality an object of com­miseration, where no commiseration or pity could be expected:—the blood did actually run in streams, and with it came off the paint from my skin, so that I was as spotted as a leopard, or more properly, streaked like a zebra: but still to preserve me for more trials and sufferings, the Chief gave orders for the gathering of some herbs; and presently a large quantity was pro­ [...], but there was but little that met his approba­tion, [...]ut enough for the purpose; these herbs he pound­ed between two stones, but in such a manner as to pre­serve [Page 104] the juice as much as possible, and applying them to the wounded parts. It was fastened on with bands of long grass, and I was permitted to lay down, and finding I was too weak to follow them that day, they left me under the care of four men, and went in search of game;—and during this day, I never tasted one morsel of food, and the groan [...] that forced themselves from me, in consequence of my pains, was matter of mirth and ridicule for the hard-hearted wretches that attended me: long before the evening, my blood was staunched, and the wounds in a healing state; but the anguish issuing from the application, intensely severe.

Whatever the consequence would be, I longed for the return of the hellish looking Chief, my physician, with as much anxiety as Dives for a drop of water.—I longed for a termination of my existence, and with hor­ror I now relate it, that I was several times come to a resolution to accomplish it, but the means was not at hand.—See here the mereciful goodness of God▪ when temptation did overcome me, the opportunity was withhold; and when both opportunity and means was present, there was no temptations; but then I was groveling in darkness; 'tis now my eyes are open to God's marvelous light, and to see him as he is; ex­cellently wife in all his dispensations.

It was late in the evening before the party retu [...] and the first thing was the Chief's examining my [...] and finding it had a promising appearance, he gave [Page 105] me a pleasant look, and immediately applied fresh leaves and juice of a different kind, and then left me at liberty to walk about, which opportunity I gladly embraced, but could find nothing to eat, as the men left all day with me had devoured all; but I was in hopes of a hearty supper, for the party brought home plenty with them: nothing was nauseous with me now, it was the quantity and not the quality I principally looked at: they even permitted me to assist in making the fire, and amongst us all, I don't believe it was more than half an hour before the game was cleaned and broiled: this tribe is too nasty, to take the trouble to construct a barbicue, except the animal is large: during supper I was indulged beyond my expectation, at the same time it was intended as an Indian slight and scornful favor.

Presently after they began eating, the Chief disdainful­ly threw the limb of a wherrie to me, that had not been near the fire, more than to be just warm: as they seemed to be fully employed in gorging themselves, and little or no notice taken of me, I ventured to put this meat down on a few hot coals, and thereby dressed it very nicely, and indeed palatable, and made a very com­fortable meal: after they had done, I was at liberty to eat what I pleased of their refuse, but I was filled; for liquor, they nor no other tribe gave me much, for [...] too valuable a beverage to themselves; neither did I want any, while good spring water could be pro­cured, [Page 106] which I suppose these forests do produce equal to any springs in the world, in general: after supper I was again the subject matter of discourse, and so warm was they in their altercations, that it came to angry words, stamping, roaring, yelping, jumping and even several hard blows gave to me: by which I was convinced that they was not united in sentiment, how to dispose of me; but still I could draw no favor­able conclusions, from my own conceptions, or put any favorable constructions upon any of their proceed­ings, for every one looked on me with a horrid and ghastly aspect, and I had reason to think, that the contention was not between my friends and foes, but what death to put me unto, or how to dispose of me to the most advantage:—several times there was bows and arrows taken up, and once levelled at me, but the wretch was prevented from shooting by another; but the Chief was a silent spectator at the time, and seemed satisfied with the fellow's conduct; this was the great­est trouble to my mind, that at this time could befal me, for I was sensible, if the Chief meditated, or ever consented to my death, it would soon take place, and not having a pleasant look from one of them, I had no reason to conclude, but that it would be the case very shortly, in some shape or other; for when they was a little reconciled and quiet amongst themselves, the full force of the venom seemed to be levelling against me; for I did receive blows, kicks and [...] from men, women and children, without intermiss [...] [...] but not in such a ma [...]e [...] as to draw blood, excepting [Page 107] from the former wounds; and what increased my grief most, was the unconcernedness of the Chief, who was more pleased than displeased, with their savage bar­barity.

I bore the cruel treatment with all the patience I was able, for I knew remonstrance of defence would avail nothing: when they was weary of executing their devilish sport upon me, every one began to retire to rest; and for my part, I was placed in a circle, sur­rounded with the greatest part of the crew, and in this manner we remained all night; when morning came, I was set about procuring fire wood, but was too weak to apply myself to it with that alertness as to give satis­faction; for they are always in a hurry in the morn­ings; and for this, I felt the weight of some stick cru­elly, besides their dismal yelping, with eyes glaring as [...] I as fire; I had but a small portion of breakfast, and obliged to set out with them, for it would not do for them to leave a guard with me, or entrust me with the women; besides the women themselves was wanted to carry the game:—as they saw how weak I was, they pinioned my hands, and permitted me to accompany the slowest of the women; but even these [...]ould [...] too fast for me, and was frequently obliged to [...] me to come up with them; this exasperated them and I was obliged to submit to their blows as often as they [...] without mercy.

[Page 108] As it happened, I escaped the blows of the men all the day, and when evening came, I was in hopes that fate would have favored me, but I was disappointed in my expectations, for having bad success, they raked their vengeance upon me, by tying me to a tree, and keeping me in that condition all the night, without the least nourishment either in food or water, and when the morning summoned them from their tufty beds, they came and whooped at me with every mark of veno­mo [...]s spite, and left me in that state until they had eat their breakfast, and then loosening me, left me to pick up what scattered refuse I could find, which was but little after such fasting; at the same time ready to sink under to pangs of the night's endurance, for I could not change my posture, being so close bound.

The Chief having examined the state of my body, and seeing there was no danger of mortifying, in a rough and surly manner, commanded me to follow the party that go with him, as they was again going to be separated. I was obliged to pay submissive obedience to the direful mandate, and as well as my strength would permit, s [...]t out for the toils of the day; they [...] hands, seeing there was no occasion for [...] permitted me to walk at my own leisure, so that I did not let them be out of sight; but this [...] very difficult for me to do sometimes, when they [...] scattered about; but there was always women and [...] with me.

[Page 109] The ill treatment I saw that I should certainly ex­perience with this tribe, made me resolve in my mind, to embrace the first opportunity that had the least ap­pearance of success, after my wounds was healed, and health and strength restored, to desert from them; for I still had the consolation that the Lord would in his own due time work out a way for my deliverance; and it was these reflections that prevented me from laying violent hands on myself; this enabled me to overcome temptations, and brought calm tranqu [...]llity to my soul, by waiting the Lord's season, and trusting to his gra­cious promises.

In a few days I found my strength and health re­uniting very fast, and in a fortnight was able to encoun­ter all the labour of the day in hunting and carrying what game they thought proper to load me with.—This day I experienced more civility and tender treat­ment than I expected from them, and cherished some hopes that their tyrannical behaviour was decreasing; but still this transient lenity was insufficient to counter-ballance their inhumanity by nature, and what it [...] more than probable I still should receive from them;—it was not enough to sooth my troubled spirits, or de­ter me from the attempt of imploring some happier climate when I had room to hope I could effect a peace­able and safe escape▪ As to their future treatment, I [...] experienced more or less ill-usage, although there [...] occasional intermissions, they was of short dura­tion; [Page 110] but though I had the good fortune to escape much relentless cruelty, my life was still in jeopardy, for it required the most cautious conduct in all my ac­tions to secure their gentleness after a bad day's labour: their countenances, actions, language, and behaviour towards me, manifested the turbulency of their spirits, and it required a diligent and watchful guard over ev­ery motion or word that proceeded from me, to restrain their malice, or prevent the effects of the ill success of the day from being vented on me; for with them there was no reasoning, and arguments was as words to the wind; their incorrect ideas of causes and effects, will not admit of comment or animadversion; patient and silent submission to their barbarous ignorance and dark­ness, is the only alternative that promiseth and good effects to one that should be so unfortunate as to fall within their clutches.

Having learnt by dear taught experience, how to humour their capricious, dispositions, I was fortunate enough to remain amongst them without much barba­rous treatment, some weeks: but on a certain time, [...]hen they had been more than common successful, I was set abo [...] cleaning some game, by the side of a large and rapid stream, that we might not have so heavy loads to take to our resting place; when not be­ing sufficiently watchful, I unguardedly left a conside­rable quantity near the water edge, while I with [...] to a little distance for a few minutes, and in the [...], either an otter, beaver, or some other [...] [Page 111] our animal, dragged it into the water; and as it was the principal part of the day's success, and the day drawing to a close, and the Indians exulting in their good fortune, and anticipating a jovial and merry evening; I was almost distracted at what would be [...]l me; for there was not near enough remaining for sup­per, and they was very regardless about seeking more; as they act very prudently in these cases; for they ne­ver love to kill so as to have a superfluity to waste; I was in such a streight, I knew not which to prefer; either to terminate my existence myself, or leave it to be ex­cented by their merciless vengeance; as there was not a shadow of hope that I should live till next morning; so powerfully was the propriety of suicide impressed up­on my mind, that I was once on the point of commit­ting the horrid crime, and had the instrument of death at my throat (which was a piece of hard wood sharp­ened like a knife, and as pointed at the end as a fork) when suddenly hearing a voice, and looking round, it was one of the men bawling to me to make more haste, but did not come near enough to discern my disorder and disaster: in this deplorable state, my mind would admit of no stable conclusion, and at last I had re­course to prayer, and begged of the Lord to direct me what to do; but alas! I was too much like such as "live without God in the world:" I was totally unac­quainted with heavenly language, or the motions of [...] [...]pirit, to understand, or receive any benefit, or [...] know whether the Lord had answered [...] or not [...] began seriously to meditate upon some scheme [Page 112] to elude the approaching trial; but how to do it in that situation, required the wisdom of Solomon, or the power of a deity; or at least the aid and assistance of a d [...]ity; for no wisdom, exclusive of infinite wis­dom, could point out the means, and then put in practice.

I had nothing left of all the game delivered unto me, but two rabbits, one small guanna, and one small cura [...]ce, and but a very little they had amongst them that was not gave to me to wash; and the number that was to sup and breakfast of this, was about thirty men, about twelve women, and as many children of different ages. It was drawing towards evening be­fore I had determined in my mind, and knowing there was no time to be longer lost, I rashly jumped into the water to drown myself, but the stream being so shallow, my plunging and tumbling brought two of the women, who seeing me in this situation, screamed out hideous­ly, and this brought one of the men to the water, who directly jumped in and took me out, and leaving me with several of the women that were now assembled on the spot, ran to setch the rest of the crew; at whose re­turn I knew extremities of an excruciating kind, would be inflicted on me, and probably no more than the fore­runner of a cruel death at last.

As soon as I had discharged the water, and [...] stand, I walked a few steps—the women wa [...] [...] time staring about to see what was become of [...] [Page 113] visions, for they undoubtedly judged I had thrown it into the water; and the men would naturally put the same constructions upon it, after being [...]ness to my being is the water myself: I now had no time left for hesitation, or consideration—there was no alternative between life and death but running; but where could I run? or how could I run? but I did take to my heels and run; and in about [...] minutes I heard their yelp­ing cry behind me, but it was too far gone to retract, for they presently saw me on the [...]ight, and the first that came near enough, let fly an arrow, which I saw pass by my side without touching me: I had no time to look back to see how many was behind me, or how near to me; but every moment I expected their claws upon me, for they was much superior to me in swiftness, and I knew while running they did still gain ground upon me. In about three or four min [...]s after the ar­row passed by me, another was discharged and entered my arm scantingly and fell out, and as painful as it was, run I must, and did, but within two minutes, a third arrow took me in the most fleshy part of my bo­dy, and brought me to the ground its pains; I was now seized, bound, and led away a captive pri­soner to the Chief, in the midst of every savage insult, and receiving [...] all the way: when we came into his p [...]ence, his [...] countenance portended inflictions [...] ▪ the first thing was to take me to the [...] to know what was become of the provisions; [...] could say, or motions I could make, was not [...] convince or at least to mollify their [...] [Page 114] hearts and cannibal natures; although I have great reason to believe they understood from me what had happened, but their incredulity would not allow them to display the tokens of their understanding; and my unlucky running away corroborated the unjust suspici­ons they entertained of my disintegrity and faithless­ness; and consequently all my submissiveness, confes­sions, declarations, or pitiful motions, could not move them to pity or tenderness: not a countenance amongst them bore the least resemblance to sympathy, but just the reverse; anger, wrath, passion and vengeance seem­ed to be stored up in reserve, to be vented on me as soon as the dreadful mandate describing its nature, was issued forth by my imperious judge, the enraged Chief. We now drew towards our place of rest for the night with what little game was left, and arriving there with so small a portion of provision, and myself and crew in such a disordered state it raised the curiosity of the woman, who had made the necessary prepara­tions for the feast; but being informed of the circum­stances that had taken place, they immediately flew at me like [...]ends let out of hell, and would have tore me in pieces presently if they had been permitted to display their vengeance: but after scratching me, so as to make the blood stream all down my body, they was re­strained from further violence for the persent. It must be observed, I was naked continually since the ti [...] the Woolaways first stripped me, and consequently [...] wounded. How welcome would death have [...] this moment! but alas! I was reserved for [...]

[Page 115] After binding me to a tree, they prepared for sup­per, and a very scanty portion fell to each one's share: reader may easily guess what portion of it fell to mine.

As soon as the provision was devoured, there was a general consulation how to dispose of me; and by their motions I could see that some was for burning, some for scalping, some for hacking by cutting me in pieces, and others by killing me with arrows: and this last method I observed me the approbation of the Chief. Now during all this debating amongst them­selves, I particularly noticed an old man, but a few years younger than the Chief, that seemed to be entire­ly unconcerned in the whole affair; and his melancho­ly aspect convinced me his soul was burthened with weighty impressions; but before supper, and during the course of the afternoon, he displayed the same de­gree of ferocity towards me as the rest: I endeavoured as well as my dismal situation would permit, to de­duce some consolation from this singular conduct of the venerable old man: but then again, [...] [...]sider­ed what I had on my mind to counterba [...], [...] faint hopes, my feeble comfort would vanis [...] [...] smoke. All this time I was faste [...]ed with my naked mangled body to the tree; sinking under the weight of pain, [...]sting, and fear, longing for, and dreading the shape of death.

[...] found it was concluded upon, that death [...] me with the weapons of arrows; and [Page 116] I was confirmed in my opinion, by seeing them pre­pare their bows for the purpose—the Chief himself be­ing also supplied on the occasion. When each was fur­nished with the cruel instruments, they came and loos­ened me, and led me about half a quarter of a mile to an opening, and there again fastening me to a tree (and to make the scene the more shocking) with my face towards them, that I might be an eye-witness to my own martyrdom:—they had their bows and ar­rows all in order, and ready to begin their infernal deed; big with impatience for its execution. 'Tis im­possible here for me to describe, the state of my mental powers, or for the reader to picture to himself, my dis­tressing agitations; he may sympathise now, but no re­lief could be expected then:—the Chief seemed to be the most revengeful and blood-thirsty amongst them, at this time, and impatient for his savage satisfaction. The crew, consisting of about thirty that was prepared with bows and arrows, was now all drawn up as in bottle array, ready to vent their spleen upon the poor unfortunate victim; and now seeing my last moment at hand, my whole frame became as a statue of mar­ble, and sensation and animation seemed almost to have left me, but still retained sufficient reason of faculties to ponder upon eternity; but the terrors of death and its agonies had quite left me: the soul and body seem­ed to be separated, for I felt no more of the anguish of my wounds, or want of food, than one wallowing in every enjoyment of life; or as a dead corpse.

[Page 117] Just at this critical and last moment of r [...]spite, a cir­cumstance took place that caused a delay, and the con­fused noise it produced, brought my scattered ideas and faculties together, and I presently began to reason rationally, and looking earnestly, I perceived the old man before alluded unto, harranguing them vehe­mently: I thought it seemed to be productive of pa­cification amongst them, and my soul began to revive, and my almost lifeless body to war warm: for I soon saw several of them lay down their bows, and amongst them was the Chief; but there was some that still con­tinued obdurate and resolved, but they were soon over­powered and persuaded by numbers; and in the space of a quarter of an hour, every one was as quiet as lambs, and the old man himself came and released me: O what a heavenly exhortation this proved to me, how soon I experienced its efficacious virtue; the ferocity of the surrounding crew was dispelled, and a compo­sure bordering on peace and serenity assumed its place; how was my soul enraptured in flames of inexpressible joy, to be thus so unexpectedly delivered from the vo­racious jaws of a lingering death: this miraculous de­liverance struck my mind with an impressive reverence and sacred gratitude to my Creator, who I now plainly perceived, had been my deliverer, and henceforward I determined to submit with patient resignation, to every [...] that it was his will should befal me, without [...]jection; and be humbly obedient to his dispensations. [...] taken from the tree, I returned with the rest [Page 118] from whence we came, and all animosity seemed to be forgotten; and if there had been any food left, I should have been welcome, and partook of it with the rest; but as I before related, they had but a scanty portion amongst themselves, and consequently it was my ill fate to go all night and till next evening fasting, which made two days; excepting a few berries I found this last day: this day we again had uncommon success and retired to our umbrage very early, for every one was hungry enough, and I was permitted to eat with them, with equal freedom, which indulgence I embraced joy­fully, and improved the opportunity plentifully.

They had not as yet presented me a bow to try my expertness as a marksman, but the next morning they did; but fearing within myself that I should not an­swer their expectations, and thereby incur their future displeasure, I pretended to more ignorance and unac­quaintance with them than was really the case, and this induced them to excuse me for this time; but I thought I observed a little murmuring amongst them, and in fact I should have been very glad to have been useful to them, as it would have contributed very ma­terially to my peace and comfort amongst them.

This tribe is called Ass [...]noes, and differ from the other two tribes in their persons and decorations:—their lips are very large, and their notes long, proceeding [...] their being frequently pulled while they are [...] which compression of the finger and thum [...] against [Page 119] their nostrils, cause them to be almost closed; but from what cause their large lips proceed, I never learnt, nor had no opportunity to make particular observations, for there was but few infants amongst them; and my mind always bent upon escaping—they are also ramark­able in their decorations. Whenever they kill a large beast, one of the men have the tail and wear it fasten­ed round his head, and sometimes one or both ears; and by these ornaments of head dress, I could judge of their success in hunting; and suppose in the whole I saw near a hundred men thus adorned with the tails of different large animals; and the boys dress themselves with the tails, ears, and feet of smaller game; while the women are equally singular to decorate themselves with feathers: they commonly tie a little bunch of van­gated, small, pretty plumage, and hang them to their ears, fastening the long ones round their necks, plait­ing them into their hair, and permit them to hang down their backs; and sometimes in such plenty as almost to cover their body: but they are soon destroyed in the woods, and it frequently happens, that a woman have not one feather about her but those in her ears, for they kill less fowl than the other tribes: this part of the forest and woods abounding more in animals, and es­pecially wherries and conies, and to decoy the latter of these, the Indians have wooden whistles, by which they imitate their noise, and by this means frequently [...] a number of these little animals into an ambush [...] then letting fly amongst them, but very few of the [...] [...]uded creatures escape.

[Page 120] There is another animal that is very common in some part of the forrest where rivers run through, that they catch when their excursions call them that way, called a gu [...]na, in shape much like a lizard, but consi­derable larger; this creature lays its eggs by the side of a river, so that on the approach of an enemy, leap into the water; but this instinctive policy seldom an­swers the purpose of preservation; for the Indians are as good divers as themselves, and pursue them on the sand at the bottom and bring them up alive: there was one day our whole success was by catching this animal, and plentifully we was supplied for supper and break­fast; but the Indians are not fond of feeding upon one kind entirely for two meals, or even if it can be avoided; but of all the game they kill, there is none more mild, and free from noxious qualities: I never tasted any but twice before, which was while I was with the Buckeraws. There is but few streams run through that part of the forrest frequented by the Woolaways; but they have the creature called the te­naha, about the size of a cat, but surrow into the ground almost perpendicular for near two yards; there is but one way to conquer them: when the Indians discover one of their holes, and by examining it, con­vinced that it is occupied, a few of them begin to break [...] the earth, to force the creature from his ha­bitation, while the rest stand ready to let fly a [...] him, and the most acute diligence is requisite to shoot him before he escape, for he is one of the swiftest animal [...] [...] the forrest, and when killed, but very indifferent men [...].

[Page 121] There are plenty of tortoises and armadilloes in our present daily preambulations when we are near the ri­vers, but their shells and scales bid defiance to the force of the arrows, and we commonly take them alive; the former require no industry or art, to be taken when once discovered, but the latter lay so deep in the earth, the trouble of tearing up the earth would exceed the reward; but we often perceive them on the ground, and by instantly giving chase, seize them before they can reach home.

Crocodiles also are very numerous in this part of the forrest, but they never attempt to shoot at or entrap them, and their nature is too destructive to be dealt with gently.

Here is also beavers and polecats, but their noxious smell screen them from notice, as they cannot be eaten.

When they pursue a deer, he frequently makes to the water, and attempts to escape by swimming; but this generally proves fatal, for if the Indians can reach the water before he is got to the other side, they rouze in after him, and trimming themselves upright in the water, level their arrows as effectually as on dry land; and the value of the victim well rewards the pains: it is the best meat they kill.

[Page 122] They do sometimes shoot at a large [...] when play­ing on the surface of the water, and if they happen to pierce him so as to wound him mortally, he dives to the bottom, and if the water is not very deep, they follow him and force him up, and so worry him to death: they eat some part of it, but the chief purpose they apply him unto, is extracting the oil, which they do in this manner: They clean and cut him down the middle and hang it up in the sun, and catch the oil in an earthen, or sometimes a wooden vessel, which is a piece of wood scooped out hollow; and this oil they heat by the fire and pour it over the fish, which is the means of bringing out more, and this operation is per­formed three of four times before all the off is extract­ed; then the carcase is thrown away, and the oil pre­served.

This tribe consumes more food than either of the other two, because of their lavishing wastefulness, and drink considerable more plantane juice: the women are in a great measure as bad as the men; for filthiness they quite equal them, and being accustomed unto it from their infancy, they never leave it off: it is not uncom­mon to see young men and women wallowing on the mossy turf together quite intoxicated, for being so fond of this bewitching liquor, they employ more time in procuring it than other tribes; they are seldom idle, for when they are by any means exempted from the duties of the forrest, the time is employed in providing or drinking this liquor. I have sometimes though [...] [Page 123] whether there was filthier, and more beastly set of human beings under the sun than this tribe; and in disposition they resembled wild beasts, for there was scarce a day passed but quarrelling more or less did take place amongst them—the women as well as the men; and sometimes arise to such ruptures, that the Chief was obliged to interfere to put a stop to the so­ment, for when once they are exasperated, it is diffi­cult to stop the progress of the contention; but I never knew an instance where the presence and austere com­mands of the Chief failed to be effectual; but when it is arrived to such a height of passion as to make that necessary, there are from six to ten or more, concern­ed in the fray; for the peaceable part of the party ne­ver call in the aid of the Chief if their own attempts will effect a mediation; which is generally the cast when the combatants are consined within six or seven; and it seldom exceed that, except when the women join the contending parties on different sides, then from the nature of their dispositions, it is impossible to rea­son or convince them by any pacific measures, [...] they act just like mad-c [...]ts, and as void of rational conside­ration; and would tear each other in pieces if left to exhaust their spleen; but the men do now cease from strife, and all unite to separate the female combatants, or whose rancour would soon become outrageously boundless; in this case, the men are obliged [...] recourse to that priviledge that nature has [...] and exert their superior strength, and [...] advantage only that enables them to accomplish [...] [Page 124] end. From this bloody contest amongst the women, we may conclude that there is a kind of conjugal alli­ance existing between a man and woman, in the cha­racters of husband and wife; close friends, bosom part­ners, or whatever appellation you chuse to give this peculiar attachment; but this manly interference of the men never fail to answer the purpose, even in the absence of the Chief; but fortunately for them, it is but very seldom that things arrive to such extremeties. I was not witness to more than one bloody contest amongst the women while I continued with this tribe, and not once with either of the others; but the men frequently have little skirmishes; but one thing attract­ed my notice: when the boys have a falling out, they are permitted to fight as long as they please; and this is to harden their natures, and temper them to prac­tice, that being early accustomed to blows and bruises, they may the more boldly enter the field of battle here­after; for there is no tribe that enjoy peace long toge­ther, but what they are engaged with the Spaniards, Mu [...]men, or other Indians, according to their si­tuation: but the most cruel havock is made when two contending tribes meet, and the Chiefs, like two Ge­nerals of armies, animating their comrades, and en­couraging them by their dismal war whoop: in these battles there is no quarters, but cutting, hacking, and scalping, and there is no other way to terminate this affair, but total conquest, and the victorious party mur­ders with triumphing exultation all that falls [...]; but although they fight like devils, while [...] [Page 125] is uncertain, they are not like game-cocks, to fight till they are dead. When the issue of the day is evi­dently against them by the reduction of their effective men, they then turn round and make their escape, which is easily done, because there is no pursuit by the conquerors, for they immediately begin to bury their dead, and take care of the wounded of both sides; and here is no distinction or partiality, for friend and [...] share alike in mercy; and such of the vanquished as recover of their wounds, do now unite with this tribe, until an opportunity presents for them to join their own people, which they are permitted to do without the least opposition if they choose; but sometimes they re­main with the new tribe, and never re-unite with their former comrades. We had several in this tribe that was taken in battle with the Charcores, but was desir­ous to join their companions if ever they could, for their present situation was very disagreeable, for I be­lieve our tribe was too nasty and too noisy for them; but the distance was too great, for since their captivi­ty, the Charcores was removed several hundred miles further up the country, as this tribe had on the contra­ry way.

I never was present at one of those general engage­ments, but have at two or three party-frays, the prin­cipal of which was while I was with this tribe.

[...] was a tribe that I never understood the name [...] and their foraging parties did often meet ou [...] [...] [Page 126] never stop to pass any discourse, or scarce notice each other. It was our mishap on a certain time to meet at a river's side, where there was but one convenient place to wash and clean game—they were there, and had taken possession of the spot when we came; we as well as them wanting to clean and dress what we had killed, drew towards them, and our Chief putting on an austere brow and grimace countenance (who at no time had a pleasant one) this rouzed the indignation of their's, and seeing us make preparations for the of­fensive, they immediately began to do the same for the defensive; the number on each side being nearly equal, about forty, excepting they had no women, and our's was neutral spectators.

Both parties having arranged themselves in order of battle, a dismal shout preceded the bloody affair, and the arrows began to fly like hail-stones; and in a quar­ter of an hour there was too many wounded on each side to prolong the contest, and a parley took place, and each side began to dress their wounded as fast as the healthy ones could procure the necessary plants; and so far had animosity subsided, that even the Chiefs assisted each other to dress their wounded without the [...] shew of resentment: I had myself a slight wound in the lower part of my right side by a stone (for when their arrows are gone, they take stones, c [...]bs, or any thing at hand) and their Chief chewed a herb and squirted the juice into it; so that if they [...], they forget like friends.

[Page 127] There was but one person killed, and that was on our side; that aged man that was my interposing and liberating friend, when I was fastened to the tree for martyrdom, as before related: I regretted the death of my benefactor, in remembrance of his former kind­ness; but from that time to the present, had never ex­perienced one singular act of peculiar lenity from him.

After these things were properly adjusted, by the wounded being taken care of, we buried our corpse in which they assisted: the number of wounded on our side was seven, and on their's I think about twelve; two or three so badly as to be carried away it a kind of litter they make of grass, leaves, and small sticks. They did not stop to finish cleaning their game, and I was immediately loaded with our's, and we all marched towards our nearest place of rendezvous. It must be observed that we was at the extremity of our bounda­ries, I suppose near a hundred miles from the most dis­tant one on the opposite side: as on the contrary it was the case with them; so that such a meeting may [...] happen once in a century. Our nearest rendezvous was about five miles, but the distance of their's I can­not tell.

There was a tribe in our neighborhood that was on terms of strict amity and friendship, which parties did of [...] [...], but seldom stop to congratulate, as the In­dians are in general very reserved.

[Page 128] About two months after the battle before related, there was an Indian banquet took place between our tribe and the friendly one, which for its originality and singularity, I thought proper to relate.

I perceived one day that our Chief was more than common earnest in his commands, and the people seemed to be particularly attentive and pleased, and during the whole day, every one seemed to be extraor­dinarily alert and diligent; and the success was pro­portionable, for we had considerable more than could be possibly consumed by us while it was good; but when evening came, I was not a little surprised to see them preparing a portion of it for preservation, by warming it before the fire, and hanging it up in the smoak to the limb of a tree, under which a fire was made on purpose: the next day the same diligence was observed, and produced similar success, and in the evening cured after the same manner, with this differ­ence; we had now two large birds, which was roasted and wrapped up in trooly leaves: the two following days was much the same, so that we now had a store of provision in reserve; I put many different construc­tions upon this proceeding, but the most probable in my mind was, that we were going to remove for a long journey further up into the country; but neither of my speculations bore any affinity to the true cause; as it was what I could not surmise, ever did take place amongst such a herd of savages: it was the pre [...]ion [...] banquet.

[Page 129] The women had been excused for the last four days from accompanying us; this also excited in me a little astonishment: the fifth or sixth day we very much ex­ceeded our customary circuitous bounds, and kept one invariable direct course, and in the evening was near ten miles from home; and after eating very sparingly both supper and breakfast, we proceeded that day in the same direct course, and towards evening we came to a large open shade, about half a mile in length, and in some places forty yards in breadth, constructed by trees na­turally, and boughs, leaves and grass artfully worked together in many places, so as to produce very agreea­ble and pleasant retreats.

We was now arrived at the end of our journey, eat our supper and went to rest; when in the morning there joined us at different times the remainder of our tribe, many of which I had never seen before; I suppose the whole number amounted to near three hundred of [...] sexes. This day was taken up entirely in painting [...] ­selves, and with greater nicety than usual, and [...] of the men had provided themselves with a [...] polpro; a thing intended for the purpose of an um­brella, made of grass and boughs of vines: every man now made him a trumpet from some wax, that had been previously provided from the cells of bees and other infects: they also procured each one a stick about four feet long, from a curious pretty tree called a [...] these sticks, about four in [...]es in circ [...] [...] [Page 130] was so very s [...]ple that they resembled ropes more than sticks, and yet as tough as cane.

This spot appeared to be very little frequented, for the grass was several inches long, and no remains of any feasting or resorting visible. After speading the day here, next morning a party of the men returned from whence we had left our women and a few men as guardians, and in two days returned with the whole company and all the provisions; and those men and women that was left, had in the mean time curiously painted themselves, so that between paint and decora­tions, we composed a strange motley of creatures; when it is considered that we had no other covering, except the women who had aprons made of grass, fea­thers and leaves.

We [...]emained here two days, when we were joined by some hundreds of men, women and children, with their Chief and they were also curiously painted and decorated, much more so than us; and besides had with them provisions in abundance, and with each of them such a stick as we had—I now began to think that a feast was going to be celebrated, and mirth to abound; and here I was right in my conceptions.

This last tribe brought their provisions whole and [...], being all killed that and the preceding day, and [...] it directly on their arrival, and we [...] them.

[Page 131] There was a very strange ceremony took place be­tween the two Chiefs at their first meeting: each of them put his hand upon his head, and pointed towards the sky with the other; and muttering some i [...]articu­late sentences, both gave a shout, and the whole com­pany followed, that made the woods ring with the noise, and then every one began his appointed duty of preparation for the morrow.

Nothing more took place this evening; but as soon as the morning light appeared, all was in motion, by removing the whole stock of provisions about twenty yards, to a little spot of ground about six yards square, free from all incumbrances, quite level and clean, and surrounded with bushes so close, and tall lofty trees that it was like night in mid-day: the spot where we remained, was beautifully surrounded with tall tower­ing trees, that cast both a cool and fragrant shade over us; and for their regularity, had more the appearance of art than nature; and the intorstices between were so closely filled up with small bushes and other under­wood, such as running vines, barberries, and such like, that the place was compleatly lodged around, not hav­ing more than three or four places that would admit an entrance pleasantly.

We was now summoned to our breakfasts, provided by the women; but each tribe eat their own, a little distance from each other; and this being [...] Chief after examining every individual [...] [Page 132] paint and decorations, placed us all in rows three deep, like a file of soldiers, and marched us to the spot where the provisions were deposited and back again; playing on our trumpets all the time: then the other Chief ar­rayed his company in the same order, and performed the same evolution: after this part of the morning ex­ercise was over, [...] women all stood up, and taking each other by the hand, danced round a post that was placed in the ground on purpose, singing in their man­ner very harmonious [...]y and cheerful, while the men of both parties was playing upon their trumpets.

This ceremony, which lasted near an hour, being over, the women separated, and each taking a callabash, filled it with either plantane or maize liquor, and pre­sented it to their husbands, if we may so call them, who drank very plentifully, and then the women drank, and after them the children; after this there was a ge­neral dance took place between all the men and wo­men, in pairs, the same as the women presented the li­quor unto; by this it may be relied on, that they do not live like beings, irrational creatures, by cohabiting all in common, altho' a person who has no more than a transient acquaintance with them, may be inclined to believe; I was long enough amongst them to know if it was the case, but I never was witness to one immo­dest action, during all my different captivities: I see more immoralities and lewd actions, now I am amongst [...], virtuous, modest and enlightened christians▪ [Page 133] in one month (I might say one week) than I did amongst uncivilized Indians in seven years.

The women now withdrew, after dancing about half an hour, towards the place where the provisions had been deposited, and prepared a place for a fire, while the men were busily engaged in procuring w [...]d, and making such other preparations as was needful for cooking dinner, and where there was so many hands this was soon done.

Sometime in the course of the forenoon, we were joined by two or three hundred more people, of three or four different tribes, if I may judge by their features, decorations and manners, but there was no Chief amongst them, and had provision with them [...]abun­dan [...] dried and smoaked like our's: I could not con­ceive what the meaning of all this could be; notwith­standing the multitude of us, there was provision pro­vided sufficient to serve us with three meals a day, for a week.

After this last company that joined us had rested themselves, and carried their provisions where our's was, we all joined together and had another dance for a quarter of an hour: these had sticks with them, but no trumpets; at the conclusion of this dance, the two Chiefs stood up and harrangued the whole body a few minutes; then every man betook himself to some em­ploy [Page 134] such as cutting wood for firing, cleaning away all incumbrances from the spot, washing and gutting animals, and assisting the women at the fire, until din­ner time: when dinner was ready, we all was placed on the ground by the Chiefs in a very singular manner, some in a square, some in a circle, and some in direct lines, and the provisions brought by the women in earthen platters, calabashes and on bark of trees, and every company eat the food they themselves brought: there was in the whole six companies, and the women of each company did want upon them respectively, and there being something singular in the manner of each tribe, induced me to imagine that there was six sepa­rate tribes or parts of tribes amongst us; for there was not an entire whole tribe of none of us.

This was the first dinner I had eve [...] seen amongst them, as I believe these general feastings happen but very seldom; and what method they have to acquaint each other with the approaching time and place, I know not. After the men had done, the women fa [...] down promiscuously in no regular order, and partook of the remains of the table all in common; the men all the while dancing and drinking, and the children skip­ping about with bones and meat in their hands: but what was most extraordinary, the Chiefs all this time did not taste a morsel: when the women had done, the whole body of men was formed into a large circle th [...] deep: but our's with their music in the front: and the two Chiefs within, seated on a large quantity of gr [...] [Page 135] moss and leaves, previously prepared; and the women brought the most dainty part of the provisions, such as legs, wings, and [...]ces of birds and animals, nicely done, and in quantity sufficient for ten men, with li­quor in proportion. Thus dined the two great empe­rors of the Indians in state and splendour—not Solo­mon in all his glory sat at a table in more magnifi­cence, and attended by more cheerful and obedient do­mestics. It was near evening before they arose from their seats, although the encircled musicians were dis­missed as soon as they had done eating; and the whole afternoon was spent in jollity, mirth, singing, and di­versions of all kinds; and in the midst of such a variety of amusements, it was almost impossible for me to avoid sharing of it in some degree, so as to produce resibility, and I did enjoy myself this afternoon with plea [...]ry; the first time I f [...]wed a disposition for jocundity and laughing since my first captivity:—as to any approach­ing danger impending towards me by this feasting, I was entirely free from all fears or apprehensions, for no notice of any kind was taken of me where I go, or what I do; but still it was not a proper time to run away;—towards the close of the day the men began to amuse themselves by jumping over the fire, and throwing coals at each other, but this dangerous gambling was soon over by the interposition of the Chiefs, for it was improper play-things in the hands of [...]unken men. Night now advanced, and the musici­ans was again placed in two rows, and after playing a little while, was dismissed, when every one as [...] fancy [Page 136] directed him laid down to rest, or dance about; so that amongst us all, there was some diversion all the night▪ when morning appeared, the whole company was bu­sy in providing breakfast, excepting the trumpeters, who was playing on their instruments around the Chiefs; when breakfast was ready, and the same ceremonies observed as the preceding day, every one partook of what was left last evening, the Chiefs excepted; for whom there was hot victuals provided, after all had done, and the refuse of bones and other fragments be­ing removed out of the way, they began to prepare for the principal part of the meeting in celebration of the banquet.

The whole company being ordered into ranks, they were then separated into eight divisions, which was also placed in two squares, each division being about six yards asunder; in this manner they stood while the two Chiefs went to each corner and harangued them by way of instruction as well as command; this being done, they now made a conjunction, and formed but one square; and now commences a very strange kind of diversion, which terrified me very much, as I ex­pected to partake of the amusement.

One of the Chiefs now gave a whistle, and a man from one corner came to the centre of the square, and he giving a whistle, another came from the opposite corner; one of them then stooped down, laying his hands upon his knees and exposing his bare back, the [Page 137] other gave him three blows with his knuckles with all his might: them he in return stooped down in like man­ner and received the same discipline; then returning to their respective corners, two more came away and per­formed the same exploits, and thus they continued two at a time till the whole company had tasted of this banqueting dish; for my part I was still in hopes it would cease without a general display, and for that reason did continue changing my position to escape no­tice; but seeing there was no likelihood of it, I did towards the last venture out, and went through the un­pleasant ceremony better than I expected: this took us up till dinner time, and having made free with their favorite liquor, the plantane juice, to recruit their spi­rits, we was all summoned again to the morning re­creation, but happily it was conducted in a different manner, which I took the advantage of: instead of drawing out two and two, there was now no order ob­served, but running amongst each other in confusion; any one did stoop as he please, and any one strike the blow; and I question if there was one poor simple creature amongst them, but what exposed his naked back, and some two or three times:—at this time my sagacity was of important service to me, for I pretend­ed to as much alertness and activity as the rest, and be­ing continually in motion, and running from one end to the other, no notice could be taken of my subtility; but to prevent them from discovery or detecting of me, I sometimes gave a rap, and that as hard as I w [...] ­able, or notice would have been taken of the [...]enity [Page 138] but the harder the blow, the greater the pleasure to the sufferer; but I never paid any regard who it was I did strike; for being all devils alike, it was no mat­ter which: but by my ingenuity I escaped myself. This continued without any considerable intermission, till supper time, when they eat a hearty supper, and drank plentifully:—between this and bed-time, the women was dancing and frisking about merrily; when they had done, the men began, and continued jump­ing, singing, whistling, shouting, hallowing, and laugh­ing, all the night; and great part of the women fol­lowing their example; even the two Chiefs was on their legs at intervals, the principal part of the night; and in reality it was the most agreeable night I had ever spent amongst them, because my mind wa s at ease: towards morning every one began to grow drowsy, and one after another dropped asleep; so that at one time I thought every man, woman and child, was napping together.

I now had some little impulse on my mind to give them the slip; but at the same time there was many weighty objections started up to discouragement: they would not sleep long; it was day instead of night; too many would be in pursuit of me, and when taken, this second crime would be an aggravation that would cer­tainly exasperate them, and admit of no mercy. Af­ter seriously considering the matter, I judged it best to rest contented till a more favorable and less dangerous opportunity presented itself.

[Page 139] In the morning they breakfasted, and then began to renew the former diversion of the knuckles, and in the same disordered and irregular manner:—I began to grow doubtful of the further good effects of my deceiv­ing stratagem to evade their knuckles, for though I could escape their notice by skipping about, my back could not escape their eyes; for as there was visible mark [...] of the blows upon them, I should soon be disco­vered, and very probable out of shew of Indian civility, I might have been complimented with a blow from an hundred of them; for it was evident to me, that the more blows a man did receive, the greater was the friendship and esteem, and this kind of esteem I wished to be excused from partaking of, and though it the best way to take a moderate share of their false diver­sion with them: but even that was now hazardous, for although they had not hitherto noticed my back, it was likely they would when I come to stoop; and seeing I had been hitherto neglected, perhaps give me three or four blows instead of one; and if two or three of them should be disposed thus to evince their seeming good will at the same time, I doubt the pains of my poor back would make me cry out pe [...]avi; which would sound in their ears like music, and bring upon me still more of their banquetting love.

I was in a streight betwixt the two extremes, but at last ventured to stoop when there was but one man within a few yards of me, who no sooner looked at my [...]ack and gave a shout, them several more came up, an [...] [Page 140] as I predicted, so it happened; they shewed a kind of sympatising sorrow that I had been hitherto slight­ed, and altogether began to knuckle me so forcibly that the blows almost brought me to the ground. I imagine I had at this one time twenty blows, and in all probability should have been favored with twenty more if I had not marched off; but so far was I from being inclined to oblige, or be obliged; to confer, or receive any future favors of this nature, that I remained a neutral spectator the rest of the day. At the return of evening, after supper, they renewed their last evening's ceremony, by shouting, screaming, whooping and imi­tating so naturally several beasts of the forrest, it was as great an uproar as if the whole tribe of savage beasts of prey had met together and were fighting a battle of royal.

I did not partake with them much in the jollity of this night: the distinguished marks of their friendship was too fresh in my memory; too effectual on my sen­sations, and too visible on my back, for me to have much appetite for running and skipping about all night. When the anguish would permit it, I was glad to dose and slumber a little; for sleeping I did not ex­pect that, for putting the pains of my back out of the question, the noise and trumbling about, some drunk, others stupid, and others dancing and hallowing, would hinder any person from sound sleep, and espe­cially so in my circumstances, that even at this [...] season could not always keep my mind in a state of [Page 141] calm composure, but at melancholy intervals did fore­bode some impending evil, and was oftentimes very sorrowful in soul by reflective impressions what was still reserved in the womb of fate, and how this uncommon assemblage of savages would separate; whether it might not be an invitation from our tribe to the others to compliment them at the termination of the festival, with a victim sacrifice, a captive prisoner's death.

I endeavoured to cheer my spirits as well as these gloomy apprehensions, and desponding surmises would suffer, and passed away the night in a manner as easy for the reader to guess, as for me to describe; if he only makes an exchange in his mind, and place himself in my situation.

When morning made its appearance, I observed the two Chiefs was the first that was stiring, and was walk­ing to and fro, seemingly big with some new enter­prise; their frequently stopping and making observa­tions, confirmed me in the opinion that something new was on the carpet; but still I endeavoured to stifle all fears and anticipations relating to my own safety, al­tho' it was at intervals much like the troubled sea; a difficult matter to keep the agitations of the soul within the limits of silent sadness.

As soon as the men arose, they was summoned be­fore the Chiefs, and after a little music, our Chief gave [Page 142] a most horrid and hellish cry, accompanied with mo­tions towards the sky and ground, and then began to harrangue them very earnestly for a quarter of an hour▪ after him the other Chief did the same, with this addition; he took one of the sticks that I mention­ed before, every man was provided with, and struck our Chief across the back with all his might; then our's returned the civility with the same stick; then every man gave a shout, and danced and jumped about for joy as though they were frantic: and now commences the most barbarous diversion that could possibly be devised, to come under the appellation of mirth and festivity.

The whole company now divided themselves into four parties, and each procured a large bundle of grass, and laid it in four different places; then the four com­panies formed themselves into regular lines; each com­pany having their bundle of grass, and each man hav­ing his stick before spoken of in his hand: the foremost man now laid down with his breast on the bundle of grass, and all the rest passed him one after the other, each striking him across the back with all his strength, where the knuckles had so bruised before, and as they passed they fell into a rank, and when the last man pas­sed him, then he arose and went to the rear of the rank, and the next foremast man laid down on the grass, and experienced the same treatment, and so on until every man in the four companies had felt the fes­tive blow:—in this case there was no alternative, and I underwent the painful ceremony of Indian friendship.

[Page 143] At the conclusion of this savage diversion, the ground was clotted with blood, and some of the poor filly creature's backs was battered in such a manner, that they was disabled for some weeks after; and three ac­tually died belonging to our tribe within a fortnight, and four of the others died on the spot; and for my part, I was obliged to use all my cunning again for many weeks after, pretending to a disorder in my bo­dy and weakness, because I would not so soon resume my former occupation of foraging in the woods.

If they had not divided themselves into four parties, the blows every man would have received, must have proved mortal to most of them:—in this affair I be­lieve I came off as favorable as any one, for I cauti­ously contrived to be the last man, and by this time every one had been beat, and was weary and [...]ore, and of course did not strike with such vengeance; but as tender as the treatment was with the blows received the day before, I found the first stroke fetched the blood, and the next a stream, and it cannot be supposed the future blows healed them; and from the number of men present, the blows that every man received, not­withstanding the division in parties, must be very nu­merous: and yet all this cruelty so unmercifully in­flicted on each other, produced nothing but mirth and seeming good will: the more yelping, groaning, and lamentations, the more pleasure and gladness it pro­duced to those that was not so terribly battered, o [...] that could better bear it. It was enough to [...] the [Page 144] nature of a tyger, if he could reason between pleasure and pain, to hear the dismal groans, sobs, sighs, and woeful cries all the night; as one night kept us from sleep with pleasure, so on the other hand, the next did with pain: but what is still more extraordinary, dur­ing the whole time of thus mangling each other, there was not the least sign of trouble or complaint; but every one was full of glee, laughing ready to split themselves, and the more blood ran, the more pastime it afforded, and thus their pleasure increased by their bar­barity: as soon as it was over, preparation was made for the wounded; but those that died was buried on the spot, with every token of mirth, exultation, dancing, and blowing trumpets; and their sticks buried with them: at the conclusion of this ceremony, the whole compa­ny proceeded to an adjacent river, about half a mile distance, and according to their strength, washed their bloody carcases; some by plunging in, others by set­ting down on the brink, and others by having it done for them: this took up the space of two hours, after which they returned to the shady bower, and after de­vouring an amazing quantity of provisions, and drank [...]ll some was intoxicated, and others quite stupid, they laid themselves down, and the greatest part went to sleep, and nothing extraordinary took place before morning, when every one was examined as to the state of his wounds, and medicines applied accordingly, both inward and outward, for the pains and effects of the blows had produced great need of restorative applica­tions to many of them, for it had brought on very [...]ore [Page 145] sickness, fainting and weakness, and to a christian sp­tator, it would not have appeared as if one half of the [...] would ever survive it.

This attendance upon the sick and wounded being finished, and the women during the time having pro­vided breakfast, every one partook according to his strength and appetite, and although they did consume a large quantity for men in their situation, it bore no comparison to their devouring stomachs before. Break­fast being finished, the men was left to their own exer­cise and option of employ; which was very reverse to what had hitherto taken place; there being but a very few that was disposed for jumping or dancing; but there was some exceptions, for several of them played on their trumpets, others leaped and frolicked about. We may properly divide them this morning into three classes: one-third dancing and making me [...]y; one-third soberly walking about to restore health and strength; and one-third sitting and laying on the grass; and [...] [...]his last class, I was glad to be at liberty to add [...] number.

The two Chiefs in the mean time was gone with the women to inspect the state and portion of victuals left; for the festival could not continue longer than the means of feasting, and many of the men was come a great distance, and in an unfit state to forage the woods on their [...], it was necessary they should take provi­sions [Page 146] with them to subsist on; which was a precaution absolutely needful for us all:—at the return of the Chiefs, after examining the provisions, there was a council called, and all that was able attended; the Chiefs having delivered their opinions on the state and quantity of food remaining, it was concluded upon to break up the banquet, there not being a sufficiency to admit of its longer duration; and without any further deliberation on the matter, every tribe, or part of tribes, as they came separated themselves into distinct companies: there was our tribe, and the other tribe with their Chief; and the large number that joined us the second day, separated themselves into three compa­nies; by which I concluded they belonged to three different tribes; there was now five separate parties; the two Chiefs now picked out two of the stoutest and ablest men from each division, and had all the provi­sion that was left brought out on the open green, and according to the number of men in each company, it was very impartially divided, and there being found to be something more than was deemed necessary to support us on our return, it was agreed upon to remain [...] or day; and this day was spent agreeably, profitably, and wisely; for every able man was employed in procuring herbs and plants needful for the ailments of the sick and wounded, and the two Chiefs engaged in their pre­parations, so that each party might have some with them on their journey, and applying them as occasion require:—the women was busy in dressing the [...], that there might be no delay in their travels on that [Page 147] head; for some came a great way; while the s [...]k and disabled enjoyed the comforts of rest, and good warm provisions and liquor as was needful, to prepare them for the next day's journey.

This day proved a salutary one to me, as well as many others, for the faithful attendance of the Chiefs produced astonishing good effects upon our maimed and bruised bodies; for the surprising skill they have in sim­ples, frequently heals such wounds in a week or ten days, that would require as many months by the te­dious operation of lancets, phlems, and compounds of noxious and baneful properties: and without the aid of one drug, one particle of chymical preparation, or a single draught of nauseous physic, they will, by the virtues of nature's production alone, within the narrow sphere of their daily excursions, find remedies for every casualty and inward disorder that befal them; but the whole of the matter rests on this one point, they [...] not subject unto the thousandth part of our [...], and the reason of which is obvious: they wisely avoid the causes, and that prevents the effects from taking place.

Whatever may be the imperfections of the Indians, owing to their want of education and correspondence wi [...]h the world, they are in their study of nature, and its va [...]iagated operations on the bodies of men, lessons of useful instruction to civilized mankind: in their man­ners they are not depraved, in their actions they are [Page 148] not immoral; if they murder, it does not proceed from a principle of abandoned good, or wicked dispositions; natural instinct, and self-preservation, prompts them to acts of barbarity, which they do not see a sin in com­mitting; nor is the rectitude of their conscience, seared as with a "red hot iron:" they don't way-lay the in­nocent traveller, and assassinate him in cold blood; or break in unawares upon each other's property and [...] their throats, and leave them weltering in a gore of blood, where neither enmity or prejudice existed, mere­ly for the sake of a little perishing pelf: no, the Indi­ans are not guilty of any such inhuman and unnatural cruelties: it is amongst christians, the pretended follow­ers of a humble, meek, peaceable and benevolent Jesus, that we must look for such scenes of corruption and hellish iniquities.

The morning being come, every one received a por­tion of meat for breakfast, as allotted them by the two Chiefs, and delivered by the women; who also assisted in administering the prescriptions to the sick and wounded: this precaution of distributing the provision in portions was to prevent a waste, because every one had not equally alike a prudent government over his own conduct: this arrangement being adjusted, the next thing was to prepare for separation; and this part of the festival was as whimsical, as the former part had been cruel; but founded entirely upon good will and friendship; and in fact there was not a single instance [Page 149] of strife or anger happened during the whole festivals an example worthy of christian imitation.

Being now all assembled together, the first thing was for every man to break his stick in two, and put one piece under one of his feet, and the other under the foot of a companion, and he doing the same, the whole company was now standing upon two pieces of stick. The two Chiefs then went round, and taking the two sticks from each man's feet, delivered them into his hands, who immediately struck his opposite with both of his hands across his two arms, and then threw the sticks down on the ground; and after this manner the whole assembly proceeded. The sticks being now all in one heap, a fire was kindled, and while they was burning, there was the most general shouting and antic gestures throughout the whole body, that I had ever witnessed: not even the Chiefs, women, children, nor sick was exempted, but every one seemed equally alike concerned and engaged with such a portion of joy, mirth and pleasantry, that convinced me that the sepa­ration was going to take place on the most [...] terms of social friendship and good will; and this con­tinued till the sticks was burnt to ashes; when every one took a bit of the ashes, and putting in into his and her mouth, squirted it into each other's faces, so that every one partook of this part of the ceremony, and even those that were sick, some of the ashes was car­ried to them for the purpose. This being over, the mus [...]cians, after playing a little on their trumpets, [Page 150] threw them on the ground and trampled them in pie­ces: then all joining in a loud whoop, with jumping and dancing for a few minutes, every one made mo­tions with his hands towards the sky and ground: then silence ensued for a few minutes: now one of the Chiefs harangued them for a quarter of an hour, mak­ing the usual motions: when he had finished, the other done the same, then the whole company gave a shout, and smacking their hands together a few times, closed this terrible banquet; and to me it was a rejoicing season.

The next thing was to provide litters to convey away the sick, which was performed after this manner:

Two long poles, about four yards each, and strong enough to support the weight of a man, was provid­ed; now these two poles was brought within three quarters of a yard together, with strong twisted and plaited grass, like the bottom of a chair, so strong and firm as to bear the sick man, and as many of these con­veniences was prepared as needful.

The next thing was to tie up the provisions allotted to each company's share, and this was soon done—for liquor there was none left.

All things being now adjusted, we divided without any further ceremony, and left the banquetting spot all at the same time, and taking different routes, we did [Page 151] not accompany each other no way: our tribe had not proceeded two hours, before we halted under the ca­nopy of some large spreading trees, and reposed our­selves with a comfortable and refreshing sleep. We had but two sick men to carry on litters, but from the number of the weak and fainty, we travelled very slow, as it took us up six days before we reached to our near­est place of rendezvous; and the last two days provi­sion was very sparing; but as our stomachs was not so craving as when we went forward, we did not much mind it: besides, those whose appetites could relish it, had the advantage of fruit, and thus lengthened out the animal food for the more delicate and weak sto­machs. All trials seemed to be borne with heroic pa­tience; no murmuring or complaints was heard, and at last we got home.

I understood that after this savage manner [...] [...]nowledging friendship was observed by all the tribes in the forrest at certain times, amongst those that were in amity with each other, and that another similar one would be observed by us after a number of moons; I thought within myself if the opportunity should ever again present itself, I would embrace it and venture upon an escape; but how the distant tribes distinguish the exact time and place, I never could understand, so as to be all there together within a day or two: it is without doubt by the moon's revolutions, but how they keep an account of the moon's variations is a mystery, as I never saw any account like a record amongst the [...] ▪ [Page 152] excepting cutting notches in trees answer the purpose: this I saw sometimes, but not any particular period that I could deduce plausible conclusions from: but there was some meaning to it, because I did sometimes mark their resorting to them, and making observations.

Of all the tribes, or parts of tribes, that was at this scene of barbarous jocundity, no two did speak the same language; from this I imagined there must be five different tribes; but not one captive besides my­self: they had some dogs with them, but little notice was taken of them.

The greatest part of us remained at home for seve­ral days, and some for as many weeks, without being summoned to the duties of the day; but as fast as we was found able to encounter its fatigue, it was at our peril to besitate, for the indulgence was deemed a great favor: but excepting myself, there was not one but what was anxious for the opportunity to display his skill in the woods.

I dallied with them as long as possible with safety; and the first day of going out on the foraging scout, I was presented with a bow and arrows, for it was full time I should render them some service. As I was sen­sible of my incapacity, it troubled me much, and the more so as the weapons were delivered into my hands with an imperious austerity, bordering upon a com­mand, and expected success. I rallied forth upon my [Page 153] Quixote expedition, and done the best I could, which was to kill one small animal, and losing all the residue of the arrows; at night when the success of my day's enterprise made its appearance, the Chief shewed such passion, and evinced such choler, that I foreboded some terrible event would befal me; and too true was my prophecy, and correct my prediction, for I was ordered to sit down, and without the least notice taken of me, had the mortification to see them gormandize in nearly all [...] provisions, excepting what was reserved for the morning; and when they had done, I was permitted to "pick the crumbs that fell from my master's table," but a very scanty allowance it proved to me, and in the morning still less.

More arrows were now delivered to me, with an in­junction to be more successful: I trembled for fear, but follow them I must, and fortunately was more suc­cessful, and of course experienced better evening treat­ment. Next morning being again recruited with ar­rows, I set out, but was uncommonly unfortunate, for I lost every arrow and killed no game. When we re­turned, the Chief ordered me to be tied to a stake that was purposely drove into the ground, and procuring some small twiggs, I was beat till [...] blood streamed down my back; and in that condition left all night; and in the morning after my wounds were dres­sed [...] obliged to follow them, without receiving the [...] [...]shment; but was not entrusted with ar [...]ows▪ [Page 154] In the evening I partook as usual of the sare of the day, and all animosity seemed to be forgot. In the morning, I was again presented with the weapons of death, and good luck accompanied me; a twenty thousand pound prise in the lottery, would not more overjoy a raking mis [...]—my heart leaped for joy, to produce to them as many dead carcasses as I had ar­rows delivered unto me; which was six; but as this is nothing new to them, they took no notice at all of it, and thus my exultation was turned into sadness; for it was a grief to be punished with stripes for being unfor­tunate, and not rewarded with even a nod of appro­bation when I was successful: but as the same success was expected from my daily excursions as from the rest, I could not expect surther notice, or greater favor, and as they was seldom unsuccessful, I must not be so nei­ther: here was no consideration of, nor allowance for want of practice and experience.

I found that at any rate I must now learn to be a marksman, and I exerted myself to the utmost for im­provement, and in the course of a few weeks I had made a considerable progress, and seldom returned on an evening without my share of game; but notwith­standing did at times receive many blows and scratches from the women for errors I was guilty of, when em­ployed by them in dressing or cleaning game, prepar­ing fire, and many other things they did set me about, which I dare not refuse to do, for there was not [...] in the whole tribe but what eyed me with [...] [Page 155] and envy; and excepting the banqueting time, I was continually in jeopardy, and never safe from [...], [...], or f [...]olding; for I was looked upon as an usur­per, intruder and enemy.

After this manner I led a miserable life, till the time approached for another banquet, which was about three months from the former one;—I had learnt enough of their language to understand we should soon march a great way to a feast, and consequently had a store of provisions to get ready to take with us, for which rea­son we lived very sparingly, and hunted very closely for two weeks, and then marched off, with the women and the little ones; but there was no sticks provided for this feast, which gave me some hopes that this would be a merciful, instead of a merciless banquet: all things being adjusted, every one took his load of smoaked meat, consisting of monkeys, wherries, gua­nas, rabbits, baboons, and one tyger; and thus we marched for seven days, when we arrived at the gene­ral rendezvous, where was I suppose six hundred peo­ple, and amongst them nine Chiefs; the place was beau­tiful, surrounded by large towering [...], near a mile in circumference [...] and a river running through it; and grass six inches high.

The first observation I made, was to [...] any sticks amongst them, but they [...]ad [...] in abundance; after throwing down [...] with their's, we partook of some refreshing [...], [Page 156] [...] different from the plantane juice, [...] much plea [...]nter and mild; and such quantities of provision, that it seemed as if we was going to stay there some weeks:—there was in the pile one lion, three tygers, seven deer, and such a multitude of smaller ani­mals, almost without number; and the greatest part of this stock was dried and smoaked in sides: every one of the Chiefs had a horse which carried a part of the provisions;—the liquor was made mostly on the spot.

The amusements of this festival consisted chiefly in singing and dancing, the two first days; but from the first day of our setting out, I had resolved in my mind, if possible, to escape; and though there was no pros­pect of approaching cruelty, I did not know what might be in reserve; for they had many ways to tor­ture; even the blows with the fist was sufficient if cru­elly laid on: I could not be easy under such gloomy doubts, and employed all my thoughts upon flight; and what rather encouraged me was this:

There [...] [...]mbled, I should not be so soon [...] better [...] to pass the [...] as there would not [...]; and as most of our tribe [...] that was at the last banquet [...] thoughts was fully bent upon [...]. Three days had passed and nothing [...] particular notice; but [...] [Page 157] merriment, with eating and drinking, had engrossed the principal part of the time, and what encouraged me in my design was; they did not take any notice of me peculiar from the rest, so that I might very well have been absent from meal to meal without being mis­sed, as many others was; but there was too many strolling parties about in the day time; I judged it most prudent to embrace an evening when they had been pretty free with their beloved liquor; for there was a considerable quantity of the plantane juice drank, though not all, and especially amongst our's, which was all I had to fear, for none of the rest would miss me.

The fourth day morning, after breakfast, every man was summoned to attend the orders of his Chief; and that was to procure each a bundle of long grass; this being done, and the remainder of the day spent in sepa­rating the strongest blades, the next morning every man was set about twisting some of these blades of grass like cord, and when each man had thus provid­ed himself with one, the remainder of his grass was laid on the ground as a cushion, and the cord he made. I was soon convinced by the playful actions of the men was intended for some diverting [...] dreading the consequences, I waited the [...] impatiently, determining at all events to [...] As the next morning was to commence the [...] of the festival, it very luckily happened, that [...] [Page 158] drank to an excess in the evening, and became in ge­neral quite inebriated, and our people especially, which was what I hoped for; for while they was easy, none of the others would concern themselves or even miss me, and the hurry and bustle in the morning, might take up the attention of our people too much for them to notice my absence, probably till breakfast time; neither would it be necessary to wait till all was asleep before I set out, for that would not be all night; as some kind of merriment or other was observed all night by some or others, and all promiscuously intermix­ed, and widely scattered.

Having made my mind up on the matter, when night came, and long before one half was asleep, I walked off, but recollecting the Chiefs had horses feed­ing near us, I formed the plan of taking one of them, which would accelerate my flight, and expose me to very little more danger in case of apprehension. Ac­cordingly I returned, and took possession of one of the horses and bridle, which was made of grass, and mount­ing, made all the speed possible, and rode all night. Supposing myself out of danger, I dismounted and baited the horse, and refreshed myself with some meat I took with m [...] for two hours:—I conclude that I was near fifty miles from them before I halted, and rode about ten afterwards; then tying the horse to a tree and [...] plenty of grass before him, I rested for the might: and in the morning proceeded as well [...] could a strait direct course till the middle of the [...] [Page 159] when halting to rest myself and beast, I perceived at a distance a party of Indians with their backs towards me, marching forward in pursuit of game: as they had their weapons with them, and some dead game; by this I knew it was none in search after me; for if they had, or if they did, they had the same means of accelerating their pursuit, as I had in my escape.

After this party of [...] was got out of sight, I soon pursued my course and rode till evening, and ima­gine I was about eighty miles from whence I set out. Having again fastened the beast, I laid me down to rest;—but some large beast of prey, unknown to me by name, attacked the horse just after dark: immedi­ately springing up, I went to the assistance of the horse, but the ferocity of the animal had made him so furi­ous, that he had broke the grass cord, and turning round, set out on full gallop the way we came. I knew it would be in vain as well as dangerous, to fol­low him; at the same instant the wild animal took to his heels the contrary way. After a few minutes ponder­ing upon my situation, I thought that probably the horse might not run far, and went in search after him several miles, until I again came in sight of the Indi­ans before alluded unto, by the light of the [...] deeming it now time to quit my pursuit, [...] and rested that night where the horse left me, and pro­ceeded daily without any particular occurrence worth [...] two days more, when I saw another party of [Page 160] these haggard wanderers, but at too great a distance to discover me, and also with their backs towards me.

I had nothing now to subsist on but the produce of the trees and bushes; but I effected my escape from the banquetters, and was once more at large, after a cap­tivity of two years and an half with this merciless and inhuman cre [...].

CHAPTER

ON the ninth day of my wandering, being as near as I could conjecture, two hundred miles from whence I escaped, or at least had travelled as many miles, though in the woods might not go a direct course; in the evening of this day, laying myself down for the night, I was surprised by seeing a sudden smoke issue up amongst the trees, about a quarter of a mile from me; I was at no loss to conclude this to be an Indian rendezvous for the night: it seemed prudent to proceed forward without delay, to get out of their reach before morning; directly setting forward I trave [...], though very slowly and irregular, the greatest part of the night, and believe in the morning I was not more than seven or eight miles from whence I set out; and this [...] be much wondered at, when all the difficul [...] I [...] [...]counter are considered: such as hunger, [Page 162] pains, weariness, darkness, woods, and an unknown tract; all these obstacles to progress was combined to prevent; and in the morning while sound asleep, un­der some thick bushes, I was roused by the hideous yelping of another infernal crew, not less than three hundred of both sexes: here was no parleying with the enemy; without the least resistance I tamely submitted, as they on the other hand shewed no mercy, but im­mediately seized me as a lawful prey, had fastened me to a tree; many arrows were levelled at me, some let fly, two wounded me in the shoulder and back, but not dangerous; several of the women now rushed in between me and my enemies, and with their own hands released me, the Chief at the same time putting on a pleasant countenance; but the men were like so many distracted creatures, raving with madness at the restraint; when I was at liberty, the women took me amongst themselves for protection; but they prudently pinioned my hands behind me, and thus was I forced to travel all the day, and as fast as any game was kil­led, they did load me with it, tying it on with grass, until they found I could support no more: thus this first day passed, and at night I had plenty of food, which I stood in great need of, but the women kept me close amongst them, for the men would kill me if permitted: the Chief seemed to be quite neuter in the case, and if I could escape from the women, the men would not have concerned themselves about me, for they did not want me as a slave, or a captive, but [...] kill me as an enemy and intruder.

[Page 163] I now [...]nd that the women's lenity was the effects of crasty policy, to make me bare the burden and heat of the day for them, and in this respect they exceeded the men, for they loaded me unmercifully, and if ever I complained or attempted resistance, a man was cal­led to their aid, and my poor back paid dearly for the crime; but this was scarce ever the case, for I had the good fortune to keep in with them in general; and all the enmity the men had to me, was consuming the provisions without being serviceable, for their women and children being more in proportion than the men, they very seldom had a superfluity, and plenty of wo­men to carry the dead game, so that it was evident my life was spared from respect and esteem to the women: for I did not observe any shew of dissatisfaction from the men to the women on this head: I found now that not only my ease but even my life, depended on the friendship of the women, and that I was to be their slave and the men's captive. Some weeks had past, and I ex­perienced nothing short of tenderness and care from the women, any more than their over-loading me; they behaved towards me as a person would to a good horse; give him plenty of good food to [...] him to undergo the labour allotted him; but use him unmerci­fully if he faulters.

Having been one day uncommonly unsuccessful, so that the people had but a scanty portion, it was a [...] great vexation to the men to see the women [...] part to me: one of them rushed forwa [...]d [Page 164] and laid holy of my hair and dragged me several yards, and some others at the same time kicking and beating me: the women did not, or dare not interfere, by which I was most terribly battered and bruised; and should certainly have been sacrificed to their brutality, if the Chief had not interposed in my behalf:—the wo­men now took me again under their protection, and nursed me with all the tenderness of Indian compas­sion; but at last the men grew quite weary of toiling for an unnecessary mouth, and seemed determined that I should assist in providing as well as eating, and con­sequently presented me with a bow and arrows; and be fortunate I must, or the ill success be attributed to design, to be again reinstated into the women's service, which was in fact much worse than this, if I could es­cape stripes; and this depended entirely upon fate.

I mustered up all the courage I could and followed them (this tribe very seldom separate into parties like the rest, if they did they would thrive better) not hav­ing used the bow lately, I was not so expert as I could wish, and of course killed but one animal, and lost the rest of the arrows, and dreaded the consequences; but to my surprise, at our return, my day's exploit pleased very well; I had the whole animal delivered to me for my pains, which I immediately presented to a woman that had manifested instances of good will towards me: it was cleaned and dressed, and as many of the women partook of it as would; but next morning there [...] altercation amongst the men about allowing [...] [Page 165] breakfast, but I had some from the women. More ar­rows being delivered to me▪ I was successful this day, and pleased them much:—in the evening, for the first time, I was permitted to set with them and eat; they was a little decenter than the Woolaways, but not equal to the Buckeraws; but for dressing their food, it was better done than either: it was commonly hang­ed up before a fire with small twisted grass like a string, and turned with the hand, and roasted very nice—it is seldom they dress a monkey or rabbit any other way: they first gut them, and then cut them down the mid­dle, and roast the two sides. When they kill a large animal, as a tyger, lion, or such like, they cut stakes from the rump, and roast the rest; excepting the heads, which this tribe seldom eat of any beast.

Lions are not numerous, but tygers abound: when they espy a lion, they have a decoy note, which [...] make with their mouths, something like an [...] weak crying; this they begin to do as soon as [...] him, and draw nearer and nearer—when the beast hears it, he moves his tail, and stands in a bold pos­ture, looking earnestly about him: when they art, nea [...] enough for him to hear them distinctly, they conceal themselves behind some thick covert, if they can, and continuing the infantite imitation, the deluded beast approaches towards the place from whence the alluring sound issues, and when near enough for the arrows, [...] volley is let fly at him at once—if they all miss [Page 166] him, he runs about a quarter of a mile, and stands facing his enemies, and even suffers them to advance near enough to strike him with their arrows. When he finds himself wounded, he stops so long shaking and licking himself, while the archers discharge another volley, which seldom fail to disable him. I never was present at the death of one, nor tasted of more than one:—the flesh is more pallatable than the tyger, but not so tender.

The tyger is more wary, and subtil than the lion:—when he perceives the company, he hastens to some large tree, and ascends it with incredible swiftness, and mounts the highest bough that will support its weight; but his elevated situation is no refuge; it will not pro­tect him, because they can now attack him with ad­vantage; for a few arrows from three to four feet long, soon bring him to the ground.

Baboons are the most difficult creatures to kill the [...] produce; for they mount the top branches of the [...] trees, and then by their agility escape the arrows.

There was a considerable number of deer in this part of the forrest; but the men could not shoot them, as there was so many turnings of rivers, that the water frequently protected them, and the woods was too thick to discover them; but they had a trap to [...] them, and by that means did sometimes [...] [Page 167] made after the following manner—but in the winter, when the snow was on the ground, to trace their foot­steps.

In the summer they plucked a quantity of grass and made hay, and preserved it till winter.

They provided a stick, about six yards in length, the size of a common walking stick; about one yard from the largest end, a hole was made through it; the other end of the stick was bended down towards the hole, so as to represent a bow, with the point in a direct line with the hole; then with some strong twisted grass, one end tied to the small end of the stick, and the other end brought about a yard through the hole, a bow was formed; now a piece of wood, three quarters of a yard in length, and half a yard wide (commonly bark of a tree) was cut so sharp at one end as to enter into the hole of the bow, and to hold the yard of bow string out side; now upon this bark there was tied a lock of [...]ay, and the yard of bow string being double, it was spread over the hay as wide as possible; the big end of the bow stick is stuck into the ground a considerable depth, and fastened besides to some tree; now when the deer comes it begins to eat the hay, but finding it fast, thrusts his head down hard; that pushes out the bark, and the bow with a force draws the string and the ani­mal is caught fast by the neck or horns; and in this [...]ner they ens [...]are more deer than all the other [Page 168] tribes put together kill with the arrows, during the winter; but in the summer they cannot come at them.

The Chief of this tribe seemed to be endued with wonderful sagacity, peculiar to the others: he was the youngest I had been captive unto; he did not appear to be forty years of age: he goes to a little distance from his companions, snuffs the air all round, and then tells them where the game may be found, and in these predictions he is but seldom deceived; this is an art never practised by any other part of the crew, but they all seem to have the eyes of vultures in espying out the game, and marking their footsteps, which is a common rule for them to go by; and when they dis­cover the track of any large animal, they all keep close on the pursuit, through briers, thorns, or any other obstruction that impedes their progress [...]ver so much; and the Chief always takes the lead in these cases, by darting his head undauntedly forward, and boldly forces a passage, the rest closely following, so that be­fore the rear of the company approaches, the passage is pretty open, or they could not pass loaded with children and dead game.

My situation with this tribe was very fluctuating, sometimes easy, and at others sorrowful and dreadful; I did kill for them my share of game, but very fre­quently felt the weight of their blows severely, but I endeavoured to reconcile myself to my deplorabl [...] [...], with as much fortitude as possible, and they not [Page 169] noticing any signs of discontent, imagined I was con­centedly pleased with my state, and in consequence of this, they gave me my liberty and great indulgence; so that I did sometimes wander away from them, for an hour or two; and privately concealing some arrows, did improve such opportunities by practising, and if the arrows was lost, they was not missed; sometimes I did bring to them an animal unexpected, which altho' it did procure me no reward, it might save me some hard blows, and hellish looks.

This tribe was very particular in their manner of painting themselves; it was done so effectually that it would not come off with the sun or water for several months; but it was a dirty colour, very much of an olive.

They made their paint after this manner: they pro­cure the green bark of a tree they call porpai, about the size of a beach tree; this bark they dry in the smoke as they do meat, then pound it fine between two stones, afterwards mix it with oil, and grind it between the stones; then mix a quantity of grease with it, and keep grinding it until 'tis fine enough for the purpose; then they put it into calabashes and keep it for use: their brushes they make by procuring a bundle of very coarse grass, and beat it well, and then pick out some fit for their use, such as is stringy, resembling hemp, and by [...] themselves, it remains on them several months.

[Page 170] This tribe had some knives and other European ar­ticles of manufacture amongst them, for the Indian▪ that inhabits near the sea shore, carry on a traffic with the Spaniards, and when the season of banquetting ar­rives, they sometimes make presents, or exchange with each other; and by this means, there are few of the Indians but have more or less or European commo­dities.

This tribe is called Barlawys, and seem to me to be a more reserved company than any of them. I heard nothing of any preparation for a banquet while amongst them, but they had a custom of preserving provisions, and staying at home sometimes two or three days to­gether, which was on some occasions extraordinary: while being with them there was an aged man died, and the whole crew refrained from hunting for twenty-four hours, feeding entirely on berries and other fruit, which at this time was plenty, such as bramble berries, vines, grabs, kind of plumbs, sloes, and black cur­rants; the sloes they gather and preserve for dyeing their feathers; for they decorate themselves a little, but not as much as some others.

They have greater opportunities for killing game than many tribes, being further inland, and distant from the sea: the forrest and woods abounding more with large animals that shuns mankind, besides plenty of materials for making arrows; and having so [...] boys amongst them, whose principal employment it [Page 171] was, they thought but little of two or three dozen of arrows:—this was the best opportunity I had to im­prove in that branch, and by practice soon became a tolerable archer, and was very useful to them; they becoming sensible of this, instead of its being a means of more lenity, compassion, and favor amongst them, it was just the reverse; for once being convinced of my service, they no longer neglected me, and treated me with indifference, but used me with severe confine­ment; for taking me away from the women, they kept me to close daily hunting; and notwithstanding my success was in general four times as much as I did eat, it could not bring their savage, inhuman natures to a sense of feeling or commiseration; but fastening me every night to a tree for security, I had no comfort of my life: and what I did eat, was such as they pleased to give me, which was in common as good as them­selves eat; but at any time when the fortune of the day was not favorable to me, as was commonly the case with themselves, they behaved with a degree of cruel­ty, by refusing me a bit of victuals, and frequently beating me; and if the women did not convey some unto me privately, I should have went without supper and breakfast; and this cruelty was sometimes extend­ed towards me, even when I had killed more game than I should myself consume; but it was not often the case—my success was so far pleasing as to pro­cure me plenty of provisions, but the confinement [...] was to a degree distressing, after the hard fa­tigue of the day; but this did not proceed from a dis­position [Page 172] of inhumanity, but from fear of losing so valu­able a servant; for as they was not the best marksmen, neither was they the most active, for it was not un­common for them to lay down in the middle of the day for an hour or two, and sometimes longer; and the boys and me would be at the same time hunting; and when the boys was successful, they gave them the fruits of their labour as a reward for their ingenuity: but for my part, I done it with a view to keep as much in their good graces as possible, or I should have been as proud of the mid-day rest as themselves; and at such times it has happened, that I have been the most successful in the company that day:—but all this could not procure my liberty for the night, for the more useful they sound me, with the more hardships they conducted themselves towards me, by close watching and restraint.

The women several times interfered in my behalf to procure my releasement; but it only brought on them­selves displeasure, and on me additional watchfulness; so that it was totally out of their power to alleviate my calamity; excepting providing me food at such times of scarcity, as the callous hearted wretches was sparing.

Notwithstanding their barbarous nature, I did not receive many blows from them, as my usefulness pre­cluded all necessity for that; but the confinement at night never ceased till within one week of my [...] form them.

[Page 173] When they set out in the morning, they usually have about forty arrows each, slung to their side in a piece of deer's skin:—they are made of unjointed cane; in­to the smaller end they drive a piece of hard wood, and splitting the end of this bit of wood, they drive in a small piece of flint, two inches in length, which they secure in by wrapping the wood with silk grass; the extremity of the flint being made very sharp, for the better penetrating into the game.

As we was once in pursuit of some large animal by the tracks of his feet through the thickets, the Chief and front of the company, were suddenly surprised with an uncommon rustling of the leaves, and looking round, beheld two furious tygers, one of which made a leap at one of the people, and catching hold of his leg, tore him terribly, but was soon forced to relinquish his hold, and turning tail followed his companion; but the party would not quit their pursuit, until they had again come in sight of them and killed one; but it was too late in the day to prosecute the chase after the other; and even now we could not arrive to any frequented place of rendezvous that evening, but obliged to con­tent ourselves with lodging under some trees in the woods, and next morning conducted the wounded man to our nearest accustomed place of repose and rest, and left him under the care of some women. This morning [...] fared but poorly for breakfast, for the one animal [...], was all we had amongst us for supper and breakfast: from this time for some days, we was none [Page 174] of us very successful, which induced the Chief to call a council; which being done, the result was, for us to remove further up into the country, which is very common amongst them. Now the next thing to be concluded upon, was what course to steer, and in this case the Chief had no more authority than another, and every one gave his own opinion; and when all had done, it was decided by the majority of voices, and this majority was taken in a very odd manner: every one got a bit of stick, and put down on the ground with the largest end pointing that course he would wish to take, and when every one had done, the sticks was numbered, and that point that had the greatest, had what might be called one vote: the sticks was again delivered to the company, and laid down again, and the largest number being again towards the same point, this was the track concluded upon for the journey. A fire being kindled, these sticks was all burnt on that spot where the largest number laid, and the ashes taken up, and carried about a mile on that route, and then seattered in the air.

We now proceeded in a direct line for five days, killing such game as did fall in our way, and rest­ing at night on the most convenient spot that presented to us. The fifth day we came to a spot that had been some time past the resort of some tribe, but now over­grown with coarse grass, moss and shrubs; and as game did now begin to flow in upon us plentifully, [...] concluded to make this one of our new resorting places, [Page 175] and directly began to clean and make preparations for supper; but while we was busy in this affair, a party of another tribe, to whom it did originally belong (and who like ourselves was benighted) made their appear­ance, and this caused a consternation, and confusion took place, which of course soon amounted to a quar­rel; but our number being so far superior, the con­flict was soon terminated without any further ill effects than a few bruises and bloody noses; but as the ori­ginal possessors was not willing to forsake their own ter­ritory, nor us disposed to quit our new fortunate disco­very; there was a parley held between the oldest man of them and our Chief, which continued about half an hour, and terminated amicably; so that we all sat down together, and divided our provision in common, and next, morning very peaceably separated; we be­gan to forage the wood without any intention of ad­vancing forward, and return again in the evening; we had good success, and returned and found the same party there before us: I expected another fracas would take place; but on the contrary, all was amity and friendship. Next morning we separated, taking dif­ferent routes, and our own company also divided—the party I was with had good success, and in the evening we all met together, but the others had not sufficient for supper, exclusive of breakfast, which made our's very acceptable. This evening the strange party was not there, and the first evening that I was at liberty all the night, without being closely guarded: but think­ing I was now reconciled to my destiny, they neglect­ed [Page 176] the precaution, and I gave them every reason to believe that my situation amongst them was agreeable, but it was only an opportunity for an escape that I meditated, which soon after happened; for having wandered further than usual, we came to one of the most delightful spots of herbage, purling brook, and shady grove of trees around as could be seen; with so much plantane and trooly growing, that in a few mi­nutes the women had enough gathered and hung up, to supply the company for several nights, when it was pressed: we directly fixed upon this spot as another rendezvous; so now we had two on our new acquired dominions. The next evening we all assembled there, having in the course of the day found our other party, and communicated the discovery.

The chief employ of the women was to prepare plantane liquor, for we had been some time without, and what was eagerly wished for. We went now al­together for several days, and generally successful, so that there was a reserve of meat and plenty of liquor.

One morning before we set out, the Chief harrangu­ed the company, which I understood enough to know that if we was successful this day, the evening should be spent in jovial festivity; and for this reason we was divided into five parties, the better to accomplish our wishes. I must acknowledge that these last few days I had experienced as much civility from them as I could desire or expect; nor had any thoughts of escaping [...] ­tered [Page 177] my mind for a day or two, and this morning I was remarkably tranquil and composed; and luckily every party was successful, and the evening spent in a manner bordering upon mad festivity: all was harmo­ny, love, mirth, and jocundity, and to crown all, every one (myself excepted) was stupid, and totally int [...]icated; and when they laid down to rest com­pletely drunk, and senseless. In the course of the even­ing, it entered my mind to embrace the opportunity of the night, and leave them. I weighed the matter se­riously in my mind, and gave it every consideration I could suggest; deliberately comparing circumstances, to circumstances, and drawing conclusions from pre­sent experiences, to future expectations, if I should make my escape good, not only from them, but out of the forrest.

I now could see so far into the goodness of God, as to lift up my heart unto him in a luke-warm, formal manner for direction; but what the spirit of prayer was, I was still a stranger unto; altho' it might naturally be supposed, that I had trials sufficient to have taught me before this time, to have known how to have pray­ed in the spirit, and communed with the spirit; but I was a stranger to myself, and a stranger unto God. I persisted in my resolution, and towards the middle of the night, took my leave of them, after being with them fourteen months: about nine under the protection of the women, and five under guard of the men; and [Page 178] not ten nights of this time without being bound by night, with my hands pinioned; and notwithstanding their cruelty unto me, I left this tribe with more re­gret than either of the others, and even shed tears when I stole away from them.

CHAPTER VI.

I COULD not tell what course to steer; to return from whence we came, I deemed fruitless, and to go forward would be dangerous of falling into [...] hands of those with whom we met two evenings at our rest­ing place; but as there was no alternative, I thought it best to venture forward, and explode an unknown course; if peradventure I might arrive to some hospi­table spot, or the sea shore, as I had hitherto done, so I continued a direct course as near as I could, and found the country more and more promising; and with a few arrows I took with me, I had the good for­tune on the second day to kill a rabbit, which I roasted by a fire I made: I never before ventured to make a fire while wandering by myself, for fear the smoke [...]uld betray me; but my appreh [...]ns on that head was quite dispelled now; my soul was in no agitation, [Page 180] I was under no dread of being re-taken, for the tribe took too little notice of me to think me worth pur­suing.

On the fourth day in the morning, I came within sight of a spot of land, about two acres within an in­closure, and horse's dung on it. Judge, gentle reader, my exultation to see the effects of the hand of industry. I promised myself the felicity before evening to enter some civilized village, and like the sumptuous "rich man," seed luxuriously: my joy took away my appetite, and the anticipation of approaching delicacies, would not permit my seeking for any game; and thus the day passed me with vain delusions, and empty expectations, for nothing more could I discern that day, that had any appearance of the neighbourhood being inhabited; and in the evening laid down with an empty stomach and low spirits; but before I had lain ten minutes, I saw at a distance another party of Indians, about a hundred, but they had with them loaded horses, and more covering than the rest, and by their motions had the appearance of civilized people: altho' I could very easily have evaded them, I reasoned with myself that they must be a tribe that do business with the Spa­niards, and [...] course a little more learned and hu­mane than the others; besides the opportunity that might now present of entering on board a Spanish ves­sel, if I was amongst these people. I came to a reso­lution, and situated myself so as for them to se [...] [...] they no sooner came to me, but I perceived they was [Page 181] trading people; and hoping they might be endued with some understanding, and compassion, I appeared before them in a supplicating posture on my knees, like too many professors; they will pray to a man that can kill only the body, in sincerity; and pray unto the Lord, that can cast the soul into hell, with hypocrisy.

This humiliating posture did not much attract their notice, in the sense I could wish it; but like the former crews they seized me, and led me away, and in an hour we came to their place of residence; where to my agreeable surprise, I saw near twenty wigwhams, and women and children around them. When we was come near enough for the women to distinguish me, they set up a loud cry, but the men soon pacified them: they tied me to a stake with a strong hempen [...] (the first I had seen) but if they had left me loose, [...] not have attempted to went one step from them.

They now began to unload their horses, which con­sisted of many European toys, some spirits, and a large quantity of Indian corn—they had been upwards of two hundred miles for it; and purchased it of some Indians that live near the sea, and trade with the Spa­niards by exchanging furs, skins and wood, for knives, daggers, tools and sundry things; but this tribe was the most remote that carry furs so far in exchange; and being but seldom they went, the residue of their [...] was spent in the woods; but they had every ad­vantage [Page 182] of cultivating land, and raising Indian corn, for there was a great deal of open land, and they knew the value and service of Indian corn, because they did eat it, and any kind of tools needful for digging and hoeing the land, they could get on their journey; but they appeared to me a very lazy people.

The enclosed spot of ground that I saw in the morn­ing, belonged to them;—they had six horses, and did let them run in the woods till within a few days of their setting out on a journey, when they was put there for readiness: they did commonly go twice a year.

The next morning after they had me, I was liberat­ed, and after breakfast sent out with a scouting party in [...], but they was so lazy and indolent, that they [...] scarce any thing; and if I had not been more mindful and successful, we should had nothing to carry home worth dressing. This first day's exploit of mine, gained their good favor, and in the evening I was feasted as well as any of them, and had the same liberty; sleeping in one of the wigwhams; which were made by bending a parcel of sticks, so that both ends might enter the ground, and covering them with boughs, leaves, and turfs of grass, so close, that nei­ther rain nor wind can penetrate it.

The animals that we brought home was dressed as if it had been mutton, but it was on the coa [...]s; [...] with it we had a little brandy and water, a great [...] [Page 183] to me. In the morning we set out again, but so dila­tory was these fellows, they did permit game to pass them without getting ready, or step one step after them; and it was my diligence that again crowned the day; but every day manifesting more and more their indolent dispositions, and depending almost upon me, was disheartening, and in process of time, when winter approached, I was sent out by myself, and, though it was opportunities for escaping, and even with one of the horses, if I thought proper; it did not appear to me prudent, for I was in hopes some more favorable season would offer, when I might do it with little or no hazard; and besides, I was used as civil as one of themselves, but suffered very much by hun­ger; for when there was a scarcity, which was fre­quently the case, I had but the measure of their cha­rity.

After I had been with them four months, they had a general painting amongst them: but they give them­selves a slight covering every two or three weeks.

They now had a large quantity of red and black paint ready prepared, with which they daubed them­selves very thick in separate places, so that they look spotted; and with it they mix the seed of an herb well ground, and cement all together with greese: I did not s [...]e what they made this paint of, but I suppose the [...] as the others, which I have before spoken of; but the manner of laying [...] on is very different from [Page 184] the rest; the face is striped, and their bodies in dia­monds, and the arms round spots, but laid on very thick.

There is something very singular in this tribe in their behaviour, which I apprehend they must have learnt from their little acquaintance with the Spaniards, and from those distant tribes that they occasionally trade with, who it is probable has very much of the habits and customs of the Spaniards amongst them. During the time I was with this tribe, I never saw an instance of levity and ridiculous gestures, or an excess of eating, drinking, or ludicrous wantonness:—there is but little discourse amongst them, but a kind of lazy reserved­ness, and very frequently have not a mouthfull to eat in the morning, and must stop until the evening, till some of the archers has been a hunting; but notwith­standing this fasting, there is not the least sign of mur­mur, or dissatisfaction, amongst the women towards the men, but all is borne with silent, unconcerned pa­tience; for in their turn, the women are as bad as the men. It is not uncommon to see them take the horses and ride about the woods for pleasure, altho' they do not seem to take any; and at the same time nothing in their wigwhams to eat.

They were in general a clean people—every thing had the appearance of decency (making allowance for their race) and resembled much the civilized [...] by washing, and brushing all around them.

[Page 185] If they had not been accustomed to such a degree of laziness, my being with them would have been benefi­cial; for if every man amongst them did kill half the quantity of game that I did three days in the week, I should myself have made up the rest; for they had plenty of game, many men, and but few woman and children in comparison.

I was as easy in my mind as I could wish to be, be­ing under no terror or dread o [...] severe treatment, by confinement or blows; neither did I ever receive any from the first two days, but experienced every usage in common with themselves. Every method I could devise, or suggest, I made use of to rouse them from their indolence; by laying before them the advantage resulting from diligence;—I attempted to persuade them of the utility of cultivating a spot of ground, and planting some corn, which there was no obstacle to prevent, but natural flothfulness. For tools, they could procure them of those they traded with, or even with­out going half the distance, as there was several tribes they did pass on their journey, that [...]ad lands under cultivation, and lived under a state of regular govern­ment; but all I could do could not prevail upon them to set about this necessary reform in their lives; altho' I would have willingly performed the manual labour [...] own hands, for I was frequently at home [...] [...] day idle, and should have been oftener, but my [...] in the woods seeking game required me there [...] me a disgust to [...] people but [...]; [Page 186] I could have spent my time, I could almost have said my days, amongst them contentedly, had it not been for this one predominant evil; for health, ease, and civility, was now so transcendently exulting and comfortable to me, that I had almost forgot the supe­rior advantages of civilization, and cannot tell if ever I should have left them; even in the present case, the desires for further human enjoyments did seldom en­gross my notice, and for liberty, I had no occasion to wish for it, because I was not in captivity; but if I had left them, it was probable I should soon be.

In this manner about eight months passed, when the season arrived for them to take another trip; when for two or three weeks we was all closely engaged [...] hunt­ing for beavers, rabbits, foxes, and other animals, [...] skins were useful, and having procured upwards of fifty beavers, two hundred rabbits, as many foxes, and three times the number of squirrels, and a multi­tude of other small animals, every thing was prepar­ed for the journey; I was in great hopes they would have let me we [...]t with them, and made all the solicita­tions I could, but in vain: my usefulness was too ma­nifest, and when the women found I was petitioning to go, they done all in their power to prevent it; and even with the importunities of friendship, earnestly desired me to stay with them, for those of the [...] was left behind, would not provide half provis [...]; altho' this was not expressed in direct language [...] [...] ­prehensive to me, I understood the [...] [Page 187] from them so feelingly, and impressed so forci­bly upon my own feelings, that I relinquished my soli­citations, and gave way to the sensations of tenderness and compassion.

How the case is altered—for seven years being my­self in a state of commiseration, destitute of every com­passionate heart, and deprived of the opportunity of enjoying the consolation of one sympathising friend; should the first time an opportunity presented, display that degree of human feeling, and soft sensations to those that was themselves estranged into it, which I myself could not experience for so many years.

The morning being arrived, and the horses loaded, the travelling party set out on their journey, being just three men to one horse; what was the cause of there being so many men, when they took me returning from their last journey, I do not know.

The setting out on the journey, was something more affecting than might be expected to take place amongst such people.

The men took every woman by the hand, and put their ch [...]eks together, by way of embracing; this I observed took place at the return from the other jour­ney; then each man pointed towards the sky, and [...]he [...] at the time clapping their hands and shouting; [...] that was husbands and wives, was more par­ticularly [Page 188] engaged, and seemed to separate very melt­ingly. This being [...]ver, they set out, taking with them bows and arrows; the women looking at them, clapping their hands till they was out of sight, when they all retired to a little cleared smooth spot, and be­gan dancing, and continued full two hours; but these were only the women that had their husbands in the company. After this, every one returned to the ne­cessary occupations of the day; and leaving them all to their own engagements, I went to the wood, and in the evening early brought home a fine fat buck; on which we feasted deliciously; the children playing around me with the greatest pleasure and infantite in­nocence; but the rest of the men had been lurking about all the day. I got more and more in favor eve­ry day, and was as happy as an Indian in all his splen­dour could be; and during the whole time the compa­ny was gone, which was six weeks, I never let them want for provisions; and when some of the rest would accompany me, we was often provided for two or three days plentifully, during which I did walk about, or repair the wigwhams, or procure fire-wood; and thus the time passed till the company's return, which was a day of mirth and festivity; and by my means plenty of food was ready for them, for they generally come home hungry and poor in flesh, as time will not admit of hunting much, and the dried meat they take with them, is gone before they set out on their return.

[Page 189] I was very glad to see them, and was embraced in their manner of patting the right cheek with their right hand very cordially; and the good supper that was in readiness for them exulted them highly: the women and even the men making known that it was my enter­tainment, and how useful I had been all the time they was absent; this made them give a shout, and sque [...]z­ing me to their breasts such as were near me: I took it upon me also to attend the horses, and had provided some good grass to feed them before they was turned loose.

The produce of the journey was left untouched till the morning: it was wrapped up in very coarse Spa­nish bags, like wool bags, such as the Spaniards pack their wool in. Next morning when we came to open the parcels they consisted of the following articles:

Hatchets, knives, wine, corn, spirits, wooden and glass bottles, leather, hats, toys, some carpenter's tools, and many other articles: the generality of which were useful things if they had been in the possession of such as knew how to use them; but as the articles they did exchange cost nothing, neither was what they did bring back in return of much service, excepting the li­quor and corn; leather and hats; the leather they did cut out into things something like shoes, and the hats they wore.

[Page 190] During all the time I was with them, we never slept from home ten nights, not going far enough in the day; for if they did not meet with success enough in time to return, they went back without, and this was the cause of our being so often short of provision; and even when we did fall in with a herd of deer, that by pursuing them we might have killed probably twenty in the course of day, which might be preserved by drying, their dilatory natures would not permit them to embrace the opportunity.

This tribe was worthy of pity, for they had every advantage, and improved none: their situation was such that they was never molested by other troublesome tribes:—they had a large tract of land, with a consider­able part of it almost free from every incumbrance; fine streams of water; plenty of game; six or seven good horses, and opportunity to procure of the other tribes that trade with the Spaniards every necessary ar­ticle they wanted; and yet surrounded with all these advantages, they fared harder and lived more uncom­fortable than any tribe I was with; 'tis true they had better covering, and warmer lodging, but too lazy to provide for their bellies, and as craving for food when 'twas on the spot as the rest.

I believe this was the most distant tribe, in-land, that did ever have any European commodities in a re­gular course of dealing, for I never saw one man that belonged to another tribe whilst I was with them.

[Page 191] I was really desirous to render them all the service I could, and if it could not be done one way, to do it in another; for which purpose, I proposed to them to in­crease the number of wigwhams, and repair those al­ready erected: I explained to them the purpose of the tools, and how to use them; we had a saw and other serviceable tools, as hammer and nails: I very soon brought them to approve of my plan for increasing our dwellings; which we set about upon an improved plan, considering the abilities of the architect; and soon had a frame of wood constructed, so that when it was di­vided into partitions, would constitute six comfortable cabins; or a house with six rooms. The carpenter's work was left to me, and though a workman would see nothing to merit his notice, it was an ingenious, masterly piece of building here: we had no boards, nor wanted none: the frame was the principal; and for rafters, joices, and upright pieces, they was so thick, it was easy for us to make all close with pla [...] ­ing in boughs, and coarse grass▪ and during our erect­ing this frame, and closing it all over, the men and women laboured with extraordinary diligence, and in the course of two months, we had it tenable for six men and women separately.

After we had finished our building, we repaired the wigwhams, and by the time this was also compleated, another trading journey was contemplated. As soon as I [...] it in agitation, I strongly renewed my request to [...] company them, but with the same [...] as be­fore. [Page 192] I began now to suggest some method of follow­ing them undiscovered; but could not hit upon any one that promised success, and at the same time must be undertaken with imminent hazard. I need not re­ [...]at the preparations and setting out on the journey, as it was the same as before; but instead of three men to each horse, they now took five; and a few days before their departure the whole company was so effectually painted that the red colour is visible with me to this day on my left arm.

I became very anxious to leave them, and the second week after the company's departure, I done it; the principal cause for it at that exact time was as follows:

The men remaining behind, was so indolent that 'twas almost impossible for me with the little assistance I received from them, to kill game sufficient to render the women comfortable; for their own wolfish appetites would gorge in such an amazing quantity, when put before them, tho' too lazy to hunt for it, that with all my industry the women suffered much; but I had a sincere good will for them, and hunted with pleasure for their comfortable sustenance. Being exasperated at their uncommon idleness, I came to a determination to quit them, and try to trace the tracks of the travel­lers; but it being through woods, and across rivers, I knew it would be attended with great difficulties, and many hazards; but I concluded if I was taken [...] ano­ther tribe, it might be one still more enlighten [...] [Page 193] accordingly taking my bow and arrows as usual, I rose early in the morning and set out, but had not gone more than four miles, before a large deer started up before me; not willing to let such an opportunity es­cape, I levelled and brought him to the ground; [...] ­ing in possession of him, I could not tell what to do with him on the journey, and of course turned round with him towards my companions that I had left, which as soon as they saw so early in the day, they all began to shew tokens of gratitude, and joyfulness; their extacies and fondness attached me to them again too powerfully to leave them again that day, and next morning an incident happened that prevented it: the men all arose cheerful and in high spirits, to go a hunting, and after breakfast, taking bow and ar­rows, went forth; appointing me their leader; and from my frequent traversing the woods, no one at that time was better qualified to know where the game most­ly resorted. We kept so close together as to be within sound of a whistle; this was by my desire, because I had a few days before seen two pair of deer feeding there­about, and was in hopes amongst us all we should fall in with them, which accordingly happened, and we killed three, besides a good stock of game we had be­fore, so that we returned home loaded with spoil. I earnestly pressed them to cure it, and for us to renew our chase next morning, but all in vain; they eat eve­ry bit before one of them attempted to stir, and the women are as bad as the men in this case: they eat [Page 194] very luxuriously till all is gone, and never urge the men in the least to activity.

This wasteful extravagance gave me a disgust even to the women, and made me renew my resolutions of leaving them; accordingly, next morning I took my leave as before, and marched forward all the day; I was not under any fear of being pursued; for I fancy the terror was now on their side for my safety. As I had nothing to impede my progress, I imagine my journey that day was about fifty miles; and altho' I had traced their horses by the dung upwards of thirty miles, hav­ing now a river to cross, I was at a stand, nor could see any signs where they passed it, and following the stream near a mile one way in vain, and going the same road back for near a mile on the other to no pur­pose, I gave over the search for the night, and dearly repented the attempt. In the morning very early I arose and went forward by the side of the stream, and thus travelled till near mid-day, when being quite dis­mayed and dejected, I sat down and eat the last bit of meat I brought away: thus despairing of crossing the water, I was almost upon turning back, but being thus f [...]r advanced, I assumed new courage, and leaving the river, I struck across the forrest into a wood, and seeing something like a path, I followed it, and in about an hour saw a mule grazing, and attempted to come up with him, but in vain: still I followed the track, and presently saw another mule, and in a few minutes se­veral more; it was an encouraging sight, but they was [Page 195] too wild to permit me to come near them, but they was thus far serviceable, by following them it brought me in about an hour to the [...]xtremity of the wood, out on an open plain, with here and there a tree and a few bushes, with many horses and mules feeding: I was now confirmed in my opinion, that there must [...]e inhabitants not far distant; I looked around on every side, but could see no sign of a house of cultivation; but the footsteps of the cattle was just visible, and this track I followed for nine or ten miles as well as I could: towards evening I saw at a distance before me an enclo­sure, towards which I hastened, and soon after, a mile or two beyond it a large house, at the sight of which I was ready to drop to the earth with the transports of joy that possessed me, at seeing a house promising at this distance to be the mansion of hospitality, after eight years and a half wild wanderings in woods and forrests, the resorts of wild beasts, and savages, more terrible than the beasts themselves.

With all the speed possible I made towards it, and soon came near enough to discern a well cultivated farm, with horses, cows, corn, and hay in plenty: I now thanked my fortunate stars that had led my wan­dering footsteps to the desirable spot, after one year and nine months residence amongst the last Indians: I cannot call it a captivity, because I was always at large and at liberty.

CHAPTER VII.

WITH a timorous assurance, between hope and fear, I approached the house; and knocking at the door, there came out a well dressed Indian, who look­ed at me for some time with a mild and symathising countenance; but by the form of his head I was con­vinced that he was one of the Woolaways, from whom I first made my escape, and this filled me with some terror, but considering the distance I was from them, it soon subsided.

The venerable stranger now addressed me in the Spa­nish language; but I did not understand him, and ad­dressed him in turn in my own native tongue, the En­glish, and to my great surprise and joy, he answered me in the same language:—how did my heart leap [Page 198] within me [...]or joy! to hear and speak, and to answer and be understood.

I was now invited into the house, and the first thing was to order a servant to place provisions before me: the w [...]thy old gentleman knew I could not have come there without having escaped from some Indians, and knew that I must stand in need of refreshment: a table was spread, and covered with delicacies; and good roast mutton, with its sauce and vegetables, was a feast I never shall, or can forget, and plenty of good Spanish wine also graced the board: pye and fruit, but­ter and cheese, was also at my service, but nature could not digest such a variety for the first time. After I had done supper, my aged host took me into his parlour, and began in a very polite and respectful manner to in­terrogate me; as who I was? how I came there? and many other similar questions: all which I answered in the most respectful manner; and should have accompa­nied it with humiliating manners, but he had not enough of the European in him, to display his own dig­nity, by humbling in body, the already distressed in spirit: he wished to alleviate the sufferings, and not increase the painful sensations of an unfortunate fellow-creature, by manifesting his own feelings; judging I must be fatigued in body, he advised me to go to rest, assuring me I might sleep composed and calm in mind.

Thus closed the first night's interrogation, and I had no reason to be under any dread for the consequen­ces. [Page 199] My bed being ready, I made him a thankful obeisance, and went to rest. I now candidly assure my readers, that it was the middle of the might before I could go to sleep; owing to the pleasing reflections on my mind, when contrasted with what was past:—the softness of a f [...]ther bed—the still cal [...]ness of the night, all added to the pleasing anticipations of what was behind; it was nothing astonishing that I could not sleep: but when nature was overcome with weigh­ty thought, and impressed with the powers of silent darkness, I never awoke 'till called next morning to ac­company my worthy benefactor at his table to break­fast, on chocolate and butter-toast: but prior to being introduced to his wife and children, he had me into his wardrobe, and cloathed me from head to foot—with a shirt, [...], stockings, shoes, and straw hat; and being thus equipped, I sat down to breakfast with him­self and family, having a black servant to wait upon me.

After breakfast, we renewed our evening subject; and I gave him a circumstantial detail of the adven­tures of my life, from first going to sea, till this hour. He seemed to give credit to all my relation, and espe­cially that which concerned the different tribes of Indi­ans I had been with; for my describing their particular marks and customs, he told me their names, which I did not know before, and expressed a happy surprise that I escaped them; for there was very few did ever escape alive from the Woolaways. He said it was not often that they did retain any captive as a slave, but [Page 200] kill him immediately; but the other tribes did keep a captive a great while, but it was not often they had one, being too far from the sea. And for the Bucke­raws, he was astonished how I got amongst them, as they are at a farther distance from the Woolaways, than the third tribe I fell in with. The Woolaways are the most savage race in all that part of the country—The distance I was now from whence they first took me, he said was about four hundred miles; and their nearest place of rendezvous to this spot, about three hundred; between them and us was the two last tribes, but the second and third tribe laid off at a considerable distance; so that if I had taken the right course when I first escaped from the Woolaways, it is probable I might have been at his house five or six years ago; for if I had escaped the Assenwasses, the third tribe, I sould have been at once with this last tribe, and could have left them when I pleased:—he called them Pom­poos, and said they was the most inoffensive Indians in all South America; that they did generally go twice a year up the country to trade with some other Indians, who carried on a correspondence with the Spaniards:—their journey was sometimes longer and further than at others:—when they did set out for a distant trade, near two hundred miles from their own home, they did go in a large company, because they had a tedious wood to pass that was much pestered with a band of Indian miscreants, that made a practice of plundering all that they fell in with that was not too powerful for them.

[Page 201] The road my last tribe did travel, was about forty miles one side this house:—he told me where I lost their track, and how far I had got on my unknown journey at that time:—if I had continued in their route, I should, in six or seven hours more, arrived at another Indian village, larger than that I left, who did also go the same journey yearly to trade; but they had grass, corn, and tame cattle around them, and very industrious, and proportionally luxurious and wasteful; besides being excessive drinkers. The chief commodity they did bring home was spirits, and this did frequently create broils and strife between them, which made both them and their neighbourhood very disagreeable; they was about forty miles from this place: the next inhabited spot was about a hundred miles forward, consisting of above two hundred souls, divided into about eighty families, each having their own wigwham, or hut; the next was about twenty miles forward, and these was near enough to the sea to sail up the river in their canoes, and [...] skins, furs, and other articles for European [...] the first hand; but they did not carry on traffic [...] to supply their n [...]ighbours; but twenty miles farther was an Indian sea port, where the Spaniards did come and unload, and make their exchanges; and here most of the Indians for many miles did resort.

He said it was in one respect fortunate for me that I had [...] the Indians track; for if I had fell into either [Page 202] of their hands, they would have sold me to the spa­niards, who would have sentenced me to the gallows, or committed me to the mines for my life. The Spa­niards gave them a good price for an Englishman, and he supposed there might be now many hundreds of my countrymen condemned to the mines, that have been reported as dead by the hands of Indians, or wild beasts; but it is seldom any tribe kill a captive that is near enough to dispose of him, as they frequently do from one tribe to another; perhaps the first will ex­change him for a few dead animals, if their distance is too far from the sea; and the next for a little more, and so on till he falls into the hands of christian barba­rians, more inhuman than Indian savages.

He told me of four Englishmen that had about four years ago been taken by the Woolaways, who had made their escape after nearly two years bondage; their calamities and sufferings not enabling them to do it [...]; and after wandering in the woods two months, was at last taken by one of the human trading tribes, and exchanged from them to another, who was putting them on board their canoes to go up the river to dispose of them; when one of them embracing the opportunity, knocked down an Indian and run into the woods: [...]ey could not with propriety pursue him, be­cause having the other three to guard: thereby he made his escape, and after six days arrived at [...] house: he entertained him with the same [...] [Page 203] hospitality as he did me, and sent him forward in the same manner as he must me.

During my stay at his house, he condescended to give me a detail of his own life: the principal events of which are as follows:

He said he was born one of the Woolaways, and con­tinued with the tribe till he was eighteen years of age, according to his own computation, since he has em­braced christianity; and as he with several others of the tribe was fishing along the coast, a party of Mos­ketomen came upon them unawares, that had failed down the river in a canoe, and although they made all the resistance in their power, the enemy was too strong, being superior in numbers, and armed for battle; and they carried them a good distance up the river, as much as three days failing, and exchanged them away with the Spaniards: in a few days it was his good fortune to be sold by the Spaniards to an English mer [...]hant, that had a factory on the Musketo shore, a few leagues off—whatever became of his unfortunate companions, [...]e never heard, but supposes they were disposed off af­ter the same manner.

He continued in this merchant's service many years, and enjoyed himself as well as it was possible for a captive to do, experiencing such a measure of humane [...] generous usuage, that his heart has always leaned towards an Englishman ever since; and his bowels [Page 204] now yearned for me, that he could not secure my fu­ture peace and liberty. While he was in this service, he was employed both by land and sea in several confi­dential trusts, and made three voyages to Jamaica as commander of his master's stoop; and which trust and confidence he never betrayed, nor forseited, but gain­ed his employer's good will daily, and was instructed at his expence in the English language, which he could now converse in very [...]uently, though not altogether so correct; as many years had elapsed since he had much occasion for it. His master he said was of a peaceable, mild disposition; tender, humane and be­nevolent; and he had no reason at all to complain of his servitude; but an anxious desire to be again amongst his own people, prevailed over that improved under­standing that he had acquired amongst enlightened people, and this liberty he at last obtained.

He had been twelve years in his master's service, and of course had acquired not only confidence, but expe­rience in the customs, manners, and conduct of the Europeans, as well as the Islanders in America:—his master entrusted him in the negociation of the sloop's freight, and other business the Islands, as well as the management of a considerable part of his domes­tic concerns, when at home: so that nothing was wanted to render his life pleasant and agreeable, but to overcome his desires for a renewal of his for [...] [...] ­vage life, which might appear strange, after so [...] years experiencing such a reverse of circumstances▪ but [Page 205] [...] verifies very forcibly the old adage, "Home is home if it be ever so homely."

In the twelfth year of his servitude, being at sea a fishing in a large canoe, with four Musketomen, that his master kept in his service; a strong wind arose, and drove them quite off from their own shore; and continuing in the same point several days, they were driven a very considerable way to the southward; and as soon as they could they went on shore to procure water and provisions: they had not been long ashore, before he discovered that he was near a spot which he formerly frequented, before he was taken from his na­tive companions, the Woolaways;—his mind now be­came strongly impressed with an inclination to rejoin his former comrades, and bid adieu to civilized hap­piness, peace, and content: accordingly he deserted his companions, the Musketomen, and went in search of his former associates, the Woolaways, and what became of the poor forsaken Musketomen, he never heard, until two years past, he was informed by a Spaniard, from the Musketo shore.

After searching about [...] near dark, and hearing nothing of him, they went to the water side, and fa [...]t­ening the canoe, they laid themselves down to sleep, intending to renew their search in the morning; but in the course of the night, the canoe fell adr [...] and [...] them out to sea, while they was all asleep, and [Page 206] awakening in the morning thus situated, they was to­tally at a loss how, or where to steer, and gave them­selves up entirely to the mercy of the waves. In this deplorable state they remained, tossed to and fro five days, when they were fortunately picked up by another fishing canoe, and landed about forty leagues from their master's, the Englishman; their own conoe be­ing turned adrist, as leaky and dangerous.—They marched by land, and arrived at home, after near three weeks absence.

Now to return to the narration of my host:—After he had deserted his companions, he traversed the woods till d [...]rk—next morning he pursued his route and search, and early in the day fell in with a party, a few of which he recognised; but his dress, and change of countenance, had rendered him totally estranged to them; but after a short time he made himself known, and, stripping off his cloaths, immediately became as one of them. He presently found the inconveniences and disadvantages between his present and past life:—he had almost forgot the use of the bow:—his naked body could not sustain the [...]ricking of the thorns and [...]bles:—his bare [...] [...]and the ill effects of the ragged ground, and his delicate stomach could not relish the half raw animal, nor his constitution digest the [...]seous food:—the inclemency of the weather af­fected his body, and th [...] fatigue of the day was too [...] and [...]ious, for his health and strength [...]

[Page 207] Not two weeks had elapsed, before he was as anx­ious to be again under the Englishman's roof, as be­fore he was to be sheltered under the Indian trooly leaf:—he tried, and tried in vain to reconcile his mind to his present vagrancy; but every day added increas­ing strength to his determination, to quit them: and having duly considered all circumstances, and reason­ed upon the matter in his mind (for he was capable of reasoning rationally now, and judging wisely, and de­termining prudently) he gave them notice of what he was purposed to do, and finally took an affectionate adieu of them; here was no need of subtility or cun­ning for escaping, but a cordial and friendly separa­tion took place. During his stay with them he had communicated the transactions and experiences of his life in his long absence, and endeavoured to prevail upon two of them to accompany him on his return, as it might be the means of establishing an amicable un­derstanding, and future friendship between them and the Musketomen; but their ideas was too wild and dark to reason with that accuracy as to deduce profita­ble conclusions from my worthy friend's arguments▪ and thus he was obliged to leave them; and having no hopes of ever reaching the Musketo shore, where his former master resided, he turned his thoughts to­wards the Spanish coast, and disposed to venture his life upon their humanity; and being well acquainted with the country, he travelled the [...]orr [...]st and [...] three weeks, when he fell in with a tribe [...] a stranger unto [...] and [...]uld not converse [...] [Page 208] them; they took him as a prisoner, and kept him two days, when he found means to escape, and pursued his route, and travelled on three weeks without any inter­ruption, or inconvenience, excepting hunger and fa­tigue, as he had not always an opportunity to procure game or fruit. After six weeks travel, he came to the very spot where his house now stood, and drank of the brook that now ran through his own yard; he then proceeded till he came amongst the Spaniards, who seized him, and conducting him to Ma [...]aolpa, confined him in the same prison where 'twas my lot presently to be cast; examined by two of the same magistrates, guarded by the same gaoler, and for some time confin­ed in the same ward; as I found afterwards from the descriptions he gave me of the men and prison.

After he had been in this prison about a month, he was conducted some hundred miles through the country, to a place called Guatamala, where the Spa­nish Governor at that time resided (the last prison that I was in) here he was strictly examined, and the Go­vernor happily believing his tale, shewed him great le­nity, and ordered him into the custody, or more pro­perly, under the care of one of his own confidential servants, in his own house, until he had the opinion and counsel of some of the leading men of the town, how to dispose of him. After four days, he was again ordered into the presence of the Governor, and the in­ [...]rior magistrates of the town, who interro [...] him [...]owly, and finding the [...] [Page 209] did bear corroborating evidence of corresponding fact, they entertained a favorable opinion of him, and began to think of displaying some tokens of friendship towards him, not doubting but from his experiencing so many years of christian civilization, he had voluntarily made the exchange from insidelity to Christianity:—the next day he was summoned before the Governor; who after a few questions, proposed to him a service in his own fa­mily, with this proviso, that on the first instance of dishonesty, or disobedience, he should be severely p [...] ­ [...]ished.

Accordingly he was admitted as a menial drudge, doing all the refuse and flavish work of the house [...] not the most abject servant on the premises, but was his lord in authority; to say unto him "come and he [...]th; go and he go [...]th;" he knew there was no alter­native, but submissive patience, and passive obedience, and he bore the degrading treatment with calm forti­tude; for to give them their due character, he experi­enced no abuse, or ill usage, no [...] [...]anted for sufficien­cy of every refreshing good.

His obliging behaviour and diligence, [...] obtained [...] the [...]ther notice of his master; who from [...] degree to another, promoted him to almost the highest office in his house; and those that [...] played their national pride towards him as [...] serv [...] and beneath notice, was now glad to [...]; and seeing the bunch of keys in [...] [Page 210] to apply the language of supplicants, and use the term "if you please;" but so far was he from retorting in his turn, that his ambition consisted in manifesting his wishes, that a friendly equality should exist amongst fellow servants of every denomination; so that each did retain their own integrity, and fulfil with faithful­ness his appointed trust.

He was now as happy as he could wish to be; and having by this time attained a competency of the Spa­nish language (for his former examinations was by means of an English interpreter) the magistrates, of the town made a proposal to the Governor, his master, to employ him in the service of the nation; to which his master readily acquiesced, on condition any means could be adopted that would be beneficial to both parties: the magistrates then proposed the following plan for his consideration:

There had been of late great depredations commit­ted by plunderers going up and down that river, which he called O [...]za, and doing great injuries to the inha­bitants that lived near it, by Indians, and runagate [...]paniards, and Musk [...]tomen; it was therefore con­cluded upon, that a commodious house, and a pro­portionable quantity of land should be provided, and he should be sta [...]ioned there to prevent passing any ca­noes up and down that river, without his ticket of au­thority; and for this employ no properer person could [...]e fixed upon, as he could question either Indi [...] Spa­niards, [Page 211] Musketomen, or English:—the matter being concluded upon, a day was fixed for him to be consult­ed on his approbation, and opinion: he finding by the tenor of the conversation it was the wish and ex­pectation that he would accept of the trust, out of res­pect to the country, as well as his master and gentle­men of the town, and those of the neighbourhood, where it would be thought most proper for his situa­tion; he did not hesitate to convince them, that he was ready to comply with their request (altho' he would much rather have been excused.) The next thing was to determine upon the spot suitably adapted for the bu­siness, and surveyors was employed to examine the si­tuation of the river, and land fit for cultivation; and at last it was concluded upon to build a house on this spot, there being a large tract of land, and the river not more than a quarter of a mile in breadth, in some places it was three miles, in others much less:—the house being finished, he was provided with a number of [...]laves, sufficient to cultivate his ground, and gu [...] the river:—a particular number [...]as always on th [...] water in canoes, fishing and watching; so that his do­mestics answered a three-fold purpose: to procure fish, cultivate his land, and guard the river; [...] from his first settl [...] there to the present time (which [...] years) there had been no depredations, [...] in­vaders infested the neighbourhood; [...] as no [...] [...] could pass without his knowledge and [...] would have been in vain for robbers or [...] applied for pa [...]ge; so that for [...] [Page 212] material service rendered to the inhabitants that live up the river, he was in universal esteem, and held in great veneration.

He was at first accommodated with a few head of cattle, which he had increased to a very considerable number, so that he could supply the canoes that went up the river for the neighbouring Spanish settlements; and thus by his industry he had acquired great opu­lence: he had no allowance of a pecuniary grant from the government, but liberty to make what advantages he could by the improvement of his land, and produce of his stock; and having no competitor, he made great emoluments by trading with the canoes passing and re­passing.

And further to increase his domestic felicity, he had two comely Indian wives, both of the tribe of the Woolaways, that he originally belonged unto, and one of which he had been acquainted with before his first [...]aving them, and the other during his short residence amongst them the last time; and to complete his do­mestic happiness, he had four children; three by one of his wives, and one by the other; three boys and one girl. Many Indians, and particularly his own native tribe, did occasionally call upon him, in the course of their wanderings, and having it in his power to ac­commodate them in such a plentiful and comfortable manner, it cemented a lasting and solid, friendship, so that his cattle might [...]ange over [...] whole do [...] of [Page 213] the forrest, and a "thousand hills" without being mo­lested; but the nearest place of rendezvous of the near­est tribe unto him, was upwards of eighty miles; so that it was not frequent he had any domeciliary visi­tants; and whenever the Woolaways did come, it was a friendly journey, on purpose to see their country wo­men, which was always observed with a degree of jo­vial festivity; but not accompanied with the substan­tial part of the Indian banquet, which the reader is al­ready apprised of. He had been married to one of his wives six years, and to the other three; the former of which had for a considerable time a longing to return again to her wandering companions, but was since his second marriage become quite reconciled, and enjoyed the tranquility of civil life, with an improved sense of its many peculiar advantages.

After being under the hospitable roof of the christia­nized Indian four days, he affectionately told me, that he must not keep me any longer, for fear it should come to the knowledge of the [...]anish Governor, o [...] any of the officers under the crown, which would prove his ruin, and my death; neither must it be ever known that I suffered him to pass my house without being [...] forward in irons; which if he did, there would be no prospect of mercy, but to go amongst them myself it may probably terminate favorable, but this issue he could only hope for me, not se [...]ure unto me; and to [...]tain me in his service, he dare not, al­though [Page 214] for many reasons as a conversable companion, he should have been glad to have done.

After renewing his entreaty, that I would not di­vulge to any person the civil entertainment and indul­gence I experienced from him; he generously supplied me with such cloaths as was necessary, and then order­ed three black servants to attend me on horseback as far towards the next Indian town as they could with safety, without being in danger of a discovery by any of the Spaniards that come down the country to deal with the Indians. My trusty guides brought me to the Indian town, but durst not be seen with me, for fear some Spaniards should be in the place. This town contained about a hundred dwellings, many of them built of wood, and very handsome, considering its in­habitants: some infidels, and a few converted to chris­tianity.

My guides now left me, giving me directions to pro­ceed towards the Spanish town of Mataolpa, about fifty miles further; and then to throw myself on the clemency of the officers, as there was no other way for me ever to reach my own country but through the Spanish settlements; and wishing me a good and pros­perous journey, left me, to return to their master.

Being left by my guides, I proceeded forward ac­cording to their directions, and continued till late in the evening:—being now greatly fatigued, and [...] [Page 215] no appearance of the town I was going towards, I laid down and fell asleep. Next morning I pursued my journey until about mid-day, when being hungry and weary, I halted under a large tree, and unwarily dropt asleep; in the mean time a drunken Indian ap­proached and awoke me, and addressing me in a lan­guage that I did not understand, I continued silent▪ he then gave me a few pats upon my head in a jocuse, funny manner. Seeing him with a pleasant counte­nance, it revived my spirits, and imagining he was de­sirous to know who I was, I spoke, and said, an En­glishman: an "Englishman!" said he, and immedi­ately gave me a blow with a stick that stunned me, and directly fled from me with the greatest precipitation. As soon as I was a little recovered, I walked to a fal­len trunk of a decayed tree, to take some repose if I could; but I had not been there more than an hour, before I found myself surrounded with about fifty arm­ed Spaniards on horseback; who instantly seized me, and placing me on a swift footed beast, rode furiously away to the town, which was not more than three miles distance: and now commences the aera of my cruel sufferings under the pangs of Spanish imprison­ment almost five years.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE sanguine hopes I had formed of meeting an agreeable reception from the civilized Christian Spa­niards was now vanished, and all hopes of humane compassion and feeling entirely dispelled; I almost wished myself back again amongst the savages of the woods.

I no sooner entered the town, but by c [...]and of some inferior officer, my trembling hands were bound together by strong manacles, and hurried away to pri­son, and there my feet was fixed to the ground by the weight of a ponderous load of iron, and a military [...]ard placed to watch my motions, and from their fu­rious behaviour, as well as other crouds, of curious spectators that approached towards me, I could not for [Page 218] a long while picture to myself any thing less than spee­dy death.

I was presently made to understand that a suspicion was entertained of my being a spy, and they was un­der apprehensions that more of my countrymen was lurking about in the adjacent woods, waiting my re­turning intelligence, to execute some daring enterprise to the injury of the town; but it must be observed, that at this time there was no English forces in hostili­ties with Spain in this part of the globe; consequently a spy could neither be serviceable to his own country, nor prejudicial to another, without a powerful assist­ance: however, in consequence of these groundless ap­prehensions, I was closely watched, and guarded by the military, unnecessarily strong, for a poor weak in­dividual captive; and so impressive was these vain ima­ginations impressed on the minds of the people, that the principal part of the woman and children, with their portable effects, had left the town, and made a precipitate slight a considerable way up into the coun­try, before I had been one week in the town. Such effects has false rumours and reports upon the timo­rous and credulous part of the human race.

I had been in the town four days before the chief magistrate attended, when I was had into the [...] house for examination; but as he could not spea [...] [...] English, nor me the Spanish language, an [...] was necessary; and as no one could be [...] the [Page 219] town qualified for the importancy of the affair, he dis­patched a Negro to the town of Granada, and desired the Governor of that place, to send a person that was fluent in the English language.

My situation was tr [...]ly pitiable during the absence of the massenger. I should not have been alive for ex­amination at his return, if the military had not well guarded the prison from the rancour and inveteracy of the furious mob; and Mataolpa being but a few mile [...] west of Costa Rico river, it was a long distance from Granada; but the message being of such magnitude▪ the person returned within a fortnight, and the Gover­nor with him, by which it may be concluded, that in the opinion of the town where I was a prisoner, I was a person of consequence, and on suspicious business, and dangerous to the state. The Governor brought [...] him several of the principal gentlemen of Granada, [...] be present on the occasion. How I had now to la­ment the presence and benevolent assistance of my wor­thy friend the Indian, to clear up all matters, and re­move suspicions.

The next day after their arrival, my examination commenced in the presence of the governor, the magi [...] ­ [...], and many other gentlemen. A negro that came [...] put the questions to me in English, [...] their proposing to him in Spanish.

[Page 220] As who I was [...] [...]ow I came upon their coast? My occupation? What company I had, and where they was? How long I had been there? and many other similar questions; to all which I gave reasonable and explicit answers, with an exact account of all my mis­fortunes and trials; but these arguments availed no­thing. He told me that some time past there was a person apprehended on the coast, whom the governor had great suspicion of, as being an English spy, and that he was conducted to Old Spain, to be disposed of according to the sentence of their tribunal; and they had great reason to suspect that I was in confederacy with him, or employed in the same affair: and after interrogating me with all the subtility their malice could devise, to draw something from me as would lead to a conviction of my being known unto, or ac­quainted with this man (whom they called George Foo [...]es) and finding I knew nothing at all about him, they ordered me again to prison, for further examina­tion.

I found by their interrogatories, that this George Foo [...]es was the person that my friend the Woolaway Indian alluded unto; but I observed a sacred silence as to ever having heard any thing of him before, for I was very cautious to let nothing escape my lips that should lead to a detection of my being at the house of the hospitable Indian, as I should thereby have impli­cated him without benefit to myself: but had my own personal safety and liberty been depending [...] it, I [Page 221] scarcely think I should have done it—in that case, I could almost "lay down my life for my friend."

The interpreting Negro was very faithful in repeat­ing my defence, and answers, and by his actions and features, I thought he seemed affected at my unfortu­nate situation; but all did not suffice, to convince the relentless company of my innocence; for at the close, they either had, or pretended to have, a well grounded suspicion of my [...]vil intentions in some respect or other on their coast.

I was accordingly remanded to prison for one year; in which time it was probable that something would transpire to confirm their present opinion of me. I had not been long in the prison, before I heard that this George Foo [...]es had been confined there, and in every prison that I was conducted to afterwards, I [...]ound he had been before me: this certainly made me fare the worse than if this other unfortunate man had not been before me: and the town's people was so exasperated against me, that it would have been impossible for me to have escaped their fury, if the Governor had libe­rated me, without a strong guard for my protection.

My fate for one whole year was now determined, [...] made my situation the more deplorable, the pris [...] [...] in this gaol have no allowance of [...]isions from the government, but subsisted entirely on the cha­rity of benefactions, and the scanty morsels that was [Page 222] daily sent from the convents, as the fragments of their tables; and this means of support was frequently so ve­ry bare, that for my part, I have commonly went twenty-four hours without more than four ounces of food; and what rendered my case more severe than the other prisoners, such as thieves, robbers, mur­derers, and all kinds o [...] villains, I was bound fast in [...], and had not the liberty of the yard to breath the fresh air; excepting twice or thrice in a month, for about an hour; nor could never have the consolation to receive a pleasant look, or hear a sympathising word from the tyrant ga [...]ler, who displayed every merciless act that his office would admit of, by insulting reflec­tions and close confinement.

At the expiration of the year, an order came for my removal to a small strong garrisoned town, called Massiah: accordingly I was mounted on a horse str [...]gly ironed, and my fe [...]t tied under his belly, and half a dozen Spanish dragoons to conduct me. We was four days on our journey—probably it might be about four score miles; and during this journey, these soldiers behaved towards me with great civility, and provided me plenty of good food. Being arrived to this town, the chief [...]ff [...]cer, after putting a few insult­ing questions to me, ordered me to prison, without even letting my heavy irons be taken from [...] but added others unto them. This gaoler [...] little more humanity than the last, did somet [...]es [...] them off, and indulge me with the liberty of the p [...] ­son [Page 223] court; but the allowance of provisions here was by government, which was very scanty, just sufficient to support nature, and the prison crouded with malefac­tors of all kinds:—crimes the most heinous, and wret­ches the most prophane and blasphemous, that eyes ever saw, or ears ever heard. In this prison I remain­ed six months, and every day waiting with anxious im­patience for a trial, to know my doom:—twice a year there was held a court of justiciary for the trial of cri­minals;—it happened a few weeks before my arrival, and at the next time of gaol delivery, the judges had no order from the government, nor the governor to exa­mine into my case, and of course, did not care to take recognisance of the matter; but said they would repre­sent the affair to the governor in their circuit, and to do them justice, they was punctual to their word, for within three weeks after their departure from this town, an order came for my removal to the city of Nicaragua, which took us three days.

During this journey, the soldiers did not behave with as much lenity as the last guard I had. The last week that I remained in this prison, was a little more comfortable than before the a [...]es took place; for out of upwards of thirty prisoners, there was but four [...]ght back to remain in custody—the r [...]st was dis­ [...] of according to their sentences;—three suffered [...]; [...] sent to the galleys; some to the mines; [...] receiving corporeal punishment. This last [...] of my imprisonment, there was crouds of people [Page 224] [...]id resort to the gaol to see the English spy; some wishing he had been hung there; others enquiring where he would be hanged; and a few compassionat­ing the poor man.—I had now got a little spattering of the Sanish tongue.

As soon as we arrived at Nicaragua, and the news spread over the town (which was not long about) there was such crowds of spectators, that the magis­trate was obliged to increase the guard over me; for tidings had been brought before, by some of the inha­bitants that was at the county assizes at Massiah, and hearing the state of my case, and former hardships from the mouths of a few considering, humane people, they had represented my situation in a feeling and sym­pathising manner, and thereby a considerable part of the people was compas [...]ionately disposed towards me; and many of these being very respectable citizens and of opulence and note, it of course turned the lower or­der of people much in my favor; and the chief officer of the place, finding that the general voice of the peo­ple leaned on the side of mercy, began to be doubtful of the consequence, and dreaded an attempt by the populace to rescue me out of the hands of (what they called) justice; which induced him to augment my guard, so that there was now upwards of twenty [...] soldiers stationed round the prison, and myself [...] ironed with a bar from leg to leg, beside [...] cuffed; and during my imprisonment [...] which was eleven months, I never breath [...] [...] [Page 225] air half an hour together, nor ever had the use of my legs and hands at the same time one minute; for when I was led out into the court for a few minutes, it was sometimes with my hands loose, and at others my legs, which was three times a week, and the remain­der of the time I was under ground.—No floor but the earth, a lock of straw to rest on; no other light but what could penetrate through the ponderous irons that constituted the window, about a yard square, and the cross bars not more than an inch apart, and the win­dow a yard beneath the surface of the prison yard, and myself two yards below the window; so that it might with propriety be said, I [...]as buried alive, three yards under ground.

I should have experienced great friendship in this prison from the town's people, but they was not per­mitted to have [...]ess to me, and all they could do was to send me daily from their tables a portion of good victuals; and this being delivered to the outward cen­tinel, it did pass from him to the next, and thus through three hands and then to the gaoler, and [...] of all to me; and visible enough it was that it had [...]ained nothing on the journey, for I had oftentimes a large plate with scarce four mouths-full on it; [...] [...]ould have been totally useless, and [...] and [...] friends were, 'twas imp [...] [...], neither could they be made [...] imposition and abuse of their generosity [Page 226] What liquor was sent to me, I do not know, for there was never none delivered to me by the gaoler, more than ten or twelve times.

Four times I was examined by the magistrates, but they have an apartment in the prison for that purpose, so that I had no opportunity, even at this time, to en­joy a few minutes of open air. Their different exami­nations amounted to no more than charging me on mere supposition (for I do not believe they entertained a suspicion) of my being on the Spanish coast for some clandestine purpose; but as they was not authorised to pass a definitive sentence upon me, agreeable to their surmises, I was each time ordered again to prison, to await their further orders from the Governor what to do with me; but not the least lenity displayed towards alleviating my sufferings. Often I did entreat the keeper of the prison, to permit me to, walk the court for the benefit of the air; but always me with a refu­sal, upon some simple pretext or other.

Several times I was taken sick; then some trifling indulgence was shown me; and twice or thrice a hu­mane person, a friend to the miserable, was permitted to enter my dungeon, but attended by the gaoler and a centinel, so that the opportunity of opening my mind, and relating my sufferings, was lost, and the hum [...] visit was of no benefit; and they having the [...] of representing me to all enquirers in the [...] [Page 227] favorable light, it fared much worse with me than it otherwise would in the opinion of the people.

In this deplorable situation I continued nine months, when being brought before the magistrates in the town court house, there was a multitude of spectators, and fortunately for me it was so for amongst the rest was two Spanish gentlemen, that had formerly resided in England, and was pretty fluent in the language; this was a great advantage to me for them to notice the questions and answers between me and the linguist, for the next morning they both came to the prison and de­manded (not petitioned) admittance to me, and being gentlemen of some consequence, the callous hearted gaoler was obliged to submit and pay obedience. As soon as they entered my dreary abode, they lifted up their hands with astonishment and indignation, and asked the gaoler if such usage was by command of the magistrates; he answered it was; they replied, it shall continue no longer.

The two gentlemen, after remaining with me about half an hour, and fully satisfied as to my innocent [...]e, assured me that they would immediately set about using their best influence to procure my liberty, or some al­ [...] [...] sufferings.—From that time I had plen­ [...] provisions three times a day, [...] different ta­ [...] [...] I imagine proceeded from the interference [...] gentlemen who I had informed of my suspi­ [...] and from this time the keeper [...]as afraid to em­bezzle [Page 228] it from me, under an apprehension of their pay­ing me another visit, and his guilt be brought to light; but I believe their endeavors towards softening my mi­series, was unsuccessful, for I found no alteration, nor ever saw them afterwards; but in about seven weeks there was an order issued for my removal from this prison to Granada, the town from whence the gover­nor came to my first examination at Mataolpa; and al­tho' it did not require more than one week for the go­vernor and messenger to return from Granada to Mata­olpa on my examination, the reader will find it took two years and seven months to conduct me there.

Being as formerly, bound fast on the horse, and guarded by four Spanish horsemen, we set out on our journey; and I thought the spectators in general seem­ed to sympathise and feel for my distresses.

On this journey, which took us four days (owing to the [...]ity of the soldiers, because they would not fa­tigue me) the guard behaved in a manner truly ten­der, [...]passionate, and humane. The cords with which I was tied, was loosened in such a manner as to be of no inconvenience at all; my hands and legs was quite at liberty, and if they could have permitted me to escape without inevitable danger to [...] am convinced they would have done it; but [...] not in the least inclined to embrace the [...] it had offered; for where could I escape [...] [...] back again amongst the Indians: so that [...] [Page 229] towards deliverance, had a more dark appearance, than the evil in futurity.

When we arrived within a few miles of the town, one of the guard rode forward to give notice of our ap­proach, and he so wisely conducted himself amongst the people, that we entered the town amidst numerous spectators, without hearing the least clamour. I was now in hopes that a change was going to take place for the best; as I cherished sanguinary expectations that the Governor who examined me two years and a half ago at Mataolpa (and from that time to this no­thing of a conspiring nature taking place, nor no charge alledged against me, being confirmed by any recent instances of guilt) would now liberate me; but to my great sorrow and disappointment, he [...] recal­led, and another succeeded him in the administration of government, that never had heard any thing about me, and of course could do no more than be guided in his conduct towards me, according to the tenor of the warrant from whence I came, which [...]ented me as a dangerous person, and under strong suspicions of an evil tendency towards the country.

After being interrogated about a quarter of an hour, [...] was ordered to prison till some other opportunity, [...] as much indifference as if I was going to be en­certain [...] a palace. The Governor, my compa [...] ­ [...] [...], could not take the liberty to speak a [Page 230] word in my behalf, but their kind influence over the keeper of the prison, proved very beneficial to me; for I experienced every indulging favor that in the du­ties of his office he could grant me; and such a supply of provisions from the town's people, and frequently from his own table, that I lived luxuriously, and plen­ty to spare to fellow-prisoners. Every person that did approach the door to see the Englishman, had free ad­mittance, and in general, behaved themselves with every degree of civility. Here I had the full liberty of the court, and very lightly ironed, never confined in the day time, and at [...] a good room and bed, considering the situation I was in; and for the first time since my captivity I was permitted to attend [...] of the prisoners on the Lord's day, to hear [...] [...]inister; but they being all of the Roman Catho­lic persuasion, and the worship performed in the Spa­ni [...] [...]ongue, the opportunity was of little benefit to me, otherwise than my own private contemplations; which for want of practice, and experience, was too irregu­lar [...] [...]fused, to produce that consolation to my soul as my situation required; but even the reflections o [...] cha [...]ge of circumstances (putting religion out of the question) was a great happiness, and instead of ani­mating me to a servent return of praise and sacred gratitude to the Lord, for such a gracious dispensation of his interfering providence, for working round [...] hear [...] reviving change, my spirits were to [...] of [...] enjoyment of this temporary pleasure, to [...] [Page 231] what source it sprung, and to whom my obligation was due.

Notwithstanding my ignorance and stupidity in reli­gious matters, and the ceremonies of the Roman church, I nevertheless received great benefit from the conversation of the clergy, as they did endeavour to suit their discourse to my slight knowledge of their lan­guage; but it was always backed with such forcible arguments in favor of the Romish liturgy, that I was many times on the point of surrendering up that faith which I professed, but did not understand, for another that I neither understood nor professed; but I had been taught from my childhood (as other children are) to imbibe such a persecuting, and unch [...]istian-like opinion of the papists, that it appeared to me to be a member of that church, was in society with the devil; although for my part (as well as many other [...]) I could give no other reason for my prejudice, but an implicit belief in the idle rumors of others that pretended unto, but in general possessed no more real knowledge of [...]ets of the Roman church than myself: however [...] and not conviction prevailed over inclination, and I with [...] all their entreaties, and persuasions; and to their [...] ­dit I affirm it, there was never the least attempt [...] upon my faith and conscience by means of threaten [...] violence, or compulsion; but [...] and solid reasoning was all the means they had recourse unto, which was [...]guments beyond my then, or present abilities to con­ [...]te.

[Page 232] During my stay of six months in this prison, I never experienced one painful day of bodily calamities, nor knew the want of a sufficiency of good and wholesome diet; but the reflections on my future destiny, was in no measure diminished; for the magistrates was no friends to me, even as far as their commission tolerated them; although they could not grant me liberty to de­part under their seals of office, they could permit me to have went of my own accord, or remain in the to [...] like another peaceable inhabitant, as the warrants from one to another did leave my case to their own considera­tion. Thus I was harrassed and dragged about from pri­son to prison, just to satisfy the caprice, and display the dignity of the haughty and high-minded.—During my being here, [...] was two courts of justice held, and at the close of the last only one prisoner besides myself re­maining, so that this imprisonment with me might pro­perly be called a limitted liberty; and the gaoler was so indifferent about the matter, that he did frequently leave the ou [...]er door of the court open, when no per­son [...] as watch over me, and I was at the same [...] from irons. But the gaoler knew that it would be weak policy in me to attempt an escape, for [...] soon as I was in the street, every eye should be up­on me, and without doubt some hands to secure me.—There was never such a thought enter [...]d my mind in either of the prisons as to flatter myself with on escape out of the country, although I should have been glad to [...] done it out of some of the prisons, and [...] to [...]rtune for future trials; but from my present [...] [Page 233] finement, I never had a wish for to be enlarged, ex­cept that enlargement came from proper authority, and would be the means of my protection through the dominions with security.

At the expiration of six months and a few days, when I was at supper in the keeper's apartment, there was an order came unexpectedly for my departure next morning; but whether it was an order came from Le­on to the chief officer for my conveyance thither, or whether it was a warrant of their own pleasure, to re­move me out of the town, we could not learn; but the keeper suspected it was a scheme of the principal people of the town, in conjunction with the chief magistrate, out of hatred and enmity to the English nation, be­cause they knew that I should, whi [...] in that prison, ex­perience great severities and hardships—finding the people here too favorable and tender towards me, and consequently I did not feel sufficiently the weight of their malice and envy.

About two days before, the other prisoner [...] charged—and my removal, would leave the [...] [...] ­tute of inhabitants—an instance that had never [...] ­pened before since the present keeper had been in the office—up [...] of thirteen years.

It might be [...] supposed, that the separat [...] between me and my humane keeper, was very a [...] as was really the case; and what added to [...] [Page 234] wa [...], he knew what troubles was hatching in the womb of [...]ate for me; but his [...]mpassion would not permit him to reveal it to me, because my spirits should not sink under the weight of anticipation.

In the morning a guard of six men arrived at the gate, and demanded me of the gaoler; but before he delivered me into their hands, he harrangued them in a very pathetic manner in my behalf, which had the de­sire effect, for they treated me very tenderly on the journey to Leon, which took us six days; this is the capital of the province of Nicaragua.

As soon as we arrived at Leon, I was delivered into the custody of a petty officer, or constable, until the magistrate should be acquainted with my arrival;—for three days I was kept in the common house of correc­tion, locked into a private room; but on the fourth had before the magistrate, or mayor, who took the warrant, and after reading it, put himself into a great passion, repeating the words "a Spy! a Spy!" he [...] have been executed on the spot of his appre­ [...]sion; but as he has been permitted to live till this time, it is only mani [...]cting the indulgence and huma­nity of the Spanish government; and it is now out of my power to execute the sentence of the laws of nations upon him, without the authority of [...] province go­vernor, unto whom I must write to [...] his pleasure; [...] the mean time I shall give orders for his close [...].

[Page 235] This man was too much in a passion, to hear or [...]e heard, and without interr [...]gating me, formed his own constructions, and drawed conclusions from them, on the strength of the accusations of the warrant; by this I was confirmed, in the opinion of my last worthy gaoler, that the last magistrates was too much my ene­mies to represent my case in a favorable light; and al­so a confirmation of our conjectures, that this removal was the result of their own deliberations.

I was ordered into confinement, with a particular injunction to the keeper, on pain of displeasure, to al­low me no further indulgence than was really necessary for existence. Being thus conducted to the county gaol, and the warrant of commitment perused by the keeper, I presently judged, by the austerity of his coun­tenance, and roughness of his speech, that no lenity could be expected, to soften the rigour of the magis­trate's command. I was now conducted through six dismal apartments, and as many heavy iron doors; and in each of these dreary cells, was one [...] more un­happy wretches; some chained to the floor, and [...] handcuffed, and so dark, it was impossi [...] [...] their features. After passing [...] last of these [...] abodes, we descended three or [...] steps by the [...] of a candle, that was then kindled by a match; [...] now another heavy grating door with three stupend [...] locks was opened, and I was ordered to [...] which was nine in number, [...] top step; but by the feeble light of the [...] [Page 236] took a transient survey of my melancholy mansion, and found it to be about four yards square: they immedi­ately turned the key, and left me to my own contem­plations, and solitary thoughts, upon what would follow.

I began to groupe about, and walked round my dwelling, and found it to be firmly secure with large stones, and the bottom paved with the same; and all the light or air admitted, was through one hole, about four inches square on one side, and another about a foot square the other side; but this last had cross bars, that the squares was not more than three inches; and these windows, if they might be so called, was six yards abo [...] my head; for by the steps we descended, I con­cluded I must have been full that distance under ground. There was now no beam or ray of hope that I could rest upon, ever to expect to see day-light again; be­cause I apprehended it was in agitation for me to be starved to death, for not one word passed to encourage me with the expectation of deliverance, or support:— [...] was not even a lock of straw, or bit of board to [...] upon, all I had for this purpose, was the steps.

[...] this deplorable situation I remained till next [...], when hearing a little noise at the door, I an­ [...]pated a change for the best, or worst, if that could [...] [...]e, and presently heard a voice call out, " [...]" I goes to the door, and through a hole, just [...] for the purpose, was handed to me a pint of [Page 237] water, and about one pound of coarse hard bread, but not one word spoke to me; notwithstanding it was a dainty feast. I was now left again to my own private and undisturbed meditations, until the next day about the same hour, and then had my scanty pittance deli­vered to me in the same silent manner, and same in quality, and thus did I spend six or seven weeks, with­out seeing a single face, or hearing a single word, be­sides the surly "hallow!" once in 24 hours; and not light sufficient to discern the colour of the bread I did eat. It is impossible for me to describe the different emo­tions and agitations of my soul, during this time, for there being neither hopes or expectation of deliverance; I could only employ my mind with reflections upon reflections on what was past; for no regular ideas could be formed of the events of futurity, for I had no worldly scenes in future view; for futurity in this world appeared to my senses beyond the reach of time, and of course never to be experienced.

At the expiration of seven weeks, I was surprised early in the morning by the opening of the door, and a lighted candle, and led forth the same [...] I came, in­to a large room, and there being [...]deu [...]ed, was again left to myself till day light; and there being a bed in the room, I laid down and fell into a [...] sleep, which the courteous reader will not be surprised [...], considering how many weeks (I might say months) since I laid on a bed;—the last time was at the [...] ­table [Page 238] Indian's, and before that, eight years and six months, and since that three years in different prisons, so that on the whole, I had been eleven years and six months (excepting the few nights at my worthy Indian friend's) without sleeping on a bed. I slept till the gaoler came and awoke me—when opening my eyes in full day light, I was almost struck blind with its brightness; nor for a short space could recollect myself, the transi­tion was so powerful upon my senses; and there being an old looking glass in the room, I looked into it, but so surprised was I at my own figure, and ghastly ap­pearance, that I was almost ready to exclaim with the drunken man that had his head shaved while he was asleep; being [...]aked, and putting his hand up to his head, cried out; "this is not Tom Brown; I'm sure Tom Brown had his hair; 'tis not I, 'tis another man."

I had but little time for reflection or observation, for I was informed that the magistrate was going to hold a court, and I must wash and clean myself to ap­pear for examination; this sound was in no measure gra [...]ing or unwelcome to my ears, altho' it might be as a [...]ath warrant to many other poor unfortunate wret [...]es, for I had been too long cloistered in the [...] of dismal darkness, to be dismayed or [...]jected at any occurrence that could take place, or fortune besal me in the cheerful prospects of open day, and the enjoyment of free and refreshing air:- if a change in my situation did take place, it must be [...] the best, it could not be for the worst. I need not in­form [Page 239] the reader that I did not hesitate to obey the sum­mons, to wash and be clean, for I stood in great need of it; for in my dark and nasty dungeon there was [...]o conveniency of any kind allowed me for decency, or preservation of health; and being almost destitute of clothes, it must be naturally supposed, that I stood in great need of washing, for no apparel had been allow­ed me, and what the hospitable Indian gave me was worn to rags.

After I was a little cleansed, and received my usual scanty pittance of bread and water, I was chained with the offending criminals, and conducted into the court. It was the pleasure of the magistrates to examine me first, but their interrogatories, and my answers being in substance the same as before, it is needless to be again repeated. I was remanded to prison, until the pleasure of the Spanish president, which resided at Guatamala, should be known; but who at this time was in Old Spain, and of course would not return to resume the reigns of government for many months there was no alternative but patience, and I was or­dered back to my dungeon, but with orders from the magistrates that my future allowance of [...] should be the same in quantity and quality another prisoners, but my confinement equally close; with this proviso, that once a week I should have the liberty of the court yard for one hour, and any [...] inclined to assist or relieve me, should without moles [...]tion have free access to the court; but no person that could not [Page 240] make it appear satisfactory to the doorkeeper, that their business was other than mere curiosity was ad­mitted.

This weekly indulgence was very beneficial to me in many respects, for I had plenty of good provisions, and liquor brought me weekly from the tables of the generous and feeling citizens; and as a proof of their zeal for my alleviation, they did send me such preserv­ed meats, liquors and fruit, as would keep good in my unwholesome cell all the week; so that I wanted none of the prison allowance, and at the week's end did dis­tribute my remains amongst my unfortunate sufferers. I had also a good comfortable bed and bedding provid­ed me, with other necessary utensils and conveniences for decency and cleanliness, as also cloathing suitable to my dwelling; and candles would have been provid­ed, but I was not permitted the use of them, under pretence of danger.

My principal benefactors in this prison was from mer­chants that either had been in England, or had deal­ings with the British merchants, and the Nuns, whose liberality came through the hands of the Friars, whose friendship was in general confined to linnen, and keep­ing it whole and washed, as I did receive it clean or new from the convent every week. I had too many table benefactors to need the generosity of their table, and of course, this did go amongst the other prisoners.

[Page 241] In this manner did I spend a whole year, before any tidings came of the return of the President to Guatama­la from Old Spain; when a special messenger was sent upon the business to know his pleasure, and in about eight weeks, an order came for me to be conducted to Guatamala to be examined by him: I was according­ly loaded with heavier irons on my legs than ever be­fore, and eight privates, besides two non-commissioned officers appointed to conduct me: this distance was upwards of two hundred miles. My first guard was to convey me to a little sea-port town, called Comaja­gua [...] in our way we had a spacious river to wade over, which from the excessive rains that lately had fallen, was become so deep and rapid, as to render it totally passable without great hazard; but in crossing it, our lives was in imminent danger; for the horses on which we rode, were forcibly driven a considerable way down the current, and it was with the utmost difficulty we reached the shore on the other side. Owing to bad tra­velling, this first journey took us up near three weeks: on our arrival, I was conducted to the Spanish magi [...] ­trate, to be by him forwarded on my journey.

Fortunately for me the gentleman could discourse with me in English, and after a short examination, and hearing from me a detail of my many hardships and cruelties, he dismissed the guard that brought me, with his letter of acknowledgment of my being safely delivered into his custody; and as soon as they was [Page 242] gone, he sent one of his domestic servants after a smith to knock off my iron [...], and remained with me in the room while the operation was performing, talking all the while with the smith in Spanish, which [...] understood well enough to know was for him to be tender of me.

After my irons was off, he took me into another apartment, and ordered a servant to place before me provisions: when I was comfortably refreshed, I was ordered into another room, where was water to wash, and apparel to put on:—when I was both clean and cloathed, he took me into the parlour, and renewed the conversation: I gave him the particulars of my life, in a very comprehensive manner, which he order­ed his clerk to take down in writing, to [...]e preserved as a memorial of the wonderful operations of God for good towards me. He now redoubled his kindness to­wards me, by presenting me with a purse containing fifty dollars, and at the same time dispatched a servant after a taylor to take my measure for a complete suit of clothes, and a convenient pair of trowsers, to avert the pernicious effects of the irons that might in future be put on my legs.

During this time of making my cl [...]thes, he conduct­ed me to all the genteel families in the town, many individuals of which could discourse in English suffici­ent for us to understand each other; and thus I pre­cured the sympathy, as well as generosity of the prin­ [...]pal gentlemen and ladies of the place; and had ac­quired [Page 243] from their bounty upwards of an hundred dol­lars, exclusive of my benefactor's private purse. I dined, breakfasted, or supped, with several gentlemen at their houses, accompanied by my worthy friend: I was particularly urged by my liberal and humane ma­gistrate, to be careful of my money; for he said in the course of my journey, before I arrived at Guatamala, I had several towns to pass, wherein the money would be found materially serviceable. On the second day the taylor returned with the clothes and trowsers; the morning following, my worthy host entered the room wherein I slept, and with the voice of tenderness, feel­ing and love, awoke me with the gentle accents of "my friend, arise to breakfast:" I speedily obeyed; and whilst we was at breakfast, several gentlemen's servants came with abundance of fine clothes: my worthy friend now proposed for us to take an airing [...], and two elegant horses was got ready, and we [...] a few miles out of town; when he informed me that by virtue of the warrant that delivered me into his custo­dy, he must reluctantly send me forward on my jour­ney, for fear any longer detention, should, on a fu­ture day, when the date of the warrant was occurred unto by the President, create suspicion, and be pro­ductive of prejudice to him, and hurtful consequences to me; and also, according to the existing laws of the country, he was under the disagreeable necessity of having the irons put on my legs again; and although he run a great risk in doing it, he would venture to detain me another day.

[Page 244] On the morrow he procured a guard of soldiers, and after the irons was put on my legs, over the trowsers (for which benevolent purpose he had them made) I was mounted on horseback, accompanied by him and two more gentlemen to the next town, about eight miles distance; where after dining together, he kindly presented me with five dollars, and the other gentle­men followed his example; then pressing my hand very affectionately to his breast, with the voice of com­passion and tenderness, and the tears dropping from his eyes, he said, "my friend, I bid you adieu; if we have not the happiness of seeing each other again in this world, our joy will be the more exquisite on our happy meeting in the next."

In unfeigned sorrow at the s [...]paration, I was not be­hind hand with my dear and good friend; for a flood of tears gushed from my eyes, and stopped the power of speech▪ we parted—and parted with sincere regret on both sides.

The guard now placed over me was, as may be na­turally supposed, very civil and tender, being appoint­ed by such a humane person. In the space of ten days on this journey, I was conducted through near fifty towns, and in each of them had my setters renewed, by order of the chief ruling officer, and fresh guard, so that I sometimes went through four of five towns in one day, and one day in particular eight towns, and a different pair of irons in each place; with such fre­quent [Page 245] changes, neither favors or frowns could be very lasting, and at intervals I did experience both; but in general, during this journey, lenity towards me was prevalent.

At length we arrived at the destined place; the town of Guatamala, which was the capital of the province, and the Governor, or President of the southern pro­vinces did reside there. On our arrival, the guards conducted me to the town magistrate, who after read­ing the President's order, and the warrant, ordered me to the gaol till the morning.

In the morning I was had before the President, and the same magistrate; which acted in the capacity of the Mayor. After the President had read the warrant to me (for he had no doubt consulted with the Mayo [...] about it before, and determined in his mind how to proceed) he put a few questions to me, all to the same purport as others had done before, and received the same replies, and not being satisfied, he like the rest found some pretext to keep me in prison until an op­portunity offered to send me to Old Spain, for that go­vernment either to discharge me, or send me to the Spanish mines; the latter of which he expected would [...]e the case.

I was now sent to the country prison, and as soon as the keeper had read the warrant of commitment from the President, he looked at me with a stern and fer [...] ­cious [Page 246] countenance, and led me away. The first door he opened presented a gloomy passage, about one yard under ground: we descended the steps, and walked on about twenty steps; here we halted till a candle was brought (two of the soldiers with their bayonets being with us) another door was now opened, and we de­scended five or six steps more, and walked about ten yards, when another door was opened, and close to that again another; when I was ordered to take off my trowsers that my last good friend gave me; and the cruel gaoler began to equip me with irons.

In the first place he put strong manacles on my hands; heavy iron bars on my legs, that kept them about twelve inches asunder; chains about my waist and neck; and during the night, my feet secured in a pair of stocks, and provision scarcely sufficient to sup­port life.

There was conveniencies for the admission of a little air, but no light. This dismal habitation was the re­cepticle of every description of notorious malefactors; as murderers, robbers, thieves, and traitors, who are sentenced to this gloomy cavern for their lives, never more to hail the rising sun, or enjoy the blessed advan­tages of his brightness, by seeing day-light; nor the consolation of one administring friend, and more than if they was dead; neither is it known to their connec­tions in the world, whether they are dead or alive.

[Page 247] The number of these, my sequestered companions, I cannot tell, but by the different voices, I imagined there must be fifty or more.

About three weeks after my confinement, I was conducted by a very strong guard (upwards of twenty men) before the president: I then related to him a full and particular detail of all my sufferings, in the most affecting, petitioning, and supplicating style, my feeble abilities would permit, and flattered myself with the faint hopes of procuring my liberty; but the un­feeling wretch was inflexible to all my prayers, tears, submission, and intreaties. He said that all I had ad­vanced in my defence availed nothing; I had no law­ful business on their coast, and he should proceed against me as a spy, or a thief, and forward me to Spain in one or both of these characters.

I was now in the most deplorable situation that ever had befallen me; for I thought that my next removal from this temporary darkness would be to the mines, to experience eternal darkness, as far as eternity relates to this life. Being remanded to my dungeon, all the comfort to be enjoyed was the rattling of chains, oaths and blasphemies, of those devil hardened wretches that was doomed to spend their days in this horrible habita­tion; where there was nothing to attract the notice of the eye, but one continued scene of woeful darkness.

[Page 248] In a few weeks I found that a good and merciful God had not forsaken me, and he who had led me through such a number of difficulties and dangers, would at last stretch forth a kind hand of deliverance, and set my feet at liberty.

One morning, when the keeper came to supply the prisoners with their daily allowance, a beautiful lady was conducted into the dungeon, surrounded by the guard that always accompanied the keeper, for it must not be supposed that one man could entrust himself alone, amongst a set of abandoned wretches of that des­cription. As soon as the lady entered, she called out, "where is the Englishman?"—How my heart leaped for joy at the sound:—I immediately answered, "here"—no person but myself understood what she said. I was then led out to an apartment suitable to the dignity of my visitor, who desired to hear he particulars of my adventures and sufferings, with which I readily com­plied, and gave her a minute detail of the remarkable vicissitudes of my checkered fortune.

Her sympathising heart seemed to be pathetically af­fected at my past, as well as present sufferings particu­larly.—She said that her parents was from England, and left it when she was about ten years of age, and consequently, she still entertained an affection and esteem for her country people; and seeing me carried before the president, she procured all the information concerning me that possibly she could, and being con­vinced [Page 247] of my innocency, as to the charges alledged against me, she had waited on the governor and inter­ceded for me to the utmost of her abilities and influ­ence, but was sorry to say, that all her exertions prov­ed abortive towards procuring my liberty; and as she was unfortunate in her endeavours to do as she would, she would do as much as she could towards rendering my unhappy situation as comfortable as possible; and indeed her generosity and exertions in my behalf ex­ceeded my most sanguine expectations; for being a la­dy of rank and fortune, she prevailed upon the gover­nor at her next interview, to free me from the greatest part of my heavy irons, and daily sent me from her own table plenty of provisions, but could not procure me a more comfortable situation in prison; and the dungeon where I was confined was damp, cold, nasty, and infectious;—the criminals die very soon in general after this perpetual sentence is passed upon them;—the sooner they are dead, the more profitable it is to the contractor, who have a yearly stipend for to provide for those thus condemned, without any regard to the number consined.

I never had the happiness to see the face of my ten­der benefactress after the first time, until I was taken from the dungeon to be sent away; which was at the expiration of seven months from my first commitment; and during that space I suffered so much by cold, filth, and unwholesomeness of the disagreeable stench, issuing [Page 248] continually from every part of the cavern, that when I came out to be conveyed forward, I found such an alteration in my left side, that I could not be particu­larly accountable for; a kind of a stiffness, accompa­nied with a chill and weakness; but free from pain.

When the day came for my removal, the warrant of my imperious judge was read to me by an interpreter; altho' I had by this time attained a tolerable fluency in the Spanish tongue. I was to be escorted from town to town till I arrived at port Omoa, and from thence to be sent by the first vessel to Old Spain. Nothing particular occurred on the journey—it took us six days, and one day we rested on account of my debilitated state of body, for I found my left side growing worse and worse. In our journey we passed through several small towns, and on the last day I was so weak, we did not ride more than eight miles. Being introduced to the chief officer▪ I was ordered up into the country, about nine or ten miles by the seaside, to await the sailing of a vessel: here I was strongly ironed, and barely supported with food—had the advantage of light and air, but confined in a room. I remained here but a few weeks, before a small fleet was ready to sail for Europe; but through some neglect, after every necessary preparation was made, and I had as I thought, bid adieu to prisons and imprisonment on these coasts, when we arrived at the town, to my great mortification, the fleet had sailed the day before: I was now remanded to prison until another opportunity offered, which was not more than seven or eight days.

[Page 249] During the short time I was in this prison, there hap­pened several tremendous earthquakes, one shock of which was so powerful, that notwithstanding the amaz­ing strength of the fort, it was made to reel from its very foundation, and its stupendous sides were rend from top to bottom: but these circumstances did not make that dreadful impression upon my mind as they proba­bly would some years past, for being for so many years inured to unparallelled sufferings and cruelties, the sear of death was banished, and all its hideous forms was pleasant, as it long had been, and still would be, a welcome guest, for there was no prospect of approach­ing health, peace, or happiness for me in this world.

Here I learnt for the first time that the young man of whom my hospitable Indian had informed me of (when I escaped from the woods) had been confined in the same prisons, and sailed some time before from this port for Old Spain, to be banished to the mines for life, and where we probably might be fellow-suffer­ers together for our lives.

A vessel being now ready for sea, I was put on board, and weighing anchor, we went before a brisk gale all the day. There was two men sent with me as a guard, but I was entirely free from all restraint, it being need­less where I could not escape.

Having been for so many years confined in gaols and dungeons, and almost a stranger to the refreshing [Page 250] virtue of fresh air, excepting my occasional [...] from one prison to another, I now indulged [...] too freely with that salubrious element; not considering the pernicious effects it might have upon my already feeble constitution; but I soon had woeful reason to lament my imprudence: for, instead of going under deck to repose for the night, I rejoiced so much at the thoughts of liberty, air and light, that I laid down in the long-boat, and continued the whole afternoon, and all the night; and being uncovered, I experienced the baneful influence of a very heavy dew that covered my whole body; and when I awoke in the morning, I found to my sorrow, that I had lost entirely the use of my left side; for though there was before an almost useless stiffness, I now found a useless weakness, and from that time to the present, have had no strength in my arm, side, or leg.

The vessel was to call at the Havannah, and when we arrived there, an exchange of prisoners between Spain and England was taking place. In a few days five hundred English prisoners was called over to be sent home, and in the hurry, I slipt in amongst them, and was put on board, and came home to London, and from thence to my native place, after upwards of thirteen years absence.